Kalinaw News: 72IB launches loudspeaker operations

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 10, 2020): 72IB launches loudspeaker operations (By 10th Infantry Division)



MAGPET, Cotabato – The 72nd Infantry “Gabay” Battalion launches Loudspeaker Operations amidst the fight against Corona Virus Disease (CoViD)-19 on April 9, 2020 in the municipality of Magpet.

On board a military vehicle, personnel of the 72nd Infantry Battalion roamed around the municipality of Magpet to call upon the residents to stay at home and adhere to the parameters of Enhanced Community Quarantine. The unit also reminded the community to observe the curfew hours implemented. The Gabay troopers also cited the importance of Physical Distancing and how would it help prevent the spread of the disease. The message is recorded in Cebuano and Manobo.

“The Gabay Troopers launched Loudspeaker Operations to help inform the public about CoViD-19 and its effects. This also aims to warn those who attempt to violate the parameters of Enhanced Community Quarantine,” LtCol Rey Alvarado, Commander of 72IB, said in his statement.

72IB will continue to conduct this activity in the areas of Antipas, President Roxas, and Kidapawan City.

Confirmed CoVid-19 Case

Two (2) positive cases of CoViD-19 in Kidapawan City were announced early this month. The first case is Patient 3671, a 29-year old female nurse. She has a history of travel to Abu Dhabi, Singapore, and Davao City. The patient is pregnant. Though she did not go around the city, she is placed in the city’s isolation center. The second case is Patient 3989, a 49 year old male and has a travel history from Matina Gallera, Davao City. He is Diabetic. It can be remembered that a contact tracing was launched after a number of people who went to the Gallera were tested positive of CoViD-19. The Patient is now confined at Kidapawan City Community Quarantine Center. Both Patients are on stable condition and are asymptomatic. Their families and relatives are also in strict home quarantine. Patients 3671 and 3989 are the 2nd and 3rd Confirmed cases of CoViD-19 in the Province of Cotabato following Patient 3272 from the municipality of Midsayap.

Enhanced Community Quarantine

On a press conference on April 6, 2020, Hon. Joseph Evangelista, Kidapawan City Mayor, released Executive Order Nr. 032, putting the whole city of Kidapawan under Modified Community Quarantine. Under the Modified Community Quarantine, some establishments such as Vulcanizing shops, Textile Shops, Funeral Parlors, Water Refilling Stations, Motor and car parts shops, and Vehicle Repair shops are allowed to open aside from Hospitals, Pharmacies, and Grocery stores. But due to the two (2) positive CoViD-19 cases in the city, Mayor Evangelista put the whole city back to Enhanced Community Quarantine.

[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/72ib-launches-loudspeaker-operations/

Kalinaw News: Army assist MSWDO cash aid under Social Amelioration Program (SAP) in SurNor

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 10, 2020): Army assist MSWDO cash aid under Social Amelioration Program (SAP) in SurNor (By 30th Infantry Battalion)



Placer, Surigao del Norte- The Municipality of Malimono, Surigao del Norte through its Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, starts it releasing of Cash Aid under the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) to its identified families with the assistance of Philippine Army’s 30th Infantry (Python) Battalion (30IB), from April 8-9,2020.
MSWDO and 30IB, initially distributed P5,000 to P8,000 cash assistance to some of the qualified families of Malimono from its different barangays. The distribution will continue on Monday after the Holy week.

This social amelioration funds from the national government could only cover around half of the identified families in need of help amid the pandemic covid-19. Under the program, cash assistance will be given to 18 million low income families affected by the work stoppage due to the enhanced community quarantine imposed to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.

Target beneficiaries of the SAP are low-income families or those on subsistence economy or workers in the informal economy, and with members belonging to the vulnerable sector, assessed to be the most affected by the declaration of Enhanced Community Quarantine given their existing life situations or circumstances.

Lt. Col. Jeffrey A Villarosa, Commanding Officer of 30IB said, “The 30IB will assist our partner agencies for a quick and smooth distribution of the cash aid under SAP to the rightful beneficiaries. Based on the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte, the distribution of the cash assistance will be under the full control and supervision of DSWD and we were committed to secure our partners for the conduct of the said activity.”

“We ask to the public to respect the rules that will be implemented for the orderly and quick distribution of the cash assistance while ensuring that the rules on social distancing and home quarantine are strictly observed for the health safety to protect yourself and our families,” Villarosa added.

Cash Aid distribution under Social Amelioration Program (SAP) in the province of Surigao del Norte is still on going and simultaneously conducted by the MSWDO of all the municipalities in the province.

[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-assist-mswdo-cash-aid-under-social-amelioration-program-sap-in-surnor/

Kalinaw News: Army conducts loudspeaker operations to help raise awareness on CoViD19 to people in SurNor

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 10, 2020): Army conducts loudspeaker operations to help raise awareness on CoViD19 to people in SurNor (By 30th Infantry Battalion)



Placer, Surigao del Norte- The Philippine Army’s 30th Infantry Python Battalion (30IB) together with the 42nd Civil Military Operations (CMO) Company, conducted Loudspeaker Operations Vs Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in the different municipalities of Surigao del Norte on April 4-7, 2020.

This activity aims to inform the General Public about the measures to help curb the spread of COVID-19 pandemic. This operation also intends to remind the residents to stay at home and stay calm. It also helps provide Surigaonons key information and updates on the Oplan Away Covid-19 Campaign that is spearheaded by of the father of the province, Hon Francisco T Matugas, Provincial Governor of Surigao del Norte.

Lt. Col. Jeffrey A Villarosa, Commanding Officer of 30IB said, “Team Surigao del Norte is active in keeping its people safe, healthy and Covid-free. It is good to note that no Surigaonon has contracted Covid19. Our concerted efforts will help keep things this way. Keeping our people Covid19-free is our contribution in making CARAGA Region insulated from the dreadful Corona virus disease. With our loudspeaker operations, we are hopeful that valuable information related to the province’s Oplan Away Covid-19 Campaign will reach our folks in the countryside.”

We believe in the 30IB that this loudspeaker operations will help keep our beloved and peace-loving Surigaonons informed of the basics in combating Covid19. We are also hopeful that this simple operation can help ignite our peoples sense of patriotism and civic duty to do their share and cooperate during this most challenging time. With the cooperation of everyone, we will surely surpass this medical emergency and once again live a healthy and Covid-free communities”, Villarosa added.

Loudspeaker operations were employed during the Zamboanga siege in 2013, the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, and the war in Marawi in 2017 which helped uplift the spirits of victims and caused the terrorists to surrender during the said man-made and natural calamities.

[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-conducts-loudspeaker-operations-to-help-raise-awareness-on-covid19-to-people-in-surnor/

Kalinaw News: Army, PNP recovers another cadaver

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 10, 2020): Army, PNP recovers another cadaver (By 7th Infantry Division)



Mawab, DDO – After the Army, PNP clash with NPA, another cadaver of a suspected New People’s Army member was recovered on April 9, 2020 in Pantukan, Davao de Oro.

An information received from a concerned citizen, a cadaver was discovered in the cliff at SitioIbuan, Barangay Tagdangua, Pantukan, Davao de Oro.

Acting on the information, joint forces of 71st Infantry Battalion and 1101st Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) PNP together with the Purok Chairman proceeded to the area to retrieve the said cadaver, and later was brought to Delta Company Headquarters at Sitio Upper Lahi, Brgy. Magnaga, Pantukan for the verification of the true identity of the cadaver.

AKA Dodong, a Former Rebel (FR), positively identified the cadaver as Benjamin Olvis AKA Nevy of the Weakened Guerilla Front 2 (WGF 2), Sub-Regional Committee 2 (SRC 2), Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) who was reported wounded during the encounter last April 7, 2020.

At about 5:25 o’clock in the afternoon same day, the said cadaver was turned-over to PNP Pantukan for proper disposition.

Prior to the encounter there were reports from the community that the NPAs were terrorizing the people in the hinterlands, ransacking houses looking for food and forcing the people to be courier for their logistics. Tired of being used for their useless cause, the community calls for help from the authorities.

As the Whole of Nation Approach now evident and can be felt down the Barangays and Sitio level, people made the realization that peace and security is a shared responsibility as they are now providing real-time information that led to the successful neutralization of the NPA members.

“With the community’s full cooperation, it won’t be long, peace will be achieved.” Lieutenant Colonel Sonny E Gonzales, Commanding Officer of 71st IB said.

“To all NPAs who are still in the hinterlands, stop terrorizing the poor and return to the folds of the law. Kami po ay nanawagansamgamyembro ng NPA nasila ay magsurender at makipagtulungansaatingGobyernolalona’t may kinakaharaptayongmalakingkrisis, ang COVID 19 Pandemic. Meronpotayongprograma para samgaRebeldengmagsusurender at yon angEnhance Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) na kung saanangmgamagsurender ay bibigyan ng kaukulangayuda ng Gobyernotulad ng Financial at Livelihood Assistance at Pabahay. SeryosopoangatingGobyernonawakasanangproblema ng insurhensya at magagawalamangito kung lahat ng sector ay magtutulungan”.

[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-pnp-recovers-another-cadaver/

NPA members snatch relief goods in Eastern Samar

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 10, 2020): NPA members snatch relief goods in Eastern Samar (By PIA-8 and 8ID)

TACLOBAN CITY, Apr. 10 (PIA) -- About 30 Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) swooped down at Sitio Bangon, Barangay Guinmayohan around 9 a.m. of April 7, 2020 and grabbed relief goods intended for the people.

According to witnesses who refused to be named due to fear, barangay officials were distributing relief packs to the needy families when an NPA group led by Gavino Guarino aka Mael summoned some of the barangay officials and forcibly took away some of the relief goods.

Because of this, there was a shortage of relief goods depriving beneficiaries of their share.

Reports indicate that the CNTs are taking advantage of the COVID-19 crisis by locating relief distribution points where they can collect logistical supplies for themselves at the expense of the people.

To recall, an armed skirmish occurred also on April 7, 2020 in Barangay Lakandula, Las Navas Northern Samar when people reported to soldiers the house-to-house forced collection of foodstuff by the NPA.

Colonel Camilo Z. Ligayo, commander of 801st Infantry Brigade, condemned the unchristian act of the NPA saying, "This is a time to help our people and not to add to their burden. What the NPA did is pure robbery during the Holy Week. These terrorists who do not believe in God robbed the poor people of their food at this time of COVID-19 crisis.”

"We condemn this dastardly act of the NPA in Northern and Eastern Samar, and we assure our people that your soldiers will bring these criminals to justice. To the NPA, stop oppressing the people,” Ligayo added. (PIA8/8ID)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1038624

Lambunao town condemns CPP-NPA attack on soldiers

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 10, 2020): Lambunao town condemns CPP-NPA attack on soldiers (By Lilibeth A. French)

ILOILO CITY, April 10 (PIA) - - The local government unit of Lambunao, Iloilo strongly condemned the latest attack by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) on government soldiers conducting security patrol and information dissemination about corona virus disease 2019 (COVID 19) in one of its villages.

The attacked, which occurred early morning of April 7 in Barangay Panuran, killed Private First Class Mark Nemis of the 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army.

Mayor Reynor Gonzales said the soldiers were aware of the grave health issue in the town and they took the initiative to help by going beyond their duties to make more people aware of the dangers of COVID 19.

As of April 9, Lambunao town has 6 confirmed cases of COVID 19, one of whom had died and five others are still on home quarantine and are asymptomatic, while eight persons are still under monitoring .

Gonzales said the terrorists, in total disregard of the declared unilateral ceasefire, chose to attack, wreaked havoc and disrupted the efforts of the soldiers against the pandemic that is now affecting the country.

“These terrorists are the true menace, the malevolent enemy that is even more dangerous than the virus,” said Gonzales in a statement posted on the town’s official Facebook account, Cec Infocenter Lambunao.

Gonzales expressed his gratitude to the soldiers of the Philippine Army who continue to serve the people of Lambunao despite the danger and the pain of their loss.

He also extended his condolences to the family of Nemis who hails from Madalag, Aklan. (JSC/laf/PIA6-Iloilo)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1038597

Airman, 6 others nabbed in Zambo anti-drug ops

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 9, 2020): Airman, 6 others nabbed in Zambo anti-drug ops (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

Seven people, including a soldier and a former coast guard personnel, were arrested in separate anti-drug operations in the region amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) crisis, officials said Thursday.

Police identified the arrested suspects as Jeffrey Carlos Ismael, 30; Adzmie Tatong Ahmad, 24; Ali Sha Ran Tatong Hayudini, 25; Adzar Ramerez Seguente, 30; Abdel-Aziz Julkanain, 35; Oshe Bokingkito Arquiza, 37; and, Habir Ismael Adam, 36.

Hayudini is a member of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) assigned at the Edwin Andrews Air Base in this city while Julkanain is a member of the Philippine Cost Guard (PCG), who went on absence without official leave (AWOL), police said.

Maj. Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) information officer, said Ismael, Ahmad and Hayudini were arrested in a buy-bust operation around 12:15 p.m. Wednesday in Villa Maria Drive, Barangay Tetuan, this city.

Ismael, Ahmad, and Hayudini yielded some PHP600 worth of suspected shabu, PHP200 marked money, a 9-mm pistol with two magazines and 32 rounds of ammunition, and illegal drug-paraphernalia, Galvez said.

Galvez said Arquiza yielded some PHP80,000 worth of suspected shabu and PHP500 marked money when arrested in a buy-bust operation around 6:40 p.m. Wednesday in Purok School Zone, Barangay Upper Turno, Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte.

Capt. Edwin Duco, Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) information officer, said Seguente was arrested in possession of some PHP15,000 worth of suspected shabu and PHP200 marked money in a buy-bust operation around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in Suterville, Barangay San Jose Gusu, this city.

Julkanain yielded some PHP30,000 worth of suspected shabu, PHP200 marked money and a motorcycle when arrested around 5:50 p.m. Wednesday in Sutterville, Barangay San Jose Gusu here, Duco said.

Duco said Adam, a newly identified "drug pusher," was arrested around 5:50 p.m. Wednesday in Barangay Tigbalabag here. He allegedly yielded some PHP1,000 worth of suspected shabu and PHP200 marked money.

All arrested drug suspects were detained for the filing of proper charges against them, officials said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1099347

NGO donates essential supplies to Navy front-liners

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 10, 2020): NGO donates essential supplies to Navy front-liners (By Priam Nepomuceno)



DONATION. A Navy troop hauls essential supplies donated by Citizen's Support Your Navy Foundation, Inc. (CSYNF) to the Philippine Navy on Wednesday (April 8, 2020). The donation consists of alcohol, disinfecting cleaners, latex gloves, safety goggles, carbon batteries, trash bags, and packs of ready-to-cook meals. (Photo courtesy of Naval Public Affairs Office)

A non-government organization donated on Wednesday assorted medical items and other necessities to Philippine Navy (PN) troops helping the government contain the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

Navy public affairs office chief Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas, in a statement late Thursday, said the Citizen's Support Your Navy Foundation, Inc. (CSYNF) donated 30 gallons of alcohol, 120 one-liter bottles of disinfecting cleaners, 600 latex gloves, safety goggles, 1,000 carbon batteries, 9,500 trash bags, and a thousand packs of ready-to-cook meals for the use of sailors, marines, and reservists serving at the front-lines.

CSYNF executive director Czarina Sacaguing-Balatao turned over the items to the PN, she added.

"Additional bottles of medical-grade disinfectants and gallons of alcohol were also donated for utilization of different PN offices and facilities," Roxas added.

CSYNF is a private, non-stock organization that undertakes socio-economic upliftment programs and welfare projects for hero soldiers and their families.

It is currently chaired by former PN flag-officer-in-command, retired Vice Admiral Eduardo Maria Santos.

"These donations shall help guarantee the safety and welfare of our PN front-line troops as they aim to save lives while putting theirs on the line against this invisible enemy," Roxas said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1099410

Russia thanks PH for saving sick captain amid Covid-19 threat

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 10, 2020): Russia thanks PH for saving sick captain amid Covid-19 threat (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)



Capt. Alexander Solodyannikov (Photo courtesy of Russian Embassy in Manila)

The Russian Embassy in Manila thanked the Philippine government for helping a Russian captain who was ill, amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) scare.

In a Facebook post Thursday night, the Russian Embassy said Capt. Alexander Solodyannikov of the tanker "Asphalt Transporter" reportedly suffered "an attack of an unknown respiratory syndrome."

It added that the ship's doctor could not help him and due to the Covid-19 scare, "no country would allow him to enter to be admitted to a hospital."

"(The) tanker was on the way to Australia and they asked a few countries to help, I don't want to mention them, not too many actually," Russian Embassy Press Attaché Natalia Linovitskaya said.

The Russian seafarer was picked up by a helicopter and was transported to a hospital in Metro Manila for treatment. He was eventually diagnosed with asthma, the embassy said.

The embassy repeatedly thanked the Philippines, particularly, the Department of Foreign Affairs.

"The government of the Philippines responded to the embassy's request very quickly despite the lockdown and the quarantine measures and allowed the captain to be taken off the ship to a medical center in Metro Manila. Things were not looking good for some time, but now Capt. Solodyannikov is safe," it said.

"Thanks to the swift and decisive actions of the Philippine government, we managed to save a life," the embassy said.

At present, the ship is anchored near General Santos City.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1099436

Soldiers distribute relief goods in Muntinlupa

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 10, 2020): Soldiers distribute relief goods in Muntinlupa (By Priam Nepomuceno)



RELIEF DRIVE. Army troops distribute relief packs to the residents of Barangay Bayanan in Muntinlupa City on Thursday (April 9, 2020). The activity was part of the relief drive organized by actor, 2nd Lt. Matteo Guidicelli (Reserve) in partnership with Landers Superstore. (Photo courtesy of Army Chief Public Affairs Office)

Philippine Army (PA) troops in coordination with Landers Superstore and 2nd Lt. Matteo Guidicelli (Reserve) distributed 1,000 food packs to residents of Barangay Bayanan in Muntinlupa City on Thursday.

Each food pack consists of five kilograms of rice and 14 assorted canned goods, PA spokesperson, Col. Ramon Zagala said in a statement on Friday.

"The Philippine Army extends its gratitude to Landers Superstore, Lt. Guidicelli for the food pack donations for the benefit of the needy in Metro Manila and nearby provinces,” Zagala said.

A total of 5,000 households in Muntinlupa, Pasig, Quezon City and San Jose in Rodriguez, Rizal have benefited from the relief drive by Landers Superstore, Guidicelli, and the PA.

Army troops involved in the distribution operation were from the 11th Civil-Military Operations Battalion of the PA CMO Regiment.

The activity was part of the fourth wave of relief distribution made by the PA as part of the funds generated by Guidicelli’s Online Concert “One Voice Pilipinas” in coordination with Landers Superstore last March 22 and 29, respectively.

“As part of our mandate of serving the people, we will continue to provide assistance to Landers Superstore and other stakeholders in delivering the basic services to our fellow Filipinos in this time of need,” Zagala added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1099428

US donates over 1K cots to PH for Covid-19 response

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 10, 2020): US donates over 1K cots to PH for Covid-19 response (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)



AID. US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim turned over nearly 1,300 cots to help the Philippines in its response against Covid-19. The handover ceremony was attended by Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and Office of the Civil Defense Undersecretary Ricardo Jalad. (Photo courtesy of US Embassy in Manila)

The United States on Friday donated nearly 1,300 cots for the patients and front-liners battling the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in the Philippines.

The cots, originally intended for the Balikatan 2020 joint military exercise, were turned over by US Ambassador to Manila Sung Kim to Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and Undersecretary Ricardo Jalad of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).

"We stand together with the Philippines, as both of our nations work to save lives and protect our people in the fight against Covid-19," US Ambassador to Manila Sung Kim said during the ceremony.

Over 1,100 cots were donated to OCD to aid Covid-19 patients, while at least 150 were given to frontline health professionals and patients at the Philippine General Hospital who are providing critical diagnosis, treatment, and care.

Aside from the cots, the US is also providing an additional USD1.3 million in health assistance to the Philippines, bringing its total aid to USD4 million or approximately PHP204 million. Washington announced the initial USD2.7 million or around PHP139 million aid last March.

The total amount will support the Philippines in its laboratory system preparedness, case-finding and event-based surveillance, technical expert response and preparedness, risk communication, and infection prevention.

Over the past 20 years, the Embassy said the US has provided more than PHP29.5 billion in assistance to strengthen and develop the Philippine health system.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1099444

US donates 1,300 cots to Philippines, part of $4 million health package

From ABS-CBN News (Apr 10, 2020): US donates 1,300 cots to Philippines, part of $4 million health package


U.S. Embassy in the Philippines
✔@USEmbassyPH

The U.S. government is donating nearly 1,300 new cots to support the Philippine government’s response to #COVID19. @USAmbManila ​was joined by @DFAphl Sec. @TeddyBoyLocsin​, and @CivilDefensePH Usec. Jalad​ for the handover. #FriendsPartnersAllies #COVID19PH


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Washington on Friday donated 1,300 new cots to the Philippines to help its treaty ally fight the coronavirus disease pandemic, the US Embassy in Manila said.

The cots form part of the US' $4 million (P204 million) health assistance package to the Philippines, the embassy said in a statement.

US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim turned over the cots to Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr and Office of Civil Defense Administrator Ricardo Jalad.

On Twitter, Locsin thanked the US for its assistance.

Also on Friday, Washington-based World Bank announced a fresh $500 million loan to the Philippines to help it beat COVID-19.

As of Thursday, the Philippines confirmed 4,076 COVID-19 cases including 203 deaths and 124 recoveries. Luzon, home to half of its 100 million population, is on lockdown until April 30 to fight the spread of the disease.


U.S. Embassy in the Philippines
✔@USEmbassyPH

Replying to @USEmbassyPH

Thank you to the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. @DeptofDefense personnel who helped load new cots for delivery to the Philippine Office of Civil Defense. #FriendsPartnersAllies #COVID19 #COVID19PH #coronavirus https://ph.usembassy.gov/us-donates-covid-19-relief-supplies/ …


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Another cadaver found 2 days after NPA clash in Davao de Oro

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 10, 2020): Another cadaver found 2 days after NPA clash in Davao de Oro (By Che Palicte)



ANOTHER CADAVER. Two days after the 15-minute clash with government troops and the New People’s Army in the Davao de Oro town of Pantukan on Tuesday (April 7), another cadaver of a suspected communist guerrilla was recovered on Thursday (April 9) at the encounter site. The cadaver was identified as Benjamin Olvis, a medic for the NPA's Southern Mindanao Regional Committee. (Photo courtesy of 71IB)

Another cadaver believed to be a communist guerilla was found two days after government troops clashed with the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in the Davao de Oro town of Pantukan on April 7.

The 15-minute firefight in Sitio Ibuan Barangay Tagdangua, Pantukan, killed an NPA fighter who has yet to be identified.

2nd Lt. Kim Carlos, civil-military operations officer of the Army's 71st Infantry Battalion (7IB), said the cadaver found Thursday near the encounter site was Benjamin Olvis, a medic for the NPA's Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC).
“After the encounter, the troops saw bloodstains in the direction where the NPA fled. He was one of the wounded during the encounter who tried to escape,” Carlos told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Friday.

Olvis' identity was confirmed by a former NPA fighter who recently surrendered to the government, the Army official said.

“This morning (April 10), the 71IB in coordination with the local government unit facilitated a decent burial to the deceased,” Carlos added.

Prior to Thursday's encounter, Carlos said they received reports from the residents in the area that a number of NPA guerillas were "terrorizing the people in the hinterlands, ransacking houses looking for food and forcing the people to be the courier for their logistics."

"Tired of being used for their useless cause, the community called for help from the authorities," he added.

Lt. Col. Sonny Gonzales, 71IB commander, said communities are now fighting back against the NPA following the "whole-of-nation" approach launched by President Rodrigo Duterte last year.

The participative approach in tackling the communist insurgency at the local level, Gonzales said, has made people realize that “peace and security is a shared responsibility."

“With the community’s full cooperation, it won’t be long for peace to be achieved. To all NPAs who are still in the hinterlands, stop terrorizing the poor and return to the fold of the law,” the Army official said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1099457

NPA rebel killed after clash in Davao de Oro town

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 8, 2020): NPA rebel killed after clash in Davao de Oro town (By Che Palicte)



RECOVERED EVIDENCE. Government forces recover high-powered firearms, ammunition, and other pieces of evidence from the communist New People's Army during an encounter in Pantukan, Davao de Oro, on Tuesday (April 7, 2020). The clash erupted despite the reciprocal ceasefire declared by the communist rebel group. (Photo courtesy of 71IB)

A communist guerilla died following a 15-minute clash with government troops in the Davao de Oro town of Pantukan on Tuesday, a military official said.

2Lt. Kim Carlos, civil-military operations officer of the Army's 71st Infantry Battalion (7IB), said the clash erupted after the troops responded to civilian reports on the presence of the New People's Army (NPA) in Sitio Matinglob Barangay Tagdangwa Pantukan.

“According to the citizens they [NPA] asked food in their community,” Carlos told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) in a phone interview on Wednesday.

Carlos said the rebels attacked the military and the Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel as they arrived in the area.

Overpowered, the rebels left a dead comrade as they scampered in different directions.

He said the troops recovered several high-powered firearms, ammunition, subversive documents with high intelligence value, medical supplies and other pieces of evidence.

The attack came despite the reciprocal ceasefire declared by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) on March 29, days after President Rodrigo Duterte called for a ceasefire with the NPA so that government forces can assist health workers and local government units contain the 2019 coronavirus disease.

“The ceasefire was clearly violated by the NPA members on the ground,” Carlos said.

Lt. Col. Sonny Gonzales, 71IB commander, said the clash "disheartens me because of the loss of life".

Gonzales also called on the remaining NPA fighters to surrender and help communities combat the coronavirus disease.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1099203