Misuari surrenders ASG leader Susukan to PNP

From the Manila Standard (Aug 13, 2020): Misuari surrenders ASG leader Susukan to PNP

Moro National Liberation Front chairman Nur Misuari handed over wanted Abu Sayyaf leader Anduljihad "Idang" Susukan, notorious for beheadings and kidnappings, to the Philippine National Police Thursday evening.

Abu Sayyaf leader Anduljihad "Idang" Susukan. Davao City Police

Susukan was then served with 39 warrants of arrest served -- 23 for murder, 10 for kidnapping and 6 for frustrated murder.

According to PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa, the turnover happened at Misuari's residence at Yñigue Subdivision in Maa, Davao City.

“We thank Chairman Nur Misuari for facilitating the negotiation between the PNP, headed by PCol Kirby John Kraft, Davao City Police Director, and Edang Susukan,” Gamboa said.

Police initiated the negotiation after finding out that Susukan was brought to Davao City to seek medical attention.

“The PNP immediately advised Mayor Inday Sara Duterte who assured us her full cooperation and assistance, to ensure the peaceful handover and orderly transfer of custody to appropriate authorities," Gamboa said.

Susukan will undergo a medical check up at the Camp Quintin Merecido Hospital.

https://manilastandard.net/news/top-stories/331388/misuari-surrenders-asg-leader-susukan-to-pnp.html

Sayyaf leader surrenders, arrested in Misuari’s house

From the Philippine Star (Aug 13, 2020): Sayyaf leader surrenders, arrested in Misuari’s house (By Edith Regalado)

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Authorities arrested last night Abu Sayyaf leader Indang Susukan at the house of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leader Nur Misuari here.

Southern Mindanao regional police chief Brig. Gen. Filmore Escobal said Susukan turned himself in at Misuari’s house where the Abu Sayyaf leader was reported to have sought refuge since arriving in this city last week.

Misuari himself reportedly picked up Susukan in Sulu and brought him here allegedly to seek an audience with President Duterte who has been staying in the city for over a week now.

“Susukan did not resist arrest. He cooperated with authorities when he was served the warrants of arrest against him,” Escobal said.

Susukan, who reportedly belonged to one of the main Abu Sayyaf factions in the Sulu islands led by Hatib Hajjan Sawadjaan, was allegedly among those who participated in the Zamboanga City siege in 2013 led by Misuari himself.

Authorities said Susukan was reported to have been killed in an earlier encounter with government forces in Western Mindanao.

Susukan had been involved in several ransom kidnappings in Sabah since 2013. Among his victims were Chinese national Gao Huayun and Filipina Marcy Darawan, who were kidnapped at Singamata Reef Resort in Semporna waters on April 2, 2014.

He was also said to have been involved in the kidnapping of Malaysian Chan Sai Chun from his fish farm in Kampung Sapang in Kunak on June 16, 2014 as well as Sabah restaurant owner Thien Nyuk Fan, who was snatched from the Ocean King Seafood Restaurant in Sandakan on May 14, 2015.

Susukan was allegedly the key kidnapper and executioner of 39-year-old Malaysian engineer Bernard Then, who was beheaded in November 2015.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/08/14/2035155/sayyaf-leader-surrenders-arrested-misuaris-house

PH military unaware Abu Sayyaf leader Susukan was in Davao City, Lorenzana says

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Aug 13, 2020): PH military unaware Abu Sayyaf leader Susukan was in Davao City, Lorenzana says (By: Frances Mangosing)

The Philippine military was not aware that Abu Sayyaf leader Idang Susukan, one of the country’s most wanted men, was in Davao City allegedly with Moro leader Nur Misuari, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on Thursday (Aug. 13).

Malaysia’s The Star reported that Susukan, who is wanted by police and military for a string of kidnappings and other crimes, was “able to move freely” after turning himself over to Misuari in Jolo last April.

Quoting regional intelligence sources, the news report also said Misuari was expected to meet President Rodrigo Duterte in the next few days.

Misuari, head of one faction of Moro National Liberation Front, allegedly brought Susukan to Davao City to have him fitted with a prosthetic replacement for his left arm, which he lost during a gun battle with the military in Sulu last year, the report added.
Lorenzana said the military’s top commander in Davao City had no official report about the presence of Misuari and Susukan in Duterte’s hometown.

He said he had already talked with the Eastern Mindanao Command chief. “He was also unaware why Misuari and Susukan are together in Davao,” Lorenzana said. “Susukan is wanted by the military,” he added.

“His group killed and beheaded a lot of our soldiers. I am awaiting the official report,” he added.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said that Susukan’s surrender to Misuari was “not the surrender contemplated under the law and does not make him immune from arrest.”

Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesperson, said the military was ready to “provide support” to the regional police office “as it proceeds to serve the warrant for Susukan’s arrest.”

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1321409/ph-military-unaware-abu-sayyaf-leader-susukan-was-in-davao-city-lorenzana-says

Abu Sayyaf leader Susukan handed over to police; PNP chief thanks Misuari

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Aug 13, 2020): Abu Sayyaf leader Susukan handed over to police; PNP chief thanks Misuari (By: Consuelo Marquez, Julie S. Alipala)

Photo lifted from Inquirer Mindanao’s Julie S. Alipala’s Facebook

The notorious Abu Sayyaf sub-commander Anduljihad “Idang” Susukan was turned over to the police with the help of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman Nur Misuari, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Archie Gamboa said Thursday.

“We thank Chairman Nur Misuari for facilitating the negotiation between the PNP headed by Police Col. Kirby John Kraft, Davao City Director, and Edang Susukan,” Gamboa said in a statement.

Gamboa said Misuari’s hand over of the Abu Sayyaf leader to police took place at the MNLF chairman’s house located in a subdivision in Davao City.

Law enforcers initiated the negotiation after receiving information that Susukan was brought to Davao City for medical treatment, Gamboa said. Police did not mention the illness of Susukan.

Prior to the negotiation, Gamboa said the PNP also advised Davao Mayor Sara Duterte, who offered her assistance to allow the Abu Sayyaf leader’s turnover to authorities.

“The PNP immediately advised Mayor Inday Sara Duterte who assured us of her full cooperation and assistance, to ensure the peaceful handover and orderly transfer of custody to proper authorities,” the PNP chief said.

Gamboa said Susukan will first undertake a medical check-up at Camp Quintin Merecido Hospital in Davao. Susukan will then be transferred to the Armed Forces of the Philippines Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said Susukan has arrest warrants for 23 cases of murder, five for kidnapping and serious illegal detention, and six for frustrated murder.

Susukan is wanted in the Philippines and Malaysia for kidnappings in the east coast of Sabah since 2013 and other crimes in Jolo Island in Sulu.

But a report from the region said police in Davao City arrested Susukan on Thursday evening.

A police mugshot indicated that Susukan was arrested for a charge of kidnapping for ransom.

According to intelligence sources, Susukan was flown to Davao City from the Jolo airport in Sulu on August 10. He was reportedly with Misuari.
Citing intelligence sources, Malaysia’s The Star newspaper reported that Susukan was brought to Davao City so he can be fitted with a prosthetic replacement for his left arm that he lost in an armed encounter with government troops.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1321425/abu-sayyaf-leader-susukan-handed-over-to-police-pnp-chief-thanks-misuari

4 BIFF bandits slain in South Cotabato

From the Philippine Star (Aug 13, 2020): 4 BIFF bandits slain in South Cotabato (By John Unson)

Four members of the Dawlah Islamiya or Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were killed in law enforcement operations in Polomolok, South Cotabato in the past two days.

Police said Ottho Alangan shot it out with personnel of the Soccsksargen police and Army’s 5th Special Forces Battalion serving an arrest warrant at his hideout in Barangay Lumakil.

Muadz Modjih was killed in an alleged gunfight with pursuing government troopers.

Noel Castrana and Amer Pagalasan were shot dead in a follow-up operation yesterday.

Brig. Gen. Michael John Dubria, Soccsksargen police director, said the fatalities were with the group of BIFF bandits led by Geofrey Nilong and Abu Omar.
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2020/08/13/2034863/4-biff-bandits-slain-south-cotabato

Islamic State Holding on in Philippines, Despite Millions in US Spending

Posted to the Voice of America (Aug 12, 2020): Islamic State Holding on in Philippines, Despite Millions in US Spending (By Jeff Seldin)



Philippine troops prepare to lay white roses at the Marawi Memorial for fellow soldiers killed in the five-month siege of Marawi city in southern Philippines by the Islamic State fighters.

Hundreds of millions of U.S. dollars and hundreds of hours spent working with and training Philippine government forces appear to be doing little to dislodge Islamic State fighters entrenched in the country’s south.

The assessment, part of a just-released Pentagon report, warns that at best, U.S.-supported efforts in the Philippines have fought IS and other terror groups to a stalemate, with Philippine forces unable to gain the upper hand.

“In general, efforts to reduce extremism in the Philippines do not appear to have made a substantial difference,” U.S. Defense Department Acting Inspector General Sean O’Donnell wrote in the report assessing the success of Operation Pacific Eagle–Philippines.

IS-East Asia and its partners “have remained about the same size and strength for the last few years,” O’Donnell added, noting there has been “little change” in their ability to finance and carry out operations.

US-funded counterterrorism
The inability to deliver a more lasting defeat to IS in the Philippines comes despite considerable U.S. spending, including almost $70 million so far this year, down from more than $108 million last fiscal year, and just over $100 million the year before.

According to the inspector general report, a majority of that money has gone to intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, which includes the use of drones and other equipment to help Philippine forces hunt down IS cells.

In this photo taken on March 28, 2018 shows an aerial shot of bombed-out houses in Marawi City, after five months of house-to-house fighting between troops and jihadists loyal to the Islamic State.

But aside from some initial progress, when U.S. special forces aided Philippine efforts to recapture the city of Marawi, on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao, in 2017, efforts to eradicate IS have not met with sustained success.

Despite seeing 1,000 of its fighters killed or captured in the five-month-long battle for Marawi, and the death of its leader, Isnilon Hapilon, a month later, IS has persisted.  

U.S. counterterrorism and military officials say IS has managed to keep its numbers in the low to mid hundreds.

The latest estimates, from the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency indicate IS has anywhere from 300 to 500 fighters, divided into numerous factions, including the Abu Sayyaf Group, the Maute Group, Ansar Khalifa and others.

There are also indications that the terror group is spreading beyond its historical strongholds in the southern Philippines.

This past June, Philippine security forces said four IS fighters, part of a sleeper cell, were killed in a raid in the capital of Manila. And U.S. officials caution that IS continues to gain supporters across the country, even in areas where it is not currently fighting.

IS and COVID-19

There are also concerns that IS fighters are taking advantage of the coronavirus pandemic.  

"COVID-19 restrictions, coupled with force rotations, negatively impacted the amount of U.S. intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) support," the Pentagon inspector general report said.

And there are concerns IS groups could also get a boost from former members or sympathizers who may have been among the 10,000 prisoners released by the government in response to the spread of the coronavirus through the country’s prison system.  

Officials also worry about the failure of U.S. efforts to help change “the economic, social, and political conditions” which may be fueling the popularity of groups like Islamic State.


“We pay lip service to this idea of countering the narrative, but we don't really have a great sense of what that entails,” said Colin Clarke, a senior fellow at the Soufan Center, a global security research group.

“We've pretty much kind of rolled out the whole kitchen sink in an attempt to make progress,” he said. “Through every step forward, there's been two steps back because we haven't had the ability to conduct the kind of sustained nationwide CVE [countering violent extremism] program. It's been more kind of, you know, drips and drab.”

https://www.voanews.com/east-asia-pacific/islamic-state-holding-philippines-despite-millions-us-spending

NOLCOM: 2 Lider ng NPA, 2 Pang Miyembro Sumuko sa San Mariano, Isabela

Posted to the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Facebook Page (Aug 12, 2020): 2 Lider ng NPA, 2 Pang Miyembro Sumuko sa San Mariano, Isabela



https://www.facebook.com/crgnolcom/photos/a.1813617812020579/3361429057239439/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/NOLCOM/

NOLCOM: Isang Regular na Miyembro ng NPA at Isang Myembro ng Milisyang Bayan Nagbalik-Loob sa Gobyerno

Posted to the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Facebook Page (Aug 12, 2020): Isang Regular na Miyembro ng NPA at Isang Myembro ng Milisyang Bayan Nagbalik-Loob sa Gobyerno



https://www.facebook.com/crgnolcom/photos/a.1813617812020579/3361428717239473/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/NOLCOM/

NOLCOM: "Joma Sison 'Hallucinating' for Tagging Government in Killing of Echanis"

Posted to the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Facebook Page (Aug 12, 2020): "Joma Sison 'Hallucinating' for Tagging Government in Killing of Echanis"



https://www.facebook.com/crgnolcom/photos/a.1813617812020579/3364361923612819/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/NOLCOM/

NOLCOM: AFP-LGU-LGA Establishes MOPA in Asipulo, Ifugao

Posted to the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Facebook Page (Aug 13, 2020): AFP-LGU-LGA Establishes MOPA in Asipulo, Ifugao



https://www.facebook.com/crgnolcom/photos/a.1813617812020579/3367649826617362/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/NOLCOM/

WESCOM: LOOK | On the death of National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) peace consultant Randall Echanis

Posted to the Western Command (WESCOM) Facebook Page (Aug 12, 2020): LOOK | On the death of National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) peace consultant Randall Echanis

#AFPyoucanTRUST
#TeamWESCOM
#WTR

https://www.facebook.com/ntfelcac/photos/pcb.297056248399433/297055655066159/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/wescom/

WESCOM: Wanted CPP/NPA Palawan Leaders

Posted to the Western Command (WESCOM) Facebook Page (Aug 12, 2020): Wanted CPP/NPA Palawan Leaders

Let the nearest authority know where these NPA are hiding again, whoever gets information will receive a tip from the government..

#AFPyoucanTRUST
#TeamWESCOM
#WTR

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=891911804612782&set=a.251273235343312&type=3&theater

WESCOM: Wanted Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) Leaders

Posted to the Western Command (WESCOM) Facebook Page (Aug 13, 2020): Wanted Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) Leaders



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https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1002341550223812&set=pcb.1002331476891486&type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/wescom/

SOLCOM: Local peace talks yield three NPA to choose peace

Posted to the Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) Facebook Page (Aug 13, 2020): Local peace talks yield three NPA to choose peace

LOCAL PEACE TALKS YIELDS THREE NPA TO CHOOSE PEACE

The mayor of General Nakar, Quezon, Elizeo R Ruzol together with the LGU facilitated the localized peace engagement with NPA and government forces which yielded three NPA to return to the folds of law at Sitio Minangga, Brgy Lumutan, on 12 August 2020.

Lt Col Jesus Diocton, Commanding Officer of the 1st Infantry Battalion, identified the NPA as Joven Retena @ Hamin, Pascual Retena Jr @ Olik and Geralyn Gurango @ Bea. They were identified members of the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee’s KLG Narciso which terrorise the boundary of Laguna and Quezon provinces”.

Brigadier General Alex Rillera, Commander of the 202nd Infantry Brigade, said that the identity of the surrenders and their membership to the NPA were validated and confirmed by their former comrades who have earlier decided to return to the folds of law.

“Per our records which were corroborated by testimonies from former rebels, all of them are listed as active members of the NPA, thus, we are expecting them to share valuable real-time intel which will help us in dealing the terrorist group the decisive blows that will lead to the underground movement’s irreversible demise in this part of the country”, said BGen Rillera.

He added that the military is “looking at the possibility that they will also lead government troops to their arms cache after they feel our sincerity in helping them live peaceful lives and commitment to help them reintegrate to mainstream society, similar to what other NPA who had also returned to the folds of law.”

According to Major General Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr, Commander of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division which covers Southern Tagalog, among the main reasons for this surrender is the recent neutralization of top NPA leaders in Kalayaan, Laguna.

“The deaths of alias Termo, who was the Commander of STRPC’s Main Regional Guerilla Unit, and alias Jethro, the Secretary of STRPC’s SRMA 4C, have caused massive demoralisation and have fanned the prevailing paranoia within the NPA terrorists’ ranks” which, he added, “can once again lead to internal purging similar to what they did in the 1980s to avert the erosion of their mass base support across the country”, said Maj Gen Burgos.

It can be recalled that these two notorious NPA leaders were killed in two separate encounters inside three days of last week.

He also assures the safety of the few remaining NPA terrorists, as well as those of their families, who will decide to turn their backs from the armed struggle.

The 2ID has facilitated the surrender and subsequent enrolment to the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program of 604 former rebels from CALABARZON Region and MIMARO provinces.

https://www.facebook.com/SouthernLuzonCommandAFP/photos/pcb.2645992505660806/2645992402327483/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/SouthernLuzonCommandAFP/photos/pcb.2645992505660806/2645992448994145/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/SouthernLuzonCommandAFP/photos/pcb.2645992505660806/2645992472327476/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/SouthernLuzonCommandAFP/

CENTCOM: Army scores against NPA terrorists in Iloilo, recovers 3 firearms

Posted to the Central Command (CENTCOM) Facebook Page (Aug 13, 2020): Army scores against NPA terrorists in Iloilo, recovers 3 firearms



https://www.facebook.com/301Bde/photos/a.432733873734484/1255273538147176/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/CentralCommandAFP/

AFP-CRS: 5 katutubo na miyembro ng NPA sumuko sa Army, buong-pusong tinanggap ng kanilang komunidad

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Aug 13, 2020): 5 katutubo na miyembro ng NPA sumuko sa Army, buong-pusong tinanggap ng kanilang komunidad

5 KATUTUBONG NALINLANG NG NPA, SUMUKO. Buong-pusong tinanggap ni Punong Barangay Edwin Bernabe ng Barangay Kabayunan, Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan at ng 48th Infantry Battalion ng Army ang pagbabalik ng dalawang pamilya na binubuo ng limang katao na miyembro ng katutubong Dumagat na nalinlang ng bandidong NPA na sumapi sa kanila sa ginanap na seremonya sa Survey Detachment, Sitio Survey, Barangay San Lorenzo, Norzagaray, Bulacan.

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/3539938429358189/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/

AFP-CRS: AFP-LGU-LGA sign agreement in Asipulo, Ifugao

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Aug 13, 2020): AFP-LGU-LGA sign agreement in Asipulo, Ifugao

MEMORANDUM OF PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT. Another successful convergence of effort of the National Task Force in the implementation of Executive Order #70 otherwise known as the Task Force to End Local Communists Armed Conflict following the framework of Whole Of Nation Approach (WONA) wherein the 5th Infantry (STAR) Division, Philippine Army (AFP) together with the Provincial and Municipal Local Government Units and Agencies of Ifugao signed a Memorandum of Partnership Agreement (MOPA) held at Sitio Nangkatengey-Numpaling, Brgy Namal, Asipulo, Ifugao.

The said signing of Memorandum of Partnership Agreement (MOPA) intends to implement infrastructure projects in support to the developmental programs under the EO #70.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | afpcrs.com

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/3540189405999758/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/

AFP-CRS: Weakened NPAs in Panay continue to suffer debacles

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Aug 13, 2020): Weakened NPAs in Panay continue to suffer debacles

NPA’S WEAKENED. The NPAs continue to lose ground against the 12th Infantry Battalion. The government forces recovered an M16 rifle, an Ak47, and a carbine among other materials.

The Communist Terrorists were extorting communities and were recruiting minors to join their ranks. Fed-up locals continue to report the unwanted presence of communist terrorist.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | afpcrs.com

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/3540310912654274/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/

AFP-CRS: Philippine Navy ensures Fuga Island will not be controlled by China

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Aug 13, 2020): Philippine Navy ensures Fuga Island will not be controlled by China

FUGA ISLAND. Philippine Navy chief Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo is confident that Chinese forces will not have control over Fuga Island.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | afpcrs.com

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/3541776239174408/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/

Kalinaw News: Army joins Katipunan ng Kabataan Assembly and Tree planting Activity

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 13, 2020): Army joins Katipunan ng Kabataan Assembly and Tree planting Activity

Army’s, Bravo (Bluekriet) Company led by 1LT ROLANDO Q GREFALDIA JR. PA under 3rd the Infantry (Regardless of What) Battalion, 7ID, PA with in the supervision of LTC JUVENAL MARK T TAYAMEN INF (GSC) PA participated in Katipunan ng Kabataan Assembly meeting and Tree Planting activity at Brgy Bogwak, Dangcagan, Bukidnon last 17 July 2020.

These activities aim to encourage SK leaders to strengthen the harmonious relationship among the members of Sangguniang Kabataan Federation and to train them to become more competent and effective leaders serving the community.

The Kabataan Assembly meeting initiated by Mr. Mark Loigee Makilang, SK Chairperson of Brgy Bogwak. Afterwards, Tree Planting activity which was initiated by Mr. Joseph Hepetacio, Dangcagan SK Federation president at Brgy Bogwak wherein Sixty (60) mahogany trees were planted together with Ms. Lalaine Ellacer, MLGOO, DILG Dangcagan, PCMS Jean Aguila, Chief of PCR Section, Dangcagan Municipal Police Station, FO1 Leo Carillo, Nozzleman, Bureau of Fire Protection, PEMS Neil Timtim, TL,Municipal Inspectorate Covid 19 Team, Mr. Cicilio Palingcod,MENRO and Hon. Gloria Loquez, Punong Barangay of Brgy Bogwak.

During the Katipunan ng Kabataan Assembly meeting, R.A. 10742 also known as SK Reform Act of 2015 and R.A.9165 otherwise known as Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 were being discussed by Ms. Lalaine Ellacer and PCMS Jean Aguila respectively. 1lt Grefaldia enumerated the consequences of joining in the CPP -NPA communist group. PEMS Neil Timtim also conducted lectures on Covid 19 Health protocols and gave briefing regarding the policies and procedures with regard to the said pandemic.

As branded by our national hero, Jose Rizal, “Ang Kabataan ay ang Pag- asa ng ating Bayan”. This qoute promotes and encourages the Youth to join us as a catalyst of change and unity, especially in this trying time of pandemic cause by Covid-19.





[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-joins-katipunan-ng-kabataan-assembly-and-tree-planting-activity/

Kalinaw News: 3rd Infantry Battalion Lumahok sa isinagawang Brigada Eskwela 2020

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 13, 2020): 3rd Infantry Battalion Lumahok sa isinagawang Brigada Eskwela 2020
Brgy Bantol, MDDC – Ang kasundaluhan ng Charlie coy sa ilalim ng 3IB, 7ID,PA, sa kooperasyon ng Department of Education (DepEd), mga Guro at kawani ng Bantol Elementary School sa pamumuno ni Ginoong Eduardo Tejano, School head, kasabay din ang Bantol National High school sa pangunguna ni Ginoong Patrick James Arsaga, Head Teacher, kasama ang mga magulang at mga estuyante ay aktibong sumuporta at nakilahok sa taonang pagsasagawa ng Brigada Eskwela noong ika 12 ng Agosto 2020.

Ang Brigada Eskwela 2020 ay may temang : “Pagpapanatili ng Bayanihan tungo sa kalidad na Edukasyon para sa Kabataan”. Ang layunin ng programang ito ay buhayin ang kaugalian nating mga Pilipino ang pagiging matulungin at ang Bayanihan. Layunin din nito na malinisan at maihanda ang ating mga paaralan bago mag simula ang pasukan ngayong buwan ng Agosto 2020. Sa kabila ng krisis na kinakaharap ng ating bansa na dulot ng Covid-19, importante pa rin ang pag linang ng ating mga kaalaman lalong lalo na ang mga kabataan na syang kayamanan ng ating bayan.

Sa ano mang programa na ikabubuti at ikauunlad ng mamayan ng Brgy Bantol, makakaasa kayong patuloy ninyong magiging katuwang ang Team ROW, kasama na rin ang iba’t ibang ahensya ng ating gobyerno na nag susumikap na maipaabot sa inyong komunidad ang mga programa ng ating pamahalaan at sa pag harap na rin sa new normal sa gitna ng pandemya.







[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/3rd-inf-battalion-lumahok-sa-isinagawang-brigada-eskwela-2020/

Kalinaw News: Army recovers CNTs’ IED components in Agusan del Sur anew

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 13, 2020): Army recovers CNTs’ IED components in Agusan del Sur anew

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte – Troopers of the 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion (23IB) discovered components of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) buried by the Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) in the area of Barangay Maasin, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur on August 10, 2020 at around 6:30 o’clock in the evening.

A certain Alias Lee, a Former Rebel (FR) who previously surrendered to the 23IB revealed the location of said bomb-making materials. The troops immediately proceeded to the area and discovered four (4) gallons with eighty-five (85) packs of Ammonium Nitrate buried in the area of Barangay Maasin.

It can be recalled that on June 23, 2020, the troops of 23IB also seized a total of eleven (11) containers of Ammonium Nitrate and other bomb-making materials at the same Brgy after responding to the reports coming from the concerned residents on the location of said materials.

The containers of Ammonium Nitrate, according to Alias Lee, will be utilized by the members of the Sub-Regional Sentro de Grabidad (SRSDG) SAGAY, Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) 3, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) to generate more or less eighty-five (85) Anti-Personnel Mines.

The four (4) gallons of Ammonium Nitrate were part of the deposits of the CNTs in the area that posed a great danger to the lives and safety of local residents.

Treaties in the country and abroad, particularly the Ottawa Treaty, Geneva Convention and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) strictly prohibit the storing and use of IEDs, including the materials used for making bombs in areas populated by civilians.

The IEDs will not only harm the government forces but also the innocent civilians that reside in communities where these explosives are stored and planted by the CNTs.

In his statement, Lt. Co. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, the acting commander of 23rd IB hit the CNTs for disregarding the safety of the civilians in Barangay Maasin.

“The CNTs directly threatened and put the lives of the civilians in the area in great risk by illegally producing and using prohibited Anti-Personnel Mines (APMs),” Paulo said.

He added that the acts of the CNTs clearly manifest their complete disregard to the rights of the people living in the remote areas of Agusan del Sur.

“These CTGs have been disturbing the lives of the populace who wished to live peacefully. Aside from using IEDs, they were also regularly extorting money, manipulating and recruiting the populace and putting their lives in danger,” Paulo said.“ As noted by our soldiers who retrieved the explosives, they observed that the bomb-making materials and the IEDs were concealed near the area where regular activities of farmers are held, including the use of foot trails in going to their farm and during the pasturing of their farm animals,” Paulo added.

Meanwhile, the 23rd IB commander also lauded the efforts of the residents and the FRs for providing the troopers with positive information where the IEDs and the explosive materials were hidden by the CNTs.

He added that the support of the civilians in Barangay Maasin manifested their tiredness and weariness on the presence and manipulation of the CNTs.

“Your willingness to cooperate gave strong motivation to our soldiers to continue their mission and do their best to serve and protect you from the threats of the CNTs,” Paulo said.







[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-recovers-cnts-ied-components-in-agusan-del-sur-anew/

Kalinaw News: Three NPAs Yield Following Death of Two Terrorist Commanders

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 13, 2020): Three NPAs Yield Following Death of Two Terrorist Commanders

CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal — Three NPA terrorists surrendered to combined elements of soldiers and policemen on Wednesday after the localised peace engagement which was facilitated by the Mayor of General Nakar, Quezon.

The former rebels were received by representatives from the LGU, AFP and PNP at Sitio Minanga of the town’s Brgy Lumutan at around 1 p.m.

Lt Col Jesus Diocton, Commanding Officer of the 1st Infantry Battalion, identified the surrenders as Joven Retena alias Hamin, Pascual Retena Jr alias Olik and Geralyn Gurango alias Bea.

He said that “they belong to the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee’s KLG Narciso which terrorises our people who are living in the boundary of Laguna and Quezon provinces”, said Lt Col Diocton.

Brigadier General Alex Rillera, Commander of the 202nd Infantry Brigade, said that the identity of the surrenders and their membership to the NPA were validated and confirmed by their former comrades who have earlier decided to return to the folds of law.

“Per our records which were corroborated by testimonies from former rebels, all of them are listed as active members of the NPA, thus, we are expecting them to share valuable real-time intel which will help us in dealing the terrorist group the decisive blows that will lead to the underground movement’s irreversible demise in this part of the country”, said BGen Rillera.

He added that the military is “looking at the possibility that these FRs will lead our troops to their arms cache after they feel our sincerity in helping them live peaceful lives and commitment to help them reintegrate to mainstream society, similar to our previous surrenders.”

According to Major General Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr, Commander of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division which covers Southern Tagalog, among the main reasons for this surrender is the recent neutralization of top NPA leaders in Kalayaan, Laguna.

“The deaths of alias Termo, who was the Commander of STRPC’s Main Regional Guerilla Unit, and alias Jethro, the Secretary of STRPC’s SRMA 4C, have caused massive demoralisation and have fanned the prevailing paranoia within the NPA terrorists’ ranks” which, he added, “can once again lead to internal purging similar to what they did in the 1980s to avert the erosion of their mass base support across the country”, said Maj Gen Burgos.

It can be recalled that these two notorious NPA leaders were killed in two separate encounters in three days last week.

He ended his statement by “assuring the safety of the few remaining NPA terrorists, as well as those of their families, who will decide to turn their backs from the armed struggle.”

Maj Gen Burgos said that as of the moment, 2ID has facilitated the surrender and subsequent enrolment to the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program of 604 former rebels from CALABARZON Region and MIMARO provinces.

[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/three-npas-yield-following-death-of-two-terrorist-commanders/

Kalinaw News: 3ID reaffirms commitment to IHL

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 13, 2020): 3ID reaffirms commitment to IHL

CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan, Capiz – The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division reaffirmed its commitment to the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) as the country celebrates IHL Day on August 12, 2020.

As part of the month-long celebration, the military lined up a series of activities aimed at enhancing the understanding of the principles of IHL of its officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian employees.

This includes participation in a webinar on IHL that was organized by its national headquarters and an online talk show which caters to the discussion on the International Humanitarian Law Violations of the communist terrorist NPAs against the Indigenous People Youth dubbed as “Magsasalaysay ang Katutubo at Kabataan, Makikinig ang Bayan.”

Executive Order No. 134, s. 1999 declares every 12th day of August IHL Day to enhance the understanding of and enforce the adherence of public officials and law enforcement agencies to the principles of IHL.

The Philippines is a party to the Four Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949 and accepts direct responsibility for the application of IHL.

“We will continue to carry out our duties and responsibilities to protect our vulnerable citizens from possible human rights violations especially those caught in the middle of armed conflicts and assure total respect to their human rights as stipulated in the International Humanitarian Law,” 3ID Spokesperson Major Cenon C Pancito III said in a statement.

This year’s theme, “Preserving Human Dignity in Times of Armed Conflict: A Shared Human Responsibility” reminds us that as a member of a community, we shall continue to work hand in hand with the rest of the society to pursue an environment that has fullest regard and respect even to the least or our colleagues.

Meanwhile, the military condemned the communist terrorist group for its continued atrocities against civilians and non-combatants. Very recent of which is when a minor was hastily shot by the NPAs in Tacayan, Tapaz, Capiz last month.

“We are one with the Visayan’s fervent desires for genuine peace and complete victory against the New People’s Army and its front organizations that continue to exploit and put the lives of innocent people at risk,” Pancito 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/3id-reaffirms-commitment-to-ihl/

Kalinaw News: NPA member surrenders, Reunites with his Wife

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 13, 2020): NPA member surrenders, Reunites with his Wife

Monkayo, Davao de Oro- Alias Romy, 28 years old, a resident of Compostela, DDO and a member of NPA surrendered to 25th Infantry Battalion with one (1) M14 Rifle and one (1) magazine with fifty four (54) live ammunitions with the effort of 1LT DESMOND E CASTILLO, Company Commander of Delta Company yesterday, 12 August 2020.

It can be recalled that last 08 August 2020, Alyas Angel, the wife of Alias Romy, surrendered to this unit with the effort of 1LT EDDIE BOY JAYONA, Company Commander of Bravo Company. The consecutive surrender of the two NPA members shows that the CNTs already lack manpower and weakened for its reduced firepower.

“Recent surrenders of NPA members to this unit is mainly because of family matters. This depicts that these NPA members already prioritizes more their family, husband and wife rather than fighting for the wrong ideologies of the CPP-NPA-NDF. They made a very good decision to surrender.” said LTC ASNAWI P MUTI INF (GSC) PA, Battalion Commander of this unit.

These NPA members will undergo custodian debriefing, receive assistance and will be enrolled to Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) of the Local Government Unit of Davao de Oro.





[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-member-surrenders-reunites-with-his-wife/

PNP arrests Abu Sayyaf leader Idang Susukan in Davao City

From Rappler (Aug 13, 2020): PNP arrests Abu Sayyaf leader Idang Susukan in Davao City (By RAMBO TALABONG)

Wanted with 34 arrest warrants against him, Susukan is surrendered to the police by Moro National Liberation Front chairman Nur Misuari

The Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested Abu Sayyaf leader Anduljihad "Idang" Susukan on Thursday, August 13.

In a press statement, the PNP said Susukan was surrendered to the PNP by Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman Nur Misuari in Davao City on the same day.

Susukan has a total of 34 warrants of arrest against him for killings and kidnappings in southern Philippines and northern Malaysia. 

(READ: 5 gov’t troops killed in clash with Abu Sayyaf in Sulu)

Citing intelligence sources, The Star reported that Susukan has been able to move freely after surrendering to Misuari in April 2020.

According to the PNP, Susukan was recently brought to Davao City for "medical attention." When the local police found out, they initiated the negotiation with Misuari.

The warrants of arrest included 23 cases for murder, 5 for kidnapping and serious illegal detention, and 6 for frustrated murder.

Susukan will undergo a medical checkup at the Camp Quintin Merecido Hospital before being turned over to the Armed Forced of the Philippines in Camp Aguinaldo. 

https://rappler.com/nation/police-arrests-abu-sayyaf-leader-idang-susukan-davao-city

Bishop, doctor tagged in new anti-terror smear campaign in Davao

From the periodically pro-CPP online publication the Davao Today (Aug 13, 2020): Bishop, doctor tagged in new anti-terror smear campaign in Davao (By KEN E. CAGULA)



Another propaganda poster against rights defenders in Davao is spotted along the building of Sta. Ana Church, this time blatantly tagging UCCP Bishop Hamuel Tequis as a member of the Communist Party of the Philippines as well as Dr. Jean Lindo of Gabriela. (Photo courtesy of Gabriela-Southern Mindanao Region)
DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Another set of posters tagging activists and rights defenders as wanted terrorists circulated in Davao City Thursday, August 13, this time including a bishop, a doctor and a Lumad school administrator.

The posters which did not bear signatories were seen at the gate of Santa Ana Parish Church, a prominent church in the downtown area.

Nine persons were tagged as human rights violators and “berdugo at pumapatay ng tribu” (Killers who extinguish tribes).

Four activist leaders who were tagged in a previous poster appeared again: Carlo Olalo from the labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno Southern Mindanao Region; Tony Salubre of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas-SMR (KMP-SMR); Jong Monzon, Secretary General of the Lumad alliance PASAKA and Jay Apiag, Karapatan-SMR Secretary-General.

Five new personalities were tagged in this poster: Bishop Hamuel Tequis of United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) Haran; Meggie Nolasco, executive director of Salugpongan Ta Tanu Igkanogon Community Learning Center Inc. (STTICLCI); Environmental activist and Gabriela-SMR chairperson Dr. Jean Lindo; Kharlo Manano, former Secretary General of the children’s rights group Salinlahi based in Manila; and Marites Rafiola from KMP-SMR.

Lumad rights advocates vilified

Tequis is the bishop of UCCP Southeast Mindanao area which manages UCCP Haran that is currently providing sanctuary to hundreds of Manobo Lumad displaced due to militarization in Talaingod, Kapalong and Arakan.

Tequis is blatantly tagged in the poster as a member of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

In several instances, UCCP Haran and bishops have been accused of holding on to the displaced Lumad from going back to their ancestral lands in order to make profits.

Nolasco has been subject to online harassment and is facing charges filed by police for alleged kidnapping of her Lumad students. Salugpongan school was accused as “rebel schools” by the anti-communist task force that led to its closure last year.

Salugpongan school is one of the petitioners to seek the Supreme Court to nullify the Anti-Terrorism Act.

Manano is also included since Salinlahi has joined campaigns in the past supporting the Lumad schools.

‘Prelude to murder’
Dr. Jean Lindo, an anesthesiologist, faculty of Davao Medical School and a long-time practitioner of community medicine and health rights advocacy, assailed the circulation of the posters, and warned of possible attacks against her and on other leaders that appeared in the poster.

“This could be prelude to murder or to harassment suit if they are kinder and want to make me suffer through other means. I will still assert. But to those whom I care about I want you to know I do care about you enough to fight and resist,” Lindo said in a Facebook post.

This week, AnakPawis national chair and peace talks consultant Randall Echanis was murdered in his apartment in Novaliches.

Lindo’s group, Gabriela strongly condemned the continuing vilification of activists in Davao Region, and called for these attacks to stop.

Progressive groups raised alarm over similar posters last July and had filed a complaint before the Davao City Police and the regional office of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to investigate the incident.

Human rights group Karapatan earlier expressed concern how the passing of the Anti-Terrorism Law have emboldened elements behind this smear campaign against progressive leaders.

http://davaotoday.com/main/human-rights/bishop-doctor-tagged-in-new-anti-terror-smear-campaign-in-davao/

Army: NPA rebels killed seven civilians in Negros since June

From Panay News (Aug 13, 2020): Army: NPA rebels killed seven civilians in Negros since June

Atrocities perpetrated by the New People’s Army (NPA) in recent months have claimed the lives of at least seven Negrense civilians, according to the Philippine Army.

As of Tuesday, a list provided by the military showed that in June alone, three were killed in this province while four were also murdered by the NPA in Negros Oriental..

Colonel Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade based in Murcia town in this province, said these killings clearly show the communist-terrorist group is the top human rights violator in Negros Island.

“The killing of innocent civilians is barbaric, merciless and inexcusable. This reflects the true face of the NPA as terrorists,” Pasaporte stressed.

One of the three victims in this province was farmer Gilbert Garlit, who was gunned down in Sitio Pinanlagan, Barangay Carol-an, Kabankalan City on July 25.

The other two farmers from neighboring Himamaylan City were also shot dead. They were Randy Rociano in Sitio Asaran, Barangay Buenavista on July 12 and Joelito Hilacio in Sitio Lunoy, Barangay Carabalan on June 13.

In Negros Oriental, killed were Deopanis Pacunla and Eldeson Martonillas in Barangay Luz, as well as swine dealers Jimmer Fundador and Romeo Dungoan in Sitio Mandi-e, Barangay Magsaysay, all in Guihulngan City.

Corporal Mark Anthony Quiocson, a soldier front-liner, was also gunned down in Barangay Luz on July 1.

Pasaporte said the killings sparked outrage and condemnation from officials in Guihulngan, but the NPA still justified their atrocities with fabricated lies and put the blame instead on the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“Your Army in Negros adheres to the constitutional rights of each individual at all times. Enough of the sweet-coated propaganda, lies and deceptions of the NPA and the so-called progressive groups masquerading as rights group,” he added.

Pasaporte also said the NPA continues to commit a blatant violation of the Rule of Law, the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law and now the Anti-Terrorism Law.

“It’s time to move on from communist propaganda to reality. Enough of the killings and exploitation of the people,” he added. (With a report from PNA/PN)

http://www.panaynews.net/army-npa-rebels-killed-seven-civilians-in-negros-since-june/