Maguindanao’s powerful political alliance collapses as 3 clans bolt to MILF party

From Rappler (Oct 7, 2024): Maguindanao’s powerful political alliance collapses as 3 clans bolt to MILF party (By Ferdinandh Cabrera)

The political families Midtimbangs, Masturas, and Sinsuats bolt from the Maguindanao provinces' 'Family Alliance' to the party of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front

DAVAO, Philippines – The BARMM Grand Alliance (BGC) suffered a major setback after three of its four founding political clans left the coalition in the two Maguindanao provinces and threw their support behind the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

The Family Alliance-BGC was established by the political families of Maguindanao del Sur Governor Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu and former Sultan Kudarat governor Suharto “Teng” Mangudadatu, Ali and Antao Midtimbang, Tucao Mastura, and the Sinsuats of Maguindanao del Norte.

The well-entrenched political clans were key members of the BGC, until three – the Midtimbangs, Masturas, and Sinsuats – agreed to unite with the UBJP.

On Sunday night, dozens of incumbent local chief executives and prospective candidates for the UBJP convened in Davao City for a meeting with Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo, Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) chairperson and South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr., BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Balawag “Al Haj” Ebrahim, and Maguindanao del Norte Governor Abdulraof Macacua.

As a result, the UBJP officially declared Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte Mayor Tucao Mastura as their standard bearer for the governorship of Maguindanao del Norte.

For Maguindanao del Sur, the UBJP will field Ali Midtimbang, the father of Vice Governor Nathaniel Midtimbang, for governor. Ali’s running mate is Hisham Nando, son of the late BARMM Wali Sheikh Khalipa Nando.

Former Maguindanao governor and 2nd District representative Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu will run for Congress in Maguindanao del Sur under the UBJP..

The congressional and vice gubernatorial bets for Maguindanao del Norte have been contentious. Ebrahim said they agreed to allow Representative Dimple Mastura and former representative Sandra Sema to fight for the position under the UBJP. It’s going to be a “free zone.”

He said the same applies to Datu Blah Sinsuat Mayor Marshall Sinsuat and former Vice Governor Ainee Sinsuat who would run against each other for Maguindanao del Norte’s vice gubernatorial post.

The Sinsuats were the last of the political families to join the UBJP, having been previously seen in pre-COC filing activities with Mariam Mangudadatu’s group.

“We are very thankful. We worked hard for this. Our goal is moral governance, to unite our leaders,” said Maguindanao del Norte Governor Macacua.

Macacua said he stepped aside in the Maguindanao del Norte race for the sake of unity.

“Alhamdullilah, we are grateful to Allah, the President, and the trust of our fellow leaders to lead Maguindanao del Norte,” he said.

Maguindanao del Sur Governor Mangudadatu filed her certificate of candidacy on Monday morning, October 7, with former Mamasapano Mayor Benzar Ampatuan as her running mate, instead of her initial pick, Nathaniel Midtimbang.

Her husband Suharto has already filed his COC but has yet to announce his running mate. Until the Sinsuats’ move to join the UBJP, Suharto was expected to pick Ainee Sinsuat as his running mate. – Rappler.com

https://www.rappler.com/philippines/elections/maguindanaos-powerful-political-alliance-collapses-as-3-clans-bolt-to-Moro Islamic Liberation Front-party/

Isabela City now ‘Abu Sayyaf free’

From the Business World Online (Oct 6, 2024): Isabela City now ‘Abu Sayyaf free’

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COTABATO CITY — Officials have declared Isabela City in Basilan as fully cleared from the presence of the Abu Sayyaf terror group, a result of cross-section peace initiatives.

Brig. Gen. Alvin V. Luzon, commander of the Army’s 101st Infantry Brigade in Basilan, told reporters via Facebook Messenger on Sunday that credit for the feat should go to the Isabela City Peace and Order Council and the administration of Basilan Gov. Hadjiman H. Salliman.

The multi-sector, inter-agency Isabela City peace and security council, led by Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, has members from the local Muslim and Christian religious communities.

Luzon, local leaders led by Ms. Turabin-Hataman and her spouse, Basilan Congressman Mujiv S. Hataman, and Army Brig. Gen. Leonardo I. Peña, who is commander of the anti-terror Joint Task Force Orion, together officiated last week the symbolic declaration of Isabela City as “Abu Sayyaf free,” meaning totally liberated from the presence of the group.

Units of the 101st Infantry Brigade, the Basilan Provincial Police Office, Salliman and his constituent-mayors in the province had earlier declared, one after another, as Abu Sayyaf free all the 11 towns in the province and its second city, Lamitan, which has 45 barangays. — John Felix M. Unson

https://www.bworldonline.com/the-nation/2024/10/06/626098/isabela-city-now-abu-sayyaf-free/

Rights groups condemn acquittal of ’martial law architect’

Propaganda article posted to the pro-CPP/NDF/NPA online propaganda news outlet, Bulalat (Oct 8, 2024): Rights groups condemn acquittal of ’martial law architect’ (Anne Marxze Umil) October 8, 2024)

MANILA – Rights-based groups condemned the acquittal of martial law architect Juan Ponce Enrile and his two co-accused of plunder charges.

In a statement, the Campaign Against the Return of the Marcoses and Martial Law (CARMMA) said that Enrile has been getting away with plunder since his day as the “number one martial law implementor of Ferdinand Marcos Sr.”

On Oct. 4, Friday, the 100-year old former senator along with his former chief of staff, Jessica “Gigi” Reyes, and businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles were acquitted of the plunder case filed against them by the Ombudsman. According to a news report, the Sandiganbayan Third Division has granted Enrile’s motion for demurrer to evidence that led to their acquittal. The Ombudsman filed plunder charges for illegally appropriating P172.83 million or $3.046 million of Enrile’s Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF, or the former monicker for the pork barrel) to non-existent non-government organizations.

CARMMA said that as one of Marcos Sr.’s top cronies, Enrile was allowed to dip his own fingers into the people’s monies.

“He is believed to have helped himself to up to $475 million of the coco levy fund, a tax forced on coconut farmers during martial law, ostensibly to develop the coconut industry. The funds, however, were used to finance Enrile’s business conglomerates such as the purchase of the United Coconut Planters Bank and the acquisition of San Miguel Corporation as well as Imeldific projects such as the Miss Universe Pageant of 1974 and the construction of the Cultural Center of the Philippines,” the group said in a statement.

The group added that Enrile has never been made accountable for what they described, his “humongous plunder of the coco levy funds.” Meanwhile under the present administration, Enrile was appointed as chief presidential legal counsel.

“Is it any wonder that he is again getting away with plunder? Enrile’s plunder acquittal is just one of several cases related to the Marcoses and his cronies that have been dismissed since the May 2022 elections,” they added.

The group cited the Sandiganbayan Second Division’s acquittal of the Marcos family’s ill-gotten wealth cases involving 10 prime real estate properties in June 2023.

“Even in the rare cases that resulted in conviction, the Marcoses have managed to stay out of prison. Imelda Marcos was sentenced to serve 40 to 70 years in prison for graft after she was found guilty by the Sandiganbayan in November 2018 of funneling some $200 million to Swiss foundations in the 1970s. However, Imelda continues to live in luxury while the case is on appeal at the Supreme Court, which has been taking its sweet time coming out with its ruling,” they added.

“Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is apparently wielding his immense powers as president in a misbegotten attempt to recoup and consolidate his thieving family’s ill-gotten wealth,” CARMMA said.

Amirah “Mek” Lidasan, a Moro woman and Makabayan senatorial candidate, expressed indignation over Sandiganbayan’s decision on the plunder against Enrile, Reyes and Napoles.

“Where is justice when corrupt individuals like Juan Ponce Enrile, Gigi Reyes, and Janet Napoles are acquitted?” Lidasan said in a statement.

“There is overwhelming evidence linking them to the pork barrel scam. Those who squandered the people’s money are freed while innocent civilians like Moro and Indigenous Peoples, falsely accused of crimes, are convicted and even killed!” she added.

Lidasan assailed the arrest of the many innocent Moro civilians who are being accused of being members of the Abu Sayyaf Group.

“They were tortured and forced to confess to secure their conviction! They have been imprisoned for years, while corrupt politicians walk free and have even been acquitted,” Lidasan said.

She also cited the filing of Anti-Terror Act cases against leaders of the Cordillera People’s Alliance. “There is no justice left for the Moro and Indigenous Peoples under this administration—it exists only for the powerful and the privileged,” Lidasan said.

“We must to put an end to a justice system that absolves the corrupt while allowing Moro and Indigenous Peoples to suffer discrimination and fabricated charges by the government. We will not stop speaking out and fighting until justice is truly served, Lidasan added. (RTS)

https://www.bulatlat.com/2024/10/08/rights-groups-condemn-acquittal-of-martial-law-architect/

1ID deploys 32IB in Basilan

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Oct 9, 2024): 1ID deploys 32IB in Basilan

ZAMBOANGA. The 1st Infantry Division deploys an additional battalion of troops to enhance security and sustain peace in Basilan province. A photo handout shows the troops of the 32nd Infantry Battalion arrived aboard a Philippine Navy ship at the port of Lamitan City, Basilan on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.SunStar Zamboanga

AN ADDITIONAL battalion of troops has been placed under the operational control of the 101st Infantry Brigade (101Bde) to enhance security and sustain peace in Basilan province.

The additional battalion deployed by the 1st Infantry Division (1ID) to Basilan is the 32nd Infantry Battalion (32IB), which arrived in the province on Tuesday, October 8.

"I am proud of what you have achieved. Your sacrifices and accomplishments mirror the success of the campaign of the 1ID, the Philippine Army, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines as a whole," Major General Gabriel Viray III, 1ID and Joint Task Force (JTF)-Zampelan commander, told the 32IB troops in a send-off ceremony on Monday, October 7.

"As you bid farewell to JTF-Zampelan and embark on new challenges in JTF Orion's area of operations, bring forth with you the laurels of your unwavering service, your consistency as models of excellence," Viray added.

The send-off ceremony was held at the 1ID grandstand at Camp Major Cesar Sang-an in Upper Pulacan village, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.

The JTF-Orion has jurisdiction over the provinces of Basilan and Sulu with the 101Bde and 11ID as its operating units.

Brigadier General Alvin Luzon, 101Bde commander, said the 32IB, will take over the operational and security responsibilities in two key municipalities of Basilan, further bolstering the Brigade's efforts to maintain stability in Basilan province, especially as preparations for the 2025 midterm elections intensify.

Luzon said the battalion's deployment comes at a critical time, with elections fast approaching and ongoing efforts to sustain peace in Basilan following recent declarations of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG)-free municipalities and cities.

In line with the Brigade's continuous mission to promote lasting peace and security in Basilan, the 32IB will support the ongoing initiatives of 101Bde, including intensified coordination with local government units, election duty, and peace-building activities across the province, according to Luzon.

"Their presence will not only ensure a peaceful election process but will also reinforce our ongoing peacekeeping efforts across Basilan," Luzon said.

"The integration of the battalion into our peace and security campaign signifies a strengthened commitment to protecting the people of Basilan and preserving the hard-earned peace in the province," he added.

He said the 32IB will be actively involved in election security preparations, ensuring that the democratic process is conducted in a safe and orderly manner.

He said they will also play a crucial role in other security-related initiatives including the furtherance of the normalization track of the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the transformation program with the Moro National Liberation Front. (SunStar Zamboanga)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/1id-deploys-32ib-in-basilan#google_vignette

PH Army, S. Korea President honor Korean War veterans

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 7, 2024): PH Army, S. Korea President honor Korean War veterans (By Priam Nepomuceno)

TRIBUTE. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol pays tribute to Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea members during the wreath-laying ceremony at the Korean War Memorial Pylon, Libingan ng mga Bayani, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Sunday (Oct. 6, 2024). The PA Security and Escort Battalion provided ceremonial honors to the South Korean leader during the wreath-laying rites. (Photo courtesy of the PA)

MANILA – The Philippine Army (PA) on Sunday joined visiting South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in honoring veterans of the Korean War.

In a statement Monday, PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said Army chief Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido hosted the South Korean leader who arrived in the country on Sunday.

Yoon honored Filipino and South Korean veterans in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Korean War Memorial Pylon inside the Libingan ng mga Bayani, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

He added that the PA Security and Escort Battalion provided ceremonial honors during the wreath-laying ceremony.

"The event pays tribute to the valor and sacrifice of the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK) members who bravely fought side-by-side with South Korean soldiers and defended their stations against the combined forces of North Korea and the Chinese People's Volunteer Army during the Korean War," Dema-ala said.

He also said the ceremony shows the PA leadership recognizes the profound significance of memorializing the sacrifices of veterans who showed resilience, bravery, and unwavering spirit.

Yoon is in the country to meet with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to discuss ways to enhance bilateral relations between Manila and Seoul.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between South Korea and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1234892

US sends aircraft, personnel to assist in Batanes relief ops

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 6, 2024): US sends aircraft, personnel to assist in Batanes relief ops (By Darryl John Esguerra)

ALLIES IN NEED. Two KC-130J Hercules aircraft from the United States Expeditionary Force arrive at the Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Saturday (Oct. 5, 2024). The aircraft transported crucial supplies, personnel and equipment to assist the ongoing relief operations in the province of Batanes following the onslaught of Super Typhoon Julian. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Air Force)

MANILA – The United States (US) has deployed personnel and planes in the Philippines to assist in relief operations in the province of Batanes following the onslaught of Typhoon Julian (Krathon).

According to the Philippine Air Force (PAF), two KC-130J Hercules aircraft from the United States III Marine Expeditionary Force brought personnel and equipment to the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Saturday afternoon.

The US aircraft delivered “crucial humanitarian assistance and disaster relief supplies” for the victims of the recent super typhoon, the PAF said in a statement, adding that the mission is part of the US government's ongoing commitment to disaster relief efforts, facilitated through the United States Agency for International Development.

The following essential items are being transported to aid the affected communities:
- 1,000 Department of Social Welfare and Development family food packs
- 1,000 Office of Civil Defense shelter repair kits
- 2,500 International Organization for Migration (IOM) graded tarpaulin sheets
- 1,000 IOM kitchen sets

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. expressed his gratitude to the country’s longstanding ally for its timely assistance.

“We are deeply thankful to the US government for their swift response and unwavering support during this critical time. Their assistance is vital as we work to rebuild and provide for our communities affected by the super typhoon,” he said.

The PAF likewise deployed its C-130 aircraft in two batches of delivery of essential goods in partnership with GMA Kapuso Foundation.

“The Philippine Air Force remains steadfast in its mission to deliver timely and efficient air transport in support of national humanitarian efforts, demonstrating once again its unwavering commitment to serve the Filipino people,” PAF public affairs chief Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said in a statement.

Julian headed to Taiwan on Wednesday but reentered the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Thursday, affecting Batanes only.

The relief operations coincided with the four-day joint military exercises on humanitarian assistance and disaster response with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force that will end Sunday.

Being held at Brigadier General Benito N. Ebuen Air Base in Mactan, Cebu, the exercise dubbed “Doshin Bahanihan 2024” is focused on aerial drop operations and rescue missions, designed to prepare both forces for a wide range of emergency scenarios, including typhoons, earthquakes and other natural disasters that frequently affect the region.

In a separate statement Saturday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said relief operations in Batanes continue with the assistance of the Joint US Military Assistance Group (JUSMAG).

The Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, represented by Lt. Col. Ariel Galimba, and JUSMAG chief Col. Edward Evans met with Batanes Governor Marilou Cayco.

The officials “emphasized the importance of close collaboration with local authorities to streamline logistics and ensure that vital resources reach the most severely impacted areas,” according to AFP Public Affairs chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad. (With reports from Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)


https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1234865

Army told to prevent NPA resurgence in Bohol

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 10, 2024): Army told to prevent NPA resurgence in Bohol (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

MEETING THE TROOPS. Maj. Gen. Marion Sison (center), commander of the 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, visits the 47th Infantry Battalion in Mabinay town, Negros Oriental province on Thursday (Oct. 10, 2024). The division commander cited the 47IB for its accomplishments, particularly in making Bohol province insurgency-free. (Photo courtesy of 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army)

DUMAGUETE CITY – The 47th Infantry Battalion (47IB) of the Philippine Army based in Negros Oriental is relentlessly sustaining its operations in nearby Bohol province to prevent a resurgence of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Lt. Col. Magno Mapalad, 47IB commanding officer, told the Philippine News Agency on Thursday that they are committed to ensuring that the NPA – the armed component of the Communist Party of the Philippines – could no longer recoup or conduct recruitment activities in Bohol.

“We are continuing our sustainment operations with the help and cooperation of the local governments and other stakeholders to maintain its current status of being insurgency-free,” Mapalad said in mixed English and Filipino.

He added that they are also strengthening their integrated territorial defense system after the remaining NPA members of the last guerilla front were neutralized early this year.

Although based in Negros Oriental province, the coverage area of the 47IB includes Bohol province.

Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) based in Jamindan town, Capiz province, during his visit to the 47IB headquarters in Mabinay town, Negros Oriental on Thursday morning, urged the troops to not let their guard down while pursuing efforts to put an end to the insurgency in the province.

Lt. Col. J-jay Javines, 3ID spokesperson, in an interview said that Sison’s visit to the 47IB and other Philippine Army units in Negros Island is to remind them that their efforts should be focused on accomplishing the mission of ending the local communist armed conflict this year.

“We need now to transition, preposition, and prepare for our territorial defense operations to end the local communist armed conflict by December 31st,” Javines said.

The 3ID commander gave awards, rewards, and recognition to 47IB troops, particularly in the battalion’s accomplishment in Bohol, which no longer has armed rebels and affected organizations, which he also wants to happen in other areas.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1235268

Joint security forces deployed for 45th MassKara Festival

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 10, 2024): Joint security forces deployed for 45th MassKara Festival (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

October 10, 2024, 7:49 pm


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SECURITY FOR MASSKARA. A send-off ceremony at the Bacolod City Police Office grounds deploys personnel of the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies to secure the 45th MassKara Festival, on Thursday afternoon (Oct. 10, 2024). The festivity will kick off with a “grand salubong” (welcome) on the night of Oct. 11 to usher in the festivity set from Oct. 12 to 27. (PNA photo by Nanette L. Guadalquiver)

BACOLOD CITY – At least 1,859 joint security personnel were deployed to ensure peace and order during the 45th MassKara Festival, which will kick off with a “grand salubong” (welcome) on the night of Oct. 11 to usher in the festivity set from Oct. 12 to 27.

Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky, director of Police Regional Office 6 (Western Visayas) and task group commander of MassKara Festival 2024, led the send-off ceremony held at the Bacolod City Police Office grounds Thursday afternoon.

“In the past, our role had been pivotal to the success of the MassKara Festival celebration. There were no major crime incidents and no emergencies involving our security contingent. This year, we gear up our efforts and preparations to achieve at least the same or probably even greater performance,” Wanky said in his message.

This year’s security forces include 1,199 uniformed personnel of the Philippine National Police and 330 more from other law enforcement agencies, such as the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Philippine Army.

Also part of the contingent are 230 force multipliers and 100 personnel of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and rescue groups.

The security personnel will be equipped with 57 mobile patrol cars, 51 motorcycles, three fire trucks, one man truck, 90 civil disturbance management equipment, and 320 hand-held radios.

Councilor Psyche Marie Sy, who delivered a message on behalf of Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, said that beyond the colorful and vibrant festival is the need for safety and order.

“Your presence in the festival ensures that the celebration remains peaceful, secure, and enjoyable for everyone. I know your training, dedication, and commitment to duty will allow you to fulfill these tasks,” she added.

The festivity’s Sapphire Edition has four major festival sites, including the Bacolod City Government Center, Bacolod Public Plaza, Lacson Tourism Strip, and Megaworld’s The Upper East.

On Saturday night, the MassKara Festival will be launched during a welcome event, with entertainers led by December Avenue, at the Bacolod City Government Center grounds.

Major events include MassKaralympics on Oct. 4-25; MassKaNamit cookfest, Oct. 15-17; Miss Bacolod MassKara finals night, Oct. 19; Lacson MassKara 2024: Kingdom, Oct. 25-27; MassKarade Ball, Oct. 25; Electric MassKara, Oct. 26; and MassKara Street Dance and Arena Competition on Oct. 27.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1235283

Army thanks ex-NPA rebels, kin for help in anti-insurgency fight

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 9, 2024): Army thanks ex-NPA rebels, kin for help in anti-insurgency fight (By Sarwell Meniano)

ARMS HAUL. Some of the firearms and ammunition of the New People’s Army discovered in Kananga, Leyte on Oct. 5, 2024. The Philippine Army said Wednesday (Oct. 9) that more former rebels, their families, and friends have been joining the government’s anti-insurgency drive by disclosing the locations of firearms buried by the communist rebels. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

TACLOBAN CITY – More former rebels, members of their families, and friends have been joining the government’s anti-insurgency drive by disclosing the locations of firearms buried by the New People’s Army (NPA), the Philippine Army said Wednesday.

Brig. Gen. Perfecto Peñaredondo, acting commander of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division, said there has been recent success in their campaign to fight insurgents with the information provided by NPA members and allies on the location of arms caches.

"This is a clear indication that the families of the NPA members and the community appreciate the efforts of the government and have decided to support the fight of ending the local communist armed conflict," Peñaredondo said in a statement.

On Oct. 5, a family member of alias ‘Agunos’, an NPA rebel killed in an armed encounter in February, revealed the locations of an arms cache containing three firearms in the upland Rizal village in Kananga, Leyte.

Troops from the 93rd Infantry Battalion under the 802nd Infantry Brigade recovered an M16 assault rifle, caliber.30 M1 garand, KG-9 pistol, five magazines, and 41 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition allegedly owned by the recently dismantled platoon 2 of the island committee Levox under the NPA Eastern Visayas regional party committee.

On Oct. 3, acting on a tip-off from a former rebel, soldiers facilitated the surrender of two active NPA remnants and recovered a significant cache of weapons and ammunition in Eastern Samar.

Soldiers from the Army’s 78th Infantry Battalion received information from alias ‘Apolonio’, a former Yunit Militia member of the NPA who identified two active NPA members hiding in Abejao village in Salcedo, Eastern Samar.

‘Apolonio’ disclosed the location of Lilio Betasolo Jacobe, alias Baoy, vice squad leader of NPA’s Apoy Platoon Squad 2, and Enorio Afable Aquilla, alias Rokles, a member of the same squad. Both rebels surrendered in Abejao village in Salcedo town.

These individuals were involved in a clash with government forces on July 25 this year, in Osmeña village, General MacArthur town in Eastern Samar, where their leader, Joel Guarino, alias ‘Duran’, was killed.

Following their surrender, they revealed the locations of hidden arms caches in the villages of Osmeña and Laurel in the same town.

The operation resulted in the recovery of two M16 rifles, two M14 rifles, one M1903 caliber .30 Springfield rifle, and one AK-47 rifle.

Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, commander of the Philippine Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade, said the success of this operation is credited to their efforts in the conduct of comprehensive debriefings with former rebels and implementing the Friends Rescued Engagement through Their Families program.

The program optimizes the local government’s efforts to link and convince the remaining NPA members through the active participation of the rebels’ families to work for the peaceful surrender of their loved ones and take advantage of benefits through the Enhanced Local Integration Program.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1235118

Ex-rebel gets PHP2.3-M for seizure of 31 firearms

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 8, 2024): Ex-rebel gets PHP2.3-M for seizure of 31 firearms (By Jesse Maguiya)

REMUNERATION. A former rebel who led government forces to the arms cache of 31 high-powered firearms received on Monday (Oct. 7, 2024) PHP2.3 million under the Enhanced Comprehensive Livelihood Integration Program of the government in Kalinga province. The program aims to encourage rebels and combatants to surrender. (Contributed photo/Jesse Maguiya)

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – A former member of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) and her spouse received PHP2.3 million from the government on Monday as remuneration for information that led to the seizure of 31 high powered firearms.

Alias "Sayap" was rewarded for providing information that led to the seizure of 31 high powered firearms in Barangay Gueday, Besao, Mountain Province.

The remuneration is under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Of the total firearms, 29 were monetized while two have pending valuations. Each were valued between PHP50,000 and PHP80,000.

In a press briefing at the capitol, Kalinga Governor and ECLIP Chairperson James Edduba handed over the financial package to “Sayap," a rebel for 35 years.

“He voluntarily surrendered and later provided the information to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Many of the firearms recovered were machine guns,” he said.

Brig. Gen. Romualdo Raymund Landingin, commander of the AFP 503rd Infantry Brigade, said in the same press conference that at least 50 more NPA members in Kalinga are interested in surrendering.

“They are, however concerned of the legal cases and security, which are reasons that are holding them back,” he said.

Landingin stressed that returning rebels will receive security and assistance under the Firearm Remuneration and Demilitarization Program.

DILG-Cordillera Assistant Director Ruperto Maribay Jr. said the successful negotiation took nearly a year to finalize.

He said the former rebel will receive additional benefits under the ECLIP program like education assistance for his three children in college, housing assistance and livelihood package.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1234985

Galvez pushes final peace deal with Reds

From the Daily Tribune (Oct 1, 2024): Galvez pushes final peace deal with Reds (By Lade Jean Kabagani)

Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. stressed Tuesday that there is still a need for the Philippine government to engage in a “final political settlement” with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDFP).

According to Galvez, this is necessary despite the continuing decline of communist insurgencies throughout the country. “Yes, definitely, because we need finality. We need to engage in a final political settlement,” Galvez said in an ambush interview.

He made the statement when asked if there is still a need to push through with the peace talks with the communist rebels amid the continuous declaration of various communities as insurgency-free.

“The declaration of insurgency-free is basically operational and has a significant effect. But our primary goal is to have a complete agreement; constituting armed struggle is no longer needed to effect change,” Galvez said.

There are ongoing exploratory peace talks between the Philippine government and the CPP-NPA-NDFP.

“We need the other side to know that there is no need for armed rebellion. If they agree, and we end up having a peace agreement, at least we can say there is a final settlement,” Galvez noted.

Under the Oslo Joint Communiqué, the Philippine government and the NDF agreed to a principled and peaceful resolution of the armed conflict, which would pave the way for the transformation of the CPP-NPA-NDF.

Galvez, who heads the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU), believes that the ongoing exploratory talks “would attract positive results,” which would help the government promote just and lasting peace in the country.

He said the government is adamant about concluding a final peace settlement with the communists before the end of the Marcos administration.

The country’s anti-terrorism council has declared the entire CPP-NPA-NDFP as a terrorist organization. During the early days of the exploratory talks, the CPP-NPA-NDFP requested the removal of their terrorist designation.

However, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said granting the CPP-NPA-NDF’s request must undergo the process of peace settlement.

https://tribune.net.ph/2024/10/01/galvez-pushes-final-peace-deal-with-reds

Philippines Says It Is ‘Monitoring’ Media Reports of Covert Foreign Ops

From The Diplomat (Oct 4, 2024): Philippines Says It Is ‘Monitoring’ Media Reports of Covert Foreign Ops (By Sebastian Strangio)

A new Al Jazeera documentary advances claims that Alice Guo, a former Philippine mayor, worked as a spy for the Chinese government.



In this screen grab from a recent Al Jazeera 101 East documentary, Chinese businessman She Zhijiang speaks to reporters by video link from prison in Bangkok, Thailand.Credit: Al Jazeera 101 East
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The Philippines says that it is concerned about recent media reports of foreign covert operation on its soil, and that security agencies were working to verify and address them. Speaking to reporters yesterday, Maria Teresita Daza, a spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs, did not name any particular foreign country or entity, but referenced a recent Al Jazeera 101 East documentary, in which a Chinese fugitive detained in Thailand alleges Chinese espionage operations on Philippine soil.

“The Department has noted reports, press reports containing relevant information on alleged foreign covert operation in the Philippines, in accordance with its mandate to help protect national security,” Daza said as per Reuters. “The Department takes such reports seriously and is monitoring relevant developments in this regard.”

Also this week, Justice Undersecretary Nicky Ty said that the Department of Justice will coordinate with the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency and National Security Agency to determine the veracity of the information contained in the documentary.

The Al Jazeera documentary, which aired last week, centers on the Chinese businessman She Zhijiang, a years-long fugitive from the law in China who headed the development of New Yatai City, an online gambling and cyber-fraud hub in Myanmar’s Karen State, close to the border with Thailand.

In the documentary, She, who was arrested in Thailand in mid-2022 and remains in custody there, is quoted as saying that he once spied for China and was recruited in the Philippines in late 2016. He also claims that he worked for China’s Ministry of State Security, the main agency that oversees foreign intelligence, along with Alice Guo, a former Philippine mayor.

This latter revelation has made a strong impact in the Philippines, where Guo, the former mayor of the town of Bamban in Tarlac province, is the subject of an ongoing Senate investigation into her alleged involvement in money laundering and Chinese-run online scam operations. The investigation began in May, following raids on two illegal Chinese-run Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, or POGOs, that were operating from properties in Bamban allegedly owned by a company belonging to Guo. After initially cooperating with the investigation, Guo fled the country in July. She was then arrested in Indonesia in early September and extradited to the Philippines, where she remains in custody.

The Senate investigation into Guo has produced a number of dramatic revelations. The first was that Guo is actually a Chinese national named Guo Huaping, who was born in China’s Fujian province and only arrived in the Philippines as a teenager. (The Al Jazeera documentary provides additional evidence to support this claim.) She then faked a birth certificate showing that she was born in Tarlac, before running successfully for local office in Bamban. Investigators also claim that billions of pesos were deposited in Guo’s bank accounts, which were then transferred to the accounts of other individuals and business entities. Most of the money came from individuals and entities in China.

Investigators are also looking at the possibility that Guo has engaged in espionage on behalf of the Chinese government. Guo maintains that she is a natural-born Philippine citizen, and has denied she is a spy. On September 27, when a House of Representatives panel showed an excerpt from the Al Jazeera documentary, Guo, who was present, told lawmakers that she did not know She.

She Zhijiang’s claims about himself and Alice Guo are difficult to verify. During his interviews with Al Jazeera, She claims that he was forced into working for the Chinese Ministry of State Security, which promised that it could quash his outstanding arrest warrants, issued over his involvement in illegal online gambling operations. He now claims that China’s government is seeking to silence him because he was “exposed to secrets about Chinese state security and Belt and Road projects.”

It is plausible that She, who also holds Cambodian citizenship, worked as a Chinese spy; it certainly offers an explanation for the fact that he was feted to such an extent in China, and by Chinese diplomats, while ostensibly having an warrant out for his arrest. At the same time, as one interviewee in the Al Jazeera documentary points out, She is a businessman with known links to online gambling operations and cyber-scam operations who has every reason to lie in order to avoid extradition. Facing a lengthy prison term (or worse) in China, She may recognize that the best chance of avoiding extradition is to paint himself as a victim of the Chinese security state.

Either way, the Philippines has a lot of work to do in order to disentangle the web of possible connections linking She, Guo, the Chinese security state, and the region’s online scamming syndicates.

https://thediplomat.com/2024/10/philippines-says-it-is-monitoring-media-reports-of-covert-foreign-ops/

16 BIFF members surrender in Maguindanao del Sur

From the Manila Standard (Sep 29, 2024): 16 BIFF members surrender in Maguindanao del Sur (By By Rex Espiritu)

A total of 16 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters-Karialan Faction (BIFF-KF) laid down their arms on September 26, 2024, as reported by AFP’s Western Mindanao Command.

The former violent extremists submitted themselves to Lt. Col. Udgie Villan, Commanding Officer of the 33IB, at the unit’s headquarters in Barangay Zapakan, Radjah Buayan, Maguindanao del Sur.

Among those who surrendered was alias Oding, head of the Morsedin Division of the BIFF group under Umbra Kato, and who also served as an adviser to the BIFF.

After the BIFF split into two factions following Umbra Kato’s death, alias Oding chose to join the Karialan Faction, where he was nominated as Brigade Commander of the 2nd Division under Zulkarnain Sapal, also known as Zuk.

The former violent extremists handed over their firearms, which included two 60mm mortars, two 40mm rocket-propelled grenades, two 40mm M203 grenade launchers, one .30 caliber sniper rifle, two .30 caliber Garand rifles, one M16A1 rifle, four 9mm Uzi submachine guns, and one .30 caliber carbine rifle. They also surrendered two improvised explosive devices and five rounds of 40mm RPG high explosives.

WestMinCom Public Information Office Chief Major Orlando Ayllon said that this development is a result of continuous military operations conducted by the Joint Task Force Central, along with strengthened collaboration with local government units.

The surrendered individuals are now under the custody of the 33IB for custodial debriefing and profiling, while the surrendered war materiel has been turned over to the logistics section of that unit for proper disposition.

Lt. Gen. William Gonzales, Commander of the Western Mindanao Command, commended the troops of Joint Task Force Central for their steadfast resolve to end terrorism and clear Central Mindanao of remnants from various threat groups.

“Rest assured that we will continue to work doubly to clear every community from traces of terrorism,” he said.

https://manilastandard.net/news/314503770/16-biff-members-surrender-in-maguindanao-del-sur.html#google_vignette

BIFF leader, 15 followers surrender

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Sep 29, 2024): BIFF leader, 15 followers surrender

ZAMBOANGA. A leader and 15 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters-Karialan Faction (BIFF-KF) have surrendered on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at the headquarters of the 33rd Infantry Battalion (33IB) in Barangay Zapakan, Radjah Buayan, Maguindanao del Sur. A photo handout shows the high-powered firearms the BIFF surrenderers have turned over when they surrendered to the troops. (SunStar Zamboanga)

A LEADER and 15 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters-Karialan Faction (BIFF-KF) laid down their arms and returned to the folds of law due to the Joint Task Force (JTF)-Central's continuous conduct of military operations and strengthened collaboration with the local government units, the military said Sunday, September 29, 2024.

Major General Antonio Nafarrete, JTF-Central command, said they surrendered on Thursday, September 26, at the headquarters of the 33rd Infantry Battalion (33IB) in Barangay Zapakan, Radjah Buayan, Maguindanao del Sur.

Nafarrete said the surrender of the BIFF leader and members was facilitated by the troops of the 33rd Infantry Battalion headed by Lieutenant Colonel Udgie Villan.

Among the surrendered personalities was alias Oding, head of the Morsedin Division of the BIFF group under Umbra Kato.

Oding was also an adviser of the BIFF. When the BIFF was divided into two factions following the death of Umbra Kato, Oding decided to join the Karialan Faction where he was nominated as Brigade Commander of the 2nd Division under Zulkarnain Sapal, also known as Zuk.

The surrenders handed over their firearms which include two 60-millimeter (MM) mortars, two 40-mm Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) launchers, two 40-mm M203 grenade launchers, one caliber .30 sniper rifle, two caliber .30 Garand rifles, one M16A1 rifle, four 9-mm Uzi submachine guns and one caliber .30 Carbine rifle, two improvised explosive devices and five rounds of 40-mm RPG high explosives.

The surrenderers are now under the custody of 33IB for custodial debriefing and profiling while the surrendered war materiel was turned over to the logistics section of the said unit for proper disposition.

Lieutenant General William Gonzales, commander of the Western Mindanao Command, commended the troops of JTF-Central for their steadfast resolve to end terrorism and clear Central Mindanao from remnants of different threat groups.

“Rest assured that we will continue to work doubly to clear every community from traces of terrorism,” Gonzales said. (SunStar Zamboanga)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/biff-leader-15-followers-surrender#google_vignette

Cotabato City residents surrender 23 firearms to Marines

From the Philippine Star (Oct 2, 2024): Cotabato City residents surrender 23 firearms to Marines (By John Unson)

The 5th Marine Battalion is now in custody of the 23 firearms surrendered in the past three weeks by residents of Cotabato City through the backchannel intercession of its officials and local executives.
Photo courtesy of Philstar.com / John Unson

COTABATO CITY — The 5th Marine Battalion, securing all of Cotabato City’s 37 barangays, collected in the past three weeks 23 assault rifles and grenade launchers surrendered by owners in compliance with a disarmament campaign complementing the Mindanao peace process.

Major Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division that has operational control over units of the Navy’s Philippine Marine Corps in Cotabato City and Maguindanao del Norte province, told reporters on Wednesday, October 2, that the combat weapons were turned in by owners to manifest support for the Small Arms and Light Weapons Management Program of the military-led anti-terror Joint Task Force Central.

The task force, led by 6th ID, is comprised of Marine and Army units in the provinces of Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato and Sarangani and in the cities of Cotabato, Tacurong, Koronadal and General Santos.

Nafarrete said the 23 firearms and grenade launchers now in the custody of the 5th Marine Battalion were turned in by owners through the intercession of its commanding officer, Marine Lt. Col. Lester Mark Baky and community leaders in Cotabato City.

Units of 6th ID had collected, since 2022, almost 2,000 pistols, assault rifles, B40 rocket launchers, 40 millimeter grenade launchers, M60 machineguns, 60 and 81 millimeter mortars that were voluntarily surrendered by owners, among them former members of the now moribund Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and the Dawlah Islamiya.

https://qa.philstar.com/nation/2024/10/02/2389687/cotabato-city-residents-surrender-23-firearms-marines