WESTMINCOM: ASG Member Surrenders after Wife's Arrest in Sulu

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Mar 4, 2021): ASG Member Surrenders after Wife's Arrest in Sulu 

11th Infantry "Alakdan" Division
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ASG MEMBER SURRENDERS AFTER WIFE'S ARREST IN SULU

 
March 3, 2021, Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Jolo,Sulu - ASG member Jaber Binuri surrendered to JTF-Sulu on March 3 following the arrest of his wife, Nudsza Ismanu Aslun, who was charged with unlawful possession of explosives.

According to Joint Task Force - Sulu (JTF-S) and 11th Infantry Division Commander MGen William N Gonzales, 5 Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members including Binuri, and two supporters yielded to government forces in Sulu on Wednesday morning. Reportedly, the surrender was facilitated by the 15th Civil Military Operations Battalion (15CMO Bn), Metro Jolo Inter Agency Task Group, and intelligence units of JTF-S.

 
Notably, Binuri was under the leadership of deceased ASG leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan. In an interview, he revealed that he was with the terrorist group since 2013 and he joined the group of ASG subleader Ben Wagas when Hajan died.

 
"Mga 31 na encounter, o higit pa siguro, ang nasalihan ko. Dati umaabot sa tatlong beses kami nakakasagupa ng sundalo. Madalas K3 machine gun ang dala ko pero naghawak din ako ng M14 at armalite," Jaber said.

 
"Noong nalaman ko na naaresto ang asawa ko, nagpaalam ako kay Ben Wagas na magbakasyon para kunin ko yung mga anak namin at dalhin sa Zamboanga. Ang totoo, nakatawag na ako sa kaibigan ko na sundalo na gusto ko na bumaba," he added.

 
To recall, Nudsza Aslun and 8 other women were arrested on February 19 after a joint law enforcement operation by the military and the police in Sulu.

 
Meanwhile, 15CMO Bn Commander Ltc Nelicar Corsino said that Binuri is still under their custody and will be undergoing custodial debriefing sessions. "He is still adjusting; he came to us just four days ago. But he is doing well; he's with his 3-year old child."

 
Binuri, estimated to be 35 years, has two male children—a three-year old and a 5- month old baby. His wife, Nudsza, earlier told the PNP that Jaber has died and that she is a widow.

 
"Jaber and Nudsza's story is a stark example of how terrorism has put its claws on the integrity of a family. Fortunately, Jaber's duties as a father won over his loyalty to the ASG. I commend his guts for coming forward. I personally assured him that his trust on us will not be put to waste," said MGen Gonzales.

 
Other surrenderors were identified as Jupihar Alih, 25, a former member of disbanded ASG urban group 'Ajang-ajang'; Hassan Albain, 25; William D Janatol, 38; Rajik L Alih, 34; Kaisal H Maddan, 22; and Ibin H Hapas, 57, a former member under ASG leader Radulan Sahiron. The authorities were also able to recover several firearms and ammunition including a garand and a .38 caliber pistol from the surrenderors.

Last month, Marine Battalion Landing Team - 8 was also able to facilitate the surrender of ASG Member Najuh A Amadul under late ASG subleader Hatip Munap Binda with his M16 rifle. Amadul is 55 years old and a resident of Brgy Kan Mindus, Luuk, Sulu. He is now peacefully living at his residence, constantly monitored and assisted by Brgy Kan-Mindus Chairperson Patta Bangalan.

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WESTMINCOM: Peace Dialogue

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Mar 5, 2021): Peace Dialogue

Jtf Basilan

LOOK: THE JOINT TASK FORCE BASILAN

 
PEACE DIALOGUE: INFORMATION, EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATION (IEC) CAMPAIGN FOR BOTH GPH AND MILF COMMANDERS.

The Joint Task Force Basilan headed by BGEN DOMINGO B GOBWAY PA attended the Peace Dialogue, Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Campaign for both GPH and MILF Commanders held at Function Room of Lamitan Hostel, Lamitan City, Basilan.

The activity was facilitated by BGEN ANTONIO G NAFARRETE PA Chairman, GPH CCCH, and PBGEN ERSON U DIGAL Chairman of GPH AHJAG together with LTC HASMIN L HAJIMUDDIN, Western Mindanao Action Officer/GPH AHJAG. Also present during the activity were MALIK CARIL, member of MILF CCCH, ISMAEL MAMISCAL, Staff, MILF CCCH, GAPOR UTTO staff, MILG AHJAG, Mr Ryan Dave C Jungco, Chief for Operations Officer, Ms Reshiel Sombrio, Secretariat and Ms Lady Janice Lozada, Secretariat Staff.

The said activity aims for both unit commanders of the Philippine Army and MILF to have a common understanding on the policies, guidelines and protocols pertaining to the normalization process between GPH and MILF to which, people of Basilan will continue to inherit peaceful and prosperous life.

“I hope that with this dialogue we will able to resolve all issues and iron out our differences so that peace will be sustained and developmental efforts be realized by our local leaders”. BGEN DOMINGO B GOBWAY Commander of JTF Basilan said.

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WESTMINCOM: Security Sector, LGU Holds Talipao BPATS General Assembly

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Mar 5, 2021): Security Sector, LGU Holds Talipao BPATS General Assembly 

11th Infantry "Alakdan" Division

SECURITY SECTOR, LGU HOLDS TALIPAO BPATS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

March 05, 2021, Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Jolo, Sulu – Aiming to strengthen community-based approaches to safety and security, Commander of Joint Task Force-Sulu MGen William N Gonzales and Talipao Mayor Nivocadnezar Tulawie graces the first ever Municipality of Talipao Barangay Peace Action Teams (BPATs) general assembly at Brgy Bilaan, Talipao, Sulu.

Around 520 BPATs members from 52 barangays were present during the 1st Talipao BPATs General Assembly. During the event MGen Gonzales, Mayor Tulawie, PNP SULU Overall-in-Charge PLtc Kris Conrad Gutierrez and Talipao BPAT Commander Najar "Marlboro" Hajar discussed updates on security situation of the municipality and of the whole province as well.

 
MGen Gonzales highlighted the importance of “bayanihan” especially in facing the threat of terrorism alongside confronting the COVID-19 Pandemic. "Kayo ang nagsisilbing tagabantay ng inyong komunidad bilang first line of defense laban sa mga teroristang Abu Sayyaf. Kayo rin ang inaasahan naming katuwang sa pagpapatupad ng health protocols laban sa pandemic," he addressed the members present.

The BPATs are the implementers of Barangay Peacekeeping operations of the PNP. For the case of Talipao, 2nd Special Forces Battalion (2SFBn)'s community organizing skills were able to encourage the barangay chiefs to formally establish their BPATs. According to 2SFBn Commander Ltc Jooney Businos the total numbers of Talipao BPATs is Eight Hundred Forty Three (843) because of BPAT Commander Marlboro. "Kakaiba yung pagiging aktibo ng mga BPAT dito sa area namin. Ilang beses na silang nakapag-volunteer na samahan ang tropa bilang guide papasok sa mga liblib na lugar. Marami na rin kaming patrols na nakasama namin sila. Many instances din sila mismo sa level nila nagsasagawa ng mga patrols para talagang walang masasamang loob ang magtangka na pumasok sa barangay nila."

As part of the assembly, attendees signed a 'Commitment for Peace and Order' which declares ASG as persona non grata in their own respective areas. It also indicated that signatories shall empower Madrasahs to institutionalized Islamic values and practices inherently Tausug in character that promotes mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. Further, it stated that they will work hand in hand with other government agencies to pursue initiatives that will strengthen and institutionalize the public safety, security and well-being of the community.

Also present during the activity were 11th Infantry Division, Assistant Division Commander BGen Manuel V Sequitin, 1101st Brigade Commander BGen Antonio I Bautista, 1102nd Brigade Commander Col Benjamin Batara Jr, Vice Mayor of Talipao Zulpicar Tulawie and Sangguniang Bayan member Hji Abejar Sahimarri.

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WESTMINCOM: Cotabato Youth Peace Forum

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Mar 5, 2021): Cotabato Youth Peace Forum

Six Cmo Battalion is with Sixtysecond Kaagapay and 28 others.

"COTABATO YOUTH PEACE FORUM"
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WESTMINCOM: 40 ASG members yield to the military during the 1st quarter of 2021

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Mar 5, 2021): 40 ASG members yield to the military during the 1st quarter of 2021

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City- March 5, 2021

 
The total number of Abu Sayyaf Group members who yielded to the military rises to 40 as another member surrendered in Tawi-Tawi on the afternoon of March 4, 2021.

“Based on the report submitted by Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi, a certain Muharral Jamalul Kadiri, a.k.a. Al/Als/Ars/Arral/Kadir, 34 years old, married, and a resident of Barangay Lakit-Lakit, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi submitted himself to the troops of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-12 at 2 p.m. Thursday,” said Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

“He brought along with him his customized Cal. M14 U.S. rifle with one magazine and 13 live ammunition,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. added.

According to Lt. Col. Henry Espinosa, Commanding Officer of the MBLT-12, Kadiri was recruited by the Sulu-based ASG under sub-leader “Iko” and “Samuel” sometime in 2018 and was involved in seven encounters with the Philippine Army in the province of Sulu particularly in the areas of Patikul and Maimbung.

Kadiri said that he left the group sometime in 2019 due to the intensified focused military operations that might take his life. He moved to Bongao and lay low for more than a year after which he finally decided to return to the fold of the law.

“I would like to commend the troops of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-12 for the numerous accomplishments and significant gains in the campaign against terrorism and lawlessness in the island municipalities of Tawi-Tawi,” said Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, Commander of the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi.

The surrendered personality is currently undergoing custodial debriefing at the MBLT-12 headquarters prior to his turn-over to the local government of Bongao.

Kadiri is the 40th member of the ASG who surrendered to the armed forces from January 2021 to date. Among the 40, 32 surrendered in Sulu, six in Basilan, and two in Tawi-Tawi.

“This is a significant breakthrough in our peace campaign. We hope that the remaining members of the different threat groups in our area of operation will also be enlightened and will choose to end their armed struggle in a peaceful way,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.

“Rest assured that we will continue to intensify our operations to pin down those who refuse to cooperate with us and thereby dismantle the terror groups in western, southern, and central Mindanao,” the commander added.

 
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WESTMINCOM: Karagdagang Rebeldeng Kumunista ang Nagbalik-Loob sa JTF Central

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Mar 5, 2021): Karagdagang Rebeldeng Kumunista ang Nagbalik-Loob sa JTF Central

′′ ADDITIONAL REBELLED COMMUNIST RETURNS IN JTF CENTRAL ′′

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WESTMINCOM: Former G1 assumes new post in 6DTS

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Mar 5, 2021): Former G1 assumes new post in 6DTS

6th Infantry Division - Kampilan

Former G1 assumes new post in 6DTS

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao - The former Assistant Chief of Staff for Personnel, G1 Lt. Col. Clairemont Pinpin formally assumed his new position as Commandant of 6th Division Training School in the change of command ceremony held at 6DTS in Brgy. Semba, DOS, Maguindanao on March 2, 2021.

Major General Juvymax R. Uy, Commander of Joint Task Force Central and 6th Infantry ‘Kampilan’ Division led the traditional military ceremony, wherein Col. Florencio Politud Jr. who already assumed as Group Commander of 12 Regional Community Defense Group (RCDG), vacated his post as Commandant of 6DTS.

In his message, Maj Gen Uy lauded the efforts of Col. Politud in conforming to the standard of the organization to produce quality soldiers through individual, unit and organizational trainings.

“To the new Commandant, Lt. Col. Clairemont Pinpin, gaya ng pagbigay ko ng unit color, my guidance can be summarized in only two words, ‘Be Sure’, this also includes all the officers, men and women of the 6DTS” the Division Commander said.

“Never abuse our soldier trainees. Abusing them will produce an abusive soldier in the future which will make our service to the community irrelevant. No automatic deduction, walang issue-matic”, Maj. Gen. Uy further stressed during his speech.

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WESTMINCOM: 6th ID Commander Presides the Donning of Ranks to Newly Promoted Officers

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Mar 5, 2021): 6th ID Commander Presides the Donning of Ranks to Newly Promoted Officers











6th Infantry Division - Kampilan

6th ID Commander Presides the Donning of Ranks to Newly Promoted Officers

Maj. Gen. Juvymax R. Uy, Commander of 6th ID and Joint Task Force Central led the donning of ranks to four (4) newly promoted officers in a ceremony held at Kampilan Clubhouse, Camp Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao on March 2, 2021.

Maj. Gen. Uy congratulated the following promotees after the donning of ranks: Lt. Col. Omar Orozco and Lt. Col. Roberto Breboneria to full-fledged Colonel; 2nd Lt. Henna Jullette Sergio and 2nd Lt. Cherry Collado to 1st Lieutenant.

"The donning of ranks manifests our recognition of our troops for their selfless service to our people. The morale of our troops is an essential factor in maintaining the peace in our area of responsibility”, Maj. Gen. Uy said in his message.

In the military, promotion to the next higher rank passes through a stringent and deliberate approval process, making those who have promoted a cut among the rest in terms of service reputation and accomplishments.
***
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Kalinaw News: Security sector, LGU holds TALIPAO Barangay Peace Action Teams General assembly

From Kalinaw News (Mar 5, 2021): Security sector, LGU holds TALIPAO Barangay Peace Action Teams General assembly



Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Jolo, Sulu –March 05, 2021, Aiming to strengthen community-based approaches to safety and security, Commander of Joint Task Force-Sulu MGen William N Gonzales and Talipao Mayor Nivocadnezar Tulawie graces the first ever Municipality of Talipao Barangay Peace Action Teams (BPATs) general assembly at Brgy Bilaan, Talipao, Sulu.

Around 520 BPATs members from 52 barangays were present during the 1st Talipao BPATs General Assembly. During the event MGen Gonzales, Mayor Tulawie, PNP SULU Overall-in-Charge PLtc Kris Conrad Gutierrez and Talipao BPAT Commander Najar “Marlboro” Hajar discussed updates on security situation of the municipality and of the whole province as well.

MGen Gonzales highlighted the importance of “bayanihan” especially in facing the threat of terrorism alongside confronting the COVID-19 Pandemic. “Kayo ang nagsisilbing tagabantay ng inyong komunidad bilang first line of defense laban sa mga teroristang Abu Sayyaf. Kayo rin ang inaasahan naming katuwang sa pagpapatupad ng health protocols laban sa pandemic,” he addressed the members present.

The BPATs are the implementers of Barangay Peacekeeping operations of the PNP. For the case of Talipao, 2nd Special Forces Battalion (2SFBn)’s community organizing skills were able to encourage the barangay chiefs to formally establish their BPATs. According to 2SFBn Commander Ltc Jooney Businos the total numbers of Talipao BPATs is Eight Hundred Forty Three (843) because of BPAT Commander Marlboro. “Kakaiba yung pagiging aktibo ng mga BPAT dito sa area namin. Ilang beses na silang nakapag-volunteer na samahan ang tropa bilang guide papasok sa mga liblib na lugar. Marami na rin kaming patrols na nakasama namin sila. Many instances din sila mismo sa level nila nagsasagawa ng mga patrols para talagang walang masasamang loob ang magtangka na pumasok sa barangay nila.”

As part of the assembly, attendees signed a ‘Commitment for Peace and Order’ which declares ASG as persona non grata in their own respective areas. It also indicated that signatories shall empower Madrasahs to institutionalized Islamic values and practices inherently Tausug in character that promotes mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. Further, it stated that they will work hand in hand with other government agencies to pursue initiatives that will strengthen and institutionalize the public safety, security and well-being of the community.

Also present during the activity were 11th Infantry Division, Assistant Division Commander BGen Manuel V Sequitin, 1101st Brigade Commander BGen Antonio I Bautista, 1102nd Brigade Commander Col Benjamin Batara Jr, Vice Mayor of Talipao Zulpicar Tulawie and Sangguniang Bayan member Hji Abejar Sahimarri.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

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Kalinaw News: Liga ng mga Barangay sa Delfin Albano idineklarang Persona Non Grata ang teroristang CPP-NPA

From Kalinaw News (Mar 5, 2021): Liga ng mga Barangay sa Delfin Albano idineklarang Persona Non Grata ang teroristang CPP-NPA



CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela- Nagkaisa ang 28 na mga barangay sa bayan ng Delfin Albano, Isabela sa pagdedeklara ng Persona Non Grata laban sa mga teroristang Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) matapos maipasa ang resolusyon noong ika-4 ng Marso 2021.

Sa bisa ng resolusyong ipinasa ng Liga ng mga Barangay (LNB), hindi tatanggapin ang mga rebeldeng CPP-NPA sa mga barangay ng naturang munisipalidad. Ang resolusyon ay ipinasa dahil sa dami ng mga naitalang insidente ng pang-aabuso, pananakot, pangingikil at pangmamalupit ng teroristang CPP-NPA sa mga inosenteng indibidwal kabilang narin ang mga ginagawang pag-atake sa mga tropa ng pamahalaan.

Batay din sa naipasang resolusyon, paiigtingin din ng LNB ang kanilang koordinasyon sa hanay ng kasundaluhan maging sa kapulisan upang masigurong hindi makapapasok sa kanilang bayan ang teroristang CPP-NPA. Hindi na umano nila hahayaang makapanlinlang, makapanakot at makapagrekrut ang teroristang CPP-NPA.

Ayon kay Barangay Captain Jay Caliguiran, Presidente ng LNB sa nasabing bayan, agaran nilang ipagbibigay alam sa kasundaluhan at kapulisan ang anu mang impormasyon na kanilang makakalap tungkol sa teroristang CPP-NPA. Aniya, kaisa sila sa adhikain ng pamahalaan na masugpo ang armadong grupo na isa sa mga nagpapahirap sa kanilang pamumuhay lalo na sa kanilang nasasakupan. “Iisa ang ating layunin. Ang mapaunlad ang ating bayan at mailayo ang ating pamilya’t mahal sa buhay mula sa mapagsamantalang NPA. Ipinapangako ko sa ating kasundaluhan at kapulisan na walang makakapasok na mga rebelde sa aming mga barangay. Hangad naming mapanatili ang mapayapa at maunlad na barangay dito sa Delfin Albano. Kaisa ninyo kami sa pagsugpo sa teroristang CPP-NPA!”

Inihayag naman ni MGen Laurence E Mina PA, Commander ng 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army ang kanyang pasasalamat sa ginawang hakbang ng mga kapitan sa bayan ng Delfin Albano upang mapabilis ang pagsugpo sa insurhensiya. “Hangad natin ang pag-unlad ng ating bayan. Ang hakbang na ito ay isang malaking ambag sa kampanya ng pamahalaan na tuluyan ng mawakasan ang insurhensiya sa ating bansa. Umaasa ako, na magtutuluy-tuloy ang ating ugnayan at pagtutulungan upang mapagtagumpayan natin ang ating laban kontra insurhensiya.”

Samantala, matatandaang kamakailan lamang ay idineklara na ring Persona Non Grata ang mga teroristang CPP-NPA sa bayan ng Tumauini, Isabela.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

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Kalinaw News: Former CTG NAMASUR Members to receive PRLEC Sustainable Livelihood Projects in Agusan Sur

From Kalinaw News (Mar 4, 2021): Former CTG NAMASUR Members to receive PRLEC Sustainable Livelihood Projects in Agusan Sur



BANCASI, Butuan City – Former members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) organization, Nagkahiusang Mag-uuma sa Agusan del Sur (NAMASUR), and now reorganized and renamed as Esperanza United Farmers Federation Association (EUFFA) will receive various livelihood projects from the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood, and Employment Cluster of the Provincial Task Force in Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) in Agusan del Sur during a meeting in the afternoon of March 02, 2021, at Piglawigan Mulit-purpose Hall, Brgy Piglawigan, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur.

The meeting was spearheaded by the Municipal Council Member of Esperanza, Hon Erwin Dumaguing, the Peace and Order Committee Chairman, representing the LGU Esperanza, together with the Army’s 42nd CMO Company, 1st Lieutenant Ashley Del Rosario, under the operational control of the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade purposely to thresh out organizational issues and plan out sustainable livelihood projects and other interventions to be poured in by the LGU of Esperanza and other Local Government Agencies (LGAs) such as TESDA and DTI Agusan Sur to the EUFFA.

PRLEC Chairman and Provincial Director of Agusan del Sur, Director Lorenzo “Jojo” Guillermo, committed to facilitate different sustainable livelihood projects from different agencies of the PRLEC mainly from TESDA, DOLE, DTI and DA. He discussed the role of TESDA in helping the communities as part of the PRLEC and what the cluster can provide to benefit the farmers.

“Thank you for giving us this opportunity to help. We are really looking for an organization already accredited as people’s organization in a municipality and with DOLE. Trainings must commensurate to the needs of the communities and the available resources so that it will be sustainable and so that the trainings and other interventions will surely benefit the communities. As a start-up, TESDA will conduct agricultural training for Lemon Grass production while as PRLEC Chairman in the province, I can facilitate the programs of other member agencies for your federation”, Director Guillermo said.

Meanwhile, Hon Erwin Dumaguing discussed the issues and concerns of the 15 associations raised during the peace and order committee meeting. He said “The LGU in partnership with the Army will provide guidance to the members and ensure that they will be capacitated first with skills before the LGU will provide fund support. The organization is special because all agencies is giving special attention to you under the EO Nr 70”.

The EUFFA is the newly organized federation accredited by the Municipality of Esperanza as People’s Organization composed of fifteen (15) different associations from 15 Barangays of the municipality after its leaders and members withdrew their support to the Nagkahiusang Mag-uuma sa Agusan del Sur (NAMASUR) organization that was exposed as Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) legal front organization utilized as resource fund generation and as staging platform for potential recruits to become NPA members.

During the meeting, Ka Maria of GF21, NEMRC who surrendered to 36IB last 2018 provided a testimony and discussed her experiences as NAMASUR staff in the said municipality in 2015 while she was a student of the Philippine Normal University (PNU) in Agusan del Sur before she eventually joined as NPA fighter.

“Mangayo kog pasaylo sa tanan nga kadaut na akong nabuhat og ang akong paglinla kaninyo. Sama ninyu, ako usa ra pud ka biktima sa teroristang CPPNPANDF. Ako ang buhing testimonya nga ang NAMASUR usa ka legal front organization sa NPA. Nibalik ko diri human sa pipila ka tuiga human ako misurender na arun maghatag katin-awan sa tanan nga anaa pay pagduha duha mahitungod sa NAMASUR nga iya sa CPP-NPA-NDF”, Ka Maria or fondly called now as Chinchin said.

Ka Maria disclosed that she is the only one (1) alive out of the seven (7) youths recruited as NPA combatants and became regular members of GF21A from being a NAMASUR staff/organizer.

In his statement, Brigadier General Maurito L Licudine, Commander of the 402nd Brigade, said “We are thankful to the LGU of Esperanza for the active and unwavering support in our efforts against the CTG legal front organization that deceived and manipulated our farmers. We shall continuously coordinate with the LGU and to the PRLEC member agencies of the PTF-ELCAC Agusan Sur to ensure that appropriate interventions will be implemented for the benefit of the communities and address the issues utilized and exploited by the CTG”.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

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Reds behind 141 incidents of anti-personnel mine use: AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 4, 2021): Reds behind 141 incidents of anti-personnel mine use: AFP (By Priam Nepomuceno)

FIGHTING NPA ATROCITIES. AFP Human Rights Office chief, Col. Joel Alejandro Nacnac (right) hands over the report on the NPA's use of anti-personnel mines to Commission on Human Rights chairperson Chito Gascon (left) during a meeting in Camp Aguinaldo on Thursday (March 4, 2021). The report said the communist terrorist group is behind 141 incidents of use, stockpiling, transport and production of anti-personnel mines or landmines which has so far caused 224 casualties since 2010. (Photo courtesy of AFP Human Rights Office)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday confirmed that the communist movement is behind a total of 141 incidents of use, stockpiling, transport and production of anti-personnel mines or landmines which have so far caused 224 casualties since 2010.

“The number of reported incidents from 2010 to date has risen to 141 incidents that resulted in the death of 32 military personnel and five civilians, and wounding of 163 soldiers and 24 civilians for a total of 224 casualties. Data collected by our Office from field units provides a factual and verifiable basis for the report,” AFP Human Rights Office (AFPHRO) chief Col. Joel Alejandro S. Nacnac said in his report.

He added that they have already submitted to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) for appropriate action a list of these incidents which covers incidents using land mines that killed, maimed, or injured civilians and AFP personnel.

Nacnac said these incidents are mostly perpetrated by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

"The CPP-NPA-NDF’s acts of using, stockpiling, transporting and producing land mines is a clear violation of RA (Republic Act) 9851 which penalizes as a war crime the employment of means of warfare prohibited under international law, such as weapons, projectiles, materials and methods of warfare that cause superfluous injury or unnecessary suffering or which are inherently indiscriminate when inflicted on soldiers and civilians,” he added.

The year 2020 has shown to have the highest number of incidents at 68, followed by 24 in 2017 and 20 in 2019. Eastern Visayas has 68 reported casualties followed by Cagayan Valley and the Cordillera Administrative Region, both with 31.

Bicol Region has the highest number of reported incidents of actual use of anti-personnel mines by the communist terrorists with 19 incidents, followed by Eastern Visayas with 17, and Davao Region with 12.

The report was also submitted by AFPHRO to the Philippine Human Rights Committee, International Committee of the Red Cross delegation in the Philippines, Administrative Order 35 Secretariat and the Office of the United Nations International Organizations of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

It will also be submitted to the UN Resident Coordinator in the Philippines and the Senior Human Rights Adviser of the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights to the Philippines.

Nacnac also informed the public of the resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly on Dec. 8, 2005 which declared the 4th of April of each year as International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.

“The UN resolution called for continued efforts by States, with support from the UN and other concerned organizations, to help establish and develop national mine-action capacities in countries where mines constitute a serious threat to the lives of people. The day aims to raise awareness about landmines and progress toward their eradication. The Mine Awareness Day is a global observance and not a public holiday,” Nacnac said.

As part of its mandate, the AFPHRO continues to monitor Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law violations by non-State armed groups such as the CPP-NPA-NDF including the use of anti-personnel or land mines that have maimed or permanently injured soldiers and civilians.

“With the assistance and support of the Commission on Human Rights, we may be able to put a stop to the CPP-NPA-NDF’s criminal acts. The AFP, through the Human Rights Office, will continuously coordinate with the appropriate agencies in this whole-of-nation approach towards just and lasting peace,” Nacnac said.

The CPP-NPA, which has been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1132567

2,290 AFP personnel vaccinated as of March 4

 From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 4, 2021): 2,290 AFP personnel vaccinated as of March 4 (By Priam Nepomuceno)

File photo

A total of 2,290 military healthcare workers have so far been inoculated with Sinovac Biotech’s CoronaVac vaccines since the rollout of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) vaccination drive earlier this week.

Latest data from the AFP showed that as of Thursday, 598 military personnel were vaccinated at the Victoriano Luna Medical Center (VLMC), 583 at the Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo Station Hospital, 349 at the Manila Naval Hospital, 566 at the Philippine Army General Hospital, and 194 at the Philippine Air Force General Hospital.

"I am confident that our front-line personnel will make good use of this opportunity to confidently and safely dispense their duties as we collectively seek an end to this pandemic," said AFP chief-of-staff, Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, in a statement.

The AFP is also conducting a troop information and education (TI & E) program in every camp to address issues, concerns, and apprehension of soldiers about being vaccinated.

The VLMC is also facilitating the program to train and capacitate healthcare personnel for the ongoing vaccination program while information dissemination materials are also provided to military training facilities in unified commands.

With the availability of the Sinovac vaccine in the country, Sobejana reiterated that medical front-liners of the military will be prioritized in the inoculation drive.

“The AFP is grateful to the national government to have our health workers be among the first to receive a Covid-19 vaccine. This gives protection to our military front-liners as they carry out their duties to serve and treat our citizens,” he said.

Sobejana also urged personnel to support the ongoing vaccination program as the military continues to serve at the frontlines in the battle against Covid-19.

“The vaccination program will be our shield that shall aid us in protecting and preserving Filipino lives against the pandemic,” Sobejana said.

Meanwhile, the AFP remains to be on a support role in the government’s vaccine rollout.

A total of 304 medical service personnel already conducted simulation activities in preparation for the vaccination campaign.

There are 72 vaccine teams and 47 vaccination sites in AFP camps with military treatment facilities (MTFs) nationwide.

The AFP is actively working with local government units and Department of Health counterparts where there are no MTFs.

“The AFP remains ready to serve our people in these challenging times. The availability of the vaccines is a welcome development that allows us to see the light at the end of the tunnel,” Sobejana said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1132604

Rappler needs to apologize to IPs: PCOO exec

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 4, 2021): Rappler needs to apologize to IPs: PCOO exec (By Christine Cudis)

Presidential Communications Operations Office Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy (File photo)

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy said online news site Rappler should issue an apology for supporting the narrative of Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army - National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) regarding the use of the term 'lumad' to refer to the Indigenous People (IP).

"Rappler owes our indigenous peoples an apology for being party to the unbearable Grief and Suffering they’ve had to endure in the hands of these communists terrorists... the word “LUMAD” is a word the CPP-NPA-NDF stripped of its real meaning and reinvented to mean ‘ALL TRIBES OF MINDANAO” to support their terrorist activities—not the least of which are the massive fundraising and extortion of non-government organizations and government organizations here and around the world," Badoy said in a statement on Thursday.

Badoy said for years, the "deliberate killing of thousands upon thousands of our indigenous brothers and sisters---GENOCIDE, the destruction of their culture by the theft of their identity and the murder of THOUSANDS of their tribal leaders—just 3 of 17 unforgivable atrocities they have committed against our indigenous tribes were made easier and more convenient by that one despicable word, LUMAD".

When Badoy issued her statement online explaining the implication of the term "lumad" to the IP communities nationwide, Rappler followed up with their own saying the former's words were false.

IPs don't want to be identified as lumads

Earlier this week, Badoy said the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), the body that represents and is tasked to care for and protect “our indigenous brothers and sisters”, crafted a resolution that seeks to denounce the use of the term lumad to refer to Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCS/IPS) particularly of Mindanao.

The resolution also enjoins the public to address ICCS/IPS by their respective affiliation or ethnolinguistic group.

It said the term ‘lumad’ is a Cebuano term meaning native.

“’Lumad’ referring to indigenous peoples of Mindanao was adopted by members the Lumad Mindanao People’s Federation (LMPF) on 26 June 1986 during its First Congress/Assembly in Kidapawan, Cotabato,” the resolution added.

Badoy said LMPF is an above ground organization of the CPP-NPA-NDF.

She said the terms “lumad” and “kalumaran” were then widely used to solicit foreign and local funding in finance generation activities of the terrorist group.

“Whereas, looking at the historical context of the term ‘lumad’ emerged, it is but just and proper to put order and in order to correct the injustice committed by the CPP-NDF-NPA and to put a stop to the corruption of the IP struggle, that this group condemns and denounces the use of the term ‘lumad’ to refer to the ICC/IP groups of the Philippines," she added.

The NCIP resolution was signed by Commissioner Gaspar Cayat representing the indigenous peoples of Cordillera Administration Region and Region 1 (Ilocos); Commissioner Norberto Navarro representing the indigenous peoples of Region 2 (Cagayan Valley); Commissioner Rolandao Rivera representing Regions 3 (Central Luzon) and the rest of Luzon; Commissioner Jeorge Largado representing the IPs in the Island groups and the rest of Visayas; Commissioner Jennifer Pia S. Las representing IPs in Central Mindanao; Commissioner Dominador Gomez representing IPs of Northern and Western Mindanao; and Secretary Capuyan, NCIP Chair and Commissioner representing the IPs in Southern and Eastern Mindanao.

"The entire IP sector of the Philippines represented and heard. A far better representation than a blogsite known for its unethical brand of journalism that having them as Fact-checker is a joke of monumental proportions, don’t you think so?," Badoy said.

Alcadev

Badoy said Rappler also claimed that she was wrong in claiming that Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development (ALCADEV) taught their students how to become members of NPA, armed wing of the CPP.

“In fact, ALCADEV is a creation of the CPP-NPA-NDF that targeted senior high school indigenous children in Region 13,” she said.

ALCADEV, a supposed educational institution but recently proven to be not qualify to the Department of Education's standards.

"It was the legal front, MAPASU that got funding from the hapless Belgian government who gave generously not knowing they were funding terrorism and the destruction of our indigenous peoples," she said.

Rappler, in one of its fact-checking reports, said ALCADEV is ‘privately-owned and government regulated’.

"ALCADEV, when it existed, had NO government regulation at all. Their curriculum was the curriculum of the CPP-NPA-NDF –the PADEPA or the Pambansang Demokratikong Paaralan – a course that utilizes systematic brainwashing, radicalization and agitation of its recruits regarding Philippine history and the National situationer that will justify armed revolution as the only solution to the ills of society," Badoy explained.

ALCADEV, she added, did not operate with licensed teachers, student registrations.

"Students there did not have SLN—Student Learner’s Number –meaning they were out of the school system so a LOT of them wasted precious years learning to be a CPP operative then when they decided to get back into the fold of the law, learned that all those years in that phoney school didn’t count for anything and that they would need to go back to square one," she added.

Badoy said the “most heinous of all: ALCADEV made possible the kidnapping and trafficking of indigenous children for political propaganda and then too, to make them into child warriors.”

"Rappler, therefore, supports and propagates the propaganda lines of the CPP-NPA-NDF. In behalf of the IP of the Philippines, I demand that apology from Rappler," she said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1132603

Drop ‘lumad’, use ethnic group names instead: NCIP

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 4, 2021): Drop ‘lumad’, use ethnic group names instead: NCIP (By Marita Moaje)



NO TO ‘LUMAD’. The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples wants to correct the misnomer that all ethnic groups can be called “lumad”. In Resolution 08-009-2021 issued on March 2, 2021, the commission said the elders, leaders, and members of different ICC/IP groups in Mindanao requested that they not be called “lumad”. Instead, they want to be referred to by their ethnolinguistic group names. (Photo courtesy of NCIP)

The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) issued a resolution denouncing the use of the term “lumad” when referring to Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICC) and different Indigenous Peoples (IPs) groups.

NCIP Resolution 08-009-2021 issued on March 2 stated that the elders, leaders, and members of different ICC/IP groups in Mindanao requested that they not be called “lumad”.

They said the term has been widely used even by some government offices and public officials to refer to members of the ICCs/IPs, especially those from Mindanao.

“Lumad” is a Cebuano term that means “native”.

It was first adopted by members of the Lumad Mindanao Peoples Federation (LMPF) on June 26, 1986 during its First Congress held in Kidapawan, Cotabato. From then on, it has been used to refer to ICCs and IPs.

IP elders, leaders, and members refused to be called “lumad” because the LPMF, they say, is not the recognized representative of the ICCs and IPs of Mindanao.

As such, it does not represent their collective sentiments.

"’Lumad’ is not an indigenous term. Its emergence and continued use (are) marred by its association with the CPP, NDF, and NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines - National Democratic Front - New People’s Army) whose ideologies are not consistent with the cultures, practices, and beliefs of ICCs/lPs,” the NCIP resolution read.

It further stated that “lumad” is associated with national minorities who are opposed to IPs, and thus weakens the true identities of ethnic communities.

The first congress and the subsequent meetings and activities of the LPMF were initiated and sponsored by the CPP-NPA-NDF and were attended by some IP members of the LPMF, which they said were not composed of genuine elders and leaders.

The NCIP further stated that Datu Lito Omos, who was elected the first secretary-general of the LMPF, attested to it.

The term “lumad” was chosen to control the identification of the lPs under the banners of the CPP-NPA-NDF, according to Omos.

It also hides solicitation activities by insurgents.

The NCIP said using “lumad” to refer to ICCs and IPs in Mindanao is like refusal to recognize their genuine identity and rights.

“The term has no ancestral domain or indigenous territory to speak of and is condescending and derogatory,” NCIP Chairperson and Commissioner for Eastern and Southern Mindanao Allen Capuyan said.

With the resolution, the NCIP encouraged all government offices to refrain from using the term “lumad” in their official documents and communications, and the general public as well when referring to IPs.

“The public is enjoined to use the respective ethnolinguistic group or Indigenous Cultural Communities, Indigenous Peoples, Katutubong Pamayanang Kultural or Katutubong Pamayanan when referring to IPs collectively,” the resolution read.

The country has 122 IP groups as of December 2019, but “lumad” is not one of them.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1132620