Thursday, January 19, 2023

Kalinaw News: LGU, 85th IB, and PNP sign MOU declaring Unisan, Quezon as Insurgency Free

Posted to Kalinaw News Facebook Page (Jan 17, 2023): LGU, 85th IB, and PNP sign MOU declaring Unisan, Quezon as Insurgency Free

LOOK| The Unisan Local Government Unit, together with the 85th Infantry (SANDIWA) Battalion and the Philippine National Police, facilitated the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding declaring Unisan, Quezon as Insurgency Free on January 16, 2023.

The signing of the said document illustrates that the people of Unisan are free from the ideology of the CPP-NPA-NDF and that there are no more armed terrorist groups operating in the communities that were once influenced by the CPP-NPA-NDF.









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.

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Kalinaw News: Two Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members surrender in Basilan

Posted to Kalinaw News Facebook Page (Jan 17, 2023): Two Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members surrender in Basilan

LOOK| Two Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members surrender to military authorities in Barangay Campo Uno, Lamitan City, Basilan, on January 16, 2023.

The two ASG members surrendered through the joint efforts of the military, police, and local government units of Lamitan and Ungkaya Pukan town.



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.

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Kalinaw News: 65IB conduct anti-communist info drive in Occidental Mindoro

Posted to Kalinaw News Facebook Page (Jan 18, 2023): 65IB conducts anti-communist info drive in Occidental Mindoro

LOOK: The Philippine Army’s 68th Infantry (Kaagapay) Battalion and Alpha CMO Company conducted an Information Drive exposing CPP-NPA-NDF deceptive recruitment in Manoot National High School, Brgy Manoot, Rizal, Occidental Mindoro, on January 13, 2023.

Said activity was attended by 570 students from the same school where they were reminded to be vigilant so as not to be misled by CPP-NPA-NDF propaganda.








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.

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Kalinaw News: LOOK: Thirteen CPP-NPA members surrender with high-powered firearms in Samar

Posted to Kalinaw News Facebook Page (Jan 19, 2023): LOOK: Thirteen CPP-NPA members surrender with high-powered firearms in Samar

On January 17, 2022, in Brgy. Fatima, Hinabangan, Samar, the Army's 801st Infantry "Bantay at Gabay" Brigade (801st Bde) with 8th Infantry "Stormtroopers" Division (8ID) facilitated the 13 CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) surrender.

The 801st Brigade's persistent military operations, which resulted in the capitulation of 13 CNTs and the recovery of various war material in Samar, were lauded by Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner, Jr.









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.

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Kalinaw News: Al Khobar and Dawlah Islamiya - Hassan Group bomber nabbed

Posted to Kalinaw News Facebook Page (Jan 19, 2023): Al Khobar and Dawlah Islamiya - Hassan Group bomber nabbed

LOOK: A notorious IED expert, bomber, and extortionist of the Al Khobar and Dawlah Islamiya - Hassan Group was nabbed in a Joint Army-PNP Law Enforcement Operations in Barangay Salat, President Roxas, Cotabato on Tuesday, January 17.

The suspect was identified as Jordan Akmad, of legal age, and with arrest warrants for murder and multiple frustrated murder cases.



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.

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Kalinaw News: Ninety-three individuals from four CTG-Affiliated Mass Organizations (CAMOs) in Alangalang, Leyte surrender

Posted to Kalinaw News Facebook Page (Jan 19, 2023): Ninety-three individuals from four CTG-Affiliated Mass Organizations (CAMOs) in Alangalang, Leyte surrender

LOOK: Ninety-three individuals from four CTG-Affiliated Mass Organizations (CAMOs) in Alangalang, Leyte, withdrew support to the CPP-NPA-NDF today, January 19.

Said CTG-Affiliated Mass Organizations were led by key Cadres from the Regional White Area Committee of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee who are now converted to be partners of the Provincial and Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict of Leyte.









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.

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Kalinaw News: 75IB seizes arms cache in Surigao del Sur

Posted to Kalinaw News Facebook Page (Jan 19, 2023): 75IB seizes arms cache in Surigao del Sur

The Army’s 75th Infantry "Marauder" Battalion (75IB) seized two high-powered firearms during focused-military operations in the vicinity of Sitio Andap, Brgy Mahaba, Marihatag, Surigao del Sur on January 18, 2023.

The seizure of the arms cache which contained two 7.62 AK47 rifles and five magazines with 69 live ammunition was made possible through the revelation and cooperation of a former rebel (FR) who surrendered to this unit. The FR’s cooperation showed his wholehearted support for the peace and development efforts of the government, total renunciation of the communist ideology, and desire for genuine peace.


LtCol Jelson D. Buyuccan, Commanding Officer of the 75IB, conveyed his gratitude to the FR and the troops for their dedication towards promoting lasting peace in Surigao del Sur. He also conveyed the government’s message to remaining members of the Communist Terrorist Group to lay down their arms and return to the fold of the law where they can avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and live a peaceful life together with their families.


75th Infantry "Marauder" Battalion, Philippine Army
#KapayapaanParaSaLahat
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#ARMY125




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.

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NTF-ELCAC expects more support from PH security body under Año

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 19, 2022): NTF-ELCAC expects more support from PH security body under Año (By Priam Nepomuceno)



MANILA – The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) is hopeful of getting more support for its peace and development efforts following the appointment of retired military chief Eduardo M. Año as National Security Adviser (NSA).

“As someone who already had the privilege to serve under Secretary Año’s leadership, I am certain that he will be a boon to the National Task Force. Both as Chief of Staff (of the Armed Forces of the Philippines) and DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government) Secretary, he had already proven that he values the efficiency of an organization above anything else," NTF-ELCAC executive director Emmanuel Salamat said in a statement Thursday.

Salamat said Año's appointment to the post will help them further strengthen and double their delivery of development programs and projects.


"I know that he will never let us down,” he added.

Salamat said the NTF-ELCAC is honored to work with Año.

“We are all honored and humbled as Secretary Año joins the NTF-ELCAC in its effort to institutionalize the whole-of-nation and Whole-of-Government Approach as its new vice chairman. We pledge our support to his leadership as we pursue lasting peace and prosperity for the Filipino People,” Salamat said.

Salamat said the NTF-ELCAC aims to dismantle all remaining guerrilla fronts of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army within this year.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1193081

NPA-cleared Iloilo City village gets P20-M projects

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 18, 2022): NPA-cleared Iloilo City village gets P20-M projects (By Perla Lena)



TURNED OVER. Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas and Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. (3rd and 4th from left) lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the turnover of projects funded under the Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP) in Barangay Dungon B in Jaro district, Iloilo City on Wednesday (Jan. 18, 2023). The barangay is a recipient of PHP20 million worth of projects in 2022 after it was declared insurgency-free in 2014. (PNA photo by PGLena)

ILOILO CITY – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has given PHP20 million worth of projects to Barangay Dungon B in Jaro district here under its Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP).

Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. who was in this city for a series of engagements on Wednesday turned over the projects consisting of water and sanitation system, a school building, and a three-story health center to the city government through Mayor Jerry Treñas and the barangay.


The city mayor committed to provide manpower for the health center.

“We identified and implemented priority projects that fit the needs of our people. We always give priority to their protection and development with the full support of our city government,” said village chief Haydee Mabaga in her message during the turnover ceremony held at the project site.

She added that the New People’s Army (NPA) used to hold house-to-house visits in their barangay in the 1980s.

However, the rebels left when troops of the Philippine Army were deployed in the village, which was eventually declared insurgency-free in 2014.


Secretary Abalos, in his message, said the SBDP has been instrumental in the series of surrenders by rebels, including the Abu Sayyaf, because of the economic activity it brings.

“It’s not only about economic development but most importantly, the acceptance of the community, the spirit of 'bayanihan' (cooperation), of loving, sharing,” he said, as he urged barangay officials to put into good use the projects for their constituents.

Dungon B, with a population of around 3,000, is one of the six barangays in the city receiving the SBDP in 2022.

Treñas said the implementation of projects in other barangays has been completed and utilized.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1193022

Ex-NPA members say NTF-ELCAC ‘crippled’ Samar rebel group

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 18, 2022): Ex-NPA members say NTF-ELCAC ‘crippled’ Samar rebel group (By Sarwell Meniano)



BACK HOME. Couple Dino Bachicha and Jennelyn Guarino are presented to the media on Tuesday (Jan 17) after their surrender. They admitted that the implementation of the whole-of-nation approach against insurgency has crippled the rebel group in Samar province. (PNA photo by Sarwell Meniano)

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar – A couple who had been with the New People’s Army (NPA) for over a decade admitted Wednesday that the implementation of the whole-of-nation approach against insurgency has crippled the rebel group in Samar province.

Dino Bachicha, an NPA platoon leader who surrendered days ago, said the lack of support even from remote communities in Samar makes it harder to continue the armed rebellion.


“We noticed that since the formation of local task forces against NPA, our supporters have surrendered to the government and they stopped giving us food supplies, other resources, and information,” said 32-year-old Bachicha, a native of Can-avid, Eastern Samar.

“The past years have been boring since there was no information from our supporters about the location of government forces. We’re like lost and starved in the forest,” he added.

He joined the armed struggle when he was 16 through the persuasion of young combatants who happened to be his peers.

His common-law wife, Jennelyn Guarino, 32, a native of General MacArthur, Eastern Samar served as the NPA’s political instructor. Influenced by her rebel mother, she joined the NPA when she was 20.

“Recently, we noticed that we are becoming irrelevant even in far-flung communities. It’s hard to find recruits and fewer people listen to us in our assemblies,” Guarino said.

With their two children growing, the couple decided to surrender last week. They were among the 13 rebels presented Tuesday to members of the media by the Philippine Army.

The couple were former leaders of the NPA Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee, sub-regional committee, Bugsok Platoon operating in the mountains of Pinabacdao, Calbiga and Basey towns in Samar province.

The rebels handed over 10 M16 rifles, two .45-caliber handguns, and one Glock 17 pistol. They also revealed the location of banned anti-personnel mines, medical paraphernalia and several ammunitions.


Maj. Gen. Camilo Ligayo, Army’s 8th Infantry Division commander, said NPA members are dwindling in numbers and are under pressure with the loss of forces and mass bases.

“Their surrender only proves that they are fed up with the wrong ideologies of the NPA. Also, this indicates that their trust and support are now shifted from the NPA to the government. With this, rest assured that the Army will assist them to avail the benefits under Enhance Comprehensive and Local Integration Program,” Ligayo added.

The official said the formation of local task forces to end the local communist armed conflict (TF-ELCAC) provided non-military solutions to rebellions such as the construction of roads and schools, implementation of electricity and water supply, provision of livelihood assistance, delivery of health services, dialogues and education.

National and local TF-ELCAC are multi-agency body created under Executive Order No. 70 or the whole-of-nation approach signed by then President Rodrigo Duterte.

Activities include forums involving the youth, labor and indigenous peoples (IPs) sectors, provision of immediate cash assistance and livelihood interventions to former rebels, continuous consultations with families of combatants and the protection of industries from the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA infiltration.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1193001

Basilan-based MILF, MNLF factions settle dispute

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 18, 2022): Basilan-based MILF, MNLF factions settle dispute (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)



PEACE PACT. Commander Rajan Abdulrahman (in black shirt), deputy commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s (MILF) 114th Base Command, and Mohammad Juddihal Muddalan, chairperson of Barangay Parangbasak in Lamitan City, Basilan province, shake hands as they peacefully settle their dispute on Tuesday (Jan. 17, 2023). The dispute was resolved through the intercession of the Government of the Philippines-MILF-Moro National Liberation Front-Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities. (Photo courtesy of Western Mindanao Command)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Warring factions of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Lamitan City, Basilan province, have settled their dispute, the military reported Wednesday.

In a statement, the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) said the dispute was peacefully settled on Tuesday following a series of dialogues initiated by government officials and the MNLF and MILF leaders.

The conflict is between the group of Commander Rajan Abdulrahman, the deputy commander of 114th MILF Base Command, and the combined group of Usong Ugong of the MNLF-Misuari faction, and Mohammad Juddihal Muddalan, chairperson of Barangay Parangbasak in Lamitan City.

The rift started after Abdulrahman's men allegedly killed a suspected drug pusher who was the nephew of Ugong and Muddalan in August 2022.

A month after the killing, Abdulrahman and his followers were waylaid by the group of Ugong and Muddalan. Several followers of Abdulrahman were wounded during the ambush.


“The Government of the Philippines-Moro Islamic Liberation Front-Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (GPH-MILF CCCH) immediately intervened to preempt the situation from getting worse and avoid its escalation in the area,” said Lt. Col. Abdurasad Sirajan, Westmincom information officer.

Sirajan is also the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) action officer for the Western Mindanao area.


Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, acting Westmincom chief, lauded the people behind the resolution of the conflict.

“I hope that this will be the start of a better relationship among the peace-inclined groups. Let us all be united for peace,” Rojas said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1193042

10ID hospital upgrades medical equipment for troops’ well-being

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 19, 2022): 10ID hospital upgrades medical equipment for troops’ well-being (By Che Palicte)



ENHANCED FACILITIES. Catholic priest Fr. Marvin Goles blessed the newly procured medical equipment and enhanced facilities of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division’s Camp General Manuel T. Yan Senior Station Hospital in Mawab, Davao De Oro, on Wednesday (Jan. 18, 2023). The equipment upgrades are made possible by the 10ID’s Command Welfare Assistance Fund (CWAF) amounting to PHP1.6 million. (Photo courtesy of 10ID)

DAVAO CITY – To ensure the troopers' well-being, the Army’s 10th Infantry Division (ID) has upgraded the medical capabilities of Camp General Manuel T. Yan Senior Station Hospital (CGMTYSSH) in Mawab, Davao de Oro, an official said Thursday.

Capt. Mark Anthony Tito, 10ID spokesperson, said the improvements included upgrades on physical therapy, mental health resiliency, ultrasound rooms and laboratory section.

Newly procured equipment also included the automated blood chemistry analyzer, and portable ultrasound machine.


“The hospital is now accessible as its various equipment were enhanced and some are procured,” Tito said in an interview.

Tito noted that the Command Welfare Assistance Fund (CWAF) amounting to PHP1.6 million has made the enhancement possible through the CWA Board.

Maj. Al-Amen Pandaog, the CGMTYSSH commanding officer, has assured faster and more accurate diagnoses and treatment with the procurement of equipment and enhancement of facilities.

"For more than 10 years, we only rely on the Camp Panacan Station Hospital for Neuro (Psychiatric) exams. This time, we have our own which can address the enlistment, promotion, and our schooling,” Pandaog said.

Pandaog assured that their hospital has the "most competent, dedicated, and best medical health providers" to address the troops' health concerns.

Maj. Gen. Nolasco Mempin, the 10ID commander, said the improvements at CGMTYSSH are "indeed an assurance to every soldier that their health and personal well-being are being taken care of."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1193074

93 CPP-NPA sympathizers in Leyte return to the fold

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 19, 2022): 93 CPP-NPA sympathizers in Leyte return to the fold (By Sarwell Meniano)



LEAVING THE MOVEMENT. At least 93 former supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army take their oath of allegiance to the government during a ceremony in Alangalang, Leyte, on Thursday (Jan. 19, 2023). Most of them have supported the movement for more than a decade. (PNA photo by Sarwell Meniano)

ALANGALANG, Leyte – At least 93 former staunch supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) formally pledged their allegiance to the government after decades of supporting the armed rebellion.

During a ceremony on Thursday, residents from Barangays Langit, Salvacion, Tabangohay and San Antonio, who belonged the Alangalang Seksyon Komite, have declared their withdrawal of support to the communist group and denounced the movement.

They have joined the Eastern Visayas peacebuilders development federation, a group of former rebels.


Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, commander of the Philippine Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade, said the move of this group is a huge loss to the rebels since they are the source of funds.

“Aside from supporting the CPP-NPA financially, they were also used to generate funds and participate in anti-government demonstrations. They realized that they were exploited to promote the CPP-NPA ideology," Vestuir said.

Vestuir said these members paid monthly dues, a percentage of which went to the CPP-NPA regional white area committee leadership for their operational expenses and support to families of regular NPA members.

“While the provinces of Leyte, Southern Leyte and Biliran are generally peaceful, we have to sustain our efforts to totally eradicate the connections of the CPP-NPA from their former affiliated mass organizations. We must free our people from their influence and exploitation and put a stop to their propaganda and fund generation scheme,” Vestuir added.

Serapeon Jongco, 41, who was instrumental in forming the CPP-linked farmers’ group Alangalang Seksyon Komite said the CPP-NPA used to collect PHP10,000 monthly from this town alone.

“Recently, I noticed that our support to the NPA is becoming senseless and without direction. It’s a big regret that I was an instrument by rebels for 20 years to sustain their armed struggle,” said Jongco who supported the NPA since 2002.


He was a senior industrial engineering student in Tacloban City when he decided to support the armed struggle. He admitted going to combat training with NPA in Basey, Samar.

Mayor Lovely Yu, in a separate statement, said former NPA supporters will be prioritized in the provision of livelihood assistance, skills training and cash-for-work programs.

“These four villages will be prioritized in the implementation of infrastructure projects. We urge you to unite with the government to achieve development in our communities,” Yu added.

For his part, Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla said the top priority is to ensure that the road leading to these communities is improved to facilitate the delivery of basic services.

“In the NPA, all you heard are promises. In the government, we are here to listen and serve you,” Petilla told the former ASK members.

Their withdrawal of support from rebels was the result of the whole-of-nation approach involving various national government agencies and local government units.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1193076

2 former rebels surrender in Tarlac

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 19, 2022): 2 former rebels surrender in Tarlac (By Zorayda Tecson)



CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – Two former members of the communist terrorist groups (CTGs) on Wednesday surrendered to authorities and renewed their pledge of allegiance to the government.

In a report on Thursday, Brig. General Cesar Pasiwen, director of Police Regional Office-Central Luzon (PRO-3), said the two turned surrendered to the police and military in the province of Tarlac.

He said the former rebels were identified only as a 43-year-old resident of Barangay San Isidro, Tarlac City, who is a former member of the Underground Movement Organization and a 55-year-old resident of Barangay Sula, San Jose, who used to operate in the mountainous areas of San Jose and Capas.

The two former rebels yielded a rifle grenade, homemade caliber .22 rifle and a fragmentary MK2 hand grenade, he added.


Pasiwen said the surrenderers are now under tactical interview for documentation while the firearms were placed under the custody of the Provincial Mobile Force Company-Tarlac Police Provincial Office.

“With our non-stop efforts, together with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the communist terrorist groups continue to suffer setbacks,” he said in a statement.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1193086

5 suspected communist rebels face raps over death of minor

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 4, 2022): 5 suspected communist rebels face raps over death of minor (By Benjamin Pulta)



Department of Justice (PNA file photo)

MANILA—The Department of Justice on Wednesday approved the filing of criminal charges against five suspected Communist rebels who were responsible for the death of a minor killed in a crossfire in Batangas province last year.

Charges of murder and violation of Republic Act No. 11479, or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, will be filed against Isagani Isita, Junaliece Arante-Isita, Mariano Bico, Gilbert Orr. and one alias "Ching," at the Batangas Regional Trial Court.

Government prosecutors, in a resolution issued on Dec. 27, have recommended the filing of the charges in connection with the July 18, 2022 encounter between members of the New People’s Army and elements of the 59th Infantry Battalion at Sitio Amatong, Barangay Ginhawa in Taysan town, Batangas.

The respondents, allegedly armed with shotguns, rifles, and improvised firearms, fired at government troops. A soldier was wounded and a nine-year-old girl who was caught in the crossfire died.


“While it may appear that the murder victim was not the direct target of herein respondents and was just caught in the line of fire when the respondents fired upon members of the Philippine Army, her death clearly was the result of the unlawful acts perpetrated by the respondents,” the DoJ said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1191995