Sunday, April 19, 2020

Anti-gov’t materials in food packs show Anakpawis' agenda

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 20, 2020): Anti-gov’t materials in food packs show Anakpawis' agenda (By Gigie Arcilla)



Marine Brig. General Edgard Arevalo, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson

An official of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Sunday the recent arrest of six members of Anakpawis who were flagged down in Bulacan for violating strict quarantine protocols shows that the militant marginalized sectors' group is using the difficult situation of Filipinos to advance their interest in discrediting the many efforts of the government during this health crisis.

“They will devise ways and means to mainstream their agenda,” said Marine Brig. General Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesperson, referring to the Anakpawis group that was later found to be in possession of anti-government paraphernalia in food packs.

Adding that there is nothing wrong with helping needy kababayans, other well-meaning private individuals and corporations, he said, are heeding the government’s call to help our fellow Filipinos.

“But they do so with genuine desire to help. Nothing of this sort of effort of Anakpawis to distribute some goods loaded with anti-government propaganda materials,” he said.

Grand scheme

Meanwhile, a former member of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on Sunday said the incident unveils the communists’ plan of conducting political agitation during this time of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

“It appears now that the incident today in Norzagaray, Bulacan is part of a grand scheme of political agitation and inciting activities of the CPP-NPA-NDF (New People’s Army – National Democratic Front) through their scam operations packaged as ‘Sagip kanayunan, tulong sa masang Anakpawis’,” said alias Rolly, former CPP cadre.

Rolly said the anti-government propaganda materials hidden among the 50 relief food packs that were meant for distribution is Barangay Bigte, Norzagaray expose the communists’ nationwide grand scheme for their operational interventions in their so-called 'mass base areas' in the rural communities.

This, he said, aims to augment their efforts with their armed group, NPA.

“The CPP is mobilizing its 'legal organizations and alliances' to put up the masquerade activities,” he added.

He vowed to expose communist terrorist groups’ schemes to the public and forewarn local government units (LGUs) and security sector agencies.

“All these are geared towards their attacks on the efficiency and competence of President Rodrigo Duterte and the entire government,” he said

Rolly bared that in fact, CPP chairperson Joma Sison has already issued a directive to their 'legal operators' to endeavor alliance initiatives with different LGUs and local officials in order to link-up their schemes of political agitation using the platform issues of the Covid-19 crisis.

Meanwhile, Norzagaray police chief, Lt. Col. Jaime Quiocho, said one of the Anakpawis members arrested in a checkpoint at the boundary of Norzagaray and San Jose del Monte City in Bulacan at around 11 a.m. Sunday is a student of Polytechnic University of the Philippines.

Raymar Guaves, 21, of Bahay Toro, Project 8, Quezon City, and five others were held after failing to present pertinent quarantine travel passes when the public utility jeepney (PUJ) they were riding was flagged down in a checkpoint.

Guaves’ five companions were identified as Karl Mae San Juan, 29, of 58 Road F. Project 6, Quezon City; Marlon Lester Gueta, 26, of Chesnut St. Good Harvest Park Subdivision Barangay 172, 1422, Caloocan City; Robero Medel, PUJ driver, 52, of 65K 10th St. Kamias, Quezon City; Eriberto Peña Jr., 60, of Ricafort, Purok 08 Tingkong, Mangga, San Jose Del Monte City, Bulacan; and Tobi Estrada, 22, of 4B West Teachers Village, Malingap St., Quezon City.

Upon inspection of the jeep, Norzagaray police personnel manning the checkpoint found 50 food packs and anti-government materials including a tarpaulin with markings that read “SAGIP KANAYUNAN AND TULONG ANAKPAWIS”.

The group was reportedly bound for Kalye 11, Barangay Bigte, Norzagaray to distribute food packs containing rice with vitamin tablets, and hygiene kits, among others.

The relief packs were later turned over to Barangay Bigte officer in charge Rose Cappa.

Quiocho, in a telephone interview, said Gaves and his companions, who claimed to be just Anakpawis volunteers, were brought to the Regional Police Office (PRO) 3 in Camp Olivas, San Fernando, Pampanga where a case of violation of Bayanihan to Heal as One Act is being prepared against them.

President, on March 25, signed into law RA 11469 otherwise known as the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, which is valid for three months unless extended by Congress.

Section 6 of the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act lists down the penalties and violations of the law, including imprisonment of two months or a fine of P10,000 to P1 million or both.

According to Quiocho, PRO-3 Director, Brig. Gen Rodel Sermonia, lamented that behind the help extended by some groups like Anakpawis is the motive to lambaste the government.

Sermonia said this is instead the time to help all government agencies in fighting the dreaded Covid-19.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1100347

Soldiers turn over bodies of slain NPA rebels to Davao Oriental town government

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 19, 2020): Soldiers turn over bodies of slain NPA rebels to Davao Oriental town government (By: Orlando Dinoy)



The bodies of alleged NPA rebels killed in a clash in Davao Oriental town have been turned over to local authorities for identification by their next of kin. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO (By Eastmincom)

DIGOS CITY, Philippines –The Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) has turned over to the local government of Baganga town in Davao Oriental, the bodies of two alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who were killed in a clash with the military in Baganga town last week for identification by their relatives.

Lt. Col. Ezra Balagtey, spokesperson of Eastmincom, said the two rebels were killed in an encounter with troops of the 67th IB in Km 22, Sitio San Francisco of Campawan village in Baganga town on April 16.

“The troops retrieved (the body) from the encounter site, turned them over to the local government of Baganga to allow their families to claim and give them a decent burial,” Balagtey said in a statement.

The clash happened as Army soldiers were securing the distribution of aid to poor families who are affected by the lockdown enforced to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Another clash also happened between troops of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion and another group of NPA fighters in Sitio Mikit, San Martin village of Prosperidad town, Agusan del Sur at 6:35 a.m. on Friday, April 17, the military reported.

The troops were in the area to secure social welfare and development personnel who were about to distribute relief to the communities when soldiers ran into the rebels, resulting in a 30-minute firefight, said Major Gen. Jose C. Faustino Jr., Eastmincom commander.

After the clash, the NPA escaped, leaving behind an AK-47 rifle, two M16 rifles, an M203 grenade launcher, one M653 rifle, 10 backpacks, five ammunition bandoleers and radio equipment, which the soldiers seized.

There was no casualty reported on the government side.

Drones tapped to help enforce lockdown

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 19, 2020): Drones tapped to help enforce lockdown (By: Melvin Gascon)



MORE EYES ON THE ROAD Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, deputy chief for operations of the Philippine National Police, tests a drone on Edsa on Saturday as a tool for checking—and restricting—the number of vehicles on the streets while the Luzon lockdown remains in force. —MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

The government said on Saturday it would use smart technology, including the deployment of drones, in enforcing the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to stop the COVID-19 outbreak.

Police Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, Joint Task Force COVID Shield commander, said the use of drones for aerial reconnaissance was part of the technological advances the government is implementing as it cracks down on violators of the ECQ.

The state-of-the-art technology will allow the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to be better equipped as they prepare for either a selective or total lockdown, Eleazar said.


He said the centerpiece of the system was the mobile command center (MCC), a self-contained and integrated command and control vehicle.

The MCC, Eleazar said, would be manned by the PNP’s Highway Patrol Group to monitor and synchronize nationwide containment operations in “dedicated control points” in the country, but mainly in Metro Manila, the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1260981/drones-tapped-to-help-enforce-lockdown

Palace: Ceasefire extension with Reds up to task force, Duterte

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 19, 2020): Palace: Ceasefire extension with Reds up to task force, Duterte (By: Katrina Hallare)

The extension of the unilateral ceasefire between the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army can be discussed by the National Task Force on Ending Local Armed Conflict with President Rodrigo Duterte, Malacañang said Sunday.

“On whether the government would extend the unilateral ceasefire, this matter is something the National Task Force on Ending Local Armed Conflict can discuss with the President,”
Roque stated.


This comes after the CPP ordered NPA units to cease action against state government troops and extended their ceasefire until 11:59 p.m. of April 30, which is also the deadline of the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine.

“The call for peace is everyone’s desire and it has become more urgent in the present state of calamity and public health emergency,” Roque said.

Roque, however, added that he found it “unfortunate” that NPA members would violate their own declaration of a truce, citing the CPP’s earlier declaration of a ceasefire last March 25 so that the government can focus on the COVID-19 crisis.

“We find it, however, unfortunate that the members of the New People’s Army (NPA) themselves violated their own declaration of truce in the form of violent armed encounters with government troops. They even forcibly seized relief goods last April 7 intended for Barangay Guinmayohan residents in Balangiga, Eastern Samar, affected by COVID-19,”

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1261082/palace-on-extending-ceasefire-with-cpp-npa-up-to-natl-task-force-to-discuss-with-duterte

EASTMINCOM: Encounters erupt as troops secure SAP implementation: 2 NPAs killed, 11 Firearms captured

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Website (Apr 17, 2020): Encounters erupt as troops secure SAP implementation: 2 NPAs killed, 11 Firearms captured


NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - "Let us ensure that the implementation of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) will not be hampered and shall reach its intended recipients. Let us not be deceived by the Communist Terrorist Group's treacherous ceasefire declaration."This was the directive of MGen. Jose C. Faustino Jr., Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command after different units conducting security operations relative to the implementation of the SAP figured in different encounters over the previous days.

Early morning of April 17, 2020, at about 6:35 AM, elements from the 3rd Special Forces Battalion encountered about 30 New People’s Army in Sitio Mikit, San Martin Propseridad, Agusan del Sur while they were conducting a security patrol for the MSWD personnel of the said municipality. Prior reports stated that the members of the same group of NPA were planning to extort from the recipients of SAP.

The 30-minute skirmish resulted in the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, two M16-A1 Rifles with an M203 grenade launcher, one M653 rifle, 10 backpacks, 5 bandoleers with ammunition, and a commercial radio left by the NPAs after they scampered to different directions.

There were no reported casualties on the government side while bloodstains from an undetermined number of wounded NPAs were seen from the encounter site.

In a separate instance, patrolling troops from 67th Infantry Battalion while conducting security operations in preparation for the SAP distribution encountered NPAs noon of April 16, 2020 at vicinity KM22, So San Francisco, Brgy Campawan, Baganga, DOR.

Firefight lasted for about thirty minutes after which the NPA fled the encounter site leaving behind their two killed members; three AK47 rifles; one M16 rifle; three International Humanitarian Law banned landmines; and subversive documents.

Pursuing troops from the same unit reencountered the fleeing NPAs in Barangay Campawan, Baganga, Davao Oriental 9:30 in the morning of April 17, 2020. The running gun battle led to the capture of one AK 47 rifle and one M4 assault rifle left by the scampering NPAs.

The task to provide security and ensure the safety of the implementation of Social Amelioration Program was given to the military and police aside from the support being undertaken in the implementation of Community Quarantine of the different Local Government Units.

Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command. AFP

https://www.eastmincomafp.com.ph/2020/04/encounters-erupt-as-troops-secure-sap.html

CPP/NPA-Negros Island: Padayon nga Ipatuman ang Untat-lupok sa Padayon nga Pagpakig-away sa COVID-19 Pandemic

NPA-Negros Island propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 18, 2020): Padayon nga Ipatuman ang Untat-lupok sa Padayon nga Pagpakig-away sa COVID-19 Pandemic

DIONESIO MAGBUELAS
NPA-NEGROS ISLAND
MT. CANSERMON COMMAND
NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

APRIL 18, 2020



Untat-lupok! ang mabaskog nga ginamando sang Mount Cansermon Command New People’s Army sa South Central Negros Guerrilla Front sa tanan nga yunit sang NPA, yunit milisya kag iban pa nga yunit gerilya idalum sini nga kumand batok sa AFP, PNP, paramilitar kag iban pa nga makinaryas sang reaksyunaryong estado tubtob Abril 30 alas 11:59 sang gab-i.

Katuyuan sini ang padayon naton nga pagpukaw, pag-organisa kag pagpahulag sa masa agud pakig-awayan ang COVID-19 pandemic. Padayon nga maglunsar sang kampanya medikal kaangay sang sanitasyon-nutrisyon kag iban pa nga mga pamaagi sa pagpamulong agud maglikaw sa halit sang nasambit nga makamamatay nga COVID-19. Samtang ipadayon man ang paglunsar sang mga aksyon masa ilabe na ang hilikuton produksyon sa pagpatuhaw sang dugang nga mga pagkaon para sa pangmalawigon nga kinahanglanon sang pumuluyo.

Magpabilin man nga alerto ang NPA kag bug-os nga rebolusyonaryong hublag agud depensahan ang seguridad sang masa kag pangabuhian sini batok sa pagpang-atake militar sa aton teritoryo.

Lubos man ginakondenar sang MCC-NPA ang pasistang palayag ni Duterte nga magpatuman sang total lockdown katumbas sa pagpatuman sang Martial Law sa pungsodnon nga sakop.

Ang iya pagmando sa AFP, PNP kag iban pa nga pasistang makinaryas sini sa pagpangaman; ang pagkondisyon sa pumuluyong Pilipino sang lubos nga pagpatuman sang Martial Law sa pungsod. Tuyo sini nga ipiton ang mga kritiko kag nagahimakas nga mga pumuluyo sa pag-angkon sang ila mga demokratikong kinamatarung kag interes. Dugang pa, ang pagpahinabon sang iya kapalpakan kag kapaslawan sa pagpakig-away sa COVID-19 pandemic labi na ang malapit 5,000 nga direkta nga naapektahan sang sini nga sakit. Subong man ang indi alalangay nga pagsabat sa mga kinahanglanon sang ginkwarantina nga pumuluyo Pilipino.

Inutil kag desperado ang ini nga lihok sang rehimeng US-Duterte. Nagahublas ini sang matuod nga dagway sang tiraniko kag pasismo sang estado upod sa utok-pulbura nga mga heneral sang AFP, PNP kag iban pa nga mga militarista nga nakapwesto sa mga ahensya kag burukrasya sang gobyerno sa pagpanguna ni Pres. Rodrigo Duterte.

Isulong ang inaway banwa kag rumpagon ang inutil, pabaya, korap kag pasistang rehimeng US-Duterte! ###

https://cpp.ph/statement/padayon-nga-ipatuman-ang-untat-lupok-sa-padayon-nga-pagpakig-away-sa-covid-19-pandemic/

CPP-CC: Mando sa pagpalugway sa unilateral nga hunong-buto

CPP-CC propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 19, 2020): Mando sa pagpalugway sa unilateral nga hunong-buto

CENTRAL COMMITTEE
COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES
APRIL 19, 2020

Atubangan sa nagpadayon krisis panglawas tungod sa pandemyang Covid-19, gimando sa Komite Sentral sa Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas sa tanang kumand ug yunit sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB) ug sa milisyang bayan ang pagpalugway sa nasudnong hunong-buto hangtud 11:59 sa gabii sa 30 Abril 2020.

Ginamandoan ang mga yunit sa hukbong bayan ug milisyang bayan nga padayong molikay ug temporaryong ihunong ang paglunsad og mga opensibang aksyong militar batok sa mga armadong yunit ug ginsakpan sa Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police ug uban pang grupong paramilitar ug armado nga kaabin sa Gubyerno ng Republika ng Pilipinas (GRP).

Tumong sa gipalugway nga nasudnong hunong-buto ang pagsiguro sa paspas ug walay babag nga pag-abot sa tanang katawhang nanginahanglan sa hinanaling tabang, suporta ug lakang medikal, panglawas ug panginabuhian atubangan sa grabeng pangpublikong kapit-os tungod sa kasamtangang pangkalibutanong pandemyang Covid-19. Kinahanglang hatagan og prayoridad ang pagbatok sa pandemya ug ang pagsiguro sa kaluwasan, kahimsog ug kaayuhan sa tanan.

Ang mga rebolusyonaryong pwersa sa ingon niining kahimtang padayong andam nga makigtinabangay sa uban pang pwersa ug elemento alang sa maong mga tumong.

Ang maong kamandoan nagasuporta usab sa dungganon nga panawagan sa United Nations alang sa “global ceasefire” aron ikonsentra sa tanan ang mga rekurso aron atubangon ang kasamtangang krisis sa panglawas.

Kalabot niini, gisubli usab sa Partido ug NDFP ang panawagan alang hustisya ug ang hinanaling pagpagawas sa tanang bilanggong pulitikal ug ang pagdeklara sa pangkinatibuk-ang amnestiya. Padayon usab nga gitinguha sa Partido ang subling pagpadayon sa panaghisgot pangkalinaw tali sa NDFP ug GRP.

Gidayeg sa Komite Sentral ang mga yunit sa hukbong bayan ug milisyang bayan sa disiplinadong pagpatuman sa hunong-buto ug paghatag og prayoridad sa kampanyang anti-Covid-19 luyo sa mga kalisdanan ug peligrong gibunga sa padayon nga okupasyon sa mga tropang pangkombat sa AFP sa mga sona ug baseng gerilya, padayon nga malukpanon ug subsub nga mga operasyong paniktik ug saywar, ug mga pagpangatake sa mga tropang pangkombat sa AFP sa mga yunit sa BHB nga ilang nakaplagan. Pipila sa nahitabong panagsangka nga ginapagawas sa AFP nga paglapas sa BHB sa hunong-buto pulos bunga sa opensibang aksyon sa mga tropa sa AFP.

Sa panahon sa hunong-buto, kinahanglang hugot nga ilimita sa mga yunit sa BHB ang ilang kaugalingon sa mga operasyon sa aktibong depensa nga pagahimuon lamang atubangan sa tin-aw nga hulga ug aktwal nga armadong pagpangatake sa pwersang kaaway.

Kinahanglang mantinahon sa BHB ug mga rebolusyonaryong pwersa ang pinakahugot nga pagsikreto sa ilang kalihukan ug pag-atiman sa seguridad tungod kay mas gipasubsub pa sa AFP ang mga operasyong paniktik ug walay ulaw nga ginaatake ang namatikdang mga yunit sa BHB. Kinahanglang kanunay usab nga ipabilin ang pinakahugot nga pagbantay batok sa surprisa ug maluibon nga dinagkung pagpangatake sa pasistang rehimen sa mga rebolusyonaryong pwersa ug katawhan.

Usa sa lig-on nga indikasyon sa hulga sa pasistang pakana ang nagapadayon ug subsub nga drone surveillance sa lain-laing bahin sa kabanikanhan; walay-hunong nga mga operasyong RCSP sama sa mass surveillance, profiling, Red tagging ug saywar sa mga baryong pokus sa atake sa AFP; ug ang tinuyung dili pagtandog sa dakung badyet sa paniktik, operasyong militar ug pagpalit og armas ug kahimanang militar taliwala grabeng kakulangon sa pondo ug rekurso alang sa pagbatok sa epidemya ug pag-ayuda sa mga natanggung sa lockdown.

Tanang yunit sa Partido, hukbong bayan ug mga rebolusyonaryong organisasyong masa kinahanglang padayon nga hustong mosubaybay sa mga pag-atake ug uban pang pappangatake ug probokatibong lihok sa mga yunit ug tropa sa AFP-PNP-CAFGU. Kinahanglang untup sa panahon ug ditalyado kining itaho sa mga nahitaas nga nangulong komite sa Partido ug kumand sa hukbong bayan, ug ibutyag gilayon sa publiko.

https://cpp.ph/statement/mando-sa-pagpalugway-sa-unilateral-nga-hunong-buto/

CPP-CC: Mandu sa Pagpalawig sang unilateral nga untat-lupok

CPP-CC propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 19, 2020): Mandu sa Pagpalawig sang unilateral nga untat-lupok

CENTRAL COMMITTEE
COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES
APRIL 19, 2020

Sa atubang sang nagapadayon nga krisis sa ikaayong lawas bunga sang pandemik nga Covid-19, ginamandu sang Komite Sentral sang Partido Komunista sang Pilipinas sa tanan nga kumand kag yunit sang Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB) kag sang milisyang bayan ang pagpalawig sang pungsodnon nga untat-lupok tubtub 11:59 sang gab-i sang Abril 30, 2020.

Ginamanduan ang mga yunit sang hangaway sang banwa kag milisyang bayan nga padayon nga maglikaw kag mag-untat sa paghimo sang mga opensiba nga aksyon militar batuk sa mga armado nga yunit kag tinawo sang Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police kag iban pa nga mga grupo sang paramilitar kag armado nga katapu sang Gubyerno sang Republika sang Pilipinas (GRP).

Katuyuan sang ginpalawig nga pungsodnon nga untat-lupok amo ang pagpat-ud sa madasig kag wala-sablag nga paglab-ot sa tanan nga pumuluyo nga nagakinahanglan sang gilayon nga bulig, suporta kag tikang medikal, ikaayong lawas kag pangabuhian sa atubang sang malala nga emerhensya pangpubliko bunga sang subong nga pangkalibutanon nga pandemik nga Covid-19. Dapat nga ipauna ang pagbato sa pandemik kag ang pagsiguro sa kaluwasan, ikaayong lawas kag kaayuhan sang tanan.

Ang mga rebolusyonaryo nga pwersa sa sini nga kahimtangan padayon nga nakahanda nga makigbuligay sa iban pa nga pwersa kag elemento para sa mga katuyuan nga ini.

Ang mandu nga ini para palawigon ang untat-lupok pagsuporta man sa nagapadayon nga panawagan sang United Nations para sa “global ceasefire” agud makonsentrar sang tanan ang mga resorsa para atubangon ang subong nga krisis sa ikaayong lawas.

Sandig diri, ginaliwat sang Partido kag NDFP ang panawagan sa ngalan sang hustisya kag hugot nga kakinahanglanon para sa paghilway sa tanan nga bilanggo pulitikal kag ang pagdeklarar sang pangkabilugan nga amnestiya. Padayon man nga ginahandum sang Partido ang liwat nga pagpadayon sang sugilanon pangkalinungan sa tunga sang NDFP kag GRP.

Ginadayaw sang Komite Sentral ang mga yunit sang hangaway sang banwa kag milisyang bayan sa disiplinado nga pagsunod sa mandu nga untat-lupok kag pagsaylo sang prayoridad sa kampanya anti-Covid-19 sa pihak sang mga kabudlayan kag peligro nga dulot sang padayon nga okupasyon sang mga tropa pangkombat sang AFP sa mga sona kag baseng gerilya, padayon nga malaparan kag maigting nga mga operasyon paniktik kag saywar, kag mga pag-atake sang mga tropa pangkombat sang AFP sa mga yunit sang BHB nga ila namutikan. Ang pila nga natabo nga inaway nga ginapagwa sang AFP nga paglapas sang BHB sa untat-lupok lunsay bunga sang opensiba nga aksyon sang mga tropa sang AFP.

Sa panahon sang untat-lupok, dapat hugot nga ilimita sang mga yunit sang BHB ang ila kaugalingon sa mga operasyon sang aktibo nga depensa nga tigayunon lang sa atubang sang maathag kag nagahana nga katalagman kag aktwal nga mga armado nga pag-atake sang pwersa sang kaaway.

Dapat mentinahon sang BHB kag mga rebolusyonaryo nga pwersa ang pinakahugot nga sikreto nga paghulag kag pag-amlig sa seguridad bangud mas ginapaigting pa sang AFP ang mga operasyon paniktik kag aktibo nga ginaatake ang mamutikan nga mga yunit sang BHB. Dapat man nga ipabilin pirme ang pinakahugot nga pagpamatyag batuk sa sorpresa kag patraidor nga malaparan nga pag-atake sang pasista nga rehimen sa mga rebolusyonaryo nga pwersa kag pumuluyo.

Mabakod nga indikasyon sang pamahug sang pasista nga padihot ang nagapadayon nga maikit nga drone surveillance sa nagkalainlain nga bahin sang kaumhan; wala untat nga mga operasyon RCSP pareho sang mass surveillance, profiling, Red-tagging kag saywar sa mga baryo nga pokus sang atake sang AFP, kag ang hungod nga indi pagtandog sa higante nga badyet sa paniktik, operasyon militar kag pagpamakal sang armas kag kagamitan militar sa pihak sang tuman nga kakulangon sang pondo kag resorsa para sa pagbato sa epidemya kag pag-ayuda sa mga naipit sa lockdown.

Tanan nga yunit sang Partido, hangaway sang banwa kag mga rebolusyonaryo nga organisasyong masa dapat padayon nga maid-id nga magbantay sa mga pag-atake kag iban pa nga opensibo kag probokatibo nga hulag sang mga yunit kag tropa sang AFP-PNP-CAFGU. Dapat maabtik kag detalyado nga ireport ang mga ini sa mga mas mataas nga nagapamuno nga komite sang Partido kag kumand sang hangaway sang banwa, kag maabtik nga ibuyagyag sa publiko. #

https://cpp.ph/statement/mandu-sa-pagpalawig-sang-unilateral-nga-untat-lupok/

CPP/News: Press Release | Soldiers steal and butcher resident’s cow in Abra, raze forest

Propaganda news article posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 20, 2020): Press Release | Soldiers steal and butcher resident’s cow in Abra, raze forest



Troopers of the Charlie Company of the 24th and 69th Infantry Battalions stole a resident’s cow in Barangay Guinguinabang, Lacub, Abra, late last month. The New People’s Army (NPA)-Abra disclosed in a report on Sunday that the soldiers butchered and ate the cow in Barangay Buneg, in Mt. Bumarayon.

Before the incident, the thieves ransacked the quarters of small-scale farmers in the same village and stole their personal belongings. The soldiers also burned their mining equipment. Similarly, the troopers razed a large portion portion of the forest between the towns of Lacub and Malicbong, damaging even the reactionary governemnt’s National Greening Program nursery.

Meanwhile, farmers and minorities from at least seven villages in Malibcong have been complaining over military patrols regularly conducted at night by the Bravo Company of the same battalions, depriving residents of sleep. The military has been conducting counter-insurgency operations in barangays Lat-ey, Buanao, Umnap, Mataragan, Gacab, Duldulao and Poblacion since the first week of March.

Under the guise of containing Covid-19, the military has been operating in the towns of Lacub, Malicbong, Tubo, Pilar Villaviciosa and Luba, covering at least 13 villages. Residents are restricted from going to their farmlands resulting in large output losses.

https://cpp.ph/statement/soldiers-steal-and-butcher-residents-cow-in-abra-raze-forest/

CPP-CIO: On the arrest of Rep. Casilao and activists performing Covid-19 relief work

CPP-CIO propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 20, 2020): On the arrest of Rep. Casilao and activists performing Covid-19 relief work

MARCO VALBUENA
CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER (CIO)
COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES
APRIL 20, 2020



The Communist Party of the Philippines denounces the arrest yesterday of former Anakpawis Rep. Ariel Casilao and twelve other volunteers and residents by elements of the Philippine National Police in Norzagaray, Bulacan.

The arrest shows the Duterte regime’s perverse priorities even amid the pandemic and utter contempt for the plight of the Filipino people. Instead of focusing on efforts to ensure the welfare of the people suffering under the restrictive lockdown, it has intensified the fascist clampdown against activists even when they are conducting relief work.

The arrest of the activists is clearly the handiwork of Duterte’s military-led National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), which is also the real core behind his Covid-19 Inter-Agency Task Force. The one-track minded militarists are anti-democratic zealots who want every aspect of society under the control of the military and are intolerant of people’s initiatives. These are the same generals who have criminally bungled the Philippines’ anti-Covid response due to their ineptness, inefficiency and fascist mindset.

Casilao and five other volunteers were set to deliver relief goods to farmers when they were apprehended at a checkpoint at 10:15 a.m. They were brought to the Norzagaray police station, along with seven residents who were supposed to receive aid, and were detained there for two hours. There were then brought to the Bulacan Police Provincial Office in Malolos where they are being held until today.

https://cpp.ph/statement/on-the-arrest-of-rep-casilao-and-activists-performing-covid-19-relief-work/

CPP/NDF-RCTU: Militaristang katangian ng rehimeng US-Duterte, wakasan na! Pagpapahirap sa sambayanang Pilipino, tama na!

NDF-RCTU propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 20, 2020): Militaristang katangian ng rehimeng US-Duterte, wakasan na! Pagpapahirap sa sambayanang Pilipino, tama na!

FORTUNATO MAGTANGGOL
RCTU-ST
REVOLUTIONARY COUNCIL OF TRADE UNIONS
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

APRIL 20, 2020

LANTAD NA ang rehimeng US Duterte sa pagiging inutil, korap, pahirap, pasista, kriminal at pabaya sa kagalingan ng mamamayang Pilipino. Hindi kayang pagtakpan ng kanyang mga alipores at tagapagsalita ang kapalpakan at mabagal pa sa usad kuhol na pagresolba ni Duterte sa kasalukuyang pananalasa ng nakamamatay na pandemyang Covid-19, kahit pa nga pinalitan ng oportunistang si Atty. Harry Roque ang gasgas na bolerong si Salvador Panelo. Sa kasalukuyan, patuloy pa sa pagtaas ang bilang ng mga may kaso ng Covid-19 sa bansa na umabot na sa 6,087 cases, pagkamatay ng 397 habang 516 ang nakarekober. Umabot na rin sa 776 ang mga medical frontliners na nagkasakit at 22 ang namatay dulot ng bayrus dahil sa malaking kakulangan ng gobyerno para pangalagaan ang kanilang kaligtasan.

Hindi huhupa, bagkus ay papataas pa ang mga bilang na ito dahil wala namang komprehensibong plano ang gobyernong Duterte para agarang masugpo ang nakamamatay na bayrus. Sa nakalipas na 3 buwan, hindi pa nagkakaroon ng malawakang testing para alamin kung sino ang mga may sakit o nahawahan ng bayrus na Covid-19. Katunayan, naka-ilang pagbabago na ng takdang araw kung kailan sisimulan ng DOH ang “massive” testing sa mga kinokonsider nilang probable at suspect na may sakit. Wala ding planong magkaroon ng testing para sa contact tracing sa mga komunidad na relatibong may malaking bilang ng populasyon at hindi pa rin nakahanda ang mga pasilidad, medical personnel at mga kagamitang medikal na magagamit sana para sa paglaban sa pandemik na Covid-19.

Hindi na rin kayang pagtakpan ni Duterte ang namumuo at tumatalim na hidwaan sa kanyang mga gabinete, tuloy-tuloy ang bangayan sa pagitan ng mga nasa militaristang bloke laban sa mga ekonomista at panig sa malalaking negosyante. Dahil sa tunggaliang ito, napilitang magbitiw sa posisyon si NEDA chief Ernesto Pernia na nagtutulak na tapusin na ang nagaganap na “Lockdown” o Enhanced Community Quarantine dahil sa malakihang pagkalugi ng mga negosyante at pagbagsak ng ekonomiya ng bansa. Sa kabilang banda, ang mga alipures naman ni Duterte sa rubber stamp na Senado ay naglabas ng isang resolusyong humihiling na magbitiw na sa kagyat si DOH Sec. Francisco Duque dahil sa kanyang kapalpakan sa pagsugpo at paglutas sa mabilis na pagkalat ng impeksyon ng Covid-19.

Malinaw na pagliligtas ito sa mabaho na at umaalingasaw na imahe at reputasyon ni Duterte! Ang mabilis at sistematikong aksyon ng mga alipures ni Duterte na kagyat na humanap ng pwedeng masisi upang pagtakpan ang kapalpakan, kabagalan at kriminal na kapabayaan ng gobyerno ay pagsasalba sa mabilis na pagkalantad at pagkabulok ng rehimeng US-Duterte. Ang mga gabinete ay alter ego lamang ng pangulo kaya ibig sabihin, sumusunod lamang sila sa kagustuhan at utos ni Duterte. Malinaw kung gayon kung sino ang pangunahing may kasalanan at dapat magbitiw o patalsikin sa pwesto—walang iba kundi si Duterte mismo.

Sa kabilang banda, naghuhugas-kamay din ang Senado sa sariling kasalanan at kapalpakan sa niratsadang pagkapasa ng BAHO-A o Bayanihan to Heal as One Act (RA11469) na lalong nagdulot ng matinding kahirapan, kagutuman, panunupil at kamatayan sa mamamayan.

ISANG MALAKING KALAMIDAD na tumama sa bansa ang rehimeng US-Duterte dahil ‘di hamak na mas marami ang bilang ng pinaslang, pinahirapan at sinupil ng BAYRUS sa MALACAÑANG kumpara sa Covid-19.

Kitang-kita ang militaristang katangian ng rehimeng US-Duterte. Umabot sa minimum na 52 ang mga dating AFP at PNP opisyal na nakaupo sa gabinete at iba pang departamento ng gobyerno, hindi pa kasama dito ang mga inilagay nya sa mga posisyon sa pangrehiyong pamamahala gaya ng ARMM at iba pa. Sampu (10) dito ay nasa antas ng gabinete at ang 42 ay matatagpuan sa ibat-ibang departamento at institusyon ng gobyerno na may malalaking pondo bilang suhol sa kanila para maging sunod-sunuran sa kagustuhan ni Duterte.

Para mas patindihin ang panunupil at unti-unting pagpatay sa mga Pilipino, binalangkas ni Duterte, katuwang ang kanyang military inner circle na sina Gen. Lorenzana-Esperon-Año-Galvez at iba pang utak-pulbura sa kanyang gobyerno ang anti-mamamayang EO 70, NTF-ELCAC at Oplan Kapanatagan na may hungkag na panaginip na wakasan ang CPP-NPA-NDF at armadong tunggalian sa bansa. Dahil dito, mabilis na tumaas ang bilang ng nakararanas ng panunupil at karahasan.

Ayon sa Karapatan Monitor (June2016-July2019) may 266 biktima ng ekstra hudisyal na pagpatay (EJK) sa mga aktibista’t progresibo, 404 bigong EJK, 593 iligal na inaresto’t ikinulong, 1,850 iligal na pag-aresto na walang detention sa mga lider masa at kasapian ng mga progresibong organisasyon. Nagpapatuloy din ang pagtaas ng bilang ng mga katutubo, magsasaka at manggagawang nakararanas ng matinding panunupil, karahasan, intimidasyon, hamleting, panggigipit at pagpaslang. Pinalakas din ni Duterte ang Inter-Agency Committee on Legal Action (IACLA), pinangungunahan ito ng AFP at PNP na ang pangunahing layunin ay malawakang magsampa ng mga gawa-gawang kaso laban sa mga aktibista at kritiko ni Duterte.

Kaliwa’t kanan ang paglabag sa karapatang pantao ng mga sundalo at kapulisan sa kanayunan at sa malalayong barangay. Gamit ang kamay na bakal, pinagbabawalan nila ang mga magsasaka na makapagsaka at makapunta sa kanilang mga bukirin at kaingin. Samantala, habang walang bantay ay sinisira nila at ninanakaw ang mga pananim at mga alagang hayop ng mga magsasaka. Mas masahol, malawakang pinapalayas sa mga lupaing ninuno at lupang agrikultural ang mga katutubo at magsasaka upang pagtayuan ng mga dam, minahan, plantasyon, negosyo at eko-turismo. Para sila mapalayas, malawakang isinasagawa ang walang habas na pamamaril sa mga kabahayan (8,480 biktima) at malawakang pagsasagawa ng aerial bombing at bombardment ng 105mm howitzer na nagdisloka’t puminsala sa kabuhayan ng 369,856 mamamayan.

Kahit sa gitna ng pagpapatupad ng Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), walang kahihiyang nagbabahay-bahay ang mga elemento ng Police Regional Office 4A(PRO4A) at AFP-SOLCOM sa mga lider manggagawa sa mga pagawaan sa Santa Rosa City, Laguna katuwang ang kanilang asset at bayarang si Rey Medellin, kinakausap ang mga lider at pamilya nila, tinatakot, pinapasuko at binabantaan dahil mga kasapi daw ng NPA at kapag hindi sumuko ay may mangyayari sa kanila at sa pamilya nila.

Sa kabilang banda, umabot na sa mahigit 30,000 ang pinapatay simula noong 2016 dahil sa inilunsad na war on drugs ni Duterte na ang karamihang biktima ay mga mahihirap na pinagbintangang sangkot sa iligal na droga. Hanggang sa kasalukuyan ay ipinatutupad ang malawakang pagpatay gamit ang Retooled Oplan Tokhang. Walang takot at kahit na katanghaliang tapat ay ginagawa ang pagpaslang sa mga lansangan, komunidad ng maralita at sa mismong mga bahay na ang pangunahing target ay ang mga maliliit na tao o maralitang pinaghihinalaang nagumon sa bawal na gamot.

Samantala, mabibilang sa daliri ang mga pinapatay o di kaya ay hinuhuling malalaking isda o mga drug lord, habang ang mga dati nang nakakulong na mga druglord sa National Bilibid Prison (NBP) ay binibigyan ng ibat-ibang mga prebilehiyo para maipagpatuloy ang kanilang mga iligal na transaksyon sa droga. Pinakawalan din si Peter Lim, isa sa kaibigan at alyado ni Duterte na pinaghihinalaang druglord matapos na bumisita sa Malacañang. Ginagamit din itong palabigasan ng mga kapulisan dahil sa kada mahuhuli ay pwersahang kinukunan nila ng P30k – P35K para makalaya ang mga biktima.

Pagpapasahol pa ng militaristang katangian gamit ang ECQ/Lockdown, pagmasaker sa kabuhayan at trabaho ng mga manggagawa at maralita

Kahapon ay ipinangalandakan na naman ni Duterte na ipapataw nya ang martial rule sa pagpapatupad ng Enhanced Community Quarantine kapag hindi sumunod sa ECQ ang mga tao at nagpatuloy pa ring tumataas ang bilang ng mga nahahawa at namamatay sa sakit ng Covid-19. Ipinagsigawan din ng kanyang recycled na tagapagsalita na si Atty. Harry Roque ang pagsisi sa mga tao kaya lumalala ang kondisyon ng pandemyang Covid-19, na sa esensya inaabswelto ang rehimeng US-Duterte na sagad-sa-buto ang kakuparan at kriminal na kapabayaan.

Dahil sa pagsasabatas ng BAHO-A (Bayanihan Heal as One Act), mas lalong nabigyan ng ngipin ang ipinatutupad na militaristang lockdown ng gobyernong Duterte. Ito ang naging mayor na dahilan ng pagmasaker sa mga trabaho’t kabuhayan, paglaganap ng matinding kagutuman, panunupil at paglabag sa karapatang pantao gaya ng right to movement, freedom of speech & expression at right to life ng mga Pilipino.

Maliban sa mas pahihigpiitin ang paggamit sa kamay na bakal o martial rule sa pagpapatupad ng ECQ, gagamitin na rin ang buong lakas ng military intelligence at CIDG para sa contact tracing na kagaya ng ginawa ni Mayor (Ret Gen.) Magalong sa Baguio City. Ituturing din ng kapulisan na kriminal ang mga bikima ng Covid-19 kapag di nila sinabi na sila’y positibo o nakakaranas ng sintomas ng bayrus kahit pa ang dahilan lamang ay ang pagkahiya o pagkatakot sa mararanasang diskriminasyon sa publiko.

Dahil sa ECQ o LOCKDOWN, lumaganap ang pagmasaker sa mga trabaho at kabuhayan ng mga maggagawa at maralita. Sa formal sector, umabot sa 1,049,649 ang apektadong manggagawa na nawalan ng trabaho/nagpatupad ng flexible work arrangement sa buong Luzon, habang sa rehiyon ng Timog Katagalugan ay aabot sa 129,899 manggagawa (MIMAROPA-30,721 at Calabarzon-99,178) ang apektado. Sa Calabarzon pa lamang na may 99,178 apektadong manggagawa na, kung ating kukwentahin ito sa P400 kada araw na sahod sa 26 araw (1 month), may nawawalang sahod sa mga manggagawa na aabot sa mahigit sa P1 Bilyon sa loob ng isang buwan.

Kung tutuusin, ang minimum na sahod na P10,400.00 kada buwan ng isang manggagawa ay kulang na kulang pa sa batayang pangangailangan ng isang pamilyang may 5 miyembro, pero ang mas nakakagalit ay ang lubusang alisin sa isang pamilya ng manggagawa sa rehiyon ang perang kinita sana nya kung hindi sa LOCKDOWN na dapat sana ay para sa pagkain at pangangilangan ng kanilang pamilya. Mumo lamang ang P5,000- P8,000 na consuelo de bobo na ayuda na ipinagyabang ni Duterte sa mga biktima ng ECQ. Hindi lahat ng mga manggagawang apektado ng lockdown ay nakakuha nito, katunayan aabot lamang sa 29,000 ang nabigyan ng DOLE CAMP na nagkakahalaga ng P6,500 kada manggagawa sa CALABARZON at P5,000 naman sa MIMAROPA.

Milyong mamamayan din ang nawalan ng kabuhayan mula sa informal na paggawa, maralitang lunsod, mga maliliit na negosyo, mga magsasaka at mangingisda. Hindi sapat ang P5,000 ipinamimigay mula sa DSWD at DAR, kulang na kulang ito sa batayang pangangailangan ng mga pamilya nila. Habang patuloy na minamasaker ng rehimeng Duterte ang trabaho at kabuhayan ng mga manggagawa, magsasaka at maralita, hayagang kinukurakot ng pangkating Duterte ang pondo ng bayan.

Mabilis na kumukulo ang napipintong pagsabog ng galit ng mamamayan laban sa isang pasista, korap, pabaya, pahirap at mamamatay-taong rehimeng US-Duterte. Kinakailangang kagyat na pangunahan ng mga manggagawa ang pagmumulat, pagpapakilos at pag-oorganisa hindi lamang sa kanilang sariling hanay kundi sa lahat ng sektor at aping uri ng lipunan. Kailangang puspusang labanan at talunin ang pananalasa ng BAYRUS na Covid-19 at ang mas matinding pananalasa ng mamamatay taong BAYRUS SA MALACAÑANG na pumatay na at papatay pa ng libo-libong mamamayang Pilipino!

SINGILIN ANG KRIMINAL NA PANANAGUTAN AT PABAGSAKIN ANG REHIMENG US-DUTERTE!

MABUHAY ANG RCTU-NDF-ST!

MABUHAY ANG CPP-NPA-NDF!!

MABUHAY ANG REBOLUSYONG PILIPINO!!!

https://cpp.ph/statement/militaristang-katangian-ng-rehimeng-us-duterte-wakasan-na-pagpapahirap-sa-sambayanang-pilipino-tama-na/

Kalinaw News: Captured individual in Miagao encounter is NPA, says Army Commander

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 19, 2020): Captured individual in Miagao encounter is NPA, says Army Commander (By 3rd Infantry Division)



CAMP HERNANDEZ, Dingle, Iloilo- The Philippine Army’s 301st Infantry (Bayanihan) Brigade identified the captured individual from the recent encounter at So. Anoy, Brgy Cabalaunan, Miagao, Iloilo as regular member of the communist terrorist group.

During the encounter yesterday, April 18, Army troops captured Eleven individuals, Five of them are minors. A certain ROMEO ESMEDIANA alias TOTO/MILLER/JOY is NPA and was also confirmed by a rebel returnee who used to be his former comrade.

Verification process of the identity of the 10 others is still on going. Col Marion R Sison, Commander, 301st Infantry (Bayanihan) Brigade said that after the encounter, these CTGs are preparing to blend in the community as one of their tactics to avoid further apprehension.

Col Marion R Sison, Commander, 301st Infantry (Bayanihan) Brigade said that after the encounter, these CTGs are preparing to blend in the community as one of their tactics to avoid further apprehension.

“The communist terrorist group is using minors as their combatants, this is not new to us since we all know that the communist terrorist group is focusing on recruiting minors not only here in Panay but nationwide and I am very much disappointed knowing that they are blatantly violating and destroying the future of these children. Using minors to wage the armed struggle is a serious offense of the NPAs, and it is very alarming.

It is a clear violation of Rule 136 of the International Humanitarian Law which prohibits the recruitment of minors by any armed groups involved in hostilities. I encourage parents to guide your children and help your Philippine Army stop the recruitment activities of the communist-terrorist group targeting minors”. Col Sison added.

[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/captured-individual-in-miagao-encounter-is-npa-says-army-commander/

Kalinaw News: AFP Mobile Kitchen to provide free meals to homeless amid ECQ

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 19, 2020): AFP Mobile Kitchen to provide free meals to homeless amid ECQ (By Kalinaw News)



CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – In support of the overall government effort to assist citizens during the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in Luzon, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will utilize its Mobile Kitchen to provide hot meals to the homeless and street dwellers in Quezon City.

Under the “Kapwa Ko, Sagot Ko” Campaign, around 3,000 disadvantaged individuals and families will be given free hot meals once a day starting April 20 and will go on for a couple of days. Purok 1, 2 and 3, of Barangay Tatalon, Quezon City will be the pilot project site for the activity before possibly shifting to other adjacent communities.

The provision of meals through the AFP Mobile Kitchen follows ECQ protocols which limit civilian movements and activities outside their residences. Other identified beneficiaries include stranded workers or students receiving little or no support, informal settlers and families in depressed communities.

During the activity, culinary trained soldiers will be deployed onboard two (2) military kitchen trucks tagged as “Vessels of Blessings”. They will prepare the meals every day while support personnel will deliver them to designated drop-off points.

The campaign is being implemented by the Civil Relations Service AFP (CRSAFP) led by its Commander, Major General Ernesto Torres Jr. It tapped the help of partner stakeholders and donors in order to enliven the “Bayanihan” spirit amidst the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

The AFP will continue to partner with well-meaning individuals, organizations and companies to sustain this noble initiative for our citizens. Those who wish to contribute and be part of “Kapwa Ko, Sagot Ko” Campaign whether through the use of military resources or donations, may coordinate with the CRSAFP. (Photos from Civil Relations Service, AFP)

[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]

Kalinaw News: Government Troops in Another Clash with CTG in Masbate

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 19, 2020): Government Troops in Another Clash with CTG in Masbate (By 9th Infantry Division)



CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur- Another clash between the government troops and the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) broke out in Barangay Salvacion, San Fernando, Masbate at around 12:30 in the afternoon, Sunday, April 19.

Joint elements of 2nd Infantry Battalion (2IB) and the PNP were conducting security operations in response to a report about the CTG’s formation allegedly to plan out an attack to the community and the government troops when they encountered at least 30 communist terrorists.

Firefight lasted for one hour before the enemies scampered towards different directions.

One military personnel was killed while the casualty in the enemies side is still undetermined.

Three m16 rifles , two M4 rifles, one baby armalite, one m203 grenade launcher, six anti-personnel land mines, various ammunitions, magazines, communication equipment and other subsersive supplies were recovered from the gunbattle site.

Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB) under MGEN FERNANDO T TRINIDAD AFP commended the troops for preventing again the evil intent of the CTG and expressed his gratitude to the concerned people in the community who reported the presence of the armed group.

Gen. Trinidad reassured the Bicolanos that the army in Bicol will not ever let its guards down and will continue to press those CTG members who are still insisting to sabotage the peace and security in the region amid COVID fight.

Furthermore, JTFB is always open and ready to extend its arms and help-benefits to the CTG members who already realized that their cause is hopeless and decided to go back to the folds of the law and reunite with their families.

[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]

Kalinaw News: Army, NPA Clash in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 19, 2020): Army, NPA Clash in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental (By 3rd Infantry Division)



CAMP GERONA, Murcia, Negros Occidental – Three (3) soldiers were killed and four (4) others were wounded when troops from the 94th Infantry Battalion encountered undetermined number of NPA terrorists in Brgy Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental at 10 A.M. today, April 19, 2020.

The troops were conducting community security patrol in connection with the distribution of Socail Amelioration Program (SAP) of DSWD to support the affected families due to COVID-19 pandemic disease in the nearby barangay. They received series of reports regarding the presence of armed group who were conducting extortion activities in the communities forcing the people to give money and rice.

According to 303rd Infantry Brigade Commander Colonel Inocencio I Pasaporte, the soldiers were close in getting the NPA terrorist group when an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded and hand grenades were thrown inflicting immediate casualties among the soldiers. A 30-minute firefight ensued after the explosion.

“The soldiers are still pursuing the NPAs terrorist who were seen dragging their dead and wounded comrades,” said Colonel Pasaporte

A Lieutenant and a soldier died during the fierce firefight while another expired while being evacuated. Military choppers were sent to evacuate the wounded soldiers who are now recuperating in a hospital in Bacolod City. Their names are still withheld until such time that their families are informed.

“We express our deepest sympathy to the families of our hero-soldiers who died fighting for the peace in Negros Island,” said Colonel Pasaporte. He added that the Army will heighten its operations to capture the NPA terrorist and stop them from sowing fear in the communities.

[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]

Kalinaw News: Sahiron’s kin neutralized in pursuit operation in Sulu

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 19, 2020): Sahiron’s kin neutralized in pursuit operation in Sulu (By 11th Infantry Division)



The grandson of Abu Sayyaf Group leader Radullan Sahiron was killed in a pursuit operation launched by the military in Sulu.

Acting on a reliable information, troops of the Joint Task Force Sulu conducted pursuit operation to intercept two ASG members onboard a motorcycle in Barangay Bilaan, Talipao, Sulu at 9:45pm of April 18.

Troops were then fired upon by the two which forced the soldiers to retaliate and pursue the fleeing abus.

While still in pursuit, troops recovered the remains of one of the abus left laying dead by his comrade in Barangay Lambana.

Neutralized abu was identified as a.k.a. Vikram.

“Vikram is an IED maker and involved during the Jolo Cathedral and 1st Brigade Combat Team bombings,” said Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Joint Task Force Sulu commander.

“He was also involved in the encounter with the 21st Infantry Battalion,” Maj. Vinluan added.

No soldier was harmed during the operation.

“Then again, this successful operation proves that the direct involvement of the communities would put up pressure on the abus and constrict their movements as well,” said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, WestMinCom commander.

“May you continue to feed us with reliable information as we beef up our operations to run down terror groups and end discord and instability in our area of operation,” Lt. Gen. Sobejana added.

The cadaver of the neutralized abu was brought to Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital for proper disposition.

[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]

Kalinaw News: Soldiers and Police Capture NPA Leader in Mindoro

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 19, 2020): Soldiers and Police Capture NPA Leader in Mindoro (By 2nd Infantry Division)



CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal — A leader of the NPA terrorists was captured after a 10-minute firefight against joint AFP and PNP forces at Gloria, Oriental Mindoro at around 10:30 a.m. Friday.

The government forces also recovered one M16 rifle, one Cal .45 pistol, hand grenade, ammunition, IED components, personal effects and enemy documents with high intelligence value when the encounter at Brgy Buong Lupa was over.

According to the military, the combined forces of soldiers and policemen were able to track and engage the NPA terrorists through information given by the locals that a group of NPAs were extorting and coercing them to “share” the DSWD’s social amelioration program and 4Ps cash aid distribution following the implementation of the Enhanced Community Quarantine to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Brigadier General Antonio Lastimado, Commander of 203rd Brigade which has operational jurisdiction over MIMARO Provinces, said that “this successful military operation is among the many indicators that the NPA terrorists are no longer welcome in the region.”

He identified the captured terrorist as Lordan Malucon alias Jandie who, according to informants from within the terrorists’ group, is the Vice Platoon Leader of Platun Dos under the NPA’s Sub Regional Military Area 4D operating in Oriental Mindoro.

He expressed his gratitude to the people of Mindoro for their “unwavering trust and support to the soldiers which led to the communist terrorists’ inability to recover their lost mass base in the region thereby making their defeat in this part of the country very imminent.”

BGen Lastimado ended his statement by assuring their constituents that “Oriental Mindoro’s Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict are continuously working despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic. We will win in these two fronts which we are simultaneously addressing — we will survive the deadly corona virus and we will defeat the deadlier NPA virus.”

Major General Arnulfo Marcelo B Burgos Jr, Commander of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division which covers Southern Tagalog, congratulated the involved soldiers and policemen for their “commitment and dedication in pursuing peace and ensuring the safety and security of our constituents while performing frontline duties against the greatest threat which our generation will ever face.”

He emphasized that the debacles that the NPA terrorists have been suffering in Southern Tagalog is a “manifestation of the fact that the NPA terrorists are now running out of space, they no longer enjoy mass base support, and they are no longer relevant to the communities, thus, expect that they will be decimated soon which will pave the way for the much coveted peace, prosperity and development that every Filipino citizen truly deserve.”

Maj Gen Burgos ended his statement by calling upon “the few remaining NPA terrorists to put down your arms, return to the folds of law and avail the benefits from E-CLIP because we will get you regardless whether they are dead or alive.”

It can be recalled that upon the lifting of ceasefire, Lamberto Asinas alias Baste, the Regional Intelligence Officer of the NPA’s Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee, was apprehended in Brgy Bunducan of Nasugbu, Batangas and will face charges for Illegal Possession of Firearms and Ammunition. He is the 11th NPA leader who is considered as high value target to be neutralized since 2019 by joint AFP-PNP forces.

Per the military’s records, around 3,600 soldiers and AFP reservists are manning 340 Quarantine Control Points across Southern Tagalog.

Joint AFP-PNP checkpoints have been established in the Island of Mindoro to support the ongoing pursuit operations against the fleeing NPA terrorists.

All available military assets have been placed on high alert.

[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/soldiers-and-police-capture-npa-leader-in-mindoro/

Kalinaw News: CNT couple voluntarily surrenders for their son

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 19, 2020): CNT couple voluntarily surrenders for their son (By 10TH INFANTRY DIVISION)



Alabel, Sarangani Province – Communist NPA Terrorists couple voluntarily surrenders to the 73rd Infantry (Neutralizer) Battalion last April 17, 2020, in order to be with their two-year-old son.

The NPA couple was identified as @Toy and @Len. @Toy, 23 years old, resident of Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental is the CO Platoon Central, WGF TALA, FSMR and his party wife @Len, 25 years old, resident of Malapatan, Sarangani is the Front Medical Officer, WGF TALA, FSMR.

Accordingly, the couple has a son whom they left upon giving birth. “We were just looking for a chance to surrender. We want to be with our son and take care of him. We were blinded by the false promises of the NPA that they will support our family. In reality, they do not care” @Len emotionally stated.

“We roam in the mountain every day and it is so difficult. The crisis we are experiencing is twice the crisis in the lowland. We only eat once a day. We are afraid of what our future will be if we still stay in the organization.” @Toy said.

Lt. Col. Ronaldo G Valdez, Commander 73IB, personally gave cash assistance to the couple for their necessities. “Due to the COVID-19 crisis, we expect more surrenderees. The effort of LGUs, PNP, AFP and former rebels proves to be effective in convincing the NPA to surrender. We will make sure that the couple will meet their son and will avail the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government.” he ended.

[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]

Kalinaw News: Army scores anew as offensive operations resume in Panay

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 19, 2020): Army scores anew as offensive operations resume in Panay (By 3rd Infantry Division)



CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan, Capiz – An armed clash leaves one terrorist dead and results to the capture of a CPP-NPA lair as government troops resumed its offensive operations in an uninhabited area near Sitio Anoy, Brgy. Cabalaunan, Miagao, Iloilo around 10:20 am today, April 18, 2020.

Troops from the 61st Infantry Battalion of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, who responded to the persistent reports and complaints of the residents in the area regarding the rampant extortion and intimidation conducted by the CPP-NPA terrorists, successfully overran the terrorist encampment after a 35-minute gun battle that resulted to the death of a yet to be identified member of the terrorist group.

The clash also resulted to the apprehension of seven individuals, including a minor, and the seizure of an M1 Garand Rifle, a KG9 sub-machine gun, a .45 caliber pistol, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), medical paraphernalias, and subversive documents.

Major General Eric Vinoya, the Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army, lauded the troops for their swift response to the appeal of the local populace. He also assured the people of Western and Central Visayas, that despite facing daunting task of helping contain the spread of COVID-19 with other frontliners, the 3ID troopers will continue to protect the Filipino community from the threats posed by the CPP-NPA terrorists.

“I commend the troops of the 61st Infantry (Hunter) Battalion for acting swiftly in eliminating the threat posed by the CPP-NPA terrorists in Brgy. Cabalaunan, Miagao, Iloilo, that despite being exhausted in our deployments in different Quarantine Control Points and in performing other necessary tasks to help contain the local transmission of COVID-19 in the island of Panay, they were still able to perform their task of protecting our people from terrorism.” said Major General Vinoya.

“While it is sad that we lost another life today and as we would like to offer our condolences to the family and relatives of this CPP-NPA member who died in the clash today, we want to assure the people of Western and Central Visayas that we will stop at nothing just to make sure that we are able to perform our mandate of protecting our people from the threats posed by the CPP-NPA terrorists, even as we face extraordinary tasks during this COVID-19 Pandemic.” he further added.





[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-scores-anew-as-offensive-operations-resume-in-panay/

‘Natural reaction’ for AFP to prepare for possible martial law-like lockdown

From Rappler (Apr 19, 2020): ‘Natural reaction’ for AFP to prepare for possible martial law-like lockdown (By Mara Cepeda)

'We believe there is nothing to be alarmed about in this natural reaction of the AFP to prepare and deploy when it becomes necessary,' says military spokesperson, Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo



LOCKDOWN. Members of the Manila Police District and Armed Forces of the Philippines join barangay officials as they enforce a strict 24-hour lockdown of Barangay 20 at the Parola Compound in Tondo, Manila on April 14, 2020. File photo by Ben Nabong/Rappler

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it is only natural for the military to prepare for a possible “martial law-like lockdown” after President Rodrigo Duterte threatened to enforce it.

On Sunday, April 19, AFP spokesperson Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo confirmed the issuance of a Philippine Air Force (PAF) internal memo advising troops to “prepare for strict implementation of extensive enhanced community quarantine where the AFP will be the overall in-charge along roads and highways.”

But he clarified Duterte has yet to issue any final deployment order.

“Sa ngayon wala pa na namang utos ang Pangulo na mag-deploy na (Right now, there's no order from the President to deploy). But it is incumbent and customary on the part of the leadership of the Philippine Air Force, and the AFP under General Felimon Santos Jr, for that matter, to exercise its initiative of alerting and preparing our personnel including ROE (rules of engagement),” Arevalo said in a statement.

“We believe there is nothing to be alarmed about in this natural reaction of the AFP to prepare and deploy when it becomes necessary,” he added.

Arevalo said that the military is making the necessary preparations for now after the commander-in-chief threatened to impose a military and police takeover should Filipinos continue to violate the rules of the lockdown in Luzon and other parts of the country.

To stay updated on news, advisories, and explainers, check out our special coverage page, “Novel Coronavirus Outbreak.”

In a separate statement, PAF spokesperson, Major Aristides Galang, said that the internal memo was issued so the PAF could “anticipate” any scenarios following Duterte’s warning.

“It is an internal memo for the PAF personnel po... The PAF is just anticipating of any scenarios in case the President as commander-in-chief of the AFP would decide to implement his statements lately to the public as earlier stated and prepare our troops in advance,” Galang said.

On Sunday, Arevalo said that the public should be more worried over residents’ continued violation of the enhanced community quarantine rules.

“What we should all be alarmed about instead is the fact that a lot of people are blatantly violating the law and disobeying the rules and health protocols which MUST be strictly enforced – otherwise people die,” Arevalo said.

“Law abiding citizens and those who follow the rules should not worry. There is no reason to be alarmed,” he added.

Arevalo said that the military has long been assisting local government units in Quezon City, Pasay City, Parañaque City, Mandaluyong City, and Pateros in enforcing the rules of the lockdown imposed due to COVID-19 even before the President’s pronouncement.

“Almost all barangays in the NCR (National Capital Region) were actually seeking the assistance of the military and the police which shows the magnitude of the problem,” Arevalo said.

The military has been helping the police guard checkpoints since the lockdown of Luzon began on March 17. Both uniformed services have also been put in charge of several major national quarantine facilities.

The AFP has also been using its trucks, planes, and vessels to transport medical equipment, supplies, and relief goods.

The lockdown in Luzon is set to end by April 30 after the Duterte decided to extend it due to the surge in COVID-19 cases.

The total number of COVID-19 cases breached the 6,000th mark for the first time in the Philippines on Saturday, April 18. Of the 6,087 total cases so far, 397 died from COVID-19 while 516 have recovered.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/258386-natural-reaction-afp-prepare-possible-martial-law-like-lockdown-coronavirus

More troops to be deployed in areas most hit by coronavirus

From Rappler (Apr 19, 2020): More troops to be deployed in areas most hit by coronavirus

Soldiers will augment the police 'to strictly implement' physical distancing and other measures during the lockdown, says Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana



SOLDIERS. Military contingents provide a support role to the police in enforcing a lockdown in Metro Manila on March 15, 2020. File photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

The government is set to deploy more troops to areas in Metro Manila and other localities that are most affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

In an interview with defense reporters on Sunday, April 19, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana explained that the situation in the last days of April would be "crucial" in determining whether to extend the "enhanced community quarantine" (ECQ) beyond April 30.

"We should see a tapering off or downward trend to warrant partial lifting or continue with the lockdown if the trend continues to go up," he said.

Lorenzana then expressed concern that with "too many people out in groups in supermarkets, streets, and other places," these scenes "do not inspire confidence that we will achieve our objective by end of this month."

"That's why I have directed the [chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines] to deploy more troops in [Metro Manila] and other places with high COVID incidence to augment the police to strictly implement social distancing and ECQ," he said.

The lockdowns in Luzon and Metro Manila were supposed to end on April 12 and 14, respectively, but President Rodrigo Duterte extended these to April 30.

To stay updated on news, advisories, and explainers, check out our special coverage page, “Novel Coronavirus Outbreak.”

As of Saturday, April 18, there are 6,087 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the Philippines, with 397 deaths and 516 recoveries.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/258400-more-troops-deployment-areas-most-hit-coronavirus

4 soldiers killed in clashes with NPA in Negros Occidental, Masbate

From Rappler (Apr 19, 2020): 4 soldiers killed in clashes with NPA in Negros Occidental, Masbate

The military says 4 soldiers were also wounded in the Negros Occidental encounter on Sunday, April 19



Four soldiers were killed in separate clashes with the New People's Army (NPA) in Negros Occidental and Masbate on Sunday, April 19.

Three of them were from the 94th Infantry Battalion, who encountered the communist rebels in Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City in Negros Occidental, at around 10 am.

According to 303rd Infantry Brigade Commander Colonel Inocencio Pasaporte, the soldiers had been pursuing the NPA for the past 3 days after receiving reports of the communist group's extortion activities.

An improvised explosive device went off, triggering the 30-minute firefight in Barangay Carabalan.

A lieutenant and a soldier died during the encounter, while the third soldier passed away while being evacuated. Four soldiers were also wounded.

Hours later, at around 12:30 pm in Barangay Salvacion, San Fernando, Masbate, joint elements of the 2nd Infantry Battalion and the Philippine National Police had a one-hour gunfight with at least 30 NPA members.

The communists were allegedly planning an attack on the community and the government troops.

One soldier died in the encounter. Firearms, ammunition, and communication equipment were recovered from the NPA.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/258409-soldiers-killed-clashes-npa-negros-occidental-masbate-april-19-2020

3 soldiers killed, 4 others wounded in Negros clash

From Panay News (Apr 20, 2020): 3 soldiers killed, 4 others wounded in Negros clash (By Mae Singuay)

Three soldiers were killed and four others were wounded in an encounter with suspected News People’s Army (NPA) rebels yesterday morning in Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.

Colonel Inocencio Pasaporte, Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said troops of the 94th Infantry Battalion were closing in on the NPA terrorists, following reports of extortion activities in the said village, when an improvised explosive device detonated, inflicting immediate casualties among the soldiers, followed by a firefight.


“The soldiers are still pursuing the NPAs who were seen dragging their dead and wounded comrades,” said Pasaporte, adding the troops were deployed in the area to conduct security patrol during the distribution of the government’s social amelioration program.

A Lieutenant and a soldier died during the fierce firefight while another expired while being evacuated. Military choppers were sent to evacuate the wounded soldiers who are now recuperating in a hospital in this capital city. Their names were still withheld as of this writing.

“We express our deepest sympathy to the families of our hero-soldiers who died fighting for the peace in Negros Island,” said Pasaporte.

He added that the Army will heighten its operations to capture the NPA terrorists and stop them from sowing fear in the communities.

https://www.panaynews.net/3-soldiers-killed-4-others-wounded-in-negros-clash/

Gov’t troops overrun NPA training camp; 1 rebel killed, 11 others captured

From Panay News (Apr 20, 2020): Gov’t troops overrun NPA training camp; 1 rebel killed, 11 others captured (By Ruby Silubrico)



ILOILO – Troops of the Philippine Army 3rd Infantry Division’s (3ID) 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB) overran a New People’s Army (NPA) recruitment and training camp in Sitio Anoy, Barangay Cabalaunan, Miag-ao, Iloilo.

One rebel was killed while seven others were captured, including a 14-year-old lad, in this April 18 encounter around 10:30 a.m.

Yesterday four more rebels were arrested in a hot pursuit operation.


Soldiers proceeded to Barangay Cabalaunan after having been informed by concerned residents that armed men were in the area, according to 3ID spokesperson Army Captain Cenon Pancito III.

For 40 minutes they exchanged fire with some 49 rebels until the insurgents retreated.

Pancito said the rebels belonged to the Suyak Platoon of the NPA Southern Front Committee and led by Joven “Ka Lex” Ceralvo.


The rebel casualty was a male who, as this was being written, remained unidentified at the Moleta funeral homes in Miag-ao.

“Walang identification card na nakuha sa body at wala pang kamag-anak na nakapunta sa funeral parlor. Kung may mag-claim, makikilala natin sya,” Pancito said.

All the 11 captured rebels were now under the custody of the 61IB.

Army soldiers recovered from the clash site an M1 Garand rifle, a KG9 submachine gun, a .45 pistol, improvised explosive devices, medical paraphernalia, and subversive documents.

“The rebels were taking for granted the enhanced community quarantine being imposed to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). They continued with their recruitment activities and extort money from villagers,” said Pancito.

The 3ID commander, Major General Eric Vinoya, lauded the troops for repelling the rebels “despite being exhausted in our deployments at different quarantine control points and performing other necessary tasks to help contain COVID-19 in the island of Panay.”

Barangay Cabalaunan is some 14 kilometers away from the town proper of Miag-ao.

Lieutenant Colon el Joel Benedict Batara, commander of the 61IB, said the capture of the teenage boy was proof that the rebels were recruiting minors.

Just this March 29 the NPA marked its 51stanniversary.

In the whole Panay Island, Pancito said, there are now less than a hundred rebels. Many NPA members surrendered to the government and others were killed in encounters with government troops, he added.

“They have become irrelevant and desperate. Alam nila na ang support ng tao ay nasa government forces na. Ang mga tao ay sawa na sa kanilang promises,” said Pancito.

He reminded people not to support nor join the NPA “kasi walang patutungohan.” The NPA is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

https://www.panaynews.net/govt-troops-overrun-npa-training-camp-1-rebel-killed-11-others-captured/

2 rebels killed in clashes

From the Mindanao Times (Apr 19, 2020): 2 rebels killed in clashes (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

Two members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in a series of clashes in Km. 22, Sitio San Francisco, Barangay Campawan, Baganga, Davao Oriental involving soldiers of the 67th Infantry Battalion at 11:20 a.m. on April 16.

2Lt Kreanne Carmona, the civil-military operations officer, said soldiers
also recovered one M16 and three AK-47 rifles, along with three landmines, and subversive documents.

The Scout Platoon and Platoon Bravo, under 2Lt. Kevin Saturno and 1Lt. Begex Manalo, respectively, were conducting focused military operations when they encountered 30 members of Front North, Sub-Regional Committee (SRC1) of the Southern Mindanao Regional Command (SMRC).

The clash lasted for 30 minutes before the NPAs escaped.


Prior to the encounter, the military received reports of armed groups meandering in the area. According to the Army, the indigenous community was afraid that the rebels are not following the enhanced community quarantine protocols, which puts them in harm’s way.

Meanwhile, another encounter erupted in the same barangay on April 17, resulting in the recovery of two high-powered firearms.

The Alpha Company, led by 1Lt. Al Bryan Villanueva, was conducting a blocking operation on the fleeing NPAs when they clashed with remnants of Front North, Sub-Regional Committee (SRC1).

The firefight lasted for 30 minutes.

The municipal government of Baganga, Davao Oriental already declared the (NPA) as persona non grata.

Lt Col. Louie Dema-ala, the commander of the 67IB, said the members of the NPA were trying to disrupt the peace and order of the municipality.

Similarly, the battalion is thankful to the people of Barangay Campawan for taking action against the NPA.

“The unit also urged other NPA members to surrender,” Dema-ala said. “We are assuring you of your safety and we will assist you to avail the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.”

Five rifles recovered in Agusan

From the Mindanao Times (Apr 19, 2020): Five rifles recovered in Agusan (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

Five high-powered rifles were recovered following an encounter with around 30 communist guerrillas in Sitio Mikit, San Martin, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur at 6:35 a.m. on Friday.

1Lt. Krisjuper Andreo Punsalan, the civil-military operations officer of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion, said they recovered an AK-47 rifle, two M16-A1 rifles with one M203 grenade launcher, one M653 rifle, eight rounds of rifle grenades, 12 backpacks, five bandoliers with full assorted ammunition, and commercial radio.


Punsalan said troops were conducting a defense patrol prior to the MSWD’s distribution of the Social Amelioration Cash (SAC).

For now, the 3SFBn and Regional Mobile Force Battalion 13 troops are still in a hot-pursuit operation.

According to the Army, the rebels have been extorting from the civilians, particularly on the relief goods they receive from the government.
The strict implementation of localized enhanced community quarantine of various local government units made it difficult for the NPA to procure supplies due to the checkpoints and the food pass. As a result, they are forced to take away the relief goods of the civilians, Punsalan said.

Barangay San Martin, along with 30 barangays of Prosperidad, has declared the NPA as persona non grata earlier this year after they torched a dump truck in Barangay Libertad on Jan. 8, 2020.

“While we are battling the COVID-19, these communist NPA terrorists make the situation worse for civilians, especially the poorest sectors, who are greatly affected by the enhanced community quarantine,” Lt. Col. Joey B Baybayan, the commander of the 3SF Battalion, said.

Col. Allan D. Hambala, 401st Infantry Brigade commander, said that active defense security measures are in line with the COVID-19 Task Force’s guidelines to maintain peace and order.

“As frontliners in the security sector, it is our job to ensure the government’s safe delivery of relief services and the distribution of social amelioration cash to the affected sectors in the crisis,” he said. “We must protect the civilians and government workers from any form of harassment and extortion.”

Kin of Abu Sayyaf leader killed in Sulu pursuit operation

From CNN Philippines (Apr 18, 2020): Kin of Abu Sayyaf leader killed in Sulu pursuit operation (By Currie Cator, CNN Philippines)



Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 19) — A grandson of the Abu Sayyaf Group senior leader Radullan Sahiron was killed in an operation by soldiers in Sulu, military officials said Sunday.

After receiving a tip from a highly-placed source, troops of the Joint Task Force Sulu
conducted a pursuit operation to intercept two members of the ASG, who were riding a motorcycle in Barangay Bilaan in Talipao at night of April 18.

"Nag-ano kasi sila, nag-scamper sila. They reduced their grupo nila into splintered group[s] para hindi madaling ma-detect. Eh, cordoned na natin 'yung area — plus, the support of the locals — madali na natin silang mahuli kung sakali[ng] lalabas man sila," Armed Forces of the Philippines - Western Mindanao Command Chief Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said. [Translation: They were rushing off. They split their group to avoid being caught easily; but we had already cordoned off the area, and we had support from the local residents. We could easily track them whenever they attempt to flee from the area.]


In the middle of the operation, the soldiers recovered the remains of the grandson of the ASG top official in a site in Barangay Lambana.

"[The] neutralized Abu was identified as ['Vikram']. Vikram is an IED [improvised explosive device] maker, [who was] involved [in] the Jolo Cathedral and 1st Combat Team bombings," Joint Task Foce Sulu Commander Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan said.

"He was also involved in the encounter with the 21st Infantry Battalion," Vinluan added.

AFP WesMinCom Spokesperson Major Arvin Encinas said the remains were identified to be Vikram's after a concerned citizen reported that the grandson of Sahiron was in the area.

Vikram's body was brought to Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital for proper disposal.

His family claimed his remains on Sunday morning.

Meanwhile, none of the soldiers were harmed during the operation.

"Our brave soldiers fought for their lives to secure peace and order in the province of Sulu. We will pursue their commitment and bring more meaning for their contributions to attain lasting peace," Vinluan said.

"Then again, this successful operation proves that the direct involvement of the communities would put up pressure on the Abus, and constrict their movements as well," Sobejana likewise stated.

He assured that they will stay true to their pledge of eliminating the Abu Sayyaf, who has put the image of Sulu at stake, and has been nothing but a "threat to the people in the province."

He noted that the WesMinCom has a "front" or dedicated soldiers for its fight against the terrorists, and that its pursuit operations are continuous. He added that they consistently reassess their concept of operations (conops), and "restrategize based on the current doctrines of the Abu Sayyaf," as the ASG is also "evolving."

The Abu Sayyaf in Sulu are now less than 200, according to Sobejana.
The late Vikram, or Darwin Sahiron, was one of the makers of explosives in the Headquarters of the 1st Brigade Combat Team bombing; and the Jolo Cathedral bombing in Sulu — the suicide bombing that was carried out by an Indonesian couple — in 2019. Vikram was also involved in numerous encounters in Patikul in Sulu, including the clash with the 21st Infantry Battalion on April 17 of this year.

Radullan Sahiron, grandfather of Vikram and leader of the ASG, had taken command of the organization in September 2006, after the death of the former head Khadaffy Janjalani.

He was involved in the 2001 Dos Palmas kidnapping of three U.S. citizens, which included 17 Filipinos from a resort in Palawan. Several hostages in the incident had been killed.

Since Sahiron assumed his leadership position in the ASG, the U.S. considered him to be a threat not only to the U.S. and Filipino citizens, but also to their interests.

The Abu Sayyaf leader lost his right hand while fighting security forces in the 1970s, which earned him the name "Commander Putol." He is believed to be hiding in Southern Mindanao, as he continues to plot terrorist attacks that are harmful to the lives of many.

Another clash in Sulu left 3 Abu Sayyaf fighters dead – military

From CNN Philippines (Apr 18, 2020): Another clash in Sulu left 3 Abu Sayyaf fighters dead – military (By CNN Philippines Staff)



A day before the deadly clash that left 11 soldiers dead, government forces killed three Abu Sayyaf fighters and wounded eight others in Patikul, Sulu, the military said Saturday.

Eight other members of the Abu Sayyaf group were wounded,
the Army's 11th Infantry Division said in a statement.

Meanwhile, three soldiers sustained minor injuries and were brought to the Camp General Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital for treatment.

This was after members of the 5th Scout Ranger Battalion
clashed with the Abu Sayyaf at Sitio Lihnub in Barangay Buhanginan at around 2:00 p.m. on Thursday. Its 4th Scout Ranger Company encountered some 40 Abu Sayyaf fighters led by Radullan Sahiron and Hatib Hadjan Sawadjaan.

Reinforcements from the 15th Scout Ranger Company encountered the same group a kilometer away from the first encounter site, resulting in a firefight that lasted around 45 minutes.


The 21st Infantry Battalion fought the same group on Friday, wherein 11 soldiers were killed and 14 were wounded. The firefight lasted for an hour at Sitio Bud Lubong, Barangay Danag, also in Patikul town. Authorities have yet to determine the number of casualties on the enemy side.

Malacañang condemned the incident on Saturday, warning "enemies of the State" that government troops "remain ready and prepared to crush the enemies of the government and quell any armed attack amid the existing state of calamity and public health emergency."

Major General Corleto S. Vinluan Jr., Commander of the 11th Infantry Division, assured that pursuit operations will continue against the Abu Sayyaf group amid the coronavirus crisis. Some of the police and military have been deployed in checkpoints enforcing lockdown guidelines to contain the spread of the virus.

“Our intent is for the soldiers to protect the people and the local government units who are currently delivering basic services to the community in line with the AFP mandates and guidelines in addressing the situation concerning COVID-19," Vinluan said in a statement.