CPP/NDF-KM DATAKO: Pulang saludo at pinakamataas na pagpupugay, Ka Maymay!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 20, 2020): Pulang saludo at pinakamataas na pagpupugay, Ka Maymay!

KM – DEMOKRATIKO A TIGNAYAN KADAGITI AGTUTUBO ITI KORDILYERA

KM-DATAKO

KABATAANG MAKABAYAN

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

AUGUST 20, 2020

Pulang saludo at pinakamataas na pagpupugay ang iginagawad ng Kabataang Makabayan-Demokratiko a Tignayan dagiti Agtutubo iti Kordilyera (KM-DATAKO) kay Pamela “Ka Maymay” Peralta, isang pulang mandirigma ng New People’s Army at isang tunay na anak ng bayan! Namartir si Ka Maymay noong ika-8 ng Agosto dahil sa papatindi at walang tigil na atake ng mga pasistang militar sa Ilocos Sur.

Buong pusong pakikiramay ang ipinapaabot ng KM-DATAKO sa kanyang pamilya, at mga kaibigan. Ang KM-DATAKO ang rebolusyonaryong organisasyon ng mga kabataan sa Kordilyera.

Isang matapang at masiyahing rebolusyonaryo si Ka Maymay. Inalay niya ang buong buhay sa pagpapalaya ng sambayanan. Sumapi si Ka Maymay sa NPA noong Mayo taong 2014.

Magaling na manunulat at layout artist si Ka Maymay, associate editor siya ng publikasyon sa isang unibersidad sa Baguio. Masikhay na nag-organisa si Ka Maymay sa hanay ng mga kabataan at estudyanye. Nang lumaon ay naging aktibong kasapi at opisyal ng balangay ng KM-DATAKO. Matiyaga at pasensyoso siyang nagpapaliwanag sa mga kasapi ng KM-DATAKO sa mga pag-aaral kaugnay sa digmang bayan.

Dahil sa kanyang masikhay na pagkilos at seryosong pagtupad sa kanyang rebolusyonaryong tungkulin, naimbitahan siyang maging kasapi ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas. Buong puso niyang tinanggap ito at lalo pang nagpalalim at isinapraktika ang mga turo sa Marxista-Leninismo-Maoismong pag-aaral.

Nang magkaroon ng pagkakataon na dumalo sa isang pagtitipon sa sonang gerilya at makahalubilo ang mga pulang mandirigma, napagtano niya na hindi sasapat ang pakikibaka sa kalunsuran. Kaya naman, nakita at niyakap niya na ang problema ng kabataan at ng mamamayan ay nakaugat sa sistematikong inhustisya sa lipunan at ang tanging sagot lamang dito ay ang pagsusulong ng demokratikong rebolusyong bayan. Sa kanayunan ay buong puso siyang lumaban kasama ang maralita’t mga magsasaka.

Mananatiling buhay na inspirasyon si Ka Maymay sa mga kabataan para patuloy na isulong at ipagtagumpay ang rebolusyon. Kahanga-hanga ang desisyon niyang talikuran ang burgis na pamumuhay at buong tapang na tanganan ang armas para sa pagbabago ng lipunan.

Buong diwa niyang inalay ang kanyang talino, kakayahan, at sigla sa sambayanan. Ang pagtanggap sa rebolusyonaryong landas na malayo sa burgis na indibidwalismo at ideyalismo ay nararapat lamang kilalanin at tularan ng bawat kabataan bilang pinakawastong landas sa pagpawi ng sistematikong pananamantala.

Ang pagkamatay ni Ka Maymay ay maaaring bilang o materyal lamang ng mga pasista para sa kanilang kontra rebolusyonaryong propaganda. Ngayon pa lamang ay ikinalat na ng kaaway ang kanyang mga lawaran bilang isang kabataang nasira ang kinabukasan, ngunit ang lahat ng ito ay papawiin ng mga tunay na naratibo ng kanyang buhay bilang isang aktibista at rebolusyonaryo! Pinakamakabuluhan ang buhay na inalay para paglingkuran ang sambayanan.

Sa ilalim ng nagpapatuloy at tumitinding krisis ng sistemang mala-kolonyal at mala-pyudal, masikhay na susundan ng marami pang kabataan ang landas na kanyang tinahak. Mabuhay ang rebolusyonaryong diwa ni Ka Maymay!

Patuloy na pagsilbihan ang sambayanan!

Patuloy na pagsilbihan ang rebolusyon!

Kabataan, sumapi sa NPA!

https://cpp.ph/statements/pulang-saludo-at-pinakamataas-na-pagpupugay-ka-maymay/

CPP/NDF-Southern Tagalog: Kundenahin ang di-makatao, barbaro at makahayop na pagtrato ng 202nd IBde at PNP Region IV-a sa mga labi nina Mario “Ka Jethro” Caraig, Dioscorro “Ka Termo” Cello, Alex “Ka Omar” Perdeguerra at Rey “Ka Danny” Macinas

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 20, 2020): Kundenahin ang di-makatao, barbaro at makahayop na pagtrato ng 202nd IBde at PNP Region IV-a sa mga labi nina Mario “Ka Jethro” Caraig, Dioscorro “Ka Termo” Cello, Alex “Ka Omar” Perdeguerra at Rey “Ka Danny” Macinas

PATNUBAY DE GUIA

NDF-SOUTHERN TAGALOG

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

AUGUST 20, 2020

Mariing kinokondena ng NDFP-ST ang di-makatao, barbaro at makahayop na pagtrato ng mga pasistang tropa ng rehimeng Duterte sa mga labi nina Ka Jethro, Ka Termo, Ka Omar at Ka Danny. Sina Ka Termo, Ka Omar at Ka Danny ay napaslang nang pinagsanib na tropa ng 1st Infantry Batallion-Philippine Army (1stIB-PA) at Regional Mobile Force Batallion 4A ng PNP-Region 4A nuong madaling araw ng Agosto 4, 2020 sa Sityo Balatkahoy, Brgy San Antonio, Kalayaan, Laguna. Si Ka Jethro, na maituturing na isang hors de combat dahil sa tinamo niyang grabeng sugat sa kaliwang braso sa naging labanan nuong Agosto 4 ay walang awang pinaslang naman ng mga pasistang tropa nuong madaling araw ng Agosto 8, 2020 habang natutulog at naghihintay na malunasan.

Katakot-takot na pahirap muna ang dinaanan ng pamilya ni Ka Jethro sa kamay ng 1st Infantry Batallion-Philippine Army (1st IBPA) at Philipine National Police-Laguna bago nila naiuwi ang mga labi ng kanilang mahal sa buhay upang ipagluksa, masilayan ang kanyang labi at maihatid ng mga kamag-anak, kaibigan at mga taong labis na nagmamahal sa kasama sa huling hantungan bilang bayani. Pinagpasa-pasahan at kung anu-ano pang papeles ang hinihingi ng PNP-Laguna at 1st IBPA sa pamilya ni Ka Jethro para lamang ibigay nila ang mga labi ni Ka Jethro sa pamilya.

Hindi na bago ang ganitong talamak na gawi, di makatao at mersenaryong kultura ng mga pasistang tropa ni Duterte sa pagbibinbin sa mga labi ng mga napapaslang nilang kasapi ng NPA. Ganito ang ginawa nila kay Kasamang Ermin “Ka Romano” Bellen na brutal na pinaslang ng mga pasistang tropa sa Antipolo Rizal nuong Disyembre 5, 2019. Mas nauna pa rito ang nangyari sa 3 kasamang napaslang sa Mindoro Oriental nuong Hunyo 2019. Dumanas muna ng matinding hirap ang pamilya sa pagkuha ng iba’t ibang dokumento bago nila nakuha ang mga labi ng kanilang mga mahal sa buhay na pilit at iligal na binibinbin ng tropa ng 203rd Bde sa isla ng Mindoro. Salamat sa mga pagkilos na isinagawa ng mga organisasyong nagtataguyod sa karapatang pantao na nagsilbing presyur at nagtulak sa pasistang tropa, naibigay sa kaukulang pamilya ang mga labi ng kanilang mahal sa buhay.

Subalit ang mas karumal-dumal, makahayop at gawain lamang ng mga taong walang konsensya ay ang ginawang pagnanakaw at pagkakait sa pamilya ng mga pasistang tropa sa mga labi nina Ka Termo, Ka Omar at Ka Danny. Ninakaw sa puneraryang unang pinagdalhan sa tatlo at dinala ng mga pasistang tropa ni Duterte ang mga labi ng tatlong (3) kasama sa hindi pa matukoy na magkakahiwalay na lugar at basta na lamang inilibing nang hindi nabibigyan ng karampatang pagluluksa at disenteng libing ng mga kapamilya’t kaanak. Kung saan-saang lugar itinuturo ng mga pasistang tropa ang di umanong kinaroroonan ng mga labi ng tatlong kasama pero patuloy silang nabigo na matunton ang mga labi ng kanilang mahal sa buhay.

Una na nilang naihanda ang sangkaterbang dokumento na hinihingi sa kanila sa pag-aakalang maiuuwi na nila ang mga labi ng tatlong kasama. Ngunit sadyang walang kasing lupit at walang anumang bahid ng pagiging makatao ang mga pasista at mersenaryong tropa ni Duterte.

Ang pagbinbin at pagkakait ng pasistang tropa ng AFP at PNP sa pamilya’t kaanak ng mga labi ng mga namatay sa panig ng isang pwersang nagkikidigma (belligerent force) tulad ng NPA ay katumbas ng paghatol ng kolektibong kaparusahan sa mga kapamilya at kaanak ng mga biktima na hindi kasangkot sa armadong tunggalian.

Ito’y isang lansakang paglabag sa International Humanitarian Law (IHL) at sa Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect of Human Rights ang International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) na nilagdaan sa pagitan ng NDFP at GRP bilang una sa apat (4) na pinagkasunduang substantibong agenda sa usapang pangkapayapaan ng dalawang pwersang nagdirigmaan. Sa naturang pangyayari, patuloy na humahaba ang listahan ng mga paglabag ng rehimeng US-Duterte sa IHL at CARHRIHL.

Isang mahabang tradisyon nang pinaiiral ng mga pwersang nagdirigmaan ang pagsauli o pagbibigay ng pagkakataon na makuha ang bangkay ng mga namatay sa labanan sa magkabilang panig bilang isang aktong makatao. Maraming mga kaso na nagdideklara ng pansamantalang pagtigil ng labanan ang magkakarap na magkakalabang pwersa upang kunin ang kanilang mga patay sa larangan sapul pa sa pag-iral ng lipunang alipin. Higit na pinatibay ang mga garantiya at proteksyong ito sa modernong panahon ng pag-iral ng mga digmaan na nilalaman ng kasunduan sa Geneva Conventions ng 1949 at 1977.

Sa patuloy at determinadong paghahanap ng pamilya at mga organisasyong nagtataguyod sa karapatang pantao, nasunson nila ang pinaglibingan nina Ka Omar at Ka Danny sa isang sementeryo sa Antipolo, Rizal. Unang nasunson ang nakalibing na bangkay ni Rey Masinas o Ka Danny nuong Agosto 13, 2020, sa isang sementeryo sa Barangay San Jose, Antipolo City, Rizal makaraan ang 9 na araw ng paghahanap. Nakuha ang bangkay ni Ka Danny na nababalutan lamang ng kumot at plastic ni dinamitan lamang at isinilid sa isang kahon.

Inilibing ng PNP si Ka Danny nang walang anumang paggalang at pagbibigay dignidad sa kanyang mga labi. Sinadyang ilibing siya sa sementeryong 60 kilometro ang layo mula sa Camp Vicente Lim sa Calamba, Laguna para itago ang kanyang mga labi sa pamilya at pagkaitan siya ng disenteng burol at libing.

Agosto 15, 2020 nang matagpuan naman ang pinaglibingan kay Alex “Ka Omar” Perdeguerra sa pareho ding sementeryo sa Barangay San Jose, Antipolo City. Ngayon pa lamang (Agosto 20) pinoproseso ang pagkuha sa mga labi. Tulad ni Ka Danny, sinalaulala ang kanyang bangkay at basta minarkahan ng “Ka Omar” ang kanyang pinaglibingan. Bagay na nagpapahiwatig sa makahayop at di makataong paraan ng paglilibing ng PNP kina Ka Alex Perdeguerra at Ka Rey Macinas.

Hanggang sa kasalukuyan, ayon sa nakakalap naming mga balita, patuloy pa ang paghahanap ng pamilya at mga grupo sa karapatang pantao sa mga labi ni Kasamang Dioscorro “Ka Termo” Cello. Natunton ito sa sementeryo ng Tuy, Batangas ngunit katulad ng ginawang pagsalaula sa mga labi nina Ka Omar at Ka Danny, inilibing siya sa isang walang markang libingan ng mga walang budhing PNP. Hindi pa nasiyahan sa kanilang kahayupan, labis na pinahihirapan ang anak na makuha ang labi ng kanyang ama at mabigyan ng isang disente, marangal na burol at libing na karapat-dapat sa isang martir at bayani ng sambayanang Pilipino.

Dapat lamang mariing kondenahin ng malawak na mamamayan ang barbaro, makahayop at di makataong pagtrato ng pasistang rehimeng US-Duterte sa mga labi nina Ka Termo, Ka Omar at Ka Danny. Gawain ito ng mga taong wala nang natitira pang budhi sa katauhan ng PNP at AFP na dapat patuloy na nilalantad, kinokondena at nilalabanan.

Sa kabilang banda, papapanagutin ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan ang sinumang may kinalaman sa pagpatay kina Ka Termo, Ka Omar, Ka Danny at sa brutal na pagpatay kay Ka Jethro na isang hors de combat. Sisingilin din ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan ang lahat ng may kinalaman sa makahayop at di makataong pagtrato sa mga labi nina Ka Termo, Ka Omar at Ka Danny gayundin ang labis na pagpapahirap sa mga kapamilya ng mga pinaslang.

Ang kalupitan at di-makataong pagtrato ng AFP at PNP sa mga napaslang na mga NPA sa mga labanan at ang pagkakait ng labi sa mga kapamilya’t kaanak para maipagluksa at mabigyan ng disenteng libing ang kanilang mahal sa buhay ang pinakamataas na kahayupan na maaaring gawin para lapastanganin ang alaala ng mga namatay at parusahan ang mga pamilya’t kaanak. Ito ang tunay na imahen ng isang mersenaryo at walang-pusong militar at pulisya na higit pang binulok ng kriminal, mamamatay-tao at taksil na rehimeng Duterte.

Umaalingawngaw ang malakas na panawagan ng mamamayan sa rehiyon para sa KATARUNGAN sa kanilang mga bagong bayani at martir ng rebolusyon. ###

https://cpp.ph/statements/kundenahin-ang-di-makatao-barbaro-at-makahayop-na-pagtrato-ng-202nd-ibde-at-pnp-region-iv-a-sa-mga-labi-nina-mario-ka-jethro-caraig-dioscorro-ka-termo-cello-alex-ka-omar-perdeguerra-at/

CPP/NDF-Negros: Condemn and expose the US-Duterte regime’s cover-up of their murder spree!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 22, 2020): Condemn and expose the US-Duterte regime’s cover-up of their murder spree!

BAYANI OBRERO

SPOKESPERSON

NDF-NEGROS

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

AUGUST 22, 2020

In a recent statement, the 3rd Infantry Division released a statement of the alleged ‘purge of the communists’ to pin to the revolutionary movement as the perpetrators of the brutal murders of Randy Malayao, Randall Echanis, and Zara Alvarez. These cover-ups are pointless, however; as the brutal crimes have clear indications that the killings were perpetrated by the AFP-PNP, no less.

It is the state who has made Negros its lab rat for fascism and killing fields since the implementation of Memorandum Order 32 and Executive Order 70. This has led to the Sagay 9 massacre, Oplan Sauron 1 and 2, and Sauron-like operations that led to the killings of legal activists, innocent farmers, and human rights advocates such as Atty. Ben Ramos, Malayao, Echanis, Alvarez, Toto Patigas, and many more, along the tens of thousands murdered in cold blood in Duterte’s drug war.

Before these gruesome murders, the victims have been consistently red-tagged as ‘NPA supporters’ and harassed by the state through anonymous death threats, incriminating posters, and many more. Some cases, like those in Oplan Sauron have incriminating footage and witnesses that the mercenary troops desperately bury. Their killing frenzy knows no bounds, as proven in the Sulu fiasco of policemen murdering the military.

Afterwards, state forces carry out half-baked investigations not for the purpose of solving the crimes, but to cover them up instead. These investigations have not resulted to any serious incrimination of the real perpetrators and instead use unknowing scapegoats. The real murderers remain to roam free, and the biggest of them have even been promoted such as Sinas, Vinoya, and Arevalo. Thus, it is both illogical and stupid for the state to pin the crimes on the revolutionary movement when clearly it is the AFP-PNP who committed them.

The mercenary AFP-PNP do not have the moral high ground nor the capacity to force such claims when they themselves are the forces behind the sabotaging of the peace talks between the GRP and the NDFP, on top of them carrying out their corrupted, fake and enforced surrenders, illegal arrests, torture, threats, strafings and hamleting, along their militarization in the countryside areas in Negros Island. They have repeatedly violated the Joint Agreement of Safety and Immunity Guarantee (JASIG) and the Comprehensive Agreement to Respect Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) and proven themselves to be killing machines.

With the passing of the draconian Anti-Terror Law, and the pushing of the imposition of death penalty despite the ongoing public health and worsening socioeconomic crisis brought about by the semi-colonial and semi-feudal ruling system, it is clear that Duterte and his minions are obsessed in silencing dissent and opposition. In effect, this has broadened the united front of revolutionary, progressive, and even conservative forces ever more determined to oust the tyrannical regime. History has already proven that these strongman methods cannot paralyze, but only anger and widen the mass movement against the regime.

The revolution’s enemy is the ruling elite class of bourgeois compradors, big landlords, monopoly capitalists and their fascist tools of the military, police, and paramilitary who oppress and commit the most atrocious of crimes against the people and their organizations. Only the state and their fascist troops murder innocents to further their selfish interests and aims.

The National Democratic Front-Negros and all the revolutionary forces condemn the cover-up of the Duterte regime of the killings they have committed. We call on the different people’s organizations and freedom-loving individuals to expose the fascist crimes of the state and exhaust all means to bring about the fall of the militarized regime who has revealed itself to be the enemy of the people. ###

https://cpp.ph/statements/condemn-and-expose-the-us-duterte-regimes-cover-up-of-their-murder-spree/

Kalinaw News: Army’s 91IB steps up series of information drive on Youth sectors to avoid CPP-NPA-NDF recruitment

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 23, 2020): Army’s 91IB steps up series of information drive on Youth sectors to avoid CPP-NPA-NDF recruitment

BALER, Aurora-The army’s 91st Infantry (Sinagtala) Battalion, 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division initiated series of symposium and dialogue with the youth sector dubbed as “91IB INFORMATION AND SECURITY AWARENESS Program” in Maria Aurora and Baler, both of Aurora since July to August of this year.

LTC REANDREW P RUBIO INF (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer of the 91st IB said that the program aims to inform the youth members which was organized by the unit through Community Support Program (CSP) to prevent the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) from infiltrating the youth and student sector.
LTC RUBIO said that the series of activities also presents the different CTG tactics and the seven (7) stages of CTG infiltration to youth sector.

“Our youth is our voice and our future leaders in the country. We should capacitate and mold them to become role models in the society. We urge the youth to support the current programs and activities of the government and be aware of the propaganda lies of the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs),” LTC Rubio said.

He added that they will continue to conduct such activities until all youth and other sectors are aware of the deceptive propaganda of the CPP-NPA-NDF.

“Maganda po at hanga kami sa mga sundalo ngayon kasi may mga ganitong activity po para sa aming mga kabataan para hindi kami maligaw ng landas o ma-recruit ng mga CPP-NPA-NDF dahil ang mga kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan kaya tayo ay mag-aral ng mabuti para sa ating kinabukasan,” Willar P. Pascua, Youth For Peace (YFP) President of Brgy. Kadayacan, Maria Aurora, Aurora 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/armys-91ib-steps-up-series-of-information-drive-on-youth-sectors-to-avoid-cpp-npa-ndf-recruitment/

Kalinaw News: Southern Tagalog’s “New Normal” include Former Rebels tipping NPA’s arms cache

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 23, 2020): Southern Tagalog’s “New Normal” include Former Rebels tipping NPA’s arms cache

CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal — Combined elements of soldiers and police recovered three M16 rifles with magazines and ammunition after a former rebel led them to an arms cache in Quezon Province on Friday, Aug. 21.

Lt. Col. Emmanuel Cabahug, Commanding Officer of 85th Infantry Battalion, identified the former rebel as alias Shasha who was a former full time member of the NPA’s Platoon Japson which operates in Bondoc Peninsula.
He added that “the rifles were buried in an NPA-designated cache at Mulanay town’s Brgy Burgos, a location where they hide firearms whenever they evade our forces and recover after government troops leave the area.”

Brigadier General Norwyn Romeo Tolentino, Commander of the 201st Infantry Brigade which has operational jurisdiction over Southern Quezon, said that “in his own volition, the former rebel led our forces to that arms cache after he felt our sincerity and heartfelt desire in helping him reintegrate to mainstream society through the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP which will allow him to live a peaceful life with his family.”

He described alias Shasha’s cooperation as a “manifestation of the sweeping demoralisation and disenchantment across the NPA terrorists’ ranks which is a result of their fast-eroding mass bass support as well as the prevailing paranoia due to the series of unprecedented debacles that they suffered in this part of the country.”

BGen Tolentino ended his statement with the assurance that “all NPA terrorists who will turn their backs from armed conflict will be treated by our soldiers humanely and with dignity similar to the way we treated alias Shasha which is contrary to what the underground movement has been indoctrinating to their members, however, those who will insist to stay on the path of terrorism must be ready to face the full force and might of the duly constituted government.”

Under E-CLIP, former rebels can avail up to Php 700,000 worth of grants which include immediate and livelihood assistance as well as firearms remuneration and housing benefits, among others.

Major General Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr, Commander of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division, expressed his optimism that “digging arms caches will be the new normal in Southern Tagalog considering that our 604 surrenders over the past two years are now realising and deciding to answer our citizens’ call for national healing and unity so that our country can finally move forward as a nation.”

Per the military’s records, 117 firearms have been turned-over to the government by former rebels since the E-CLIP’s maiden implementation in 2016.

Maj Gen Burgos confirmed that “2ID is now in the final stages of validating the dismantling of the NPA unit which operates in the boundaries of Rizal, Laguna, Quezon and Bulacan after the enemies of the state suffered decisive blows from our focused military operations that are based on near real-time intelligence given by the people living in those communities.”

He ended his statement by calling on “the few remaining NPA terrorists to follow the path of their former comrades by choosing the path of peace over violence so that we may be able to finally live the peaceful and prosperous lives that every Filipino citizen truly deserves.”





[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/southern-tagalogs-new-normal-include-former-rebels-tipping-npas-arms-cache/

Kalinaw News: Deceived at a young age, NPA member surrenders, yields firearms to 25IB

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 22, 2020): Deceived at a young age, NPA member surrenders, yields firearms to 25IB

Monkayo, Davao de Oro- A High-ranking and Five-year NPA rebel named as Alias Ading, 21 years old, surrendered to 25th Infantry Battalion and yields one (1) M16 rifle, one (1) M653 rifle and six (6) magazines with fifty-eight (58) ammunitions at Camp Kalaw, Poblacion, Monkayo, Davao de Oro today, 22 August 2020.

The surrender of Alias Ading was neutralized through the effort of 1st Lt. Desmond E. Castillo Philippine Army, Delta Company Commander and Intel Operatives of this unit.
Alias Ading was recruited by the CPP-NPA-NDF at the age of 16 years old and was early deceived by their wrong ideologies. At a young age, he has been placed on a high-ranking position inside the Communist Terrorist Group and before he surrendered, he was the Vice Commander of WGF25, North Front. After supporting the NPA for five years, he soon realized that his commitment in joining the NPA has never brought him any help. After experiencing hardships, hunger, tiredness and homesickness inside, he decided to return to the government’s side and live in a peaceful and harmonious environment together with his family.

“Sa sulod wala makaon tungod gina gukod sa sundalo. Nagsurrender ko kay gimingaw na ko sa akong pamilya ug tungod sa pasalig sa armado nga wala matuman.” said Alias Ading expressing his regret in joining the NPA.

“These NPA Rebels are inhuman enough to recruit and brainwash the youths at a very young age. The CNT’s recruitment of minors have blatantly disregarded and violated the International Humanitarian Law (IHL). They take away these children from their parents to make them revolutionary fighters and build their hatred against the government.” said Lt. Col. Asnawi P. Muti Philippine Army, Battalion Commander of 25IB.

The Youth must be protected from the clutches of the Communist Terrorists and must be given special attention by their parents, who are the front liners of their defense and to keep them away from terrorist group who continues to deceive and bring the youth in the verge of armed struggle and eventually ruining their lives.

Alias Ading will undergo comprehensive debriefing, will be enrolled to Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and will be given proper assistance by 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/deceived-at-a-young-age-npa-member-surrenders-yields-firearms-to-25ib/

Kalinaw News: Another two ASG members surrender, yield firearms

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 22, 2020): Another two ASG members surrender, yield firearms

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – With the continuous peace and development efforts, another two Abu Sayyaf Group members yielded with high-powered firearms to the 4th Special Forces Battalion (4SFBn) here in Barangay Cabunbata on Wednesday 19 August 2020.

The ASG members were identified as Kadil Hadilon Paksaan, 32 years old, alias Rambo who resides in Barangay Sibago, Hadji Mohhamad Ajul, Basilan Province and Manasal Jojie Marani, 20 years old, a resident of Barangay Bagbagon, Lantawan, Basilan Province. The two ASG returnees surrendered one (1) M16A1 Rifle, one (1) M14 Rifle, magazines, and several ammunitions.
The ASG returnees were grateful to the authorities for giving them a chance to embrace peace as they admitted that they were just deceived by the misleading ideologies and empty promises of the ASG leaders.

It can be recalled that last month a total of six ASG members surrendered to the 4thSFBn and were presented to Colonel Domingo B. Gobway the newly installed Commander of the Joint Task Force-Basilan and 101st Infantry (Three Red Arrows) Brigade. Lieutenant Colonel Alex Ampati, the Commanding Officer of 4SFBn, welcomes this development as a sign that the enemies’ will to fight is already weakened and more ASG members are now wanting to go back to the folds of the law and embrace lasting peace.

“Maraming myembro ng ASG ang sumuko na at marami pa ang nagbabalak na magbalik-loob sa gobyerno. Kaya hinihikayat namin ang iba pa nating mga kapatid na nakikibaka sa kabundukan na bumaba at yakapin ang kapayapaan. May panahon pa para kayo ay magbago.”, Lieut.-Colonel Ampati expressed.







The two ASG returnees will be enrolled in the Program Against Violent Extremism (PAVE) espoused by the Provincial Government of Basilan for the necessary intervention in order for them to become responsible, law-abiding, and productive citizens in the community.

[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/another-two-asg-members-surrender-yield-firearms/

Kalinaw News: Agri-livelihood training extended to ASG returnees

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 22, 2020): Agri-livelihood training extended to ASG returnees

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – Thirty (30) ASG returnees, who are currently enrolled in the Program Against Violent Extremism (PAVE) for Peace, completed the 3-day Vegetable Production Training conducted by Balay Mindanao Foundation Inc. (BMFI) and Office of the Provincial Agriculture – Basilan (OPAG Basilan) from 05 to 07 August 2020 here at Headquarters 4th Special Forces Battalion in Barangay Cabunbata.


This Agri-Livelihood Training is part of the PAVE program which aims to capacitate the returnees in order to sustain their family’s needs and promote food security through vegetable production. The training includes lecture and practical exercises on land preparation, seedling preparation and management, plant care and management, common pests and diseases, harvesting management, and other relevant topics, which equipped the returnees with technical know-how in agricultural farming.

Farm implements and vegetable seedlings were also distributed to the ASG
returnees after the training. These include pressure spray, sprinklers, garden hoe, shovel, garden trowel, different varieties of seedlings, fertilizers, and many others. After the training, they were required to create their own communal vegetable garden where they will be evaluated for further support.

Lieutenant Colonel Alex D. Ampati, the Commanding Officer of 4SFBn,
congratulates the returnees for completing the training as he encourage them to be ambassadors, not only of peace, but also in promoting food security in their respective communities. He also encouraged their other comrades to return to the folds of the law.

“Ang gobyerno ay handang tumulong sa mga returnees. Kaya hinihikayat naming ang iba pang nasa bundok at patuloy ang pakikibaka sa bumaba na at magbagong-buhay.”, Lieut.-Colonel Ampati expressed.

The activity was facilitated by Dr. Khayang Luy Battad from OPAG Basilan and
Ms. Nurhati Tangging from BMFI. Also present during the culminating activity were Mrs. Tahira Ismael-Sansawi, Municipal Administrator of Lantawan Municipality, and Ustadz Gais Habibon, representative from the Ulama Council of Basilan.











[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/agri-livelihood-training-extended-to-asg-returnees/

Kalinaw News: Collaborative government effort turn war zone into Sports Complex

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 22, 2020): Collaborative government effort turn war zone into Sports Complex

PATIKUL, Sulu — The government and the military turned a battleground into a sports complex in Barangay Tugas, 22nd of August, 2020.

The collaborative efforts of the local government and the military led to the rehabilitation of the former war zone. Its success bore from the combined efforts of the 45th Infantry “Gallant” Battalion (45IB), 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1101st Infantry Brigade, 1102nd Infantry Brigade, 11th Infantry Division, Patikul Municipal Government, and Sulu Provincial Government.

“The cooperation between the the Patikul Municipal Government and the Philippine Army will set Brgy Tugas as an example for other municipalities. It will be a precedent of peace and progress,” said 11ID Commander Brigadier General William Gonzales.

Brgy Tugas was known as a “ground zero” for terrorism where many lives were taken. Many Abu Sayyaf bandits hid in this area. They also brought their kidnap victims in this place.

The establishment of a Sports Complex brought happiness to the citizens of the said barangay as well as to the neighboring communities. Moreover, it will encourage people to take up sports such as basketball and volleyball. These activities will instill self-discipline and prevent them from leading an astray life.

Government equip farmers with new tools

Farmers received new equipment through the combined efforts of the military and the government in Barangay Tugas last August 21, 2020.

The 45IB and the 11th Infantry Division collaborated with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform to equip local farmers with new tools to help with their livelihood.

Further, the 45IB has been ensuring the safety of farming activities in the said barangay. The citizens can plant their crops without the fear of Abu Sayyaf bandits.

Communities thrive when there is peace.

[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/collaborative-government-effort-turn-war-zone-into-sports-complex/

Kalinaw News: AFP-PNP nabs NPA Terrorist Finance Officer in CARAGA

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 22, 2020): AFP-PNP nabs NPA Terrorist Finance Officer in CARAGA

SURIGAO del SUR- Joint elements of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion (3SFBN) and the 1st Police Mobile Force Company (PMFC) of Surigao del Sur Provincial Police Office, apprehended a certain Sarvina Rivas Quijano alias Soping at a checkpoint while onboard a multi-cab with plate number YCZ 583 driven by Jovencito P Lozada.

Troops manning the checkpoint had noticed in plain view protruding rifle grenades in the multicab which prompted them to search the vehicle. Thorough search on the vehicle led to the discovery of two (2) improvised explosive devices (IEDs), blasting cap with detonating cord, three (3) rifle grenades, 5 analog cellular phones, one laptop computer, subversive documents, numerous SIM cards, external drive and a memory card allegedly owned by the suspect.


The suspect was later identified by a Former Rebel (FR) as the Finance Staff of the Communist Terrorist Group’s (CTG) Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC). She is the party wife of Marcelino Tampos Navarro alias Marsing, the NEMRC’s Deputy Secretary and Head of Education and Propaganda who was killed in an encounter with government forces at Sitio Panukmoan, Diatagon, Lianga on July 7 this year.

Quijano’s arrest was a big boost in the Army’s campaign to disrupt the CTG’s fund generation scheme which is key to end local communist armed conflict in the region.

Major General Andres C. Centino, the Commander of Joint Task Force Diamond and of the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division, Philippine Army, in his previous statements, urged the business sector in Northern Mindanao and Caraga Regions to help end insurgency by not giving in to the NPA Terrorists’ extortion demands.

“We realized somehow, that insurgency problem can hardly be solved unless we put a stop on the CTG’s extortion activities. If we do this coupled with our relentless military operations, hopefully the insurgency will significantly weaken to a negligible level before the President’s term ends” he said.

Meanwhile, Quijano is now in the custody of 1st PFMC for documentation and filing of appropriate criminal charges.

[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/afp-pnp-nabs-npa-terrorist-finance-officer-in-caraga/

Kalinaw News: KM Youth organizer, medic of NPA surrendered, yields firearm to government troops

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 22, 2020): KM Youth organizer, medic of NPA surrendered, yields firearm to government troops

BALER, Aurora- A youth organizer of Kabataang Makabayan (KM) and a medic of Kilusang Larangang Guerilla (KLG) Sierra Madre of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to 91st Infantry (Sinagtala) Battalion, Philippine Army, PNP and Philippine Air Force on Friday (August 21, 2020) afternoon.

LTC REANDREW P RUBIO INF (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer of the 91st Infantry (Sinagtala) Battalion, Philippine Army said that the surenderee was 21 years old, who sought refuge to the government troops with the help of the community.
LTC RUBIO identified the surrenderee as Ka Katrina, who’s complete biographical datas are still unknown.

“Ka Katrina surrendered at Barangay Diaat, Maria Aurora, Aurora armed with one defaced M14 rifle with one magazine loaded with 10 rounds of live ammunitions,” LTC RUBIO said.

He added that the surrender of NPA medic from KLG SIERRA MADRE signifies that said group is now losing and on the run due to series of neutralization of its members including its supporters.

“We will continue to intensify our operations in collaboration with PNP to pressure the NPA bandits and force them to abandon the armed struggle,” RUBIO said.

Ka Katrina is now under the custody of 91IB at Barangay Calabuanan, Baler, Aurora for proper documentation and custodial debriefing.

“Krisis sa sarili sa paghahanap ng nakasanayang buhay sa labas ng pagiging sibilyan. Hirap ng gawain sa bundok at napagtimbang-timbang kung ano ang mangyayari kung mananatili sa maling pag-armas kaya po ako nagbalik-loob sa pamahalaan,” Ka Katrina 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/kabataang-makabayan-91st-infantry-sinagtala-battalion-new-peoples-army/

Kalinaw News: Milisyang Bayan surrendered with firearms to 91st IB and PNP

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 22, 2020): Milisyang Bayan surrendered with firearms to 91st IB and PNP

BALER, Aurora-A member of Milisyang Bayan (MB) voluntarily surrendered with firearms to the government troops on Friday (August 21, 2020), 8:30a.m. at Barangay Bantug, Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija.

LTC REANDREW P RUBIO INF (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer of the 91st Infantry (Sinagtala) Battalion, Philippine Army said that the surrender was made possible through the efforts of continuous dialogue and negotiation of the Delta Company of 91st IB under CPT BETHOVEN B CABANLIT (INF) PA, together with Alpha Company 91IB, 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company of Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office, Gabaldon Municipal Police Station and other friendly forces operating units within their AOR.
The surrenderee was identified as Virgilio F. Perez, @Bert, 41, a member of Milisyang Bayan (MB) Platoon Timog Sierra Madre (TSM) of Barangay Bantug, Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija who voluntarily surrendered his defaced M16 rifle with two (2) short magazines loaded with twenty six (26) rounds of ammunition of the said place.

Ka Bert is now under the custody of 91st IB at Barangay Calabuanan, Baler, Aurora for proper documentation and custodial debriefing.

“Ako ay lumantad at Sumuko na dahil hindi ko nagustohan ang pamamalakad sa loob ng kilusan at pilit akong dinadalaw ng armado para akoy muling pabalikin at para maging full time na NPA,” Ka Bert revealed in his statement to 91st IB.

LTC RUBIO said that the surrender of armed MB member manifests the effective implementation of National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC).

“Our doors are open to those who wanted to return to the mainstream and we are willing to facilitate the Enhanced – Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) and other benefits intended for the surfacing NPA bandits,” he 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/milisyang-bayan-surrendered-with-firearms-to-91st-ib-and-pnp/

Kalinaw News: Amid choppers’ roar, gov’t sets foot in Mindoro’s remotest areas

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 22, 2020): Amid choppers’ roar, gov’t sets foot in Mindoro’s remotest areas
CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal — Once again utilizing military choppers, the Retooled Community Support Program Team of Occidental Mindoro’s Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict set foot in one of the island’s remotest villages on Aug 16.

The five-day immersion in Sitio Mansay of San Jose’s Barangay Monteclaro was in response to President Rodrigo Duterte’s call for a whole of nation approach in addressing issues within the community and insulate the people from the NPA’s terroristic actions.

Col. Jose Augusto V. Villareal, Commander of the 203rd Brigade which has operational jurisdiction over Mindoro, said that “the absence of a 14-kilometre road going to the village should not and will never be an excuse for the government not to deliver basic services to our constituents.”

It usually takes the locals two days to reach the city proper by foot.

Col Villareal added that “the use of military choppers is not only a testament to our firm resolve to end insurgency but, more importantly, it is a manifestation of our sincere intentions to help our countrymen since what used to be tools of war are now becoming symbols of peace and hope for our people” in the far-flung areas.

Per reports received by the 2nd Infantry Division, around 800 Mangyans belonging to the Buhid Tribe were able to register in Phil Health and Philippine Statistics Authority. These are on top of the free medical and dental services as well as Basic Farming Training by the Department of Agriculture which was followed by awarding of farm tools.









Relief goods from DSWD were also distributed following the discussion of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP for NPA terrorists who will return to the folds of law.

Col. Villareal ended his statement by assuring the people of Mindoro that “this second RCSP deployment will definitely not be the last and that, under the leadership of the two Provincial Task Forces ELCAC, basic services will be delivered and the government’s presence will be felt even in the farthest portion of this island.”

The RCSP Team of Occidental Mindoro’s PTF-ELCAC was first deployed in the same community last July 13.

Gov. Eduardo Gadiano of Occidental Mindoro expressed his gratitude to the soldiers for “allowing us to use your military assets thereby helping us in fulfilling our mandate of delivering basic services and reaching out to the people whom we have sworn to serve.”

“Our close collaboration, coordination and partnership will be the game-changer in our quest for lasting peace, prosperity and development which Filipinos living in this part of the country truly deserve”, ended GovGadiano.

Major General Arnulfo Marcelo B. Burgos Jr, Commander of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division, expressed his optimism that “through the active response of the different local government units toward PRRD’s directive for a ‘whole-of-nation nation approach’, the inevitable demise of insurgency in Southern Tagalog will happen sooner than later.”

“Under the banner of good governance, your soldiers will be unrelenting in assisting our local government units and chief executives in addressing the root causes of insurgency so that never again will our people be deceived, never again will our people be agitated and never again will our people be used to promote terrorism”, ended Maj. Gen. Burgos.

Per the military’s records, 44 RCSP Teams have been deployed across Southern Tagalog since May 2019. Five more teams are scheduled to be deployed in Rizal and Batangas provinces within the month.

[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/amid-choppers-roar-govt-sets-foot-in-mindoros-remotest-areas/

Kalinaw News: BIAF-MILF, JTFC and 6th ID Joint Simulation Exercise and Executive Course on ICS

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 22, 2020): BIAF-MILF, JTFC and 6th ID Joint Simulation Exercise and Executive Course on ICS

CAMP SIONGCO-Maguindanao-The Brigade and Battalion Commanders of 6th Infantry Division under the Joint Task Force Central and Base Commanders of Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) participated the Joint Simulation Exercise and Executive Course on Incident Command System (ICS) hosted by the Government of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) headed by Atty. Naguib G. Sinarimbo, Minister, Ministry of the Interior and Local Government of Bangsamoro Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incident (READI) with Executive Secretary, BARMM, Hon. Abdulraof Macacua as Guest Speaker held at the Officers Clubhouse, Camp Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao on August 15 to 16, 2020.




The Joint Simulation Exercise and ICS aimed to supplement and enhance the coordination of responders from multiple agencies and effectively address problems of inter-agency responses for the sustainment of peace initiatives in the Region.

In addition, the activity also aims to formulate a broad, enduring and culture sensitive program in addressing violent extremism for the achievement of lasting peace, security, and development.

“As you all know, this is a very momentous event in the Bangsamoro history for we have successfully convened two forces who used to clash in the battlefields but are now working together to gradually realize a common goal; a Just and Lasting Peace in the Bangsamoro Region.” Atty. Sinarimbo said.

“This activity really mean a lot especially for deeper reasons, yong sa pagsasama ng MILF at ng AFP, para lang magkaroon ng impresyon sa bawat grupo. Dati ay walang practical exercise and situation exercise, kaya itong nangyayari ngayon ay informative to me as a Brigade Commander, but if you look in our area of jurisdiction parang anytime lahat ng napagusapan nangyayari yung ating senario.” Brig. Gen. Capulong said.

The 6ID Commander reminded everyone as well regarding the safety measures that everyone needed to comply in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“All of you are invaluements on the good things that can happen in people who hold the path of peace and development. Another goal of this training amidst the pandemic, we expect that all the activities shall adhere the minimum health standard in order to protect you and everyone around you against the disease.” Maj. Gen. Carreon said in his remarks.







[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/biaf-milf-jtfc-and-6th-id-joint-simulation-exercise-and-executive-course-on-ics/

Alleged NPA finance officer arrested in Surigao del Sur

From GMA News Online (Aug 22, 2020): Alleged NPA finance officer arrested in Surigao del Sur

Photo shows items allegedly found in the possession of Sarvina Quijano, said to be a finance officer of the New People's Army. Philippine Army

A woman allegedly serving as a finance officer for the New People's Army (NPA) was arrested by members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Surigao del Sur.

In a statement issued by the Philippine Army on Saturday, it said that joint forces of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion (3SFBN) and the 1st Police Mobile Force Company (PMFC) of Surigao del Sur Provincial Police Office caught a certain Sarvina Rivas Quijano, alias "Soping" at a checkpoint while onboard a multi-cab with plate number YCZ 583.

Authorities at the checkpoint supposedly noticed the rifle grenades in plain view inside the vehicle, prompting them to make a search.

Upon searching, they found two improvised explosive devices (IEDs), blasting cap with detonating cord, three rifle grenades, five analog cellular phones, one laptop computer, subversive documents, numerous SIM cards, external drive and a memory card allegedly owned by the suspect, the military said.

The Army said Quijano was identified by a former rebel as the finance staff of the NPA's Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).

The suspect is also allegedly the party wife of Marcelino Tampos Navarro, alias "Marsing," the NEMRC’s deputy secretary and head of education and propaganda, who was killed in an encounter with government forces at Sitio Panukmoan, Diatagon, Lianga last July 7, 2020.

Quijano is currently in the custody of the 1st PFMC for documentation and filing of appropriate criminal charges. —Jamil Santos/KG, GMA News

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/752524/alleged-npa-finance-officer-arrested-in-surigao-del-sur/story/

Soldier killed in Zambales clash with Reds

From the Philippine Star (Aug 23, 2020): Soldier killed in Zambales clash with Reds (By Ric Sapnu, Bebot Sison)

A soldier was killed in an encounter with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Barangay Bulawen, San Marcelino, Zambales on Friday.

The military said the gunbattle, which started on Thursday, is ongoing at the boundary of Floridablaca in Pampanga and San Marcelino.

A total of 192 families or 659 members of an Aeta community were evacuated to a covered court in Barangay Aglao.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2020/08/23/2037171/soldier-killed-zambales-clash-reds

Community support teams deployed in Zamboanga to defeat NPA

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Aug 22, 2020): Community support teams deployed in Zamboanga to defeat NPA
MILITARY and police authorities have deployed two Community Support Program (CSP) teams to facilitate the implementation of development projects aimed to defeat the New People’s Army (NPA) terrorists in the province of Zamboanga del Norte.

Captain Clint Antipala, Army’s 1st Infantry Division information officer, said the CSP teams comprising of troops of the 53rd Infantry Battalion (IB), 547th Engineer Battalion (EB) and policemen were deployed in the hinterlands Pange and Macasing villages in Siayan, Zamboanga del Norte.

Antipala said the CSP teams are usually deployed in isolated villages and former comfort grounds of the NPA.

Pange and Macasing are villages known to be safe havens of the NPA in Siayan.

CSP is a community and issue-oriented Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) operational concept employed in conflict areas. It is a multi-stakeholder, community-based, and people-oriented peace and development effort with the end goal of establishing and developing disaster and conflict resilient communities.

CSP is characterized by dismantling underground mass organizations, implementation of livelihood programs, and facilitation of infrastructure projects at the village level.

Lieutenant Colonel Jo-ar Herrera, 53 IB commander, has reminded the troops that “the enemy is in the brink of collapse.”

“Your CSP deployment in Siayan will be the turning point of defeating the Communist-NPA Terrorists enemy. Let us maintain the momentum while their will to fight and morale is weak,” Herrera said.

Herrera also said the CSP is an approach of reaching out to far-flung communities to deliver basic government services and maintaining peace and order against the NPA harassments and oppression.

Meanwhile, Colonel Ronald Briones, Zamboanga del Norte police director, said that the conduct of CSP in the hinterland villages of Siayan is a collaborative effort and "cannot be accomplished without the support of the communities."

"This CSP symbolizes the collaboration and unity between the Army and the Police. With this collaboration and unity, we can achieve lasting peace," Briones said.

The CSP team deployment conducts community visitations in the village and call for convergence and collaboration among different government agencies. (SunStar Zamboanga)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1867815/Zamboanga/Local-News/Community-support-teams-deployed-in-Zamboanga-to-defeat-NPA

Manila Files Fresh Diplomatic Protest Against Beijing Over South China Sea

Posted to Radio Free Asia (Aug 22, 2020): Manila Files Fresh Diplomatic Protest Against Beijing Over South China Sea
2020-08-21

Philippine fishermen stand on their boat docked in a fishing village in Zambales province, facing the South China Sea, Sept. 6, 2019. BenarNews

Manila lodged a diplomatic protest against Beijing over its coast guard’s confiscation of Philippine fishing gear from a disputed South China Sea shoal, the foreign office said, in its third bilateral complaint this year about Chinese actions in the waterway.

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs said it objected to “radio challenges” sent by Chinese air controllers to Philippine planes patrolling the region as well as to the seizure of the equipment from Scarborough Shoal, a Chinese-occupied reef claimed by both countries. The shoal sits in the middle of a prime fishing ground and is within the Philippines exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The department, in a brief statement issued late Thursday, said it had “lodged today a diplomatic protest to China over the illegal confiscation by the Chinese Coast Guard of fish aggregating devices (payaos) of Filipino fishermen in Bajo de Masinloc in May.”

Payaos is a Tagalog name for man-made floating reefs where fish flock and Filipino fishermen use them to haul in catches. Such gear was left on the reef after China seized Scarborough Shoal in 2012 during a territorial standoff with the Philippines.

“The Philippines also resolutely objected to China’s continuing illicit issuances of radio challenges to Philippine aircraft conducting legitimate regular maritime patrols in the West Philippine Sea,” the statement said, using the Philippine name for the South China Sea.

On Friday, officials at the foreign office gave no other details about the complaint but said the department would have to consult with a multi-agency task force on the West Philippine Sea headed by the Philippines’ national security adviser.

Meanwhile in Beijing, a spokesman for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs defended the actions.

“The Chinese coast guard carried out law enforcement activities in the Scarborough Shoal waters in accordance with the law, and their actions are understandable,” spokesman Zhao Lijian said in a statement on Friday.

It alleged that the Philippine side had sent military aircraft to invade airspace adjacent to the Spratly Islands, “where China is stationed, damaging China’s sovereignty and security.”

Scarborough Shoal, or Bajo de Masinloc as Manila calls it, is a triangle-shaped reef that lies west of the main Philippine island of Luzon.

The Spratlys, a group of atolls and islets believed to be rich in mineral deposits, lie southwest of the Philippines. The chain is claimed by the Philippines, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei.

‘Historic rights’ challenged

China claims most of the South China Sea, saying it has “historic rights” to the waterway, where it has been building military installations and artificial islands as Beijing expands the footprint of its armed forces in the contested maritime region. China’s claims are demarcated by a so-called nine-dash line that appears on Chinese maps.

Beijing effectively seized control of Scarborough Shoal eight years ago during the presidency of Benigno Aquino III, who was forced to take the case to an international tribunal.

In July 2016, soon before President Rodrigo Duterte assumed power, the court ruled in favor of Manila and against Beijing’s claim to the shoal. Neither the nine-dash line nor the “historic rights” argument was supported under the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), according to the landmark ruling that assessed whether they accorded with international law.

China rejected the court’s verdict.

Duterte, for his part, never actively pushed to enforce the ruling and so far has placated China by visiting Beijing five times during his presidency, in exchange for billions of dollars in Chinese aid and investment.

In April, Manila filed twin diplomatic protests against perceived aggressive actions by China, including Beijing’s unilateral creation of two new administrative districts in the South China Sea.

The earlier protests also included a Philippine complaint about an incident where a Chinese navy boat pointed a radar gun at a Philippine Navy ship near the Philippine-occupied Rizal Reef in the Kalayaan Island group.

On Friday, presidential spokesman Harry Roque suggested that diplomatic protests filed by the Philippines against China this year would not affect the relationship between the two Asian countries.

“Those protests are something that our diplomats normally file whenever they think our sovereign rights are violated,” Roque told reporters in Manila.

“But this won’t affect the entirety of our intimate relationship with China,” he said.

Reported by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service.

https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/protest-08212020151519.html

174 NPAs in mass surrender in Caraga region

From the Manila Bulletin (Aug 22, 2020): 174 NPAs in mass surrender in Caraga region (By Mike Crismundo)

One hundred seventy-four members of New People’s Army (NPA) have yielded to the government troops in two separate mass surrender activities in the Caraga region held at the headquarters of 26th Infantry Battalion (26th IB) in Barangay Zamora, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur and at the field unit of the 23rd Infantry Battalion (23rd IB) Sitio Macopa, Barangay Poblacion, Carmen, Agusan del Norte on Thursday, military reported Saturday. 

Shown in photo are the high powered forearms surrendered by the members of Communist New People’s Army Terrorists during two separate surrender rites in Caraga region on Thursday, Aug. 20. (Photo courtesy of 40nd brigade-CMO via Mike U. Crismundo/Manila Bulletin)

In significant activities in just one day, two mass surrender activities were conducted as a result of the efforts and interventions of the Community Support Program (CSP) of the 402nd Infantry Brigade in partnership with the PNP’s Community Action Team (ComACT), 402nd Brigade Civil Military Operations (CMO) officer Maj. Francisco P. Garello, Jr. told The Manila Bulletin on Saturday.

Attended by Talacogon Mayor Pauline Marie R. Masendo and 402nd Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Maurito L. Licudine, 26th IB Commander Lt. Col. Reynald Romel Goce, welcomed the surrender of 24 rebels composed of seven regular NPAs and 17 Milisya ng Bayan (MB) members, bringing along with them 23 assorted firearms in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur.

On the other hand, a total of 150 Communist insurgents surrendered on the same day to the 23rd IB under the command of Lt. Col. Julius Cesar Paulo during the ceremonial mass surrender at Sitio Macopa, Barangay Poblacion, Agusan del Norte with Carmen town Mayor Jovitte C. Calo, as guest of honor and speaker during the surrender rites.

The surrenderers were composed of 24 MB members, and 126 mass supporters who brought along with them two caliber-.45 pistols, three caliber-.38 pistols, a caliber-.22 rifle, nine shotguns, several explosive materials and live ammunitions.

Licudine lauded the remarkable accomplishment of the 23rd IB and 26th IB which he said was very timely in view of the intensified campaign against the Communist insurgent group that is continuously weakening and losing support from the communities.

“We are indeed pleased and optimistic on the turnout of surrenderers orchestrated by our battalions through our CSP,” he said. 

https://mb.com.ph/2020/08/22/174-npas-in-mass-surrender-in-caraga-region/

Groups seek release of 3 minors detained by military in Negros Oriental

From Rappler (Aug 22, 2020): Groups seek release of 3 minors detained by military in Negros Oriental (By JOHN SITCHON)



The Children’s Rehabilitation Center and Karapatan-Central Visayas urge the Commission on Human Rights to investigate the incident

The Children’s Rehabilitation Center (CRC) has called on the government to "immediately" release 3 minors who have been detained by the military in Negros Oriental for over a week.

"Children’s Rehabilitation Center (CRC) calls on the Duterte government to immediately release the three minors who were illegally arrested and detained by elements of the 62nd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army (IBPA) in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental last August 14," it said in a statement on Friday, August 21.

It said that the 3 minors include two girls aged 15 and 17, and a 17-year-old boy.
CRC accused the military of "falsely" tagging the minors as members of the New People's Army (NPA) who were nabbed during a supposed armed encounter in Guihulngan City.

Karapatan-Central Visayas said in a statement on August 19 that the 17-year-old boy was supposedly charging his phone inside a farmer's house, when soldiers arrived to arrest them. The two girls were supposedly looking for a strong mobile phone connection when they, too were nabbed.

No armed encounter reportedly took place, claimed Karapatan-Central Visayas. It also said that the boy is the brother of Requem Remasog, the 24-year-old farmer who was killed in an encounter with troops also in Ginhulngan earlier that day.

Karapatan-Central Visayas said the soldiers brought the minors to a Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) detachment of the 62nd IBPA. However, by the time their families reached the detachment, the minors were no longer there. 

(READ: Lives in danger as red-tagging campaign intensifies)

'Child rights violations'

“CRC condemns the 62nd IBPA and the Duterte government for persistently committing grave child rights violations by implementing a counter-insurgency program that deliberately targets and victimizes civilians including minors in armed conflict areas," CRC said.

CRC said that under Article 38, Section 1 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), "States Parties should undertake to respect and to ensure respect for rules of international humanitarian law applicable to them in armed conflicts which are relevant to the child."

CRC also cited Article 37 (b) that “No child shall be deprived of his or her liberty unlawfully or arbitrarily,” as well as Republic Act No. 11188 or the Special Protection of Children in Situation of Armed Conflict Act which ensures that “children have the right not to be interned or confined in any military camp.”

"The law also prohibits the abduction and false branding of children as child soldiers. It has long been a practice of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to maliciously brand children victims of military abuses as NPA child soldiers in order to escape accountability," CRC said.

"The false narratives and accusations weaved by the military give them a license to subject innocent children to harassment, threat and intimidation, surveillance and other forms of human rights violations. Undoubtedly, it poses serious danger to children and subject them to greater fear, anxiety, discrimination and even social stigma that may affect their full development," the group added.

Dangers of anti-terror law

CRC also expressed concern that the anti-terror law would pave the way for more child rights violations.

“With the Anti-Terror Law in place, state forces can easily get away with these kinds of violations by tailoring false narratives. CRC fears that this law would double the number of cases of grave child rights violations in the country,” CRC added.

(READ: Feared anti-terror law takes effect in the Philippines)

CRC and Karapatan-Central Visayas urged the Commisson on Human Rights (CHR) to investigate the incident and other cases of police and military abuses. The CRC also extended the call to the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Military's response

In a phone interview, Major Cenon C. Pancito III of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division told Rappler that troops “rescued” the two female minors during an armed encounter with communist rebels.

The military also maintained that Remasog was a member of the Leonardo Panaligan Command in central Negros.

On August 13, there was a similar clash between government troops and the NPA in Barangay Quintin Remo, Moises Padilla town in Negros Occidental. Earlier this year, four soldiers were killed in clashes with communist rebels in that province.

Major General Eric C. Vinoya, Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, for his part, lauded the 62IB as well as LGUs and communities that help them.

“I commend our troops from the 62IB for their dedication to our mandated task, and for upholding the International Humanitarian Law, which we commemorate this month of August, during these series of engagements with the CPP-NPA,” said Vinoya. –

https://rappler.com/nation/visayas/groups-seek-release-minors-detained-military-negros-oriental

NPA rebel surrenders to 3rd Marine Brigade in Palawan

From the Palawan News (Aug 20, 2020): NPA rebel surrenders to 3rd Marine Brigade in Palawan (By Aira Genesa Magdayao)

The Provincial Task Force Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF ELCAC), in a statement posted Thursday on social media, identified the surrenderee as 25-year-old Taytay residents Jenel Abila, alias Carl, Benhart, Jepoy, and Obet.


File image

A member of the New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered Tuesday to government troops in southern Palawan.

The Provincial Task Force Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF ELCAC), in a statement posted Thursday on social media, identified the surrenderee as 25-year-old Taytay residents Jenel Abila, alias Carl, Benhart, Jepoy, and Obet.

He reportedly surrendered on August 18 to the Marine Battalion Landing Team-4 (MBLT-4) and the 3rd Marine Brigade (3MBde).

PTF ELCAC said in the statement that Abila is a member of the Kilusang Larangang Guerilla-South Platoon Sub-Regional Military Area (SRMA)-4E that operates in southern Palawan.
Based on the report, Abila decided to surrender because of poverty in the mountains

“Ayon kay Jenel, nagdesisyon syang sumuko dahil sa gutom, kulang sa tulog at sobrang hirap na kanyang dinanas sa bundok dahil sa patuloy na ginagawang operasyon ng tropa ng pamahalaan,” PTF ELCAC said.

Around two weeks ago, a certain NPA member Jimboy Tayud Lunod, 19, also surrendered to the government.

Governor Jose Chavez Alvarez emphasized that their voluntary surrender was the result of the ongoing focused military operation (FMO) in the area.

He also urged the remaining members of the NPA to lay down their arms and go back to the folds of the government.

“Kaya nananawagan kami sa mga natitira pang myembro ng rebeldeng grupo dito sa Palawan na hindi pa huli ang lahat upang magbagong buhay. Huwag kayong matakot na sumuko at makipag-ugnayan lamang kayo sa pinakamalapit na kampo ng militar o sino mang kinauukulan. Ang gobyerno sa pamamagitan ng PTF-ELCAC ay handa sa inyong pagbabalik at may mga benepisyong nakalaan para makapagsimula kayo sa pagbabagong buhay,” Governor Alvarez said.

Currently, Abila is under the custody of MBLT-4 and is undergoing custodial debriefing.

https://palawan-news.com/npa-rebel-surrenders-to-3rd-marine-brigade-in-palawan/

Palawan ELCAC slams NPA for violating humanitarian law

From Palawan News (Aug 22, 2020): Palawan ELCAC slams NPA for violating humanitarian law (By Aira Genesa Magdayao)

In a statement released Thursday by the Palawan Provincial Task Force on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF ELCAC), it slammed the BVC for being the No. 1 violator of the provisions of the IHL by perpetrating crimes against civilians.



The task force to end the local communist armed conflict in Palawan has slammed the Bienvenido Vallever Command (BVC) of the New People’s Army (NPA) for violating international humanitarian laws (IHL) when its armed members killed a provincial government nurse serving the frontlines against the coronavirus disease.

In a statement released Thursday by the Palawan Provincial Task Force on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF ELCAC), it slammed the BVC for being the No. 1 violator of the provisions of the IHL by perpetrating crimes against civilians.

PTF ELCAC released the statement on the occasion of the IHL Month with the theme “Preserving Human Dignity in times of Armed Conflict: A Shared Responsibility”.

“These acts are clear violations of the IHL, yet the members of the NPA claim to be the protectors of the civilians’ human rights. That’s how hypocrite they are. They are not what they claim to be. Their allegiance to a rotten foreign ideology led to the massive violations of the IHL and the government is ready to prosecute them,” Lt. Col. Charlie Domingo, commanding officer of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-3 (MBLT-3) and PLEDS Cluster North Palawan head, said.

The statement was due to the recent attack against nurse Algerome Bernardo and wounding of three other medical responders on August 1 and the harassment of the Bunog Water System Project civilian workers that killed Jefferson Abella on May 28, 2020.

“The BVC committed war crimes under the International Humanitarian Law — [they] are intentionally making the civilian population or individual civilians the objects of their attack; willful killing; willfully causing great suffering or serious injury to body and health, and pillaging public or private property,” the task force stated.

PTF ELCAC said the BVC should be held liable for the crimes it committed and should be prosecuted under local laws as criminals.

“We are calling the peace-loving people of Palawan to unite and condemn the atrocities of the NPA by never tolerating these kinds of criminal acts in our communities. Any information that will lead to the capture of these armed bandits is welcome and appreciated. We should not allow that this criminal organization will disturb our peace that hinders our progress. We should make it clear to them that they are not welcome to our communities,” said retired lieutenant colonel Glenn Destriza, director of the Operation Center of PTF-ELCAC Palawan.

Recently, barangay officials of Dumarao vowed to support peace and development efforts of the government in their community led by chairman Nardito Acierto, vowed to support the peace and development efforts of the government to address the existing armed conflict in their community during a Cascading Forum.

https://palawan-news.com/palawan-elcac-slams-npa-for-violating-humanitarian-law/

15 ex-NPA militiamen in Negros get cash assistance

From Panay News (Aug 22, 2020): 15 ex-NPA militiamen in Negros get cash assistance



BACOLOD City – Some 15 former Yunit Militia members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in this province received a total of P225,000 or P15,000 each in immediate assistance from the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Fourteen of them surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) based in northern Negros while the other one yielded to the 62IB in central Negros.

Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson led the turn-over of the checks to the recipients in rites held at the provincial capitol grounds in this city on Thursday afternoon.

“I am thankful that you have decided to return to the fold of the law. I hope that you will serve as an example to your former comrades and you can convince them to surrender. We in the government will help you in the best way we can. The checks you received will help you start over,” Lacson told the former militia members.

The turn-over rites were witnessed by Third District Board Member Andrew Montelibano; Colonel Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of 303rd Infantry Brigade; Lieutenant Colonel Gerard Alvaran, commander of 79IB; Colonel Romy Palgue, director of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office; and Local Government Operations Officer VII Fatima Diaz of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the lead implementing agency of the E-CLIP.

Alvaran said the distribution of cash assistance to former Yunit Militia members clearly shows the government’s sincerity in its call for CPP-NPA members to return to mainstream society and reunite with their families.

“E-CLIP is solid evidence that the government is sincere in reintegrating former rebels in the mainstream society and in ending local communist armed conflict. I commend these former rebels for choosing the right path and becoming part of building a better community instead of fighting against government authorities,” he added.

On July 27, three former rebels (FRs) in this province received a total of P200,000 in immediate and remuneration assistance under the E-CLIP.

Each of the FRs, previously CPP-NPA combatants, was given a check of P30,000 as immediate assistance and P110,000 more for the firearms they turned over to the authorities.

On July 16, some 18 ex-NPA rebels in Negros Occidental also received immediate and reintegration assistance amounting to about P36,000 each as benefits under the E-CLIP.

http://www.panaynews.net/15-ex-npa-militiamen-in-negros-get-cash-assistance/

PH, China in fresh row over shoal

From the Visayan Daily Star (Aug 22, 2020): PH, China in fresh row over shoal

The Philippines accused China's coast guard yesterday of illegally seizing fishing equipment near a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, sparking a fresh spat with Beijing.

Scarborough Shoal, one of several reefs controlled by China, is one of the region's richest fishing grounds and a flash point between the two countries.

The Philippine foreign ministry said it has lodged a diplomatic protest over the "illegal confiscation" by the Chinese coast guard in May of floating devices, known as payao, that are used to catch fish.

It also "resolutely objected" to China issuing radio challenges to Philippine aircraft conducting maritime patrols in areas of the sea claimed by Manila.

China's foreign ministry defended the coast guard, saying they had carried out law enforcement activities and "their actions are understandable".

It also accused Philippine military aircraft of invading Chinese airspace in another disputed section of the sea and urged Manila to "immediately stop illegal provocative activities".

Scarborough shoal is 240 kilometers west of the Philippines' main island of Luzon.

China seized it in 2012 after a tense standoff with then Philippine president Benigno Aquino, who sent a warship to the area. Aquino later backed down.

Beijing claims almost the entire South China Sea despite competing partial claims from Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

It has ignored a 2016 international tribunal ruling that declared its assertion as without basis.

Philippine-China relations have improved under President Rodrigo Duterte who has cosied up to Beijing in search of trade and investment.

But security issues in the sea helped convince the government to delay quitting a key US military pact earlier this year.

https://www.visayandailystar.com/2020/August/22/topstory14.htm

303rd IB Covid free

From the Visayan Daily Star (Aug 22, 2020): 303rd IB Covid free

The entire personnel of the Army 303rd Infantry Brigade in Negros Occidental remain COVID19-free, its commander, Col. Inocencio Pasaporte, said yesterday.

Pasaporte attributed this to their strict observation of mandated health protocols, including avoidance of unnecessary exposure to other people, as much as possible.

While some Army personnel were allowed to return home, Pasaporte said they are required to undergo a 14-day quarantine in their respective units upon their return for duty.

The 21 Army soldiers, who got infected by the virus upon their return to Negros Oriental last month from Cebu, had earlier been tested negative of COVID-19.

Except for the 21 soldiers, members of infantry units of the 3rd Infantry Division stationed in Western and Central Visayas have not been infected by the virus, Maj. Cenon Pancito, its spokesperson, said yesterday.

Pancito said that the 21 soldiers belonging to the 33rd Division Reconnaisance Company are now back to active duty status after they were tested negative for COVID-19.

Presently, the 3ID soldiers are also assisting local government units in manning quarantine control points in Iloilo.

https://www.visayandailystar.com/2020/August/22/topstory12.htm

Army condemns killing of activist

From the Visayan Daily Star (Aug 22, 2020): Army condemns killing of activist

The Army’s 3rd Infantry Division has strongly condemned the recent killing of human rights activist Zara Alvarez in Brgy. Mandalagan, Bacolod City.

Maj. Gen. Eric Vinoya, 3ID commander, said yesterday in a statement that they will fully support the ongoing investigation on the killing of Alvarez, adding that they welcome any information that can enlighten them on the incident.

“Like other quarters, we seek for the truth and we intend to utilize our full capabilities so that justice will be served swiftly,” Vinoya also said.

But the Communist Party of the Philippines condemned the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte and government agents for allegedly carrying out the assassination Alvarez, 39, a community health worker and human rights advocate in Negros.

Alvarez was the second activist killed by state forces in a week following the assassination of Anakpawis chairperson Randall Echanis on August 10, CPP information officer Marco Valbuena said in a statement.

For several years, Alvarez was subjected to threats and harassment by the Duterte government which tagged her as a terrorist in the proscription case filed by the Department of Justice against the CPP and the New People’s Army (NPA) in 2018, it added.

The CPP statement also said that state forces circulated fliers and posters bearing her name and photographs accusing her of being an NPA leader in Negros, which is being strongly disputed by her colleagues.

Alvarez, according to a CPP statement, used to be the chairperson of Anakbayan-Negros, deputy general secretary of Bayan-Negros, and education director of Karapatan Negros, aside from being a political detainee in 2012 to 2014.

https://www.visayandailystar.com/2020/August/22/topstory7.htm

Nur Misuari, ipinag-tanggol ng Palasyo

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Aug 22, 2020): Nur Misuari, ipinag-tanggol ng Palasyo

INABSWELTO AGAD ng Malakanyang si Moro National Liberation Front chairman Nur Misuari sa anumang kaso matapos nitong isuko ng mapayapa ang wanted na Abu Sayyaf leader na si Idang Susukan sa Davao City.

Makikita sa larawan ng PNP si Abduljihad Susukan (kaliwa) at litrao mula sa KM Image via Tribune bago ito maputulan ng braso sa pakikipaglaban sa mga sundalo sa Sulu province.

Matatandaang inaresto ng pulisya si Susukan sa bahay ni Misuari matapos nitong dalhin ang terorista sakay ng isang pribadong jet upang mabigyan ng prosthetic arm dahil naputulan ng braso sa pakikipagsagupaan sa mga sundalo noong nakaraang taon sa lalawigan ng Sulu.

Sinasabing sumuko si Susukan kay Misuari noong nakaraang Abril sa Sulu sa pangakong mabibigyan ito ng amnestiya ng pamahalaang Duterte.

Naunang sinabi ni Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, General Archie Gamboa na isinuko ni Misuari si Susukan matapos ng isang negosasyon. Natiktikan umano ng pulisya sa Davao City ang pagdating ni Misuari kasama si Susukan na wanted ng mga awtoridad dahil sa napakaraming kaso ng pagpatay at ransom kidnappings sa Sabah.

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

“The PNP immediately advised (Davao) 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,” dagdag pa nito.

Sinabi naman ni Presidential spokesman Harry Roque na “highly unlikely” na makasuhan si Misuari dahil sa pagkupkop nito kay Susukan. Sinigundahan rin nito si Gamboa na talagang isinuko ni Misuari ang terorista sa pulisya.

“What I know is he arranged for the surrender. So, in terms of criminal liability, it seems highly unlikely because he arranged for Susukan’s surrender. Susukan was not arrested while he was being harbored by Nur Misuari. That’s not the case. It appears that he arranged for authorities to come to apprehend Susukan in his residence on that day,” paliwanag pa ni Roque.

Nais naman ng militar na ipaliwanag ni Misuari kung bakit nasa kanyang pangangalaga si Susukan. Maging ang Western Mindanao Command sa Zamboanga City ay nagsabing wala itong official report ng pagsuko ni Susukan.

“We have no confirmation of Susukan’s surrender to Misuari or his reported trip to Davao City. We consider Susukan a wanted man,” ani Major Arvin Encinas, ang spokesman ng Western Mindanao Command.

Si Susukan ay nahaharap sa patong-patong na kasong kriminal at kabilang sa mga biktimang dayuhan nito ay sina Chinese national Gao Huayun at Pinay na si Filipina Marcy Darawan, na dinukot sa Singamata Reef Resort sa Semporna sa Sabah noong Abril 2, 2014. At Malaysian Chan Sai Chun, na hinila sa kanyang fish farm sa Kampung Sapang sa Kunak, Sabah noong Hunyo 16, 2014, at Sabah restaurateur Thien Nyuk Fan, na dinukot rin mula sa Ocean King Seafood Restaurant sa Sandakan sa Sabah noong Mayo 14, 2015.

Dinukot at pinugutan rin nito ng ulo ang 39-antos na Malaysian engineer Bernard Then noong Nobyembre 2015 matapos na mabigong magbayad ng ransom ang pamilya nito. Maraming sundalo at sibilyan rin ang pinatay at pinugutan ng grupo ni Susukan.

Sa kasalukuyan ay nasa PNP Camp Crame si Susukan, ngunit nais ng Armed Forces of the Philippines na ilipat sa kanilang kustodiya ang terorista. (Mindanao Examiner)

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2020/08/nur-misuari-ipinag-tanggol-ng-palasyo.html