AFP validates NPA's extortion activities in Cebu

From the Sun Star-Cebu (Feb 25, 2019): AFP validates NPA's extortion activities in Cebu

                         

SOME aspiring local officials running in the midterm elections sought the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) help after they received permits to campaign from the New People’s Army.

Lt. Gen. Noel Clement, commander of the AFP Central Command based in Cebu City, said members of the NPA often ask local candidates to present a campaign permit especially during election season. The NPA reportedly gives candidates a campaign permit in exchange for money. The permit is reportedly meant to provide protection to candidates while they are campaigning in the hinterlands.

Clement said that some candidates claimed NPA rebels would ask for P10,000 to P100,000, depending on the position they are running for.

In exchange for money, the NPA rebels would assure the candidates that they will be safe while campaigning in the mountain barangays that they control.

Majority of the candidates who are allegedly being asked for campaign permits are based in Negros Island, Panay and Samar.

There are also aspiring local officials in Cebu who were sent letters by suspected NPA rebels, Clement said.

Clement, though, refused to identify the candidates, saying they have yet to verify the information.

“The NPA will always look forward to an election because this is an opportunity for them to increase their extortion activities,” Clement told reporters on Monday, Feb. 25.

Clement said they aim to neutralize the NPA rebels who are behind the alleged extortion activities.

He also warned aspiring politicians that they could be charged for violating election laws if they are caught giving money to NPA rebels.

Clement urged the public to report officials or aspiring officials who have dealings with the NPA before the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1794288

NPA rebel killed in Misamis Oriental clash

From the Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (Feb 25):      NPA rebel killed in Misamis Oriental clash 

ANOTHER New People's Army (NPA) rebel died over the weekend in an encounter against soldiers in the boundary of Talisayan and Medina towns in Misamis Oriental.

Government troops seized from the rebels five high-powered firearms, which include four M16 rifles and one AK47 rifle, last Saturday, February 23. Pursuit operation against the rebels was ongoing Monday, February 25.

The rebels were believed to be members of PPH Platoon of Felot, SRC1 led by a certain "Dallas."

“Our relentless operations in the remote areas are meant to drive the NPA terrorists away from communities so their imposition of permit-to-campaign and permit-to-win fees on candidates for the upcoming elections will be ineffective and useless” said Lieutenant Col Roy Derilo, 58th Infantry Battalion commander.

Last February 18, an NPA member was also killed during pursuit operations by Army's Special Forces in Lantapan, Bukidnon.

The Army was able to locate the rebels through the help of the locals.

“Civilians are tipping off precise locations of NPA terrorist hideouts and their activities as they declare the CPP-NPA as 'persona non grata' or undesirable people not welcome in their communities,” said Colonel Edgardo De Leon, 403rd Brigade commander that is securing Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental and Camiguin provinces.

“As we embark on a peaceful war, by bringing in government services to resolve social ills in the remote communities, we have to continue our security patrols in the hinterlands so the NPA terrorists will not have the chance to disrupt our peacekeeping campaign,” 4th Infantry Division Commander Brigadier General Franco Nemesio Gacal said.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1794232/Cagayan-De-Oro/Local-News/New-Peoples-Army-rebel-killed-in-Misamis-Oriental-clash

Bulatlat: NPA seizes 5 high-powered rifles from army soldiers in Mis Or encounter

From the pro-CPP/NDF/NPA online propaganda publication Bulatlat (Feb 26): NPA seizes 5 high-powered rifles from army soldiers in Mis Or encounter



In the mountainous area of Macupa, Talisayan in Misamis Oriental, an armed encounter between a unit of the New People’s Army (NPA) and soldiers from the 58th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, took place at 9:30 in the morning of Feb 23. The Army is in the area reportedly gearing up for combat operations. The NPA unit said they “confiscated” five high-powered rifles and other equipment from the army. Two army soldiers died in the firefight.

A red fighter reportedly gave his life to help his comrades withdraw to safety. The NPA in Misamis Oriental saluted their “fallen comrade,” saying this is unfortunately one of the sacrifices in the struggle. They cite the red fighter’s “inspiring example” and expressed confidence that the people’s movement will go on and that “the mass struggle will persist.”

Speaking for the NPA in Misamis Oriental, Nicholas Marino said the Filipino revolutionary fighters will continue to call and fight for the interest of the masses of Filipinos from the mouth of their guns.

“The efforts of the martyrs of the revolution will not go to waste,” said Marino. He explained that despite the sacrifices inherent in the revolutionary struggle, “Only through this struggle can all of us be ultimately saved.”

https://www.bulatlat.com/2019/02/26/npa-seized-5-high-powered-rifles-from-army-soldiers-in-mis-or/

Building the Bangsamoro in the shadow of Marawi and Jolo

Posted to the Asian Correspondent (Feb 25, 2019): Building the Bangsamoro in the shadow of Marawi and Jolo (By Joseph Franco)



Bullet riddled domes of Grand mosque are seen overlooking ruined houses after residents were allowed to return to their homes for the first time since the battle between government troops and Islamic State militants began in May last year, in the Islamic city of Marawi, southern Philippines April 19, 2018. Source: Reuters/Erik De Castro

The bombing of a cathedral in the Philippine provincial capital city of Jolo, Sulu on 27 January 2019 was a stark reminder of the challenges facing the prospective Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The attack came just under a week after the 21 January plebiscite that ratified the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) and paved the way for the creation of the BARMM. While the plebiscite was a welcome development, popular support for political autonomy in Mindanao may not be enough to counter those seeking to derail the BARMM.

Twenty individuals were killed and many more wounded after two explosions struck the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel during an early morning mass in downtown Jolo. The group responsible for the attack, the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), has long considered the cathedral a symbolic target. At least 10 attacks against the cathedral have been recorded since 2000 when the ASG became notorious for kidnapping and extortion.

SEE ALSO: Preventing other ‘Marawis’: Battle for hearts and minds of Philippine Muslims

The bombings are a reminder of the persistence of communal tensions in Jolo. In 1974, Jolo was destroyed after a pitched battle between the Philippine military and secessionist rebels. The image of an eclectic and commerce-driven Jolo was erased by conflict and this became a driver of Filipino Muslim secessionism. Jolo was reconstructed, but the razing of Jolo continues to evoke anti-government sentiments and communal tensions.

Jolo’s insecure frontier image led to the entrenchment of local political elites, which stunted the growth of democratic institutions and the rule of law. Prior to the BOL plebiscite, some local elected officials in Sulu voiced their opposition to the measure. The Bangsamoro government could potentially upend the informal institutions and patron-client relations that local political clans rely upon to preserve their influence.

The ‘no’ vote won in Sulu, demonstrating the power of local political elites to harness so-called ‘command votes’. But Sulu will still be part of the BARMM since the territory of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) as a whole, which will be replaced by the BARMM, voted to ratify the BOL.



Community leaders survey damaged houses and buildings inside war-torn Marawi, Philippines January 13, 2018. Picture taken January 13, 2018. Source: Reuters/Tom Allard

The Jolo bombings also demonstrate the problem of weapons proliferation that any future Bangsamoro government will have to confront. Post-blast investigations reveal that the explosives used were typical of the types of improvised explosive devices used in the island provinces of Western Mindanao.

It is hoped that promised improvements in quality-of-life and governance from the Bangsamoro government will reduce the demand for illicit weapons. But the control of dual-use substances with legitimate industrial applications, such as ammonium nitrate-fuel oil, will be difficult to regulate.

The more pressing issue is on the supply side. Though the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) agreed to the disarmament and demobilisation of its fighters in a 2014 peace deal with Manila, some MILF commanders have expressed reservations about turning in their weapons. Exemption from disarmament is rationalised as a form of self-defence against the private militias that previously fought against the MILF and are still maintained by politicians.

SEE ALSO: Philippines govt under fire for delay in Marawi ground zero rehabilitation

It remains to be seen whether the Ajang-Ajang faction of the ASG, reportedly composed of relatives and kin of killed ASG leaders, was operating independently as the perpetrator of the bombings.One line of enquiry being pursued is the possibility that the attack is reprisal for the killing of ASG sub-leader Surakah Ingog in August 2018.

At present, the Philippine government is sticking to the narrative of Filipino ASG members acting as the pathfinders for the alleged Indonesian suicide bombers that struck the cathedral.

The generational nature of violent extremism is a critical and often overlooked factor driving the emergence of splinter groups. The MILF that signed the 2014 peace deal paving the way for the BOL was a splinter group from the Moro National Liberation Front.

There are also fears that orphans of members of Maute Group, a splinter from the MILF, killed in the 2017 Marawi siege will grow up resenting the government and be susceptible to violent extremist recruitment.



(File) A signage of “I love Marawi” is seen in front of damaged houses, buildings and a mosque inside a war-torn Marawi city, southern Philippines October 26, 2017. Source: Reuters

Beyond caring for vulnerable individuals, the Bangsamoro government will have to contend with the reality of multiple threat groups. The ASG, both its pro-Islamic State (IS) and its more criminally-oriented factions, are outside the scope of the formal Mindanao peace process, as are other lesser-known violent extremist groups such as Ansar Khilafah Philippines.

These groups, unlike the MILF, have no intent to participate in autonomy or governance under the Philippine Republic.

The passing of the BOL plebiscite and the establishment of the BARMM are just the initial steps towards establishing lasting peace in Mindanao. The new regional government already faces the challenge of rebuilding from the ruins of Marawi.

In the aftermath of the Jolo bombings, Manila is reminded once again of the structural issues that drive violent extremism domestically. The demise of IS’ physical caliphate or the discrediting of its ideology will not resolve the fundamental issues that Mindanao faces.

Communal tensions and the proliferation of weapons and bad actors will have to be resolved holistically by the future Bangsamoro and the Philippines’ national leadership.

[Joseph Franco is a Research Fellow with the Centre of Excellence for National Security, S Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.

This article is republished from East Asia Forum under a Creative Commons licence.] 

https://asiancorrespondent.com/2019/02/building-the-bangsamoro-in-the-shadow-of-marawi-and-jolo/

Abu Sayyaf bandit killed in Isabela, Basilan clash

From GMA News (Feb 25, 2019): Abu Sayyaf bandit killed in Isabela, Basilan clash

A member of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) member was killed in a clash between the bandits and government troops in Isabela City, Basilan on Monday afternoon.

A member of the CAFGU was wounded in the 15-minute encounter between the ASG and members of the two Special Forces teams in Sampinit Complex, Masola.
The bandits left their dead while the troops recovered an M-14 rifle at the encounter site.

Colonel Fernando Reyeg, Joint Task Force Basilan commander, said the soldiers responded to reports as regards the presence of the bandits in the area.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/686134/abu-sayyaf-bandit-killed-in-isabela-basilan-clash/story/

DWDD: Government Troops clash with NPAs thrice in Mindoro.

Posted to Katropa DWDD-CRS Virtual RTV (Feb 23, 2019): Government Troops clash with NPAs thrice in Mindoro.

Combined troops of the 4thInfantry Battalion (4IB), Provincial Mobile Police Force (PMFC) and CriminalInvestigation Group (CIDG) 4B clashed today (February 23, 2019) with retreatingNew Peoples Army (NPA) Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) remnants 3 times atSitio Barungbong, Barangay Mapaya, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.
According to Colonel Marceliano Teofilo, Commander of the 203rd Brigade directlysupervising the on-going Focused Military Operation (FMO), the first encountertranspired 0600 in the morning. He added that "the new encounters was the result of their pursuit operations inMansalay wherein the NPAs were forced to withdraw to Oriental-Occidental Mindoroboundary in their attempt to escape our pursuing troops.

However, soldiers from 4IBtogether with the police who were conducting complementary operations were ableto intercept them".A firefight broke for fifteen (15) minutes against the more or less 10 NPAs underPlatoon Mike of Kilusang Larangan Guerilla Silangan.

After clearing the encounter site, the troops recovered the following war materials;one (1) .30 caliber cap magazines with ammunitions, two (2) cellular phones and simcards, two (2) grenade launcher empty shells, hammock, mess kit, rain boots, riflesling, medical paraphernalia, enemy war materials and other personal belongings.

No one was hurt on the government side while there was undetermined number ofcasualties from the NPAs.

The enemy scampered and withdrew toward differentdirections dragging along their wounded and dead comrades based on the heavybloodstains in the encounter site.

https://www.facebook.com/pg/dwdd1134/posts/?ref=page_internal

DWDD: NPA Terrorist Killed in MisOr Encounter

Posted to Katropa DWDD-CRS Virtual RTV (Feb 23, 2019): NPA Terrorist Killed in MisOr Encounter

Claveria, Misamis Oriental - A New People's Army terrorist was killed after an encounter around 10am this morning (Feb 23, 2019) in an uninhabited area in the hilly boundary of the municipalities of Talisayan and Medina, both of Misamis Oriental province.
Soldiers and Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) members under 2LT Viernes of 58 Infantry Battalion encountered the NPAs believed members of PPH Platoon of Felot, SRC1 led by a certain "Dallas".

“Our relentless operations in the remote areas are meant to drive the NPA terrorists away from communities so their imposition of permit-to-campaign and permit-to-win fees on candidates for the upcoming elections will be ineffective and useless", LtCol Roy Derilo said.

Also, five high-powered firearms (4 M16 rifles & 1-AK47 rifle) were seized by government troops in the encounter site.

Last February 18, another member of the NPA was killed on pursuit operations by Army's Special Forces in Lantapan, Bukidnon through the help of the information provided by the locals.

“Civilians are tipping off precise location of NPA terrorist hideouts and activities as they declare the CPP-NPA as "persona non grata" or undesirable people not welcome in their communities”, Col Edgardo De Leon, 403rd Bde Commander said.

The 4th Infantry Division Commander BGen Franco Nemesio Gacal also assured the security of patrols in the hinterlands so the NPA terrorists will not have the chance to disrupt the government's peacekeeping campaign as they embark on a Peaceful War by bringing in government services to resolve social ills in the remote communities. | PRESS RELEASE

https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/a.1469610063283485/2385890784988737/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/pg/dwdd1134/posts/?ref=page_internal

DWDD: 4ID Does Not Engage in Cheap Propaganda

Posted to Katropa DWDD-CRS Virtual RTV (Feb 23, 2019): 4ID Does Not Engage in Cheap Propaganda
CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – The 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division, Philippine Army is a professional Armed Force and does not engage in cheap propaganda that can cause confusion and division in our society. In fact, we are serious in our efforts to harness the support of all stakeholders in line with the government’s call for a Whole of the Nation Approach to end the local commun...ist threat to peace-loving communities.

On February 22, 2019, at around 3:35 o’clock in the afternoon, media friends from Cagayan de Oro City informed us on the alleged list of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) members in CDOC which was exposed during the meeting with Karapatan members headed by Secretary-General Cristina Palabay. The cheap leaflets which contain names of 19 individuals and 4 organizations can be crafted by anybody who wants to sow intrigues and create a wedge among the peace-loving individuals in Cagayan de Oro City and the members of the Armed Forces.

However, these cowardly practices have been the old dirty tactics of local communist groups to create animosity in our peaceful society and later on blame the government, particularly the Armed Forces. It can be recalled that some noteworthy incidents like the
Plaza Miranda Bombing, OPLAN Ahos, the killing of tribal leaders and other atrocities committed by the CPP-NPA were attributed to the government but were later on revealed by that, it is the propaganda and the undertakings of CPP-NPA as disclosed by surrenders.

On his statement, Brigadier General Gacal, Commander of 4th ID said, “We are making friends, not enemies. The document shown by the Karapatan members does not belong to us and we do not engage on cheap propaganda. We call upon the concern individuals to refrain from spreading unverified documents/reports. Most importantly, we together
with the PNP, wholeheartedly offer security and other assistance to the innocent victims of this cheap propaganda.” | PRESS RELEASE

https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/a.1469610063283485/2385898358321313/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/pg/dwdd1134/posts/?ref=page_internal

DWDD: Female Rebel Leaders enrolled in E-CLIP

Posted to Katropa DWDD-CRS Virtual RTV (Feb 23, 2019): Female Rebel Leaders enrolled in E-CLIP
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - Four members of terrorist armed group New People's Army who voluntarily surrendered to the 1st Special Forces Battalion under Ltc. Sergio Macarandan based in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon were formally enrolled in the Government program's Enhance Comprehensive Local Integration Program last February 21, 2019.
The enrolment came after their confession as members of the NPA which was administered by lawyers from the Public Attorneys Office to the Provincial Prosecutor in Bukidnon.

In a report made by Col. Edgardo Y. De Leon to MGen. Felimon T. Santos Jr., Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command, he indicated that the four were frustrated due to the contradictions between what is being preached and what is actually happening inside the CPP-NPA, which made them decide to quit and join the folds of the law.

Accordingly, the four have been recruiting residents of western Bukidnon and in urban areas of Cagayan de Oro City to join the underground and armed group during their stint with the terrorist organization and have also served in different capacities.

The surrenderees were identified as JAI-JAI, a Political Officer of an NPA Platoon voluntarily surrendered on February 14, 2019; and a mother and daughter identified as alias Diding, 63 years old, and Jao, 34 years old, both staffs of the Regional Urban Committee in North Central Mindanao surrendered on February 11, 2019.

On the other hand, LALA, 34 years old, a Finance Officer and Platoon Political Instructor of an NPA Platoon voluntarily surrendered last January 21, 2019. She turned-in assorted medical and dental kits such as medicines which she used to treat NPA terrorists injured in encounters with government troops; cellphones and an ACER tablet that are now undergoing "contents forensics and analysis."

Meanwhile, MGen Santos Jr. expressed his full support for the advocacy of BGen. Franco Nemesio Gacal, Commander of 4th Infantry Division for a 'Peaceful War' which seeks to reach out the vulnerable sectors, the influenced masses, and those recruited into the armed group to gain their support in establishing a peaceful community.

"We do not need to kill each other after all we are all Filipinos, our issues are being addressed by the government. In support to the advocacy, I encourage all our units to assist the communities and act as ambassadors of peace and development in our communities in partnership with different stakeholders to end this conflict once and for all," MGen Santos Jr. said. | PRESS RELEASE

https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/pcb.2385914288319720/2385914034986412/?type=3&theater



https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/pcb.2385914288319720/2385914021653080/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/pg/dwdd1134/posts/?ref=page_internal

DWDD: MGen Santos Jr. to NPA: Heed the people's call

Posted to Katropa DWDD-CRS Virtual RTV (Feb 23, 2019): MGen Santos Jr. to NPA: Heed the people's call

NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - "Heed the people's call, they are already tired of your coercion and intimidation." This was the challenge of MGen. Felimon T. Santos Jr. to the leadership of the NPA after more and more communities and LGUs are declaring them "persona non grata" in their respective communities.

 "The people believe in the government's resolve to address their issues and concern and socio-economic changes that are being pushed and that they do not want this to be hampered and stalled," MGen Santos said.

Latest villages that declared the CPP-NPA as persona non grata were Barangays Caburacanan, St. Peter, Silae, Indalasa of Malaybalay and Barangay Canangaan, Freedom, and Dalacutan of Cabanglasan, all of Bukidnon Province. The declaration was made on February 20, 2019.

The Province of Davao Oriental prohibited the CPP-NPA-NDF and declared them as undesirable in the whole province after the Provincial Peace and Order Council passed a resolution on February 19, 2019, to that effect.

On February 15, 2019, villages in Surigao del Norte particularly Camam-onan and Gigaquit, both known villages where NPA thrive for the past years, banned the CPP-NPA-NDF in their villages when they declared them as persona non grata on February 15, 2019.

Last January 25, 2019, Compostela Valley Province passed a resolution condemning and declaring the CPP-NPA-NDF as persona non grata in the whole province.

In the same manner, 21 Barangays in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon and the whole Municipality of Sibagat, Agusan del Sur declared the CPP and NPA members as persona non grata on October 23, 2018, and December 21, 2018, respectively.

"This is a good development which shows that the communities are prepared and willing to participate in the implementation of Executive Order 70, particularly on the implementation of the cultural and socio-economic programs of the government," MGen Santos Jr. said.

It can be recalled that on 2014, the Municipality of Kapalong together with the Tribal Leaders courageously declared the CPP-NPA-NDF as persona non grata in the whole municipality including the Ancestral Domain under it, which contributed to the stable peace and order in the area. | PRESS RELEASE

https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/pcb.2385922148318934/2385922031652279/?type=3&theater



https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/pcb.2385922148318934/2385922014985614/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/pg/dwdd1134/posts/?ref=page_internal

DWDD: Municipalities in Bukidnon declare CPP-NPA Terrorists and its Supporters as Persona Non-Grata

Posted to Katropa DWDD-CRS Virtual RTV (Feb 23, 2019): Municipalities in Bukidnon declare CPP-NPA Terrorists and its Supporters as Persona Non-Grata

IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon- The Local leaders of Barangay Caburacanan, St. Peter, Silae and Indalasa of Malaybalay and Barangay Canangaan, Freedom and Dalacutan of Cabanglasan, Bukidnon passed a resolution declaring CPP-NPA Terrorists and their legal organizations; KATRIBU, ANAK PAWIS, BAYAN MUNA, TAMARAW, GABRI...ELA and LFS among others as “Persona Non-Grata” in their communities, last February 20, 2019.


The barangay officials tribal leaders of barangays had strengthened their support declaring the NPA’s and its legal organizations unwelcome in their locality. of the terrorists’ groups of the Community Support Program Teams (CST) and the efforts in their communities.

CPP-NPA was declared terrorists by President Rodrigo Duterte as well as the European Union. CPP-NPA was declared “Persona Non-Grata” due to their such as burning of equipment, killing of Indigenous People, extortions, violations of International Humanitarian continuously posing threats to the peace-loving civilians in the said municipalities. The declaration of the seven (7) really want peace and development in their area.

Masses were enlightened on the effects of this terrorist within their modest communities, that CPP-NPA was the hindrance to the government services and it must be stopped.

LIEUTENANT COLONEL RONALD M. ILLANA, the Commanding Officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion in his statement said “I appreciate the decisions of the Local Officials declaring the Communist Terrorists (CNTs) and its organizations as “Persona Non-Grata” in their communities.

The Local Government Units, Government Agencies, and concern stakeholders will jointly work for hand on hand to address the insurgency problems in our communities.” “To the CPP-NPA terrorists who are still in the mountain ranges of Bukidnon come down and yield to your army, we are your true soldiers, we will help you return in mainstream society and be with your families," he added. | PRESS RELEASE

https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/a.1469610063283485/2385930744984741/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/pg/dwdd1134/posts/?ref=page_internal

DWDD: Another NPA Died in a Clash with Government Troops in CARAGA

Posted to Katropa DWDD-CRS Virtual RTV (Feb 23, 2019): Another NPA Died in a Clash with Government Troops in CARAGA

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – Another member of the terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) died in a 30-minute clash with government troops belonging to 30th Infantry “Python” Battalion of the 4th Infantry Division at vicinity Sitio Puyawon, Barangay Mahanub, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte at around 10:00 o’clock in the morning of February 19, 2019.

The government troops were conducting focused mil...itary operations to go after the NPA terrorists who are threatening isolated barangays in CARAGA when a concerned barangay folk revealed the location of the NPAs due to the extortions and threats posed in their community.

 The troops recovered the male dead body along with one M16 rifle, three magazines loaded with ammunition, one anti-personnel mine, one blasting cap, five meters’ wire, five meters’ utility rope, and personal belongings.

It was learned that the dead NPA is an Indigenous People (IP), a member of Mamanwa Tribe living in the hinterland of Surigao del Norte. Last February 18, 2019, one NPA terrorist who is also an IP member of the Higaonon tribe died in an encounter with the government troops in Lantapan, Bukidnon.

Colonel Maurito L. Licudine, the newly-installed 402nd Brigade Commander said “We strongly condemn the extortions and troubles made by the NPA to the peace-loving civilians. Communities are already tired and irritated of the NPAs’ decades of banditry. I urge the NPAs to lay down their arms and return to the folds of law and avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration (E-CLIP).

Brigadier General Franco Nemesio M. Gacal, the Commander of 4ID, on the other hand, said, “We are saddened that another NPA who is an IP member died due to the wrong indoctrinations made by the terrorist NPA. It is really unfortunate that the CPP-NPA continuously recruit, deceive and exploit our IP brothers. THIS MUST BE STOPPED!” | PRESS RELEASE

 

 

 

https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/a.1469610063283485/2385939658317183/?type=3&theater

 

https://www.facebook.com/pg/dwdd1134/posts/?ref=page_internal

DWDD: Mounting IHL violations, community condemnation forced NPA to release remaining hostages in CARAGA

Posted to Katropa DWDD-CRS Virtual RTV (Feb 23, 2019): Mounting IHL violations, community condemnation forced NPA to release remaining hostages in CARAGA

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – The terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) hastily released eight (8) remaining hostages due to fear of lost mass support due to condemnations by various communities and their mounting serious violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

The release was done at the vicinity of Purok 9, Sitio Hugmakan, Brangay San Juan, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur on February 19, 2019 at 2:25 in the afternoon. It can be recalled that NPA previously released six (6) of their kidnapped victims 5-days ago at the vicinity of Barangay San Juan, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur last February 14, 2019 and recently released another two (2) hostages at Barangay San Antonio, RTR, Agusan del Norte last February 18, 2019 due to fatigue and pressure from the pursuing Army and PNP troops.

On February 15, 2019, around 28 members of Militia ng Bayan surrendered and 267 Underground Mass Organization (UGMO) members also withdrawn their support to the CPP-NPA at Barangay Camam-onan, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte, a well-known CPP-NPA stronghold in CARAGA for the past decades upon seeing the lies and the violations of NPA. More and more municipalities and barangays in CARAGA declare CPP-NPA as “Persona Non-Grata” following the initiative of the municipality of Sibagat, Agusan del Sur last December 21, 2018 and recently at barangay Camam-onan, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte last February 15, 2019.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Charlita A. Quiao, among the hostages’ wife expressed her agony and misery on the past 62-days:

“Our family suffered, our six (6) children were really affected, the husband of my daughter Grace was among the kidnapped along with my husband, I don’t know what to do, I cannot think properly. This is the worst experience our family ever encountered that brought the family in chaos due to fear and sadness”.

The NPA terrorists released the hostages for propaganda and media mileage only. But the psychological and emotional trauma that they gave to the families of the hostages will remain.

The hostages will be given time to be with their loved ones, however, they will be undergoing medical and psychological treatment to ensure that they are in good physical and mental health.

Brigadier General Franco Nemesio M. Gacal, the Commander of 4ID said, “Terrorist acts and unreasonable demands by the NPA will never resolve peace and development concerns. Intensified efforts against NPA terrorists will push through. We will do our best, with the cooperation of cognizant government bodies to put an end to insurgency by addressing issues and concern of Conflict Affected Areas (ConAAs) in 4ID area of responsibility. The Board of Inquiry (BOI) will continue with their deeper investigation to find out exact details and to come up with a fair and just decisions of the command. | PRESS RELEASE



https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/pcb.2385948344982981/2385947778316371/?type=3&theater



https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/pcb.2385948344982981/2385947761649706/?type=3&theater



https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/pcb.2385948344982981/2385947804983035/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/pg/dwdd1134/posts/?ref=page_internal

DWDD: Daesh-inspired terrorist sub-leader surrenders in Lanao del Sur

Posted to Katropa DWDD-CRS Virtual RTV (Feb 23, 2019): Daesh-inspired terrorist sub-leader surrenders in Lanao del Sur

CAMP SANG-AN, Labangan Zamboanga del Sur – A Daesh-inspired Maute terrorist sub-leader surrendered to Army’s 49th Infantry Battalion in Lumba Bayabao, Lanao del Sur 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 19, 2019.

“Aloyodan Bantak, also known as alias Ibrahim Bantak’s surrender was facilitated by a local government unit of Lumba Bayabao”, said Lt. Col. Edgar Allan Villanueva, the 49thInfantry Battalion Commander. “Our initial de...briefing found out that he was involved in November 2016 Butig Siege and he is the recruiter of Owaida Marohombsar’s group, also known as alias Abu Dar”, Villanueva added.

Bantak also yielded one caliber 5.56mm sniper rifle, two grenade launchers magazines and ammunition. Custodial debriefing is still on-going as of this posting. Yesterday, three DI-Maute remnants under sub-leader Mubarak Manalo, also surrendered to 49IB in the municipality of Sultan Dumalondong, Lanao del Sur. “While we are supporting the recovery, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of Marawi, our efforts against DI-Maute terrorist will be continuous in order to achieve a peaceful and progressive community,” said Col. Romeo Brawner, 103rd Infantry Brigade Commander.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Roberto Ancan, the 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) commander, commended the efforts of the troops of 49th IB and LGU of Lumba Bayabao.“Our campaign against terrorists will be relentless and we will take advantage of their weakened leadership and capabilities in order to attain a just and lasting peace in our area of operation,” Ancan concluded. | PRESS RELEASE



https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/a.1469610063283485/2385954468315702/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/pg/dwdd1134/posts/?ref=page_internal

DWDD: New commander assumes leadership of 402nd Infantry Brigade in CARAGA

Posted to Katropa DWDD-CRS Virtual RTV (Feb 23, 2019): New commander assumes leadership of 402nd Infantry Brigade in CARAGA

 

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – Colonel Maurito L Licudine assumes leadership of the 402nd Infantry “STINGERS” Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army as the new Brigade Commander in a change of command ceremony conducted at Headquarters 402nd Infantry Brigade in Brgy Bancasi, Butuan City on Tuesday, February 19, 2019, at around 10:00 o’clock in the morning.

 

Prior to his assumption, Col Licudine was the Deputy Brigade Commander of 401st Infantry Brigade based in Agusan del Sur. He is now the 33rd Commander who will lead the 402nd Brigade on its campaign in the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Island.

In his assumption speech, Colonel Licudine stated, “I am accepting the challenge to lead the brigade without any mental reservation.”

The new commander further emphasizes, “Unity is strength, when there is teamwork and collaboration wonderful things can be achieved. With our collaboration efforts with the LGUs, government agencies and other sectors of society, we can finish the fight and I look forward to working with you all.”

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Gacal the outgoing Brigade Commander said, “Let me express my deepest gratitude to the men and women of 402nd Bde and the units under its supervision for the crucial support to my leadership. I leave with peace knowing that we have done good and innovative approaches and we certainly made a difference towards peace and development in our area of responsibility. I take great pride to have served 402nd Bde but I leave you the great challenge to carry on our peace and development efforts.”

Brigadier General Gacal was co-responsible in the establishment of Peace and Development Zones in CARAGA, a breakthrough initiative that focuses all development efforts in Conflict-Affected Areas (ConAAs) with an end view of ending insurgency thru whole of nation approach. He now leads the 4th Infantry Division
of the Army.

The presiding general, Eastern Mindanao Commander of the AFP Major General Felimon T. Santos Jr in his speech commended the 402nd Brigade under the leadership of Brigadier General Gacal for its accomplishments in various combat, civil-military and security operations and support

 to law enforcement. He also congratulated Colonel Licudine for being selected to lead and command the excellent brigade. “Duties and responsibilities demand your full commitment in the furtherance of our campaign objectives, they also entail strengthening and intensifying our partnership and collaboration with all our stakeholders, I trust your caliber in bringing peace, security, and progress in CARAGA region." Major General Santos Jr. quoted.

 

https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/a.1469610063283485/2385969314980884/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/pg/dwdd1134/posts/?ref=page_internal

DWDD: Joint Army/PNP arrest gunmen in Zamboanga del Sur

Posted to Katropa DWDD-CRS Virtual RTV (Feb 23, 2019): Joint Army/PNP arrest gunmen in Zamboanga del Sur

CAMP SANG-AN, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur – Two gunmen were arrested in a joint Army/PNP pursuit operation in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur 5:45 p.m. Sunday (February 17, 2019).

The arrested gunmen who managed to escape thru a single motorcycle were allegedly involved in a shooting incident in the municipality of Ramon Magsaysay.
...

The gunmen were identified as Junny Supiter y Sebag, male, 26 years old and Julie Benabaye y Perater, male 42 years old.

The two suspects were also caught in a possession of two calibers .45 handguns, magazines loaded with ammunition by the 5th Infantry Battalion and PNP elements.
Suspects were temporarily detained at the detention facility of Labangan, Municipal Police Station for the filing of appropriate charges.

Col. Bagnus Gaerlan Jr., the 102nd Infantry Brigade Commander said that, “Let us cooperate and be active in maintaining the peace and security in our communities by reporting suspicious individuals or unscrupulous groups for our swift action.”

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Roberto T Ancan, Commander of the 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division commended the joint efforts of 5IB and the PNP
“Your Tabak troopers together with the PNP and other stakeholders remain to be committed in our efforts to ensure the safety and security of our local communities particularly in addressing lawless violence,” Ancan added. | PRESS RELEASE



https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/a.1469610063283485/2385971904980625/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/pg/dwdd1134/posts/?ref=page_internal

DWDD: Troops foil NPA sabotage

Posted to Katropa DWDD-CRS Virtual RTV (Feb 23, 2019): Troops foil NPA sabotage

NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - Patroling Civilian Active Auxiliary (CAA) and troops from 27th Infantry Battalion (IB) foiled a possible NPA sabotage after they encountered the terrorist group on February 18, 2019, at 8 o' clock in the evening at Sitio Lamfinik, Brgy. Lamfugon, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato....

In a report made by Col. Adonis Bajao, Commander of 1002nd Infantry Brigade, the troops were securing an ongoing road construction project in the area when they received information on the presence of NPAs planning to burned heavy equipment that was being used in the project.

Accordingly, the NPAs numbering to about seven scampered to different direction after a 20-minute skirmish. There was no reported casualty on both sides in the said skirmish.

Meanwhile, MGen. Felimon T. Santos Jr., Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command committed the full support of the military in the security of government flagship program in Eastern Mindanao.

"Our security and military operations are committed to establishing a psychologically secured environment which allows the implementation of government projects in the hinterlands that will benefit our marginal and isolated communities," MGen. Santos said.

Currently, the 10th Infantry Division under MGen. Jose Faustino Jr., in coordination with the different Government Agencies, is implementing a Critical Infrastructure Protection and Security Operations (CIPSO) to secure and protect government projects and in support of the "Build Build Build" Program of the government in Regions 12 and 13. | PIO EASTMINCOM



https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/a.1469610063283485/2385975108313638/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/pg/dwdd1134/posts/?ref=page_internal

DWDD: 33rd Infantry Battalion bids goodbye to indigenous people prior to Change of Command

Posted to Katropa DWDD-CRS Virtual RTV (Feb 23, 2019): 33rd Infantry Battalion bids goodbye to indigenous people prior to Change of Command

Lt. Col. Harold M Cabunoc, the outgoing Commander of the 33rd Infantry (Makabayan) Battalion, bids goodbye to the indigenous people of Sto Nino village in Bagumbayan, Kudarat and in Sitio Datal Bonglangon, Barangay Ned, Lake Sebu four days prior to his Change of Command ceremony.

In his message to the people, he assured them that the new leadership of the 33IB will sustain the gains in the campaign against the communist terrorists by facilitating the delivery of essential ser...vices.

The aforementioned villages were once 'guerilla bases' of the communist East Daguma Front of the Daguma Sub Region Party Committee (formerly known as GF 73) until in March 2018.

Employing civil support operations and intelligence-driven coercive combat operations, the Makabayan Battalion and the PNP SAF were able to defeat the communist terrorists in the area.

At least 90 communist surrenderees came from the AO of the East Daguma Front. | 33rd IB



Group photo with the adopted community in Sitio Buhangan, Barangay Sto Nino, Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat.

https://www.facebook.com/makabayan33ib/photos/pcb.1039412646250568/1039408909584275/?type=3&theater

FAREWELL. Lt. Col. Harold M Cabunoc, the outgoing Commanding Officer of the 33rd Infantry (Makabayan) Battalion, bids the indigenous people goodbye during his v...isit in Sto Nino village in Bagumbayan, Kudarat and in Sitio Datal Bonglangon, Barangay Ned, Lake Sebu four days prior to his Change of Command ceremony.


In his message to the people, he assured them that the new leadership of the 33IB will sustain the gains in the campaign against the communist terrorists by facilitating the delivery of essential services.

The aforementioned villages were once 'guerilla bases' of the communist East Daguma Front of the Daguma Sub Region Party Committee (formerly known as GF 73) until in March 2018.

Employing civil support operations and intelligence-driven coercive combat operations, the Makabayan Battalion and the PNP SAF were able to defeat the communist terrorists in the area.

At least 90 communist surrenderors came from the AO of the East Daguma Front.

 

https://www.facebook.com/pg/dwdd1134/posts/?ref=page_internal

DWDD: On the explosive found inside a passenger’s baggage at the MRT-3 Cubao station

Posted to Katropa DWDD-CRS Virtual RTV (Feb 23, 2019): On the explosive found inside a passenger’s baggage at the MRT-3 Cubao station

Based on initial report provided by authorities, around 7:10PM yesterday, 23 February 2019, bag inspectors found a live hand grenade inside the baggage of Christian Guzman, 29 years old, at the inspection area.
...

The live grenade is wrapped by a packaging tape and placed inside a cellphone box.
The incident was immediately reported by MRT-3 guards to police officers inside the station. After questioning, Guzman was immediately brought to the Police Detachment in Shaw Boulevard for further investigation.

Guzman was charged of violating RA 9516 or Illegal Possession of Ammunition and Explosives.

He is now in the custody of PS7 in Cubao, and will have an inquest at Quezon City Prosecutor's Office, today.

The DOTr MRT-3 would like to stress that this matter will be taken seriously. We ask the patience and cooperation of our passengers as we further tighten the security measures being implemented in our stations. Please understand that these measures are being done to protect the safety and security of our passengers.

We also want to encourage our passengers to remain vigilant and report immediately to our security personnel items, activities, and even individuals that they may find suspicious inside our trains or stations.

     

https://www.facebook.com/pg/dwdd1134/posts/?ref=page_internal

Carol-an residents to declare CPP-NPA persona non grata

From the Visayan Daily Star (Feb 25, 2019): Carol-an residents to declare CPP-NPA persona non grata

Residents of the hinterland Barangay Carol-an in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, expressed support to the formulation of a resolution by their barangay council to declare the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army as “persona non grata”, Lt. Col. Egberto Dacoscos, 62nd Infantry Battalion commander, said yesterday.

This came after the NPA Mt. Cansermon Command, through its spokesman, Dionesio Magbuelas, issued a statement claiming responsibility for the killing of Cornelio Morales, a barangay tanod and a member of the Indigenous People’s tribe, on Jan. 29 in Brgy. Carol-an, Kabankalan City.

The same rebel group also admitted responsibility for the death of former rebel Junibert Sabico in Brgy. Camansi, Kabankalan City, last week.

In a dialog held yesterday in Brgy. Carol-an, Dacoscos said that about 600 residents in 27 sitios of Carol-an led by members of their barangay council headed by Jucerel Paculanang, strongly denounced the presence of communist rebels in their respective communities.

Paculanang, Dacoscos said, declared that NPA rebels are not welcome in their barangay.

“This is an ancestral domain and all of our residents want to live peacefully, and we will never let the same fate happen again to anyone of us”, Paculanang was quoted as saying by Dacoscos.

Dacoscos added that he was overwhelmed by the support and cooperation of Carol-an barangay council members and residents, extended to the Philippine Army.

He added that the Carol-an barangay council and residents also debunked NPA claims that they were happy over the death of Morales, who was killed in front of his daughter.

Dacoscos also led the oath of allegiance for 600 Carol-an barangay residents, who renewed their continuous loyalty to the constitution of the Republic of the Philippines.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/February/25/topstory6.htm

115 former rebels pledge support for government

From the Visayan Daily Star (Feb 25, 2019): 115 former rebels pledge support for government

More supporters and former members of the New People’s Army in the hinterlands of northern Negros returned to the folds of the law and pledged to support the government, Lt. Col. Emelito Thaddeus Logan, 79th Infantry Battalion commander, said yesterday.

Of the 115 former rebels and their supporters, 35 are residents of hinterland barangays of Escalante City, while 80 others came from Victorias City, Cadiz City, EB Magalona and Manapla.

Logan said that about 80 former CPP-NPA supporters and members of its Yunit Militia reached out to government troops and signified their intention to support the government, as a result of their immersion programs in the hinterland communities in Brgys. Estado and Gawahon in Victorias City, Brgy. Canlusong in EB Magalona, Brgy.Caduha-an in Cadiz City, and Brgy.San Pablo in Manapla.

Meanwhile, 35 other former NPA supporters in the hinterland barangays of Binagyuhan, Pinapugasan, Paitan and Dian-ay in Escalante City, took their oath to support the government in a ceremony held Saturday in Brgy. Bato, Sagay City.

Logan said the oath was recited in front of Pastor Morito Panadero, who represented Escalante City Mayor Eddie Montero.

The 79th Infantry Battalion deployed Community Support Program Teams in far-flung areas of northern Negros that aims to engage partner stakeholders to support current thrusts of the government, in line with the AFP’s Development Support and Security Plan (DSSP) dubbed as “Kapayapaan”.

Logan said that the series of insurgency awareness sessions conducted by the CSP Teams of 79IB made the former NPA members and supporters realize the lies and deceptions of the local communist terrorist group.

He added that they admitted providing material, financial, and moral support to the CPP-NPA, with some of them even became red fighters.

The 80 former NPA members and supporters pledged to support the government in a ceremony held Friday at Brgy. 5 in Victorias City.

Logan thanked the Victorias City government for its support in helping them address issues and concerns raised by former rebels to achieve lasting peace and development.

He also noted an increase in turn-outs of Negrenses now renouncing their support to the CPP-NPA.

Last week, the Department of Interior and Local Government gave P231,000 in financial support to 11 former rebels, who surrendered last year to the 62nd Infantry Battalion and the 3rd Civil Military Operations Battalion.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/February/25/topstory8.htm

Fighter to minister: Philippine Muslim rebel's new 'struggle'

From Rappler (Feb 24, 2019): Fighter to minister: Philippine Muslim rebel's new 'struggle'

 

After decades as a rebel, Murad Ebrahim will need to become a bureaucrat

 

 

BANGSAMORO VOTE. Moro Islamic Liberation Front Chairman Murad Ebrahim votes for the first time in his life on January 21, 2019, for the Bangsamoro plebiscite. Photo by Manman Dejeto

Murad Ebrahim's life as the Philippines' top Muslim rebel led him into fierce jungle combat and to meet with Osama bin Laden, but a very different challenge now awaits him: governing.

Murad has been tapped to lead the majority-Catholic nation's brand new territory in the restive south where Muslims have won new powers and an influx of cash in a push for peace.

After decades as a rebel, Murad will need to become a bureaucrat and complete complex projects as chief minister of the body that will steer the new Bangsamoro region until elections in 2022.

"We also see the difficult challenge we will be facing ahead. To us, the struggle is not yet over," the 70-year-old Murad told Agence France-Presse. "This is only another level of the struggle."

Once a feared commander, Murad is chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which signed a landmark pact with the government in 2014 to end a separatist insurgency that killed some 150,000 people since the 1970s. (READ: Murad: From hardliner to voice of moderation)

That deal led to the creation of the Bangsamoro, which is based on the southern island of Mindanao and was overwhelmingly approved in a January vote.

The MILF is the largest of several rebel groups fighting for independence or autonomy in Mindanao, the ancestral homeland of the nation's roughly 6 million-strong Muslim minority.

Rebels and the government hope the new region, which is getting an influx of cash, will be able to bring sorely needed development to the violence-plagued area.

Dropout to commander

The son of an Islamic preacher, Murad was orphaned early on as he lost his mother when he was only one and his father at 13.

He studied civil engineering at the Catholic-run Notre Dame University in southern Cotabato City, where he learned fluent English.

But in his senior year, he dropped out to join an underground movement that he said defended Muslims targeted by Christian paramilitary groups and security forces under former dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

He joined the armed struggle first with the rebel group Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) but internal differences led him and Cairo-trained scholar Salamat Hashim to split and form the MILF.

In the 1980s Murad said he was in Afghanistan to visit Filipino rebels who joined anti-Soviet forces but he denied fighting alongside them. It was there where he met future Al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden.

"Osama bin Laden was very soft spoken. I did not think he would eventually be declared a world enemy because he was a very refined person," Murad told Agence France-Presse.

'Walking a tightrope'

Murad became MILF's military chief, known as a calm but sharp tactician. He led a difficult life in jungles and marshlands, with his two sons born at the height of the fighting.

During his years as commander, Murad led battles not from afar but joined his men at the frontlines, said presidential peace adviser and former military chief Carlito Galvez.

"We did not see him committing any abuses," Galvez told Agence France-Presse. "He fought not because of an urge to kill. He saw that fighting is not between people but between ideologies, to correct an injustice."

After Salamat's death in 2003, Murad took over as leader and earned the respect of colleagues for building consensus, observers said.

"He is the best, if not the only real choice (for Bangsamoro chief minister)," former presidential peace adviser Teresita Deles told Agence France-Presse. "He has never been one to think power is all his."

Security experts say Murad and the MILF will be hard-pressed to govern for the first time while facing threats from pro-Islamic State groups in Mindanao.

Murad will also have to deal with resentment from families of civilians and soldiers killed or affected by previous battles, according to Julkipli Wadi, a professor of Islamic studies at the University of the Philippines.

"Murad should extend a hand of reconciliation even to (non-Muslims) so he would be able to extract himself from the ghosts of the past," Wadi told Agence France-Presse.

"He is walking a tightrope where he has to juggle a lot of sensitive issues."

But the guerrilla leader has lived through too many wars to give up. For Murad, his 9 grandchildren are a reminder that there is no alternative to peace.

"I never had a normal life. My dream is for them to experience and enjoy it," he said.

 

https://www.rappler.com/nation/224253-fighter-minister-muslim-rebel-murad-ebrahim-new-struggle

BTA to assume ARMM leadership Feb. 26

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 25): BTA to assume ARMM leadership Feb. 26

The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), headed by Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chief Al Haj Murad Ebrahim as chief minister, on Tuesday will assume the leadership of an interim body that will govern the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

On Monday afternoon, MILF vice chair for political affairs Ghazali Jaafar, head of the now-defunct Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), will hand over the leadership of the body to Ebrahim.
The assumption of Ebrahim will be facilitated by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP). Ebrahim will lead the 80-man BTA whose members took their oath in Malacañang last February 22.

The collegial body is composed of representatives of the MILF and the government, including incumbent officials of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

“As compared to ARMM, the BARMM has wider political powers, including fiscal autonomy,” Murad said in an interview over radio DXMS here Monday.

OPAPP Secretary Carlito Galvez said 12 members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) were also named members of the BTA and not only five as earlier reported.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1062862

NegOcc village to declare CPP-NPA ‘persona non grata’

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 25): NegOcc village to declare CPP-NPA ‘persona non grata’

Residents of Barangay Carol-an in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental take an oath of allegiance to the Philippine Constitution before Lt. Col. Egberto Dacoscos, commanding officer of the 62nd Infantry Battalion, during the town hall meeting held in their village on Sunday. (Photo courtesy of 62nd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)
 

Officials and residents of Barangay Carol-an in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental will declare the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) and its political wing, the National Democratic Front (NDF), as “persona non grata”.

It was agreed that a barangay resolution will be passed to formalize the declaration, during the town hall meeting held in the remote southern Negros village on Sunday, which was facilitated by the Philippine Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion.

Village head Jocerel Paculanang said the communist rebels are no longer welcome in Barangay Carol-an.

“This is an ancestral domain and all of our residents want to live peacefully. We will never let the same fate happen again to anyone of us,” Paculanang said in the local dialect, during the gathering attended by about 600 village residents.

Last January 29, NPA rebels gunned down former village watchman Cornelio Morales in Sitio Camandag, in front of his daughter and their neighbors.

This prompted residents of the 27 sitios (sub-villages) in Barangay Carol-an to condemn the presence and the atrocities of the CPP-NPA in their community.

“Hand in hand, we will work together for peace. Do not enter again to our barangay”, Paculanang added.

During the activity, Army troopers gave lectures while former rebels gave testimonies.

Those who attended also took an oath of allegiance before Lt. Col. Egberto Dacoscos, commanding officer of the 62nd Infantry Battalion, manifesting their continuous loyalty to the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines and withdrawing support to the CPP-NPA-NDF.

The United States and European Union have declared the CPP-NPA as a terrorist group.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1062882

35 ex-NPA backers take oath of allegiance to gov’t

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 25): 35 ex-NPA backers take oath of allegiance to gov’t

Some 35 residents of Escalante City, Negros Occidental were the latest group of former mass base supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) who expressed their loyalty to the Philippine government.

The participants, who come from the villages of Binaguiohan, Pinapugasan, Paitan, and Dian-ay, took their oath of allegiance before Pastor Morito Panadero at the headquarters of the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Bato, Sagay City on Saturday.

Lt. Col. Emelito Thaddeus Logan, commanding officer of the 79IB, in a statement on Sunday night, welcomed the decision of the Escalante City residents to renounce their support to the communist rebels.

Logan said he is thankful for the turnout of their campaign of encouraging the Negrenses to stop supporting the rebel groups to have lasting peace and progress in Negros Occidental.

Both the United States and the European Union have declared the CPP-NPA as a terrorist group.

The group of 35 is the second from northern Negros who took their oath of allegiance in a week after the 80 former members and mass supporters of the CPP-NPA who also pledged loyalty to the government in Victorias City on Friday, also through the 79IB.

Logan earlier said the groups denouncing support to the CPP-NPA came after a series of insurgency awareness sessions conducted by their community support program teams.

The 80 participants are from Barangays Estado and Gawahon in Victorias City; Caduhaan in Cadiz City; Canlusong in EB Magalona and San Pablo in Manapla.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1062884

‘MILF’ member nabbed in Zambo anti-drug operation

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 25): ‘MILF’ member nabbed in Zambo anti-drug operation

Rajiv Abubakar, 34, who claims to be a member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), was arrested early Monday by policemen in an anti-drug operation in Barangay Mampang, Zamboanga City. (Photo by Ely E. Dumaboc) 

A man who claims to be a member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was arrested in an anti-drug operation in this city, a police official disclosed Monday.

Chief Insp. Salvador Galvez, Police Station 5 chief, identified the arrested suspect as Rajiv Abubakar, 34, resident of Barangay Arena Blanco, this city.

Galvez said Abubakar was arrested in a buy-bust operation around 3 a.m. Monday along Francisco Drive, in Barangay Mampang.

Abubakar was nabbed after he sold a small-size heat-sealed plastic sachet of suspected shabu in exchange for PHP200 to an undercover policeman, who is a member of the Station Drugs Enforcement Team.

He said confiscated from the suspect were some PHP2,700 worth of suspected shabu packed in nine heat-sealed plastic sachets and PHP200 marked money consisting of two PHP100 bills.

Abubakar, when interviewed by reporters, claimed he is a member of the MILF under the 113rd Base Command in Camp Datu Tumanggong, Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Galvez said the suspect is now detained at the Police Station 5 while appropriate charges are readied to be filed against him.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1062889

Davao City tribe declares NPA 'persona non grata'

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 25, 2019): Davao City tribe declares NPA 'persona non grata'

Close to 600 members of the Obu-Manobo tribe in the far-flung village of Tambobong, Baguio District, here declared the communist New People's Army (NPA) as "persona non grata" in their ancestral lands.

The "persona non grata" declaration -- literally meaning "unwelcome person" -- came during Monday's culmination activity of the three-day peace-building seminar attended by the tribe.

Datu Joel Unad, chairman of the Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Council of Elders, said the three-day seminar also resulted in the passing of a joint barangay and tribal council resolution calling for the closure of an alleged NPA-supported school run by the Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation Inc. (MISFI) in the area.

Unad said the villagers also hailed the surrender of 30 members of the Militia ng Bayan, a mass-based support group of the NPA and its mother organization, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union.

Unad said the peace-building seminar was attended by 71 tribal leaders from Davao City, North Cotabato and Bukidnon, who have all rejected the influence of the CPP-NPA in their communities.

He said the Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Council of Elders organized the seminar "to let the IPs understand about the government’s peace and development program."

He said majority of the 600 seminar participants are former supporters of the NPA but have already pledged loyalty to the government.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1062914

Navy needs more fast craft to secure Mindanao waters

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 25, 2019): Navy needs more fast craft to secure Mindanao waters

 

An official of the Philippine Navy (PN) said they need an additional 10 to 12 fast craft units to secure the waters of Mindanao from pirates, smugglers, and terrorists.

"If we can get at least 10 ships, we can secure the waters (of) Mindanao from being used by the enemies of the state," Navy flag-officer-in-command, Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad, said in an interview with reporters Sunday.

A fast craft is a small, quick and maneuverable ship fitted with missiles, torpedoes, and automatic cannon.

It weighs 80 tons to 800 tons and is generally used for patrol and interdiction missions. Having these ships in the fleet will ensure that no "enemy of the state" can use the waters for illegal activites.

These proposed vessels will be equipped with weapon systems that have "pinpoint accuracy" to target threats easily.

Empedrad said the Navy is also in need of new fast craft that can stay at sea for seven to 10 days, noting that the existing units cannot do much patrolling work as they need to go back to port to refuel and re-stock on provisions every three days.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1062860

EDSA commemoration reminder of patriotism, unity: AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 25, 2019): EDSA commemoration reminder of patriotism, unity: AFP

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it is one with all Filipinos as the country commemorates the 33rd anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution anniversary.

"We will continue to imbibe the lessons of nationalism, patriotism, and most importantly, unity. These are the values that make your Armed Forces a dependable institution that is always ready to protect the people and secure the sovereignty of the state," AFP public affairs office chief, Col. Noel Detoyato said in a message to the Philippine News Agency on Monday.

He added that the commemoration reminds all citizens of their roots as Filipinos.

Detoyato also mentioned that the EDSA commemoration means whatever challenges the country faces, despite the differences in organizations and groups, Filipinos remain united and loyal to the country and its Constitution.

"Rest assured that the AFP, together with the PNP and other security forces, is here to ensure the safety of the people present in today's celebration. We will not let our guards down for any possible threat that may arise," Detoyato added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1062875