They are NPA rebels – Army

From the Manila Times (Nov 6, 2019): They are NPA rebels – Army

The Philippine Army on Tuesday insisted that the more than 50 people arrested in separate operations in Negros Occidental are members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) and linked them to a labor group.

Lt. Col. Emelito Thaddeus Logan, commander of the Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion, said the military was not targeting progressive groups based in the province, apparently responding to statements that the apprehended persons were not NPA rebels.

Some of those arrested, Logan added, were allegedly recruited to some groups, which he called leftist, such as the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU).

The military official said the KMU and all other leftist groups should not be considered as progressive organizations but as “regressive groups.”

Logan pointed out that the arrested persons are also no longer workers of Ceres Bus Co., saying all of them went absent without official leave.

“This is the problem when the KMU infiltrates unions. They agitate workers and make demands, but the issues they choose are not really meant to be resolved,” he said in a statement.

Logan added that the infiltration would result in a “stronger influence” by the NPA, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the National Democratic Front (NDF).

The NPA and the CPP are members of the NDF, an umbrella group.

Those who were recently arrested and whom the military tagged as members of the NPA were nabbed in separate operations in the cities of Bacolod and Escalante in Negros Occidental, while several others were arrested in Manila.

The raids were effected by an arrest warrant issued by a regional trial court in Quezon City, a move that was questioned by various militant groups based inside and outside Metro Manila.

Some groups, including human rights group Karapatan, said the arrested persons were not members of the NPA and are activists.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2019/11/06/news/regions/they-are-npa-rebels-army/653756/

Explain kids’ presence in raided offices, militant organizations asked

From the Philippine Star (Nov 6, 2019): Explain kids’ presence in raided offices, militant organizations asked

Col. Romeo Baleros, Negros Occidental police director, said New People’s Army rebels could be indoctrinating and training the children to become combatants.  File

BACOLOD CITY , Philippines — Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Carlos Zarate and lawyer Neri Colmenares should explain why there were children in the offices of militant organizations in this city that were raided by government forces on Oct. 31.

Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, yesterday said Zarate, Colmenares and the other leaders of militant organizations were silent on the issue.

Arevalo said 14 children were rescued in simultaneous raids on the offices of Anakpawis, Bayan-Negros, Kilusang Mayo Uno, Gabriela and National Federation of Sugarcane Workers in Barangays Bata, 33 and Taculing.

Col. Romeo Baleros, Negros Occidental police director, said New People’s Army rebels could be indoctrinating and training the children to become combatants.

Baleros said 41 people were arrested and 32 firearms and various types of explosives were recovered in the raids.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group filed charges for illegal possession of firearms and explosives against those arrested.

“High-value” targets John Milton Lozande, Albert dela Cerna, Noli Rosales, Proceso Quiatchon, Cherry Catalogo, Karina dela Cerna, Romulo Bitoon and his wife Mermalyn, Mary Ann Krueger, Danilo Tabura and Roberto Lachica, who are officials of the militant groups, were among those charged.

Capt. Cenon Pancito III, 3rd Infantry Division spokesman, said Lozande, Dela Cerna, Rosales, Quiatchon and Catalogo also face qualified human trafficking charges.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2019/11/06/1966285/explain-kids-presence-raided-offices-militant-organizations-asked

Military: 3 alleged NPA rebels killed in encounter in Quezon

From ABS-CBN (Nove 5, 2019): Military: 3 alleged NPA rebels killed in encounter in Quezon

Three members of rebel group New People's Army (NPA) were killed in an encounter with the military in Mauban town, Quezon, the Army said Tuesday.

The 1st Infantry Battalion did not suffer casualties.

Soldiers recovered a 9-mm pistol after the 5-minute firefight with about 10 alleged NPA rebels in Barangay Abu-abu.

Col. Alex Rillera, commander of the 202nd Infantry Brigade which has operational jurisdiction over the area, said this is the fourth time his troops fought NPA members in the area inside a month.

Last Sunday, an Army personnel died in Lopez town, Quezon after a landmine allegedly planted by the NPA detonated along a road in Barangay Santa Rosa.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/11/05/19/military-3-alleged-npa-rebels-killed-in-encounter-in-quezon

Makabayan coordinator gunned down in Laguna

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 5, 2019): Makabayan coordinator gunned down in Laguna

A labor leader was gunned down by an unknown assailant in Laguna province on Monday evening, just hours before police arrested three activists in a continuing government crackdown on leftist critics of President Duterte.

The victim, Reynaldo Malaborbor, 61, was with his wife walking on a street near their home in Barangay Banay-Banay, Cabuyao City, around 9:30 p.m. when he was shot from behind by a man who fled on foot. His wife was unharmed.

Malaborbor was actively involved in organizing a workers’ strike at a condiments factory in Cabuyao in July. He was also a coordinator for the Makabayan candidates in May’s elections.

According to Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) in Southern Tagalog, Malaborbor was a member of Alyansa ng Manggagawa sa Pook Industriyal ng Laguna before he was arrested in 2010 along with five other activists in Lumban, Laguna, for alleged ties to the communist New People’s Army (NPA).

Tondo raid

His son, Ray Irvine, was arrested by soldiers in Sta. Cruz, Occidental Mindoro, in July on charges of illegal possession of firearms. He was tagged as an NPA intelligence officer

On Tuesday, policemen raided the house of Ram Carlo Bautista, Bayan campaign director, in Tondo, Manila, around 1:15 a.m. and arrested him, along with Alma Moran, Manila Workers Unity secretariat member, and Ina Nacino, Kadamay coordinator.

Bautista’s home on Flora Street in Barangay 183, Tondo, also served as Bayan Manila’s office.

The raiders, composed of members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (Cidu) of the Manila police, said they seized two hand grenades, a Bushmaster 5.56-caliber rifle, two .45-caliber pistols, magazines and bullets, 11 cell phones, laptops and identification cards.

They were serving a search warrant issued by Executive Judge Cecilyn Burgos-Villavert of Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 89.

Villavert had also issued the warrant to search the house of Cora Agovida, Gabriela Manila chair, and her husband Mikhael Bartolome, a Kadamay member, on Oct. 31. Police claimed they found a pistol and a hand grenade during their operation.

Another warrant from the same judge led to the arrest that same night of 57 activists in Bacolod City and Escalante town in Negros Occidental province. Authorities there also claimed the raiders recovered 32 guns, three grenades and other illegal items.

It was also Villavert who issued the arrest warrant last year for Vic Ladlad, a consultant for the communist-led National Democratic Front of the Philippines in peace talks with the government, which the President called off.

‘Preposterous’ charges

Bayan chair Carol Araullo described the charges against the members of progressive groups as “preposterous” and “fabricated.”

Araullo said the latest attack against activists “employs a search warrant and planted evidence, which shows the erosion of our legal system, a clear violation of the rule of law in the name of ‘counterinsurgency.’”

The charges against Bautista, Moran and Nacino were based on a “clumsy ‘tanim-baril’ and ‘tanim-bala’ operation,” she said.

She called the police actions a “blitzkrieg, a lightning war against the people who demand justice for all the crimes and injustices the Duterte regime has committed.”

Police Brig. Gen. Debold Sinas, chief of the National Capital Region Police Office, denied the evidence were fabricated, saying the Bushmaster rifle and the Colt pistol seized by the lawmen were too expensive to be planted.

“If that is their alibi, then so be it. Anyway, our investigators will file the case, they can have it as their defense in court,” Sinas told reporters.

A day before the Oct. 31 roundup of activists in Manila and Negros, Police Maj. Michael John Villanueva of the Manila Cidu requested for a warrant to search Bautista’s house.

The warrant issued by Villavert cited “probable cause to believe that a crime for violation of RA 9516 [an act amending Presidential Decree No. 1866 on illegal possession of firearms and explosives] has been committed or is about to be committed.”

The judge said there were “good and sufficient reasons to believe that respondent is keeping under his control and possession inside his house a hand grenade” after examining Villanueva and his witnesses—two other policemen—under oath.

‘Gestapo-like’

The human rights group Karapatan said it “vehemently condemns yet again another Gestapo-like raid.”

“These attacks are indicative of a compromised justice system that mindlessly complies with the whims, demands and sinister agenda of this government,” it said.

Cristina Palabay, the group’s secretary general, said the allegations that guns and explosives were found in the activists’ office were “a preposterous and barefaced lie meant to justify the arrests and to silence social justice workers and activists.”

Search warrants issued by Villavert were used to “justify” the ongoing crackdown, Palabay said. She claimed that the judge not only met with Sinas before the Oct. 31 raids and that the warrants were “a ‘cut and paste’ version of each other.”

In a text message to the Inquirer, Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes said judges “who make themselves accomplices in these attacks will also be held accountable along with the police who plant evidence.”

Palace: Charges baseless

Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar dismissed claims that the raids were meant to silence the government’s critics.

“The baseless allegations and cries of harassment from Karapatan are already expected as they have no weapons to fight with versus the clean, legitimate and precise raid of communist terrorists in Bacolod last week,” Andanar said in a statement.

He said the police operations were not “Gestapo-like” and that “no individuals were harmed during the operation.”

“Karapatan’s unsubstantiated claims prove nothing but their desperation,” Andanar said.

According to Jose Maria Sison, founding chair of the Communist Party of the Philippines, there is an ongoing attack and harassment against the political opposition and militant critics of the Duterte administration.

“State terrorism is running high with Red-tagging, abductions, arrests with planted firearms and murders of social activists, critics and political opponents,” said Sison in a statement on Tuesday from Utrecht, the Netherlands, where he lives in exile.

“There is already de facto fascist dictatorship in the Philippines,” he added.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1185867/makabayan-coordinator-gunned-down-in-laguna

2 suspected ISIS members planning to terrorize SEA games arrested

Posted to Philippine Lifestyle News (Nov 5, 2019): 2 suspected ISIS members planning to terrorize SEA games arrested

Two suspected members of the ISIS who allegedly plan to sow violence in the upcoming 30th SEA Games have been arrested by Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon) operatives.

The police seized various weapons, bombs, and equipment from the suspects in separate raids in Quezon and Laguna provinces.

The suspected ISIS members were arrested three weeks before SEA Games would kick off in the country.

According to Calabarzon Police Director Brig Gen. Vicente Danao Jr., police arrested a suspected terrorist Saidie Saro, a businessman, in Matungo, Lanao del Sur, Friday afternoon. A black ISIS flag was confiscated from Saro during the raid in Tayabas City.

Saro was arrested following on a warrant of arrest issued by a court at his rented store in Tayabas City. Police confiscated a hand grenade, improvised explosive device (IED), pipe bombs and ammunition from Saro.

Despite this, Saro vehemently denied that he was a member of the international terrorist group ISIS.

According to the PNP’s Explosive Ordinance Division, it is possible to cause significant damage if the recovered pipe bomb, which is the cellphone detonator of the recovered IED, explodes.

There have been intelligence reports that Saro’s ISIS group plans to terrorize the upcoming SEA Games this November.

ISIS member arrested in Laguna

Meanwhile, at around 2:30 pm another suspected ISIS terrorist was arrested during a raid on the Corsini Compound, Brgy. Real, Calamba City.
According to Laguna Provincial Police Office Director P / Colonel Eleazar Matta, Bobby Sarip was captured carrying a black backpack, two MK2 fragmentation hand grenades, eight ammunition, a canister, and a black purse. Sarip was a suspected member of the Daulah Islamiyah Lanao / Maute group.

Police also recovered a black ISIS flag in the area. Such terror groups are sub-groups of ISIS in the Philippines.

Sarip was arrested on a warrant of arrest issued by Executive Judge Cynthia Marino-Ricabalance of the RTC in Sta Cruz, Laguna.

The two alleged terrorists are facing charges of violation of RA 9516 or the Illegal Possession of Explosive and RA 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Act).

https://philippineslifestyle.com/2-suspected-isis-members-planning-to-terrorize-sea-games-arrested/

WESTMINCOM: WestMinCom chief graces arrival ceremony for PS-39

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM): WestMinCom chief graces arrival ceremony for PS-39



WestMinCom commander Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana joined the officers, men, and women of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao in welcoming the newly acquired Philippine Navy ship in its visit here in Zamboanga City.



The arrival ceremony was held at the Zamboanga City Pier at 9am yesterday (November 4).

BRP Conrado Yap (PS-39) is an 88.3 meters long ship with a beam of 10 meters and draft of 2.9 meters that can accommodate 118 personnel and can sustain operational presence for 20 days.



“My warm and heartfelt welcome to the men and women of this ship headed by its Commanding Officer, Capt. Marco Buena to the Asia’s Latin City and the Sardines Capital of the Philippines,” said Lt. Gen. Sobejana during his remarks.



The acquisition of BRP Conrado Yap stemmed from the generosity of the South Korea government propelled by the strong relationship of the Philippine Navy and the Republic of Korea Navy that goes beyond friendship through the years.

The ship was named after a gallant Filipino military leader, Conrado Yap, who served in the Korean War as part of the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea. He was a captain of the Philippine Army who was considered as the most decorated Filipino Soldier during the Korean War.



“This ship is the 1st modern corvette and the most heavily-armed unit and the “most powerful ship” of the Philippine Navy to date because of its sonars and torpedo launchers capable of anti-submarine warfare,” Lt. Gen. Sobejana added.

Also present during the activity were Zamboanga City 2nd District Councilor John Dalipe and other invited guests.

“The capability upgrade program of the AFP is relentlessly pursued to modernize all its branches so that it could effectively secure the Philippine territory and uphold the integrity of our archipelagic nation.

“Moreover, we are certain that with everyone’s high sense of patriotism coupled with our firm commitment in promoting a culture of peace, we as a sovereign nation shall continue to grow in steady and sustainable manner,” Lt. Gen. Sobejana concluded.

http://www.westmincom.com/westmincom-chief-graces-arrival-ceremony-for-ps-39/

69 barangay sa Palawan na apektado ng CPP-NPA, target linisin ngayong tao

From the Palawan Daily News (Nov 5, 2019): 69 barangay sa Palawan na apektado ng CPP-NPA, target linisin ngayong taon



Ang ilang miyembro ng New People's Army. Larawan mula sa Wescom

Tahasang tinuran ng mga bumubuo ng Palawan Task Force in Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) na target nilang linisin ang mga natitira pang mga barangay na apektado ng Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) bago magtapos ang taon.

“We’re confident na baka one year palang ay maki-clear na natin ‘yan. Kasi katulad ng wala pang one month ‘yung ating Provincial Task Force ay marami ng accomplishment tayong nagawa….Kung magtutulungan, less than one year, clear na lahat [‘yan],” pahayag ni Third Marine Brigade commander, BGen. Charlton Sean Gaerlan sa isinagawang press conference matapos ang PTF-ELCAC Multi-sector Security Summit kamakailan.

Aniya, bagamat ang timeframe na ibinigay sa buong rehiyon ng Mimaropa ay hanggang 2022 ngunit “mas maganda kapag maihabol ngayong taon” sa probinsiya ng Palawan.

“If we can do it this end of the year, much better,” susog pa ni Western Command (Wescom) commander, VAdm. Rene Medina.

Idinagdag din niyang may isinasagawa ng iba’t ibang ongoing projects ang Provincial Government sa ilalim ng PTF-ELCAC. Sa ngayon umano ay mas marami na ring mamamayan ang nakaaalam sa ganitong mga problema at mas marami na ang gustong makiisa upang masawata na ang presensiya at pangingikil ng mga makakaliwang grupo.

Sa ibinigay na datos ni VAdm. Medina, sa nasabing kabuuang 69 barangay, apat umano ay naimpluwensiyahan ng mga Communist Terrorist Group, apat ang less influenced habang 61 ang threatened. Di na pinangalanan pa ng opisyal kung anu-anong mga barangay iyon ngunit, inihayag niyang kasama rin dito ang ilang threatened barangay mula sa lungsod ng Puerto Princesa.

PAGDEKLARA SA CPP-NPA NA ‘PERSONA NON-GRATA’

Isa naman ang siyudad sa wala pang naihahaing resolusyon na nagdedeklara sa CPP-NPA na persona non-grata, kabilang ang mga munisipyo ng El Nido, Roxas, San Vicente at Jose Rizal, gayundin ang Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

Ang 19 na munisipyo naman ay nauna nang naghain ng kaukulang hakbang. Ani BGen. Gaerlan, taliwas sa pag-aakala ng ilan, mas higit aniyang kailangan ng lungsod na gumawa ng naturang deklarasyon at isang halimbawa umano ay dito sa lungsod ng Puerto Princesa nahuli ang umano’y pitong mga miyembro ng CPP-NPA nang maharang sa isang checkpoint sa Brgy. San Jose noong Oktubre 5.

“….[H]indi por que city ka, akala mo free ka na sa ganitong mga gawain; mas dapat ngang mangamba ‘yung City, dahil ‘yun ‘yung sentro, mas doon nagaganap lahat. Eh! Kung dito pa lang ay hindi na sila welcome, magandang signal ‘yun na hindi talaga pwedeng magsimula rito sa City at palabas na ng mga municipalities,” giit ani Gaerlan.

Tiniyak din ng Wescom na sa takdang panahon ay ilalabas nila sa publiko ang mga pangalan ng mga kompanya at indibidwal na nagbibigay ng salapi sa mga makakaliwang-grupo base sa nakumpiskang notebook ni SRMA4-E at STRPC Deputy Secretary for organization/Finance Domingo Ritas o Arnel Molino.

Ayon kay Medina, sa ngayon ay kanila pang biniberipika ang mga nakuhang report at iginiit nito na kailangan ding magpaliwanag ng nasabing mga indibidwal.

“We feel that they have to explain why they are supporting the CPA-NPA….The purpose [of doing this] really is to cut off their (CTG) resource fund in Palawan, not only their recruitment activities….We really have to make a strong stand that those who are supporting them will be dealt accordingly,” paliwanag ng head ng unified command ng AFP sa Palawan.

Ang mga pinaniniwalaang nagbibigay ng suporta sa CPP-NPA ay mula umano sa hanay ng construction firms, business companies, ilang personalidad at mga pulitiko. Isasangguni naman umano nila sa Legal Office ang lahat ng hakbang ukol dito sapagkat posible rin umanong biktima lamang ang nasabing mga indibidwal ngunit palaisipan lamang umano para sa kanila na sa tagal na hinihingian sila ng salapi ay bakit hindi sila nagreklamo sa mga otoridad.

Base sa iprinisentang datos ng mga kinauukulan, ang mga nakolekta ng CPP-NPA ay P11,540,000 noong 2017; P6,024,500 noong nakaraang taon habang P3,008,000 naman ngayong 2019.

“We, the Palawan Task Force ELCAC, is serious in our fight against the CPP-NPA terrorist group and its left-leaning organizations. We do not want our children to waste their lives being one of the victims of the terrorist group. We will continue our efforts to inform the community of the deception of the CPP-NPA and its left-leaning organizations that force them to join in their ill-willed intentions and destroy the lives of the innocents,” ang bahagi ng mensahe ni PTF-ELCAC Chairman, Gov. Jose Chaves Alvarez na kinatawan ni Provincial Legal Officer at Provincial Enforcement Task Force Vice Chairman, Teodoro Jose “TJ” Matta.

Samantala, sa kasalukuyan umano ay nasa 120 na miyembro na rin ng CTG na mga taga-Palawan ang nagbalik-loob sa pamahalaan simula 2013 hanggang Setyembre ngayong taon.

https://palawandailynews.com/provincial-news/69-barangay-sa-palawan-na-apektado-ng-cpp-npa-target-linisin-ngayong-taon/

US-based militants rallyversus arrest of activists

From the Visayan Daily Star (Nov 5, 2019): US-based militants rallyversus arrest of activists

US-based groups and rights activists staged a rally in front of the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles Sunday to protest the mass arrests of 57 in Negros Occidental late last week, and demand that no U.S. tax dollars be used to proliferate human rights violations and other efforts to silence political dissent.

These have become more frequent since Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte took office, Sophia Knowlton-Latkin of the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP) - Southern CA, said in a press statement sent to the DAILY STAR.
Joyous Prim, a ICHRP US officer, at the rally spoke of her having met some of the leaders of progressive groups, who were among the 57 arrested in Bacolod and Escalante cities late last week.

Two months ago, a delegation of human rights advocates and church people from Southern California visited communities in Negros where they met human rights activists who were selflessly living with and organizing for the rights of the sugarcane workers and farmers, she said.

“We heard firsthand accounts of extra judicial killings and saw the never ending text (messages) of death threats our hosts received,” she added.

She said those arrested are longtime human rights defenders from legal organizations like the National Federation of Sugar Workers, Gabriela, Bayan Muna, Kilusang Mayo Uno, Teatro Obrero and Teatro Bungkal in Bacolod.

Terrie Cervas, Gabriela USA secretary-general, said they joined the rally to condemn the arrest of Gabriela Manila chairperson Cora Agovida and the 57 in raids in Bacolod, and to demand their release from government custody.

Nikole Cababa, Bayan USA secretary general, spoke against Duterte’s efforts to silence those critical of his regime.

“Instead of protecting the everyday Filipino farmer, peasant, worker, youth, Duterte has sentenced them with trumped up charges. How can poor sugarcane farmers and trade union workers afford to buy expensive explosives and firearms, when all they are demanding is their basic right to humane living wage and working conditions?” she asked.

The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas also joined a multi-sectoral indignation protest in front of the Philippine National Police headquarters in Camp Crame in Metro Manila yesterday to denounce the arrest of the 57 in Negros.*

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/November/05/topstory4.htm

Communist rebels denounced

From the Visayan Daily Star (Nov 5, 2019): Communist rebels denounced

The Philippine National Police has vowed to establish the links of arrested Negrense activists to the New People’s Army, while Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander is, calling on the whole province of Negros Occidental to stand up and speak up against organizations exploiting minors, and supporting the communist insurgency.

“We should not be fence-sitters and just watch what is happening around,” Arevalo said yesterday, adding that “For evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing”. He acknowledged that some local government units in Negros Occidental have already done their share in ending local insurgency problem.

Valladolid Mayor Enrique Miravalles, president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines-Negros Occidental chapter, said that the league is supporting the AFP and PNP in their aim to end the local communist armed conflict, that is also shared by Bacolod Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran.

Miravalles and Familiaran were among the speakers at the peace rally in front of the old Bacolod City Hall, that was participated in by hundreds of Negrenses, who aired their sentiments against the recruitment of minors to join the armed struggle.

Of the 55 persons arrested in the series of raids in the offices of Anakpawis and Gabriela party-list groups, Bayan-Negros, Kilusang Mayo Uno and the National Federation of Sugarcane Workers in Brgys. Bata, 33 and Taculing, Bacolod City on Oct. 31, the military claimed that 42 of them have links to the Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros-Cebu-Siquijor-Bohol, while 13 are minors also being trained to be rebel “child warriors”.

Two others who were arrested in Escalante City on Nov. 1 also yielded guns and explosives.

Following the filing of charges against the arrested activists in Bacolod and Escalante cities in Negros Occidental, PNP officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa said yesterday that they will prove the links of the detained suspects to the NPA.

Gamboa, in a weekly press briefing at Camp Crame, yesterday expressed his dismay that some non-government organizations are claiming to be doing humanitarian works, but are doing otherwise.

Gamboa said he believes that the PNP and AFP have broken the CPP-NPA in Western and Central Visayas, with the arrest of rebel key personalities and the rescue of child warriors.

“Now they (CPP-NPA) are starting to feel and get hurt in the campaign of government to end the local communist terrorists, and will continue to do so unless they stop,” Gamboa said.

As to claims about the assorted guns and explosives seized during combined police operations, Gamboa said “Legitimacy is a status which they can prove during the trial, if ever this will be pursued in court”.

“Planting of evidence, stolen items are the usual allegations when we conduct search warrants”, he said. That is why, he added, the law provides that there should be representatives of a local government or media to witness the service of search warrants to disprove all the allegations.

But let them prove in court that those are planted evidences, he added.

On the recruitment of minors by the communist movement, Familiaran encouraged parents to monitor closely the activities of their children, who their friends are and the groups they are affiliated with.

The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office yesterday condemned the use of child warriors by the CPP-NPA.

Col. Romeo Baleros, provincial police director of Negros Occidental, said the presence of minors in the raided compounds, where caches of firearms and subversive documents were discovered, is highly indicative of the indoctrination activities and training of minors to be used by the CPP-NPA.

In response to possible retaliation activities of the NPA, Baleros assured Negrenses that they are always ready to ensure that peace and order reigns in Negros Occidental.

Arevalo, however, said that the NPA should expect retaliatory attacks from them, in defense of Negrenses, they have victimized with their terroristic activities and deceptions.*

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/November/05/topstory2.htm

Cases filed vs. 59 linked to CPP-NPA

From the Visayan Daily Star (Nov 5, 2019): Cases filed vs. 59 linked to CPP-NPA

Two cases, one for a non-bailable offense, were filed against 59 leaders and members of progressive groups, 15 of whom are at-large, before the Bacolod and Escalante prosecution offices yesterday, Capt. Cenon Pancito, Army 3rd Infantry Division public affairs officer, said.

A third case for violation of Republic Act 9208 as amended by Republic Act 10364, also known as the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012, was set to be filed against six of those arrested yesterday, but was postponed to tomorrow to enable completion of documentation, he added.

The inquest proceeding against the 42 arrested in simultaneous raids on offices of progressive groups, and a house in Bacolod City late last week, were conducted by Prosecutor Fernand Castro of the Bacolod City Prosecution Office at the Negros Occidental Provincial Police Office in Bacolod City yesterday afternoon for security reasons, he said.

Those arrested have been tagged by the Army as alleged Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army terrorists, a claim progressive groups have denied.

Of the 42 named in the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group case for Violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms Law who are currently detained, 11 were tagged as high value individuals (HVI).

The 11 alleged HVIs charged for violation of RA 10591 were Albert Dela Cerna, John Milton Lozande, Noli Lacera Rosales, Proceso Quiatchon, Cherryl Catalogo, Karina Mae Dela Cerna, Mermalyn Bito-on, Romulo Bito-on, Mary Anne Krueger, Danilo Tabura and Roberto Lachica, Pancito said.

Thirty-one others tagged as non-HVI are Mario Estrobo Aguelan Jr., Richard Sajo, Richre Paparon Remada, Geovanie Pollentes Morad, Mark Anthony Tagaytayan Olaera, Ernie Rebias Escoltor, Joey Plaza Micmic, Jessie Ryan Hecita Doza, Charlie Alintoson Lozada;

Ernesto Judiadan Dodoyco Jr., Randy Domadiego Agbones, Junelle Jusal Miraflor, Gerry Magbanua Lacson, Marlito Apunan Escaner, Eddie Fernandez Ibon, Joedelmar Anfory Tano, Jecards Austero Jamero, Jemar Rojo Santellan, Ashly Mark Sanong Antes, Jefherdy Gewon Alipoton;

Richard Mag-aso Escada, Rolando Bilches Delos Reyes, John Carlo Larbo Capanas, Glanie Guimbal Hambre, Mario Ayo Tambiga, Joebert Lozada Belarmino, Ramil Gonzales Ayco, Jefherd Genon Alipoon, Joelito Telebrico Sumaque, Esmael Asplico Lorca and Jessie Taasan Badonasa, Pancito added.

Forty-one of the 42, except for Mary Anne Krueger, were also charged for violation of RA 9516 for illegal possession of explosives, which is a non-bailable offense, he said.

Charges for violation of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012 will be filed tomorrow against Albert Dela Cerna, John Milton Lozande, Noli Lacera Rosales, Proceso Quiatchon, Karina Dela Cerna and Cherryl Catalogo, he added.

He said yesterday they started releasing the minors arrested upon presentation by their parents and guardians of documents to prove that they are their children.

Of the 15 initially believed to be minors, three have been found to be of legal age, he said.

Charges for illegal possession of firearms and explosives were also filed before the Escalante Prosecution Office yesterday against Maria Lindy Balaobao Perucho and Imelda Pasinado Sultan, who were arrested in Escalante City Friday, he added.*

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/November/05/topstory1.htm

Police arrests 3 in raid of Bayan office in Tondo

From Rappler (Nov 5, 2019): Police arrests 3 in raid of Bayan office in Tondo

Police secure search warrants in the raids in Bacolod City, and Paco and Tondo in Manila from QC RTC Branch 89 Executive Judge Cecilyn Burgos-Villavert



RELEASE. Bayan Muna call for the release of 3 members of progressive groups after a raid in Tondo, Manila. Photo from Bayan Muna

Police arrested 3 members of progressive groups during a raid in Tondo, Manila past midnight Tuesday, November 5, as part of a "series of arrests of activists leaders and members."

Carrying a search warrant, personnel of the Manila Police District (MPD) and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Manila District Field Unit raided the office of Bayan along Clemente Steet in Barangay 183 at 1 am.

They arrested Bayan Muna Manila campaign director Ram Bautista, Manila Workers Unity secretariat member Alma Moran, and Kadamay Manila coordinator Reina Nacino.

The search warrant, issued on October 30, said there was probable cause that a violation of Republic Act (RA) 9516, illegal possession of firearms and explosives, has happened or about to happen.

The warrant was issued by Quezon City Regional Trial Court (QC RTC) Branch 89 Executive Judge Cecilyn Burgos-Villavert, the same judge who issued search warrants for the residences and offices of activists both in Bacolod and Manila.

In an official statement sent to reporters, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Colonel Bernard Banac said: "The series of arrests of activist leaders and members shows the rule of law and criminal justice system at work."

He added: "The PNP performs its mandate to enforce the law following established procedures with utmost respect for human rights."

Last Thursday, October 31, law enforcers in Bacolod City arrested after a series of raids 56 persons affiliated with progressive and human rights groups. 

(READ: Crackdown? Same QC judge issues search warrants vs activists in Manila, Bacolod)

Elements of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Western Visayas and Army’s 3rd Infantry Division raided the offices of Bayan Muna, Kilusang Mayo Uno Gabriela, and the National Federation of Sugar Workers (NFSW).

The authorities alleged that those apprehended were members of “legal fronts” of the Communist Party of the Philippines. The groups said that the firearms and explosives recovered during the raid were planted.

Also arrested that day in Paco, Manila were the spokesperson of Gabriela-Metro Manila and an officer of Kadamay.

Creeping martial rule

Byan Muna Representative Carlos Zarate and Bayan Muna chairperson Neri Colmenaras condemned the continuous harassment against progressive groups, citing it as part of “creeping martial rule” and crackdown on dissent by President Rodrigo Duterte.

According to Colmenares, the intensity of the crackdown now has not been seen since the time of the dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

“This type of blitzkrieg bombardment of attacks bodes ill for civil liberties and rights fought hard for by the Filipino people against dictatorship,” he said.

Rights group Karapatan said the allegations that the groups are in possession of firearms “defies logic” and are “brazen violations of right to association and other civil liberties.”

“The narrative that there are guns and bombs in the said office, as what the government has peddled in the raids of offices in Negros, is preposterous and a barefaced lie meant to justify these patently arbitrary arrests and to silence social justice workers and activists,” the group said.

The Duterte administration has been widely criticized for its treatment of dissent since 2016, as well as his bloody campaign against illegal drugs.

According to data from rights group Karapatan, at least 2,370 human rights defenders have been charged by the government from 2016 to 2019, numbers that are clearly the worst of the last 3 government administrations. (READ: Duterte's war on dissent)

https://www.rappler.com/nation/244186-police-raid-bayan-muna-office-tondo-manila-arrests

In House briefing, AFP, DND accuse Gabriela of being 'communist front'

From Rappler (Nov 5, 2019): In House briefing, AFP, DND accuse Gabriela of being 'communist front'

'Hindi krimen ang maging aktibista. Gabriela Women's Party strongly condemns this clear attempt to criminalize dissent and weaponize the law,' says Gabriela Representative Arlene Brosas



MILITARY LIST. Gabriela Women's Party is included in the military's list of alleged communist fronts, but the group slams this as an 'attempt to criminalize dissent.' Photo sourced by Rappler

Gabriela Women's Party – which won a seat in the 18th Congress – was red-tagged by both the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Department of National Defense (DND) in a hearing held inside the Batasang Pambansa.

Facing members of the House committee on national defense and security on Tuesday, November 5, AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence Major General Reuben Basiao presented a list of 18 organizations that are alleged communist fronts.

Third on the list was Gabriela, which is currently represented in the House by Arlene Brosas after the party-list group secured more than 446,000 votes during the May 2019 elections.
The congresswoman, however, was not present during Basiao's presentation. When she arrived at the conference hall, she requested to see the list once again.

"Mismo dito sa Kongreso ay tina-tag kami as a communist terrorist group? Ano ba 'yan? Ano bang nangyayari? Bakit ganyan?" asked the second-termer congresswoman. (We're being tagged as a communist terrorist group even here in Congress? What gives? What's happening? Why are you doing this?)

Brosas lashed out against the AFP and the DND, asking if Gabriela's inclusion in the list is a "prelude" to martial law.

"Familiar naman po kayo sa mga ginagawa namin. Binoto po kami ng taumbayan. Binoto po kami. May mandato po kami. Bakit nakalagay ang pangalan ng Gabriela Women's Party in particular? Ano pong ibig sabihin nito? Prelude ba ito sa martial law na ang mga legal entities at legal organizations in particular ay tina-target ngayon ng AFP?" asked Brosas. (You're familiar with what we do here. We were voted by the people. We were elected. We have a mandate. Why put the name of Gabriela Women's Party in particular? What does this mean? Is this a prelude to martial law, with legal entities and legal organizations in particular now being targeted by the AFP?)

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana then said that based on documents recovered by the military across the country, Gabriela is a "legal front" for the Communist Party of the Philippines.

But the DND chief said they are "not red-tagging" Gabriela.

"There is no prelude to martial law. We are not red-tagging Gabriela. We are just saying that they are [a] front of the communist movement. We based this conclusion from documents that we captured from our operations all over the country," said Lorenzana.

"Palaging lumalabas 'yung Gabriela tsaka 'yung iba pang mga fronts nila. So what can you conclude there? I'm not saying you are communist. I'm saying that you are fronting, kayo 'yung legal front nila," he added. (Gabriela's name keeps on popping up along with other fronts. So what can you conclude there? I'm not saying you are a communist. I'm saying that you are fronting, that you are their legal front.)

In a statement released after the hearing, Brosas once again slammed the AFP and the DND for their "attempt to criminalize dissent." (LISTEN: [PODCAST] Dapat bang gawing ilegal ang pagiging komunista?)

"Hindi kami armadong grupo at hindi armado ang mga miyembro namin. Sa ilalim ng kasalukuyang Konstitusyon at mga batas, hindi krimen ang mag-organisa at hindi krimen ang maging aktibista. Gabriela Women's Party strongly condemns this clear attempt to criminalize dissent and weaponize the law," said Brosas. (We are not an armed group and our members are not armed either. Under the current Constitution and our laws, it is not a crime to organize and become activists. Gabriela Women's Party strongly condemns this clear attempt to criminalize dissent and weaponize the law.)

Gabriela's clash with the AFP and the DND came on the same day the Manila police arrested 3 members of progressive groups during a raid in Tondo past midnight.

On October 31, law enforcers in Bacolod City also arrested 56 persons affiliated with progressive and human rights groups during raids on their offices.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/244219-house-briefing-afp-dnd-accuse-gabriela-communist-front

1 Filipino, 2 Egyptian ‘suicide bombers’ killed in army clash in Sulu – AFP

From Rappler (Nov 5, 2019): 1 Filipino, 2 Egyptian ‘suicide bombers’ killed in army clash in Sulu – AFP

Philippine Army troops intercepted the 3 suspects, believed to be from the Abu Sayyaf Group, at a checkpoint in Indanan town on Tuesday afternoon



SUICIDE VESTS. These vests with 'explosives and triggering devices' were recovered from 3 suspected suicide bombers who were killed in a clash with Philippine Army troops in Indanan, Sulu, on November 5, 2019. Photo from AFP Joint Task Force Sulu

Three alleged suicide bombers from the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) were killed in a clash with Philippine Army troops in Sitio Itawon, Barangay Kan Islam, Indanan, Sulu, on Tuesday, November 5, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana confirmed to Rappler.

According to a spot report obtained by Rappler, Egyptians “Abduramil” and his son “Abdurahman,” and a Filipino named “James” were “intercepted" at a military checkpoint at around 5 pm.

A separate report from AFP Westmincom's Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu said the suspects were on their way to Metro Jolo, the capital of Sulu, to carry out their suicide mission when troops from the Army's 41st Infantry Division and 1102nd Infantry Brigade flagged them down.

The suspects fired at the soldiers, who fought back, killing the 3 terrorists "instantaneously."

Army troops recovered a .45 caliber pistol with ammunition, a hand grenade, and two vests with explosives and triggering devices.

Security forces have been on the watch for several foreign "bombers" suspected to be working with the ASG faction led by Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, who is said to be the leader of the terror group Islamic State (ISIS) in the Philippines.

Sulu province has seen a series of suicide bombings since January this year, when an Indonesian couple blew themselves up during mass in a cathedral in Jolo town, killing 23 people.

On June 28, two men attempted to break into an Army camp also in Indanan, but blew themselves up when accosted by government troops. One of the attackers was a Filipino named Norman Lasuca. On September 8, a “caucasian-looking” woman blew herself up near a military checkpoint in Indanan. No one else was killed in the blast.

On July 31, 2018, a van exploded at a paramilitary outpost in Lamitan City, Basilan, killing 10 people. The military said the attacker was likely a foreigner. The attack was blamed on the ISIS-linked ASG leader in Basilan, Furuji Indama.

The two Egyptian suspects killed on Tuesday were "allegedly the husband and son" of the female bomber in the September 8 attack in Indanan, JTF Sulu said in its report.

Meanwhile, the vests recovered from the killed suspects were similar to those used by the bombers in the June 28 attack, the report added.

The recent killing of ISIS top leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi by US Special Forces were likely to prompt “retribution attacks” from ISIS-linked groups such as the ASG, international terrorism analyst Rohan Gunaratna told Filipino reporters last week.

Several extremist groups in the Philippines are known to have links to ISIS, mainly the ASG factions under Sawadjaan and Indama, and a faction of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters under Abu Torayfie, also known as the Dawlah Islamiyah Torayfie Group.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/244232-afp-says-egyptian-filipino-suicide-bombers-killed-army-clash-sulu

Ilocos Sur judge killed in ambush in La Union

From Rappler (Nov 6, 2019): Ilocos Sur judge killed in ambush in La Union

(3rd UPDATE) In September, Judge Mario Anacleto Bañez acquitted a Cordillera health worker, whom the army accused of being a communist rebel

(3rd UPDATE) – Tagudin, Ilocos Sur Judge Mario Anacleto Bañez was shot to death by unidentified gunmen late afternoon of Tuesday, November 5, the Supreme Court (SC) confirmed.

Court Administrator Midas Marquez relayed to reporters Tuesday night the incident report of Bañez's death, and added that the judge was proclaimed dead on arrival. He was 54.

Bañez was shot while on board his vehicle in Barangay Mameltac, San Fernando, La Union.

"Victim was on his way home on board of a Hyundai Accent when shot by unidentified suspect [who] fled after the incident," the incident report said. "Motive of the incident is yet to be determined."

Last September, Judge Bañez acquitted Cordillera health worker Rachel Mariano of murder.

Mariano was accused by the army as a New Peoples Army (NPA) rebel who masterminded an ambush of members of the 81st Infantry Battallion in 2017 in Quirino, Ilocos Sur, where one soldier died.

In his decision, Judge Bañez condemned the killing, but said: "It would be more deplorable and unfair to convict the accused of all these serious crimes charged against her upon the quality of the evidence adduced by the prosecution."

As of Rappler's last count, Judge Bañez is the 6th judge killed under the Duterte administration. In total, at least 43 judges, prosecutors, and lawyers had been killed since July 2016.

Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta called for "relentless" efforts on the part of law enforcers to arrest those behind the ambush.

“On behalf of the Judiciary, I strongly condemn the killing of Regional Trial Court Judge Mario Anacleto Bañez of Tagudin, Ilocos Sur. I call on the law enforcement agencies to exert their best efforts and be relentless in their investigation for the immediate apprehension of those responsible for this atrocious and dastardly act. I also extend my deepest sympathies to the family of Judge Bañez,” Peralta said in a statement. –

https://www.rappler.com/nation/244231-ilocos-sur-judge-killed-ambush-la-union

10 NPA rebels yield in Quezon, Bukidnon

From the Mindanao Times (Nov 6, 2019): 10 NPA rebels yield in Quezon, Bukidnon

Ten New People’s Army rebels surrendered to the 56th Infantry Battalion in Sitio Gamot, Barangay Sta. Felomina, Quezon, Bukidnon last Saturday, Nov. 2.

Capt. John Louie Dema-ala, the Civil-Military Operations (CMO) officer of the 56th IB, said the 10 rebels belong to the Ata-Manobo tribe in the area.

They turned over 11 high-powered firearms and one GL 40mm M203 grenade launcher, 73 long magazines, 17 short magazines; five rifle grenades; four hand grenades, one anti-personnel mine; 31 cartridges of 40mm HE M2O3; 2,277 rounds of 5.56mm ball; three rolls of assorted wires; 10 bandoleers; four commercial radios, assorted medical paraphernalia, and personal belongings.

Gov. Edwin I. Jubahib visited the said group and subsequently handed over cash assistance. He also promised that the province of Davao del Norte will help make their transition to mainstream society easier.

“Your decision to surrender is correct,” he said, adding that they now have the opportunity to spend time with their families.

Later, the 10 were transported to the headquarters of the 56th IB in Barangay Sto Niño, Talaingod, Davao del Norte.

http://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2019/11/06/10-npa-rebels-yield-in-quezon-bukidnon/

No ISIS in Sultan Kudarat town, just ‘chismis’

From MindaNews (Nov 5, 2019): No ISIS in Sultan Kudarat town, just ‘chismis’

SULTAN KUDARAT, Maguindanao — There are no members of the Islamic State (IS) here, just fisherfolk armed with ‘holen gu’ (PVC pipe gun), the local government, the provincial police and the Philippine Marines said Monday at the Municipal Peace and Order Council meeting.

Addressing barangay officials, security officials from the Army, Police, Marines and Barangay Peace Auxiliary Teams (BPAT), Police Major Julhamn Asdani said the ISIS scare was just “chismis” (rumor) that spread through social media.

After a series of validations, residents of Dalumangcob and the fisherfolk mistaken as ISIS armed men surfaced to clear the air.

A fisherman said they were walking home after fishing and hunting in the riverside and marshland and may have been mistakenly identified as armed men because they brought along their ‘holen gun’ used in hunting birds.

A female resident narrated that she texted her sister about the “armed men” she saw.

“When my sister received my text, she thought it was the ISIS men attacking MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) communities like what happened in the other parts of Maguindanao area” she said.

Mayor Datu Shameem Tucao Mastura said they will not allow the ISIS to operate in their communities.

“We are much aware of any movement of those who come in and out of our communities. We will be the first line of defense if they attempt to invade our territories, and they won’t prosper. We will counter them by all means,” he said.

He also advised his constituents not to welcome or embrace any ISIS-inspired ideology and to report to his office or security forces anything of that sort if monitored.

The MILF, whose main camp, Darapanan, is in Sultan Kudarat town, will not allow the IS-influenced groups to influence or launch attacks in the town, said Commander Gordon Sayfullah, who attended the meeting.

On the night of November 3, Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi issued a statement through her social media account alerting Cotabatenos of the said ISIS sighting in Cotabato City, allegedly coming from Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

She vowed to fight them with the full force of security sectors and asked the help of the residents to be vigilant or report any information about their presence.

Security was tightened in the city. On Monday morning, two armed were arrested by Cotabato City police along Jose Lim Street — Ebrahim Guialon and Giahud Mama, allegedly members of the MILF. Confiscated from them were a caliber.45 pistol and 9mm pistol.

Police Major Glenn Mar Avisa, chief of Station precinct 1 of the city police, said civilians reported to them that two suspicious persons were staying long and seemed waiting for someone in the area.

“We acted immediately, and found out they are armed. What really made it more suspicious is that one of the suspects was wearing a face mask,” said Avisa.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2019/11/no-isis-in-sultan-kudarat-town-just-chismis/

Calbayog Task Force to end insurgency thru Retooled Community Support Program

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 5, 2019): Calbayog Task Force to end insurgency thru Retooled Community Support Program




TACLOBAN CITY, Nov. 5 (PIA) -- The Calbayog City Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (CTF-ELCAC) hopes to end insurgency and achieve inclusive and lasting peace through the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP).

The RCSP was designed for a corvergence team to immerse in a community in order to know first hand the conditions of the communities, where government workers themselves listen and take action to lessen the community concerns and problems.

Lt. Col. Raymundo C. Picut Jr., Commanding officer of the 43IB, 8ID, PA, who recently attended the Convergence Meeting of the Calbayog CTF-ELCAC at Calbayog City, Samar said this is in support to the Executive Order 70 issued by President Rodrigo R. Duterte in order to institutionalized the Whole-of-Nation Approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace in the country.

The said meeting was attended by the different Local Government Agencies such DILG, PNP, BFP, TESDA, DAR, DEPED, BJMP, and a representative from the City General Services Office.

The said meeting aimed to get updates in the implementation of EO 70 towards achieving the goal of enduring peace in Calbayog City through cooperation and consultation among all agencies of the City government.

Particularly, the meeting the meeting tackled the implementation of RCSP and its operational framework through multi-sectoral and community based effort, Lt. Col. Picut, said. (PIA-8 with report from 43IB, 8ID, PA)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1029681

Cebuano News: Tigpaluyo sa NPA sa NegOr nanumpa sa ilang suporta sa gobyerno

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 5, 2019): Cebuano News: Tigpaluyo sa NPA sa NegOr nanumpa sa ilang suporta sa gobyerno



Gibanabana nga 600 ka ilado nga sakop sa masa sa New People's Army (NPA) kaniadto gikan sa 8 ka barangays sa Guihulngan City nanumpa og balik sa kagamhanan sa usa ka seremonyas didto sa city gymnasium. (lpp/PIA7/Negros Oriental/Photo credit to 94th IB, Philippine Army) 

DUMAGUETE CITY, Oct. 24 (PIA) -- Unom ka gatos ka supporters sa New People’s Army (NPA) gikan sa walo ka barangay sa dakbayan sa Guihulngan, Negros Oriental ang bag-ohay lang nanumpa isip pag bakwi sa ilang suporta sa grupong NPA atubangan sa mga opisyal sa kagamahanang lokal sa Guihulngan City niadtong Oktubre 12, 2019.

Ang mga katawhang mipaluyo sa kalihokan sa NPA nailhan pinaagi sa gihimong Community Support Program (CSP) sa 94th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army nga ga base sa La Libertad, Negros Oriental.

Ang CSP team mituyo pag adto sa mga barangay aron makigpulong sa mga residente didto mahitungod sa ilang mulo ug problema aron kini ikapadangat sa natungdan nga ahensya sa gobyerno ug mahatagan sa dinalian nga solusyon.

Ang mga paningkamot sa 94Ith IB Community Support Teams gipalig-on pinaagi sa tabang sa mga barangay officials ug Philippine National Police sa dakbayan sa Guihulngan.

Atol sa gihimo nga programa ang mga naila nga NPA supporters nanumpa sa pagtahod sa kagamhanang lokal sa Guihulngan pinangulohan ni Councilor Melbourne Bustamante ug tinugyanan sa Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Maridel Gamo.

Ang pagpanumpa gisundan sa pag sunog sa bandila sa NPA timaan sa ilang pagbakwi sa suporta sa teroristang grupo nga matud pa maoy nahimong babag sa pagkab-ot sa kahusay ug kalinaw sa ilang lugar.

Samtang si Guihulngan Mayor George Joan Reyes nag pasalamat sa mga katawhan nga mihatag sa ilang kumpyansa sa kagamnhanang lokal sa Guihulngan ug namasalig ang mayor nga hatagan sila sa tinud-anay nga tabang nga mo atiman sa ilang mga panginahanglanon.

Gi awhag usab ni Reyes ang katawhan nga makighiusa sa gobyerno pagsulbad sa problema sa insurhensiya aron pagkab-ot sa kalinaw ug kalamboan sa ilang barangay.

Namulong si Reyes nga “walay pag-uswag kung walay kahusay ug kalinaw ug ang problema sa insurhensiya dili lamang katungdanan sa militar nga sulbaron, katungdanan usab sa tibook katawhan ug komunidad sa Guihulngan.

Si Sandayao Barangay Chairman Richard Aba mihatag sa iyang kinasingkasing nga pagpasalamat sa mga sundalo sa 94th IB Philippine Army sa ilang pagbantay sa mga barangay gikan sa hulga sa CPP-NPA.

Samtang si LtCol. Randy Pagunuran, commanding officer sa 94IB malaumon nga magmabungahon ug magmalamposon ang pagtinabangay sa 94th IB, opisyal sa barangay ug lokal nga gobyerno sa Guihulngan City nga makab-ot ang pagsinabtanay, kahusay ug kalalmboan sa ilang lugar.(lpp/PIA7/Negros Oriental)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1029269

CORDS calls for convergence in addressing poverty in remote barangays

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 5, 2019): CORDS calls for convergence in addressing poverty in remote barangays

Agriculture Secretary and Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security William Dar, in a meeting with Cordillera stakeholders calls for convergence in bringing socio - economic development programs in remote and poor communities in the region. (CCD/PIA CAR)

BAGUIO CITY, Nov.5 (PIA) - - The newly designated Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) for Cordillera stressed to peace and development prime movers the importance of intensifying convergence in delivering socio – economic development programs in geographically isolated and depressed areas to end the concern on insurgency and other poverty - based issues in the region .

Agriculture Secretary William Dar who assumed as CORDS for CAR on October 3 vice Department of Budget Undersecretary Janet Abuel, presided a meeting with heads of offices that compose the Cordillera Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF – ELCAC) on Thursday at the DA – CAR Conference Hall here to tackle development and security concerns in the region.

Dar affirmed his commitment to work as CORDS for the region stressing on the whole – of – nation approach in strengthening convergence in bringing socio – economic development programs towards addressing the insurgency issue, peace and order and other poverty - related concerns especially in the remote barangays in the region.

For the agriculture department, Dar shared the Special Area for Agricultural Development program that aims to deliver projects to poor provinces/communities in the different parts of the country.

“I believe we can do much more in enhancing the growth of Cordillera,” Dar said, adding that working for Cordillera is just like homecoming for him having studied and spent part of his multi – awarded career at the Benguet State University.

The meeting included a briefer on the guidelines on the operationalization of Executive Order 70, which institutionalizes the Whole – of – Nation Approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace and creating the National NTF – ELCAC, situationer of the local communist armed conflict in the region, and significant accomplishments of the RTF – ELCAC.

NEDA – CAR Regional Director Milagros Rimando also presented the Cordillera Regional Development Council functions, memberships and committees and the region’s pursuit regional autonomy. (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)

DA Secretary and CORDS - CAR William Dar with NSA Deputy Director General Vicente Agdamag in a photo opportunity with Cordillera RDC and RPOC officials that also comprise the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. (CCD/PIA CAR) 

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1029631

New CL Top cop pitches community engagement vs insurgency

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 5, 2019): New CL Top cop pitches community engagement vs insurgency

PBGen. Rhodel O. Sermonia (right) assumes as Acting Regional Director of Police Regional Office 3. He replaces PBGen. Joel Napoleon M. Coronel who is the new head of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group. PNP OIC PLt.Gen. Archie Francisco F. Gamboa (left) serves as presiding officer of the ceremony. (Carmela Jane F. Villar/PIA 3)

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Nov.5 (PIA) -- Newly-installed Acting Regional Director of Police Regional Office 3 (PRO 3) pitched for intensified community engagement to win the fight against insurgency.

“Central Luzon remains a major flashpoint for communist insurgency and in the white area operation. In recent years, insurgency was limited only to fighting the armed component of the enemies. We will take advantage of the potentials of community engagement to prevent industries from being infiltrated by communist agitators and insulate the youth from falling prey to the New People’s Army recruitment,” PBGen. Rhodel O. Sermonia said during Tuesday’s Assumption of Command Ceremony.

Under his command, PRO 3 will implement the Joint Industrial Peace and Concern Office (JIPCO) in the different economic zones from Subic to Clark to Mariveles and in areas of Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac and Nueva Ecija where industries are prevalent and labor unions are many.

“With JIPCO, we are there to promote the morale and welfare of the labor sector and of course, protect the interest of every investor doing business in our area of responsibility,” he said.

Sermonia will also implement the Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terorismo which is a program that will protect the youth sector particularly the students in the different universities and school campuses.

“We are now implementing this nationwide in partnership with the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency. The program trains student-leaders for them to influence their fellow youth away from illegal drugs and the evils of communism and terrorism,” Sermonia shared.

“Region 3 is considered a tourist destination area because of the pristine beaches and historic places that can be visited by both local and foreign tourists. That is why I want a program that will protect these tourist destinations. We want to protect the environment and secure the tourists through KaligKasan or Kaligtasan at Kalikasan Program,” he furthered.

In addressing the issues and concerns of the Urban Poor that are usually being used by the communist terrorist group, Sermonia plans to reinvent the Pulis Natin Caravan to an Expanded Caravan involving the other agencies of the government like the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority as well as the private sector so that the people will feel not only the frontline services of the police but all the services coming from the government.

And lastly, Sermonia seeks to implement in Central Luzon the Rektang Konek Aksyon Agad program of the national headquarters where people can directly relay their concerns to the police for immediate action. It is live from Monday-Friday, 12:30-1:30PM through radio, tv and social media.

“Rektang Konek Aksyon Agad program seeks to protect not only our kababayans here but more so those abroad from being influenced by the front organizations of communist terrorists,” Sermonia furthered.

A member of Philippine Military Academy Makatao Class of 1989, Sermonia previously served as Deputy Director of the Directorate for Police Community Relations and Director of Police-Community Relations Group. He was also Provincial Director of Bataan from October 2014 to July 2016.

He replaced PBGen. Joel Napoleon M. Coronel who is the new head of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.

Philippine National Police Officer-In-Charge PLt.Gen. Archie Francisco F. Gamboa served as presiding officer of the Assumption of Command Ceremony. (CLJD-PIA 3)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1029723

IP leaders speak out how CPP-NPA ruined ethnic culture, deceived tribesmen

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 5, 2019): IP leaders speak out how CPP-NPA ruined ethnic culture, deceived tribesmen



MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon— Indigenous Peoples (IP) leaders of Umayamnon and Higaonon tribes of Cabanglasan town in Bukidnon province vowed to restore and strengthen the tribes’ socio-cultural traditions ruined by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) terrorists.

In a meeting with local authorities on November 2, IPMR (Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative) Sammy Diwangan of barangay Cananga-an said they lost the freedom of tilling their lands with the armed NPA’s entry.

“We were deprived of our rights to cultivate our ancestral domain. The rule of gun prevailed as the NPAs always carry out their threats to kill if we disobey. The tribes’ youth has shown disrespect to the ‘Datu (tribal chieftain)’ because it’s the NPA-appointed ‘Kalihim’ of Sanga sa Partido’ who dictates and rules the tribes instead,” Diwangan said.

He also narrated how the NPAs deceived the tribesmen when he was accused as the killer of his kin.

"The NPA killed my nephew, Datu Agsab, and accused me as the killer. They [NPA] setup intrigues and deceits so the tribes’ younger generation will not trust me as their Representative anymore. So, I would be replaced by an NPA-anointed representative,” he added.

One of the tribal leaders also revealed during the meeting that the NPAs continue to spread the theory that under the communist system, the farmers could demand the selling prices of corn and other farm products—not the “compradors” or traders. These brainwashing, he said, made the tribesmen’s life—especially the youths—more difficult because eventually, no “compradors” came due to fears for their safe return.

Better lives

For his part, town councilor Johnny Dungogan shared how the government has implemented poverty-reduction projects in different barangays of Cabanglasan.

“Now we feel the presence of government here. Last June, our governor gave us sacks of farm inputs. The Department of Agriculture provided farm tractors. Our cooperatives are now earning so much that provide additional household income. Now is the time to do our share in preserving peace in our communities. We have to stand strong for the future generation, for our forefathers, for our ancestral domain. Surely the government will be here to support us," Dungogan said.

NPA’s IHL violations

Mindanao Indigenous People's Council of Elders (MIPCEL) has sought the Philippine Army’s protection citing that NPA terrorists killed over 1,200 of their members and leaders all over Mindanao since 2018.

The Council seeks justice for the NPA’s killing of their respected leaders Datu Omao in Malaybalay City and Datu Agsab in Cabanglasan who were murdered in 2015 and June this year, respectively.

The IP community, thus, calls for rights groups and the Commission on Human Rights to investigate the IHL (International Humanitarian Law) violation committed by the NPA for killing their chieftains who are non-combatants and had nothing to do with the armed conflict.

Support and respect IPRA Law

“I heard the testimonies of tribal elders that the NPA recruited children from tribal communities without their parents’ consent in complete disregard to tribal culture and traditions. Children were radicalized and were taught to fight the government, and even told to defy—and if necessary kill their parents,” Brig. Gen. Edgardo De Leon, 403rd brigade commander said.

Addressing the tribal leaders, he said “Soldiers respect and support the Indigenous People Rights Act (IPRA) Law; the Indigenous People Structure; your communities; and you the Tribal Leaders. We will continue to reach out even the farthest IP communities in the performance of our constitutional mandate of protecting you as citizens of the republic.” (Ryan D. Layug, CMO Officer, 403rd Inf Bde, 4ID, PA/PIA Bukidnon)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1029729

Charges filed vs. 42 suspected CPP-NPA members in Bacolod City

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 5, 2019): Charges filed vs. 42 suspected CPP-NPA members in Bacolod City



CHARGED. The inquest of the 42 suspected Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army members at the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office headquarters led by Prosecutor Ferdinand Castro of the Bacolod City Prosecutor’s Office on Monday afternoon (Nov. 4, 2019). The respondents, arrested in four search warrant operations on Oct. 31, have been charged for illegal possession of firearms and explosives. (Contributed Photo)

BACOLOD CITY -- The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) has filed cases for illegal possession of firearms and explosives against 42 suspected Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) members arrested in four operations in this city on October 31.

On Monday afternoon, the respondents, detained at the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office headquarters in Camp Alfredo Montelibano Sr. here, underwent inquest proceeding conducted by Prosecutor Ferdinand Castro of the Bacolod City Prosecutor’s Office.

Capt. Cenon Pancito III, public affairs chief of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, said on Tuesday that with the cases filed, those charged will now have the opportunity to defend themselves.

He added that the process has been expedited and the inquest has been conducted only on the 14th hour of the 36-hour of the reglementary period, excluding the holidays.

The City Prosecutor’s Office is expected to release the recommendation on Wednesday since Tuesday is a special non-working holiday in this city in observance of the 121st Negros Day.

Charged with violation of Republic Act (RA) 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act are Albert De la Cerna, John Milton Lozande, Noly Lacera Rosales, Proceso Quiatzon, Mario Estrobo Aguelan Jr., Richard Sajo, Richre Paparon Remada, Geovanie Pollentes Morad, Mark Anthony Tagaytayan Olaera, Ernie Rebias Escoltor, Joey Plaza Micmic, Jessie Ryan Hecita Doza, Charlie Alintoson Lozada, Ernesto Judiadan Dodoyco Jr., Randy Domadiego Agbones, Junelle Jusal Miraflor, Gerry Magbanua Lacson, Marlito Apunan Escaner, Eddie Fernandez Ibon, Joedelmar Anfory Tano, and Jecards Austero Jamero.

Others include Jemar Rojo Santellan, Ashly Mark Sanong Antes, Jefherdy Gewon Alipoton, Richard Mag-aso Escada, Rolando Bilches De los Reyes, John Carlo Larbo Capanas, Glanie Guimbal Hambre, Mario Ayo Tambiga, Joebert Lozada Belarmino, Ramil Gonzales Ayco, Jefherd Genon Alipoon, Joelito Telebrico Sumaque, Esmael Asplico Lorca, Jessie Taasan Badonasa, Cherryl Cantero Catalogo, Karina Mae Naluis De la Cerna, Mermalyn Mendieta Bito-on, Romulo Tapalla Bito-on, Mary Anne Villasica Krueger, Danilo Nacario Tabura, and Roberto Dorio Lachica.

Also charged with violation of RA 9516 or Illegal Possession of Explosives are the same 41 respondents, except for Krueger.

Eleven of the 42 are considered as high-value individuals (HVIs), including the Bito-on couple, the two de La Cernas, Krueger, Lozande, Rosales, Quiatzon, Lachica, Tabura and Catalogo.

A certain Diego Malacad, who was earlier reported to have been apprehended, was excluded in the final list of those arrested and charged. It was confirmed later that he was not around during the raid in Barangay Bata and was in the hospital, but his bag which contained his identification card was found in the said location.

Pancito said another case for violation of RA 9208 as amended by RA 10364 or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act will be filed next on Wednesday against the de la Cernas, Lozande, Rosales, Quiatzon and Catalogo, after 13 minors were also found with them during the raid in Barangay Bata.

During the raids conducted in four areas occupied by the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), Gabriela, Anakpawis and National Federation of Sugar Workers (NFSW), police and military operatives seized 32 firearms, 130 rounds of ammunition, and five explosives.

The four search warrants for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Law were issued by Executive Judge Cecilyn Burgos-Villavert of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 89.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1085045

2 NPA members in Sagada surrender with weapons, ammo

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 5, 2019): 2 NPA members in Sagada surrender with weapons, ammo



Two more members of the New People's Army (NPA) have surrendered to the security forces in Sagada, Mountain Province, turning over to authorities firearms and ammunition, a military official said on Tuesday.

“This is a clear manifestation that our strong collaboration with our stakeholders and the PNP is effective in our campaign to save our lost brothers by sending messages of peace through the programs of our government, thus, their continuous surrender is indicative of the CNTs’ [Communist of the Philippines- New People's Army Terrorists] dwindling strength,” said Brig. Gen. Henry Doyaoen, commander of the 503rd Infantry Brigade (503Bde) in a text message.

The surrenderers were identified as alias "Jet”, 40, and a member of Squad 1, Kilusang Larangan Guerilla Marco, together with alias "Tubay”, 47, a full-time Militia ng Bayan (MB) working with Kilusang Larangan Gerilya Marco.

Doyaoen said the two rebels surrendered to government forces on Sunday in Sagada, Mountain Province after seeing other NPA combatants and supporters laying down their arms and embracing the government for a better and peaceful life aside from the assistance that the government would provide the surrenderers.

The two also turned over to authorities two M-16 rifles with live ammunition and a magazine.

Maj. Noriel Tayaban, 5IB information officer, said the two decided to surrender because being with the NPA only gave them misery, losing the chance to be with their family and loved ones.

He said the two are currently undergoing a joint validation by the Armed Forces of the Philippine (AFP) and the Philippine National Police and the issuance of the certification will begin the processing of their benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

The firearms they surrendered will also be paid based on the firearms remuneration program of the E-CLIP.

Orientation and custodial debriefing will also be given to them.

They will also be provided skills training by the government to equip them with the knowledge and be able to continue a life of peace.

In an earlier interview, Maj. Gen. Pablo Lorenzo, commander of 5ID, said the government is sincere in its effort to end the decades-long armed conflict.

President Duterte has issued Executive Order (EO) 70 which mandates all government agencies to collaborate to come up with programs and projects to encourage those NPA rebels to return to the fold of the law and receive services and support to make their lives better.

Lorenzo said the government is willing to provide the NPA surrenderers with better lives through programs, assistance, and benefits.

"I urge the remaining CNTs in the 5ID area of responsibility to follow the footstep of those who surrendered. We cannot bring peace and development to our communities if you continue to connive with the enemies of the state. It is not yet late to embrace the opportunities offered to you by our government,” Lorenzo said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1085049

Anti-NPA drive yields firearms, unearths lair in Samar

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 5, 2019): Anti-NPA drive yields firearms, unearths lair in Samar



ANTI-NPA DRIVE. Soldiers march after their training in a camp in Hinabangan, Samar to fight the New People's Army in Eastern Visayas. The Philippine Army is gaining grounds on its drive to wipe out insurgents in Samar provinces with the seizure of high-powered firearms and the discovery of a rebel’s lair on Sunday (Nov. 3, 2019). (Photo by Philippine Army)

The Philippine Army is gaining grounds on its drive to wipe out insurgents in Samar provinces with the seizure of high-powered firearms and discovery of a rebel’s lair on Sunday.

Soldiers from the 801st Infantry Brigade recovered on Sunday an AK-47 rifle, two M-16 rifles, several magazines and ammunition, and two backpacks containing personal belongings, and subversive documents.

Government troops seized these firearms following a clash with 10 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Lim-ao village, Hinabangan, Samar around 9:30 p.m. on November 3.

“After 10 minutes of firefight, the rebels withdrew towards different directions. There were no casualties on the government side while an undetermined number of rebels were wounded as indicated by the bloodstains along the enemy’s route of withdrawal,” the Philippine Army said in a statement issued Tuesday.

Hours earlier, troops from 14th Infantry Battalion discovered an abandoned NPA lair on the outskirts of Trinidad village in Oras, Eastern Samar that can accommodate about 20 terrorists.

The communist terrorist group managed to escape before government troops arrived around 5:30 pm. The operation was in response to reports of residents of sightings of armed rebels.

Also on Sunday, soldiers of 46th Infantry Battalion had a clash with a group of rebels in upland Antol village, Calbiga, Samar. Two soldiers were slightly wounded during the gun battle.

“These recent encounters and the discovery of an enemy encampment indicate the continuing support of the local populace and all agencies of the government under the task force to end local communist armed conflict and manifest that the communist terrorist group are persona non-grata in the area and in most parts of Eastern Visayas," said Maj. Gen. Pio Diñoso III, commander of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division.

He urged rebels to lay down their firearms and avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program benefits being offered by the government to start a productive life with their families.

Some Samar areas are considered as the NPA’s stronghold in Eastern Visayas due to poor road network, thick forest, high poverty incidence, and low level of education in upland communities.

The NPA, which has been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1085056

Army official hits CPP-NPA's continued recruitment of minors

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 5, 2019): Army official hits CPP-NPA's continued recruitment of minors



DECEIVED. Alias Kent, 19, is provided with first aid by government soldiers after being abandoned by his New People's Army colleagues following an encounter in Santiago town, Agusan del Norte Saturday (Nov. 2, 2019)). Kent said he was only 17 when the communist rebels recruited him. (Photo courtesy of Army’s 29IB)

BUTUAN CITY -- The chief of the Army's 402nd Brigade based in this city has denounced the communist rebel movement's continuing recruitment of minors.

Col. Maurito L. Licudine issued the rebuke against the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New People's Army (CPP-NPA), following the capture of a 19-year-old combatant after a 15-minute firefight in Barangay San Isidro, Santiago town, Agusan del Norte last Saturday.

The NPA combatant, identified only as “Kent,” told military authorities he was recruited into the NPA when he was 17.

Troopers of the Army's 29th Infantry Battalion (29IB) said Kent was wounded and abandoned by his colleagues, and was immediately provided with first aid and rushed to a hospital for treatment.

Originally from Negros Oriental, Kent told military authorities he agreed to be assigned in Agusan area after being promised good pay "from the collections they would get from the mining firms.”

“I was only 17 when they recruited me. But before I joined them, they already visited me several times and made me participate during lectures. I came from a poor family in Negros Oriental and I longed to earn something for my family," Kent was quoted as saying.

Licudine said Kent was “another addition to the proof that the CNTs recruit minors and have blatantly disregarded the International Humanitarian Law.”

CNT is a military term for "Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army Terrorists."

“While parents are working very hard to send their children to schools and raise them well, the CNTs take them away and make them as revolutionary fighters arming them with hatred against the government,” Licudine added.

Licudine pointed out that the recruitment of minors remains a violation of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

“We deplore this unending IHL violation of the CNTs using children to advance their lost cause,” the Army official said.

He called on parents in Caraga Region "to regularly monitor their children. “Do not allow them to be recruited (by CNTs). Let’s join hands and together we can prevent our youth from wasting their lives.”

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1085041

Military denounces NPA use of landmines

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 5, 2019): Military denounces NPA use of landmines



Philippine Army's 2ID logo

CAMP GEN. CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal — The Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division (2ID) on Tuesday denounced the New People’s Army (NPA) communist terrorist group’s use of anti-personnel mines in their insurgency armed movement.

This, after a landmine, exploded and killed a soldier while on his way to report to the temporary patrol base in Barangay Sta. Rosa in Lopez, Quezon on Sunday.

In a statement, Brig. Gen. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr., commander of the 2ID which covers Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) and Mimaro (Mindoro Oriental/Occidental, Marinduque and Romblon) provinces, condoled with the family of Army Private Kim A. Veluz, 23, from San Francisco, Quezon and a member of the 85th Infantry Battalion.

“No words will ever be enough to express our disgust over this barbaric and unacceptable act of using landmines which led to the death of an unarmed soldier that shattered not only the hearts of his parents but also the hopes and dreams of his siblings,” Burgos said, describing Veluz as a fallen hero.

The military command here condemned the terroristic act perpetrated by the NPA rebels, in violation of the “Mine Ban Treaty” which was signed and ratified in 1997 by 156 states, including the Philippines, in Ottawa, Canada.

Despite the ban, the landmine has been employed by the NPA terrorists as a regular weapon in waging internal conflict across the country, prompting the military command here to call out the rebel group’s violation of human rights, International Humanitarian Law and numerous international conventions.

Burgos also described the rebels’ barbaric act as a manifestation of the terroristic group’s growing desperation to project power amidst the sweeping demoralization across their ranks due to the success of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict 4A (RTF ELCAC 4A).

He said President Rodrigo Duterte’s initiative on the National Task Force (NTF)-ELCAC through his Executive Order 70 has operationalized the whole-of-nation approach to attain lasting peace for all Filipinos nation.

“The headways of RTF ELCAC 4A have pushed the enemies of the state in Calabarzon Region on the brink of irreversible collapse. We are confident that we will be able to defeat the insurgency in this part of the country before the President’s term ends,” he said.

Meanwhile, Col. Norwyn Romeo Tolentino, commander of the 201st Infantry Brigade which has operational jurisdiction over the area, said Veluz was in civilian clothes when he would have reported to the patrol base.

“It was fortunate that the landmine did not explode just as when two civilians were walking ahead of the soldier at the area where the landmine was buried,” Tolentino said.

He pointed to members of the “Milisyang Bayan”, one of the NPA’s support system in the barangay, as perpetrators as some sort of their retaliatory attacks against the military’s relentless intelligence-driven combat operations and massive deployment of Community Support Program teams in the hinterlands.

“But it was unfortunate that a human being has to die in a manner that is internationally considered as inhumane yet continuously being utilized by a ragtag band of terrorists who are becoming desperate for our people’s attention and relevancy in the community,” he said.

“Pvt. Veluz’s sacrifice shall serve as an inspiration for all of us to be unrelenting in accomplishing our mission of liberating our people from the NPAs’ terroristic and extortionist actions,” he added.

Government security forces have considerably reduced the number of NPA fighters and their firearms, as the military intensifies its operations to end the insurgents’ extortion activities and rescue minors who are either turned into the rebels’ “child-warriors” or “support personnel”.

According to the records from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the number of NPAs in Calabarzon is now down to just 137 with 154 firearms.

Military assessment over the past few weeks also disclosed soldiers and police officers have identified a number of “child-warriors” recruited by the communist terrorists as part of their party and army building efforts to avert the fast-eroding mass base support in Southern Tagalog.

Authorities have since conducted debriefings for these young recruits, who revealed they were coerced into joining the terrorist rebels’ rank, through deception to go on a mountain trek as exposure or immersion activities, along with friends and classmates.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1085115