Military putting up another marker at Philippine Rise

From the Philippine Star (Apr 1): Military putting up another marker at Philippine Rise

 

The new maritime marker will be composed of buoys to complement an earlier Philippine flag that combined government forces installed underwater at one of the highest submarine mountains in the area last year. Edd Gumban/File

The military is adding another marker this month at Philippine Rise (Benham Rise) to further solidify the country’s maritime rights over the 13-million-hectare underwater plateau off the coast of eastern Luzon.

The new maritime marker will be composed of buoys to complement an earlier Philippine flag that combined government forces installed underwater at one of the highest submarine mountains in the area last year.

 

Since last month, military and civilian divers have been training in various dive spots of the country to prepare for the upcoming maritime mission.

“We are returning to Philippine Rise, this time to put up another marker,” a military official said.

He added that aside from buoys, several divers of the Army, Air Force, Navy and the Coast Guard would also conduct an inspection and repairs on the underwater Philippine flag that was placed in the area last year.

Scheduled on April 12, the activity is being spearheaded by the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Northern Luzon Command (AFP-Nolcom).

 

“The forthcoming military event was scheduled on April 12 to give more meaning to the day when the UN adopted in full the Philippines’ submission for an extended continental shelf in the region,” the official said.

On April 12, 2012, the UN approved the Philippines’ maritime rights over Benham Rise, which Manila later renamed Philippine Rise.

Top government officials as well as defense and military leaders are expected to join the 10-hour voyage to Philippine Rise from Casiguran, Aurora.

Nolcom has operational jurisdiction over the country’s northern frontier – Philippine Rise fronting the Pacific, Batanes Island Group and Panatag Shoal in Zambales.




Located northeast of Aurora province, Philippine Rise is considered a strategic spot that serves as a gateway to the Pacific Ocean as well as to the East China Sea for commercial and military vessels sailing through Bashi Channel, a body of water that separates Batanes and Taiwan.

Over the past two weeks, there have been a lot of military activities both in the South China Sea and East China Sea.

The United States Navy last week conducted a live fire naval drill in the East China Sea, particularly in the waters near Okinawa, Japan, while China has conducted naval war exercises in the South China Sea.

China is claiming almost the entire South China Sea as well as the Senkaku Island Group in East China Sea, as an integral part of its maritime and territorial domain.

Meanwhile, several Filipino-owned fishing companies are shying away from Philippine Rise as the area is not a viable area for commercial fishing.

Three fishing companies have been conducting surveys over the area, the results of which are not encouraging, according to one of the country’s fishing magnates, who asked not not be identified.

“There are fish out there but not in commercial quantity. For small fishermen it’s OK, but for us who are into commercial fishing, it’s not,” he said.

 

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/04/01/1801664/military-putting-another-marker-philippine-rise

AFP, PNP urged to scrap height requirement, no-tattoo rule

From Rappler (Apr 1): AFP, PNP urged to scrap height requirement, no-tattoo rule

A lawmaker says height and having no tattoos are 'not a good measure of one's capabilities or heart on the battlefield'

TIME TO CHANGE RULES? President Rodrigo Duterte poses for a photo with AFP and PNP personnel during a visit to the Edwin Andrews Air Base in Sta Maria, Zamboanga City on March 10, 2018. Malacañang file photo

A lawmaker from the ruling PDP-Laban is calling on the country's police and military to scrap "archaic" requirements for aspiring members, including one that bans the recruitment of those with tattoos.

In a statement released on Sunday, April 1, Davao City 1st District Representative Karlo Nograles said it was "high time" for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to scrap a rule that bars people with tattoos, and another that sets a minimum height requirement for applicants.

"For our military and police organizations to bar the entry of capable and well-meaning Filipinos in their ranks on the basis of tattoos is quite archaic, if only because tattoos are no longer taboo in this day and age. Thus, we call for the removal of this ban," said Nograles, chairman of the appropriations committee in the House of Representatives.

Under existing conventions, an aspiring soldier or police may be disqualified based on existing tattoos. The Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) and the PNP, for instance, cite "tattoos or other brotherhood marks" as possible grounds for "medical disqualification."

Nograles said it was "unfair" for those with tattoos to be rejected based solely on the marks on their bodies.

"Like the nonsensical minimum height requirement of at least 5 feet for both the military and police service, the no-tattoo rule must be done away with for the simple reason that it is not a good measure of one's capabilities or heart on the battlefield," added Nograles, who's being floated as a senatorial bet in 2019.

Applicants to the military should be at least 5 feet tall to be considered. The standard is a little higher for police, who must be at least 1.67 meters (5.48 feet) tall for men and 1.57 meters (5.15 feet) tall for women.

Recently, Congress approved a measure that would increase the base pay of soldiers and police. This was among President Rodrigo Duterte's promises during the 2016 elections.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/199327-afp-pnp-recruitment-requirements-height-no-tattoo

Wanted BIFF bomber killed in North Cotabato raid

From the Philippine Star (Apr 1): Wanted BIFF bomber killed in North Cotabato raid

An Army utility truck hit by an IED believed set up by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters. John Unson, file

 

NORTH COTABATO, Philippines — A joint Army-police team killed a wanted bomber of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in a brief encounter in Aleosan, North Cotabato on Friday.

 

Capt. Arvin Encinas, public affairs officer of the Army's 6th Infantry Division, said Sunday that personnel of the Aleosan municipal police and the 34th Infantry Battalion first tried to peacefully arrest Budz Basilan, but killed him instead when he resisted.

 

Basilan, a senior commander in the BIFF, which uses the flag of the Islamic State, was trained by Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, in fabrication of powerful improvised explosive devices. Marwan was killed in a police Special Action Force operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao in January 2015.

 

Basilan was implicated in more than a dozen roadside bombings in central Mindanao in recent months.

 

The team dispatched to arrest him in Barangay Puypuyan in Aleosan were about to surround his house when he opened fire with a rifle, provoking a gunfight.

 

Basilan, who sustained gunshot wounds in different parts of his body, died on the spot.

 

He was one of more than 200 local Islamic militants listed in the Martial Law arrest directive issued last year by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

 

Encinas said the commander of 6th ID, Major Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, is thankful to local officials and barangay leaders in Aleosan for helping locate Basilan.

 

Municipal peace and order councils in Maguindanao and North Cotabato provinces had earlier confirmed that units of 6th ID killed 68 BIFF bandits in tactical operations in the past four months.

 

The BIFF, which splintered from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in 2010, is not covered by the interim ceasefire pact between the government and the MILF.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2018/04/01/1801808/wanted-biff-bomber-killed-north-cotabato-raid 

 

Sayyaf commander captured in Sulu province

From the Mindanao Examiner (Apr 1): Sayyaf commander captured in Sulu province

SULU – Filipino soldiers captured an Abu Sayyaf commander who was injured in previous clashes following an assault on his hideout in the southern province of Sulu where the militant group is still holding at least 10 hostages, mostly foreigners, officials said Sunday.

Major Ronald Suscano, a spokesman for the 1st Infantry Division, said members of the 32nd Infantry Battalion led by First Lieutenant Primo Passion captured Walton Juljirin, but 5 of his followers managed to escape during the Saturday fighting.

No soldiers were injured or killed in the brief gunbattle in Taung village in Patikul town where Juljurin was tracked down in a house. Juljurin, whose group was also linked to assassinations of soldiers in the Muslim province, was left behind by his men, according to Suscano.

This was confirmed by Lieutenant Ronaldo Mateo, the battalion commander, who said the fighting lasted about 5 minutes. “Four Abu Sayyaf members were able to escape from the firefight while Walton was left behind due to his ill health condition brought about by infected wound incurred during the previous encounter with the government forces which he participated,” Mateo said.

He said troops recovered Juljurin’s hideout his automatic FN-G1 rifle, a magazine loaded with ammunition, a hand grenade and two improvised explosives.

Mateo said villagers tipped off the location of Juljurin’s hideout. “The cooperation of the civilians who reported the armed group’s presence in their area is a strong manifestation that civilians have long been tired of these Abu Sayyaf terroristc activities and now actively helping the military locate them to contribute for the total elimination of all terrorists in Sulu,” he said.

There was no report about the hostages.

https://mindanaoexaminer.com/sayyaf-commander-captured-in-sulu-province/

Westmincom captures wounded Abu Sayyaf sub-leader in Sulu

From the Philippine Star (Apr 1): Westmincom captures wounded Abu Sayyaf sub-leader in Sulu

Government forces captured an Abu Sayyaf group sub-leader who was wounded in a clash in the jungles of Sulu on Saturday. 

 

The military said troops were on a rescue operation for 10 Abu Sayyaf captives when they came across five militants led by Walton Juljirin at Sitio Kan Bading, Barangay Taung, Patikul town on Saturday morning.

 

Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Western Mindanao Command chief, said the troops launched the rescue operation after the local community tipped them off to the presence of a group of Abu Sayyaf believed to have hostages with them.

 

Galvez said soldiers of the 32nd Infantry Battalion engaged the Abu Sayyaf for five minutes before the bandits ran off, leaving behind a wounded comrade.

 

Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of Joint Task Force Sulu, said clearing and pursuit operations led to Juljirin's capture.

 

The troops also recovered an FN-G1 rifle, magazines, ammunitions, suspected Improvised Explosive Devices, and two hand grenades.

 

Sobejana said the wounded bandit leader was given first aid and then brought to the headquarters of the 501st Brigade in Barangay Tagbak, Indanan town.

 

The military officials said Juljirin's group is under a faction led by Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Mundi Sawadjaan, nephew of Abu Sayyaf leader Hajan Sawadjaan.

 

Juljirin's group is believed responsible for a series of bombings along the highway of Patikul, Sulu. It was also the liquidation squad of Sawadjaan's group, said Galvez.

 

He said Westmincom troops have neutralized 84 Abu Sayyaf members between January and March this year. Of those "neutralized", 60 had surrendered to the troops, 13 arrested and 11 were killed in military offensives.

 

Galvez added the command's priority is the rescue of Abu Sayyaf's hostages — a Dutch national, a Vietnamese, three Indonesians, and five Filipinos.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2018/04/01/1801805/westmincom-captures-wounded-abu-sayyaf-sub-leader-sulu

Military captures wounded Abu Sayyaf sub-leader after Sulu clash

From GMA News Online (Mar 29): 2 NPA gunmen killed in Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon clashes

Two Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples’ Army gunmen were killed in a series of clashes with the Philippine military along the borders of Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon.

The clashes began on Good Friday, when soldiers from the 403rd Brigade engaged the communist insurgents. Firefights broke out at around 1:30 p.m., 3:15 p.m., and 4:20 p.m. in Misamis Oriental's Barangays Minalwang and Claveria.

The first NPA gunman was killed when the military seized the insurgents' encampment.

Recovered at the scene of the clash was a bandoleer of ammunition with four magazine; ammunition for M16, M14, and AK-47 rifles; 20 meters of wire used improvised explosive devises (IEDs); documents; and personal belongings.

Another gunfight took place at 12:25 p.m. on Saturday, when the other NPA gunman was killed and an M16 and M1 Garand rifle were recovered.

The military believed that several communist insurgents were also wounded in the fighting given the blood trails found along the NPA's withdrawal routes.

"We offer our sincere condolences to the families and relatives on the death of the 2 NPA terrorists," said 403rd Infantry Brigade commander Brigadier General Eric Vinoya.  "This could not have happened if they heeded our call of surrender. Hence, I once again call upon the CPP-NPA terrorists, especially those who were wounded in the recent encounters with our troops, to come down. We will help you seek proper medical attention along with our local officials and return to the mainstream society. "

The 403rd Brigade launched its operations following information and complaints from the local populace of NPA extortion, foraging, and intimidation efforts. The NPA recently observed its 49th anniversary.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/648418/2-npa-terrorists-die-in-misamis-oriental/story/

From GMA News Online (Mar 29): 2 NPA gunmen killed in Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon clashes

Two Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples’ Army gunmen were killed in a series of clashes with the Philippine military along the borders of Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon.

The clashes began on Good Friday, when soldiers from the 403rd Brigade engaged the communist insurgents. Firefights broke out at around 1:30 p.m., 3:15 p.m., and 4:20 p.m. in Misamis Oriental's Barangays Minalwang and Claveria.

The first NPA gunman was killed when the military seized the insurgents' encampment.

Recovered at the scene of the clash was a bandoleer of ammunition with four magazine; ammunition for M16, M14, and AK-47 rifles; 20 meters of wire used improvised explosive devises (IEDs); documents; and personal belongings.

Another gunfight took place at 12:25 p.m. on Saturday, when the other NPA gunman was killed and an M16 and M1 Garand rifle were recovered.

The military believed that several communist insurgents were also wounded in the fighting given the blood trails found along the NPA's withdrawal routes.

"We offer our sincere condolences to the families and relatives on the death of the 2 NPA terrorists," said 403rd Infantry Brigade commander Brigadier General Eric Vinoya.  "This could not have happened if they heeded our call of surrender. Hence, I once again call upon the CPP-NPA terrorists, especially those who were wounded in the recent encounters with our troops, to come down. We will help you seek proper medical attention along with our local officials and return to the mainstream society. "

The 403rd Brigade launched its operations following information and complaints from the local populace of NPA extortion, foraging, and intimidation efforts. The NPA recently observed its 49th anniversary.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/648418/2-npa-terrorists-die-in-misamis-oriental/story/

Lanao marks Month of Peace in hotbed of clan feud

From the Manila Times (Apr 1): Lanao marks Month of Peace in hotbed of clan feud

ILIGAN CITY, LANAO DEL NORTE: The provincial government here celebrated the Lanao Month of Peace in Nunungan town, considered a hotbed of “rido” or clan feud.

“This year’s celebration was held in Nunungan, a hinterland town known for its family feuds,” Lanao del Norte Gov. Imelda Dimaporo said.

The event is based on Provincial Ordinance 01-2008 declaring March as the Month of Peace for the Province of Lanao del Norte.

Mayor Marcos Mamay of Nunungan said his town has been deprived of development for almost three decades because of the peace and order situation.

But recently, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) recognized Nunungan as the most promising municipality in the country.

Leading the celebration is Pakigdait, an interfaith non-government organization that designed the “Panagtagbo sa Kalinaw” or Convergence for Peace.

Pakigdait director Musa Sanguila said, “It was on March 22, 2004 when then-President Joseph Estrada declared an all-out war against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The Pakigdait took the initiative to transform war into peace, hoping that the incident will not happened again.”

National line agencies have helped transform Nunungan into a progressive town by helping reduce family feuds, according to Mamay.

Meanwhile, the Mindanao Development Authority (MDA) will construct a road network that will link Nunungan to the town of Pualas in Lanao del Sur, MDA chairman Datu Abul Khayr Alonto said.

Alonto was the keynote speaker in the culmination ceremony of the Month of Peace celebration.

Cabib Tanog, former mayor of Pualas, said “Nunungan was once historically a part of Pualas and the two towns have close blood relations. Building a road that will connect Lanao del Sur to Lanao del Norte will have great social and economic impact.”

http://www.manilatimes.net/lanao-marks-month-of-peace-in-hotbed-of-clan-feud/389832/

Reds claim foothold in 2,000 villages

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 1): Reds claim foothold in 2,000 villages

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao — Communist guerrillas claimed they continued to operate in at least 2,000 villages in 200 towns in 20 provinces in Mindanao in a statement seeking to refute military reports that mass surrenders of New People’s Army (NPA) members were weakening the rebel movement.

The NPA statement, quoting Joaquin Jacinto, spokesperson of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) in Mindanao, was issued as the military announced the surrender to the Marines of five NPA members belonging to the Dulangan-Manobo tribe.

The military announcement was timed with the 49th anniversary of NPA on March 29.

Tribesmen

Maj. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division based here, said the surrendered rebels cited many reasons for giving up, among them battle fatigue and frustration at unfulfilled NPA promises.

Dela Vega identified them as Ariel Udas Apang, 29; Iyoy Lebeg Nayam, 31; Nicanor Nayam Apang, 38; Ariel Matog Apang, 36; and Uwi Sulay Kulam, 38.

The surrendered rebels belonged to NPA’s Guerrilla Front 73 and turned over a Carbine rifle, an Uzi machine pistol, a grenade and two improvised explosive devices, Dela Vega said.

Lt. Col. Jose Marie Santos, head of the Marine Battalion Landing Team that took custody of the rebels, said the tribesmen abandoned the NPA because the rebel promise to protect their ancestral domain had not been fulfilled.

Revolutionary government

Jacinto, the NDFP spokesperson in Mindanao, said the surrendered rebels were fake.

He said “despite all-out attacks” by the Duterte administration, “NPA is making headway in 46 guerrilla fronts in Mindanao.”

“In these areas, hundreds of thousands are directly organized, while tens of thousands are covered by the people’s revolutionary government at the barrio level, and a few at municipal levels,” Jacinto said in the statement issued also on March 29 to commemorate the NPA anniversary.

President Rodrigo Duterte had ended peace talks with NDFP and ordered a full-scale war on members of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, NPA.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/979333/reds-claim-foothold-in-2000-villages

5 NPAs surrender on rebel group’s anniversary

From the Manila Times (Apr 1): 5 NPAs surrender on rebel group’s anniversary

Five members of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the Joint Task Group North at Camp General Artemio Ricarte in Puerto Princesa, Palawan on March 29, the founding anniversary of the communist group.

Lt. Gen. Rozzano Briguez, commander of Western Command (WesCom), said the surrender is “another serious blow to the ranks of communist terrorism” in Palawan.

The five surrenderers are undergoing validation and documentation. They were also asked to apply to Palawan’s Local Social Integration Program (LSIP) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s Comprehensive LSIP.

Earlier on Wednesday, five other NPA members also surrendered to Philippine Marine troops in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat.

They were identified as Ariel Udas Apang, Ariel Matog Apang, Nicanor Nayam Apang, Iyoy Lebeg Nayam and Uwi Sulay Kulam of the NPA Guerilla Front 73. The Apangs and Nayam are residents of Lebak town while Kulam is from Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat.

The former rebels laid their arm voluntarily to the Marine Battalion Landing Team 2 led by commanding officer Lt. Col. Jose Marie Santos and yielded support for Lebak Mayor Deonesio Besana.

According to them, they surrendered after experiencing the resentful system of the NPA that is merely propagating lies to the Manobo Tribe in the towns of Lebak and Kalamansig.

http://www.manilatimes.net/5-npas-surrender-on-rebel-groups-anniversary/389826/

2 NPAs killed, militiaman wounded in Quezon clash

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 1): 2 NPAs killed, militiaman wounded in Quezon clash



Two alleged New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in an encounter with soldiers in Lopez town in Quezon province before midnight Saturday, the military reported Sunday.

In a text message, 1st Lt. Felise Solano, deputy public information officer of the military’s Southern Luzon Command, said paramilitary and soldiers from the Army’s 85th Infantry Battalion engaged an undetermined number of communist guerillas in Barangay (village) San Andres past 11 p.m.

After a 15-minute clash, the rebels retreated and left behind the bodies of two still unidentified dead comrades.

The wounded militiaman was identified by police as Michael Collado, a member of Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (Cafgu) – Civilian Active Auxiliary in the village.

Solano said the soldiers recovered one M16 sniper rifle with scope, one AK-47 rifle, one rifle grenade, communication equipment, personal belongings and documents.

Supt. Rodrigo Soriano, Lopez police station chief, reported that government forces detected the presence of the NPA rebels some 300 meters from the Cafgu and military detachment in the village.

He suspected that the communist guerillas planned to harass government forces but they were outmaneuvered by soldiers and Cafgu members.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/979382/news-npa-quezon-cafgu-lopez-army

Major setbacks for NPA in Mindanao

From the Manila Bulletin (Apr 1): Major setbacks for NPA in Mindanao

CAMP BANCASI, Butuan City – Two fighters were killed; a camp was overtaken by the military, and a top official and six cadres gave themselves up, as the New People’s Army (NPA) reeled from major setbacks in northern, southern and western Mindanao in the week that marked the armed group’s 49th founding anniversary.





Butuan City Map (Credits: Google Map | Manila Bulletin)

The 403rd Brigade reported Sunday that two NPA fighters were slain, while an undetermined number of other rebels were believed critically wounded in a series of clashes with soldiers in the boundary of Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon on March 30 and 31.

According to 403rd Brigade Civil Military Operation (CMO) officer Capt. Norman M. Tagros, three clashes took place on Good Friday (March 30) in Barangay Minalwang, Claveria, Misamis Oriental with troops from the 65th Infantry Battalion and First Special Forces Battalion engaging an undetermined number of Communist fighters.

On Black Saturday (March 31), the 43rd Division Reconnaissance Company likewise saw action in the same area against the NPA terrorists.

The military recovered the still unidentified remains of an NPA soldier in each of the encounters.

Tagros said the government forces were also able to over-run an encampment being maintained by the rebels in Minalwang.

The encounters transpired even after Lolito L. Pacle, Sr., the alleged secretary of sub-section committee in southern Mindanao surrendered to authorities last March 27. Pacle was also said to be the chairperson of the Kilusang Taga Organisa (KTO) and also alleged vice commander of Militia ng Bayan (MB) in the same region.

According to First Lt. Jhocell D. Asis, CMO officer of the 71st Infantry Battalion, an NPA courier Juantio Sabang also surrendered to the 71st IB in New Corella, Davao del Norte.

“Their voluntary surrender was facilitated by New Corella Mayor Rhodora S. Alcoran,” Asis said.

These developed even as five more NPA fighters of the Guerilla Front 73 also turned themselves in to Lt. Col. Jose Marie Santos of the Battalion Landing Team 2 in Barangay Keytodac, Lebak, Sultan Kudarat.

The military identified the NPAs who surrendered as Ariel Udas Apang, 29; Iyoy Lebeg Nayam, 31; Nicanor Nayam Apang, 38; Ariel Matog Apang, 36; all from Barangays Keytodak, Lebak and Sabanal, Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat.

According to Western Mindanao Command Capt. Jo-Ann Petinglay, their surrender was with full support of Lebak Mayor Deonesio Besana and the Keytodac, Dulangan Manobo Elders.

The NPA setbacks came as the armed group celebrated its 48th founding anniversary last March 29.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/04/01/major-setbacks-for-npa-in-mindanao/

Bato sees technology favoring PNP vs. NPA

From the Manila Bulletin (Apr 1): Bato sees technology favoring PNP vs. NPA

Mobile phones and easy access to social media through smart phones would make it difficult for the New People’s Army (NPA) to revive the glory days of its popular hit man’s group in the 1980s.



PNP Chief Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa (Manila Bulletin File Photo)

Director General Ronald dela Rosa, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said that technology has indeed worked in favor of the PNP in terms of law enforcement and anti-insurgency operations in urban areas.

The official said that the NPA’s hit man’s group, the Special Partisan Armed Revolutionary Unit (SPARU), succeeded in the 1980s since the rebels’ allies in urban areas easily controlled the slum areas where the rebel assassins would usually hide before and after a hit on policeman or soldier.

“It would be difficult for them now because unlike in the 1980s when they would easily control the masses and slum areas, it is just one text away to the authorities so they could not control anymore one particular place in urban areas,” said dela Rosa.

Before, any civilian with anti-communist mindset would still go to the police station or look for landline or payphones to tip off the authorities of rebel presence.

But now dela Rosa said any civilian could be a police tipster by secretly texting or even taking photos or videos of suspicious people in their communities.

The NPA has reportedly stepped up its operations after President Duterte cancelled the peace talks and even sought for a terror tag on the group.

Part of the intensified operations is reportedly the plan to revive the SPARU units in urban areas.

“They really stepped up but then again (I am)sorry because it would be very difficult for them now,” said dela Rosa.

The official, however, said that they will not take the threat lightly as they are now undertaking measures to equip every policeman with a knowledge on how to secure themselves from being victims of assassination of communist rebels.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/04/01/bato-sees-technology-favoring-pnp-vs-npa/

2 NPA fighters killed, 1 soldier hurt in Quezon clash

From GMA News Online (Apr 1): 2 NPA fighters killed, 1 soldier hurt in Quezon clash

Two New People’s Army guerrillas were killed and a soldier was wounded in a clash in Lopez town in Quezon province.

A military sources said that the encounter erupted at about 11:30 p.m. on Black Saturday, when the rebels engaged soldiers from the 85th Infantry Battalion of the 201st Brigade from the San Andres Patrol Base in Lopez town.

Initial information indicated that the rebels fled, leaving behind the bodies of their fallen comrades.

Soldiers recovered from the clash one M16 sniper rifle with scope, one AK47, one rifle grenade, communication equipment, personal belongings, and documents of high intelligence value, the military said.

The lone casualty from the government side was slightly wounded.

Troops launched a pursuit operation Sunday morning after receiving reports of sightings of several wounded armed men in the area.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/648443/2-npa-fighters-killed-1-soldier-hurt-in-quezon-clash/story/

BIFF sub-leader killed in Cotabato

GMA News  Online (Apr 1): BIFF sub-leader killed in Cotabato

A sub-leader of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) was killed in a joint military and police operation in Aleosan town in North Cotabato last week.

BIFF sub-leader and bomb-making expert Buds Basilan, who is number 209 in the wanted list under Martial Law Instruction No. 1, series of 2017 and number 120 in the military's Periodic Status Report, was killed in a firefight with elements of the 34th Infrantry Battalion and the Aleosan police at 7 p.m. on Thursday.

Major General Arnel Delavega, commander of the Joint Task Force Central, said the military and police have been tracking Basilan and was about to apprehend him when he shot at the authorities, resulting in the encounter.

"Basilan, who is under the BIFF’s Karialan Faction, was responsible in the manufacture of bombs and IEDs (improvised explosive devices) which affected the areas of Aleosan, Midsayap and Carmen of North Cotabato," Delavega said.

"His neutralization will definitely weaken his subgroup that is operating mostly in the province,” he added.

Joint Task Force Central has intensified its operations against BIFF and other terrorist groups in Central Mindanao following the liberation of Marawi City from the ISIS-inspired Maute group and the extension of President Rodrigo Duterte's declaration of martial law in Mindanao.

Lieutenant General Carlito Galvez Jr., chief of the Armed Forces' Western Mindanao Command, said a total of 68 BIFF members have been killed in Central Mindanao in the first quarter of 2018.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/648442/biff-sub-leader-killed-in-cotabato/story/