Antiterror raps lodged vs 3 Negros NGO workers

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 6, 2025): Antiterror raps lodged vs 3 Negros NGO workers

Negros Island Region. INQUIRER FILES

BACOLOD CITY—Three members of a nongovernment organization (NGO) based in southern Negros faced charges in court after they were arrested on Jan. 2 for allegedly providing financial aid to the New People’s Army (NPA), the military arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

Dharyl Albañez, Federico Salvilla, and Perla Pavillar—workers of Paghidaet sa Kauswagan Development Group (PDG) Inc.—were charged with violation of Republic Act No. 10168, also known as the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012.
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READ: Cebu court sets trial for 24 red-tagged NGO workers

Albañez secured his temporary liberty after posting the P200,000 bail set for each of the accused. The two others remained in police custody.

The Department of Justice, on Dec. 3, 2024, claimed the three NGO workers were involved in funding the activities of the NPA in the towns of Pulupandan and Cauayan and La Carlota City in Negros Occidental.Article continues after this advertisement

The Negros chapter of the militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), in a statement posted on Facebook on Friday, condemned the arrest of the three development workers, saying it was part of the Marcos administration’s “escalating crackdown against progressive development workers and activists who tirelessly champion the rights of marginalized communities.”Article continues after this advertisement

“This pivot serves as a clear demonstration of the administration’s subservience to US imperialist interests, particularly in heightening tensions with China,” it added.

PDG has a decadeslong history of advocating for agrarian reform and the rights of small farmers and fishers and has long been a target of red-tagging and harassment, Bayan said. —CARLA P. GOMEZ

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2021686/antiterror-raps-lodged-vs-3-negros-ngo-workers

2 Panay activists ask Ombudsman to sanction soldiers for red-tagging

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 8, 2025): 2 Panay activists ask Ombudsman to sanction soldiers for red-tagging (By: Joey Marzan)

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — State forces, who are usually taking to court militants they accuse of colluding with communist rebels, are now on the receiving end of a complaint lodged by two activists from Iloilo and Aklan provinces on Panay Island.

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) Panay secretary general Elmer Forro and Bayan-Aklan spokesperson Kim-Sin Tugna filed the administrative complaint against two military officers who allegedly linked them to the rebel movement on their blocktime radio programs last year.

The two, in a complaint mailed to the Office of the Ombudsman in Quezon City, named Staff Sergeants Nathan dela Cruz and Ernel Mallan of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID)-3rd Civil-Military Operations Battalion as respondents.

READ: A slap in the face of red-taggers

Forro and Tugna, in their Dec. 20, 2024 complaint only made public recently, asked the antigraft office to cite Dela Cruz and Mallan for grave misconduct for linking them to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), and political front, the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

They also sought the suspension of Dela Cruz and Mallan pending the investigation of the case and for the soldiers.Article continues after this advertisement

“This culture of vilification and harassment has extended beyond verbal attacks. Military units under the 301st Infantry Brigade engaged in surveillance operations, posted defamatory statements, and spread fear within communities in Panay by deploying troops in civilian communities,” Bayan said in a statement Monday on the complaint filed.Article continues after this advertisement

It added: “Such actions infringe on free speech, freedom of assembly, and freedom of association enshrined in the Philippine Constitution and recognized under international law.”

The Inquirer tried to get a statement from 3ID, but it has yet to receive a response as of Tuesday.
‘Recruiters’

Dela Cruz and Mallan were accused of repeatedly Red-tagging the complainants, tagging them as alleged “recruiters” of the CPP-NPA-NDFP, in their radio programs—“Spearhead Times” in K5 News FM Kalibo and “Sundalo Ako Ng Bayan” (I am a Soldier of the Nation) over Radyo Todo Kalibo—between May and October last year.

The complaint cited the 2023 case of Deduro vs Vinoya, publicized by the Supreme Court in 2024, which considered red-tagging as a threat.

The case also involved an activist from Iloilo, former Bayan Muna Rep. Siegfred Deduro.

“By repeatedly red-tagging complainant Tugna, other activists, and Bayan, the respondents intentionally and deliberately, in conspiracy with one another, with malice, and in a highly oppressive and discriminatory manner, in contravention of law, rules, and standards as discussed below, and in violation of the victims’ civil and political rights,” Forro and Tugna said.

The repeated Red-tagging, the complaint said, “threatened and endangered their lives, liberty, and security, as well as that of their family members and colleagues.”

Forro and Tugna also accused the two Army soldiers of violating Republic Act No. 11313, or the Safe Spaces Act, when they called activist Rovelyn Tugna a “sexytary” during their Aug. 25, 2024 broadcast.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2022262/2-panay-activists-ask-ombudsman-to-sanction-soldiers-for-red-tagging

Farmer Killed by NPA in San Carlos

From the Daily Guardian (Jan 9, 2025): Farmer Killed by NPA in San Carlos (By Glazyl M. Jopson)

Police secure the crime scene in Barangay Bagonbon, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, where a farmer was shot dead by rebels Tuesday. (Photo courtesy of San Carlos City Police Station)

BACOLOD CITY – The Roselyn Jean Pelle Command-New People’s Army (NPA) claimed responsibility for the killing of a farmer in Barangay Bagonbon, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, last Tuesday.

Ka Cecil Estrella, spokesperson for the rebel group, said the action was a “punitive measure” against the 51-year-old victim, whom they accused of being a serial rapist.

The group also alleged that the victim was a ringleader of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army (RPA) and a military intelligence asset.

“His punishment has long been demanded by the masses,” the group stated in a statement released Wednesday.

Police Major Ryan Villasario, deputy chief of the San Carlos City Police Station, said the victim was tending to his cow around 8 a.m. when unidentified armed men shot him.

The victim succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds. Authorities recovered a spent shell from a 5.56 mm firearm at the crime scene.

Villasario said the victim had no criminal record. Despite the NPA’s statement, he emphasized that investigators would continue to pursue the case based on evidence and witness accounts.

“It’s their claim and propaganda,” Villasario said, adding that the allegations alone would not be taken at face value.

https://dailyguardian.com.ph/farmer-killed-by-npa-in-san-carlos/#google_vignette

NPA claims killing of San Carlos tanod

From Digicast Negros (Jan 9, 2025): NPA claims killing of San Carlos tanod (By Mark L. Garcia)

The New People’s Army (NPA) claimed the killing of a chief tanod in a shooting incident in Brgy. Bagonbon, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, on Tuesday, Jan. 7.

The NPA Roselyn Jean Pelle Command of the Northern Negros Guerilla Front alleged that Elberito Ancero, 51, was a military intelligence asset.

Ancero died after 12 armed individuals shot him.

The victim was tending to his cow when he was killed.

The NPA said their “punitive action” was due to the victim’s “counter-revolutionary acts” and alleged rape cases.

The police are still investigating the incident.*

https://digicastnegros.com/npa-claims-killing-of-san-carlos-tanod/#google_vignette

Surrendered Firearms

From MindaNews (Jan 10, 2025): Surrendered Firearms (By Froilan Gallardo)

Brigadier General Michelle Anayron, commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, shows Bukidnon officials led by 2nd District Rep. Jonathan Flores (R) the firearms surrendered by 36 New People’s Army rebels in Malaybalay City on Friday, 10 January 2024. MindaNews photo by FROILAN GALLARDO

https://mindanews.com/photo-of-the-day/2025/01/surrendered-firearms/#gsc.tab=0

Sipalay gunfight leaves one dead, sends community into panic

From Brigada News (Jan 10, 2025): Sipalay gunfight leaves one dead, sends community into panic (By Reymund Titong)

Government troops engaged with an alleged New People’s Army (NPA) member in Sitio Camboguiot, Barangay Camindangan, Sipalay City, leaving one person dead and sparking panic among residents, especially the elderly, at around 7:00 AM on Friday, January 10.

Lieutenant Colonel J-Jay Javines, Public Information Chief of the 3rd Infantry Division, told Brigada News FM Philippines that they have not yet identified the deceased.

However, he said that the deceased was a male, estimated to be between 50 and 60 years old, and belonged to the NPA’s Southwest Front, which the military considers dismantled.

Troops from the 15th Infantry Battalion engaged the armed group after receiving a tip about their presence in the area. The firefight lasted several minutes, he added.

The military recovered an M14 rifle, a backpack, personal belongings, and other documents from the scene. The military believes these items are subversive.

A video posted on Facebook captured residents panicking and calling for help as gunshots rang out in the background.

https://www.brigadanews.ph/sipalay-gunfight-leaves-one-dead-sends-community-into-panic/

NPA killed, high-powered firearm seized in Negros Occidental clash

From the Sun Star-Philippines (Jan 11, 2025): NPA killed, high-powered firearm seized in Negros Occidental clash (By Leo Solinap)

NEGROS. A 15th Infantry Battalion soldiers show the M14 assault rifle, and four backpacks and other recoveries at the encounter site in Sitio Cambugyot, Barangay Camindangan, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental, where one NPA member was killed and an M14 assault rifle was seized following a 25-minute firefight on January 10, 2025. (Photo by 15IB)

A MEMBER of the Communist New People’s Army (NPA) was killed during an encounter with troops from the Army’s 15th Infantry (Molave Warrion) Battalion (15IB) on Friday, January 10, 2025, in Sitio Cambugyot, Barangay Camindangan, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental.

Major General Marion Sison, commander of the Army's 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division (3ID), commended the 15IB for its successful operation.

He highlighted the neutralization of an NPA member and the seizure of a high-powered firearm as significant accomplishments in maintaining peace and security in Negros Island.

“I urge the remaining CTG (Communist Terrorist Group) remnants to lay down their arms and return to the fold of law. There is still time to choose a different path. Our troops remain committed to pursuing those who threaten the hard-won stable internal peace and security environment of Negros Island,” Sison said.

He also called on NPA members to take advantage of the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip) and Amnesty Program, emphasizing the opportunity to reunite with their families and reintegrate into their communities.

He emphasized the chance to avoid the same fate as their comrades and urged them to work together for a peaceful future on Negros Island.

“This is your chance to avoid the same fate that befell your comrade. Together, we can build a peaceful future for Negros Island, a future where harmony and progress flourish,” Sison added.

The clash occurred between 15IB at around 7:35 a.m. as government forces conducted combat operations following reports of armed communist terrorists in Sipalay City.

The 15IB based in Cauayan, Negros Occidental is headed by Lieutenant Colonel Brian Bagaipo.

The soldiers encountered an undetermined number of remnants from the dismantled Southwest Front under the Komiteng Rehiyon – Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor.

The firefight lasted for 25 minutes, resulting in the death of one unidentified NPA member. The troops recovered the cadaver of the slain rebel, an M14 assault rifle, and four backpacks. No casualties were reported on the side of the government forces. (Leo Solinap/SunStar Philippines)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/iloilo/npa-killed-high-powered-firearm-seized-in-negros-occidental-clash

2 ex-ASG members killed in Basilan town ambush

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Jan 7, 2025): 2 ex-ASG members killed in Basilan town ambush

Basilan map. (SunStar photo)

TWO former members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) were killed in an ambush in a remote area in Sumisip, Basilan province, the police said Tuesday, January 7, 2025.

The incident was reported to the Sumisip Police Station around 8:50 p.m. Monday, January 6, although it took place around 5:40 p.m. at Sitio Datag in Ettub-Ettub village.

In a report to the Basilan Police Provincial Office, Police Lieutenant Mujib Hassan, Sumisip police officer-in-charge, identified the fatalities as Burhan Ajaa, and Radzmie Tuya, 20, all residents of Ettub-Ettub.

Investigation showed the victims were walking on the way home when unidentified gunmen waylaid them that resulted to their instantaneous death.

The remains of the victims were brought to their respective residence for burial in accordance to the Muslim rites and tradition.

The police are still conducting an in-depth probe to determine the identities of the suspects behind the ambush. (SunStar Zamboanga)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/2-ex-asg-members-killed-in-basilan-town-ambush

2 former bandits killed in Basilan attack

From ABS-CBN (Jan 7, 2025): 2 former bandits killed in Basilan attack (By Roel Pareño)

© Wikipedia photo

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Two former Abu Sayyaf bandits were killed in an attack by unidentified assailants in Sumisip, Basilan on Monday.

Police identified the fatalities as Nadzmie Hatta Arili, alias Burhan, and Radzmie Amil Nakibsina, who had been reintegrated into the community a few months ago.

Investigation showed the victims were walking home in Sitio Datag, Barangay Ettub-Ettub when they were killed.

The victims died instantly from multiple gunshot wounds, probers said.

A manhunt has been launched for the assailants.

https://www.msn.com/en-ph/news/national/2-former-bandits-killed-in-basilan-attack/ar-AA1x7oxf?apiversion=v2&noservercache=1&domshim=1&renderwebcomponents=1&wcseo=1&batchservertelemetry=1&noservertelemetry=1

PNP reshuffles 10 ranking officers

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 11, 2025): PNP reshuffles 10 ranking officers (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

MANILA – Ten ranking officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) have received new assignments in the latest leadership reshuffle ordered by PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil.

In a directive dated Jan. 10 and made public Saturday, Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan was appointed director of Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 (Central Visayas).

PNP spokesperson and Information Office chief, Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, succeeds Maranan as director of PRO 3 (Central Luzon).

Fajardo will be replaced by Col. Randolf Tuaño as acting PNP spokesperson and Information Office chief.

Brig. Gen. Roel Rodolfo was named director of PRO 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula).

Rodolfo, who assumed leadership of the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group on Jan. 8, will be replaced by Col. Elmer Ragay.

Brig. Gen. Eleazar Matta is now officer in charge of the Highway Patrol Group (HPG), with Col. Rolando Cuya Jr. replacing him as head of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG).

Other new appointees are Brig. Gen. Bowenn Joey Masauding as deputy director of the Directorate for Comptrollership, Brig. Gen. Wilson Asueta as deputy director of the Directorate for Information and Communications Technology, and Brig. Gen. William Segun as deputy director of the PNP Area Police Command in Southern Luzon.

Marbil said the reshuffle aims to strategically position officials. He urged them to remain committed to fairness and integrity in performing their duties.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1241545

NPA leader tagged in killing of young footballer in 2021 nabbed

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 12, 2025): NPA leader tagged in killing of young footballer in 2021 nabbed (By Darryl John Esguerra)

Keith Absalon (Photo courtesy of Far Eastern University)

MANILA – Authorities have arrested a high-ranking New People’s Army (NPA) member allegedly involved in the murder of Far Eastern University (FEU) football player Keith Absalon and his cousin Nolven Absalon in Masbate City in June 2021.

Members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the Bicol region led the operation that led to the arrest of the suspect identified as “Onang" on Jan. 6.

A warrant of arrest in connection with the Absalon murders was issued against Onang and 23 others by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) 5th Judicial Region, Branch Masbate City.

Onang is charged with multiple crimes, including violations of the International Humanitarian Law and Other Crimes Against Humanity (RA 9851), two counts of murder, and one count of attempted murder.

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) lauded the arrest of Onang, calling it a “significant breakthrough in the nation’s fight against insurgency and criminality.”

“The capture of ‘Onang’ is a clear message to all who seek to disrupt peace and commit heinous crimes under the guise of ideology. The long arm of the law will find you, and justice will prevail," NTF-ELCAC Executive Director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. said in a statement Saturday evening.

Keith Absalon, who was one of the country’s most celebrated football players in high school, and his cousin were victims of an improvised explosive device blast while riding bicycles in Masbate in 2021.

“Keith Absalon’s murder was a monstrous act that shocked the nation and underscored the ruthless tactics of the NPA. Today, we are one step closer to justice for Keith, Nolven, and their grieving families,” Torres said. (With Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1241564

BCDA takes over Camp John Hay leased area

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 6, 2025): BCDA takes over Camp John Hay leased area (By Liza Agoot)

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Camp John Hay opens to the public around 11 a.m. Monday (Jan. 6, 2025) after a brief closure earlier in the day to make way for the implementation of the Notice to Vacate for the clients of private developer, Camp John Hay Development Corporation. The takeover adheres to the Supreme Court’s October 2024 decision that ordered the private developer to transfer to the government, through the Bases Conversion Development Authority, the management of the leased property. (Contributed photos/Jimmy Ceralde)

BAGUIO CITY – Monday’s turnover of the 240-hectare leased areas of Camp John Hay to the government did not encounter hitches.

The Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) has gained control of different facilities following a Supreme Court decision in October 2024 that ordered the private developer, Camp John Hay Development Corporation (CJHDevCo), to turn over management of the leased property.

Leilani Macasaet, BCDA vice president for public affairs, said in a statement that they have gained control of The Manor, Forest Lodge, golf club, CAP Convention Center, Commander’s Cottage, open spaces and other areas

“BCDA assures the public that businesses will continue to operate and thrive in Camp John Hay,” she said.

All gates going inside the Camp John Hay facilities were closed on Monday prior to the takeover, but were opened to the public around 11 a.m.

Col. Ruel Tagel, Baguio City Police Office Director, said in a phone interview that officers were deployed during the process upon request.

“The notice was orderly and there was no untoward incident that happened in the implementation of the court’s order,” he said.

The John Hay Leisure, which operates The Manor, Forest Lodge and Cap Convention Center, said they support the transition but called for the protection of their more than 400 direct employees and contractors.

CJH Golf Club, for its part, said it also wants its more than 1,000 members protected.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1241079

Gov’t forces seek to end terror financing in Western Visayas

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 6, 2025): Gov’t forces seek to end terror financing in Western Visayas (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

COLLARED. The arrest of Dharyl Albañez (left), accused of terrorism financing, in La Carlota City, Negros Occidental, on Jan. 2, 2024. He is one of the three facing terrorism financing charges before the Regional Trial Court Branch 31 in Iloilo City, arrested in the province on the same day. (Photo courtesy of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office)

BACOLOD CITY – Top officials of the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army in Western Visayas welcomed the arrest of the three individuals accused of terrorism financing in Negros Occidental.

In a statement on Monday, Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky, director of Police Regional Office (PRO)-6, said terrorism financing is the lifeblood of the operations of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

“It remains the single, most utilized strategy in their desperate bid to overthrow our democratic government. Cutting the source and prosecuting those who facilitate the generation of these funds will put an end to the CPP-NPA-NDF,” he added.

Joint police and military personnel served warrants of arrest to Dharyl Albañez, 41; Perla Pavillar, 57; and Federico Salvilla, 63, all members of the Paghidaet sa Kauswagan Development Group Inc. based in Kabankalan City, in separate operations on Jan. 2.

Albañez was first arrested in La Carlota City, followed by Pavillar in Cauayan town, and Salvilla in the municipality of Pulupandan.

Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division (ID), said the arrest is “a crucial step in curbing the flow of funds and resources” to the CPP-NPA-NDF.

“The 3ID recognizes the insidious nature of this terrorist financing network, which operates through various front organizations disguised as legitimate entities,” he said in a separate statement.

Sison said these groups “exploit both international and local sources to provide vital material, financial and logistical support to sustain terroristic activities and exploitation of communities in far-flung areas.”

Last December, the three accused were among the five individuals charged by the Department of Justice with violation of Section 8 of Republic Act 10168 or the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012 before the Regional Trial Court Branch 31 in Iloilo City.

Both Albañez and Salvilla were charged with two counts, while Pavillar, with three counts, with a bail of PHP200,000 for each count.

In a statement posted on Facebook on Sunday, the Defend NGOs Alliance said Albañez has already posted a bail of PHP400,000.

The two other accused were Clarissa Ramos and Felipe Levy Gelle.

The complaints were filed by the PRO-6, which is part of the Special Task Group on Countering Communist Terrorist Resource Generation for Region 6 (STG-CCRG), before the DOJ, which conducted the preliminary investigation proceedings before elevating the cases before the court.

“We stand firmly behind the STG-CCRG’s move to expose and dismantle these terror-financing networks, ultimately depriving the (CPP-NPA-NDF) of the resources they need to recuperate and resurge after suffering major debacles,” Sison said.

In a separate statement, the Joint Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict-6 said, “the government’s task is to unmask these groups and to uncover their schemes so that the CPP-NPA-NDF will eventually lose their source of funds to support their terrorism-related activities.”

“With the arrest and the prosecution of those engaged in terrorism financing, we are confident that Western Visayas will soon break free from this menace,” it added.

The filing of the cases against the five accused from Negros Occidental followed the landmark conviction of Ian Arevallo, a taxation unit member of the CPP-NPA-NDF Komiteng Rehiyon Panay, who pleaded guilty to being an accomplice in terrorism financing, before the RTC Branch 2 in Kalibo, Aklan in September last year.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1241099

Army dismantles 2 NPA platoons in Samar Island

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 7, 2025): Army dismantles 2 NPA platoons in Samar Island (By Sarwell Meniano)

FIGHTING INSURGENCY. Soldiers patrolling a remote area in Eastern Samar in this undated photo. The Philippine Army has dismantled two platoons of the New People’s Army that operated in some parts of Samar and Eastern Samar provinces. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Army has dismantled two platoons of the New People’s Army (NPA) that operated in some parts of Samar and Eastern Samar provinces.

After decades of fighting government forces in the southern part of Samar Island, the "Bugsok" and "Apoy" platoons are now considered officially dismantled, Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, commander of the Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade, said.

The two platoons are the remaining rebel formations under the sub-regional committee (SRC) Sesame of the NPA’s Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC).

The National Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center (NJPSCC) approved the declaration through the signing of resolution No. 13 on Dec. 11, 2024, according to Vestuir.

He recalled that in middle of 2023 during the relocation of the Army's 802nd Brigade headquarters to Borongan City, Eastern Samar, the Apoy platoon had 44 fighters while the Bugsok platoon had 23 combatants.

“Through synchronized efforts and the right force mix utilizing combat, intelligence, and civil-military operations, 47 active NPA fighters were neutralized, and 87 assorted firearms and 54 banned anti-personnel mines were seized until year-end 2024,” Vestuir told the Philippine News Agency.

Currently, there are only 16 members left, five of whom are more than 60 years old, and they have no direction from the Communist Party of the Philippines, as their secretary already surrendered because of hardships, hunger, and inhospitality of the communities towards the NPA, he said.

In an earlier interview, Realyn Basada, 38, a former secretary of the sub-regional committee Sesame under the NPA’s EVRPC, said the absence of provision from previously supportive upland farmers influenced her decision to escape from their lair at about midnight on the third week of November 2024.

“We starved for many days because we did not get any donations from farmers after the military conducted the RCSP (retooled community support program) in previously NPA-influenced areas. We’re not getting any support, unlike in the past,” Basada said.

This development prompted the joint evaluation board from the military and police to recommend the SRC Sesame as dismantled during its meeting on Dec. 23, 2024. The board is just waiting for the resolution from the NJPSCC.

“The troops and stakeholders in the communities are optimistic in pursuing these 16 remnants for this year's campaign to once and for all achieve the total victory of winning the peace in the southern half of Samar Island against the NPA, who waged anti-community development actions since the 1970s,” Vestuir added.

He commended all troops for their bravery, discipline, and sacrifice for the successful dismantling of the two remaining platoon formations.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1241176

4 NPA rebels surrender in Bicol

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 9, 2025): 4 NPA rebels surrender in Bicol (By Connie Calipay)

Police Regional Office-5 Headquarters in Legazpi City (PNA file photo)

LEGAZPI CITY – Four members of the New People's Army (NPA) operating in Bicol voluntarily surrendered to authorities early this week.

In a report on Wednesday, Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5), said the returnees are from the provinces of Masbate and Sorsogon.

Three of them identified as alias "Dado", "Ting", and "Ando", all of legal age and members of Platoon 1, Larangan 2, Kilusang Larangan Guerilla South Sub Regional Committee 4 of the NPA's Bicol Regional Party Committee, surrendered to a joint team from the Revitalized Pulis Sa Barangay (RPSB) in Baras village, Esperanza town in Masbate province, the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), and the Esperanza Municipal Police Station.

"The surrenderers are currently under the custody of the RPSB Team Baras and the 2nd PMFC for debriefing and documentation," Calubaquib said.

In Sorsogon, another NPA member, known only as "Juan," surrendered to the joint team from the 502nd Mobile Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 5, Matnog Municipal Police Station, and the 22nd Infantry Battalion Alpha Company of the Philippine Army.

He turned over a .45 caliber pistol loaded with six rounds of ammunition.

Alias "Juan" was identified as an active informant for communist terrorist group (CTG) operations from 2007 to 2009 and again from 2019 to 2023, particularly in Barangay Mapaso, Irosin town.

He is now under the custody of the 502nd Mobile Company and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 5 for further processing.

The surrendered individuals will be enrolled in the government’s "Balik-Loob" program through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

The E-CLIP is designed to promote reconciliation in a non-violent manner and offers a package of assistance, including immediate support, help with the reintegration process, capital for livelihood, and remuneration for surrendered firearms.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1241342