WESTMINCOM: 6 local terrorists yield in Maguindanao

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Oct 9, 2020): 6 local terrorists yield in Maguindanao

Six members of the local terrorist group chose to return to the fold of the law and handed over their firearms amid the intensified focused and civil-military operations launched by the military and the ameliorating support of the local government and the peace-loving people in Maguindanao.

Rogial Manalasal, Talusan Manalasal, Bin Batingkal, Omar Manalasal, Sangutin Kabilan, and Montasir Kanao yielded to the troops of the 40th Infantry Battalion at 1:30 p.m., October 8, 2020.

“This only manifests that we are continuously gaining ground. Due to the dwindling of their manpower and capabilities, the local terrorists are now compelled to leave their lairs and return to the mainstream society,” said Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander, Western Mindanao Command.

“We are encouraging the remaining militants to lay down their arms and join the government in working for the coveted peace and progress here in Mindanao,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan added.

The six turned over two Garand rifles, one rocket-propelled grenade, one Barrette rifle, and one M79 grenade launcher.

“We will continue to employ more pressure on the ground to force the local terrorist to cross the line,” said Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, JTF Central Commander.

“Nonetheless, we are also intensifying our non-combat operations to convince them to yield and avail of the livelihood programs of the government,” Maj. Gen. Uy added.

The surrendered personalities are currently undergoing custodial debriefing at the 40IB headquarters in Barangay Tual, President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat.

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WESTMINCOM: Battle-tested officer assumes as Chief of Unified Command Staff of WestMinCom

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Oct 10, 2020): Battle-tested officer assumes as Chief of Unified Command Staff of WestMinCom

Col. Elmer Suderio assumed as the Chief of Unified Command Staff (CUCS) of the Western Mindanao Command in a Change of Chief of Office Ceremony presided by Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. in the afternoon of October 9, 2020.

The activity held at the Conference Room in Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City was graced by the officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian human resource of the command.

Col. Leonardo Peña relinquished his post to take bigger responsibility as the commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade in Tanjay, Negros Occidental.

According to Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr., these two men are the right kind of leaders that can be found at every level of command-leaders who fully understand and practice the concepts of tradition, loyalty, discipline, and moral courage.

During the ceremony, Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. conferred a Distinguished Service Star medal on Col. Peña for his “eminently meritorious and valuable services rendered as the Chief of Unified Command Staff for 2 years, 2 months, and 20 days.

“In the military service, we often hear the phrase, ‘eminently meritorious and invaluable services rendered’, but more than a customary cliché, this denotes a job well done that is worthy of praise,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. added.

“True enough, this phrase speaks well of the tour-of-duty report of the outgoing Chief of Unified Command Staff. The way that the command has performed well in the past years could vouch for the authenticity of his award,” the commander stated.

Meanwhile, in his message, Col. Peña said, “The most important thing that I learned from this Command is to bravely utter without hesitation the acknowledgment of God’s mercy and love. Kung ang kapatid nating terorista ay sumisigaw ng “Allahu Akbar” na ang ibig sabihin ay “God is the Most Great” at nagsasabi ng “Insha Allah” or “If God wills, it will happen,” the more na tayong mga sundalo at kawani ng gobyerno ay taas noo ring nagsasalita ng pagpupugay sa ating Diyos because we are serving God not only our country and people.”

“As I look back with profuse gratitude for God’s benevolence and the help of those who lifted and guided me, I cannot do away from telling you that exactly 2 years, 2 months and 20 days ago, I was standing here in the same location with similar occasion delivering my assumption speech as the designated Chief of the Unified Command Staff. And now, it is time for me to relinquish that very fulfilling and challenging responsibility to a very humble, intelligent, and hardworking officer in the person of Colonel Elmer Tex Suderio,” Col. Peña added.

Col. Suderio is very well known as the Basilan’s Soldier-Trailblazer and was awarded as one of the ten Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos in 2017.

In his assumption speech, Col. Suderio expressed his gratitude to the top officers for entrusting this vital position with him. “I will do my best to at least equal the very impressive achievements of my predecessor”.

After the ceremony, a simple testimonial dinner was held at the Eisenhower Hall inside the Khadaffy Mansion in honor of the outgoing officer.

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WESTMINCOM: Disgruntled CTG squad leader yield in Zambo del Sur

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Oct 10, 2020): Disgruntled CTG squad leader yield in Zambo del Sur

Tired and weary, a communist terrorist group squad leader returned to the fold of law at Purok 5, Barangay Laperian, Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur at 1:30 p.m., October 9, 2020.

“The successful surrender was through the efforts of the operating and intelligence units of the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan led by Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio,” said Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., WestMinCom Commander.

The surrendered personality was identified as Marino Daano Anlas, a.k.a Victor/IP Man, 29, single, and a resident of Purok 2, Barangay Bagumbayan, Sergio Osmeña, Zamboanga del Norte.

“He was the squad leader of the 1st squad of the communist terrorist group operating in Zamboanga Peninsula area,” said Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, 102nd Infantry Brigade Commander.

During the initial debriefing, Victor revealed that he yielded due to the hardship he experienced while in the underground organization.

“Victor said that the organization failed to comply with their promises to the members,” said Maj. Gen. Ponio.

Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. acknowledged the positive gesture of support the military gets from the stakeholders and civilians in the campaign against terrorism in Southern Philippines.

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WESTMINCOM: Indonesian female bomber, 2 others nabbed in Sulu

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Oct 10, 2020): Indonesian female bomber, 2 others nabbed in Sulu

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City- October 10, 2020

An Indonesian female bomber and two others were apprehended by combined elements of the AFP and PNP early morning of October 10, 2020.

“Based on the report submitted by Brig. Gen Gonzales, Rezky Fantasya Rullie, a.k.a Cici, an Indonesian national and her comrades were apprehended by virtue of a warrant to search a house at Sitio Kuppong, Barangay San Raymundo, Jolo, Sulu issued by the Regional Trial Court,” said Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander, Western Mindanao Command.

According to Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr., the house is believed to be owned by local terrorist group sub-leader Ben Quirino Yadah, a.k.a, Ben Tatoo.

Also apprehended were Nur-Aina Alihasan, a.k.a, Inda Nhur, the wife Ben Tatoo, and Fatima Sandra Jimlani, the wife of an LTG member.

“The operatives seized an improvised explosive device (IED) vest rigged with 2 pipe bombs and other components,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan added.

The trio is currently detained at the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU) for documentation and filing of appropriate charges.

“We have been pursuing foreign suicide bombers in Sulu after the twin bombing in Jolo on August 24, 2020. Rullie was first in our list since we have received intelligence reports that she is going to conduct suicide bombing after the death of his husband, Andi Baso, an Indonesian foreign terrorist who was reportedly neutralized during an encounter with two of our ranger battalions on August 29, 2020,” said Brig. Gen. William Gonzales, the Commander of JTF Sulu.

“With this development, I believe that the combined authorities of the AFP and PNP in Sulu together with other government intelligence agencies had served justice for the Filipino people. Rullie is believed to be the daughter of the Indonesian couple who perpetrated the twin suicide bombing at Jolo Cathedral last January 27, 2019. The JTF Sulu under the direction of our WESTMINCOM Commander Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. will never cease to hunt down these foreign terrorists, coddled by Mundi Sawadjaan and Radulan Sahiron. We are assuring the Filipino people most especially the Tausugs of Sulu that your Armed Force in this part of our country will never allow the foreign terrorists to sow fear and chaos in our land. We affirm that the JTF Sulu will continue its focused combat, intelligence, and civil-military cooperation activities in Sulu to end terrorism the soonest possible time,” Brig. Gen. Gonzales added.

The successful operation was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Joint Task Force Sulu, the CIDU-Sulu, and the Bureau of Immigration.

“My commendations to all the units involved in this operation. Let us continue to support each other with vigor and enthusiasm to combat terrorism and lawlessness,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. urged.

“Rest assured that Team WestMinCom will continue to keep guard as we sustain the conduct of combat, intelligence, and civil-military operations to ensure peace and security in the region,” the commander added.

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Kalinaw News: Angry and tired: Locals hold Indignation Rally vs NPA

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 10, 2020): Angry and tired: Locals hold Indignation Rally vs NPA

CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental- Loudly voicing out their sentiments to the Communist Party of the Philippines- New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), the Local populace of Barangay Bulahan and Barangay Tipolohon gathered yesterday October 08, 2020 at the Covered court of Brgy Bulahan, Claveria, Misamis Oriental.

Among the participants were the affected workers of Del Monte Philippines Inc., Local Government Unit (LGU) of Claveria headed by Hon. Meraluna S Abrogar, the Municipal Mayor, and a representative from DMPI. Likewise, this activity was supported by the 58th Infantry “Dimalulupig” Battalion and the MPS Claveria.

This activity also aims to empower the community to have united and firm stand not to support the NPAs including any of its organizations.

According to the workers and the local populace, they are being tired and disturbed by the continuous exploitation of the terrorist groups that is why they called the terrorists to stop their deception, destruction, lies and their victimizing of innocent people. They were eager to condemn the highest possible terrorists for burning the civilian equipment and hampering their livelihood.

“Karon kay gisunog nila ang mga equipo sa Del Monte, wala nami kabalo unsaon na pagbuhi among pamilya kay mao ra gyud kini ang among panginabuhi,” said Jonathan Labadan, a worker of DMPI.

In response, Hon. Meraluna Abrogar said, “We should not be threatened by these rebels. To the workers, I will get down to my knees and ask the Del Monte to return you to work, help me with this and let us show to the terrorists that we are not scared of them and that we are ready to struggle towards the life we want for our families especially for our children. Let us join hands to end this local communist armed conflict.”

Furthermore, Lt. Col. Ricky L Canatoy, Commanding Officer of 58IB said, “Now, we know the truth that the rebels only bring misery in our lives. They are just obstacles to attaining lasting and inclusive peace in our country.” “Nevertheless, we will conduct no-let up operations to keep the pressure for the much better possibility of having these remaining NPAs consider surrendering so that 58th IB, and the LGUs and partner agencies, could help them towards a better chance in life. ” Lt. Col. Canatoy ended.

At the end of the program, a symbolic burning of the terrorist groups’ flags was held condemning the different atrocities of the CPP-NPA.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/angry-and-tired-locals-hold-indignation-rally-vs-npa/

Kalinaw News: Female Indonesian foreign terrorist and suicide bomber arrested in Jolo, Sulu

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 10, 2020): Female Indonesian foreign terrorist and suicide bomber arrested in Jolo, Sulu

Jolo, Sulu – Early dawn today, October 10, 2020 at 1:50 AM, combined forces of Joint Task Force Sulu and other local and national law enforcement agencies apprehended a certain Rezky Fantasya Rullie, aka Cici, an Indonesian female, at Brgy San Raymundo, Jolo, Sulu.

Rullie, together with two (2) other adult females were arrested by the combined authorities through a search warrant inside a house at Brgy Asturias, Jolo, Sulu, believed to be owned by Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Ben Tatoo. Gathered in the possession of the apprehended individuals were suicide vest rigged with pipe bombs and other improvised explosive device (IED) components. Presently, they are detained at Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU) of Sulu Police Provincial Office. The other two (2) females were Inda Nurhaina, wife of ASG sub-leader Ben Tatoo and Fatima Sandra Jimlani, wife of Jahid Jam, an ASG member. The search warrant was issued by Regional Trial Court in Jolo, Sulu.

“We have been pursuing foreign terrorist suicide bombers in Sulu after the twin bombing of Jolo town last August 24, 2020. Rullie was first on our list since we have received intelligence reports that she is going to conduct suicide bombing after the death of his husband, Andi Baso, an Indonesian foreign terrorist who was reportedly neutralized during an encounter last August 29, 2020 with two (2) Scout Ranger Battalions under 1102nd Brigade in Patikul, Sulu.” said BGen William N. Gonzales, the Commander of JTF Sulu.

“With this development, I believe that the combined authorities of the AFP and PNP in Sulu together with other government intelligence agencies had served justice for the Filipino people. Rullie is believed to be the daughter of the Indonesian couple who perpetrated the twin suicide bombing in Jolo Cathedral last January 27, 2019. The JTF Sulu under the direction of our Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Commander Lt. Ge.n Corleto Vinluan Jr. will never cease to hunt down these foreign terrorists, coddled by Mundi Sawadjaan and Radulan Sahiron. We are assuring the Filipino people most especially the Tausugs of Sulu that your Armed Force in this part of our country will never allow foreign terrorist to sow fear and chaos in our land. We affirm that the JTF Sulu will continue its focused combat, intelligence and civil-military cooperation activities in Sulu to end Abu Sayyaf terrorism the soonest possible time.” BGen. Gonzales 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/female-indonesian-foreign-terrorist-and-suicide-bomber-arrested-in-jolo-sulu/

ANGAY-ANGAY LANG: Pamalandong sa Bangsamoro Self-determination via RCC-MM (Part 4 of 7)

Posted to MindaNews (Oct 9, 2020): ANGAY-ANGAY LANG: Pamalandong sa Bangsamoro Self-determination via RCC-MM (Part 4 of 7) (By RUDY BUHAY RODIL)

Part 4 of 7: Judging the Product: Reviewing Certain Points in R.A. 6734 – An Act Providing for an Organic Actfor the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao

ILIGAN CITY (MindaNews / 9 October) – There are four items in political life that the autonomous region for Muslim Mindanao cannot do without: (a) the inhabitants of the autonomy; (b) the territory of the autonomy; (c) the political power of the autonomy, and (d) the resources of the autonomy.

Put in question form, these four items can be written, as follows: (a) For whom is autonomy? (b) Where is autonomy? (c) What is the political power of the autonomy? (d) With what does the autonomy sustain itself?

It must be clear from the very start that assessing the organic act along these four items is not possible without at the same time touching the 1987 Charter; it will also be evaluating the basic law of the land. According to Article X, Sec. 15 of the 1987 Constitution, it is the mold within which the organic act must be and was formed.

For Whom Is Autonomy?

Where Is Autonomy?

The nearest clue to this is Article X, Sec. 15, as follows: “… Muslim Mindanao… consisting of provinces, cities, municipalities, and geographical areas sharing common and distinctive historical and cultural heritage, economic and social structures, and other relevant characteristics….” Also, “ancestral domain” in Sec. 20 of the same article.

The second paragraph of Article X, Sec. 18 provides us with our final lead. It states: “The creation of the autonomous region shall be effective when approved by majority of the votes cast by the constituent units in a plebiscite called for the purpose, provided that only provinces, cities and geographic areas voting favorably in such plebiscite shall be included in the autonomous region.”

The clues cited are not in any way conclusive, as every working member of the RCC-MM’s Committee on Preamble, Regional Territory and Declaration of Principles would testify.

What is the meaning of “Muslim Mindanao?” It is open to at least nine interpretations, and each corresponds to a specified territory ranging from 23 to zero provinces.

Notice that the only clear lead we have is the word “Muslim” in Muslim Mindanao. Thus, if we have to answer the question “for whom” we are constrained to look elsewhere.

But if we look elsewhere, and this means the realities of the region, what do we see? The Christian population, and this meant at least 70% of the people in the 13 provinces and nine cities, has not expressed any interest in autonomy.

The Lumad groups for their part have only started to articulate their desire for self-determination in the mid-80s and have not been specific on the form. Statistically, they constitute about five percent of the total population in the 13 provinces and nine cities.

And this leaves us with 13 Islamized ethno-linguistic groups, the core of the MNLF-led Bangsa Moro struggle for self-determination, constituting about 25% of the total inhabitants in said region.

But the Constitution fell short of stating that autonomy was for the Muslims. So, for whom indeed?

We referred to “Muslim” as the only clear lead because the continuation of the provision “… consisting of provinces, cities, municipalities, and geographical areas sharing common and distinctive historical and cultural heritage, economic and social structures, and other relevant characteristics…” certainly does not square off with 13 provinces and nine cities.

As the territory expands from a base, say, of five provinces (Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi) “Muslim Mindanao” progressively loses its appropriateness and must give way to cultural diversity.

In the five provinces, only the Teduray of the Lumad groups are included, confined to two adjacent towns in the province of Maguindanao.

In the 13 provinces, we have the 13 Islamized ethno-linguistic groups and at least 12 Lumad ethno-linguistic groups.

If we include the Christian population into the picture, then we have a situation that puts autonomy in an entirely different light.

The dominant presence of the Christian population becomes by itself a very potent argument against confining “for whom” to the Muslim population, and opens the way to giving serious consideration to a geographical autonomy within which the major segments of the population, in this case the Muslims, Lumad and Christians, will have to work towards a modus vivendi on the basis of equality of rights.

And it seems that by force of reality rather than by force of clear constitutional provisions, the Executive branch has favored geographical autonomy. Which is a departure from the usual twentieth century political arrangement of giving autonomy to minority groups.

The fact that we have to do a lot of speculation and elimination and stretching to be able to figure out the territory of the autonomy and for whom is autonomy is itself an indication of a basic weakness in the constitutional provisions.

And this inadequacy touched off a series of other problems, and I felt I understood what I talk about because the RCC-MM was the first deliberative body to try to find clarity amidst ambiguity.

But could the Constitutional Commission have done otherwise? Perhaps not, if we go by the following exchange between me and Father Joaquin Bernas.

In his column at the Manila Chronicle (3 January 1989), Father Bernas who was a member of the Constitutional Commission, strongly spoke in support of Muslim Mindanao. As a matter of fact, he entitled his column for that day: “What’s so bad about Muslim Mindanao?” He said in part:

“The name of the Mindanao autonomous region itself should reflect the rationale for the existence of the autonomous region. The constitutional provision is the formal recognition that there are regions in the Philippines where the Muslim culture is dominant. The constitution wants that culture preserved. Part of the process of preservation and enhancement must be a suitable name for the region, a name that can capture the color of Muslim culture….”

Then he closed with the exhortation: “Give Muslim Mindanao a chance to be truly native — and Muslim.”

No one would really argue with this provided that it did not mean 13 provinces and nine cities. I wrote to him in reaction to his column saying in part (5 Jan. 89):

“… when you say ‘Give Muslim Mindanao a chance to be truly native — and Muslim’ (underscoring mine), non-Muslims, the Tribal Cultural Communities are spontaneously excluded. And yet they, too, all 12 tribes of them in the 13 provinces, are native. Do they have less right to a name they can call their own in the areas of the region where they too are indigenous because they are less in number? And what about the Christian inhabitants who by a twist of colonial history became the majority in eight of the 13 provinces, have they lost the right to a name? Because they were born of migrant parents, most of them?”

His reply to this letter appeared in the same column of the Manila Chronicle on 20 January 1989, said in part:

“Let me just say that I am not firmly wedded to the name Muslim Mindanao. But I am wedded to the conviction that the autonomous region must be given a chance to choose its own name.”

Father Bernas’ change of tone is actually no less than a shift in position from Muslim-centered autonomy to a geography-centered one.

Which inevitably arouses the suspicion that the Constitutional Commission (ConCom) delegates as a whole were not appropriately informed about the social realities in the 13 provinces.

And a reading of the ConCom proceedings confirmed this.

What they had in abundance was goodwill and an honest to goodness desire to bring about the Bangsamoro self-determination to an end.

But what the implementers of the Constitution discovered was that such an end cannot be attained without giving due consideration to the other major segments of the population.

So, how did Congress try to resolve the problem in the organic act? It adopted the proposal of the RCC-MM but attached a clause allowing for a change of name, as follows:

“The name of the Autonomous Region shall be the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao unless provided otherwise by Congress upon the recommendation of the Regional Legislative Assembly.”(Art. I, Sec. 1)

And in recognition of the basic differences of the three major segments of the region’s population, Congress combined Sections 7 and 8, Art. III (Declaration of Principles and Policies) of the RCC-MM’s Final Report and entered it as Sec. 5, Art. III of the Organic Act (R.A. 6734), as follows:

“The Regional Government shall adopt measures to ensure mutual respect for the protection of the distinct beliefs, customs, and traditions among its inhabitants in the spirit of unity in diversity and peaceful coexistence: Provided, That no person in the Autonomous Region shall, on the basis of creed, religion, ethnic origin, parentage or sex be subjected to any form of discrimination.”

Before we proceed to the section on political power, let me just point out that the basic design of R.A. 6734 is for 13 provinces and nine cities, geography-oriented, and calculated to accommodate all the three major segments of the population.

But if the Constitution had been more definite about the Muslim character of the autonomy, then the design of the organic act would have been made to fit the Muslim-dominated areas. This of course is now wishful thinking, a post mortem, and an academic discourse. (My thoughts in 1990!)

[Si Prof. Rudy Buhay Rodil ay aktibong historyan ng Mindanao, tagapasulong ng kalinaw (Bisaya sa kapayapaan). Kilala siyang espesyalista sa paghusay ng mga gusot sa Mindanao-Sulu. Naging Komisyoner noon ng Regional Consultative Commision sa siyang nagbuo ng draft organic law ng Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao noong 1988. Dalawang beses siyang naging miyembro ng GRP Peace Negotiating Panel. 1993-1996, pakikipag-usap sa Moro National Liberation (MNLF), at noong 2004-2008 sa pakikipag-negosasyon sa Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Naging visiting propesor sa Hiroshima University, Oktubre-Disyembre 2011. Nagretiro noong Oktubre 2007.]

https://www.mindanews.com/mindaviews/2020/10/angay-angay-lang-pamalandong-sa-bangsamoro-self-determination-via-rcc-mm-part-4-of-7/

Reds burn heavy equipment in MisOr

 From MindaNews (Oct 8, 2020): Reds burn heavy equipment in MisOr (By FROILAN GALLARDO)

CAGAYAN DE ORO (MindaNews / 8 October) — A squad of suspected communist rebels burned two heavy equipment used in quarrying sand and gravel in Misamis Oriental on Thursday afternoon.

Fire continue to rage about an hour after suspected communist rebels torched the two heavy equipment, a backhoe and a dump truck, used for quarrying in Balingasag, Misamis Oriental Thursday afternoon (8 October 2020). Photo courtesy of JUN FERMO

Police Lieutenant Theofratus Pia, spokesperson of the Philippine National Police Misamis Oriental, said the rebels burned the backhoe and dump truck owned by Basoy Group of Companies in Purok 5, Barangay Napaliran, Balingasag town around 3:15 p.m.

Pia said the unarmed company security men did not resist the suspects who poured gasoline on the heavy equipment.

He said village residents were able to alert the police in Balingasag who immediately responded to the incident.

Responding firemen from the Bureau of Fire Protection extinguish the fire on two heavy equipment burned by suspected communist rebels in Balingasag, Misamis Oriental Thursday afternoon (8 October 2020). Photo courtesy of JUN FERMO

He said a patrol from the 58th Infantry Battalion also responded resulting in a firefight that continued until Thursday night.

He added the attack might be a diversionary tactic to ease pressure by Army troops pursuing another band of rebels who burned several heavy equipment owned by a contractor of Del Monte Philippines in Claveria town, Misamis Oriental last Tuesday.

Suspected communist rebels burned three dump trucks and a bus for workers in Sitio Talambao, Barangay Bulahan, Claveria.

Lt. Col. Ricky Canatoy, chief of the 58IB said they were pursuing the suspects who burned the vehicles of Del Monte Philippines. (Froilan Gallardo/MindaNews)

Responding government troops take cover after communist rebels set ablaze two heavy equipment in a quarry in Balingasag, Misamis Oriental Thursday afternoon (8 October 2020). Photo courtesy of JUN FERMO

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2020/10/reds-burn-heavy-equipment-in-misor/

Army, BHWs facilitate medical care to 3 pregnant FRs, 30 children

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 9, 2020): Army, BHWs facilitate medical care to 3 pregnant FRs, 30 children (By 23rd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte, Oct. 9 -- The 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion (23IB), Philippine Army facilitated the provision of medical care and assistance to three pregnant former rebels (FRs) and 30 children of former Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) through the medical services activity held at the battalion headquarters at the Jamboree Site, Purok 6, Barangay Alubihid, Buenavista on October 2, 2020.

The medical activity, which included free deworming, immunization and pre-natal check-up was conducted in partnership with the members of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) of Alubihid headed by Jasmine Millagracia, the barangay nurse. The success of the activity was also made possible through the collaboration of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the local government unit (LGU) of Buenavista who are part of the implementation of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) of the government.

The said health activity is among the regular programs being done by the 23rd IB to monitor the health situation of the FRs, including their children at their halfway house called “Happy Home” inside the battalion headquarters. It is also aimed to protect the FRs and their families from the threats of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Alias “Jannah,” a pregnant FR was among the beneficiaries of the medical activity who thanked the Army and the government for providing them and their children the much-needed health interventions.

She also added in her testimony that the proper care she received from the soldiers since she surrendered will help her prepare to reintegrate back to her family and community.

Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, the commander of 23rd IB expressed his full support to the activity and thanked the partner agencies and the LGU concerned for the support they extended to the former CNT combatants and their children.

He also condemned the CNTs for the continuing act of injustice that they do to the families and children of their combatants who, for years, were denied of the access to the health services of the government.

“When you returned to the fold of the law, among the primary services that the government has provided you is health care. The Army, the line agencies, and the LGU want you to be in good health, especially your children,” Paulo said.

He also emphasized that the provision of regular health services will also ensure the physical growth and development of the children of the FRs who are considered as the future leaders of Agusan del Norte, Caraga Region and in the whole country.

“These children are our future leaders. We condemn the CNTs for denying them the right to access to health services. We are aware that here in Agusan del Norte and the rest of the region, hundreds of children, whose parents are still enthralled by the false ideology and claims of the CNTs are suffering from malnutrition and other life-threatening ailments,” Paulo said.

He also urged the remaining CNT members in Agusan del Norte to make one and concrete decisions to abandon the communist movement and go back to the government.

He also pointed out that the government has been giving favorable treatment to former rebels who wish to change their lives and face a renewed future. (1Lt. Roel T. Maglalang, CMO Officer, 23IB, 4ID, PA/PIA Agusan del Norte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1055270

Newly appointed PRO-13 chief strengthens ties with Army in Caraga

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 9, 2020): Newly appointed PRO-13 chief strengthens ties with Army in Caraga (By 402nd Infantry Brigade)

BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 9 (PIA) -- Newly appointed Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 chief PBGen. Romeo Caramat, Jr. reaffirmed the Caraga police force's ties with the 402nd Infantry “Stingers” Brigade, Philippine Army during his official courtesy visit to the Brigade Headquarters on Wednesday, October 7.

The region’s new top cop was accorded with foyer honors by BGen. Maurito Licudine, commander of 402nd Infantry Brigade, and the army brigade’s officers and enlisted personnel for his first official visit, followed by the signing of the guest book and tree planting. Scribbled on the tree guard is the police brigadier general’s name to signify the brigade’s esteemed partnership with PRO-13.

PBGen. Caramat, Jr., assumed the position on September 17 after former PRO-13 regional director PBGen. Joselito Esquivel's retirement.

The PRO-13 regional director conveyed his sincerest gratitude to the brigade, underscoring the enduring partnership between the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Army in Caraga region. He affirmed the long-standing commitment of the whole PNP force to the Philippine Army as the two organizations pursue its common goal in ending the local communist armed conflict in Caraga region.

In his statement, BGen. Licudine cited the ‘outstanding partnership’ between the police and army forces in the region, which enables them to “complement its functions and achieve successful joint operations in maintaining the peace and security in the region.”

“Rest assured that the 402nd Brigade is steadfast in supporting the PNP. We have a firm belief that we can thrive successfully if we work together. Thus, the visit of PBGen. Caramat signifies the reaffirmation of the partnership as our organizations both continuously perform our mandate to serve the people and protect the communities," BGen. Licudine added. (Maj. Francisco P. Garello, Jr./402nd Brigade/DMNR/PIA-Caraga)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1055598

Gov’t to support 8 TF-ELCAC focused barangays in E. Samar town

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 8, 2020): Gov’t to support 8 TF-ELCAC focused barangays in E. Samar town (By Ninfa Barcena-Quirante)

BORONGAN CITY, Oct. 8 (PIA) -- The national government is soon providing interventions and programs to eight Task Force - End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC) focused barangays of Dolores town.

With Dolores 41 barangays, eight of them are listed under the TF ELCAC and are slated for several government interventions.

On October 7, Dolores town Mayor Shonny Niño Carpeso was visibly thankful for the promised assistance. Representatives from the different national government agencies met to listen to the Barangay Development Plans of the eight concerned barangays.

Carpeso though enumerated some infrastructure projects that the LGU extended to the different barangays.

"We just have so much budget from the IRA that we cannot possibly give them all their needs, but through the TF-ELCAC, these barangays will be assured of the needed support from the national government," said Carpeso.

We have provided them infrastructure like concrete roads, waiting shed, water system, street lights and in the livelihood part, we have given them swine dispersal project, Carpeso added.

When asked how many kilometers more of access road the town needed, Carpeso said they need some 45 kilometers more to connect the distant sitios and barangays.

It is only through the Dolores River that the eight barangays can be reached.

These trips require them to sail for three to four hours just to reach the poblacion to deliver their goods or to obtain some services, the mayor said.

Jonathan Capacite, punong barangay of Sta. Cruz said that the only local government structure they have is their barangay hall. "This even needs repair," he said.

The barangay hall, he said serves as day care center, health center, evacuation center all rolled into one. Capacite though is proud that the DILG has given them a water system under the Salintubig project, but he still needs electricity connections for his three distant sitios.

Aside from Brgy. Sta Cruz, Dolores barangays included in the eight TF barangays are Aroganga, Buenavista, Caglao-an, Denigpi-an, Rizal, San Isidro and San Roque.

Meanwhile, Mayor Carpeso is hopeful that the government interventions to be poured to these eight barangays will make them appreciate the government better. (nbq/PIA 8 E. Samar)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1055430

Iloilo villages hold peace rally against CPP-NPA

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 9, 2020): Iloilo villages hold peace rally against CPP-NPA (By Lilibeth A. French)

ILOILO CITY, Oct. 9 (PIA) - - Some 200 residents from Barangays Pudpud and San Jose of Miagao town in Iloilo held a peace rally on October 7 to condemn the terror attacks, recruitment of minors and massive extortion activities of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

The activity dubbed as "Let Us Walk Together for a Peaceful Community" was held at Barangay San Jose, Miagao, Iloilo, according to a media report released by the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division of the Philippine Army based in Camp Monteclaro, Igtuba, Miag-ao.

According to the report, participants marched and loudly voiced out their sentiments on how the CPP-NPA made their lives miserable by hampering the existence of peace and development.

They said that the communist terrorists are no longer welcome and are banned from entering their barangays as they intend to have a peaceful community - free from violence and abuses from the lawless elements.

A former rebel named "Jimmy" shared his worst and miserable experiences while in the armed group during a program held during the activity.

He said he was made to believe that the government is corrupt and only an armed revolution is the solution to the problem. Since then, he has only experienced hardship, hunger, and sleep deprivation because of endless walking and hiking in the mountains.

"Ginhimoan nanda ako senaryo, ginsunog nanda ang bagon ni Nismal dyan sa kipot tapos ibantugon nga ako nagsunog darwa kami kabata ko, amo to naging wanted ako sa pulis. Mayad kay may nakilala ako nga opisyal sang 61IB nga brad ko man sa Iglesia kag gindala na ako sa campo kag naghambal ang mga opisyal nga buligan nanda ako” (They made a scenario for us, they put the blame for the burning of a truck of Nismal on my son and me, thus we were wanted by the police. It so happened that I know an official of the 61IB who is my brother in the Iglesia who brought me to the military camp where the officials told me that they will help me), said Jimmy in the press release.

The Signing of the Oath of Allegiance by the former communist influenced residents also highlighted the activity which was followed by the burning of CPP-NPA Flag which showed that they strongly condemn and withdraw their support to achieve inclusive peace and development in their barangay.

Releasing of doves, as a symbol of peace and unity to reign in the people's hearts, capped the activity which was attended by the local government unit of Miagao headed by mayor Macario N. Napulan, M.D. and the Army's 61st Infantry (Hunter) Battalion under LTC Joel Benedict G Batara, Commanding Officer.

"To the people of Miagao, to those who are here today, who have been a victim of the CPP-NPA, do not be hesitant, do not have doubts, our Philippine Army is here, the local government officials of our town is here, and they are showing their full support so that we can achieve what we aim for,” said Napulan.

He added “Ang akon lang ginapangayo kaninyo, parapet kamo, indi naton masarangan kung mga barangay officials lang, parapet kamo sa banwa kay para manginmarapit man kami sa inyo, ginatinguwaan ko nga magparapit kaninyo. Kay wala nani sang katapusan ang ila nga systema gani tyempo ron dya kag tapuson naton. Mabuhay ang banwa kang Miagao! Mabuhay ang kalinong kag katawhay kang banwa naton! Ibagsak ang CPP-NPA" (What I am asking for is that you come to us, barangay officials cannot do it by themselves, come to the town so that we will also get close to you, I tried to get close to you. Their system has no end in sight so that it is time that we put an end to this. Hail, municipality fo Miagao! Hail peace and order of our town! Down with the CPP-NPA).

For his part, Batara asserted that insurgency could not be solved by the military and police alone, thus the need to push for the realization of E.O. 70, which institutionalizes the "Whole of Nation" approach to address the root causes of insurgency.

"I encourage everyone to get involved and be part of the solution. Neutrality and being silent about this issue will definitely favor the tormentor, and not the tormended. Today, I thank everyone for making a bold stand of denouncing the CPP-NPA existence,” said Batara. (3rdID-PA/JSC/laf/PIA6 Iloilo) 

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1055593

USAID partners with QC LGU, launch program for out-of-school youth

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 9, 2020): USAID partners with QC LGU, launch program for out-of-school youth (By Jerome Carlo R. Paunan)

CALOOCAN CITY, Oct. 8 (PIA) -- The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on Thursday morning partnered with the Quezon City Government to launch the USAID Opportunity 2.0, a five-year program for out-of-school and unemployed Filipino youth.

“From out-of-school youth, they are now outstanding youth and leaders because their own communities came together to give them new opportunities in life,” USAID Office of Education Director Dr. Thomas LeBlanc said in describing their previous work with the "vulnerable" out-of-school youth, the initial results of the P1.2-billion development program, part of the US-Philippines bilateral agreement to support and improve education outcomes.

“Of the youth we worked with, 6,000 have new, or improved employments, and 70 percent had a more positive view of themselves and their communities,” LeBlanc said, detailing some of the program’s transformational gains after implementing it in other parts of the Philippines.

The development project aims to strengthen education and workforce development systems to reach over 180,000 out-of-school Filipino youth across the country.

“I am very excited that we are finally launching the program in the City of Stars—Quezon City, led by the champion of the youth, Mayor Joy Belmonte. We are proud to be working with you as USAID’s instrumental partners in youth development,” he added.

For her part, Belmonte welcomed the education program and thanked the proponents and other partners for sharing among their young residents the opportunity to participate in life skills and vocational skills training, alternative learning, community engagement activities, in productive livelihood and employment. Mayor Joy was joined by Vice-Mayor Gian Sotto, a number of city councilors, and other local government officials.

Meanwhile, Global non-profit organization Education Development Center will be implementing the program alongside the Department of Education (DepEd), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), various local government units and other stakeholders from the private sector.

LeBlanc estimates that in in the Philippines, more than half the population, about 50-million, is under 24 years of age.

“In Quezon City alone, with the population of around 3-million people, over 600,000 are between 15 and 24 years old, and around 10 percent of this number, is estimated to be out-of-school, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority,” he said.

“In order to recover, and then accelerate, and sustain inclusive growth in the city, and in the country, we need to maximize the potential of this untapped population. This is both a challenge and wonderful opportunity,” he added.

"Working together, we were able to empower the youth to start believing in themselves and in their ability to do better, and their community saw that positive change, as well. At the end of six years, we were able to reach 25,000 out-of-school youth in some of the most challenging areas of the Philippines," he further said. (PIA NCR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1055510

Six NPA terrorists surrender, turn over firearms in Quezon

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 10, 2020): Six NPA terrorists surrender, turn over firearms in Quezon (By PA 2ID DPAO) 

CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal, Oct 10 (PIA) --The Army's 2nd Infantry Division has recorded another breakthrough following the surrender of six NPA rebels with firearms in Quezon on October 1.

The former rebels turned over one carbine rifle, one Cal. 38, bandolier, five magazines, and ammunition to personnel of 85th Infantry Battalion in Brgy Cambuga, Mulanay, Quezon.

Brigadier General Norwyn Romeo Tolentino, Commander of the 201st Brigade mentioned that the unprecedented number of surrenders is due to the rebel groups' failure to regard their combatants' lives and support their families as promised.

"As per testimony of the former rebels, all of them are active members and allies of the NPA, thus, we are expecting them to share valuable information that will help us deal with the few remaining terrorist that will push them toward their eventual defeat in this part of the country," added Tolentino.

The military upholds the former rebels' safety protocols by keeping their true identities in private to avoid NPA retaliatory acts to those who call for peace.

For his part, Major General Greg Almerol, Commander of Army's 2nd Infantry Division lauded the former rebels for choosing the path of peace over violence.

Almerol ordered his soldiers to provide necessary assistance to the former rebels while they undergo the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP enrollment process that entails DSWD assessment, profiling, and counseling together with health experts in preparation for their reintegration to the mainstream society.

"I am calling for unity in ending this battle against terrorism amidst the horrors our nation is currently facing. Together, we can help build a better country without turning to armed struggle," appealed Almerol.

Since the implementation of E-CLIP in 2016, the 2nd Infantry Division has facilitated a total of 685 former rebels and 118 firearms as a result of continued localized peace negotiations across Southern Tagalog. (PIA-4A/PA 2ID DPAO)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1055618

Soldiers recover NPA leader's rifle in Quezon

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 10, 2020): Soldiers recover NPA leader's rifle in Quezon (By PA 2ID DPAO) 

CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal, Oct 10 (PIA) --Soldiers recovered a high-powered firearm belonging to a Communist NPA Terrorist's leader following a tip from a former comrade on Thursday, October 1.

Elements of the 1st Infantry Battalion recovered an M16 rifle with magazines and ammunition owned by a certain Jordan Mopon alias Atoy, a known NPA leader and the mastermind of various atrocities in the past including the burning of heavy equipment by Northern Builders in Infanta, Quezon in 2019.

BGen Alex Rillera, Commander of the 202nd Brigade attributed the feat to the swift response of the soldiers on the ground after receiving a former rebel's tip of buried war materials owned by a ranking NPA terrorist in his jurisdiction.

"Our soldiers' mastery of terrain, the real-time information, and cooperation from the civilians as well as former rebels played a significant role in the series of tactical victories in my area," he said.

MGen Greg Almerol, Commander of the 2nd Infantry commended the soldiers for their continuous and unwavering effort in eradicating the few remaining terrorists in this part of the country.

He also believes that with the unwavering support and cooperation of the communities, and the military's concern for the wellbeing of the former rebels, this terrorist group will soon be defeated and their ideologies eradicated.

"I encourage the former rebels who are now on the side the government to encourage their comrade’s to embrace peace by surrendering to the folds of the law and avail of the benefits put in place by the government through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP.”

Almerol ended his statement by reiterating his soldiers' commitment to advocate peace and serve the people under his jurisdiction.

This accomplishment increased the total number of recovered NPA terrorists' firearms to 135 since January 2020. (PIA-4A/PA 2ID DPAO)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1055617

45 ex-rebels in Leyte get livelihood kits

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 9, 2020): 45 ex-rebels in Leyte get livelihood kits (By Sarwell Meniano)

LIVELIHOOD KITS. Some recipients of livelihood kits during the turnover at the San Isidro, Leyte town hall on Oct. 7, 2020. At least 45 former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Leyte province have been identified as beneficiaries of livelihood assistance by the Department of Trade Industry. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

At least 45 former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Leyte province have been identified as recipients of livelihood assistance by the Department of Trade Industry (DTI).

The 45 rebels from the towns of San Isidro, Calubian, and Tabango, Leyte are entitled to receive PHP5,000 worth of items for them to start their community store business.

“The livelihood assistance is part of the government’s effort to institutionalize the whole of nation approach and to end the local communist armed conflict,” said DTI Leyte provincial director Araceli Laraga in a phone interview on Friday.

The first batch received their kit at the San Isidro town hall on Wednesday. The trade department has scheduled the turnover in Calubian and Tabango towns within the month.

Each kit includes noodles, canned sardines, corned beef, coffee, detergent, and other basic items.

The initiative is to support small enterprises to resume their business after armed conflicts. Some remote villages in the three towns have been identified as former NPA strongholds.

Before the awarding of kits, the DTI has conducted enterprise development training and business counseling and mentoring to help ensure the sustainability of their business.

“With the assistance of the Philippine Army, we will monitor them regularly to help ensure the sustainability of their livelihood,” Laraga told the Philippine News Agency.

The 45 recipients identified by the provincial government, are among the more than 1,000 NPA fighters and Militia ng Bayan (MB) members in western Leyte who surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade on April 13, 2019.

MB refers to individuals who have been indoctrinated and may or may not be directly involved in violent armed struggle, but when organized, can provide mass support to the revolutionary movement of the communist terrorist group.

The NPA, which has been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1117981

Maguindanao mayors urged to help end extremism

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 9, 2020): Maguindanao mayors urged to help end extremism (By Edwin Fernandez)

PEACE AND ORDER MEETING. Maguindanao Governor Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu (center) leads the prayer prior to the start of the local peace and order council meeting in Maguindanao attended by officials of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID) in Buluan, Maguindanao on Thursday (Oct. 8, 2020). During the meeting, Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, the 6ID chief (right), posed a challenge to the town mayors to help put an end to violent extremism in the province. (Photo courtesy of Maguindanao PIO)

A ranking military official in Maguindanao on Thursday called on local government executives (LCEs) to make their presence felt in the government campaign to end violent extremism.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID), issued the call during the Maguindanao 4th Joint Inter-Agency Task Force on Coronavirus disease (Covid-19), Peace and Order Council, Anti-Drug Abuse Council, and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in Buluan, Maguindanao.

Uy urged the town mayors to work with Governor Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu and the Armed Forces of the Philippines in ending violent extremism in the province.

“The fight against violent extremism is not always through violence but there are other options like determining what pushed these people to embrace extremism and solve it,” Uy said.

Some of the mayors who attended the meeting via zoom video conferencing welcomed Uy’s challenge.

“We are behind Gov. Mangudadatu in making the province free from violent extremists,” Mayor Edris Sindatok of Datu Saudi Ampatuan said, noting that a number of extremists have returned to the fold of the law.

On the other hand, Mayor Solaiman Sandigan of Datu Salibo, said: “We are ready to help, we will support the provincial governor and the military at all cost because at the end of the day it is us who will benefit the program."

Other town mayors are yet to publicly show their support.

Uy said he believes that many local government executives are helping the campaign but wished a more intensified effort among local government units to address the threats of extremist groups.

Mangudadatu, meanwhile, said the council members formed the Peace MERUIT (Mediation, Reconciliation, Unification and Investigation Team), a body that will intensify the diplomatic settlement of “rido” or clan wars and put an end to extortion against freshwater fisher folk of Lake Buluan.

In the same meeting, the governor also called on local officials to support the creation of AGILA-HAVEN (Anak na may Ginintuang Layunin upang Hintuan ang Violent Extremism Ngayon), an Army-led program aimed at ending violent extremism in Maguindanao.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1117982