Kalinaw News: Military celebrates Labor Day in the southernmost part of the Philippines

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 2, 2021): Military celebrates Labor Day in the southernmost part of the Philippines



Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – Western Mindanao Command Chief Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan, Jr. together with other military officials commemorated Labor Day in Tawi-Tawi, May 2, 2021

Following their arrival in Tawi-Tawi on April 30 (Friday), Lieutenant General Vinluan, Jr. joined the troops of the 2nd Marine Brigade during the distribution of food packs at the Central Mosque in Sanga-Sanga, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.

“In partnership with the Provincial Government of Tawi-Tawi, we distributed a total of 750 food packs prepared by the local government of Tawi-Tawi and marine troops of 2nd Marine Brigade for our Muslim brothers and sisters who are fulfilling their obligation to fast during the holy month of Ramadan,” said Lt. Gen, Vinluan, Jr.

The West Mindanao Commamnd Commander also took time to pay a courtesy call on the governor of Tawi-Tawi, Hon. Yshmael Sali still at the Central Mosque.

During their conversation, Governor Sali commended the sterling leadership of JTF Tawi-Tawi/2nd Marine Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas and the resolve of the marine troopers to sustain the peace in Tawi-Tawi.

Lieutenant General Vinluan, Jr. express his gratitude to the provincial and local government officials of Tawi-Tawi for their unwavering support to the military’s thrusts.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant General Vinluan, Jr. graced the inauguration of the newly established Jade’s Bajau Learning Center, Inc. (JBLCI) in Panguan Island, Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi on May 1.

The said learning center is initiated by a non-profit organization, in partnership with the 2nd Marine Brigade, which aims to deliver quality equitable culture-based basic education that is rightfully available for all to lay the groundwork for lifelong learning and service for the common good. It was established on the island barangay in April 2021.

According to Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi/2nd Marine Brigade Commander Brigadier General Arturo Rojas, with the help of the 2nd Marine Brigade troopers, the first JBLCI was established in Barangay Lamion, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi in 2015.

“Through the strengthened collaboration with our partners and stakeholders, we were able to facilitate the expansion of the learning center to this island municipality,” said Brigadier General Rojas.

During his message, Lieutenant General Vinluan, Jr. said, “I am personally happy because the children here will now have a more conducive area for education. Rest assured that we will always keep the area safe and secured.”

“To the parents, encourage your children to study for them to have a brighter future,” the commander added.

The ribbon-cutting was spearheaded by Lieutenant General Vinluan, Jr. together with the founders of JBLCI Administrators Mr. Eleazar Erana and Mrs. Ma. Leonor Blanco-Erana.

Mr. Erana, in her statement, said that “the men and women in uniform have been their partners in the humanitarian services since 2010”.

“When we were conducting humanitarian activities in the province, we saw that the province also needs educational aid so together with the marines and our other partners and donors we established the first school building in Lamion. To the people of Sitangkai, this school is for you. We want to help the youth here to at least finish high school. Do utilize this for the common good,” Mr. Erana added.

After the inauguration, Lieutenant General Vinluan, Jr. met with the local government officials of Sitangkai led by Mayor Hji. Tiblan Ahaja. They discussed the best practices that led to the sustainability of peace in the island municipality.

Sitangkai is known as the “Venice of the Philippines” due to the use of boats as primary transportation.

The West Mindanao Command Commander also paid a courtesy call on Sibutu Mayor Alshefa Pajiji.

The islands of the municipalities of Sitangkai and Sibutu had been at the crossroads of the sea trade route and were a traditional enclave of the Bajau and Sama people.

During his visit to Tawi-Tawi, Lieutenant General Vinluan, Jr. was accompanied by Philippine Marine Corps Commandant Major General Ariel Caculitan, JTF Tawi-Tawi Commander Brigadier General Arturo Rojas, West Mindanao Command Deputy Commander for Admin Brigadier General Antonio Nafarrete, and the West Mindanao Command Staff.

[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]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/military-celebrates-labor-day-in-the-southernmost-part-of-the-philippines/

Kalinaw News: Former Rebel availed Full- Financial Assistance from the Local Government for the hospital bills of his wife and newborn baby

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 1, 2021): Former Rebel availed Full- Financial Assistance from the Local Government for the hospital bills of his wife and newborn baby



MARAMAG, Bukidnon- On April 13, 2021, a 16-year-old former rebel’s wife, Ms. Daylena Kabantao is rushed and admitted to Maramag Provincial Hospital, as she was to deliver her child. A thorough examination was conducted, which was later found out that she has severe Eclampsia (a condition in which one or more convulsions occur in pregnant women suffering from high blood pressure). The attending physician advised the patient that she needs to deliver the baby in cesarean section, in another hospital because they don’t have the facility and equipment for said operation. Moreover, 88IB made coordination to Valencia Polymedic General Hospital Inc. however, the private hospital requires an initial cash deposit as part of hospital protocol, furthermore, 88IB made coordination to the good mayor Hon. Azucena Huervas, of Valencia City, guaranteed the initial cash deposit without hesitation.

Ms. Kabantao was admitted and the baby is safely delivered, however, the baby has Neonatal sepsis (a blood infection that occurs in an infant younger than 90 days old) that’s the mother and child needs to stay longer in the hospital, the increasing hospital bill needs to be addressed. But with the helping hands of different government units and the true spirit of a “whole-of-government” approach, the mother’s hospital bill was settled thru the office of Congressman 3rd District, Hon. Manuel F Zubiri and the patient was discharged from the hospital last April 23, 2021. The good Mayor of Maramag, Hon. Jose P. Doromal also gives financial assistance for the family’s other expenses including Baby’s hospital bill is settled thru the office of the good Provincial Governor Hon. Jose Maria R. Zubiri Jr. The whole family finally got home on April 28, 2021.

Cain Anda is one (1) of the five (5) minors rescued by the Philippine Army in the province of Abra, Cordillera Administrative Region in Luzon way back in 2018, he was only 17 years old at that time and an IP of tigwahanon tribes in San Fernando Bukidnon and he was exploited by the NPA, by giving false promises that they will help them to have a decent job in Luzon but later they became regular NPA members in Abra, Cordillera Administrative Region in Luzon.

Finally, Lieutenant Colonel. Christian James P Vingno, Commanding Officer of 88th Infantry Battalion, expressed his gratitude to all the partner government units who extend their helping hands to the former rebel and his family. This is the whole-of-nation approach, we are your true government and willing to give hope even you are former combatants, we are encouraging those rebels who are still in the mountains to come and return to the folds of the law, we knew that you are only being deceived by wrong ideology we are here to help you.

[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]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/former-rebel-availed-full-financial-assistance-from-the-lgus-for-the-hospital-bills-of-his-wife-and-newborn-baby/

Kalinaw News: Barangay Sagundangon declares “Independence Day” against CPP-NPA-NDF

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 1, 2021): Barangay Sagundangon declares “Independence Day” against CPP-NPA-NDF



MAGPET, COTABATO – Barangay Sagundangon is known as one of the NPA’s affected Barangays in the Municipality of Kitaotao, Bukidnon. After years of suffering behind the shadow of the false beliefs, promises, and wrongdoings of the NPA, Barangay Sagundangon finally freed themselves, declared their “Independence Day”, withdrew and denounced their support as their barangay facilitated and conducted a Peace Dialogue together with their Barangay Officials, Former Rebels, Municipal Police Station (MPS) Kitaotao and Army’s 72nd Infantry “Gabay” Battalion and Subsequently Reading of Barangay Resolution declaring “Persona Non-Grata” to CPP-NPA-NDF, on May 01, 2021.

Today marks a new beginning to the residents of Brgy Sagundangon as they finally dared to live in peace rather than in fear, to live peacefully with their families rather than with their comrades, and to embrace the programs and projects of the Government intended for them rather than supporting and sympathizing the violence of NPA. It was steered thru series of dialogues about the wrongdoings of the CPP-NPA-NDF, NPA’s recruitment, the role of the Army and PNP as peacebuilders of our nation and the sincerity of the Government in the implementation of Executive Order no.70 and in ending the insurgency in our country.

The activity was graced by the presence of Hon. Geofrey C Gawilan, Barangay Captain; Police Lieutenant Nilo C Maderse, Deputy COP, Kitaotao; Lieutenant Colonel Jose C Regonay Jr, Commanding Officer 72IB; NTF-ELCAC Focal Person; Brgy Officials; and Officers and Troops of 72IB and PNP.

“As we declare Persona Non-Grata to CPP-NPA-NDF today, we also declare Independence Day here in our barangay. Slowly, we will start our lives with new hope that we will begin living a life far away from the shadow of the Communist Terrorist Groups. Let us start the peace we want here in our barangay. The peace that we are longing for so long.” Hon. Geofrey C Gawilan said in his message.

Lieutenant Colonel Jose C Regonay Jr, Commanding Officer 72IB called on the remaining members of the NPA to embrace the programs of the Government intended for them. He called on the families of the remaining members to convince their loved ones to surrender and return to the folds of the real Government. He assured that the unit will continue reaching out to different barangays in Kitaotao to announce and disseminate the Government’s projects and programs for the people of Bukidnon.

[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]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/barangay-sagundangon-declares-independence-day-against-cpp-npa-ndf/

Kalinaw News: 10th Infantry Division stops extortion in Bukidnon, Recovers three firearms

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 1, 2021): 10th Infantry Division stops extortion in Bukidnon, Recovers three firearms

MAWAB, Davao de Oro – Troops of the 3rd Infantry Battalion engaged in a 15-minute firefight against more or less eight individuals believed to be members of Platun Bagsik, Guerilla Front Malayag, North Central Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NCEMRC) under Dante Cuyos at around 4:15PM in Sitio Liptong, Brgy. Lumintao, Quezon in Bukidnon on Thursday, April 29, 2021.

The firefight ensued after the troops of 3rd Infantry Battalion validated a report of a concerned citizen regarding the presence of rebels in their area conducting extortion activities which resulted to the recovery of the following; one (1) caliber 223 bushmaster, one (1) M16 rifle, and one (1) sniper rifle, all firearms are with serial numbers, one (1) improvised hand grenade, medical paraphernalia, bandolier, seven (7) M203 ammunition, and subversive documents.

Meanwhile, there were no reported casualties on the side of the government, and with undetermined fatalities on the enemy’s side wherein the group were reported withdrawing towards a nearby Barangay also in Quezon, Bukidnon.

Moreover, all patrol bases in Bukidnon under 10th Infantry Division are on high alert on possible sightings while the engaged troops are currently on a pursuit operation against withdrawing enemies.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Juvenal Mark T Tayamen, Commanding Officer, 3rd Infantry Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, the timely and accurate information of the populace who were tired of exploitation and extortion from the New People’s Army terrorists in the area helped the troops to dislodge and prevent them from conducting terroristic activities in the community.

Brigadier General Nolasco A Mempin, Brigade Commander of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade, 10th Infantry Division, Philippine Army on the other hand expressed his sincere appreciation to the ROW Troopers for successfully preventing the NPA terrorists from conducting hostilities and terroristic activities in the community.

10th Infantry Division Commander Major General Ernesto C Torres Jr likewise commends the troops in performing their duties with utmost bravery and dedication in protecting vulnerable communities in their area of operation.

“I urged the people to continue to exercise the culture of security in reporting to authorities suspicious individuals lurking in their communities as our Agila Troopers remain committed to protect the peace and order that the 10th Infantry Division has helped establish for the past years. And I, together with the whole command commend the troops of 3rd Infantry Battalion for a job well done.” Major General Torres added.

[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]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/10th-infantry-division-stops-extortion-in-bukidnon-recovers-three-firearms/

Kalinaw News: 15 Former New People’s Army Allies in Iloilo City vows to support government

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 1, 2021): 15 Former New People’s Army Allies in Iloilo City vows to support government



CAMP HERNANDEZ, Dingle, Iloilo – 15 former members from allied groups of the New People’s Army of Barangay South Fundidor, Molo, Iloilo City took their oath of allegiance to the government on Thursday, April 29, 2021.

These individuals were members of Padrias Parian Drivers Association (PPDA) and Comfuda Companya Fundidor Drivers Association (CCFDA) Transport sector under Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (PISTON) headed by Noel Garcia, chairman of CCFDA and Arman Zandry Elangos, chairman of PPDA.

The Oath of Allegiance is one of the highlights of the Multi-Sectoral Meeting facilitated by the Community Support Program (CSP) Team of the 33rd Civil-Military Operation Company headed by Captain Ivy Arcangeles.

It was done in collaboration with the Iloilo City Police Office Community Relations headed by Police Lieutenant Marlon Perez, SAMBAYANAN Metro Iloilo Chapter headed by Rey Cachuela, chairman of Hugpong Obrero, and South Fundidor Barangay Council headed by Barangay Chairman Hon. Jonathan Altura.

Brigadier General Marion Sison, Commander, 301st Infantry Brigade expressed his appreciation to the former allies of New People’s Army for pledging their support to the government, the right step towards peace.

“You are now an inspiration to the remaining NPA rebels and supporters who are still afraid to renounce the terroristic ideologies of the CPP-NPA-NDF. With you as our new partners in spreading awareness about the deceptive maneuvers of CPP-NPA-NDF, we are optimistic that more rebels will recite the same oath and join our journey towards achieving peace ang progress in Panay Island,” said Brigadier General Sison.

[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]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/15-former-new-peoples-army-allies-in-iloilo-city-vows-to-support-government/

Opinion: Parlade para me

Opinion piece posted to the Manila Times (May 2, 2021): Parlade para me (By Mauro Gia Samonte)

Like it or not, Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr., in a most effortless way, suddenly becomes the benchmark for whether one is pro- or anti-Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

In the controversies he has been thrown into by his detractors, one necessarily becomes pro- or anti-communist terrorist depending on whether he is pro- or anti-Parlade. His consistency to the point of obsession at exposing what he terms “duplicitous tactics” of the Sisonite communist terrorist insurgency has made him personify the government determination to end that insurgency once and for all.

I know of no other personality at the moment aside from President Duterte that has become the embodiment of the decades-old struggle of the Filipino nation to rid itself of the communist malady inflicted by the tandem of Jose Maria Sison and Benigno Aquino Jr. back in 1968.

Tarpaulins declaring the CPP-NPA persona non grata splashed on Manila footbridges, and the city mayor is quick to pin the blame on Parlade. Celebrities Liza Soberano, Catriona Gray and Angel Locsin cry “red-tagging,” bet your bottom peso it’s Parlade whodunit. A fair warning on the deceptive maneuvers of the CPP-NPA-NDF to drum up mass rage against the government through an innocent-looking humanitarian endeavor called “community pantry” can only come from who else but Parlade.

A huge bunch of senators threatens in unison to defund the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac) if its spokesman is not fired and you can bet your balls this time, that guy is Parlade.

How Parlade has come to be demonized for his rabid anti-CPP-NPA-NDF stance and yet under his watch as NTF-Elcac spokesman, how massively have the Sisonite communist terrorists been exposed so that they just must buy time to stay their imminent demise!

Time has not been too far off when only legal front organizations of the CPP-NPA-NDF were hitting General Parlade precisely for unmasking them for what they really are: communist fronts. Party-list groups (Bayan Muna, Gabriela, ACT, Courage, Anak Pawis, Kabataan) calling themselves Makabayan bloc were one with leftist mass organizations (LFS, CEGP, NUSP, Kabataang Makabayan, Rural Missionaries of the Philippines, etc.) in calling for his dismissal as the anti-insurgency spokesman.

It was obvious that their intention was to stop the determined campaign of General Parlade to crush the insurgency both in the propaganda arena and in the battlefields. And in any case, this was understandable. They were the enemies the general was contending against; they would damn him till kingdom come.

Now, all of a sudden joining the obvious Reds in vehemently agitating for Parlade’s ouster were not just government officials but members of the top legislature, the Philippine Senate: Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto 3rd, Senate Committee on Defense and Security Chairman Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Senators Ana Theresia “Risa” Hontiveros, Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Mary Grace Poe, Richard “Dick” Gordon, Franklin Drilon, Emmanuel Joel Villanueva and William Gatchalian.

Isn’t General Parlade doing a life-and-death struggle for the liberation of the country from communist terrorist aggression? And isn’t this struggle a primary strategy of the government which the general has been winning to the point of predicting the final demise of the CPP-NPA-NDF triad before the year ends. Why is it that among those fiercely agitating for his dismissal — which must only mean frustration of what is clearly taking shape now as the communist terrorists’ final defeat — are top government officials, including congressmen and senators?

Without him meaning it, General Parlade has, indeed, made of himself the paramount paradigm of what winning the war against the communist terrorists is all about.

Take Parlade and crush the CPP-NPA-NDF forever or reject him and plunge the nation into perdition.

I have made my choice: Parlade para me.

For whom are you?

https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/05/02/opinion/columnists/parlade-para-me/869284/

CHR-6 ‘won’t tolerate’ red-tagging; launches probe

From Panay News (May 1, 2021): CHR-6 ‘won’t tolerate’ red-tagging; launches probe (By Ime Sornito)

ILOILO City – The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) slammed anew the red-tagging of members of progressive groups here.

Last week, posters accusing activists of being members of the New People’s Army resurfaced.

“Halin sang una ang CHR nagahambal nga indi dapat or indi nagakaigu (ang red-tagging) kay ti may korte or prosecutors or judicial processes kita,” said Director Jonnie Dabuco of the CHR-6 in an interview with Panay News.

“Indi nga i-convict or pakalainon mo lang ang isa ka tawo without giving him or her the opportunity nga maka-present sang iya side,” he added.


Among those red-tagged were youth leader Lean Porquia, son of slain activist Jory Porquia; Bryan Bosque of Bayan Muna-Panay; lawyers Teofisto Melliza and Joebert Pahilga of the National Union of People’s Lawyers; Lucy Francisco of Gabriela-Panay; Irish Inoceto of Iloilo Pride Team; John Ian Alenciaga of Altermedya Panay; and Maura Abellon of Kadamay-Panay.

The posters described them as “qualified” to avail themselves of the Enhanced Community Livelihood Integration Program (E-CLIP), the government’s reintegration program for surrendering rebels.

“Red-tagging is very dangerous,” Dabuco stressed. “Ini bangod sa nagkalatabo sa mga persons nga previously gin-red-tag tapos eventually may natabo nga assault or murder…luckily iban naka-survive.”

The CHR launched this week an investigation.

“We received complaints, may nagpangayo sang bulig sa amon. Ti, amo ‘na ang response namon,” said Dabuco.

https://www.panaynews.net/chr-6-wont-tolerate-red-tagging-launches-probe/

PTF-ELCAC to open roads in ZamboSur’s hinterlands

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 1, 2021): PTF-ELCAC to open roads in ZamboSur’s hinterlands (By Gideon C. Corgue)

PAGADIAN CITY, May 1 (PIA) - The 53rd Infantry (Matapat) Battalion, Philippine Army not only conducts combat operations but it also conducts many community works especially in the hinterlands.

Thus, revealed Lieutenant Colonel Jo-ar Herrera, commanding officer of the unit during the joint Provincial Peace and Order Council and Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council meeting held recently at Balay Bisaya, Provincial Government Center, Dao this city.

Herrera said the unit was assisted by the 547th Engineer Battalion and 551st Engineer Battalion, Philippine Army in implementing ELCAC projects in the province by opening roads in the hinterlands.

The roads to be opened soon are as follows: Barangay Pawan to Pisompongan in Midsalip town; Barangay Datagan, Guipos to New Tuburan, Tigbao; and Barangay New Katipunan-Licuro-an- Pawan, Midsalip to DatuTotoca in Dumingag town.

Herrera said the opening of the roads is aimed at disrupting the mobility of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples Army (CPP-NPA) and providing basic services to people in very remote areas.

“The opening of roads are synonymous to the access of basic services. Through this, we can bring all government services to the hinterlands, ”Herrera explained.

"If we can open these roads that connect one barangay to other municipalities, we will totally disrupt the movements of CPP-NPA who are operating in that area," Herrera added.

Herrera added that these roads are very important because such areas are the ‘mobility corridors’ and traditional routes of the CPP-NPA.

He said that the NPA does not want roads so they burn government equipment but once the roads are opened, the NPAs will not be able to pass through those barangays.

Herrera added the province is very lucky due to the presence of Philippine Army battalions that provide security to the people including the 1st Cavalry (Tagapanguna) Squadron, Mechanized Infantry Division, 1st Field Artillery (Beat 'Em) Battalion, Army Artillery Regiment, 1st Civil Military Operations (CMO) and the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army.

"We are also lucky because with the help of this security sector we have had the most ELCAC projects maybe not only in the region but in the entire country," Herrera proudly announced. (EDT/GCC/PIA-Zamboanga del Sur)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1073694

15 former CPP-NPA-NDF allies in Iloilo City vow support to government

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 1, 2021): 15 former CPP-NPA-NDF allies in Iloilo City vow support to government (By Jemin B. Guillermo)

ILOILO CITY, May 1 (PIA) -- Some 15 former members of the allied groups of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) from Barangay South Fundidor, Molo, Iloilo City took their oath of allegiance to the government on April 29, 2021.

Said individuals were members of Padrias Parian Drivers Association (PPDA) and Comfuda Companya Fundidor Drivers Association (CCFDA) Transport sector under Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (PISTON) headed by Noel Garcia, chairperson of CCFDA, and Arman Zandry Elangos, chairperson of PPDA, said 301st Brigade Civil-Military Operation (CMO) Officer Capt. Hazel Joy Durotan in a press release.

The Oath of Allegiance is one of the highlights of the Multi-Sectoral Meeting facilitated by the Community Support Program (CSP) Team of the 33rd CMO Company led by Capt. Ivy Arcangeles.

Durotan said the activity was done in collaboration with the Iloilo City Police Office Community Relations headed by PLt. Marlon Perez, SAMBAYANAN Metro Iloilo Chapter headed by Rey Cachuela, chairperson of Hugpong Obrero, and South Fundidor Barangay Council led by Barangay Chairperson Jonathan Altura.

Brigadier General Marion Sison, the 301st Infantry Brigade commander, expressed his appreciation to the former allies of the communist-terrorists for pledging their support to the government, which he said is the right step towards peace.

"You are now an inspiration to the remaining NPA allies who are still afraid to renounce the terroristic ideologies of the CPP-NPA Terrorist,” Sison said.

He added “With you as our new partners in spreading awareness about the deceptive maneuvers of the communist-terrorist organization, we are optimistic that more NPA allies will recite the same oath and join our journey towards achieving peace ang progress in Panay Island." (PIA6/Capt. Hazel Joy Durotan/CMO-301Bde/Philippine Army)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1073968

1-name list for next PNP chief now with PRRD

From the Philippine News Agency (May 1, 2021): 1-name list for next PNP chief now with PRRD (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said he has forwarded to President Rodrigo R. Duterte his one-name list on who would succeed Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Gen. Debold Sinas, who retires on May 8 after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

"I already submitted to the President my recommendation for the next Chief PNP after the retirement of Gen. Debold Sinas through Napolcom (National Police Commission) Resolution No. 2021-0469. The recommendation has only one name. But the President has the prerogative also to choose anyone with a rank of at least brigadier general in the PNP force," Año said in a message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Friday.

He did not name who he recommended but this police officer is likely a member of the PNP Command Group that includes Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, deputy chief for administration; Lt. Gen. Joselito Vera Cruz, deputy chief for operations; and Lt. Gen. Ephraim Dickson, chief of the directorial staff.

Sinas earlier said all PNP generals are capable enough to lead the police force.

“We just wait kung sino pipiliin ng Presidente at siya po ang susuportahan ng buong PNP (We will just wait who the President would appoint and he will have the support of the entire PNP),” he told reporters when sought for comment after his last command conference on Tuesday.

He said he has completed his tasks and bid farewell to the troops.

“I will be preparing for any day na i-approve ng Malacañang kung kailan ang turnover (I will be preparing for the day of the turnover that Malacañang would approve). As to the (programs lined up), I leave that to the incoming (PNP chief),” he added.

Sinas, Eleazar, Vera Cruz, and Dickson belong to the Philippine Military Academy Hinirang Class of 1987.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1138706

Mayor, armed followers yield to police in BARMM

From the Philippine News Agency (May 1, 2021): Mayor, armed followers yield to police in BARMM (By Edwin Fernandez)

PRIVATE ARMED GROUP SURRENDER. Mayor Salik Mamasabulod (3rd from left) hands over a firearm to PRO-BARMM Director, Brig. Gen. Eden Ugale, during the formal surrender rites of the mayor and his private armed group at the regional police headquarters in Parang, Maguindanao on Friday (April 30, 2021). The Mamasabulod armed group surrendered four high-powered firearms. (Photo courtesy of PRO-BARMM)

A mayor in Maguindanao who maintained a private armed group (PAG) has voluntarily surrendered, along with his men and firearms, to the police in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

“This is to serve as an example to other PAGs in the Pagalungan area,” Mayor Salik Mamasabulod of Pagalungan, Maguindanao said in a phone interview with reporters here Saturday.

On Friday afternoon, Mamasabulod dissolved his PAG and surrendered to the police.

Brig. Gen. Eden Ugale, Police Regional Office (PRO) - BARMM director, welcomed the mayor and his private armed group at their headquarters in Parang, Maguindanao.

“After a series of negotiations with Mayor Mamasabulod, his men have surrendered peacefully to the PRO-BARMM,” Ugale said.

He identified the two sub-leaders of Mamasabulod’s followers, who represented the PAG in the surrender rites, as former police Corporal Faizal Mamasabulod, the mayor’s brother, and Norodin C. Sulayman, both of Barangay Damasalak in Pagalungan.

Ugale said the two men had been listed by the PRO-BARMM as active PAG members since March 15.

“The two are among the close-in security escorts of the mayor since 2013,” he said.

The group surrendered two M16 rifles, one Carbine rifle, and one M1 Garand rifle.

The PRO-BARMM is coordinating with the region’s Ministry of the Interior and Local Government on the proper disposition of Mamasabulod and his armed group’s surrender.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1138701

Prominent Mindanao historian affirms BARMM coming-of-age

From the Philippine News Agency (May 1, 2021): Prominent Mindanao historian affirms BARMM coming-of-age

Mindanao historian Rudy Buhay Rodil (Contributed photo)

An eminent historian has expressed elation over the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) two years after it was created by law following a plebiscite in 2019 and amidst a popular movement calling for an extension of the transition period from the old to the new autonomous government.

“Historic,” said Rudy Buhay Rodil, a prolific author and academic who used to teach at the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology in Iligan City.

Rodil was a member of the government panel negotiating peace with the Moro National Liberation Front (1993-1996) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (2004-2008).

Responding to questions about his opinion on Muslim Mindanao, he said “the fruit of GPH-Bangsamoro husay exchanges, from 1975 to 2020, has ripened into the BARMM.”

Husay, according to the historian, means “peace processes or peace negotiation.”

“Yang husay, ito ang matagal na nating ginagamit sa lahat ng conflicts, nagkakaiba sa spelling depende sa tribu pero ang husay (means) fixing conflicts, laging meron palitan ng salita, kasali ang facial expressions or gestures by hand or fingers (Husay has been used in fixing all conflicts. It just differs in spelling depending on the tribe),” he said.

He added: “Maraming nuances ang husay exchanges. Naging simula ang paggamit ng (It has many nuances and it was first used in) peace process ng UN (United Nations) at ng (and) Peace Commission before it became OPAPP.”

OPAPP stands for Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process. The peace commission was established by the Aquino administration in 1987.

Rodil added that the creation of the BARMM, even as it still awaits an extension of the period of transition, “is good not only for the Bangsamoro (but) also for the peoples of Mindanaw-Sulu, certainly for the Republic of the Philippines.”

“We have federalism in action,” he said.

Federalism has been a longstanding advocacy by several Mindanao groups over the last decades.

Proponents have cited its partiality to decentralized governance and more equitable enjoyment of opportunities and distribution of wealth.

Legislating federalism, however, has remained elusive.

A Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) was set up following the BARMM’s creation in 2019, the tenure of which is currently the subject of an intense campaign for an extension.

The period within which the BTA could operate before finally being disbanded was initially pegged at 2022.

But the Covid-19 pandemic posed practical and serious challenges to institution-building efforts, prompting a multi-sectoral push for an extension to 2025.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1138751

Army accords funeral rites to slain NPA rebel in Zambo Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (May 1, 2021): Army accords funeral rites to slain NPA rebel in Zambo Sur (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

DECENT BURIAL. Two personnel of the Army's 53rd Infantry Battalion serve as pallbearers during the funeral rite Friday (April 30, 2021) for James Cordero, a slain member of the communist New People's Army rebel in Barangay Datagan, Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur. Cordero was killed along with a ranking NPA member, Felimon Suazo, in a clash with government troops on April 22, 2021 in Barangay Guinlin, Tigbao, Zamboanga del Sur. (Photo courtesy of 53IB)

Despite being an enemy of the state, the Army’s 53rd Infantry “Matapat” Battalion (IB) facilitated the funeral of a slain communist New People’s Army (NPA) terrorist in a remote village of Zamboanga del Sur, a military official said Saturday.

Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera, 53IB commander, said James Cordero was interred Friday in a Barangay Datagan, Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur.

Cordero, a Squad 1 member of the NPA’s Main Regional Guerrilla Unit (MRGU), was killed in a clash with government troops together with Felimon Suazo and a certain Ka Nathan on April 22 in Barangay Guinlin, Tigbao, Zamboanga del Sur.

Suazo was an executive committee (Execom) member of the NPA’s Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC), a political instructor and finance officer, as well a member of the Squad 1 of the MRGU.

“Your Army ensures that the integrity of the victims of the NPA’s wrong ideologies would not experience the same misfortune in the hands of the heartless communist terrorists who used them out of personal motives,” Herrera said.

Merlyn Cordero, rebel’s mother, earlier said if only her son heeded their advice to come home and surrender, “he could be living a different life.”

She said James left home sometime in 2015 at the age of 17 after he was recruited by unidentified persons to join the NPA.

Herrera reiterated that the military "follow the principle of humane treatment in International Humanitarian Law, as it requires that those who fall into the hands of the enemy will be treated with respect for their dignity as human beings."

The NPA 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/1138727

Samal mayor calls NTF-ELCAC defunding 'foolish'

From the Philippine News Agency (May 1, 2021): Samal mayor calls NTF-ELCAC defunding 'foolish' (By Che Palicte) 

Samal Island Mayor Al David Uy. (PNA file photo)

ISLAND GARDEN CITY OF SAMAL, Davao del Norte – Mayor Al David Uy said the defunding of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) is "foolish" and a disservice to the barangays that fought hard to clear their communities of communist terrorist groups (CTGs).

“If you have issues with the person, you deal with that person, not with the program. I think defunding would be foolish, would be stupid, to be frank. It is a big disservice to the barangays who suffered too much from these New People’s Army (NPA),” Uy said in an interview Friday.

He said the city is not a recipient of the Barangay Development Program (BDP), but noted that the initiative would help villages in terms of infrastructure projects and crucial interventions.

The BDP, a hallmark program of NTF ELCAC with the end goal of bringing development to former conflict-prone communities, has identified 822 barangays nationwide that were former guerilla fronts of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army - National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

Of the PHP19 billion total budget of the NTF-ELCAC, PHP16.5 billion is allotted for the development of 822 barangays cleared of insurgency.

Each recipient barangay would receive PHP20 million for the following: 1-kilometer farm-to-market road worth PHP12 million; classrooms (PHP3 million); water and sanitation systems (PHP2 million); health station (PHP1.5 million); and livelihood projects (PHP1.5 million).

“It should continue because it has lined up good projects for the far-flung barangays,” Uy said.

The CPP-NPA, which has been waging a five-decade war 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/1138732

14 members, 325 supporters cut ties with NPA in Agusan Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (May 1, 2021): 14 members, 325 supporters cut ties with NPA in Agusan Norte (By Alexander Lopez)

MASS SURRENDER. Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo (4th from right), commander of the Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion, and Mayor Avelina S. Rosales (3rd from left) lead the mass surrender ceremony of 14 active Milisya ng Bayan and 325 members of Underground Mass Organizations on Friday (April 30, 2021) in Barangay Consorcia, Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte. Officials vow to facilitate the delivery of basic services for village people. (Photo courtesy of 23IB)

The communist New People’s Army (NPA) has recently lost a vital area in Las Nieves town in Agusan del Norte with the mass surrender of its barrio members and underground supporters, military officials said.

At least 14 active NPA in the barrios that communists call "militia ng bayan", and 325 members of underground mass organizations (UGMOs) from Barangay Consorcia, Las Nieves, formally cut their ties with the communist rebels during the pledge of allegiance ceremony held in said barangay on Friday.

They also surrendered nine caliber 22 (Airgun) rifles, four homemade shotguns with two live ammunition, and a caliber 38 pistol with five live ammunition.

Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, the Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion (23IB) commander, said Saturday the surrenderers acted the "main support mechanism" of the NPA rebels in the area for many years.

“The mass surrender was triggered when a team from 23IB engaged the local officials and the residents of Barangay Consocia last year. Last December, we conducted a consultation and dialogue with the residents where they ventilated their concerns on the continued terroristic activities of the NPA rebels in their locality,” Paulo said in a statement.

He said the mass surrender came after the series of dialogue by the 23IB until the early part of the year.

“For years, the people get tired of the presence of the NPA in their community with no progress and development. Their daily lives were filled with uncertainties with the vulnerable peace and order situation with the constant presence of armed rebels,” Paulo said.

Among the rebel militias who surrendered was alias “Nong” who served the rebels for a decade.

“My main task is to collect contributions from the residents in our place. I also buy rice and the other needs of the rebels. There were times that I would facilitate the medication of wounded NPA rebels. I followed what they asked me to do and I did not refuse because of fear they might suspect me,” Nong was quoted as saying in the dialect.

He said he later realized it was wrong to force ordinary farmers, farm laborers, and other poor residents to contribute what meager resources they have to the NPA.

“I carried it with my conscience that I collected contributions from them. With the presence of the rebels, there’s no way we can free ourselves from poverty,” he said.

Paulo assured the surrenderers of the government's continued support.

“Now that the people of Consorcia abandoned the communist movement, the government, especially the local government unit can now implement development initiatives, programs and services in the barangay,” he said.

Las Nieves Mayor Avelina S. Rosales recognized the courage of the residents in denouncing the NPA rebels, saying the local government will immediately facilitate the delivery of programs and services to the village.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1138742