3 Abu Sayyaf supporters surrender in Sulu

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Sep 23, 2023): 3 Abu Sayyaf supporters surrender in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA. Three known supporters of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) have surrendered to authorities in Bud Bayug, Talipao, Sulu on Tuesday, September 19. A photo handout shows military officials engaging in a casual conversation with the ASG supporters after the surrendered to the troops of the 1101st Infantry Brigade. (SunStar Zamboanga)

THREE known supporters of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) have surrendered to the authorities in the province of Sulu, the military reported Friday, September 22.

Brigadier General Eugenio Boquio, 1101st Infantry Brigade commander, said the three ASG supporters surrendered to his personnel in Bud Bayug, Talipao, Sulu on Tuesday, September 19.

Boquio did not identify them except in saying they were supporters of the ASG led by sub-leader Abduljihad Susukan alias Commander Idang.

Susukan was arrested by authorities on August 14, 2020 in Davao City and was transferred to a detention facility in Manila.

Boquio said that the surrender of the three ASG supporers was facilitated by the combined elements of the 2nd Special Forces Battalion, 41st Infantry Battalion, Tactical Operations Group SulTaw (Sulu and Tawi-Tawi), and the 1101st Infantry Brigade.

They turned over one Garand rifle, one Carbine rifle, and one caliber .45 pistol.

Major General Ignatius Patrimonio, Joint Task Force (JTF)-Sulu commander, commended the troops for a job well done.

Patrimonio also enjoined the remaining members and supporters of the ASG to peacefully surrender to the authorities.

On Monday, September 18, the JTF-Sulu and Sulu provincial government presented a total of 30 ASG returnees to Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Jr., during the 633rd Bangsa Sug Day on September 18.

Bangsa Sug Day marks the anniversary of the local government and public administration of Sulu.

“We welcome all the former violent extremists who decided to give value to their own and their family’s lives. Rest assured that we will assist them in their reintegration into mainstream society,” Major General Steve Crespillo, commander of Western Mindanao Command, said.

“We attribute all our successes to the support of the local government and the peace-loving people of Sulu in our efforts to end terrorism and bring lasting peace and progress in the beautiful island province,” he added. (SunStar Zamboanga)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1973523/zamboanga/local-news/3-abu-sayyaf-supporters-surrender-in-sulu

Service firearm of slain soldier recovered in clash

From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 23, 2023): Service firearm of slain soldier recovered in clash (By GLAZYL MASCULINO)

BACOLOD CITY – Troops recovered the service firearm of a slain soldier following a clash with the New People’s Army (NPA) in Sitio Lubi, Barangay Tabugon, Kabankalan, Negros Occidental on Thursday, September 21.

The Army 3rd Infantry Division (ID) said the government-issued .45 caliber pistol with serial number 005075 AFP issued to Sgt. Regie Glindro was among the notable items recovered from six NPA rebels from the Samahang Yunit Propaganda, Southwest Front (SWF)-Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor (KR-NCBS) killed in the encounter.



THE service firearm of a slain soldier recovered following a clash between the 47th Infantry Battalion and the New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Tabugon, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental on Thursday, September 21. (47th IB)

Glindro was one of two intelligence personnel of the 47th Infantry Battalion (IB) who died in an NPA ambush in Sitio Camboguiot, Barangay Camindangan, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental on November 24, 2022.

“In a poignant turn of events, justice now appears closer at hand for the fallen Army personnel, as those responsible for their murders have paid for their crimes in an armed engagement with the Army troops, who were conducting a community security patrol in response to a report indicating the presence of NPA extortionists in the area,” the 3rd ID said.

The Army identified the fatalities as Alejo delos Reyes, alias “Peter” and Bravo,” squad leader of Squad 2 of SYP Platoon 3; his wife Melissa dela Pena, alias “Diane”; Bobby Pedro, alias “Recoy,” vice squad leader of Squad 3, SYP Platoon 3, Mario Fajardo Mullon, alias “Reco” or “Goring," medic of Squad 1, SYP Platoon 3, and Ruben Gaitan. The sixth fatality, an amazon or female NPA rebel, is yet to be identified.

The group of Delos Reyes was also tagged in several atrocities in the province such as the killing of a pastor in Sipalay City in February 2020, ambush-slay of two soldiers in Cauayan in April 2021, burning of construction equipment in Kabankalan and Sipalay in March 2022, and the murder of a civilian suspected as a military informant in Ilog last January 2023.

https://mb.com.ph/2023/9/23/service-firearm-of-slain-soldier-recovered-in-clash

Reds neutralized in Eastern Mindanao

From the Manila Times (Sep 24, 2023): 337 Reds neutralized in Eastern Mindanao (By Ruth Palo)

DAVAO CITY: The Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) and its units were able to neutralize 337 members of the communist New People's Army (NPA) who were killed, arrested or surrendered to authorities from January to September of this year.

Out of 337 neutralized rebels, 31 were slain in clashes, eight were captured and 298 returned to the folds of the law.

The EastMinCom also seized 355 firearms of various calibers and 61 antipersonnel mines in the same period.

EastMinCom commander Lt. Gen. Greg Almerol said government troops will continue to strike at the dwindling forces of the communist terrorist group (CTG).

Almerol earlier lauded the troops under the 4th Infantry Division in Cagayan de Oro City and the local government units for their unrelenting collaborative efforts to bring down the NPA and lure its members to give up the armed struggle.

"The end of the CTG in Eastern Mindanao is now inevitable as the strong collaboration between our troops and stakeholders continues to crumble their forces," Almerol said in a statement.

Almerol, meanwhile, renewed his call to the remaining members of the CTG to surrender and avail of the benefits under the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

"As we pursue the deteriorating forces of the CTG in Regions 10 (Northern Mindanao) and 13 (Caraga Region), we are also relentless in conducting sustainment operations to prevent the reentry of communist terrorists in Davao Region," he said.

He also assured that the government is on track in its bid to totally wipe out the CTG.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/09/24/regions/337-reds-neutralized-in-eastern-mindanao/1911502

PH, Canadian frigates hold 'joint sail' in West PH Sea

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 22, 2023): PH, Canadian frigates hold 'joint sail' in West PH Sea (By Priam Nepomuceno)

JOINT SAIL. The Philippine Navy missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna and the Royal Canadian Navy's HMCS Ottawa conduct a bilateral sail activity in an undisclosed location in the West Philippine Sea on Thursday (Sept. 21, 2023). The Armed Forces of the Philippines said Friday (Sept. 22) that the joint sail activity signifies a shared commitment in promoting a rules-based international order in the WPS. (Photo courtesy of AFP Western Command)

MANILA – The Philippine Navy (PN) missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna and the Royal Canadian Navy's HMCS Ottawa (FFH-341) conducted a bilateral sail activity in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said in a belated report Friday.

In a statement, AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Enrico Gil Ileto said the joint sail started at 7:23 a.m. Thursday when the Canadian frigate met and established radio communications with the BRP Antonio Luna in the vicinity of the Malampaya Natural Gas Platform off the waters of Palawan.

The two ships also performed maneuvers for Officers of the Watch that lasted until around 10 a.m.

“The joint sail is part of the PN's regular engagements with its partners in the Philippines' maritime zones. Bravo Zulu (Well done) to all the personnel of both ships and those who planned this activity,” Ileto said.

This is the second joint sail conducted by the Philippines, with the first conducted by another PN frigate, BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), and the United States Navy's Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, USS Ralph Johnson (DDG-141), on Sept. 4 involving a "division tactics" mission.

Ileto said the joint sail activities signified the shared commitment of the Philippines, Canada and the US in promoting a rules-based international order in the WPS and a free and open Indo-Pacific Region.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1210376

OPAPRU: P7-B budget for 2024 to uplift lives of conflict-hit Filipinos

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 22, 2023): OPAPRU: P7-B budget for 2024 to uplift lives of conflict-hit Filipinos (By Priam Nepomuceno)

MANILA – Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said Friday the increase in the agency's budget for next year would enable them to carry out the Marcos administration's peace agenda and uplift the lives of Filipinos affected by conflict.

This was after the Senate Committee on Finance chaired by Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa approved on Sept. 20 the PHP7 billion proposed budget for the agency and the National Amnesty Commission (NAC).

“This budget is a peace investment because once all the signed peace agreements are fulfilled under the Marcos administration, we could all enjoy a more peaceful and more developed Bagong Pilipinas,” Galvez said in a statement.

He noted that for the past several years, the OPAPRU has been operating with an average budget of only PHP800 million.

He said more than half of the amount are fund transfers made to partner agencies, such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Philippine Statistics Authority, Department of Agriculture, and the recipient local government units (LGUs) to implement the deliverables, such as the decommissioning of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front combatants, confidence-building measures, and limited social protection projects.

Aside from the PHP7 billion proposed budget, Galvez also requested an additional PHP800 million budget allocation for the agency’s unfunded priority requirements, such as the budget for the NAC, the remaining transitional cash assistance to complete the decommissioning of 40,000 Moro Islamic Liberation Front combatants, and peace education programs.

Among the initiatives under OPAPRU’s unfunded priority programs is the operationalization of the NAC, which President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is actively pushing for.

Created under Executive Order 125 in 2021, the NAC is primarily tasked to receive and process applications for amnesty that were filed through the Local Amnesty Board.

Galvez, meanwhile, said the government must devote its resources to addressing the socio-economic triggers that lead to recruitment and rebellion, preventing renewed rebellion, and encouraging members of rebel groups to come forward and return to the fold of the law.

“We will fund (for 2024) the PHP5 billion PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) projects that have been restored to OPAPRU to deliver on the socio-economic interventions to ensure changed lives and transformed communities,” he said.

Galvez said the national government's PAMANA Program supports the peace negotiation track and contributes to the goal of attaining a just and lasting peace for all Filipinos and the country.

Among the PAMANA projects that are being implemented by the OPAPRU in partnership with national line agencies and LGUs are agriculture productivity support, bridges, roads, water systems, and other community-level infrastructure.

These projects are primarily implemented in conflict-affected and conflict-vulnerable areas and remote, hard-to-reach communities that have been lagging in terms of economic development.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1210367

PH, US, Japan boost security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 23, 2023): PH, US, Japan boost security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

TRILATERAL MEET. Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo (2nd from left), US State Secretary Antony Blinken (5th from left), and Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko (seated, 2nd from right)) convene the 2nd trilateral ministerial meeting among the Philippines, the US, and Japan on the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York on Saturday (Sept. 23, 2023). The trilateral meeting among the three countries aims to explore ways to further promote peace and stability in the Indo Pacific. (Photo courtesy of Secretary Manalo)

MANILA – The Philippines, the United States, and Japan will craft a “work plan” that would advance their trilateral cooperation, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Saturday as the three states explore ways to further promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, US State Secretary Antony Blinken, and Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko convened the 2nd trilateral ministerial meeting among the three states on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Sept. 23.

DFA Spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said the ministers “will come up with a work plan” after discussing possible activities under the trilateral cooperation.

The US State Department said the officials also agreed to “continue to call out behavior that is inconsistent with international law,” including China’s recent actions near Ayungin Shoal that interfered with the Philippines’ lawful exercise of high seas freedom of navigation.”

On the security cooperation, the ministers sought ways to enhance their countries’ partnership on maritime domain awareness, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief efforts.

“They committed to uphold our shared values of freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights, and reaffirmed our shared vision, as equal and sovereign partners, for a free and open Indo-Pacific region that upholds international law,” State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said.

The three officials also discussed ways to support economic resiliency and enhance engagements on energy, infrastructure, and digital economy issues.

In his remarks, Blinken said the US looks forward to strengthening the partnership ”to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, and also to foster, to strengthen economic resilience, and to promote the common prosperity of our people.”

“I think all three countries believe strongly that our collaboration, not only on a bilateral basis but on a trilateral basis, can produce very positive benefits not only for our countries but also for other countries and partners in the region and beyond,” he said.

Kamikawa, meanwhile, underscored the importance of “multilayered collaboration with allies and like-minded countries” for upholding a rules-based order, especially with what Japan labelled as “recent severe strategic environment” in the region, including the situation in the South China Sea.

The meeting builds on the September trilateral talks among President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., US Vice President Kamala Harris, and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio.

Manalo, Blinken, and former Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa convened the first Philippine-US-Japan ministerial meeting in Jakarta in July.

The US State Department said the three states would continue to meet trilaterally to "enhance this growing relationship and a free and open Indo-Pacific."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1210430

DND: ‘Hypocritical’ Chinese propaganda won’t reverse maritime damage

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 23, 2023): DND: ‘Hypocritical’ Chinese propaganda won’t reverse maritime damage (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora and Priam Nepomuceno)

UNWANTED GUEST. One of two China Coast Guard vessels spotted by the Philippine Coast Guard during its patrol in the West Philippine Sea on April 18-24, 2023. The BRP Malabrigo and BRP Malapascua patrolled the waters off Sabina Shoal, Iroquis Reef, Lawak, Patag, Likas, Parola, Pag-asa, Tizzard Bank, Julian Felipe Reef, and Ayungin Shoal and drove away four Chinese Maritime Militia vessels, which appeared to be engaged in fishing activities. (Photo courtesy of PCG Facebook)

MANILA – The Department of National Defense (DND) chided China on Saturday over its “propaganda lines” accusing the Philippines and the BRP Sierra Madre, Manila’s outpost in the Ayungin Shoal, of marine damage.

“The statement of China that the grounded Sierra Madre is causing irrevocable harm is to put it as politely as possible, hypocritical,” DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said in a statement.

“Talk about the pot calling the kettle black! China continues to damage the West Philippine Sea by its illegal reclamation activities in the South China Sea.

Teodoro pointed out yet again that the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in its 2016 ruling found China to be a “violator of international law” when its reclamation operation in the area damaged the marine environment.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning on Thursday denied that Beijing is responsible for the extensive coral damage recorded in the Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

She labeled the reports from the Philippine side as Manila “creating a political drama from fiction” and demanded that the country remove the BRP Sierra Madre in the Ayungin Shoal instead.

Teodoro warned Beijing that “disingenuous propaganda lines” would imply its “insincerity and will only heighten the mistrust by the Filipino people and the rest of the world of the Chinese government.”

As of this posting, the Department of Foreign Affairs is still waiting for the complete assessment of relevant government agencies on the environmental damage in Rozul Reef.

The Office of the Solicitor General is also studying legal options on the coral reef destruction, including the possible filing of a complaint for damages before the PCA.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1210433

Conflict-affected IP community in Surigao Sur gets new classrooms

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 21, 2023): Conflict-affected IP community in Surigao Sur gets new classrooms (By Alexander Lopez)

NEW SCHOOL BUILDING. School children in the tribal village of Barangay Bolhoon, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, witness the turnover of a new school facility on Sept. 20, 2023. Six school buildings were funded under the Barangay Development Program of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. (Photo courtesy of LGU San Miguel)

BUTUAN CITY – About 200 school children in the remote and conflict-affected Indigenous People (IP) village of Sitio Tubod in Barangay Bolhoon, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur will benefit from the newly completed six school buildings constructed by the government.

The school buildings, which were formally handed over to the IP community on Wednesday, were funded through the PHP10 million Barangay Development Project under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

In a phone interview on Thursday, Datu Baning Miranda, the tribal chieftain of Sitio Tubod, said the facilities would help the Manobo children attain a good future while keeping them away from "the influence and recruitment of the New People’s Army (NPA).”

Miranda thanked the provincial government of Surigao del Sur for facilitating the release of the funding of the project, and the NTF-ELCAC for ensuring the education of the IP children in their village.

In a separate interview, Datu Rico Maca, the IP Mandatory Representative of San Miguel, said more government schools would be established in the area to counter the recruitment of IP youths by the NPA.

“The young members of the Manobo tribe must be given proper education through the support of the government,” he said.

Maca recalled that the Manobo tribe in Surigao del Sur have fought for the closure of two former school institutions managed by the communist rebels.

He was referring to the Tribal Filipino Program of Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS) and the Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development (ALCADEV).

“The TRIFPSS and the ALCADEV became the training ground of IP youths who were recruited by the NPA rebels to fight the government. We are happy that these two institutions have already ceased operations for more than four years now,” Maca alleged.

The two organizations have denied the claim.

Nonetheless, Maca said San Miguel's tribal leaders are working with the government to establish more schools accredited by the Department of Education in tribal areas.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1210295

6 NPA fighters killed in southern Negros clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 22, 2023): 6 NPA fighters killed in southern Negros clash (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

ENCOUNTER. Troops of the Philippine Army’s 47th Infantry Battalion recover firearms, ammunition, and hand grenade, along with electronic gadgets, personal belongings, and subversive documents after a clash with fighters of the New People’s Army South West Front in Barangay Tabugon, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental Thursday night (Sept. 21, 2023). Six communist rebels died during the encounter, the 3rd Infantry Division confirmed in a report on Friday (Sept. 22, 2023). (Photo courtesy of 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army)

BACOLOD CITY – Six fighters of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) South West Front (SWF) died in a clash with troops of the Philippine Army’s 47th Infantry Battalion (IB) in the remote village of Tabugon in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental Thursday night.

In a report on Friday, the 3rd Infantry Division (ID) identified the fatalities, who were all from Squad 2 of Sangay Yunit Propaganda (SYP) Platoon 3, as Alejo “Peter/Bravo” de los Reyes, squad leader, and his wife Melissa “Diane” de la Peña; Marjon “Kenneth” Alvior, vice leader of Squad 2; Bobby “Recoy” Pedro, vice leader of Squad 3; and Mario “Reco/Goring” Fajardo Mullon, medic of Squad 1.

The sixth fatality has yet to be identified.

Their remains were brought to the Sola Gracia Funeral Services with the assistance of the city government.

Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, commander of 3ID, said the troops engaged the communist rebels who fired at them while responding to the reported presence of armed men demanding food and money from the locals.

The 10-minute firefight in Sitio Lubi took place at about 7:50 p.m., the report said.

Troops recovered four caliber .45 pistols and a caliber .38 revolver with ammunition, a hand grenade, electronic gadgets, personal belongings, and subversive documents.

“This is a big blow to the communist-terrorist group in Negros Island and brings them closer to becoming inconsequential. We are again calling on the remaining CPP-NPA rebels to return to the fold of the law, avail themselves of the government’s program, and live peacefully with their loved ones,” he added.

Mayor Benjie Miranda expressed sadness over the incident, which happened on the same day the southern Negros city was hosting a walk for peace and launching the Sentrong Alyansa ng mga Mamamayan para sa Bayan to counter the organizing, recruitment, and propaganda of the CPP-NPA.

“As a mayor and public servant, I’m greatly saddened about what happened. As I’ve said, I hope that we can unite in peace and development and incidents like this will not happen anymore,” he said in a radio interview.

According to the 3ID, the group of de los Reyes was behind the killing of Army soldiers in Sipalay City in November last year and in Cauayan town in April 2021.

In Sipalay, Sgt. Regie Glindro and Staff Sgt. Ken Camilan of the 47IB were conducting a reconnaissance operation when they were waylaid by the perpetrators along a hilly portion of Sitio Camboguiot in Barangay Camindangan.

Cpl. Alaster Balboa and Sgt. Jhoem Meguillo of the 15IB were fired upon by about 30 rebels in Sitio Cambaga, Barangay Yao-yao in Cauayan after visiting the Army’s Community Support Program teams.

The same group of NPA rebels also killed civilian Silas Granada, 65, in Barangay Pingot, Ilog in January this year.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1210385

2 NPA rebels killed, 1 captured in Masbate clash with soldiers

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 22, 2023): 2 NPA rebels killed, 1 captured in Masbate clash with soldiers (By Connie Calipay)

RECOVERED. The high-powered firearm and other war materiel of the New People's Army that were recovered after a clash between soldiers and rebels in Masbate province on Thursday (Sept. 21, 2023). Two insurgents were killed and another was captured in the encounter that occurred in Barangay Nainday, Placer town. (Photo courtesy of 9ID)

LEGAZPI CITY – Two members of the New People's Army (NPA) were killed and another was captured on Thursday during an encounter with government forces in Barangay Nainday, Placer town in Masbate.

In an interview on Friday, Maj. Frank Roldan, 9th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office chief, identified the slain rebels as Javier Villegas (alias "Dodo") and Imee Villegas (alias "Inday"), both members of Platoon 1, Komiteng Larangang Guerilla, Sub-Regional Committee 4.

They were brought to a funeral parlor in the town, the Army said.

The captured rebel was identified as George Basagre (alias "Burondoc") and is now under military custody.

“Recovered during the encounter were an M653 rifle, caliber .38 revolver, short and long steel magazine, cellphone, subversive documents, and personal belongings of the rebels," Roldan said.

Acting on reports from villagers, he said soldiers from the Army’s 2nd Infantry Brigade proceeded to the area where they traded shots with eight NPA rebels for about 10 minutes.

Roldan said no one was hurt from the government side.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1210409

Gov’t releases videos of ‘abducted’ activists

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Sep 22, 2023): Gov’t releases videos of ‘abducted’ activists (By: Dexter Cabalza, Frances Mangosing)

WE’RE BACK Environmental activist Jonila Castro shouts a slogan as Jhed Tamano (left) stands beside her on Sept. 19.—GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac) and the Philippine National Police have doubled down on their claims that environmental activists Jhed Tamano and Jonila Castro were not kidnapped but had voluntarily yielded to the military for their own protection after leaving the communist movement.

A spokesperson for the task force also called the women’s actions part of a demolition tactic against the government.

On Thursday, the task force presented videos and photos supposedly showing the activists admitting their links to the New People’s Army (NPA) while in government custody.

Castro, in one of the presented videos during an online press briefing hosted by the NTF-Elcac, said in an “interview” that she was part of the NPA’s Lino Blas Command for four years and she was involved in an armed encounter in Bataan province in 2021.

Tamano, on the other hand, said in an affidavit that she was part of the underground mass organization Kabataang Makabayan for three months, where she was a semilegal cadre. She added that in July, she met Castro and they decided to “organize” fishermen in Bataan province.

According to the task force, the two women said in their affidavits dated Sept. 12 that they were surrendering to authorities because they missed their families and wanted to quit the communist movement.

Another short clip showed a sobbing Tamano reunited with her parents after the supposed surrender.

James Clifford Santos, NTF-Elcac legal cooperation cluster spokesperson, called the environmental activists’ actions part of a “demolition tactic.”

“We can see that this is a grand scheme to hoodwink the government whose only concern is the welfare of the returning rebels,” he said. “Their immediate assertions of falsehood clearly has malice to humiliate the government.”

In a press briefing organized by the NTF-Elcac on Tuesday, Castro and Tamano surprised task force officials when they debunked the government’s claim that they had voluntarily yielded to the military.

Instead, they said they were abducted by a group of men in a sport utility vehicle on Sept. 2 in Orion, Bataan. They added that they were forced into signing the affidavits. Hours after the briefing, both women were turned over by the Army’s 70th Infantry Battalion to the Commission on Human Rights which reunited them with their families.
‘Hiccups’

Ernesto Torres Jr., executive director of the task force’s secretariat, said they would review their program protocol although he added that their experience with the women activists would not affect future cases in their initiative to assist communist rebels who want to return to the fold of law.

“These are different cases. This is just one of those hiccups that happen in the program. It’s really unfortunate but we will proceed,” he said

The PNP, meanwhile, said that it would look again into the kidnapping claim of Tamano and Castro although as far as PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. was concerned, both voluntarily yielded to authorities.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1835169/govt-releases-videos-of-abducted-activists

6 NPA rebels killed in Negros Occidental clash

From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 22, 2023): 6 NPA rebels killed in Negros Occidental clash (By GLAZYL MASCULINO)

BACOLOD CITY – Six members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in a clash with the Army 47th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Sitio Lubi, Barangay Tabugon, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental on Thursday, September 21.

The 302nd Infantry Brigade (IBde) identified the fatalities as alias “Bravo or “Peter,” squad leader; his wife alias “Diane,” alias “Goring” or “Rico,” medic, alias “Recoy,” vice squad leader of Squad 3, and alias “Brendo” or “Kenneth,” vice squad leader of Squad 2.

The sixth communist fatality remains unidentified.

The Army said that the military engaged members of the South West Front (SWF), Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor (KR-NCBS) at around 7:50 p.m.

No casualties were reported from the government side.

The military recovered from the encounter site four .45 caliber pistols, a hand grenade, a .38 caliber revolver, medical paraphernalia, personal belongings, and subversive documents of high-intelligence value.

The Army has yet to provide more details about the incident as of posting time.

https://mb.com.ph/2023/9/22/6-npa-rebels-killed-in-negros-occidental-clash

PH, Bangladesh eye expansion of defense cooperation

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 21, 2023): PH, Bangladesh eye expansion of defense cooperation (By Priam Nepomuceno)

EXPANDING TIES. AFP deputy chief of staff for education, training and doctrine, Maj. Gen. Noel Beleran (right) discusses education and training plans with Brig. Gen. Kazi Anisuzzaman (left) of the Directing Staff Army-6, National Defense College of Bangladesh on Wednesday. The AFP on Thursday (Sept. 21, 2023) said the Philippines and Bangladesh are looking to expand cooperation through education and training as part of efforts to ensure peace in the Indo-Pacific Region. (Photo courtesy of the AFP)

MANILA – The Philippines and Bangladesh are looking to expand cooperation through education and training as part of efforts to ensure peace in the Indo-Pacific Region, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Thursday.

“We are planning to establish our defense cooperation and our shared responsibility through education and training in pursuit of a more stable Indo-Pacific,” AFP deputy chief of staff for education, training and doctrine Maj. Gen. Noel Beleran said in a statement.

This came following the visit of Brig. Gen. Kazi Kazi Anisuzzaman of Directing Staff Army-6 of the National Defense College of Bangladesh to the AFP headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Wednesday.

Beleran also discussed AFP’s courses and exchange programs as well as the plans to continue working with allies in terms of education and training.

Meanwhile, Anisuzzaman also shared the challenges and goals that they have in Bangladesh.

"We need you and we need our brothers beside us. We value your country," Anisuzzaman said as he expressed his hopes of “increasing connectivity” with partner nations.

The National Defense College of Bangladesh is currently on its study tour in the Philippines and intends to share and exchange views on both countries’ challenges and development strategies.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1210289

OPAPRU: Unification of 2 MNLF groups among PH's peace milestones

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 21, 2023): OPAPRU: Unification of 2 MNLF groups among PH's peace milestones (By Priam Nepomuceno)

MANILA – The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) on Thursday touted the unification of two Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) groups as one of the many milestones in the country's peace process.

"With (Secretary Carlito ) Galvez (Jr.) at the helm of the OPAPRU, it helped reunite the Misuari and Sema groups of the MNLF after decades of separation, which is considered a landmark development under the Bangsamoro peace process," the agency said in a statement during the celebration of its 30th anniversary.

The OPAPRU earlier accepted the role of helping the two MNLF groups in its convergence efforts.

This agreement was contained in a resolution signed by Galvez and Bangsamoro Labor and Employment Minister Muslimin Sema, who is also MNLF chairperson.

In a resolution, the MNLF Sema Group said it is "amenable to pursue convergence efforts with the MNLF group under the leadership of Chair Nur Misuari."

"The OPAPRU shall facilitate the discussion on convergence between the MNLF Groups. As a vehicle for convergence, a Joint MNLF Executive Committee shall be established to be represented by leaders of the two MNLF Groups that shall provide policy guidance on convergence efforts," it added.

It noted that the current partnership between the government and the MNLF-Sema group would be "renamed into GPH-MNLF Coordinating and Implementing Committee."

The OPAPRU also said it has played a key role in establishing an inclusive Bangsamoro Transition Authority.

The agency also assisted in the rebuilding of Marawi City and implemented social healing interventions for the victims of the siege.

To date, the OPAPRU is implementing the political and normalization tracks of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), which is a testament to the strong partnership between the national government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Under the Normalization Program, around 65 percent of the 40,000 MILF combatants have been decommissioned.

Meanwhile, the agency said it continues to roll out projects under its PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) Program aimed at improving the access of residents to much-needed socio-economic interventions, and empower communities and strengthen their capacities to address issues of conflict and peace.

It said a total of 21,914 projects which cover agricultural productivity support, agri-fishery, capacity building, natural resource management, community infrastructure, electrification, water system, flood control, and health centers have been completed under the PAMANA Program.

The program, which is anchored on conflict-sensitive and peacebuilding approaches, has 2,585 ongoing projects nationwide.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1210291

AFP chief calls for 'meaningful conversations' to foster peace

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 21, 2023): AFP chief calls for 'meaningful conversations' to foster peace (By Priam Nepomuceno)

SYMBOL OF PEACE. AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. (2nd from right) joins Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. (center) and other guests during the unveiling of the "Symbol of Peace" monument on Thursday (Sept. 21, 2023) at the headquarters of 6th Infantry Division in Maguindanao del Norte. The AFP attributed the successful peace and development efforts in the Bangsamoro to the whole-of-nation approach and the support of the communities. (Photo courtesy of the AFP)

MANILA – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Thursday called for "meaningful conversations" to tear down the walls of conflict and promote peace.

Brawner made this remark during the unveiling of the "Symbol of Peace" monument at the 6th Infantry Division headquarters in Maguindanao del Norte province.

"May it inspire us all to engage in meaningful conversations to dismantle the walls that divide us and to build bridges of understanding and reconciliation. Let us draw strength from the enduring spirit displayed by the men and women who have helped shape our nation’s history,” Brawner said.

The monument is an 18-foot replica of an M-16 automatic rifle built using dismantled firearms confiscated, captured, recovered or surrendered to the military as part of ongoing efforts to end violence and proliferation of illegal firearms in the Bangsamoro region.

Also present during the ceremony were Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., Western Mindanao Command head Lt. Gen. Steve Crespillo, 6th Infantry Division chief Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera and other representatives and stakeholders in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The AFP also attributed the successful peace and development efforts in the Bangsamoro to the whole-of-nation approach and the support of the communities, adding that a purely military solution will only be temporary.

“When all government agencies, the local government, the private sector, and more importantly the peace-inclined groups work together, we can speed up peace and progress,” he added.

Brawner also urged all Filipinos to stand and be united in upholding peace, unity and progress.

"May this symbol of transformation and peace serve as a constant reminder of our responsibility to protect our nation and the very fabric of harmony upon which it is built,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1210301