Monday, September 18, 2023

Kalinaw News: NPA Team Leader yields to 48th Inf Bn

Posted to the Kalinaw News Facebook Page (Sep 18, 2023): NPA Team Leader yields to 48th Inf Bn

NPA team leader yields to 48th Infantry Battalion due to incessant military operations

Read: #StrongUnitedReliable




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EASTMINCOM: TOG 10, TOWEASTMIN conducted a Peace Development Forum in Bukidnon Province

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Sep 17, 2023): TOG 10, TOWEASTMIN conducted a Peace Development Forum in Bukidnon Province

Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP

Tactical Operations Group 10 - TOG10

On September 17, 2023, a remarkable event unfolded as the Tactical Operation Group 10, TOWEASTMIN, deployed dedicated CMO personnel from Lumbia, Cagayan de Oro City, conducted a Peace Development Forum that resonated with the hearts and minds of educators and teachers hailing from various corners of Bukidnon Province. This initiative focused on raising awareness about the Development Support Security Plan (DSSP) "Kapayapaan" the campaign plan of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and instilling the importance of Civil Military Operations (CMO).

The audience, 58 trainees of Basic Citizen Military Training "Talaghay" Class of 2023 Bravo, composed of educators and teachers, represented a vital segment of our society. Their participation in this forum is pivotal because, as Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, who also serves as the Department of Education Secretary, aptly noted, "Education is intertwined with National Security." This statement underscores the profound connection between the pursuit of knowledge and the foundation of peace and development in our nation.

By enlightening these educators about the DSSP "Kapayapaan" and CMO principles, we are not only equipping them with valuable insights but also empowering them to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our country. As potential Philippine Air Force Reservists, they are poised to become critical contributors to peace and development efforts. They will serve as beacons of hope and change, inspiring their students and communities to embrace the ideals of peace, progress, and unity.

This noble endeavor represents a significant stride towards the overarching goals of our National Government for peace and development. It showcases the unwavering commitment of our Armed Forces to collaborate with educators and citizens alike, forging a stronger, more secure, and prosperous future for our beloved Country.

As we reflect on this event, let it remind us that together, with knowledge as our compass and peace as our destination, we can overcome challenges and build a better tomorrow for generations to come. This is a testament to the enduring spirit of unity that defines our nation, and it inspires us to continue our journey towards a more harmonious and prosperous Philippines.

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EASTMINCOM: LOOK ||Two (2) Communist NPA Terrorists voluntarily surrender and yield two (2) firearms

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Sep 17, 2023): LOOK || Two (2) Communist NPA Terrorists voluntarily surrender and yield two (2) firearms 

Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP

58th Infantry "Dimalulupig" Battalion, Philippine Army

LOOK || Two (2) Communist NPA Terrorists voluntarily surrendered and yielded two (2) firearms to the 58th Infantry (Dimalulupig) Battalion at H58IB, Sitio Migbanday, Poblacion, Claveria, Misamis Oriental last September 12, 2023.

The former rebels were identified as Jhony Omandam Gapol alias Regor and Emerita Aporbo Lor alias Ging-ging/Ethyl/Dora, both members of Regional Office Command of North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) surrendered with M14 rifle and Ingram Pistol Cal. 9mm.

According to the former rebels, they are now experiencing organizational collapse and leadership crisis after the death of their top leader, Dionesio "Muling" Micabalo, the Regional Secretary of NCMRC.

Meanwhile Lieutenant Colonel Christian C Uy, Commanding Officer, 58IB extend his message to the remaining CNTs to surrender peacefully and create a new life in the folds of the government. “We reiterate our appeal to the remaining members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) to voluntarily surrender before it is too late. Our battalion is unrelenting in its mission to hunt the remaining members of the CTGs who continue to conduct atrocities within our area of operation. Further, we admonish the community to be watchful and alert the authorities for any suspicious behavior in their area. Through the cooperation of everyone, we can make our country safer and more prosperous for all.”
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EASTMINCOM: "The Painful Return of Kerlan Dason Fanagel to his Hometown”

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Sep 18, 2023): "The Painful Return of Kerlan Dason Fanagel to his Hometown”

Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP

73rd Infantry Neutralizer Battalion

"The Painful Return of Kerlan Dason Fanagel to his Hometown”

The 73rd Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Jaicris Jan P. Mendoza, expressed their sympathy to the fallen CTG member, Kerlan Dason Fanagel, who died in an armed encounter with the 47th Infantry Battalion at Sitio Llaud, Barangay Campagao, Bilar, Bohol on September 7, 2023. The LGU and this unit facilitated the return of Kerlans's cadaver to his hometown in Malapatan, Sarangani Province to have a decent burial and further coordinated with the local authorities for additional assistance for Kerlan’s grieving family.

The unit also visited Kerlan's bereaved family during the wake and provided security assistance as well. He was one of the six (6) CTG members killed in the Bohol clash between the NPA rebels and Government troops.

Initially, he was known as Rogelio Jorillo from Minglanilla, Cebu based on the Office ID recovered from his body. However, upon further verification and consultation with former rebels, it was later discovered that his true identity was Kerlan Fanagel from Brgy Poblacion, Malapatan in Sarangani Province. He was the chairperson of Pasakday Salugpungan Kalimudan (PASAKA) a confederation of Lumad Organization.

The unit has also reached out to his elder brother, Kernie, regarding the other assistance that the unit could offer because the unit viewed him as a victim of the CPP’s deceptive strategy: self-proclaimed rights advocate at the same time NPA member. During the discussion he revealed that the family had made several attempts to contact and convince Kerlan to stop his activities but they received no response from him until this tragic incident happened.

Here in Mindanao, he was known as a defender of the rights of Indigenous Peoples, however, in other areas of the country, he took up arms and actively participated as armed member of the Communist Terrorist Group. “Another life wasted because of the long tradition of CPP-NPA deceptive strategy. Can we afford to lose another Kerlan just to realize this? Let’s give peace a chance, the government is sincere in its reintegration Program, so go down, let’s work hand in hand and be advocate of peace “LTC Mendoza said.

Despite his involvement in the CTG, the unit, in collaboration with the Local Government, will facilitate necessary government assistance for his family.

https://www.facebook.com/eastmincomafp/

EASTMINCOM: 27IB Conducts 2nd Batch Bahani Security Orientation

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Sep 18, 2023): 27IB Conducts 2nd Batch Bahani Security Orientation

Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP

27th Infantry "Action" Battalion, 10ID, PA

IN PHOTOS//-The 27th Infantry “Action” Battalion troopers, in partnership with the Peace 911, PSSO, CSWDO, PNP PS7, IPS of the Ata Tribe and the Barangay Malabog Local Government Unit, conducted the 2nd Batch Bahani Security Orientation dubbed as “Programa Alang sa Pagpalig-on sa Bahani” to the 287 Bahani members of Brgy Malabog, Paquibato Proper, PaƱalum and Sumimao of Paquibato District; and Sitio Tamugan, Marilog District, Davao City on September 16, 2023 held at Brgy Malabog Covered Court, Brgy Malabog, Paquibato District, Davao City.

The activity, which is part of the unit's Massive Awareness Campaign (MAC), seeks to strengthen the Integrated Territorial Defense System (ITDS) by enlisting the support of the Ata IPS Ancestral Domain Defense System (ADDS) component or the Bahanis of their continued commitment to protect the integrity of their Ancestral Domain, as well as towards the sustainment of peace and development in the Paquibato District.

The participants were given lectures regarding IPRA Law and the Roles of Bahanis as ADDS; PNP Anti-Criminality; Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 (RA 11479); CTG Infiltration and Recruitment methodologies; and, Culture of Security. Likewise, a lecture and practical exercise were provided to the participants to establish a good collaborative mechanism on information dissemination and reporting between the IPS and the security cluster. The activity culminated with the distribution of rice packs among the participants made possible through the benevolence of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).

COL OSCAR PARTOZA (RET), Acting Deputy Head of PSSCC encouraged the participants with his message that “sa atung pag sinabtanay, ang kalinaw dili natu makuha pinaagi sa kusog, pero makab-ot ra kini sa pagsinabtanay. Kay kita may nagkinaiya kitang mga pamilya ug kaigsuonan ug naa ta mga problema sa matag usa diha nata sudlon sauna sa NPA kay maghumyang nata or mag kanya-kanya nata, maong dapat bisan unsa ang problema magkahiusa ta na Tribu ug maging lig-on ta na IP sa ATA Tribe. Makita pud natu sa atung ubang igsuon na bisan layo kaayo ilang mga lugar, ilaha jud gibiyaan pati ilang mga anak didto para maka attend lang ani na activity na gipahigayon sa 27IB. Best effort ang gihatag sa 27IB sa atua para makahatag ani na edukasyon para mas maaware kita sa atung palibot ug sa atung komunidad.

The 27th Infantry “Action” Battalion remained steadfast and committed on Peace, Law Enforcement, and Development Support (PLEDS) operations by strengthening the community’s Integrated Territorial Defense System (ITDS) particularly those belonging to Conflict Vulnerable Areas (CVAs) and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantage Areas (GIDAs) to safeguard against CTG exploitation and resurgence.
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WESTMINCOM: Communist terrorist group team leader surrenders in Bukidnon

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Sep 14, 2023): Communist terrorist group team leader surrenders in Bukidnon

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – September 15, 2023

A team leader of the communist terrorist group operating in Northern Mindanao yielded to the military on September 13, 2023.

Alias Yugo, team leader of Squad 2, Platoon Ferrari, Sub-Regional Committee 5 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC), submitted himself without a firearm to the 48th Infantry Battalion, 10th Infantry Division based in Maramag Bukidnon.
 
The NCMRC is tagged in numerous atrocities and criminal activities in the provinces of Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, Agusan del Norte, and Agusan del Sur.

Based on the initial debriefing, the former rebel surrendered due to the extreme hardships he experienced in the CTG movement brought about by the incessant decisive military operations conducted by the 103rd Infantry Brigade against his group.
 
The surrendered personality is now under the custody of the 48IB for custodial debriefing.
 
Maj. Gen. Steve Crespillo, Commander of the Western Mindanao Command, lauded the collaborative efforts of the 10th Infantry Division under the Eastern Mindanao Command and the 1st Infantry Division under the Western Mindanao Command, to defeat the NCRMC and address all security concerns in Northern Mindanao.
 
“We urge those who are still on the run and continuously evading our forces on the ground to follow the footsteps of their comrades who chose to walk with us on the path toward peace and development in the Mindanao region,” Maj. Gen. Crespillo added.
 
#SupportOurTroops
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AFP: PH-US pleased with pace of EDCA projects

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Facebook Page (Sep 15, 2023): PH-US pleased with pace of EDCA projects

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City—General Romeo Brawner Jr., Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Admiral John Aquilino, Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, lauded the progress of projects under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) during their visit to Cagayan on September 13.

Accompanied by US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson, they inspected Lal-lo Airport and Naval Base Camilo Osias in Cagayan, as well as Basa Air Base in Pampanga, where EDCA sites are located.
(Photos by Sgt Ambay/PAOAFP)







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AFP: AFP, USINDOPACOM wrap-up MDB-SEB meeting, underscore joint commitments

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Facebook Page (Sep 15, 2023): AFP, USINDOPACOM wrap-up MDB-SEB meeting, underscore joint commitments

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City—The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the US Indo-Pacific Command (US INDOPACOM) concluded its annual Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB) meeting at the AFP General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on September 14, 2023.

General Romeo Brawner Jr, Chief of Staff of the AFP (CSAFP), and Admiral John Aquilino, Commander of US INDOPACOM) led the event that was marked by fruitful discussions and strategic collaboration reaffirming the steadfast commitment of the PH-US in safeguarding our nations and the Indo-Pacific region.  (Photos by PO3 Viluan Ret/PAOAFP)











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AFP: General Brawner thanks AUS Army for training PH troops

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Facebook Page (Sep 18, 2023): General Brawner thanks AUS Army for training PH troops

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City—General Romeo Brawner Jr, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, expressed his appreciation to the Australian Army during the courtesy visit of Australia’s Army Chief, LtGen Simon Stuart on September 18 at the AFP General Headquarters here.

In their meeting, the two discussed PH-Aus bilateral military partnership, including training, student exchanges, reservist development, non-commissioned officer empowerment, and recruitment.
 
Read: https://www.afp.mil.ph/.../general-brawner-thanks-aus...
(Photos by PFC Carmelotes/PAO, AFP)









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BARMM honors hundreds of fallen Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters by giving their widows P50,000 each

From Rappler (Sep 18, 2023): BARMM honors hundreds of fallen Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters by giving their widows P50,000 each



The widows come from Cotabato province which had seen turmoil during the Estrada administration’s ‘all-out war’ in 2000

COTABATO, Philippines – The regional government of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has honored Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels who died fighting the government for their secessionist cause years ago by giving their widows in Cotabato province P50,000 each.

Some 200 widows from the towns of Kabacan and Carmen in Cotabato province received the BARMM livelihood aid on Friday, September 15.

BARMM Interior Minister Naguib Sinarimbo said, “Their late husbands sacrificed their lives in pursuit of our vision for a government that would offer opportunities for a free and improved life. While we cannot replace their loved ones, this simple gesture serves to acknowledge their invaluable contribution to our achievements and to honor their memory.”

The financial aid is a component of the Bangsamoro Integrated Rehabilitation and Development (BIRD) Program under the Ministry of the Interior and Local Governance of the BARMM. The funds were drawn from the Special Development Fund (SDF) of the regional government.

The distribution ceremony took place at the government center in Barangay Manarapan, Carmen, an area that had seen turmoil during the intense conflict between Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels and government forces during the Estrada administration’s all-out war in 2000.

Many soldiers were killed, too, during the 2000 fighting.

Sinarimbo stressed the importance of addressing the immediate needs of the widows while providing them long-term sustainable development initiatives. These efforts include capacity building, rural infrastructure development, and livelihood opportunities, with plans to establish them as a cooperative to further enhance their livelihoods.

But for Zukria Abas, a 46-year-old widow whose husband, an Moro Islamic Liberation Front commander, lost his life in Buliok, Pikit, Cotabato in 2014, her top priority upon receiving the money is her children’s tuition so they can continue their education.


TUITION MONEY. Zukria Abas, the widow of an Moro Islamic Liberation Front commander, says she will use a portion of the livelihood aid for her children’s tuition. Ferdinand Carbrera/Rappler

She said, “The timing couldn’t be better. We are grateful that BARMM has not forgotten us, especially during these challenging times, when many of our fellow widows are elderly and in poor health.”

Zukria said she hoped that her children’s and future generations will not have to endure the horrors of war as she did.

She said, “We were exhausted by it. We don’t want them to experience or witness the atrocities we endured. We pray that no more war will happen again,” she told Rappler.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/mindanao/

Army overruns NPA lair in Sipalay City

Posted to Panay News (Sep 19, 2023): Army overruns NPA lair in Sipalay City


Items recovered by the Philippine Army’s 15th Infantry Battalion from a hideout of the New People’s Army in Sipalay City, Negros Occidental on Saturday, Sept. 16. PHILIPPINE ARMY 15IB

BACOLOD City – The Philippine Army’s 15th Infantry Battalion (15IB) overran a lair of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the hinterlands of Sipalay City, Negros Occidental.

Lt. Col. Michael Cuarteros, 15IB commander, said the encounter in Sitio Tunap, Barangay San Jose occurred past 3 p.m. on Saturday after reports of alleged extortion.

The skirmish lasted for roughly 10 minutes until the 15-man group believed to be from the NPA’s South West Front Platoon 3 withdrew.

Government forces confiscated a loaded .45 pistol, a homemade shotgun, mobile phones, medical paraphernalia, a transistor radio, a 200-meter electrical wire, jungle packs, subversive documents, and the rebels’ personal belongings.


Authorities also discovered blood stains on the rebels’ withdrawal route.

Cuarteros said the local community’s cooperation demonstrates their willingness to prevent the presence and resurgence of the armed group in their community.

Meanwhile, the City Social Welfare Development Office provided assistance to the displaced residents. (Watchmen Daily Journal)/PN

https://www.panaynews.net/army-overruns-npa-lair-in-sipalay-city/

PAF set to get third C-208B reconnaissance plane from US

 From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 18, 2023): PAF set to get third C-208B reconnaissance plane from US (By Priam Nepomuceno)



MANILA – The Philippine Air Force (PAF) would accept a brand-new Cessna C-20B "Grand Caravan" surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft from the United States at the Clark Air Base in Mabalacat City, Pampanga on Tuesday.

In an advisory on Monday, the PAF said Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. will be the guest of honor in the acceptance, turnover and blessing ceremonies of the C-208B.

"The C-208B aircraft is a grant from the US," it added.

It will be the third C-208B in PAF service once accepted as two units were formally turned over by the US on July 27, 2017.

The first two C-208B planes are part of a USD33-million package through the US National Defense Authorization Act Building Partnership Capacity Program which aims, at the time, to provide equipment and training to boost Philippine anti-terrorism capabilities.


The C-208B aircraft has a cruising speed of around 170 knots and has a range of over 1,000 nautical miles and is capable of transporting eight to nine persons, including the pilot.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1210039

PH, Australia eye more military personnel exchanges

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 18, 2023): PH, Australia eye more military personnel exchanges (By Priam Nepomuceno)



BOOSTING TIES. Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. (right) receives a memento from Australian Army chief Lt. Gen. Simon Stuart who paid a courtesy visit to the AFP General Headquarters on Monday (Sept. 18, 2023). Among areas of cooperation tackled by the two officials are bilateral military partnerships, including training, student exchanges, reservist development, non-commissioned officer empowerment, and recruitment. (Photo courtesy of the AFP)

MANILA – Ranking military officials of the Philippines and Australia on Monday discussed ways to further improve areas of cooperation between the two countries.

This came as Australian Army chief Lt. Gen. Simon Stuart paid a courtesy call to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Among areas of cooperation tackled by the two officials are bilateral military partnerships, including training, student exchanges, reservist development, non-commissioned officer empowerment, and recruitment.

“We are very thankful for the support we are getting from Australia. Not just intelligence and technical support, but also more now in terms of training and exercises,” Brawner said in a statement.


Brawner also recalled the support provided by Australia during the Marawi siege from an existing Memorandum of Understanding to Combat International Terrorism.

The Philippines and Australia also currently have a partnership on training and exchanges signed in 1995 and a status of Visiting Forces Agreement has also been in effect between the two nations since 2007.

From Aug. 14 to 31, the AFP and the Australian Defense Force conducted the first-ever bilateral amphibious exercise between the two services dubbed "Exercise Alon" which focused on enhancing interoperability between participating military units.

"Exercise Alon" includes an air assault exercise in Palawan on Aug. 21, combined amphibious assault exercise in Zambales on Aug. 25, and live-fire training as the final phase in Capas, Tarlac on Aug. 31.


https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1210069