Sunday, March 1, 2020

AFP-CRS: Former Rebel Killed Mercilessly by NPA Terrorists

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Mar 1, 2020): Former Rebel Killed Mercilessly by NPA Terrorists

Darwin Saparo of Higaonon Tribe, a former rebel who surrendered to the Philippine Army and returned to the folds of law was mercilessly shot multiple times by NPA terrorists while attending to his backyard poultry last 29 February 2020.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com



[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: Commission on Human Rights Not Backing Recruitment of Child Soldiers

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Mar 1, 2020): Commission on Human Rights Not Backing Recruitment of Child Soldiers

The Commission on Human Rights on Friday assured a group of parents that it "does not support the recruitment of child soldiers in armed conflict consistent with the principles of the International Humanitarian Law and other domestic pieces of legislation pertaining to the protection of children."

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

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[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: Communist Ideology not Compatible with Christian Faith

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Mar 1, 2020): Communist Ideology not Compatible with Christian Faith

Bishop Almedilla bared that based on theology, communism is an atheistic ideology and in its sense, is anti-religious. He stressed that the communists in the country have been using religion or Christian faith's credibility not really for faith, but as a material and front to gain more sympathizers.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

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[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: CPP-NPA Members Neutralized with the Help of Community Information

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Mar 1, 2020): CPP-NPA Members Neutralized with the Help of Community Information

Two CPP-NPA members were killed in an encounter between the government troops at Sitio Agpapatao, Barangay Binobohan, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

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[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: ‘Peace Bridge’ to Rise in Former Abu Lair

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Mar 1, 2020): ‘Peace Bridge’ to Rise in Former Abu Lair

The provincial government of Basilan is constructing a bridge connecting a former hideout of the bandit group Abu Sayyaf to trading centers in Sumisip town.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

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https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/3085979268087443/?type=3&theater



[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: Inopacan Leyte Massacre Suspect’s Arraignment Reset to March

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Mar 1, 2020): Inopacan Leyte Massacre Suspect’s Arraignment Reset to March

The arraignment of former CPP-NPA chair Rodolfo Salas was rescheduled for March 17. ‘Kumander Bilog’ was among those charged with 29 counts of murder for the Inopacan, Leyte massacre committed by the New People’s Army rebels.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/3085975238087846/?type=3&theater



[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: Communist Ideology not Compatible with Christian Faith

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Mar 1, 2020): Communist Ideology not Compatible with Christian Faith

Bishop Almedilla bared that based on theology, communism is an atheistic ideology and in its sense, is anti-religious. He stressed that the communists in the country have been using religion or Christian faith's credibility not really for faith, but as a material and front to gain more sympathizers.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com



[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: DPWH Embarks on Infrastructure Project for Soldiers.

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Mar 1, 2020): DPWH Embarks on Infrastructure Project for Soldiers.

DPWH Secretary Mark Villar led the groundbreaking of the more than Php40-million two-storey military headquarters and tactical operations center in Fort Magsaysay as part of the President Duterte’s “Build, Build, Build” program.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

Image may contain: one or more people and text


[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

WESTMINCOM: Military’s priority programs presented in 3rd RTF-ELCAC meeting

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Feb 29, 2020): Military’s priority programs presented in 3rd RTF-ELCAC meeting

The military presented its priority programs and projects for the 2021 budget proposal of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict during its 3rd regular meeting Friday in Zamboanga City.

The Joint Task Force ZamPeLan, through 102nd Infantry Brigade Commander Col. Leonel Nicolas, proposed the conduct of counter-insurgency programs benefiting youth leaders and former rebels in its operational area.

“With the sustained offensives and community support programs, military forces debilitated the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee, clearing the area of the presence of Guerilla Front Joji,” said Brig. Gen. Bagnus Gaerlan, Jr., deputy commander of the 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army.

Other RTF-ELCAC clusters presented their respective priority programs and projects for their inclusion in the 2021 budget proposal.

“We need to follow up and utilize our programs and plans for the benefit of the people. Let us work together to address issues and concerns, and we need the support of our civil society partners,” said DSWD Secretary Rolando Bautista, concurrent cabinet officer for Regional Development and Security IX, who chaired the 3rd regular meeting.

Members of the RTF-ELCAC also discussed the possible expansion of Executive Order No. 70 to cover the counter-terrorism campaign against local armed conflict.

While the national level is deliberating on the said expansion, the military adopts two existing mechanisms in its campaign: the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program and the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

“We are working out towards the inclusion of our efforts against local armed conflict. We, however, face a bigger war on poverty. We must work for sustainable development and improve the economic aspect,” added Lt. Gen. Sobejana. “Executive Order No. 70 calls for a whole-of-nation approach. We should involve everybody, including the business sector because private companies create opportunities.”

Zamboanga City Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco Salazar, Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Wilter Palma, Zamboanga del Sur Governor Victor Yu, and other local officials joined the 3rd regular meeting hosted by the WestMinCom in Camp Navarro, this city on February 28.

RTF-ELCAC members also resolved issues concerning the implementation of E.O. No. 70 in Zamboanga Peninsula, including synchronization of projects and programs based on identified needs and dissemination of information to raise awareness.

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6th Infantry Division - Kampilan 601 Infantry - Unifier Brigade 602nd "Liberator" Brigade 603 Persuader Brigade 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade Unang Marinong Brigada
Team Tabak Joint Task Force Basilan Team Igsoon
103Rd Bde Haribon Pa Campo Ranao, Marawi City
Magbalantay Cmo 11 Infantry Division "Alakdan Troopers" Gagandilan Siete 1102 Infantry "ganarul" Brigade 1st BCT Aegis Kwatromarinobrigada Sulu Jtf Tawi Tawi Indomalphi Joint Task Force Zamboanga Virtual Center Unbeatable Ranger Battalion 29th Infantry "Matatag" Battalion, Philippine Army Tow Westmin CmoTow Westmin Pio Naval Forces Western Mindanao Cmou Western Mindanao Katapatan Pangkatihan-Dagatan 33rd Infantry Makabayan Battalion57th Infantry Masikap Battalion1st Mechanized Lakan Battalion 90th Infantry Bigkis Lahi Battalion 7th Infantry - TAPAT Battalion Reliablecmo R Section 6IB Redskin 37IB - Conqueror Battalion 40 Infantry "Magiting" Battalion 2nd Mechanized Infantry-MAKASAGBattalion Onlyourbest MbltFive 38th Infantry We Clear Battalion


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WESTMINCOM: BIFF’s explosives seized in Maguindanao

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Feb 28, 2020): BIFF’s explosives seized in Maguindanao

Several explosives and subversive documents of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters were seized in a military offensive Wednesday in Maguindanao.

Lt. Col. Edwin Alburo, 57th Infantry Battalion commander, said operating troops acted upon information tipped by a civilian of the location of an encampment of the Dawlah Islamiyah/BIFF in the area.

Soldiers seized eight improvised hand grenades and explosives, components, and subversive documents of the BIFF following a combat operation launched by the 57th Infantry “Masikap” Battalion in Barangay Pagatin 2, Shariff Saydona Mustapha.

Col. Jose Narciso, 601st Infantry Brigade commander, said the successful operation is a result of the sustained conduct of civil-military and intelligence operations and the cooperation of the local government units and the people of Maguindanao.

Military troops brought the recovered materials for safekeeping and documentation.

Clearing operations continue as troops pursue evading terrorist groups in Maguindanao.

“Troops are advancing upon their objective as deliberate offensives are escalated to repress terrorists in Maguindanao. They now penetrate enemy lairs and effect massive operations to run down and weaken the will of the terrorists,” said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

#afpyoucantrust
#teamwmc
#teamkapayapaan
#yourprotector
#yourpartner
#yourfriend

6th Infantry Division - Kampilan 601 Infantry - Unifier Brigade 602nd "Liberator" Brigade 603 Persuader Brigade 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade Unang Marinong Brigada Team Tabak Joint Task Force Basilan
Team Igsoon 103Rd Bde Haribon Pa Campo Ranao, Marawi City Magbalantay Cmo 11 Infantry Division "Alakdan Troopers" Gagandilan Siete 1102 Infantry "ganarul" Brigade 1st BCT Aegis Kwatromarinobrigada Sulu Jtf Tawi Tawi Indomalphi
Joint Task Force Zamboanga Virtual Center Unbeatable Ranger Battalion 29th Infantry "Matatag" Battalion, Philippine Army Tow Westmin Cmo Tow Westmin Pio Naval Forces Western Mindanao Cmou Western Mindanao Katapatan Pangkatihan-Dagatan 33rd Infantry Makabayan Battalion 57th Infantry Masikap Battalion 1st Mechanized Lakan Battalion 90th Infantry Bigkis Lahi Battalion 7th Infantry - TAPAT Battalion Reliablecmo R Section 6IB Redskin 37IB - Conqueror Battalion 40 Infantry "Magiting" Battalion 2nd Mechanized Infantry-MAKASAGBattalion Onlyourbest MbltFive 38th Infantry We Clear Battalion

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BIFF’S explosives, documents seized in Maguindanao

From the Manila Times (Mar 2, 2020): BIFF’S explosives, documents seized in Maguindanao (ByJulmunir I. Jannaral)

SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao: Explosives and documents belonging to the terrorist Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were seized in a military offensive on Wednesday in Maguindanao. 

Lt. Col. Edwin Alburo, 57th Infantry Battalion commander, on Sunday said operating troops acted upon a tip from a civilian informant regarding the location of a BIFF encampment. 

Alburo added that soldiers seized eight improvised hand grenades and explosives, components and documents of the BIFF in a combat operation launched by the 57th Infantry “Masikap” Battalion in Barangay Pagatin 2, Shariff Saydona Mustapha. 

Col. Jose Narciso, 601st Infantry Brigade commander, said the successful operation was a result of a sustained conduct of civil-military and intelligence operations and the cooperation of the local government units and the people of Maguindanao. 

Military troops brought the recovered materials for safekeeping and documentation while clearing operations continued as troops pursue other terrorist groups in Maguindanao. 

“The troops are advancing upon their objective as deliberate offensives are escalated to repress terrorists in Maguindanao. They now penetrate enemy lairs and effect massive operations to run down and weaken the will of the terrorists,” Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command said.

Months of intelligence work led to death of ranking NPA leader in Cotabato, Bukidnon

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 1, 2020): Months of intelligence work led to death of ranking NPA leader in Cotabato, Bukidnon (By Malu Manar)

ARAKAN, Cotabato — The alleged neutralization of a high-ranking official of the New Peoples’ Army (NPA) two days ago was a product of months of surveillance, monitoring and intelligence gathering conducted by the 19th Infantry Battalion and Military Intelligence Company (MICO) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) based here, said an Army official.

Lt. Col. Benjamin Dao-on, commanding officer of the 19th IB, said information about the whereabouts and the alleged extortion activities of
Commander Choi, whose real name was Eduardo L. Arnado, 58, of the Guerilla Front 53 of the NPA Southern Mindanao Regional Committee, came from civilians, traders, and other individuals in areas in Arakan in North Cotabato and in Damulog, Bukidnon.

Arnado was the alleged first secretary and finance officer of NPA Front 53 whose areas of operations included the towns of Magpet, President Roxas, Antipas, Arakan, and Kidapawan City in North Cotabato and towns of Kibawe, Kitao-tao, Quezon, and Damulog in Bukidnon.

Dao-on said part of his mission was to capture Arnado. He has also sent emissaries to convince the commander to return to the folds of the law.

“But Commander Choi was firm in his position. He won’t surrender,” said the Army officer.


Barangay Chairman Valentino Camino, Jr., of Barangay Salasang in Arakan also told media here that there were efforts to reach out to Arnado for his possible return to mainstream society.

Camino said Arnado has even become a member of the council of Barangay Salasang in Arakan where he worked as kagawad from 1998 until 2004. “He has lived here, with his family, since the 80s, and in 2010, we no longer saw him as he had already become active in the movement,” added Camino.

On Friday, Arnado and few of his men went to Barangay Lampagar in Damulog, Bukidnon to attend a meeting with some farmers who were against the construction of a dam in the area, reports from the 19rh IB said.

At around 3 p.m., he was told government troops were on their way to get him after the Army was tipped of his presence at Sitio Lamoro, Barangay Lampagar.

“They were on the run, but because of old age, Commander Choi fell on the ground. Also, he already sustained gunshot wounds in different parts of his body. It was a running gunbattle,” said Lt. Col. Dao-on.

Arnado was declared dead in a hospital in Damulog, around 330 p.m., and was sent to Rebamonte Preglo Funeral Homes in Barangay Lampagar, also in Damulog, for forensic examination and autopsy.

On Saturday, around 5:30 p.m., Arnado’s wife, son, mother, and a few of his relatives arrived at the funeral home to claim his body. It was reportedly the Arakan municipal government, through Vice-Mayor Jiji Pangilinan, paid for the funeral services.

Dao-on said the AFP’s operating troops that led to Arnado’s “neutralization” included Scout Platoons of the 19th IB and the 3rd IB and MICO of the 10th Infantry Disivion.

They recovered from the area few guns, several rounds of ammunition, and documents that Arnado and his team left as they exited to the “rolling terrains” of the mountains in Bukidnon, added Dao-on.

6 rebels face raps for hurling grenade at cops in Sorsogon

Posted to the Journal Online (Mar 1, 2020): 6 rebels face raps for hurling grenade at cops in Sorsogon (By Sonny Sales, People's Tonight)

SIX suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels have been charged with frustrated murder before the Provincial Prosecution Office at the Bulwagan ng Katarungan in this city on Friday.

Charged were Jose Marrie Estiller, a resident of Calpi, Bulan, Sorsogon; R.J. Musa, of Lapinig, Magallanes, Sorsogon; Marcial Gracilla, of Pili, Magallanes, Sorsogon; Edcel Dematera, Juban, Sorsogon; Bryan Millares, Tongdol, Irosin, Sorsogon; and Emilio Dematera, of Sitio Tublijon, Aroroy, Juban, Sorsogon.

According to Police Major Arthur C. Tagtag Jr. OIC, 2nd Police mobile force company, Sorsogon Police provincial office, the suspects who have remained at large were allegedly identified, after they participated in the harassment of the 2nd police mobile force company located at bgy. Aquino, Bulan, Sorsogon on Feb. 16, 2020.


The rebel attack on the police mobile force company reportedly wounded Patrolman Erick Ibarreta Cabilao, assigned at the 2nd PMFC. The rebels hurled a grenade, wounding Cabilao with shrapnel from the grenade explosion.

https://journal.com.ph/news/provincial/6-rebels-face-raps-hurling-grenade-cops-sorsogon

Troops hunt down NPAs after skirmish in Quezon

From the Business Mirror (Mar 2, 2020): Troops hunt down NPAs after skirmish in Quezon (By Rene Acosta)

Security forces are pursuing a group of New People’s Army (NPA) in Mauban, Quezon, whom soldiers encountered over the weekend following reports about the presence of rebels in the outskirts of the town.

Checkpoints jointly manned by soldiers and policemen were ordered put up by Maj. Gen. Arnulfo Marcelo B. Burgos, commander of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division (2nd ID), near and around Mauban as troops pursue the rebels.


All available military assets in Southern Tagalog were also put on high alert and were ready to be deployed for fire support.

On Friday afternoon, a firefight erupted when elements of the 1st Infantry Battalion (1st IB) attacked a harboring area of the NPA in Mauban, following reports by villagers about the presence of the encamped rebels.

Lt. Col. Jesus Diocton, commander of the 1st IB, said the soldiers reported recovering an M16 rifle and personal effects left behind by the rebels from the Platun A1 of the NPA under an alias Termo during the firefight.

The 2nd ID also believed the rebels suffered casualties based on reports provided by informants along the NPAs’ route of withdrawal.

It said “heavy traces of blood, as well as human flesh were noticed by government forces in the encounter site.”

At least three encounters have occurred in the areas of Mauban since January, indicating the regular presence of NPA members in the town.

The 2nd ID allege villagers ratted out the NPA guerrillas.

Bohol encounter: Soldier, NPA rebel killed

From the Cebu Daily News (Mar 1, 2020): Bohol encounter: Soldier, NPA rebel killed (By: Froilan Gallardo)

A soldier and a communist rebel were killed during an encounter between Army troops and the New People’s Army rebels in Bilar town, Bohol Province last Saturday, February 29, 2020.

Captain Eduardo Precioso, AFP Central Command spokesperson, said a platoon from the 47th Infantry Battalion
encountered an NPA band of 15 rebels at 9 a.m. Saturday in the boundary of Barangays Cansumbol and Cambigse in Bilar town.

“The clash lasted for 30 minutes and resulted to one trooper killed in action and one rebel whose body was recovered,” Precioso said.


A day earlier on February 28, 2020, in Guihulngan City in Negros Oriental, government troops clashed with suspected NPA rebels. Two suspected rebels were killed in that armed encounter in Barangay Binobohan.

Read more: Suspected NPA members, troops clash; 2 rebels killed

Deaths, handguns

Meanwhile in the Bohol encounter, Precioso did not name the soldier pending the notification of his family.

He said the Bilar town officials as of press time were still investigating the identity of the dead rebel.

Precioso said the troops recovered two caliber .38 and one caliber .357 revolvers as well as documents from the encounter site.

He said the AFP Central Command had sent their deepest condolences to the family of the trooper who was killed in the encounter.

“The suspects were only armed with handguns and the soldier tried to check them when they suddenly started firing,” Precioso said explaining how the soldier died.
Efforts to recover Bohol

Precioso said last Saturday’s encounter ended the 10-year period that Bohol island became insurgent-free.

“The NPA have been exerting their efforts to recover Bohol after they lost the island a decade ago,” he said.

Precioso said the communist rebels were trying to organize villagers in the agriculture-rich Bilar town.

He said local officials in Bilar had remained steadfast in rejecting the efforts of the rebels.

Precioso said proof of that was officials from Barangay Cansumbol were the ones who informed the soldiers of the presence of the rebels last Saturday.


https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/291400/bohol-encounter-soldier-npa-rebel-killed

Cops ready to deal with insurgency threats

From the Cebu Daily News (Mar 2, 2020): Cops ready to deal with insurgency threats (By: Alven Marie A. Timtim)



Police Brigadier General Albert Ignatius Ferro, Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7) director, has assured Cebuanos and Boholanos that the police are ready to protect them from insurgency threats. | CDND Photos |Gerard Vincent Francisco

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The regional director of the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7) assures Boholanos and Cebuanos that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are prepared to protect them from the insurgents and insurgency threats.

Police Brigadier General Albert Ignatius Ferro made the assurance amid the recent encounter in Bilar town, Bohol Province on Saturday, February 29, 2020, between the military and suspected rebels where one soldier and a suspected member of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed.

Read more: Bohol encounter: Soldier, NPA rebel killed

Cebu insurgent-free

Ferro said in a text message that in Cebu, there were no longer armed rebels because the government and the community had rejected their presence long before Bohol became insurgent-free.

“Cebu will remain insurgent free because the Cebuanos and their leaders will never be threatened by the CTG (Communist-Terrorist Groups) to be terrorized by them,” said Ferro.

He further said that the province of Bohol might have become a target of the CTG after the organization was driven away from the area in the year 2000.

He also cited the possibility of the rebel group’s planning to bring their forces back to the province.

But Ferro said that these attempts would be futile because the government would always be ready to thwart them and make sure that the community in Bohol would remain peaceful and safe from these enemies.

“The recent encounter, to include the discovery of an entrapment late last year, only shows that their attempt to recover Bohol will never prosper,” said Ferro.

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/291429/cops-ready-to-deal-with-insurgency-threats

Troopers capture NPA camp

From the Philippine Star (Mar 2, 2020): Troopers capture NPA camp  (By Michelle Zoleta, Jaime Laude)

Army troopers overran a New People’s Army (NPA) camp in the hinterlands of Mauban, Quezon on Friday afternoon.

The camp is located in the forested area of Barangay Abo Abo,
according to Maj. Gen. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos, chief of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division (ID) based in Tanay, Rizal.


Citing reports submitted by Lt. Col. Jesus Diocton, commander of the Army’s 1st Infantry Battalion, Burgos said several insurgents were believed killed in heavy fighting that broke out before the military took control of the camp.


The camp, which belonged to the NPA’s Platun A1 led by a certain Ka Terno, has bunkers and can accommodate 25 to 30 individuals, Capt. Jayrald Ternio, spokesman for the 2nd ID, said.

Burgos said the troopers launch the assault before 2 p.m., forcing the around 15 insurgents to abandon the camp.

Military and police checkpoints have been set up in surrounding areas as well as in adjoining towns and villages to prevent the rebels from fleeing.