CPP/Ang Bayan: NPA mounts 11 offensives in conjunction with Duterte’s SONA

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 7, 2021): NPA mounts 11 offensives in conjunction with Duterte’s SONA

Units of the New People’s Army (NPA) mounted 11 offensives in Samar, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Sorsogon from June 15 to 29 as challenge to Rodrigo Duterte’s last State of the Nation Address (SONA). Initial reports indicate that enemy units sustained 30 casualties with at least 26 killed.

Northern Sa­mar. The NPA-Northern Samar am­bushed soldiers scouring Km. 18, Happy Valley, San Isidro on July 23. Eleven soldiers were killed in the offensive. On the same day, an NPA unit ambushed another military unit in Catarman. These ambushes were mounted amid the enemy’s focused military operation that it has been conducting for half a year.. These mili­tary operations are conducted simultaneous with forced surrenders and harass­ment cam­paigns in around 25 barangays under the guise of the Retooled Community Sup­port Program.

On the day of Duterte’s SONA, a police officer was killed while another was wounded during an NPA sniping operation in Barangay San Jose, Catubig. The NPA unit first encountered the police along the boundary of barangays Anongo and Hitapian on July 10 where two policemen were wounded. Red fighters also paid tribute to Ka Diwa, 24, who was martyred during an encounter last July 10 in Las Navas.

On July 29, the NPA-Northern Samar ambushed operating troops of the 83rd Military Intelligence Company in Barangay Dolores, Las Navas. Initial reports indicate that a military officer was killed while two others were wounded.

Neg­ros Occidental. On July 21, the NPA-Southwest Negros mounted a harassment operation against operating troops of 15th IB at Sitio Makapula, Barangay Cabia-an, Candoni. The day before, Red fighters successively encountered the military at sitios Guinobatan and Moromanila in Barangay Caningay; and at sitios Lunoy and Catmon, Barangay Agboy. At least five soldiers were killed in the encounters.

A encounter between the NPA-South Central Negros and 94th IB also took place on July 22 at Sitio Manulaya, Barangay Tana-uan, Kabankalan City. Three AFP elements were killed in action.

Negros Oriental. In Guihul­ngan City, the NPA-Central Negros harassed a CAFGU detach­ment in Barangay San­da­yao on July 21. The CAFGU and 62nd IB troops are notorious for harassing and threatening ci­vi­lians, ransacking residences, and killing those whom they suspect of supporting the NPA.

Sor­so­gon. A policeman was killed in a sniping operation mounted by the NPA-Sorsogon at a checkpoint of the 2nd Police Provincial Mobile Force Company in Barangay Sta. Teresita, Bulan on July 21. The NPA-Sorsogon offensive was aimed to punish armed state elements who continue to perpetrate killings and sup­pres­sion against Sor­so­ga­nons.

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

https://cpp.ph/2021/08/07/npa-mounts-11-offensives-in-conjunction-with-dutertes-sona/

'Martabbat’ may have factored in Sulu shootout

From Rappler (Aug 8, 2021): 'Martabbat’ may have factored in Sulu shootout (ByFRENCIE CARREON)

'[D]o not shame [the Tausug] because he is prepared to kill and die for his dignity,' says Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy convenor Mehol Sadain

Cultural differences and insensitivity may have factored in the shooting deaths of provincial police director Colonel Michael Bawayan Jr. and his subordinate Staff Sergeant Imran Jilah in Sulu province, a history and political science professor from Western Mindanao said on Saturday, August 7.

Bawayan, 49, was an Igorot from Baguio, while Jilah, 43, was a Tausug.

Both men were pronounced dead at a local hospital shortly after the staff sergeant shot his superior at close range, and was gunned down in turn by the colonel's aides at a quarantine checkpoint in Barangay Asturias, Jolo, at around 4:20 pm on Friday.

Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) professor Henry Solomon said there may be more to the incident than meets the eye – that it wasn't just a case of insubordination and instilling discipline.

For some Tausugs, according to Solomon, some conflicts are about "martabbat" (dignity and honor).

“(It's) not about disrespect toward a superior officer, disobeying the police code of ethics, policies, and organizational leadership and chain of command, but a case of mishandling a non-officer of the PNP, if the intention was to inculcate the right discipline and boost the morale of the members of the organization," Solomon said.

Initial reports said Jilah pulled a gun and shot Bawayan after the latter called him out at a checkpoint inspection, pointing out Jilah's untidy hair and trying to cut some of it with a pair of scissors.

Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy convenor Mehol Sadain said, "The Tausug (recognizes) authority, and has a high respect for authority, from the time of the Sultanate to the present secular governance. But do not shame him because he is prepared to kill and die for his dignity.”

Thoney Jacoba, supervising tourism operations officer of Parang town, Sulu, said Jilah had "reached his boiling point" because he felt that his self-respect had been trampled on.

Jacoba said, "No ethnicity, no gender, can define what a human can do when one’s self- dignity is crushed.”

History of conflict

Police said it was not the first time that Bawayan had confronted Jilah.

There was talk among Tausug circles of an earlier incident, in which the staff sergeant was slapped and kicked as soon as he turned his back on his superior officer, an allegation that could not be independently verified as of this posting.

Sulu police has kept mum on the allegations and only said that an investigation was ongoing. However, several personnel from the command attended Jilah's Saturday funeral dressed in civilian clothes instead of their uniform, which could be construed as a jab at authority.

Professor Solomon said there were better ways of instilling discipline among police officers, and that the confrontational approach could have been avoided. Superior officers, he suggested, should check on attendance, uniforms, firearms, haircuts, nails, and the like during regular formations instead.

"This must be the proper way to do it, instead of cutting the hair of the policeman while on duty," Solomon said.

Police culture

“It is very unfortunate," Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan said of the incident.

He called Bawayan a "fine officer who was performing his duty at that time to ensure that everything was in order."

Tan recalled that when Bawayan paid him a courtesy call after the colonel assumed the role of Sulu's police director in March 2020, he emphatically told the police official that he wanted him to “maintain discipline and professionalism in the ranks" of the province's police force.

Tan said he also told Bawayan to put a premium on "good appearance" because he was convinced this was a big factor in gaining the respect of citizens.

Tan said Bawayan's way of disciplining his subordinates was part of police culture.

He said the objective was to make the Sulu police at par with other police commands elsewhere in terms of discipline, behavior, and appearance. – Rappler.com

Frencie Carreon is a Mindanao-based journalist and an awardee of the Aries Rufo Journalism Fellowship.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/martabbat-may-have-factored-in-sulu-shootout

Navy officer is new Westmincom deputy chief of command staff

 From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 7, 2021): Navy officer is new Westmincom deputy chief of command staff (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

TURNOVER. Capt. Robeline Carpio (center) hands over the symbol of the Assistant Chief of the Unified Command Staff for Personnel to Brig. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, Western Mindanao Command deputy commander for administration at Camp Navarro, Zamboanga City on Friday (Aug. 6, 2021). Carpio has retired and will be replaced by Navy Commander Edwin Ello (left). (Photo courtesy of Westmincom-PAO)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) has installed a new Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff (ACUCS) for Personnel at Camp Navarro here on Friday.

Navy Commander Edwin Ello assumed the ACUCS for Personnel post from Capt. Robeline Carpio, who has reached the mandatory retirement age of 56, the Westmincom said in a statement issued on Saturday.

Ello said in his speech he would give his best to fulfill his duty as one of the unified command staff.

Brig. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, Westmincom’s deputy commander for administration who presided over the turnover of duties, extended his greetings to Ello and gratitude to Carpio.

“Despite the casual change in leadership, continuity becomes our conclusive rule. We manage to succeed despite the transition. There may be a change in leadership style or the system that the new leader adopts, but all leaders have one thing in common. They lead their men to accomplish the mission,” Nafarrete said in his speech.

“Remember, retirement is not the end of the road. It is only the beginning of the open highway and it’s time to finally enjoy the view after climbing the many mountains and sailing the seas,” he told Carpio.

Nafarrete presented the Command Plaque, Major Service Plaque, Plaque of Honorable Service, Encased Philippine Flag, and Framed Medals to Carpio.

A plaque of appreciation was also awarded to his wife.

“I am very proud and humbled to stand before you today to share this momentous occasion with all of you after serving 37 years, 11 months, and 22 days in the military service. I’m very grateful that I’ve finished the race with flying colors. I will miss what I have established here but I will leave with a heart full of gratitude,” Carpio said in his valedictory address.

Following the Change of Chief of Office Ceremony, a departure honors ceremony was tendered to Carpio at the parade ground of Camp Navarro, home of the Westmincom headquarters.

The ceremony was participated in by the officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian human resources of the command led by Nafarrete and Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, Westmincom deputy commander for operations.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1149703

Aurora rebel gives up fight to 'peacefully live' with family

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 8, 2021): Aurora rebel gives up fight to 'peacefully live' with family (By Jason De Asis)

NEW LIFE. A member of Militia ng Bayan of the New People's Army surrenders with his firearm to military authorities in Aurora on Saturday (Aug. 7, 2021). Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, commanding officer of the Philippine Army's 91st Infantry Battalion said the surrenderer is eligible for a package of benefits under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. (Photo courtesy of 91IB)

BALER, Aurora – A guerrilla of the New People's Army's (NPA) Militia ng Bayan (MB) voluntarily surrendered and turned over his firearm to military authorities in this province on Saturday afternoon.

Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, commanding officer of the Philippine Army's 91st Infantry (Sinagtala) Battalion (91IB), on Sunday said a total of 38 regular NPA fighters and 19 MB members have so far opted to return to the fold of law in Aurora this year.

The latest surrender, he noted, was made possible through the efforts of the 91IB’s Bravo Company, Dinalungan Municipal Police Station and 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Aurora Police Provincial Office.

The surrenderer was identified as “Ka Orlan” (not his real name), 47, married, a resident of Barangay Calaocan, Dipaculao, Aurora.

He turned over to the military his defaced .22 caliber pistol, four rounds of 40 millimeters explosive cartridge, one portable generator, one flashlight, acupuncture materials and subversive documents with high intelligence value.

Rubio said the realization of the meaningless revolution and terrorist activities, hunger, and hardships were among the reasons cited by Ka Orlan for deciding to yield to the authorities.

“I surrendered for my family. I am thinking about my wife and children. I want to live peacefully,” the former rebel was quoted as saying.

Rubio said Ka Orlan is eligible to receive a package of benefits under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) including immediate assistance amounting to PHP15,000, firearm remuneration based on the type of surrendered firearm, and PHP50,000 livelihood aid.

The surrenderer is now undergoing tactical interview and documentation at the Bravo Company headquarters.

The NPA is listed as a terrorist group by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1149754

‘Deceived’ IPs return home, cite abuses inside Haran

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 8, 2021): ‘Deceived’ IPs return home, cite abuses inside Haran

FREE ONCE MORE. Some of the families of the 99 indigenous peoples (IPs) of Talaingod municipality who were rescued from Haran by the provincial government of Davao Del Norte and Talaingod municipality undergo medical and psychological assessment on Sunday (Aug. 8, 2021). After years of deliberate neglect for their well-being and being held against their will by Haran organizers, the victims are highly likely to have suffered and developed serious health and psychological trauma problems that urgently need to be addressed. (Photo courtesy of 10th Infantry Division)

A total of 99 indigenous peoples (IPs) on Sunday finally returned home from Haran after being deceived by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) of false promises.

The IPs also cited abuses while they were inside the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) Haran compound in Davao City.

Datu Tungig, a resident of Talaingod and one of the hundred victims of "Taktikang Bakwit" of the CPP-NPA-NDF, led the ritual called “panubadtubad” inside the Haran compound before they traveled to return to communities in Talaingod, Davao del Norte after years of being captive by the Haran administrators and facilitators.

Last July 20, some 69 IPs were also rescued from UCCP Haran. Upon arrival in Talaingod, the local government unit (LGU) welcomed them and provided appropriate medical attention.

They also received food packs and enough supplies as they went back to their houses in Sitio Dulian, Barangay Palma Gil in Talaingod.

The local government of Davao City and Talaingod, together with other government agencies including the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, for so long, took numerous efforts in rescuing the IPs brought by organizers of CPP-NPA-NDF and allied groups to UCCP Haran.

The 56th Infantry Battalion under the 1003rd Brigade of 10th Infantry Division (10ID), on the other hand, coordinated with the provincial, municipal and barangay governments and local government areas (LGAs) and other stakeholders to operationalize the Balik Community Assistance Team (BCAT) as some remaining IPs in Haran finally break free from their captors.

RETURNED HOME. Members of the 5th Infantry Battalion under the 103rd Brigade of 10th Infantry Division help the 99 indigenous peoples (IPs) as they return from Haran to their communities in Talaingod, Davao del Norte on Sunday (Aug. 8, 2021). (Photo courtesy of 10th Infantry Dvision)

BCAT will be employed for any necessary assistance to the IPs such as the shelters for the families and classrooms for the students thru bayanihan.

Transition to normal life

Livelihood will also be provided to the IPs to start anew while the 10ID and Police Regional Office in Region 11 (Davao Region) will also assist them in coordinating with other government and IP officials of the community for them to have a smooth transition to a normal life free from CPP-NPA-NDF intimidations.

The 10ID will also help distribute relief goods “BOSS” (bugas, odong, sardinas ug sigarilyo) in coordination with the Davao Del Norte governor's office, Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR), LGU Talaingod and other stakeholders.

Treat meals will also be provided while they are in the municipal consolidation and processing area prior to returning back to their respective communities. For the meantime, toys for the children will be distributed.

Meanwhile, Kindemin, former Platoon Commander of Sub-Regional Guerrilla Unit (SRGU), is hopeful to see his party wife Trisha Apoga, sister of alias Macky, commanding officer of CTG's SRGU, was among the IPs rescued from Haran.

The 10ID troopers, through its broadest means of protecting the people, will always be at the service of the people whom they have sworn to serve.

All government instrumentalities are also ready to perform their respective mandates for the people, especially the most vulnerable.

The Anti-Money Laundering Council earlier issued a freeze order on four accounts being used by UCCP Haran and facilitators to feed the terrorist units of Southern Mindanao Regional Command (SMRC) while IPs in Haran suffered famine and malnutrition.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1149773

MILF: Former members of terror group join BARMM search and rescue unit

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Aug 5, 2021): Former members of terror group join BARMM search and rescue unit (Philstar.Com)

This August 2, 2021 photo shows 59 new emergency responders who are to serve in their respective barangays in Cotabato City and in Maguindanao.

COTABATO CITY (August 3, 2021)— Fifty-nine people, including five former members of a local terror group, finished Monday a week-long training on water search and rescue maneuvers essential to emergency and disaster response operations.

Five of the 59 graduates of the training facilitated by the Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence, or READi, and the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, used to be affiliated with the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

They bolted from the BIFF and returned to mainstream society more than a year ago through the intercession of the 6th ID and the regional government of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The Bangsamoro READi, operating under the supervision of Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo, is composed of teams well-versed in offshore and collapsed structure rescue, flood and road accident response and relief interventions for conflict-hit communities.

The 59 volunteers from Maguindanao province and Cotabato City studied basic calamity and disaster response for seven days at 6th ID’s Division Training School in Barangay Semba in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

They underwent a series of WASAR workshops in seaside barangays in Datu Odin Sinsuat, handled by Army instructors from the 6th ID’s training school.

The commander of 6th ID, Major Gen. Juvymax Uy, is a staunch supporter of the capability-building programs of the BARMM government, according to Sinarimbo.

"The regional government, the READi and the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government are thankful to the 6th ID and the training staff of the Division Training School for helping us in capability-building this program," Sinarimbo, also regional spokesperson, said Tuesday.

The Bangsamoro READi is a partner of the regional health ministry in furthering the BARMM government’s war on COVID-19.

https://www.luwaran.com/news/article/2361/-former-members-of-terror-group-join-barmm-search-and-rescue-unit

NPA leader surrenders in Sultan Kudarat

From the Manila Times (Aug 8, 2021): NPA leader surrenders in Sultan Kudarat (By Franz Sumangil)

A HIGH ranking communist rebel and his companion surrendered to the military in their desire to return to their families and live peacefully, an Army official said.

Lt. Col. Rommel Valencia, 7th Infantry Battalion commander, presented the surrenderers to Sultan Kudarat Gov. Suharto Mangudadatu, also chairman of the Provincial Task Force to End Local Conflict.

The ceremony was held at the Sultan Kudarat Sangguniang Panlalawigan session hall Friday morning.

The former communist rebels were identified as Nelson Duluman alias Jerick, leader of Platoon West, Sub-Regional Command, Far South Mindanao Region of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army.

Dulunan was responsible for organizing communist mass base in the outskirts of Palimbang, Kalamansig and Senator Ninoy Aquino, all municipalities in Sultan Kudarat. His companion, Arthur Masot, surrendered with him.

The two brought with them a Garand rifle and M-4 rifle with ammunition.

"Constant and continuing military offensives in the mountains of Sultan Kudarat forced us to surrender," Dulunan said. "Primarily, my reason for yielding is to be with my family and my 10-year old son."

Valencia said his unit will continue to offer the hand of peace to "communist rebels who want to surrender and reform but will also continue using force to those who prefer war."

https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/08/08/news/regions/npa-leader-surrenders-in-sultan-kudarat/1810103

Wanted NPA with P4.5-M bounty falls

From the Manila Bulletin (Aug 7, 2021): Wanted NPA with P4.5-M bounty falls (By Estacio Daniel)

A New People’s Army (NPA) member with a P4.5-million bounty on his head was arrested Friday, Aug. 6, by police and military personnel in Barangay Lisap, Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro.

Police identified the arrested rebel as Ernesto Panganiban, with aliases “Gavino Panganiban,” “Joker,” “Istoy,” “Nori,” and “Rato,” 50, farmer, of Barangay Milagrosa, Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro.

He was included in the national list of wanted persons with a reward. He belongs to the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA-National Democratic Front.

According to the report, Panganiban was involved in major atrocities and tactical offensives in Mindoro.

The operatives served the arrest warrant issued against him by Judge Agripino Bravo of the Regional Trial Court Branch 65, Infanta, Quezon on March 18, 2019, for the crime of murder.

The suspect is presently detained at the Gen. Nakar police custodial facility.

https://mb.com.ph/2021/08/07/wanted-npa-with-p4-5-m-bounty-falls/

NPA leader, aide yield in Sultan Kudarat

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 7, 2021): NPA leader, aide yield in Sultan Kudarat (By Edwin Fernandez)

SURRENDER CEREMONY. Sultan Kudarat Governor Suharto Mangudadatu (2nd from left) receives a rifle from one of two NPA rebels who surrendered to the military in Isulan town in the province on Friday (Aug. 6, 2021). One of the surrenderers, identified as Nelson Dulunan alias Jerick, is the leader of NPA Platoon West, Sub-Regional Command, Far South Mindanao Region. (Photo courtesy of Army’s 7IB)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – A ranking communist rebel and his aide have surrendered to the military in their desire to be reunited with their families, an Army official here announced Saturday.

Lt. Col. Rommel Valencia, commander of the Army’s 7th Infantry Battalion (7IB), presented the New People’s Army (NPA) surrenderers to Sultan Kudarat Governor Suharto Mangudadatu, also chair of the Provincial Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict, at the province’s Sangguniang Panlalawigan session hall on Friday.

Valencia identified the two latest surrenderers as Nelson Dulunan alias Jerick, leader of NPA Platoon West, Sub-Regional Command, Far South Mindanao Region, and his aide, Arthur Masot.

“They also turned over a Garand and M4 rifles with ammunition,” he said.

Before his surrender, Dulunan was responsible for organizing a communist mass base in the hinterlands of Palimbang, Kalamansig, and Senator Ninoy Aquino towns, all in Sultan Kudarat.

“Constant and continuing military offensives in the mountains of Sultan Kudarat forced us to surrender,” he told reporters over a phone interview. “Primarily, my reason for yielding is to be with my family and my 10-year-old son.”

Valencia said his unit would continue to offer the hand of peace to communist rebels wanting to surrender and reform.

“However, we will also continue using force to those who prefer to sow terror in communities,” he warned.

The Communist Party of the Philippines - 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/1149676

13 BIFF combatants surrender in Sultan Kudarat

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 7, 2021): 13 BIFF combatants surrender in Sultan Kudarat (By Edwin Fernandez)

YIELDED WEAPONS. Surrendering combatants of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) sit silently during the ceremony for their formal surrender at the 601st Brigade headquarters in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat on Friday (Aug. 6, 2021). In front of them are the weapons they turned in. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

Thirteen combatants of the extremist Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), with six identified as bomb experts, surrendered at the Army’s 601st Brigade (601Bde) headquarters in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat on Friday, for the opportunity to be with their families again.

In a report, Brig. Gen. Galido, commander of the 601Bde, identified the surrenderer as Muntani Kutin, Bayan Kabilan, Mohamad Usman, Yasser Guiwan, Tugan Guiwan, Datusela Guiwan, Leto Akil Buka, Ronnie Pelmin, Page Pegkag Usman, Randy Guialudin, Misuari Kanakan, Abu Amir Ilian, and Puti Kanakan, all belonging to the BIFF-Karialan faction.

Galido said the surrenderers also gave up assorted firearms, among them M79 grenade launchers, an M14 assault rifle, a .50-caliber Barrett sniper rifle, three machine pistols, B40 anti-tank rocket launchers, and 40-mm. grenade projectiles.

“We are tired of fighting. It is a futile cause to fight the government,” Kanakan, one of the surrenderers, said in the vernacular over a phone patch interview by reporters here Saturday.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, lauded the 601Bde for convincing the former BIFF members to surrender.

“The path of peace is better than fighting a lost cause,” Uy said.

Records of the 6ID showed at least 100 BIFF gunmen have surrendered to the military in Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat provinces in the past 15 months.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1149679

Top Mindanao NPA leader yields, denounces ex-comrades

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 7, 2021): Top Mindanao NPA leader yields, denounces ex-comrades

Major Gen. Ernesto C. Torres Jr., commander of the 10th Infantry Division (10ID) (File photo)

CAMP GEN. MANUEL T. YAN SR., Mawab, Davao de Oro – A ranking leader of the New People's Army (NPA) surrendered here on August 2 after being fed up with the Communist Party of the Philippines' (CPP) "cyclic and futile cause."

Eduardo S. Genelsa alias "Lando" of Barangay Bongabong, Pantukan, Davao de Oro served dual positions as commander of the Pulang Bagani Company 3 and staff for Southern Mindanao Regional Committee.

Now 61, Genelsa had spent 42 years holding various top positions in the NPA ranks and was involved in numerous raids and armed confrontations against police and army installations and personnel that took place in various parts of southern Mindanao starting in 1979.

Asked why he decided to surrender, he said he had realized that they were only being exploited in a revolution that is seeing no end but the demise of many young people enticed in what he calls a “fancy revolution," citing that it is, in reality, a "money-making scheme" for the benefit of only their higher echelon leaders.

Available court archives show Genelsa has a standing warrant of arrest for robbery and has been charged for double, multiple, and frustrated murder.

He was first captured in 2016 but was included among the released peace negotiators for the National Democratic Front (NDF) in the same year, which was facilitated by a certain Jay Apiag of PASAKA SMR and Sheena Duazo of Karapatan SMR.

Genelsa went into hiding when President Rodrigo Duterte ordered their capture after the peace talks bogged down in 2017.

He will be accorded benefits of the Enhanced Comprehensive Livelihood Integration Program (E-CLIP) and amnesty programs of the government but will still be subject to the criminal charges he is facing.

He is now undergoing custodial debriefing at an undisclosed location for safety reasons.

Genelsa is just one of the many CPP-NPA leaders who have surrendered, with the latest taking place just within a week when Ariane Jane Ocheta Ramos alias "Marikit", secretary of Guerrilla Front 55 under the SMRC, surrendered to the 10th Infantry Division (10ID) on August 1.

Maj. Gen. Ernesto C. Torres Jr., 10ID commander, expressed his appreciation for the bold move undertaken by Genelsa and vowed to ensure his safety.

"We attribute the surrender to the strong participation of communities and the strong commitment of government agencies to the cause of ending the communist insurgency. Together in one spirit against the scourge of insurgency, we were able to gain ground yet again in the name of peace and development of Davao and adjacent regions", Torres said.

The CPP-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/1149708

CPP/NPA-Central Negros: NPA Nagbuking sang Kabutigan sang 94th IB Philippine Army

Propaganda article posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 7, 2021): NPA Nagbuking sang Kabutigan sang 94th IB Philippine Army

JB REGALADO

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-CENTRAL NEGROS (LEONARDO PANALIGAN COMMAND)

NEGROS ISLAND REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND (APOLINARIO GATMAITAN COMMAND)

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

AUGUST 07, 2021

Lubos nga kabutigan ang palayag sang 94th IBPA nga 4 ka engkwentro ang natabo sa tunga sang New People’s Army kag nasambit nga tropa militar sa Brgy Santol, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental.

Wala sang lehitimo nga engkwentro nga nahitabo sa tunga sang NPA kag 94th IBPA sa Sityo Binigsi-an, Brgy Santol, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental sadtong Agosto 5, 2021 pasado alas 4:00 sang hapon. Ang matuod nga ginpa-arakan sang armas luthang ang 2 ka katapo sang panatiko nga grupo nga sanday Henry Brial kag Junior Pedro sang kombinado nga pwersa sang tropa militar upod sa grupo sang panatiko nga ginapamunuan ni Karem Calpis. Patay si Junior Pedro kag pilason naman si Henry. Sa pagpangusisa sang LPC-NPA, patay man si Brial matapos nga gindala sa district hospital sang Isabela, Negros Occidental. Palabas lamang sang militar kag ni Karem Calpis nga may natabo nga engkwentro sa tunga NPA kag sang nasambit nga pasistang tropa para madugangan ang cash reward nga ginpasalig sang NTF-ELCAC nga kon may makatudlo sa nahamtangan sang NPA kag maka-engkwentro may igahatag nga cash reward.

Naga-inagaway sang cash reward ang mga lider-panatiko nga sanday Karem Calpis, Luis Pedro kag Tikboy Bongaita upod sa tropa sang 94th IBPA sa mga panginto sang NTF-ELCAC.

Bangud sang kasakon kag korap nga mga opisyal sang tropa militar kag lider-panatiko nga si Karem, lipod kay Brial kag Pedro nga tuyo sila nga patyon samtang nagapanglakaton sa mga binukid sang Brgy Santol sa panahon sang ila operasyon agud ang cash reward indi magkadto sa ila nga duha (Henry kag Junior) kundi mismo kay Karem kag mga opisyal sang 94th IB.

Si Brial kag Pedro ang ara man sa idalum sa pagpamuno ni Luis Pedro nga lider-panatiko sa Brgy Santol samtang si Karem ang lider-panatiko sa sityo Irene sakop sang Brgy Ampanangon nga may pinakadamo nga criminal record sa lugar.

Si Brial kag Pedro indi mga katapo sang NPA kundi lunsay mga aktibo nga katapo sang panatiko nga grupo nga ginhimo nga giya sang 94th IBPA sa pagstrafing sang puluy-an sang pamilya Ponsiano kag Enriquez sadtong Agosto 3, 2021 sa Sityo Tibak, Brgy Santol, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental. Bangud nga malapit lamang ang posisyon sang NPA sa balay sang pamilya Ponsiano kag Enriquez nga ginpaarakan-luthang sang mga katapo sang 94th IB kag grupo sang panatiko nga ginapamunuan ni Karem Calpis, napilitan ang NPA nga magpalupok para depensahan ang nasambit nga panimalay sang pamilya Ponsiano kag Enriquez diin natabo ang lehitimo nga engkwentro. Naglawig ang engkwentro sa masobra 10 minutos.

Ang pamilya Ponsiano kag Enriquez ang biktima sang kapintas sang grupo-panatiko nga ginapanguluhan ni Karem Calpis kag Tikboy Bongaita.

Mabaskog nga ginakondenar sang Leonardo Panaligan Command-New People’s Army sa Central Negros ang pag-strafing sa puluy-an sang pamilya Ponsiano kag Enriquez sa sityo Tibak, Brgy Santol subong man ang pagpinalupok nga naghatag sang kakugmat sa pumuluyo sa nasambit man nga barangay.

Lunsay pasismo, patalang, pagpanginto kag kakugmat lamang ang gindulot sang presensya sang Armed Forces of the Philippines sa nagahiusa nga mga mangunguma sa mga binukid sang La Libertad, Jimalalud, Guihulngan sa Oriental nga bahin sang isla kag binukid naman sang Binalbagan, Isabela kag Magallon sa Occidental. Kabaliskaran ini tanan sa ginatikal sang militar nga “Kalinong kag Kauswagan.”

Nagapanawagan man ang LPC-NPA nga hugot nga mag-isa, indi magkahadlok sa pagpalayas sang pasistang AFP sa kaumahan. Bungkagon ang pinakamapintas kag bat-ulan nga panatikong-grupo! Hublasan kag bungkagon ang NTF-ELCAC!

https://cpp.ph/statements/npa-nagbuking-sang-kabutigan-sang-94th-ib-philippine-army/

Kalinaw News: Army scores against NPAs in Negros Occidental, nabs 2 NPA members, several firearms seized.

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 6, 2021): Army scores against NPAs in Negros Occidental, nabs 2 NPA members, several firearms seized.



CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan, Capiz – Two CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) were captured by the 94th Infantry Battalion after an armed engagement in Barangay Santol, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental on Tuesday, August 3, 2021.

The troops were conducting combat operations after armed men were confirmed in the area, following several reports from the civilians, when they encountered some 30 members of the New Poeple’s Army.

Aside from the captured NPAs, the 10-minute firefight also resulted to the seizure of an M653 Baby Armalite, one M14 rifle, one M16A1 rifle, one homemade shotgun, six (6) magazine of M14 rifle with ammunition, four (4) magazines (long & short) M16 with ammunition, one shotgun magazine with ammunition, two (2) cellphones, medical kit, two backpacks, two (2) handheld radios, solar panel and other war materiel.

The communist-terrorist group suffered undetermined casualties based on the reports of the residents who have seen absconding NPAs carrying with them their wounded comrades. No one was hurt on the government side.

The captured NPAs were identified as George Esoy Y Francis a.k.a. Pakyaw/Pakner, and Eduardo Estrada Y Mission a.k.a. Edo, both residents of Guihulngan City and members of the NPA’s Central Negros Front 1. The residents of the said barangay pointed them out as the two NPAs were seen hiding in a creek line before the troops captured them.

As he lauds the 94IB for the successful operation, MGen Eric Vinoya, the Commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, also recognized the vigilance of the local populace in reporting the presence and movement of the communist-terrorists to the Army.

“As I’ve said before, Negros is no longer a safe place for the NPAs. The Negrenses are already fed up with their lies and deceptions; they are now our eyes and ears against these ruthless communist-terrorists. With the Negrenses on our side, we are optimistic that we can achieve a CPP-NPA-free Negros,” MGen Vinoya said.

[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/army-scores-against-npas-in-bukidnon-nabs-2-npa-members-several-firearms-seized/

Kalinaw News: Tip-off from locals yields to the discovery of a high-powered firearm in North Cotabato

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 7, 2021): Tip-off from locals yields to the discovery of a high-powered firearm in North Cotabato



MAKILALA, COTABATO – Through the help of a concerned citizen, the 39th Infantry “Smash’em” Battalion (39IB) troopers discovered a high-powered firearm (HPFA) at Sitio Malepayon, Brgy Maybula, Tulunan, North Cotabato on August 6, 2021.

The recovered firearm was consists of one (1) homemade .50 Caliber rifle with two (2) ammunition, that were found wrapped in a sack and buried along the creek in the above-mentioned area.

Battalion Commander of 39th Infantry Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Geoffrey M Carandang commended the citizens of Brgy.Maybula and encouraged the remaining NPA fighters to abandon their armed struggle and instead, return to the folds of the law. “This is a clear manifestation of full trust and confidence of the citizens to the government troops. Brgy Maybula is just one of the many communities who swore to reject the presence of Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) and commit themselves to actively participate and support the government programs focused on ending local communist armed conflict. Rest assured that the Philippine Army will continue to pursue these remaining CTGs to stop their worthless cause.”



[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/tip-off-from-locals-yields-to-the-discovery-of-a-high-powered-firearm-in-north-cotabato/

Kalinaw News: Relentless Security Operations, Residents’ Cooperation and Disgust Towards CTG Lead to The Discovery of Terrorist Documents and Equipment in Masbate

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 7, 2021): Relentless Security Operations, Residents’ Cooperation and Disgust Towards CTG Lead to The Discovery of Terrorist Documents and Equipment in Masbate



CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur – With its relentless fights against insurgency, combined elements of 2nd Infantry Battalion, 96 Mico, 91st DRC all of the 9th Infantry “Spear” Division, together with the 2nd PMFC and Placer Municipal Police Station captured several terrorist documents and equipment in an abandoned house at Barangay Sta Cruz, Placer, Masbate, Friday, August 6.

The government troops were able to seize one (1) laptop, one (1) hard drive, eight (8) USB, eight (8) old sim card, and terrorist documents.

Lieutenant Colonel Siegfried Felipe Awichen, Battalion Commander of 2nd Infantry Battalion said that prior to the capture of said items, the government troops saw a suspicious person who was fleeing after seeing the approaching troops.

“While the troops were on chase, said person went towards the direction of an abandoned house where the items were discovered. It was found out later that said house was the hideout of Rogelio Suson AKA Manong, a terrorist leader of Platoon 1, L2, KP4.” Lieutenant Colonel Awichen said.

Meanwhile Colonel Aldwine Almase, Brigade Commander of 903rd Infantry Brigade emphasized that the government troops will never stop on its quest for peace.

“Ang ating kasundaluhan ay hindi mapapagod sa kanilang sinumpaang tungkulin na masiguro ang kaligtasan ng ating mamamayan,” Colonel Almase said.

Major General Henry A Robinson Jr, Commander of Joint Task Force (JTF) Bicolandia, said that the enemy has no way to go but to surrender specially now that they can easily be located, including their hideouts and caches.

“Ang ating kasundaluhan ay hindi titigil hangga’t hindi natin nakakamit ang ating layunin na mawakasan na ang insurhensya dito sa ating bansa kaya paulit ulit kong sinasabi sa mga natitirang miyembro ng teroristang grupo hangga’t may oras pa kayo, sumuko na kayo, huwag kayong matakot, huwag niyong sayangin ang buhay niyo sa maling paniniwala,” Major General Robinson said.

Just this year, several hideouts and caches were being seized by the government troops either during the conduct security operations or from a tip-off of the concerned citizens. One of which was the seizure of war materiel owned by the CTG in Napolidan, Lupi, Camarines Sur, comprised of an M16 rifle, two caliber .22 rifles, magazines, molotov bomb, bandoliers, backpack, assorted ammunition, cellphones, batteries, camouflage uniform of Philippine Army, medical paraphernalia and terroristic propaganda materials.

[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/relentless-security-operations-residents-cooperation-and-disgust-towards-ctg-lead-to-the-discovery-of-terrorist-documents-and-equipment-in-masbate/