AFP validates NPA's extortion activities in Cebu

From the Sun Star-Cebu (Feb 25, 2019): AFP validates NPA's extortion activities in Cebu

                         

SOME aspiring local officials running in the midterm elections sought the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) help after they received permits to campaign from the New People’s Army.

Lt. Gen. Noel Clement, commander of the AFP Central Command based in Cebu City, said members of the NPA often ask local candidates to present a campaign permit especially during election season. The NPA reportedly gives candidates a campaign permit in exchange for money. The permit is reportedly meant to provide protection to candidates while they are campaigning in the hinterlands.

Clement said that some candidates claimed NPA rebels would ask for P10,000 to P100,000, depending on the position they are running for.

In exchange for money, the NPA rebels would assure the candidates that they will be safe while campaigning in the mountain barangays that they control.

Majority of the candidates who are allegedly being asked for campaign permits are based in Negros Island, Panay and Samar.

There are also aspiring local officials in Cebu who were sent letters by suspected NPA rebels, Clement said.

Clement, though, refused to identify the candidates, saying they have yet to verify the information.

“The NPA will always look forward to an election because this is an opportunity for them to increase their extortion activities,” Clement told reporters on Monday, Feb. 25.

Clement said they aim to neutralize the NPA rebels who are behind the alleged extortion activities.

He also warned aspiring politicians that they could be charged for violating election laws if they are caught giving money to NPA rebels.

Clement urged the public to report officials or aspiring officials who have dealings with the NPA before the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1794288

NPA rebel killed in Misamis Oriental clash

From the Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (Feb 25):      NPA rebel killed in Misamis Oriental clash 

ANOTHER New People's Army (NPA) rebel died over the weekend in an encounter against soldiers in the boundary of Talisayan and Medina towns in Misamis Oriental.

Government troops seized from the rebels five high-powered firearms, which include four M16 rifles and one AK47 rifle, last Saturday, February 23. Pursuit operation against the rebels was ongoing Monday, February 25.

The rebels were believed to be members of PPH Platoon of Felot, SRC1 led by a certain "Dallas."

“Our relentless operations in the remote areas are meant to drive the NPA terrorists away from communities so their imposition of permit-to-campaign and permit-to-win fees on candidates for the upcoming elections will be ineffective and useless” said Lieutenant Col Roy Derilo, 58th Infantry Battalion commander.

Last February 18, an NPA member was also killed during pursuit operations by Army's Special Forces in Lantapan, Bukidnon.

The Army was able to locate the rebels through the help of the locals.

“Civilians are tipping off precise locations of NPA terrorist hideouts and their activities as they declare the CPP-NPA as 'persona non grata' or undesirable people not welcome in their communities,” said Colonel Edgardo De Leon, 403rd Brigade commander that is securing Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental and Camiguin provinces.

“As we embark on a peaceful war, by bringing in government services to resolve social ills in the remote communities, we have to continue our security patrols in the hinterlands so the NPA terrorists will not have the chance to disrupt our peacekeeping campaign,” 4th Infantry Division Commander Brigadier General Franco Nemesio Gacal said.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1794232/Cagayan-De-Oro/Local-News/New-Peoples-Army-rebel-killed-in-Misamis-Oriental-clash

Bulatlat: NPA seizes 5 high-powered rifles from army soldiers in Mis Or encounter

From the pro-CPP/NDF/NPA online propaganda publication Bulatlat (Feb 26): NPA seizes 5 high-powered rifles from army soldiers in Mis Or encounter



In the mountainous area of Macupa, Talisayan in Misamis Oriental, an armed encounter between a unit of the New People’s Army (NPA) and soldiers from the 58th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, took place at 9:30 in the morning of Feb 23. The Army is in the area reportedly gearing up for combat operations. The NPA unit said they “confiscated” five high-powered rifles and other equipment from the army. Two army soldiers died in the firefight.

A red fighter reportedly gave his life to help his comrades withdraw to safety. The NPA in Misamis Oriental saluted their “fallen comrade,” saying this is unfortunately one of the sacrifices in the struggle. They cite the red fighter’s “inspiring example” and expressed confidence that the people’s movement will go on and that “the mass struggle will persist.”

Speaking for the NPA in Misamis Oriental, Nicholas Marino said the Filipino revolutionary fighters will continue to call and fight for the interest of the masses of Filipinos from the mouth of their guns.

“The efforts of the martyrs of the revolution will not go to waste,” said Marino. He explained that despite the sacrifices inherent in the revolutionary struggle, “Only through this struggle can all of us be ultimately saved.”

https://www.bulatlat.com/2019/02/26/npa-seized-5-high-powered-rifles-from-army-soldiers-in-mis-or/

Building the Bangsamoro in the shadow of Marawi and Jolo

Posted to the Asian Correspondent (Feb 25, 2019): Building the Bangsamoro in the shadow of Marawi and Jolo (By Joseph Franco)



Bullet riddled domes of Grand mosque are seen overlooking ruined houses after residents were allowed to return to their homes for the first time since the battle between government troops and Islamic State militants began in May last year, in the Islamic city of Marawi, southern Philippines April 19, 2018. Source: Reuters/Erik De Castro

The bombing of a cathedral in the Philippine provincial capital city of Jolo, Sulu on 27 January 2019 was a stark reminder of the challenges facing the prospective Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The attack came just under a week after the 21 January plebiscite that ratified the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) and paved the way for the creation of the BARMM. While the plebiscite was a welcome development, popular support for political autonomy in Mindanao may not be enough to counter those seeking to derail the BARMM.

Twenty individuals were killed and many more wounded after two explosions struck the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel during an early morning mass in downtown Jolo. The group responsible for the attack, the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), has long considered the cathedral a symbolic target. At least 10 attacks against the cathedral have been recorded since 2000 when the ASG became notorious for kidnapping and extortion.

SEE ALSO: Preventing other ‘Marawis’: Battle for hearts and minds of Philippine Muslims

The bombings are a reminder of the persistence of communal tensions in Jolo. In 1974, Jolo was destroyed after a pitched battle between the Philippine military and secessionist rebels. The image of an eclectic and commerce-driven Jolo was erased by conflict and this became a driver of Filipino Muslim secessionism. Jolo was reconstructed, but the razing of Jolo continues to evoke anti-government sentiments and communal tensions.

Jolo’s insecure frontier image led to the entrenchment of local political elites, which stunted the growth of democratic institutions and the rule of law. Prior to the BOL plebiscite, some local elected officials in Sulu voiced their opposition to the measure. The Bangsamoro government could potentially upend the informal institutions and patron-client relations that local political clans rely upon to preserve their influence.

The ‘no’ vote won in Sulu, demonstrating the power of local political elites to harness so-called ‘command votes’. But Sulu will still be part of the BARMM since the territory of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) as a whole, which will be replaced by the BARMM, voted to ratify the BOL.



Community leaders survey damaged houses and buildings inside war-torn Marawi, Philippines January 13, 2018. Picture taken January 13, 2018. Source: Reuters/Tom Allard

The Jolo bombings also demonstrate the problem of weapons proliferation that any future Bangsamoro government will have to confront. Post-blast investigations reveal that the explosives used were typical of the types of improvised explosive devices used in the island provinces of Western Mindanao.

It is hoped that promised improvements in quality-of-life and governance from the Bangsamoro government will reduce the demand for illicit weapons. But the control of dual-use substances with legitimate industrial applications, such as ammonium nitrate-fuel oil, will be difficult to regulate.

The more pressing issue is on the supply side. Though the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) agreed to the disarmament and demobilisation of its fighters in a 2014 peace deal with Manila, some MILF commanders have expressed reservations about turning in their weapons. Exemption from disarmament is rationalised as a form of self-defence against the private militias that previously fought against the MILF and are still maintained by politicians.

SEE ALSO: Philippines govt under fire for delay in Marawi ground zero rehabilitation

It remains to be seen whether the Ajang-Ajang faction of the ASG, reportedly composed of relatives and kin of killed ASG leaders, was operating independently as the perpetrator of the bombings.One line of enquiry being pursued is the possibility that the attack is reprisal for the killing of ASG sub-leader Surakah Ingog in August 2018.

At present, the Philippine government is sticking to the narrative of Filipino ASG members acting as the pathfinders for the alleged Indonesian suicide bombers that struck the cathedral.

The generational nature of violent extremism is a critical and often overlooked factor driving the emergence of splinter groups. The MILF that signed the 2014 peace deal paving the way for the BOL was a splinter group from the Moro National Liberation Front.

There are also fears that orphans of members of Maute Group, a splinter from the MILF, killed in the 2017 Marawi siege will grow up resenting the government and be susceptible to violent extremist recruitment.



(File) A signage of “I love Marawi” is seen in front of damaged houses, buildings and a mosque inside a war-torn Marawi city, southern Philippines October 26, 2017. Source: Reuters

Beyond caring for vulnerable individuals, the Bangsamoro government will have to contend with the reality of multiple threat groups. The ASG, both its pro-Islamic State (IS) and its more criminally-oriented factions, are outside the scope of the formal Mindanao peace process, as are other lesser-known violent extremist groups such as Ansar Khilafah Philippines.

These groups, unlike the MILF, have no intent to participate in autonomy or governance under the Philippine Republic.

The passing of the BOL plebiscite and the establishment of the BARMM are just the initial steps towards establishing lasting peace in Mindanao. The new regional government already faces the challenge of rebuilding from the ruins of Marawi.

In the aftermath of the Jolo bombings, Manila is reminded once again of the structural issues that drive violent extremism domestically. The demise of IS’ physical caliphate or the discrediting of its ideology will not resolve the fundamental issues that Mindanao faces.

Communal tensions and the proliferation of weapons and bad actors will have to be resolved holistically by the future Bangsamoro and the Philippines’ national leadership.

[Joseph Franco is a Research Fellow with the Centre of Excellence for National Security, S Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.

This article is republished from East Asia Forum under a Creative Commons licence.] 

https://asiancorrespondent.com/2019/02/building-the-bangsamoro-in-the-shadow-of-marawi-and-jolo/

Abu Sayyaf bandit killed in Isabela, Basilan clash

From GMA News (Feb 25, 2019): Abu Sayyaf bandit killed in Isabela, Basilan clash

A member of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) member was killed in a clash between the bandits and government troops in Isabela City, Basilan on Monday afternoon.

A member of the CAFGU was wounded in the 15-minute encounter between the ASG and members of the two Special Forces teams in Sampinit Complex, Masola.
The bandits left their dead while the troops recovered an M-14 rifle at the encounter site.

Colonel Fernando Reyeg, Joint Task Force Basilan commander, said the soldiers responded to reports as regards the presence of the bandits in the area.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/686134/abu-sayyaf-bandit-killed-in-isabela-basilan-clash/story/

DWDD: Government Troops clash with NPAs thrice in Mindoro.

Posted to Katropa DWDD-CRS Virtual RTV (Feb 23, 2019): Government Troops clash with NPAs thrice in Mindoro.

Combined troops of the 4thInfantry Battalion (4IB), Provincial Mobile Police Force (PMFC) and CriminalInvestigation Group (CIDG) 4B clashed today (February 23, 2019) with retreatingNew Peoples Army (NPA) Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) remnants 3 times atSitio Barungbong, Barangay Mapaya, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.
According to Colonel Marceliano Teofilo, Commander of the 203rd Brigade directlysupervising the on-going Focused Military Operation (FMO), the first encountertranspired 0600 in the morning. He added that "the new encounters was the result of their pursuit operations inMansalay wherein the NPAs were forced to withdraw to Oriental-Occidental Mindoroboundary in their attempt to escape our pursuing troops.

However, soldiers from 4IBtogether with the police who were conducting complementary operations were ableto intercept them".A firefight broke for fifteen (15) minutes against the more or less 10 NPAs underPlatoon Mike of Kilusang Larangan Guerilla Silangan.

After clearing the encounter site, the troops recovered the following war materials;one (1) .30 caliber cap magazines with ammunitions, two (2) cellular phones and simcards, two (2) grenade launcher empty shells, hammock, mess kit, rain boots, riflesling, medical paraphernalia, enemy war materials and other personal belongings.

No one was hurt on the government side while there was undetermined number ofcasualties from the NPAs.

The enemy scampered and withdrew toward differentdirections dragging along their wounded and dead comrades based on the heavybloodstains in the encounter site.

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DWDD: NPA Terrorist Killed in MisOr Encounter

Posted to Katropa DWDD-CRS Virtual RTV (Feb 23, 2019): NPA Terrorist Killed in MisOr Encounter

Claveria, Misamis Oriental - A New People's Army terrorist was killed after an encounter around 10am this morning (Feb 23, 2019) in an uninhabited area in the hilly boundary of the municipalities of Talisayan and Medina, both of Misamis Oriental province.
Soldiers and Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) members under 2LT Viernes of 58 Infantry Battalion encountered the NPAs believed members of PPH Platoon of Felot, SRC1 led by a certain "Dallas".

“Our relentless operations in the remote areas are meant to drive the NPA terrorists away from communities so their imposition of permit-to-campaign and permit-to-win fees on candidates for the upcoming elections will be ineffective and useless", LtCol Roy Derilo said.

Also, five high-powered firearms (4 M16 rifles & 1-AK47 rifle) were seized by government troops in the encounter site.

Last February 18, another member of the NPA was killed on pursuit operations by Army's Special Forces in Lantapan, Bukidnon through the help of the information provided by the locals.

“Civilians are tipping off precise location of NPA terrorist hideouts and activities as they declare the CPP-NPA as "persona non grata" or undesirable people not welcome in their communities”, Col Edgardo De Leon, 403rd Bde Commander said.

The 4th Infantry Division Commander BGen Franco Nemesio Gacal also assured the security of patrols in the hinterlands so the NPA terrorists will not have the chance to disrupt the government's peacekeeping campaign as they embark on a Peaceful War by bringing in government services to resolve social ills in the remote communities. | PRESS RELEASE

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DWDD: 4ID Does Not Engage in Cheap Propaganda

Posted to Katropa DWDD-CRS Virtual RTV (Feb 23, 2019): 4ID Does Not Engage in Cheap Propaganda
CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – The 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division, Philippine Army is a professional Armed Force and does not engage in cheap propaganda that can cause confusion and division in our society. In fact, we are serious in our efforts to harness the support of all stakeholders in line with the government’s call for a Whole of the Nation Approach to end the local commun...ist threat to peace-loving communities.

On February 22, 2019, at around 3:35 o’clock in the afternoon, media friends from Cagayan de Oro City informed us on the alleged list of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) members in CDOC which was exposed during the meeting with Karapatan members headed by Secretary-General Cristina Palabay. The cheap leaflets which contain names of 19 individuals and 4 organizations can be crafted by anybody who wants to sow intrigues and create a wedge among the peace-loving individuals in Cagayan de Oro City and the members of the Armed Forces.

However, these cowardly practices have been the old dirty tactics of local communist groups to create animosity in our peaceful society and later on blame the government, particularly the Armed Forces. It can be recalled that some noteworthy incidents like the
Plaza Miranda Bombing, OPLAN Ahos, the killing of tribal leaders and other atrocities committed by the CPP-NPA were attributed to the government but were later on revealed by that, it is the propaganda and the undertakings of CPP-NPA as disclosed by surrenders.

On his statement, Brigadier General Gacal, Commander of 4th ID said, “We are making friends, not enemies. The document shown by the Karapatan members does not belong to us and we do not engage on cheap propaganda. We call upon the concern individuals to refrain from spreading unverified documents/reports. Most importantly, we together
with the PNP, wholeheartedly offer security and other assistance to the innocent victims of this cheap propaganda.” | PRESS RELEASE

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DWDD: Female Rebel Leaders enrolled in E-CLIP

Posted to Katropa DWDD-CRS Virtual RTV (Feb 23, 2019): Female Rebel Leaders enrolled in E-CLIP
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - Four members of terrorist armed group New People's Army who voluntarily surrendered to the 1st Special Forces Battalion under Ltc. Sergio Macarandan based in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon were formally enrolled in the Government program's Enhance Comprehensive Local Integration Program last February 21, 2019.
The enrolment came after their confession as members of the NPA which was administered by lawyers from the Public Attorneys Office to the Provincial Prosecutor in Bukidnon.

In a report made by Col. Edgardo Y. De Leon to MGen. Felimon T. Santos Jr., Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command, he indicated that the four were frustrated due to the contradictions between what is being preached and what is actually happening inside the CPP-NPA, which made them decide to quit and join the folds of the law.

Accordingly, the four have been recruiting residents of western Bukidnon and in urban areas of Cagayan de Oro City to join the underground and armed group during their stint with the terrorist organization and have also served in different capacities.

The surrenderees were identified as JAI-JAI, a Political Officer of an NPA Platoon voluntarily surrendered on February 14, 2019; and a mother and daughter identified as alias Diding, 63 years old, and Jao, 34 years old, both staffs of the Regional Urban Committee in North Central Mindanao surrendered on February 11, 2019.

On the other hand, LALA, 34 years old, a Finance Officer and Platoon Political Instructor of an NPA Platoon voluntarily surrendered last January 21, 2019. She turned-in assorted medical and dental kits such as medicines which she used to treat NPA terrorists injured in encounters with government troops; cellphones and an ACER tablet that are now undergoing "contents forensics and analysis."

Meanwhile, MGen Santos Jr. expressed his full support for the advocacy of BGen. Franco Nemesio Gacal, Commander of 4th Infantry Division for a 'Peaceful War' which seeks to reach out the vulnerable sectors, the influenced masses, and those recruited into the armed group to gain their support in establishing a peaceful community.

"We do not need to kill each other after all we are all Filipinos, our issues are being addressed by the government. In support to the advocacy, I encourage all our units to assist the communities and act as ambassadors of peace and development in our communities in partnership with different stakeholders to end this conflict once and for all," MGen Santos Jr. said. | PRESS RELEASE

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DWDD: MGen Santos Jr. to NPA: Heed the people's call

Posted to Katropa DWDD-CRS Virtual RTV (Feb 23, 2019): MGen Santos Jr. to NPA: Heed the people's call

NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - "Heed the people's call, they are already tired of your coercion and intimidation." This was the challenge of MGen. Felimon T. Santos Jr. to the leadership of the NPA after more and more communities and LGUs are declaring them "persona non grata" in their respective communities.

 "The people believe in the government's resolve to address their issues and concern and socio-economic changes that are being pushed and that they do not want this to be hampered and stalled," MGen Santos said.

Latest villages that declared the CPP-NPA as persona non grata were Barangays Caburacanan, St. Peter, Silae, Indalasa of Malaybalay and Barangay Canangaan, Freedom, and Dalacutan of Cabanglasan, all of Bukidnon Province. The declaration was made on February 20, 2019.

The Province of Davao Oriental prohibited the CPP-NPA-NDF and declared them as undesirable in the whole province after the Provincial Peace and Order Council passed a resolution on February 19, 2019, to that effect.

On February 15, 2019, villages in Surigao del Norte particularly Camam-onan and Gigaquit, both known villages where NPA thrive for the past years, banned the CPP-NPA-NDF in their villages when they declared them as persona non grata on February 15, 2019.

Last January 25, 2019, Compostela Valley Province passed a resolution condemning and declaring the CPP-NPA-NDF as persona non grata in the whole province.

In the same manner, 21 Barangays in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon and the whole Municipality of Sibagat, Agusan del Sur declared the CPP and NPA members as persona non grata on October 23, 2018, and December 21, 2018, respectively.

"This is a good development which shows that the communities are prepared and willing to participate in the implementation of Executive Order 70, particularly on the implementation of the cultural and socio-economic programs of the government," MGen Santos Jr. said.

It can be recalled that on 2014, the Municipality of Kapalong together with the Tribal Leaders courageously declared the CPP-NPA-NDF as persona non grata in the whole municipality including the Ancestral Domain under it, which contributed to the stable peace and order in the area. | PRESS RELEASE

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DWDD: Municipalities in Bukidnon declare CPP-NPA Terrorists and its Supporters as Persona Non-Grata

Posted to Katropa DWDD-CRS Virtual RTV (Feb 23, 2019): Municipalities in Bukidnon declare CPP-NPA Terrorists and its Supporters as Persona Non-Grata

IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon- The Local leaders of Barangay Caburacanan, St. Peter, Silae and Indalasa of Malaybalay and Barangay Canangaan, Freedom and Dalacutan of Cabanglasan, Bukidnon passed a resolution declaring CPP-NPA Terrorists and their legal organizations; KATRIBU, ANAK PAWIS, BAYAN MUNA, TAMARAW, GABRI...ELA and LFS among others as “Persona Non-Grata” in their communities, last February 20, 2019.


The barangay officials tribal leaders of barangays had strengthened their support declaring the NPA’s and its legal organizations unwelcome in their locality. of the terrorists’ groups of the Community Support Program Teams (CST) and the efforts in their communities.

CPP-NPA was declared terrorists by President Rodrigo Duterte as well as the European Union. CPP-NPA was declared “Persona Non-Grata” due to their such as burning of equipment, killing of Indigenous People, extortions, violations of International Humanitarian continuously posing threats to the peace-loving civilians in the said municipalities. The declaration of the seven (7) really want peace and development in their area.

Masses were enlightened on the effects of this terrorist within their modest communities, that CPP-NPA was the hindrance to the government services and it must be stopped.

LIEUTENANT COLONEL RONALD M. ILLANA, the Commanding Officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion in his statement said “I appreciate the decisions of the Local Officials declaring the Communist Terrorists (CNTs) and its organizations as “Persona Non-Grata” in their communities.

The Local Government Units, Government Agencies, and concern stakeholders will jointly work for hand on hand to address the insurgency problems in our communities.” “To the CPP-NPA terrorists who are still in the mountain ranges of Bukidnon come down and yield to your army, we are your true soldiers, we will help you return in mainstream society and be with your families," he added. | PRESS RELEASE

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DWDD: Another NPA Died in a Clash with Government Troops in CARAGA

Posted to Katropa DWDD-CRS Virtual RTV (Feb 23, 2019): Another NPA Died in a Clash with Government Troops in CARAGA

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – Another member of the terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) died in a 30-minute clash with government troops belonging to 30th Infantry “Python” Battalion of the 4th Infantry Division at vicinity Sitio Puyawon, Barangay Mahanub, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte at around 10:00 o’clock in the morning of February 19, 2019.

The government troops were conducting focused mil...itary operations to go after the NPA terrorists who are threatening isolated barangays in CARAGA when a concerned barangay folk revealed the location of the NPAs due to the extortions and threats posed in their community.

 The troops recovered the male dead body along with one M16 rifle, three magazines loaded with ammunition, one anti-personnel mine, one blasting cap, five meters’ wire, five meters’ utility rope, and personal belongings.

It was learned that the dead NPA is an Indigenous People (IP), a member of Mamanwa Tribe living in the hinterland of Surigao del Norte. Last February 18, 2019, one NPA terrorist who is also an IP member of the Higaonon tribe died in an encounter with the government troops in Lantapan, Bukidnon.

Colonel Maurito L. Licudine, the newly-installed 402nd Brigade Commander said “We strongly condemn the extortions and troubles made by the NPA to the peace-loving civilians. Communities are already tired and irritated of the NPAs’ decades of banditry. I urge the NPAs to lay down their arms and return to the folds of law and avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration (E-CLIP).

Brigadier General Franco Nemesio M. Gacal, the Commander of 4ID, on the other hand, said, “We are saddened that another NPA who is an IP member died due to the wrong indoctrinations made by the terrorist NPA. It is really unfortunate that the CPP-NPA continuously recruit, deceive and exploit our IP brothers. THIS MUST BE STOPPED!” | PRESS RELEASE

 

 

 

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DWDD: Mounting IHL violations, community condemnation forced NPA to release remaining hostages in CARAGA

Posted to Katropa DWDD-CRS Virtual RTV (Feb 23, 2019): Mounting IHL violations, community condemnation forced NPA to release remaining hostages in CARAGA

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – The terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) hastily released eight (8) remaining hostages due to fear of lost mass support due to condemnations by various communities and their mounting serious violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

The release was done at the vicinity of Purok 9, Sitio Hugmakan, Brangay San Juan, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur on February 19, 2019 at 2:25 in the afternoon. It can be recalled that NPA previously released six (6) of their kidnapped victims 5-days ago at the vicinity of Barangay San Juan, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur last February 14, 2019 and recently released another two (2) hostages at Barangay San Antonio, RTR, Agusan del Norte last February 18, 2019 due to fatigue and pressure from the pursuing Army and PNP troops.

On February 15, 2019, around 28 members of Militia ng Bayan surrendered and 267 Underground Mass Organization (UGMO) members also withdrawn their support to the CPP-NPA at Barangay Camam-onan, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte, a well-known CPP-NPA stronghold in CARAGA for the past decades upon seeing the lies and the violations of NPA. More and more municipalities and barangays in CARAGA declare CPP-NPA as “Persona Non-Grata” following the initiative of the municipality of Sibagat, Agusan del Sur last December 21, 2018 and recently at barangay Camam-onan, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte last February 15, 2019.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Charlita A. Quiao, among the hostages’ wife expressed her agony and misery on the past 62-days:

“Our family suffered, our six (6) children were really affected, the husband of my daughter Grace was among the kidnapped along with my husband, I don’t know what to do, I cannot think properly. This is the worst experience our family ever encountered that brought the family in chaos due to fear and sadness”.

The NPA terrorists released the hostages for propaganda and media mileage only. But the psychological and emotional trauma that they gave to the families of the hostages will remain.

The hostages will be given time to be with their loved ones, however, they will be undergoing medical and psychological treatment to ensure that they are in good physical and mental health.

Brigadier General Franco Nemesio M. Gacal, the Commander of 4ID said, “Terrorist acts and unreasonable demands by the NPA will never resolve peace and development concerns. Intensified efforts against NPA terrorists will push through. We will do our best, with the cooperation of cognizant government bodies to put an end to insurgency by addressing issues and concern of Conflict Affected Areas (ConAAs) in 4ID area of responsibility. The Board of Inquiry (BOI) will continue with their deeper investigation to find out exact details and to come up with a fair and just decisions of the command. | PRESS RELEASE



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DWDD: Daesh-inspired terrorist sub-leader surrenders in Lanao del Sur

Posted to Katropa DWDD-CRS Virtual RTV (Feb 23, 2019): Daesh-inspired terrorist sub-leader surrenders in Lanao del Sur

CAMP SANG-AN, Labangan Zamboanga del Sur – A Daesh-inspired Maute terrorist sub-leader surrendered to Army’s 49th Infantry Battalion in Lumba Bayabao, Lanao del Sur 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 19, 2019.

“Aloyodan Bantak, also known as alias Ibrahim Bantak’s surrender was facilitated by a local government unit of Lumba Bayabao”, said Lt. Col. Edgar Allan Villanueva, the 49thInfantry Battalion Commander. “Our initial de...briefing found out that he was involved in November 2016 Butig Siege and he is the recruiter of Owaida Marohombsar’s group, also known as alias Abu Dar”, Villanueva added.

Bantak also yielded one caliber 5.56mm sniper rifle, two grenade launchers magazines and ammunition. Custodial debriefing is still on-going as of this posting. Yesterday, three DI-Maute remnants under sub-leader Mubarak Manalo, also surrendered to 49IB in the municipality of Sultan Dumalondong, Lanao del Sur. “While we are supporting the recovery, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of Marawi, our efforts against DI-Maute terrorist will be continuous in order to achieve a peaceful and progressive community,” said Col. Romeo Brawner, 103rd Infantry Brigade Commander.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Roberto Ancan, the 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) commander, commended the efforts of the troops of 49th IB and LGU of Lumba Bayabao.“Our campaign against terrorists will be relentless and we will take advantage of their weakened leadership and capabilities in order to attain a just and lasting peace in our area of operation,” Ancan concluded. | PRESS RELEASE



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DWDD: New commander assumes leadership of 402nd Infantry Brigade in CARAGA

Posted to Katropa DWDD-CRS Virtual RTV (Feb 23, 2019): New commander assumes leadership of 402nd Infantry Brigade in CARAGA

 

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – Colonel Maurito L Licudine assumes leadership of the 402nd Infantry “STINGERS” Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army as the new Brigade Commander in a change of command ceremony conducted at Headquarters 402nd Infantry Brigade in Brgy Bancasi, Butuan City on Tuesday, February 19, 2019, at around 10:00 o’clock in the morning.

 

Prior to his assumption, Col Licudine was the Deputy Brigade Commander of 401st Infantry Brigade based in Agusan del Sur. He is now the 33rd Commander who will lead the 402nd Brigade on its campaign in the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Island.

In his assumption speech, Colonel Licudine stated, “I am accepting the challenge to lead the brigade without any mental reservation.”

The new commander further emphasizes, “Unity is strength, when there is teamwork and collaboration wonderful things can be achieved. With our collaboration efforts with the LGUs, government agencies and other sectors of society, we can finish the fight and I look forward to working with you all.”

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Gacal the outgoing Brigade Commander said, “Let me express my deepest gratitude to the men and women of 402nd Bde and the units under its supervision for the crucial support to my leadership. I leave with peace knowing that we have done good and innovative approaches and we certainly made a difference towards peace and development in our area of responsibility. I take great pride to have served 402nd Bde but I leave you the great challenge to carry on our peace and development efforts.”

Brigadier General Gacal was co-responsible in the establishment of Peace and Development Zones in CARAGA, a breakthrough initiative that focuses all development efforts in Conflict-Affected Areas (ConAAs) with an end view of ending insurgency thru whole of nation approach. He now leads the 4th Infantry Division
of the Army.

The presiding general, Eastern Mindanao Commander of the AFP Major General Felimon T. Santos Jr in his speech commended the 402nd Brigade under the leadership of Brigadier General Gacal for its accomplishments in various combat, civil-military and security operations and support

 to law enforcement. He also congratulated Colonel Licudine for being selected to lead and command the excellent brigade. “Duties and responsibilities demand your full commitment in the furtherance of our campaign objectives, they also entail strengthening and intensifying our partnership and collaboration with all our stakeholders, I trust your caliber in bringing peace, security, and progress in CARAGA region." Major General Santos Jr. quoted.

 

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