Kalinaw News: Communist NPA Terrorists’ IP killings caused IP leaders to call on military

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 23, 2020): Communist NPA Terrorists’ IP killings caused IP leaders to call on military (By 4th Infantry Division)



Lianga, Surigao Del Sur (SDS) – With the recent Communist NPA Terrorists’ (CNTs’) brutal killings on Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the hinter-sitios of San Miguel , Surigao Del Sur, the IP communities actively tipped off CNT sightings to pre-empt further CNT killings on targeted IP leaders who are opposing them in the far-flung communities and requested for the military’s immediate presence.

Last March 19, CNTs owned the brutal killings of Datu Bernandino “Bandi” Astudillo, and Zaldy “Domingo” Ybañez at Sitio Inadan, Brgy Magroyong, San Miguel town.On April 14, they also brutally murdered CAA Wilson Behing, another unarmed CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA) who is also a member of the IP in front of his family in Sitio Lamesa, Carromata, San Miguel violating their self-imposed Unilateral Ceasefire.

“We need the presence of the military in the conflict-affected areas because we need to protect the IP leaders and the community. Papatayin nila at babalikan ang mga IP communities na sumasalungat sa kanila kaya dapat matulungan kami ng mga sundalo na protektahan kami, “ Datu Jovito Silvoza, Sitio Sangay Chieftain in Libas-Sud, said.

38 households are forced then to temporarily leave their homes from Sitio Hayon and Sitio Sangay to the center of Brgy. Libas-Sud in San Miguel, while 7 families from Sitio Lagangan sought refuge in the houses of their relatives in Brgy. Caras-Anin the town of Tago but are back now in their homes with the help of the local government units.

Prior to their temporary evacuation, IP leaders have coordinated with their respective Barangay Chairmen while the barangay have coordinated with the respective Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Offices to provide for the basic needs of the evacuees and prevent CNT-linked front groups from aggravating the situation by exploiting IPs.

“We coordinated with the government regarding our evacuation because we don’t want to become victims of MAPASU and other front groups and who exploited us before and used us as a show of force against the government during the previous evacuations. The military and the government are not our enemies but the Communist NPA Terrorists. We evacuated because we want the military to go after them to put an end to their atrocities and we don’t want the CNTs to use us as human shields,” Datu Silvoza, said.

The Surigao Del Sur provincial government down to the barangays and IP councils declared the CNTs persona non-grata making the CNTs more isolated to the community and vulnerable to reports.







[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/communist-npa-terrorists-ip-killings-caused-ip-leaders-to-call-on-military/

Kalinaw News: 1 NPA patay sa engkwentro sa Iriga City, Camarines Sur

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 23, 2020): 1 NPA patay sa engkwentro sa Iriga City, Camarines Sur (By 83rd Infantry (Matikas) Battalion)



Tigaon, Camarines Sur—Patay ang isang kasapi ng teroristang NPA matapos ang engkuwentro sa pagitan ng mga terorista grupo at tropa ng 83rd Infantry (Matikas) Battalion sa Brgy. Sta Cruz Norte, Iriga City, Camarines Sur, bandang alas 5:15 ng madaling araw, ika-22 ng Mayo taong kasalukuyan.

Tinatayang nasa benteng (20) teroristang NPA ang nakasagupa ng tropa ng gobyerno na umabot ng kinse (15) minutong putukan na nagresulta ng pagkamatay ng isang (1) myembro ng NPA at pagkakarekober ng isang (1) M653 rifle, isang (1) Rifle Grenade, isang (1) bandolyer, apat (4) magazines with 5.56mm ammunitions, isang (1) generator, training kits, subersibong dokumento at personal na gamit. Wala namang naiulat na nasugatan sa tropa ng 83IB, sa katunayan ay kumpyansa ang tropa na may ilan pang nasugatan sa panig ng teroristang NPA.

Naganap ang operasyon na ito dahil sa sumbong na nagsasagawa ng recruitment ang teroristang NPA sa mga residente ng Barangay Sta Cruz Norte, Iriga City, Camarines Sur at mga karatig na barangay. Bilang pagtugon sa sumbong ng mga residente, ikinasa ang operasyon ng 83IB upang maitaboy ang mga NPA at mapigilan ang pagrerekluta sa mga inosenteng residente.

Upang mapanatili ang siguridad sa lugar at hindi na magdulot pa ng takot sa mga residente, agarang nagresponde ang quick reaction team ng 83IB. Nagsagawa sila ng pulong-pulong tungkol sa nangyaring engkuwentro at hinikayat ang mga residente na makiisa at makipagtulungan sa gobyerno. Namigay din sila ng Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integrated Program (E-CLIP) leaflets upang mapalaganap ang programa ng gobyerno para sa mga rebeldeng nais nang magsimula ng panibagong buhay.

Nagpapasalamat ang Commanding Officer ng 83IB na si Lieutenant Colonel Clark R. Dalumbar, sa pakikiisa at patuloy na pakikipagtulungan ng mga tao upang magapi ang gawaing terorista na sanhi ng di pag-unlad ng bansa. Gayundin ang lubos niyang paghikayat sa mga kapatid natin sa CPP-NPA-NDF na magbalik loob na lamang sa gobyerno sa tulong ng E-CLIP o Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program na naglalayon na matulungan ang mga nagnanais na magkaroon ng mapayapang pamumuhay. Higit sa lahat, lubos niyang pinapaabot ang pakikiramay sa naulilang pamilya ng nasawing NPA.

[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/1-npa-patay-sa-engkwentro-sa-iriga-city-camarines-sur/

Kalinaw News: NPA pressured, releases farmer’s son

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 22, 2020): NPA pressured, releases farmer’s son (By 8th Infantry “Dependable” Battalion, Philippine Army)



MPASUGONG, BUKIDNON. May 22 – After eight (8) distressful days, the 23 year old man who was fooled into joining the New People’s Army (NPA) was finally reunited with his parents after the NPA was pressured to release him on 20 May 2020 in Brgy Paradise, Cabanglasan, Bukidnon.

The son revealed that he was deceived by the NPA that is why he walked along with them. But in fact, the NPA used him as their servant, as he packed up and brought all the heavy stuffs of the NPA terrorists as they ran away from the government troops in the mountainous area in Bukidnon.

He lamented “Kakapoy ug kagutom ang nasinatian nako sa tanan adlaw kauban ang NPA. (I only experienced tiredness and extreme hunger in all the days when I was with the NPA.). He begged and cried because he can no longer bear the loneliness and sadness. He was then notified that his parents could not sleep and kept looking for him knowing that he joined the terrorist armed group.

Alias Mag, his mother, said “Mapasalamaton ako nga nakauli na ang akong anak sa amoang panimalay. Wala siya’y kaugmaon kauban ang mga terroristang NPA. Ug usab ako mapasalamaton sa mga kasundalohan kinsa nag tabang sa amoa para ipakaylap ang mga balita aron sa pagbalik sa among anak.”(I am glad that my son finally returned home. He has no future with the NPA. I am also thankful to the Army who helped us in spreading the news to bring back our son.)

“Ako nalipay na ang anak na lalaki sa mag uuma naka hunahuna na wala siyay kaugmaon uban ang NPA. Ako mapasalamaton sa atong mga kauban ug katawhan sa pagpakaylap sa impormasyon para maibalik ug mabuo ang ilang pamilya” said Lt Col Edgardo V Talaroc Jr, Commanding Officer of 8th Infantry Battalion. (I am glad that the farmer’s son realized that he does not have any future with the NPA. I thank all the partners who disseminated the information to reunite their family.)

Last May 17, 2020, his parents asked help from the Philippine Army and the Local Government to look for their son.



[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/npa-pressured-releases-farmers-son/

LOOK: PH Navy's 1st missile-ready warship arrives in Subic

From Rappler (May 23, 2020): LOOK: PH Navy's 1st missile-ready warship arrives in Subic

BRP Jose Rizal is the most powerful and lethal of the Navy's warships


BRP JOSE RIZAL. PH Navy's newest missile capable frigate arrives in the Philippines. Photo courtesy of Philippine Navy

The Philippine Navy's first missile-ready warship arrived on Saturday, May 23, in Subic, Zambales.

It traveled 5 days from its manufacturer's shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea.

The Navy said the BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) "is capable of fighting the 4 dimensions of warfare."

The warship is equipped with missiles, torpedoes, and other weapon systems. Its 107-meter long vessel is capable of anti-surface, anti-air, anti-submarine, and electronic warfare. It has a maximum speed of 25 knots, and can stay out at sea for up to 30 days straight.

The Philippines bought it for P8 billion and is said to be the most powerful and lethal of the Navy's warships.

The Navy only has 2 warships so far in its fleet. The second frigate, the BRP Antonio Luna, is expected to be delivered to the Philippines in September.

Both are manufactured by Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea.

The warship's technical inspection and acceptance will be done when the lockdown is lifted. An arrival and commissioning ceremony is initially set for June 19, the birth anniversary of the ship's namesake Dr Jose Rizal.

"While at anchor, the sailing crew will undergo a two-week quarantine in adherence with the strict health protocols being implemented by the Philippine government to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic," said the Navy.

Philippines is behind other naval countries in the Asia-Pacific, but it faces one of the more imminent maritime threats in the region, as China continues to build structures on the disputed West Philippine Sea.



BRP JOSE RIZAL. PH Navy's newest missile capable frigate arrives in the Philippines. Photo courtesy of Philippine Navy


BRP JOSE RIZAL. PH Navy's newest missile capable frigate arrives in the Philippines. Photo courtesy of Philippine Navy

https://www.rappler.com/nation/261816-brp-jose-rizal-first-missile-ready-warship-arrives

Palawan to receive from medical supplies from US military

From the Palawan News (May 20, 2020): Palawan to receive from medical supplies from US military (By Carla Mae del Rosario)

The aid is from service members from the U.S. Army, Marines, and Air Force delivered over P10 million ($203,000) in personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical supplies to hospitals in 10 provinces across the Philippines, working in partnership with the Philippine Coast Guard, Army, Marines, and Air Force.


Photo courtesy of U.S. Embassy.

Palawan is among the provinces in the country that will receive shares from the P10M medical supplies aid of the U.S. Military.

The aid is from service members from the U.S. Army, Marines, and Air Force delivered over P10 million ($203,000) in personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical supplies to hospitals in 10 provinces across the Philippines, working in partnership with the Philippine Coast Guard, Army, Marines, and Air Force.

This new donation brings total U.S. government COVID-19 assistance to the Philippines to more than P780 million (nearly $15.5 million)

The assistance, delivered in conjunction with the U.S. Embassy and Philippine Department of Health, will provide medical clinics from Luzon to Mindanao with much-needed PPE and other essential equipment to support frontline workers battling COVID-19. This joint U.S.-Philippine operation builds on decades of bilateral military cooperation in counterterrorism, humanitarian relief, maritime security, and many other fields.

Lt. General Ramiro Manuel Rey, AFP Northern Luzon Commander, expressed thanks for the donation, “Indeed, there is strength in unity. We would like to express our gratitude for the aid given by the U.S. Embassy. These items will greatly benefit the Bataan General Hospital and Medical Center in Bataan and Talon General Hospital in Tarlac City for a better COVID-19 response. With the world in unison, we truly will heal as one.”

Over the next month, this medical equipment will be distributed to fourteen medical clinics, hospitals, and local Departments of Health (DOH) in Palawan, Isabela, Tarlac, Laguna, Bataan, Bulacan, Sulu, Zamboanga del Sur, Maguindanao, and Basilan. The supplies include disposable gloves, masks, medical clothing, various types of face protection, and tools such as infrared thermometers.

“With this effort, we are trying to do our part to provide the heroes of this fight, the medical professionals, with the necessary tools that they need to protect their fellow workers and citizens. Times like these show the strength of our friendship, partnership, and alliance as we work together to combat this virus,” said Captain Tim Johnson, Team Leader, Civil Military Support Element – Philippines.

The United States has provided more than Php228 billion ($4.5 billion) in development assistance to the Philippines over the past 20 years, including over Php29 billion ($582 million) in health assistance.

https://palawan-news.com/palawan-to-receive-from-medical-supplies-from-us-military/

Hunger drives teen rebel to surrender

From the Panay News (May 23, 2020): Hunger drives teen rebel to surrender (By Ruby Silubrico)

There was hunger in the mountains, according to a 19-year-old member of the New People’s Army (NPA), the most recent rebel to surrender in Panay Island.

The teenager gave himself up on May 18 to Lieutenant Colonel Joel Benedict Batara, commanding officer of the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB) based in Miag-ao, Iloilo. He was accompanied by his parents and barangay officials.

The lad was a resident of Sibalom, Antique and a member of NPA Panay’s Suyak Platoon, Southern Front Committee.

According to Batara, the teenager was recruited to the underground movement early this year and took part in a rebel assault of government troops in Sitio Anoy, Barangay Cabalaunan, Miag-ao, Iloilo on April 18, 2020.

“Our surrenderee had a chance to escape from the NPA during the encounter. He revealed they suffered from hunger in the mountains,” said Batara.

The teenager went home and, together with his parents, sought the help of their barangay officials for a peaceful surrender.

Early this May, a 20-year-old lad also surrendered to the 61IB. He said he was an NPA member and was present, too, in the rebel group’s encounter with government troops in Miag-ao.

The young man was a resident of Miag-ao and was accompanied by his mother and barangay officials during the surrender.

“He joined the rebels in February this year. He was fetching water when armed men approached him and offered an education scholarship if he went with them,” said Batara.

The young man accepted the offer thinking he would be able to continue his studies.

“But he and other recruits were surprised to be handed out guns for tactical offensives against government troops,” said Batara.

During the encounter in Sitio Anoy, the young man was assigned as a perimeter security.

“But when he had the chance, he escaped from the group, leaving behind his firearm. He went home straight,” said Batara.

https://www.panaynews.net/hunger-drives-teen-rebel-to-surrender/

2 Negros rebel leaders covered by P2M bounty

From the Visayan Daily Star (May 23, 2020): 2 Negros rebel leaders covered by P2M bounty

Two leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines- New People’s Army in Negros may qualify for the list of top communist rebel leaders, who have a P2 million bounty each over their heads, Col. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said yesterday.

Pasaporte identified the two top Negros CPP-NPA leaders as Rogelio Posadas, with aliases of Poten, Isko, Roger and Botchoy, and Ka Juanito Magbanua of the Apolinario Gatmaitan Command.

The two rebel leaders had been arrested in the cities of Cadiz and San Carlos in Negros Occidental, but rejoined their comrades in the mountains after posting bail, police records show.

Pasaporte said that the P2million reward being offered by President Rodrigo Duterte is much bigger compared to the previous bounty offered for their arrest.

He tagged Posadas as Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros secretary and head of the NPA Regional Operational Command.

National Democratic Front chief political consultant Jose Maria Sison slammed Duterte for offering rewards for every top NPA commander being killed.

Sison said in a statement released by NDFP that he expects military leaders to manufacture more NPA commanders, in order to receive cash rewards, as they have been doing in what he calls “previous fake surrenders and fake encounters”.

“We can expect more murders being committed by military and police officers against innocent civilians who are misrepresented as NPA commanders, he added.

Earlier, Magbanua, who is the spokesperson of the Apolinario Gatmaitan Command, chided Duterte’s offer of P2-million reward, land and a new identity to anyone who could kill an NPA commander.

Both the AFP and the PNP leadership welcomed the reward offered by President Duterte.

AFP chief of staff Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. said that the reward money will pave the way for civilians to gather courage to step forward and “provide information leading to the neutralization of top communist terrorist group leaders.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2020/May/23/topstory5.htm

Troops mark Marawi siege 3rd anniversary

From the Philippine News Agency (May 23, 2020): Troops mark Marawi siege 3rd anniversary (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)



REMEMBERING MARAWI. The Army 103rd Infantry Brigade led by Col. Jose Maria Cuerpo II commemorates Saturday (May 23, 2020) the 3rd anniversary of the Marawi siege at Kampo Ranao that houses the headquarters of the brigade in Marawi City. The siege started when troops stumbled into an entire city of armed men when they launched a surgical operation to arrest Isnilon Hapilon, the emir of the Islamic State (IS) forces in the Philippines. (Photo courtesy of the 103rd Infantry Brigade)

The Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade held Saturday a simple yet meaningful commemoration of the 3rd anniversary of the Marawi siege at Kampo Ranao that houses the brigade’s headquarters in Marawi City.

The Marawi siege broke out around 2 p.m. of May 23, 2017 when joint military and police forces launched a “surgical operation” to capture Isnilon Hapilon, the emir of the Islamic State (IS) forces in the Philippines, but stumbled into an entire city of armed men.

Col. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade, led the wreath-laying ceremony marking the commemorative program of the siege’s 3rd anniversary as they remembered the sacrifices of the Fallen Heroes, who fought hard to liberate Marawi City from the violent extremists Dawlah Islamiya - Maute Group, which attempted to establish a “Wilayat (state)” in the country.

Cuerpo was the deputy commander of the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade during the Marawi siege.

“Despite this novel coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, we have not and will never be forgetting the heroism displayed by our soldiers during the 2017 Marawi siege. I call on the patriotic spirit of all Meranaos to do their part and help maintain the peace we are enjoying today. We are one in this fight, one in the fight against this terror threat in the province,” he said.

A total of 168 soldiers, policemen, and civilians died during the 153 days Marawi siege that displaced thousands of people.

In a statement, Cuerpo said the military and the government never left the people during the siege.

To this day, he said the rehabilitation of Marawi City continues amid the country’s fight against the Covid-19.

“Unity is critical in these trying times as manifested during the Marawi siege where the people and the security sector joined hands in fighting the common enemy. Peace and development can be attained. Nothing is impossible if there are cooperation, understanding, and discipline among us,” Cuerpo said.

“Let the Marawi siege be a reminder to every one of the terror and tragedy caused by the terrorist. Rest assured that your (103rd Infantry) Haribon Brigade will do its best and exert all effort to prevent such tragedy to reoccur and to promote peace and development in the city of Marawi and the province of Lanao del Sur,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1103741

US gov't donates medical supplies to Zambo hospitals

From the Philippine News Agency (May 23, 2020): US gov't donates medical supplies to Zambo hospitals (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)



FROM THE U.S. GOVERNMENT. Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command (at the podium), thanks the United States government for the donation of medical supplies. Sobejana and Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar facilitate the turnover of the medical supplies to the local hospitals on Friday (May 22, 2020). (Photo lifted from the Facebook Page of Beng Climaco)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The United States government has donated 110 boxes of medical supplies to local health facilities in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) crisis.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), and Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar, facilitated Friday the turnover of the medical supplies to the local health facility-beneficiaries.

The turnover of the medical supplies was spearheaded by Special Operations Task Force 511.2 Commander Nathan Golike.

The beneficiary health facilities are the City Health Office, Zamboanga City Medical Center, West Metro Medical Center, Zamboanga Peninsula Medical Center, and Ciudad Medical Center.

The donated medical supplies, airlifted here by the US government through the Special Operations Task Force 511.2, included personnel protective equipment, masks, goggles, thermometers, and other medical supplies.

“What you have done to us today (Friday) is something that will continue in our enduring friendship. Something that we look forward and really are very much thankful for,” Salazar said.

Sobejana also expressed gratitude to the US government and the country's Department of Defense "for the assistance they had extended to us."

“During this time of turmoil, we really need to be connected. We need to have a very good convergence and harmony of efforts and it requires a lot of support and cooperation with each other.” Sobejana said.

In a statement on May 19, the US Embassy said service members from the U.S. Army, Marines, and Air Force delivered over PHP10 million (USD203,000) in personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical supplies to hospitals in 10 provinces across the Philippines, working in partnership with the Philippine Coast Guard, Army, Marines, and Air Force.

The embassy said that the new donation brings total U.S. government Covid-19 assistance to the Philippines to more than PHP780 million (nearly USD15.5 million).

The assistance, delivered in conjunction with the U.S. Embassy and Philippine Department of Health, aims to provide medical clinics from Luzon to Mindanao with PPE and other essential equipment to support front-line workers battling Covid-19.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1103752

Pregnant NPA medic reunites with sons after 9 years

From the Philippine News Agency (May 23, 2020): Pregnant NPA medic reunites with sons after 9 years (By Alexander Lopez)



TEARFUL REUNION. After nine years, 38-year-old 'Apay', a member of the communist New People's Army, is reunited with her three sons at the headquarters of 23rd IB in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte on Saturday, May 23. Apay, who is pregnant, surrendered to the Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion on May 16 along with another pregnant colleague. (PNA Photo by Alexander Lopez)

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte -- A pregnant member of the communist New People's Army (NPA) has been reunited with her three sons nine years after she left them in the care of her family.

"Apay", 38, along with 18-year-old "Wena"--another pregnant colleague--surrendered to the Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion on May 16 after a civilian tipoff led the military to an NPA supporter in Sitio Cabalalahan, Barangay Guinabsan here.

Apay, who was reunited with her sons on Saturday at the headquarters of 23IB here, said she joined the communist rebel movement in 2006.

She said she acted as a medic for 13 years with the Guerrilla Front 4B (GF-4B) of the NPA's North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) of the NPA for more than 13 years.

Lt. Col. Francisco L. Molina, 23IB commander, said Apay's first wish upon surrendering was to see her sons.

"It's her wish to see her three children. She's a mother, she longed to see her sons. Nine years of not seeing her children is agonizing for a mother," Molina told the Philippine News Agency.

Apay and Wena's health conditions have already been checked by the Department of Health (DOH) whose personnel provided pregnant women with vitamins and medicines.

Apay expressed gratitude to the Army and the government for facilitating the meeting with her children.

Apay cried when she saw her sons alight from a vehicle and hugged them as they went near her. They were accompanied by her two sisters and her sister-in-law.

"I'm happy that they are with me now. When I was in the mountains, I longed to see them. I really missed my children," she said.

Apay said she left her firstborn, 12, to her mother and sister when he was still two months, while her second son, now 10, when he was still five months.

Her youngest son, Megan, 9 was only one-month-old when left to the care of her sister.

"I'm not sure if my children still have a memory of my face or voice. But I know they still feel my being their mother whey they hugged me tight," Apay said.

"This day is memorable. I won't forget the help the Philippine Army has given to me. Now I realize the true service the Army is providing to the people," she added.

Apay said the military's "excellent treatment" of her other pregnant colleague was contrary to the claims of the NPA, whose cadres would regularly frighten them of human rights abuses.

" We are treated humanely inside the Army camp. They facilitated our check-up considering that we are pregnant and provided us with medicines," Apay said.

Molina reiterated his call to the remaining NPA rebels in the area to consider the government's peace offer and return to their families.

"The government and the Army are always open to accepting them once they decide to lay down their arms and reunite with their families," Molina said.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1103768

Palace honors fallen heroes of Marawi siege

From the Philippine News Agency (May 23, 2020): Palace honors fallen heroes of Marawi siege (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

As the country commemorates the third anniversary of the Marawi siege, Malacañang on Saturday honored the government troops who offered their lives to liberate the Islamic City from the hands Dawlah Islamiya-Maute extremist group.

“Today, as we remember Marawi, we pay tribute to the heroism of our fallen men in uniform during the siege of the Islamic City,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a press statement.

The Philippine Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade held Saturday a simple commemoration of the third anniversary of the Marawi siege at Kampo Ranao in Marawi City.

It also remembered the sacrifices of the fallen heroes who fought hard to stop the violence of the terrorist group that attempted to establish a “Wilayat” or administrative state in Mindanao.

The Marawi siege, which began on May 23, 2017, prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to place the entire Mindanao under martial rule until Dec. 31, 2019 to quell the terrorism in the southern part of the country.

Over 1,200 people died in the battle until government forces finally liberated Marawi City from terrorists in October 2017.

A total of 168 soldiers and policemen died during the Marawi siege that displaced thousands of people in the Islamic city.

Roque said the Palace also appreciates the Marawi residents‘ continued support to the government amid efforts to rehabilitate the city.

“The task of rebuilding Marawi remains enormous. We thank the people of Marawi for their patience and support to the government as we are also grateful to our partners and allies for continuously working with the Administration to ensure Marawi’s successful rehabilitation,” he said.

Roque said the Duterte government has already made inroads in relocating internally displaced persons (IDPs) and building the key infrastructures of Marawi.

Citing the Task Force Bangon Marawi’s (TFBM) report, Roque said the National Housing Authority has programmed a total of 4,866 transitional shelters for IDPs.

As of January this year, around 2, 911 housing units have already been occupied, Roque said.

“The remaining balance of housing units are in different stages of completion and it is expected that they will be finished before yearend,” he said.

Roque noted that the government is also targeting to build 3,580 units of permanent shelter that will be completed in the first quarter of 2021.

“Currently, 165 units are occupied,” Roque said.

Roque added that the reconstruction of Mapandi Bridge, the center of the initial clashes, is now “100 percent complete.”

On Thursday, TFBM chairperson and Housing Secretary Eduardo del Rosario announced the approval of the PHP3.56-billion budget for Marawi rehabilitation.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1103767