15 AFP senior officers get CA nod

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Sep 30, 2020): 15 AFP senior officers get CA nod (By: Christia Marie Ramos)

Commission on Appointments (CA) confirms the ad interim appointments and nomination of 15 senior officers of the Armed of the Philippines on Wednesday, September 30, 2020. Screengrab from CA Youtube live

The Commission on Appointments (CA) confirmed on Wednesday the ad interim appointments and nomination of 15 senior officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Before the CA’s session, its Committee on National Defense, in a hearing, deliberated on and recommended the approval of the ad interim appointments and nomination of the senior military officials.

The CA confirmed the ad interim appointments of Brig. Gen. Sharon Gernale, deputy commander for operations of the Western Command, and Brig. General Milton Beset, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications, Electronics and Information Systems, Communications Electronics and Information Systems Service of the AFP.

The CA also confirmed the nomination of Maj. Gen. Laurence Mina, 502nd Infantry Brigade commanding officer.

The following ad interim appointments were also approved by the CA:

Ignatius Patrimonio to the rank of Brigadier General

Rene Diaz to the rank of Major General

Nichols Driz to the rank of Rear Admiral

Belinda Ganotice to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army

Rolando Orengo to the rank of Colonel Philippine Army

Rustico Villanueva to the rank of Colonel Philippine Army

Fernando Abubo to the rank of Colonel Philippine Army

Danilo Beltran to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army

Romulo Satparam to the rank of Colonel Philippine Army

Stephen Penetrante to the rank of Colonel, Chaplain Service

Ramil Anoyo to the rank of Colonel Philippine Army

Ronilo Cudal to the rank of Colonel Philippine Army

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1341853/15-afp-senior-officers-get-ca-nod

NPA claims responsibility for Oriental Mindoro ambush

From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 30, 2020): NPA claims responsibility for Oriental Mindoro ambush (By Jhon Dave Ablat)

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro – The New People’s Army (NPA) has claimed responsibility for the ambush of a mobile unit of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday, September 28, that wounded three policemen along the national highway in Barangay Sta. Teresita, Mansalay town.

The New People’s Army (NPA) has claimed responsibility for the ambush of a mobile unit of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday, September 28, that wounded three policemen along the national highway in Barangay Sta. Teresita, Mansalay town. (Photo via Jerry Alcayde / MANILA BULLETIN)

Madaay Gasic, spokesman of Lucio de Guzman Command operating in Mindoro island, said in a press statement, that a unit of their command waylaid policemen of the 403rd B Regional Mobile Force Batallion of the PNP Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) Command at about 11:35 a.m. on September 28 at Sitio Mabajo, and later set on fire their patrol vehicle.

READ MORE: 5 cops wounded in NPA ambushes in Oriental Mindoro, Albay

While they were perpetrating the ambush, some of NPA rebels also fired at the detachment of the RFMB, which was located nearby in Barangay Cabalwa, Gasic said.

The three wounded PNP personnel Corporal Vincent Dominguez, Cpl. Michael Librea and Patrolman Norman Alvaro and the two unharmed companions were immediately brought to Roxas District Hospital by civilian rescuers from Mansalay.

PNP Mimaropa Director Brig. Gen. Pascual G. Munoz has condemned the attack and reported that his office has already given financial assistance to the five policemen.

Gasic said the ambush was in retaliation to previous military and police operations against them and Mangyan natives in Oriental and Occidental Mindoro which reportedly resulted to the death of some of their comrades and evacuation of affected residents.

The NPA blasted the police and military forces in Mindoro for an alleged bombing operation in a farmland of Mangyans in Socorro town on May 31.

“The ambush was conducted to give revolutionary justice to all peoples who were victimized and terrorized by PNP-Mimaropa and 203rd Brigade,” Gasic said in his statement which was emailed to Mindoro-based media.

On September 16 and September 22, the NPA also launched two sniping operations against a detachment of 203rd Infantry Brigade at Sitio Mantay, Barangay Monteclaro, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, Gasic said.

https://mb.com.ph/2020/09/29/npa-claims-responsibility-for-oriental-mindoro-ambush/

Abu Sayyaf abductee killed in firefight

Posted to the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Sep 30, 2020): Abu Sayyaf abductee killed in firefight

One of the five Indonesian fishermen kidnapped from Sabah’s Lahad Datu district earlier this year is believed to have been killed in a firefight on Sept 28.

Regional intelligence sources said that the victim was in a group together with Abu Sayyaf-linked gunmen when the shootout occurred.

The victim whose identity has yet to be ascertained was accidentally killed during the incident.



He is among the five Indonesian fishermen who were abducted in waters between Tambisan and Kuala Meruap in Lahad Datu close to the Philippines’ sea border on January 16 this year.

Efforts are being made to contact Sabah security forces on this matter.

In April, they were “released” by their Abu Sayyaf captors but were “held” again by another group that facilitated their release.

Sources said intermediaries for families of the Indonesian hostages had “agreed” to the demands of a key Abu Sayyaf kidnap group led by sub commando Mike Apo who released them to Abu Sayyaf linked middlemen.

However, the source said that the “middlemen” were now holding the hostages and demanding extra payment.

The source explained that negotiations were now being carried out with a Jolo-based “middlemen” led by a woman, once closely associated with a powerful Moro National Liberation Front leader.

For now, the source said the middlemen were demanding for additional cost incurred for the release and negotiations were still ongoing.

The fishermen were taken by six gunmen dressed in black overalls from their Sabah registered trawler during the 8pm incident on Jan 16.

The kidnapped crewmen were the trawler’s skipper Arsyad Dahlan, 41, La Baa, 32, Riswanto Hayano, 27, Edi Lawalopo, 53, and Syarizal Kastamiran, 29.

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/191316/abu-sayyaf-abductee-killed-in-firefight

CPP/NPA-Kalinga: Tuloy-tuloy na pasismo sa panahon ng COVID-19

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 30, 2020): Tuloy-tuloy na pasismo sa panahon ng COVID-19

TIPON GIL-AYAB

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-KALINGA

ILOCOS-CORDILLERA REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND

CHADLI MOLINTAS COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

SEPTEMBER 30, 2020

Ayaw magpaawat at tila ba mangmang sa sarili mismo nilang health protocol ang 50IB-503rd IBgde Philippine Army at Philippine National Police sa tuloy-tuloy nilang pag-ooperasyon sa probinsya sa kabila ng paglala ng krisis na kinahaharap ng mamamayan dahil sa pandemyang COVID-19.

Nito lamang buwan ng Setyembre ay nagkaroon ng mga operasyong combat sa mga munispyo ng Balbalan, Pinukpuk, Lubuagan, Pasil at Tabuk. Sinabayan nito ang mga matatagal ng operasyong RCSPT sa mga baryo ng mga naturang munsipyo. Sa tatlong baryo sa munisipyo ng Pinukpuk mula Setyembre 22-24, sa halip na ayuda at libreng mass testing ang gawin, ay nagpasimuno pa ng mga martsa-rally ang mga sundalo, pulis at mga opisyal ng barangay laban di umano sa CPP-NPA-NDF. Isang malaking paglabag sa isang metrong distansya at pag-iwas sa mass gathering na health protocol mismo na ibinaba ng Department of Health at Inter-Agency Task Force.

Nasaan din ang sinasabi ng rehimeng Duterte na pagsunod sa social distancing sa mga operasyong RCSPT kung saan ilang mga platun ng sundalo at pulis ang nag-ookupa sa iilang mga kabahayan ng mga sibilyan? Nilabag na nga ang Geneva Protocol hinggil sa pagbabawal na magkampo sa mga kabahayan at pampublikong lugar ay nilapastangan din ang karapatan ng masa na masiguradong ligtas sila sa COVID-19 at nasusunod ang health protocol.

Pero ano nga ba ang layunin ng mga operasyong militar na ito? Napakalayo sa layuning sugpuin ang pandemyang COVID-19. Ang tunay na layunin ng walang tigil na operasyong militar ay ang paghahabol ng rehimeng Duterte na kamtin ang pangarap nitong wasakin ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa taong 2022. Kaya sa mga panahon nangangailangan ang masa ng serbisyong medikal, militar na solusyon ang paulit-ulit na sagot ng rehimeng Duterte sa panawagan ng mamamayan.

Sa kabila ng pakiusap ng masa na itigil ang mga operasyong militar dahil sa pangamba ng lalong pagkalat ng COVID-19 sa probinsya ay pwersahang pumasok sa mga baryo ang mga sundalo at pulis upang magpakalat ng saywar, red tagging sa mga lehitimong organisasyon ng masa at magdudulo sa pwersahang pagpapasuko sa mga sibilyan bilang mga kasapi ng NPA.

Tuloy-tuloy ang pagpapasikat ng AFP-PNP sa napakarami di umanong sumukong NPA at milisyang bayan sa probinsya. Sa aktwal, wala pa sa 1% na mga sumuko ang tunay na Hukbo bagkus ang mga ito ay mga sibilyan na nalinlang sa alok na kakarampot na pera, groceries at livelihood na ipinatutupad ng TF-ELCAC sa pamamagitan ng mga ahensya ng pamahalaan gaya ng DTI at DSWD. Ang karaniwang sistema ay magpapatawag ng mga pulong, mamimigay ng mga groceries at pera, magpapapirma, may magaganap na picture taking at matapos ang ilang araw instant fake surrenderees ang labas. Instant korapsyon din ito sa pondo ng E-CLIP dahil sa aktwal ay kakarampot lang ang napupunta sa mga napilitan na sumukong mga sibilyang at kalakhan ng “benepisyong” makukuha dapat nila ay sa mga opisyal ng sundalo at pulis napupunta. May mga pagkakataon ding tinatakot ang masa na matatanggal bilang benepisyaryo ng 4Ps kung di sila pupunta, pipirma at makikibahagi sa mga surrender campaign activities ng gobyerno.

Nagtukoy rin ang TF-ELCAC ng 16 na barangay sa buong probinsya bilang mga “influenced” ng CPP-NPA-NDF. Instant red-tagging na ay instant korapsyon pa. Batay sa programa ng TF-ELCAC, bubuhusan ng sandamakmak na proyekto ang mga naturang barangay para di umano maresolba ang dahilan ng armadong paglaban ng mamamayan. Ang mga naturang proyekto sa aktwal ay batbat ng korapsyon at di naman talaga makakatugon sa pang-ekonomiyang pangangailangan ng mamamayan. Marami sa mga proyekto ay pangmadalian, madaling nasira at naghatid lang ng gulo sa komunidad dahil di na nga sapat ay iilan lang din ang nabigyan at aktwal na nakinabang. 10.5% lang ito ng mga barangay sa Kalinga.

Lahat ng perwisyong ito ay para likhain ang ilusyong nagtatagumpay ito na wasakin ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan. Na sa aktwal ay perwisyo, distorbo at takot ang epekto sa mga mamamayan. Walang matinong naging tugon ang rehimeng Duterte sa mga demokratikong kahilingan ng mamamayan. Sa halip pasismo at terorismo ang hatid nito kahit pa kinahaharap ngayon ng buong mundo ang krisis ng COVID-19.

Kahanay ng AFP-PNP ang mga despotikong pulitiko na ginagamit ang impluwensiya at kapangyarihan para labagin at takasan ang mga health protocol. Isa sa mga naunang kaso ng COVID-19 sa probinsya ay pulis na hindi sumunod sa quarantine at swab testing protocol. Dumarami sa hanay ng sundalo at pulis sa Kalinga ang nagkaroon ng COVID-19 pero sa kabila nito ay nagpapatuloy pa rin ang mga operasyong militar.

Sa makatuwid, isa sila sa mga posibleng nagpapakalat ng COVID-19 sa probinsya kaya marapat at makatuwiran ang panawagan ng mamamayan na itigil ang pag-ooperasyon ng AFP-PNP sa ngalan ng pagkontrol sa pagkalat ng COVID-19. Makatuwiran na ipanawagan ng mamamayan na pagsasagawa ang libreng mass testing, pamimigay ng libreng mga PPE at ayuda para sa mahihirap na sektor na pinakapaektado ng malawakang disempleyo dulot ng lockdown. Makatuwiran na labanan ang kawalang malasakit, kapabayaan, pasismo at terorismo ng rehimeng Duterte!

Ang militaristang hakbangin na ito ng rehimeng Duterte ay lalong magpapainit sa damdamin ng masa na iangat ang porma ng kanilang pakikibaka tungo sa armadong paglaban. Ang pasismo ng rehimen ay lalong nagtutulak sa masa para tumindig at lumaban kaya sa halip na humina at mawasak, patuloy na naglalagablab ang apoy ng pakikibaka ng mamamayan at rebolusyonaryong kilusan. Lalong tumitingkad sa masa ang kawastuhan ng pagrerebolusyon, na tanging sa pamamagitan ng landas ng paglaban makakamit ng mamamayan ang kanilang mga demokratikong karapatan at kahilingan.

Layas militar!
Serbisyong Medikal, Hindi Militar!

https://cpp.ph/statements/tuloy-tuloy-na-pasismo-sa-panahon-ng-covid-19/

CPP/NDF-Bicol: LUMABAN-Bikol on State Rep. Susan Wild’s proposal in the US Congress to stop funding for the AFP

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 30, 2020): LUMABAN-Bikol on State Rep. Susan Wild’s proposal in the US Congress to stop funding for the AFP

LUPON NG MANANANGGOL PARA SA BAYAN-BICOL

NDF-BICOL

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

SEPTEMBER 30, 2020

Share and help us bring this article to more readers.

The AFP is a murderous and violent institution created solely for the purpose of serving its masters and the ruling classes’ interest. It has a track record worse than any terrorist organization. Its history goes as far back as its inception as a mercenary army of US imperialism and every puppet and fascist President of the Philippines, including traitors of the independence movement.

US citizens and all anti-imperialist nations must unite and denounce US imperialism and demand that all its financial, technical and military support to puppet regimes be cut. The US government must be made accountable for using funds from public coffers to create and sustain fascist states and mercenary armies all over the world.

https://cpp.ph/statements/lumaban-bikol-on-state-rep-susan-wilds-proposal-in-the-us-congress-to-stop-funding-for-the-afp/

CPP/NDF-Bicol: Bukas na liham sa mga kagawad ng midya at artista ng bayan

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 30, 2020): Bukas na liham sa mga kagawad ng midya at artista ng bayan

MA. ROJA BANUA

SPOKESPERSON

NDF-BICOL

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

SEPTEMBER 30, 2020

Para sa mga kagawad ng midya sa Kabikulan,

Kritikal ang papel ng mga kagawad ng midya sa panahong lalong pinaiigting ng rehimeng US-Duterte ang pagpapatupad ng batas militar sa buong bansa. Walang humpay ang pang-aatake sa malayang pamamahayag upang busalan at pigilan ang nagkakaisang tinig ng mamamayan laban sa pagpapalawak ng kapangyarihan ng pangkating Duterte at kanyang mga militaristang alipures. Hene-henerasyon ng mga Pilipinong mamamahayag, mula pa sa panahon ng kolonyalismong Espanyol hanggang sa kasalukayan, ang nagsakripisyo at nagbuwis ng buhay upang patatagin ang pundasyon ng malayang pamamahayag. Kung kaya’t mahalaga ang papel ng institusyon ng midya at tapat na mga kagawad nito sa pagtatanggol at pagpapanday ng isang tunay na demokratikong lipunan.

Nakababahala ang sunud-sunod na pag-atake sa mga kapwa ninyong kagawad ng midya nitong mga nakalipas na buwan. Nauna nang ipasara ng pasistang rehimen ang ABS-CBN kung saan puu-puong libong manggagawa ang nawalan ng trabaho kabilang na ang mga nakadestino rito sa rehiyon. Noong pumasok ang Hulyo, inaresto naman si Ramil Soliveres, isang mamamahayag sa Catanduanes. Nitong Setyembre 14, pinaslang si Jobert ‘Pulpog’ Bercasio ng Balangibog TV matapos maglabas ng pahayag tungkol sa iligal na quarry sa Bulan, Sorsogon. Siya na ang ika-17 kagawad ng midyang pinaslang sa ilalim ng rehimeng US-Duterte. Sa sumunod na araw, inaresto naman sina Rommel Ibasco Fenix, Virgilio Avila, Jr., Nolito Banaria, Irene Cambronero at Bernie Patiag sa kasong cyberlibel na sinampa ni Gov. Edgar ‘Egay’ Tallado. Milyun-milyon ang itinakda ng korte para sa kanilang pyansa. Kasalukuyang nakararanas din ng panghaharas ang broadcaster ng isang malaking istasyon ng radyo sa Camarines Sur at Albay at iba pang community journalists at alternative media.

Ang anumang lipunang nagnanais ng tunay na demokrasya ay nangangailangan ng mga kritikal na mamamahayag na maninindigan para sa ikabubuti nang karamihan sa lahat ng pagkakataon. Bilang bahagi ng lupon ng mga lingkod bayan, tungkulin ng bawat tapat sa bayang kagawad ng midya ang pagpanig sa inaapi’tpinagsasamantalahan. Ang bulag na pagsunod at pag-ulit ng propaganda ng kaaway ng mamamayan, ang pananahimik at hindi pagtutol sa pang-aatake sa sambayanan ay katumbas ng pagpanig sa mga nanunupil.

Higit kailanman, kinakailangan ng malakas na pagkakaisa ng lahat ng kagawad at institusyon ng midya upang labanan ang lahat ng nagsasamantala at nang-aapi sa mamamayan. Tiyak kaming kayo rin ay hapo sa mga dose-oras na shift, sa binabarat ninyong sahod at kawalang katiyakan dahil sa kontraktwalisasyon.

Ang pagkakaroon ng pambihirang pagkakataong maging mata, boses at tenga ng sambayanan ay higit pa sa isang trabaho, personal na karera o propesyon. Kaakibat nito ang responsibilidad na bigyan ng boses ang mga piniringan at binusalan ng pasistang estado. Huwag kayong mag-alala o matakot – hindi nakalilimot ang sanlaksang mamamayan at sasamahan nila kayo sa bawat hakbang sa pakikibaka para sa kalayaan at katarungan.

Nananawagan ang NDF-Bikol at buong rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa mga kilalang institusyon ng midya sa Kabikulan – sa Brigada FM (Brigada Naga, BrigadaTechnical Sorsogon), Bombo Radyo (Bombo Naga, Bombo Radyo Legazpi, BOMBO RADYO PHILIPPINES), Inquirer (INQUIRER.net), Baretang Bikolnon (Baretang Bikolnon Online), Zagitsit FM ( Zagitsit NewsFm, Z100.3 Zagitsit News FM), DZAU (Dzau Amradio), Bicol Mail (BICOL MAIL, Bicol Mail), Sigaw FM (Sigaw Newsfm), Bicol Today at iba pang istasyon ng radyo, pahayagan at alternative media at mga alyansa ng mga kagawad ng midya tulad ng Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP) , Bicol Association of Correspondents and Stringers (BACS), National Union of Journalists of the Philippines-Bikol (NUJP-Bikol) at College Editors Guild of the Philippines-Bikol (CEGP-Bikol) at iba pa – na magkaisa para sa malayang pamamahayag at labanan ang diktadura ng rehimeng US-Duterte. Hinihimok namin kayong tulungan ang inyong mga kapatid sa industriya. Labanan ang lahat ng tangka ng pasistang estadong ibaon ang katotohanan!

Hindi mapipigilan ng sinumang diktador ang pagsasalaysay ng mamamayan sa kanilang kwento. Habang lalong kumikitid ang puwang ng kasalukuyang malapyudal at malakolonyal na lipunan para sa malayang pamamahayag, higit ang pangangailangang maging masigasig sa pagtuklas ng pamamaraan upang makapagpatuloy sa paglalathala – sa paggamit man ng iba pang mga daluyan o hanggang sa pagbubuo ng mga underground at lihim na pahayagan at programa sa radyo.

Ngayon ang panahon ng paglaban – ito ang ambag ng kasalukuyang henerasyon. Hamon para sa bawat kagawad ng midya at tagapagtaguyod ng karapatan sa malayang pamamahayag na gamitin ang kanilang mga podium, radio at TV segments, Facebook live shows at iba pang daluyan upang maging lunsaran ng siyentipiko, makabayan at makamasang pagsusuri sa iba’t ibang isyu. Gamitin ang ating mga mikropono, panulat at papel sa pagpapahayag ang katotohanan. Kilalanin natin ang ating kapangyarihan at tungkuling kaakibat nito! Tumindig tayo para sa bayan, lumaban tayo para sa mamamayang Pilipino.

Inaanyayahan din namin kayong sumapi sa Artista at Manunulat ng Sambayanan-Bikol (ARMAS-Bikol), alyadong organisasyon ng NDFP. Higit nitong mapatatatag ang pundasyon ng paglaban ng mamamahayang hanggang sa pakikibakang anti-pyudal at anti-imperyalista. Ang pagwawagi sa kampanyang ito ay hindi lamang tagumpay ng sektor ng midya, kung hindi ng buong sambayanan laban sa diktadura.

Mabuhay kayo! Mabuhay ang sambayanang lumalaban!

Padagos,

Ka Ma. Roja Banua
Tagapagsalita, NDF-Bikol

Sinusuportahan ng ARMAS-Bikol, BHB-Bikol, KM-Bikol, LAB-Bikol, MSP-Bikol, PKM-Bikol, KAGUMA-Bikol, LUMABAN-Bikol, iba pang alyadong rebolusyonaryong organisasyong masa ng NDFP at CPP-Bikol

https://cpp.ph/statements/bukas-na-liham-sa-mga-kagawad-ng-midya-at-artista-ng-bayan/

CPP/NPA-South Central Negros: The 302nd Brigade must be made to answer to their heinous crimes against the people of Brgy. Tan-awan, Kabankalan City

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 30, 2020): The 302nd Brigade must be made to answer to their heinous crimes against the people of Brgy. Tan-awan, Kabankalan City

DIONESIO MAGBUELAS

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-SOUTH CENTRAL NEGROS

MT. CANSERMON COMMAND

NEGROS ISLAND REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND

APOLINARIO GATMAITAN COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

SEPTEMBER 30, 2020

The Mt. Cansermon Command – New People’s Army (MCC-NPA) strongly condemns the continuing human rights violations in Barangay Tan-awan, Kabankalan City. Jointly operating troops of the 94th Infantry Battalion and 15th Infantry Battalion unleashed their fury on innocent civilians following an armed encounter and their frustration on chasing a unit of the MCC -NPA last September 17.

There have been 8 cases of harassment wherein 1 victim was threatened with a knife , 2 cases of illegal search, 3 cases of indiscriminate firing and 5 were illegally arrested of which two of them were Julito Muleta and Nelson Agaton. The most brutal and barbaric crime is the beheading of Bernardo Guillen and leaving his decomposing body at a ravine near the encounter site.

These vicious crimes against the people are cowardly acts of the bloodthirsty butchers of the fascist regime. Together with Duterte, they should be held accountable and be made to answer to their numerous transgressions.

As the true army of the people, the NPA will continue to heed the call for justice for all the victims of state-sponsored violence. The day of reckoning is near for the fascist dogs as the NPA is always ready to punish the most rabid police, military and paramilitary forces to defend the people. The NPA will continue to launch all-out offensives to end the reign of terror of the Duterte regime. ###

https://cpp.ph/statements/the-302nd-brigade-must-be-made-to-answer-to-their-heinous-crimes-against-the-people-of-brgy-tan-awan-kabankalan-city/

CPP/NDF-Bicol: Ilantad at bantayan ang pondo ng pasismo ng rehimeng US-Duterte! Magkaisa at itatag ang pinakamalawak na alyansa laban sa diktadura!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 30, 2020): Ilantad at bantayan ang pondo ng pasismo ng rehimeng US-Duterte! Magkaisa at itatag ang pinakamalawak na alyansa laban sa diktadura!

MA. ROJA BANUA

SPOKESPERSON

NDF-BICOL

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

SEPTEMBER 30, 2020

Gagastusin ng rehimeng US-Duterte pati ang huling sentimo ng kabang-bayan para maipagtanggol at maitaguyod ang interes ng diktaduryal na kaharian nito. Patuloy nitong sinasaid ang trilyun-trilyong pondo ng mamamayan sa walang habas na paghuhulog ng bomba sa mga komunidad, pagpaslang sa mga inosente, panunupil sa mga kritiko, progresibo at makabayan at sa sistematikong pagpapakalat ng pekeng balita. Ito ang kahihinatnan ng P19-bilyong badyet ng National Task Force to End Local Communist Insurgency (NTFELCI), karagdagang P206 bilyong badyet sa Department of National Defense (DND) at malalaking alokasyon para sa paniniktik na nakasalang sa mga budget deliberation ngayon.

Mula sa rekursong ito kumukuha ng bwelo ang Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) sa kanayunan. Nitong Setyembre 21, pinaslang ng 49th IBPA sina Brgy. Capt. Luzviminda M. Dayandante at Brgy. Treasurer Albert Orlina sa Sitio Gumian, Brgy. Sinungtan, Guinobatan, Albay. Bago pa ito, inakusahan na ng berdugong batalyon si Dayadante bilang tagasuporta ng NPA at binantaang aalis lamang ang militar sa lugar kapag napalitan na ang kapitan. Pinagbubomba rin ng 31st IBPA at 22nd IBPA ang komunidad ng Brgy. Gerona, Bulan, Sorsogon. Hindi pa nadala sa nabulgar na eskandalo ng kanilang pina-Photoshop na litrato noong nakaraang taon, ipinagmamalaki pa rin ng 2nd IBPA at Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) ang sapilitang pagpapasuko ng mga sibilyang pinalalabas na kasapi ng NPA.

Sa kabiguang makontrol ang daloy ng impormasyon sa kabila ng pagwawaldas ng pera ng taumbayan sa agresibong troll army na naglipana sa masmidya at social media, tinatanggalan ng programa, hinaharas, ipinapakulong at sa pinakamasasahol na kaso, pinapaslang ng mersenaryong ahente ng estado ang mga kagawad ng midyang nagbibigay ng boses sa tunay na pulso ng mamamayan.

Nitong Setyembre 15, limang kagawad ng midyang kritikal sa administrasyon ni Gov. Edgar ‘Egay’ Tallado ang inaresto sa Camarines Norte. Pinaslang din si Jobert ‘Pulpog’ Bercasio ng Balangibog TV matapos ilantad ang iligal na quarry sa Bulan, Sorsogon noong Setyembre 14. Makailang ulit na ring dumulog sa tanggapan ng NDF-Bikol ang ilang mga radio reporter mula sa malalaking istasyon ng radyo sa Camarines Sur, Sorsogon at Camarines Norte upang ireklamo ang walang lubay na panghaharas sa kanila ng mga elemento ng reaksyunaryong gubyerno.

Dahil sa patuloy na paglobo ng gastos sa kontramamamayang gera, hindi na rin maikubli ng rehimeng US-Duterte ang pag-aalala nito sa napipintong pagkasaid ng rekurso ng pasistang estado. Todo-larga nang namamalimos ng ayuda ang rehimen sa ibang bansa maipagpatuloy lamang ang diktadura ni Duterte. Ngunit maging ang kanyang mga imperyalistang amo ay napipilitang dumistansya sa bulok na diktadura ni Duterte. Hindi sila makaligtas mula sa paniningil ng mamamayan sa buong daigdig na lubusang nagtatakwil sa imperyalismo at sa paggamit ng gubyerno ng US sa kabang-bayan upang pondohan ang iba pang mapanupil na estado.

Tiyak na pamatay na dagok sa diktaduryang rehimen ang tambalan ng ibayong paglakas ng paglaban ng mamamayan sa loob at labas ng bansa at ang pagkaputol ng natitirang suportang nakukuha nito mula sa internasyunal na komunidad.

Marapat na kundenahin ng lahat ng patriyotiko, makabayan at mapagmalasakit sa kapwa ang pagwawaldas ng kabang-bayan para sa pasistang adyenda at buuhin ang pinakamalawak na alyansang mapagpasyang magpapabagsak sa ganid na diktador. Karapatan ng bawat Bkolanong singilin ang kanilang mga kinatawan sa Kongreso at mga upisyal ng lokal na yunit ng gubyerno sa kanilang mga pangako sa panahon ng eleksyon: makiisa sa paglaban at paglalantad ng mamamayan sa paglobo ng pondo para sa pasismo at korupsyon. Bawat bala, bawat bomba, bawat minutong binabayad sa mersenaryong hukbo ay katumbas ng bawat sentimong ilinuwal ng pawis at dugo ng masang anakpawis.

Iisa ang aral ng kolektibong praktika ng mamamayang Pilipino sa pakikibaka sa mga tirano at diktador. Hindi kailanman matitinag ang nagkakaisang hanay ng mamamayan ng isang diktadura.

https://cpp.ph/statements/ilantad-at-bantayan-ang-pondo-ng-pasismo-ng-rehimeng-us-duterte-magkaisa-at-itatag-ang-pinakamalawak-na-alyansa-laban-sa-diktadura/

CPP/NDF-Bicol: Intensify the fight against media repression! Unite and call for justice for all illegally detained and murdered media workers!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 30, 2020): Intensify the fight against media repression! Unite and call for justice for all illegally detained and murdered media workers!

MA. ROJA BANUA

SPOKESPERSON

NDF-BICOL

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

SEPTEMBER 30, 2020

Bicol media is under siege. Ever since Duterte’s term began, cases of non-stop threats, intimidation and cyberattacks against numerous media personalities throughout the region have skyrocketed. Unsurprisingly, all these cases involve media workers active in exposing anomalies within the government.

Five media workers have already been arrested – Virgilio Avila, Jr., Nolito Banaria, Irene Cambronero, Bernie Patiag and Rommel Ibasco Fenix from Camarines Norte. This September 14, Sorsoganon journalist Jobert ‘Pulpog’ Bercasio was also murdered by state agents.

Duterte’s minions cry foul when Facebook finally took down troll accounts handled by elements of the AFP but deems it justifiable to arbitrarily close down media institutions that dare to genuinely report sentiments of the masses. These troll accounts, lavishly funded by the state even during the pandemic, actively disparage progressive groups and individuals and sow disinformation amongst the netizens. These accounts have also been used to harass and threaten suspected members and supporters of the revolutionary movement. Duterte and those in camouflage, donning medals of honor and high-power rifles are the ones who deserve to be put into jail for libel, harassment, and worse, terroristic acts.

Foolish are those who believe they can silence the voice of the people. Isn’t it during the Marcos dictatorship that underground organizations, newspapers and other media outfits proliferated? Duterte may have trolls that flood social media and strangle media outfits to propagate lies and bury his regime’s crimes against the people. But this will not stop the people from finding more creative ways for their story to be told.

NDF-Bicol highly commends all media workers and institutions that have dedicated their time and efforts into lending their voices and airwaves to convey the masses’ views and stories to a wider audience. The revolutionary movement strongly calls on all other reporters, writers, media institutions and alliances to unite and relentlessly fight against further media repression. Support the call to stop the harassment and murder of media workers and demand justice for all victims of human rights violations.

Taking a stand, siding with the oppressed and striving for genuine change is the very foundation of a free and just press. Telling the people’s truth, no matter the cost, is the beating heart of journalism.

Free the press, free the oppressed!
Overthrow the US-Duterte regime!

https://cpp.ph/statements/intensify-the-fight-against-media-repression-unite-and-call-for-justice-for-all-illegally-detained-and-murdered-media-workers/

Kalinaw News: Army thwarts NPA arson attempt in Agusan del Norte

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 30, 2020): Army thwarts NPA arson attempt in Agusan del Norte

PLACER, Surigao del Norte— The 29th Infantry (Matatag) Battalion foiled the attempt of the communist NPA terrorists to conduct sabotage after a firefight ensued in Barangay Baleguian, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte, Tuesday evening, September 29.

Based on the report, the soldiers immediately conducted combat patrol upon receiving reports from the concerned civilians about the presence of more or less five communist NPA terrorists believed to be members of SYP16A, Guerilla Front 16. Identified among the perpetrators are Marvin Bugas, who hails from Barangay Hagupit, Santiago, Agusan del Norte; and Eliamar Elecito Monter, who is from Baleguian, Jabonga of the same province. It is significant to note that Eliamar Elecito Monter hails from the same barangay where the thwarted arson attempt of the NPA happened.

The said clash lasted for about three minutes afterwhich the communist terrorists fled in haste towards east direction of the encounter site leaving their personal stuff and container with gasoline that they will use for torching. No one was hurt on the government side while developing reports indicated that NPA suffered casualties in the said firefight.

According to the 29th Infantry Battalion, the unit that has operational jurisdiction over the area, the encounter site was few meters away from the site of Reyrose Construction who is implementing irrigation project in the said place. The project was intended for the Baleguian Farmers Irrigators Association (BOFIA), an organization formerly influenced by communist terrorist group but already cut their ties and denounce the CTG.

Initial investigation reveals that extortion was the main motive behind the failed attempt. As to this press time, the soldiers are conducting pursuit operations to track down fleeing enemies.

In the statement of Lt. Col. Isagani O Criste, Battalion Commander 29IB, he said that the operation conducted was an intel driven effort in response to reliable and timely information provided by the locals. He also added that their action was a manifestation of their commitment to secure the developmental projects and activities within their area of responsibility.

Meanwhile, Col. George L Banzon, Commander of 901st Infantry (Fight’Em) Brigade, lauded rapid response of the ground troops that led to the prevention of NPA sabotage. He added that involvement of locals within the community is vital for the security forces to have a prompt and responsive action on the ground.

“We will have effective course of actions in preventing this threat group from doing atrocity if the community will cooperate and will not hide information. What transpired in the recent incident is a classic manifestation that we can make a difference if we will actively participate in the peace efforts in our respective communities”, he said.

Col Banzon also added that more than display of trust and confidence to the soldiers, “the incident clearly suggests that the people are already tired of the NPA’s anti-people and anti-development terroristic actions”

“With this, we will continue our efforts to protect the numerous projects in the brigade’s area of operations since all of us will be benefitted from these initiatives”, 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/army-thwarts-npa-arson-attempt-in-agusan-del-norte/

Kalinaw News: Army troops rescues kidnap victim, Clash with ASG in Zamboanga del Norte

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 30, 2020): Army troops rescues kidnap victim, Clash with ASG in Zamboanga del Norte

CAMP SANG-AN, Zamboanga del Sur | A FilAm kidnap victim was rescued by Army’s 42nd Infantry Battalion after their engagement with the Kidnap for Ransom Group in Brgy Pisa Itom, Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte, 10:20 a.M. Wednesday, September 30, 2020.

Mr. Rex Triplitt, was abducted by armed men wearing camouflage uniform last September 16, while he and his wife were on board their motorcycle on their way home to Barangay Piacan, Siarawai.

“Since the incident, our troops relentlessly conducted pursuit operations to deny these terrorists from leaving the Peninsula,” said Lt. Col. Leon Onggao Jr Commanding Officer, 42IB based in Barangay Doña Cecilia of same town.

“We are preventing them from transporting the victim to the island provinces of Basilan or Sulu,” Lt. Col. Onggao added.

The firefight incurred no casulaties on the governement side.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, Commander, 102nd Infantry Brigade, who has operational jurisdiction of Zamboanga del Norte in a statement stressed that the Army’s operations will continue despite this signifcant accomplishment.

“Our pursuit and manhunt operations together with other security forces will continue until we apprehend these terrrorists and make them accountable to court,” Brig. Gen. Nicolas said.

“Further, our sincere gratitude to the MILF and MNLF leadership for the assistance and support extended throughout the course of operation,” Brig. Gen. Nicolas added.

The rescued victim is now being secured by the troops on the ground and transported for evacuation and immediate medical evaluation.

Maj. Gen. Gene Ponio, Commander, 1st Infantry Division commended the troops for the successful rescue of Triplitt.

“I laud the troops for the exemplary demonstration of professionalism and tactical skills in selectively engaging the enemy while preserving the life of the victim,” Maj. Gen. Ponio said.

“We have shown how effective we are against these terrorist group noting the neutralization of six of its members this month”, added Maj. Gen. Ponio.

“This success would also not have been possible without the active participation of the different local government units and barangay officials through the Crisis Management Center. Likewise, the concerted efforts through constant coordination, cooperation and collaboration with NICA9, PNP, Coast Guard and other AFP Units greatly contributed to this rescue operations,” Maj. Gen. Ponio concluded.

As of this posting, troops are still pursuing the fleeing elements of the ASG.



[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/army-troops-rescues-kidnap-victim-clash-with-asg-in-zamboanga-del-norte/

Kalinaw News: Road projects will hasten the defeat of CPP-NPA

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 30, 2020): Road projects will hasten the defeat of CPP-NPA

Camp Evangelista, Cagayan de Oro – Ongoing road projects of the government will hasten the defeat of the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) in Caraga Region, top Army Commander said.

Major General Andres C Centino, Commander of 4th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force-Diamond, has informed the members of the CARAGA Regional Development Council (RDC), during its Full Council meeting yesterday, September 28, 2020, via video teleconference (VTC).

Centino cited the ongoing road construction projects such as the Cabadbaran-Puting Bato-Lanuza Road; Butuan-Pianing-Tandag Road; Lasicam-Camp Edward, Alegria Road; and San Miguel-Calaitan Road.

“These are high-impact road projects because they cut across NPA Guerrilla Bases in CARAGA, which happen to be our Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs),” he said.

In his presentation, he further stressed that these road opening and concreting projects will spur economic activities in these far-flung and depressed areas and facilitate the delivery of basic services, thus resolving critical grass-root issues that have been exploited by the CNTs.

He added that these projects and the ensuing government interventions will consequently turn these areas into becoming progressive and resilient communities.

In terms of security operations, Centino said that these road projects will also improve the maneuverability of our security forces while limiting the CNTs’ freedom of movement.

Meanwhile, Pol M. Delos Santos, the Regional Director of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) gave the assurance that the projects mentioned by Gen. Centino are indeed priority projects of the government.

“These road projects are one of the identified priority projects of the President. Rest assured that we will expedite its completion to support the peace, security and development efforts in these areas,” he said.

The Caraga RDC Full Council Meeting was presided by its Chairman Governor Dale Corvera of Agusan del Norte via VTC and was attended by Regional Directors of Line Government Agencies, Governors, Mayors of Highly Urbanized City, and representatives from the Academe and private sector.

[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/road-projects-will-hasten-the-defeat-of-cpp-npa/

Kalinaw News: 34th IB Cited 2 BIFFs’ Surrender in Maguindanao

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 30, 2020): 34th IB Cited 2 BIFFs’ Surrender in Maguindanao

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Major General Juvymax R. Uy, commander Joint Task Force Central and 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division lauded the 34th Infantry Battalion for the surrender of the two members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) at Barangay Balong, Northern Kabuntalan, Maguindanao last September 25, 2020.

“Their surrender will help entice more BIFF to return to the folds of the government while we are intensifying our focus military operations against the terrorist group that continuously spoil the peace and security in the province of Maguindanao,” he said in his speech.

The two former rebels were members of the BIFF Karialan Faction under Rasul Dubpaleg in Northern Kabuntalan town.

They carried along with them a one caliber .50 Barrett rifle, one caliber .30 M1 Garand rifle, one anti-personnel mine made of 105mm High Explosive Cartridge with cellphone detonator and one clip of M1 Garand with six ammunition.

“Together with the local government unit and our local government agencies, we will help you as you rejoin the mainstream society and live peacefully with your families”, Maj. Gen. Uy 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/34th-ib-cited-2-biffs-surrender-in-maguindanao/

Kalinaw News: CTG Member Surrenders to 603rd Brigade

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 30, 2020): CTG Member Surrenders to 603rd Brigade

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – A member of a communist terror group (CTG) surrendered to 603rd Brigade through the 37th Infantry (Conqueror) Battalion on September 26, 2020.

He is a resident of Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat and a member of Platoon Myphone, Guerilla Front MUSA, Far Southern Mindanao Regional Committee.

“The heightened military operation against the CTG have forced him to abandon his group and return to the folds of law with the help of the police and local government of Kalamansig,” Maj. Gen. Juvymax R. Uy, commander of Joint Task Force Central and 6ID said.

“Just like the other former rebels, we will ensure his safety and security as he will go back to the mainstream society. We will work together with the local government unit for his livelihood opportunities” Maj. Gen. Uy added.

The former rebel brought with him one homemade shotgun which is currently under the custody of 37th IB.

[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/ctg-member-surrenders-to-603rd-brigade/

Kalinaw News: Eastmincom Supports Peace Initiative Thru Construction of Housing Units for IPs in Haran

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 30, 2020): Eastmincom Supports Peace Initiative Thru Construction of Housing Units for IPs in Haran

NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – The Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) supports the peace initiative of the Office of the Presidential Peace Adviser on the Peace Process-Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (OPAPP-PAMANA) Program through the construction of the housing units intended for the displaced members of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) that remain to be in UCCP Haran Compound in Davao City.

Eastmincom Commander Lt. Gen. Jose C. Faustino Jr. demonstrates his support for the project by attending the groundbreaking ceremony for the 125 housing units worth P11.25 million at Sitio Tibucag, Dagohoy, Talaingod, Davao del Norte on Tuesday, September 29.

The said OPAPP-funded project dubbed as “Bahay Pangkapayapaan” is aimed to cater to the needs of the IPs in Haran, who had been the subject of alleged exploitation by the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) and their supporters. This will ensure that they will have a good shelter once they go back to their communities.

“We appreciate the initiative as it contributes to the whole process of consolidating and developing the area towards a peaceful and sustainable community,” Lt. Gen. Faustino Jr. said.

Lt. Gen. Faustino also strongly condemns the continued abuses and exploitations of the CTG to the IPs and for continuously using them as accessories to achieve their agenda.

“The CTG and their supporters in Haran should pay for abusing and exploiting the IPs,” Lt. Gen. Faustino reiterated.

Lt. Gen. Faustino also cries foul over the CTG’s “Taktikang Bakwit” where they allegedly bring the IPs to Manila and other cities to stage a rally for their selfish gains.

Some members of the IP communities, who realized the CTG’s deceitful acts and other abuses, have earlier filed a lawsuit against the Haran administrators for alleged human trafficking, kidnapping, and child abuse.

[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/eastmincom-supports-peace-initiative-thru-construction-of-housing-units-for-ips-in-haran/

Kalinaw News: 6 na miyembro ng Milisyang Bayan ng NPA sumuko, 18 samu't-saring baril isinama

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 30, 2020): 6 na miyembro ng Milisyang Bayan ng NPA sumuko, 18 samu't-saring baril isinama

KIBAWE, BUKIDNON – lumutang ang anim (6) na miyembro ng Milisyang Bayan ng New People’s Army (NPA) at sumuko sa community support program (CSP) Team ng 16th Infantry (Maglilingkod) Battalion sa Brgy Sanipon, Kibawe Bukidnon kahapon, ika-29 Setyembre 2020.

Base sa ulat, dalawang nagngangalang alyas “Bayog” at alyas “jm”, kapwa residente ng nasabing barangay at mga miyembro ng Underground Mass Organization (UGMO) na dumalo sa Grand Pulong-pulong noong ika-25 Setyembre, ang kusang sumuko sa CSP Team. Kasamang isunuko ng mga nasabing miyembro ang dalawang (2) cal. 38 na may dalawang (2) bala at apat (4) na improvised shotgun gauge 12. Sa patuloy na pagsisiyasat sa mga sumurender, inamin ng mga ito na sila ay mga dating miyembro ng milisyang bayan sa ilalim nga Guerilla Front 53 ng npa.

Sa magkaparehong araw, isang nagngangalang alyas “bobong” ang boluntaryong lumapit at sumuko sa CSP Team ng 16IB sa parehas na lugar. Kasama sa kanyang pagsuko ang isang (1) rifle cal. 30 garand na mayroong apat (4) na bala at isang (1) improvised na cal. 3516 at ayon sa kanya ay mayroon pang apat (4) na nais sumuko.

Dahil sa mga rebelasyong isiniwalat, agad nagtungo ang kasundaluhan ng 16IB at ang isang team (1) ng Mobile Force Company ng PNP upang magsagawa ng pakikipag-usap sa mga personalidad na binanggit ni alyas “bobong”. Kusang sumuko sila alyas “elmer”, alyas “rem-rem” at alyas “kevin”. Isinama nila sa kanilang pagsuko ang limang (5) improvised shotgun gauge 12, isang (1) cal. 38, tatlong (3) improvised shotgun gauge 20 at isang (1) improvised single shot pistol na may isang (1) bala.

Ang mga nasabing sumuko ay tutulungan ng gobyerno upang mabigyan ng mga benepisyo sa ilalim ng enhanced comprehensive local integration program o e-clip na naglalayong bigyan ng matiwasay na pamumuhay ang mga nagbabalik-loob na mga rebelde.

Ang mga serye ng pagsukong ito ay nagpapakita na naging matagumpay ang mga isinasagawang Commmunity Support Program (CSP) ng ating mga kasundaluhan sa tulong ng Lokal na Pamahalaan at iba pang ahensya ng gobyerno na naglalayon na maitaguyod ang kapayapaan at kaayusan. Ito rin ay indikasyon na namulat na ang ating mga kababayan na naligaw ng landas sa walang kabuluhang idelohiya at adhikain ng teroristang npa. Ang pangyayaring ito nawa’y maging daan sa iba pang mga miyembro ng NPA na sumuko na at magbalik-loob na sa ating gobyerno.

[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/6-na-miyembro-ng-milisyang-bayan-ng-npa-sumuko-18-samut-saring-baril-isinama/

Army troops rescue kidnapped Fil-Am in Zambo Norte

From Rappler (Sep 30, 2020): Army troops rescue kidnapped Fil-Am in Zambo Norte (By GUALBERTO LAPUT)

The Army's 42nd Infantry Battalion prevents the abductors from leaving by boats, eventually cornering them in the remote town of Sirawai

Troops from the Army’s 42nd Infantry Battalion rescued a kidnapped Filipino-American after a gunfight with armed men believed to be members of the Abu Sayyaf Group in the hinterland of Zamboanga del Norte’s Sirawai town on Wednesday morning, September 30.

The 64-year-old Fil-Am Rex Triplitt was abducted by 4 armed men in military uniforms while on his way home from a remote barangay last September 16. His wife, Celsa Maani, was able to escape during the commotion and reported the incident to authorities.

In a report from Camp Sang-an, home of the 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division, in Pagadian City, Army troops pursuing the kidnappers engaged in a firefight with the armed group at 10 am, Wednesday, in Barangay Pisa Itom in Sirawai.

The report added that the kidnappers fled during the shooting, leaving behind Triplitt.

“Our troops relentlessly conducted pursuit operations to deny terrorists from leaving the Peninsula. We are preventing them from transporting the victim to Basilan or Sulu,” said Lieutenant Colonel Leon Onggao Jr, commander of the 42nd Infantry Battalion, based in Barangay Doña Cecilia, Sirawai.

Triplitt was brought to the Army camp in Sirawai for medical examination and debriefing.

Fil-Am Rex Triplitt arrives at the Army camp in Sirawai town, Zamboanga del Norte. SIRAWAI PNP

Rescued Fil-Am Rex Triplitt arrives at the Army camp in Sirawai town, Zamboanga del Norte. SIRAWAI PNP

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Leonel Nicolas, commander of 102nd Infantry Brigade to which the 42nd Infantry Battalion belonged, thanked the Moro National Liberation Front and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front for providing assistance to the pursuing troops.

Nicolas said that Army troops and other units would continue to hunt the fleeing suspected Abu Sayyaf Group. The suspects separated into smaller groups to avoid detection.

Sirawai is part of Zamboanga del Norte's triple S and B area (Siocon, Sibuco, Sirawai, and Baliguian towns) where both the MILF and MNLF maintain camps.

Triple S and B has been known to be the lair of lawless groups that have been operating in Zamboanga Peninsula.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/army-troops-rescue-kidnapped-fil-am-in-zambo-norte

130 WV VILLAGES ‘INSURGENCY-FREE’; Army: Conflict-free brgys to receive P20M

 From the Panay News (Oct 1, 2020): 130 WV VILLAGES ‘INSURGENCY-FREE’; Army: Conflict-free brgys to receive P20M (By Ruby Silubrico)

“We still need to clear more villages and will be hunting down rebels, especially in Negros Occidental,” says Major Cenon Pancito III, spokesman of the Philippines Army’s 3rd Infantry Division. PNA

ILOILO City – Almost a year after the military’s stepped-up drive against communist armed threats, 130 barangays in Western Visayas have been cleared of insurgents, according to the Philippines Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID).

These villages have been “liberated” between 2016 to 2019, said 3ID spokesman Major Cenon Pancito III.

Western Visayas is made up of 4,051 barangays.

There were also 333 communist-terrorist groups that threatened barangays, said Pancito.


Of the 333, one maintained a foothold in Aklan province, three in Antique, 37 in Capiz, 80 in Iloilo province, and 212 in Negros Occidental.

“We still need to clear more villages and will be hunting down rebels, especially in Negros Occidental. They threatened the people especially in remote areas. We will not stop tracking them down,” said the 3ID spokesperson.

According to Pancito, the communist insurgency is an “immediate” political security threat that must be resolved in the last two years of President Rodrigo Duterte’s term.

The Army official disclosed the national government’s plan to give P20 million to each barangay that is cleared of rebels and P1.5 million to threatened-barangays.

This financial assistance is under the P16-billion “Barangay Development Program” of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTFELCAC).

Under the program, barangays deemed “cleared” from insurgency will be rewarded million-worth of projects.

Each cleared barangay will be given P20 million for the construction of various infrastructures, including a concrete farm-to market road (P12 million), a school building with four classrooms (P3 million), water and sanitation systems (P2 million), national greening or forest protection program (P1.5 million), and health stations (P1.5 million).

“The government will pour in millions of pesos worth of programs and services in the pursuit of its peace agenda,” he added.

The funds will be released to municipalities where the identified barangays are located and the implementation will be supervised by the provincial governments, and the regional task forces under the NTFELCAC.

However, the proposed 2021 budget for the government’s anti-communist task force was met earlier with criticisms.

This could be categorized as discretionary funds, or “pork barrel,” said members of the House of Representatives’ Makabayan bloc.

According to Bayan Muna’s Rep. Carlos Zarate, the mechanism of identifying these barangays makes the funds “pork.”

According to Eufemia Cullamat, another representative of Bayan Muna, this “reward system” will drive barangays to resort to “terror tagging” in order to get the coveted funds.

The Makabayan bloc said it will push to defund NTFELCAC.

Meanwhile, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, who serves as NTFELCAC vice chair, rejected the bloc’s accusations.

Esperon said the projects to be bankrolled by the program will still go through the usual budget hearings and will not solely depend on the task force’s discretion.

The funds will be released to municipalities where the identified barangays are located and the implementation will be supervised by the provincial governments, and the regional task forces under the NTFELCAC, Esperon added.

Esperon also denied reports that the funds could be used to influence the 2022 elections, since the barangays identified for the program are not considered vote-rich. (With ABS-CBN News/PN)

http://www.panaynews.net/130-wv-villages-insurgency-free-army-conflict-free-brgys-to-receive-p20m/

Navy to fully support Nat'l Coast Watch Center maritime missions

From the Mindanao Examiner (Sep 30, 2020): Navy to fully support Nat'l Coast Watch Center maritime missions (By Priam Nepomuceno)

THE PHILIPPINES Navy (PN) has expressed its full support and cooperation with the National Coast Watch Center (NCWC) in protecting the country's maritime interests.

Navy chief Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo made this comment shortly after newly-appointed NCWC chief, Coast Guard Commodore Roy Echeverria, paid a courtesy call to PN headquarters in Naval Station Jose Andrada, Roxas Boulevard, Manila on Monday.

During the meeting, Bacordo expressed the PN's full support to the NCWC which is mandated to coordinate and implement the "whole-of-government efforts in protecting the Philippine national interests against security threats, enforcement of national sovereignty and sovereign rights, and fulfillment of the international responsibilities and obligations throughout the maritime jurisdiction of the country".

He described the NCWC chief's visit as an "opportunity to come up with stronger interagency coordination and collaboration between NCWC and our maritime research information center (MRIC) and maritime situational awareness centers (MSAC) in providing them maritime information to support awareness in our maritime domain”.

Echeverria took command of the NCWC last September 1. He was the former commander of the Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao prior to his assumption.

The NCWS was established on September 6, 2011, based on former president Benigno Aquino III's Executive Order No. 57 mandating it as “the central inter-agency mechanism for a coordinated and coherent approach on national maritime issues and maritime security operations towards enhancing governance in the country’s maritime domain"

Echeverria's visit further established a robust linkage between the two agencies as they strengthened ties towards enhancing governance in the country’s maritime domain. (By Priam Nepomuceno)

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2020/09/navy-to-fully-support-natl-coast-watch.html

Kidnapped Filipino farmer escapes from Sayyaf

From the Mindanao Examiner (Sep 30, 2020): Kidnapped Filipino farmer escapes from Sayyaf

Security forces recovered Wednesday a Filipino farmer kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf following a firefight with his guards in the southern province of Zamboanga del Norte, officials said.

A Philippine military photo shows the 64-year old Rex Susulan Triplitt after escaping from his Abu Sayyaf captors during a firefight with security forces on Monday in Zamboanga del Norte's Sirawai town.

A Philippine military photo shows the 64-year old Rex Susulan Triplitt being assisted by an unidentified woman in an ambulance after escaping from his Abu Sayyaf captorts during a firefight with security forces on Monday in Zamboanga del Norte's Sirawai town.

Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, said the 64-year old Rex Susulan Triplitt (previously reported by the police as Triplet) was “rescued” by members of the 42nd Infantry Battalion in the village called Pisa Itom in Sirawai town following a clash with five gunmen.

He said soldiers were sent to the area following reports that Triplitt was being held by gunmen in the village. “While conducting combat operations against the perpetrators of Rex Triplitt, troops of the 42nd Infantry Battalion encountered five armed men (and a firefight ensued),” Vinluan said, adding, “we are happy to inform the public that our operating troops successfully rescued abducted farmer, Rex Triplitt.”

“Based on the initial report from the ground, the five (gunmen) are members of the Sulu-based Daesh Inspired Abu Sayyaf kidnap-for-ransom group under Injam Yadah,” said Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, commander of the 102nd Infantry Brigade.

But Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, commander of the 1st Infantry Division and head of the anti-terror Joint Task Force ZamPeLan, said Triplitt managed to escape during the fighting and sought help from villagers.

“Our troops were acting on information of the presence of five fully-armed men and one unarmed individual, believed to be Mr. Triplitt, in their community. When the five engaged with the operating troops, Mr. Triplitt found an opportunity to hide and ask for help,” he said.

There was no report of casualties on both sides.

Police said four masked gunmen seized Triplitt on September 16 after stopping him and his family while returning home on a motorcycle in a village in the outskirts of Sirawai town. It said the men, armed with rifles and handguns and all clad in camouflage uniform, abducted the farmer, but his wife and son managed to run away and sought help from authorities. (Zamboanga Post)

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2020/09/kidnapped-filipino-farmer-escapes-from.html

Bohol police chief clarifies statement on insurgency-free status

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 30, 2020): Bohol police chief clarifies statement on insurgency-free status (By Rey Anthony H. Chiu)

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Sept. 29 (PIA) -- “Not categorical.” This was what Bohol Police Provincial Director Police Sr. Supt. Joselito Clarito said when asked about the reported statement of the regional police commander that Bohol may lose its insurgency-free status.

PATROLLING THE PEACE. After Bohol has attained insugency free-status in 2010, the 47th Infantry Battalion has kept the peace in Bohol by winning the support of barangay after barangay, and retrieving rebel hotbeds through its social and civil reforms introduced with the Purok Power Movement Countryside Development Program. (PIA Bohol file photo) 

It was reported that Police Regional Director Brigadier Gen. Albert Ignatious Ferro allegedly pointed out his observation on the rise of the activities of the communist-terrorists groups (CTGs) which could end up with Bohol losing its insurgency-free status.

Speaking during a command conference with Bohol Provincial Police Command at Camp Francisco Dagohoy on Sept. 15, Ferro raised the resurgence of CTG activities in the past three years.

He cited the reported presence of armed men in several areas and occasions, the discovery of training jungle camps, the sporadic encounters between the CTGs and the police and government troops, and the alleged liquidation of barangay officials based on information from captured CTG members.

Recently, a bloody encounter between the Philippine Army and the CTGs in the hinterlands of Bohol left two dead - one on each side.

Succeeding mopping operations also caught up with a common criminal who joined the insurgents, purportedly to escape from criminal prosecution in the courts.

During the recent joint Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) and Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council Meeting (PADAC) Meeting, Gov. Arthur Yap raised the issue and sought clarification on the police regional director's statement.

On this, Clarito, who was also in the conference, said the statement of the regional director was not categorical, and that Ferro did not even mention Bohol as threatened.

On his part, Yap cited the score the government had in the number of former CTGs who surrendered to the government.

“Are we really in danger of the activities of the left?” the governor asked as he sought clarification on the meaning of insurgency-free. “Yes, they are here, but what is important is that we are doing something,” the governor stressed to the members of the council, which included the police and military commanders in Bohol.

“Let us not hide in the levels," the governor urged, hinting that the insurgency-free status does not really mean there are no more insurgents, but that they are no long any forces capable of paralyzing government.

Although the governor admits the CTGs are still a nuisance, he pointed out that they have been reduced that they could no longer affect the current situation and current affairs.

He insisted that being insurgency-free should take into consideration whether the CTGs can still mount a force enough to neutralize the operations of government. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol).

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1054710

Top Most Wanted Person in Cagayan surrenders to 77IB

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 30, 2020): Top Most Wanted Person in Cagayan surrenders to 77IB (By 5ID Star Troopers, Philippine Army)

GATTARAN, Cagayan, Sept. 30 (PIA) - - The 77th Infantry (Don't Dare) Battalion is currently conducting security patrols, coordination, visits and clearing operations after assuming control of its area of operations in East Cagayan.

While performing these tasks, operating troops of Alfa Company, 77IB under 1Lt Dondon Malidas (Inf) PA was approached by concerned citizens and barangay officials at barangay Tanglagan, Gattaran on the presence of a suspected wanted person.

Two platoons of the same unit converged at Sitio Salong, Barangay Tanglagan, Gattaran.

The suspect, fearing that he was the target of the military operation, was convinced to surrender peacefully to the operating troops at about 5:30pm on September 28.

The suspect disclosed that he is Boyet Fernandez Tuliao and also admitted that he is wanted by the police. He was accompanied by his son, Boyboy Tuliao, a former New People's Aym (NPA) regular member.

Per coordination of the 77IB with the Gattaran Police Station, PNP personnel returned to Barangay Tanglagan and the suspect was turned over to them for the legal procedures.

The elements of the Gattaran Police Station confirmed that the suspect has an existing warrant of arrest for murder and he was the target of a police operation at Brgy Mabuno, Gattaran in August which resulted to an encounter with the armed elements of the Communist Terrorist Groups.

The AFP and PNP forces will continue to work together to contribute to the attainment of peace, order, security, and development in Cagayan.

The utmost cooperation and support of the populace is vital for this success, Malidas said. (ALM/PIA-2/Reports from 5ID Star Troopers, Philippine Army)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1054647

Newly-deployed 77IB scores in campaign vs criminality in Cagayan

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 30, 2020): Newly-deployed 77IB scores in campaign vs criminality in Cagayan (By 5ID Star Troopers, Philippine Army)

CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Gamu, Isabela, Sept. 30 (PIA) - - The newly-deployed 77th Infantry (Don’t Dare) Battalion scored in the campaign against criminality when a wanted person surrendered to their unit on September 28, 2020 at barangay Tanglagan, Gattaran, Cagayan.

Boyet Fernandez Tuliao, a wanted person charged of murder voluntarily surrendered to the troops of 77IB who were conducting visits and coordination with the barangay officials of Gattaran.

Tuliao’s surrender to 77IB was facilitated by his son, a former rebel, who was previously helped by the Army troopers. Boyet Tuliao was later turned over to the Gattaran Police Station for proper disposition.

Lt Col Joe Boy Kindipan, Battalion Commander of 77IB affirmed the strong coordination and collaboration of his unit and the PNP to achieve the common goal of peace and order, security, and development in Cagayan.

He also added that the cooperation and support of the populace is vital for the success not only in the campaign against insurgency but also in the campaign against criminality.

For his part, Major Gen Laurence E Mina PA, Commander of 5th Infantry (STAR) Division, lauded the newly deployed Battalion for this instant accomplishment.

“I am grateful with the former rebel for trusting his father’s surrender to the Startroopers. It is indeed a manifestation of the people’s high confidence to the Army and the AFP in general. The Command will remain steadfast to its commitment to serve the people. In strong partnership with the PNP, we will sustain our efforts to support law enforcement operations,” Mina said.

Tuliao was the subject of operation of the Gattaran Police Station in Barangay Mabuno wherein a firefight ensued between the PNP and the members of Communist Terrorist Group sometime in the month of August of this year. (ALM/PIA-2/5ID Star Troopers, Philippine Army.

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1054674

4 NPA supporters surrender in Aurora province

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 30, 2020): 4 NPA supporters surrender in Aurora province (By Jason De Asis)

SURRENDERED. Four supporters of the CPP-NPA-NDF take their oath of allegiance to the government following their surrender on Wednesday (Sept. 30, 2020) in Aurora province. They withdrew their membership from Panlalawigang Magbubukid ng Aurora (Pamana), which the Army said is one of the sectoral front organizations of the leftist organization. (Photo courtesy of the Army's 91st Infantry Battalion)

BALER, Aurora – Four members of the Panlalawigang Alyansang Magbubukid ng Aurora (Pamana) on Wednesday voluntarily surrendered to the Army's 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion (91IB).

Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, 91IB commanding officer, said that Pamana in this province is one of the sectoral front organizations (SFOs) of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

Rubio said the surrenderers pledged allegiance to the government and denounced the deceptive scheme of the communist terrorist group.

“The withdrawal of support of the four Pamana members manifests that the leftist organization is now weakening and losing its mass supporters,” he said.

Linda Gutierrez, one of the four surrenderers, said that she decided to leave the organization after realizing that they were just being used by the communist group.

“Minsan na akong naging miyembro ng Pamana sa pagaakalang ako ay matutulungan sa aking problema sa usaping lupa. Subalit sa maikling panahon na umaasa ako sa tulong na pinangako ay wala naman kaya ang ginawa ko ay lumayo at humiwalay na sa samahan dahil wala naman pala akong maasahan na tulong kaya hindi na ako nagpupunta sa mga patawag nila na pulong o meeting (I once became a member of Pamana thinking that they could help me with my land problem. In the short period of time I was hoping for the promised support, it did not happen. So, what I did is to stay away from the organization because I cannot rely on their help. That’s why I no longer attended every time they called me up for a meeting,” Gutierrez said.

The surrender of the four CPP-NPA-NDF supporters materialized through intelligence build-up and civil military operation (CMO) conducted by the government troops.

They are now undergoing initial interview at the 91st IB Headquarters for documentation and proper disposition.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1117090

Criminal raps filed vs. high-ranking 'NPA' leaders in NegOr

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 30, 2020): Criminal raps filed vs. high-ranking 'NPA' leaders in NegOr (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

Google map of Guihulngan City.

Police have filed criminal charges against two suspected high-ranking leaders of the New People’s Army (NPA) who were arrested last week in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.

Guihulngan City police chief, Lt. Col. Bonifacio Tecson, in a phone interview Wednesday afternoon, said that charges for illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, and explosives were already filed against the suspects identified as Adidas Kadusale Acero and Nona Espinosa.

Acero, the alleged vice commander of Front Operational Command; and Espinosa, reportedly Acero’s “wife in their organization” and the alleged deputy secretary of Central Negros 1 Front, Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor, were arrested by a joint team of military and police troops in Barangay Buenavista, Guihulngan City.

At the time of their arrest, a cache of firearms and explosives was seized from them, including a 9-mm Glock pistol later verified to be that of the late Guihulngan police chief, Supt. Arnel Arpon, who was killed in an ambush along with six of his men in Barangay Magsaysay in that northern city on July 21, 2017.

Tecson also said that the nine other people who were arrested together with Acero and Espinosa were released already but police filed charges against them for “harboring criminals” while five children who were with them were turned over for custody to the city’s Social Welfare and Development Office.

Meanwhile, a Philippine Army report said that the 62nd Infantry Battalion seized more “war materials” from suspected NPA rebels, this time at Sitio Ilihan, also in Barangay Buenavista.

The items seized recently were 200 rounds of live ammunition of AK-47; one meter of detonating cord with firing device; subversive documents; personal documents of the late Corporal Mark Anthony Quiocson; one PhilHealth identification card; registration papers of a Kawasaki KLX motorcycle; and two passbooks.

Quiocson was a member of the 62nd IB Community Support Program Team who was killed by four unidentified suspected members of the NPA Special Partisan Unit at Sitio Compound in Barangay Luz in Guihulngan City last July.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1117128

Sulu town declares ASG bandits person non grata

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 30, 2020): Sulu town declares ASG bandits person non grata (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.) 

PEACE COVENANT. Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command, joins the peace covenant signing Tuesday (Sept. 29, 2020) declaring the Abu Sayyaf Group bandits as persona non grata in the municipality of Indanan, Sulu. Indanan Mayor Hermot Jikiri leads the activity, participated by military, police, and local government officials. (Photo courtesy of Westmincom Public Information Office)

Local officials of the Sulu town of Indanan declared Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits persona non grata during a peace covenant Tuesday afternoon.

In a statement Wednesday, the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) said Indanan Mayor Hermot Jikiri led town officials in denouncing the ASG bandits.

“We are declaring these terrorists as persona non grata here in Indanan and we vow to support the military, police, and other security agencies in bringing lasting peace and progress in our beloved municipality,” the Westmincom quoted Jikiri as saying.

Jikiri also announced initiatives to strengthen "public safety, security, and well-being in the municipality."

The Westmimcom also quoted Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan as lauding the initiative of Indanan officials.

“We need to gain the people’s support because in unity there is strength. Let us take what (US) President (Jimmy) Carter once said: ‘With the people, you can never lose; without the people, you can never win’,” Tan said.

“This peace covenant is for us all, for “Lupah Sug”, and for the “Bangsa Sug”. Never did we have this kind of peace covenant signing in the past. Now is the time for us to unite. We, leaders, elders, barangay officials, local government units, the AFP, the PNP, religious leaders, and the people must all unite,” Tan added.

Brig. Gen. William Gonzales, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, noted that Indanan is the second town that declared the ASG bandits as persona non grata.

Town officials of Patikul led by Mayor Kabir Hayudini also declared the bandits unwelcome in late August.

Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said peace can be attained if they (stakeholders) will let “synergy work out and bring forth significant breakthroughs.”

“I would like to extend my appreciation to our committed partners for your trust and support to the military and other security agencies. Convergence will continue to substantiate our peace efforts and lead to a brighter future for the Suluanons,” Vinluan said. (

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1117091

Army rescues kidnapped Fil-Am in Zambo Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 30, 2020): Army rescues kidnapped Fil-Am in Zambo Norte (By Gualberto Laput)

RESCUED. An ambulance fetches Filipino-American Rex Triplitt, 64, to a military camp in Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte, after his rescue on Wednesday (Sept. 30, 2020). Government troops rescued Triplitt following a gun battle with suspected Abu Sayyaf Group in the hinterlands of Sirawai town. (Photo courtesy of Sirawai Municipal Police Station)

DIPOLOG CITY, Zamboanga del Norte – Government troops rescued on Wednesday the kidnapped 64-year-old Filipino-American after a gun battle with armed men believed to be members of the Abu Sayyaf Group in the hinterlands of Sirawai town.

Fil-Am Rex Triplitt (not Triplet as earlier reported) was abducted by four armed men clad in fatigue uniforms while on his way home from a remote barangay last September 16. His wife, Celsa Maani, was able to escape during the commotion and reported the incident to authorities.

A statement from the Army's 1st Infantry Division said soldiers belonging to the 42nd Infantry Battalion engaged the abductors in a firefight at around 10 a.m. in Barangay Pisa Itom, Sirawai.

The kidnappers fled during the firefight, leaving Triplitt behind, according to 1ID.

“Our troops relentlessly conducted pursuit operations to deny terrorists from leaving the Peninsula, we are preventing them from transporting the victim to Basilan or Sulu,” said Lt. Col. Leon Onggao Jr., commander of the 42nd Infantry Battalion, based in Barangay Dona Cecilia, Sirawai.

Triplitt was brought to the Army camp in Sirawai for medical examination and de-briefing.

Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, commander of 102nd Infantry Brigade, thanked the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) that maintain a presence in this province for providing assistance to the pursuing troops.

Nicolas said that Army troops and other units will continue to hunt the fleeing Abu Sayyaf bandits that broke into smaller groups to avoid detection.

Sirawai is part of this province's Triple “SB” area (Siocon, Sibuco, Sirawai, and Baliguian towns) where the MILF and MNLF maintain camps. The area has been known to be the lair of lawless groups that have been operating in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1117123

(Update) Shooter was mentally disturbed: PMA, BCPO

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 30, 2020): (Update) Shooter was mentally disturbed: PMA, BCPO (By Dionisio Dennis, Jr. and Liza Agoot)

The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) on Wednesday said the soldier who shot two fellow soldiers on Tuesday afternoon was mentally disturbed.

In a statement, Major Cherryl Tindog, chief of PMA’s public affairs office and the academy’s spokesperson, said that the initial investigation conducted by PMA revealed that the shooting incident "is an issue of (a) mental health problem on the side of the shooter that led to this tragedy”.

“Our soldiers, like any other person, may have been silently struggling with such ordeal. Hence, the Academy is now more than ever, committed to attend to the mental health not only of our cadets but more so of every military personnel," she added.

On Tuesday afternoon, a soldier suddenly shot two fellow soldiers at the Enlisted Personnel Barracks inside PMA.

Air Force Staff Sergeant Jeofrey Turqueza died as a result of a gunshot wound from an M16 rifle that suspect Airman 2nd Class Christopher Lim used. Army SSgt. Vivencio Raton was able to scuffle with the suspect and shot him. Raton and Lim were rushed to the PMA Station Hospital and later transferred to Baguio General Hospital.

BCPO director, Col. Allen Rae Co, in an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA), said “initially, it is coming out that the shooting resulted from a misunderstanding where the suspect heard that he is the topic of discussion of people around him".

“Lumalabas na nakakarating sa kanya na may tsismis na kumakalat tungkol sa kanya at ang naiisip daw niya, tuwing may nag-uusap sa paligid ay siya ang pinag uusapan (The suspect said there are gossips circulating about him and thinks he is the topic whenever there are people talking around),” Co said.

Co said that Lim’s buddy noticed the suspect’s disturbed state, which made him decide to take into custody the firearm of the suspect. The suspect, however, ransacked a locker and took a firearm, which he used in shooting the two victims.

The police officer said there is nothing in the investigation that showed a deeper explanation of the incident.

He said they will only be able to see the whole picture when a psychiatrist or psychologist enters the picture.

As of January, the city has recorded a total of 14 suicide and mental health-related crimes.

“The statistics did not increase but is still alarming. Just like what I said, this could be a mental health-related issue or it could have been caused by prolonged isolation and quarantine," Co said.

He said that PMA has maintained a coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19)-free status until now, which probably is the reason even personnel are unable to go out.

“Probably, it's a direct result of the quarantine that they have established there. Baka hindi rin nakakalabas itong mga tao na ito (It could be that these people are also unable to go out), and it could have led, somewhat or contributed sa naging problema (to the problem), hindi pa (it's not yet) conclusive, but maybe it contributed to the mental health problem of the people,” Co said.

Meanwhile, Tindog said they are now strengthening the mental state of people inside the academy.

“In coordination with other stakeholders, the Academy is and will continue to be providing psycho-social intervention to identify and help its personnel who may have mental health problems, similar to what has been done for our cadets,” she said.

“This is the PMA's commitment to its personnel in order for them to remain psychologically fit for any mission given them. In as much as this incident is an isolated case, the PMA community is doing its very best to look into every single detail leading to the incident and to provide the necessary solutions to ensure that no similar case will happen in the future," she added.

Assistance for three soldiers

Tindog said the PMA is saddened with the untimely demise of one of its military personnel and with the current condition of the two others.

“The Academy extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of Air Force SSgt. Jeofrey Turqueza and assures them that all necessary support will be accorded to them," she said.

She said support will also be extended to the two personnel who are at the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC).

“The Academy will likewise extend all the necessary support to them to ensure that they will both surpass this difficult time,” Tindog said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1117126