Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events: 03/30/20

Monday, March 30, 2020

Troops unearth NPA armaments in Sarangani

From MindaNews (Mar 30, 2020): Troops unearth NPA armaments in Sarangani

Government troops recovered over the weekend a high-powered firearm and assorted ammunition reportedly stashed by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the upland villages of Malapatan town, Sarangani province.
Lt. Col. Ronaldo Valdez, commanding officer of the Army’s 73rd Infantry Battalion, said the munitions were unearthed in separate locations in Barangays Sapu Masla and Upper Suyan in Malapatan.

He said their troops initially found on Saturday morning a total of 490 7.62mm or M14 ammunition at a portion of Sitio Mahayag, Barangay Upper Suyan.

The official said it was discovered based on revelations from a former NPA combatant identified as Marcko Simon alias “Tarzan,” who surrendered in the area last Feb. 27.

The returnee was also responsible for the recovery last Feb. 29 of an AK47 and two M16 rifles that were also stashed by the rebels, he said.

“The ammunition was reportedly owned by the NPA’s Guerilla Front Tala (71) and stored in the site by an alias Yoyong last December,” Valdez said in a statement.

On Sunday morning, he said their troops also unearthed a caliber 5.56mm M16 rifle with four magazines and 82 ammunition in Sitio Salyan, Barangay Sapu Masla.

The firearm was located through accounts from another rebel returnee identified as alias “Willie,” he said.

Valdez lauded the former rebels for the recovery of the munitions and helping their unit fulfill its mission to maintain peace and order in the area.

He added that the recovered items could have been intended for the planned atrocities in line with the NPA’s 51st founding anniversary on Sunday, March 29.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2020/03/troops-unearth-npa-armaments-in-sarangani/

CPP says ceasefire stands; claim that NPA will launch attack was 'baseless'

From GMA News (Mar 30, 2020): CPP says ceasefire stands; claim that NPA will launch attack was 'baseless' (By ANNA FELICIA BAJO)

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on Monday said its armed wing, the New People's Army (NPA), would continue to observe the ceasefire so that its members could extend public health service to the people amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) threat.

"In line with the CPP's ceasefire declaration, the NPA will not mount armed actions against military, police, paramilitary, and other armed agents attached to the GRP (Government of the Republic of the Philippines)," the CPP said in a statement.

It noted, however, that they would remain alert against military attacks.

This came after an incident in Barangay Puray in Rodriguez, Rizal in which a government soldier and an NPA gunman were killed when a Philippine Army Community Support Program (CSP) Team and communist insurgents had an encounter.

Following the firefight, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the NPA was ignoring the ceasefire declaration.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/731916/cpp-says-ceasefire-stands-claim-that-npa-will-launch-attack-was-baseless/story/

2 NPA fighters surrender in Agusan Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 30, 2020): 2 NPA fighters surrender in Agusan Norte (By Alexander Lopez)

ENOUGH WITH DECEPTION. Two regular members of the communist New People’s Army surrender to the Army's 29th Infantry Battalion on Sunday (March 29). Tired and exhausted, they decided to quit after three years of deception by the communist rebel movement. (Photo courtesy of 29IB)

The Philippine Army welcomed on Sunday (March 29) the surrender of two regular members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in Agusan del Norte.

In a statement on Monday (March 30), Lt. Col. Isagani Criste, commander of the Army's 29th Infantry Battalion, said the two NPA members surrendered to their headquarters in Barangay Del Pilar, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte.

“The surrender of the two rebels coincided with the celebration of the 51st anniversary of the NPA,” Criste said.

Criste identified the two rebels as alias “Rocky”, 51, a resident of Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte, a member of Platoon Banakon, Sentro de Gravidad 16 of Guerrilla Front 16, North Eastern Mindanao Command (NEMRC); and one alias "Bibong", 40, a resident of Santiago, Agusan del Norte, a member of Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda of Guerrilla Front 16-A.

The two NPA regulars turned over to the Army a KG-9 pistol, one magazine with 15 rounds of ammunition, one homemade shotgun, and subversive documents with high intelligence value.

Criste noted that the two NPA members appeared tired and exhausted at the time of their surrender.

“I feel your deep distress and regret for the wasted years which you spent serving the NPA in exchange for the moments you could have spent with your family,” he told the former rebels.

Criste praised the decision of the two NPA members to return to the folds of the law and reunite with their families and communities.

“I know your intentions were good and that you only desire that which is best for your family. I’m happy now that you have found your way back before it was too late,” he said.

Alias Rocky was quoted as saying that he was enticed by the NPA to join in exchange for financial support for his family.

“After three years with the rebel movement, I realized that they never provided support to my family. The NPA leadership also provided less care to its combatants,” Rocky said.

He said that there were times he had a high fever and severely ill in the mountains but the leadership failed to provide him the medicine he needed.

“I was not allowed to take rest despite my condition,” he added.

For his part, “Bibong” said the NPA deceived him to believe that he could protect his children and family if he would join the movement.

“Now I realized what they told me three years ago was not true. In reality, I was putting my family and children in danger. Now, all I want is to be with my family and guide my children. They are still young,” he said.

Criste also urged the remaining NPA rebels in the area to surrender and avail of government programs for former rebels.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1098261

3 rebels surrender in Aurora, pledge loyalty to gov't

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 30, 2020): 3 rebels surrender in Aurora, pledge loyalty to gov't (By Jason De Asis)

SURRENDERED. Three rebel surrenderers pledge their loyalty to the government before Lt. Col. Reandrew Rubio, acting commander of the Army's 91st Infantry Battalion, in Maria Aurora town on Sunday (March 29, 2020). The rebels had turned in themselves to the military troops in Barangay Dianawan, Maria Aurora. (Photo courtesy of the Army's 91st Infantry Battalion)

BALER, Aurora — Three communist terrorist group members surrendered to military troops and pledged loyalty to the government on Sunday.

Lt. Col. Reandrew Rubio, acting commander of the Army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion, said the three surrendered to the military troops in Barangay Dianawan, Maria Aurora town.

Rubio identified the surrenderers as Lester Gutierrez and Roberto Valdez, both former members of Kilusang Larangang Guerilla Sierra Madre; and Patricia Bihasa, a former member of Panlalawigang Alyansang Magbubukid ng Aurora (Pamana).

“The surrender of the three former rebels is through the relentless joint efforts from different government units and local agencies to put an end to local communist armed conflict," he said.

He thanked the local officials of Barangay Dianawan for the support and cooperation with the troops by providing accurate information that led to the surrender of the three rebels.

“The pandemic crisis that we are all experiencing may be one of the reasons why these former rebels decided to surrender. Lack of food and weakened support from the masses played a crucial role,” Rubio said.

The surrendered rebels were brought to the headquarters of the 91st Infantry Battalion for proper documentation.

Brig. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr., newly installed commander of the 7th Infantry “Kaugnay” Division, encouraged the rebels to return to the fold of the law.

“The Kaugnay troopers extend their doors to the rest of the remaining mass base of CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front) remnants in their quest to start their lives right,” he said.

Col. Andrew Costelo, 703rd Brigade commander, meanwhile, said the government through Executive Order No. 70 provides health, education, livelihood, and other forms of assistance to the rebel returnees.

“Now that they have finally found the right track to life, they can expect the full support of the military troopers in their quest for justice, peace, and progress under the provisions of the whole of the nation approach where no one shall be left behind,” Costelo said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1098260

CPP: CPP/NPA ceasefire stands amid Covid-19 response

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 30, 2020): CPP/NPA ceasefire stands amid Covid-19 response

MARCO VALBUENA

CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

MARCH 30, 2020

1. All units of the New People’s Army (NPA) will continue to uphold the ceasefire declaration of the CPP Central Committee in order to give full play to efforts to extend public health service to the people amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

2. In line with the CPP’s ceasefire declaration, the NPA will not mount armed actions against military, police, paramilitary and other armed agents attached to the GRP. The will, however, remain alert against offensive actions launched by AFP units.

READ: CPP orders ceasefire from 26 March to 15 April

3. Based on AFP reports themselves, the armed clash in Rizal last March 28 was an armed encounter which broke out when troops under the 2nd ID carried out patrol operations mounted by the local AFP unit.

The claim that the NPA unit was planning an attack is baseless.

4. The Party assures AFP soldiers that they will not be attacked during the ceasefire period especially if they are conducting public health activites in relation to efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19.

We urge AFP units to concentrate on Covid-19 operations and refrain from conducting anti-NPA patrol operations which may result in armed contact with nearby NPA units.

At this time, the Filipino people need all the help they can get to surmount the threat of Covid-19.

https://cpp.ph/statement/cpp-npa-ceasefire-stands-amid-covid-19-response/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Ang Bayan | Marso 30, 2020 (Pagpupugay kay Kasamang Julius Giron)

Tagalog language special edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 30, 2020): Ang Bayan | Marso 30, 2020 (Pagpupugay kay Kasamang Julius Giron)

PIL: PDF | PDF (Colored) | EPUB | MOBI

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippinesand is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2020/03/30/ang-bayan-marso-30-2020/

Kalinaw News: Army, DSWD deliver food packs in Bukidnon

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 30, 2020): Army, DSWD deliver food packs in Bukidnon (By 4th Infantry Division)

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – The Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division recently partnered with the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office-10 (DSWD FO-10) in delivering 3,000 Family Food Packs (FFP) to the Province of Bukidnon last March 28, 2020. The food packs which are now safely stored inside Army facilities in Bukidnon are part of various government assistance packages being readied by the Regional Inter- Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging and Infectious Disease (RIATF- MEID)- in Northern Mindanao for people affected by the outbreak of the Corona Virus Disease (COVID19).

Mari-Flor Dollaga-Libang, Regional Director of DSWD FO-10 said the recent batch of deliveries now bring the total number of FFPs prepositioned in various military camps in Bukidnon to 6,000. She also lauded the Cagayan de Oro City- based Army unit for facilitating the delivery and safekeeping of the food packs which she said will be used should the crisis escalate.

The NorMin Task Force for CoViD-19 was created and activated thru NDRRMC Memorandum Circular No. 27, s2020 in order to ensure coordination and facilitate response, humanitarian assistance, and support the Regional Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of the Emerging Infectious Disease (RIATF-MEID). The DSWD FO-10 is currently the lead agency of the response for the Food and Non- Food Items Cluster with AFP and the Philippine Army through the 4th Infantry Division performing support roles.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Franco Nemesio M. Gacal, the Commander of 4ID said the Philippine Army is poised to provide any form of assistance to all regional line agencies and local government units in the fight against COVID-19. “Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) is one of our mission areas and we will make sure that we will do our best to help our people especially now that the entire country is in peril”, Gacal said. “This is a huge challenge for all us but with our Whole-of-Nation Approach, I am confident we will defeat COVID-19”, he added.

Since the declaration of national emergency due to the pandemic, 4ID units in Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions have been actively supporting interagency efforts to fight COVID-19. Hundreds of Army personnel, vehicle and equipment have been deployed across the two regions to assist the PNP and local government units and agencies in enforcing national directives and local ordinances such as the establishment of quarantine check points. Various military facilities are also being readied to accommodate stranded passengers, as directed by President Duterte.

Gacal said military camps are also strictly enforcing measures to prevent the spread of the dreaded virus. Camp Evangelista in Cagayan de Oro City has been implementing strict procedures such as thermal scanning and disinfection to safeguard soldiers and their families against the disease.

“Our soldiers are constantly threatened by the possibility of exposure to COVID-19 because of the nature of our job which is to serve the people. But we also need to protect them so that they can continue doing their tasks and accomplish our mission”, Gacal added. He also called on all sectors of the society especially the local populace to cooperate with the government’s efforts to immediately curb the disease.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/army-dswd-deliver-food-packs-in-bukidnon/

Kalinaw News: Members of armed group surrender to 7IB in North Cotabato

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 30, 2020): Members of armed group surrender to 7IB in North Cotabato (By 7th Infantry Battalion)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao–Three (3) members of Armed Lawless Group (ALG) have surrendered to 7th Infantry Battalion of Joint Task Force Central (JTFC) yesterday (March 27) at Brgy. Ladtingan, Pikit, North Cotabato

They were identified as Bhots Oledal, Ebra Kamedon, and Saude Montawal from Sitio Tatak, Brgy. Dalgan, Pagalungan, Maguindao.

The three also surrendered their one 5.56mm Ultimax rifle with magazine and five (5) ammunition and one (1) homemade M79 grenade launcher.

In a simple ceremony, 7th IB Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. Romel Valencia presented the three (3) members of ALG to Pagalungan Mayor SalikMamasabulod.

The local government of Pagalungan had pledged cash assistance to the 3 government returnees that will help them start their new lives peacefully without the need to fight the government troops.

JTFC Commander Maj. Gen. Diosdado C. Carreon lauded the efforts of 7th IB troops as more rebels were convinced to surrender to the government through their intelligence operations as well as with the help of the former rebels who previously surrendered to the unit.

“6ID continued to fight for peace while also supporting the fight against COVID-19”, said JTFC Commander.

Kalinaw News: Arms cache discovered during the Anniversary of Communist Terrorist

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 30, 2020): Arms cache discovered during the Anniversary of Communist Terrorist (By 73rd Infantry Battalion)

Malapatan, Sarangani Province – Members of 73rd Infantry Battalion discovered another NPA’s arms cache at So Salyan, Brgy Sapu Masla, Malapatan, Sarangani Province, on the morning of March 29, 2020, after the revelation of a certain @Willie, a former member of Communist Terrorist Group operating in Sarangani.

The arms cache, which is the second arms cache of the same group to be discovered within the week, yielded one Caliber 5.56 mm M16 rifle, four magazines, and 82 ammunition.

It can be recalled that on March 28, 2020, the same unit discovered an arms cache of the same group at Sitio Mahayag, Upper Suyan, Malapatan, Sarangani Province, which yielded 490 7.62mm ammunition.

Ltc Ronaldo G Valdez said that the information provided by former rebels that led to the discovery of firearms and ammunitions of the communist terrorist indicates the willingness of the FR to help the government to end the insurgency in the countryside.

In another instance, CMO Platoon of the 73IB led by 2Lt Bago onboard Philippine Airforce aircraft dropped leaflets in the countryside to encourage remaining communist terrorists to surrender. The leaflets contain information about the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Kalinaw News: 2 NPA fighters in Agusan del Norte surrender during their Anniversary

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 30, 2020): 2 NPA fighters in Agusan del Norte surrender during their Anniversary (By 29th Infantry “Matatag” Battalion)

CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte- Two regular fighters of the New People’s Army (NPA) finally decided to surrender to Lt. Col. Isagani O. Criste, the Commanding officer of the 29th Infantry “Matatag” Battalion on March 29, 2020, at Barangay del Pilar, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte. Their surrender coincided with the date of the NPA’s Anniversary.

The said NPA fighters were identified as alias Rocky, 35 years old and a resident of Kicharao, Agusan del Norte. Alias Rocky is a former member of Platoon “BANAKON”, Sentro de Grabedad (SDG) 16, of the Guerilla Front Committee (GFC) 16 of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Command (NEMRC). The other was alias Bibong, 40 years old and a resident of Santiago, Agusan del Norte. Alias Bibong is a former member of Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda (SYP) 16A, Guerilla Front (GF) 16A of North Eastern Mindanao Regional Command (NEMRC).

The surrenderees brought with them one KG-9 pistol, one magazine with 15 rounds ammunition, one homemade shotgun and subversive documents with high intelligence value.

Alias Rocky emotionally said in his message, “Life with the NPA was never easy but still I was enticed to join them. I was deceived in joining them, having been told that they would provide for my family in exchange for my allegiance. After three years of being with them, I realized that what they told me were lies. They never cared for my family nor did they care for their troops. Many times I’ve experienced a high fever and became severely ill, but they never gave me any medicine nor allowed me to take a rest. One time, I found out that my mother who was already in her senior years got sick too, but I could not do anything to help her nor could my siblings. I feel like I failed as a son and as a brother in supporting my family since our father has died already. These experiences and misgivings pierced my heart, and so I decided to surrender already so I can still take care of my old ill mother and help my siblings before it was too late.”

According to alias Bibong, “As a father to my children, all I want is to be able to protect and provide for my family. And that’s how they enticed me. They told me that if I join them, I would have a firearm to use to protect myself and my family. They also said that they would provide help for us. After three years of being with and trusting them, I realized that I wasn’t protecting my family but I was putting them in danger. As a father, I should guide my children to what is right especially now that they are very young. I should also have taken care of my wife more so now that she is pregnant. I should have been there to assist her. But it seems that I’ve given much of my time to the NPA and slowly neglected my priority which is my family. And so I decided to surrender so I could still guide my children to light and be able to take care of their mother. They are all very young to lose a father if I continued with the NPA. I still want to spend time with them and make up for having failed them when I was with the NPA”

Lt. Col. Isagani O. Criste said in his statement, “As a man just like the two who surrendered, I feel your deep distress and regret for the wasted years which you spent serving the NPA in exchange for the moments you could have spent with your family. I know your intentions were good and that you only desire that which is best for your family. I’m happy now that you have found your way back before it was too late.”

“And to all the NPAs who are still in the mountains, I know most of your plans have already been frustrated, even your anniversary celebration. And I know also that most of you are tired already, fighting for an ideology which may be vague and unclear to you. Please listen to us. The promises made to you were pure lies and will do no good to you or your family. Abandon it. Your fellow fighters have surrendered already, evidence that there is truly a way out of there. So, leave that evil organization, and surrender now. The government is waiting for you to come back and is extending its arms to support you in your desire for a better life with your family,” Criste added. –

Kalinaw News: 2 former NPA members, one supporter surfaced and vowed support to government

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 30, 2020): 2 former NPA members, one supporter surfaced and vowed support to government (By 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion)

Brgy Dianawan, Maria Aurora, Aurora – Through the relentless efforts of the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) deployed in the area of operation of army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion under the leadership of LTC REANDREW P RUBIO INF (GSC) PA, Acting Commanding Officer of 91st IB, PA of 7th ID, two (2) former NPA rebels and a member of Underground Mass Organizations (UGMOs) surrendered to the troops on March 29, 2020 in Barangay Dinadiawan, Maria Aurora, Aurora.

LTC RUBIO said that the surrender of the three (3) resulted to the continuous efforts of the Philippine Army and the effective-good rapport, well-disciplined, close coordination, and respect to the populace while conducting RCSP in the said barangay together with the personnel from Aurora Police Provincial Office (APPO) who immersed since November last year in compliance with the implementation of Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC).

As part of their ongoing efforts, combined elements of Charlie Company, 91IB, Dianawan RCSP team, 3rd CMO Coy, Intel Platoon of 91IB and 71MICO led by CPT BETHOVEN CABANLIT (INF) PA, Operations Officer under the supervision of LTC RUBIO, facilitated the surrender of Lester Gutierrez, lie-low member of Aurora Platoon Provincial Committee (APPCOM), Roberto Valdez, NPA courier/contact of Komiteng Larangang Guerilla (KLG) Sierra Madre and Patricia Bihasa, NPA mass supporter for the withdrawal of support/membership to Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) at Barangay Dianawan, Maria Aurora, Aurora on 29 March 2020.

The SINAGTALA troopers also expressed gratitude to local officials of Barangay Dianawan for the support and cooperation to the troops in providing accurate information that led to the surrender of the three personalities supporting the government’s enemy.

“The RCSP operations in Barangay Dianawan is not just to assist the peace and developmental efforts but also to facilitate the withdrawal of support and membership of those local folks who are members of the UGMOs of the CPP/NPA/NDF,” LTC RUBIO said, explaining that it is the best decision in their life (surrenderers) after having deceived by the communist-terrorist group (CTG) of joining a useless struggle.

The surrenderers also took their pledged of support to the government and denounced the atrocities and lies committed by the NPA rebels in other parts of the country.

LTC RUBIO is optimistic that with the full support and cooperation of the LGUs and NGAs in addressing the insurgency would significantly contributed in dismantling the KLG SIERRA MADRE operating in Aurora Province and some parts of Nueva Ecija.

On the other hand, COL ANDREW D COSTELO INF (GSC) PA, Commander, 703rd Infantry Brigade, 7ID, PA extends his congratulations to the SINAGTALA troopers for their dedication to duty despite of focusing the COVID-19 related activities.

“The government through Executive Order No. 70 provides health, education, livelihood, and other assistance intended to surfacing rebels,” COSTELO added.

Satellite image shows Chinese military plane on Kagitingan Reef

From Rappler (Mar 30, 2020): Satellite image shows Chinese military plane on Kagitingan Reef (JC Gotinga)

The routine presence of Chinese military assets shows Beijing's continuing dominance in the West Philippine Sea

KAGITINGAN REEF. This satellite image dated January 1, 2018, shows Kagitingan Reef (Fiery Cross Reef) in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). Photo courtesy of CSIS/AMTI/DigitalGlobe

A Chinese military plane landed on Kagitingan Reef (Fiery Cross Reef) in the West Philippine Sea on Saturday, March 28, a satellite image showed.

In a tweet on Sunday, March 29, the Israel-based satellite imaging service company ImageSat International said a Chinese military Y-8 transport aircraft landed on the artificial island, "probably bringing supplies."

"Routine operation of transport aircraft in the South China Sea area could indicate that the Chinese military is hardly affected by the country's health crisis," ImageSat said in the tweet.

The West Philippine Sea is the Philippines' exclusive economic zone and outlying areas it claims as territory within the larger South China Sea.

Kagitingan Reef, formerly a submerged maritime feature, is also claimed by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Since 2015, it has been reclaimed and transformed by China into a military base, complete with a 3-kilometer runway worthy of fighter jets, a harbor for naval vessels, missile systems, hangars, and a scientific research station.

It is one of 7 reefs in the Spratly group of islands that China has reclaimed and militarized.

China recently opened a research station on Kagitingan and Zamora Reef (Subi Reef), also in the West Philippine Sea, to gather data on the ecology, geology, and environment in the Spratlys, which includes what the Philippines calls the Kalayaan Island Group.

A United Nations-backed arbitral tribunal ruled in July 2016 that China's sweeping 9-dash line claim in the South China Sea is illegal, and that the Philippines is entitled to sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.

But China has proceeded to develop the reclaimed islets despite calls from the international community for it to desist, especially in putting military installations that heighten tensions with other claimant states like the Philippines.

ORIGINAL STATE. This was Kagitingan Reef (Fiery Cross Reef) before China started reclaiming it in 2015. Photo from CSIS-AMTI

The presence of Chinese vessels and other assets in the West Philippine Sea is seen by experts as a gray zone tactic by which China dominates what ought to be an international sea lane without sparking overt armed conflict with rival claimants.

Around the Philippine-held Pag-asa Island (Thitu Island) near Zamora Reef, hundreds of Chinese fishing vessels have lingered since December 2018, hardly doing any fishing. Experts and even some Philippine officials believe the boats are militias sent by Beijing to occupy and assert its presence in the area.

Under President Rodrigo Duterte, the Philippines has toned down asserting its claim over the West Philippine Sea, as Duterte seeks to broaden political and economic ties with China.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/256421-satellite-image-shows-chinese-military-plane-kagitingan-reef-march-2020

Army remains on red alert despite ceasefire with reds

From the Visayan Daily Star (Mar 30, 2020): Army remains on red alert despite ceasefire with reds

The Army’s 3rd Infantry Division infantry units in Western and Central Visayas are not any taking chances, despite of the unilateral ceasefire being observed, as the New People’s Army marked its 51st founding anniversary yesterday.

Given the NPA anniversary, Capt. Cenon Pancitoi III, 3ID spokesman, yesterday said that all their units were advised to be extra cautious, noting that the communist rebels are known to be very deceptive ever since, while declaring a ceasefire.

“While we a busy fighting together with the Filipino people in containing COVID-19, we assure the public that their Army is every willing to fulfill its very mandate to secure everybody from terrorism committed by the NPAs,” Pancito said.

The NPA in Negros started observing the unilateral ceasefire on March 26 until April 15, in compliance with the order of the Communist Party of the Philippines central committee, Ka Juanito Magbanua, spokesman of the New People’s Army Apolinario Gatmaitan Command, said.

But Magbuana, in a press statement, said that they will remain vigilant and monitor any possible hostile action from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and National Police during the ceasefire period.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier ordered a unilateral ceasefire to allow the AFP and PNP to focus on helping government medical personnel in the fight against COVID-19.

Col. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said that they will continue to assist the COVID-19 Inter Agency Task Force in the repacking and hauling, and even in the distribution of relief goods, especially to residents in the hinterlands of Negros.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2020/March/30/topstory9.htm

LOOK! EXCLUSIVE: A military unmanned aerial vehicle flies over Zamboanga City

From the Mindanao Examiner (Mar 30, 2020): LOOK! EXCLUSIVE: A military unmanned aerial vehicle flies over Zamboanga City

LOOK! EXCLUSIVE: A military unmanned aerial vehicle flies over Zamboanga City in southern Philippines on Monday, March 30, 2020. It was unknown whether the drone is US or Philippines, but Pentagon continues to support a small number of American troops helping Manila's anti-terror campaign in the restive region where Filipino soldiers are battling pro-ISIS groups and communist rebels. (Zamboanga Post)

https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2020/03/look-exclusive-military-unmanned-aerial.html

NPA shows arrogance in justifying killing of tribal leader

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 30, 2020): NPA shows arrogance in justifying killing of tribal leader (By Alexander Lopez)

REPREHENSIBLE. Brig. Gen. Maurito L. Licudine, commander of the Army's 402nd Infantry Brigade based in Caraga Region, urges the people of Surigao del Sur to condemn the communist New People’s Army for the killing of a tribal chieftain and a civilian in the area. Licudine described the NPA as a 'virus that plagues communities.' (PNA file photo by Alexander Lopez)

The communist New People’s Army (NPA) are displaying their arrogance and utter disregard to the value of human life when they admitted and justified the killing of a tribal chieftain and a civilian in Surigao del Sur, a military official said over the weekend.

Brig. Gen. Maurito L. Licudine, commander of the Army's 402nd Infantry Brigade said the NPA rebels also showed "their barbaric nature" in attacking civilians with no direct involvement in the armed conflict.

“We are one with the whole Indigenous People (IP) communities in condemning this terroristic act. We will not rest until the perpetrators will be brought to justice,” Licudine said in a statement.

NPA rebels killed Manobo tribal chieftain Bernandino Astudillo, 73, and a civilian identified as Zaldy Ibanez, 52, on March 19 in Sitio Inadan, Barangay Magroyong, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur.
Earlier this week, the NPA's Guerrilla Front 30 (GF-30) spokesperson Imelda Rambuyod -- alias “Sandara Sidlakan” -- admitted the group's killing of Astudillo and Ibanez.

Rambuyod accused Astudillo and Ibanez of being responsible for the rape of a certain Palay Astudillo.

Licudine lambasted the rebels for "fabricating stories" to justify the killings.

A day after the admission the NPA's admission to the killing, Palay Astudillo, the granddaughter of Datu Bernandino Astudillo, came out in a video denying the accusation.

Licudine said that acts of the NPA violated the International Humanitarian Law (IHL), as he called on the people of Surigao del Sur, particularly in San Miguel, to condemn the NPA.

He also dubbed the NPA rebels as "the living viruses that plague communities."

“Let’s be vigilant and alert from the treacherous acts of the CNTs (Communist NPA Terrorists) while our troops support the Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) address the threat of coronavirus disease (Covid-19),” Licudine said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1098111

AFP won’t dignify Reds’ claims of massive military losses

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 30, 2020): AFP won’t dignify Reds’ claims of massive military losses (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will not dignify the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) terrorists’ claim that they have inflicted over 1,000 casualties to the military during the course of 710 actions in 2019.

"We would not dignify that preposterous claim with an answer," AFP spokesperson, Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo told reporters when asked for comment on Sunday.

Arevalo said the CPP-NPA’s claims are just whistling in the dark, if not daydreaming.

"No one believes them but their own in order to ward off the fact that 40 Communist NPA Terrorist regulars and Milisyang Bayan surrendered to government security forces on 28 March 2020 — just a day before their supposed anniversary— bringing along with them 14 firearms, assorted ammunition, other war materiel and enemy documents," Arevalo said.

The NPA, the armed wing of the CPP, celebrated its 51st founding anniversary on Sunday.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1098173

Army, Landers distribute food packs in Payatas

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 30, 2020): Army, Landers distribute food packs in Payatas (By Priam Nepomuceno)

FOOD AID. Army personnel distribute food packs to residents of Barangay Payatas in Quezon City on Saturday (March 28, 2020). Through Army reservist 2nd Lt. Matteo Guidicelli's online fundraising concert titled "One Voice Pilipinas", the Army was able to raise PHP4.8 million. (PA photo)

Landers Superstore and the Philippine Army delivered 1,500 relief packs to residents of Barangay Payatas, Quezon City on Saturday.

In a statement Sunday, PA spokesperson Col. Ramon Zagala said the food packs include five kilograms of rice, four assorted canned goods, and two cup noodles.

Transportation vehicles from the PA Civil-Military Operations Regiment (CMOR) were used in the distribution of relief goods to the residents of Barangay Payatas.

The military has been assisting in the distribution of food items to the families affected by the month-long enhanced community quarantine in Luzon.

Through Army reservist 2nd Lt. Matteo Guidicelli's online fundraising concert titled "One Voice Pilipinas", the Army was able to raise PHP4.8 million.

The funds raised were used to extend assistance to families affected by the enhanced community quarantine.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health and the Armed Forces of the Philippines repacked 500,000 disposable medical masks donated by the Bank of China Limited.

The masks will be distributed to healthcare workers in hospitals and strategic locations.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1098187

On NPA anniversary, Joma claims guerrilla ranks widened

From the Business Mirror (Mar 30, 2020): On NPA anniversary, Joma claims guerrilla ranks widened

In this November 23, 2016, file photo, members of the New People’s Army read a local paper at their guerrilla encampment tucked in the Sierra Madre Mountains southeast of Manila.

The New People’s Army has managed to build up its ranks despite government’s operations and is present in nearly all of the provinces of the country, Communist founder Jose Maria Sison said, even as the military reported the surrender of 54 rebels and their supporters in Central and Southern Luzon.

Sison’s projection of the rebel group’s strength was made on the occasion of the 51st founding anniversary of the NPA on Sunday. He issued the statement three days after the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)declared a cease-fire with the government following the call of the United Nations for warring groups around the world to stop their operations and joined in the effort to combat coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-29).

“It [NPA] has thousands of Red fighters well-trained and battle-tested in more than 100 guerilla fronts in 73 provinces out of the 81 Philippine provinces,” Sison said. “It coordinates with the people’s militia and the self-defense units of mass organizations as auxiliary and reserve forces.”

Sison, also the chief political consultant of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, said the NPA, which is the CPP’s armed wing, is determined to build the “revolutionary bases and accumulate armed political strength” until it can seize cities of the country.

‘Annihilative’
According to the communist leader, the rebels were able to carry out last year at least 710 “big and small” military actions against the government wherein at least 651 “enemy troops” were killed and more than 466 were wounded, both casualties of which, were equivalent to “around 30 platoons or two battalions” of soldiers.

The actions were in the form of “ambus-cades and raids” of military detachments, “harassments, disarming, demolition, sapper and partisan operations and punitive actions.”

“The people’s war is now in the process of moving from the middle to the advanced phase of the strategic defensive,” Sison said. “The NPA can win tactical offensives in order to further increase its arms and debilitate its enemy… all the guerilla fronts can be directed to carry out a monthly minimum quota of annihilative battles to increase arms.”

He further claims the NPA has 14 regional commands under its national operational command and conduct movement and maneuvers “freely” in more than 80 percent of the country’s areas as it carries intensive and extensive guerilla warfare on a deepening mass base.

“In every guerilla front, one third of the NPA is relatively concentrated and ever ready for waging battles that it can win. Two-thirds are relatively dispersed for mass work,” Sison said.

‘Treachery’

Malacañang condemned the “treachery” of communist rebels for attacking government soldiers in Rizal last Saturday.

In a statement, Presidential Spokesman Salvador S. Panelo said the incident exposed the “insincerity” of the NPA in supporting the government efforts against Covid-19.

Panelo said the incident endangered not only members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) but also of the community in the area.

The attack killed a solider and injured two others. The incident occurred after the observance of a cease-fire that was supposed to lapse on April 15, two days after the lifting of the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine on April 13, 2020.

Panelo assured the AFP will be ready to continue repulsing more of its attacks from the NPA for the duration of the quarantine.

“Let this be a warning to the enemies of the state that the constituted authorities are equipped and ready to repel any and all transgressions of law and crush any armed attack against our soldiers and civilians with ferocity and might,” Panelo said.

The Federation of Free Workers (FFW) lamented the apparent short-lived truce between the government the NPA.

Despite the attack, FFW President Sonny Matula appealed to both parties to reconsider more clashes, especially for the duration of the Covid crisis.

“If we may be allow to suggest, FFW urges both parties instead of killing each other and buying arms and bullets—to use their funds to save lives and, at the same time, refocus efforts and resources to save more civilians and non-combatants in the fight against the coronavirus disease,” Matula said in a statement.

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2020/03/30/on-npa-anniversary-joma-claims-guerilla-ranks-widened/

Bulatlat: Reds launch campaign against COVID-19

From the pro-Communist Party of the Philippines/National Democratic Front/New People's Army (CPP/NDF/NPA) online propaganda publication Bulatlat (Mar 30, 2020): Reds launch campaign against COVID-19 (Raymund Villanueva)

A face mask serves as a precaution against the corona virus, a disguise, and a placard for this NPA fighter. (Photo by Nonoy Espina)

The CPP Central Committee directed the NPA to mark its anniversary “by reaffirming its pledge to serve the people by mobilizing its forces, together with the revolutionary mass organizations, in a public health campaign to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

The New People’s Army celebrated its 51st founding anniversary, March 29, by mobilizing its forces to fight the corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) said.

In its message to the NPA, the CPP Central Committee directed the NPA to mark its anniversary “by reaffirming its pledge to serve the people by mobilizing its forces, together with the revolutionary mass organizations, in a public health campaign to prevent the spread of Covid-19.”

The CPP directed the NPA, especially its medical units, to carry out the campaign in coordination with revolutionary village health committees to help contain the disease, give special attention to the elderly and pregnant women, help care those who have been infected and promote personal hygiene and community sanitation.

In addition, the CPP directed its members in the cities to carry out similar mass campaigns, while raising demands for mass testing and other public health measures.

“In fighting the Covid-19 pandemic, the Filipino people must draw lessons and inspiration from the victories and achievements they have accumulated through collective action,” the CPP said in a statement.

The CPP also pointed out that the Filipino must take action and resist what it calls “repressive measures” adopted by the Rodrigo Duterte government. It also urged Filipinos to “raise their call for the president’s ouster to make him answer for his criminal sabotage of the public health care system.”

Celebration in Negros

NPA fighters in Negros Island celebrate their army’s 51st founding anniversary. (Photo by Nonoy Espina)

In Negros island, the Apolinario Gatmaitan Command (AGC) of the NPA celebrated the guerrilla army’s anniversary with a program.

The event was marked by the presence of AGC spokesperson Juanito Magbanua.

Speeches and a cultural program were presented during the celebration.

Both the NPA and the Duterte government are currently on ceasefire after each party declared their respective unilateral truce orders to allow both of their forces to respond to the Covid-19 emergency throughout the country. (with reports from Nonoy Espina)

https://www.bulatlat.com/2020/03/30/reds-launch-campaign-against-covid-19/

Amidst the COVID-19 crisis, 2 NPAs yield in Agusan

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 20, 2020): Amidst the COVID-19 crisis, 2 NPAs yield in Agusan (By Mike Crismundo)

CAMP BANCASI, Butuan City – Two regular fighters of the Communist-New People’s Army (NPA) took advantage of the lull in fighting with government forces, and decided to surrender to Lt. Col. Isagani O. Criste, commanding officer of the Army’s 29th Infantry (Matatag) Battalion (29th IB) in Barangay del Pilar, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte on Sunday, the military reported Monday.

Shown in the photo are the two former NPAs that voluntarily surrendered to 29th IB commander Lt. Col. Isagani O. Criste in Barangay del Pilar, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte on Sunday. Photo courtesy of 29th IB-CMO via Mike U. Crismundo/Manila Bulletin)

Even as government security forces stepped up their assistance to local government units and other line agencies of the government to stop the spread of the dreaded Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the 29th IB with open arms welcomed the two NPA fighters to the fold of the government.

Their surrender also coincided with the date of the NPA’s anniversary.

The NPA fighters who surrendered were identified only as alias “Ka Rocky”, 35, a member of Platoon “Banakon” of Sentro de Grabedad (SDG) 16 of Guerilla Front Committee 16 (GFC 16) of the CPP-NPA North Eastern Mindanao Regional Command (NEMRC); and alias “K Bibong”, 40 of Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda (SYP 16-A) of the same committee and command.

The surrenderers also turned over a KG-9 pistol, a magazine with 15 rounds ammunition, a homemade shotgun and subversive documents with high intelligence value.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/03/30/amidst-the-covid-19-crisis-2-npas-yield-in-agusan/

NPA rebel surrenders

From the Mindanao Times (Mar 29, 2020): NPA rebel surrenders (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

An alleged member of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to soldiers of the 73rd Infantry Battalion in Sarangani last Friday.

Meanwhile, an arms cache with 490 rounds of M14 ammunition belonging to the NPAs was discovered by the same battalion in Sitio Salyan, Barangay Sapu Masla, Malapatan, Sarangani at 5 p.m. on Saturday.

Lt. Col. Ronaldo Valdez, commander of the 73rdIB, identified the surrenderee as alias Ronnie, a member of Guerilla Front 71, Far Southern Mindanao Region, and a resident of Barangay Datal Bukay, Glan, Sarangani Province.

Accordingly, Lipay decided to surrender after he attended a series of pulong-pulong (town hall) conducted by the Civil Military Operations Platoon of the 73rdIB, together with former rebels who gave their testimonies after being enrolled in the government’s transition program.

“Despite the deployment of troops in implementing the enhanced community quarantine imposed in Sarangani, the 73rdIB is still committed to accomplishing its main mission to secure the people and protect rebels who are willing to return to the folds of the law,” Valdez said.

Meanwhile, Capt. Jerry Lamosao, the 10th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office chief, said the soldiers discovered the arms cache after acting on the information extracted a surrenderee.

The said section unearthed a total of 490 rounds of M14 ammunition belonging to the Guerilla Front Tala, Far Southern Mindanao Region, which was stored by alias Yoyong in the area in December 2019.

“With the help of the FRs (former rebels), we located the NPA arms cache, which they can use in conducting atrocities, especially this NPA anniversary,” Valdez said.

Alias Tarzan, who surrendered to the unit last Feb. 27, 2020, allso pointed to the location of an arms cache, which included one AK-47 and two M16 rifles on Feb. 29, 2020.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2020/03/30/npa-rebel-surrenders/