CPP/NPA-Masbate: Ambus sa mga ahente ng militar, babala ng BHB – Masbate sa mga taksil ng mamamayang Masbatenyo

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (May 30, 2023): Ambus sa mga ahente ng militar, babala ng BHB – Masbate sa mga taksil ng mamamayang Masbatenyo (Ambush on military agents, NPA - Masbate warns traitors of Masbatenyo people)

 


Luz del Mar

Spokesperson

NPA-Masbate (Jose Rapsing Command)

Bicol Regional Operational Command (Romulo Jallores Command)

New People's Army

May 30, 2023

Binabati ng Jose Rapsing Command – BHB Masbate ang pulang Hukbo sa matagumpay na pag-ambus sa mga aset paniktik o intel ng militar noong Mayo 29, 2023 alas-8 ng gabi sa Barangay Barag, Mobo. Patay ang dalawa habang kritikal naman ang kalagayan ng isa pang ahente ng kaaway.

Tinambangan ng mga kasama sina Nestor (alyas Renbo) Purisima, Junjun Solicito at isa pa nilang kasamahan habang papasok sa Barangay Barag. Si Purisima ay dating kasapi ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan na tumiwalag sa kilusan at sumuko sa militar matapos magpalinlang sa reaksyunaryong gubyernong rehimeng US – Duterte.

Sangkot ang tatlo sa mga pang-aabuso at paglabag tulad ng pagnanakaw ng produkto, pananakot, pambabanta at pamamaslang sa mga magsasaka sa una at ikalawang distrito ng prubinsya.

Ipinagkanulo nina Purisima ang kanilang kapwa Masbatenyo sa pagpapagamit sa militar bilang kasangkapan sa pagpalaganap ng kampanyang teror ng militar at pulis laluna sa mga lugar na target ng mapangwasak na kumpanyang Filminera – Masbate Gold Project.

Ang pag – ambus kina Purisima ay kasunod ng isa pang aksyong pamamarusa sa mga kapwa taksil ng masang Masbatenyo na sina Rina Verdida, Larry Quilantang at Ganga Dalanon sa hangganan ng Barangay San Carlos at Matagbac sa bayan ng Milagros noong Abril 14.

Babala ang nasabing ambus sa lahat ng taksil sa mamamayan. Hindi na dapat magpatuloy sa pagiging sunud-sunuran at tuta ng militar at pulis sa ilinulunsad nitong maruming gera laban sa masang Masbatenyo. Kailangang lubusan nilang talikuran ang pagiging kasangkapan sa kontra-mamamayan at kontrarebolusyonaryong kampanya ng rehimeng Marcos Jr. at patunayan sa masa na sila ay nagpanibagong-buhay na. Hangga’t hindi ito nangyayari, hindi titigil ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan na kamtin ang hustisya para sa mga biktima ng kanilang kataksilan.

Hinihikayat naman ng Jose Rapsing Command – Bagong Hukbong Bayan ang mga kasapi ng CAFGU at mga rebel returnee na wala pang mabigat na krimen sa masang Masbatenyo at rebolusyonaryong kilusan na iwan na ang nasabing gawain at mamuhay nang marangal.

Maliban sa ginagawa nilang mga kabit ang inyong mga asawa at anak na babae ay ginagawa lang kayong mga utusan. Pinaggagawa ng kubo at kusinero. Ginagawang mga magnanakaw at mamamatay-tao. Ito ba ang pinangako sa inyo na magandang buhay? Kayo mismo ang makapagpatunay na walang magandang buhay sa pagsuko at pagpapakatuta sa mga kurakot na mga upisyal ng militar at pulis.

Batid niyo mismo na hangga’t patuloy na malakonyal at malapyudal ang lipunang Pilipino ay walang magandang buhay at kaunlaran na makakamit ang sinumang mamamayang Masbatenyo. Makakamit lang ito sa pagsusulong ng armadong paglaban pangunahin sa kapwa niyo masang anakpawis.

Babala rin ang nasabing aksyon sa kumpanyang Filminera, ekoturismong Empark at iba pang mga makadayuhang proyekto na itigil na pagdambong sa lupa at yamang rekurso ng prubinsya.

Hindi titigil ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa prubinsya at masang Masbatenyo sa pagsulong sa mas mataas na antas ng armadong pakikibaka upang singilin at panagutin ang AFP at PNP, rehimeng Marcos Jr at imperyalistang US sa pagwasak sa kabuhayan at lupa ng prubinsya at sa buong bansa.#

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/ambus-sa-mga-ahente-ng-militar-babala-ng-bhb-masbate-sa-mga-taksil-ng-mamamayang-masbatenyo/

CPP/NPA-Central Negros: Intel Asset, Rapist kag Marijuana Pusher sa Guihulngan City, Ginsilotan sang NPA

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (May 30, 2023): Intel Asset, Rapist kag Marijuana Pusher sa Guihulngan City, Ginsilotan sang NPA (Intel Asset, Rapist and Marijuana Pusher in Guihulngan City, Punished by the NPA)

 


JB Regalado

Spokesperson

NPA-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command)

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

May 30, 2023

Madinalag-on nga ginsilotan kamatayon sang Leonardo Panaligan Command-New People’s Army (LPC-NPA) si Eduardo Balansag, 47 anyos,sadtong Mayo 20, 2023 sa Brgy Calupaan, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental sa kaso nga one count rape sa Canlaon City, one count attempted rape kag grave threat sa iya mga nabiktima. Intel asset man sang militar si Balansag kag masupog nga pusher sang marijuana sa lugar nga nagaguba sang paminsaron kag puturo sang mga pamatan-on. Si Balansag ang protektado sang militar sa iya kontra-sosyal nga gawi. Pangayaw siya sa lugar kag tumandok sang Canlaon City. Nagabalhin-balhin siya sang iya ginapuy-an bangud sang iya kaso nga gina-atubang, samtang wala naman ginadakop sang mga kapulisan kag AFP. Si Balansag ang nagahupot sang illegal nga armas-luthang. Nakumpiska sa iya posesyon ang isa ka .357 revolber, mga bala kag dokumento nga may valuable Intel informations.

Ang mga dokumento nga nakumpiska kay Balansag ang nagapamatuod sa mga kapulisan kag katapo sang militar nga sila tunay nga protektor sang mga kontra-sosyal nga gawi kag mga kontra-rebolusyon, mga kriminal kag malain nga mga elemento sa binukid sang Central Negros.

Padayon nga nagapanawagan ang LPC-NPA nga indi pagsundon ang mga kontra-sosyal nga gawi ni Balansag. Indi man magpa-into sa militar kag mga kapulisan sa mga pasalig nila sa inyo. Ang NPA indi gid mag-untat sa paglagas sa inyo sa pagpangita sang hustisya sa inyo mga nabiktima.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/intel-asset-rapist-kag-marijuana-pusher-sa-guihulngan-city-ginsilotan-sang-npa/

CPP/NPA-South Central Negros: Operasyon militar sang 94th IB sa Brgy. Buenavista kag Hilamonan, nagtuga sang kahadlok sa pumuluyo

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (May 29, 2023): Operasyon militar sang 94th IB sa Brgy. Buenavista kag Hilamonan, nagtuga sang kahadlok sa pumuluyo (Military operation of the 94th IB in Brgy. Buenavista and Hilamonan, instilled fear in the settlers)

 


Dionesio Magbuelas

Spokesperson]

NPA-South Central Negros (Mt. Cansermon Command)

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

May 29, 2023

Masobra 50 ka tropa sang 94th IB ang nagatigayon sang operasyon sa mga sityo sang Madaha, Bulasot, Buli, Bogo kag Guihobon, tanan sakop sang Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City sugod petsa-9 sang Mayo tubtob subong. Nagapamilit sa pagpasurender sa mga mangunguma, nagapamahug sa mga pumuluyo kag naga-istar sa mga simbahan, pamalay kag sa mga minoro nga nagatuga sang kahadlok sa mga sibilyan. Pila na kaadlaw nga nagreklamo ang mga mangunguma bangud indi sila makakadto sa ila mga uma sa kahadlok nga pagasitaon ukon imbestigaron sa mga militar.

Masobra man 30 ka tropa sang 94th IB ang naga-operasyon sa mga sityo sang Ulo-tuburan, Paloypoy kag Owakan sakop sa nasambit nga baryo kag sa Sityo Dangalon, Barangay Hilamonan halin Mayo 4 tubtob subong. Madumduman nga ila ginpatay si Crispin “Padon” Tingal Jr nga ginpasibangdan nila nga katapo sang NPA. Sa subong, ginpahug sang 94th IB ang pamilya ni Tingal nga indi na magpasaka sang kaso. Kay kon magpagamo pa, uboson kuno sila pagpamatay.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/operasyon-militar-sang-94th-ib-sa-brgy-buenavista-kag-hilamonan-nagtuga-sang-kahadlok-sa-pumuluyo/

Philippines warns of new ‘iron curtain’; any conflict at South China Sea could be devastating for Asean region

From The Star (Jun 3, 2023): Philippines warns of new ‘iron curtain’; any conflict at South China Sea could be devastating for Asean region

Carlito Galvez Jr, senior undersecretary at the Department of National Defence in the Philippines.

SINGAPORE/MANILA, June 3 (Bloomberg): A senior defence official of the Philippines expressed concern that growing distrust would lead to the return of the "Iron Curtain.”

"Decoupling amid the declining state of goodwill in the region would only serve to bring about the return of the Iron Curtain that will undermine any potential or confidence building and cooperation between and among us,” said Carlito Galvez Jr, senior undersecretary at the Department of National Defence in the Philippines.

With a US-China meeting ruled out, representatives from the two sides were actively meeting with leaders from the other 40 or so nations taking part in the conference in what one delegate jokingly called "speed dating.”

China’s Li met with Galvez on Friday, describing their talks as "very good” despite a backdrop of heightened tensions over disputed waters and Manila’s renewed military engagement with the US.

Meanwhile, Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin used a speech at Asia’s biggest security conference to warn that a conflict over Taiwan would be devastating and he reiterated calls for greater communication between the American and Chinese militaries.

"Make no mistake: conflict in the Taiwan Strait would be devastating,” Austin said. "The whole world has a stake in maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, the whole world. The security of commercial shipping lanes and global supply chains depends on it.”

"For responsible defence leaders, the time to talk is every time, and the right time to talk is now,” Austin added.

"I’m deeply concerned that the PRC has been unwilling to engage more seriously on better mechanisms for crisis management between our two militaries. But I hope that will change, and soon.”

Asked during a question-and-answer session about China’s growing stock of nuclear weapons, Austin again referred to the lack of talks: "As soon as they answer the phone maybe we’ll get some work done.”

Austin lauded the US’s moves to strengthen alliances and partnerships across the Indo-Pacific region, telling delegates the Biden administration is "working together with our friends more closely every day.”

He noted the US was stepping up coordination and training throughout the region, touting cooperation with India, Indonesia, Vietnam and Singapore in addition to traditional American treaty allies.

"Around the region, countries are matching their words with their actions, insisting on resolving differences through dialogue, and calling for even closer cooperation,” Austin said.

https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2023/06/03/philippines-warns-of-new-iron-curtain-any-conflict-at-south-china-sea-could-be-devastating-for-asean-region

PH, US, Japan hold maritime exercises

From the Sun Star-Pampanga: PH, US, Japan hold maritime exercises (By JOVI DE LEON)

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO---The first-ever trilateral maritime exercise of the Philippines, Japan and the United States navies started Thursday off the waters of Mariveles in Bataan province.

The trilateral drills from June 1 to 7 is aimed to enhance interoperability between the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the Japan Coast Guard (JCG).

The military exercises is also expected to level up cooperation for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Participating PCG vessels are the BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702), BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301), BRP Boracay (FPB-2401), and one 44-meter multi-role response vessel (MRRV).

The JCG deployed the Akitsushima (PLH-32)and the USCG the USCGC Stratton (WMSL-752).

The Japanese Embassy in Manila said on Thursday that activities include communication exercises, maneuvering drills, photo exercises, maritime law enforcement training, search and rescue, and passing exercises, among others.

The military exercises was set after the assistance extended by the JCG and USCG’s in the Mindoro’s oil spill clean up and the Multinational Vessel Boarding Officer Course by the Mobile Cooperation Team of the JCG and USCG in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan from May 14 to 27.

The recent Balikatan 2023 exercise was conducted in April and the Cope Thunder drills of Philippine and US air forces in Clark Air Base last month.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1962941/pampanga/local-news/ph-us-japan-hold-maritime-exercises

China willing to discuss territorial dispute with PH, says official

Posted to the Manila Times (Jun 3, 2023): China willing to discuss territorial dispute with PH, says official (By Franco Jose C. Baroña)

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan: China is willing to discuss with the Philippines the ongoing dispute in the South China Sea without interference from outsiders, its Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong said.

Sun made the statement in a meeting with Cagayan Gov. Manuel Mamba in Beijing on May 26, 2023.

Mamba himself disclosed this on Saturday during an interview with The Manila Times following the arrival of participants in the first leg of a nationwide peace caravan here in the capital city of Cagayan.

China’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Sun Weidong AFP FILE PHOTO

China and the Philippines have conflicting claims over parts of the South China Sea which Manila calls the West Philippine Sea as it falls within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The Philippines has long insisted that disputes be settled through multilateral discussions involving other claimant countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia, and Taiwan.

Quoting Sun, Mamba said that China was ready to work with the Philippines to "uphold justice, focus development and deepen cooperation to boost modernization between the two countries."

Sun said that China and the Philippines are "close neighbors that cannot be moved away" and that "good neighbourliness and friendship is in the common interests of the two countries and two peoples."

"Sun also welcomed Cagayan province to forge good ties with the Chinese provinces and cities to share experience, learn from each other and promote common development," said Mamba.

During their meeting, Mamba said he told Sun that Cagayan was willing to become a "gateway and bridge" for exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.

He said his visit to China was made on the invitation of the Chinese government.

Mamba was accompanied by several Cagayan mayors and other local government officials during the trip.

Mamba was one of the local chief executives who has been vocal against the establishment of "Edca sites" as provided under the Enhanced Development Cooperation Agreement between the Philippines and the United States. His province was one of those chosen which, under the agreement, would allow the US to store assets and artillery and use them to defend the Philippines if attacked.

The US has reinforced its alliance with the Philippines, holding the largest "Balikatan" or shoulder-to-shoulder military exercises in the country highlighted by its display of superior firepower, and getting visits from Vice President Kamala Harris, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin 3rd.

Japan, South Korea, and Australia have also offered to hold naval exercises with the Philippines in the disputed waters.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/06/03/news/china-willing-to-discuss-territorial-dispute-with-ph-says-official/1894337

PH eyes more allied nations’ participation in Balikatan

From CNN Philippines (Jun3, 2023): PH eyes more allied nations’ participation in Balikatan (By CNN Philippines Staff)

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 3) — The Philippines is thinking of making the annual Balikatan exercises with the United States a multilateral event to include other allies, Defense chief Carlito Galvez Jr. said on Saturday.

In the past years, smaller groups of soldiers from Australia have joined Philippine and US troops in the joint military training, and delegations from other countries, such as Japan, have been sent as observers.

The Philippines has a visiting forces agreement with only two countries – the US and Australia.

“We really explore possibly expanding the bilateral Balikatan exercises into a multilateral exercise,” Galvez said during the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-la Dialogue, an inter-governmental security conference held in Singapore.

“In the future, we might be expanding it with other allied nations,” he added.

In late April, Filipino and American troops successfully concluded the largest-ever Balikatan exercises, where nearly 18,000 troops participated, including over 100 Australian soldiers.

Live fire exercises were also held in Philippines waters for the first time, as witnessed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. himself.

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/6/3/ph-eyes-balikatan-expansion.html

Halfway house for ex-rebels to rise in Negros

From the Manila Times (Jun 4, 2023): Halfway house for ex-rebels to rise in Negros (By Eugene Y. Adiong)

BACOLOD CITY: The provincial government of Negros Occidental is allocating P15 million, including P5 million from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), to build a halfway house for former members of the New People's Army (NPA) inside the Provincial Capitol-owned Negros Ranch in Murcia town.

"It's a big site (referring to the Negros Ranch). They can even take care of the animals as part of the rehabilitation process. We thought that it is a good area," Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said during the second quarter meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council and the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council at the Capitol Social Hall on Friday.

The councils passed a resolution allowing the province to send a letter of intent, expressing its interest to avail of the P5-million grant from the DILG.

The establishment of a halfway house is being implemented by the DILG under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which provides a package of assistance to former rebels.

The halfway house will serve as a temporary shelter for the rebel returnees while waiting for the processing of their benefits under the E-CLIP.

Livelihood training and other reintegration activities can also be conducted at the facility to prepare the former rebels for their reintegration into mainstream society.

The governor also chairs the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

Land mine explosion kills 2 construction workers in Northern Samar

Posted to Rappler (Jun 3, 2023): Land mine explosion kills 2 construction workers in Northern Samar (By JAZMIN BONIFACIO)

The military claims that aside from the injuries suffered by the two victims from the explosion, they also allegedly suffered gunshot wounds

NORTHERN SAMAR, Philippines – An anti-personnel mine explosion killed two construction workers on the roadside of Barangay Magsaysay in Las Navas, Northern Samar, on Saturday morning, June 3.

The victims, identified as Rowel Lebico and Hersan Cabe of Barangay Quirino, were killed at around 11:30 am.

Second Lieutenant Joyce Ann Bayron, civil military officer of the Philippine Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion, told Rappler in an interview, “Nakasakay po ang dalawang biktima ng single motorcycle nang sumabog ang anti-personnel mine, allegedly nilagay ng NPA [New People’s Army]).” (The two victims were riding a single motorcycle when an anti-personnel mine, allegedly planted by the NPA, exploded.)

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6 soldiers injured by anti-personnel mine in Las Navas, Northern Samar
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1 soldier killed, another wounded in NPA ambush in Northern Samar
NPA rebels attack two soldiers buying food in a market

Bayron also claimed that aside from the injuries suffered by the two victims from the explosion, they also allegedly suffered gunshot wounds.

“Nag-iimbestiga pa ngayon ang PNP (Philippine National Police) kung ano ang motibo, at inaantay din natin ang SOCO (Scene of the Crime of the Crime Operatives) result sa ginawa nilang pag-imbestiga (The PNP is still investigating the motive behind the incident, and we’re still waiting for the results of SOCO’s investigation),” Bayron said.

Lebico and Cabe worked on a farm-to-market road that connects the interior barangays of Las Navas. Bayron said this was not the first time a mine killed innocent civilians in Northern Samar.

On April 17, 2019, Armando Jay Raymond, 10, died in an anti-personnel mine explosion allegedly initiated by the NPA in Barangay San Miguel in Lavezares town. On April 3, 2022, a community support program team of the 20th Infantry Battalion was hit by a land mine explosion, killing two PNP personnel and injuring four others.

Meanwhile, in Barangay Magsaysay, Mapanas town, another explosion occurred and injured seven Army personnel on July 5, 2022. Fourteen days later, on July 19, 2022, a soldier died while five others were wounded in another mine explosion.

Lieutenant Colonel Joemar Buban, commanding officer of 20IB, said that the NPA attack is a clear violation of the Ottawa Convention (mine ban treaty), which prohibits the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel landmines.

“The 20IB has been doing its best to help the former conflict-affected barangays through our Mobile Community Support and Sustainment Program Teams to achieve long-lasting peace and sustainable development in Northern Samar. But the NPA rebels’ recent anti-personnel mine attack shows violence and senseless killings, which does not contribute in improving the way of life of the Nortehanons,” Buban said

Buban also urged the Commission on Human Rights to investigate and release a statement on the alleged violations of the Ottawa Convention, International Humanitarian Law, and Republic Act No. 9851 by the NPA rebels in Northern Samar.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/visayas/land-mine-explosion-kills-construction-workers-northern-samar/

AFP: PRESS RELEASE | 40 NPAs neutralized in Visayas region for the month of May

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Facebook Page (May 31, 2023): PRESS RELEASE | 40 NPAs neutralized in Visayas region for the month of May

CAMP LAPU-LAPU, Cebu City – Government troops continue to gain ground as the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG)suffers a devastating loss for the month of May in the Visayas region.

 
In just a month, a total of 15 encounters transpired, which led to the neutralization of 40 NPA terrorists; 17 of whom died during encounters while 23 surrendered. In addition, 54 firearms were seized during the period; 38 were recovered during encounters, seven (7) were discovered through information provided by former rebels, and nine (9) were surrendered.

The most recent was a series of encounters on May 28 at Brgy Mabini, Catarman in Northern Samar, between members of the CPP-NPA’s Sub-Regional Guerilla Unit (SRGU) and troops of the 43rd Infantry Battalion. The encounter resulted in the death of four (4) NPA terrorists and the recovery of four (4) firearms.

Moreover, a total of 562 Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) supporters surrendered/withdrew their support and pledged their allegiance to the government. This mass withdrawal of support led to the neutralization of the CTG’s support system, and the collapse of several political-military structures established by the terrorist group in areas of Samar and Northern Samar.

 
“The CPP-NPA in the Visayas region has been substantially weakened, having incurred devastating losses in their manpower and armed capability and the collapse of their support system from the community. Hence, our focused military operations will go on.” LtGen Benedict M Arevalo PA, Commander of Visayas Command (VISCOM) said.///  (Story and Photos by: VISCOM)

#AFPyoucanTRUST

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=618648016964279&set=pcb.618648343630913

https://www.facebook.com/armedforcesofthephilippines

AFP: PRESS RELEASE | Alakdan Division holds trail run, manifests improved security in Sulu

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Facebook Page (Jun 1, 2023): PRESS RELEASE | Alakdan Division holds trail run, manifests improved security in Sulu

Camp Bautista, Jolo, Sulu -May 31, 2023

The Officers and Enlisted Personnel of the 11th Infantry "Alakdan" Division participated in the first-ever trail run at Mount Sinumaan, Patikul, Sulu on May 28, 2023.

A total of 123 runners participated in the trail run coming from the different units of 11ID. The event started from Barangay Danag, Patikul, Sulu at 06:00 in the morning and ended in Barangay Kantitap, Patikul at exactly 08:30 in the morning.

 
In a statement, Maj. Gen. Ignatius N. Patrimonio, Commander of the 11ID and Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu said, "The trail run was held in preparation for the 125th Philippine Independence Day celebration, which will be held on June 12, 2023 at Mt. Sinumaan. Moreso, we were able to visit and engage with the locals, who have expressed their appreciation on the improved peace and development in their communities."

"This activity clearly manifests the improved security landscape in the province of Sulu. We were able to trek Mount Sinumaan, a well-known battleground and ASG lair four years ago. This also proved that our peace and security campaign and our collaboration with the Provincial Task Force in Ending Local Armed Conflict (PTF-ELAC) are successful since Sulu is now enjoying a relative peace," Maj. Gen. Patrimonio concluded./// (Photos and Story by: 11ID)

#AFPyoucanTRUST

[Retired Analyst Note: This event could be interpreted as a positive measure of effectiveness (MOE) for AFP military operations targeting the Abu Sayyaf Group terrorists on the island of Jolo. I have also seen recent online videos/photos of the return of a robust night life in Patikul and Jolo City. These are areas that used be under curfews when the evening hours arrived. Again another positive MOE.]

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=618779403617807&set=pcb.618780796951001

https://www.facebook.com/armedforcesofthephilippines

AFP: PRESS RELEASE | 2 NPAs neutralized in clash with soldiers in Occidental Mindoro

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Facebook Page (Jun 1, 2023): PRESS RELEASE | 2 NPAs neutralized in clash with soldiers in Occidental Mindoro

CAMP CAPINPIN, Rizal - Two members of the New People's Army died following an encounter between rebels and government forces in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro on Tuesday, May 30, 2023.

 
Soldiers from the 68th Infantry "Kaagapay" Battalion were conducting focused military operations when they encountered armed personalities believed to be members of the Main Regional Guerilla Unit from the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee at Sitio Pasugue in Barangay Malisbong which resulted in a twenty-minute firefight. 

The government side suffered no casualties while a male and female rebel namely alias Hunter and alias Liza reportedly died. 

The troops also recovered three M16 rifles, 13 magazines, one fragmentary hand grenade, an anti-vehicle min, 5 improvised hand grenades, 50 meters wire, a detonating cord, 4 burlap, 4 bandoliers, and 4 backpacks with personal belongings.

 
"We will never rejoice in the deaths of our kababayans who joined the CPP-NPA- NDF, however, we have a duty to secure our communities from the atrocities of the Communist Terrorist Groups. 

Once again, we renew our call to the remaining NPAs to surrender and avail the benefits of the government's programs before they suffer the same fate as their comrades," 2nd Infantry "Jungle Fighter" Division Commander Maj. Gen. Roberto S. Capulong said in a statement.///

(Photo and Story by: 2ID, PA)

#AFPyoucanTRUST

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=619364896892591&set=a.219815940180824

https://www.facebook.com/armedforcesofthephilippines

AFP: PRESS RELEASE | 4 NPAs surrender with 2 firearms in Quezon

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Facebook Page (Jun 1, 2023): PRESS RELEASE | 4 NPAs surrender with 2 firearms in Quezon

CAMP CAPINPIN, Rizal – Four NPA members with two high powered firearms voluntarily surrendered to joint AFP and PNP forces in General Nakar, Quezon on Tuesday, May 30, 2023.

 
Joint forces of 80th Infantry “Steadfast” Battalion, 1st Infantry Battalion, 70th Infantry Battalion, and PNP forces of General Nakar, Infanta, both of Quezon, Angat & Norzagaray, both of Bulacan, and Rizal facilitated the voluntary surrender of four NPA members in Barangay Pagsangahan, General Nakar, Quezon. Alias Alex/Selo is a member/adjutant while alias Loren is a member, both of Platun Sentro De Gravidad of KLG NARCISO from the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee’s Sub-Regional Military Area 4A; Alias Francis/Mulo and alias Baba are both Milisyang Bayan members/couriers of Brgy Pagsangahan, General Nakar, Quezon. Alias Alex/Selo and alias Francis/Mulo both yielded one M16 rifle each.

 
"We remain committed in pursuing our peace efforts together with our partner stakeholders to end insurgency in Quezon. We are urging the remaining rebels to follow their former comrades and lay down their arms because our government is ready to provide them with the necessary assistance to start anew and rebuild their lives with their families.”, 2ID Commander Maj. Gen. Roberto S. Capulong said in a statement.///

(Photos and Story by: 2ID, PA)

#AFPyoucanTRUST

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=619374896891591&set=pcb.619374923558255

https://www.facebook.com/armedforcesofthephilippines

AFP: PRESS RELEASE | AFP bares gains against communist, local terrorist groups for the month of May

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Facebook Page (Jun 2, 2023): PRESS RELEASE | AFP bares gains against communist, local terrorist groups for the month of May

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) continue to weaken the communist and local threat groups as 27 terrorists died, 125 surrendered, and 11 were apprehended in military operations in the month of May.

 
Against the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), notable accomplishments were the successful focused military operations conducted by the 62nd Infantry Battalion in Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental and Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental on May 20 to 21, that resulted in the death of ten (10) communist terrorists and capture of 14 high-powered firearms, various ammunition, explosives, and other war materiel.

 
Recent accomplishments were the neutralization of 4 communist terrorists, including the former leader of the CPP's Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee in Catarman, Northern Samar on May 28 by the 43rd Infantry Battalion, and the military operations conducted by the 68th Infantry Battalion, 2ID in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro on May 30 which resulted to the neutralization of the two communist terrorists with firearms and ammunition.

Various ground units also recorded the surrender of communist terrorists across the country. Most recent and notable were the surrender of 4 CTs in General Nakar, Quezon on May 30 by the joint forces of the 80th Infantry Battalion, 1st Infantry Battalion, 70th Infantry Battalion, and PNP forces; the surrender of 9 CTs to the 94th Infantry Battalion in Ayungon, Negros Oriental on May 25; and the surrender of a female communist terrorist leader identified as Maui and 2 others to the 103rd Infantry Brigade in Marawi City.

 
Against the local terrorist groups, a total of 43 surrenders and six were apprehended from Abu Sayyaf Group, Bangsamoro Islamic, and the ISIS-inspired Daulah Islamiyah.

The surrender of eight Abu Sayyaf members with seven firearms was notable during the period to the joint elements of the 101st Infantry Battalion and 21st Infantry Battalion in Luuk, Sulu on May 24. Another member yielded with an M14 rifle and ammunition in Malagutay, Zamboanga City to the Joint Task Force Zamboanga on May 25.

 
The AFP's continuous accomplishments result from its successful implementation of the whole-of-nation approach that seeks to end armed violence in the country through the convergence of civic and military efforts to bring development in conflict-affected areas.

The AFP leadership lauded the troops for complying with the directive to put closure to the internal security threats as the AFP shifts its focus toward external defense operations. ///

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AFP: PRESS RELEASE//Former BAYAN-Eastern Visayas Regional Head turned NPA killed in an encounter in Northern Samar

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Facebook Page (Jun 2, 2023): PRESS RELEASE//Former BAYAN-Eastern Visayas Regional Head turned NPA killed in an encounter in Northern Samar

CAMP VICENTE LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – Clashed of 43rd Infantry Battalion and members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in the hinterlands of Barangay Mabini, Catarman, Northern Samar last May 28, 2023, which resulted to the killing four CTG members and seizure of two M16 rifles, two cal.45 pistols, magazines with ammunition and personal belongings, authorities have now identified the four killed CTG members.

The cadavers at the encounter site were subsequently airlifted for identification and turn-over to 803rd Infantry Brigade Headquarters at Camp Sumoroy, Catarman, Northern Samar.

Alias Kurati, a former rebel (FR) who operated in the area positively identified the cadaver of the armed combatant Joshua Musico Sagdullas alias Miyong/Martin, who served as the Political Instructor of the CTG for almost a year and the Secretary General of Bayan Eastern Visayas and former chairperson of the University of the Philippines Visayas Tacloban Campus (UPVTC) College Student Council as one of the casualties.

He also identified the three other armed combatants who died in the clash as Geraldine Teopinto alias Luz, the Finance Officer; Abigail Padula Baselga alias Moana, Medic; and Vicente Termo.

Major General Camilo Z. Ligayo, Commander, 8ID regrets the demise of the CTGs because of a pointless ideology. He said that they could have had a better future ahead and be an active partner of the government in nation-building, helping the people in the community if he had not been recruited with the terrorist group.

“Another life has been lost in the war against the senseless ideology of the Communist Terrorists Group (CTG). Let us put an end to this way of life of constant struggle and fear. The door is still open for those who want to surrender and live a better and more peaceful life,” Maj Gen Ligayo stressed.

Meanwhile, the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) Chair, Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez conveyed his sympathies and condolences to the families of the deceased especially to the family of his fellow Taclobanon, Miyong.

The RPOC Chair strongly urged the remaining CTGs to choose the right path while they still can.
“I feel sad for the families, kaya kayong ibang nandiyan pa sa movement, isipin niyo ang mga naiiwanan ninyo. Feeling ninyo itong ginagawa ninyo ay talagang may ipinaglalaban kayo. Pero sa bandang huli ang mas nakakaawa dito ang mga iniiwanan ninyo. ‘Yong parents pinagpawisan para mabigyan ka ng edukasyon, maraming talent and all tapos, what happened? It is really sad, I hope this will stop, and this will end very soon,” Romualdez lamented.







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