CPP/CIO: Oppose US plan to use Philippines in war strategy against China

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jan 14, 2023): Oppose US plan to use Philippines in war strategy against China

 


Marco Valbuena

Chief Information Officer

Communist Party of the Philippines

January 14, 2023

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) condemns the imperialist US for war-mongering and heightening war-preparations against China and for using the Philippines and other countries as launching pad for its planned military attacks against its rival imperialist power.

In an interview by the Financial Times a few days ago (“US military deepens ties with Japan and Philippines to prepare for China threat”), the imperialist hooligan Lt. Gen. James Bierman, who is the commanding general of the US armed forces’ Third Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF) and Marine Forces Japan, revealed explicitly how the US has long been planning to set the stage for war against China, comparing it to the many years of preparations they made in Ukraine:

Why have we achieved the level of success we’ve achieved in Ukraine? A big part of that has been because after Russian aggression in 2014 and 2015, we earnestly got after preparing for future conflict: training for the Ukrainians, pre-positioning of supplies, identification of sites from which we could operate support, sustain operations.

We call that setting the theatre. And we are setting the theatre in Japan, in the Philippines, in other locations.

These statements of General Bierman are typical of the gross arrogance of the US imperialists in its relentless push to establish its global hegemony in its desperation to counteract its strategic economic decline. It regards with contempt the sovereignty of the Philippines and other countries. It treats its so-called “allies” as mere pawns in its imperialist game of chess to encircle its super-power rival China.

In line with the Pentagon strategy of encircling China and prepositioning its forces within the so-called first-island chain, the US continues to build up its military presence in Japan, Korea, Singapore and the Philippines where it maintains military bases, and ruling governments are subservient to US interests.

Late last year, the Marcos government declared plans to allow the US military to add five more locations chosen by the US to construct its military facilities within existing or to be constructed military camps of the Armed Forces of the Philippines: two in Cagayan province, and one each in Isabela, Zambales and Palawan. These are in addition to the military facilities which the US has already constructed in five camps of the AFP under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). It is believed that in addition to prepositioning weapons, the US plans to construct ground-to-air missile systems in these facilities, which will have the advantage of being guarded by Philippine military forces under the EDCA.

The construction of these military facilities in the Philippines form part of the heightening war provocations against China which include increased presence of American naval forces in the western and eastern Philippine seas, in the eastern Japanese seaboard and in the Taiwanese strait. The US continues to challenge the One China Policy (Chinese sovereignty over Taiwan) as the pivot of its strategy of provoking China to “own the starting pistol” in order to justify an all-out war against China.

The planned missile launching systems and other US military facilities to be constructed in the Philippines will serve as magnet for Chinese attacks against the Philippines. The US is brazenly violating Philippine sovereignty by using the country as a base for launching its foreign wars.

The Filipino people must firmly oppose the plans of the US to use the Philippines as a military launching pad and draw the country to its theater of war against China. They must amplify their clamor against imperialist war preparations and demand deescalation of military tensions.

The Filipino people must link-up and build anti-imperialist solidarity with the people of Asia, to defend national sovereignty in the respective countries and oppose imperialist war provocations. In Japan and Korea, the people are vigorously protesting US military presence in their countries. Tens of thousands of people have staged demonstrations to defend their country’s sovereignty and oppose the subservience of their governments.

While demanding China to dismantle its military facilities in the West Philippine Sea that violate the country’s maritime sovereignty, the Filipino people must also demand the dismantling of all US military facilities inside the AFP camps and oppose the plans to construct missile launching systems.

The Party enjoins the Filipino people to raise their demand for genuine national freedom, and for an independent and peace-loving foreign policy. They must voice out their protests and demonstrate their indignation against the US government and military and demand an end to imperialist war provocations.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/oppose-us-plan-to-use-philippines-in-war-strategy-against-china/

CPP/CIO: Statement on fake surrenderers presented by DILG Secretary Abalos yesterday

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jan 14, 2023): Statement on fake surrenderers presented by DILG Secretary Abalos yesterday

 


Marco Valbuena

Chief Information Officer

Communist Party of the Philippines

January 14, 2023

Yesterday, DILG Sec Benhur Abalos presented before the media nine purportedly “NPA surrenderees” with their faces all wrapped up in a cheap gimmick at Camp Aguinaldo. We dismiss this publicity stunt as a big sham. The supposed “surrenderees” are all likely fakes. Abalos could not even cite which province the NPA fighters came from. They were likely picked up by the police on the streets to be paid for their acting.

Kung totoo man silang sumurender, dapat alam ni Sec. Abalos na bawal sa ilalim ng international humanitarian law na iparada at i-subject sa ridicule at indignities ang mga sumurender na armadong katunggali. Ginawa silang katatawanan sa harap ng publiko.

Sunud-sunod itong pekeng mga “surrender ceremony” ng PNP. Malamang na malaking pera ang ibinubulsa ng mga upisyal ng pulis sa mga pekeng surender na ito. Milyun-milyong piso na inilalabas ng gubyerno na walang auditing.

There is no truth that NPA fighters are surrendering in numbers. The great majority of Red fighters of the NPA are fully dedicated to the cause of national freedom and democracy and to defend the rights and lives of the broad masses. They are ever determined to fight in the face of relentless state terrorism and fascist attacks against the people under the US-Marcos regime.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/statement-on-fake-surrenderers-presented-by-dilg-secretary-abalos-yesterday/

CPP/CIO: More black operations and brutal repression with Año appointment as NSA

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jan 15, 2023): More black operations and brutal repression with Año appointment as NSA

 


Marco Valbuena

Chief Information Officer

Communist Party of the Philippines

January 15, 2023

Political repression, dirty war tactics and military black operations under the US-Marcos regime are set to become even more brutal with the appointment of Gen. Eduardo Año as national security adviser. Human rights abuses and war crimes are bound to intensify.

1. Año replaced Prof. Clarita Carlos after just six months in office. Although Carlos was as militarist as anyone, military officers wanted her out for being an outsider since she took office. The spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) could not hide his glee when he said the military is happy with the appointment of Año.

Año’s appointment strengthens military overlordship of the bureaucratic state. Under the US doctrine of “anti-terrorism,” and anti-communist counterinsurgency, the military continues to define and dictate state policy and place civil agencies under its control. To the military, everything is black and white. Anyone who does not bow is either a communist or a friend of the communists.

2. The return of Año, completes the control of former Duterte military henchmen of the key defense agencies. It follows the anomalous re-appointment of Gen. Andres Centino as chief-of-staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and appointment of Gen. Carlito Galvez to the Department of National Defense (DND).

Rumors of a Duterte coup have been going around. In fact, the coup is now half done. The shake down at the PNP is still to fully unravel. With Duterte’s men in full control of the military, Marcos Jr is now held by one of his balls. He takes a political risk every time he leaves the country for his junkets.

3. With General Año as national security adviser, General Galvez as defense secretary, and General Centino as military chief, we can expect all the brutal tactics of martial law, political repression and war of suppression. They will continue to unleash such brutal tactics as extrajudicial killings, abductions and disappearances, attacks against unions and organizations, armed raids on entire villages, aerial bombing and shelling of farmers’ communities, fields and forests, and so on.

Any possibility of resumption of the NDFP-GRP peace talks under Marcos are now 99.9% gone with the Año-Galvez-Centino at the helm of the defense establishment. The fascist triumvirate are violently opposed to any peace negotiations to settle the civil war by addressing the socioeconomic roots of the armed conflict. To them, military suppression is the only solution; there is no other definition of peace, but the peace of the graveyard.

4. While the ruling clique are busy in a tug of war in power, the Filipino people are left drowning in deep waters of crisis. Marcos is displaying utter indifference to the people’s desperate straits. He is proving himself grossly incompetent to resolve the pressing problems of rising prices, especially of food and agricultural commodities.

In the face of worsening social conditions, Marcos has chosen to perpetuate the tactics of brutal suppression under Duterte with the futile aim of making the people suffer in silence. Having learned their lessons during martial law, the people, however, know that they have no other option but to fight back militantly in order to attain their aspirations for a better life.

The broad masses of the people are becoming more determined to fight state terrorism, as they struggle to defend their political, economic, social and cultural rights. Strikes, mass demonstrations and other forms of collective action are seeking to erupt everywhere. A broad anti-fascist united front is set to rise to fight Marcos de facto martial law rule.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/more-black-operations-and-brutal-repression-with-ano-appointment-as-nsa/

CPP/NPA-Central Negros: Masupog nga Intel Asset sang 62nd IBPA Ginsilotan sang NPA

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jan 15, 2023): Masupog nga Intel Asset sang 62nd IBPA Ginsilotan sang NPA (It's really good that the Intel Asset of the 62nd IBPA was Punished by the NPA)

 


JB Regalado

Spokesperson

NPA-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command)

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

January 15, 2023

Ang Leonardo Panaligan Command-New People’s Army lubos gid nagapanginbulahan sa yunit sang NPA sa pagpatuman sang silot-kamatayon kay Brgy Kagawad Roselito Balasabas sandig sa desisyon sang Rebolusyonaryong Korte sang Pumuluyo sadtong Enero 14, 2023 alas 6:00 sang gab-i sa sityo Banban Dos, Brgy Guba, Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental. Madinalag-on nga nakumpiskar sa iya posesyon ang Engram sub-machine gun, 3 ka magasin kag mga bala.

Unanimous nga ginpamatbatan sang korte sang pumuluyo si Kagawad Roselito bangud sang mga kontra-pumuluyo kag kontra-rebolusyon nga nakomiter sini kaangay sang mga masunod:Masupog nga intel asset sang 62nd IB-bisan pa man, sadtong August 2022- nagpaninguha pa ang NPA nga masulatan kag maistorya si Balasabas apang padayon nga nagpakatig-a. Muklat nga ginhatag sa militar ang nasambit nga sulat kag ginpaposisyunan sa militar ang natalana nga venue sa pag-istoryahanay agud ipadakop ang NPA nga mag-istorya sa iya.
Responsable man siya sa pagpamahug, pagredtag sa mga pumuluyo sa lugar, ginapasibangdan nga mga NPA supporters kag pilit nga ginapasurender.
Siya man ang tagtago sang mga intel operatives sang militar agud sundan ang hulag sang mga pumuluyo ilabe na ang mga aktibidad sang NPA kag gilayon ireport sa Brgy Guba, Army Detachment.
Siya man ang tagtago kag tag-akomodar sa mga operating troops sang militar agud lagson ang NPA kag bug-os nga rebolusyonaryong kahublagan nga nagaluntad sa lugar.
Isa man si Kagawad Roselito Balasabas sa 5 pa ka mga Kagawad sang Brgy Guba nga mga intel asset sang militar kag taghupot sang illegal nga mga armas.

Gina-athag man sang Leonardo Panaligan Command nga indi tanan nga Brgy Kagawad kag intel asset sang militar ang target sang NPA, kundi ang may kaangay lamang nga kontra-pumuluyo kag kontra-rebolusyon nga gawi ni Brgy Kagawad Roselito Balasabas.

Ang pagpatuman sang silot-kamatayon sang NPA kay Kagawad Roselito ang magserbe nga mabaskog nga paandam sa tanan nga may mga kaso sa Rebolusyonaryong Korte sang Pumuluyo. Sekreto magpakig-angot sa malapit nga mga yunit sang CPP-NPA sa inyo lugar agud ayuson ini. Ang NPA indi magduha-duha sa pagsilot sa inyo sandig sa kabug-aton sang kaso nga inyo nakomiter.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/masupog-nga-intel-asset-sang-62nd-ibpa-ginsilotan-sang-npa/

CPP/NPA-Central Negros: 62nd IB Patay sa Canlaon City

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jan 16, 2023): 62nd IB Patay sa Canlaon City (62nd IB Killed in Canlaon City)

JB Regalado

Spokesperson

NPA-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command)

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

January 16, 2023

Patay ang 1 ka katapo sang berdugong 62nd IBPA sang gin-snipe sang New People’s Army idalum sa Leonardo Panaligan Command kagab-i alas 6:00 sang hapon sa sityo Batang-batangan, Brgy Bucalan, Canlaon City.

Ini nga tropa militar ang responsable sa pagpamahug, pagpanaka-saka sa mga kabalayan sang mga mangunguma kag pilit nga ginapasurender sa Brgy Trinidad, Guihulngan. Sila man ang responsable sa pagpatay kay Orlando Fat sadtong Enero 10, 2023 sa sityo Banderahan, Brgy Trinidad, Guihulngan.

Màbaskog man ginakondenar sang LPC-NPA ang pagrapido sang balay ni Rodrigo Pasinabo sa sityo Cambaogon, Brgy Trinidad, Gúihulngan sadtong Enero 15, 2023 alas 5:30 sang kaagahon. Tuyo sang pasistang militar nga patyon si Rodrigo Pasinabo. Tuig 2017 pa nga ginredtag sang militar, ginapasibangdan nga katapo sang NPA kag pilit nga ginapasurender si Rodrigo. Rason nga madugay na nga nadislokar ang pagpangabuhi sang nasambit nga pamilya. Nagtuga man sang kahadlok kag trauma sang magagmay pa nga mga kabataan.

Ang patarasak nga pagpaniro sang militar sa mga kabalayan sang mangunguma ang kongkreto nga paglapas sa laye sang gyera. Nagpakita lang sang pagkadesperado sini sa paglagas sa NPA sa ila garbuso nga kampanya kontra-insurhensiya. Nagahayag lang sa militar nga mapintas kag pasista ang kinaiya.
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Kabaliskaran ini sa ginasugid sang militar nga sila ang protektor sa seguridad sang mga pumuluyo ilabe na sa kaumahan. Taliwas man ini sa ginakupal sang NTF-Guihulngan nga hatagan pangabuhian ang pumuluyo sa Gúihulngan. Lunsay pasalig kag patalang ang naagum sang pumuluyo gikan sa mga kabutigan sang militar ilabe na ang 62nd IB kag NTF-Elcac. Ang kamatuoran nagperwisyo sa pumuluyo sa kaumahan ang presensya sang militar.

Ginapanawagan ang tanan nga pumuluyong Guihulnganon nga mag-isa. Ibuyagyag ang kalakasan kag pagpamintas sang militar. Samtang ang tanan nga yunit sang NPA maglunsar sang taktikal nga opensiba agud hatagan hustisya ang mga biktima sang berdugo nga 62nd IB sa padayon nga paglapas sang tawhanon nga kinamatarung.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/62nd-ib-patay-sa-canlaon-city/

CPP/NPA-Central Negros: Sniping Operation sang NPA Nagmadinalag-on

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jan 17, 2023): Sniping Operation sang NPA Nagmadina-on (Sniping Operation of the NPA Took Place)

 


JB Regalado

Spokesperson

NPA-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command)

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

January 17, 2023

Lubos nga ginadayaw sang Leonardo Panaligan Command-New People’s Army ang madinalag-on nga sniping operation sang NPA batok sa operating troops sang berdugong 62nd IB sadtong Enero 15, 2023 alas 3:00 sang hapon sa sityo Palasan, Brgy Guba, Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental. Patay ang 1 ka katapo sang 62nd IB samtang nagdinalagan ang iban pa. Ginhinago naman sang miitar sa mga residente kag publiko ang ila kaswalti. Matawhay naman ang NPA nga naka-atras.

Ginapakamalaot man sang LPC-NPA ang mga kabutigan ni Col. William Pesase sang 62nd IBPA. Wala sang natabo nga engkwentro sadtong Enero 15, 2023 sang kaagahon sa sityo Cambaogon, Brgy Trinidad, Guihulngan. Ang kamatuoran, ginpaarakan sang mga pasistang militar ang puluy-an ni Rodrigo Pasinabo sa nasambit nga lugar. “Buka na nga plaka” ang masami ginahambal sang militar “nga may 5 ka minutos nga engkwentro nga natabo kag kon may mapatay nga sibilyan, kabigon nga katapo sang NPA nga ginbayaan sang ila mga kaupod.”

Desperado gid ang pasistang militar, imbes nga lagson kag dugmukon ang NPA padayon nga nagabato kag militar pa ang masami maka-agum sang kaswalidad. Makahuluya man kay ang mga pumuluyo kag inosenteng sibilyan ang ila nga paukpan.

Gamiton ang kaalam kag kaisog! Padayon nga palig-unon ang baseng masa, ilunsar ang agraryong rebolusyon upod ang paglunsar sang lapnagon kag madinalag-on nga taktikal nga opensiba batok sa demoralisado, watak-watak kag desperadong militar!

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/sniping-operation-sang-npa-nagmadinalag-on/

CPP/NPA-Sorsogon: Ambus laban sa 22nd IB, Matagumpay!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jan 18, 2023): Ambus laban sa 22nd IB, Matagumpay! (Ambush against 22nd IB, Successful!

 


Samuel Guerrero

Spokesperson

NPA-Sorsogon (Celso Minguez Command)

Bicol Regional Operational Command (Romulo Jallores Command)

New People's Army

January 18, 2023

Isang miyembro ng CAFGU ang nasawi habang dalawa ang sugatan, isang CAFGU at isang army Corporal, sa inilunsad na ambus ng mga pulang hukbo laban sa labingdalawang sundalo ng 22nd IBPA nitong Enero 15, alas-8 ng gabi sa Brgy. Calmayon, Juban, Sorsogon. Nakilalang nasawi si Dante Gojo alyas Bing at sugatan naman si Lorenzo Gupit Jr alyas Rex, parehong miyembro ng CAFGU.

Simula taong 2020 ay di na nilubayan ng 22nd IBPA ang mga magkakatabing barangay ng Calmayon, Maalo, Calateo sa bayan ng Juban at Barangay Calpi at Dolos sa bayan ng Bulan. Mistulang nakakampo sa mga naturang barangay sa ngalan ng Retooled Community Support Program na sa madaling salita lamang ay pagpapanggap na sila ay naghahatid “serbisyo”. Ngunit pawang sapilitang pagpapasurender ng mga sibilyan, pananakot, panghaharas, pagnanakaw at pagmasaker ang naranasan ng mga residente sa naturang mga barangay.

Ang taktikal na opensibang ito ay bahagi ng pagsisikap ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan na bigyang hustisya ang mga biktima at maparusahan ang mga pasistang elemento ng AFP.

Pinatatampok nito ang hinaing ng mamamayan laban sa presensya ng mga armadong tropa na nagkakampo malapit sa mga bahayan na taliwas sa internasyunal na makataong batas dahil isinasapeligro nito ang kaligtasan ng mga sibilyan.

Hinahamon namin ang AFP at PNP na lubayan ang mga walang kalaban laban at mga pulang hukbo ang kanilang harapin.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/ambus-laban-sa-22nd-ib-matagumpay/

CPP/NPA-Agusan del Norte: Taas nga Pagsaludo kanimo Ka Ajam, usa ka rebolusyonaryong bayani!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jan 20, 2023): Taas nga Pagsaludo kanimo Ka Ajam, usa ka rebolusyonaryong bayani! (Salute to you Ka Ajam, you are a revolutionary hero!)

 


NPA-Agusan del Norte

Northeast Mindanao Regional Operational Command

New People's Army

January 20, 2023

Among gipaabot gikan sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan Agusan del Norte (BHB-ADN) ang among pagpahasubo ngadto sa kapamilya ug tanang mga higala ni Delfin Santero o mas naila sa rebolusyonaryong kalihukan nga Ka Ajam, Ka Port, Ka Lord.

Si Ka Ajam, Ka Lord usa ka kamagulangang anak nga natawo niadtong Oktobre 16, 1997 gikan sa hut-ong kabus nga mag-uuma.

Tungod sa kalisud, miundang siya sa pag-eskwela ug sayong nanarbaho isip usa ka construction worker ug usa ka minero nga nisinati sa ubos kaayo nga sweldo ug kita.

Ang maong kahimtang lalom nga mipukaw kaniya sa unsa kadunot ang sistemang semi-kolonyal ug semi-pyudal (SK-SP) nga nasud. Niaghat kini sa iyang agresibong pagsampa sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan niadtong May 17, 2020.

Lalom niyang nàsabtan ang gamot hinungdan sa kalisud dihang pormal niyang nakab-ot ang mga series sa pulitikanhong pagtulun-an ug kurso sa Pambànsa Demokratikong Paaralan ug labaw kining natin-aw sa sunod nga ang-ang sa kursong pampartido.

Dali siyang masuod sa mga kauban ug masa tungod sa iyang maayong gawi—pagkakugihan, matinabangon ug aktibo sa tanang natad sa mga gimbuhaton.

Sulod sa iyang duha ka tuig ug walo ka bulan nga pàgsalmot, iyang gipakita ang kaligdong ug kamatinud-anon.

Hangtud sa katapusang gutlo sa iyang rebolusyonaryong kinabuhi, maisugon ug walay kahadlok niyang giatubang ang pinakataas nga porma sa sakripisyo —ang paghalad sa iyang kinabuhi alang sa iyang dakong pagmahal sa hut-ong linupigan ug dinaugdaug nga hut-ong.

Usa Ka maayong sulundon ang diwang gipakita ni Ka Ajam sa iyang pagkarebolusyonaryong batan-on- sulod sa organisasyon sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan nga nagapaasdang sa Armadong Pakigbisog.

Tinuod nga bayani ug nagmahal sa pagpàlingkawas sa nasud batok sa tulo ka dangan sa katilingban- ang Imperyalismo, Pyudalismo ug Burukrata Kapitalismo.

Sayo man nga nakutloan sa kinabuhi si Ka Ajam, apan dili na mapapas sa kasaysayan ang iyang mga bulawanong tampo sa Armadong pakigbisog alang sa tinuod nga kalingkawasan sa nasud.

Ka Ajam Martir sa Rebolusyon, Bantayog nga Dili matarug!

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/taas-nga-pagsaludo-kanimo-ka-ajam-usa-ka-rebolusyonaryong-bayani/

CPP/NPA-Central Negros: 62nd IB Intel Asset, Ginsilotan sang NPA

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jan22, 2023): 62nd IB Intel Asset, Ginsilotan sang NPA (62nd IB Intel Asset, Punished by the NPA)

JB Regalado

Spokesperson

NPA-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command)

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

January 20, 2023

Patay si Raffy Esturco, 28 anyos kag may asawa sang sityo Tubod, Brgy Macagahay, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental alas 5:00 sang hapon, Enero 19, 2023 sang ginpatuman sang New People’s Army ang silot-kamatayon sandig sa mando sang Rebolusyonaryong Korte sang Pumuluyo.

Si Esturco ang masupog nga intel asset sang 62nd IB sa lugar. Masami man ini nga nagagiya sa mga operasyon sang pasistang militar sa tri-boundary sang Guihulngan, Canlaon kag Moises Padilla. Siya man ang ginlubong nga tagpaniktik sang pasistang militar paagi sa Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) agud sundan ang hulag kag mga aktibidad sang NPA sa nasambit nga lugar. Si Esturco isa lang sa mga masupog nga asset sang militar nga naggiya sa pagmasaker sanday Cristina Jacolbe, Everly Jacolbe (16 anyos nga anak ni Cristina) kag Rodan Montero subong man ang brutal nga pagpatay kay Victor Baldonado kag Orlando Fat tanan sang sityo Banderahan, Brgy Trinidad, Guihulngan City. Sila ang ginpasibangdan nga mga katapo sang NPA kag nagkalamatay sa mga peke nga engkwentro nga padugi sang berdugong 62nd IBPA.

Ang Leonardo Panaligan Command-New People’s Army liwat nagapanawagan sa tanan nga may kaangay nga kontra-pumuluyo kag kontra-rebolusyon nga kinaiya ni Raffy Esturco ang sekreto magpakig-angot sa malapit nga yunit sang NPA sa inyo lugar agud atubangon ang inyo mga kaso. Bukas gid ang NPA sa pag-istorya sa inyo sa madali nga panahon. Apang kon magpabilin kamo sa inyo daan nga gawi kag padayon nga magpaggamit sa militar batok sa pumulyo kag rebolusyon, ang NPA indi mag-untat sa pagpangita sang hustisya sa inyo mga nabiktima.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/62nd-ib-intel-asset-ginsilotan-sang-npa/

‘She was my friend’: Army commander denies involvement in model’s murder

From the Mindanao Times (Jan 5, 2022): ‘She was my friend’: Army commander denies involvement in model’s murder (By RHODA GRACE SARON)

THE 1001ST Infantry Brigade commander denied the allegation that he was involved in the murder of a businesswoman-model who was shot to death outside her rented house in Green Meadows Subdivision last Dec. 29.



In a text message, Brig. Gen. Jesus Durante III said the victim, Yvonnette Chua Plaza, 38, was his friend. Photo courtesy of PNA

Durante said “My name is being dragged based on an FB post made last April 2022 wherein I allegedly hurt her. She later retracted the post and issued a statement that I did not in any way harm her.”

“I am deeply saddened [by] her demise and condole with her family and friends. I myself demand justice for Yvonne,” he added.

On Tuesday, city police director Col. Alberto Lupaz, also the Special Investigation Task Group Yvonette commander, said they have already two persons of interest in the case. One individual was cited on a social media post.

“We have directed our station commander, together with CIDG and cybercrime group, to investigate the post on social media when it comes to its authenticity and when it was posted and if the person the posted is that really authentic person and he/she has really Facebook post,” he said.

“Another thing is what she posted is really true or she has personal knowledge,” Lupaz said. “These are the items that are being pursued by the CIDG. We will try to see if all of these things are really true so we can determine that later (in another SITG meeting).”

But the city police director declined to provide more details as it will scuttle the ongoing investigation. “It’s really premature to comment for us to give names posted on social media.”

The other person of interest was the subject of a case the victim filed against, although Lupaz balked at giving more information.

Police Regional Office XI spokesperson Major Eudisan Gultiano said they are also studying the CCTV footage showing the two perpetrators killing the victim.

“Just the reason bakit nagkaroon nang public attention kasi may alleged involvement nang official,” Gultiano said. “We do not confirm yet the involvement of somebody based on what’s posted on social media,” she added.

Gultiano reiterated they can’t give further details on the description of the persons of interest. But the Regional Anti-Crime Unit and Criminal (RACU) XI Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) XI were tasked to pursue the leads.

Motive in killing

Gultiano said they already ruled out robbery as the motive in the killing. But they are entertaining all possibilities, including the victim’s love life or the alleged road rage incident posted on social media.

“Ang unang ginawa nang gunman talagang binaril agad. Gusto pa nya barilin ulit bat nag jam ang baril saka kinuha ang bag,” she said.”We are still looking if there are people behind the gunmen.”

Lupaz added they also recovered the phone, iPad and other gadgets of the victim, which they hoped could lead to a break.

Background of the victim

Plaza was a businesswoman and a model.

When asked if she already received threats before, Gultiano said they are still waiting on the result of the forensic investigation into the victim’s gadgets.

Also, Lupaz said they are reaching out to the parents of the victim since they had just arrived in Davao cCty.

“Hindi pa nakuha mensahe nng parents kasi kakarating lang nila,” he said, adding that they are looking at a timetable of two weeks to have a better grasp of the case.

Mayor Sebastian Duterte already instructed the city police office to solve the case as early as possible.

Gultiano said they created the SITG because the incident already stirred the attention of the public. The purpose of the team is to resolve the case quickly and file a case against the perpetrators.

“Reason lang na nag-create ng SITG kung hindi mga politko ang biktima ay kung sensational sya.”

Plaza was shot dead in front of her rented house at Purok 18, Buttercup St, Corner Bluebell St, Green Meadows, Barangay Sto. Niño, in Tugbok District.

“SITG Yvonette” is headed by Col. Thor Valiente Cuyos, PRO 11 deputy regional director for operations as SITG Supervisor; DCPO chief Col. Alberto Lupaz as Task Group (TG) commander; and Major Randy Rajah Ramos, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief, as assistant TG commander. 

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2023/01/05/67483/

SPOKESPERSON: Army general’s statement on model’s slay won’t sway police

From the Mindanao Times (Jan 6, 2023): SPOKESPERSON: Army general’s statement on model’s slay won’t sway police (By RHODA GRACE SARON)

Police Regional Office XI spokesperson Maj. Eudisan Gultiano. File Photo. Bing Gonzales

THE POLICE on Thursday said that no public statement can affect the ongoing investigation on the murder of the businesswoman-model outside her rented house in Green Meadows, Tugbok district last Dec. 29.

This after 1001st Infantry brigade commander Brig. Gen. Jesus Durante III issued a statement denying his alleged involvement in the murder of Yvonette Chua Plaza, 38.

In an interview on Thursday, Police Regional Office 11 spokesperson Major Eudisan Gultiano said they are looking at all possible angles. So, the statement by the military officer is not automatic proof of his innocence.

“Hindi kami nakadepende sa kung ano man statement nun tao nali-link sa incident. We will base on hard and other circumstantial evidence na makuha sa investigation (We do not base our investigation on the statement of the person linked to the incident),” Gultiano said.

She added that the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit is still in the process of requesting technical assistance to open the victim’s phone that was recovered at the crime scene.

Meanwhile, Army chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., said the 10th Infantry Division is already conducting its own separate investigation after one of its officers was dragged into the case.

“We are waiting for the results. We have advised Gen. Durante to cooperate with any investigation on the allegations against him,” Brawner said.

10th ID spokesman Capt. Mark Anthony Tito said they are closely coordinating with the Police Regional Office (PRO) XI regarding the case.

“So far, there is no formal request or complaint against one of our senior officers. Thus, we could not take action based on social media. We will wait for the result of the investigation of the PNP and the unit will cooperate with the ongoing formal investigation if needed,” Tito said.

“We will not condone any wrongdoing of our personnel, including senior officers,” he added.

Earlier, Durante sent a text message to TIMES denying his involvement on the gruesome incident.

Durante said “Yvonne was my friend. My name is being dragged based on an FB post made last April 2022 wherein I allegedly hurt her. She later retracted the post and issued a statement that I did not in any way harm her.”

“I am deeply saddened [by] her demise and condole with her family and friends. I myself demand justice for Yvonne,” he added.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2023/01/06/spokesperson/

10th ID seeks to finish rebels before commander step down

From the Mindanao Times (Jan 17, 2023): 10th ID seeks to finish rebels before commander step down (By RHODA GRACE SARON)



THE 10TH Infantry Division aims to finish the remaining rebel group under its area of responsibility before their commander, Major General Nolasco Mempin, steps down from military service this month as he will reach the retirement mandatory age of 56.

Capt. Mark Anthony Tito, the division public affairs office, said in an interview that some of their units are going after the remaining one ‘weakend guerilla front’ of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the southern part of Bukidnon, which is the only armed unit of their group within their area of responsibility.

Tito, said the division “is gaining victories, and we are not affected by whatever issues in the AFP organization.”

Last year, the military set a timeline for defeating the weakened guerilla front 57 on Dec. 31, 2022. However, Tito said it was extended, “so we are waiting for another campaign plan from the higher headquarters.”

“But for now, there’s a possibility that we can defeat the guerilla front before Gen. Mempin retires,” he said. “We did not stop in our efforts. Makita man jud nato ang downtrend sa ilang manpower and influence barangay,” he added.

“In fact, wala na jud sila influence barangay sa atoang area of responsibility. That is why padayon atong coordination with the neighboring units, especially the 4th Infantry Division to totally defeat na nato ni but yes, there is a possibility that before Gen Mempin retires, the guerilla front will totally be dismantled,” he further said.

The 10th Infantry Division covers the whole Davao region, parts of region 12, including the 2nd district of North Cotabato, Malungon, Alabel, Malapatan and Glan, all of Sarangani province, Tampakan in South Cotabato, and Columbio in Sultan Kudarat.

Parts of region 13 to include Bislig city, Hinatuan, Tagbina, Lingig, and parts of Barobo all of Surigao del Sur, Bunawan, Rosario, Trento, Loreto, Sta. Josefa, Veruela, nine barangays of San Francisco, and two barangays of La Paz, all of Agusan del Sur.

Parts of Bukidnon to include Damulog, Kibawe, Dangcagan, Kitaotao, eight barangays of San Fernando, and six barangays of Quezon.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2023/01/17/67675/

Niembra is new 10th ID chief

From the Mindanao Times (Jan 20, 2023): Niembra is new 10th ID chief (By RHODA GRACE SARON)

MAJOR General Jose Eriel Niembra is the incoming commander of the 10th Infantry Division, effective Jan. 27.

A letter addressed to Defense Senior Undersecretary Carlito Galvez said that in accordance with the recommendation of the AFP chief of staff pursuant to Republic Act No. 11709, the designation of 31 senior military officers to key positions in the AFP was approved by the Malacañang palace.

Niembra will replace Maj. Gen. Nolasco Mempin, who vows out of military service as he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56.

Prior to the designation, Niembra was the inspector general of the Philippine Army.

He served as Presidential Security Group (PSG) deputy group commander and eventually as PSG commander from April 2018 to January 2020.

He likewise held key posts such as deputy commander of the Task Force Davao of the 10th Infantry Division; executive officer of the 401st Infantry Brigade, 4th Infantry Division (4ID); and battalion commander of the 58th Infantry Battalion, 4ID; and brigade commander of the 701st Infantry Brigade, 7th Infantry Division.

He is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Sambisig” Class of 1991.

Meanwhile, 1003rd Infantry Brigade commander, Brig. Gen. Consolito Yecla, is designated as the deputy commander of Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom).

Also under EastMinCom, Col. Patricio Reuben Amata, assistant chief of staff for Civil-Military Operations, G7 of the Philippine Army (PA), is designated as commander of the 1002nd Infantry Brigade based in Malungon, Sarangani province.

Moreover, 4th Infantry assistant division commander Col. Michele Anayron Jr., is designated as commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade based in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2023/01/20/niembra-is-new-10th-id-chief/

SOLDIER MURDERED | Unknown killers shoot soldier dead

From the Mindanao Times (Jan 24, 2023): SOLDIER MURDERED | Unknown killers shoot soldier dead (By RHODA GRACE SARON)

UNIDENTIFIED men shot dead a soldier as he was about to buy medicine in front of a pharmacy in Purok 4, Barangay Bankerohan Sur, Montevista, Davao de Oro Saturday evening.

Based on the report, the victim was Sgt. Rene Herana Asio, 32, married, and a transient resident of Purok 7, San Jose (Pob.), Montevista.

The report said that someone called the police station to report about the shooting incident which saw the victim lying in front of Farmacia Dayne.

Investigators found out that the victim was about to buy medicines when someone shot him several times as he was even hit on the head. The killer immediately rode on a motorcycle which was driven by another person.

Probers were able to recover seven fired cartridge cases of Caliber .45 pistol and two slugs.

Witnesses brought the victim to the Davao de Oro Provincial Hospital-Montevista but the attending physician declared him dead.

Investigators have yet to identify the killers as well as the motive of the crime.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2023/01/24/soldier-murdered/

Soldier injured, 77 families evacuated due to southern Negros encounters

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jan 20, 2023): Soldier injured, 77 families evacuated due to southern Negros encounters (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

An Army soldier helps DSWD personnel in the distribution of food assistance to families displaced by an armed encounter in Brgy. San Jose, Sipalay City.* 15IB photo

Separate gun battles between Army soldiers and New People’s Army rebels on Wednesday, at the boundary of Cauayan and Sipalay, Negros Occidental led an injury of a government trooper and the evacuation of 77 families.

2Lt. Wean Sandag, 15th Infantry Battalion Civil Military Operations officer, disclosed that the armed skirmishes ensued after Army soldiers responded to reports from civilians of the presence of armed rebels in Brgy. Camalanda-an, Cauayan, at about 12 noon on Wednesday.

After a brief firefight, an estimated 10 NPA rebels abandoned their harboring site and scampered in various directions, leaving behind tents, assorted ammunition, empty shells and personal belongings, Sandag said.

She reported that no one was hurt among the 15th Infantry Battalion soldiers during that encounter.

Almost four hours later, a group, estimated to be composed of 15 to 20 NPA rebels, were also encountered by pursuing Army soldiers in Sitio Malipayon, Brgy. San Jose, Sipalay City, which is adjacent to Brgy. Camalanda-an, Cauayan.

Sandag confirmed that an Army soldier was hurt in that gun battle, but he is now in stable condition, she added.

The encounter in Sitio Malipayon, Brgy. San Jose Sipalay City, according to Sandag, temporarily displaced 77 families, composed of 399 individuals, who are now staying at an elementary school in the barangay.

She also said that the city government of Sipalay and other volunteer organizations immediately extended assistance, in terms of food and shelter to the affected residents, with the help of the 15IB.

Sandag also reported that some of displaced families in Brgy. Camalanda-an, Cauayan, have already returned to their homes.

Pursuit operations against the fleeing rebels, believed to be members of the South West Front Platoon 3, are still ongoing as of press time, as government forces are tracing bloodstains believed to be that of injured rebels.

https://visayandailystar.com/soldier-injured-77-families-evacuated-due-to-southern-negros-encounters/

Rebels execute civilian ‘informant’

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jan 21, 2023): Rebels execute civilian ‘informant’ (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The Leonardo Panaligan Command of the New People’s Army claimed responsibility for the killing of an alleged “military informant” on January 19 in Brgy. Macagahay, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental.

In a statement, rebel spokesperson Ka JB Regalado claimed that the Raffy Estorco was meted with the death penalty for serving as a military asset of the 62nd Infantry Battalion.

The same rebel unit earlier claimed responsibility for the death of Kagawad Cerilo Balasabas on Jan. 14 in Sitio Banban, Barangay Guba, Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental.

Investigations of the Moises Padilla Police Station showed that Estorco was driving his motorcycle when he was shot by an unidentified assailant on Thursday night, at Sitio Tubod in Brgy. Macagahay, Moises Padilla.

The victim succumbed to a fatal gunshot wound in the forehead, according to the police.

Regalado claimed that the death penalty imposed to Estorco was ordered by the people’s revolutionary court.

https://visayandailystar.com/rebels-execute-civilian-informant/

Rebel supporter surrenders explosive, gun

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jan 23, 2023): Rebel supporter surrenders explosive, gun (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

An alleged supporter of the New People’s Army surrendered a hand grenade and a .38 caliber revolver on January 20 in Brgy. Canlusong, EB Magalona, Negros Occidental.

The surrender of Amado Cuesta, 60, of Purok Tinago, Brgy. Daga, Cadiz City, was facilitated by the EB Magalona police headed by PMaj. Kenneth Jay Gratones, Regional Intelligence Unit 6, 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company, Silay City Police Station, and 79th Infantry Battalion.

Police investigations showed that Cuesta is a member of a Communist Front Organization (CFO). He is now under the custody of RIU 6, while the explosive and revolver are now in the possession of EB Magalona Police Station.

https://visayandailystar.com/rebel-supporter-surrenders-explosive-gun/

Negros-assigned Army officers promoted

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jan 24, 2023): Negros-assigned Army officers promoted (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

More Philippine Army officials who were previously assigned in Negros Island, have been promoted.

They were accorded with military honors by the Saluting Battery of the Army Artillery Regiment on January 20 at the Philippine Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila, witnessed by Army Chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr.

Among those previously assigned in Negros and were promoted to the next higher rank were Maj. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, 1st Infantry Division commanding general; Brigadier Gen. Oriel Pangcog, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade; Brig. Gen. Edmundo Peralta, 902nd Infantry Brigade commander; and Brig. Gen. Leodevic Guinid, commander of the 1st Brigade Combat Team.

Both Nafarrete and Pangcog used to command the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion in central Negros which was later transferred to Mindanao. Peralta was a company commander of the 11th Infantry Battalion, while Guinid served as commander of the 61st Infantry Battalion in southern Negros, which is now deployed in Panay.

Promoted also was Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, now the commander of the AFP Visayas Command and concurrent head of the 3rd Infantry Division.

Arevalo used to serve as commanding officer of the 303rd Infantry Brigade in Murcia, Negros Occidental.

https://visayandailystar.com/negros-assigned-army-officers-promoted/

3 NPA rebels yield in the Philippines

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Jan 4, 2023): 3 NPA rebels yield in the Philippines

DAVAO CITY - Three members of the New People's Army have surrendered to the military in the southern Philippines with security officials saying the number of communist rebels in the restive region has been largely diminished with the mass surrender of guerrillas the past years.

Lt. Gen. Greg Almerol, chief of the Eastern Mindanao Command, said the trio - Maximo Vibas Sr., a squad Leader, and his partner Jennifer Gagbo; and Nelboy Yubos - also yielded a Magpul rifle when they surrendered to the 29th Infantry Battalion in the village of Comagascas in Agusan del Norte's Cabadbaran City. They were all members of Sentro de Grabidad 16, Guerilla Front 16, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee.

Almerol said: "The former rebels also aided the 29th Infantry Battalion and intelligence units in recovering seven high-powered firearms, two magazines, and a generator set as they revealed the location of two arms caches in the village of Cuyago in Jabonga town also in Agusan del Norte, following an initial interview on the same day. The firearms consist of five M16 rifles, an M4 rifle, and an M203 Grenade Launcher."

He also expressed optimism in defeating rebel forces, saying "their depleting forces are diminishing further, and their four remaining guerilla units are already hanging by a thread."

"We are very optimistic to dismantle the remaining Guerilla Fronts in our area and declare the whole of Eastern Mindanao as insurgency-free this year. Despite the CTG's weakened status, we will not rest and will even intensify our focused military operations to run after their remnants," Almerol said. "This is our commitment. However, we cannot pursue this without the will of local leaders and the support of the people. Thus, we are asking for everyone's full support to ultimately achieve peace and prosperity this 2023."

Almerol also renewed his call for rebels to surrender peacefully and take advantage of the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program to end their suffering and begin living peacefully with their families.

The military said hundreds of rebels were either killed in clashes or had surrendered to the government the past years and are living peacefully with their families.

The rebel group has been fighting for many decades now in an effort to put up a Maoist state in the country. Its self-exiled founder, Jose Maria Sison, 83, died on December 17 in The Netherlands after a two-week confinement in a hospital. Despite his death, communist rebel leaders said they will continue to wage war in the largely Catholic country. (Mindanao Examiner)

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2023/01/3-npa-rebels-yield-in-philippines.html

8 senior rebels surrender in Bukidnon

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Jan 8, 2023): 8 senior rebels surrender in Bukidnon

DAVAO CITY - The Philippine military said eight senior members of the communist rebel group New People’s Army have surrendered in the southern province of Bukidnon, a known hotbed of insurgency in Mindanao.

Lt. Gen. Greg Almerol, chief of the Eastern Mindanao Command based in Davao City, said the rebels surrendered on Tuesday, January 3, to the members of the 1st Special Forces Battalion.

He identified the rebels as Noel Sinanday, a squad leader; Rady Kinoyog, a political instructor; Jertolui Hilario, a political guide; Jilmar Dahinlay, a squad 1 team leader; Nickboy Sinanday, a squad 3 team leader; Roselyn Omandam, a platoon medic; Maricel Colawing, a squad 1 medic; and Jenelyn Palta, a squad 3 medic.

Almerol said the rebels belonged to the Platun IPAD, Sub-Regional Committee 5 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee. “They yielded through the efforts of the 1st Special Forces Battalion, under the 403rd Infantry Brigade of the 4th Infantry Division in Bukidnon province,” he said.

The rebels, according to Almerol, also led soldiers in retrieving three AK47 rifles, three M16A1 rifles, an M14 rifle, one improvised explosive device, several magazines, various ammunition, and assorted medical supplies Wednesday, January 4.

Almerol said the death of Communist Party of the Philippines Founder Jose Maria Sison last year has increased the demoralization among the NPA, which convinced the rebels to surrender peacefully.

“The loss of their highest leader has critically affected the morale of the communist terrorist group. Without Sison’s direction and leadership, the CPP-NPA will suffer. That is why their remnants are yielding, even as 2023 has just started because they know the disaster the communist terrorist group is heading,” Almerol said.

He was referring to the 83-year communist chieftain who died on December 17 in The Netherlands after a two-week confinement in a hospital. Despite his death, communist rebel leaders vow to continue to wage war.

“With this situation, we expect more of their comrades to surface and lay down their arms. Thus, we are reiterating our call for them to surrender without hesitation as the freedom and benefits of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration are waiting upon their return,” Almerol said.

Just recently, three NPA rebels - Maximo Vibas Sr., a squad Leader, and his partner Jennifer Gagbo; and Nelboy Yubos – also surrendered to the 29th Infantry Battalion in the village of Comagascas in Agusan del Norte's Cabadbaran City. They were all members of Sentro de Grabidad 16, Guerilla Front 16, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee. (Mindanao Examiner)

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2023/01/8-senior-rebels-surrender-in-bukidnon.html

Troops seize MILF weapons from 6 men, then free all them

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4 injured in Basilan attack; 21 Sayyafs yield in Sulu

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Jan 9, 2023): 4 injured in Basilan attack; 21 Sayyafs yield in Sulu

BASILAN - Four people, including a minor, were injured when gunmen attacked a government militia sparking a firefight that left him and family members wounded in the restive Muslim province of Basilan in southern Philippines.

The fighting occurred Sunday evening when a group of gunmen, believed to be Abu Sayyaf members, raided the village and attacked a military detachment manned by Romy Alanao, 36.

The militia was with his wife Hasma and daughter Nasira, and a ten-year old nephew when the gunmen assaulted the post. The motive of the attack is still unknown, but the Abu Sayyaf has previously target not only security personnel but civilian targets as well.

Despite the latest attack in the province, security officials said the Abu Sayyaf is now a spent force following the weekend surrender of 21 extremists in Patikul town in Sulu province, about 58 nautical miles from Basilan.

A photo released by the Western Mindanao Command shows the 21 Abu Sayyaf terrorists following their surrender on Sunday, January 8, 2023 in Sulu province.

“We are hopeful that the Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu will soon be defeated and peace and order in the province of Sulu will be fully restored,” said Marine Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, the acting chief of the Western Mindanao Command.

He said among those who surrendered were senior Abu Sayyaf and local ISIS leaders Majid Said and Jamiri Jauhari. They also handed over seven M14 and three M16 automatic rifles.

Rojas said the military and the local government provided financial assistance to the extremists who are now in a temporary relocation site.

“I’m very happy with this development. We were anticipating this already because of the well-integrated civil and military strategy of the campaign plan. Moreover, because of the whole of nation approach, we are able to get the support of the populace towards the government side and we have continuously drained the ASG of the much-needed support to them. Also, we were able to isolate them and stopped their recruitment efforts,” he said.

“I commend once again our dedicated soldiers for their unyielding commitment to the mission. I know this was a long process of confidence building efforts before they were convinced to lay down their arms,” he added.

Rojas said the successful surrender of the extremists was a result of the collaborative efforts of the 32nd and 45th Infantry Battalions, the 6th Special Forces Battalion, the Sulu Provincial Police Office, and the police and military intelligence in Sulu. (Mindanao Examiner)

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2023/01/4-injured-in-basilan-attack-21-sayyafs.html

Opinion: 2023 Promises Even Stronger Momentum in U.S.-Philippine Ties

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Jan 9, 2023): Opinion: 2023 Promises Even Stronger Momentum in U.S.-Philippine Ties (By MaryKay Carlson, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines)

THE LAST five months of 2022 coincided with my first five months serving as U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines—an exciting time marked by nonstop engagements that strengthened our ironclad relationship as friends, partners, and allies.

Only three weeks after I presented my credentials to newly elected President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited the Philippines. Numerous other high-level exchanges between our two countries followed. President Marcos met with President Biden in New York in September. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III met with DND Officer-in-Charge Jose Faustino Jr. twice soon thereafter, in Hawaii and in Cambodia.

Many other senior U.S. officials met Philippine leaders from government, business, and civil society in 2022, including a 28-company trade mission from the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council, a Congressional delegation led by Senator Ed Markey, multiple State Department officials, the Secretary of the Navy, and a constellation of Generals and Admirals from the U.S. military. These visits culminated with Vice President Kamala Harris’s historic trip to the Philippines in November, when, in addition to meeting with President Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte, she became the most senior U.S. official ever to visit Palawan.

In my 37 years as a diplomat, I have never seen this level of bilateral engagement in such a short period of time. It is a testament to the significance of our relationship. And if what we see on the calendar for the new year is any indicator, our ties will continue to flourish in 2023.

All of us at the U.S. Embassy are committed to strengthening the U.S.-Philippine relationship, a cornerstone of the Biden administration’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. We are excited that the Philippines became a founding partner in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, and we look forward to expanding our collaboration during the U.S. APEC host year. This week, the U.S. Embassy will highlight the rich U.S.-Philippine economic partnership during the fifth Indo-Pacific Business Forum (IPBF), the U.S. government’s premier annual regional event to promote trade, investment, and economic cooperation. The United States is the largest market for Philippine goods and services in the world, and the IPBF will highlight the Philippines’ role as an essential economic partner in multiple sectors. We are honored by the many Filipino leaders from the government and the private sector who will join us for this event.

Later this month, officials from the U.S. State and Defense departments will lead a senior U.S. interagency delegation to the annual U.S.-Philippine Bilateral Strategic Dialogue. The delegation will meet with representatives from the Departments of Foreign Affairs and National Defense, and other Philippine government partners to strategize about ways to advance cooperation in multiple fields, including energy and food security, defense, support for the judiciary, protecting the environment, and enhancing people-to-people ties.

In April, the U.S. and Philippine militaries will begin Exercise Balikatan 23, the largest joint military exercise in the history of our Alliance. Our forces will work shoulder-to-shoulder on shared operations and tactics on land, at sea, and in the air. Philippine and U.S. forces will also conduct multiple humanitarian and civic assistance projects during the exercise, including school renovations and health engagements with local communities. Balikatan 23 will highlight the ironclad U.S.-Philippine Alliance as a source of strength and stability for our peoples and others in the Indo-Pacific.

2023 will also be a year to celebrate a milestone in bilateral ties: the 75th anniversary of the Fulbright program in the Philippines, and of people-to-people exchanges between our countries. Fulbright Philippines is the oldest continuously operating Fulbright program in the world. The program was the first in a rich array of exchanges with the Philippines, including the International Visitors Leadership Program, the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative, and many other programs. Thousands of Filipinos and Americans have benefitted from these exchanges and brought those benefits back to their communities. We are also excited to welcome Peace Corps volunteers back to the Philippines this year.

Every day, the U.S. Embassy team and I strive to channel the positive momentum in U.S.-Philippine relations to advance our shared priorities. The economic, political, security, and cultural efforts highlighted above represent just a fraction of what we expect to do in 2023. The work we do together with our Filipino friends, partners, and allies is important: the U.S.-Philippine relationship is central to ensuring an Indo-Pacific region that is free and open, connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient.

I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together in 2023 and beyond.

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2023/01/opinion-2023-promises-even-stronger.html

Peace now reigns in Sulu

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jan 15, 2023): Peace now reigns in Sulu

SULU – Security officials said the Abu Sayyaf is now a spent force following the continued surrender of its members in this southern Filipino province where the military and local governments and other stakeholders are closely working hand-in-hand for peace and progress.

Just recently, the Western Mindanao Command announced the surrender of 21 extremists in Patikul town.

Marine Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, the acting chief of the Western Mindanao Command, said among those who surrendered were senior Abu Sayyaf and local ISIS leaders Majid Said and Jamiri Jauhari. They also handed over seven M14 and three M16 automatic rifles.

“We are hopeful that the Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu will soon be defeated and peace and order in the province of Sulu will be fully restored,” he said

Rojas said the military and the local government provided financial assistance to the extremists who are now in a temporary relocation site.

“I’m very happy with this development. We were anticipating this already because of the well-integrated civil and military strategy of the campaign plan. Moreover, because of the whole of nation approach, we are able to get the support of the populace towards the government side and we have continuously drained the ASG of the much-needed support to them. Also, we were able to isolate them and stopped their recruitment efforts,” he said.

“I commend once again our dedicated soldiers for their unyielding commitment to the mission. I know this was a long process of confidence building efforts before they were convinced to lay down their arms,” he added.

Rojas said the successful surrender of the extremists was a result of the collaborative efforts of the 32nd and 45th Infantry Battalions, the 6th Special Forces Battalion, the Sulu Provincial Police Office, and the police and military intelligence in Sulu.

Sulu now has become even more peaceful and progressive because of the various pro-peace programs implemented by Gov. Sakur Tan and his municipal mayors. Beach resorts and restaurants, and hotels and pension houses have sprung over the years with the business sector largely attributing this to the improved peace and order. (Mindanao Examiner)


http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2023/01/peace-now-reigns-in-sulu.html

Philippines announces capture of ISIS bomber

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jan 18, 2023): Philippines announces capture of ISIS bomber

COTABATO CITY - Philippine security forces captured a local ISIS bomber blamed for the series of attacks on civilian targets in the restive southern region of Mindanao.



Caption: The military's Western Mindanao Command releases photos of captured ISIS bomber, Jordan Akmad, following his arrest on Tuesday, January 18, 2023 in North Cotabato's President Roxas town.



Security officials said police commandos, backed by soldiers, swooped down on a terrorist hideout in North Cotabato’s President Roxas town and captured Jordan Akmad at dawn Tuesday, January 17.

Marine Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, branded the capture of the bomber as a “remarkable accomplishment” in the war against terror.

“I commend the troops of Joint Task Force Central for this remarkable accomplishment. The Western Mindanao Command, through its joint task forces, will continue to work with our partners from the PNP and other security agencies to keep the communities safe and free from violence,” he said.

Akmad was tracked down by security forces in his hideout in Salat village and the operation involved a sizable number of soldiers and police commandos, with the military mobilizing the 90th and 72nd Infantry Battalions, the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion, and various intelligence units.

This was confirmed by Maj. Gen. Roy Galido, commander of the Joint Task Force Central, responsible for Akmad’s capture. He said Akmad is a notorious bomb maker and member of the Daulah Islamiyah, which means Islamic State.

Galido implicated Akmad in numerous murders and deadly bombings and burning of provincial buses in Davao City, Kabacan, Mlang, and Tulunan towns in North Cotabato the past year, and is one of the most wanted terrorists in the country.

Galido nor Rojas did not release details of the highly classified operations that led to Akmad’s arrest citing security concerns and the continuing hunt for other terrorists. (Mindanao Examiner)

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2023/01/philippines-announces-capture-of-isis.html

MILF, MNLF leaders sign peace deal

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jan 18, 2023): MILF, MNLF leaders sign peace deal

BASILAN – Leaders of two warring groups the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) have signed a peace deal following a series of talks and mediation by the Philippine government in the southern Muslim province of Basilan.

A photo released by the Western Mindanao Command shows Rajan Abdulrahman, Deputy Commander for Guerrilla Force of the MILF’s 114th Base Command of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, and Usong Ugong, of the MNLF and Parangbasak village chieftain Mohammad Juddihal Muddalan who signed a peace accord on Tuesday, January 17.

Lt. Col. Abdurasad Sirajan, who headed the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group, said both the MILF and the MNLF were finally able to settle their issues and concerns.

He said the group of Rajan Abdulrahman, Deputy Commander for Guerrilla Force of the MILF’s 114th Base Command of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, and the groups of Usong Ugong, of the MNLF; and Parangbasak village chieftain Mohammad Juddihal Muddalan signed a peace accord on Tuesday, January 17.

“The peaceful resolution of the conflict is also attributable to the collective efforts of the BARMM's Ministry of Public Order and Safety, Joint Peace and Security of Sumisip and Tipo-Tipo towns and other security and local government agencies,” Sirajan said, adding Col. Wendell Basat, the Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff for Civil-Military Operations in Western Mindanao Command, and member of the government’s Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH), also participated in peace talks.

Sirajan said the conflict between the groups of Abdulrahman and Muddalan began in August 2022 when the MILF members killed an alleged drug pusher who was a nephew of Muddalan. He said the CCCH immediately intervened to pre-empt the situation from getting worse and to avoid its escalation that may affect the civilian communities in the area.

Marine Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, lauded the peace efforts. “I commend you all for your efforts to sustain the peace in Basilan and preserve the sanctity of the peace agreement. I hope that this will be the start of a better relationship among the peace-inclined groups. Let us all be united for peace,” he said. (Mindanao Examiner)

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2023/01/warring-milf-mnlf-leaders-sign-peace.html

Gunmen raid Cotabato village

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jan 19, 2023): Gunmen raid Cotabato village

COTABATO CITY – Gunmen raided a village in southern Philippines and killed two people and injured at least five others before escaping under cover of darkness.

Most of the victims are members of the former rebel group called Moro National Liberation Front, whose leaders signed a peace accord with the government in 1996. It was unclear whether Wednesday’s attack in Cotabato City targeted the Pangilan family.

The assault in Tamontaka village had killed the 30-year old Pacundo Pangilan and Razul Abdullah, 34; and all members of the MNLF. The wounded also belong to the same clan in the village mostly inhabited by MNLF members.

It was unknown if the raid was connected to a feud or whether the attackers were from rival Moro Islamic Liberation Front, whose leaders and members broke away with the MNLF.

Police have launched an investigation into the attack. It was unclear how the gunmen, estimated over a dozen, managed to enter and flee the village undetected by the police and military.

Security officials have not issued any statement or report of the daring attack. (Mindanao Examiner)

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2023/01/gunmen-raid-cotabato-village.html

Indonesian, 2 Filipinos arrested in possession of high-powered guns in Sarangani

From MindaNews (Jan 9, 2022): Indonesian, 2 Filipinos arrested in possession of high-powered guns in Sarangani (By BONG S. SARMIENTO)

Image from Facebook page of Police Regional Office – 12 Public Information Office

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews / 09 January) – An Indonesian and his two Filipino companions were arrested for possession of alleged unlicensed high-powered firearms in Kiamba, Sarangani, the police announced yesterday.

Police Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg, Police Regional Office -12 director, said the suspects were arrested at a checkpoint in Barangay Nalus on Saturday.

Elements of the 1st Platoon, 1204th Mobile Company under the Regional Mobile Force Battalion -12 were conducting a checkpoint and saw suspicious trolley bags aboard the tricycle the trio were riding.

Upon questioning, the police team observed that 29-year-old Indonesian Anton Gobay, single, became uneasy.

After further inspection, the team discovered they were transporting 10 units of Colt AR-19 9mm para rifle, 20 pieces of steel magazines and 10 pieces of detachable rifle butts, Macaraeg said.

Police identified Gobay’s Filipino companions as Michael Tino, 25, married, of Barangay Malalag in Maitum, Sarangani, and Jimmy Abolde, 52, of Purok Zoneza Saway, Barangay Labangal in General Santos City.

“I would like to commend the operating team behind this successful confiscation of high-powered firearms,” Macaraeg said in a statement.

The official believed the loose firearms will be used for criminal activities.

He said a deeper investigation will be conducted to find out the source of the firearms and the recipients.

The full force of the law will be applied both to the Indonesian and Filipino suspects, he said.

The alleged gunrunners would be facing charges for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

The suspects were detained at the Kiamba municipal police station.

Police Captain Ralph Marvin Francis Rivera led the team that busted the suspects and the loose high-powered firearms. (Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2023/01/indonesian-2-filipinos-arrested-in-possession-of-high-powered-guns-in-sarangani/

21 Abu Sayyaf members yield in Sulu – military

From MindaNews (Jan 10, 2022): 21 Abu Sayyaf members yield in Sulu – military (By FRENCIE CARREON)

Image from the Anti-Terrorism Council.

ZAMBOANGA CITY (MindaNews / 09 January) – At least 21 members of the Islamic State-aligned Abu Sayyaf Group, including top leader Madjid Said alias Amah Pattit, surrendered on Sunday in Sulu province, a military official said.

Marine Brig. Gen Arturo Rojas, acting commander of the Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom), said the Abu Sayyaf members yielded in Patikul town following the relentless efforts of troops in the area.

Brig. Gen. Benjamin Batara, commander of the 1103rd Infantry Brigade, presented the 21 Abu Sayyaf members to Maj. Gen Ignatius Patrimonio, 11th Infantry Division chief.

They surrendered at least 10m high-powered firearms to the military and Patikul Mayor Kabir Hayudini.

The 10 high-powered firearms they turned over include three M16 and seven M14 rifles.

Said has been classified by the Anti-Terrorism Council, through Resolution No. 32, Series of 2022 issued on May 22, 2022, as one of the top five “terrorists” in the country. He was identified as an uncle of Abu Sayyaf subleader and bombmaker Mudzrimar “Mundi” Sawadjaan, who is allegedly behind the bombing of the Jolo Cathedral in January 2019 that left 20 persons dead and at least 100 others wounded.

“I’m very happy with this development,” Rojas said in a phone interview, noting that the surrenderers have to follow certain conditions.

They must not band themselves again and should join the programs of the Philippine government, he added.

Rojas said they were expecting the band of Abu Sayyaf under Said to yield due to the integrated civil and military strategy to flush out the militants.

He acknowledged the help of the Patikul municipal government and Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan to make the area “Abu Sayyaf-free.”

Aside from relentless military operations, the Abu Sayyaf surrenders were isolated after the Anti-Money Laundering Council froze the group’s known financial account, Rojas said.

Lt. Col. Abraham Sirajan , WesMinCom spokesman, said in a separate phone interview that the surrenderers will benefit from the Bangsamoro government’s “Project Tugon” (Tulong ng Gobyernong Nagmamalasakit).

Tugon is a program to help former Abu Sayyaf members live in mainstream society.

Under Executive Order No. 70, which institutionalizes the whole-of-government approach to end local armed conflict, Sirajan said the surrenders can also avail of assistance from various government agencies.

Rojas said the 1103rd Infantry Brigade and the Patikul municipal government provided initial food and financial assistance to the 21 Abu Sayyaf during the negotiations.

“The confidence-building process took some time, for which I commend once again our dedicated soldiers for their unyielding commitment to the mission,” he said.

Aside from Said, the other surrenderers were Jamiri Jauhari alias Jamiri, Uran Jauhari, Kadafi Kalisali alias Khadaffy, Lalimar Garingan, Jarrin Napie, Annuar Sahibul alias Muadz Aming, Lovely Abdus alias Andus or Lovely, Tabuh Ibno alias Taboh, Marjin Jauhari, Jaafar Abdulla, Samer Faih, Akih Julpa, Abdulla Uling, Ukod Asbang, Jubail Anji alias Jubael, Wanhil, Alih Janjalani also known as (aka) Abdurajak, Julkamar Usman, Pading Sidi Nani aka Pading, and Rakin Julpa.

In an earlier report, Rojas said the Abu Sayyaf numbers are declining and “is now a spent force.” (Frencie Careon / MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2023/01/21-abu-sayyaf-members-yield-in-sulu-military/

Police say MNLF faction behind illegal firearms seized in Sarangani

From MindaNews (Jan 17, 2022): Police say MNLF faction behind illegal firearms seized in Sarangani (By ALLEN V. ESTABILLO)

Sarangani Province. Map courtesy of Google

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews / 17 January) – Authorities have linked an alleged faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) to the seizure last Jan. 7 of illegal high-powered firearms from an Indonesian national and two other Filipinos at a checkpoint in Kiamba town, Sarangani province.

Col. Leo Sua, commander of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion-12, said in a report released on Monday that Indonesian suspect Anton Gobay “was able to get support” from an MNLF faction under the Jihada Minsupala Command.

But he did not cite the group’s role as to how the Indonesian acquired the confiscated firearms, which comprised 10 units of Colt AR-15 caliber 9mm Para rifles, 20 steel magazines, and 10 detachable rifle butts.

The Police Regional Office-12 earlier said it was tracking down the source of the firearms and possible groups and personalities involved in the illegal activity.

Gobay, 29, and Filipino companions Micheal Tino, 25, Barangay Malalag, Maitum town in Sarangani, and Jimmy Abolde, 53, of Zoneza Saway, Barangay Labangal here were caught in possession of the firearms stashed inside trolley bags while passing a checkpoint onboard a tricycle in Barangay Nalus, Kiamba.

Upon questioning, Sua said the foreigner introduced himself as an Indonesian national based on his identification card but failed to present his passport.

He said Gobay reportedly gained entry into the Philippines from West Papua New Guinea province in Indonesia via Jakarta and then to Manila.

“Accordingly, the firearms will be used for the defense force of their military forces in (West) Papua New Guinea,” the police official said.

Conflict has been reported to have worsened in the past several years in West Papua due to a long-drawn separatist rebellion.

The West Papua National Liberation Army, labeled by Indonesia as a terrorist and armed criminal group, is the armed wing of the Free Papua Movement, which had long been seeking independence from Indonesia.

Sua said a complaint for violation of Republic Act 10591 or Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition has already been filed against the suspects before the Sarangani Prosecutor’s Office docketed under NPS No. XII-07-INQ-23A-00005.

He said they have stepped up their “24/7 synchronized checkpoint operations” and police visibility operations in parts of the region through their maneuver companies and platoons.

“Our unit will not allow anyone to just freely transport their firearms, especially if undocumented and illegal even though they are foreign nationals. Everyone should follow the laws and regulations of our country,” Sua said. (Allen V. Estabillo/MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2023/01/police-say-mnlf-faction-behind-illegal-firearms-seized-in-sarangani/

Navy in Western Mindanao has new commander

From MindaNews (Jan 19, 2022): Navy in Western Mindanao has new commander (By FRENCIE CARREON)

The Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) held Thursday the change of command ceremony for its new commander, Rear Admiral Donn Anthony Miraflor.

Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr. (center) presides the change-in-command ceremony of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao when Acting Commander Captain Dwight Steven Dulnoan (left) turned over the command to Rear Admiral Donn Anthony Miraflor. Photo courtesy of NFWM Public Affairs Office

Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr., the Philippine Navy’s Flag Officer-in-Command, presided the ceremony.

Captain Dwight Steven Dulnoan, acting NFWM commander, turned over the command to Miraflor at the Tangan Gymnasium at the Naval Station Romulo Espaldon.

In his speech, Adaci acknowledged the leadership of the outgoing acting commander and spoke well of Miraflor, assuring that the NFWM will be in good hands.

He further extended his gratitude to all the men and women of the NFWM for their support in defending Western Mindanao’s territorial seas and borders when he was commander of the NFWM, and now as Navy chief.

Miraflor is a naval special operations officer and surface warfare officer, with specialization in both intelligence and explosive ordnance disposal, according to Ensign Chymee Gagarra, NFWM spokesperson.

A member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Sambisig” class of 1991, Miraflor held previous assignments aboard ships in intelligence, exercise planning, junior and senior staff posts, among others. He has commanded four commissioned Navy vessels in the past.

Before his new NFWM assignment, Miraflor served as the deputy chief of staff for education, training and doctrine.

In earlier years, he held various positions of responsibility such as having been Naval Forces West commander, Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao commander, Joint Task Force Malampaya commander, senior national representative to the Combined Maritime Forces in Bahrain, Fleet Marine Ready Force deputy commander, Domestic Intelligence Force commander, and Military Intelligence Group 8 commander under the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Miraflor is a recipient of various awards. He has had added training in the United States and Australia. (Frencie Carreon / MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2023/01/navy-in-western-mindanao-has-new-commander/

White House: National Security Strategy (2022)

Posted to the White House Website (Oct 12, 2022): National Security Strategy (2022)

For the full report go to the following URL: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Biden-Harris-Administrations-National-Security-Strategy-10.2022.pdf

DOD: National Defense Strategy of the United States of America (2022)

Posted to the US Department of Defense Website (Oct 27, 2022): National Defense Strategy of the United States of America (2022)

For the full report go to the following URL:  https://media.defense.gov/2022/Oct/27/2003103845/-1/-1/1/2022-NATIONAL-DEFENSE-STRATEGY-NPR-MDR.PDF

CRS: The Philippines: Background and US Relations (2022)

Posted to the Congressional Research Service Website (Mar 28, 2022): The Philippines: Background and US Relations (2022)

For the full report go to the following URL: https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R47055/1

IAG: Youth Vulnerability to Violent Extremism--A Follow-through Study in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (2022)

Posted to Institute for Autonomy and Governance (Dec 2022): Youth Vulnerability to Violent Extremism--A Follow-through Study in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (2022)

For full report go the following URL: https://www.iag.org.ph/images/pdf/IAG_VE_Research_2022.pdf

Extremist groups continue recruitment in South: Report

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jan 20, 2022): Extremist groups continue recruitment in South: Report

A NEW report released by the Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG) has shed light on renewed recruitment by violent extremist groups in the restive region of Muslim Mindanao.

The report, released only recently and a copy furnished The Mindanao Examiner, suggests that the recruitment arguments of violent extremist groups, one of them the Maute group, may be resonating more than ever with Muslim youth.

According to the December 2022 IAG study, entitled “Youth Vulnerability to Violent Extremism,” found that the majority of the 800 youth respondents (50.4%) agree or strongly agree that “jihad qital (armed struggle) is an obligation of every Muslim.”

It said this interpretation is the one propagated by violent extremist groups such as the Maute and is not in line with the moderate interpretation of traditional Islam.

The report further said that more than six out of ten respondents (67.8%) also agree or strongly agree with the statement: “I believe that discrimination against Moros is enough justification to bear arms and fight.”

Also backed by violent extremist groups, this interpretation equates anti-Muslim discriminatory practices (such as denying employment to a Muslim because of his religion) with the life-and-death actions of aggressors bent on destroying Islam, in effect adding a new justification for waging jihad qital.

“Our study suggests that the recruitment arguments of the Maute Group and other terrorist organizations in Muslim Mindanao may be resonating more than ever with Muslim youth,” warned Atty. Benedicto R. Bacani, who is Executive Director of the IAG, noting that one of the report’s recommendations is to enlist government agencies in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to build capacity around the Islamic concept of wasatiyyah (moderation) as a counterpoint to the ideology of violent extremism.

The IAG report also found that only 9.6% of respondents are aware of programs and projects under the National Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (NAP P/CVE), which was finalized in 2019.

When told what P/CVE programs are planned, the 800 respondents were most interested in scholarships and training opportunities for Moro youth. About 73.9% chose this option when presented with a list of suggestions on how to prevent young people from joining VE groups.

The respondents also endorsed suggestions to extend the national government’s 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) conditional cash grants program to their communities (64.5%) and to provide entrepreneurship tutoring to the youth and giving them access to capital (54.8%). All these are consistent with the respondents’ belief that the two main push factors toward violent extremism are poverty and lack of access to education.

The 2022 report, according to IAG, surveyed 400 urban youth and 400 rural youth from conflict-affected areas, interviewed 32 key informants from local government units, schools, civil society organizations, the security sector, international non-government organizations, and other relevant institutions, conducted 24 focus group discussions with 192 participants, comprising in-school/out-of-school, male/female youth participants from urban and rural areas, and developed five case studies around former members of violent extremist groups.

The field work was completed in March 2022 and the research was made possible with the support of the Australian Government.

The IAG said data for the study was collected using surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions in selected urban and conflict-affected rural areas in BARMM. The urban areas are Cotabato City, Marawi City, Lamitan City, and Jolo town in Sulu province.

The conflict-affected rural areas are Mamasapano in Maguindanao, Butig in Lanao del Sur, Patikul in Sulu, and Tipo-Tipo in Basilan. The instruments used to generate the data responding to the research questions were (a) a survey questionnaire, (b) key informant interview guides, and (c) focus group discussion guides. Secondary data and a review of related literature on the recent developments of violent extremism in the global and local settings were also done to supplement the results of the study on violent extremism in the Muslim region in Mindanao.

The study analyzed the set of Islamic beliefs of the Moro youth that support acts of terrorism, as manifested in their behavior and attitudes, and examined their perceptions of the drivers of violent extremism. Significant findings revealed that Moro youth were aware of the presence of violent extremist groups in their communities and recruitment by these groups was widespread. Many young Moro gradually adopted radical views through listening to radical preachers, attending prayer groups, and having regular contact with recruiters.

IAG said the study was one of the materials used in crafting the National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism. The report recommends building capacity around a moderate interpretation of Islam to counter extremist ideology and stronger government action on poverty alleviation and granting Muslim youth access to education. (Mindanao Examiner)

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2023/01/extremist-groups-continue-recruitment.html