Friday, June 23, 2023

Tarlac Province, from Insurgency hotbed, declares free from Communist insurgency

From the Journal Online (Jun 24, 2023): Tarlac Province, from Insurgency hotbed, declares free from Communist insurgency

Camp Servillano Aquino, San Miguel Tarlac – The Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) of the province of Tarlac declared Friday, June 23, 2023, the province to as in a state of Stable Internal Peace and Security pursuant to PPOC Resolution No. 02 series of 2023, as the province was categorized as cleared and unaffected by the communist insurgency and is relatively peaceful.

The declaration was significant and symbolic as Tarlac was once a historic hotbed of insurgency, being the birthplace of the New People’s Army (NPA) in 1969 and the first in Region 3 to be declared as in a state of Stable Internal Peace and Security.

The resolution noted that the capabilities of the Communist Terrorist Group operating within Tarlac province, particularly the Komiteng Larangang Gerilya-Tarlac-Zambales (TARZAM) that was officially declared weakened in 2022 have been significantly reduced. This can be attributed to the combined efforts of the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF ELCAC), member agencies of the PPOC, and the provincial government of Tarlac.


Governor Susan A. Yap emphasized the importance of peace in achieving regional progress in her message. “Tarlac has been fighting for peace because, without peace, development and progress will not come”, the governor said.



She went on to say that peace could only be achieved through open communication with the people and finding solutions to their problems. She also praised the collaborative efforts of the various government agencies involved in finally declaring the province peaceful, as this will attract more investors and provide more opportunities for the people of Tarlac.

NOLCOM, AFP will continue to do its best to contribute to the maintenance of stable internal peace and security in the province of Tarlac in support to the law enforcement operations, as well as in other provinces within its area of operations that met the criteria for declaring CTG-affected areas to be also declared free of insurgency in order to achieve the people’s desire for sustainable peace and development.

https://journal.com.ph/tarlac-province-from-insurgency-hotbed-declares-free-from-communist-insurgency/

Pangasinan remains insurgency–free

From the Manila Times (Jun 24, 2023): Pangasinan remains insurgency–free (By Gabriel L. Cardinoza)

LINGAYEN: Pangasinan, the biggest province in the Ilocos Region, remains insurgency-free.

This was the report of Lt. Col. Michael Bautista, commanding officer of the Army's 71st Infantry Battalion, during the joint meeting of the Provincial Development, Provincial Peace and Order, and Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse councils on Thursday, June 22, here.

Bautista, however, asked the council to "reaffirm" the insurgency-free status of the province.

Bautista said that since 2018, when Pangasinan was first declared insurgency-free, no violent insurgency-related incident was recorded in the province.

He attributed this to the team effort of peace-keeping forces and the different local government units (LGUs) in the province, especially with the creation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict or NTF-Elcac.

The last reported encounter between government forces and the New People's Army took place in the Caraballo Mountains, in the boundary of the upland villages of Malico and Sta. Maria in San Nicolas town in August 2017.


As peace and order council chairman, Gov. Ramon Guico 3rd said he supports the move for the reaffirmation of Pangasinan as insurgency-free.

Vice Gov. Mark Ronald Lambino said that the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines must formalize its request by writing to the provincial board, where it will go through a deliberation before finally passing a resolution to reaffirm the province as insurgency-free.

Bautista clarified that if there were reports before about rebel returnees in some places of the province, these individuals, he said, were already "inactive and they just wanted their names removed from their former organizations."

Meantime, at the meeting of the Regional Peace and Order Council here on June 23, Guico said that his administration has given high importance to the security of the province.

He said that peace and order was an important factor for the province to attain progress.

"One of the major reasons why investments in an LGU or province would flourish is because there is peace and order. So it is a very important component of progress and development," Guico said.

"I believe that peace and order is one of the difficult areas of governance to maintain and even to promote. But I am glad that we have this peace and order council meeting so that the different departments and different stakeholders would come and discuss the possible programs and platforms and actions to be taken," he added.

Guico said that his administration was also promoting a "convergence approach," saying that the different national and local government agencies need not be compartmentalized.

"National and provincial government agencies would come together, share their resources for the cause, common vision and common objectives," Guico said.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/06/24/regions/pangasinan-remains-insurgencyfree/1897551

Arms cache discovered in Eastern Samar

Posted to the Manila Times (Jun 24, 2023): Arms cache discovered in Eastern Samar (By Philippine News Agency)

TACLOBAN CITY: Troops of the Philippine Army's 52nd Infantry Battalion discovered an arms cache consisting of four high-powered firearms and four banned anti-personnel mines buried in Agsaman village in Jipapad, Eastern Samar, the military reported on Friday.

Following the revelation of the alias Artem, 25, former political instructor of the New People's Army (NPA) front committee 3 who recently surrendered, soldiers found on Thursday an arms cache with two AK47 rifles, an M14 rifle, a shotgun, banned explosives, two magazines of AK47 and M14, 140 rounds ammunition of AK47, and 75 cartridges of 7.62mm ball for M14.


Photo courtesy from Visayas Command, AFP Facebook

The series of local peace engagements by the different government agencies and the continuing delivery of basic services and socioeconomic development in the community prompted alias Artem to surrender on June 18, 2023.

Maj. Gen. Camilo Ligayo, commander of the Army's 8th Infantry Division, commended Artem for his surrender and cooperation with the government's anti-insurgency campaign.

"We welcome the surrender of alias Artem, and we are hoping that the other members of NPA will also do the same. It is not too late to surrender, return to the folds of the law and make use of the different government assistance as you start your life anew," Ligayo said.

The official believes that rebels buried their firearms since they don't have enough men to carry them.

Alias Artem will receive government financial assistance under the local social integration program and an enhanced comprehensive local integration program. He will also undergo livelihood training as part of his reintegration process.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/06/24/regions/arms-cache-discovered-in-eastern-samar/1897541

Military says Tarlac province now 'insurgency-free'

From the Philippine Star (Jun 23, 2023): Military says Tarlac province now 'insurgency-free' (By Artemio Dumlao)



The New People's Army marked its 51st anniversary on March 29, 2020.
Photo courtesy of Visayas Today / Nonoy Espina


BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Tarlac province is now “free” from the presence of the communist underground movement, according to the military.

The Provincial Peace and Order Council Resolution No. 02 series of 2023 categorized the province as "cleared and unaffected" by the communist insurgency and is relatively peaceful, the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines declared Friday.

Nolcom spokesman Major Al Anthony Pueblas said Tarlac was once a hotbed of insurgency for being the birthplace of the New People's Army (NPA) in 1969.


Pueblas added that the latest declaration makes Tarlac the first province in Region 3 to achieve a state of “stable internal peace and security”.

He explained that the PPOC resolution indicated that the presence of Leftist fighters operating in Tarlac province, particularly the Komiteng Larangang Gerilya-Tarlac-Zambales (TARZAM) that was officially declared weakened in 2022, have been significantly reduced.

This can be attributed to the combined efforts of the Nolcom’s, Philippine National Police, Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF ELCAC), member agencies of the PPOC, and the provincial government of Tarlac, Pueblas added.

In her message during the formal declaration of her province as "insurgency-free", Governor Susan Yap emphasized the importance of peace in achieving regional progress.

Yap added that the declaration would attract more investors and provide more opportunities for the people of Tarlac.

"Tarlac has been fighting for peace because, without peace, development and progress will not come,” she said.

“Peace could only be achieved through open communication with the people and finding solutions to their problems,” she added.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2023/06/23/2276065/military-says-tarlac-province-now-insurgency-free

Third-party probe on Paglas incident necessary, says Galvez

From Rappler (Jun 23, 2024): Third-party probe on Paglas incident necessary, says Galvez (By FERDINANDH CABRERA)



The MILF says there was no prior coordination with them when law enforcers conducted a raid on June 18 which resulted in 7 of its members killed in Maguindanao del Sur


COTABATO City, Philippines – Presidential peace adviser Secretary Carlito Galvez said on Thursday, June 22, that Malacañang has ordered an impartial investigation into the police operation in Datu Paglas, Maguindanao del Sur, that left seven Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) dead on June 18.

Galvez, who visited the Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry Division headquarters along with Special Assistant to the President Secretary Anton Lagdameo, said the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) received a resolution from the MILF central committee asking President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to call for an independent and impartial probe of the Datu Paglas incident.

“A fair investigation is necessary and the participation of third party is important to come up with reasonable findings,” Galvez said.

Galvez said he has recommended to the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police to come up with the official report and submit it to Bangsamoro Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim “so our law enforcers can air their side.”

Earlier, BARMM lawmakers pushed for the return of a third-party monitoring team to ensure the ceasefire mechanism is implemented to the letter by both sides.

But Galvez said the Department of Foreign Affairs would have the say on this matter.


The Police Regional Office-BARMM and the 6th Infantry Division claimed it was a legitimate police operation against wanted persons Nasser Husain and his brother Norjihad, who both died in the operation.

Stressing the fatalities were legitimate MILF members, the MILF claimed there was no prior coordination with them when state forces conducted the law-enforcement operation in MILF communities as stipulated in the Government of the Philippines-MILF 1997 general agreement on the cessation of hostilities.

Mohaqher Iqbal, former MILF chief negotiator, said the mechanism was not followed in the Paglas operation.

Galvez, citing a report from law enforcers, said the subject of the Paglas operation was verified and confirmed to be affiliated with the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

But, he added, the OPAPRU is open to a third-party investigation to clear all gray areas.

Lagdameo said the Department of Justice and the National Bureau of Investigation will come into the picture for the independent probe.

The Bangsamoro Transition Authority, sponsored by member of the parliament Baileng Mantawil, has also sponsored a legislative inquiry in aid of legislation after the family of the victims decried the injustice.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/third-party-probe-on-paglas-incident-necessary-says-galvez/

Guv: Police findings on Himamaylan massacre credible

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jun 24, 2023): Guv: Police findings on Himamaylan massacre credible (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson yesterday described as “believable” on the findings of the police on the massacre of four members of a family in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, while government critics insist that the military was behind the gruesome incident.

During a press briefing on Thursday, one of the two witnesses positively identified the New People’s Army as behind the massacre, which involved a group of 15 armed men led by Fernando Hermino, a squad leader of Central Negros 2 under the Komiteng Rehiyonal Negros/Cebu/Bohol/Siquijor, disclosed Himamaylan City police chief PLt. Col. Reynante Jomocan.


Jomocan said they have already secured the judicial affidavits of the witnesses, who are residents of Sitio Kangkiling, Brgy. Buenavista, Himamaylan City, where Rolly Fausto, his wife Emilda, and their two minor sons were brutally killed.

The two witnesses and the surviving daughter of Fausto are currently under government custody.

Rolly was a former member of the Yunit Milisya of the NPA who returned to the folds of law and helped the military in convincing some rebels to surrender, according to Jomocan.

The National Solidarity Mission (NSM), which is composed of multi sectoral groups, disputed military and police claims that the massacre was perpetrated by the New People’s Army, who earlier issued a statement linking the Philippine Army to the incident.

Ariel Casilao, chairperson of the Union ng mga Manggagawa sa Agrikultura, in a press briefing at the Negros Press Club, alleged that witnesses were forced to testify and follow a script provided by the PNP to paint the NPA as perpetrators.

We expect them not to agree with the military report, which has witnesses to prove that it was done by the CPP-NPA, Lacson said.


Being on the government side, of course, I put value on the military report, he stressed.

Kabataan Partylist Rep. Raoul Manuel, who joined the press briefing, said he and other Makabayan bloc members, including Deputy Minority Leader France Castro of ACT and Asst. Minority Leader Arlene Brosas of Gabriela, filed on June 19 House Resolution 1091 calling on the House Committee on Human Rights to investigate the massacre of the Fausto family.

The Army’s 3rd Infantry Division strengthen its claims on its innocence as the PNP preliminary investigation findings showed that the tragic and merciless killings of four Fausto family members were perpetrated by the CPP-NPA.

In a statement, the 3ID stressed that the police investigation is founded on credible witness accounts and concrete evidence, in stark contrast to the falsehoods and deceitful claims propagated by the CPP-NPA and their associates, out of sheer desperation.

As to claims that the NTF ELCAC (National Task Force Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict) is designed to harass communities and kill individuals being Red tagged, Lacson, chairs of the PTF ELCAC in Negros Occidental, said we don’t expect them to side with the government,” stressing also that communities in far flung areas which used to be insurgency affected, and former rebels, benefitted from the government programs and projects.

“They have a different mission. They will never side what government is doing. In the meantime, government will just continue with its programs,” the governor further said.*


https://visayandailystar.com/guv-police-findings-on-himamaylan-massacre-credible/

Soldiers bury 2 slain NPA rebels in Butuan

From MindaNews (Jun 23, 2023): Soldiers bury 2 slain NPA rebels in Butuan (By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN)


Soldiers and civilians carry the coffins of the NPA rebels for burial in Butuan City on June 21, 2023. Photo courtesy of 29IB

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur (MindaNews / 23 June) – The 29th Infantry Battalion together with the City Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict (CTF-ELCAC) of Butuan City on Wednesday buried two New People’s Army rebels who were slain in a recent encounter in Sitio Dugyaman, Barangay Anticala in Butuan.

The troops retrieved the bodies from the encounter site and turned them over to a funeral parlor.

The military identified the slain rebels as Roel Arellano Maglasang alias Do/Dali, executive commander of Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee, and his wife Raylin Zubiri alias Apple, finance staffer of the same regional Committee.

The CTF-ELCAC shouldered all the expenses for the funeral services and burial.

The bodies of two other slain rebels were already claimed by their respective families and brought home for burial.

Their loved ones were grateful to the troops for retrieving their bodies and giving them the utmost respect.

In a press statement, the 29th IB said the families of the slain rebels thanked them for retrieving the bodies and giving them a proper burial.

Lt Col Cresencio C. Gargar, 29th IB commander said they also grieved with the families of the rebels even if they fought the government.

Gargar called on the other rebels to surrender.

“There is so much to enjoy outside your group. The government is here to support you if you ever change your mind, and will decide to surrender,” he said.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2023/06/soldiers-bury-2-slain-npa-rebels-in-butuan/

Palace orders probe of death of 7 MILF members in police operation

From MindaNews (Jun 23, 2023): Palace orders probe of death of 7 MILF members in police operation (By FERDINANDH B. CABRERA)


Secretary Carlito Galvez, Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, briefs reporters on developments in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao on Saturday afternoon, 10 September 2022 at the Malacanang of the South in Panacan, Davao City. MindaNews photo by GREGORIO BUENO

COTABATO CITY (MindaNews / 23 June) – Malacanang has ordered an impartial investigation into the police operation in Datu Paglas, Maguindanao del Sur that left seven Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members dead, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., chair of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) on Thursday said.

Galvez, who visited the 6th Infantry Division headquarters along with Special Assistant to the President Secretary Antonio Lagdameo Jr., said his office received a resolution from the MILF central committee asking President Marcos to order an independent and impartial probe of the Datu Paglas operation.

“A fair investigation is necessary and the participation of third party is important to come up with reasonable findings,” Galvez said in the vernacular.

He said he has recommended to the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police to come up with an official report and submit it to Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) “so our law enforcers can air their side.”

Earlier, BARMM lawmakers have pushed for the return of the third party monitoring team to ensure the ceasefire mechanism is implemented to the letter by both sides.

But Galvez said the Department of Foreign Affairs has a say on the matter.

The Police Regional Office-BARMM and the 6th Infantry Division said what happened on June 18 was a legitimate police operation against wanted persons Nasser Husain and his brother Norjihad, who both died in the operation.

Stressing the fatalities were legitimate MILF members, the group pointed out that there was no prior coordination with them whenever state forces conducted law enforcement operations in MILF communities as stipulated in the GPH-MILF 1997 general agreement on the cessation of hostilities.

Mohaqher Iqbal, former MILF chief peace negotiator, said the mechanism was not followed in the Paglas operation.

Galvez, citing a report from the law enforcers, said the subjects of the Paglas operation were verified and confirmed to be affiliated with the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

But he added the OPAPRU is open to a third party investigation to clear all gray areas.

Lagdameo said the Department of Justice and the National Bureau of Investigation will come into the picture to start an independent probe.

Bangsamoro Member of Parliament Baileng Mantawil has called for a legislative inquiry in aid of legislation after the families of the fatalities declared that what happened was an injustice.

https://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2023/06/palace-orders-probe-of-death-of-7-milf-members-in-police-operation/

40 ex-NPA rebels receive P2.8-M E-CLIP aid in Davao Oro

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 23, 2023): 40 ex-NPA rebels receive P2.8-M E-CLIP aid in Davao Oro (By Che Palicte June)



CASH ASSISTANCE. Forty former members of the New People's Army benefited from a PHP 2.8 million Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) assistance distributed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government on Thursday (June 22, 2023) at the Davao de Oro Children's Park in Nabunturan town. The provincial government also gave PHP 10,000 each to 35 other former rebels under its own E-CLIP funding. (Photo courtesy of the Army’s 1001st Infantry Brigade)

DAVAO CITY – At least 40 former fighters of the communist New People's Army (NPA) benefited from the PHP2.8 million worth of Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) assistance in Davao de Oro province on Thursday.

Led by Governor Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga, the cash assistance to the former rebels was sourced from the E-CLIP of the Department of the Interior and Local Government at the Davao de Oro Children's Park in Nabunturan town.

Gonzaga also handed over PHP10,000 each to some 35 other former rebels under the provincial government's E-CLIP.


The assistance was dispensed in time for the first-anniversary celebration of being an insurgency-free province since June 22, 2022.

Gonzaga described the event as "a day of reflection, gratitude, and renewed determination" for the province.

“When we make peace through ways of peace, government truly works. I extend my gratitude to all the brave men and women who have tirelessly worked towards ensuring the safety and well-being of the province,” she said.

Gonzaga also urged the public to combat all forms of insurgency to ensure a brighter and more prosperous future for the province.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1204132

Negros Occidental renews commitment to end insurgency

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 23, 2023): Negros Occidental renews commitment to end insurgency (By Nanette Guadalquiver)



WORKING FOR PEACE. Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson (right) meets with Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr., executive director of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, at the close of a two-day transformation program planning workshop organized by the Presidential Adviser on Peace Reconciliation and Unity at Nature’s Village Resort, Talisay City on Friday (June 23, 2023). As the pilot province for the transformation program implementation, Negros Occidental will be crucial in demonstrating the program’s success, Lacson said. (Photo courtesy of Negros Occidental-PIO)

BACOLOD CITY – The Negros Occidental provincial government renewed its commitment to end the decades-long communist insurgency during the two-day transformation program planning workshop for local peace stakeholders with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) in Talisay City.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, chairperson of the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC), said the workshop is “an important step in developing a thorough and successful plan that will serve as the roadmap for our efforts in the next months and years.”

“Foremost, we want to put an end to local communist armed conflict, which has caused distress and instability in our communities. This challenge necessitates multi-faceted approach that includes law enforcement, socio-economic development, and community empowerment,” Lacson said in his message at the close of the workshop on Friday at Nature’s Village Resort.

The activity was also attended by Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr., executive director of the National TF-ELCAC, and gathered members of the regional and provincial TF-ELCAC, representatives of the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army and civil society organizations, and former rebels (FRs).

The OPAPRU has identified Negros Occidental as the pilot area for the implementation of the transformation program in Western Visayas.


“As the pilot province for the transformation program implementation, Negros Occidental will be crucial in demonstrating the program’s success. The efforts of the provincial government in the pursuit of peace and inclusive progress are evident in our programs, services and policies, and we will zealously continue to do such measures until such time our collective goals for progress and peace are achieved,” Lacson said.

In recent months, armed encounters between government troops and fighters of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Negros Occidental have claimed the lives of rebels, injured soldiers, and displaced thousands of residents in affected areas, especially in Himamaylan City and Moises Padilla town.

Lacson himself has led the call for those still in the armed struggle to return to the fold of the law like many of their former comrades, who have already chosen the path of peace and availed of government programs.

According to the OPAPRU, the transformation program seeks to address the needs of FRs, their families, and communities to aid them in their transformation, as well as strengthen their resiliency against the recovery efforts of the CPP-NPA.

The transformation program is designed to complement the local peace engagement (LPE), which is among the 12 lines of effort under the NTF-ELCAC and is considered one of the most effective ways of dealing with the communist groups.

During the workshop, local bodies were oriented on mainstreaming LPE, conducted the initial formulation of the cluster agenda for Negros Occidental, and formulated the province’s action plan towards the transformation of the FRs, their families, and communities.

The LPE is anchored on Executive Order 70, which calls for the use of a whole-of-nation approach in addressing the challenges caused by the communist armed conflict, and has also led to the creation of the NTF-ELCAC.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1204167

Arms cache discovered in Eastern Samar

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 23, 2023): Arms cache discovered in Eastern Samar (By Sarwell Meniano)



UNEARTHED. Some of the firearms unearthed by soldiers in Jipapad, Eastern Samar. The arms cache discovered include two AK47 rifles, an M14 rifle, a shotgun, banned explosives, two magazines of AK47 and M14, 140 rounds ammunitions of AK47, and 75 cartridges of 7.62mm ball for M14.include (Philippine Army photo)

TACLOBAN CITY – Troops of the Philippine Army’s 52nd Infantry Battalion discovered an arms cache consisting of four high-powered firearms and four banned anti-personnel mines buried in Agsaman village in Jipapad, Eastern Samar, the military reported on Friday.

Following the revelation of the alias Artem, 25, former political instructor of the New People’s Army (NPA) front committee 3 who recently surrendered,
soldiers found on Thursday an arms cache with two AK47 rifles, an M14 rifle, a shotgun, banned explosives, two magazines of AK47 and M14, 140 rounds ammunition of AK47, and 75 cartridges of 7.62mm ball for M14.

The series of local peace engagements by the different government agencies and the continuing delivery of basic services and socio-economic development in the community prompted alias Artem to surrender on June 18, 2023.


Major General Camilo Ligayo, commander of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division commended Artem for his surrender and cooperation with the government’s anti-insurgency campaign.

“We welcome the surrender of alias Artem, and we are hoping that the other members of NPA will also do the same. It is not too late to surrender, return to the folds of the law and make use of the different government assistances as you start your life anew,” Maj. Gen. Ligayo said.

The official believes that rebels buried their firearms since they don’t have enough men to carry them.

Alias Artem will receive government financial assistance under the local social integration program and an enhanced comprehensive local integration program. He will also undergo livelihood training as part of his reintegration process.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1204168

7 NPA rebels surrender in Zamboanga Sibugay

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 23, 2023): 7 NPA rebels surrender in Zamboanga Sibugay (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)



ZAMBOANGA CITY – Five spies and two combatants of the communist New People Army (NPA) have surrendered to authorities in Zamboanga Sibugay, a top police official said Friday.

Col. Eduard Mallo, Zamboanga Sibugay police director, said the surrender all happened on Thursday.

He identified the four NPA spies as Jonathan Alamat, Andres Mintawan, Judy Mintawan, and Alberto Soposo.

Mallo said Alamat, 28, surrendered in Barangay Tampilisan, Kabasalan town following negotiations initiated by the local police.


Alamat told the police he was recruited at the age of 22 and has served as a spy of the NPA’s Main Regional Guerrilla Unit monitoring the movements of government forces in Tampilisan and nearby villages.

The two Mintawans surrendered as a result of an intelligence-driven campaign in Barangay J.S. Perfecto, R.T. Lim town.

They were placed under tactical debriefing and were turned over to village officials for proper monitoring.

Soposo surrendered separately in the same village.

Meanwhile, the two other NPA combatants, identified as Dominador Jamito and Alexander Aginid, turned themselves in in Barangay Guinoman, Diplahan town.

On the other hand, Sinforosa Amihan, a rebel supporter-cum-emissary, surrendered in Barangay Kipit, Titay town.

Amihan told authorities she was forced to support the NPA as she feared for her life.


https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1204184

WESTMINCOM: Troops discover arms cache tipped by former armed lawless group leader

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Jun 22, 2023): Troops discover arms cache tipped by former armed lawless group leader

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City- June 21, 2023

Operating troops from the 57th Infantry Battalion (57IB) discovered an arms cache at Sitio Tinandanan, Barangay Rempes, Upi, Maguindanao del Norte, in the early morning of Tuesday, June 20, 2023.
 
According to Joint Task Force Central Commander, Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera, the recovery of the arms cache was based on the revelation of the former Armed Lawless Group (ALG) leader Rodrigo Dipaling Manigula, a.k.a. Bong/Magtangol. The subject personality surrendered to Lt. Col. Guillermo Mabute, Jr., Commanding Officer of 57IB, on May 23, 2023.
 
It can be recalled that Manigula went viral sometime in March 2023 because of his video posted on social media discriminately disclosing his possession of the four high-powered firearms and his alleged participation in the killings of prominent personalities in some areas of Upi.

Recovered from the arms cache were high-powered firearms, including one 7.62mm M14 rifle with a magazine and ammunition, one cal .30 M1 Garand rifle with one clip and ammunition, one M2 Carbine rifle with magazine and ammunition, and one 12-gauge Shotgun.

The former ALG leader and the recovered firearms are currently under the custody of the 57IB.
Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, Commander of Western Mindanao Command, commended the Joint Task Force Central troops for this significant accomplishment. "Rest assured that we will continue to step up our military and non-military operations to recover more loose firearms and neutralize the remnants of the different threat groups in our area of operation."
 
Lt. Gen. Galido believes that with the support of the local government units and the peace-loving people of Mindanao, achieving the coveted peace and progress in Western and Central Mindanao is near at hand.





https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=281818361184212&set=pcb.281818394517542

https://www.facebook.com/westmincomafp2021/

WESTMINCOM: Civilians hand over loose firearms to military in Tawi-Tawi

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Jun 23, 2023): Civilians hand over loose firearms to military in Tawi-Tawi

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – June 23, 2023

Civilians handed over four loose firearms to the military in Tawi-Tawi on Thursday morning, June 22, 2023.

Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi Commander, Brig. Gen. Romeo Racadio said that four law-abiding individuals turned over their unlicensed firearms, including one M16A1 rifle, one M79 Grenade Launcher, one M1 Garand Springfield rifle, and one Springfield Bolt-action rifle, to Lt. Col. John Paul Jacla, Commanding Officer of Marine Battalion Landing Team 7.
 
The turn-over ceremony was held at the barangay hall of Barangay Malasa, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, and was witnessed by the Barangay Local Government Unit headed by Chairman Dastala Bakki.
 
Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, Commander of Western Mindanao Command, commended the marine officers and soldiers of Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi, led by Brig. Gen. Racadio, for this recent accomplishment.
 
“We intensified our campaign against the proliferation of loose firearms to free the communities from violence and achieve our common aspirations,” Lt. Gen. Galido stated.
 
The surrendered loose firearms will be turned over to the 2nd Marine Brigade for proper disposition.







https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=282773327755382&set=pcb.282773344422047

https://www.facebook.com/westmincomafp2021/

WESTMINCOM: Two militants withdraw support to communist terrorist group in South Cotabato

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Jun 23, 2023): Two militants withdraw support to communist terrorist group in South Cotabato

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – June 23, 2023

Two members of the West Guerilla Front Musa, Far South Mindanao Region, withdrew their support to the communist terrorist group in South Cotabato on June 21, 2023.

Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera, Commander of Joint Task Force Central, said the 5th Special Forces Battalion facilitated the surrender of alias Kap and alias Tamsi/Inoy, who had sworn to walk with the government in the path toward lasting peace and progress. The former rebels submitted themselves and handed over their M16A1 rifles to the operating troops at Sitio Datal Kadi, Barangay Tasiman, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, at 4 p.m. Wednesday.
 
According to Western Mindanao Command Chief, Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, the influx of surrenders of the remnants of the different threat groups is attributed to the close coordination among key agencies under the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. “Our holistic approach has reaped numerous successes in our campaign against terrorism in our area of operation. With this, I urge the remaining members and supporters of the terror groups to come out. Now is the time for them to return to the folds of the law and avail of the benefits the government offers.”
 
“Rest assured that we will remain steadfast in executing our military and non-military operations to sustain peace and bring progress here in Mindanao,” Lt. Gen. Galido added.







https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=282777497754965&set=pcb.282777524421629

https://www.facebook.com/westmincomafp2021/

French warship due for port call this Friday

Posted to the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 23, 2023): French warship due for port call this Friday (By FRANCES MANGOSING)

The French destroyer that helped evacuate Filipinos from Sudan in April will make a port call in Manila from June 23 to June 29.

The arrival of the FS Lorraine is part of a long-duration regional security deployment, the French Embassy said in a statement on Thursday.

“France intends to contribute to regional security by projecting assets from those islands in the region or coming from Europe,” the embassy said.

The port call will coincide with the visit of French Armed Forces joint commander in Asia Pacific Rear Adm. Geoffroy d’Andigné.

The ship embarked 400 nationals of approximately 60 different nationalities, including Filipino citizens and more than 100 children, as part of a United Nations convoy coming out of Khartoum, the embassy said.

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/215974/french-warship-due-for-port-call-today

Unsung Heroes, All

From the Manila Times (Jun 23, 2023): Unsung Heroes, All

The best of the best.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines, together with The Manila Times (TMT) and The Manila Times TV (TMT TV), will be paying tribute to Filipino soldiers in the first "The Manila Times and The Manila Times TV Tribute to the Soldiers." The awards will honor soldiers who have displayed exemplary service in the past year and whose achievements have made significant impact in military establishment as well as with the community where they were deployed.

"It refers to achievements which were performed over and beyond the call of duty or normal circumstances, which yielded very significant effects such as saving the organization from costly acquisitions, changing a system for the better, preventing damages and saving someone's life. It is like the civilian phrase, 'doing the extra miles or being two steps ahead' in achieving a goal," according to Media and Civil Affairs Group (MCAG) of the AFP which is at the forefront of managing the list of nominees.

There are 3 categories with 3 awardees each, with an additional awardee for the Education category.


Contribution in the Combat Zone

The nominated soldiers are assigned to units confronting communist terrorist groups, local terrorist groups, as well as soldiers protecting the maritime borders of the country.

"Their primary duties include safeguarding the unit's perimeter and/or face the enemy in the battlefield encounter, as they are assigned in the combat zone which is, commonly, an enemy's lair. They do not necessarily have direct encounter with communist terrorist groups and local terrorist groups or other threats to the country's sovereignty. But they should have contributed to the success of the unit's mission in the combat zone," said MCAG.

A case in point are the soldiers monitoring the West Philippine Sea who were also considered for nomination even though they are not engaged in combat. "Guarding our maritime resources is crucial to our nation's sovereignty, especially from foreign encroachment. Just like securing our land resources from the enemy on the ground, we need to safeguard our seas which are sources of livelihood for many Filipinos," said MCAG.

Outstanding Community Service

The nominated soldiers are assigned to units guarding areas against terrorist groups and other security threats.

MCAG explained that "As the skills of our soldiers are diverse, they usually perform community service in conflict-stricken areas that may prove highly dangerous to be reached by civilian agencies, such as delivering alternative learning system in conflict-stricken, far-flung areas. Another kind of community service that deserves recognition is one that brings about changes and big improvement in the areas where they serve. This is usually through civil-military operation, i.e., proving health care services – medical, dental, eye check-ups, circumcision and others that not provided to the people in rural communities."

Innovations in Administrative and Logistics Functions

Soldiers involved in non-combatant roles are also nominated.

MCAG stressed the administrative staff also plays a key role in the success of any military operation. "Proper human and logistical resource management is crucial to any organization, and it is the same in the AFP, and failure to do so can mean unnecessary losses and wastage. Managing of these resources are meticulously done by military personnel with relevant skills in these areas, who guarantee that human and logistics assets are managed well."

Achievement in Education

For Filipino soldiers pursuing additional college degrees.

Knowledge is just as important to the Filipino soldier as their combat skills. "Pursuing advanced or further education is important to every military personnel, to be abreast with the continuing development in their field of expertise and the technology. As the AFP has embarked on its modernization goals, so have the soldiers in terms of education. The AFP have engineers, doctors, lawyers, pilots, teachers, information technology experts, and other degrees and specialized skills that civilian Filipinos possess. Those who already possessed a degree before they entered the military are given an opportunity to pursue advanced courses that help in their career advancement," said MCAG.

Choosing the Nominees

The General Headquarters of the AFP instructed the three major branches of service to submit their nominations. The Philippine Army, the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Air Force each submitted 3 nominees for each category except for Education in which the services submitted one nominee each. The AFP set 3 criteria of excellence which were considered in selecting the nominees:The nominee has a great story of accomplishment despite of the hurdles encountered.

The nominee has contributed significant deeds to the AFP which made an impact to the overall mission of the organization of protecting the people and securing the state.

The nominee has upheld the core values of the Armed Forces of the Philippines through his meritorious deeds which promote the image of the organization.

An AFP panel vetted the list of nominees and pared it down to a total of 30 nominees. The final list of nominees was submitted to The Manila Times which will form its own panel of judges.

The awardees will be announced on August 28, 2023, in line with the commemoration of National Heroes Day. The historic Manila Hotel will serve as the venue for the event.

"We are honored to partner with the Armed Forces of the Philippines to recognize the bravery, sacrifices, and exceptional contributions of our soldiers who have dedicated their lives to protecting our nation," said Dante Ang Sr., Chairman Emeritus of The Manila Times. "We are proud to work together to give these soldiers the recognition they deserve."

The Manila Times TV serves as the broadcast component of The Manila Times.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/06/23/public-square/unsung-heroes-all/1897420

Pinay Army officer nominated for cybersecurity title

From the Philippine Star (Jun 23, 2023): Pinay Army officer nominated for cybersecurity title (Michael Punongbayan) 


Taborlupa  STAR / File

MANILA, Philippines — A commanding officer in the Philippine Army has become the first Filipino woman to be nominated for the prestigious Cyber Security Woman of the Year (CSWY) Award.

With only two other cybersecurity experts from the United States in the running for the award, her comrades in the 7th Signal Battalion based at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija, are rooting for Lt. Col. Francel Margareth Padilla-Taborlupa to claim the title.


Padilla-Taborlupa, who has shown that she is a force to reckon with when it comes to protecting people and securing cyberspace, is also supported by the entire Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The Philippine Army is proud that she stands among the very best of cybersecurity experts from 59 countries around the globe.

In an interview with The STAR, Padilla-Taborlupa said she still could not believe her nomination and reaching the final stage of the awards handled by the United Cybersecurity Alliance.

The group based in California seeks to “unite the global cybersecurity community and provide a platform for women in cybersecurity to learn, enhance their skills, and gain hands-on experience for successful entry and retention within the field.”


Humbly, she acknowledged being up against “very accomplished and empowered women worldwide” whom she looks up to.

Padilla-Taborlupa, 46, is a widow and mother of two sons who both graduated from the Philippine Military Academy.

Why cybersecurity?

When asked to discuss her involvement in cybersecurity, the lieutenant colonel stressed its significance in the digital age which she said is as important as physical security.

She highlighted the need to protect individuals from online threats such as hackers, scammers and predators, extending the notion of security from the physical to the cyber domain.

She also said cybersecurity is about ensuring that your child, while browsing the internet, will not be talking to a hacker or a pedophile, and that your wife will not fall victim to a scammer.

“This means that what is happening in the cyber domain extends to the physical domain. It is part of our job in the military to secure you in the cyber domain,” she said.

Padilla-Taborlupa told The STAR about her advocacy called the Cyber for Peace Initiative, where the goal is to encourage other stakeholders, empowered women and different entities to work together for the improvement of lives.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/06/23/2275911/pinay-army-officer-nominated-cybersecurity-title-

Philippine Navy And Air Force Conduct Joint Patrol

From Naval News (Jun 23, 2023): Philippine Navy And Air Force Conduct Joint Patrol (Story by Jeoffrey Maitem)

The Philippine Navy and Air Force conducted a joint patrol Wednesday, June 21, in the Pacific Ocean east of the Philippines near the South China Sea as part of the state's assurance to the public it will defend the country's territory from any invaders.



A Philippine Air Force FA50 aircraft flies over BRP Condrado Yap (PS39) open June 21 in the Philippine Rise, also known as Benham Rise in the Pacific Ocean east of the Philippines near the South China Sea during a joint patrol.

The Philippine Navy (PN)’s Joint Task Force Karagatan deployed their assets for maritime patrols, the BRP Condrado Yap (PS39), PN C-90 aircraft, and Philippine Air Force FA50 on the Philippine Rise, also known as Benham Rise, to secure the country’s maritime domain.

 

Philippine Navy personnel aboard over BRP Condrado Yap (PS39) witness a Philippine Air Force FA50 aircraft flying on June 21 in the Philippine Rise, also known as Benham Rise in the Pacific Ocean east of the Philippines near the South China Sea, during a joint patrol.

In a statement Wednesday, the PN said that the aircraft flew by while the gallant sailors on board the Navy warship were holding a flag-raising ceremony.

“This activity is part of a series of activities by Northern Luzon Command in celebration of the 125th Philippine Independence Day and the 6th commemoration of the Philippine Rise,”
“The Joint Maritime Activities are manifestations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ resolve to defend territorial integrity,” Sinsuan added. Public Affairs Officer of NoLCom Naval Forces, Lt. Zachary Sinsuan.

At the Air Force Symposium (AFS) 2023 held at the Marriott Hotel in Pasay City, Lt. Gen. Stephen Parreño, , Philippine Air Force (PAF) commanding general, said that strengthening the country’s air power is vital to the country’s ability to defend its territorial land, water, and airspace.


Philippine Navy personnel aboard over BRP Condrado Yap (PS39) witness a Philippine Air Force FA50 aircraft flying on June 21 in the Philippine Rise, also known as Benham Rise in the Pacific Ocean east of the Philippines near the South China Sea, during a joint patrol.

“Air power is [a] very important component in our joint forces especially in our territorial defense,” he told reporters as he admitted the country faces emerging security threats in the Indo-Pacific region.

In the same event, newly appointed Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has vowed his office will continue to “strive for the protection of the country’s territories amid growing challenges in the Southeast Asian region”.

Teodoro sees air power as a “very vital component” in addressing the country’s territorial issue and it could be achieved through adapting to the current trends and technologies such as unmanned aerial systems, artificial intelligence, and space capabilities.

“By fostering innovation and cultivating partnerships with nations at the forefront of these constantly evolving technologies, we position ourselves as key players in the Indo-Pacific region as it bolsters our defense capabilities and maintains regional stability,”
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.

China claims nearly the entire South China Sea, including waters within the exclusive economic zones of Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan.

In 2016, an international tribunal ruled in favor of the Philippines and against the sweeping “nine-dash line” by which Beijing asserts its maritime claims in the strategic waterway. However, China has refused to acknowledge the ruling.

Citing raging tensions in the Taiwan Strait, Jay Batongbacal, the director of the Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea at the University of the Philippines, said considering the proximity of Batanes Island in Luzon Strait in the northern Philippines near the South China Sea, it could be a key terrain for potential China-Taiwan conflict.

One of the scenarios he foresees if conflict erupts, Batongbacal said to ensure control of Luzon straits, China may take control of Batanes islands to use as a base for enclosing Bashi channel with anti-ship and anti-air missile coverage.

“A Chinese invasion of Taiwan would require blockading and isolating the island from access by US and other allied forces. China will bombard Taiwanese defenses first before launching amphibious and air invasions. Naval, air, and missile forces will try to prevent any naval or air forces from coming near the island, especially from either southwest or northeast,” he explained, referring to some scenarios.

According to him, China will at very least threaten the Philippines to keep out or not engage in alliance or else be subject to missile attacks.

 

Philippine Navy personnel aboard over BRP Condrado Yap (PS39) hold a flag raising ceremony on June 21 in the Philippine Rise, also known as Benham Rise in the Pacific Ocean east of the Philippines near the South China Sea, during a joint patrol.

“South China Sea artificial island base will screen out and engage any allied forces going through Straits of Malacca and Singapore and prevent them from even approaching Taiwan, as well as any other forces routing through Philippines or Celebes. China will also try to neutralize US bases as far as Guam. It will try to hold all forces at bay as far as the Pacific and SCS, until other countries are constrained to sue for peace,” he said.

In February this year, the Philippines gave the United States access to four new military sites under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the two countries, an agreement that China opposed. Some analysts said Washington – having the agreement – aims to deter any plan by Beijing to attack Taiwan.

The Philippines and the United States signed in 2014 the EDCA, which supplemented the Visiting Forces Agreement of 1999. The VFA provides legal cover for large-scale joint war games between the two longtime allies.

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/06/philippine-navy-and-air-force-conduct-joint-patrol/

2 NPA killed in Albay encounter

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 22, 2023): 2 NPA killed in Albay encounter (By NIÑO LUCES)

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay – Two New People's Army (NPA) rebels were killed in an encounter with the 49th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army in Guinobatan, this province, on Wednesday, June 21.

Army Major Frank Roldan, Division Public Affairs Office chief, identified the casualties as Santos Seminiano, alias "Santi," and alias "Ilay" or "Elian."

Roldan said troops encountered 12 communist guerrillas in Barangay Balolo during a security patrol which was conducted after they received information about the presence of armed men in the area.

The gun fight lasted about 15 minutes and no casualty was recorded on the government side.

Recovered after the clash were one M16 rifle, M635 rifle, two anti-personnel mines, and five knapsacks.


Troops are conducting follow-up operations.

https://mb.com.ph/2023/6/22/2-npa-killed-in-albay-encounter

NPA claims burning of heavy equipment in Negros city

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 22, 2023): NPA claims burning of heavy equipment in Negros city (By GLAZYL MASCULINO)

BACOLOD CITY – The Mount Cansermon Command (MCC)-New People's Army (NPA)-South Central Negros Guerrilla Front has owned up the burning of two backhoes worth P7.5 million in Sitio Bulod, Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental last week.

In a statement released to the media on Thursday, June 22, Ka Dionesio Magbuelas, spokesperson of MCC-NPA, said they sanctioned the construction firm after it allegedly failed to follow the rules of the revolutionary movement, particularly on land taxes covered by the group.

Magbuelas said the firm was first sanctioned in September 2021 for the same reason, and was given a chance to comply with their obligations, but they failed.


The rebel group also alleged that they have received complaints from people about the workers’ situation, including the low salary.

The burning incident happened on the night of June 14, wherein six unidentified persons arrived and told a watchman that the construction firm was allegedly not paying revolutionary taxes, according to the police.

Police said the firm is currently working on a P100-million road project dubbed Himamaylan-Tayasan Road in the area.

But the NPA said that this barangay development project aims to provide opportunities to big mining companies that plan to operate in the hinterlands of Cansermon, Tahod-Ilahas, Cambantog, and other neighboring areas.

The rebel group believed that this project will also affect the livelihood of the people and their lands.


https://mb.com.ph/2023/6/22/npa-claims-burning-of-heavy-equipment-in-negros-city

Police tag NPA as perpetrators of Himamaylan massacre

From the Sun Star-Bacolod (Jun 23, 2023): Police tag NPA as perpetrators of Himamaylan massacre (By TERESA D. ELLERA)



Col. Nhel Patricio, OIC of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, Lt. Col. Reynante Jomocan, Himamaylan City police chief, Himamaylan Mayor Raymund Tongson, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, and Flosemer Chris Gonzales, RTF6 ELCAC spokesperson, during a joint press conference Thursday, June 22, Talisay City. (Nanette Guadalquiver/PNA photo)

POLICE Regional Office (PRO-6) acting director Brigadier General Sidney Villaflor said Thursday, June 22, that based on the police investigation, it was the New People's Army (NPA) that killed the Fausto family in Sitio Kalingking, Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, on June 14.

"The facts indicate categorically that members of the NPA committed the killings. We present our case based on evidence and not on hearsay and biased statements from the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front) propaganda machinery," Villaflor said in response to the statement of Butch Lozande, spokesperson of Unyon ng Manggagawa sa Agrikultura (UMA) in a media interview on June 20.

In a joint press conference Thursday of the Regional Task Force to End Local Conflict in Talisay City, Provincial Police Director Col. Leo Pamittan claimed that Fernando Hermino of Central Negros 2, Komiteng Rehiyonal Negros, Cebu Bohol, and Siquijor of the CPP-NPA along with 15 other rebels, were the alleged perpetrators of killing Rolly and his wife Emilda and their two minor sons in their house on June 14.


“This is also based on the judicial statements of the two witnesses who came to the police. The suspects and victims knew each other and had conversations before the killings happened,” he also said.

Villaflor, meanwhile, said the statements of Ka Butch manifested his “clear bias and prejudice” against the government and the police, which undermined the effort and hard work of the police in Negros Occidental.

"It must be made clear that despite the categorical assertions made by Ka Butch on his perceived inability of the police to objectively investigate the Himamaylan killings, it must be stressed that he issued his malicious statements prematurely while the investigation is being conducted by the local police," he added.

“Ka Butch obtained his information from erroneous sources, particularly from biased, fabricated accounts aimed at vilifying the army unit in Himamaylan. Hearsay after hearsay was accepted by Ka Butch as ‘facts.’ And he peddled his ‘chismis’ based information as his version of the truth. Unfortunately for Ka Butch, his lies are washed aside by the truth, he also said.


Villaflor further said, "Ka Butch should know by now that the investigation has uncovered that NPA terrorists killed four members of the Fausto family."

On his claim that the PNP readily threw the ball to the CPP-NPA, the investigation of the incident is based on the accounts of witnesses and on facts, Villaflor stressed.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1964758/bacolod/local-news/police-tag-npa-as-perpetrators-of-himamaylan-massacre

5 rebels surrender to police

From Panay News (Jun 23, 2023): 5 rebels surrender to police (By Ruby P. Silubrico)

ILOILO City – Five New People’s Army (NPA) rebels voluntarily surrendered to the 606th Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB-6).

The five, all residents of Barangay Binolusan, Calinog, Iloilo, handed over their firearms on Wednesday, June 21.

They turned over three long-barreled 12-gauge shotguns, a short-barreled 12-gauge shotgun, a .38 revolver, and four live 12-gauge ammunition.


Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) director Brigadier General Sidney Villaflor said it was a big help in attaining peace and order in Western Visayas.

“Patuloypokamingmanghihikayatngatingmamamayannanaligawnglandasnamagbalik-loobnasaatinggobyerno. Hindi po kami titigilsapaglabankontraterorismo. Sa atingmamamayan, patuloypotayongmagtulunganparamataposnaanglabangito at mamuhayng may kapayaan at kaunlaran,”Villaflor added.

Last week, 103 rebels also surrendered to the PRO-6 through the efforts of the Local Peace Engagement and PRO-6’s Retooled Community Support Program teams.

One was from Calinog town, while the other 102 rebels were from Barangay BinolusanPequeño, Calinog under the KRP Central Front Committee.

They surrendered seven pieces of homemade long-barreled shotguns, six short shotguns, four 12-gauge ammunition, and four magazines of 12-gauge shotgun.


All surrendered items were under the custody of the 606th Company RMFB-6 for proper disposition.

https://www.panaynews.net/5-rebels-surrender-to-police/

NPA member dead, 2 high-powered firearms seized in Claveria

From the Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (Jun 23, 2023): NPA member dead, 2 high-powered firearms seized in Claveria (By JO ANN SABLAD)



MISAMIS. Recovered from the encounter site in Barangay Minalwang, Claveria town were one M16 rifle, bandolier, and a magazine loaded with 20 rounds of M16 balls; one M14 rifle, bandolier, and a M14 magazine with 15 rounds of M14 balls; two backpacks, ponchos, jungle hammock, cooking pot; one defective Cignus radio; and medical paraphernalia. (Photo from 58th Infantry Battalion)

A FEMALE member of the New People's Army (NPA) was killed in a clash in Claveria town, Misamis Oriental on June 16, 2023, the military reported.

The 58th Infantry Battalion (58IB) said its troops encountered around 15 NPA rebels believed to be members of SRSDG MTJ Eagles, SRC1, and NCMRC in Barangay Minalwang, Claveria.

The firefight lasted for 20 minutes.


The troops coordinated with the Claveria Municipal Police Station (MPS) and Claveria Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) for the retrieval and identification of the body of the female NPA rebel.

Recovered from the encounter site were one M16 rifle, bandolier, and a magazine loaded with 20 rounds of M16 balls; one M14 rifle, bandolier, and a M14 magazine with 15 rounds of M14 balls; two backpacks, ponchos, jungle hammock, cooking pot; one defective Cignus radio; and medical paraphernalia.

The military said all available military assets have been placed on high status alert in support of the ongoing pursuit operation against the fleeing terrorists.

"I am appealing to the remaining members of the CTGs to abandon the armed struggle before another demise will happen," 58IB Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Christian Uy said.

"We will assist you in your reintegration into the community and become productive members of society. However, if you continue espousing terrorism, we are determined to hunt you down until we achieve peace in our area of responsibility," he added.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1964768/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/npa-member-dead-2-high-powered-firearms-seized-in-claveria

DSWD assists families affected by clash between AFP and alleged NPA members

From the Journal Online (Jun 23, 2023): DSWD assists families affected by clash between AFP and alleged NPA members



The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office in Bicol, headed by Regional Director Norman Laurio, provided relief items to families affected by a recent encounter between soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Agpay, Guinobatan, Albay on Thursday (June 22).

Recognizing the immediate needs of the affected families, the DSWD Bicol Regional Office promptly provided essential relief items including family food packs and non-food items such as hygiene, sleeping, and family kits.



The DSWD will also provide psychosocial debriefing to the affected families to help them cope with their traumatic experience.

Based on the recent report of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development (MSWDO) in Guinobatan, at least 75 families are currently taking temporary shelter in Agpay Barangay Hall.

The encounter between AFP soldiers and the alleged NPA members happened on June 21 (Wednesday) at around 7:45 AM.

The firefight lasted for almost an hour, causing panic among several families residing near the Red Zone area.

https://journal.com.ph/dswd-assists-families-affected-by-clash-between-afp-and-alleged-npa-members/