WESTMINCOM: Military facilitates rido settlement in Lanao del Sur

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (May 15, 2020): Military facilitates rido settlement in Lanao del Sur

The military's 103rd Infantry Brigade facilitated the rido/family feud settlement between the Alulong and Bantuas Clans in Bacolod-Kalawi, Lanao del Sur on May 14, 2020.

Said warring clans engaged in series of armed confrontations since January of this year which caused alarm and panic not just to their community but to adjacent barangays as well.

Col. Jose Maria Cuerpo stressed that “Rido Settlement” will remain as one of the priorities of the brigade in attaining peace and development in the province.

The settlement was held at the Provincial Capitol and was presided by Engr. Gorondatu Alulong, Municipal Engineer of Bacolod-Kalawi.

Signing of pact between warring clans was witnessed by Col. Nolie Anquillano, 103IBde Deputy Brigade Commander; Mr. Abdulmohaimen Dipatuan; Mayor Aslani Balt of Bayang; and Mayor Khalida Sangaguila of Pagayawan.

"The successful campaign is attributed to the Bacolod-Kalawi Municipal Task Force on Ending Local Armed Conflict (MTF-ELAC) which is composed of the Bacolod-Kalawi LGU, Alpha Company of the 55th Infantry Batalion, Bacolod-Kalawi Municipal Police Station, Municipal Interior and Local Government Office, local traditional leaders, and other local agencies," said Maj. Gen. Gene Ponio of the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan.

To show their sincerity to the agreement, the Alulong clan turned over two M16A1, one M653 carbine, and one M1 carbine.

"We will continue to facilitate rido settlements as our initiative to assist local government units in keeping peace and order in the communities amid the current crisis," said Lt. Gen Cirilito Sobejana, WestMinCom Commander.

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6th Infantry Division - Kampilan 601 Infantry - Unifier Brigade 602nd "Liberator" Brigade 603 Persuader Brigade 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade Unang Marinong Brigada Team Tabak Joint Task Force Basilan HARIBON TEAM Magbalantay Cmo 11 Infantry Division "Alakdan Troopers" 2MBde Red Shield Gagandilan Siete 1102 Infantry "ganarul" Brigade 1st BCT Aegis Kwatromarinobrigada Sulu Jtf Tawi Tawi Indomalphi Joint Task Force Zamboanga Joint Task Force Zamboanga Virtual Center Unbeatable Ranger Battalion Matatag Battalion Tow Westmin Cmo Tow Westmin Pio Naval Forces Western Mindanao Cmou Western Mindanao Katapatan Pangkatihan-Dagatan 33rd Infantry Makabayan Battalion 57th Infantry Masikap Battalion 1st Mechanized Lakan Battalion 90th Infantry Bigkis Lahi Battalion Seventh Infantry Tapat Battalion Reliablecmo R Section 6IB Redskin 37IB - Conqueror Battalion 40 Infantry "Magiting" Battalion 2nd Mechanized Infantry-MAKASAGBattalion OnlyOurBest MbltFive 38th Infantry We Clear Battalion Arvin John Gullos Encinas Breathe Heart Ruel CasanesAr-ar Galvez Afman Rosales Jr. Antriosanjh Espenida Nenea Sancus Princy Necessitas La Independencia Filipinas

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WESTMINCOM: 3 Sayyafs neutralized in Sulu

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (May 16, 2020): 3 Sayyafs neutralized in Sulu

Three Abu Sayyaf militants were neutralized in the hour-long offensives launched by the military in Patikul, Sulu today, May 16.

Soldiers recovered an enemy cadaver and a high-powered firearm after a ferocious clash in Sitio Tubig, Paliya, Danag at 10:44am.

Combat troops of the 21st Infantry Battalion conducted a blockade and engaged about 20 militants in said area.

Augmenting troops further delivered fire and blocked possible withdrawal routes of the enemies.

Troops currently pursue the fleeing bandits.

Bloodstains were found in the enemy position, indicating heavy casualties inflicted by troops on the Abu Sayyaf, according to Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu.

Meanwhile, troops promptly extricated five soldiers with slight wounds.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command, said, "As our troops penetrate the strongholds and close in on enemies, they will continuously employ reasonable amount of combat power to pressure and debilitate the terror group in Sulu."

"We will sustain our security operations against the terrorists until we win the peace in Sulu and other parts of WMC AOR."

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6th Infantry Division - Kampilan 601 Infantry - Unifier Brigade 602nd "Liberator" Brigade 603 Persuader Brigade 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade Unang Marinong Brigada Team Tabak Joint Task Force Basilan HARIBON TEAM Magbalantay Cmo 11 Infantry Division "Alakdan Troopers" 2MBde Red Shield Gagandilan Siete 1102 Infantry "ganarul" Brigade 1st BCT Aegis Kwatromarinobrigada Sulu Jtf Tawi Tawi Indomalphi Joint Task Force Zamboanga Joint Task Force Zamboanga Virtual Center Unbeatable Ranger Battalion Matatag Battalion Tow Westmin Cmo Tow Westmin Pio Naval Forces Western Mindanao Cmou Western Mindanao Katapatan Pangkatihan-Dagatan 33rd Infantry Makabayan Battalion 57th Infantry Masikap Battalion 1st Mechanized Lakan Battalion 90th Infantry Bigkis Lahi Battalion Seventh Infantry Tapat Battalion Reliablecmo R Section 6IB Redskin 37IB - Conqueror Battalion 40 Infantry "Magiting" Battalion 2nd Mechanized Infantry-MAKASAGBattalion OnlyOurBest MbltFive 38th Infantry We Clear Battalion Arvin John Gullos Encinas Breathe Heart Ruel Casanes Ar-ar Galvez Afman Rosales Jr. Antriosanjh Espenida Nenea Sancus Princy Necessitas La Independencia Filipinas



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MILF: Peacekeeping mission in the Bangsamoro continues in the face of health crisis

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Facebook Page (May 15, 2020): Peacekeeping mission in the Bangsamoro continues in the face of health crisis

Bangsamoro Government Center, Cotabato City (14 May 2020) - Amid the nation’s ongoing efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, sustaining the gains of peace in the Bangsamoro remains a priority of the Bangsamoro Government and its international peacekeeping partners.

International Monitoring Team (IMT) Mindanao Batch 15 led by Head of Mission MGen. Dato’ Haji Muhammad Anwar bin Abdullah who officially paid a courtesy call on Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Interim Chief Minister Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim here on Tuesday, May 12.

Their discussions focused on the implementation of the remaining components of the normalization process under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), a crucial step in fulfilling the agreements of the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) under the peace pact.

Both parties also acknowledged the many challenges being faced by the region during the health crisis, while ensuring the need for peacekeeping missions to continue in the Bangsamoro.

The IMT was launched in October 2004 to oversee the peace situation in Mindanao after the signing of the GPH-MILF ceasefire agreement in 2003. IMT is responsible for monitoring the security, humanitarian, rehabilitation and development aspects, as well as the socio-economic assistance and civilian protection under the ceasefire and peace deal.

https://www.facebook.com/Luwaran-Mindanao-Philippines-428974773974987/

CPP: Larab | May 9, 2020

Propaganda publication posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (May 16, 2020): Larab | May 9, 2020


2020 Eastern Visayas Larab Publications Regions

Download PDF

https://cpp.ph/2020/05/16/larab-may-9-2020/

CPP/NPA-Panay: Hinggil sa all-out war ni Gen. Gamboa laban sa NPA — NPA-Panay

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (May 16, 2020): Hinggil sa all-out war ni Gen. Gamboa laban sa NPA — NPA-Panay

JULIO MONTANA

NPA-PANAY

CORONACION CHIVA “WALING-WALING” COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

MAY 16, 2020

Mabilis na dineklara ni General Archie Gamboa ang “all-out war” laban sa NPA bilang tugon sa utos ng kanyang berdugong kumander sa Malacanang. hindi naman ito nakakagulat at nakakatakot.

Namamatay ang pulis dahil umaatake sila sa aming mga sonang gerilya o mga teritoryong saklaw ng rebolusyonaryong gobyerno ng bayan. Payo namin sa PNP na tigilan ang inyong mga strike operations sa kanayunan at pagtuonan ng pansin ang inyong civilian police functions.

Habulin ninyo ang mamamatay-tao sa Malacañang at ang mga dambuhalang magnanakaw sa Kongreso, Senado, Kabinete, AFP at PNP. Ang mga kriminal na ito ang inyong tutukan ng inyong mga baril at hindi ang mga di-armado at naghihikahos na mga magsasaka at manggagawa na lumilikha ng inyong kinakain.

https://cpp.ph/statement/hinggil-sa-all-out-war-ni-gen-gamboa-laban-sa-npa-npa-panay/

CPP/NDF-Panay: On the rejoinder of netizens to Duterte’s offer of P2M for killing an NPA commander

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (May 16, 2020): On the rejoinder of netizens to Duterte’s offer of P2M for killing an NPA commander

CONCHA ARANETA

NDFP PANAY REGION

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

MAY 16, 2020

A teacher posted a P50 million reward to whoever could kill Duterte, a woman also posted 75M. Another netizen bidded higher, he offered P100 million! They were arrested and according to the news they regretted their actions.

But do you know what they were really sorry for? Nagsisi sila sa pagka-aresto sa kanila , pero hindi sila nagsisisi kung mamamatay si Duterte! and this sentiment is shared by millions of Filipinos today.

Kudos to the brave persons who had the guts to air their contempt and derision for the murderous psychopath who rules our country!

Oust Duterte Now!!

https://cpp.ph/statement/on-the-rejoinder-of-netizens-to-dutertes-offer-of-p2m-for-killing-an-npa-commander/

CPP/NDF-Panay: On Debold’s birthday bash during this COVID crisis — Concha Araneta, NDF-Panay

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (May 16, 2020): On Debold’s birthday bash during this COVID crisis — Concha Araneta, NDF-Panay

CONCHA ARANETA

NDFP PANAY REGION

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

MAY 16, 2020

Ten generous persons were arrested in Marikina during Labor Day for giving relief goods to people who have not been given aid by government. Nagtitipon-tipon daw, sabi ng pulis.

Some 2 weeks later NCRPO chief Debould Sinas attended a party for his birthday with food, beer and drinks to boot. Pinalabas pa sa social media!

Pag-aktibista, arestado. Pag-pulis at pasista, libre kahit bistado! Ibagsak si Duterte at ang kanyang mga alipuris!!

https://cpp.ph/statement/on-debolds-birthday-bash-during-this-covid-crisis-concha-araneta-ndf-panay/

CPP-CIO: It is right, just and necessary to rebel against Duterte in this time of pandemic

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (May 16, 2020): It is right, just and necessary to rebel against Duterte in this time of pandemic

MARCO VALBUENA

CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

MAY 16, 2020



The Filipino people are disgusted beyond words over the sight of the head of the NCR police force blowing candles and downing cans of beer with scores of other police officers last May 8. The “extraordinary birthday celebration” was an insult on the Filipino people who have been suffering under the now two-month lockdown of the Duterte regime. The birthday party-goers are the same police officers who enforce the tyrant’s lockdown with extreme prejudice and cruelty against the downtrodden masses, as well as the middle classes. It is the sight of these despicable manifestations of the ruling elite’s contempt for the masses that is driving the Filipino people to question the moral and political ascendancy of the Duterte government.

The people, especially the youth, are being pushed to rebel. Everyday, they question and condemn in social media the failures, corruption, incompetence and abuses of the Duterte regime under the lockdown. The denunciations and insults they have heaped against Duterte and his officials reflect the widespread sentiments of the people. People have turned to protestations as their only recourse in the face of widespread oppression and hardships, corruption and failures in the government’s pandemic response. In turn, Duterte and his fascist minions have resorted to hunting down and arresting those who have voiced out their disgust in a desperate attempt to terrorize and silence everyone.

The Covid-19 pandemic has exposed the deep socio-economic and power divide in the country. While the people go hungry and suffer from loss of income and rising prices, the big bourgeois compradors (otherwise known as the oligarchs or Dutertegarchs) continue to rake in profits and tax breaks from quarantine and “megaswabbing” infrastructure projects and “donations.” Congress is now busy preparing to give them more incentives and tax cuts. In partnership with the bureaucrat capitalists who take cuts in public contracts, overpriced government purchases and other corruption schemes, they are having a blast under Covid-19.

The Filipino people have already sacrificed a lot after two months of “staying at home.” But the Duterte government failed to perform its duty to carry out mass testing, tracing and isolation of Covid-19 infections. Because of this failure, the country continues to lag behind in efforts to manage the pandemic. The Duterte government has extended the GCQ and ECQ because it is still blind as to the extent of the spread of the Covid-19, and thus incapable of isolating and treating those infected.

Especially in these times of pandemic, the people deserve a better president than Duterte, one who knows to prioritize health programs, more than police and military measures and counterinsurgency; and one who is bold to tear the bureaucratic red tape to provide for the people in times of urgent need; one who is not driven by dictatorial ambitions and places the interests of the people above his own.

Under an incompetent, corrupt and anti-people regime, the Filipino people are bound to suffer even more from the pandemic–in terms of their state of health as well as in terms of their economic well-being and the state of their democratic rights. Indeed, it is right, just and necessary for the Filipino people to rebel so that they can get rid of the virus in Malacañang and enable the country to unite and effectively mobilize the people and its resources to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.

https://cpp.ph/statement/it-is-right-just-and-necessary-to-rebel-against-duterte-in-this-time-of-pandemic/

Kalinaw News: Two NPA combatant surrendered, one captured after

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 17, 2020): Two NPA combatant surrendered, one captured after 



TAGO, Surigao del Sur, May 16 – Two combatant of the New People’s Army (NPA) fled and voluntarily surrender while another combatant was captured by the army’s 36th Infantry (Valor) Battalion after the recent clash with the CPP-NPA terrorist transpired at Brgy Cabangahan, Cantilan, this province.

Just recently last March 11, 2020, the troops of 36IB encountered more or less 10 fully armed CNTs at the hinterlands area of Brgy Cabangahan, Cantilan, and recovered one NPA killed and one (1) AK 47 with live ammunition, enemy personal belongings, and documents with high intelligence value.

After the clash, engaged troops conducted continuing pursuit operations to the fleeing enemy.

On May 14, 2020, NPA combatant identified as @Bray – bray, 18yrsold, single, and a resident of Brgy Buntalid, Cantilan, SDS captured by the pursuing troops of 36IB bringing along live ammunition of 5.56mm, personal belonging, and food packs. He is a member of Squad 2 (Sqd 2), Platoon 2 (Pltn 2), Weakened Guerilla Front (WGF30) of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) under Noel Tumarlas Alacre @ Megan/Heinrich.

Yesterday, May 16, 2020, another two (2) NPA combatant identified as @ Jerson and @ Sol both 18yrs old, Manobo, single and residents of Purok 4, Brgy Cabangahan, Cantilan, SDS also voluntarily surrendered to the unit. They are also a member of Sqd 2, Pltn 2, WGF30, NEMRC @ Megan/Heinrich.

In an initial interview, @Bry-bry escaped and leave the group because of days of hunger and fear after they were almost hit by the pursuing troops. While, @ Jerson and @ Sol fled because of trauma hearing exchanges of gun fires and fear of death. They are newly recruited by @ Megan last March 20 and 29 April 2020 respectively during their self-imposed ceasefire. They also disclosed that they are conducting extortion activities to the communities to survive with their daily needs amid the COVID pandemic crisis.

Lt Col Jezreel Diagmel, Commanding Officer of 36IB reiterates its call to the remaining CPP-NPA terrorist to surrender now and lay down their arms.

“Once again, to the CPP-NPA, return to the folds of the law and return to your families and loves ones. It is for your own sake not to suffer the same fate as countless of NPA have killed because of failed ideology and futile cause. The 36IB will remain steadfast and determined to end this long-standing communist insurgency in the province,” Lt Col Diagmel said.

He also lauded the operating troops of 36IB for strictly adhering to the International Humanitarian Law and the rule of law while conducting follow-up operations on the fleeing enemy.



[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-combatant-surrendered-one-captured-after-surigao-sur-clash/

Kalinaw News: Negros Oriental Task Force-ELCAC resumes

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 17, 2020): Negros Oriental Task Force-ELCAC resumes (By 2rd Infantry Division)



Camp Leon Kilat, Tanjay City, Negros Oriental – COL NOEL T BALUYAN INF (GSC) PA, Commander, 302IBde attended the Negros Oriental Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NOTF-ELCAC) Meeting presided by Atty Pinili, PGO held at the Visioner’s Lounge, Convention Center, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental last May 15, 2020.

The meeting was attended by the different members of NOTF-ELCAC. Discussions during the said meeting were the CY 2020 Programs, Projects and Activities (PPAs) in the 16 ELCAC Barangays under Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP), Inclusion of Mitilia ng Bayan (MB) to Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), Brgy Project Evaluation and Monitoring Committees (BPEMCs), and Updates on AFP’s ELCAC Activities.

Meanwhile Col Baluyan said: “With the decline of COVID19 cases in the province, the NOTF-ELCAC will continue the operations of programs that has been delayed due to the Pandemic. A lot has to be done in addressing the Insurgency problem in the province involving the areas that were previously included in the RCSPs of the Army. With inclusion of MB members as beneficiaries of ECLIP, we will see to it that proper documentation and screening will be done to ensure the needs of members, also we thank these people for voluntarily surrendering their self to the government.”

“Rest assured that the insurgency problem in the province will be addressed by the NOTF ELCAC, addressing the root causes of the problem down the sitio level. Together we will end insurgency in Negros Oriental”, Col Baluyan 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/negros-oriental-task-force-elcac-resumes/

Kalinaw News: Army troops rescued NPA child warrior, slams Reds for illegal recruitment

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 17, 2020): Army troops rescued NPA child warrior, slams Reds for illegal recruitment (By 10TH INFANTRY DIVISION)



15 May 2020, Davao Oriental – Troops from the 28th Infantry (KAMAGONG) Battalion under the leadership of LTC ALEXANDER D BANATAO apprehended and rescued a child warrior following a skirmish against an undetermined number of NPA last 09 May at Sitio Tawas, Brgy Maragatas, Lupon, DOR. Alyas “Jack”, whose true name was hidden on purpose, 17 years of age, and a resident of Purok 1-A, Brgy Cabay-angan, Dujali, Davao del Norte was spared from imminent death brought about by the exposure to armed conflict caused by the recruitment of NPA in the communities.

In an interview, alyas “Jack” revealed that he was forcibly recruited by the NPA in their community despite of his young age and that the NPA would even ask his parents to hide war materials inside their house or in the vicinity. He also stated that there are three (3) other minors, ages 15-16 years old, are with him in the armed group.

Prompting on the statements of alyas “Jack”, Ltc Banatao immediately organized a recovery team composed of intel operatives of 28IB and Davao Oriental Provincial Mobile Force Company (DOPMFC) to recover said war materials at Brgy Cabay-angan, Dujali, Davao del Norte.

On 15 May 2020, troops were able to recover one (1) M4 rifle, two (2) bandoliers, five (5) magazines with live ammunitions near alyas Jack’s residence.

Ltc Banatao strongly condemns such inhumane and unlawful acts of the NPAs; exposing minors in armed conflict which endanger their life and deprive them of their liberty.

It has been noted that recruitment of minors especially in armed conflict is a gross violation on the Geneva Convention and other domestic laws in the country. More so, Republic Act 7610 of the 1987 Constitution provides “stronger deterrence and special protection against child abuse, exploitation and discrimination”. It also stipulates that “children shall not be an object of attack and shall be entitled to special respect. They shall be protected from any form of threat, assault, torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.”

Meanwhile, Kamagong Troopers, in their simplest way of showing kindness, was able to share some blessings to the victim of NPA recruitment as they bought some clothes for the rescued child warrior.

Said minor was then brought to the Lupon Municipal Police Station for proper filing.

[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-troops-rescued-npa-child-warrior-slams-reds-for-illegal-recruitment/

Kalinaw News: JTFC’s 34th IB supports PDEA’s buy-bust operation

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 16, 2020): JTFC’s 34th IB supports PDEA’s buy-bust operation (By 6th Infantry Division)



CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – A joint operation was launched by Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) of Region 12 and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and Alamada Municipal Police force. JTFC’s 34th IB provided additional security forces during the operation at Sitio Maracabac, Barangay Guiling, Alamada, North Cotabato on May 13, 2020.

During the interagency effort, an agent posed as a buyer and bought P95,000 worth of suspected shabu from the group. The buy-bust operation led to the arrest of Ali Adapa, Usman Salangan, and Ang Pilong Selangan and to the seizure of two (2) sachets of suspected shabu weighing 100 grams with an estimated street value of P680,000.

Also seized were four (4) caliber 5.56 M16 rifles, three (3) M1 Garand rifles, one (1) caliber 7.62 M14 rifle, one (1) M79 grenade launcher, magazines, ammunition, handheld radios, and cellphone.

Suspects are currently detained at PDEA-12 custodial facility and will face charges on violation of RA 9165 or Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act and violation of RA 10591 or Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

JTFC Commander, Maj. Gen Diosdado C Carreon, lauded the accomplishment of 34th IB and said that JTFC will continue to support the government’s anti-drug campaign in collaboration with the lead agencies.

[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/jtfcs-34th-ib-supports-pdeas-buy-bust-operation/

Kalinaw News: Government Pays for NPA Cremation Expenses, Gives Ash to Family

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 15, 2020): Government Pays for NPA Cremation Expenses, Gives Ash to Family (By 2nd Infantry Division)



CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal — The ashes of an NPA who was killed during their March 28 offensive against soldiers in Rizal were turned over to his relative on Friday at Antipolo City.

This development came after Mayor Dennis “Tom” Hernandez of Rodriguez paid for the cremation expenses in response to the request of the family of Noel Levanta, a ranking communist cadre of the Metro Manila Regional Party Committee.

Lt Col Rimrad Feraer, Commanding Officer of the 80th Infantry Battalion and Lt Col Benjamin Pajarito Jr of 65th Infantry Battalion exerted all available means to establish contact with Levanta’s next of kin, his parents who are both senior citizens living in Mindanao, before negotiating with Ramil Levanta who introduced himself as cousin duly authorised to claim his remains.

“After confirming his identity and obtaining a joint affidavit from the parents, our team together with the PNP helped him reach out to Mayor Hernandez who granted Ramil’s request for the immediate cremation of Noel’s body so that health concerns during this pandemic will finally be addressed and his ashes sent home to his parents for proper disposition”, added Lt Col Feraer.

Police Colonel Renato Alba, Director of RIzal Provincial Police Office, said that prior to the cremation, “an autopsy was performed by the PNP’s crime laboratory to officially determine the former NPA’s cause of death whose body was left behind by his comrades who did not even consider giving him a decent burial.”

“We owe it to the families of these NPAs to ensure that their remains will only be handed over to those legally authorised to claim and that they will be given the last respects that every human being deserve instead of being desecrated”, ended Col Alba.

There have been numerous instances in the past when the bodies of NPAs who died in encounters were retrieved by posers pretending to be families and were paraded and used as propaganda tool to advance their so called “ideology” under the guise of being “martyrs of the revolution.”

It can be recalled that the March 28 encounter in Brgy Puray of Rodriguez, Rizal was the first of the NPA’s series of ceasefire violations in the area of Southern Tagalog which resulted to the death of three NPAs and one soldier.

Col Alex Rillera, Commander of the 202nd Brigade which has operational jurisdiction over CALABARZON, said that such violations, while our people were reeling from the corona virus contagion, were “solid proof that the NPAs have indeed deteriorated into a ragtag band of terrorists whose desperation for relevance and propaganda have taken primacy over the welfare and safety of our people.”

He reaffirmed the “government security forces’ commitment to continue with our mandate of serving our people and securing this part of our land without being remiss to our critical role in helping our people contain the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Major General Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr, Commander of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division, lauded the joint AFP and PNP forces in RIzal “for going the extra mile and exhausting all available means to ensure that the disposition of the body of NPA Leader Noel Levanta will be handled according to the wishes of his bereaved family.”

He added that the government’s display of compassion in handling the body of the dead NPA leader “supports our earlier statement that we do not rejoice in killing our fellow Filipinos, however, we have a solemn duty to protect the greater number of peace loving citizens of our country”, added Maj Gen Burgos.

He ended his statement by expressing his soldiers’ “deepest condolences to the Levanta family” while saying that “his death will serve as additional motivation for us to end local communist armed conflict in the soonest possible time because we believe that the moment is now ripe for national unity and reconciliation so that our people may finally enjoy the fruits of peace, prosperity and development.”

[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/government-pays-for-npa-cremation-expenses-gives-ash-to-family/

Kalinaw News: 4th ID chief confirms death of Caraga’s four top NPA leaders

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 15, 2020): 4th ID chief confirms death of Caraga’s four top NPA leaders (By 4th Infantry Division)



The 4th Infantry Division Philippine Army has confirmed the death of four (4) top leaders from the New People’s Army (NPA) during a running gun battle in the provincial borders of Agusan del Norte (AgNor) and Misamis Oriental (MisOr). Major General Franco Nemesio M Gacal, the division commander has verified this information on Thursday, May 14, 2020.

The confirmation came about four (4) days after the series of armed encounters between the government forces and the Guerilla Front Committee 4A (GFC4A) of North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) leaving ten (10) NPAs dead.

With the help of former rebels turned peace advocates, eight (8) of the ten (10) dead bodies retrieved which were turned over to the city local government of Gingoog were positively identified.

One was identified as Ian Dela Rama a.k.a “Gian”, the Front Secretary of GFC4A, NCMRC; Rio Amor Yuson a.k.a “Lema”, the Finance Officer of NCMRC; Paquito Namatidong a.k.a “Sangka”, the Platoon Leader of SPP Sikop, GF4A, NCMRC; Peter Mansaginda Pinakilid a.k.a. “Aloy” – Political Officer, GF4A; Gladys Joy Hiponia; a.k.a “George”, a member of SPP Kingdom, GF4A, NCMRC; a.k.a “Santol”; and a.k.a “DELFIN” of Lamusig, Butuan City while the remaining other two (2) cadavers are still for identification.

The death of these high ranking leaders of GFC4A and NCMRC and their members attested that the CTG is at the brink of extinction.

The 402nd Infantry Brigade carried out the successful security operation after responding to a call for help from concerned civilians who have been victims of the NPAs extortion and abuses.

MGen. Gacal said, the death of the aforementioned NPAs will definitely degrade the CTG and “brings us closer to eliminating the threats that these groups pose to our security.”

“Ian Dela Rama a.k.a “Gian” the Front Secretary of GFC4A, NCMRC was responsible for numerous human rights violations. He was also held liable and responsible for the killing of some Lumads in the province of AgNor. Justice has been served to all the victims of the NPAs’ lumad killings in the province,” Gacal added.

Likewise, Gacal calls on the remnants of the fleeing CTGs to submit themselves to the nearest community and lay down their arms. “To the remaining members of the New People’s Army, we know that you are tired and exhausted running away from the operating troops. Lay down your arms and you will be safe. A new beginning awaits you together with your families and loved ones in a life where there’s no room for chaos and hardship,” Gacal underscored.

[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/4th-id-chief-confirms-death-of-caragas-four-top-npa-leaders/

Fighting erupt in Sulu, 3 Sayyaf killed, 5 soldiers wounded (WARNING: Contains graphic image)

From the Philippine News Agency (May 17, 2020): Fighting erupt in Sulu, 3 Sayyaf killed, 5 soldiers wounded (WARNING: Contains graphic image)

SULU - At least 3 Abu Sayyaf militants were killed and 5 soldiers wounded in fierce fighting that broke out in Patikul town in the southern Philippine province of Sulu, officials said Sunday.

Military photos released to the Zamboanga Post newspaper show a picture of one of 3 Abu Sayyaf militants Pinion Abdurasa killed by soldiers in fierce fighting Saturday, May 16, 2020 in Sulu's Patikul town. 

Officials said the clashes lasted about an hour after troops assaulted an Abu Sayyaf encampment and killed 3 pro-ISIS fighters, one of them was believed to be Pinion Abdurasa, on Saturday.

Soldiers from the 21st Infantry Battalion also recovered an automatic rifle in the village called Danag, a known lair of the Abu Sayyaf, whose leaders have pledged allegiance with the Islamic State.







Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, chief of the military’s Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City, about 80 nautical miles from Sulu, said soldiers clashed with about 20 heavily armed militants and that the operation against the terrorist group is continuing Sunday in the town’s hinterlands.

“As our troops penetrate the strongholds and close in on enemies, they will continuously employ reasonable amount of combat power to pressure and debilitate the terror group in Sulu. We will sustain our security operations against the terrorists until we win the peace in Sulu and other parts of the western Mindanao region,” he said, describing the clashes as “ferocious.”

In Sulu, one of 5 provinces under the Muslim autonomous region, the commander of joint anti-terror task force, Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, said soldiers tracking down the militants found blood stains on a route the Abu Sayyaf used to escape the military assault.

“There were strong indications that there could be more enemy casualties. We found blood stains on a trail used by the terrorists in fleeing the fighting,” he said.

The Abu Sayyaf is fighting for the establishment of a caliphate in the restive South where security forces are also battling communist insurgents and other pro-ISIS groups. (Zamboanga Post)

https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2020/05/fighting-erupt-in-sulu-3-sayyaf-killed.html