Kalinaw News: Two NPA killed, 3 Firearms captured as encounter erupts

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 2, 2020): Two NPA killed, 3 Firearms captured as encounter erupts (By 10TH INFANTRY DIVISION)



NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – Two members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed after troops from the 26th Infantry Battalion (IB) figured in a series of encounters at Sitio Mahayon-hayon, Brgy. Guibonon, Esperanza, Agusan Del Sur on April 30, 2020.

An initial encounter transpired in the afternoon of April 30, 2020, when the troops responded to a report on the presence of an undetermined number of NPAs being monitored in the said area. The seven-minute skirmish caused injury to SSg. Joseph E. Hulibayan who led the patrol.

Despite the injury, SSg Hulibayan led the pursuit and re-engaged the fleeing NPAs at about 10:30 in the evening. The 20-minute exchange of gunfire caused the NPAs to scamper to different directions leaving behind two dead bodies from the terrorist group. The troops also seized two M16 rifles, one AK47 rifle, bandoliers, magazines, and ammunition.

Coordination with the Philippine National Police and the Local Government Unit of Esperenaza is presently being undertaken by 26th IB under Ltc. Romeo Jimenea for the identification and turn-over of the two NPA cadavers.

Meanwhile, MGen. Jose C. Faustino Jr., Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command directed the units to continuously intensify their security operations.

“Let us continue with our relentless operations to deny the terrorists the opportunity to carry out coercion and intimidation so that the communities can continuously cope with the crisis brought about by COVID-19,” he said.

In a separate instance, patroling members of 39th IB and Civilian Active Auxiliary (CAA) figured in a series of encounter against an undetermined number of NPAs at Brgy. Tuburan, Tulunan, Cotabato on April 30, 2020. No casualty was reported on both sides in the said encounters.

[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/two-npa-killed-3-firearms-captured-as-encounter-erupts/

Kalinaw News: Army honors workers thru Loudspeaker Operations in SurNor

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 2, 2020): Army honors workers thru Loudspeaker Operations in SurNor (By 4th Infantry Division)



Placer, Surigao del Norte – The 30th Infantry (Python) Battalion (30IB) conducted Information Awareness Campaign thru mobile loudspeaker operations and leaflets distribution in the municipality of Mainit and Surigao City all of Surigao del Norte (SDN) on Labor Day, May 01, 2020.

In line with the commemoration of “Araw ng mga Manggagawa” (Labor Day), 30IB pays tribute to the hardwork and achievements of Filipino workers through its conduct of loudspeaker operation.

The loudspeaker operation aims to convey information reminding the people and the community regarding the importance of taking precautionary measures such as social distancing, staying at home, eating healthy, proper hygiene and sanitation in order to avoid the spread of COVID-19. 30IB also praises all the worker frontliners who continuously work to combat the pandemic we are facing today. Another key message of the loudspeaker operation are information that will enhance the listening public’s awareness of the different propaganda and deception tactics being employed by the CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNT). This aims to heighten the listeners’ vigilance about the exploitation tactics of the CNTs. While on loudspeaker operations, the Python troopers also distributed leaflets regarding the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). This will help bring the news to active NPA members, militia ng Bayan members, other CNT supporters, as well as their families and friends of the government’s genuine desire to bring the rebels back to the folds of our laws through their voluntary surrender.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Jeffrey A Villarosa, Commanding Officer of the 30IB said, “As Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands Province transition from Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) to General Community Quarantaine (GCQ), their peace-loving and very industrious workers are already very eager to embrace the “new normal” as they slowly go back to their respective workplaces.”

“Our loudspeaker operation intends to heighten our workers’ defenses against the two very deadly viruses – the COVID- 19 and the Communist-NPA Terrorists. Our workers do not deserve to contract any of these viruses. Mabuhay ang ating mga mapayapa at masisipag na mga manggagawa”, Villarosa 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]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/army-honors-workers-thru-loudspeaker-operations-in-surnor/

Kalinaw News: Mga sundalo ng Philippine Army, nakabawi ng karagdagang matataas na kalibre ng mga baril sa Masbate

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 1, 2020): Mga sundalo ng Philippine Army, nakabawi ng karagdagang matataas na kalibre ng mga baril sa Masbate (By 9th Infantry Division)



CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur- Ilang matataas na kalibre ng mga baril na pagmamay-ari ng mga pinaniniwalaang myembro ng teroristang grupong NPA ang nabawi ng mga sundalong nagsasagawa ng operasyon sa bayan ng San Fernando, probinsya ng Masbate, ngayong Martes, ika-21 ng Abril, 2020.

Ang 2nd Infantry Battalion (2IB) ang nagsagawa ng pagtugis sa mga teroristang NPA kasunod ng engkwentrong naganap noong ika- 19 ng Abril, 2020. Iniulat ng mga residente sa mga awtoridad ang mga hinihinalang armadong rebelde na diumano’y nag-iwan ng kanilang mga armas sa isang koprahan sa Sitio Diwata, Brgy Salvacion, San Fernando.

Nang ginalugad ng pwersa ng gobyerno ang koprahan, sila ay nakarekober ng pitong (7) M16 rifles, isang (1) M4A1, isang (1) M653, isang (1) shotgun, labingtatlong (13) long magazines at mga bala ng baril.

Matatandaang halos isang oras na putukan ang naganap sa pagitan ng armadong komunista at mga kasundaluhan noong Linggo kung saan nauna nang nakarekober ng ilang baril at bala ang mga pwersa ng gobyerno.

Sa ngayon, mahigit labing-anim (16) na matataas na kalibre ng mga baril, mga importanteng kagamitan at mga dokumento ang narekober mula sa komunistang grupo.

Ang Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB) sa pamumuno ni MGEN FERNANDO T TRINIDAD AFP ay nagbigay papuri sa ating mga matatapang na kasundaluhan at nagpasalamat sa publiko sa kanilang agarang ulat at kooperasyon sa patuloy na laban ng gobyerno sa mga CTG.

Naniniwala si MGen Trinidad na patunay lamang ito na sawa na ang taumbayan sa walang saysay na adhikain ng teroristang grupong NPA na nagdudulot lamang ng pahirap at dahas sa ating mga komunidad.

Nais pa ring hikayatin ni MGen Trinidad ang mga miyembro ng NPA na nais nang bumaba at sumuko upang sa gayo’y tuluyan na silang makapamuhay ng mapayapa kasama ang kanilang mga pamilya.

Nais bigyang diin ng JTFB na hindi pa huli ang lahat upang abandonahin nila ang armadong pakikibaka at tuluyang bumalik sa gobyerno kalakip ng mga benepisyo at programang naghihintay sa kanila sa ilalim ng Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC).

[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/mga-sundalo-ng-philippine-army-nakabawi-ng-karagdagang-matataas-na-kalibre-ng-mga-baril-sa-masbate/

Kalinaw News: Kumander ng Joint Task Force Bicolandia, pinuri at pinasalamatan ang tropa ng 2IB

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 1, 2020): Kumander ng Joint Task Force Bicolandia, pinuri at pinasalamatan ang tropa ng 2IB (By 9TH INFANTRY DIVISION)



MILAGROS, MASBATE – Muling binisita kahapon ni MGEN FERNANDO T TRINIDAD, AFP ang himpilan ng 2nd Infantry (Second to None) Battalion, Philippine Army upang purihin at pasalamatan ang mga tropa ng 2IB sa tagumpay na nakamit laban sa mga terroristang CPP-NPA sa engkwentrong naganap noong ika-19 ng Abril, 2020 sa Sitio Diwata, Brgy Salvacion, San Fernando, Masbate.

Sa kanyang mensahe sa mga tropa, masayang pinasalamatan ni GEN TRINIDAD ang lahat ng bumubuo ng 2IB dahil sa patuloy at walang sawang sakripisyo at serbisyo para sa mamamayan ng probinsya ng Masbate upang protektahan ito laban sa banta ng teroristang CPP-NPA. Dagdag pa nito, taas noong ipinagmalaki ng heneral ang 2IB, “Tayo pa lang sa buong Philippine Army ang nagkaroon ng decisive engagement,” ayon kay GEN TRINIDAD.

Ang decisive engagement ay isang armadong engkwentro laban sa malaking grupo ng teroristang CPP-NPA na nagresulta ng pagkawasak ng 70 pursyento ng kanilang kakayahang militar. Partikular nito ang neutralization sa pamamagitan ng pagkapaslang o pagkahuli sa mga miyembro ng armadong grupo na may bilang na hindi bababa sa labing anim (16) at/o di kaya ay pagkakuha ng matataas na kalibre ng baril na may bilang na hindi bababa sa labing anim (16).

Matapos ang matagumpay na engkwentrong naganap noong ika-19 ng Abril, 2020 laban sa humigit kumulang 30 miyembro ng CPP-NPA sa Sitio Diwata, Brgy Salvacion, San Fernando, Masbate at pursuit operations na isinagawa ng 2IB, kabuuang labing anim (16) na matataas na kalibre ng baril at isang (1) shotgun ang nakuha ng 2IB mula sa malaking grupo ng CPP-NPA sa Isla ng Ticao, Masbate na pinamumunuan ni Eliseo Carbarles @Kiko, dahilan para ito ay tawaging decisive engagement.

Ayon naman kay LTC SIEGFRIED FELIPE F AWICHEN INF (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer ng 2IB, makakaasa ang mamamayan ng probinsiya ng Masbate na hindi titigil ang tropa ng 2IB sa pagtugis sa mga miyembro ng CPP-NPA upang mapanatili ang kapayapaan ay kaayusan sa probinsya. Hinikayat din niya mga miyembro ng CPP-NPA na talikuran na ang armadong pakikibaka at magbalik-loob sa pamahalaan habang hindi pa huli ang lahat. Ito ay upang magkakaroon sila ng bago at mapayapang buhay kapiling ang kanilang pamilya kalakip ng mga benepisyo at programang naghihintay sa kanila sa ilalim ng Enhanced Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

[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/kumander-ng-joint-task-force-bicolandia-pinuri-at-pinasalamatan-ang-tropa-ng-2ib/

Kalinaw News: Labor leaders’ admission of NPA membership is Labor Day highlight

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 1, 2020): Labor leaders’ admission of NPA membership is Labor Day highlight (By 2nd Infantry Division)



CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal – Sixteen labor leaders surrendered to joint AFP and PNP forces after admitting NPA membership during a ceremony at Calamba, Laguna on Friday.

According to the surrenders, all of them are labor union members of Coca-Cola plant in Sta Rosa, Laguna who were recruited to join the underground movement to destabilise the industrial sector which is known to the NPA’s as white area operations.

Col Alex Rillera, Commander of the 202nd Brigade which has operational
jurisdiction over CALABARZON’s industrial areas, said that “four of them were already full time communist party members while the rest are still ‘kandidatong kasapi’ which means they are just a few courses away from full time membership.”

He added that four of the surrenders turned over four firearms and admitted to have already experienced joining the NPAs in the mountains and participating in the terrorist group’s operations.

“This surrender supports the AFP and the PNP’s earlier assessment that the NPA terrorists are infiltrating the industrial areas through the labor unions to force the companies to shut their operations down so that innocent employees will be agitated to go against the government”, explained Col Rillera.

He ended his statement by “condemning in the strongest sense such evil acts of the CPP, NPA and NDF who pursue their terroristic intentions of overthrowing the government even at the expense of our countrymen whose welfare they purportedly look after.”

Combined elements of police and soldiers took the lead during the local peace negotiations which was held under the auspices of CALABARZON’s Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

Major General Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr, Commander of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division, lauded the “soldiers, policemen and government officials who were involved in the localised peace engagement for their commitment and dedication to their duties while fighting in two fronts” referring to communist insurgency and the COVID-19 pandemic.

He also commended the labor leaders’ act of surrender and admission of NPA membership calling it “the best sacrifice that they could do for the country’s millions of members of the labor force as we commemorate this year’s Labor Day since it will lead to them being aware of the deception and manipulation which the underground movement is doing upon their ranks.”

He added that the surrender of labor organizers in this mass exodus of NPA terrorists from the underground movement is a decisive blow since aside from losing leaders, their surrender meant fewer cadres who will oversee their supply line from the urban centers to the hinterlands.

Maj Gen Burgos ended his statement by calling on the few remaining NPA terrorists to “put down your arms, give up your armed struggle and return to mainstream society while you still can because despite this contagion, we are mustering all our strength and focusing our sights to the liberation of Southern Tagalog from the clutches of communist terrorism by crushing the few remaining NPAs in this part of the country.”

Military’s intelligence assessments indicate that the NPA’s mass base support in this part of the country is now fast-eroding and losing traction due to demoralization from massive intelligence-driven combat operations which is complemented by unrelenting push for localized peace talks that resulted to unprecedented number of surrenders.

Since the implementation of E-CLIP in Southern Tagalog, 509 former rebels already surrendered 108 firearms to government forces.

A considerable portion of this surrenders were presented during the NPA’s 50th anniversary last year as well as during their 51st anniversary last March 29.

As of this report, CALABARZON region and MIMARO provinces have already distributed a total of Php 10.478 million-worth of financial assistance to former rebels.

[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/labor-leaders-admission-of-npa-membership-is-labor-day-highlight/

U.S. State Department approves possible sale of attack helicopters to PH

From Rappler (May 1, 2020): U.S. State Department approves possible sale of attack helicopters to PH (By JC Gotinga)

To give the Philippine military a much-needed boost in air power, the government is looking to buy 6 attack helicopters from US-based suppliers



ATTACK HELICOPTERS. The AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter by Bell Helicopters. Photo from the Bell Helicopters website

The U.S. Department of State approved the possible sale of either of two kinds of attack helicopters to the Philippine government, the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on its website on Thursday, April 30 (U.S. East Coast time).

The Philippine government earlier requested to buy 6 attack helicopters through a government-to-government arrangement with the United States. This means the purchase of the assets from private manufacturers is coursed through the US government under its Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.

The State Department cleared the possible sale of either 6 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters or 6 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters – but the Philippines has yet to decide which platform it prefers.

“The Philippines is considering either the AH-1Z (Viper) or the AH-64E (Apache) to modernize its attack helicopter capabilities. The proposed sale will assist the Philippines in developing and maintaining strong self-defense, counterterrorism, and critical infrastructure protection capabilities,” the DSCA said.

One big difference is the price. The package including 6 Viper helicopters, equipment, weapons, spares, training, support, and other services amount to an estimated $450 million, or about P22.7 billion by the current exchange rate.

The package for the 6 Apache helicopters comes with a longer list of equipment and weapons, and its price tag is much higher, at around $1.5 billion, or about P75.8 billion by the current exchange rate.

Texas-based Bell Helicopters and Massachusetts-based General Electric (GE) would be the principal contractors for the AH-1Z Viper helicopters. The package would include 14 GE T700-401C engines, 7 Honeywell Embedded Global Positioning Systems/Inertial Navigation with Precise Positioning Service, 6 AGM-114 Hellfire II missiles, and 26 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System all-up rounds.

For the AH-64E Apache helicopters, the principal contractors would be Arizona-based Boeing, and Florida-based Lockheed Martin. The package would feature 18 GE T700-701D engines, 15 Honeywell Embedded Global Positioning Systems/Inertial Navigation with Precise Positioning Service, 200 AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, 300 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System kits, and 200 FIM-92H Stinger missiles.

Boeing earlier claimed the AH-64E Apache to be “the most advanced multi-mission attack helicopter of the US military and at least 15 other armed forces in the world,” the Inquirer reported in December 2019.

Whichever platform the Philippine government chooses, the agreement will include the US government and the contractors sending personnel to the Philippines for training, technical assistance, and logistics support over a period of two years.

“The Philippines will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment and support into its armed forces,” the DSCA said.

The Philippine government is considering a 3rd option for attack helicopters – the Turkish-made T129 ATAK – although a report said there is an issue with the supply of a major component of this platform.

More air power



'MOST ADVANCED.' The AH-64 Apache helicopter by Boeing, Photo from the Boeing India website

The new attack helicopters will give the Philippine military a much-needed boost in air power.

The Philippine Air Force's current fleet or choppers includes 8 AugustaWestland A109E Power helicopters, 12 MD 500MG helicopters, and two Bell AH-1 Cobra helicopters handed down from Jordan.

Air attacks provide crucial support to ground troops in jungle warfare, and in the 5-month siege of Marawi City in 2017, air strikes were a key strategy in the military’s fight against the pro-Islamic State/ISIS Maute terror group.

The sale of the 6 American attack helicopters, whether from Bell or from Boeing, must get clearance from the US Congress before negotiations for the final price and package can begin.

The US State Department has notified Congress of its approval of the proposed deals, the DSCA said.

“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country that continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in Southeast Asia,” the DSCA added.

No VFA? No problem
This development comes at an uncertain point in relations between the Philippines and the US. In February, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the repeal of the Visiting Forces Agreement with Washington that allowed the presence en masse of US troops on Philippine soil and waters.

The 180-day drawdown period ends in August, but the coronavirus pandemic forced both countries to call off what would have been the final iteration of the yearly Balikatan joint military exercises. Involving several thousand troops from both militaries, the Balikatan was the largest of several yearly war games the two forces held in the Philippines over the last two decades.

The VFA’s termination would also mean an exit of a US military contingent from Western Mindanao, where they have provided crucial intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance assistance to the Philippine military’s counterterrorism efforts.

The repeal, however, does not directly affect FMS agreements between Manila and Washington, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in February. Military asset procurement from the US may proceed unhampered, Lorenzana added.

Days after the VFA’s repeal, the Russian embassy in Manila paid a courtesy visit to Philippine military chief General Felimon Santos Jr. Russian Ambassador Igor Khovaev earlier told reporters the Philippines is free to purchase defense equipment from Russia “as much as you want.”

Being the Philippines’ only treaty ally, the US will remain a key source of defense assets and equipment. However, the Philippine military is looking to broaden its menu of such sources, Philippine defense officials said.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/259667-us-state-department-approves-possible-sale-attack-helicopters-philippines

Army drops 15,000 leaflets to remote villages in Caraga

From the Mindanao Times (May 1, 2020): Army drops 15,000 leaflets to remote villages in Caraga (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

The 4th Infantry Division has utilized its air assets and dropped 15,000 informational leaflets to expand awareness on COVID-19 to far-flung communities in Caraga.

Lt. Col. Xerxes Trinidad, the 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office chief, said the infantry brigades operating in Caraga Region facilitated the leaflet airdrop on the remote areas.

Trinidad said this would keep the communities well-informed of the current health situation and how to prevent the spread of the pandemic.

The leaflets contained COVID-19 health protocols and guidelines issued by the DOH XIII in the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, and Surigao del Norte.

The initiative was made possible through close coordination with the Tactical Operations Group X of the Philippine Air Force, which provided one UH-1H and two MD-520MG helicopters.

It can be recalled that 4ID has recently conducted massive information dissemination and community awareness campaigns on the pandemic, which included social media postings, leaflet distributions, and loudspeaker operations in both urban and rural areas.

As of today, there were a total of 642 loudspeaker operations and a total of 45,000 leaflets distributed/airdropped by the different line units of the 4th ID within its area of responsibility.

Maj. Gen. Franco Nemesio Gacal, commander of the 4th ID, said, “Every Filipino must be informed about our common enemy in this health crisis, the COVID-19. Everyone must be on board in our battle against this deadly virus,” Gacal said.

“As part of our mandate of protecting the people, we just want to make sure that every Filipino is equipped with the right information on how to protect themselves from the deadly, invisible, and invincible enemy that the world is facing today,” he added.

Similar initiatives will be conducted in Northern Mindanao in the coming days.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2020/05/01/army-drops-15000-leaflets-to-remote-villages-in-caraga/

5 ships used in sea patrols

From the Mindanao Times (May 2, 2020): 5 ships used in sea patrols (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

The Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao Command used its five vessels in conducting intensive maritime patrols within its area of responsibility to ensure to block the entry of intruders.

Commodore Antonio C. Palces, Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao head, said patrols are necessary as this is part of securing the coastline of the region amid the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

“The maritime patrols are part of Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao’s commitment in preventing the spread and mitigating the effect of COVID-19 in the area of responsibility by ensuring that only authorized vessels and essential travels can enter the region,” Palces said.

He added that the goal of the naval unit is to ensure that the travel ban is implemented during the enhanced community quarantine as the order of the national government is to ensure that checkpoints are established to block entry of people to the region.

The vessels were the Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas (BRP) Emilio Liwanag (PC118), BRP Liberato Picar (PC377), BRP Apolinario Mabini (PS36), Multi-purpose Attack Craft (BA 494) and Patrol Light Boat (PBL) of Naval Special Operation Unit (Navsou7).

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2020/05/02/5-ships-used-in-sea-patrol/

200 families receive aid from soldiers

From the Mindanao Times (May 2, 2020): 200 families receive aid from soldiers (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

The 5th Civil Relations Group of the military distributed food packs to about 200 families in Brgy Manipongol, Maco, Davao de Oro on Tuesday.

The unit, headed by Maj. Gen. Jose Faustino, Eastern Mindanao commander, distributed the relief goods to families from far-flung villages of the province.

The distribution followed the previous activity in the same area which benefited 269 families.

The command has been doing relief operations, in collaboration with private groups and other government functionaries, to help those who are in need in its area of responsibility.

The “Kapwa Ko, Sagot Ko” program of the command targeted to provide assistance to the poor as part of the measures amid the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2020/05/02/200-families-receive-aid-from-soldiers/

Army drops COVID-19 leaflets, facemasks in Agusan, Surigao villages

From MindaNews (May 1, 2020): Army drops COVID-19 leaflets, facemasks in Agusan, Surigao villages (By FROILAN GALLARDO)

The Huey helicopter used for the airdrop. Photo courtesy of 402nd Infantry Brigade

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews / 01 May) – The Philippine Army dropped leaflets on coronavirus disease and facemasks in remote villages of the Agusan and Surigao provinces this week.

Major Francisco Garello, civil-military operations officer of the 402nd Infantry Brigade said they used a Philippine Air Force Huey helicopter and two MG-520 gunships to drop 10,000 leaflets and 200 facemasks on Wednesday and Thursday.

“This was part of our COVID-19 information awareness campaign to remote communities unreachable by vehicles,” Garello said.

He said the airdrop concentrated on the remote villages of the towns of Kitcharao, Jabonga and Tubay in Agusan del Norte, and the towns of Alegria and Gigaquit in Surigao del Norte.

He said they reached out to residents of these remote villages to urge them to observe the guidelines of the Department of Health on the virus.

Garello said they earlier used Army vehicles with loud speakers and distributed the materials in the urban areas of Butuan and Cabadbaran cities, and towns of Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur.

He said they decided to use helicopters to reach out to these remote communities whose residents might not be aware of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said they are planning another sortie next week.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2020/05/army-drops-covid-19-leaflets-facemasks-in-agusan-surigao-villages/

2 NPA rebels killed in Agusan clash (WARNING: Contains graphic image)

From the Mindanao Examiner (May 1, 2020): 2 NPA rebels killed in Agusan clash (WARNING: Contains graphic image)

Patrolling army soldiers killed 2 communist insurgents in a clash that also wounded 2 infantrymen in the southern Philippine province of Agusan del Sur, officials said Friday.

Officials said the series of fighting erupted in the village of Guibonon in Esperanza town on Thursday after members of the 26th Infantry Battalion ran into the group of New People’s Army rebels.

Army photo shows the bodies of the slain communist rebels.

Soldiers recovered the bodies of the slain rebels and their weapons, according to Lt. Col. Romeo Jimenea, the battalion commander, saying, they are coordinating with the municipal police to identify the casualties.

Maj. Gen. Jose Faustino Jr., chief of the military’s Eastern Mindanao Command, ordered security forces to intensify the operations against the rebels. “Let us continue with our relentless operations to deny the terrorists the opportunity to carry out coercion and intimidation so that the communities can continuously cope with the crisis brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.

There was no immediate stamen from the rebel group which has been fighting for the establishment of a communist state in the country. (Mindanao Examiner)

https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2020/05/2-npa-rebels-killed-in-agusan-clash.html

Pick-up truck of slain NoCot village councilor torched

From the Philippine News Agency (May 1, 2020): Pick-up truck of slain NoCot village councilor torched (By Edwin Fernandez)



TORCHED. The red Isuzu pick-up vehicle (left) of slain councilor Norodin Ambel of Barangay Kilada, Matalam, North Cotabato believed to have been torched (inset) by the same gunmen who ambushed him on Wednesday night (April 29, 2020). Government forces are now securing the village of neighboring Barangay Marbel where the ambush took place in anticipation of a possible escalation of hostilities. (Photos courtesy of Williamor Magbanua – DXND Kidapawan)

Gunmen, believed to be behind Wednesday’s ambush-slay of a village councilor in Matalam, North Cotabato, torched the victim’s vehicle left behind by the roadside the following day.

Capt. Junrel Amotan, Matalam police chief, said Friday that investigation is still ongoing as to the identities of the assailants behind the burning of the victim's vehicle.

“We are looking into a long-drawn clan war as a motive behind the ambush and subsequent torching of the vehicle,” he said.

Amotan said the red Isuzu pick-up truck where slain Barangay Kilada, Matalam councilor Norodin Ambel was riding on with relatives and village co-workers, was burned before noon Thursday.

The ambush also injured chairperson Rowena De Leon of Barangay Kilada who was on the front seat of the vehicle.

Driver Sulayman Ambel, together with four other passengers, escaped unhurt.

The bullet-riddled vehicle was left by the roadside in Barangay Marbel, also in Matalam, where the ambush took place on Wednesday night.

Norodin was the deputy chief of the Moro National Liberation Front -Sebangan Kutawato State Revolutionary Committee which is headed by his father, Dima Ambel as chairman.

The victims were on their way home after a “buka” (breaking of the fast) on Wednesday night when about six gunmen, allegedly led by a certain Naig Naga, a member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), opened fire at them along the road in Barangay Marbel.

Police said during the ambush, the pick-up truck fell from the concrete pavement and hit a tree. Locals said the Ambels and the Nagas are locked in a long-standing quarrel triggered by land disputes.

“Our theory is most likely, the arsonists were also the ambushers,” a police investigator told reporters.

To date, the local government of Matalam is attending to the needs of some 200 persons who fled their homes from two sub-villages of Barangay Marbel for fear of getting caught in the crossfire. They are now housed at the village covered court.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1101563

Centcom opens donated emergency quarantine facility

From the Philippine News Agency (May 1, 2020): Centcom opens donated emergency quarantine facility (By John Rey Saavedra)



EMERGENCY QUARANTINE FACILITY. Chief of the Central Command, Lt. Gen. Roberto Ancan (right), receives the deed of donation from San Miguel Corp. representative, retired Lt. Gen. John Bonafos, during the ceremony to turn over the Emergency Quarantine Facility (EQF) in Camp Lapu-Lapu in Cebu City on Friday (May 1, 2020). The 15-bed isolation facility will accommodate military personnel, civilian workers, and dependents who may get infected with Covid-19 while serving on the front lines. (Photo courtesy of Central Command PIO) 

CEBU CITY – The Central Command (Centcom) on Friday opened an emergency quarantine facility (EQF) donated by the San Miguel Corp. (SMC) for soldiers who get infected with the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) while serving on the front lines.

Lt. Gen. Roberto Ancan, Centcom chief, received the facility in a turnover ceremony from former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) vice chief of staff, retired Lt. Gen. John Bonafos, who represented the SMC.

Ancan said the facility was built by the 53rd Engineer Brigade of the Philippine Army under the supervision of the Cencom headquarters.
The brigade began constructing the facility on April 17 and completed it on April 26.

The PHP500,000-worth facility can accommodate military personnel, civilian employees, and their dependents who will be diagnosed as symptomatic coronavirus-infected.

Built as an emergency isolation area, the EQF is equipped with hospital beds, portable toilets, testing shower, nurse area, as well as sanitation and disinfection areas and can accommodate 15 patients.
It is sealed with a single air pass (non-circulating) ventilation with the incorporation of a negative pressure system.

According to a statement released by CentCom, Dr. Shawn Espina, a medical practitioner, and a team of architects of the Cebu Bayanihan-Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas, assisted them and the brigade in ensuring that the facility passes the standard protocol of the Department of Health.

Espina was quoted as saying that the facility is considered as a Level 1 quarantine facility that can accommodate Covid-19 patients with mild to moderate symptoms.

Ancan, in his speech, tasked the brigade of Army engineers to enhance the EQF so that it can accommodate probable Covid-19 cases showing mild symptoms.

“It is indeed a welcome sight as we thankfully receive the newly-constructed emergency quarantine facility. An activity that I take pride in doing on behalf of every soldier, airman, sailor, marine, and the medical personnel of the Central Command, AFP,” he said.

Ancan commended SMC president and chief executive officer Ramon Ang for the donation of 10 units of the 15-bed capacity EQF to different area commands and units of the AFP, noting that “one of the fortunate recipient(s) of which is the Centcom.”

The WTA Architecture and Design Studio assisted the Centcom in coming up with the EQF design.

Col. Gerardo Catindoy, chief of the 53rd Engineer Brigade, in his remarks, acknowledged SMC’s generosity to the Filipino community and recognized its recent assistance in providing the troops in the Visayas and Covid-19 patients here with a facility where they can stay in isolation in case they get infected with the virus.

Capt. Eduardo Precioso, information officer of Centcom, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) in an interview that before the turnover, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana signed the approval of the EQF donation from the SMC.

Precisio, however, said Bonafos also signed a deed of donation along with Ancan during the turnover ceremony.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1101592

Army, mining firm assist IP communities in Surigao Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (May 1, 2020): Army, mining firm assist IP communities in Surigao Norte (By Alexander Lopez)



SUPPORT TO IPs. Around 489 indigenous people (IP) families in Guigaquit, Surigao del Norte were provided relief assistance by the Taganito HPAL Nickel Asia Corporation (THPAL) with the support of the Army’s 30th Infantry Battalion on April 29, 2020. The IP families were the most vulnerable during the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in the province. (Photo courtesy of 30th IB) 

The Army’s 30th Infantry Battalion in partnership with the Taganito HPAL Nickel Asia Corporation (THPAL) have joined hands in the provision of relief goods to 489 indigenous people (IP) families who were affected during the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in the province of Surigao del Norte.

Lt. Col. Jeffrey Villarosa, commander of 30th IB, in a statement Friday said the IPs are among the most vulnerable sector during the ECQ in Surigao del Norte.

“Aside from their vulnerability during the community quarantine, our IPs are also continuously exploited by the Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) as their source of recruits to beef-up their forces against the government in the area,” Villarosa said.

The joint relief operation was a manifestation of giving value and support to the IPs to save them from the exploitations of the NPA rebels, he added.

The provision of relief goods was conducted in Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte on April 29 that was joined by Mayor Chandru Bonite and Marites Tero, community relations officer of THPAL.

Tero, in a statement, said the IP communities who received the relief goods belong to CADT-048 (Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title-048) holders situated in the province of Surigao del Norte.

Tero added that THPAL aims to ensure that IPs in the area, during the quarantine period, will have enough food supplies.

The statement of the Army also quoted Mabalaw Jerry Kalinawan, one of the tribal leaders of CADT-048, expressing gratitude to the Army and THPAL.

“I am very grateful for the help we received from the THPAL and the support of the 30th IB. We are hoping that there are still others who can help us especially during this crisis,” Kalinawan said.

Villarosa also assured the IPs of the Army’s continuing support to relief operations in the area, especially in remote villages. (

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1101574

Hundreds flee homes as Army, NPA clash in NegOr

From the Philippine News Agency (May 1, 2020): Hundreds flee homes as Army, NPA clash in NegOr (By Mary Judaline Partlow)



EVACUEES. Residents of the hinterland village of Camudlas in Bindoy, Negros Oriental who fled their homes are currently staying at a central elementary school in the town proper. They left their village late Thursday (April 30, 2020) following a clash between Army troops and alleged New People's Army members. The clash resulted in the death of three rebels and injuries to one soldier and two civilians. (Contributed photo)

Hundreds of individuals fled their homes, some coming down from the mountains, as government troops continued to clash with suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the hinterlands of Bindoy, Negros Oriental on Friday.

The gunbattle started late Thursday afternoon between soldiers of the Army's 94th Infantry Battalion (94IB) and armed men believed to be communist insurgents in Sitio Namunduan, Barangay Camudlas.

Three alleged rebels were killed, while one soldier and two civilians were wounded earlier today (Friday) in the firefight that lasted for about 30 minutes.

Negros Oriental provincial police director Col. Julian Entoma, who visited Bindoy, said in an interview that as of the latest count, there were 260 individuals, including children now staying at the central elementary school in the town proper.

Fr. Ireneo Ruiz, the town's parish priest who also visited the hinterland barangays and evacuation center, said there are many more villagers expected to come down from the mountains.

He said residents of Barangay Salong, which is adjacent to Camudlas, are also starting to leave their homes as government troops continue to pursue the rebels.

Ruiz also said the local government unit of Bindoy, through the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, is now giving provisions to the evacuees.

He said some people up in the mountains could not leave because the Army had locked down the area, with sporadic gunfights being heard by residents there around 10 a.m.

An updated report from the police said that at around 4 p.m. Thursday, soldiers of the 94IB received information on the presence of armed men at a house in Sitio Namunduan.

While validating the intelligence report at the house believed to be owned by a certain Diosdada Tanseco Baldado, a firefight ensued between the soldiers and more or less 20 rebels, Entoma said.

Police investigators and Scene of the Crime Operation personnel retrieved the bodies of two of the three alleged NPA members who were killed, he said.

One of them, a female, was identified as Diosdada Baldado, while the other was still unidentified as of this writing, he added.

A third “NPA” member is believed to have been killed and included in the count by the Army, although his body could not be retrieved as it fell into a steep ravine, Entoma said, as blood stains and human flesh were found in a grassy portion leading to the ravine.

One of the two civilians injured was a minor who sustained slight injuries while the other was an adult male, both of whom were in the vicinity of the encounter, he said.

Entoma said based on empty shells recovered from the scene, the alleged rebels were armed with heavy firearms such as AK-47 and M-14 rifles.

Police units in the nearby and adjacent towns of Mabinay, Manjuyod, and Ayungon are now alerted to act as blocking forces to prevent the possible escape of the armed men, he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1101607

Armed group member slain, firearms seized in S. Kudarat

From the Philippine News Agency (May 1, 2020): Armed group member slain, firearms seized in S. Kudarat (By Noel Punzalan)



NEUTRALIZED. The body of a fallen member of an armed lawless group following an encounter in remote Barangay Laguilayan, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat on Thursday (April 30, 2020). Government troopers also recovered a cache of firearms, explosives, and ammunition (inset) left behind by other members of the lawless band who fled following a 20-minute firefight with the soldiers. (Photos courtesy of 6ID)

Government troopers neutralized a member of an lawless armed group following a firefight in a remote village in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat on Thursday.

Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander, said Friday the slain "lawless element", whose identity has yet to be determined, formed part of a five-man group that exchanged fire with troopers of the Army’s 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion (MIB).

He said government troops engaged the lawless group for 20 minutes in Sitio Kamanga, Barangay Laguilayan, Isulan before they scampered in various directions and left behind a dead colleague.

"Our combat operations are currently being intensified to pressure the lawless elements, drive them away from their strongholds, and convince them to yield," said Carreon, the concurrent chief of the military-led Joint Task Force Central.

Soldiers recovered at the encounter an M1 Garand rifle with four clips and 38 rounds of ammunition; two hand grenades, three .45-caliber pistols; four magazines with 26 live ammunition; a backpack; a bandolier; one memory card; and notes with cellphone numbers.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the military’s Western Mindanao Command, commended the 2MIB troops for a job well done.

"We remain decisive in our campaign to end the unlawful activities of the lawless groups and bring peace and security in Western and Central Mindanao," Sobejana said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1101598

Troops nab 'crime group member' in Lanao Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (May 1, 2020): Troops nab 'crime group member' in Lanao Norte (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)



ARRESTED. A team of soldiers and policemen arrest Halid Ameril, an alleged member of the Rhapkhar crime group, on Thursday (April 30, 2020) in Barangay Dansalan, Sapad, Lanao del Norte. The suspect is believed involved in gun-for-hire and smuggling in the province. (Photo courtesy of WesMinCom PIO)

An alleged member of a crime group was arrested by a joint team of soldiers and policemen in the province of Lanao del Norte, officials said Friday.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), identified the arrested suspect as Halid Ameril, a member of the Rhapakhar Group.

Sobejana said the group is involved in gun-for-hire activities and gun smuggling in the province of Lanao del Norte.

Ameril was arrested Thursday in Barangay Dansalan, Sapad, Lanao del Norte by joint military and police forces.

Sobejana said Ameril yielded an M-16 Colt AR-15 rifle, one M-14 rifle, a hand-held radio transceiver, magazines, and ammunition.

He attributed the arrest of Ameril to the strong inter-agency collaboration, describing it as “very vital in the implementation of joint law enforcement operations”.

He also lauded the "aggressive stance of the peace-loving citizens against lawlessness and criminality in their community".

Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, Joint Task Force ZamPeLan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao provinces) commander, said the troops have shown professionalism and proficiency to eradicate lawless elements in their areas of responsibility.

Ameril was placed under the custody of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) for the filing of appropriate charges and proper disposition.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1101591

NPA hideout, war materiel discovered in Nueva Ecija

From the Philippine News Agency (May 2, 2020): NPA hideout, war materiel discovered in Nueva Ecija (By Jason De Asis)



ARMS CACHE. The war materiel recovered in an abandoned hideout of the New People's Army (NPA) in Barangay Labi, Bongabon, Nueva Ecija on Thursday (April 30, 2020). The government troops were conducting focused military operations when they discovered the hideout. (Photo courtesy of the Army’s 91st Infantry Battalion)

Government troops discovered an abandoned hideout of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Labi, Bongabon, Nueva Ecija on Thursday.

Lt. Col. Reandrew Rubio, acting commander of the Army’s 91st Infantry (Sinagtala) Battalion (91IB), said on Friday the government troops were conducting focused military operations when they discovered the rebels' lair.

He said the troops recovered from the site one .45-caliber pistol with magazine and one round of live ammunition, one .38-caliber revolver with three rounds of live ammunition, one .22-caliber home-made pistol (automatic) with magazine and five rounds of live ammunition, one generator, one 81-mm mortar ammunition, four M203 grenade launcher ammunition, two rifle grenades, one hand grenade, 150 rounds of .30-caliber live ammunition, 15 rounds of 5.56mm live ammunition, and 12 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.

“All recovered war materiel items have been turned over to 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (1PMFC) of NEPPO (Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office) for proper handling and disposition,” he said.

Rubio also said the people can be assured that they will continue to go after the NPA bandits to ensure “that they will not get a chance to cause harm again on them especially during the course of our fight against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).”

Brig. Gen. Alfredo V. Rosario, Jr., commander of 7th Infantry “Kaugnay” Division, likewise said “Hindi tayo titigil hanggat hindi natin nabibigyang katiyakan ang kaligtasan ng mga tao sa aming nasasakupan (We will not stop until we give an assurance to the safety of the people within our jurisdiction).”

Rosario said with the intensified operations being conducted by the Army, he expects more NPA rebels to return to the fold of the law.

It could be recalled that an abandoned NPA hideout was discovered by the same troops while conducting combat operations in Sitio Dupinga, Barangay Ligaya, Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija last April 22.

The NPA lair could accommodate around 50 persons.

Buried and found within the premises were one M16 rifle upper receiver group, 400 rounds of ammunition for M14 rifle, three water gallons containing rice, and one large cooking pot.

Rubio said the discovery of the bandits' hideout was a result of the intensified combat operations of the government troops.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1101615

Rebel slain in foiled attempt to steal SAP fund in NoCot

From the Philippine News Agency (May 2, 2020): Rebel slain in foiled attempt to steal SAP fund in NoCot (By Edwin Fernandez)



Google map of Tulunan, North Cotabato

A communist rebel was killed while an undetermined number of his comrades were injured in a clash with government troops following a botched plan to steal the cash aid meant for beneficiaries of the social amelioration program (SAP) in Tulunan, North Cotabato on Friday.

Major Jun Napat, Tulunan police chief, said the town’s social workers, escorted by police and soldiers, were to proceed to Barangay Tuburan, an upland community known to be infiltrated by communist rebels, to distribute SAP funds to indigent residents when tipped of the plan of the New People's Army (NPA).

“The social workers and their escorts were on board separate police and military vehicles when they were told of an impending ambush by the NPA (rebels) and plot to grab the SAP funds,” Napat said in an interview.

A team of 39th Infantry Battalion troopers, part of the reconnaissance patrol, figured in a clash with an undetermined number of rebels at 5:30 a.m.

“They were positioned on both sides of the highway ready for an ambush when foot patrol soldiers saw them,” he said, adding that a 30-minute firefight ensued.

There was no reported casualty on the government’s side.

Citing information from village officials, Napat said one rebel was slain but his body was taken by his companions.

He identified the NPA leader who was to lead the ambush and robbery as Eusebio Cranzo of the NPA Guerilla Front 72.

Police and soldiers recovered bloodied spent shells for an AK-47 rifle, the rebels’ signature firearm, and also empty shells for an M-203 grenade launcher and an M16 rifle.

Local social work officials decided to postpone the distribution of the SAP and were studying the possibility of conducting it in a nearby and safer village.

The NPA, together with the Communist Party of the Philippines, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1101647

AFP intensifies Covid-19 awareness in Caraga

From the Philippine News Agency (May 2, 2020): AFP intensifies Covid-19 awareness in Caraga (By Alexander Lopez)



INTENSIFIED CAMPAIGN. Around 10,000 leaflets and 200 face masks were airdropped by the 402nd Infantry Brigade of the Army and the Tactical Operations Group (TOG 10) of the Philippine Air Force on April 29, 2020. Leaflets were dropped in different remote areas in Caraga Region with the aim of providing residents with vital information on the 2019 coronavirus disease. (Photo courtesy of CMO-402Bde)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines in Caraga Region has intensified its awareness campaign on 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) with a series of airdropping of leaflets in different parts of the region.

The awareness campaign was conducted by the Army's 402nd Infantry Brigade (402Bde) in partnership with the Tactical Advance Command Post (TACP), Tactical Operations Group (TOG) 10 of the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

In a statement Friday (May 1), Major Francisco Garello Jr., the civil-military operations (CMO) officer of 402Bde, said the Army and PAF airdropped around 10,000 leaflets and 200 face masks in the far-flung communities in Butuan City, Cabadbaran City and the towns of Kitcharao, Jabonga, and Tubay in Agusan del Norte.

A similar operation was also done in the towns of Alegria and Gigaquit in Surigao del Norte and in the municipality of Sibagat in Agusan del Sur, Garello added.

Brig. Gen. Maurito Licudine, 402Bde commander, said the airdropping operations were conducted last April 29 to fill in the difficulties faced by government front-liners, especially those tasked in information dissemination in reaching remote villages.

“The AFP has utilized its air assets as part of its commitment to support the Regional Task Force on Covid-19, One Caraga Shield as we saw the need to extend our reach to those who live in the far-flung areas because they are also vulnerable to the disease,” Licudine said.

The Army observed that residents in remote areas seem to underestimate the seriousness of the Covid-19 pandemic, thinking that they are far from the town centers and urban areas, he added.

Leaflets dropped by soldiers in helicopters contained calls for residents to observe the protocols and health care management procedures issued by the Department of Health (DOH) and other vital information in preventing the spread of Covid-19, Licudine said.

“We urge all Caraganons to continue to stay at home and strictly follow protocols. Let’s continue to be more vigilant and cooperate with the government to fight this Covid-19 pandemic until a vaccine is discovered for its cure. Stay alive and keep safe,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1101571

Troops destroy suspected ASG marijuana plantation in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (May 2, 2020): Troops destroy suspected ASG marijuana plantation in Sulu (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)



MARIJUANA PLANTATION DISCOVERED. Personnel of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 7 and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, in collaboration with officials of Barangay Masjid Punjungan in Kalingalang Caluang, Sulu, destroy a marijuana plantation maintained by an alleged supporter of the Abu Sayyaf Group. They discovered the marijuana plantation on Friday (May 1, 2020) as they launched an operation against a drug personality in Sitio Mangal-Mangal in Masjid Punjungan. (Photo courtesy of the Joint Task Force Sulu)

Joint government forces have discovered and destroyed a marijuana plantation maintained by an alleged supporter of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in the province of Sulu, officials said Saturday.

Lt. Col. Oliver Baylon, Marine Battalion Landing Team 7 (MBLT-7) commander, said the marijuana plantation was discovered in Sitio Mangal-Mangal, Barangay Masjid Punjungan, Kalingalang Caluang town on Friday.

Baylon said the marijuana plantation was discovered when MBLT-7 troopers and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) operatives launched an operation against a drug personality identified as a certain Sahabi in Sitio Mangal-Mangal in Barangay Masjid Punjungan.

“While scouring the reported haven, operating troops discovered six plantation sites of fully grown and two plantation sites of newly planted marijuana,” he said.

Baylon said the marijuana plantation has a total land area of 2,100 square meters with more or less 22,000 fully-grown marijuana, estimated by the PDEA to be worth PHP5.1 million.

Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said Sahabi is a supporter of the ASG and the marijuana plantation is another source of fund of the bandits and their supporters.

The joint marines and PDEA operatives, in collaboration with barangay officials of Masjid Punjungan, uprooted and burned the marijuana plants.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said they would continue to support other government agencies in conducting law enforcement operations to prevent the proliferation of illegal drugs “in our operational area.”

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1101645

Navy ship in China for PPE pick up taking health precautions

From the Philippine News Agency (May 1, 2020): Navy ship in China for PPE pick up taking health precautions (By Priam Nepomuceno)



PPE SETS FROM CHINA. Chinese contractors haul container vans where PPE sets procured by the Philippine government will be loaded at the Zhangzhou Harbor, Port of Xiamen in China on Thursday (April 30, 2020). The BRP Bacolod City arrived in Xiamen on April 25 to pick up the cargoes of PPE sets to be used by front-liners in the battle against coronavirus disease 2019. (Photo courtesy of Naval Public Affairs Office)

The Philippine Navy (PN) on Thursday night said it is taking all precautionary measures to ensure the health and safety of officers and crew of the BRP Bacolod City (LS-550), the logistics vessel tasked to pick up thousands of personal protective equipment (PPE) sets in China.

Navy public affairs office chief Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas made this assurance as the loading of 23,385 boxes of PPE sets continues at the Zhangzhou Harbor at the Port of Xiamen.

"The vessel employs as little human contact as possible during the loading and reloading of container vans to ensure the health of its personnel onboard while guaranteeing the unhampered movement of cargo in and out of the ship. Regular conduct of disinfection in the living spaces while continuing its day-to-day operations aboard ship," she said in a statement.

Chinese contractors who were hired to load the cargo are also subjected to strict security clearance and health screening before they could enter the ship, Roxas added.

Serving as the storerooms of the PPE sets, the 33 container vans onboard were unloaded from the ship.

Paul Shi, a representative from the Philippine Special Envoy to China, supervised the hauling of the PPE at the dock through Chinese contractors represented by Chunshen Company Limited.

The container vans are then loaded with PPE at the China Custom’s warehouse where they are sealed and stored by the supplier and returned to the ship.

BRP Bacolod City arrived in China on April 25 to pick up the PPE sets procured by the Department of Budget and Management for use of the Department of Health to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) threat.

The ship left Sangley Point, Cavite City last April 21.

BRP Bacolod City commanding officer, Commander Rogelio Lachica, said he and his crew are proud to have participated in this mission as this will greatly help in the government's efforts against Covid-19.

"Just the mere thought na maraming makikinibang na front-liners sa cargoes na dala namin, sulit na upang suungin and peligro pagpunta ng China, at tiisin and anumang lungkot o panganib na aming tatahakin (that many front-liners will benefit from the cargoes that we are bringing, the risk of going to China and the sadness or dangers that we are about to face is worth taking),” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1101559

Army lauds Pinoy workers' contribution to dev't, Covid-19 fight

From the Philippine News Agency (May 1, 2020): Army lauds Pinoy workers' contribution to dev't, Covid-19 fight (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Philippine Army commander, Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay. (File photo)

The Philippine Army (PA) recognized the efforts of all Filipino workers to help the government contain the threats posed by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), in observance of Labor Day.

“Their untiring commitment in helping our countrymen, especially the sick and those vulnerable to the infectious disease, are acts of selflessness, deserving of our recognition," Army commander, Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay said in a statement late Thursday.

He added that the PA is grateful for their "unparalleled service and gallantry" to the nation.

"We also commend our workers who risk their lives and safety to ensure the continuous production and distribution of basic services to the general public during this global pandemic," he added.

He also lauded efforts of Filipino workers to fuel the country’s advance towards progress and stability.

"Our nation’s fight for workers’ rights, equal opportunities, and fair working conditions paved the way for the collective voice of the Filipino workforce to be realized and their potentials recognized," he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1101562

AFP scores big vs. Reds after Covid-19 ceasefire

From the Philippine News Agency (May 1, 2020): AFP scores big vs. Reds after Covid-19 ceasefire (By Priam Nepomuceno)



AFP spokesperson, Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo. (File photo)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday said it has recorded several successes, shortly after the conclusion of the unilateral ceasefire declared by President Rodrigo Duterte, following the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) outbreak.

"Starting 00:00 of 19 March 2020, in deference to the order of President Duterte, AFP ground units faithfully complied with the orders to cease all offensive operations on orders of AFP Chief General Felimon Santos, Jr," said AFP spokesperson, Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, in a statement.

He added that "intelligence-driven combat operations against the terrorist New People’s Army resumed without let-up" when the unilateral ceasefire lapsed midnight of April 16.

The NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United Kingdom, European Union, United States, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

Data obtained from April 16 to 28 showed that the AFP has initiated a total of 34 combat operations.

"It accounted for 10 terrorists dead and seven captured or surrendered in various skirmishes in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao," Arevalo said.

Also seized from these operations were a total of 58 high-power firearms (M-16s with grenade launchers, M-16s, AK-47s, M-14s, etc), and scores of rifle magazines and assorted ammunition, 20 pieces of improvised explosive devices, and other documents yielding extensive information about the terrorists.

"Telling, but no more surprising are the confiscations in Samar raid packs of anti-pregnancy pills. This supports the heart-breaking revelations of female members of the NPA who were either rescued or surrendered—some of them pregnant, of how they were sexually abused and molested by their superiors; Of how some of them were constrained to marry their commanders for lack of recourse," Arevalo said.

He also slammed the NPA for always saying that they will “resume offensive operations” when in reality, they have not.

"But the AFP is unfazed by the CPP’s saber-rattling. What we are more concerned with and is determined to prevent are their attacks on non-combatant civilians and tribal leaders which are also violations of International Humanitarian Law," Arevalo said.

Contrary to their claims that they are a benevolent organization, people complain of NPA abuses and robbing them of their relief goods, the murder of their leaders, and other atrocities at this time of crisis.

And by virtue of these atrocities, Arevalo said local folks are now more inclined to report the presence of communist rebels in their communities leading to these successful operations.

Amid various tasks the AFP is now doing to help the country deal with the Covid-19 pandemic, he said the military is more than ready to conduct combat patrols against these communist rebels to stop them from harming communities and its people.

"We will not hesitate to put our lives on the line — against the unseen enemy which is Covid-19 or the lingering CPP-NPA virus. We will defeat them as one," Arevalo said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1101617

2 militant leaders nabbed for Labor Day protest in Rizal

From the Philippine News Agency (May 1, 2020): 2 militant leaders nabbed for Labor Day protest in Rizal (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)



PNP spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac. (File photo)

Authorities on Friday arrested two militant leaders for holding Labor Day protest actions in Rodriguez, Rizal amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

In a press statement, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said Rastica Clarito and Reynaldo Dulay, leaders of the Bukluran ng Mangagagawang Pilipino (BMP), staged a picket protest near a subdivision in Barangay San Isidro at around 9:30 a.m.

The protesters clamored for financial assistance amid the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

Banac said while the PNP upholds the freedom of expression and right to peaceably assemble, personal safety and the best interest of public health and welfare must prevail.

“The strict enforcement of the ECQ is the State’s fulfillment of its duty to protect the right to life of its people, especially against those who violate it by asserting their liberties, which in this case is not absolute, and which inevitably spreads the contagion further,” he said.

Meanwhile, areas that are usually crowded with protesters such as the Mendiola and Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila, Welcome Rotonda in Quezon City and Quezon City Circle, during Labor Day were quiet.

Police officers, however, were deployed in these areas in case protesters go to these places.

The PNP noted that many local labor and transport organizations scrapped earlier plans coordinated by militant umbrella organizations to stage public assemblies, and instead took their protests online via Zoom and Facebook.

On Thursday, Malacañang said workers can exercise the right to air their grievances on the occasion as long as they follow quarantine protocols.

Mass gatherings are prohibited under the guidelines of the ECQ and the general community quarantine (GCQ).

Metro Manila and other “high-risk areas” will remain under the ECQ until May 15 while the GCQ took effect in other areas in the country on Friday.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1101604

U.S. State Department approves possible attack helicopter sale to Philippines

Posted to Yahoo News (Apr 30, 2020): U.S. State Department approves possible attack helicopter sale to Philippines (By Mike Stone-Reuters)

WASHINGTON, April 30 (Reuters) - The U.S. State Department has approved a possible sale to the Philippines of one of two attack helicopter variants, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said on Thursday in an official notification to the U.S. Congress.

The potential deal for either six AH-1Z attack helicopters made by Textron's Bell Helicopter unit for an estimated cost of $450 million, or AH-64E Apache attack helicopters made by Boeing and Lockheed Martin for an estimated cost of $1.5 billion.

Both sales include spares packages, related equipment and munitions such as AGM-114 Hellfire missiles.

The State Department said that the Philippines is considering either the AH-1Z or the AH-64E to modernize its attack helicopter capabilities. (Reporting by Mike Stone; editing by Jonathan Oatis)

https://ph.news.yahoo.com/u-state-department-approves-possible-191500075.html

AFP-Fact Check: This is a doctored photo of Philippine senator Risa Hontiveros with a message of support for Super Typhoon Haima victims

From Agence France Presse (AFP)-Fact Check (Apr 30, 2020): This is a doctored photo of Philippine senator Risa Hontiveros with a message of support for Super Typhoon Haima victims

AFP Philippines Facebook Twitter Email

A photo has been shared hundreds of times in multiple posts on Facebook alongside a claim that it shows Philippine senator Risa Hontiveros holding a placard that urges Filipinos to pray for the Maute, an Islamic State-linked group that temporarily took control of a city in the country’s south in 2017. The claim is false; this image has been doctored to include a manipulated placard, and the original photo shows Hontiveros voicing support for people affected by Super Typhoon Haima in 2016.

The photo was published here on Facebook on April 29, 2020. It has since been shared more than 900 times.

Below is a screenshot of the misleading post:

Screenshot of Facebook post

The photo purports to show Philippine senator Risa Hontiveros holding a placard, written in a mix of Tagalog and English, which reads: "The Maute are also Filipinos. / Let us understand them / #PRAYFORMAUTE".

The post’s caption states, in part: “It was she who said, that it wasn’t Rebellion or InVASIOn what the terrorist Maute Group did in Marawi City that's why she’s being laughed at by netizens.”

Armed militants from the Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups took over the southern Philippine city of Marawi between May and October 2017, resulting in almost 1,200 deaths. Philippine authorities said the attacks were launched to establish a southeast Asian base for the Islamic State, AFP reported here.

The same photo was also shared here and here on Facebook, alongside similar claims that Hontiveros had been sympathetic to Maute militants.

However, these claims are false; this is a doctored photo of Hontiveros that was taken in 2016. The slogan on the placard Hontiveros was holding has been edited to show a pro-Maute message.

A combined reverse image and keyword search on Google found this photo published on Hontiveros’ Twitter account on November 1, 2016.

Below is a screenshot of the Twitter post:

Screenshot of Twitter post

The text on the placard in this photo states: “#OperationPlanHelpCagayan / #WeCanDoThisCagayan / #RebuildCagayan”.

Cagayan, a province in the northern Philippines, suffered heavy damage in late October 2016 when Super Typhoon Haima made landfall. The typhoon brought strong winds and landslides that destroyed tens of thousands of homes, according to this AFP report.

The same doctored photo was previously shared online in 2017 and was debunked in this statement from Hontiveros published on her Facebook page on June 9, 2017.

Below is a screenshot of Hontiveros' Facebook post, which shows a side-by-side comparison of two versions of the doctored photo, both overlaid with a “FAKE” stamp (L), and the original photo (R):

Screenshot of statement

https://factcheck.afp.com/doctored-photo-philippine-senator-risa-hontiveros-message-support-super-typhoon-haima-victims

Parlade junks Zarate’s call for 90-day humanitarian pause

From the Philippine News Agency (May 1, 2020): Parlade junks Zarate’s call for 90-day humanitarian pause (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade, Jr., Southern Luzon Command chief (PNA FIle photo)

A ranking military official on Friday scored Bayan Muna Party-list Representative Carlos Isagani Zarate call for the government and communist rebels to comply with a United Nations Security Council appeal for a 90-day "humanitarian pause" on worldwide conflicts in the wake of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) outbreak.

Southern Luzon Command chief, Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade, Jr. said the call is hard to believe as the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) terrorists continue to attack government security forces and civilians during ceasefires declared by both groups in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"The President has declared a ceasefire at the very start of the ECQ (enhanced community quarantine) to which the AFP complied. Yet your NPA allies continued to attack our forces in Samar, Masbate, Rizal, Quezon, Iloilo, Surigao, Davao, and everywhere," he said. “The NPA website even proudly claims to have killed 38 soldiers during the period.”

President Rodrigo R. Duterte declared a unilateral truce from March 19 to April 15 which the CPP-NPA reciprocated with their own ceasefire declaration effective March 26 to April 15 which was then extended until the 30th.

"What does that tell you? Are these not savages who deserve 'humanitarian pause?' Just yesterday, the same website declared an end to the NPAs unilateral declaration of "ceasefire" and a shift to 'offensive mode' starting May 1. Shall we then believe you when you call for a '90-day humanitarian pause’?" said Parlade, a member of the National Task Force to End Communist Armed Conflict and Task Force Covid Shield.

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

Hallucinating
He added that Zarate must be hallucinating when he proposed this as this proposal is easier said than done due to several ceasefire violations of the CPP-NPA.

"Not after several violations of the ceasefire by the NPAs, not only against front-liners but also against IP (Indigenous Peoples) leaders whom they have killed while the troops were busy performing their tasks to enforce the ECQ," he said.

Despite authenticated cases of communist rebels violating the ceasefire, Parlade said he finds it odd that Zarate still has the gall to call on the Commission on Human Rights and United Nations Human Rights Council to conduct an independent investigation on the supposed recent armed encounters between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the NPA during the ECQ.

"But he won't budge, neither will the CHR chair, with the killings of non-combatants. We did not hear from both of them when the NPAs grabbed the relief goods intended for the poor in Samar, or when they ambushed government officials distributing SAP (social amelioration program) in Masbate," he added.

The AFP, he said, remains committed to defending the country and its people against the attacks by the communist rebels.

This is proven by the fact that in seven recent encounters in Rizal, Sorsogon, Masbate, Quezon and Mindoro, more or less six NPA members were killed, including a platoon leader, along with two party leaders arrested and 26 firearms captured
The dead rebels, he said, were simply dumped in some shallow graves as surviving NPAs escaped leaderless.

"The AFP recovered your cache of arms, foodstuff, IEDs, ammunitions, laptops, and Bayan paraphernalia so your criminal band has nowhere to go. That's the reason why Rep. Zarate wants this ceasefire again, and this time he tries to drag the UN with him in this pathetic act of his," he added.

While the NTF ELCAC will decisively end the threats posed by the communist rebels, Parlade said there is still time for surviving NPA remnants to surrender voluntarily to the government.

"NTF ELCAC is here to end this CPP-NPA virus, as (the) IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force) will do with Covid-19. But there is still time for them to surrender, and we will accept them with open arms, while we have not deployed our Cobra attack helicopters," he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1101606

Army dismantles NPA base in Occidental Mindoro

From the Manila Times (May 1, 2020): Army dismantles NPA base in Occidental Mindoro (By Roselle Aquino)

CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal: Government forces have dismantled the possible headquarters of New People’s Army – Southern Tagalog after a 30-minute firefight on Thursday at Barangay Manoot, Rizal, Occidental Mindoro.

According to the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Battalion, among those items recovered from the site was one M16 rifle, one Cal .38 pistol, eight anti-personnel mines, IED components, live ammunition, foodstuff, personal effects, and enemy documents with high intelligence value.

According to Lt. Col. Alexander Arbolado, Commanding Officer of 4IB, around 20 NPA members tried to defend the area which could accommodate around 60 persons.

Arbolado said that there was no casualty recorded on the part of government forces,

“We believe that the enemy suffered numerous injuries and deaths as manifested by the heavy bloodstains along their route of withdrawal.” he added.

“We will continue conducting focused military operations as our response to the overwhelming clamor of the IP communities to liberate them from CPP-NPA threat, harassment, and extortion,” Arbolado said.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/05/01/news/latest-stories/army-dismantles-npa-base-in-occidental-mindoro/721339/

3 NPA rebels killed in NegOr clash today

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 30, 2020): 3 NPA rebels killed in NegOr clash today (By: Florence Baesa)

Three suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed during an encounter with government troops at 4:05 pm this afternoon, Thursday, April 30, 2020, in Barangay Cambuas, Bindoy, Negros Oriental.

Colonel Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Brigade Commander told CDN Digital in an interview that based on the initial report of the troops from the ground, the 3 casulaties are still unidentified.

Recovered from the encounter scene were a shotgun, 2 bandoliers and backpacks with personal belongings.

“Pina-identify namin kung sino ang mga ito. Body count ito per initial report. Ongoing pa ang hot pursuit,” Pasaporte said.

The troops are still conducting hot pursuit operation against the fleeing rebels.

“We assure our fellow Negrenses that your Army in Negros will continue our efforts to protect our communities from NPA terrorist,” Pasaporte added. /rcg

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/306666/3-npa-rebels-killed-in-negor-clash-today

AFP-Fact Check: These photos have circulated online since at least 2015 – years before the COVID-19 pandemic

Agence France Presse (AFP)-Fact Check (Apr 30, 2020): These photos have circulated online since at least 2015 – years before the COVID-19 pandemic

AFP Philippines Facebook Twitter Email

An image has been shared in multiple posts on Facebook, Twitter and Reddit alongside claims that it shows trucks carrying COVID-19 relief that were set on fire by rebels of the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines. However, the image has been shared in a misleading context; it has circulated online since at least 2015 – years before the COVID-19 pandemic – in posts about supply trucks targeted by NPA rebels.

The image, which includes two photos of burnt trucks, was published on Facebook here on March 18, 2020. It has been shared more than 3,800 times.

Below is a screenshot of the misleading post:

Screenshot of Facebook post

The post’s caption reads in part: “NPA rebels burned down 7 cargo trucks / NPA rebels burned down on sunday 7 cargo trucks containing basic goods en route to Bukidnon after the owner failed to pay the rebels of ‘Revolutionary Tax’.”

Bukidnon is a landlocked province in Mindanao, a major island in southern Philippines.

While the caption did not explicitly specify when the incident took place, comments by Facebook users suggest that the post was believed to be showing an attack that occured during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

One user commented: "What kind of people are these, capable of adding chaos during this pandemic? What you've been fighting for against the goverment [sic]? You are against everything, such a selfish act!”

Another commented: "son of a b***h!! the philippines already has a big problem because of covid19 they still refuse to be restrained demons contemptible NPA it's just pure ideology for these fools!! hope you get infected of the virus"

Below are screenshots of the comments:

The image was also shared alongside similar claims on Facebook here, here and here; on Twitter here; and on Reddit here.

However, the image has been shared in a misleading context.

A combined reverse image and keyword search on Google found the same image was published on Facebook here on March 10, 2015, at least five years before the COVID-19 outbreak.

The caption of the 2015 post is identical to that of the misleading posts.

Below is a screenshot of the misleading post (L) and the 2015 post (R), with publishing dates marked red by AFP: 

Screenshot comparison

The same photos were also published in March 2015 in blog posts about NPA activity here and here.

According to several media, NPA rebels set fire to seven trucks on March 8, 2015 in an operation that targeted a military unit on the Philippines' Bukidnon province. The attacked was reported on here by GMA News, here by Mindanews and here by Sunstar.

https://factcheck.afp.com/these-photos-have-circulated-online-least-2015-years-covid-19-pandemic