2 NPA fighters, including a 17-year-old, surrender

From the Mindanao Times (Oct 21): 2 NPA fighters, including a 17-year-old, surrender

Two more members of the same New People’s Army’s Sub-Regional Committee 4 (SRC 4), Southern Mindanao Regional Command, turned themselves over to the 60th Infantry Battalion at its Charlie Company Command Post in Laak, Compostela Valley on Tuesday.

1Lt. Amadeuz VJ Celestial, the spokesperson of the 60th IB, said one of the two surrenderees, alias Annie, is only 17, who was allegedly recruited by alias Ka Coco, who was luring members of the Dibabawon tribe in Barangay Sta. Emelia, Veruela, Agusan del Sur last December 2017 when they chanced upon her.

Annie said she only joined the group out of curiosity and because Coco promised she can leave the group after a month.

Coco took Annie without even asking permission from her parents.

Annie, however, was never allowed to go back home.

She said Coco and her other comrades warned her that the military and the police are just waiting to capture and kill her. She stayed with the group for almost 10 months as a platoon medic and was even involved in an armed encounter in February this year.

Meanwhile, alias Raymond, now 19 years old, was also allegedly recruited when he was just 17. He attempted to surrender five times before his successful attempt last week. Raymond also worked as a medic and was wounded in the February clash with government troops.

Annie was brought to the local social welfare and development office for psychological debriefing and custody.

In his statement, Lt. Col. Gilbert Ombos, 60th IB commander, condemned the continued recruitment of minors and members of the indigenous people.

"No one—not our indigenous peoples, and especially not our children—should be forced to leave their homes and be caught in the middle of a war these communist-terrorists insist in waging,” he added.

The 60th IB opened its Balik-Loob Center in selected area of operations to accommodate rebels and their supporters who want to surrender.

Part of the center’s thrust is to aid surrenderees in claiming benefits under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

 

https://www.facebook.com/notes/mindanao-times/2-npa-fighters-including-a-17-year-old-surrender/2083010771720071/

Soldiers find IED

From the Mindanao Times (Oct 21): Soldiers find IED

An improvised explosive Device (IED) was recovered by the 71st Infantry Battalion in Sitio Tinago, Barangay Napnapan, Pantukan, Compostela Valley on Saturday morning.

According to 1Lt. Jhocell D. Asis, the civil-military operations officer of 71st IB, said the soldiers responded to the tip given by Jolito Dagook, purok chairman of Sitio Tinago, about a bomb laid down along the trail going to Sitio Puting Sayaw of Barangay Napnapan.

Upon combing the area, Asis said the troops of Bravo Company under the 71st IB recovered the IED, weighing more or less five kilos, along with one blasting cap and a 30-meter wire.

She said the IED belongs to the NPA under Jerry Japitan alias Jano.

“We commend the community for always feeding us information that helps in preempting the terroristic activities of the (NPAs)," Lt. Col. Esteveyn Ducusin, the commander of 71st IB, said.

"The incident is a manifestation that the NPAs are very desperate as they keep losing the support of the masses," Ducusin said.

The battalion commander said they will assure that an appropriate case will be filed against the perpetrators.

“Everyone, not only soldiers but innocent civilians, could be victims if this bomb was detonated," he added.

The IED was brought to the custody of the Bravo Company of the 71st IB in Sitio Diat Palo, Barangay Kingking, Pantukan for proper disposition.

 

https://www.facebook.com/notes/mindanao-times/soldiers-find-ied/2083013591719789/

39th IB troops find NPA arms cache in Makilala

From the Mindanao Times (Oct 21): 39th IB troops find NPA arms cache in Makilala

Five high-powered firearms, a rifle grenade, and bomb components were discovered by soldiers of the 39th Infantry Battalion along the road in Purok 5, Barangay Batasan, Makilala, Cotabato around 2 p.m. on Oct. 18.

Capt. Jerry Lamosao, the spokesperson of 10th Infantry Division, said the soldiers also found a communist flag in the same area. They arms cache was stashed inside two nylon sacks and left at the road shoulder.

He said a resident informed the soldiers that three men left the two sacks upon noticing the checkpoint of the military and the police along the road leading to the barangay hall. Accordingly, they unloaded the sacks from a green multi-cab vehicle.

He said the discovery of the cache indicates that the manpower of the New People's Army is dwindling.

Lt. Col. Rhojun P. Rosales, commander of the 39th Infantry Battalion, encouraged the remaining members of the New People's Army to lay down their arms and surrender. He also warned citizens against stocking up on firearms without the proper permit because they could face jail time.

On the other hand, Brig. Gen. Roberto T. Ancan, commander of 1002nd Infantry Brigade, commended the soldiers for their continued commitment to keep the peace, especially in the remote areas. He then urged the Red fighters to surrender.

“We will ensure your safety and well-being when you lay down your arms and live peacefully with your families," Ancan said.

"We will work with other stakeholders to ensure your safety and that of your families."

In a statement, Maj. Gen. Noel S. Clement, commander of the 10th ID, also thanked the residents for their continued support for the government's effort to wipe out the NPA and also introduce development in the communities.

 

https://www.facebook.com/notes/mindanao-times/39th-ib-troops-find-npa-arms-cache-in-makilala/2083014915052990/

Duterte’s offer to NPA ‘amazonas’: Surrender and I’ll hug, kiss you

From the Politiko (Oct 20): Duterte’s offer to NPA ‘amazonas’: Surrender and I’ll hug, kiss you



President Rodrigo Duterte was his usual flirtatious self again Friday (October 19) as he urged communist rebels to surrender so they could have a fresh start in life.

Duterte made a special offer to female New People’s Army rebels who will lay their arms down in a speech during the opening of a new Gaisano mall in Davao City.

“You amazonas are better off coming here. I’ll hug and kiss you,” he said.

Duterte offered communist rebels a house and job in exchange for surrendering to the government. He said he doesn’t want to fight them anymore.

“Your underground movement will not amount to anything. But I am ready to accept you if you surrender. Bring your firearms, give it to me, and I will give you a house and a job. You can be sure of that,” he said.

he government stopped peace talks with the NPA’s ideological and political arms, the Communist Party of the Philippines and National Democratic Front, last year due to the rebels’ attacks on uniformed personnel and civilians. The negotiations have yet to formally start again.

Duterte said that while he is no longer interested to talk to CPP founder Jose Maria Sison, communist rebels can surrender to local authorities so they could start anew.

http://politics.com.ph/dutertes-offer-to-npa-amazonas-surrender-and-ill-hug-kiss-you/

Duterte offers fresh start to NPA rebels: Drop your guns, I’ll give you a house and job

From the Politiko (Oct 20): Duterte offers fresh start to NPA rebels: Drop your guns, I’ll give you a house and job



President Rodrigo Duterte is offering a chance to members of the New People’s Army to start anew if they will surrender to the government.

In a speech at the opening of a new Gaisano mall in Davao City Friday (October 19), Duterte called NPA rebels his “friends” whom he doesn’t want to kill.

Addressing the communist fighters, he said: “Your underground movement will not amount to anything. But I am ready to accept you if you surrender. Bring your firearms, give it to me, and I will give you a house and a job. You can be sure of that.”


Duterte said the government will even foot the bill for the surrendering rebels to learn new skills at the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

“Set down your arms and we will not have a problem. If you wish to join politics, okay lang. Drop the firearms, drop the gun, and we will not have a problem. We will not be just friends, but Filipino brothers and sisters,” he said.

Duterte said he doesn’t want to fight with NPA rebels because soldiers and policemen die in the process.

The government stopped peace talks with the NPA’s ideological and political arms, the Communist Party of the Philippines and National Democratic Front, last year due to the rebels’ attacks on uniformed personnel and civilians. The negotiations have yet to formally start again.

http://politics.com.ph/duterte-offers-fresh-start-to-npa-rebels-drop-your-guns-ill-give-you-a-house-and-job/

Gunmen massacre 9 sugarcane workers in NegOcc

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 21): Gunmen massacre 9 sugarcane workers in NegOcc

Family members flock on Sunday morning to a funeral home in Sagay City where the bodies of the nine fatalities in Barangay Bulanon were brought after they were killed by unidentified gunmen on Saturday night. (Photo courtesy of DYHB Tatak RMN Page)

BACOLOD CITY — A total of nine persons, including three women and two minors, were killed by a group of unidentified gunmen in a sugarcane farm at Barangay Bulanon in Sagay City, Negros Occidental on Saturday night, the provincial police here reported Sunday.

According to the police report, the fatalities were among the alleged members of the National Federation of Sugarcane Workers (NFSW) who occupied the farm at Hacienda Nene in Purok Firetree on Saturday morning.

The male fatalities were identified as Eglicerio Villegas, 36; Paterno Baron, 48; Rene “Dodong” Laurencio; and Rannel “Bingbing” Bantigue, 41, while the females were Angelife Arsenal, 47; Morena Mendoza; and Marcelina “Necnec” Dumaguit.

The two minors were identified as Jomarie Ughayon Jr., 16, and Marchtel Sumicad, 17.

The bodies of Mendoza, Bantigue and Dumaguit were allegedly burned by the assailants, the police report said.

Investigators led by Chief Insp. Roberto Mansueto, head of Sagay City Police Station, and personnel of 62nd Special Action Force team, proceeded to Barangay Bulanon after receiving information about the incident that took place around 9:30 p.m.

The teams learned that the farm owned by Carmen Tolentino was occupied by alleged NFSW members, a day after the harvest.

While the victims and their companions were resting inside the improvised tents, a group of about 40 gunmen fired at them, immediately killing the nine.

Those who survived were able to run and seek refuge in various areas near the sugarcane farm.

Operatives from the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Crime Laboratory recovered 12 fired cartridges of 5.56-caliber rifle and seven others of caliber .45 along with a homemade .38-caliber pistol with a live cartridge and a fired cartridge case of the same firerarm.

The bodies of the nine victims were brought to FDN Memorial Chapel.

The Sagay City Police Station said investigators are eyeing land conflict as the motive of the incident.

Follow-up investigation and clearing operation are ongoing and surviving witnesses are temporarily in police custody.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1051686

AFP backs PRRD’s call for peaceful surrender of NPAs

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 21): AFP backs PRRD’s call for peaceful surrender of NPAs

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Sunday expressed support for President Rodrigo Duterte's fresh calls to New People's Army (NPA) members to lay down their weapons and rejoin the mainstream society.

"The AFP joins the Commander-in-Chief (President Rodrigo Duterte) in calling out to the terrorist NPA to lay down their arms as most of them have done and to avail of the offer to have a new lease of a peaceful, productive, and joyful lives with their loved ones in a community of fellow Filipinos welcoming and embracing them back to its folds," military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said in a statement sent to reporters.

The AFP spokesperson said the rebels should seriously consider this offer as their so-called "people's revolution" is already a passé as more and more Filipinos, including the ones in their losing “army” of communists, have already realized the failure of their pretended ideology that has now turned into terrorism of the people and the exploitation of their own.

"Hundreds who have already surrendered, and those who are still in the mountains but have already sent surrender feelers, now say that they now came to realize that while they were being pushed to fight it out in the frontlines, the CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines) leadership in Europe and in the cities luxuriate in the money they extort from business persons," Arevalo added.

To provide for these surrenderers, the AFP spokesperson said the government has its Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) in full swing to ensure that former rebels (FRs) will have a wholistic package of benefits that they can avail of such as, but not limited to, health, education, livelihood assistance, and legal assistance.

"The AFP also helps provide to qualified E-CLIP enrollees protection from their former comrades who might want to deprive them (FRs) of this opportunity to be with their families and mainstream society again," he added.

Arevalo added that now is the best time to surrender and avail of these benefits now enjoyed by hundreds of these FRs.

"The NPAs do not need the likes of Jose Maria Sison to broker for peaceful and meaningful lives for them. They can, as the AFP has been supporting, avail of localized peace talks. That is more responsive to their particular needs and situations. CPP leaders abroad are out of touch and have only their personal interests to protect in making ludicrous demands for the talks but do not perform their share to make peace work," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1051682

Duterte’s offer to NPA not form of bribery: Palace

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 22): Duterte’s offer to NPA not form of bribery: Palace

President Rodrigo Duterte’s offer to give the New People’s Army (NPA) house and employment if they surrender to government should not be construed as a form of bribery, Malacañang said on Sunday.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Duterte “is not being less hostile, nor hostile for that matter” in his pronouncement during last Friday’s inauguration of the Gaisano Grand Citygate Mall in Davao City.

“We should not construe the President's aspiration for peace as a form of bribery,” Panelo said in a press statement.

“The President's offer to the New People’s Army (NPA) for dwelling and employment, if and when their members lay down their arms, is a mere reiteration of his proposal to the rebel group to take a new tack in its advocacy,” he clarified.

In a statement, Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chairman Jose Maria Sison said Duterte is either trying to sound less hostile to the communists by trying to bribe the NPA rebels to surrender.

Panelo said the 50-year armed conflict between government and NPA, one of the longest insurgencies in the world, has resulted in a series of sorrowful tragedies, involving Filipinos killing fellow Filipinos.

“The President acknowledges that there were those bright and youthful leaders who could have served this nation and improved their respective careers if only their lives were not cut short from the skirmishes emanating from this armed struggle. We take note of families of soldiers and rebels who still grieve for the loss of their loved ones up to this day,” Panelo said.

“This armed conflict cannot go on for another fifty years, and in the mind of PRRD, the same must end; and the sooner it ends, the better it is for our country,” he added.

On Sison’s statement that the National Democratic Front is ready to negotiate with the government, Panelo said the communists must first demonstrate genuine sincerity before the resumption of the talks.

“The government cannot sit with their leaders in the same negotiating table while the latter's armed comrades are fraudulently committing criminal acts and bringing harm to our people. These include the ambushing of our armed forces and innocent civilians while enforcing their so-called revolutionary taxes and destroying the properties of individuals or entities who refuse to give in to their orders,” Panelo explained.

He said the government has been dismayed in numerous occasions over the NPA’s opportunistic attacks amid the ongoing peace talks.

“We therefore challenge Mr. Sison, as well as his forces on the ground, if they truly believe in him, to walk the talk and support the President’s call for conciliation towards the nation's quest for just, sustainable and enduring peace in our motherland,” Panelo said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1051698

AFP condemns massacre in Negros sugar farm

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 22): AFP condemns massacre in Negros sugar farm

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) strongly condemned the brutal killing of nine people at a sugar farm in Barangay Bulanon, Sagay City, Negros Occidental on Saturday night.

"The AFP strongly condemns and is deeply saddened by this violent incident that transpired in Barangay Bulanon, Sagay City, Negros Occidental," military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said in a message to reporters Sunday.

Initial police reports said the fatalities were among the alleged members of the National Federation of Sugarcane Workers (NFSW), who occupied the farm at Hacienda Nene in Purok Firetree on Saturday morning.

The male fatalities were identified as Eglicerio Villegas, 36; Paterno Baron, 48; Rene “Dodong” Laurencio; and Rannel “Bingbing” Bantigue, 41, while the females were Angelife Arsenal, 47; Morena Mendoza; and Marcelina “Necnec” Dumaguit.

The two minors were identified as Jomarie Ughayon Jr., 16, and Marchtel Sumicad, 17.

The bodies of Mendoza, Bantigue and Dumaguit were allegedly burned by the assailants, the police report said.

"We are one with the families and relatives of the reported nine individuals who perished in the shooting incident in seeking for an assurance that justice will be served to both the victims and the perpetrators," he added.

Arevalo also said they are now awaiting the results of the official investigation being conducted by the Philippine National Police.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1051717

AFP not treating dissent as crime

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 22): AFP not treating dissent as crime

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) cried foul over allegations that the government, particularly the military, is "treating dissent as a crime".

The AFP made the statement in response to former Bayan Muna Representative Neri Colmenares' condemnation of the arrest of Gabriela, Anakpawis and Bayan Muna members and that of National Democratic Front peace consultant Adelberto Silva last week.

"To say that government, AFP included, 'is treating dissent as a crime' is a misleading if not a malicious imputation," AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said in a message sent to reporters Sunday.

In arresting persons with standing warrants of arrest for 15 counts of murder and a host of others, such as illegally carrying firearms, ammunitions, and explosives when accosted in a joint AFP-PNP checkpoint, it is not criminalizing a certain “militant group” of people, he added.

"The operations actually upheld the law and protected the Filipino people at large—it doesn’t matter whether such group of people is comprised of 'mere activists' or a 'consultant in a peace negotiation'," Arevalo stressed.

He noted that the court's order to release the accused since the charges were set for further investigation doesn’t make the case filed against them flawed, the AFP spokesperson added.

"It is due process at work. It is a test of probable cause at its best! And the AFP vows to the majesty of the law and of the courts as the AFP has always been," he emphasized.

Also, Arevalo clarified that no one is above the law.

"'We are', as that old adage says, 'a government of laws and not of men.'," he added.

While Filipinos are discerning and intelligent, Arevalo said the people must be guarded against terrorist propaganda propagated by many voices and myriad faces pretending to be champions of human rights and civil liberties.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1051715