Kalinaw News: Mga Ibinaong Anti-Personnel Mines at Sari-Saring mga bala ng CTG, Nakuha sa Albay

From Kalinaw News (Feb 27, 2023): Mga Ibinaong Anti-Personnel Mines at Sari-Saring mga bala ng CTG, Nakuha sa Albay (Planted Anti-Personnel Mines and Various CTG Ammunition, Captured in Albay)

Camp Elias Angeles, San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur – Ilang mga anti-personnel mine, sari-saring mga bala at electrical wires ang narekober ng 49th Infantry Battalion sa Barangay San Antonio, Oas, Albay nitong nakaraang araw ng Sabado, Pebrero 25.

Napag-alaman na nasa gitna ng pagpapatrol ang tropa ng 49IB nang kanilang madaanan ang isang lugar sa nasabing barangay kung saan nakuha ang walong anti-personnel mines, 1,747 piraso ng mga bala at 180 metro ng electrical wires.

Ang nasabing mga maka-teroristang kagamitan ay pinaniniwalaang ibinaon ng mga miyembro ng Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) na nakasagupa ng kanilang tropa noong Pebrero 15 sa Barangay Ramay ng nasabing bayan kung saan nasawi ang batang opisyal na si 2Lt. Nico Malcampo at pagkasugat ng apat na iba pa.

Ang paggamit, pag-iimbak at produksyon ng anti-personnel mines ay isang “war crime” at ipinagbabawal sa Mine Ban Treaty at Geneva Convention ng 1949.

Kaugnay nito, pinatitiyak ni Major General Adonis Bajao, Commander ng 9th Infantry (Spear) Division at Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB) ang seguridad sa lugar dahil din sa posible pang mga pinagtataguan ng mga maka-teroristang kagamitan ng CTG at upang maprotektahan din ang mga residente laban sa presensya ng nasabing teroristang grupo.

“Tila po hindi isinasaalang-alang ng Communist Terrorist Group ang peligrong dulot nito sa komunidad. Ang mga nadiskobre po ng mga sundalo na mga pampasabog at mga bala ay napaka-delikado lalo na sa mga inosente nating kababayan. Hindi po basta-basta ang mga kagamitang ito lalo na’t ang mga bomba ay maaring sumabog kahit ano mang oras at magdulot ng matinding pinsala sa buhay ng mga inosente nating kababayan”, ani MGen. Bajao.

[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.]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/mga-ibinaong-anti-personnel-mines-at-sari-saring-mga-bala-ng-ctg-nakuha-sa-albay/

Kalinaw News: 389 newly-graduated soldiers join JTF Sulu’s peace and security campaign

From Kalinaw News (Feb 27, 2023): 389 newly-graduated soldiers join JTF Sulu’s peace and security campaign

Camp Bautusta, Jolo, Sulu – Febraury 27, 2023

389 newly-graduated soldiers formally completed the Infantry Orientation Course (INFOC) Class of 06-2022 in a Closing Ceremony officiated by Maj. Gen. Ignatius N. Patrimonio, Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu and 11th Infantry Division held at 11th Division “Mastal” Training School in Camp Bud Datu, Barangay Tagbak, Indanan, Sulu on February 25, 2023.

According to 11th Division Training School Commandant Col. Leomar Jose M. Doctolero, “After hurdling 7 months of rigid training, you will finally graduate. As your Commandant, I am confident that when you report to your respective units, you possessed the necessary skills, knowledge and the right attitude to perform your duties.”

“Of the 389 newly-graduates of INFOC Class 06-2022, 64 were Tausugs. They will be deployed to the different units to be additional forces in support to the peace and security campaign here in Sulu,” Col. Doctolero added.

Meanwhile, graduating at the top of the class is Pvt Jay Mark O. Rivera who obtained 94.6%, Pvt Severo J. Acosta Jr as number 2 and Pvt Alfie C. Balansag as number 3. Moreso, Pvt Jeric J. Majasol received the Physical Fitness Proficiency Award for getting the highest rating of 96.7% in Physical Fitness Test.

During the ceremony, Maj. Gen. Patrimonio led the Symbolic Entrustment of Firearms to the newly-graduates which signifies the people’s trust in soldiers readiness and ability to accomplish their mission.

Maj. Gen. Patrimonio congratulated the graduating INFOC for their perseverance in hurdling the hardship of training. He also emphasized to take care of their service with utmost responsibility and discipline.

“This Command together with your families are very proud of you. Always remember the pain and sweat that you experienced during the training is temporary, but the lessons and experiences that you will bring will remain with you forever. This closing ceremony is both ending and beginning of something different.”

“Alagaan ninyo ang inyong serbisyo, ang sarili at inyong pamilya dahil ito ay pinaghirapan ninyo. We expect a lot of you, be the role that you can be and stand proud,” Maj. Gen. Patrimonio ended.

Among the senior military officials who witnessed the ceremony were Brig. Gen. Eugenio C. Boquio Commander of 1101st Infantry Brigade; Brig. Gen. Giovanni T. Franza, Commander of 1101st Infantry Brigade; Col. Christopher C. Tampus, JTF Sulu staff, and Battalion Commanders.

[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.]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/389-newly-graduated-soldiers-join-jtf-sulus-peace-and-security-campaign/

Kalinaw News: Baggao residents, FRs, youth condemn CTG atrocities; conduct peace rally

From Kalinaw News (Feb 26, 2023): Baggao residents, FRs, youth condemn CTG atrocities; conduct peace rally (By Ederic Rubin)

CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela- More than 500 individuals joined forces in the conduct of peace rally in San Jose, Baggao, Cagayan on February 25, 2023.

Groups such as Abante-Sambayanan, Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terorismo, Youth for Peace-Baggao Chapter, Barangay Officials, and the Local Government Units marched from the Baggao Municipal Gymnasium to the town proper while holding placards denouncing the Communist Terrorist Group.

After the unity walk, the participants burned the flag of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front and declared them as Persona Non-Grata.

Baggao Mayor Leonardo Pattung and the locals signed the “Pahayag ng Pagkondena sa Komunistang Teroristang Grupo” as a manifestation that the LGU will not support the Communist Terrorist Group.

Further, this is also to condemn the presence of the Communist Terrorist Group in town which resulted in an armed encounter in Sta. Margarita, Baggao last February 2 & 13.

[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.]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/baggao-residents-frs-youth-condemn-ctg-atrocities-conduct-peace-rally/

Japan, Australia may conduct South China Sea patrols with US, PH – ambassador

From Rappler (Feb 27, 2022): Japan, Australia may conduct South China Sea patrols with US, PH – ambassador (By REUTERS)

If the plan materializes, it will be the first time the Philippines joins multilateral maritime patrols in the South China Sea, a move that would likely anger Beijing, which claims most of the sea as its territory

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines is in talks to possibly include Australia and Japan in planned joint South China Sea patrols with the United States, a senior diplomat said on Monday, February 27, in another sign of concern over Beijing’s activities in the strategic waters.

“Meetings have already been set and probably we may have the Japanese and the Australians join in,” Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez told Reuters.

“They would like to join in for joint patrols to make sure that there’s the code of conduct and there’s freedom of navigation,” adding it was still “an idea under discussion”.

If the plan materializes, it will be the first time the Philippines has joined multilateral maritime patrols in the South China Sea, a move that would likely anger Beijing, which claims most of the sea as its territory.

The foreign ministries of Australia and Japan and the embassies of the United States and China in Manila did not immediately respond to separate requests for comment.

The patrol talks and renewed engagement with the United States underscore how much Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has realigned his country with its historic ally, moving away from predecessor Rodrigo Duterte’s hostile approach to Washington while still pursuing close economic engagement with regional powerhouse China.

Australia and the United States have separately been discussing joint patrols with the Philippines, amid concerns about China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea, through which about $3.4 trillion of commerce passes each year.

READ: Philippines, Australia eye joint patrols in South China Sea

The United States, Japan, and Australia have been conducting trilateral naval exercises, and joint patrols with those countries would be “good for the Philippines and for the entire area”, Romualdez said, adding: “We want to have freedom of navigation.”
‘These are our allies’

The patrols “could be initially country-to-country” and expanded eventually “because these are our allies, like-minded countries,” he said.

The prospect of a four-country bloc patrolling together in the waters would send a unified message to China, which maintains a constant presence of hundreds of vessels across the South China Sea to assert its claims.

China is accused by some Southeast Asian neighbors of deploying its coast guard and a maritime militia to bully their fishermen and disrupt resupply missions and energy exploration. China maintains it is protecting its historic territory.

“For the Philippines, it allows us an alternative partner to counter China aside from US,” Rommel Jude Ong, former vice commander of the Philippine navy, said of the prospect of patrols.

“Whether we like it or not, we need to calibrate our activities with the US also to make sure we do not get drawn to issues that solely reside between the US and China.”

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles last week said Australia wanted to expand its bilateral defence relationship with the Philippines and joint patrols were “the next step”.

Japan, Australia and the United States are among dozens of countries that recognize a landmark arbitration case in 2016 won by the Philippines that invalidated China’s expansive territorial claim.

Beijing does not recognize the ruling. It says it respects freedom of navigation but opposes actions that undermine what it considers its sovereignty.
‘Extremely pleased’

With some overlapping maritime claims, the Philippines has been ramping up rhetoric to challenge what it calls illegal Chinese activities in its exclusive economic zone.

It has made 77 complaints to China since Marcos took office in June last year. This month, he summoned the Chinese ambassador, concerned about “aggressive” Chinese maritime actions.

READ: Marcos wants VFA with Japan ‘if it will protect PH fishermen, maritime territory’

“Washington is extremely pleased that the Philippines is taking a stronger stand in its territorial rights,” added ambassador Romualdez, who is relative of Marcos.

The move is a stark departure from predecessor Duterte’s open disdain for the United States and efforts to appease China. Duterte was widely criticized for being reluctant to press China to abide by the arbitration ruling, concerned it could hurt investment.

Marcos on Monday described the South China Sea issue as “the most complicated geopolitical situation in the world”.

“There was a time where we did not have to worry about these threats and the intensification of the competition between the superpowers,” he said in a speech to soldiers.

Early this month, Marcos granted the United States greater access to Philippine military bases by adding four more sites, on top of five existing locations, under the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, or EDCA, an agreement predecessor Duterte had threatened to scrap.

EDCA allows US access to Philippine bases for joint training, pre-positioning of equipment and building of facilities such as runways, fuel storage and military housing, but not a permanent presence.

Romualdez, who was also ambassador under Duterte, said recent developments showed “the relationship between the United States and the Philippines today is definitely at its best.”

https://www.rappler.com/nation/japan-australia-conduct-south-china-sea-patrols-united-states-philippines/

MILF calls for disbandment of politicians’ private armies

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Army chief challenges new 3ID head to finish fight vs NPA

From the Visayan Daily Star (Feb 27, 2023): Army chief challenges new 3ID head to finish fight vs NPA (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Army chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner yesterday challenged Brig. Gen. Marion Sison, newly-installed commander of the Army’s Infantry Division, to finish the fight against the New People’s Army in Regions 6 and 7.

As the new 3ID commander, Sison supervises nine Army infantry battalions, composed of about 4,500 soldiers, stationed in Negros, Panay and Bohol.

Brawner also rallied the support of various stakeholders in the peace and development campaign of the 3ID, AFP Visayas Command and the Philippine Army.

Working together, we will achieve more results in a faster manner, through the whole nation approach, the Army chief stressed in his speech during the change of command ceremony held at Camp Macario Peralta, in Jamindan, Capiz.

Under the one year and six-month stint of Lt Gen. Benedict Arevalo as 3ID commander, Brawner reported that the Bohol Party Provincial Committee, under the Komiteng Rehiyonal Negros/Cebu/Bohol/Siquijor (NCBS), was dismantled in June last year.

He added that two other NPA guerilla fronts, the South West Front of KR – NCBS, and Central Front of Komiteng Rehiyonal Panay, were also declared as weakened, on top of many ranking rebel leaders in both regions that had been neutralized, after being either arrested or killed in gun battles, and the surrender of hundreds of their members and supporters.

Brawner also noted the successful implementation of the 3ID mantra “Loved by the People, Feared by the Enemy,” which was introduced by Lt. Gen. Arevalo during his stint as commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade.

With a very strong team of AFP Visayas Command, Brawner said he is confident that VISCOM under the leadership of Lt. Gen. Arevalo will also finish the fight against the NPA, especially in their remaining bastions in Samar and Negros.

Two Army battalions and a company of elite Scout Ranger troopers were recently dispatched from Mindanao to Samar.

In his acceptance speech, Sison said he will continue to the implement the 3ID mantra, started by his predecessor, Lt. Gen. Arevalo.

To the remaining active NPA members, Sison said he is supporting the local peace engagements, as he encouraged rebels to surrender to avail of and enjoy the benefits of the government Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E -CLIP).

But for those, who will continue to enhance terrorism, I can be your worst nightmare for the rest of your life, Sison stressed.

Arevalo said it was remarkably recorded that the 75 encounters in 3ID area of operations during the one year and six months, were all government initiated, meaning “we engage the enemy, before they engage us.”

The outgoing 3ID commander said he is optimistic that the momentum against the NPA remnants will be continued by Brig. Gen. Sison.

Arevalo stressed that he is not leaving the 3ID area of operations, but only expanding his AOR, being the new commander of the AFP Visayas Command, which has the immediate supervision also of Army’s 8th Infantry Division in Eastern Visayas, as well as Navy and Air Force assets in the region.

https://visayandailystar.com/army-chief-challenges-new-3id-head-to-finish-fight-vs-npa/

MILF calls on politicians to dismantle private armies before barangay polls

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Senior MILF leader arrested on gun charges

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PHP1.2-B new equipment boosts PNP modernization efforts

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 27, 2023): PHP1.2-B new equipment boosts PNP modernization efforts (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

NEW ASSETS. The Philippine National Police (PNP) presents its newly purchased assets as part of the modernization program at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Monday (Feb. 27, 2023). The new equipment is worth PHP1.2 billion. (Photo courtesy of PNP)

MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said it has acquired PHP1.2 billion million worth of new vehicles, equipment and weapons aimed at boosting the capabilities of the service and as part of its modernization efforts.

Maj. Gen. Ronaldo E. Olay, PNP director for logistics, said the new PNP equipment were procured under the PNP’s capability enhancement programs (CEPs) 2020 (balances), 2021 (balances) and 2022, with a total contract price of PHP1,239,586,796.

“The newly procured equipment will further enhance and improve the operational functions and duties of PNP offices/units nationwide in consonance with the PNP’s peace and security framework M+K+K=K or the Malasakit, Kaayusan, Kapayapaan Tungo sa Kaunlaran,” Olay said during the presentation rites of the equipment to PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

Olay said the new equipment includes mobility assets -- 200 units patrol jeep (4x2) and 326 units of light motorcycle 150cc for municipal police stations; 10 units of brand new utility truck for logistics support service; on firepower 4,033 units 5.56mm basic assault rifle “Galil” and 9,544 units 9mm striker fired pistol “Taurus” for PNP wide; two high-speed tactical watercraft for the Maritime Group; and 5,458 units digital handheld radio and 221 units VHF lowband handheld radio on communication equipment.

Azurin said the equipment will be deployed in Region 1 (Ilocos Region), 2 (Cagayan Valley), and Central Luzon for patrol vehicles while the motorcycle will be deployed in some parts of Visayas.

Azurin said the sea assets will be deployed in Ilocos Norte and La Union because during the last procurement the concentration of deployment was in Zamboanga and some parts of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

“This time bigyan naman natin ng asset ang norte because as we experienced in the past yung mga bagyo na dumating so nahirapan tayo sa rescue operation natin dahil kulang yung equipment natin sa sea mobility natin doon sa Region 1 and Region 2 (This time let's give an asset to the north because as we experienced in the past the typhoons that came we had difficulty in our rescue operation because we lacked the equipment for our sea mobility in Region 1 and Region 2),” Azurin told reporters.

Azurin said that PNP is willing to augment the inshore patrol duties of the Coast Guard and Philippine Navy with their fleet of high-speed boats.

“Actually ginagamit natin yung mga high-speed tactical watercraft natin sa maritime patrols that's why we also invited yung Coast Guard and Navy because we wanted to have a memorandum of understanding na magsanib puwersa kami para sa pagsesecure natin sa mga karagatan natin para sa mga nagdadatingan na mga kontrabando kasama na diyan yung mga human trafficking in person na idinadaan sa mga boundaries lalo na sa malapit sa Malaysia, Indonesia papasok o palabas dito sa ating bansa (Actually, we use our high-speed tactical watercraft in maritime patrols that's why we also invited the Coast Guard and Navy because we wanted to have a memorandum of understanding that we will join forces to secure our oceans for those arriving contraband including human trafficking in persons that are passed through borders especially near Malaysia, Indonesia entering or exiting our country),” Azurin said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1196124

PH continues to protest China's ‘illegal’ presence in WPS

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 27, 2023): PH continues to protest China's ‘illegal’ presence in WPS (By Ma. Teresa Montemayor)

MANILA – The Philippine government continues to file protests against China’s “illegal presence” in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said the Philippines has filed a total of 77 protests against China, including 10 this year, under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

“The Philippines continues to protest China’s persistent and illegal presence in the Philippine waters, including those near Ayungin Shoal,” Daza said in a message to reporters.

Senator Risa Hontiveros has urged the DFA to broker security agreements with other nations to show China that the Philippines “will never stand down”.

Hontiveros emphasized the country should not only depend on its Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States in protecting its sovereign rights as similar deals can also be forged with other countries wanting peace and stability.

She said tangible steps must be taken to provide immediate help for Filipinos directly affected by China’s actions, particularly fisherfolk and coast guard personnel.

On Feb. 6, a Chinese security vessel was accused of pointing a military-grade laser at a Philippine patrol boat about 20 kilometers from Ayungin Shoal in the WPS.

In response, Marcos summoned Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian to Malacañang to express serious concern on Beijing’s "increasing frequency and intensity of actions" the Philippine Coast Guard and Filipino fisherfolk in Ayungin Shoal.

China denied the allegations and reiterated that the Philippine vessel "intruded" their waters.

Consequently, their personnel were compelled to respond in accordance with the law and warned the Filipinos to leave the area using “navigation safety” lasers.

Ayungin Shoal is part of the Kalayaan Island Group, which is an integral part of the Philippines, as well as its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf, and over which the Philippines has sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction.

It is located about 105 nautical miles off Palawan and well within the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile EEZ.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1196173

Ex-Cafgu shot dead in NegOr town; police eye “NPA involvement”

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 27, 2023): Ex-Cafgu shot dead in NegOr town; police eye “NPA involvement” (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

Map of Ayungon town in Negros Oriental. (PNA)

DUMAGUETE CITY – A former member of the Citizens Armed Geographical Forces Unit (CAFGU) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) was shot dead Sunday night in a remote hinterland in Ayungon, Negros Oriental.

Maj. Fortunato Villafuerte, Ayungon police chief, told the Philippine News Agency on Monday that the victim, Teotimo Sisoy Jr., was shot by four unidentified armed men wearing hooded jackets and riding on two motorcycles at a dimly-lit area in Barangay Amdus, Ayungon.

Villafuerte said they are considering the possible involvement of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) behind the killing of the former paramilitary man.

“We cannot discount the possibility of the NPA’s possible involvement considering his former job as a CAFGU member as we have interviewed the wife and other family members who said they have no knowledge of the victim having a serious personal grudge that would warrant killing him,” he said in mixed English and Cebuano.

Sisoy, 47, a resident of Barangay Cabang, Jimalalud, Negros Oriental, was riding a motorcycle, together with his brother, also a former CAFGU member, when the perpetrators fired at him, Villafuerte said.

The brother was not hurt in the attack.

The victim was shot six times which caused his instant death.

Recovered from the crime scene were six empty shells of caliber .45.

Villafuerte said they are also looking into another possible motive but he declined to elaborate, pending their efforts to obtain security camera footage of the route that the victim took from Barangay Tibyawan to Barangay Amdus.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1196104

389 add'l soldiers deployed to fight Abu Sayyaf in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 27, 2023): 389 add'l soldiers deployed to fight Abu Sayyaf in Sulu (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

AUGMENTATION FORCE. Major Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, the Army's 11th Infantry Division commander (left), entrusts a firearm to a soldier who belong to Infantry Orientation Course Class 06-2022 after the completion of their training at the 11th Division Training School in Indanan, Sulu on Saturday (Feb. 18, 2023). The 389 class members are set to be deployed to pursue the remaining leaders and members of the Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu. (Photo courtesy of 11ID)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Armed Forces of the Philippines has deployed 389 additional soldiers to pursue the remaining leaders and members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Sulu province, a top military official said Monday.

Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, Joint Task Force-Sulu commander, said the additional force belongs to the Infantry Orientation Course (INFOC) Class of 06-2022 of the 11th Infantry Division (ID).

Patrimonio, also the 11ID commander, said the deployed soldiers completed seven months infantry training over the weekend at the 11th Division Training School (11DTS) in Camp Bud Datu, Barangay Tagbak, Indanan town.

Col. Leomar Doctolero, 11DTS commandant, is confident the new Army personnel possess the necessary skills, knowledge and “the right attitude to perform your duties.”

“Of the 389 newly-graduates of INFOC Class 06-2022, 64 are Tausugs. They were deployed to the different units to be additional forces in support to the peace and security campaign here in Sulu,” Doctolero said in a statement.

Among the remaining top leaders of the ASG in Sulu are Radulan Sahiron, the one-armed bandit leader, and Mudzrimar Sawadjaan, a bomb maker.

During the graduation ceremony, Patrimonio congratulated the infantry course graduates for their perseverance in hurdling the hardship of training.

“This Command, together with your families, are very proud of you. Always remember the pain and sweat that you experienced during the training is temporary, but the lessons and experiences that you will bring will remain with you forever,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1196123

211 Anakpawis members, supporters pledge allegiance to gov't

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 27, 2023): 211 Anakpawis members, supporters pledge allegiance to gov't (By Roselle Aquino)

SIGNING FOR PEACE. A total of 211 former supporters of Anakpawis party-list and communist terrorist groups in Taytay town, Rizal province seal their withdrawal of support from the rebel organization by affixing their signatures in a peace covenant on Sunday (Feb. 26, 2023). The local government pledged continued assistance to the Taytay Municipal Task Force–ELCAC (End Local Communist Armed Conflict) partnership that resulted in the mass withdrawal of support to the left-leaning groups. (Photo courtesy of 202nd Brigade, PA)

CAVINTI, Laguna – A total of 211 members and supporters of Anakpawis and communist terrorist groups (CTGs) have publicly withdrawn their support from the rebel movement during a ceremony facilitated by the Taytay Municipal Task Force–ELCAC (End Local Communist Armed Conflict) held Taytay town, Rizal province on Sunday.

Anakpawis, a party-list group claiming to represent the marginalized sectors of workers, peasants, fisher folks, minorities, urban and rural poor, and an electoral wing of the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) and the peasant group Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), has long been identified by authorities as one of the legal fronts of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and recruitment ground for its armed wing, the New People's Army (NPA).

In the program at Sitio Pyramid, Barangay Dolores, the former CTG supporters shared their experiences of being deceived by the left-leaning organization. They expressed appreciation for the government’s continuous awareness campaign that led to their withdrawal of support and membership from the CPP-NPA sectoral organizations.

Brig. Gen. Cerilo Balaoro Jr., commander of the 202nd Infantry Brigade, commended the former Anakpawis members and supporters for their brave decision to discontinue their support for Anakpawis.

"Your disaffiliation and withdrawal of support is an opportunity for all of you to tread your own path away from any deception and manipulation by the communist terrorist groups. I also thank the local government unit (LGU) of Taytay for making this activity possible and for the continuous support and assistance to its constituents. This occasion reflects the level of cooperation among the security sector, the local government units, and the national government,” Balaoro said in a social media post.

For his part, Taytay Mayor Allan Martine de Leon said: “The military is fighting this decades-long insurgency and the government realized that the security forces cannot solve this insurgency problem alone. If we want a better future for our children, we must do our part and work together to end this insurgency that hinders peace and development in our community.”

He reiterated the importance of former President Rodrigo Duterte's Executive Order No. 70 which institutionalizes the whole-of-nation approach in ending local communist armed conflicts.

De Leon also assured that the LGU of Taytay will continue to provide assistance in addressing issues in the community.

As an affirmation of their disaffiliation and withdrawal from Anakpawis and CTGs, the former members and supporters pledged allegiance to the government and burned CPP-NPA flags.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1196143

Army gives livelihood aid to 2 people’s organizations in Aurora

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 27, 2023): Army gives livelihood aid to 2 people’s organizations in Aurora (By Jason De Asis)

ASSISTANCE. The Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion (91IB) has awarded tilapia fingerlings as livelihood assistance to two people’s organizations in Aurora province. Lt. Col. Julito Recto Jr., commander of 91IB said on Monday (Feb. 27, 2023) the assistance will help the POs living in far-flung areas to have a sustainable source of income and also help develop and nurture the communities to become stable and resilient against any influence of the communist terrorist group. (Photo courtesy of Army's 91IB)

BALER, Aurora – The Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry Battalion (91IB) has provided livelihood assistance to two people’s organizations in this province.

Lt. Col. Julito Recto Jr., commander of 91IB, said on Monday around 6,000 tilapia fingerlings were awarded to the Calaocan New Life Association (CNLA) and Malikha Mamayang Lingkod Para Isulong Ang Kaunlaran sa Aurora (MMLIKA) over the weekend.

“We encouraged them to manage well the assistance given to them by the government to increase their production of tilapia and their income, which could also contribute to the growth of the aquaculture industry in the province. They are now operating a small fishpond. It is their turn to sustain them. Our part is to help them technically,” Recto said in an interview.

Likewise, he said four other people’s organizations in the province received 100 food packs as part of the soldiers’ humanitarian missions to help the community.

“We, in the 91IB, together with the local government unit awarded food assistance to POs as part of our community-based efforts through the “Kapwa Ko Sagot Ko” to alleviate the plight of poor communities,” Recto said.

The four recipients were the Nagkakaisa sa Pagbabago; Mamamayang Lingkod para Isulong ang Kaunlaran sa Aurora; Samahan ng Mangingisdang Agta; and the Samahan ng Mangingisda ng Sitio Dumaguipo at Dinipan.

Recto said the 91IB will also provide livelihood assistance to the four POs.

“We will assist them for livelihood assistance that their organizations needed like funds for bigasan (rice retailing business), tilapia fingerlings, and among others,” he said.

“We dispense the basic services to the POs living in far-flung areas to help develop and nurture the communities to become stable and resilient against any influence of the communist terrorist groups,” Recto added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1196152

Troops seize anti-personnel mines, ammunition in Albay town

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 27, 2023): Troops seize anti-personnel mines, ammunition in Albay town (By Connie Calipay)

RECOVERED. The war materiel recovered by government troops in Oas town, Albay province on Saturday (Feb. 25, 2023). The 9th Infantry Division believes that the buried equipment and ammunition were owned by rebels who encountered their troops and killed a soldier on Feb. 15. (Photo from the 9ID's Facebook page)

LEGAZPI CITY – Government troops have recovered war materiel belonging to communist terrorist groups (CTGs) in Barangay San Antonio, Oas town in Albay province over the weekend.

Capt. Frank Roldan, 9th Infantry Division (9ID) spokesperson, told the Philippine News Agency on Monday that troops from the 49th Infantry Battalion (49IB) were patrolling in the area on Saturday when they found and recovered eight anti-personnel mines, 1,747 pieces of ammunition and 180 meters of electrical wires after receiving information from a civilian.

On the other hand, Maj. Gen. Adonis Bajao, commander of 9ID and Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB), assured residents of security in the area with the discovery of the war materiel.

"It seems that the CTGs do not consider the danger it poses to the community. The explosives and bullets discovered by the soldiers are hazardous, especially to our innocent countrymen. These devices are not taken for granted, especially the bombs can explode at any time and cause severe damage to the lives of our innocent countrymen," Bajao said in a statement.

The 9ID believes that the buried equipment and ammunition were owned by rebels who encountered its troops on Feb. 15 in Barangay Ramay, where 2Lt. Nico Malcampo died and four other soldiers were wounded.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1196132