Ex-rebel's role cited in tearing down last NPA front in Samar

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 17, 2022): Ex-rebel's role cited in tearing down last NPA front in Samar (By Sarwell Meniano)

LEAVING THE NPA. Ka Dori standing on a farm near their old encounter sites with government forces in Villareal, Samar in this undated photo. His decision to surrender after two decades of fighting the government has been instrumental in crippling the New People’s Army’s rebellion in the southwestern part of Samar Island. (PNA photo by Sarwell Meniano)

VILLAREAL, Samar – A one man's decision to turn his back from violence and harassment after two decades of fighting the government has been instrumental in crippling the New People's Army's (NPA) armed rebellion in the southwestern part of Samar Island.

As a fighter and an officer tasked with soliciting support from Samar’s poor communities, Ka Dori recruited dozens to join the armed struggle and encouraged villagers to provide food supplies to fighters.

But, when he surrendered to soldiers last March, he disclosed the location of 30 high-powered firearms hidden by the NPA.

After a few weeks, nine other fighters yielded to the government through Dori’s persuasion.

Dori, 49, belonged to the NPA’s guerilla front Gamol, the last band of armed rebels who actively fought the government until 2021.

Their areas of operation included the remote communities of Villareal, Sta. Rita, Basey, Pinabacdao, and Calbiga towns.

The former rebel recalled how the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA repeatedly failed to send logistics when it needed most as the government intensified combat operations in 2021.

“The increased presence of the military in villages conducting the community support program was also a turning point to me. Those communities where we expected to get food supplies have already withdrawn their support to us. It has lowered the morale of NPA fighters,” Dori said in an interview with reporters in Plaridel village here on Thursday.

He recalled how difficult life was being chased by soldiers and dealing with sleepless nights and days without anything to eat.

“The years' hardship and awareness of the government’s good intention to help former rebels gave me the courage to voluntarily showed up at the Army’s 46th Infantry Battalion headquarters in Calbiga, Samar,” he added.

At the age of 27, Dori joined the CPP-NPA in 2000 to run part-time errands for rebels in Tacloban City.

Among his first tasks were to transport supplies and accompany NPA members to their hideouts in the city.

His recruiter was Ka Mayang, who happened to be a friend of his mother and a leader of the terror group's front organization in the Eastern Visayas.

The NPA leader frequently visited Dori’s family and persuaded the latter to join the communist terrorist group through indoctrination.

“After I surrendered, Ka Mayang visited me inside the army headquarters. She’s very pleased with my decision,” Dori added.

His decision to abandon the fight was earlier made by his recruiter when soldiers captured Mayang twice between 2006 to 2007.

It was under the custody of soldiers, she contemplated abandoning the communist organization.

Col. Lenart Lelina, commander of the Army’s 801st Infantry Brigade, said the early dismantling of the remaining guerilla front in Samar can be attributed to Dori’s participation in the anti-insurgency drive.

“The surrender of more NPA rebels here paved the way for the easier delivery of basic services here since there are no more combat operations in these areas,” Lelina said.

On Thursday, hundreds of residents from previously NPA-influenced communities in Villareal trooped to Plaridel village here to avail of services from various national government agencies and the local government.

Free medical checkups, dental services, civil registration, haircut, appliance repair, shoe and umbrella repair, and circumcision were offered.

There was also the distribution of medicines and vitamins, seeds and other farm inputs, toys, slippers, food packs, and emergency kits, among others.

The activity is a joint project of the regional, provincial, municipal task forces to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC).

The task force-ELCAC, created under Executive Order 70 issued on Dec. 4, 2018, “provides an efficient mechanism and structure for the implementation of the whole-of-nation approach to aid in the realization of collective aspirations for inclusive and sustainable peace.”

Samar Island used to be one of the strongholds of armed rebels due to the densely forested mountainous areas, high poverty incidence, and issue of widespread landlessness, based on a 2013 study by William Norman Holden of the University of Calgary in Canada.

The NPA launched its first tactical operation in the country in Calbiga, Samar in 1974, when its members ambushed an Army scout patrol and seized several weapons.

In 1976, the NPA gained popular support among the inhabitants of Samar following its actions against cattle rustling gangs.

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

The National Democratic Front has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the ATC on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1176898

ELCAC programs reduce NorMin guerrilla fronts to 3

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 17, 2022): ELCAC programs reduce NorMin guerrilla fronts to 3 (By Nef Luczon)

REBEL REDUCTION. Maj. Gen. Wilbur Mamawag, commander of the Philippine Army's 4th Infantry Division shares updates Thursday (June 16, 2022) of their anti-communist strategies in the Northern Mindanao. He said the creation of the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict reduced guerrilla fronts in the region, from 12 to three. (PNA photo by Nef Luczon)

The formation of Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC) has reduced New People’s Army (NPA) guerrilla fronts in Northern Mindanao from 12 to three, a top military official here said.

Maj. Gen. Wilbur Mamawag, the Army’s 4th Infantry Division commander, attributed the success of the government's anti-insurgency body to President Rodrigo Duterte's Executive Order (EO) 70, which institutionalize the “whole of nation approach” to end the decades-old Maoist insurgency in the countryside.

“The primary aim (of ELCAC) is to stop the violence; the real intention is to settle the armed conflict through peaceful means,” he said during a press forum Thursday.

Mamawag noted that under ELCAC, all government agencies from the national level to the barangay level are onboard to accept NPA surrenderers than engage them in combat.

“We have a bigger door for them (rebels), in accepting them (to surrender) and be given benefits and livelihood,” he said.

Since the signing of EO 70 in 2018, Mamawag said there have been more than 3,000 NPA rebels who surrendered in the region, including 800 mass supporters and were given assistance.

The latest surrender took place last month when an NPA commander, Ka Jayto, 26, yielded to the Army's 6th Infantry Battalion in Malitbog, Bukidnon.

Jayto was an officer of the NPA's Northern Central Mindanao Regional Committee for four years, and was considered a high-value individual due to his position in the local communist group.

Jayto’s then-pregnant wife, a medic in the same rebel unit, left the NPA group ahead of him on May 12.

The Communist Party of the Philippines (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.

The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the National Democratic Front as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1176917

2 notorious ASG bandits yield in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 17, 2022): 2 notorious ASG bandits yield in Sulu (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

NOTORIOUS BANDITS. Two 'notorious' members of the Abu Sayyaf Group surrender to the Joint Task Force (JTF)-Sulu Friday (June 17, 2022). One of the two surrenderers says they decided to lay down their arms as they no longer have the support of their former strongholds in the island-province. (Photo courtesy of JTF-Sulu)

Two notorious Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members, one of whom was involved in the beheading of two foreign hostages, surrendered to military authorities in Sulu province on Friday.

Major Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, Joint Task Force (JTF)-Sulu commander, said Mujer Yadah, 55, and Ben Tatto, 41, both based in Indanan, Sulu, surrendered in the provincial capital of Jolo.

“The ASG surrenderers also brought with them two M-16 rifles,” Patrimonio said in a statement.

Patrimonio said Yadah admitted his link with the group of ASG senior leader Majan Sahidjuan alias "Apo Mike” since 2002, and was involved in kidnappings for ransom, bombings, and beheading of two Canadians in 2016.

The two Canadians together with a Norwegian and a Filipina were kidnapped in September 2015 by the ASG while the victims were on vacation at a resort in Samal Island, Davao del Norte.

After the death of Apo Mike in March last year, Yadah claimed they were always on the run, exhausted, and often experienced starvation.

He also bared they no longer have the support of locals, prompting them even further to lay down arms.

Colonel Jaime Mojica, Sulu police director, said the ASG surrenderers have pending warrants of arrest for kidnapping for ransom (KFR) with homicide and kidnapping and serious illegal detention.

“As the military formally handed the ASG surrenderers to us, they will properly undergo the legal process,” Mojica said.

Patrimonio said the surrender of the two ASG bandits showed the government's “successful peace and security campaign” in Sulu.

Since January this year, a total of 67 ASG members voluntarily surrendered to the military-led JTF-Sulu bringing along with them 44 assorted firearms.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1176947

Armed group members killed in Maguindanao clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 18, 2022): Armed group members killed in Maguindanao clash (By Edwin Fernandez)

EVIDENCE. A firearm and ammunition are among the items recovered after a clash between state forces and an armed group in Matanog, Maguindanao on Friday (June 17, 2022). Two were killed, including the group leader who was to be served a warrant of arrest for murder and frustrated murder. (Photo courtesy of Joint Task Force Central)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – The serving of warrant of arrest on the leader of an armed group leader turned into an encounter, resulting in the killing of the suspect and his companion in Barangay Bugasan Sur in Matanog, Maguindanao province on Friday morning.

Maj. Melchor Gonzaludo, Marine Battalion Landing Team-5 (MBLT-5) commander, on Saturday identified the fatalities as Norodin Guimad, the leader who has standing warrants of arrest for murder and frustrated murder, and Puti Sumanday, one of his followers.

“Combined troops of MBLT-5 together with Matanog policemen were to serve the warrant of arrest against Guimad,” Gonzaludo said in a statement.

Instead of surrendering peacefully, Guimad and about 10 others opened fire, triggering a firefight that lasted for about an hour.

The remains of the two were discovered during a clearing operation, according to Col. Eric Macaambac, 1st Marine Brigade commander.

Recovered at the clash site were one M-16 Armalite rifle, one caliber .45 pistol, bandolier, ammunition, drug paraphernalia, and other evidence that the Marines have turned over to the police.

“Team from JTF (Joint Task Force) - Central and our partners from the police and other security forces are always on the job. We are maximizing our joint efforts to eliminate the threats to society,” Macaambac said in a statement.

Maj. Gen. Roberto Capulong, acting commander of 6th Infantry Division and JTF-Central, said that with the neutralization of Guimad and his cohort, it is expected that the armed group will weaken.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1176995

Troops in southern Negros get medals for successful anti-NPA ops

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 18, 2022): Troops in southern Negros get medals for successful anti-NPA ops (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

AWARDEES. Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo (center), commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, with the troops and military working dogs of the 15th Infantry Battalion who received the Military Merit Medal for successful operations against the CPP-NPA in Candoni, Negros Occidental on May 3, 2022. The awarding rites were held on Friday (June 17) at the battalion headquarters in Barangay Tiling, Cauayan town in southern Negros. (Photo courtesy of 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army)

The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) has awarded the Military Merit Medal to soldiers and military working dogs of the 15th Infantry Battalion (15IB), who were part of the successful operations against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Candoni, Negros Occidental in May.

Lt. Col. Michael Cuarteros, commanding officer of the 15IB, said on Saturday the recognition boosts the morale of the troops.

“They will strive to give their best for the Negrenses and to the government’s commitment to achieve just peace and prosperity,” he added in a statement.

The medals were bestowed by Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, commander of the 3ID, to two officers and 38 enlisted personnel as well as to two K9 Unit members, “Orly” and “Otep”, in rites held on Friday at the 15IB headquarters in Barangay Tiling, Cauayan town.

“May this award motivate and inspire other Spearhead troopers to do their best and exert more effort in promoting peace not only (on) Negros Island but also in other areas of Western and Central Visayas,” Arevalo said.

He told the troops to always remember that once in their life as a soldier, they were involved in an encounter that led to a mission accomplished.

During the operations, the soldiers deployed the military working dogs to track the direction of withdrawing communist rebels.

On May 3, the soldiers engaged NPA rebels in a 15-minute battle in Sitio Tigmaya, Barangay Gatuslao in Candoni town that resulted in the death of a teenage fighter.

The fatality, 16-year-old alias “Kisap” and “Boyca”, served as a squad medical officer of the NPA’s South West Front.

Arevalo then condemned the CPP-NPA for recruiting a child combatant in a senseless armed struggle, saying such an act is a clear violation of the International Humanitarian Law.

The 15IB operates in the southern part of Negros, mainly in the sixth district of Negros Occidental.

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.

The NDF has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1176997

NPA rebel killed, firearms recovered in CamSur

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 18, 2022): NPA rebel killed, firearms recovered in CamSur (By Connie Calipay)

ENCOUNTER. A New People’s Army rebel was killed in a clash with police and military troops in Barangay Gñaran, San Fernando town in Camarines Sur province on Friday (June 18, 2022). Authorities also recovered from the site one M16A1 Rifle, one short magazine for M16; 17 rounds of ammunition; one bandolier; and several propaganda materials. (Photo courtesy of 9th Infantry Division)

LEGAZPI CITY – A New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was killed in a clash with police and military troops in Barangay Gñaran, San Fernando town in Camarines Sur on Friday, the Philippine Army (PA) has reported.

Maj. John Paul Belleza, 9th Infantry Division (9ID) spokesperson, said in a report sent to reporters on Saturday that the joint team encountered nine armed rebels.

After some eight-minute firefight, the rebels fled in different directions, leaving their slain comrade.

Belleza said the gun battle ensued when the troops responded to the "information from concerned citizens regarding the presence of several armed men in Barangay Gñaran..."

Government troops also recovered from the clash site one M16A1 Rifle, a short magazine for M16, 17 rounds of ammunition, a bandolier, and several propaganda materials.

Major General Alex Luna, Commander of 9ID and Joint Task Force Bicolandia, reiterated the openness of the government in receiving any communist terrorist group (CTG) members willing to reunite and surrender.

"Lahat po ng pagkakataon ay aming kukunin, matuldukan lamang po ang problema sa insurhensiya. Hindi po madali para sa amin ang trabahong ito, ang makipaglaban sa ating kapwa Pilipino na naligaw ng landas nang dahil sa baluktot na ideolohiya. Kaya po lahat ng programa ay aming inilalatag para sainyo [CTG], kayo na lamang po [CTG] ang aming hinihintay, maging ang inyong mga kapamilya ay umaasa sa inyong pagbabalik loob. (We will get all the opportunities to end the problem of insurgency. This is not an easy job, to fight with our fellow Filipino that was misled by the wrong ideology. That's why all our programs were given to the benefit of our rebels, we are waiting for you, with your families hoping that you will return to the fold of the law)," Luna said.

The Communist Party of the Philippines (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.

The National Democratic Front has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1177003

New 30IB chief vows to eradicate NPA in Surigao Norte, Dinagat

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 19, 2022): New 30IB chief vows to eradicate NPA in Surigao Norte, Dinagat (By Alexander Lopez)

NEW COMMANDER. Lt. Col. Jerold Jale delivers his first speech as commander of the Philippine Army’s 30th Infantry Battalion at the unit’s headquarters in Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte on Friday (June 17, 2022). He replaced Lt. Col. Ryan Charles Callanta. (Photo courtesy of 30IB)

The newly installed battalion commander of the Philippine Army’s 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB) will make it his priority to go after communist rebels in his jurisdiction, Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands.

Lt. Col. Jerold Jale, who was installed on Friday to replace Lt. Col. Ryan Charles Callanta, said he would continue and finish the fight of the 30IB to destroy the remaining New People’s Army (NPA) insurgents in their areas.

“We will decisively engage and destroy the remaining communist members so that these provinces will have a long-lasting peace. We will also continue our active support to the local government units and the line agencies, especially in the delivery of basic services in communities,” Jale said in his speech.

Major Gen. Wilbur Mamawag, commander of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) presided over the change of command at the unit’s headquarters in Barangay Mahanud, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte.

Callanta, who served for 25 months, recognized the support of communities and stakeholders in the quest for genuine peace and development in the two provinces.

“There are too many persons and individuals I met along the way and all of them supported us in our campaign,” Callanta said.

Mamawag commended Callanta for his performance and contributions to the mission of the 4ID and the Eastern Mindanao Command while challenging Jale to sustain the gains of the 30IB, especially in maintaining peace and order.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1177012

BARMM grants educational fund to 184 children of ex-Moro rebels

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 20, 2022): BARMM grants educational fund to 184 children of ex-Moro rebels (By Edwin Fernandez)

At least 184 indigent students from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) received educational cash assistance from the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) through the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST).

The students received funds amounting to PHP40,000 each on Monday under the Mujahideen Assistance for Science Education (MASE) Program of MBHTE.

“Mujahideen” means freedom fighters.

The student-recipients, whose fathers or mothers were former members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), are currently studying in the Bangsamoro region, Sibugay, Zamboanga del Sur, and Davao City.

MASE is a cash assistance program of Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) parliament member Engr. Aida Silongan under her Transitional Development Impact Fund (TDIF) as supported by other BTA colleagues.

It was anchored in MOST’s Science Education, Scholarships, and Grants (SESG), which supports the sons and daughters of former combatants who are taking science and technology courses at any college level.

Silongan said MASE is intended for the “children of the mujahideen who are studying in remote areas and cannot compete with the students studying in colleges and universities in the city.”

Meanwhile, BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim said the program helps to develop future leaders who will lead the regional government in the future.

“For the young generation, the path has been paved, the BARMM government has been established, your priority now is getting a proper education and of the mujahideen by giving back your services to the Bangsamoro individuals,” he said.

Noraida A. Bara, 47, single mom and member of the Social Welfare Committee-MILF, said the assistance for her son will pay for school fees and other expenses.

“He is taking civil engineering course; this aid is very meaningful for us,” she said.

Another beneficiary, Juaniasa Juanday who is taking up B.S. Civil Engineering at Notre Dame University here, said she can now focus on her studies with the financial aid.

“We have the BARMM backing us up in our studies. Long before, my parents are not that capable of spending on my engineering course,” she said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1177076

Ex-rebel mom tells children to abandon NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 20, 2022): Ex-rebel mom tells children to abandon NPA (By Sarwell Meniano)

MOM'S APPEAL. Former rebel Helen Nuevo of Kananga, Leyte grants a virtual interview in a radio program of the Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade based in Ormoc City on Sunday (June 19, 2022). She urged her two children to abandon the New People’s Army. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

A mother, a former member of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Leyte, asked for help in saving the lives of her two children who are still in the armed struggle of the communist terrorist group.

Helen Nuevo, 43, of Kananga, Leyte is worried about the plight of her son and daughter who are active NPA members in Southern Leyte province.

Her son Jannel, 26, is a member of NPA squad 2, platoon 1 hiding in the mountains of Southern Leyte while her daughter, Realyn, 23, is the finance and logistics staff of NPA sub-regional committee of Eastern Visayas regional party committee.

Helen, who laid low two decades ago, learned about her two children’s whereabouts based on letters she received from them.

“Don’t believe on the NPA’s claim that soldiers would torture surrenderers from the NPA. It’s not true. I’ve been with the Philippine Army, and they are respectful to me (even) if I have not formally surrendered,” Nuevo said during a radio program of the Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade based in Ormoc City on Sunday.

She urged her children not to believe the deception of the NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

Nuevo’s husband, Santoy, died as an NPA fighter during an encounter with government troops in Carigara, Leyte.

The promise of a better future and free education for their children persuaded the couple to join the communist terrorist group in Leyte.

Col. Noel Vestuir, commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, lauded Nuevo’s courage in coming into the open as she expressed concern on the plight of her children in the terrorist group.

“Let us help her locate her children, encourage them to surface and surrender, avail the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program, and live a normal life,” Vestuir said in a statement.

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.

The National Democratic Front has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the ATC on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1177047

7 more ‘dog-tired’ BIFF rebels yield in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15, 2022): 7 more ‘dog-tired’ BIFF rebels yield in Maguindanao (By Edwin Fernandez)

RIGHT DECISION. Seven members of the extremist Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), all seated in front, pose with local and military officials following their surrender in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao Monday (June 13, 2022). At least 132 BIFF rebels have yielded in Central Mindanao since January this year. (Photo courtesy of 1BCT)

Their desire to live normal lives anew prompted seven Moro extremists to surrender to authorities in Maguindanao, the military here said Wednesday.

Col. Leodivic Guinid, the Army’s 1st Brigade Combat Team (1BCT) commander, said the latest batch of BIFF surrenderers operated in the towns of Datu Salibo, Sultan Mastura, and Sultan Kudarat, all in Maguindanao.

He said the batch was convinced by former BIFF comrades who earlier surrendered and are now living happy lives with their families.

The group yielded Monday afternoon to the 1BCT stationed in Sultan Kudarat town of Maguindanao.

“They will soon be reunited with their families after the debriefing procedure,” Guinid said.

A certain Dhatz, one of the surrenderers, said he was excited to see his family after several years of being on the run from pursuing government forces.

“We are exhausted from fighting a futile cause -- we just want to go home,” he said in a phone interview with reporters here.

Guinid, meanwhile, urged other BIFF combatants to take advantage of the government’s reconciliation program aimed at improving former rebels' lives through livelihood programs.

“Your returning to the fold of the law contributes to the economic advancement of Maguindanao. Let us help each other attain peace and prosperity for the province,” Guinid said.

Records from the Army’s 6th Infantry Division showed 132 BIFF fighters have so far surrendered to authorities in Central Mindanao since January this year.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1176697

Tinang incident affirms NPA as country's ‘single worst plague’

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15, 2022): Tinang incident affirms NPA as country's ‘single worst plague’ (By Perla Lena)

SINGLE WORST PLAGUE. Western Visayas Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict spokesperson, Prosecutor Flosemer Chris Gonzales, on Wednesday (June 15, 2022) said the June 9 land cultivation incident in Hacienda Tinang in Tarlac province affirmed the status of the CPP-NPA-NDF as the country’s “single worst plague”. In a statement released by the task force, it said the land “maliciously destroyed” by the group labeled Tinang 93 was owned by members of the Tinang Samahang Nayon Multi-purpose Cooperative, who are beneficiaries of the government's Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program. (PNA file photo)

The Western Visayas Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) on Wednesday called the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) the “single worst plague” affecting the country for over 50 years.

A statement released through its spokesperson, Prosecutor Flosemer Chris Gonzales, said the communist group's status was affirmed by the “bungkalan” or land cultivation incident in Hacienda Tinang in the municipality of Concepcion in Tarlac province where individuals were arrested after a violent assembly on June 9, 2022.

According to the statement, the land “maliciously destroyed” by the group labeled Tinang 93 was owned by members of the Tinang Samahang Nayon Multi-purpose Cooperative (TSNMPC), who are beneficiaries of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

The subject land cultivation area was planted with sugarcane.

“The organizers of what can be properly called as the Bungkalan-obela exploited students and other gullible individuals to participate in an act of destroying the very means of subsistence of struggling farmer-beneficiaries of the TSNMPC,” Gonzales said.

The majority of those arrested were not from Tinang and they only used some farmers from the hacienda as an excuse to create a scenario that they can capitalize (on), the spokesperson said.

Of the 93 who were arrested, 82 were charged by the local police with malicious mischief and illegal assembly while four minors and seven foreigners, who claimed to have no idea of what happened, were released.

“Bungkalan is nothing but a sham! We condemn any and all forms of bungkalan activities being undertaken by the CPP-NPA-NDF and by their front organizations,” he added.

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.

The NDF has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the ATC on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1176702

Army educates IPs vs. Reds' recruitment efforts

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15, 2022): Army educates IPs vs. Reds' recruitment efforts (By Jason De Asis)

INFO DRIVE. The Army's 84th Infantry Battalion conducts an information and education campaign to counter the deceptive recruitment strategies of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), particularly among the indigenous peoples. Some 45 Dumagat and Aeta tribe members attended the information drive conducted in General Tinio, Nueva Ecija on Monday (June 13, 2022). (Photo courtesy of 7ID, PA)

BALER, Aurora – The Philippine Army is stepping up its information and education drive to counter the deceptive recruitment strategies of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), particularly among the indigenous peoples (IP).

Col. Enrico Gil C. Ileto, commander of the 84th Infantry Battalion (84IB) under the 7ID, said on Wednesday that aside from students, the IPs are among the most vulnerable sectors for deception and exploitation by the communist terrorist groups (CTGs).

To save the IPs from CTGs' recruitment and exploitation, Ileto said an awareness campaign was conducted on Monday in General Tinio town in Nueva Ecija province, attended by some 45 Dumagat and Aeta tribe members.

2nd Lt. Knarl Vincent Tiongson, platoon leader of Bravo Company, 84IB, cited the need to prevent the IPs from being recruited by CTGs through the conduct of an information and education campaign.

“Kailangan natin mamulat ang mga tao at mga kapatid nating IPs na andito sa mga laylayan with regards sa deception ng CPP-NPA sapagkat napaka delikado kung sila ay ma-involve sa ganitong klasing mga organisasyon na makakapagpahamak ng buhay nila (We need to make the people and our brother and sister IPs, who are on the fringe, to become aware with regard to the deception of the CPP-NPA because it is dangerous for them to get involved in this kind of organization that could ruin their lives),” he said in an interview.

Daly Carpio, an IP student and one of the participants, thanked the 84IB for sharing information about the deceptive recruitment of the CTGs.

“Gusto po naming makapagtapos ng aming pag-aaral at ayaw namin na makuha kami ng kabilang panig (CPP-NPA) at matutulad sa mga kabataang nasira ang buhay dahil sa NPA (We want to finish our studies and we do not want to be recruited by the other side (CPP-NPA) and be like the youth whose lives were destroyed due to the NPA),” she said.

Meanwhile, Ileto appealed to the IPs to continuously support the government in its quest to end insurgency in the country.

On the other hand, Maj. Gen. Andrew D. Costelo, 7ID commander, lauded the initiative of the 84IB as he assured that the troops will continue to conduct peace and development programs in partnership with other government agencies to prevent the recruitment of communist terrorists in vulnerable areas.

“As we said, prevention is better than cure. Let us raise the awareness of the people on how dangerous it is to be deceived by the CTGs. Let us help the people to avoid the circumstances where they could be recruited by the CPP-NPA. The 7ID and its line units are always here to protect our people no matter what the cost,” Costelo 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.

The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the National Democratic Front as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1176723

Extreme hunger, exhaustion force 2 brothers to abandon NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15, 2022): Extreme hunger, exhaustion force 2 brothers to abandon NPA (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

SURRENDER. Two brothers who confessed to being members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army surrendered to joint military and police authorities on Wednesday (June 15, 2022) in Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental. The brothers said extreme hunger, exhaustion, and other difficulties in the underground movement pushed them to give up their armed struggle. (Photo courtesy of 11IB, Philippine Army)

Two brothers who claimed to be regular members of a local guerrilla unit of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) on Wednesday surrendered to military and police authorities in Barangay Nagbinlod, Sta. Catalina town in Negros Oriental.

They were identified only as Ka Daniel and Ka Aguilos, who joined the rebel organization in 2015 and in 2021, respectively, according to 1Lt. Pearl Lanuza, Civil-Military Operations Officer of the 11th Infantry Battalion (11IB) of the Philippine Army based in Siaton, Negros Oriental.

Lanuza said the brothers submitted themselves to the Bravo Company of the 11IB, through the joint intelligence components of the battalion the 705th Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 7 of the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Sta. Catalina local police.

In a telephone interview, 1Lt. Al-Rahji Junelle B. Sahipa, company commander of the Bravo Company, 11IB, said the siblings voluntarily surrendered to them at their detachment in Barangay Nagbinlod.

“Both of them are members of the local guerrilla unit of the South East Front (SEF) of the CPP-NPA and their surrender is part of our sustainment operations against the underground movement and perhaps they also feared for their lives due to our relentless military operations,” Sahipa said in mixed English and Filipino.

The two did not have any firearms with them although Sahipa said that they were “red fighters” while in the movement and they have warrants of arrest for various crimes such as murder.

Their identities were confirmed by a couple who were also former NPA members and surrendered last week in Sta. Catalina.

Sahipa thanked the local government unit of Sta. Catalina, headed by Mayor Peve Ligan, for the continued support provided to the law enforcement authorities and to former rebels.

The brothers said they decided to surrender after experiencing hardships like extreme hunger, exhaustion, and the dwindling support of the mass base, and after having realized that “it was all propaganda that they heard of the NPA contrary to what they were made to believe”.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Roderick Salayo, 11IB commander, told the Philippine News Agency in a separate phone interview, that the father of the brothers is also an active member of the NPA operating in the same area in southern Negros Oriental.

“The father is a hard-core member of the NPA and the brothers were recruited to the movement through him,” Salayo said. “The brothers have realized the importance of their families and having a decent income, and in fact, one of them has plans of getting married to her girlfriend.”

Salayo called on the remnants of the SEF, which the military said is already a dismantled guerilla front, to lay down their arms and surrender so they and their families can have a better and peaceful life outside of the underground movement, adding that they will not stop until the insurgency is totally crushed.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Leonardo Peña, commander of the 3rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army based in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental, was quoted by a media release from the 11IB as saying “the successive surrenders are solid proof that our collective efforts in the implementation of the Task Force-ELCAC (End Local Communist Armed Conflict) with the local government units, law enforcement counterparts and government line agencies are very effective and efficient.”

Lanuza said the latest NPA surrenderers will be turned over to the police for profiling and processing so they can be enrolled in the government’s Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP.

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

The National Democratic Front has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1176726

Army seizes 2 NPA IEDs, firearm in Surigao Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15, 2022): Army seizes 2 NPA IEDs, firearm in Surigao Norte (By Alexander Lopez)

SEIZED WAR MATERIEL. Two improvised explosive devices, a high-powered firearm, and ammunition seized by troopers of the 30th Infantry Battalion after a 30-minute skirmish with communist New People’s Army rebels Tuesday (June 14, 2022) in San Francisco municipality, Surigao del Norte province. The encounter broke out after villagers reported the presence of the NPA rebels in the area. (Photo courtesy of 30IB)

Government forces have recovered war matériel following a clash with New People’s Army guerrillas in the Surigao del Norte town of San Francisco, the military said Wednesday.

The Army’s 30th Infantry Battalion (IB) said government troops responded to a civilian report on the presence of an undetermined number of NPA rebels harassing the residents of remote Sitio Tigbao, Barangay Balite, Tuesday.

“As our troops were approaching Sitio Tigbao, the rebels opened fire that resulted in a 30-minute gunfight,” the 30IB said in a statement Wednesday.

Intelligence reports said the insurgents belong to the NPA's Guerrilla Front 16, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee, led by a certain Pablo Logatiman.

The Philippine Air Force also sent two 520MG attack helicopters in the area that provided airpower support to the 30IB ground troops, 30IB said, adding the rebels immediately fled in different directions after the firefight.

“No government trooper was hurt during the encounter,” it added.

Government forces recovered from the encounter site an M16 rifle, two improvised explosive devices, nine pieces of batteries, one electrical tester, two rolls of electric wire, two poncho tents, and other belongings.

According to the 30IB, the Army unit has been conducting its Community Support Program (CSP) in Barangay Balite since January 24 this year.

Through the CSP, the 30IB said the residents in Barangay Balite withdrew their support from the NPA and pledged allegiance to the government.

Lt. Col. Ryen Charles Callanta, 30IB commander, urged the remaining NPA rebels in the area to surrender and reunite with their families.

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.

The National Democratic Front has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1176695

PH credible defense posture boosted under Duterte admin: DND

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 10, 2022): PH credible defense posture boosted under Duterte admin: DND (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (File photo)

Outgoing Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte has worked hard for the Philippines to attain a credible defense posture to protect its vast maritime territories.

"The Department also steadily worked towards achieving a credible defense posture through priority infrastructure development in the Municipality of Kalayaan, construction of maritime domain awareness platforms, heightened deployment of AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) detachments in border islands, and procurement of game-changing assets, such as combat utility helicopters, missile frigates, close air-support aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defense systems, various force protection equipment, and weapon systems," he said in a statement Friday.

Lorenzana also said the AFP also significantly stepped up its external defense operations to secure the country's strategic border areas and exclusive economic zone by increasing naval surface and maritime air patrols.

"With these modern and multi-role assets added to the AFP's inventory, together with the improvements and reforms we have instituted, we are hopeful that the defense sector's trajectory will continue its upward momentum and lead to sustained peace and stability for the nation," he added.

Lorenzana is also pleased to note that during his term the AFP launched sustained operations against the communist insurgents and violent extremists which led to the weakening of these pressing security threats.

"The DND, through the AFP, sustained operations that led to the weakening of the communist terrorist group and revitalization of the government’s reintegration program for former rebels and violent extremists. Since 2016, thousands of rebels, violent extremists, and their supporters have returned to the fold of the law, resulting in a major loss of their ground-level support," he added.

Lorenzana said the DND also prioritized international defense and security engagements, wherein agreements were forged with traditional and non-traditional security partners, which brought the Philippines closer to becoming a strategic player in the Asia-Pacific Region.

Under the Duterte administration, the DND further advanced good governance policies aimed at enhancing the organization’s capability to perform its mandate.

"In April this year, the President signed Republic Act 11709 prescribing fixed terms for key officers to further promote further professionalization and meritocracy in the AFP," Lorenzana said.

Under Republic Act 11709, only the best officers in the AFP can assume the highest posts in the military, he earlier said.

"The principal objective of this law is to allow general officers sufficient time, i.e., three years time-in-grade, to do their jobs. If they are not promoted to the next higher grade, they are retired. This ensures that only the best officers ascend the ladder of leadership. This also puts an end to the revolving door system in the AFP leadership that resulted from the retirement law passed in 1979," Lorenzana said.

Under the new law, the AFP chief-of-staff, vice chief-of-staff, deputy chief-of-staff, heads of the major services (Army, Navy and Air Force), unified command commanders, and inspector general will have a three-year term of office "unless sooner terminated by the President."

The President may extend the AFP chief-of-staff's tour of duty in times of war or other national emergencies declared by Congress.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1176352