Cop, cohort fall in Cotabato City firearms sale entrapment

From the Philippine Star (Feb 10, 2024): Cop, cohort fall in Cotabato City firearms sale entrapment (By John Unson) 

The two gunrunners who sold three assault rifles to plainclothes policemen in Cotabato City on Friday are now both detained.  Philstar.com / John Unson

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Law-enforcement agents arrested a policeman and an alleged member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front after selling to them three assault rifles marked “Armed Forces Property” in an entrapment operation here on Friday.

Agents of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, led by Lt. Col. Ariel Huesca, immediately frisked and cuffed the policeman, who is assigned at the Kabuntalan Municipal Police Station in Maguindanao del Norte province, and his accomplice, said to be a member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s Task Force Ittihad.

In separate statements on Saturday, Huesca and the regional director of the Bangsamoro police, Brig. Gen. Allan Nobleza, both requested reporters not to reveal, meantime, the identities of the two suspects, while intelligence agents are still trying to locate their cohorts here and in nearby towns.

Huesca said the duo was arrested after selling two 5.56 M16 rifles and an M4 carbine, of the same caliber, to plainclothes CIDG-BAR agents in a tradeoff along Sousa Street in Barangay Rosary Heights 1 here.

Huesca said the sting that led to the arrest of the two suspects and confiscation from them of the firearms marked "Property of the Armed Forces of the Philippines" was laid with the help of informants privy to their illegal gun trade activities.

Besides the three assault rifles, CIDG agents had also seized from the two suspects an Israeli Galil assault rifle and a 9 millimeter Glock pistol. Their vehicle, a red Toyota Innova, was also impounded.

https://qa.philstar.com/nation/2024/02/10/2332374/cop-cohort-fall-cotabato-city-firearms-sale-entrapment

CPP/Ang Bayan: Military summarily kills senior citizen couple in Masbate

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Feb 7, 2024): Military summarily kills senior citizen couple in Masbate

 

This article is available in PilipinoBisaya


February 07, 2024

The 2nd IB personnel mercilessly murdered senior citizen spouses Pedro Regala, 78 years old, and Florencia Regala, 67 years old in Barangay Toboran, Cawayan, Masbate on February 5, 2024. The victims were picked up from their home, taken to a remote part of the creek, shot mercilessly, before their bodies were dressed with ammo pouches and falsely claimed to have been killed in an encounter.

The dead bodies of the elderly were dumped on muddy ground and displayed on social media as “terrorists” to cover up their heinous crimes. The 2nd IB unit and a paramilitary group led by Adriel Besana were involved in the murder. Barangay Tuboran is infested by Alsa Masa paramilitary used by the military to sow terrorism in Masbate. It was reported that the killers of the couple were high on drugs.

Arrest. Thirteen civilians were arrested by state forces in various cases in Cebu, Negros, Quezon and Masbate in the past two weeks.

State forces arrested farmer-leader Allan Flores on January 21 at his farm in Sibagay 2, Barangay Cantabaco, Minglanilla, Cebu. He was charged with murder and attempted murder in Bohol. He is detained in Toledo City.

On the same day, three peasant-members of the Kauswagan sang mga Mangunguma sa Buenvista (KMB) were arrested by the 94th IB in Sityo Cantupa-Pisok, Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental. The farmers were identified as Deloy de Leon, Vincies de Leon and Remy Villacanao. On January 22, the military surfaced Vincies de Leon and charged him with attempted murder. The other two have not yet been surfaced.

In Mulanay, Quezon, the police arbitrarily arrested film director and professor Jade Castro and his three friends on February 2. They were implicated in the burning of an e-jeep in Cata-nauan on January 31. Castro was making a progressive film and has joined the fight against the jeepney phaseout.

In January, state forces arrested five Masbate civilians accused of being Red fighters who clashed with the 2nd IB in Barangay Balantay, Dimasalang on June 16, 2023. The five are Jamara Tumangan, Rowel Hagnaya, Alden Tumangan, Rico Cuyos and Senen Dollete. In fact, the five were victims of soldiers’ shooting, which killed a minor.

Militarization. On January 30, the 96th IB opened fire on residents who dared to extract copra from the coconut plantation seized by the military in Sityo Malapinggan bordering Barangay San Jose, Uson and Barangay Sawmill, Mobo town, Masbate. On January 29, cases of theft and forced entry into houses and illegal searches by CAFGU troops and the military were recorded in Hacienda Mortuegue in the towns of Pio V. Corpuz and Esperanza.

https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4004111469161356591/4795211438619039261

CPP/Ang Bayan: AFP “archi­pe­la­gic defen­se” framed in US imperialist warfare

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Feb 7, 2024): AFP “archi­pe­la­gic defen­se” framed in US imperialist warfare

 

This article is available in PilipinoBisaya


February 07, 2024

The waters of Mindoro in the West Philippine Sea became a virtual war zone on January 4-5 when the US launched a 2-day “maritime cooperative activity” in Cabra Island here, together with its puppet Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). While the activity was underway, two Chinese warships were on alert not far from the area. The activity opens 2024, the first of more than 500 wargames and other military operations which the US plan to launch in the Philippines, in partnership with its puppet Marcos Jr regime. This includes the massive Balikatan slated to be held at Mavulis Island in Batanes, just 140 kilometers off Taiwan’s southern coast.

Also in January, the AFP and the regime spoke of the “strategic shift” of the Philippines’ security plan from internal defense to external defense. The plan proposed by Gilbert Teodoro, secretary of the Department of National Defense, was called the “Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept”, which will allegedly “guarantee Filipino corporations, and foreigners permitted by the Philippines, to peacefully carry out exploration and exploitation in all natural resources within the exclusive economic zone (of the Philippines) and other areas within (its) jurisdiction.”

In fact, the “archipelagic defense” concept is neither new nor original. It was directly taken from the US military’s operational concept “Archipelagic Defense Strategy” which aims to “prevent Chinese aggression” in the Western Pacific Theater of Operations emphasizing on what it calls the “First Island Chain.” This “chain” of islands includes the Philippines. This places the country at the forefront of the imperialist war and a major target of China’s attack. (Refer to map).

The Archipelagic Defense Strategy operationalizes the anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) tactic with the goal of “neutralizing” the capabilities of the “enemy” (China), and “suppress” or “eliminate” its ability to launch “aggression” in the region. For this, the US is laying out a network of open and secret bases and facilities to host a system of radars and missiles and troops, and will serve as storage of weapons (including nuclear), various equipment, fuel and numerous other needs for launching warfare.
Filipino money

Part of the Archipelagic Defense strategy is for the US to require its “partners” in Asia, including Japan, Korea and the Philippines to finance the cost of provoking war. Teodoro even boasted that the reactionary state’s ₱2 trillion budget will finance the purchase of weapons, vehicles and other military equipment—all made by the US and its allies—to shape the “archipelagic defense” of Philippines.

Among those lined up to be purchased by the Philippines are the old but still very expensive US F-16 jet fighters, large ships to participate in “joint patrols” in the South China Sea and many other “big tickets” or large weapons which AFP generals have long been drooling over. These are included in the “Rehorizoned Capability Enhancement and Modernization Program” or ReHorizoned 3 of the AFP.

The pouring of funds not only serves the purpose of the US against China, but also to satiate the AFP which is now plagued by infighting and factionalism. In cooperation with the US, the Marcos regime uses the fund to secure the loyalty of generals. For this, Marcos assured that the state will allocate the fund for the next 10 years.

In December 2023, Marcos approved an increase in the AFP budget to $285 billion by 2024. Some analysts believe up to ₱110 billion to ₱115 billion will be allocated for the purchase of new weapons and servicing of old equipment overused or damaged by the AFP. This is four times larger than the annual ₱25 to ₱30 billion previously allocated by the Duterte regime for the program.

While the AFP and the Marcos regime play along in war provocations against China, it has yet to withdraw counterinsurgency troops which carry out a fascist rampage in the countryside.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://philippinerevolution.nu/2024/02/07/afp-archipelagic-defense-framed-in-us-imperialist-warfare/

CPP/Ang Bayan: RCSP unit of the 77th IB plagues the people of Cagayan

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Feb 7, 2024): RCSP unit of the 77th IB plagues the people of Cagayan

 

This article is available in PilipinoBisaya


February 07, 2024

For us, my child, you are far different from the army (AFP). Its different when you’re here because the wrongdoings (of soldiers) stop,” said Tatang Rebo, a farmer, while serving coffee to the Red fighters at his hut. Comrades has just arrived and were eagerly greeted by the people. Like in many places, the peasants consider them “children of the people.”

“Soldiers have no discipline. They are even instigators of misdeeds,” complained Tatang. He narrated his bad experience with the 77th IB troopers behind the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) in their village in Baggao, Cagayan. “Imagine, soon after arriving here at my home, they were looking for chicken to eat!”

A brawl between drunken “soldiers” a week after the elections remains talk of the village. “They were craving for alcohol just a few hours into the liquor ban. Even before they could put down their packs, they had gin bought and asked for pulutan (snacks to go with drinks)!” narrated Tatang.

“They could have at least helped pick corn as consolation for us serving them drinks. But nothing! Instead, they only get drunk and cause trouble in the village,” said ading (big brother) Makar, who joined in welcoming the comrades. The soldiers slaughtered not only the chickens and ducks of village residents, but even some pet dogs.

“Their behavior, my child, frighten us. They are drunk even at midday. What if they do worse than a brawl? What if they shoot each other? What can we do, especially with so many children around?” said Nanang Clarita. Residents can’t overcome their fear especially since the 77th IB has a long record of killings due to drunkenness. Just like in 2021 when two drunken soldiers shot each other within the battalion headquarters itself in Piggatan, Alcala.

Besides being drunks, the 77th IB is notorious for gambling. They vex residents with their noise when they gamble. They brazenly steal farmers’ food. They destroy property and small farm huts of farmers. Without care, they destroy cornfields, rice paddies and other farms in their operations.

They are also notorious with women. The town’s school teachers had the experience of soldiers forcibly entering their dormitories in the middle of the night. Their “courting” of young girls or minors is also widespread. They use girls as “text mates” and force them to regularly report NPA movements in the area.

The 77th IB troopers have been camping in the barangay hall, and sometimes in the school, for over a year under the veil of RCSP. They pay lip service to “increasing access to and delivering government programs” to rural and remote areas. But time passed and they contributed not an iota to the community.

In fact, residents got tired of being summoned by the military to “mini-meetings”. There were times when soldiers gather them for a supposed distribution of “relief goods” but residents were surprised that they were attending a “peace rally”. Without their consent, they were made to hold up placards, shout and burn flags while being photographed. “I just saw on Facebook, son, that I am now a surrenderee!” Tatang relates his experience.

“That’s why its good to give them a lesson, comrade!” Makar angrily stated. “I myself will guide you to where they can be hit. They position themselves high up. They use Facebook there as that’s only place where there’s signal. We can commando them there as no civilians will be hit. It’s also far from the houses. They are surely targets.”

Even Tatang and Nanang agreed with the suggestion.

___
From Baringkuas, Cagayan Valley’s revolutionary mass newspaper.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://philippinerevolution.nu/2024/02/07/rcsp-unit-of-the-77th-ib-plagues-the-people-of-cagayan/

CPP/Ang Bayan: NPA-Rizal ambushes troopers protecting Wawa-Violago Dam

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Feb 7, 2024): NPA-Rizal ambushes troopers protecting Wawa-Violago Dam

This article is available in PilipinoBisaya


February 07, 2024

Aunit of the New People’s Army (NPA)-Rizal ambushed troopers of the 80th IB operating in Lukutang Malaki, Barangay San Isidro, Rodriguez, Rizal on January 31, at 5:10 in the morning. One soldier was killed, while two others were wounded. The said unit secures the destructive Wawa-Violago Dam project in Rizal.

According to the report, the 80th IB’s intense and relentless focused military operations in Rodriguez have been going on for nearly a year. Apart from serving as guards of the dam being built, the unit also protects the interests of the ruling big land grabbers like the Aranetas, Villars and Robles, in Lukutang Malaki.

The AFP unit is involved in multiple human rights violations including the illegal detention of indigenous people and peasants defending their right to livelihood. Since January 31, the 80th IB intensified and tightened surveillance on the residents’ entry and exit in the community. Soldiers set up checkpoints and went door-to-door intimidating residents and subjecting them to illegal interrogations.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://philippinerevolution.nu/2024/02/07/npa-rizal-ambushes-troopers-protecting-wawa-violago-dam/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Party anniversary celebrated in Rizal, Metro Manila and Central Panay

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Feb 7, 2024): Party anniversary celebrated in Rizal, Metro Manila and Central Panay

 

This article is available in PilipinoBisaya


February 07, 2024

Party units in Rizal, Metro Manila and Central Panay recently reported their activities celebrating the 55th anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

In Central Panay, the New People’s Army (NPA) and revolutionary masses held a week-long series of activities on the last week of December 2023. The unit had a simple get-together, to conduct studies, collective discussions on the Central Committee’s anniversary statement, and cultural presentations and tributes to martyrs. These inspired the participants to raise their spirit to face the upcoming challenges of 2024 with full courage.

In a city in Metro Manila, Party leaders offered revolutionary songs and tributes during a clandestine celebration. They honored Jude Fernandez, valiant labor leader. They self-critically discussed the Party’s message, and highlighted the identified weaknesses, especially the prevalence of empiricism and bureaucratism. As part of the pledge to rectify and take on revolutionary responsibilites, the secretaries and various branches in the city renewed their Party oath.

In Rizal, representatives of the National Democratic Front-Rizal gathered on January 12. Representatives of revolutionary organizations delivered messages of solidarity and cultural performances in celebration of the Party’s anniversary. Each expressed acceptance of the challenge to continue rectifying and re-strengthing to continue the revolution.

Party members collectively renewed their vow to reaffirm their revolutionary duties and principles for the advancement of the people’s democratic revolution. This is a pledge to hold fast to Party principles even if this means sacrificing one’s life in order to reinvigorate and bring the national-democratic struggle to a higher level.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://philippinerevolution.nu/2024/02/07/party-anniversary-celebrated-in-rizal-metro-manila-and-central-panay/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Editorial--Scorn the hostilities of the Marcos-Duterte fascist cliques

Propaganda editorial from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Feb 7, 2024): Editorial-Scorn the hostilities of the Marcos-Duterte fascist cliques


This article is available in PilipinoBisaya


February 07, 2024

The people are firmly rejecting the conflict of the Marcos and Duterte fascist cliques, both of which represent the worst of the bureaucrat capitalists, and promote the interests of big landlords and comprador bourgeoisie, and imperialist domination in the Philippines.

The conflict recently broke out in the open when Duterte spoke against the charter change or chacha scheme being pushed by Marcos and his minions, at the same time calling on the military to act against congress in case it pursues the plan, and threatening to move for the “secession” of Mindanao.

Duterte is deviously riding on the rising wave of the people’s resistance to chacha to defend his own interests and counter the Marcos clique’s plan to take away his economic and political power. Duterte is fuming over the cancellation of the government contracts he entered into with China, which would deprive him of billions of pesos of kickback, the cutting down Davao’s once multi-billion peso budget. He also resents Marcos’ refusal to block the investigation of the International Criminal Court and the possible issuance of a warrant for his arrest for crimes against humanity.

On the other hand, the Marcos camp remains busy in its push to amend the 1987 Constitution. To muzzle Duterte’s rambling mouth, Marcos temporarily stopped the “people’s initiative” which he said is too divisive. However, the Senate and the House of Representatives continue to push to amend the 1987 Constitution to enshrine in it the neoliberal policies of liberalization, deregulation and privatization, further reinforce foreign capitalist ownership of Philippine resources and economic domination, and strike out its anti-Marcos legacy.

The fascists Marcos and Duterte are openly feuding amid the crisis of the ruling system. In fact, their conflict itself is a result of the crisis which has shrunk the spoils being shared between them addicts to wealth and power.

The conflict of the ruling Marcos and Duterte ruling deepens the hatred and outrage of the Filipino people against the ruling reactionary regime, and strengthens their determination to build a broad united front against chacha, and against policies and measures that further oppress the people and trample on the country’s national freedom.

The conflict has deepened the masses’ hatred of Marcos and Duterte who conspired to steal the 2022 election by creating the false “landslide victory.” The people’s anger is exacerbated by the Marcos’ display of extravagance while the majority suffer from poverty and hardships. He is isolating himself further by ignoring the people’s cry for wages increases, genuine land reform, greater spending for education, health and other social services, and other urgent demands; while providing foreign companies and its local partners with all incentives to make them earn large profits from the exploitation of the country’s cheap labor and resources.

Marcos brazenly abuses his power to take control of hundreds of billions of pesos and funnel it into the business of his cronies. Like Duterte, Marcos is fattening the AFP unprecedented amounts of money that line the pockets of the favored generals, to secure their loyalty. The AFP’s brutal war of suppression continues in the countryside to pave the way for the aggressive entry of foreign businesses, which rob the peasant masses and indigenous people of their agricultural and ancestral lands.

Marcos’ subservience to US geopolitical interests is fanning the people’s patriotism. He has allowed the US to take full control of the AFP to serve its strategy of encircling and containing the rise of China. The US is dragging the Philippines in its schemes to intensify military tensions in the South China Sea, Korean Peninsula and Taiwan, in an attempt to provoke China to an armed conflict. The growing presence of American soldiers and rising number of US military facilities inside the AFP camps are a slap on freedom-loving Filipinos.

The broad antifascist, anti-imperialist and antifeudal united front against the US-Marcos regime continues to expand with patriotic and democratic forces at its head and core. Marcos’s scheme to change the 1987 Constitution is bringing together a wide range of classes and sectors. Despite opposing chacha, Duterte is excluded from the broad united front against the US-Marcos regime, for having committed innumerable crimes against the Filipino people.

The broad united front condemns Marcos for colluding with Duterte to steal the 2022 election, for shielding him from accountability for crimes committed in the course of the war on drugs and the terrorist war of suppression, as well as for extensive corruption including the anomalies during the pandemic.

The people’s united front against the US-Marcos regime’s chacha continues to broaden. At the same time, there is rising clamor by the masses of the people for wage and salary increases, regular and decent jobs, genuine land reform, lower prices of food, fuel and other commodities, and other urgent needs. They are also firmly advancing their resistance to fascist repression of democratic rights, and US military intervention in the country. Throughout the country, the Filipino masses are steadily rising.

The Party and all revolutionary forces will continue to strive to rouse the vast masses of workers and peasants, the pettybourgeois intellectuals and professionals, and all other progressive and patriotic forces, to take action and fight. Amid conditions of crisis, the revolutionary mass movement in the cities and countryside is bound to intensify and fight with ardor, together with the revolutionary armed struggle being waged by the New People’s Army.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://philippinerevolution.nu/2024/02/07/scorn-the-hostilities-of-the-marcos-duterte-fascist-cliques/

Soldiers Capture Communist NPA Terrorist, Unearth Arms Cache in a clash in Northern Samar

From the AFP Radio DWDD Facebook Page (Feb 2, 2024): Soldiers Capture Communist NPA Terrorist, Unearth Arms Cache in a clash in Northern Samar

CAMP VICENTE LUKBAN, Catbalogan City, Samar — Troops of the 43rd Infantry "We Search" Battalion, 8th Infantry "Stormtroopers" Division, Philippine Army, captured a Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) after an encounter in the hinterlands of Barangay Palanit, San Isidro, Northern Samar, last January 27, 2024.

The captured CNT is identified as alias Doming/Nitoy, a member of Squad 1, Sub-Regional Guerilla Unit (SRGU), Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Emporium, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) who have a standing warrant of arrest for the crime of murder issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 20 on October 10, 2015.

Prior to the encounter, the troops conducted a focused military operation after receiving information from the residents about the presence of an armed group conducting extortion activities in the said barangay, when they were fired upon by the group of a certain alias Doming. After the firefight, alias Doming was abandoned by his comrades who was subsequently captured by the government troops.

 
The captured CNT during an interview revealed the location of an arms cache of the CNTs in the hinterlands of Sitio Kahidwangan, Barangay Happy Valley, San Isidro, Northern Samar. Seized were an M16 rifle and a short plastic magazine.

The Commanding Officer of the 43IB, Lieutenant Colonel Nasser Arojo, attributed the success of the operation to the timely and relevant information provided by the residents. He acknowledged that the cooperation of the residents led to the capture of alias Doming and the recovery of the arms cache containing high-powered firearm.

"This is a clear indication that the community appreciates the efforts of the government and has decided to support the fight of ending the local communist armed conflict," Lt. Col. Arojo said.

Meanwhile, the Commanding General of the 8th Infantry Division, Major General Camilo Z. Ligayo, also encouraged the remaining CNTs and the community to unite and work together towards socio-economic development.

"Let's give peace a chance. Let us join hands and find solutions to our problems. There is no need for armed struggle. The government has programs anchored in the NTF-ELCAC where all government agencies and other stakeholders provide solutions to the problems especially in the vulnerable areas and sectors in society," Maj. Gen. Ligayo expressed.

https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/posts/pfbid09FChr6aQp8PovP8RaBQ8FMcoJVqvxAnvo5MWp71kfpTbWuVioZxFK8NjJmRqhFjil?fbclid=IwAR0vbOEVaXlJaCrtA1xyvWgTh2B6h7N1vaLdkL-aAZiQVUuahgFhjmqZ6vc

https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134

1st Inf Div: Army seizes High-Powered Firearms and War Materiel from Terrorist Group in Lanao del Sur

Posted to the Philippine Army 1st Infantry Division Facebook Page (Feb 4, 2024): Army seizes High-Powered Firearms and War Materiel from Terrorist Group in Lanao del Sur

CAMP SANG-AN, ZDS - In a decisive operation on February 04, the 103rd Infantry (Haribon) Brigade of the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division successfully confiscated a significant cache of war materiel from the DI-Maute Group (DI-MG) in Balindong, Lanao del Sur.

Responding to intelligence provided by concerned citizens, a joint Army and Police task force launched a raid targeting three suspected hideouts of the DI-MG. Despite the group’s escape, the operation yielded a haul of weaponry and equipment left behind, including high-caliber rifles, ammunition, communication devices, and personal effects.

Brig. Gen. Yegor Rey P. Barroquillo Jr., commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade, praised the troops for their professionalism and dedication, emphasizing the disruption inflicted upon the DI-Maute Group’s capabilities. The recovery of these assets marks a significant blow to the group’s operations, further bolstering counterterrorism efforts in the region.

Maj. Gen. Gabriel C. Viray III, commander of the 1st Infantry Division, commended the swift and coordinated efforts of the units involved, underscoring their vital role in maintaining peace and security in the area.

“The 103rd Infantry Brigade has been at the forefront of the government’s effort to address the security and stop the insurgency in the area. I commend the quick response of the different units on the ground for the successful conduct of operations to ensure the safety and security of our area of responsibility.” Maj. Gen. Viray lll said.

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103rd Inf Bn: Community of Balbalan tips off NPA arms cache

Posted to the Philippine Army 103rd Infantry Battalion Facebook Page (Feb 5, 2024): 103rd Infantry Mabalasik Battalion, 5th Infantry Star Division, Philippine Army: Community of Balbalan tips off NPA arms cache

Brgy Camalog, Pinukpuk, Kalinga - Around early daytime on February 5, 2024, while conducting focused military operations, the operating troops under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Joel V Lucas, Battalion Commander 103rd Infantry Battalion, unearthed and discovered high powered Firearms and ammunition (one M14 rifle, one M1 Garand rifle, two magazines, two clip assembly, twenty-two rounds live ammo Cal 7.62mm and sixteen rounds live ammo Cal .30) at Sitio Dau, Barangay Balbalan Proper, Balbalan, Kalinga.

This positive discovery of the arms cache was tipped off by the residents of the barangay it allegedly belonged to the Kilusang Larangang Gerilya (KLG) Baggas, Ilocos Cordillera Regional Committee (ICRC) that swarm the northern region. In addition, they also found a Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) encampment. It was estimated to be occupied for nine (9) months before its discovery.

The Philippine Army will continuously conduct this kind of operation to end the insurgency in the Cordillera Region and all the neighboring regions around the country that are being infested by the manipulative Armed Communist Terrorist Group.

Authenticated by: 1LT LEAH A JANGAO PA
CP# 0960-477-6513
Civil-Military Operations Officer
103IB, 5ID, PA

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14th Inf Bn: 55 join in Avenger Youth Leaders Camp in Esperanza, Bontoc, So. Leyte

Posted to the Philippine Army 14th Infantry Battalion Facebook Page (Feb 5, 2024): 55 join in Avenger Youth Leaders Camp in Esperanza, Bontoc, So. Leyte

BONTOC, Southern Leyte, February 4, 2024 - Some 55 young leaders from the village of Esperanza successfully participated and completed in the two-day Avenger Youth Leaders Camp 2024 with the theme, “Gugma, Kalinaw, Paglaum: Batan-ong Mugna para sa Hayag nga Kaugmaon; para sa Diyos sa Kinaiyahan, sa Katawhan ug sa Nasud."

 
The 14th Infantry (Avenger) Battalion, Philippine Army and its stakeholders - the so-called Avengers Family - are very appreciative of the total support and cooperation extended by the parents and young leaders of Barangay Esperanza to the conduct of the Avenger Youth Leaders Camp as a localized version of the Youth Leaders’ Summit (YLS).

 
In a statement issued during the closing program, Second Lieutenant Carissa Dadea, officer-in-charge of the Civil-Military Operation (CMO) Section, 14IB, declared: "We have confidence in your ability to bring the skills you gained from the camp and lead with passion and commitment, encouraging positive change. The Avengers Family believes you have what it takes to make an impact and appreciates your commitment to serving others. I hope you keep the leadership qualities you've developed throughout your time with us and that the opportunities you have to empower those around you will be abundant on your future path."

 
2Lt. Dadea also expressed gratitude to all those who helped make the event successful and memorable: "Our heartfelt gratitude also goes to Miss Joyfin Gesulga, Mr. Jan Rex Yunzal, Ms Kimverly Kapusuran, Mr Michael Lampong, Mr Aljomar Tomaob, SK Members and all other youth facilitators, including the Avenger Troopers and 82CMO Company of 8CMO Bn who worked in that capacity during the Avenger Youth Leaders Camp 2024. We are aware of your unwavering commitment to provide a life-changing and rewarding event for the participants. The positive feedback we've received is the consequence of your efforts. The Avengers Family appreciates your dedication and inspirational counsel. We appreciate your invaluable contribution to the development of tomorrow's leaders."

The participants, along with their respective parents, evidently played significant roles in the success of the event and expressed satisfaction in their two-day stay at the Avenger Youth Leaders Camp where they described their experiences to be both meaningful and pleasurable.

 
#AvengerYouthForPeace
#KabataanPagAsaNgBayan
#KabataanKontraDroga
#ServiceWithCompassion
#ParaSaBayan
#AFPyoucanTRUST
802nd Infantry (Peerless) Brigade, 8ID, Philippine ArmyBravo "Blackhawk" Company 14th Infantry Battalion8th Forward Service Support Unit, ASCOM, PA - Eastern VisayasAlpha "Achiever" Company 14th Infantry "Avenger" BattalionCharlie "Viper" Company, 14th Infantry "Avenger" Battalion

8th Civil-Military Operations Battalion - Home of Dangpanan 100.1FMDILG Southern LeyteRadyo Pilipinas SogodJan Rex YunzalPambayang Pederasyon ng Sangguniang Kabataan of Bontoc So. Leyte

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802 Inf Bde: 2 NPAs died in an encounter with Army troops in Leyte

From the Philippine Army 802nd Infantry Brigade Facebook Page (Feb 10, 2024): 2 NPAs died in an encounter with Army troops in Leyte

CAMP JORGE DOWNES, ORMOC CITY, LEYTE – A high value target, Rolando Caballera @Chow/Brooks, Member, Executive Committee (EXECOM), and Crispolo Agunos Jr @Brix/Maniwang/Alex/Jun/Darwin, Member, Team 2, Platoon 2, both of IC-LEVOX, EVRPC died in a clash with troops of 93rd Infantry (Bantay Kapayapaan) Battalion in Brgy Tinag-an, Albuera, Leyte at about 7:23 o’clock in the morning of February 10, 2024. The 93rd Infantry Battalion is under operational control of 802nd Infantry (PEERLESS) Brigade, 8th Infantry (STORMTROOPERS) Division, Philippine Army.

“We were responding to repeated reports of the civilians regarding the presence of the terrorist NPA in Albuera, Leyte conducting extortion activities and planning to liquidate unwary uniformed personnel and Former Rebels. The details and timely information of their (NPA) sighted locations, movements and activities provided by civilians enabled our patrolling troops to track their location that resulted to a brief exchange of fires that lasted for about fifteen (15) minutes. The NPA terrorists scampered and withdrew towards southeast direction leaving their two (2) dead comrades identified as Rolando Caballera and Crispolo Agunos Jr. The troops also recovered two (2) Cal 5.56 M16 rifles, one (1) Caliber .45 Pistol, personal belongings, and subversive documents.” Lieutenant Colonel Charlie C. Saclot, Battalion Commander, 93rd Infantry Battalion explained.

As member of Execom, Rolando Caballera @Chow/Brooks masterminded the multiple killings of their former comrades who already surrendered. He has standing warrant of arrests for various crimes committed against humanity. This include a warrant of arrest for multiple murder (15 counts) issued by RTC 8th Jucicial Region, Branch 18 in Hilongos, Leyte.

“The death of these two notorious NPA terrorists is a result of the firm resolve and commitment of our people to prevent the recovery efforts of the remnants of IC-LEVOX in their community. Through the timely information provided by some residents, we have pinpointed the area where these terrorists hide. Indeed, we attain the situation that the people are inhospitable to these NPA terrorists. ” Brigadier General Noel A Vestuir, Commander, 802nd Infantry Brigade said.

BGen Vestuir expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and relatives of Rolando Caballera and Crispolo Agunos Jr, along with his appeal for their families and relatives in Brgy Luneta, Lapaz, Leyte and Brgy Rizal, Kananga, Leyte, respectively to claim their remains once the process of their identification is finished, and give them decent burial.

“If they only heeded to the long-standing call of their local leaders for them to abandon the armed struggle and return to their respective communities to live a peaceful and meaningful life with their loved ones and families, this could not have happened. With the death of another top CPP-NPA leader in our area of responsibility, it is very imminent that the fighters under IC-LEVOX will be demoralized and their will to fight will be weakened. The 802nd Infantry (PEERLESS) Brigade reiterates our call along with the Barangay Captains, Town and City Mayors, the Governors, other agencies of the Government and Civil Societies for the remaining members of the NPA to abandon the armed struggle and return peacefully to your communities. Listen to the plea of your families and relatives to go home to them and live a life of peace, love, and happiness away from danger, fatigue, and hunger. The government, with the help of civil society organizations, is always ready to accept you and provide the necessary assistance to capacitate you in your return to the mainstream Filipino society.” Brigadier General Vestuir ended. -30-

Contact Person:
MAJ KAHARUDIN K CADIL (INF) PA
CMO Officer, 802Bde, 8ID, PA
0917-560-5896

#EndLocalCommunistArmedConflict #strongarmystrongcountry #KapayapaanParaSaLahat
93rd Infantry "Bantay Kapayapaan" Battalion 14th Infantry "Avenger" Battalion, Philippine Army 8th Infantry "Stormtroopers" Division, Philippine Army Visayas Command, AFP Philippine Army Armed Forces of the Philippines Civil Relations Service Armed Forces of the Philippines Semper Paratus Innovator Battalion 78th Infantry "Warrior" Battalion 78th Infantry "Warrior" Battalion, 8ID, Philippine Army 63rd Infantry "Innovator" Battalion, 8ID, Philippine Army 63rd Innovator Battalion 43rd Infantry We Search Battalion 20th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict Kalinaw News AFP Radio DWDD 8th Civil-Military Operations Battalion - Home of Dangpanan 100.1FM 802nd Brigade Loyalist 805th CDC Supporters 806th CDC Supporters 804th CDC Supporters 87th Infantry - Hinirang Battalion 8th Regional Community Defense Group, Reserve Command, Philippine Army 87 Infantry "Hinirang" Battalion, 8ID, Philippine Army Philippine News Agency Philippine Information Agency

https://www.facebook.com/802Bde

9th Inf Div: LOOK|| Government Forces Neutralized NPA Member and Seized High-Powered Firearms in Camarines Sur

Posted to the Philippine Army 9th Infantry Division Facebook Page (Feb 4, 2024): LOOK|| Government Forces Neutralized NPA Member and Seized High-Powered Firearms in Camarines Sur

The 9th Infantry "Spear" Division (9ID) achieved a significant victory as they neutralized Wilhem Señar, alias Lucky, a member of the New People's Army (NPA), in an encounter in Barangay Lidong, Presentacion, Camarines Sur on Friday, February 2.

The clash started at 10:25 AM and lasted five minutes before the six (6) armed men from Platoon 2, Komiteng Larangan Guerilla 1, Sub-regional Committee 2 scampered into different directions.

The 83IB successfully seized four (4) high-powered firearms, one low-powered firearm, 12 magazines, two bandoliers, documents, terrorist equipment, and personal belongings left by fleeing NPA members at the encounter site.

 
Acting on intelligence report about the group causing fear in the area, the 83IB engaged in a confrontation with no reported injuries on the government's side.

While the leadership of the 9ID considers the weapons recovery a triumph, they express regret over the loss of life, emphasizing the repeated calls for NPA members to reintegrate into society.

 
The government remains committed to ensure the safety and security of its citizens, addressing threats posed by armed groups in collaboration with local communities.

#StrongArmyStrongCountry
#LovedByThePeopleFearedByTheEnemy
#ServingthePeopleSecuringtheLand
#PhilippineArmy
#TeamArmy
#teamSPEAR
#Bicol
83rd Infantry "Matikas" Battalion

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Kalinaw News/8th Inf Div: High-powered firearms and explosives seized in Eastern Visayas

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 8, 2024): High-powered firearms and explosives seized in Eastern Visayas

Troops of the 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division found arms caches with high-powered firearms and anti-personnel mines. The 74th Infantry Battalion discovered two APMs in Barangay Siljagon, Mapanas, Northern Samar, based on information from a surrendered Communist NPA terrorist.

Lieutenant Colonel Jose Roy Manuel Dizon highlighted the danger of anti-personnel mines, which violate international laws.

In Barangay Cagmanipis, Calbayog City, the 43rd Infantry Battalion found an arms cache with five firearms, including an M16 rifle and M79 Grenade Launcher, after a captured CNT revealed the location. Lt. Col. Nasser Arojo mentioned the declining strength of CTG forces, indicating financial challenges.

Maj.Gen. Camilo Z. Ligayo, 8th Infantry Division Commander, emphasized the government's relentless efforts to end the local communist armed conflict for socio-economic development in Eastern Visayas.

8th Infantry "Stormtroopers" Division, Philippine Army
#StrongUnitedReliable
#PhilArmy
#ARMY126

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5th Inf Div: Kabuhayan projects presented to 30-former rebels of San Marino, Isabela

From the Philippine Army 5th Infantry Division Facebook Page (Feb 6, 2024): Kabuhayan projects presented to 30-former rebels of San Marino, Isabela

Camp Melchor F Dela Cruz, Upi Gamu, Isabela- A total of 700-thousand pesos worth of livelihood projects were distributed by DOLE-Isabela thru @PESO-San Mariano to the former leaders and members of the communist terrorist CPP-NPA-NDF who returned to the government with the help of 95th Infantry Salaknib Battalion this February 06, 2024 at the Municipal Hall of Saint Mariano.

Each beneficiary received a livelihood package worth PhP23,000-PhP25,000. This is according to their chosen business that they can grow such as mini variety store, rice vending, mini vulcanizing shop, mini welding services, balot vending, barbershop, dried fish, fish vending, hollow blocks making, mini bakery and pancitan.

Froctoso C is thankful. Agustin, DOLE-Supervising Officer in the local government of San Mariano and the troops in the expedited processing of documents required. It also hopes that this program will further improve the living standards of every rebel rebel in government.

According to Jefky Buahon a beneficent, these are the promises of NPA to them to encourage them to invade but none of them fulfilled. Now they can see that they really care about is the government that has been tirelessly supporting since they were reinstated.

DOLE’s Livelihood Projects aims to provide beneficiaries of investment through materials, equipment, furniture, and facilities.

They will also be provided with personal protective equipment and micro-insurance, seminars on basic occupational safety and health and emergency first-aid, and various productivity and entrepreneurship training to ensure they can maintain their livelihoods.

The government continues to urge the remaining members of the CPP-NPA to open their minds and hearts because there are many living proofs of concern, love and sincere service of the government.

#StrongArmy
#StrongRepublic
#KapayapaanParaSaLahat
#EndInsurgency

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19th SF Co: Look | Preventing and Countering Radicalism, Violent Extremism Awareness Symposium

 Posted to the Philippine Army 19th Special Forces Company (Feb 2, 2024): Look | Preventing and Countering Radicalism, Violent Extremism Awareness Symposium

"Awareness is the greatest agent for change." -Eckhart Tolle

19th Special Forces "Magnitude" Company led by Captain Marvin S Jacinto (INF) PA in collaboration with Isabela Central Elementary Pilot School headed by their Principal, Mr. Josiah Tuballa spearheaded the PCRVE Awareness Symposium to the 210 Grade 6 students of ICEPS.

 
The activity aims to educate and increase their awareness to the most pressing challenges of our time. With a focus on interdisciplinary exchanges, the symposium also aims to mold each student to be productive members of their society and be capable of making them lively and caring members of the community as a whole.

Furthermore, a former rebel, also gave his testimony about how his life altered after he returned to the folds of the law. He emphasized that being a rebel won't do you any good.

Moreover, Captain Marvin S Jacinto (INF) PA highlighted to the students to always follow and choose the right path and be an advocate of peace towards lasting peace and development of the beloved Province of Basilan.

4th Special Forces Battalion
#SfYourFriend
#AFPYouCanTrust
#IsabelaCentralElementaryPilotSchool
#19thSpecialForcesCompany
#PCRVE

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Kamatuoran Para Kagawasan: 2 NPAs died in an encounter with Army troops in Leyte

 Posted to the Kamatuoran Para Kagawasan (Truth For Freedom) Facebook Page (Feb 10, 2024): 2 NPAs died in an encounter with Army troops in Leyte

A high value target, Rolando Caballera @Chow/Brooks, Member, Executive Committee (EXECOM), and Crispolo Agunos Jr @Brix/Maniwang/Alex/Jun/Darwin, Member, Team 2, Platoon 2, both of IC-LEVOX, EVRPC died in a clash with troops of 93rd Infantry (Bantay Kapayapaan) Battalion in Brgy Tinag-an, Albuera, Leyte at about 7:23 o’clock in the morning of February 10, 2024.

 
Government troops responded to repeated reports of the civilians regarding the presence of the terrorist NPA in Albuera, Leyte conducting extortion activities and planning to liquidate unwary uniformed personnel and Former Rebels. The details and timely information of their (NPA) sighted locations, movements and activities provided by civilians enabled our patrolling troops to track their location that resulted to a brief exchange of fires that lasted for about fifteen (15) minutes. The NPA terrorists scampered and withdrew towards southeast direction leaving their two (2) dead comrades identified as Rolando Caballera and Crispolo Agunos Jr. The troops also recovered two (2) Cal 5.56 M16 rifles, one (1) Caliber .45 Pistol, personal belongings, and subversive documents.”.

As member of EXECOM, Rolando Caballera @Chow/Brooks masterminded the multiple killings of their former comrades who already surrendered. He has standing warrant of arrests for various crimes committed against humanity. This include a warrant of arrest for multiple murder (15 counts) issued by RTC 8th Jucicial Region, Branch 18 in Hilongos, Leyte.

https://www.facebook.com/kakag.ev/posts/pfbid0zrZopcFie8NaUJLAqXDPuEiv7EF5RsCfbsJBXnG2z8iSqFDBt7yNayp1KE57XAqCl?fbclid=IwAR2eM-1pfAwjT00FEuofErfIZN7Cl4iJkplTmqJQ2ur6DihZdsRfDX3GQj8

https://www.facebook.com/kakag.ev