Kalinaw News: Terrorists have no place in our province

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 30, 2021): Terrorists have no place in our province



CAMP SANG-AN, ZDS – Almost two weeks after the clash between the Army’s 51st Infantry Battalion (51IB) and the Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group (DI-MG) in the mountains of Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte, evacuees have now returned to their homes.

Army units have assisted the local government units (LGUs) of Munai and Tangcal in managing the situation at the designated evacuation areas, where more than 450 families temporarily left their homes at the height of the encounter.

In Munai, the 47 affected families returned to their homes two days after the incident.

Lt. Col. Rommel M. Pereña, Commanding Officer of the 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion, coordinated with Mayor Racma D. Andamama of Munai and presented the series of activities that the battalion plans to conduct on Tuesday, August 31.

According to Pereña, they will conduct a lecture on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) and Stress Debriefing, feeding program, relief goods distribution, and other fun activities for the kids.

Meanwhile, the 5th Mechanized Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Julius C. Librada intensified their civil-military operations activities in Tangcal, Lanao del Norte.

“As part of the unit’s “Saludo ng Kapayapaan” project, we distributed items/gifts to more or less 100 children at the evacuation centers in Tangcal,” said Librada.

Librada had a peace dialogue with the LGU officials headed by Hon. Hadjah Fatima M. Tomawis, Tangcal municipal mayor. He enjoined them to cooperate with the military, not foster the armed group and report them to the authorities instead.

The 5th Mech also provided security for the safe passage of the READi-BARMM Assistance Center and the Philippine National Red Cross during the transport of relief goods to the evacuation centers.

According to Mayor Tomawis, the military has their full support and will do their share to help their constituents, especially those affected by the armed engagement.

“The DI-MG has no place in Tangcal,” said Tomawis. “We vow to denounce any terrorist who will seek refuge in our province.”

One of the evacuees expressed that although they were displaced for a while, they understand the situation and the role of the Army in providing them a safe and peaceful environment free from terror.

Maj. Gen. Gene M. Ponio extended his appreciation to the LGU officials for their continued support of the government’s peace programs and their commitment to implementing the EO 70, the whole-of-nation approach to attain inclusive and sustainable peace in Lanao provinces.

As of writing, 20 families in Tangcal who were displaced have not yet returned to their homes as they are staying with their relatives.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/terrorists-have-no-place-in-our-province/

Kalinaw News: USec Badoy, JTF Bicolandia and PNP Condemn CTG’s Atrocities Extend Hands to the Bereaved Families of the Terrorist Group’s Killings

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 30, 2021): USec Badoy, JTF Bicolandia and PNP Condemn CTG’s Atrocities Extend Hands to the Bereaved Families of the Terrorist Group’s Killings



CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur-USec. Lorraine Badoy of the Presidential Communications Coordination Office (PCOO) personally visited Masbate today, August 30, to condemn the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) for hurling terroristic attacks against innocent civilians in the island province.

In a press conference in Masbate City, USec. Badoy, who is also the head convenor of the Strategic Management Cluster of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), lambasted the atrocities of the CTG, especially the recent brutal killing of three street vendors in Palanas, Masbate.

“What we are dealing here are monsters. But I am really happy to tell you that under the watch of our President, this reign of terror is about to end and we can see it already, we can already see the light at the end of the tunnel,” USec. Badoy said.

Accompanying her in the series of activities in the province were MGEN HENRY A ROBINSON JR PA, Commander of Joint Task Force (JTF) Bicolandia; Col. Aldwine Almase, Brigade Commander of 903rd Infantry Brigade; Lt. Col. Siegfried Felipe Awichen, Battalion Commander of 2nd Infantry Battalion (2IB); and PCol. Rodolfo Castil Jr, Deputy Regional Director for Operations (DRDO) of Police Regional Office 5 (PRO-5).

USec. Badoy also talked to the families of Kieth and Nolven Absalon who were killed last June 6 by the communist NPA terrorists (CNTs).

On the other hand, her meeting with the wives and families of Jose, Joey and Jestoni Lalaguna, the slain street vendors last August 14, was very emotional.

“Kinuha po sa amin ng mga NPA ang aming padre de pamilya at ang mga taong naghahanapbuhay para sa amin. Hindi po namin matanggap hanggang ngayon ang labis na sakit sa kanilang pagkawala,” one of the wives of the Lalagunas said.

The group is also set to distribute food packs to the beneficiaries of the Barangay Development Program (BDP) in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) in the province of Masbate.

According to MGEN ROBINSON, the event is a proof of the government’s sincerity to reach out to the people whose lives are affected by the CTG’s terrorism.

“Sang-ayon po tayo sa pahayag ni USec. Badoy kanina tungkol sa kahalagahan ng bawat buhay. Ayaw nating patuloy na madagdagan ang bilang ng mga buhay na nasasayang, sundalo man ‘yan, miyembro ng CTG o inosenteng sibilyan dahil lamang sa armadong tunggalian na ito. Kaya patuloy po tayong magkaisa sa pagtakwil at pagkondena sa CTG upang matuldukan na ang insurhensyang ito,” MGen. Robinson said.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/usec-badoy-jtf-bicolandia-and-pnp-condemn-ctgs-atrocities-extend-hands-to-the-bereaved-families-of-the-terrorist-groups-killings/

Kalinaw News: 1002nd Infantry (Bagwis) Brigade celebrated its 15th Founding Anniversary with the poorest IP communities in Magpet, North Cotabato

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 30, 2021): 1002nd Infantry (Bagwis) Brigade celebrated its 15th Founding Anniversary with the poorest IP communities in Magpet, North Cotabato



MAGPET, NORTH COTABATO – The 1002nd Infantry (Bagwis) Brigade celebrated its 15th Founding Anniversary with the poorest Indigenous People (IP) communities at Sitio Natayukan, Brgy Balite, and Sitio Boay-Boay, Brgy Basak, all of Magpet, North Cotabato through Community Outreach Activity/Community Pantry on August 25, 2021.

Initiated by the 1002nd Infantry (Bagwis) Brigade in connection with the Brigade’s 15 fruitful years of service to the people of Regions 11 & 12 together with 72nd Infantry (Gabay) Battalion; participated by Hon. Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza, Vice-Governor of the Province of North Cotabato; Local Government Unit (LGU) of Magpet led by Hon. Florenito Gonzaga, Municipal Mayor of Magpet, represented by his Secretary, Mr. Jay Lawrence Gonzaga; Office of the 2nd District Representative of North Cotabato, Hon. Rudy S. Caoagdan; Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) XII led by Director Restituto B Macuto, represented by Ms Blessed Grace Tagacay; Aboitiz Corporation in partnership with Youth for Peace Movement (YFPM)-Tanan Lihok Batan-on og Sundalo (TALBOS) – North Cotabato Chapter led by its President, Ms. Precious Mae Medrano; Mr. Mike Buhisan of Marchael Sea Ventures Corporation, DOLE Philippines, and Plus Construction Industries Corporation (PCIC).

A total of 119 households benefitted from the program, 48 from Sitio Natayukan and 71 from Sitio Boay-Boay. Distributed items during the program were 229 food packs, PhP3,000.00 cash assistance for each household, 620 pairs of slippers, 800 packed lunch, face shields, used clothing (ukay-ukay), loaves of bread, assorted candies, and chocolates which brought joy to the beneficiaries.

From the reactions and statements of the people of these IP Communities, the goodies which were shared to them from good-hearted individuals, private company and agencies of the government are truly of great help to their current condition. More importantly, pledges of more government services like road rehabilitation and agri-production were assured by the local government unit of Magpet.

Sitio Natayukan of Brgy. Balite and Sitio Boay-Boay of Brgy. Basak, were known as two of the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) heavily influenced communities in the Municipality of Magpet which were later cleared by the Philippine Army Community Support Program Teams (CSPTs) and are now being monitored and assisted by the Community Development Team (CDT).

Vice Governor Mendoza, in her message, highly praised the men and women of 1002nd Infantry Brigade and 72nd Infantry Battalion for the commendable performance in doing their sworn duty to attain a peaceful and conflict-resilient North Cotabato. “Let us support the government by calling those who are still on the side of the CTG to return to the folds of the government. Aside from this, we can beat insurgency through education. I am encouraging the parents to support their children’s education to achieve a brighter future.”

In return, Brigadier General Potenciano C Camba, Commander of 1002nd Infantry (Bagwis) Brigade, in his message, “My profound gratitude to our partners in peace and development for contributing and sharing blessings to the less fortunate communities. As we are performing our mandate and surviving the effects and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the main theme of our anniversary is sharing the blessings to the poorest IP communities in the host municipality of our Headquarters Magpet, North Cotabato.”

Far from the previous celebrations of the Brigade’s Founding Anniversary, this year’s celebration is very simple and low-key but somehow meaningful and relevant by bringing in assistance that would alleviate the poorest of the poor.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/1002nd-infantry-bagwis-brigade-celebrated-its-15th-founding-anniversary-with-the-poorest-ip-communities-in-magpet-north-cotabato/

Kalinaw News: 4ID Hit NPA Anew; Seized 3 Firearms, 1 NPA Killed in MisOr Clash

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 30, 2021): 4ID Hit NPA Anew; Seized 3 Firearms, 1 NPA Killed in MisOr Clash



Dacallos, [30.08.21 08:59]
CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – The 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division hit an armed group of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) anew as its troops seized three (3) high powered firearms and killed one (1) CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNT) in a clash on Saturday, around 5:10 PM, at vicinity Talupa, Sitio Dumagook, Brgy. Lawaan, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental.

Elements of the 42nd Division Reconnaissance Company (DRC) under the operational control of 58th Infantry “Dimalulupig” Battalion of the 402nd Infantry Brigade, 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division clashed against more or less ten (10) CNTs believed to be armed elements of Sub-Regional Sentro De Gravidad (SRSDG) MTJ Eagles of the North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC).

Report from 58IB stated that troops while tracking enemy traces from previously reported hideout figured in a 25-minute firefight that resulted in the seizure of two (2) M16 Rifles and one (1) M14 Rifle. No casualty was reported on the government side.

Around 5:30 AM today, the same troops while scouring at the encounter site discovered one (1) dead CNT left behind by the withdrawing enemy. Troops still conducting pursuit operations against fleeing CNTs.

Major General Romeo S Brawner Jr, the Commander of 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division congratulated the 42nd Division Reconnaissance Company and the 58IB Dimalulupig Troopers which are under the operational control of the 402nd Infantry Brigade for the continuous exemplary accomplishments in the past weeks and the successful encounter yesterday that significantly reduced the CTG’s strength and influence in the area of operation.

“The recent surrender that yielded 10 firearms and yesterday’s successful encounter, among others, manifest the tactical proficiency of our troops. These accomplishments are results of careful planning and strategy bore out from good intelligence, and the flawless execution of competent and capable leaders and soldiers. Congratulations to 42nd DRC and the 58th IB!” Major General Brawner said.

It can be recalled that in a press conference last August 25, 2021, 4ID presented the CTG leader and his members who surrendered along with their firearms and subsequently revealed the location of an arms cache with 8 High-powered firearms. Alias Talin and Alias Singko of SRSDG, MTJ, Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) 1 and Vice Squad Leader of Squad 1, Platoon Sony (RYAN), Motorola, SRC 1, both of NCRMC surrendered to 58IB last August 16, 2021, bringing with them one (1) CZ AK47 rifle and one (1) M653 rifle with the hopes of starting new lives and return to their families to live with them peacefully. They led the troops to the location of an arms cache and capture seven (7) AK47 rifles and one (1) M16 Rifle.

Since the assumption of Major General Branwer Jr as 4ID Commander last July 5, 2021, there were already thirty (30) encounters against the CTG in the AOR resulting in the capture of thirty (30) firearms with four (4) CNTs killed and eleven (11) others who were either captured or apprehended. Thirty-five (35) CTG members also surrendered bringing with them twenty-one (21) firearms while thirteen (13) enemy hideouts and four (4) IEDs were also seized.

On the other hand, another encounter also transpired yesterday, around 4:55 in the afternoon, between the troops 402nd Brigade against CNTs believed to be members of Sentro De Gravidad (SDG) CAOCAO of North Central Mindanao Regional Committee led by Edidie Mangubat @WEDS, Vice CO, SDG CAOCAO at Km 14, Brgy Ibuan, Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte resulting in the seizure of one (1) sack of rice, assorted food supplies and personal belongings.

Said clashes are another setback for the CNTs after it suffered a reduction of strength and firearms thru surrender and loss of mass base support after civilians tipped off their locations resulting in government-initiated encounters and seizure of hideouts.

Dacallos, [30.08.21 08:59]
Last August 22, 2021, troops of the 29th Infantry Battalion under the operational control of 901st Infantry Brigade captured one (1) AK47 Rifle after a five (5) minute firefight ensued against CNTs believed to be members of Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda (SYP) 16A, Guerilla Front (GF) 16, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) at Sitio Taiwan, Brgy. Bangayan, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte.

While troops of the 8th Infantry “Dependable” Battalion under 403rd Infantry Brigade successfully prevented the planned atrocities of the CNTs after series of encounters resulting in the seizure of assorted food and medical supplies, radios, charger, sim cards, external drive, cellphone battery, and a backpack with personal belongings last August 18, 2021.
Since January of this year, a total of 131 encounters have already transpired between the 4ID troops and the CTG that resulted in the neutralization of 342 CTG members wherein 35 CNTs were killed, 63 captured or apprehended while a total of 168 CNTs and 76 Milisya ng Bayan have surrendered and 1,123 members of Underground Mass Organization (UGMO) have withdrawn support to the CTG and have renewed their allegiance to the government.

Additionally, 4ID has already gained a total of 292 Firearms composed of 193 high-powered firearms (HPFA) and 99 low-powered firearms (LPFA) thru encounters, surrenders, or confiscations, 20 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were also captured, and 125 CTG hideouts were overrun and seized.

Major General Brawner Jr has vowed to pursue and destroy the CTG armed groups while also giving them opportunities to return peacefully and live a normal life with their families. He reiterated that those who will not lay down their arms will be given a good fight and shall be hunted down relentlessly.

“We will continue to push for the total defeat of the CTG. We have been successful in our operations and we will continue until they are defeated. With our relentless focused military operations, continuing surrender of CTG members, and the delivery of government interventions by our partner agencies thru the convergence of RTF ELCACs, we expect a drastic reduction of their membership and we hope to end this conflict during the President’s term,” Major General Brawner stressed.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/4id-hit-npa-anew-seized-3-firearms-1-npa-killed-in-misor-clash/

Ex-rebel fights stigma, turns Zamboanga Sibugay islet into tourism site

From Rappler (Aug 30, 2021): Ex-rebel fights stigma, turns Zamboanga Sibugay islet into tourism site (By ANTONIO MANAYTAY)

'Nature has a very special place in my heart,' former rebel leader Barahama Ali shares, recalling his years living in forests and mountains

Seven years after the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) signed a peace agreement, a former rebel leader found his way back to society as an entrepreneur, developing a major ecotourism site in Zamboanga Sibugay – a province once associated with banditry, extortion, and kidnapping.

Barahama Ali, one of the senior leaders of the MILF’s 113 Base Command in Datu Tumanggong in Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay, said the peace pact has opened “a new door for us.”

From living the precarious life of a revolutionary for over two decades, sleeping under trees and constantly moving from one place to the other, Ali said returning to the mainstream, however, was not easy.

“People will always look at you as a troublemaker, and an outlaw,” he said. But he has learned to live by it.

“It is normal because most of them do not understand our struggle and the ideology we fought for,” Ali told Rappler.

From time to time, he said, law enforcement agencies continuously tagged him in criminal activities, accusations he flatly denied.

“The MILF combatants were not bandits. We were revolutionaries fighting a just war,” he asserted.

But the stigma associated with being a former MILF combatant did not stop him from reinventing himself after the peace agreement was signed.



HORIZON. Barahama Ali gestures to the horizon on his islet off Naga town in Zamboanga Sibugay. ANTONIO MANAYTAY/RAPPLER

‘New lease’

The peace pact gave Ali and his fellow combatants a “new lease of normalcy.”

The government and the MILF signed the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) on March 27, 2014, concluding 17 years of negotiations. It outlined the creation of an autonomous political entity that replaced the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The agreement marked the end of over 40 years of the MILF struggling for Moro self-governance.

Ali said the relative ease he experienced has given him time to tend to the family’s properties – a piece of land and an islet off Naga town in Zamboanga Sibugay.

Reunited with his family, Ali was able to guide his children as “normal fathers do.”

“All my children are now professionals,” he said, beaming.

One of his sons is an engineer employed with the provincial government. One of his daughters is now a nurse working in a government hospital while another is a public school teacher. Another son is into business.

“There is now a sense of normalcy,” he said, after a “very tumultuous life of a revolutionary.”

BRIDGE. Barahama Ali peers from a bridge on his islet off Naga town in Zamboanga Sibugay. ANTONIO MANAYTAY/RAPPLER

Back to nature

He spends most of his time developing his new venture in ecotourism.

“I am developing Coba Islet into an ecotourism site,” Ali said.

The islet is just a 20-minute boat ride from the highway of Tenan, a former conflict-affected village, some eight kilometers from the town center of Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay province’s capital.

The tourism trend inspired him to develop the area into “something different from other beach resorts.”

He preserved the mini-forest in the islet while building structures like cottages, a treehouse, and a conference hall.

“Nature has a very special place in my heart,” he shared, recalling his years living in forests and mountains.

Beyond tourism, Ali said he wanted to erase the stigma associated with the area. The mere mention of Barangay Tenane usually evoked images of banditry, extortion, and kidnapping for many visitors.

“That was before,” Ali stressed. “I want to help in conveying the message that all is fine now. It’s not only fine; it is fun.” – Rappler.com

Antonio Manaytay is a Mindanao-based journalist and is an awardee of the Aries Rufo Journalism Fellowship

https://www.rappler.com/nation/ex-rebel-fights-stigma-turns-zamboanga-sibugay-islet-tourism-site

Gov’t troops recover firearms, anti-personnel mines, and grenades in Palawan

From Palawan News (Aug 31, 2021): Gov’t troops recover firearms, anti-personnel mines, and grenades in Palawan (By Gerald Ticke)

Recovered weapons and explosives from abandoned rebel hideouts. (Photos from Brigada Agila Facebook account)

Government troops recovered firearms and explosives from abandoned rebel hideouts in different hinterland barangays in Palawan following the execution of simultaneous focus military operations (FMOs) over the weekend.

3rd Marine Brigade (3MBde) civil-military operations officer Capt. Ellaine Rose Collado, in an issued statement August 31, said the “relentless” FMOs performed by Marine Battalion Landing Teams (MBLTs) 3 and 4, 65th Marine Company, and other units resulted in the recovery of the firearms and explosives that included five M14A1 rifles, 13 anti-personnel mines, and 32 improvised hand grenades.

Gallon and half-gallon canisters full of explosives, as well as small-size homemade hand grenades in PVC pipes, were among the anti-personnel mines found, she said.

Recovered weapons and explosives from abandoned rebel hideouts. (Photos from Brigada Agila Facebook account)

Col. Jimmy Larida, commander of the 3MBde, claimed in the press statement that their soldiers found them on August 28 after receiving information from locals.

“Napakahalaga ng pakikipagtulungan ng mga Palaweño sa tagumpay ng operasyon na ito. Kaya hinihikayat namin ang publiko na ipagpatuloy ang pagbibigay ng impormasyon na makakatulong sa ating gobyerno, lalo na sa ating kasundaluhan upang mapigilan ang anumang tangkang karahasan ng teroristang grupo na maaaring ikapahamak ng mga inosenteng sibilyan,” Larida said

On July 12 and 13, 2021, Larida said rebels belonging to the New People’s Army (NPA) engaged marine forces conducting Community Support Program (CSP) in Barangay Nicanor Zabala, Roxas, resulting in the seizure of weapons and other war supplies abandoned by fleeing insurgents, as well as the injuring of government troops by anti-personnel mines.

He believes that the recovery of the weapons and explosives indicates that many rebels have already given up support to the NPA.

“Ang pagkakakubkob ngayon ng ating kasundaluhan sa mga gamit ng CTG (communist terrorist group) ay isang indikasyon na marami na ang nag-abandona sa grupo at basta na lang iniwan ang kanilang mga baril at mga gamit pampasabog,” he said.

Recovered weapons and explosives from abandoned rebel hideouts. (Photos from Brigada Agila Facebook account)

Residents’ unwavering support for efforts of the Palawan Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF ELCAC), he added, is an encouraging trend that has already resulted in reduced NPA recruitment and widespread withdrawal of allegiance.

Larida urged the province’s remaining NPA members to surrender and return to the government so that they can take advantage of its programs for rebel returnees, such as the E-CLIP under the Palawan PTF ELCAC, and be reunited with their families, especially during the holiday season approaches.

https://palawan-news.com/govt-troops-recover-firearms-anti-personnel-mines-and-grenades-in-palawan/

‘Surface the disappeared’: Group bewails abductions of activists

From Panay News (Aug 30, 2021): ‘Surface the disappeared’: Group bewails abductions of activists (By Glenda Tayona)

Militant group Karapatan-Panay calls for the surfacing of Maria Luisa Posa-Dominado (left) and Nilo Arado.


“Surface all victims of involuntary disappearances.”

This is what militant group Karapatan-Panay appeals as it marks the International Day of the Disappeared today.

They are particularly calling for the surfacing of Iloilo activists Maria Luisa Posa-Dominado and Nilo Arado who were missing for more than 14 years already.

On April 12, 2007 while travelling home from Antique, the two became “victims of enforced disappearance” in Barangay Cabanbanan, Oton, Iloilo.

Their family and friends have been looking for them all these years, including holding State forces liable, the group said.

“Enforced disappearance is a most cruel form of human rights violation. The victims, referred to as the desaparecidos, are literally put in the dark, deprived of any link to their loved ones, lawyers, ministers and others who could defend them from their attackers. Such violations are attributable to State forces that have the motive against dissenters and activists,” the group claimed.

Dominado was the spokesperson for Panay Island of the Samahan ng mga Ex-detainees Laban sa Detensyon at Aresto (Selda) while Arado was the chairperson of Paghugpong sang mga Mangunguma sa Panay kag Guimaras (Pamanggas).

“The victims’ families are placed in intense emotional pain and endless grief, with lingering anxiety and helplessness about the situation of their loved ones, not knowing where to find them. From the anguished daughter of a victim, ‘It were better if they just killed my mother,’” they added.

https://www.panaynews.net/surface-the-disappeared-group-bewails-abductions-of-activists/

3ID to poll candidates: Don’t support rebels

From Panay News (Aug 31, 2021): 3ID to poll candidates: Don’t support rebels (By Ruby Silubrico)

The 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) of the Philippine Army warned candidates for the May 2022 elections not to give in to New People’s Army (NPA) extortion to avoid criminal charges.

Giving money to rebels for “permits to campaign”, among others, is tantamount to committing a crime under the Anti-Terrorism Act, according to Army Major Cenon Pancito III, 3ID spokesperson.

“Huwag magbigay ng any amount. Instead, report to us so that we can take the appropriate action against them,” he said.

Pancito said the NPA takes advantage of elections to generate money.

“We hope candidates will cooperate with us,” he said.

The 3ID will take part in election security preparations together with the Police Regional office 6 (PRO-6).

Recently, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar ordered all unit and area commanders to start preparing for a peaceful, honest and orderly conduct of the national and local elections in May next year.

Preparing early would be “effective in preventing election violence and other activities that would compromise the integrity of the elections,” he said.

On the part of the PRO-6, the command already started the preparations by going after persons with pending arrest warrants and those in unlicensed firearms.

“We have also started monitoring potential armed groups, intensifying the campaign against loose firearms and intelligence monitoring on criminals gangs,” said then PRO-6 spokesperson, Police Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong.

https://www.panaynews.net/3id-to-poll-candidates-dont-support-rebels/

Soldiers confiscate rifle, grenade, after NPA clash

From the Mindanao Times (Aug 30, 2021): Soldiers confiscate rifle, grenade, after NPA clash (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

Photo courtesy of 72nd Infantry Battalion.

A RIFLE, improvised hand grenade, and assorted belongings owned by the New People’s Army (NPA) were seized by the soldiers of the 72nd and 3rd Infantry Battalion after a clash with the rebels at Purok 10, Barangay Kiburiao, Quezon, Bukidnon on Aug. 26.

2Lt. Ailene Marieh Loria, the civil-military operations officer of the 72nd IB, said soldiers also seized R4 rifle; 128 round – 5.56 cal ammo; improvised hand grenade; three blasting caps; two IED switching device; binoculars; three cauldrons; casserole; two backpacks; and syringes.

Further seized were intravenous set; intravenous fluid; four lubricating jelly sachets; three scissors; eight poncho tents; nine fish hooks; assorted medicine; assorted food items; assorted hygiene Items; and assorted personal belongings.

According to Loria, more or less seven rebels, believed to be members of Guerilla Front 57, Sub Regional Committee (SRC) 3 Secretary Ruel Villanueva of Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC).

In a statement, 72IB called on the remaining members of the communist terrorist group to surrender peacefully, embrace the peace initiatives of the government thru the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and live together with their families and loved ones.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2021/08/30/soldiers-confiscate-rifle-grenade-after-npa-clash/

AFP: Honor sacrifices of frontliners

From the Visayan Daily Star (Aug 30, 2021): AFP: Honor sacrifices of frontliners

As the country observes National Heroes’ Day today, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief-of-staff, Lt. Gen. Jose Faustino Jr., urged the public to continue honoring the sacrifices of the front-liners amid the prevailing coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

“Those are the people who continue to persevere in saving lives in hospitals, in producing our food and other essential supplies, and in keeping our communities safe amid this pandemic,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Faustino made this remark as the nation remembers the life and legacy of Philippine national heroes who have become cornerstones of the country’s freedom, independence, and democratic ideals.

Despite the challenges caused by the pandemic, Faustino urged all Filipinos to continue to honor the heroes’ sacrifices and remember that “all be heroes in our own respective fields and in our own little ways.”

Every last Monday of August, the nation pays tribute to past heroes of the revolution, and unknown men and women who sacrificed their lives for freedom from colonial rule.

“Likewise, we recognize our modern day heroes who continue to defend and promote Filipino values, principles, and values that form our national identity,” he added.

https://news.visayandailystar.com/afp-honor-sacrifices-of-frontliners/

Silaynons slam NPA atrocities

From the Visayan Daily Star (Aug 30, 2021): Silaynons slam NPA atrocities (BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Residents of Brgy. E Lopez in Silay City, Negros Occidental, joined a peace rally and burned a flag of the CPP-NPA Saturday* PA photo

Residents of Brgy. E Lopez in Silay City, Negros Occidental condemned the atrocities and deceptions of the New People’s Army and its allies, and held a peace rally attended by Mayor Mark Golez and barangay officials Saurday.

The NPA Roselyn Jean Pelle Command had claimed responsibility for the burning of three heavy equipment in Brgy. Consing, EB Magalona, owned by the family of a politician in April this year, adding that it was in response to the people’s clamor to punish large-scale quarrying operations that caused massive flooding in the area.

Lt. Col. J-jay Javines, 79IB commanding Officer, lauded the effort of the community in condemning the NPA and its allies, that he said clearly shows that the peace-loving barangay residents can no longer endure the sufferings they have been experiencing.

The pledge to withdraw their support from the armed group is already a bold step towards ending insurgency, Javines said.

A recent encounter between 79IB troopers and NPA rebels in neighboring Hacienda Raymunda, Brgy. Kapitan Ramon in Silay, claimed the lives of two communist rebels, including Kerima Lorena Tariman, secretary of the Northern Negros Front, also known as the Roselyn Jean Pelle Command, and an Army soldier.

Javines and Golez, meanwhile, were joined by the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company, led by P/Maj. Fernando Soblingo, and the Silay City police, led by P/Lt. Col. Robert Petate, at the activity and information drive that was aimed at informing the residents of the insurgency, deception, and recruitment strategies of the NPA and its allies, and to address the concerns of residents.

Former rebel “Ka Joross” also shared his miserable experiences when he was still with the armed group and how his life has changed after he surrendered.

1Lt. Dansan Camua, 79IB Civil Military Operations officer, said participants to the peace rally included members of the Hacienda Culahao Farmer Workers Association and Hacienda Nenita Farmer Workers Association, who also gave their oaths of allegiance to support the duly-constituted government, before Brgy. Captain Meriam Gallego.

It was followed by the burning of a CPP-NPA flag.

Camua said the activity was part of the Community Support Program of the 32nd Civil Military Operations and 1st NOCPMFC.

Arnilo Serquillos, chairman of the Hacienda Culahao Farmer Workers Association, thanked the CSP team of the Philippine Army and the PNP for the assistance to their organization and for helping the group register with the Department of Labor and Employment.

https://news.visayandailystar.com/silaynons-slam-npa-atrocities/

Former NPA rebels in Zamboanga Peninsula venture in turmeric powder production

From MindaNews (Aug 30, 2021): Former NPA rebels in Zamboanga Peninsula venture in turmeric powder production (By FRENCIE CARREON)

The Philippine-Korea International Cooperative Agency (Phil-KOICA) and other government agencies have extended help to former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the Zamboanga Peninsula, who have ventured in powdered turmeric production.

Dr. Christine Yambao, a Phil-KOICA fellow, said they gave the rebel returnees P20,000 for the renovation of a space provided by the 44th Infantry Battalion (IB) for their production facility.

The Department of Science and Technology – Zamboanga Sibugay provincial office extended a P400,000 grant for the purchase of equipment. The provincial Department of Trade and Industry assisted the former NPA rebels in registering their group, the CIFAB-13 or the Community Integration Flex A, B, 13, their former guerilla front.

The CIFAB-13 members are living new lives by transforming wild turmeric from the peninsula into powdered products in pouches sold at the markets here.

Yambao said the collaborative efforts among the former rebels, the government agencies and her group planted a seed of hope for the returnees in this new episode of their lives.

She expressed hopes that the turmeric tea production of the former communist rebels will become the “One Town, One Product” of Bayog and Imelda municipalities, since it provides economic benefits to their communities.

Cinderella Yursua and Antonino Roda, former officers of the NPA Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC), shared that drinking turmeric helped them survived the harsh life in the jungles as they moved around the mountains of Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga del Norte for decades to recruit young members.

“Turmeric ang among kape sa bukid (is our coffee in the mountains),” Roda, alias Dondon, said.

Roda, 53, who used to be the medical officer of the WMRPC, said he would advise their comrades to drink turmeric not only because it is abundant in the peninsula’s hinterlands than coffee but also because of its health benefits.

Yursua, also known as Ason, said they yielded due to the intensive military operations of the 44th IB to neutralize the WMRPC.

“I had to give up. It was like giving up a past that was your life for four decades, yet hoping to have a life that could bring me back to my children,” she said in Visayan.

She is proud that they are now making a living out of wild turmeric.

The fall of Baste Nabong, the secretary or highest-ranking officer of the WMRPC who oversees seven guerilla fronts and one main regional guerilla unit, and the eventual surrender of Yursua and Roda brought down the communist movement in Zamboanga Sibugay, which prompted Governor Wilter Palma to declare the province as “insurgency-free.”

After Yursua and Roda surrendered to the 44th IB, they received P40,000 that they used as initial capital for their turmeric business.

The soldiers also provided transportation that initially enabled them to harvest wild turmeric from the hills of Bayog, in Zamboanga del Sur, where the root crop is abundant.

The former NPA rebels also received livelihood assistance from the National Task Force on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

Lt. Col. Filven Noche, 44th IBA commander, vowed continuing support to the programs of NTF-ELCAC, which was created through Executive Order 70, to help former NPA rebels live normal and productive lives.

“The soldiers have not failed in supporting our business venture involving turmeric tea manufacturing,” Yursua said.

Noche assured that his battalion would stay responsive as professional troopers in assisting the surrenderers towards transformation.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2021/08/former-npa-rebels-in-zamboanga-peninsula-venture-in-turmeric-powder-production/

SND's Message for National Heroes’ Day

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 30, 2021): SND's Message for National Heroes’ Day (By Jimmyley Guzman)

As the nation commemorates this year’s National Heroes Day, the Department of National Defense pays tribute to the heroes of our history who offered their lives and sacrificed for our country.

Despite the odds, our forebears fought side-by-side against the Spaniards, the Americans and the Japanese to defend our nation.

More recently, we have witnessed heroism amongst our troops in protecting Zamboanga and Marawi against those who threatened to destroy our institutions and way of life.

Today, we take inspiration from their legacy and heroism as we battle a new and dangerous invader, the COVID-19 virus. The challenges we currently face call upon all of us to become heroes ourselves.

Tunay ngang bawat isa sa atin ay maaaring maging bayani na mangangalaga at magtatanggol sa ating mga kapwa Pilipino. Sa pagsunod sa mga panuntunang pangkalusugan at pagsuporta sa mga programa gaya ng pagbabakuna, mapapangalagaan natin hindi lamang ang ating sarili kung hindi pati na rin ang ating komunidad.

Gaya ng mga bayaning nagdaan, mapagtatagumpayan lamang natin ang ating laban kung tayo ay magtutulungan at magkakaisa. Sa gitna ng pagsubok na dulot ng pandemya, nawa’y maging inspirasyon natin ang mga bayani noon at ngayon upang gampanan natin ang ating tungkulin at magkaisa para sa kapakanan ng ating bayan.

Delfin N. Lorenzana
Secretary
Department of National Defense

https://pia.gov.ph/press-releases/2021/08/30/snds-message-for-national-heroes-day

Church member challenges UCCP officials to denounce NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30, 2021): Church member challenges UCCP officials to denounce NPA (By Che Palicte)

United Church of Christ in the Philippines - Davao (Photo courtesy of UCCP)

DAVAO CITY – A member of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) has challenged their national leaders to officially denounce the New People’s Army (NPA) and crimes it committed.

Dio Raphael Ratunil raised the concern in a Facebook post, saying their leaders who are enraged about alleged extrajudicial killings should be equally indignant about the brutality of NPA rebels.

“Shouldn't we treat the NPAs as the enemy of the state and the real threat to our society? How come we are silent about it?” he posted on Aug. 17.

Ratunil also asked fellow UCCP members about some of their pastors being red-tagged and doubted if they are not really left-leaning.

“Aren’t we curious of how our tithes were being utilized when the only report we receive is a piece of gloomy paper with a printed pie chart showing the breakdown? Should that be enough? Is there a way we can cross-check the utilization of our tithes to clear the members’ minds once and for all, that we are not NPA enablers, and that our church does not support terrorists financially? Do we have that access? Do we even have the power to do that? Or do we just blindly rely only on what’s being fed to us by our leaders?” the lengthy post read.

Ratunil also wanted to know if consultations were made before the UCCP posted its rants about the government.

“I’d like to be educated if the voices of the local churches were being recognized and consulted first before our leaders were able to make an official statement regarding matters of the state? Is it actually the voice of the majority? Or the voice of the powerful few?” he added.

He said their church speaks so much about corruption, poverty, injustices, and oppression, but can’t speak candidly against the NPA and identify the insurgents as remorseless oppressors.

“Why are we so silent? Are we turning a blind eye? I am also curious whether these kinds of topics were freely discussed in your local churches? I would like to know. Do we even have the right avenues that we can discuss these things? Or a lot of local churches still remain clueless?” Ratunil said.

He expressed dismay that political topics are inserted during Bible studies, midweek prayer meetings, and Sunday schools.

“Maybe, we keep on looking at the critical times as if it’s something bigger than us happening outside our church, but totally forgot that it’s happening right in front of our eyes. The word pag-mata (wake up) is valid after all,” Ratunil said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1152057

12 more BIFF extremists yield in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 31, 2021): 12 more BIFF extremists yield in Maguindanao (By Edwin Fernandez)

SURRENDER CEREMONY. Local and military officials prepare for the turnover and presentation ceremony for 12 BIFF extremists who yielded to the Army’s 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade in Ampatuan, Maguindanao on Monday (Aug. 30, 2021). The surrenderers, all members of the BIFF-Bungos faction, said they were deceived into joining the futile cause. (Photo courtesy of 1Mbde)

AMPATUAN, Maguindanao – Twelve Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) who said they were deceived into joining the terror group surrendered to the military on Monday afternoon.

Col. Pedro Balisi, commander of the Army’s 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade (1MIBde), said on Tuesday the rebels yielded at their headquarters in Barangay Kamasi here.

“They (surrenderers) made the right choice as they are fighting a futile cause,” Balisi told reporters in an interview but declined to identify them for security reasons.

The surrendering batch, all members of the BIFF-Bungos faction, turned in an M16 rifle, two M14 rifles, two homemade .50 caliber sniper rifles, two .30 caliber sniper rifles, three rocket-propelled grenade launchers, two improvised explosive devices, explosives, and ammunition.

An alias Sudan, one of the surrenderers, said they are tired of fighting, and most of the time, running from pursuing military forces in the mountains of Maguindanao.

“We were further disappointed upon learning that we were duped as they promised to pay us a huge amount monthly (but) it never happened,” Sudan said in a phone patch interview.

Banaag has lauded local officials of nearby Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao in helping the Army to convince the rebels to surrender.

He said the BIFF batch is currently undergoing custodial debriefing, while their livelihood assistance packages are being processed by the Shariff Saydona Mustapha town government.

Since January this year, some 150 BIFF members have surrendered to military and police authorities in the province.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1152078