From the Mindanao Times (Sep 18): High-ranking NPA leader killed in Makilala firefight
A Guerrilla front secretary of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in an encounter with troops of the 39th Infantry Battalion in Sitio Flortam, Barangay Batasan, Makilala, around 5 p.m. on Saturday.
Capt. Jerry Lamosao, the spokesperson of 10th Infantry Division, said the soldiers encountered Communist fighters under the Guerrilla Front 51 of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee, led by Jacob Rondinas alias Jecko/Velum.
Apparently, soldiers received a tip from the residents that armed men are roaming around the community and are trying to recruit people.
Lamosao said the NPAs invite their target to a meeting and later force them to take up arms.
Brig. Gen. Roberto Ancan, 1002nd Infantry Brigade commander, informed the Makilala PNP and Scene of the Crime Operatives team for further investigation.
“We will continue to use all lawful and peaceful means to encourage the NPAs to go back to the folds of law but we also use force when necessary,” Ancan said.
“The brigade and 10th ID are here to protect the people in the communities as we journey toward peace,” he added.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Noel S. Clement, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, lauded the accomplishment of the soldiers.
“There are many ways that the government is doing to end violence and attain peace,” he said. “We continue on performing our mandated task with deep adherence to respect human rights, international humanitarian law and rule of law.”
http://mindanaotimes.net/high-ranking-npa-leader-killed-in-makilala-firefight/
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
1 Cafgu killed, another wounded in NPA attack
From the Mindanao Times (Sep 19): 1 Cafgu killed, another wounded in NPA attack
One cafgu active auxiliary was killed and another was wounded after they were attacked by the New People’s Army (NPA) while conducting security patrol in Sitio Kamaka, Barangay Palma Gil, Talaingod, Davao del Norte on Monday.
Capt. Jerry Lamosao, the spokesperson of 10th Infantry Division, said one squad of CAA from Butay patrol base of 72nd Infantry Battalion, was hit by members of Guerrilla Front Committee GFC 55, Southern Regional Mindanao committee (SMRC).
Lamosao said intermittent exchange of gunfire lasted for about 15 minutes, resulting in the death of one government militia and the wounding of another. He didn’t identify the two men although the injured Cafgu was brought to the Kapalong Emergency Hospital.
“We expressed our condolences to the family of the killed CAA. He has offered his life to secure the lives of the people in his community,” Maj. Gen. Noel Clement, commander of 10th ID, said.
“The 10th ID assures the family that justice will haunt the perpetrators,” Clement added.
http://mindanaotimes.net/1-cafgu-killed-another-wounded-in-npa-attack/
One cafgu active auxiliary was killed and another was wounded after they were attacked by the New People’s Army (NPA) while conducting security patrol in Sitio Kamaka, Barangay Palma Gil, Talaingod, Davao del Norte on Monday.
Capt. Jerry Lamosao, the spokesperson of 10th Infantry Division, said one squad of CAA from Butay patrol base of 72nd Infantry Battalion, was hit by members of Guerrilla Front Committee GFC 55, Southern Regional Mindanao committee (SMRC).
Lamosao said intermittent exchange of gunfire lasted for about 15 minutes, resulting in the death of one government militia and the wounding of another. He didn’t identify the two men although the injured Cafgu was brought to the Kapalong Emergency Hospital.
“We expressed our condolences to the family of the killed CAA. He has offered his life to secure the lives of the people in his community,” Maj. Gen. Noel Clement, commander of 10th ID, said.
“The 10th ID assures the family that justice will haunt the perpetrators,” Clement added.
http://mindanaotimes.net/1-cafgu-killed-another-wounded-in-npa-attack/
Duterte hopes communist insurgency 'over' in 2019
From Rappler (Sep 18): Duterte hopes communist insurgency 'over' in 2019
Saying many NPA rebels are surrendering, President Rodrigo Duterte finds reason to hope that the communist insurgency will be 'over' by the '2nd quarter of 2019'
President Rodrigo Duterte finds reason to hope that the communist insurgency, the longest insurgency in Asia, will finally end in 2019.
He voiced this hope on Tuesday, September 18, as he spoke to soldiers of the 5th Infantry Division in Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Isabela.
"I think that kung maawa ang Panginoong Diyos (with God's mercy), this will be over by about the 2nd quarter of next year. Ang rami na kasi nagsu-surrender (So many have surrendered)," said Duterte.
One indicator that added to his confidence is how some NPA rebels have gone as far as surrendering their guns to the government.
"Usually, they really don't bring weapons with them, it's really prohibited, they will get killed. But this time, they are coming down and surrendering with their guns," said Duterte in a mix of English and Filipino.
In the same speech, he said almost 100 NPA members in Isabela have given themselves up while 45 firearms were recovered.
Duterte said even NPA leaders have surrendered, giving a boost to the military's counter-insurgency efforts.
"Even their leaders are surrendering. What they say is a big deal. The intelligence units can get to work based on what the surrenderees or surrenderors are telling them," said the President.
He then described the NPA as reduced to a "ragtag" force in most parts of the country.
"Here it’s just a matter of ragtag except maybe Samar – Samar, Quezon," said Duterte.
The President commended the 5th Infantry Division for its efforts against security threats in the area, including the NPA. He conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu on 4 soldiers.
This was Duterte's first speech in a military camp after the issuance of Proclamation No 572 seeking to void Senator Antonio Trillanes IV's amnesty.
It was also the first such speech after his rare outburst at the military in relation to his controversial order. Duterte made no mention of Trillanes or the proclamation. https://www.rappler.com/nation/212286-duterte-hopes-communist-insurgency-over-2019
Saying many NPA rebels are surrendering, President Rodrigo Duterte finds reason to hope that the communist insurgency will be 'over' by the '2nd quarter of 2019'
FRONTLINES. President Rodrigo Duterte inspects firearms surrendered by NPA members in Isabela. Malacañang photo
President Rodrigo Duterte finds reason to hope that the communist insurgency, the longest insurgency in Asia, will finally end in 2019.
He voiced this hope on Tuesday, September 18, as he spoke to soldiers of the 5th Infantry Division in Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Isabela.
"I think that kung maawa ang Panginoong Diyos (with God's mercy), this will be over by about the 2nd quarter of next year. Ang rami na kasi nagsu-surrender (So many have surrendered)," said Duterte.
One indicator that added to his confidence is how some NPA rebels have gone as far as surrendering their guns to the government.
"Usually, they really don't bring weapons with them, it's really prohibited, they will get killed. But this time, they are coming down and surrendering with their guns," said Duterte in a mix of English and Filipino.
In the same speech, he said almost 100 NPA members in Isabela have given themselves up while 45 firearms were recovered.
Duterte said even NPA leaders have surrendered, giving a boost to the military's counter-insurgency efforts.
"Even their leaders are surrendering. What they say is a big deal. The intelligence units can get to work based on what the surrenderees or surrenderors are telling them," said the President.
He then described the NPA as reduced to a "ragtag" force in most parts of the country.
"Here it’s just a matter of ragtag except maybe Samar – Samar, Quezon," said Duterte.
The President commended the 5th Infantry Division for its efforts against security threats in the area, including the NPA. He conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu on 4 soldiers.
This was Duterte's first speech in a military camp after the issuance of Proclamation No 572 seeking to void Senator Antonio Trillanes IV's amnesty.
It was also the first such speech after his rare outburst at the military in relation to his controversial order. Duterte made no mention of Trillanes or the proclamation. https://www.rappler.com/nation/212286-duterte-hopes-communist-insurgency-over-2019
Salamat sa NPA surrenderers’ info! Duterte says Reds’ fronts in Mindanao falling
From Politiko Mindanao (Sep 19): Salamat sa NPA surrenderers’ info! Duterte says Reds’ fronts in Mindanao falling
President Rodrigo Duterte said Tuesday that most fronts of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in Mindanao have weakened.
Thanks to the information being supplied by the NPA “surrenderers” to the government’s intelligence units.
“I think we are winning the war finally. Maraming front sa Mindanao bumagsak na, especially on the right side, eastern — Davao, Agusan, ‘yan banda. Dito sa western, wala naman silang malakas na front because the Moros are there,” he said in a speech in a military camp in Isabela province.
“At ang Moro naman, hindi naman talaga papayag na they were — become too powerful over the area. So dito lang sila sa central,” he added.
He admitted that the information being shared by the surrenderers are very useful to the government.
“So malaking bagay ‘yung ano ang sinasabi nila. Nakapag-trabaho ‘yung intelligence based on what the surrenderees or surrenderors are telling them,” Duterte said.
He projected that with the weakening of the NPA, the communist problem could be over by second quarter of next year.
The government has been extending immediate assistance to NPA surrenderers and enrolled them to the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP).
http://mindanao.politics.com.ph/salamat-sa-npa-surrenderers-info-duterte-says-reds-fronts-in-mindanao-falling/
President Rodrigo Duterte said Tuesday that most fronts of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in Mindanao have weakened.
Thanks to the information being supplied by the NPA “surrenderers” to the government’s intelligence units.
“I think we are winning the war finally. Maraming front sa Mindanao bumagsak na, especially on the right side, eastern — Davao, Agusan, ‘yan banda. Dito sa western, wala naman silang malakas na front because the Moros are there,” he said in a speech in a military camp in Isabela province.
“At ang Moro naman, hindi naman talaga papayag na they were — become too powerful over the area. So dito lang sila sa central,” he added.
He admitted that the information being shared by the surrenderers are very useful to the government.
“So malaking bagay ‘yung ano ang sinasabi nila. Nakapag-trabaho ‘yung intelligence based on what the surrenderees or surrenderors are telling them,” Duterte said.
He projected that with the weakening of the NPA, the communist problem could be over by second quarter of next year.
The government has been extending immediate assistance to NPA surrenderers and enrolled them to the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP).
http://mindanao.politics.com.ph/salamat-sa-npa-surrenderers-info-duterte-says-reds-fronts-in-mindanao-falling/
3 teams deployed to Patikul, Sulu to probe alleged massacre
From MindaNews (Sep 18): 3 teams deployed to Patikul, Sulu to probe alleged massacre
Three government agencies have deployed teams to Patikul, Sulu to investigate the September 14 alleged massacre of seven fruit pickers who the military claimed were Abu Sayyaf members killed in an encounter.
In the House of Representatives, the Makabayan bloc and the chair of the House Committee on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity on Tuesday filed a resolution urging its Committee on Human Rights to conduct an investigation, in aid of legislation, “on the killing of seven Tausug youth by elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Patikul, Sulu.”
AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Carlito Galvez, Commission on Human Rights (CHR) chair Jose Luis Martin “Chito” Gascon and Abdulnasser Badrudin, chair of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s Regional Human Rights Commission (ARMM-RHRC) told MindaNews on Tuesday that they have already deployed probe teams to Patikul.
Galvez said a team from the Inspector General Office was “activated yesterday (Monday)” to “ensure that all raised issues will be answered.”
The military has claimed that the seven victims were Abu Sayyaf members killed in an encounter but families of the victims claimed they were civilians harvesting mangosteen fruits. A university professor said it may have been a case of mistaken identity.
7 slain in Patikul: encounter? massacre? mistaken identity?
Gascon said they “mobilized a joint team from Central Office and Region 9 (Western Mindanao or the Zamboanga Region) to go to Sulu” in coordination with the ARMM’s RHRC.
He said two persons from the Central Office “left this morning for Zamboanga and were told to proceed ASAP to Sulu.”
Badrudin said his team is already in Sulu “to gather data regarding the incident” and meet the victim’s families.
House probe
The Makabayan Bloc’s party list representatives Carlos Isagani Zarate (Bayan Muna), Emmi De Jesus and Arlene Brosas (Gabriela), Sarah Jane Elago (Kabataan), Antonio Tinio and France Castro (ACT Teachers), Ariel Casilao (Anakpawis); Tawi-tawi Rep. Ruby Sahali, who chairs the House Committee on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, and Zambales Rep. Cheryl Deloso-Montalla, introducted Resolution 2186 urging the Human Rights committee to probe what happened in Patikul.
Sahali wrote on her Facebook page that she “took a stand and affixed my signature” on the House Resolution for a probe “to bring light to this darkness that befell Patikul.”
“I have personally spoken to the generals to get their side of the story and I understand that the AFP stands firm with their report that this was a ‘legitimate encounter,’ and that these youths are indeed members of the Abu Sayyaf Group, but we cannot also deny the fact that lives were lost and that there are mothers who are grieving in their sleep for their lost sons. They too need answers,” Sahali said.
“There are indeed two sides of the story, and this investigation called upon in aid of legislation will give us the context in favor of justice and peace,” she added.
Early Tuesday morning, Western Mindanao Command spokesperson Lt. Col. Gerry Besana said they would welcome a “third party, neutral investigation” even as he maintained the seven were Abu Sayyaf members killed in an encounter.
“We are open for a third party, neutral investigation and they can look at our records even the time before the encounter happened,” Besana said in response to MindaNews’ queries.
Besana had earlier told MindaNews what happened Friday was an encounter with Abu Sayyaf members and that it could not have been a case of mistaken identity because the seven allegedly fought it out for 1.5 hours.
A press release from Besana’s office on Saturday said the troops recovered from the encounter site “one M16 rifle, four 5.56 mm magazines, one bandolier, one touchscreen cellular phone, and assorted war materiel and ammunitions.”
Recovered
“If there was an encounter as you said there was and you said the seven fought it out for 1.5 hours, why did the troops recover only ‘one M16 rifle, four 5.56 mm magazines, one bandolier, one touchscreen cellular phone, and assorted war materiel and ammunitions?'” MindaNews asked Besana.
His reply: “As to recovered war materials (sic), kasama na doon assorted ammunitions and spent shells. Marami M203 grenade 40mm, M14, etc, IED components as well. That indicates not just few firearms. We do not expect all firearms can be recovered all the time. Imagine an hour and 1/2 battle … so many things can happen. The enemy can retrieve all their firearms leaving behind just dead bodies. Which they usually do.”
“I’m sure people will know that helicopter gunships flew several sorties to deliver rockets to them, inflicting more casualties,” he said.
Asked if the high school student among the slain seven was a member of the Abu Sayyaf as alleged by the military, Besana replied: “As to a ‘high school student,’ we cannot tell. The (encounter site) is a hotbed lair of the ASG (Abu Sayyaf Group). Most of the people there involved failed to go to school. If the really are school goers, it was a Friday, probably they are supposed to be in school. Not unless they follow the Arabic calendar that Friday is a holiday. And besides, high school kids seldom go to such places.”
Citing accounts from the victims’ families, Suara Bangsamoro (Voice of the Bangsamoro) in its September 15 statement said the seven — aged 18 to 32 — “were allowed by the military detachment to go to Sitio Tubig Bato, Barangay Kabuntakas to harvest mangosteen.”
It said there was an encounter between the Abu Sayaff and the military that day and that while they were in Kabuntakas, “Scout Rangers mistook the seven as ASG members and captured them.”
“The families said that the victims were still alive in the hands of the military by noontime, but at around 5:00 in the afternoon, their lifeless bodies were delivered by the AFP to the local police station,” Suara Bangsamoro said.
Religious leaders want probe, too
The National Ulama Conference of the Philippines (NUCP), called on authorities to conduct a “thorough and impartial investigation on the alleged massacre of the 7 young civilians whom the military claimed as ASG and killed in a legitimate encounter.”
In a statement, the NUCP said the rule of law, human rights, and international humanitarian law must be upheld and respected even under martial law, if the military and police want the people’s trust and confidence in the military and police restored.
President Rodrigo Duterte placed Mindanao’s 27 provinces and 33 cities under martial law on May 23, 2017, Day 1 of the Marawi Siege. It was supposed to be lifted after 60 days but was extended twice – until December 31, 2017 and until December 31, 2018.
“Let this unfortunate event showcase that trust and confidence by giving justice to uncover the truth — if indeed they were civilians or ASG, and massacred or legitimate encounter,” the organization of Muslim religious leaders said.
“We appeal to the people of Sulu in particular, and the whole country in general, for sobriety and unity to face the many challenges and threats besetting our nation on the spate of bombings and killings almost every day in some places in Mindanao,” the NUCP said.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2018/09/3-teams-deployed-to-patikul-sulu-to-probe-alleged-massacre/
Three government agencies have deployed teams to Patikul, Sulu to investigate the September 14 alleged massacre of seven fruit pickers who the military claimed were Abu Sayyaf members killed in an encounter.
In the House of Representatives, the Makabayan bloc and the chair of the House Committee on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity on Tuesday filed a resolution urging its Committee on Human Rights to conduct an investigation, in aid of legislation, “on the killing of seven Tausug youth by elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Patikul, Sulu.”
AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Carlito Galvez, Commission on Human Rights (CHR) chair Jose Luis Martin “Chito” Gascon and Abdulnasser Badrudin, chair of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s Regional Human Rights Commission (ARMM-RHRC) told MindaNews on Tuesday that they have already deployed probe teams to Patikul.
Galvez said a team from the Inspector General Office was “activated yesterday (Monday)” to “ensure that all raised issues will be answered.”
The military has claimed that the seven victims were Abu Sayyaf members killed in an encounter but families of the victims claimed they were civilians harvesting mangosteen fruits. A university professor said it may have been a case of mistaken identity.
7 slain in Patikul: encounter? massacre? mistaken identity?
Gascon said they “mobilized a joint team from Central Office and Region 9 (Western Mindanao or the Zamboanga Region) to go to Sulu” in coordination with the ARMM’s RHRC.
He said two persons from the Central Office “left this morning for Zamboanga and were told to proceed ASAP to Sulu.”
Badrudin said his team is already in Sulu “to gather data regarding the incident” and meet the victim’s families.
House probe
The Makabayan Bloc’s party list representatives Carlos Isagani Zarate (Bayan Muna), Emmi De Jesus and Arlene Brosas (Gabriela), Sarah Jane Elago (Kabataan), Antonio Tinio and France Castro (ACT Teachers), Ariel Casilao (Anakpawis); Tawi-tawi Rep. Ruby Sahali, who chairs the House Committee on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, and Zambales Rep. Cheryl Deloso-Montalla, introducted Resolution 2186 urging the Human Rights committee to probe what happened in Patikul.
Sahali wrote on her Facebook page that she “took a stand and affixed my signature” on the House Resolution for a probe “to bring light to this darkness that befell Patikul.”
“I have personally spoken to the generals to get their side of the story and I understand that the AFP stands firm with their report that this was a ‘legitimate encounter,’ and that these youths are indeed members of the Abu Sayyaf Group, but we cannot also deny the fact that lives were lost and that there are mothers who are grieving in their sleep for their lost sons. They too need answers,” Sahali said.
“There are indeed two sides of the story, and this investigation called upon in aid of legislation will give us the context in favor of justice and peace,” she added.
Early Tuesday morning, Western Mindanao Command spokesperson Lt. Col. Gerry Besana said they would welcome a “third party, neutral investigation” even as he maintained the seven were Abu Sayyaf members killed in an encounter.
“We are open for a third party, neutral investigation and they can look at our records even the time before the encounter happened,” Besana said in response to MindaNews’ queries.
Besana had earlier told MindaNews what happened Friday was an encounter with Abu Sayyaf members and that it could not have been a case of mistaken identity because the seven allegedly fought it out for 1.5 hours.
A press release from Besana’s office on Saturday said the troops recovered from the encounter site “one M16 rifle, four 5.56 mm magazines, one bandolier, one touchscreen cellular phone, and assorted war materiel and ammunitions.”
Recovered
“If there was an encounter as you said there was and you said the seven fought it out for 1.5 hours, why did the troops recover only ‘one M16 rifle, four 5.56 mm magazines, one bandolier, one touchscreen cellular phone, and assorted war materiel and ammunitions?'” MindaNews asked Besana.
His reply: “As to recovered war materials (sic), kasama na doon assorted ammunitions and spent shells. Marami M203 grenade 40mm, M14, etc, IED components as well. That indicates not just few firearms. We do not expect all firearms can be recovered all the time. Imagine an hour and 1/2 battle … so many things can happen. The enemy can retrieve all their firearms leaving behind just dead bodies. Which they usually do.”
“I’m sure people will know that helicopter gunships flew several sorties to deliver rockets to them, inflicting more casualties,” he said.
Asked if the high school student among the slain seven was a member of the Abu Sayyaf as alleged by the military, Besana replied: “As to a ‘high school student,’ we cannot tell. The (encounter site) is a hotbed lair of the ASG (Abu Sayyaf Group). Most of the people there involved failed to go to school. If the really are school goers, it was a Friday, probably they are supposed to be in school. Not unless they follow the Arabic calendar that Friday is a holiday. And besides, high school kids seldom go to such places.”
Citing accounts from the victims’ families, Suara Bangsamoro (Voice of the Bangsamoro) in its September 15 statement said the seven — aged 18 to 32 — “were allowed by the military detachment to go to Sitio Tubig Bato, Barangay Kabuntakas to harvest mangosteen.”
It said there was an encounter between the Abu Sayaff and the military that day and that while they were in Kabuntakas, “Scout Rangers mistook the seven as ASG members and captured them.”
“The families said that the victims were still alive in the hands of the military by noontime, but at around 5:00 in the afternoon, their lifeless bodies were delivered by the AFP to the local police station,” Suara Bangsamoro said.
Religious leaders want probe, too
The National Ulama Conference of the Philippines (NUCP), called on authorities to conduct a “thorough and impartial investigation on the alleged massacre of the 7 young civilians whom the military claimed as ASG and killed in a legitimate encounter.”
In a statement, the NUCP said the rule of law, human rights, and international humanitarian law must be upheld and respected even under martial law, if the military and police want the people’s trust and confidence in the military and police restored.
President Rodrigo Duterte placed Mindanao’s 27 provinces and 33 cities under martial law on May 23, 2017, Day 1 of the Marawi Siege. It was supposed to be lifted after 60 days but was extended twice – until December 31, 2017 and until December 31, 2018.
“Let this unfortunate event showcase that trust and confidence by giving justice to uncover the truth — if indeed they were civilians or ASG, and massacred or legitimate encounter,” the organization of Muslim religious leaders said.
“We appeal to the people of Sulu in particular, and the whole country in general, for sobriety and unity to face the many challenges and threats besetting our nation on the spate of bombings and killings almost every day in some places in Mindanao,” the NUCP said.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2018/09/3-teams-deployed-to-patikul-sulu-to-probe-alleged-massacre/
Troops rescue escaped NPA medic in Davao City
From the Mindanao Examiner (Sep 18): Troops rescue escaped NPA medic in Davao City
DAVAO CITY –
A female medic of the communist rebel group New People’s Army in North Cotabato province was rescued by soldiers after after a daring escape from their commander who sexually abused her and four others.
The 20-year medic, who is a member of the Pulang Bagani Command 2, said she escaped from the NPA after their leader, Ka Botchoy, abused them. The fate of the others is unknown.
A military photo shows the escaped NPA medic, her face blurred to protect her identity and retaliation from the communist rebel group.
The military’s Eastern Mindanao Command confirmed the report and said the medic is now in the care of the 19th Infantry Battalion following her rescue on September 17 in Calinan district in Davao City.
It said the medic’s father sought assistance from the army and guided the soldiers to his daughter’s hideout. The medic said she and four others from Magpet town joined the NPA in March this year after being lured by rebels.
“Misulod mi diri aron mawala ang mga pagpahimulos, apan naa ra man diay gihapon pagpanghimulos sulod sa armado (We joined the NPA to stop the abuses, yet we suffer the same within the organization),” she told the military.
Lt. Col. Ehrlich Noel Paraso, commander of the 19th Infantry Battalion, also confirmed the medic’s statement and condemned the NPA for preying on its own female members for sexual satisfaction.
“I call on to the local leaders of the NPA terrorists to stop the exploitation of women and minors and other forms of abuses they are committing against the people. NPA terrorists are continuously recruiting members to join their failed armed struggle, yet they have rotten ranks and system,” he said.
There was no immediate statement from the NPA on the medic’s claims. The group has been fighting for a separate state in the country.
http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2018/09/troops-rescue-escaped-npa-medic-in.html
DAVAO CITY –
A female medic of the communist rebel group New People’s Army in North Cotabato province was rescued by soldiers after after a daring escape from their commander who sexually abused her and four others.
The 20-year medic, who is a member of the Pulang Bagani Command 2, said she escaped from the NPA after their leader, Ka Botchoy, abused them. The fate of the others is unknown.
A military photo shows the escaped NPA medic, her face blurred to protect her identity and retaliation from the communist rebel group.
The military’s Eastern Mindanao Command confirmed the report and said the medic is now in the care of the 19th Infantry Battalion following her rescue on September 17 in Calinan district in Davao City.
It said the medic’s father sought assistance from the army and guided the soldiers to his daughter’s hideout. The medic said she and four others from Magpet town joined the NPA in March this year after being lured by rebels.
“Misulod mi diri aron mawala ang mga pagpahimulos, apan naa ra man diay gihapon pagpanghimulos sulod sa armado (We joined the NPA to stop the abuses, yet we suffer the same within the organization),” she told the military.
Lt. Col. Ehrlich Noel Paraso, commander of the 19th Infantry Battalion, also confirmed the medic’s statement and condemned the NPA for preying on its own female members for sexual satisfaction.
“I call on to the local leaders of the NPA terrorists to stop the exploitation of women and minors and other forms of abuses they are committing against the people. NPA terrorists are continuously recruiting members to join their failed armed struggle, yet they have rotten ranks and system,” he said.
There was no immediate statement from the NPA on the medic’s claims. The group has been fighting for a separate state in the country.
http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2018/09/troops-rescue-escaped-npa-medic-in.html
Bukidnon declared conflict manageable, ready for further development
From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 18): Bukidnon declared conflict manageable, ready for further development
The Province of Bukidnon is now Conflict Manageable and Ready for Further Development (CMRFD), as declared by the Provincial Government Officials of Bukidnon through the recommendation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines –403rd Infantry Brigade (AFP-403rd IB).
The Province of Bukidnon is now Conflict Manageable and Ready for Further Development (CMRFD), as declared by the Provincial Government Officials of Bukidnon through the recommendation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines –403rd Infantry Brigade on August 7 at the PPDO Conference Room, Capitol Site, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. (DILG-Bukidnon)
The declaration was supported by a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), which was officially signed by Provincial Governor Jose Ma. R. Zubiri, Jr.; BGen Eric C Vinoya, AFP- 403rd Brigade; PSSUPT Benedicto T Pintor, Provincial Director Bukidnon PPO and Provincial Director Carmelo Enrique B. Libot, CESO V, DILG-Bukidnon during the Ceremonial Signing on August 7 at the PPDO Conference Room, Capitol Site, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.
Vinoya expressed his deepest gratitude to all government officials through the leadership of Zubiri, security sectors, other stakeholders, and to the people of Bukidnon for their unwavering support in advocating peace and development within the province.
Emphasizing that the declaration of CMRFD of Bukidnon is just the first step in their normalization efforts under the governments’ Internal Security Operations, he encouraged everyone to continuously cooperate and collaborate with security forces and the local government units of Bukidnon.
Zubiri, on the other hand, thanked all the stakeholders for their effort and collaboration of making the problem on the insurgency in the province diminish and with the normalization of peace and security, he expressed that the province will be more progressive as more investments will come.
Witnessing this momentous event were members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan headed by Vice-Governor Alex P. Calingasan together with the other distinguished guest from AFP and Philippine National Police (PNP) uniformed officials as well as representatives of different media outlets in Bukidnon.
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1012831
The Province of Bukidnon is now Conflict Manageable and Ready for Further Development (CMRFD), as declared by the Provincial Government Officials of Bukidnon through the recommendation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines –403rd Infantry Brigade (AFP-403rd IB).
The Province of Bukidnon is now Conflict Manageable and Ready for Further Development (CMRFD), as declared by the Provincial Government Officials of Bukidnon through the recommendation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines –403rd Infantry Brigade on August 7 at the PPDO Conference Room, Capitol Site, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. (DILG-Bukidnon)
The declaration was supported by a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), which was officially signed by Provincial Governor Jose Ma. R. Zubiri, Jr.; BGen Eric C Vinoya, AFP- 403rd Brigade; PSSUPT Benedicto T Pintor, Provincial Director Bukidnon PPO and Provincial Director Carmelo Enrique B. Libot, CESO V, DILG-Bukidnon during the Ceremonial Signing on August 7 at the PPDO Conference Room, Capitol Site, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.
Vinoya expressed his deepest gratitude to all government officials through the leadership of Zubiri, security sectors, other stakeholders, and to the people of Bukidnon for their unwavering support in advocating peace and development within the province.
Emphasizing that the declaration of CMRFD of Bukidnon is just the first step in their normalization efforts under the governments’ Internal Security Operations, he encouraged everyone to continuously cooperate and collaborate with security forces and the local government units of Bukidnon.
Zubiri, on the other hand, thanked all the stakeholders for their effort and collaboration of making the problem on the insurgency in the province diminish and with the normalization of peace and security, he expressed that the province will be more progressive as more investments will come.
Witnessing this momentous event were members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan headed by Vice-Governor Alex P. Calingasan together with the other distinguished guest from AFP and Philippine National Police (PNP) uniformed officials as well as representatives of different media outlets in Bukidnon.
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1012831
PCG deploys add’l vessel in southern Philippines
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 18): PCG deploys add’l vessel in southern Philippines
The Philippine Coastguard deploys additional Multi-Role Response Vessel in the southern Philippines area. The vessel, BRP-Bagacay, arrives in Zamboanga City on Tuesday. (Photo courtesy: Zamboanga Coastguard Station)
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has strengthened its maritime force with the deployment of another newly-acquired Multi-Role Response Vessel (MRRV) here in the region.
Deployed to the area of the PCG-Southwestern Mindanao District is the BRP-Bagacay (MRRV-4410), headed by Capt. Joseph Coyme. It arrived here on Tuesday.
Lieutenant Commander Noriel Ramos, Zamboanga Coastguard Station Commander, said on Tuesday the BRP-Bagacay is the ninth of the 10 MRRVs the PCG has acquired through a soft loan from Japan as part of the latter's Maritime Safety Improvement Project.
The BRP-Bagacay (MRRV-4410) is the third Parola-class patrol vessels of PCG deployed in this part of the country. The other two are BRP-Malabrigo (MRRV-4404) and BRP-Cape San Agustin (MRRV-4408).
Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, who was the guest in the arrival of BRP-Bagacay, said the MRRV will truly enhance the capability of the Coastguard in the region.
Dela Vega said the deployment of the new vessel will be of big help to the Westmincom “in securing our sea waters.”
“I am truly proud to be part of this milestone in Philippine Coastguard. BRP-Bagacay will truly contribute in the enhancement of public safety and security in conflict areas,” dela Vega said.
“For and in behalf of our Armed Forces here in Western Mindanao Command, BRP Bagacay is very much welcome to be part of our strong forces here in the waters of Southern backdoor,” he added.
BRP-Bagacay arrived in the Philippines on May 31 this year and was commissioned into service on August 23.
The ship is a law enforcement vessel and is designed to conduct environmental and humanitarian missions, as well as maritime security operations and patrol missions.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1048409
The Philippine Coastguard deploys additional Multi-Role Response Vessel in the southern Philippines area. The vessel, BRP-Bagacay, arrives in Zamboanga City on Tuesday. (Photo courtesy: Zamboanga Coastguard Station)
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has strengthened its maritime force with the deployment of another newly-acquired Multi-Role Response Vessel (MRRV) here in the region.
Deployed to the area of the PCG-Southwestern Mindanao District is the BRP-Bagacay (MRRV-4410), headed by Capt. Joseph Coyme. It arrived here on Tuesday.
Lieutenant Commander Noriel Ramos, Zamboanga Coastguard Station Commander, said on Tuesday the BRP-Bagacay is the ninth of the 10 MRRVs the PCG has acquired through a soft loan from Japan as part of the latter's Maritime Safety Improvement Project.
The BRP-Bagacay (MRRV-4410) is the third Parola-class patrol vessels of PCG deployed in this part of the country. The other two are BRP-Malabrigo (MRRV-4404) and BRP-Cape San Agustin (MRRV-4408).
Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, who was the guest in the arrival of BRP-Bagacay, said the MRRV will truly enhance the capability of the Coastguard in the region.
Dela Vega said the deployment of the new vessel will be of big help to the Westmincom “in securing our sea waters.”
“I am truly proud to be part of this milestone in Philippine Coastguard. BRP-Bagacay will truly contribute in the enhancement of public safety and security in conflict areas,” dela Vega said.
“For and in behalf of our Armed Forces here in Western Mindanao Command, BRP Bagacay is very much welcome to be part of our strong forces here in the waters of Southern backdoor,” he added.
BRP-Bagacay arrived in the Philippines on May 31 this year and was commissioned into service on August 23.
The ship is a law enforcement vessel and is designed to conduct environmental and humanitarian missions, as well as maritime security operations and patrol missions.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1048409
NPA medic yields; accuses rebel leader of sexual abuse
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 18): NPA medic yields; accuses rebel leader of sexual abuse
A female medic of the New People's Army (NPA) surrendered to the Army's 19th Infantry battalion in the North Cotabato town of Magpet on Monday, alleging she was sexually abused by a rebel leader, .
"The medic escaped from his sexually abusive leader," 1Lt. There Ingente, spokesperson of the Army's 4th Infantry Division, said in a text message on Tuesday.
Ingente identified the victim as Alias Wilma, 20, medic of the NPA's Pulang Bagani Command 2 (PBC2). Wilma escaped while her troops were temporarily camped in a mountainous area between the North Cotabato and Davao City, Ingente said.
Ingente said it was Wilma's father who, upon learning of her daughter's whereabouts, asked the assistance of the 19IB in Calinan district here to rescue his daughter.
Wilma claimed she was one of the five teenage girls from Magpet who were forced to join the NPA in March.
According to Ingente, Wilma told soldiers the teenage girls also suffered from sexual harassment from the same NPA leader who abused her. She did not name the rebel leader.
“Misulod mi diri aron mawala ang mga pagpahimulos, apan naa ra man diay gihapon pagpanghimulos sulod sa armado We joined the NPA to stop the exploitation, yet we suffer the same within the organization)," Wilma was quoted as telling the soldiers when she was debriefed.
Lt. Col. Ehrlich Noel Paraso, Commanding Officer of 19IB, said NPA's "act of preying on its own female comrades for sexual satisfaction only proved the communist organization’s disrespect for women’s rights."
“I call on to the local leaders of the NPA terrorists to stop the exploitation of women and minors and other forms of abuses they are committing against the people," Paraso said.
Maj. Gen Ronald Villanueva, 4ID commander, said the incident was not the first time "that NPA terrorists’ leaders sexually abuse their female members."
Villanueva said he also received reports from some areas outside the 4ID jurisdiction where sexual exploitation is prevalent within the ranks of the NPA.
"Their leaders made sexual advances on their females by touching delicate body parts, to the extent that these female feels molested and sexually abused," he said.
"I call on the parents who have daughters who joined the NPA terrorists to reach them and ask them to come home before it will be too late," he added.
On April, a journal supposedly belonging to a female NPA combatant was found following an encounter in San Carlos, Negros Occidental, that contained confessions that she was molested and almost raped by her comrades after she was recruited in 2011.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1048420
A female medic of the New People's Army (NPA) surrendered to the Army's 19th Infantry battalion in the North Cotabato town of Magpet on Monday, alleging she was sexually abused by a rebel leader, .
"The medic escaped from his sexually abusive leader," 1Lt. There Ingente, spokesperson of the Army's 4th Infantry Division, said in a text message on Tuesday.
Ingente identified the victim as Alias Wilma, 20, medic of the NPA's Pulang Bagani Command 2 (PBC2). Wilma escaped while her troops were temporarily camped in a mountainous area between the North Cotabato and Davao City, Ingente said.
Ingente said it was Wilma's father who, upon learning of her daughter's whereabouts, asked the assistance of the 19IB in Calinan district here to rescue his daughter.
Wilma claimed she was one of the five teenage girls from Magpet who were forced to join the NPA in March.
According to Ingente, Wilma told soldiers the teenage girls also suffered from sexual harassment from the same NPA leader who abused her. She did not name the rebel leader.
“Misulod mi diri aron mawala ang mga pagpahimulos, apan naa ra man diay gihapon pagpanghimulos sulod sa armado We joined the NPA to stop the exploitation, yet we suffer the same within the organization)," Wilma was quoted as telling the soldiers when she was debriefed.
Lt. Col. Ehrlich Noel Paraso, Commanding Officer of 19IB, said NPA's "act of preying on its own female comrades for sexual satisfaction only proved the communist organization’s disrespect for women’s rights."
“I call on to the local leaders of the NPA terrorists to stop the exploitation of women and minors and other forms of abuses they are committing against the people," Paraso said.
Maj. Gen Ronald Villanueva, 4ID commander, said the incident was not the first time "that NPA terrorists’ leaders sexually abuse their female members."
Villanueva said he also received reports from some areas outside the 4ID jurisdiction where sexual exploitation is prevalent within the ranks of the NPA.
"Their leaders made sexual advances on their females by touching delicate body parts, to the extent that these female feels molested and sexually abused," he said.
"I call on the parents who have daughters who joined the NPA terrorists to reach them and ask them to come home before it will be too late," he added.
On April, a journal supposedly belonging to a female NPA combatant was found following an encounter in San Carlos, Negros Occidental, that contained confessions that she was molested and almost raped by her comrades after she was recruited in 2011.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1048420
NPA member yields to Army in Sultan Kudarat
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 18): NPA member yields to Army in Sultan Kudarat
SURRENDER. New People’s Army member Danny Boy Makatin (right) hands over his M16 rifle to Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion commander (left), during his surrender Monday (Sept. 17, 2018) at the 33rd IB headquarters in President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat province. (Photo by Philippine Army's 6ID)
CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – An active member of the New Peoples’ Army (NPA) operating in Sultan Kudarat on Monday voluntarily surrendered to the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion and vowed to become a productive citizen.
To the surprise of everyone, Danny Boy Makatin, 30, of the NPA Platoon Arabo Guerilla Front 73, upon presentation to Lt. Colonel Harold Cabunoc, Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion commander, executed a salute to the Philippine flag when the national anthem was sung at the military unit’s headquarters in President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat.
Makatin handed over an M14 rifle to Cabunoc and told the Army official he is now ready to be reintegrated back to the society.
Cabunoc lauded his men for the effort in convincing rebels to live normal lives once more as one way of addressing the insurgency problem.
Makatin would be enrolled in the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) for rebel returnees.
Since last year, at least 180 communists in Sultan Kudarat have surrendered to the government through the 33rd IB reconciliation and reintegration program for rebels. Of this number, 65 have availed of benefits from the ECLIP program.
The 3rd IB has operational jurisdiction over three towns in Sultan Kudarat, and another seven in adjacent Maguindanao province.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1048327
SURRENDER. New People’s Army member Danny Boy Makatin (right) hands over his M16 rifle to Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion commander (left), during his surrender Monday (Sept. 17, 2018) at the 33rd IB headquarters in President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat province. (Photo by Philippine Army's 6ID)
CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – An active member of the New Peoples’ Army (NPA) operating in Sultan Kudarat on Monday voluntarily surrendered to the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion and vowed to become a productive citizen.
To the surprise of everyone, Danny Boy Makatin, 30, of the NPA Platoon Arabo Guerilla Front 73, upon presentation to Lt. Colonel Harold Cabunoc, Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion commander, executed a salute to the Philippine flag when the national anthem was sung at the military unit’s headquarters in President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat.
Makatin handed over an M14 rifle to Cabunoc and told the Army official he is now ready to be reintegrated back to the society.
Cabunoc lauded his men for the effort in convincing rebels to live normal lives once more as one way of addressing the insurgency problem.
Makatin would be enrolled in the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) for rebel returnees.
Since last year, at least 180 communists in Sultan Kudarat have surrendered to the government through the 33rd IB reconciliation and reintegration program for rebels. Of this number, 65 have availed of benefits from the ECLIP program.
The 3rd IB has operational jurisdiction over three towns in Sultan Kudarat, and another seven in adjacent Maguindanao province.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1048327
Army brings relief goods to Ompong-affected provinces
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 18): Army brings relief goods to Ompong-affected provinces
As the government mobilizes its resources to help communities ravaged by Typhoon Ompong in Northern Luzon, the Philippine Army (PA) on Monday said six of its Russian-made cargo trucks have transported 822 sacks of rice donated by Davao City to Cagayan.
This was disclosed by Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Louie Villanueva, noting that the vehicles also carried relief goods, which were repacked at the Isabela-headquarters of the 5th Infantry Division.
"The PA had exerted all effort for interventions in coordination with concerned government agencies to save precious lives and properties," he added.
Villanueva added that during post-disaster response operation, the PA also played a key role in disaster relief by transporting relief goods and basic subsistence badly needed by affected communities.
He added that the Army has the mandate to support the government as part of its humanitarian assistance and disaster relief initiatives to mitigate the impact of disasters.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1048310
As the government mobilizes its resources to help communities ravaged by Typhoon Ompong in Northern Luzon, the Philippine Army (PA) on Monday said six of its Russian-made cargo trucks have transported 822 sacks of rice donated by Davao City to Cagayan.
This was disclosed by Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Louie Villanueva, noting that the vehicles also carried relief goods, which were repacked at the Isabela-headquarters of the 5th Infantry Division.
"The PA had exerted all effort for interventions in coordination with concerned government agencies to save precious lives and properties," he added.
Villanueva added that during post-disaster response operation, the PA also played a key role in disaster relief by transporting relief goods and basic subsistence badly needed by affected communities.
He added that the Army has the mandate to support the government as part of its humanitarian assistance and disaster relief initiatives to mitigate the impact of disasters.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1048310
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