28 Abu Sayyaf surrender since January

From the Business World (May 6, 2019): 28 Abu Sayyaf surrender since January

ANOTHER MEMBER of the Abu Sayyaf Group surrendered to the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) in Sulu last May 1, bringing the total to 28 since intensified military operations after the Jan. 27 bombing of a Catholic church in the island province’s capital. 

The latest who surrendered was identified as Omar S. Mastamud, alias Abu Kompor, who was based in Basilan. 

He also turned over his M16A1 to the military. 

A WestMinCom report from Jan. 1 to April 30 show that the 28 Abu Sayyaf members who turned themselves in were part of the 263 individuals who have been “neutralized.” 

The others were members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, Daulah Islamiyah, and the communist New People’s Army. 

The military has also recovered from them 120 firearms. Lt. Gen. Arnel B. Dela Vega, WestMinCom commander said, “The Western Mindanao Command continuously provide support programs to those who have decided to return to the folds of the law.”

https://www.bworldonline.com/28-abu-sayyaf-surrender-since-january/

Rebels attack Army detachment in North Cotabato

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 6, 2019): Rebels attack Army detachment in North Cotabato



Communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels attacked an Army detachment in a remote village in Arakan town in North Cotabato province at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, a police official said.

Captain Jose Marie Molina, Arakan town chief of police, said that as of noon on Monday a firefight was ongoing between government troops and suspected NPA rebels at the detachment in Sitio Katindu, Barangay Malibatuan.

“We cannot give you details at the moment but a firefight is going on,” Captain Molina told the Inquirer.

It was not clear whether there were already casualties from either side, Molina added.

Some residents have fled their homes and were taking refuge in nearby villages, while others were seeking shelter at the village hall.

In February, the village council of Malibatuan declared the NPA as persona non grata and vowed not to welcome rebels in their area.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1114222/rebels-attack-army-detachment-in-north-cotabato

SOLCOM: NPA destroyed brgy water system facility then ambushed civilians and military repairned said facility

Posted to the Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) Facebook page (May 5, 2019): NPA destroyed brgy water system facility then ambushed civilians and military repairned said facility

Four civilians were wounded, as well as two CAFGU and one soldier from 22nd (VALOR) IB, when Communist Terrorists fired at them while repairing the water system facilities at Sitio Burong-burong, Brgy Malinao, Libmanan, Camarines Sur on Saturday morning of May 4,2019.

The wounded civilians and soldiers were immediately brought to the nearest hospital as additional units were dispatched to pursue the perpetrators who run towards different directions dragging with them their injured companions.

The damaged facilities were earlier reported as it had affected water supply. Soldiers and CAA members assisted the brgy LGU in repairing said facilities.

Much earlier, the CAA detachment dispatched a prophylactic patrol aa reports of presence of some armed men were received. It was later learned that the more or less ten armed people were the same group that destroyed the water facilities and fired from a distance at the LGU and soldiers repairing the damages.

The incident is a cowardly desperate acts of the CPP NPA NDF as they are now targeting community service facilities in their hopeless "revolutionary struggles". Communities, especially at far flung areas, are despising and condemning the atrocities of these communists terrorists which had brought their people more pain and hopelessness.

In a statement of Joint Task Force Bicolandia under Maj. Gen. Fernando T Trinidad AFP, the command strongly condemns the indiscrimanate attack without regard to innocent civilians and cowardly tactics of destroying civilian properties to exploit government troops vulnerabilities during community service. But most especially, the command comdemns the CTG for endangering the lives of civilians and destroying their properties both considered as "non-military targets".

Furthermore, the JTFB Commander said that the treacherous action committed by the NPA manifested their terroristic inclinations that clearly violates the Rules of Engagement, Human Rights and the provisions of Comprehensive Agreement for the Respect of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHIHL).

"This kind of desperate move is a clear manifestation that they (CTG) are the perpetrators of human rights abuses. They do not consider the welfare of the civilians in all of their actions. We hope that we could be of help to the wounded civilian victims in bringing the terrorists to justice and pay for their crimes. We assure you that JTFB troopers will not rest in hunting down these terrorists" the Commander said.

It was also indicated in a separate report that the CTG burned the pipes of water system in Barangay Cambalidio of the same municipality.

With PR of DPAO, 9ID, PA

https://www.facebook.com/SouthernLuzonCommandAFP/

WESTMINCOM: Troops neutralize Abu in recent Sulu clash

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (May 6, 2019): Troops neutralize Abu in recent Sulu clash



Amid the conduct of intensified military operation, troops of the 32nd Infantry Battalion, engaged with 10 Abu Sayyaf Group members in Sitio Kan Udang, Barangay Kan Ague, Patikul, Sulu at 9:55 am yesterday (May 5).

A firefight ensued which lasted for 20 minutes, after which enemy withdrew towards southeast direction.

This resulted to the death of one ASG member and the slightly wounding of one soldier.
“The Western Mindanao Command continuously conduct intensified military operations to deter the different threat groups from creating havoc,” said Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, WestMinCom chief.

“We are also intensifying our security preparations for the 2019 midterm elections next Monday,” LtGen Dela Vega added.

Troops still on hot pursuit to the fleeing bandits.

http://www.westmincom.com/troops-neutralize-abu-in-recent-sulu-clash/

UK Embassy hosts awareness drive on countering terrorism

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 6, 2019): UK Embassy hosts awareness drive on countering terrorism 



DOT-7 Regional Director Shahlimar Tamano during his speech at the countering terrorism awareness training. He highlighted that peace and order in Central Visayas is one of the many yet major contributing factors of its booming economy. (PIA/Cebu City)

Terror attacks happen often in iconic and famous tourism sites.

To increase the security awareness and vigilance of tourism stakeholders, the British Embassy, in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT) Central Visayas, hosted a countering terrorism awareness training, April 24.

The two-day event convened over 250 tourism officers, hotel, restaurant and resort managers from the province of Cebu.

DOT-7 Regional Director Shahlimar Tamano stressed the importance of the close partnership of the tourism industry and the security sector, as the country - and not just Central Visayas - benefits from tourism.

Tamano said peace and order in Central Visayas is one of the many yet major contributing factors of its booming economy.

In 2018, DOT-7 recorded 8 million tourist arrivals in the region, accounting for the P44.2 billion injected in the local economy.

Former UK Police Officer, Jason Prize, who now works for the UK National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NACTSO), defined terrorism as any act that uses violence to forward a group’s agenda, which negatively impacts an area, including its economy.

“Terrorists increasingly look for big crowds, where Westerners can be found,” Prize said. “Their attacks are also not spur of the moment, they plan strategically."

Prize briefed the participants on the basic ways of countering high impact terror activities.

One of these is being wary of their marketing, especially online.

“In your attempt to capture the best facilities in your establishments, you might have exposed some security weakness on your part, and that’s dangerous,” Prize said.

He said terror groups might capitalize on the exposed security weaknesses not just of the business establishments but as well as from the part of the government.

He advised the participants to always invest and improve their security and even make it a reason for tourists to visit their place.

The participants were also reminded to cascade to their employees the importance of security, and to always be wary of unusual and suspicious behavior.

Prize also encouraged the conduct of regular security meetings and to prepare security contingency plans, which should be made available to all employees and guests.

UK-NACTSO looks forward to more partnerships with the DOT and the Inter-Agency Task Force- Anti-Terrorism Cluster (IATF-ATC) in conducting more briefings throughout the region.

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1021425

CPP website shows 9K purging victims not gov’t propa: NTF-ELCAC

From the Philippine News Agency (May 6, 2019): CPP website shows 9K purging victims not gov’t propa: NTF-ELCAC



Major General Antonio Parlade, Jr., AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations

There is no denying that reports on the more than 9,000 hapless victims of mass murders by their own comrades in the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) is not a fabrication concocted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

According to Major General Antonio Parlade, Jr., of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, these thousands of victims of the CPP-NPA “purgings” in the 1980s is an admission contained in the CPP Anniversary Statements (1992-2017) posted in their website.

“Visit source https://www.philippinerevolution.info/2018/12/15/cpp-anniversary-statements-compilation so that you will know that this is not propaganda,” said Parlade, AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations, on Sunday.

Page 27 of the 852-page anniversary compilation read, “In 1985, in the absence of a comprehensive assessment and analysis of the increasing setbacks, suspicion grew that these had been due to enemy deep penetration agents, among other causes. Panic rapidly ensued after arrests and torture of DPA suspects "confirmed" the worst fears about a large-scale enemy infiltration network. This gave way to Kampanyang AHOS, resulting in the prejudgment, torture, and murder of more than 950 DPA suspects, including Party comrades, Red fighters, mass activists and other people,” the website post read.

“By 1986, the Party membership had fallen from 9000 to 3000, the mass base had shrunk by 50 percent and the 15 companies and 30 platoons of the NPA had fallen to 2 companies and 17 platoons,” it added.

The website post also said that “following the successful enemy raids in 1988 on the central organs, including the general command of the NPA, in Metro Manila, and with Kampanyang AHOS still widely believed to have really uncovered a large scale enemy infiltration network in Mindanao, many leading cares and units became highly susceptible to suspiciousness and panic.”

The NPA then launched bloody internal purges under several campaign names, among them “Operation Cadena de Amor” for Luzon, “Operation Zombie” for the Bicol region, “Operation Olympia” for Manila-Rizal, and “Oplan Missing Link” for Southern Tagalog.

Thousands were reported to have been brutally tortured, summarily executed and buried in shallow graves in various parts of the country as a result of those paranoid purges.

The purge was also referred in the National Democratic Front website www.ndfp.org as “a bloody witch-hunt reminiscent of medieval times in Europe… deprived of the right to due process and other democratic rights”.

Help for CPP-NPA purge victims

Meanwhile, Parlade congratulated the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) for getting the ear of the Supreme Court relative to its petition for writ of Amparo and habeas data for protection.

“We will humbly comply and submit to the magistrates all the pieces of evidence to prove to the Filipino people that your duplicity and hypocrisy deserves a second look. That you, as well as the rest of the Kamatayan (Makabayan) bloc, is bringing death to our democracy and freedom,” he said.

Parlade said NUPL, being a nationwide association of human rights lawyers, law students, and paralegals to the defense, protection, and promotion of human rights, especially of the poor and the oppressed, should also help victims of the communist group’s bloody “purgings”.

“We can only hope that you will also help the families of the more than 9,000 victims of CPP-NPA purgings in the early 1980s,” he said noting that the Commission on Human Rights has announced the third round of distribution checks to the 11,103 claims approved by the HR Victims Claims Board.

“You claim to be defenders of human rights, maybe you can also represent these families of NPAs killed,” he added.

He said that though ironic, if CPP founding chairperson Jose Maria Sison, who ordered the bombing of Plaza Miranda in order to force Marcos to declare martial law, is entitled ML to payment from this successful class suit, he believes these grieving families who are also seeking justice 'quietly' for fear of reprisal from the CPP NPA deserve NUPL’s help.

“We hope to hear your comment on this. We will even rejoice if you can condemn the NPAs who did this to your own kind,” Parlade said. “Until then we will be firm in Jose Ma Sison's position that you are indeed his stooges.”

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1068960

13-year-old ‘rebel’ nabbed in Himamaylan clash

From the Sun Star-Bacolod (May 5, 2019): 13-year-old ‘rebel’ nabbed in Himamaylan clash

BRIGADIER General Benedict Arevalo, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, confirmed the capture of a suspected member of the New People's Army in an encounter in Sitio Dawhan, Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Saturday, May 4.

Arevalo said the 13-year-old minor was with the rebels but was left behind by his comrades during their escape.
During investigation, the military found the minor well versed about firearms, indicating that he has been trained.

He will be made to undergo a paraffin test to determine whether he fired a gun.

"This could be proof of the ‘child warrior' issue against the NPA,” Arevalo said.

He said the recent encounter was another reason that Himamaylan City has been placed under Category Red as far as the coming May 13 elections is concerned.

On May 4, at about 7 a.m., troops of the 62nd Infantry (Unifier) Battalion, Philippine Army encountered more or less 20 suspected communist NPA terrorists led by alias Jeron of Tahod Ilahas Territorial Platoon of Central Negros 2 in Sitio Dawhan, Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.

The men from 62IB were conducting security operations in connection with the upcoming national and local elections responded to information about the presence of an armed group that was allegedly harassing and extorting from the farmers in Sitio Dawhan, Barangay Buenavista.

On their way to the said place, the troops encountered the suspected terrorists. A firefight lasted for about 15 minutes before the NPA withdrew.

The troops said they recovered seven backpacks with subversive documents, one Improvised Explosive Device and one CNT flag.

The military report cited “external sources” who said bloodstains in the area indicated there were casualties on the enemy side.

On January 1, this year, the 62IB also seized an NPA hideout that can accommodate 20 personnel in Sitio Dawhan, Barangay Buenavista.

Last April 9, troops also encountered an NPA group in Sitio Asaran, Barangay Buenavista which led to the recovery of IED paraphernalia, ammunition of caliber 38 and M6O and subversive documents with “high intelligence value”.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1804270

PNP reshuffles mobile force commanders in WV

From Politiko Visayas (May 5, 2019): PNP reshuffles mobile force commanders in WV

With just one week to go before the May 13 elections, the Philippine National Police has reshuffled the company commanders and platoon leaders of its Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RFMB) in Western Visayas.

The revamp, contained in Special Orders Number PRO-6 SO-RA-2019-654 issued last May 1, affected at least 13 personnel.

But Police Lt. Col. Joem Malong, PRO-6 spokeswoman, said this should be treated as a regular reshuffling of personnel.

“Several officers have already stayed in their position for more than a year already. As the saying goes, ‘familiarity breeds contempt,’” she said.

“We need new commanders to tackle on issues surrounding their new assignment. They should be able to strike anywhere,” Malong added.

Among those affected are Police Maj. Renante Matillano, Police Lt. Col. Ryan Manongdo, P/Maj. Ramel Sarona, P/Lt. Col. Robert Petate, P/Maj. Stephen Somosot, and P/Lt. Col. Arnel Solis.


Matillano was relieved from Aklan Police Provincial Office (AKPPO) to Capiz PPO; Manongdo from AKPPO to Negros Occidental PPO (NOCPPO); Paguiao from Antique PPO (ANPPO) to Guimaras PPO; Sarona from Bacolod City PO to Iloilo PPO; Petate from CPPO to AKPPO; Somosot from GPPO to ANPPO; and Solis from IPPO to NOCPPO.

The revamp also reshuffled P/Lt. Col. Ferdinand Navales, P/Lt. Col Jay Malong, P/Lt. Col. Mario Baquiran, P/Maj. Lowell Garingalao, P/Maj. Donel Regis, and P/Maj. Yolando Lago.

From the IPPO, Navales is now with the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO); Malong from ICPO to IPPO; Baquiran and Garingalao from NOCPPO to IPPO; Regis from Office of the Regional Intelligence Division to AKPPO; and Lago from RFMB-6 to BCPO.

The reshuffle came after an ambush in Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental, where armed men gunned down Michael Garcia and his nephew Councilor Mark Garcia last April 25.

Both Garcias are relatives of Mayor Ella Garcia-Yulo who is running for mayor against incumbent Magdaleno Peña.

Even before the Garcia ambush, suspected New People’s Army members killed reelectionist Moises Padilla Councilor Jolomar Hilario inside his house last March 30.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) approved the revamp.

https://visayas.politics.com.ph/pnp-reshuffles-mobile-force-commanders-in-wv/

Southern Tagalog has new Army commander

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 5, 2019): Southern Tagalog has new Army commander

LUCENA CITY — A veteran Army officer in the anti-insurgency war has been appointed to lead government soldiers in the Southern Tagalog region.

Brig. Gen. Elias Escarcha has replaced Major Gen. Rhoderick Parayno as commander of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division (2ID) based in Camp Capinpin in Tanay town in Rizal province, Capt. Patrick Jay Retumban, public affairs chief of the 2nd ID, said Sunday.

Parayno retired on May 3 after 38 years of military service, the last 30 months as head of the 2ID.

Escarcha is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Sinagtala” class of 1986 and former deputy commander of the 2ID.

He was also the former head of the Army’s 201st Infantry Brigade based in Calauag, Quezon in 2017.

Escarcha was credited with the neutralization of several New People’s Army (NPA) leaders in the province and mass surrenders of Red-fighters and supporters.

The Army’s 2ID covers Calabarzon and the island provinces of Mindoro Oriental, Mindoro Occidental, Marinduque, and Romblon.

Before his retirement, Parayno reported that most candidates in Southern Tagalog have been conducting their campaigns without paying the so-called “permit to campaign” fee to the NPA rebels.

“Based on our information and continuous monitoring, only a few candidates yielded to the extortion,” Parayno said in an earlier interview.

Parayno attributed the failure of the Maoist-inspired guerrillas to collect the PTC from Interior Secretary Eduardo Año’s appeal and warning to candidates.

Año warned politicians to refrain from paying PTC fees to the NPA for the midterm elections or their names would be publicized.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) also issued Memorandum Circular 2018-11 which reminds local officials that giving any form of support to the NPA is against the law.

Violators will face sanctions and criminal charges, including disqualification from the election.

Payment of PTC fees to NPA rebels is also a violation of the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012, according to the military.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1113997/southern-tagalog-has-new-army-commander

CPP/NPA-Mindoro: 203rd Bde at PNP-MIMAROPA, panagutin sa walang habas na straping

NPA-Mindoro propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (May 4, 2019): 203rd Bde at PNP-MIMAROPA, panagutin sa walang habas na straping

MADAAY GASIC

NPA-MINDORO (LUCIO DE GUZMAN COMMAND)

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

MAY 04, 2019

Mariing kinukundena ng Lucio de Guzman Command – NPA Mindoro ang walang pakundangang pambobomba at pag-istraping na isinagawa ng pinagsanib na mga elemento ng 203rd Brigade Philippine Army at PNP-MIMAROPA sa mga komunidad ng katutubong Buhid sa sityo ng Masay ng Brgy. Monteclaro, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro at mga sityo ng Buswak at Balya sa Brgy. Lisap, Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro noong Abril 30, 2019.

Nagdulot ng matinding takot sa mga katutubong Buhid ang ginawang pambobomba at pag-istraping ng militar sa mga komunidad at kaingin ng mga katutubo. Nagresulta ito sa paglikas ng mga katutubo sa kanilang komunidad, pagkasira ng mga bahay-kaingin at pagkamatay ng mga alagang hayop.

Abril 26 pa lang nagsimula na ang panghahalihaw ng operasyong militar sa mga sityo ng Timbangan, Mabanban, Saliding, Sangay, Myanaw, Mantay at Buswak. Bahagi ng operasyong ito ang pandarahas, pananakot at pagbabanta sa mga komunidad ng katutubo.

Isinagawa ng pasista at mersenaryong pwersa ng AFP-PNP ang pambobomba at pag-istraping bilang desperadong ganting aksyon nila sa matagumpay na operasyong isnayping na isinagawa ng isang yunit ng NPA noong Abril 29 at sa isa pang labanan noong Abril 30. Malubhang nasugatan dito ang dalawang myembro ng 203rd Brigade.

Upang pagtakpan ang pagkatalo sa NPA at ang kriminal na pananagutan ng 203rd Brigade at ng PNP-MIMAROPA laban sa mga katutubong Buhid, pinalabas ng mga bulaang kumander na sina Col.
Marceliano V. Teofilo, ng 203rd Infantry Brigade at Lt. Col. Alexander Arbolado ng 4th IB na-overrun nila ang isang kampo ng NPA sa sityo Masay, Brgy. Monteclaro, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. Nais ng mga itong lokohin ang taumbayan na nagtatagumpay sila sa kanilang mga operasyon laban sa NPA-Mindoro. Kabaliktaran, wala ni isang mang nasugatan sa mga myembro ng NPA at ligtas ang mga itong nakaatras. Ang katotohanan, mga karaniwang katutubong Buhid ang biktima ng kanilang pambobomba at pang-iistraping.

Nararapat na imbestigahan, panagutin at parusahan ang 76th, 4th IBPA at ng 203rd Brigade sa pambobomba at pag-iistraping sa komunidad ng mga katutubong Buhid. Lahat ng mga mamamayang nagmamahal sa mga katutubo ay dapat na gawin ang lahat ng makakaya upang makamit ito. Dapat ding ilantad ang panloloko nina Col. Marceliano V. Teofilo at Lt. Col. Alexander Arbolado at iba pang mga pakana ng AFP-PNP na palabasing natatalo na nila ang NPA.

Pinapangako ng NPA sa ilalim ng Lucio de Guzman Command na gagawin nito ang buong makakaya upang bigyan ng rebolusyonaryong hustisya ang mga biktima ng pasismo ng 203rd Brigade at PNP-MIMAROPA alinsunod sa madugong kontra rebolusyonaryong gyera ng rehimeng US-Duterte.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/203rd-bde-at-pnp-mimaropa-panagutin-sa-walang-habas-na-straping/

CPP/NPA-Mindoro: Kampo ng NPA na ‘na-overrun’ ng AFP sa Mindoro, fake news — LDGC-NPA Mindoro

NPA-Mindoro propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (May 4, 2019): Kampo ng NPA na ‘na-overrun’ ng AFP sa Mindoro, fake news — LDGC-NPA Mindoro

MADAAY GASIC

NPA-MINDORO (LUCIO DE GUZMAN COMMAND)

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

MAY 04, 2019

Hindi “na-overrun” ng mga tropa ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) ang isang kampo ng New People’s Army (NPA) sa Mindoro, kundi mga lehitimong labanan ang naganap sa pagitan ng dalawang grupo noong Abril 30, ayon sa tagapagsalita ng NPA-Mindoro.

Pinabulaanan ni Madaay Gasic, tagapagsalita ng Lucio de Guzman Command — NPA-Mindoro, ang naunang pahayag ni Col. Marceliano Teofilo, kumander ng 203rd Infantry Brigade, na “na-overrun” nila ang isang kampo ng NPA sa Mindoro at “maraming NPA ang namatay sa labanan dahil sa mga dugo na nakita sa pinangyarihan ng engkwentro.”

“Kabaliktaran, wala ni isang mang nasugatan sa mga myembro ng NPA at ligtas ang mga itong nakaatras,” ayon sa opisyal na pahayag na ipinadala sa midya ni Gasic.

Bago umano ang naturang mga labanan, matagumpay na naisnayp ng mga rebelde ang mga nag-ooperasyong sundalo sa San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, Abril 29, na nagsasagawa ng aniya’y “panghahalihaw” sa mga sityo ng Timbangan, Mabanban, Saliding, Sangay, Myanaw at Mantay sa Barangay Monteclaro, San Jose Occidental Mindoro at sityo ng Buswak sa Barangay Lisap, Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro.

Dagdag pa ni Gasic, ang pag-isnayp ay bilang pamamarusa sa mga naturang sundalo na nagsasagawa ng “pandarahas, pananakot at pagbabanta sa mga komunidad ng katutubo.”

Matapos aniya ang pag-isnayp ng NPA sa mga sundalo, nagsagawa umano ang huli ng “walang pakundangang pambobomba at pag-istraping” sa mga komunidad ng Mangyan-Buhid sa lugar.

“Mariing kinukundena ng Lucio de Guzman Command – NPA Mindoro ang walang pakundangang pambobomba at pag-istraping na isinagawa ng pinagsanib na mga elemento ng 203rd Brigade Philippine Army at PNP-MIMAROPA sa mga komunidad ng katutubong Buhid sa sityo ng Masay ng Brgy. Monteclaro, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro at mga sityo ng Buswak at Balya sa Brgy. Lisap, Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro noong Abril 30, 2019,” pahayag ni Gasic.

Sa mga pambobomba at istraping na ito wala umanong nasugatan o namatay na NPA kundi mga karaniwang katutubong Buhid ang mga nabiktima, ayon kay Gasic.

Dagdag pa niya, pinalabas umano ni Teofilo gayundin ni Lt. Col. Alexander Arbolado, kumander ng 4th Infantry Battalion na “na-overrun” nila ang kampo ng NPA “upang pagtakpan ang pagkatalo sa NPA at ang kriminal na pananagutan ng 203rd Brigade at ng PNP-MIMAROPA laban sa mga katutubong Buhid.”

“Pinalabas ng mga bulaang kumander…na-overrun nila ang isang kampo ng NPA sa sityo Masay, Brgy. Monteclaro, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro,” payahag ni Gasic. “Nais ng mga itong lokohin ang taumbayan na nagtatagumpay sila sa kanilang mga operasyon laban sa NPA-Mindoro,” dagdag pa niya.

Nanawagan din si Gasic na imbestigahan ang naturang pambobomba at istraping na isinagawa ng 203rd Brigade.

“Nararapat na imbestigahan, panagutin at parusahan ang 76th, 4th IBPA at ng 203rd Brigade sa pambobomba at pag-iistraping sa komunidad ng mga katutubong Buhid.

“Lahat ng mga mamamayang nagmamahal sa mga katutubo ay dapat na gawin ang lahat ng makakaya upang makamit ito,” apela ni Gasic. #

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/kampo-ng-npa-na-na-overrun-ng-afp-sa-mindoro-fake-news-ldgc-npa-mindoro/

Kalinaw News: ALCADEV, TRIFPSS Refused DepEd Accreditation

From Kalinaw News (May 5, 2019): ALCADEV, TRIFPSS Refused DepEd Accreditation



CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – “We always encourage them to go to the Department of Education (DepEd) if they are really serious and determined to help lumad children of Diatagon but they always refuse”, said Brgy. Diatagon Captain Remegio Pareja on why the Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development (ALCADEV), and Tribal Filipino Program of Lianga, Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS INC.) are not legally accredited by DepEd.

This is his statement following the recent congressional inquiry of the Committee on Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples (CICCIP) of the House of Representatives in ALCADEV and TRIFPSS in Lianga, Surigao del Sur.

He added in an interview by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) CARAGA, “I don’t know why ALCADEV and TRIFPSS don’t want to be accredited and be legalized. Also, very alarming is the fact that they don’t want to accept help from the government.”

It can be recalled that last April 28, 2019, the inspection team, duly authorized by the House of Representatives, composed of Atty. Rueben Lingating, Chairman of the Indigenous People’s Peace Panel of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP); Adora Pueblo, CICCIP Committee Secretariat; and representatives from the Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and National Commission on Indigenous People’s (NCIP) visited Km 16, Sitio Han-ayan, Bgy Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur to validate reports citing the said lumad (indigenous people) schools’ connection with the Communist- Terrorist CPP-NPA.

CICCIP said “significant data and information (on the alleged involvement) have been endorsed to the committee as well as to the Office of the House Speaker by the National Security Adviser (NSA) in December 2018 and in January this year prompting the conduct of the inquiry.

During the Press Conference in Butuan City after the visit of CICCIP, Francis Cesar Bringas, Regional Director DepEd CARAGA said ALCADEV and TRIFPSS need to follow the law, “Both the schools are considered Private Learning institutions that need to be accredited by the DepEd.” “We have been encouraging and asking them to do that and to submit their papers to us but they refused because they said they want to maintain their identity”, Bringas added.

Atty. Lingating also emphasized, “As we validate the veracity of the report given to our office, we also want to verify how the Multi-million International funds from the European Union (EU) are utilized by these schools for we know that they don’t use it for the improvement and betterment of the IPs of Surigao del Sur.”

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Franco Nemesio Gacal, 4ID Commander said that the inquiry seeks to reveal the truth. “Through the revelations made by Former NPAs and Political Guides, we will be able to divulge these suspicious organizations who continue to deceive our Lumad communities.” “We are confident that the congressional inquiry will have positive results and soon, their true colors and links to the CPP-NPA will be further exposed along with the persons behind them. The government is working hard to put an end to those who use and abuse the innocence of our lumad children”, Gacal added.

“Let’s save our children and the youth from the clutches of the CPP-NPA who promotes communist-terrorist ideologies. It is about time we stop them from destroying more lives, families, communities and our entire country”, he emphasized.

It can be recalled that last March, the said team also visited Salugpungan Schools in various parts of Davao which, according to former NPAs and captured documents, have been used by CPP-NPA as breeding and training grounds for new recruits for many years.

Salugpungan, ALCADEV and TRIFPSS were among the CPP-NPA front organizations cited earlier by Maj. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr., the AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations, that have duped the European Union and Belgium for support and funding along with the Rural Missionaries, Solidagro, Viva Salud, Kiyo, Gabriela, ANAKPAWIS and others. Parlade said these organizations used “fake reports of Bakwit and IP killings, in order to ask them (foreign NGOs) for donations.

Division Public Affairs Office 4th Infantry Division Philippine Army
Cpt Regie H Go
OIC DPAO 4ID
armydiamond@ymail.com

https://www.kalinawnews.com/alcadev-trifpss-refused-deped-accreditation/

Kalinaw News: EX-NPA child warrior, comrade gets E-CLIP financial aid in North Cotabato

From Kalinaw News (May 5, 2019): EX-NPA child warrior, comrade gets E-CLIP financial aid in North Cotabato



AMAS, Kidapawan City – A former NPA child warrior and his comrade received P65,000 each in financial assistance from the government through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) here on Friday, May 3, 2019.

The recipients were identified as Alias Bonbon,18, and Alias Omar, 42, formerly members of Guerrilla Front (GF) 53 who surrendered to 19th Infantry Battalion at the height of its focused military operations (FMO) in Arakan Valley Complex, last year.

Alias Bonbon was only 14 when recruited by the NPA in his hometown of Magpet while Alias Omar was an experienced rebel formerly serving as Vice Squad Leader.

The two received their checks in the presence of DILG Provincial Director Ali Abdullah and Lt. Col. Benjamin Dao-on, Commanding Officer of 19th Infantry Battalion at North Cotabato Provincial Capitol in Kidapawan City.

E-CLIP is a government program which aims to facilitate the mainstreaming of the former rebels as productive citizens as well as enhance the capacities of the Local Government Units and the Non-Government Agencies to help them rebuild their identities as part of the community.

Meanwhile, 19th Infantry Battalion launched massive information drives to persuade the remnants of the Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNT) in Arakan Valley Complex to return to the folds of the law.#JPC

19th Infantry Battalion 8th Infantry Division Philippine Army
2Lt Angelique Taban
Civil Military Operations Officer, 19IB, 8ID
Arakan, North Cotabato
0915-883-2223

https://www.kalinawnews.com/ex-npa-child-warrior-comrade-gets-e-clip-financial-aid-in-north-cotabato/

2 rebels surrender in Bukidnon

From the Mindanao Times (May 5, 2019): 2 rebels surrender in Bukidnon

Two new members of the New People’s Army surrendered on Tuesday following the unit’s recovery of 22 high-powered firearms in Paquibato District and Calinan last April 29.

Col. Nolasco Mempin, the commander of 1003rd Infantry Brigade, identified them as alias Jaguar, 38, of Kitaotao Bukidnon, and alias Sabaka, 42, from San Fernando, Bukidnon. Both were members of the Guerrilla Front 55, under the Front Committee 5 of Southern Mindanao Regional Command operating in Bukidnon.

Mempin said both approached the troops of the 89th Infantry Battalion in Kitaotao of same province.

He said the former rebels surrendered one M16 rifle with one magazine and 30 rounds ammunition; one modified M16 with 59 rounds ammunition; one homemade 5.56mm single-shooter pistol with six rounds ammunition; homemade Ingram; one 12-gauge shotgun; one .357 caliber revolver with five rounds ammunition; one 14-kilogram improvised explosives device; one blasting cap; 30-meter electrical wire; one Samsung cellular phone with charger and headset, and a powerbank.

They are now under the custody of the 89th Infantry Battalion for custodial debriefing. They will also be enrolled in the government’s Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

“We have extended our arms time and again to them and we are more than glad it is working,” Mempin said. “Let the government show its true side to them in the fullest sense.”

http://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2019/05/05/2-rebels-surrender-in-bukidnon/

Military activates Task Force 'Pinili-ay' in Lanao Norte, Iligan City

From the Philippine News Agency (May 5, 2019): Military activates Task Force 'Pinili-ay' in Lanao Norte, Iligan City

The 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army here activated the Task Force "Pinili-ay" (Election) to support security measures for orderly and peaceful local and national elections in the province of Lanao del Norte and Iligan City.

The TF Pinili-ay will establish its command center at Governor Arsenio A. Quibranza Provincial Government Center in Pigcarangan, Tubod, Lanao del Norte beginning May 10.

Col. Alex Aduca T. Aduca, 2nd Mech Deputy Brigade Commander, was designated as TF Pinili-ay Commander.

"Without any reservations we accept the responsibility, designation and the function of the Task Force Pinili-ay not only as preparation, but we should do it in action. Let us show that we can do something, that we can do our task, our function with utmost dedication," he said in an interview on Saturday.

"We should believe that we are the force to reckon with. We should believe in our capability and our strength that we can secure the conduct of local and national election," he added.

The task force, composed of the 4th and 5th Mechanized Infantry Battalions, 51st IB and 11th Division Reconnaissance Company, will deploy troops in 22 municipalities of Lanao del Norte and 44 villages of Iligan City.

Aduca said they are mandated to protect not only the candidates and the voters but also the facilities in coordination with the security sectors like the Philippine National Police, Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Commission on Elections.

"We will not allow any precinct to be challenged na hindi maging (that it will not become) successful in the conduct of elections. We do not want any failure on any precincts in 642 barangays of Lanao del Norte and 44 barangays of Iligan City," he said.

Brig. Gen. James Ezra P. Enriquez, 2nd Mech Brigade commander, said "in securing the elections, we must remain as non-partisan."

"As members of the Armed Forces, we cannot campaign for or against any candidates but we were given a chance to exercise our right to vote," he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1068928

Another young NPA fighter falls in southern Negros clash

From the Philippine News Agency (May 5, 2019): Another young NPA fighter falls in southern Negros clash

Some of the items recovered by Army's 62nd IB troops after an encounter with New People's Army fighters that resulted in the capture of a 13-year-old fighter in Sitio Dawhan, Barangay Buenavista in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental on May 4, 2019. (Photo courtesy of 62nd IB)

A 13-year-old boy left behind by his fellow New People’s Army (NPA) fighters was taken into custody by government troops following a clash in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental on Saturday.

The encounter in Sitio Dawhan, Barangay Buenavista took place around 7 a.m. while soldiers of the Philippine Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion (62IB) were conducting security operations ahead of the May 13 mid-term elections.

Lt. Col. Egberto Dacoscos, commanding officer of 62IB, said the minor was found by the troops at the encounter site after his comrades fled.

The boy was turned over to the Himamaylan City Police Station and endorsed to the Department of Social Welfare and Development afterwards, according to the 62IB report.

Dacoscos said he deployed troops to Sitio Dawhan after receiving information about the presence of the communist rebels harassing the residents and extorting from farmers.

“We appreciate the bravery of our civilian-partner stakeholders who reported the presence of these abusive terrorists,” the army official said.

During the 15-minute firefight, government troops engaged at least 20 NPA guerrillas believed to be led by alias Jeron of Tahod Ilahas Territorial Platoon of Central Negros 2.

The report of the 303rd Infantry Brigade showed that five communist rebels could have been killed in the encounter, based on reports from civilians and as shown in the amount of blood stains found around the encounter site.

Troops recovered an anti-personnel mine, an NPA flag, seven backpacks, subversive documents, clothes, rubber boots, medicines, food items, among others.

On January 1 this year, the 62IB troops also found an NPA hideout in Sitio Dawhan.

During an encounter on April 9, soldiers also dismantled the communist rebels’ lair in Sitio Asaran, Barangay Buenavista.

Dacoscos commended his troops for their perseverance and alertness in facing the enemies.

“We will continue our pursuit operations to stop the NPA (atrocities) in the coming elections,” he added.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1068939

West PH Sea ‘top concern' of gov't: Palace

From the Philippine News Agency (May 5, 2019): West PH Sea ‘top concern' of gov't: Palace

Malacañang said the protection of the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) is already a "top concern" of the government, denying that they were lax in responding to Chinese activities in the contested waters.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, also the Chief Presidential Legal Counsel, made this remark after the Supreme Court (SC) issued a writ of Kalikasan for the protection and preservation of three shoals within the country's territory in the WPS.

"We stress that the essence of such writ of kalikasan, which is the protection of the marine ecosystem of the West Philippine Sea is already a top concern and agenda of the government," Panelo said in a statement released on Saturday night (May 4).

The writ of Kalikasan was issued to prevent violations of environmental laws in Philippine territorial waters and in the exclusive economic zone, specifically the Panatag Shoal, Ayungin Shoal, and Mischief Reef.

Panelo said the Palace has yet to receive a copy of the High Court's order but stressed that it found no issue in performing such enforcement pursuant to the Constitution and principles of international law.

Panelo said although Palace has always respected the orders and decisions of the Judiciary, especially the Supreme Court, and denied "inaction" when it came to environmental concerns.

"We take exception, however, to the contention that there has been inaction on the part of the administration with regard to the environmental concerns brought about by Chinese activities in the contested areas," Panelo said.

He said the Coast Guard and other government agencies are performing their task in securing the subject of the writ.

Panelo acknowledged allegations of "certain unwanted incursions" that have brought damage in the area but reminded the SC that they have been made in contested areas.

He noted the government has already filed a series of diplomatic protests against China, but insisted against performing "provocative acts" that would harm diplomatic ties between the two countries.

He has repeatedly insisted that holding bilateral negotiations between the Philippines and China is currently the "most effective" way to resolve the dispute over the contested waters.

"While we promptly made a series of diplomatic protests using the mechanism of diplomacy to assert our rights, we also undertook protective measures even as we are consciously cautious not to perform provocative acts that may trigger armed hostilities between the contesting countries which may risk the lives of our countrymen and cost irreparable damage to our land," Panelo said.

Panelo, meanwhile, said Palace will let the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) defend the executive noting that action is already being heard by the Judiciary.

He also ensured that the Duterte administration will continue to assert the sovereignty of the country and protect its environment.

"Whatever the outcome of the petition, we assure the nation that this administration is committed to protect the sovereignty of our country and the protection of our marine environment against any and all who will attempt to assault or violate them," Panelo said.

In their April 16 petition, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) and the fisherfolk groups claimed the government "failed to perform their duties" in the WPS as mandated in the environmental laws and regulations.

The petitioners asserted the 2016 arbitral ruling that favors the Philippines and invalidates China's massive claims on the disputed sea and found that Chinese fishing vessels are involved in harvesting endangered species in Panatag and Ayungin Shoals.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1068925