Saturday, June 17, 2023

Six rebels surrender in Central Luzon

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 17, 2023): Six rebels surrender in Central Luzon (By LIEZLE BASA IÑIGO)

CAMP OLIVAS, City of San Fernando, Pampanga – Three members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) surrendered to Central Luzon police while three others denounced their former communist front organization, report said on Saturday, June 17.

According to reports, “Ka Kana” and “Ka Landin,” who were members of the New People’s Army, voluntarily surrendered to the Zambales police.

Ka Kana, 19, a resident of San Marcelino, Zambales, was encouraged to join the CTG as she was allegedly promised proper education.

She was able to escape in the midst of their encounter with government forces.

Ka Landin, 50, a resident of Hermosa, Bataan, was influenced by his peers to join the CTG.

He was traumatized in an encounter with the government and decided to surrender to authorities.

Ka Landin surrendered a carbine caliber .30 M1, blasting cap with cord, three-page map, and a bandolier.


Meanwhile, three more rebels who voluntarily surrendered to the authorities, denounced their former communist front.

In Bulacan, elements of the 301st Maneuver Company facilitated the surrender of “Ka Lupe,” 53. He turned over an unlicensed homemade shotgun and four rounds of ammunition.

In Olongapo City, two female former members of Gabriela and Anakpawis withdrew their support and pledged their allegiance to the government.


They were given financial assistance and grocery packs thereafter.

In Tarlac, a former Bayan Muna member identified only as alias “Elen” also denounced the movement she joined, and at the same time, turned over one caliber .38 pistol.

She joined the organization in 2014 and was involved in recruitment, rallies, and other activities against the government.

https://mb.com.ph/2023/6/17/six-rebels-surrender-in-central-luzon

Gunmen raid army post in Basilan

From the Mindanao Times (Jun 18, 2023): Gunmen raid army post in Basilan (By Al Jacinto)

ZAMBOANGA CITY: A group of suspected Islamist fighters attacked an army ranger post in the town of Ungkaya Pukan in the Muslim province of Basilan in southern Philippines, sparking a gun battle that forced at least 300 people fleeing their homes to safety, police said on Saturday.

Police said the fighting in Materling village began at 1 p.m. on Friday, June 16, and lasted over an hour. The exchange of fire also wounded a 38-year-old civilian identified as Aragon Sajid Abon.


Civilians from Materling, as well as those from the villages of Lower Ulitan and Bohe Suyak, fled their homes to escape the clashes. They were temporarily housed in Ma'ahad Darul Ulum.

Another report from the provincial government quoted Maj. Alphad Osalli, the town's police chief, saying the gun battle lasted until 2 p.m. when the attackers withdrew toward an unknown direction, paving the way for the immediate evacuation of the displaced villagers in coordination with social workers and municipal administrator Madznur Maturan.



Photos by Ungkaya Pukan police via Philippine News Agency Facebook



Photos by Ungkaya Pukan police via Philippine News Agency Facebook



Photos by Ungkaya Pukan police via Philippine News Agency Facebook



Photos by Ungkaya Pukan police via Philippine News Agency Facebook



Photos by Ungkaya Pukan police via Philippine News Agency Facebook



Photos by Ungkaya Pukan police via Philippine News Agency Facebook



Photos by Ungkaya Pukan police via Philippine News Agency Facebook

No individual or group claimed responsibility for the attack, but the town is a known stronghold of the former rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Abu Sayyaf group.

The Western Mindanao Command, meanwhile, said there was no fighting in the area, but confirmed members of the Scout Ranger were fired upon by gunmen.

"Pinaputukan lang ang post ng Ranger ng unidentified perpetrators, but there was no firefight happened," Army spokesman Maj. Andrew Linaw told The Manila Times.

Last June 6, army soldiers killed two pro-Islamic State (IS) fighters in a clash in Basilan's Sumisip town and recovered Ahmad Ibrahim Rullie, the 15-year-old son of an Indonesian suicide bombers Rullie Rian Zeke and Ulfah Handayani Saleh.

Zeke and Saleh were tagged in the January 2019 bombings of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel in downtown Jolo in Sulu province.

The slain terrorists were followers of Dawlah Islamiya (Arabic words for Islamic State) subleader Mudzrimar Sawadjaan and Abu Sayyaf subleader Pasil Bayali. There were no reports on the whereabouts of Sawadjaan and Bayali.

Leaders of both the Dawlah Islamiya and the Abu Sayyaf group have pledged allegiance to IS.


Basilan is one of six provinces under the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/06/18/regions/gunmen-raid-army-post-in-basilan/1896508

AFP: 2 additional NPA KIA discovered in Agusan del Norte

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Facebook Page (Jun 18, 2023): 2 additional NPA KIA discovered in Agusan del Norte

JUST IN: 2 bodies were found today by operating troops near the encounter site that happened last June 16. Together with those earlier discovered yesterday, the identities of these bodies are being determined by police authorities so that these can be properly turned over to their families.



https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=629019359260478&set=a.219815943514157

https://www.facebook.com/armedforcesofthephilippines

MBLT-9 deployment reinforces defense capabilities in Palawan

From Palawan News (Jun 18, 2023): MBLT-9 deployment reinforces defense capabilities in Palawan (By Celeste Anna Formoso)



The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has deployed Marine Battalion Landing Team-9 along with its specialized Marine Amphibious Ready Unit (MARU) in Palawan to bolster its defense capabilities and provide support for local disaster relief and recovery operations.

During the battalion’s arrival ceremony on June 17 at the city port, Colonel Wilfredo Manalang, the deputy commander of the 3rd Marine Brigade (3MBde), expressed that the deployment will not only strengthen Palawan’s defense capabilities but also elevate its preparedness for disaster response and assistance operations. This strategic move aims to enhance Palawan’s capacity to effectively address and mitigate the impact of disasters, ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents.

Col. Manalang, who represented Col. Antonio Mangoroban, the commander of the 3MBde, said that with the presence of MBLT-9 and MARU, Palawan is now more equipped to efficiently address any potential threats and effectively respond to natural disasters, ensuring the well-being and progress of the province and its inhabitants.

Having previously served in Palawan in 1995, successfully combating detrimental environmental activities including illegal logging, illegal fishing, and smuggling, MBLT-9 is making its long-awaited return to the province.

Col. Manalang highlighted the unit’s professionalism and expertise, as they had recently concluded their rigorous training and emerged as a fully proficient and well-equipped MARU, ready to contribute to Palawan’s security and advancement.

“After 15 years, MBLT-9 is once again back to Palawan. And with the unit composed of professional officers and enlisted personnel, led by Lt. Col. Alquin Canson, it will surely be a factor in the peace, security, and development efforts of the province,” he said.

He expressed that the unit’s deployment is intended to bolster operational efficiency and promote a thorough understanding of the joint operational area.

Furthermore, he highlighted that it will facilitate smooth coordination in responding to possible contingencies, encompassing tasks such as providing assistance and disaster relief.

“Its deployment will also focus on familiarization of the joint operational area in order to enhance its ability to operate seamlessly in efficiently managing its resources to address any contingencies, such as humanitarian assistance, and disaster relied, and response,” Col. Manalang said.

Col. Canson, the commander of MBLT-9, meanwhile conveyed his utmost faith in their extensively trained soldiers who possess the essential abilities and knowledge to execute diverse missions with great effectiveness.

He emphasized that the arrival of the unit represents a strategic measure aimed at bolstering security in Palawan’s vast maritime territory, with special consideration given to the province’s archipelagic nature.

He pointed out that they have a dedicated company specifically trained for HADR operations, which encompass the vital task of delivering assistance, relief, and support to affected communities in the wake of natural disasters, emergencies, or humanitarian crises.

“Although Palawan’s geographical setup poses challenges, our amphibious capabilities as MBLT-9 have also been enhanced through recent retraining,” Canson said in an interview after the event.

Col. Canson emphasized that one of the key objectives of HADR operations is to collaborate with other AFP units, local government units’ disaster risk reduction and management offices (DRRMOs), and other relevant entities. Together, their aim is to alleviate the suffering of affected individuals, save lives, and reinstate stability and essential services in the impacted regions.

Palawan currently accommodates three battalions, which includes MBLT-9, in order to strengthen the military’s presence within the province. Marine Battalion Landing Team-4 is deployed in the southern area, while Marine Battalion Landing Team-3 operates in the north.

The battalion arrived in the city via BRP Tarlac (LD 601) at the port of Puerto Princesa. (with a report from Gerald Ticke)

https://palawan-news.com/mblt-9-deployment-reinforces-defense-capabilities-in-palawan/

PH, US, Japan nat’l security advisors commit to deepen trilateral defense ties in 1st meeting

From CNN Philippines (Jun 17, 2023): PH, US, Japan nat’l security advisors commit to deepen trilateral defense ties in 1st meeting (By Kristel Limpot, CNN Philippines)



Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 17) — The national security advisors (NSAs) of the Philippines, the United States, and Japan met for the first time in Tokyo on Friday, reaffirming their countries’ commitment to advance trilateral defense cooperation in response to regional security challenges.

In a joint statement, Philippine NSA Eduardo Año, along with his US and Japanese counterparts Jake Sullivan and Akiba Takeo, said they discussed concrete plans to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, “especially given unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion.”

Part of their discussions was on the disputed South China Sea, where more tense encounters between Manila and Beijing have occurred in recent months over what the Philippine Coast Guard had described as China’s “aggressive tactics.”


Tensions in the East China Sea, the Taiwan Strait, and in North Korea were also tackled during the meeting.

To enhance defense and security, the NSAs said they explored opportunities to hold joint maritime activities, including multilateral joint naval exercises in Indo-Pacific waters. Earlier this month, the three countries’ coast guards conducted their first trilateral joint training.

They also discussed developments in Philippine-US ties, including the identification of the four additional sites under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.

Japan and the Philippines, on the other hand, said they talked about frameworks to facilitate reciprocal visits of defense and military officials.

The NSAs further noted that they intend to increase three-way cooperation in the areas of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and to address economic coercion in coordination with other partners.

The officials added that they agreed to hold more trilateral exchanges in the coming months among their national security councils to further expand partnership and information-sharing.

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/6/17/ph-us-japan-security-advisors-meeting.html

Chinese navy ship tails, 'challenges' PH vessel near Pag-asa island

From CNN Philippines (Jun 17, 2023): Chinese navy ship tails, 'challenges' PH vessel near Pag-asa island



Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 17) — A Chinese navy ship tailed and "challenged" the BRP Francisco Dagohoy in the vicinity of Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea on Friday, the Philippine Coast Guard said on Saturday.

The Filipino patrol vessel operated by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) was leaving Pag-asa after delivering boats, fishing gear and other items as part of its livelihood assistance program to Kalayaan town when those aboard, including journalists, noticed the Chinese navy vessel.

"Nung nakadikit na sa Palawan yung mga tao, nag-report na sila na biglang nagpakita ang isang Chinese navy, hindi coast guard, sa likuran nila," PCG spokesperson Armand Balilo said.

[Translation: When they were close to Palawan, they reported that a Chinese Navy vessel, not coast guard, suddenly appeared behind them.]

"Malapit eh, hindi ko lang masabi kung ilang yards pa pero hindi siya napansin sa radar kasi parang nagpatay daw ng AIS [automatic identification systems]. Pero, sinundan sila at tatlong beses sila chinallenge," he added.

[Translation: It was close, I can't say how many yards, but the ship was not detected on radar because it seems like they turned off their AIS. But, it followed them and challenged them three times.]

The PCG said the Chinese navy ship left after the Filipino vessel responded to its challenge.

"Ang engagement kasi doon, sinasagot lang naman nila yung challenge at sinasabi lang na nandito lang sila para sa ating sovereign patrol pero pagkatapos noon ay kumalas na rin ang Chinese navy. Hindi na sila sumunod. Baka bumalik na sila sa puerto."

[Translation: The engagement there was that they [Filipino vessel] responded to the challenge by saying they were there for a sovereign patrol, but after that the Chinese navy left. It didn't continue following. Maybe they went back to port.]

Balilo refused to comment on the implications of a Chinese Navy ship challenging a Filipino vessel.

"Ayokong sabihin kung ano yung implication nito pero alam niyo naman doon sa West Philippine Sea it's a white-to-white ship engagement. Pero hindi naman namin dine-deny na may mga gray ship na nandoon pa rin," he said.

[Translation: I do not want to say what the implications are but you know that in the West Philippine Sea, it's a white-to-white ship engagement. But we are not denying that there are gray ships there.]

White ships refer to coast guard vessels while gray ships refer to military vessels.

"Sa Bajo de Masinloc [Scarborough shoal], kapag lumipad ka, nandoon yung mga white ships sa mouth nung Bajo de Masinloc, pero over the horizon pag lumagpas pa yung eroplano, makikita niyo na yung mga navy ships," Balilo added.

[Translation: In Bajo de Masinloc, if you fly, you will see white ships in the mouth of the reef, but past that, over the horizon, you will see navy ships.]

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/6/17/chinese-navy-tails-challenges-ph-vessel.html

Social workers strive to heal trauma in Negros Occidental conflict zones

 From Rappler (Jun 17, 2023): Social workers strive to heal trauma in Negros Occidental conflict zones (By REYMUND TITONG)



Kabankalan social welfare and development head Cyril D. Ramos says residents of conflict zones are afraid for the safety of their children, and farmers worry about their ability to meet their families’ survival needs

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – The sound of approaching trucks these days always sends at least one child crying and shaking in the hamlet of Dangalon, in Barangay Hilamonan, Kabankalan City.

Ramon Tingal says his daughter is one of the anxious minors, still unable to shake off the trauma of the May 3 clash in their village that injured two soldiers and killed his brother, Crispin, a farmer tagged by the military as a communist rebel.

The clash that killed the 36-year-old Crispin and another battle on May 11 roused anguish and anxiety among members of the close-knit clan and their neighbors, Ramon told Rappler on the sidelines of a June 9 training workshop on psychological first-aid for residents, teachers, and personnel of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).

Ramon’s daughter displays distress at loud noises. She is easily frightened by lorry sounds, even if these are not army-owned vehicles.

“Nahadlok gid ko, pati ang akon mga bata sa natabo sa kay utod ko,” Ramon said.

(I am terrified, even my children, about what happened to my brother.)

“Subong, ga pangayo kami sang oras sa mga military nga maka estorya, para ma plastar namon sa ila ang amon gusto, ilabi na ang amon seguridad” he added.

(At the moment, we are asking the military for a dialogue to discuss what we need, especially with regard to our security.)
Tightrope

Crispin’s family had immediately pushed back at the military’s claim that he was a rebel.

His wife, Dolly, said the farmer and father of seven children was scheduled to attend a seminar on the sustainable livelihood program of the Kabankalan City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and the city agriculture office on the day the military claimed he was involved in a clash.

The CSWDO told Rappler 122 families in the barangay fled their homes temporarily during the the recent clashes.

Whether or not their kin are killed or red-tagged, whether or not their villages are labelled communist influenced, families struggle with fear and the anxiety born of not knowing when you next have to flee home and farm.

In these polarized communities, social workers do their best, walking a tightrope between security units and conflict-affected communities.

The June 9 workshop happened when the CSWDO reached out to Leyte-based Independent Mental Health practitioner Lyra Verzosa and Dr. Ma. Pilipinas D. Jareño from the Central Philippines State University’s Mental Health Services Unit.

Their brief: help in dealing with what parents and teachers have reported as negative psychological effects among school children caught in the crossfire of clashes in Kabankalan and neighboring Himamaylan.
Teaching empathy

Kabankalan CSWDO head Cyril D. Ramos acknowledged that hundreds of residents in the southern cities are afraid for the safety of their children.

Farmers also spoke about feeling uncertain of their inability to meet their families’ survival needs.

“We are working with mental health professionals to provide psychosocial support to people who were distressed by the series of encounters in the upland communities of Kabankalan and Himamaylan cities,” Ramos told Rappler.


PROCESSING TRAUMA. Residents of conflict areas in Kabankalan, Negros Occidental undergo a psychological first-aid workshop on June 9. Reymund Titong

Verzosa conducted the workshop held at an events place in the city.

Using creative visual arts, she helped participants process individual stress experiences and learn how to manage circumstances in a crisis.

“I hope educators were motivated to be more empathic with the pupils they teach, and to incorporate their workshop learnings in classroom curricula to promote resilience as a proactive approach to crisis intervention,” she said.

Verzosa also conducted a stress management session via acupressure, a method of pressing on acupuncture points to facilitate energy circulation.

Deep breathing exercises were also done during the session.
Rights and security

Psychosocial needs assessment evoking justice, health, education, safety, and residents’ security needs were also given focus during the session.

“Lipay gid kami sa sini nga training kay tungod sini, kabalo kami mag dala sang amon emosyon kag kaugalingon sa tunga sang isa ka krisis sa subong pa nga medyo mainit gid sang sitwasyon namon sa Dangalon,” Ramon told Rappler.

(We are so happy about this training. Because of this, we will be able to manage our emotions amid a crisis, which is essential given the current state of events in Dangalon.)

“During the running gun battle, some residents of Barangay Buenavista in Himamaylan City, including young children, were affected. Based on the preliminary statistics from the Kabankalan City CSWDO, fifteen young children who had firsthand experiences with armed conflict have had psychological distress,” the CSWDO chief said.

The Tingal family and their neighbors represent the taillend of evacuations in southern Negros Occidental going back to the last quarter of 2022.

With clashes marking the government’s efforts to deal decisive blows against Asia’s oldest communist insurgency, people have taken shelter in gymnasiums, churches, schools, barangay multi-purpose halls, and the newer disaster emergency centers in town and city centers.

Children have had it bad in these battles.

On October 6, 2022, fighting in Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan forced students on their way to school to scramble for shelter. By late night of that day, the minors taken to the city’s main evacuation area were still trying to reunite with their parents.

MUST READ: Families separated as hundreds flee military, NPA clashes in Negros Occidental


The Carabalan clash lasted four days. The number of affected individuals breached the 1,000 mark on the second day and rose to 18,000 individuals across three villages by the time the Armed Forces gave the green light for residents to return home.

The October 2022 encounters displaced more than 5,000 persons, prompting officials of the third-class component city to declare a state of emergency.

Days of fighting killed two soldiers and rebel leader Romeo Nanta, also known as Juanito Magbanua, the commanding officer of the NPA Apolinario Gatmaitan Command and spokesperson for the Communist Party of the Philippines’ Negros-Cebu-Bohol-Siquijor regional party committee.

MUST READ: War-weary Himamaylan residents pine for home, worry over livelihood


https://www.rappler.com/nation/visayas/social-workers-strive-heal-trauma-negros-occidental-conflict-zones/

Soldiers kill 3 in surprise attack but face strong NPA defense in Butuan

From Rappler (Jun 17, 2023): Soldiers kill 3 in surprise attack but face strong NPA defense in Butuan (By FROILAN GALLARDO)



The soldiers attacked rebels while they were doing mundane chores. As soon as the rebels regained their composure, they fought back and caught the military off guard

CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines – Fierce fighting erupted in a remote village of Butuan City as soldiers launched a surprise assault on New People’s Army (NPA) rebels while they were engrossed in mundane chores, resulting in the death of three guerrillas on Friday, June 16.

The rebels put up a strong resistance and their numbers caught government troops off guard, prompting them to call for reinforcement.

Major General Jose Maria Cuerpo, commander of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, described the rebel group as significantly “large,” prompting the soldiers to request air support as they engaged in a firefight with the guerrilla forces in Sitio Dugyanan, Barangay Anticala in Butuan.


Cuerpo said the Philippine Air Force (PAF) dispatched a pair of Turkish-made T129B attack helicopters, which launched air strikes on rebel positions at the slopes of Mount Apo-apo.

After the smoke cleared and the dust settled, soldiers discovered the bodies of three rebels at the NPA camp, two of whom were female.

The fleeing rebels abandoned 15 high-powered firearms, including five AK 47 rifles, three M4 rifles, two M16 rifles with M203 grenade launchers, and four AR-18 rifles.

“The rebels fiercely resisted, compelling us to request air support to weaken their defenses,” said Brigadier General George Banzon, the commander of the Army’s 901st Brigade, who oversaw the military offensive.

Banzon said the soldiers initially opened fire on the communist rebels while they were preparing lunch in their camp, with some washing their clothes at a nearby creek.

He said the rebels regained their composure and fought back.

In Claveria town, Misamis Oriental, a female NPA rebel was also killed during a clash in Sitio Kalhaan, Barangay Minalwang on Wednesday afternoon, June 14, according to Colonel Christian Uy, the commander of the Army’s 58th Infantry Battalion.

Uy said the search for 15 other NPA rebels, who retreated from the scene of the encounter, is still ongoing.

Major Francisco Garello Jr., spokesperson for the 4th ID, said the military will work to identify the dead rebels once the bodies are brought to the town centers.

“At the moment, the bodies are still in the mountains. Once they are retrieved, we will ask former rebels to identify them,” Garello said.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/army-attack-face-strong-npa-defense-butuan-june-16-2023/

7 killed in dawn raid in Maguindanao Del Sur

From Rappler (Jun 18, 2023): 7 killed in dawn raid in Maguindanao Del Sur (By FERDINANDH CABRERA)



Brigadier General Allan Nobleza of the Police Regional Office in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region says the two main targets, Tutin Usop and Datdat Usop, were neutralized

COTABATO CITY, Philippines – Seven people were killed in a dawn raid led by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Datu Paglas, Maguindanao on Sunday, June 18.

Maguindanao Del Sur Police Provincial Commander Cololnel Roel Sermese said it was a joint police and military operation.


Brigadier General Allan Nobleza, regional commander of the Police Regional Office – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao said the two main targets were neutralized.

They are identified as Tutin Usop and Datdat Usop.

“These are the groups we monitored involved in bombing of the National Grid Corporation’s towers in Carmen, Cotabato in 2016 and involved in other criminal activities, he said.


The group was also said to have been involved in the Datu Paglas siege on May 9, 2021.

The “Paglas Siege” – blamed on the BIFF-ISIS inspired Karialan group – led to the displacement of thousand of residents and the closure of the national highway.


Nobleza said the joint security forces were armed with search warrants, however, when they reached the target village in Barangay Damawato, Datu Paglas, Maguindanao Del Sur around 2 am, they were welcomed by a burst of gunfire.

“It was a fierce firefight that lasted more than an hour and half”, Nobleza said.


Government troops reportedly had no casualties and seven suspects were killed. But local residents said eight people were killed and among those slain were the two sons of late commander TMX.

Several high powered firearms and pistols were confiscated from the suspects, Nobleza added. 

[Ferdinandh Cabrera is an Aries Rufo Journalism fellow.]

https://www.rappler.com/nation/mindanao/dawn-raid-paglas-maguindanao-del-sur/

Gunmen raid army post in Basilan province

 From the Mindanao Examiner (Jun 17, 2023): Gunmen raid army post in Basilan province

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Suspected Islamists attacked an army ranger post in the town of Ungkaya Pukan in the Muslim province of Basilan in southern Philippines sparking a gun battle that forced at least 300 people fleeing their homes to safety, police said.

Police said the fighting in Materling village began 1 p.m. on Friday, June 16, and lasted over an hour and wounded a civilian, Aragon Sajid Abon, 38. Civilians from Materling as well as those from the villages of Lower Ulitan and Bohe Suyak escaped the clashes. It said the civilians from the villages Materling, Boheh Suyak and Lower Ulitan were temporarily housed in Ma’ahad Darul Ulum.


Another report from the provincial government quoted Major Alphad Osalli, the town’s police chief, saying the gun battle lasted until 2 p.m. when the enemies withdrew towards the unknown direction, paving the way for the immediate evacuation of the displaced villagers in coordination with social workers and municipal administrator Madznur Maturan.

No individual or group claimed responsibility for the attack, but the town is a known stronghold of the former rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Abu Sayyaf group.

The Western Mindanao Command said there was no fighting, but confirmed members of the Scout Ranger were fired upon by gunmen. “Pinaputukan lang ang post ng Ranger ng unidentified perpetrators, but there was no firefight happened,” Army spokesman Maj. Andrew Linaw told The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper.

Last June 6, army soldiers killed two pro-ISIS fighters in a clash in Basilan’s Sumisip town and recovered Ahmad Ibrahim Rullie, the 15-year old son of an Indonesian suicide bombers Rullie Rian Zeke and Ulfah Handayani Saleh who were tagged in the January 2019 bombings of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel in downtown Jolo in Sulu province.

The slain terrorists were followers of Dawlah Islamiya (Islamic State) sub-leader Mudzrimar Sawadjaan and Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Pasil Bayali. There were no reports on both Sawadjaan and Bayali.


Leaders of both the Dawlah Islamiya, Arabic words for Islamic State; and the Abu Sayyaf group have pledged allegiance to ISIS. Basilan, one of six provinces under the Bangsamoro autonomous region in a stronghold of several Muslim extremist groups, blamed for the violence and attacks on civilians over the past decades.

https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2023/06/gunmen-raid-army-post-in-basilan.html

Troops capture wives of terror leaders in Southern Philippines

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jun 17, 2023): Troops capture wives of terror leaders in Southern Philippines

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Police commandos backed by army soldiers arrested three women with links to the pro-ISIS group Abu Sayyaf in the southern Philippine province of Basilan, officials said Saturday.

Officials said the trio were wives of Abu Sayyaf sub-leaders Pasil Bayali and Mudzfar, were captured on Thursday evening, June 15, in the village of Lower Lanote in Isabela City after security forces tracked down their hideout.

Army Col. Frederick Sales, commander of an anti-terror task force, said two of the women – Marilyn Lasigan Bayali, 46; and Madarang Jahirul Bayali, 44; – were wives of Bayali, who remains at-large. The third woman, Nurmina Anisa, 20, is the widow of Mudzfar, who was killed in previous clashes with security forces.






Photos released by the military to The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper show recovered explosives and rifle from the three Abu Sayyaf women in Isabela City.

He said troops also recovered a powerful improvised explosive fashioned from two 81mm mortar bombs, one of them was complete with blasting cap, detonator and concrete nails; and one M16A1 automatic rifle and a magazine, and a cell phone.

Sales provided no other details about the women or whether they were plotting to bomb civilian or military targets, but Army Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, said military operations were continuing in the Muslim province against terrorist groups.

“Your armed forces will not stop supporting our partners from the police and other law enforcement agencies in suppressing criminality in Western and Central Mindanao. I commend the troops of Joint Task Force Basilan and our police counterparts for this successful operation,” he said.

https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2023/06/troops-capture-wives-of-terror-leader.html

Top Army exec cites civilian role in defeat of NPA in Caraga

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 17, 2023): Top Army exec cites civilian role in defeat of NPA in Caraga (By Alexander Lopez)



WINNING VS. INSURGENCY. Some of the 15 high-powered firearms recovered in a strike operation that killed three New People’s Army rebels and conducted by the 29th Infantry Battalion in Mt. Apo-Apo, Sitio Dugyaman, Barangay Anticala, Butuan City on Friday (June 16, 2023). Lt. Gen. Greg Almerol, commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, recognized the vital role of the civilians in the continuing fight to end the communist armed conflict in the Caraga Region. (Photo courtesy of EMC)

BUTUAN CITY – The recent success of the Philippine Army in the Caraga Region in its offensive against the communist New People’s Army (NPA) happened with the full support of the mass base in the area.

This was emphasized by Lt. Gen. Greg Almerol, the commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, in a statement issued on Saturday.


On Friday, three NPA rebels were killed in a strike operation conducted by the 29th Infantry Battalion (29IB) in the vicinity of Mt. Apo-Apo, Sitio Dugyaman, Barangay Anticala, Butuan City.

A total of 15 high-powered firearms, ammunition, a laptop, cellphones, backpacks, and subversive documents were also recovered by the 29IB troopers after the clash.

The recovered firearms consisted of five AK47 rifles, four AR18 rifles, three M4 rifles, two M203 grenade launchers, and one M16 rifle.


Acting on the tip of a civilian who saw about 30 suspected NPA rebels massing up in the area of Mt. Apo-Apo, the 29IB immediately conducted a strike operation that resulted in the armed confrontation.

The rebels were the combined elements of the Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda 21C, Guerilla Front 21, and Platoon Dao, Sub-Regional Sentro de Grabidad Westland, both under the Sub-Regional Committee Westland of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee of the NPA.

“I commend the cooperation of civilians and the swift action of the troops, which resulted in the successful operation,” Almerol said.

He also expressed optimism that the recent defeat of the NPA rebels would further demoralize the group’s forces in Caraga.

"The series of defeats of the communist terrorist group in Eastern Mindanao, especially in the Caraga Region, proved that the support from their top-to-bottom leadership, including their former mass bases, is already absent,” Almerol said.

The only option for the remaining NPA rebels in the area, he added, is to surrender to escape from the consequences of their anti-people behavior at the hands of the government troops.

The remains of the NPA rebels, a male and two females, were retrieved by the 29IB forces for identification and proper disposal.

The 29IB is under the operational control of the 901st Infantry Brigade of the 4th Infantry Division of the Army in the area of the EMC.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1203731

AFP deploys marine amphibious force to Palawan

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 17, 2023): AFP deploys marine amphibious force to Palawan



FORCE BUILD-UP. Troops belonging to the Marine Amphibious Ready Unit of the Philippine Marine Corps arrive in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan on Saturday morning (June 17, 2023). Their presence will beef up the Armed Forces of the Philippines' strength in the island province. (PNA photo by Issa Reynoso)

PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Saturday deployed Marine Battalion Landing Team 9 (MBLT-9) to Palawan to bolster its military strength in maintaining security, peace, and progress.

The troops, forming the first Marine Amphibious Ready Unit (MARU) of the Philippine Marine Corps, arrived in the morning aboard the Philippine Navy vessel BRP Tarlac.

With the arrival of MBLT-9, there are now three battalions securing Palawan.


The Marine Battalion Landing Team-3 is stationed in northern Palawan, while the Marine Battalion Landing Team-4 is in southern Palawan.

Col. Wilfredo Manalang, deputy commander of the 3rd Marine Brigade, led the arrival ceremony at Puerto Princesa City seaport. He represented Col. Antonio Mangoroban, the commander of the brigade.

Speaking at the event, Manalang emphasized the crucial role the MBLT-9 will play in maintaining peace, order, and stability in Puerto Princesa City and the 23 municipalities in the province.

"After 15 years, MBLT-9 is once again back in Palawan. And with the unit composed of professional officers and enlisted personnel, ably led by Lt. Col. Alquin Canson, it will surely be a factor in the peace, security, and development efforts of the province," he said.

Manalang said the battalion had recently completed its training, qualifying it as a suitable MARU to support Palawan in maintaining advancements in security, peace, and development.

The deployment will also focus on familiarization of the joint operational area that will enhance its ability to operate seamlessly in efficiently managing its resources to address any contingencies, such as humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR).

The unit's deployment also presents an "exceptional opportunity" for additional training as a marine amphibious force, allowing its troops to enhance further their overall effectiveness in accomplishing missions.

As Palawan continues to thrive and attract both domestic and international attention, the reinforcement of military forces will ensure the protection of its natural resources, tourism industry, and the safety of residents, according to Manalang.

Canson said they are highly trained and equipped with the necessary skills and expertise to carry out various missions and operations effectively.

He explained that despite the geographic challenges of being an archipelagic province, their arrival would allow them to put their training as a prepared amphibious unit into practice.

"Our amphibious capabilities as MBLT-9 have also been enhanced through recent retraining," Canson said, adding hat they have one company trained for HADR operations.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1203744

CPP/CIO: Maximum outrage against the AFP for the Fausto family massacre in Negros

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jun 17, 2023): Maximum outrage against the AFP for the Fausto family massacre in Negros
 


Marco Valbuena
Chief Information Officer
Communist Party of the Philippines

June 17, 2023

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and all revolutionary forces join the Filipino people in expressing maximum outrage against the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) over the massacre of the Fausto family last June 14 in Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City. The massacre, carried out by armed troops under the 94th IB, constitutes grave war crimes.

According to local reports, bloodthirsty fascist soldiers of the 94th Infantry Battalion barged into the hut of the Fausto family sometime Wednesday night and carried out the killings in cold blood. Killed were spouses Rolly/Billy (52) and Emilda (51), and their two children, Ben (15) and Raben (11). Emilda and her children were apparently killed in their sleep, while Rolly was dragged to a nearby sugarcane field where he was killed.

We hold Colonel Van Donald Almonte, commander of the 94th IB, and Col. Orlando Edralin, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, which leads operations of the 94th IB, responsible for the massacre of the Fausto family. Before they could even open their mouth to cover-up for the crimes of his men, reports of the massacre were already making the rounds of news outlets and social media. Faced with damning evidence of their crime, they issued statements turning facts on its head, filled with a tangled web of lies to make wild accusations against the New People’s Army (NPA).

At first, the AFP issued statements claiming that the Fausto family were killed as part of “internal cleansing” of the NPA, but later concocted the grand fairy tale that the Faustos were spies of the AFP, and that they were “red-tagged” as part of their “cover” (unwittingly admitting that the AFP does carry out “red tagging” against activists).

In behalf of all revolutionary forces, we extend our sympathies to the Fausto family, especially the other Fausto children, and link arms with them in their demand for justice and for the perpetrators of this heinous crime to be tried and punished.

The Faustos were active members of the Baklayan, Bito, Cabagal Farmers Association (BABICAFA), a locally registered organization representing the interests of peasants and farm-workers in the said barangay. Before their murder, the Faustos were repeatedly harassed by soldiers of the 94th IB who accuse them of being supporters of the New People’s Army.

Just last May, soldiers attacked the Faustos in their own home, held a knife against Emilda as she was subjected to interrogation. At the same time, Billy was tortured to make him to admit to being an NPA supporter, then later forced him to guide soldiers in their operations. The soldiers were demanding that the Faustos cooperate with the AFP and serve as spies against the NPA. Their killing aims to send a clear message for others to bow to the will of the military or suffer the same bloody fate.

This is not the first war crime perpetrated by military units under the command of General Edralin, and other AFP brigades. In his rush to get his promotion and pocket millions of pesos in counterinsurgency funds, he is ordering foot soldiers of the AFP to commit crimes targeting civilians, including children.

The 94th IB, in particular, which was established in 2018 and assigned in Negros since, is responsible for at least 150 cases of human rights violations, in their drive to sow fear and terror among the peasant masses. At various times, more than 18,000 have been forced to flee their homes in Moises Padilla, Isabela, Binalbagan, Himamaylan City and Kabankalan City, due to the brutal operations of the said military battalion.

We call on the AFP’s rank-and-file, specifically those under the 94th IB, who could no longer stomach the bloody crimes they are being made to commit against the Filipino people to leave the AFP and repudiate the lies and fascist ideology that has been ingrained into their minds. It is not surprising that many of them are traumatized and dehumanized by these crimes and now suffer from different forms of mental illnesses.

The Party welcomes all efforts of various sectors and organizations to investigate and expose the AFP massacre of the Fausto family. At the same time, the Party calls on all local revolutionary forces, including units of the New People’s Army, to pinpoint the officers and men of the 94th IB who took direct part in the crime, and carry out all effort to subject them to trial and punishment, by way of responding to the clamor for justice of the Filipino people.

The massacre of the Fausto family is the 5th massacre perpetrated by the reactionary state armed forces under the Marcos illegitimate and fascist regime, in less than one year in power. More than 100 civilians and people protected under international humanitarian law have been killed since Marcos assumed power. The fascist regime is increasingly desperate to silence the people and suppress their various forms of resistance, to allow foreign big capitalists and their local cohorts to take over the people’s land and the country’s wealth, and give the Marcoses free rein to plunder the public coffers.

The Filipino people will not be cowed by the incessant fascist attacks of Marcos’ armed minions. More and more, they are being pushed to strengthen their organizations, rise to their feet and raise their fists to demand justice for all the crimes perpetrated by the AFP and all other armed agents of the Marcos regime.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/maximum-outrage-against-the-afp-for-the-fausto-family-massacre-in-negros/

CPP/NPA-Central Negros: Pagpinalupok sang 62nd IB sa Canlaon, Ginakondenar sang NPA

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jun 16, 2023): Pagpinalupok sang 62nd IB sa Canlaon, Ginakondenar sang NPA (Crushing of the 62nd IB in Canlaon, Condemned by the NPA)
 


JB Regalado
Spokesperson
NPA-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command)
New People's Army

June 16, 2023

Lubos nga ginakondenar sang Leonardo Panaligan Command-New People’s Army ang pagpinalupok sang mga katapo sang 62IB sa sityo Uyangan, Brgy Budlasan, Canlaon City alas 11:00 sang gab-i, Hunyo 15, 2023.

Nagtuga sang kakugmat kag disturbo sa mga residente sa lugar ang halos isa ka oras (nagsugod las 11:00 tubtob las 12:00 sang tungang gab-i) nga pagpinalupok sang nasambit nga tropa militar. Nakabatyag sang trauma ang mga kabataan sang mga mangunguma kag nagdisturbo man ini sa ila mahamuok nga katulugon. Dako ang kabalaka sang mga residente bangud lab-as pa sa balita ang natabo nga pagmasaker sa pamilya Fausto sa sityo Kangkiling, Brgy Buenavista, Himamaylan diin nagkalamatay ang 4 nga katapo sang nasambit nga pamilya lakip na ang 2 ka minor de edad nga mga kabataan. Ginatudlo man diri nga kahimuan sang berdugong 94thIB sa pagpamuno ni Lt.Col Van Donald Almonte idalum sa 303rd BdePA sa pagpamuno man ni B/Gen. Orlando Edralin.

Mabaskog man nga ginakondenar sang LPC-NPA ang patarasak nga pagpaniro sang pasistang 62ndIB nga nagtuga sang kamatayon nanday Roweno Anubong, 40 anyos sang sityo Agogolo, Brgy Macagahay kag Benjie Ebarle, legal ang edad, may asawa kag 3 ka kabataan sang sityo Bungaw, Brgy Trinidad, Guihulngan City. Ang duha ka biktima ang lunsay mga mangunguma kag sibilyan. Taliwas sa mga kabutigan kag fabricated kag cover-up nga palayag ni Col. William Pesase sang 62ndIB kag B/Gen. Orlando Edralin sang 303rd BdePA.

Lubos man ginahangkat sang LPC-NPA ang Commission on Human Rights-Negros nga maghimo sang nagakaigo kag balanse nga imbestigasyon bahin sa paglapas sang tawhanon nga kinamatarung sang mga mangunguma kag sibilyan sa mga binukid sang Central Negros nga ginatudlo sang kadam-an nga katapo sang AFP-PNP kag iban pa nga mga makinaryas sang reaksyonaryong estado ang principal nga may kahilabtanan.

Sa masami kag sa sini nga kinaiya sang krimen, daw apa kag “walang-timik” ang CHR-Negros pareho sang brutal nga pagpatay sang mag-asawa, pagsunog sang ila balay kag mga bangkay nila Brgy Kagawad Enric Calago kag BHW Rosalie Calago sang Brgy Tacpao, Guihulngan City sadtong tuig 2015. Ginatudlo diri nga ang may kahimuan amo ang mga katapo sang 11th IB. Pagmasaker man sang pamilya Pableo sa Brgy Panubigan, Canlaon City kag ginatudlo man ang mga kàtapo sang 11th IB. Pagtiro-patay sa mag-asawa nga sanday Edwin Sancelan kag Dr. Rose Sancelan sang tuig 2020 sa Guihulngan City. Pagmasaker sa pamilya Jacolbe sa sityo Banderahan, Brgy Trinidad, Guihulngan diin patay ang nagabusong nga si Cristina Jacolbe kag anak sini nga si Everly Kee Jacolbe, 16 yrs old kag Rodan Montero, pagpatay kay Pompeo Landisa, Greg Cantela, Arnold Swerte sadtong 2022, pagpatay kay Victor Baldonado, Orlando Pat kag Benjie Ebarle sang tuig 2023 tanan sang Guihulngan City. Pagpatay kay Antony Curson sang Canlaon City, Jose “Jojo” Albores, Ruben Obidas, mag-asawa nga sanday Juliven Ramirez kag Evelyn Meren subong man pagpatay kay Roweno Anubong sini man nga tuig 2023 tanan sang Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental kag madamo pa diin ginatudlo sang kadam-an ang mga katapo sang 62nd IB ang may kahimuan sang makasiligni nga krimen batok sa mga sibilyan kag mangunguma sa mga kaumahan sang Central Negros.

Ginapanawagan man sa tanan nga yunit sang NPA nga maglunsar sang taktikal nga opensiba agud pabayaron ang berdugong militar sa ila kalapasan batok sa mga pumuluyo.

New People’s Army kag ang pumuluyo mag-isa. Hublasan kag ibuyagyag ang mga kabutigan kag mga pagpatalang sang AFP, PNP, NTF-Elcac.###

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/pagpinalupok-sang-62nd-ib-sa-canlaon-ginakondenar-sang-npa/

CPP/NPA-Negros Island ROC: 94th IB will pay for its numerous human rights violations

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jun 16, 2023): 94th IB will pay for its numerous human rights violations
 


Maoche Legislador
Spokesperson
Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)
New People's Army

June 16, 2023

The massacre of the Fausto family, including two minors, yesterday, June 14, in their home at Sitio Kangkiling, Brgy. Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental is a mark of the evil deeds of the 94th Infantry Battalion (IB) that sow state terror in the mountainous areas of the said city. The 94th IB headed by its commander, Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte, pretended to be pro-people and an advocate of peace upon sending letters to residents of Brgy. Buenavista last month. But cases of intimidation and harassment, ransacked houses, illegal arrests, torture, abduction, extrajudicial killings and many others reek of their lies and ruthlessness.

Since the 94th IB was founded and assigned to Negros Island on 2018, it has perpetrated more than 150 cases of violation of human rights and international humanitarian law that caused grave harm to residents in Central Negros. More than 18,000 residents of Moises Padilla, Isabela, Binalbagan, Himamaylan City and Kabankalan City in Negros Occidental, and Guihulngan City, Jimalalud, Ayungon and Manjuyod in Negros Oriental were affected by abuses of this military troop. It has summarily killed 34 individuals, the latest of which is the massacre of the Fausto family.

Officials and members of five farmer and farm workers associations in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental were not spared from the attacks of the 94th IB. They were forced to surrender and condemn the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and New People’s Army (NPA) and other organizations tagged as “front organizations.” Fabricating a list of individuals and associations who allegedly “surrendered,” abducting and torturing civilians, killing their victims if uncooperative, planting firearms and illegal materials, and branding their victim as NPA casualty in fake encounters have become the AFP’s impunity measures. It invents scripted incidents and evidences for the public eye to justify expending millions from the AFP budget into military operations.

Similar to other military battalions on Negros Island, the 94th IB accumulates awards in exchange for each person they brutally torture and kill, for every captured and surrendered individual, and the numerous number of people’s lives and livelihood they have destroyed through indiscriminate firing and shelling in the countryside. From combatant to official, they bloodthirstily pursue the people to become victims in their scripted drama wherein they will surely be hailed as heroes. They are like rabid dogs fighting over positions, ranks, power and fortune.

Like his commander, Edralin, Lt. Col. Almonte is daydreaming in his tiresome statements of defeating the NPA. The entire revolutionary movement is confident that the AFP, PNP, and other mercenary agents of the reactionary government who wreak havoc on the lives of the Filipino people, mainly the toiling masses, are the terrorists. The revolutionary movement has achieved victories in more than five decades because of the never-ending support of the masses to their genuine army. Time will come when the people will hold the butcher military accountable for the long list of violations of the people’s democratic rights. The 94th IB will pay dearly for impeding the people from realizing social liberation and democracy.###

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/94th-ib-will-pay-for-its-numerous-human-rights-violations/

CPP/NPA-South Central Negros: Fausto family massacre–94th IB’s retaliation after NPA’s tactical offensive on June 13

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jun 16, 2023): Fausto family massacre–94th IB’s retaliation after NPA’s tactical offensive on June 13
 

This article is available in Hiligaynon

Dionesio Magbuelas
Spokesperson
NPA-South Central Negros (Mt. Cansermon Command)
Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)
New People's Army

June 16, 2023

Edralin’s statements are humiliating and he still has the gall to face the media and blame someone else for the brutal act of the military troops that he leads. The people knows the dirty record of killings and the various forms of abuses perpetrated by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), particularly the 303rd Brigade.

The Fausto family massacre was carried out by the 94th Infantry Battalion (IB) of the AFP and elements of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) as reaction to the harassment operation against the CAFGU Detachment in Brgy. Hilamunan, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental by a unit of Red fighters under the Mount Cansermon Command-New People’s Army South Central Negros (MCC-NPA) last June 13, 9:30 in the evening that resulted to several casualties on the side of the military troops within the camp. This was the reason behind their brutal retaliation on civilian farmers who they suspect as NPA supporters.

In truth, the 94th IB has been planning and preparing to butcher the Fausto family for a while now similar to the cold-blooded killing of other civilians. How can we say that it was premeditated?

Rolly Fausto was captured and then tortured several times in the very CAFGU camp in Hilamonan, his house was ransacked four times and he was threatened and forced to admit that he was a NPA member. Just last week, the MCC-NPA received complaints from residents concerned of their security because their names were announced over the radio and this included Rolly Fausto. Through a program of the army in a local radio station, commentator Johnrey Hilado often mentioned Rolly Fausto insinuating that he fed and supported the NPA. This was a form of red-tagging that put Rolly Fausto and others at risk.

A month ago, the Fausto family has been subjected to harassments and threats, and their home was ransacked by the 94th IB, mainly soldiers assigned to the Hilamonan and Mahalang detachments. A few days before the massacre, a unit of the MCC-NPA was notified by residents themselves that three suspicious persons were spying on the Fausto house, and one was identified as a military asset who is a rebel returnee.

The 303rd Brigades claim that Rolly Fausto was their asset which, according to them, was why the NPA killed him is a worn-out statement. How can one be a military asset when an individual was repeatedly threatened and tortured, and his house was ransacked just recently? Edralin’s claims are inconsistent with what actually occurred to the Fausto family.

Since the dead can no longer defend themselves, like the Fausto family and many more, Edralin and Almonte quickly wash their hands, deny accountability, and shamelessly pose as innocents in the massacre.

The people will be the judge. Due to the consecutive extrajudicial killings, such as the case of Crispin Tingal Jr and now the Fausto family massacre, Edralin and Almonte can no longer deceive the public even if they shed buckets of crocodile tears to get the sympathy of the very people who are victims of their atrocities.###

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/fausto-family-massacre-94th-ibs-retaliation-after-npas-tactical-offensive-on-june-13/