Philippines: Female Suicide Bomber from Indonesia to Face Charges, Expulsion

From BenarNews (Oct 12, 2020): Philippines: Female Suicide Bomber from Indonesia to Face Charges, Expulsion

Philippine soldiers walk through the Our Lady of Mount Carmel church in Jolo, Sulu province, after a suicide bomb attack, Jan. 28, 2019.  AFP

Philippine authorities plan to charge and deport a young Indonesian woman who allegedly was groomed as a suicide bomber, officials said as police on Monday announced additional arrests of suspected Muslim militants.

Journalists have not been granted access to Rezky Fantasya Rullie (alias Cici and Nana Isirani), who has been identified as the daughter of an Indonesian couple who blew themselves up at a church on southern Jolo Island last year. She was arrested Saturday on Jolo with two Filipinas suspected of preparing for a suicide mission and believed to be married to members of the pro-Islamic State (IS) Abu Sayyaf Group.

“A deportation case has been recommended to be filed against Rullie for terrorism, being an illegal entrant, and for undesirability, apart from the criminal charges that she faces,” Melody Gonzales, head of Bureau of Immigration’s Intelligence Mindanao Task Group, said in a statement issued Sunday.

Gen. Camilo Cascolan, the chief of Philippine National Police, said Rullie is believed to be five months pregnant and was planning to launch a bomb attack after giving birth, according to the state-run Philippine News Agency on Monday.

“That’s the information. We were lucky and fortunate we were able to arrest (her),” Cascolan said. “She’s still in Sulu. We still have to get the results about an inquiry on her nationality and at the same time we still have to take some information because that’s part of the procedure and we have to look after her physical health.”

Cascolan, who was in the southern Philippines over the weekend on a security assessment trip, said the arrest of Rullie and her companions had likely prevented another bomb attack and saved dozens of lives.

Rezky Fantasya Rullie (Courtesy of Joint Task Force Sulu)

Gonzalez said Rullie was captured after months of surveillance as she was allegedly plotting her attack in Jolo, the main island in the Sulu chain that is a hotbed of Abu Sayyaf activity. Arrested alongside her were Inda Nurhaina and Fatima Sandra Jimlani, both wives of ranking Abu Sayyaf members, officials said.

“A suicide vest, bombs, and other improvised explosive device-making components were recovered from the trio,” Gonzales said, adding that Rullie was a “high value target” in government’s fight against terrorism.

Investigators identified Rullie, who could be in her late teens or early 20s, as the daughter of a couple who killed 21 people and themselves in a January 2019 suicide attack.

Rullie’s parents, Rullie Rian Zeke and Ulfah Handayani Saleh, carried out the twin bombing at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel church on Jolo, Indonesian National Police spokesman Awi Setiyono confirmed Monday, but he could not immediately say that she was the woman in Philippine custody.

“We haven’t received the information yet,” Awi told BenarNews.

He said her family tried to join IS in Syria but Turkish authorities had rejected them in early 2017.

“They then illegally entered the southern Philippines via Malaysia with the help of Andi Baso in 2018,” he said.

Philippine intelligence operatives identified Rullie as the wife of Baso, an Indonesian suicide bomber-in-training who is believed to have been killed by troops on Aug. 29. His body has not been recovered.

Rullie and Baso were believed to have been under the wing of Mundi Sawadjaan, a bomb maker who masterminded a twin-suicide bomb attack, also on Jolo, that killed 15 in August. Mundi is the nephew of Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, the Philippine IS commander and a senior Abu Sayyaf leader.

The couple had tried to escape from Sulu province with Mundi Sawadjaan a few days after the Aug. 24 bombing, but failed, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency reported earlier.

Abu Sayyaf arrests

Meanwhile, authorities on Monday announced that police and military troops had captured three Abu Sayyaf militants who allegedly acted as “financial conduits” between the IS and Mundi Sawadjaan, Cascolan said.

The three arrested Friday were identified as Kadija Sadji, 31, Abdulman Sarapuddin Tula, 32, and Jailani Al-Rafee Sakandal, 31. They were arrested for “illegal possession of components for an improvised explosive device,” the police chief said.

“Also confiscated from the trio were two hand grenades, a .45-caliber pistol, several rounds of rifle ammunition, and a black ISIS flag,” Cascolan said, using a different acronym for the Islamic State.

He said Tula had been identified as Sawadjaan’s procurement and logistics supply man on Jolo.

Sadji is believed to be the wife Al Asgar, son of the late Abu Sayyaf founder, Abdurajak Abubakar Janjalani. She allegedly belonged to the same financial conduit cell with two women who were arrested last year and in June, respectively, Cascolan said.

Sakandal, an apprentice seaman with the local coast guard, was at the house during the raid and authorities are in the process of determining his role, he said.

Also in Zamboanga on Sunday, police and military teams captured Hassan Anang Mohammad, who was identified as an Abu Sayyaf militant involved in the kidnapping and beheading of Doroteo Gonzales in May 2009, the military said.

Ronna Nirmala in Jakarta, and Jeoffrey Maitem and Mark Navales in Cotabato, Philippines, contributed to this report.

https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/philippine/suspect-update-10122020142258.html

Police say alleged rebel killed in Cebu is a high-ranking NPA official in Southern Mindanao

From the Cebu Daily News (Oct 12, 2020): Police say alleged rebel killed in Cebu is a high-ranking NPA official in Southern Mindanao (By: Rosalie Abatayo) 

CEBU CITY — Years of running against the law ended on Sunday evening (October 11, 2020) for alleged New People’s Army (NPA) commander Denis Paradero Rodinas.

Rodinas was killed in a joint operation of the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines at past 10 p.m. on Sunday while authorities were serving warrants of arrest against him at the house that he and his live-in partner were building in Barangay Pung-ol Sibubay, a mountain barangay in Cebu City.

Read’: NPA commander’ killed during escape attempt – police

Brigadier General Albert Ignatius Ferro, Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7) director, said in a press conference on Monday morning, October 12, that Rodinas and his live-in partner Gerlie Mercado were top ranking officials of the Southern Mindanao Regional Command of the NPA.

Serving of warrant

The operation against Rodinas was pursuant to five warrants of arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Davao de Oro for several counts of murder, terroristic acts, and other heinous crimes.

Among the crimes imputed to Rodinas is the abduction and killing of Mayor Dario Otaza of Loreto, Agusan del Sur and his son Daryl in Butuan City in 2015.

Mayor Otaza belonged to the Manobo Tribe and was a former member of the NPA but surrendered to the government in 1985. He was able to convince 246 rebels to surrender to the government.

Aside from the killing of the former mayor, Rodinas is also imputed as the person behind the murder of a certain Arnold Sacarws in Zamboanga del Sur and Ernesto Gumilid in Misamis Occidental in 2009; the arson of heavy equipment of a mining company in Agusan del Sur, raid of a military patrol base in Davao de Oro in 2011; abduction of a jail warden in Davao de Oro and raiding of a mining compound 2015; disarming of barangay security forces in Arakan, North Cotabato, and the simultaneous attack to industrial plants in Davao City and ambush of presidential security group (PSG) members in Davao City; and burning of heavy equipment units in Davao City in 2018.

Cebu City Hide Out

Ferro said they learned of Rodinas’ presence in Cebu City following the tips of residents.

He said the residents became suspicious as Rodinas was building a two-story rest house on a lot tagged as a forest reserve or protected area.

While the authorities serving the warrants were approaching the house, Ferro said Rodinas pulled out his gun and fired at the operating units, which prompted authorities to fire back resulting to his death.

The police also arrested Mercado, who is currently pregnant. She has a pending warrant of arrest for murder.

Colonel Jerry Borja, Commander of the Task Force Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor (TF-CBS) of the Philippine Army, said Mercado made an extra-judicial confession that they were members of the NPA.

Aside from the two top officers of the rebel group, the police also arrested two others for obstruction of justice after they allegedly prevented the police from serving the warrant to Mercado who was inside the house.

Insurgency Free

Despite the discovery of the top rebel officers in Cebu, the PNP and Philippine Army officials here have maintained that Cebu is still insurgency free.

Ferro said the Cebuanos had been cooperative in preventing the armed groups from settling down here in Cebu and the Central Visayas.

“We thank the villagers who tipped-off the location of Rodinas. We were able to plan out and implement all measures that will ensure the swift arrest as well as the safety of the people nearby during the operation. However, he died after being hostile to the arresting officers. The same with the recent arrest of Junifie Dagale in Bohol, top NPA who is wanted for crimes in Mindanao, Central Visayas is not a safe place for these terrorists to hide,” Borja said.

The authorities, however, said they were still investigating the extent of the activities of Rodinas and Mercado in Cebu.

Borja said the two had stayed here only for months, but they had yet to ascertain when and how they arrived in Cebu. 

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/345242/police-say-alleged-rebel-killed-in-cebu-is-a-high-ranking-npa-official-in-southern-mindanao

PH Army gets 2 training choppers from anonymous donors

From the Manila Bulletin (Oct 12, 2020): PH Army gets 2 training choppers from anonymous donors (By Martin Sadongdong)

The Philippine Army (PA) has received two R-44 Raven light training helicopters from unnamed donors which will be used to boost the capabilities of its aviation regiment, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Monday.

Gen. Gilbert Gapay, AFP Chief of Staff, thanked the donors who refused to be identified, as he said the light choppers will be used for the military’s aviation regiment training while the Army looks forward to acquiring additional air assets under the Revised AFP Modernization Program (RAFPMP).

The light choppers were commissioned into service by Army chief, Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, at the Army Aviation Regiment in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija last October 6.

The donations were among the new acquisitions of the military which are deemed crucial in achieving its goal of crushing external and internal security threats, particularly the New People’s Army (NPA) and the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

The Army will purchase light tanks and self-propelled artillery under the Horizons 1 and 2 of the RAFPMP in a bid to beef up its assets to help them achieve their mission objectives.

“The AFP Modernization program provides us with the necessary tools in defeating internal and external threats. It particularly gives as the leverage in facing terrorist groups,” Gapay said.

He also extended gratitude to President Duterte for supporting the military’s modernization through the RAFPMP, although the budget intended for the second Horizon of the program was slashed by P9.4 billion to fund the government’s COVID-19 response.

“We cannot stress the importance of being well-equipped as we face all these adversaries in our territorial defense, counter-insurgency efforts, including humanitarian response,” Gapay said.

“Enhancing our capabilities in terms of equipment and assets gives us the motivation and preparedness to overcome these challenges,” he added.
PAF’s new attack planes

Aside from these, six units of Super Tucano A-29B attack planes from Brazilian aircraft maker Embraer SA were delivered to the Philippine Air Force (PAF) last month.

The acquisition of the fixed wing light attack aircrafts was part of a deal worth P4.9 billion between the Philippine government and Embraer SA made in 2017.

The choppers are now being utilized by the 15th Strike Wing based at the Danilo Atienza Air Base in Sangley Point, Cavite to support and eventually replace its remaining OV-10 Bronco and SF-260 attack planes, said Gapay.

The AFP Chief said at least 14 air forces around the world are using the Super Tucano A-29B which has an electro-optical infrared and laser-firing technology in its arsenal.

The attack planes are seen to be beneficial in the military’s counter-insurgency operations and will complement the FA-50 fighter jets used by the PAF to pound Daesh-linked Maute Group, Abu Sayyaf Group, and other foreign terrorists during the Marawi City siege in 2017.
PN’s second brand new frigate

Gapay confirmed that the Philippine Navy’s future BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) positively passed its first sea trials which were conducted in South Korean waters from September 24 to 29.

The future BRP Antonio Luna is the second missile-capable frigate of the Navy and the sister ship of BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150).

The acquisition of the BRP Jose Rizal and the future BRP Antonio Luna was part of a P16-billion deal between the Philippine government and South Korean shipmaker Hyundai Heavy Industries in 2016.

The delivery of the second frigate was originally set this month but it was moved to the first quarter of 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is seen to boost the anti-air warfare (AAW), anti-surface warfare (ASUW), anti-submarine warfare (ASW), and electronic warfare (EW) operations of the Navy, Gapay said.

https://mb.com.ph/2020/10/12/ph-army-gets-2-training-choppers-from-anonymous-donors-1/

VFA budget slash won’t affect AFP, says spokesperson

From the Manila Bulletin (Oct 12, 2020): VFA budget slash won’t affect AFP, says spokesperson (By Martin Sadongdong)

The proposed cut on the 2021 budget allocation for the Presidential Commission on Visiting Forces (PCVF) will not have a direct impact on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), a military spokesperson said Sunday, Oct. 11.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) (MANILA BULLETIN)

Major General Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesperson, said the trainings being conducted by the military will still continue even with the decision of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to cut down the budget of the PCVF, an attached agency of the DFA, by P16.09 million next year to reflect the government’s decision to abrogate the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the US.

“Kung ang pag-uusapan ay ang pag-slash ng budget ng [PCVF] sa ilalim ng umbrella ng DFA, wala po iyang gasinong epekto sa AFP,” Arevalo said. (If we are talking about the budget slash of the PCVF under the umbrella of the DFA, it will not have an effect on the AFP.)

Arevalo, however, admitted that the government’s decision to repeal the VFA with the US, albeit suspended, will have a “slight impact” to the military’s training on a larger scale.

“Mayroon pong bahagyang epekto sa atin iyan on a bigger scale. Kung ang pag-uusapan natin ay VFA, definitely ang tatamaan ay iyong large scale troop movements para sa training gaya ng Balikatan,” he stated.

(It will have a slight impact on us on a bigger scale. If we talk about the VFA, the large scale troop movements for the training like Balikatan exercises will definitely be affected.)

Arevalo explained that military training, such as the annual Balikatan exercises between Filipino and American soldiers here in the Philippines, have its own budget allocations under the AFP.

“Ang Balikatan po ay mayroong sariling project at sariling budget na nagmumula sa budget na ipinagkakaloob sa Department of National Defense na ibinababa naman sa ating AFP,” he said.

(Balikatan is a project on its own and has a separate budget from the allocation given to the Department of National Defense, which is being cascaded down to the AFP.)

The PCVF is primarily mandated to coordinate, advise, guide, and assess the conduct of military training, and the Status of Forces Agreements by the Philippines with other countries to ensure that they are serving the nation’s interest.

During a Senate hearing on the proposed P22.09-billion budget of the DFA on Thursday, Oct. 8, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. told senators that he trimmed down the original P28.09 million budget for PCVF to P12 million.

“The PCVF budget must reflect the fact that we have abrogated the VFA. We have merely suspended it,” Locsin said.

Ratified in 1999, the VFA allows joint training between the Philippines and the US militaries in Manila, and governs the conduct of foreign troops while they are in the country.

On Feb. 11, however, President Duterte decided to terminate the more than two-decade-old agreement.

This, after the US government revoked the travel visa of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Duterte’s political ally and former Philippine National Police chief, allegedly due to human rights violations in connection with the administration’s controversial anti-illegal drugs war.

The abrogation of the VFA was eventually suspended by Duterte on June 11 “in light of the political and other developments in the region,” and primarily because of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque.

https://mb.com.ph/2020/10/12/vfa-budget-slash-wont-affect-afp-says-spokesperson/

Lorenzana says 2nd stage of PH military upgrade won’t be completed on time

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 12, 2020): Lorenzana says 2nd stage of PH military upgrade won’t be completed on time (By: Frances Mangosing)

The Philippine military was likely to fall short of its target to complete the second stage of an upgrade program by the year President Rodrigo Duterte steps down from office, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on Monday (Oct. 12).

“At the rate we are going, we can’t do it,” Lorenzana told senators at a budget hearing, speaking partly in Filipino. He said it could take the Third Horizon of the program to “complete our minimum credible defense.”

The upgrade program’s Horizon 2, with a timetable of 2018 until 2022, was designed to achieve a minimum credible defense capability for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). The Third Horizon stretches from 2023 to 2027.


For Horizon 2, the Philippine military planned to purchase multi-role fighters, offshore patrol vessels, corvettes, light tanks, land-based missile systems and other assets.

Lorenzana said minimum credible defense meant the capacity “to face intruders” with sufficient hardware and arsenal “like ships, missiles so we won’t be bullied, or whatever you call that, they can just intrude in our territory without being challenged by our troops.”

He said the objective was to give the Philippine military capacity to go into a “stand off” with foreign intruders. “Not to fight but to protect our interests. Not for them to just intrude and we won’t have anything to face them with,” he said.

Lorenzana said he estimated that Horizon 2 of the upgrade program was only 25 percent complete.

“By 2022 we should have accomplished minimum credible defense posture,” said Sen. Panfilo Lacson during the budget hearing. “As how we’re doing right now, it’s only 25 percent when it should be half-way,” he said.

“So it’s impossible for Horizon 2 to be followed,” Lacson said.

A table presented at the briefing showed that only two out of 85 approved projects have been finished under Horizon 2.

The 85 approved projects cost P309.56 billion, but only P49.7 billion has been released so far, the table showed.

Twenty remaining approved projects worth P158.55 billion under this phase still need funding.

A separate table showed that Horizon 1, which covered 2013 to 2017, has a total of 53 approved projects worth P96.77 billion.

An amount of P82.03 billion has been released for the first horizon, with 30 projects completed.
Where’s P9.4-B?

For 2021, P38 billion has been allocated for the AFP modernization program, which included P5 billion expected remittances from the Bases Conversion and Development Authority.



The proposed P4.5 trillion 2021 budget sought to restore P8 billion of funds to the defense department which had been diverted to COVID-19 response by the national government.

A total of P19.3 billion was cut from the defense department budget this year due to the pandemic, Lorenzana said, with P17.8 billion originally intended for the modernization program.

While P8 billion out of the P17.8 billion realigned fund will be returned to the defense department for next year, the P9.4 billion from the 2019 GAA that was cut from Lorenzana’s agency appeared to be missing.

“The P9.4 billion being utilized for multi-year obligations that was taken from 2019 has not been restored in the 2021 budget,” Lorenzana said.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1346864/lorenzana-says-2nd-stage-of-ph-military-upgrade-wont-be-completed-on-time

Troops ordered to brace for retaliatory attacks from Abu Sayyaf

From Malaya Business Insight (Oct 12, 2020): Troops ordered to brace for retaliatory attacks from Abu Sayyaf (By Victor Reyes)

The aftermath of the twin Jolo bombings. (KARL NORMAN ALONZO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO)

ARMED Forces chief Gen. Gilbert Gapay has ordered government troops to intensify operations against the Abu Sayyaf to prevent any attack that may be launched by the terrorist group in retaliation for the arrest of a female Indonesian suicide bomber and the wives of two of its members in Sulu on Saturday.

“That is always their default in cases like this, to retaliate,” AFP spokesman Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo in a radio interview yesterday, referring to the Abu Sayyaf which is blamed for bombings and other atrocities like kidnapping and beheading of its captives.

Arevalo said Gapay ordered intensified operations “because we don’t want to give them the opportunity to plan (retaliatory attacks) and execute the plan.”

Arevalo said the military is coordinating with the PNP, intelligence and security agencies, local government units, and the public to get Abu Sayyaf members and prevent terrorist attacks.

On Saturday, government troops arrested Indonesian suicide bomber Rezky Fantasya Rullie alias Cici, 17, during a raid on a house in Patikul, Sulu. Arrested with Rullie were Inda Nurhaina, wife of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Ben Tatoo, and Fatima Sandra Jimlani, wife of Abu Sayyaf member Jahid Jam.

Rullie, who is pregnant, is the widow of Indonesian terrorist Andi Baso who was slain by government soldiers in a firefight in Patikul on August 29. She is also the daughter of an Indonesian couple who blew themselves up in the suicide bombing attack at the Mt. Carmel Cathedral in Jolo, Sulu on January 27 last year. The attack left 21 victims dead and over a hundred others injured.

During the raid, troops recovered a suicide vest rigged with pipe bombs and other improvised explosive devices.

Arevalo said Rullie was planning a suicide bombing in Zamboanga City to be carried out after she delivers her child.

Arevalo also said Rullie’s arrest is a “significant” accomplishment because “we preempted the suicide bombing due to be perpetrated by alias Cici.”

“Based on intelligence reports, she was planning a suicide attack in Zamboanga City… She volunteered to conduct the suicide bombing after she gives birth,” said Arevalo.

Officials could not say when Rullie is expected to deliver but Maj. Alaric delos Santos, spokesman of the AFP Western Mindanao Command, said it could be soon based on her enlarged belly.

Delos Santos gave a different location as to the target of the suicide bombing planned by Rullie. He said Sulu is the likely target of the group

Delos Santos noted that the Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf members are having difficulty getting out of the island-province. “Basically, their capability is limited in Sulu,” he said.

The Bureau of Immigration said Rullie is a “high-value target.”

“A deportation case has been recommended to be filed against against Rezky Fantasya Rullie alias Cici for terrorism, being an illegal entrant, and for undesirability, aside from the criminal charges,” said Melody Gonzales, chief of the BI’s Intelligence Mindanao Task Group. — With Ashzel Hachero

https://malaya.com.ph/index.php/news_news/troops-ordered-to-brace-for-retaliatory-attacks-from-abu-sayyaf/

Soldiers collar rebel as vehicles burned

From the Mindanao Times (Oct 11, 2020): Soldiers collar rebel as vehicles burned (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

ELEMENTS of 58th Infantry Battalion caught a member of the New People’s Army during a pursuit operation in the hinterlands of Barangay Bulahan, Claveria Thursday.

Lt. Col. Ricky L Canatoy, commanding officer of the unit, said the operation came about after the rebels burned three trucks an a bus being used by Del Monte Philippines Inc. (DMPI) two days earlier.

Canatoy said the soldiers figured in a 15 minute encounter with the rebels who burned the vehicles and as the armed group was withdrawing, the soldiers eventually captured one of them.

The captured rebel, known only as a certain James, is a member of Sentro de Gravidad Edot, Sub-Regional Committee 1, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).

James claimed his group burned the vehicles based on the order of Dionisio Micabalo alias Muling, secretary of NCMRC, because the company did not give in to their extortion demands.

He said the rebels have intensified their extortion activities because their resources have been depleted.

Seized from him was an anti-personnel mine and a caliber. 38 pistol from the suspect.

Major General Andres C Centino, commander of the 4th Infantry Division and the Joint Task Force Diamond (JTF-Diamond), said the rebels have become desperate that they have been attacking civilians to threaten them for failing to give in to their demands.

“We are strengthening our coordination with business firms so that this incident will not happen again. We need to work together to stop the extortion of the NPA and to protect their businesses from future attacks”, he said, adding that the unit will help the company in filing a criminal case against the rebels.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2020/10/11/soldiers-collar-rebel-as-vehicles-burned/

CPP/NPA-Panay: Pagbinutig para sa Terorismo kag Korapsyon sang 3ID, PA

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 12, 2020):  Pagbinutig para sa Terorismo kag Korapsyon sang 3ID, PA

JULIO MONTANA

SPOKESPERSON

PANAY REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

OCTOBER 12, 2020

Nagpadayaw ang 3rd ID, PA sa pagbinutig nga “cleared” na nila ang 130 ka barangay sa Western Visayas halin sa presensya sang rebolusyonaryo nga kahublagan. Makatiliplang ang amo nga pahayag bangud wala man ginabuyagyag sa publiko ang mga ngalan sang amo nga mga barangay. Sa inagihan batasan na sang militar ang pagdeklarar sang mga “cleared barangays” kag gina-showcase para magtuga sang ilusyon nga “nagadaug” ang ila kampanya kontra insurhensya kag nagaluya na ang rebolusyonaryo nga kahublagan. Mga baryo ini sa diin ginagamit nila ang brutal nga mga pamaagi sang pagpakugmat kag pagbubod sang mapaniplang nga mga proyekto para biktimahon ang sibilyan nga populasyon. Masami sa sini nga mga baryo daw binuy-an nga mga ido buang ang militar nga wala patugsiling sa pagkomiter sang mga paglapas sang tawhanon nga kinamatarung pareho sang pagpamahog, pagpang-ukay sang mga kabalayan, pwersahan nga pagpasurender, paghimo sang mga anti-sosyal nga buluhaton kaangay sang pagbaligya kag paggamit sang druga kag pagpamatay sang ila ginapatu-patuan nga mga katapu sang NPA.

Nagtikal ang tagpamaba Cenon Pancito sang 3rd ID nga hatagan sang P20 milyon ang kada “cleared barangay” kag P1.5 milyon ang kada “threatened barangay”. Kon sumadahon magalab-ot sa masobra P3 bilyon (P3,099,500,000) ang ibubo nga pondo sang NTF-ELCAC sa bilog nga Western Visayas para sa 130 “cleared “ kag 333 “threatened” nga kabarangayan. Ginabug-os sini ang 19.3% sang kabilugan nga P16 bilyon nga national budget sini para sa “Barangay Development Program”. Sa indi hungod ila ginbuyagyag ang daku nga pabor nga ginahatag para sa programa sa kontra insurhensya kumpara sa pondo nga tuman kakinahanglanon sang pumuluyo para sa ikaayong lawas, edukasyon kag iban pa nga serbisyo sosyal.

Indi masaligan ang ginapabutyag sang 3rd ID nga magakadto ang amo nga pondo sa mga matuod nga benipisyaryo. Sigurado nga ginalawayan na sang mga buwaya nga mga opisyal kag heneral sang AFP kag 3rd ID ang pagkurakot sang amo nga pondo. Indi ayhan pagkulangon ang P16 bilyon kon magpaggwa man sang ila nga report sang “cleared” kag “threatened “ nga mga barangay ang iban pa nga mas daku nga rehiyon pareho sang Mindanao? Abi do your math Mr. Pancito o mag-online class ka para mag-review.

Amon ginahangkat ang 3rd ID nga hingalanan kag ipahayag sa publiko ang mga barangay, munisipilidad kag probinsya nga ila ginaako nga “cleared” kag “threatened”. Indi paghimuon nga balibad ang masami manabaw nga rason nga “for security reasons” para idingot sa pumuluyo ang kamatuoran. May kinamatarung ang pumuluyo nga makahibalo labi na nga ginpabutyag man mismo sang 3rd ID ang nasambit nga mga impormasyon.

Kami nagapanawagan sa tanan nga pumuluyong Panayanon nga mangin kritikal kag mangin mabinantayanon sa mga patalang nga pahayag sang militar. Ginahangkat man namon ang mass media nga mas labi nga mangin kritikal kag analitikal sa ginaduhol sa inyo nga impormasyon sang militar santo sa inyo prinsipyo sang “partisan to truth and objectivity”. Ipakigbato ang aton kinamatarung sa impormasyon, sa kamatuoran kag iban pa nga sandigan nga kahilwayan. Maghugpong para pukanon ang maluibon, korap, traidor kag pasista nga pagginahum sang rehimeng Duterte.

https://cpp.ph/statements/pagbinutig-para-sa-terorismo-kag-korapsyon-sang-3id-pa/

CPP/NPA-Albay: Panawagan sa LGU Officials ng Albay: Manindigan sa Inyong Sibilyang Otoridad! Tutulan ang Militarisasyon ng Inyong mga Komunidad!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 12, 2020):  Panawagan sa LGU Officials ng Albay: Manindigan sa Inyong Sibilyang Otoridad! Tutulan ang Militarisasyon ng Inyong mga Komunidad!

FLORANTE OROBIA

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-ALBAY

SANTOS BINAMERA COMMAND

BICOL REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND

ROMULO JALLORES COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

OCTOBER 12, 2020

Malawakang panggigipit, karahasan at pagpatay ang dinaranas ngayon ng mga LGU officials, hindi lang sa Albay kundi sa buong bansa, partikular ang mga nasa antas barangay sa ilalim ng EO 70 at Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC). Layunin nitong payukurin ang mga sibilyang upisyal upang maging mga kasangkapan sa ganap na pagpapatupad ng hindi deklarado subalit walang taning na batas militar sa buong bansa sa ilalim ng EO 70.

Malinaw ang motibo ng militar sa pagpatay sa punong barangay at ingat-yaman ng Brgy. Batbat, Guinobatan na sina Luzviminda Dayandante at Albert Orlina: pwersahin ang iba pang mga barangay at LGU officials na magpasa ng mga resolusyong nagdedeklara sa CPP-NPA-NDF bilang mga persona non grata. Hindi pa nakuntento, tinakot at pinuwersa pa ng 49th IB ang mga kasamahang upisyal nina Dayandante at Orlina, maging ang barangay council sa katabing baryo na Balite na pangunahan ang pagsasagawa ng kontra-NPA na mga rally. Pinahahawak ng militar ang mga taumbaryo ng mga plakard at istrimer matapos silang pwersahang tipunin para sa “information drive hinggil sa Anti-terror Law, E-clip, EO 70, RTF-ELCAC at RCSP”.

Noong Oktubre 8, tinukoy na ang isa sa tatlong sibilyang pinatay ng militar sa nangyaring gawa-gawang engkwentro sa Sityo Kaunlaran, Brgy. Alas, bayan ng Mandaon, Masbate. Si Judy Barroga, na pinalalabas ng kaaway bilang isa umanong NPA, ay isang sibilyan at isang barangay kagawad. Bago nito, naitala ang hindi iilang kaso ng pamamaslang sa mga barangay official tulad ng nangyaring masaker kina Edgar Minggoy (Brgy. Tanod ng Brgy. Bagacay, Mobo), Rolly dela Cruz, Marlon Rojas (kapwa sibilyang upisyal ng Brgy. Mapili, Balud) noong Hulyo 5 sa Masbate.

Sa EO 70 at RTF-ELCAC at kawangis na Task Force-COVID 19, nasa ilalim ng kumand at kontrol ng militar ang mga sibilyang upisyal. Hindi lingid sa mga LGU officials ang panganib na hatid ng batas militar na kaayusang ito sa kanilang sibilyang otoridad. Masahol, sa ilalim ni Duterte, ang mga sibilyang upisyal at ang ilusyon ng kanilang otoridad ang isinangkalan para mailusot ang di-deklarado subalit walang taning na Martial Law. Nagawa niyang pairalin ang batas militar nang may ilusyong sibilyan pa rin ang nagpapatakbo ng burukrasya sa pamamagitan ng EO 70 at militaristang Whole of Nation Approach (WoNA).

Lapastangang isinasagawa ang operasyong militar na Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) sa mga komunidad nang walang paghingi ng pahintulot sa LGU. Pinanghihimasukan ng militar ang mga barangay council meetings, barangay assemblies at iba pang sibilyang aktibidad tulad ng pamimigay ng amelioration at 4Ps. Pinipilit din silang sumama sa mga operasyong militar at gamitin bilang mapanupil na instrumento laban mismo sa taumbaryong kanilang pinaglilingkuran. Masahol, sagutin pa ng LGU ang mga mararahas na operasyon ng militar at mga kaakibat pa nitong gastusin tulad ng pagkain at bisyo.

Sinumang sumuway ay aalisin sa puwesto o kaya ay papatayin. Hindi na nakapagtataka ang pagRed-tag, hangal na akusasyong NPA ang mga nahalal na upisyal at iba pang mga paratang—sa paanong desperadong pamamaraan pa ba mabibigyang-matwid ng militar ang kanilang tuwirang pagkontrol sa sibilyang gubyerno?

Ngayong ipinagdiriwang ang Local Government Month, patuloy ang panawagan ng masang Albayano sa kanilang mga hinalal na LGU officials: nasa inyong poder at nasa inyong mandato bilang mga sibilyang upisyal na tutulan ang militarisasyon. Inuudyok kayo ng mismong punong upisyal na si Duterte na talikuran ang inyong katapatan sa mamamayang sumumpa kayong paglilingkuran at maging mga aktibong instrumento ng kanyang pasistang gera. Subalit, ngayon, higit kailanman, inaasahan ng mamamayan ang inyong pagpanig at paglahok sa kanilang laban. Nailuklok kayo sa inyong mga pusisyon bunga ng katiting pang demokrasyang patuloy na ipinaglalaban ng inyong mga pinagsisilbihang mamamayan at kinailangan ng karamihan sa kanila na humawak ng armas para patuloy niyo itong matamasa. Nawa’y maging inspirasyon ninyo sina Kapt. Dayandante, Treas. Orlina at iba pang tulad nilang hanggang sa huli’y pinatunayan ang katapatan sa kanilang pinagsisilbihang mamamayan.

https://cpp.ph/statements/panawagan-sa-lgu-officials-ng-albay-manindigan-sa-inyong-sibilyang-otoridad-tutulan-ang-militarisasyon-ng-inyong-mga-komunidad/

CPP/NPA-Albay: Deklarasyong Persona Non Grata Laban sa CPP-NPA-NDF, Isa sa mga Motibo ng Militar sa Pagpatay sa Dalawang Barangay Officials ng Batbat

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 12, 2020):  Deklarasyong Persona Non Grata Laban sa CPP-NPA-NDF, Isa sa mga Motibo ng Militar sa Pagpatay sa Dalawang Barangay Officials ng Batbat

FLORANTE OROBIA

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-ALBAY (SANTOS BINAMERA COMMAND) | BICOL REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND (ROMULO JALLORES COMMAND) | NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

OCTOBER 12, 2020

Malinaw ang motibo ng militar sa pagpatay kina Punong Brgy. Luzviminda Dayandante at Ingat-yaman Albert Orlina ng Brgy. Batbat, Guinobatan: pwersahin ang iba pang mga LGU officials sa Albay, mula barangay hanggang antas munisipyo na gumawa ng resolusyong nagdedeklara sa CPP-NPA-NDF bilang persona non grata (PNG). Ito ay sang-ayon sa atas ng Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC).

Layunin ng mga deklarasyong persona non grata na suportahan ang desperadong hakbangin ng rehimeng US-Duterte na ideklara ng United Nations na terorista ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan. Ito ay upang gawing lehitimo ang gerang mapanupil ng rehimeng US-Duterte na nakatuon sa pagtugis at teroristang pandarahas sa mga kritiko, progresibo at masang lumalaban. Sinusuhayan ng mga deklarasyong ito ang kawalang pananagutan ng rehimen sa patung-patong ng kaso ng pang-aabuso’t paglabag sa karapatang idinulot nito. Ilang araw matapos patayin sina Orlina at Dayandante, tahasang tinuligsa ni Duterte ang konsepto ng karapatang tao sa harap ng UN General Assembly, tulad ng kung papaanong itinanggi ng 49th IB ang kanilang krimen.

Kaya matapos ang pagpaslang ng 49th IB kina Kapitana at tesorero ng Brgy. Batbat, sapilitang pag-atas naman ang isinunod ng 49th IB sa mga konseho ng barangay na gumawa ng mga resolusyong nagdedeklarang PNG sa CPP-NPA. Noong Oktubre 12, sinimulan ng Department of Interior and Local Government na pulungin ang mga baryong saklaw ng RCSP at inaasahan isa sa mga adyenda ay ang pagpapagawa ng mga resolusyong PNG. Kung ‘di man kagyat na makatugon, inobliga silang pangunahan ang mga kontra-NPA na rally. Nagresulta ang naturang mga kaganapan sa pwersahang pag-resign ng ilang mga kagawad at pag-appoint ng Guinobatan LGU at DILG ng ipapalit sa mga nabakanteng pusisyon. Bago nito, nagdaos ng pulong ang RTF-ELCAC at bahagi ng kanilang adyenda ay ang paghabol sa inaabot ng pagpapatupad ng EO 70 sa rehiyon sa harap ng papalaking badyet ng ELCAC sa taong 2021.

Subalit wala nang saysay ang pakanang persona non grata at iba pang tangka ni Duterte na pagtakpan ang kanyang pasistang krimen. Itinambol lamang ng pagpatay kina Dayandante at Orlina ang lumalawak na pagkundena ng internasyunal na komunidad sa malaganap na kampanya ng pagpatay at pag-abuso sa karapatan kahit pa sa gitna ng pandemya.

Si Duterte, at ang AFP at PNP ang tunay na itinatakwil at itinuturing ng taumbayan na persona non grata. Nananawagan ang Santos Binamera Command – Bagong Hukbong Bayan Albay sa mamamayang Albayano na palakasin pa ang paglantad, pagpapanagot at sigaw ng pagpapatalsik sa numero unong mamamatay-tao at human rights violator na si Duterte.

https://cpp.ph/statements/deklarasyong-persona-non-grata-laban-sa-cpp-npa-ndf-isa-sa-mga-motibo-ng-militar-sa-pagpatay-sa-dalawang-barangay-officials-ng-batbat/

CPP/NDF-RCTU-ST: Planong di-pagbibigay ng 13th month pay sa manggagawang Pilipino, regalo ng rehimeng US-Duterte sa Pasko!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 11, 2020): Planong di-pagbibigay ng 13th month pay sa manggagawang Pilipino, regalo ng rehimeng US-Duterte sa Pasko!

FORTUNATO MAGTANGGOL

SPOKESPERSON

REVOLUTIONARY COUNCIL OF TRADE UNIONS-SOUTHERN TAGALOG

NDF-SOUTHERN TAGALOG

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

OCTOBER 11, 2020

Kasama ng buong hanay ng mga manggagawa, mariing kinokondena ng Revolutionary Council for Trade Union (RCTU-NDF-ST) ang hindi makataong balakin ni Sec. Bello na ipagpaliban ang pagbibigay ng 13th month pay ng mga manggagawa. Muli na namang ipinakita ng rehimeng US-Duterte ang kanyang kawalang-awa at kawalang-interes na resolbahin ang matinding kahirapan at kagutumang nararanasan ng mga manggagawa at kanilang pamilya dahil sa pagkitil ng militaristang lockdown ng kanilang kabuhayan at pinagmumulan ng kita.

Malinaw ang nakasaad sa Presidential Decree No. 851 na obligadong ibigay ang 13th month pay, na katumbas ng isang buwang average na sweldo ng mga manggagawa, bago o sa mismong ika-24 ng Disyembre kada taon. Sa ginawang pagbaluktot ng DOLE sa Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) nito, nilagyan nila ito ng probisyong makaisang panig at maka-kapitalista. Upang insultuhin pa ang mga manggagawa, binigyang-katwiran pa ni Bello ang pagkakait ng benepisyong ito ng “lahat ng kumpanyang in distress”.

Hindi katanggap-tanggap ang balakin ito ng gobyernong Duterte! Sa minimum ay mahigit sa 2 milyong manggagawa na katumbas na rin ng 2 milyong pamilya ang hindi mabibigyan ng 13th month pay na lubhang magpapahirap sa kanila ngayong darating na kapaskuhan. Ito na lamang ang inaasahan ng mga manggagawa na pandagdag gastusin nila sa darating na Pasko. Karamihan ay inaasahan ang 13th month pay para makapagbayad ng utang at ibang mga pangangailangang hindi nila mabili sa panahon ng lockdown.

Sa panahong sadsad ang kabuhayan ng manggagawa at kanilang pamilya, sa halip na magbigay ng ayuda, ini-advance ang 13th month pay na obligasyon talaga ng kompanya sa manggagawa at pinalabas na siya nang tulong sa naghihirap na manggagawa gayong sa kanila talaga ito.

Kulang na kulang na nga ang sweldo, wala pang 13th month pay at nasa araw-araw pa ring panganib na makakuha ng Covid-19. Ito ang regalo ni Rodrigo Duterte sa mga manggagawang Pilipino sa darating na Pasko. Kitang-kita ang pagtataingang-kawali ng rehimeng US-Duterte sa mga manggagawa habang buong-buo namang pinakikinggan ang mga kapitalista.

Habang pinahihirapan ni Duterte ang mga manggagawa, napakaraming benepisyo naman at ayuda ang ibinibigay nito sa mga kapitalista, gaya ng pagkaka-apruba ng P165.5 bilyong stimulus package sa Bayanihan to Recover as One Act para sa mga kumpanyang naapektuhan umano ng pandemya.

Nakakahiya ang pagkasiba ng gobyernong Duterte, dahil kung may planong alisan ng bonus ang mga manggagawa, sa kongreso naman ay nagpapamudmod ng tig-P2 milyong pabaon kada kongresista para lamang sa kanilang 2 linggong bakasyon at suhol para maaprubahan agad-agad ang P4.3 trilyong 2021 national budget na ang pangunahing laman ay bilyon-bilyong pondo para sa pork barrel at pasismo.

Sa Timog Katagalugan, lugmok na lugmok na sa kahirapan at kagutuman ang mga manggagawa. Halos 3 taon nang walang umento sa sahod sa rehimen ni Duterte, at ang pinakahuling dagdag sahod sa rehiyon ay ang natira pang partial na umento sa panahon ni Noynoy Aquino. Kaya naman ilang taon na ring nagtitiis ang mga manggagawa sa kawalan ng dagdag sahod sa rehiyon, na nakaranas ng sunod-sunod na matitinding kalamidad gaya ng pagputok ng bulkang Taal, pandemyang Covid-19 at militaristang lockdown na lalong nagpalala sa dati ng kalunos-lunos na kalagayan ng mga manggagawa at maralita sa rehiyon.

Ang kasalukuyang P373.00 minimum na pasahod ay hinding-hindi nakasasapat sa pang-araw-araw na batayang pangangailangan ng isang pamilya. Lumiliit pa ang halaga nito dahil sa epekto ng implasyon sa unang 8 buwan ng taong 2020 o sobra-sobrang pagsirit pataas sa presyo ng mga pangunahing bilihin at yutilidad gaya ng pagtaas ng bayarin sa kuryente ngayong buwan ng Oktubre.

Sa kabilang banda, hindi pa rin bumabalik sa normal ang pagpasok ng mga manggagawa sa kanilang mga pagawaan kaya kulang-kulang pa rin ang kanilang sinasahod. Kalakhan pa rin ay nasa moda ng rotasyon at pagbabawas ng pumapasok dahil sa pananatili ng Cavite, Laguna, Rizal at Quezon sa MGCQ, habang nanatili sa GCQ ang probinsya ng Batangas. Malaki din ang kabawasan sa kinikita ng mga manggagawang pumapasok sa kasalukuyan dahil sa pagtaas ng pamasahe sa pampublikong transportasyon, na kumakain din ng malaking porsyento sa maliit na ngang sinasahod ng mga manggagawa.

Sasamantalahin ng mga ganid na kapitalista ang pahayag na ito ng DOLE, at isang imbing pakana at pagbalasubas pa rin sa itinatadhana ng batas. Tusong ipinagsisiksikan ng mga kapitalista ang kanilang mga sarili sa mga maliliit na empresa at SMEs na siyang tunay na kumaharap ng pagkalubog ng kanilang hanapbuhay dahil sa militarisang lockdown.

Dapat nating ubos-lakas na salubungin ng sama-samang aksyon ng mga manggagawa ang panibagong anti-manggagawang pakana na ito ng sabwatang rehimeng US-Duterte at mga kapitalista. Ang planong patawag na konsultasyon sa Lunes ni DOLE Sec. Bello sa hanay ng mga kapitalista at labor group ay isang imbeng hakbangin upang ipinal ang kanilang anti-manggagawang balakin na huwag ibigay ang 13th month ng mga manggagawa ngayong taon.

Sa gagawing konsultasyon, posible din nilang isingit dito ang matagal nang inihihirit ng mga kapitalista na bigyan ng legal na batayan ang ginagawa nilang hindi papasukin sa loob ng 6 na buwan ang mga mangggagawa na ni walang kumpensasyong sweldo o allowances dahil daw sa epekto ng pandemya. Malinaw na ang lahat ay pag-iwas sa responsibilidad nito sa mga manggagawa at pag-iwas sa pagbibigay ng karampatang benepisyo kahit nakasaad pa ito sa batas, kanilang kontrata o maging sa anumang kasunduan sa CBA.

Kinakailangang lumaban at makibaka ang mga manggagawa at maralita para sa kanilang kagalingan at interes, hinding-hindi ito ibibigay ng isang rehimeng pabaya at inutil na walang nasa isip kundi pansariling interes at malawakang pandarambong. Nananawagan ang RCTU-NDF-ST sa lahat ng mga manggagawa at iba pang mga makabayang Pilipino na patuloy na maging mulat at aktibong makibaka.

Makatwiran ang paghihimagsik laban sa rehimen ni Duterte! Manggagawa at maralita, ubos kayang kumilos para patalsikin hanggang sa mapabagsak ang inutil, pahirap, mandarambong at teranikong rehimeng US-Duterte!

13TH MONTH PAY, IBIGAY SA MGA MANGGAGAWA!

MABUHAY ANG RCTU-NDF-ST!

MABUHAY ANG CPP-NPA-NDF!

MABUHAY ANG REBOLUSYONG PILIPINO!

https://cpp.ph/statements/planong-di-pagbibigay-ng-13th-month-pay-sa-manggagawang-pilipino-regalo-ng-rehimeng-us-duterte-sa-pasko/

CPP-IB: NPA ambushes well within international rules of war

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 11, 2020): NPA ambushes well within international rules of war

INFORMATION BUREAU

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

OCTOBER 11, 2020

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) today clarified that the recent ambushes mounted by the New People’s Army (NPA) in Surigao del Sur and Samar are well within international rules of war. The Party issued the statement following the Commission on Human Rights’s condemnation on Saturday of the offensives.

“With all due respect, we take exception to CHR’s presumption that the attacks were “senseless violations on the right to life,” said CPP Chief Information Officer Marco L. Valbuena.

“The three ambushes referred to by the CHR were all aimed at military targets and are legitimate acts of war as stipulated in the Geneva Conventions,” he clarified.

The October 4 encounter in Lianga, Surigao del Sur was against Magahat-Bagani paramilitaries. Three armed paramilitaries were killed in the firefight, including its leader Hawudon Jomar Bucales. Investigations have determined that Bucales is the mastermind behind the 2015 massacre of civilians in the same town. The Magahat-Bagani is a tool used by the 3rd Infantry Battalion in combat and psywar operations.

The October 2 ambush in Lanuza town in the same province was against PFC Ariel Guinsod Maca, a 36th IB personnel who handled CAFGU recruitment in Barangay Pakwan and reportedly coerced Lumad residents to surrender as “NPA members.” NPA-Surigao del Sur spokesperson Sandara Sidlakan dismissed claims that Maca was tortured.

The ambush last October 7 in Jiabong town, Samar, was against local counterinsurgency police forces. “We are awaiting details from the local NPA command as regards reports that civilians were hurt in the action,” said Valbuena.

https://cpp.ph/statements/npa-ambushes-well-within-international-rules-of-war/

CPP/NPA-Bukidnon: AFP blasted with CDX in Bukidnon; 4 soldiers killed, 3 wounded

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 11, 2020): AFP blasted with CDX in Bukidnon; 4 soldiers killed, 3 wounded

DEREKA MAGTANGGOL

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-BUKIDNON

NORTH CENTRAL MINDANAO REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

OCTOBER 11, 2020

The New People’s Army – Bukidnon blasts a command detonated explosive (CDX) device against the operating enemy forces of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Brgy. Slaysayon, Quezon, Bukidnon on October 9, 2020, around 11am. Four soldiers were killed-in-action while other three were wounded-in-action.

After the action, the AFP bombed the said place of incident.

https://cpp.ph/statements/afp-blasted-with-cdx-in-bukidnon-4-soldiers-killed-3-wounded/

Kalinaw News: Mga Bagong “promote” na kawal pinarangalan, mas mataas na responsibilidad gagampanan

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 12, 2020): Mga Bagong “promote” na kawal pinarangalan, mas mataas na responsibilidad gagampanan

Malita, Davao Occidental – Pinarangalan ang 41 na bagong promote na mga kawal ng 73rd Infantry (Neutralizer) Battalion ngayong umaga ng 12 Oktubre 2020 sa kampo ng nasabing batalyon.

Sa pangangasiwa ni Lt. Col. Ronaldo G Valdez, Pinuno ng 73IB, 7 na Technical Sgt, 4 na Staff Sgt, 21 na Seargent, 9 naman na Corporal ang binigyan ng pagpupugay sa bagong yugto ng kanilang pagsusundalo kasabay ng pagpupugay sa watawat na isinagawa.

Sa mensahe na ibinahagi ni Staff Sgt Bred, kanyang sinabi , “sa bawat pag-angat ng ranggo, bago at mas mataas na responsibilidad ang aming magiging tungkulin at dapat gawin.”

Ibinahagi din ni Lt. Col. Valdez ang kanyang pasasalamat sa pagsisikap ng mga kasundaluhan. Aniya, “Sa pagkakataong ito, masasabi kong nakamit ng ating batalyon ang tagumpay dahil sa ating mga kawal na siyang naging pangunahing pwersa sa pakikipaglaban sa insurgensiya.”

Puspusan ang seguridad na ginagawa ng mga kasundaluhan sa kabundukan upang wakasan ang kahirapan at pighating dulot ng insurgensiya. Panawagan ng 73IB sa mamamayan, huwag mapaglinlang sa mga teroristang NPA. Sa halip, pag-ibayuhin ang matapat at taus-pusong pagganap sa bawat tungkulin natin bilang mga responsable at masisipag na miyembro ng ating lipunan.

[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/mga-bagong-promote-na-kawal-pinarangalan-mas-mataas-na-responsibilidad-gagampanan/

Kalinaw News: Army Troopers Discovers Supply Cache in AgSur Town

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 12, 2020): Army Troopers Discovers Supply Cache in AgSur Town

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte – The troops of the 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion discovered a cache of supplies concealed by the Communist New People’s Army Terrorist (CNT) group during the conduct of a joint operation in Barangay Segunda, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur on October 7, 2020, at around 07:00 in the morning.

The government troopers discovered and seized ten (10) pieces (pcs) of upper battle dress uniforms (BDUs), fourteen (14) pieces of lower battle dress uniforms, eleven (11) pcs of lousy hats, ten (10) pairs of combat shoes, four (4) bandoleers, one (1) Tupperware, one (1) burner, two (2) backpacks, one (1) M14 Magazine, and assorted civilian clothes.

The items were seized in an abandoned hideout of the CNTs with an area that could accommodate around twenty (20) persons.

Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, the Acting Commanding Officer of 23IB cited the help of the concerned citizens in the area that helped the Army to recover the said supplies.

“The concerned citizens provided us with timely and positive information about the presence of CNTs in the area. Through the cooperation of our civilian stakeholders, we can easily thwart the hostile plans of the CNTs and their recruitment activities in the communities,” Paulo said.

He also encouraged the residents to help the Army secure their communities by reporting directly to the location of the CNTs.

“Before these CNTs can conduct harassment and intimidation in your communities, it is helpful that you provide us the timely information so that our soldiers can immediately react and foil the terroristic plans of the rebels,” Paulo said.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/army-troopers-discovers-supply-cache-in-agsur-town/

Kalinaw News: Surigao Tribes hail slain IP leader as hero

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 12, 2020): Surigao Tribes hail slain IP leader as hero

Lianga, Surigao Del Sur – Surigao tribal leaders and members and the local
government unit of Lianga rendered Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR), Datu Jumar S. Bucales a hero’s burial parade on October 10 in Diatagon, Lianga.

His heroics include his dedication to preserve and develop the culture of the Manobo tribe through the establishment of DepEd Schools of Living Tradition (DepEd-SLT) and his fight against Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) and the Communist Party of the Philippines’ (CPP’s) exploitation and corruption of IPs.

Bucales was honored with a long parade in Lianga town proper and about a thousand tribes from Surigao and Eastern Mindanao, local government officials, IPMRs, friends, supporters and relatives flocked in the long walk to carry his remain to his final resting place.

Bayan Muna representative Eufemia Campos Cullamat, her sister, CNT-linked Malahutayong Pakigbisog Alang sa Sumusunod (MAPASU) and Northeastern
Mindanao NPA Terrorist spokesperson Sandara Sidlakan accused Bucales to have participated in the killing of Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural Livelihood Development (ALCADEV) Executive Director, Emerito Samarca but the accusation was eventually found baseless.

CPP Information Officer, Marco Valbuena in his statement claimed that the Communist NPA Terrorists were responsible for the ambush-slay of Bucales and his companions on October 4 in Barangay Banahao of Lianga.

Bucales served only for 9 months as Lianga’s first IPMR but was able to accomplish tangible peace and development programs for the tribe to include the facilitation of then closure of NPA Terrorist linked TRIFPSS and ALCADEV schools, the establishment of DepEd-SLT, electrification of sitios, the rehabilitation of farm-to-market roads and various livelihood programs in the conflict-affected communities which are the gateways to the Andap Valley Range.

According to Lianga Mayor, Novelita M. Sarmen, Bucales also proposed development plans in the hinterlands to boost the eco and agri-tourism in the municipality.

Bucales also appeared in various senate and congress hearings concerning NPA
Terrorist killings of IP leaders. Bucales, being a former NPA leader and organizer, revealed the how CNTs exploit Lumads making him a hot target of the CNTs. From 2016-2018, he was ambushed thrice and was finally killed on October 4.

In his documentary, “Last Dance ni Bucales” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-yJTBknRO8), he said that he is no longer afraid of death because that is the cost of standing for truth and fighting against CNTs who continually oppress the IPs. He also said that since he surrendered in 2006, he accepted the fact that he can die anytime in the hands of CNTs because it’s the law of the CPP to kill all those who abandon the terrorist armed revolution.

The Surigao tribes, Local Governments, Provincial Government of Surigao del Sur, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), and Commission on Human Rights (CHR) condemned the brutal killings of Bucales and other IPs in Surigao.

“The attacks of the NPA are “disproportionate and brutal,” and violate international humanitarian law,” said CHR Spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline de Guia said in a statement in Manila Bulletin.

Surigao Del Sur supported the cause of Bucales and the Surigao tribe leaders to declare CPP-NPA as persona-non-grata in the whole province. During Bucales’ burial, Surigao tribes expressed their indignation through a protest.

In December 2017, President Rodrigo Duterte declared the NPA along with the CPP as terrorist organizations. The NPA is also designated as a Foreign Terrorist
Organization by the U.S. State Department and as a terrorist group by the EU, and New Zealand.

Surigao tribal leaders said that Datu Jumar Bucales may be gone but his name will be forever remembered as the one who truly loved and cared for the tribe.

“Nawala man si Datu Jumar, ang ating amahan sa tribo, pero ang ipinaglalaban niya at ang kanyang tapang ay mananatili sa atin.Tuloy ang laban kontra NPA. Hindi papatalo ang tribo at hindi kami matatakot,“ Datu Constancio Duhac, Lianga Tribal Chieftain said during the tribute to their leader. Meanwhile, Bayan Muna Representative Cullamat, a native of Lianga still has no word of condemnation for the NPA Terrorists’ slain IPMR.

[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/surigao-tribes-hail-slain-ip-leader-as-hero/

Kalinaw News: Father, Child-Soldier Son Surrender

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 12, 2020): Father, Child-Soldier Son Surrender

BRGY TAMBO, Ayungon, Negros Oriental – A father and his 16-year old son, who identified themselves as participants in the communist armed struggle in Brgy Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, surrendered to the 94th Infantry Battalion, 3ID, PA on October 9, 2020.

The father, a.k.a @Joker, 40yo, was a member of the Yunit Militia while his son, a.k.a. @Jacking, was a medical officer for the Sentro De Gravidad (SDG) Platoon of the Central Negros Front 2. @Joker surrendered with him a Cal.38 pistol while @Jacking, a Cal.30 Springfield sniper rifle. Names are withheld for security, safety, and privacy of the minor.

According to @Joker, the series of encounters and the relentless combat operations of the 94IB in the hinterlands of Himamaylan City, Binalbagan and Kanbankalan City against the CNTs urged him to surrender for fear of his son’s safety.

“I know that the Army will catch up with them pretty soon and I can’t afford to see my young son die. He deserves to realize his ambitions in life,” said @Joker in his native dialect.

@Jacking was recruited when he was only 11yo. He was with the CNT group that engaged in the fierce firefight with the 94IB on April 19, 2020 in So. Tugas, Brgy. Carabalan, Himamaylan City where 2LT Ralf Amante Abibico and two (2) soldiers died.

He said that his former CNT unit suffered casualties during that encounter but were able to carry their cadavers with them. 94IB Commander LTC Angelo S Guzman said that the battalion will facilitate the application of @Joker and his son, @Jacking to the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).

“Children, like @Jacking and many others like him, do not belong in the warzones. They do not deserve to live in violence and fear. They belong in the safety of their homes and communities. They belong in schools that would educate them so they have a brighter future. We condemn the CNT’s recruitment of child soldiers consistent with the principles of the International

Humanitarian Law and Laws pertaining to the protection of children in the armed conflict,” said 302nd Infantry Brigade Commander BGen Neol Baluyan.

[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/father-child-soldier-son-surrender/

Kalinaw News: Notorious NPA Criminal in Killing Mayor Otaza and Son, Killed in Cebu

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 12, 2020): Notorious NPA Criminal in Killing Mayor Otaza and Son, Killed in Cebu

CAMP LAPULAPU, Cebu City— Denis Paradero Rodinas, one of the most wanted
NPA terrorists in Mindanao, who have been the mastermind in major NPA atrocities including the brutal killing of Mayor Dario Otaza of Loreto, Agusan del Sur and his son Daryl in Butuan City, died during the joint AFP-PNP law enforcement operation at around 10:00 o’clock last night, 11 October 2020.

By virtue of five warrants of arrest issued at Branch 3, Regional Trial Court, 11th Judicial Region and were transferred to Branch 56, RTC in Compostella, Davao de Oro for murder, terroristic acts and other heinous crimes, authorities were able to serve all of these to Rodinas and his companion, Gerlie Mercado aka Tamsi/Sol, also a top NPA terrorist under Southern Mindanao Regional Committee, at their hideout in Brgy Pong-ol Sibugay, Cebu City. During the procedure, Rodinas died after he fought back against the arresting officers while Mercado is with the custody of the arresting PNP and jailed at the Regional PNP station. Recovered are the following: one (1) KIA RIO Sedan color silver gray with plate number ABN 2146; one (1) 45 Cal Pistol; three (3) units nokia phone(white, black, orange); one (1) Huawei cellphone (blue); one (1) Huawei cellphone (black); one (1) Samsung duos; one (1) Oppo (blue); one (1) nokia (keypad) black; one (1) samsung (keypad) white; one (1) my phone (keypad) – Equilibrium ID in the name of Denver Juentes, and one (1) ID certificate of employment.

“We thank the villagers who tipped-off the location of Rodinas. We were able to plan out and implement all measures that will ensure the swift arrest as well as the safety of the people nearby during the operation. However, he died after being hostile to the arresting officers.

The same with the recent arrest of Junifie Dagale in Bohol, top NPA who is wanted for crimes in Mindano, Central Visayas is not a safe place for these terrorists to hide,” Col Jerry Borja, Commander, Task Force, Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor (TF-CBS), Philippine Army.

Looking back, Mayor Otaza and his son Daryl were among the victims of NPA
Lumad Killings in Mindanao. They were abducted and brutally murdered by the
NPAs who disguised as NBI agents in Butuan City last October 20, 2015.
Mayor Otaza aka “Datu Malampuson” belongs to the Manobo Tribe. He joined the NPA in 1978 and surrendered to the government in 1985. His firm stance against the NPA organization was able to convince 246 rebels to surrender to his town in Loreto, Agusan del Sur.

“It has been said before that the long arm of the law will soon reach this fugitive and it finally happened. Mayor Otaza and his son Daryl as well as all other victims of his atrocities can be at peace now. We congratulate the strong resolve of all the AFP and PNP who are involved in years of hard work and sacrifice just to give justice to all the victims of Rodinas’ crimes. We will continue this momentum until the last NPA shall decide to put an end on their atrocities,” Said Lt Gen Roberto T Ancan, Commander, Central Command, Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“This operation is also dedicated to our soldiers and policemen, who died during the years of chase to Rodinas in NPA lairs in Mindanao.” Lt Gen Ancan added.

OTHER CRIMES committed by Rodinas are the following:

On 27 May and 15 June, 2009, @JASSI murdered a certain CAA Arnold Sacares at Brgy Simata, Molave, Zamboanga Del Sur and CAA Ernesto Gumilid at Brgy Penacio, Clarin, Misamis Occidental Province.

Sometime in 2011, involved in the burning of heavy equipment of Red Mountain (PHILSAGA Mining Corporation) in Agusan Del Sur.

Sometime in 2011, involved in gathering information and planning that led to the raid of amilitary Patrol Base in Brgy Kanidkid, Montevista, Davao de Oro.

On 23 December 2013, @JASSI and RSOG, ROC, SMRC personalities planned and initiated the abduction of Mr. Jose Mervin Coquilla, Jail Warden – Compostella Valley Province. The NPA will use him to bargain with Elizalde Cañete, top NPA leader imprisoned in Tagum City Jail, Surigao del Sur.
On 14 April 2015, @JASSI was involved in the raid of the mining compound owned by then Mayor JB Brillantes carting away several HPFAs, ammunitions and explosives.

On 09 April 2017, involved in the disarming of barangay security forces at Brgy Mahongkog, Arakan, NC.

On 29 April 2017, simultaneously attacked the LAPANDAY Plant in Brgy Mandug, Buhangin Dist, DC; MACONDRAY Plant in Brgy Tagpore, Panabo City and Lorenzo Farm in Brgy Pangyan, Calinan Dist, DC. Said properties were all owned by LORENZO Group of Companies. Estimated damage to properties could reach 2 Billion Pesos.

On 18 July 2017, planned and ordered the ambuscades against the security personnel of Presidential Security Group (PSG) at the boundary of Arakan, NC and Brgy Marahan, Marilog Dist, Davao City.
On 31 March 2018, ordered the burning of heavy equipment owned by Ulti.

[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/notorious-npa-criminal-in-killing-mayor-otaza-and-son-killed-in-cebu/

Kalinaw News: Army welcomes newborn baby of former NPA

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 12, 2020): Army welcomes newborn baby of former NPA

BUENAVISTA, AGUSAN DEL NORTE – An eighteen (18)year old pregnant former
member of the New People’s Army (NPA) successfully delivers her first baby on the 9th day of October 2020 at the Agusan del Norte Provincial Hospital in Barangay Libertad, Butuan City.

It was late in the evening when Alias Wena felt the pain in her tummy as a sign that she will be giving birth to her first baby. She was then assisted by the troops of the 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion and immediately brought to the hospital.

Alias Wena (true name withheld for security reason) serves as the Squad Medic of SYP SIKOP, Guerrilla Front-4A, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) for nearly two (2) years. She was lured and recruited by the Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) at the young age of Sixteen (16). She had big dreams in life but realized that she could not finish her studies because of poverty. To pursue her dreams, she applied as a working student and studied at Buenavista National High School in Agusan del Norte.

Unfortunately, she was not able to finish her schooling because the leaders of the CNTs destroyed her life and killed her dreams and ambitions. She was easily lured by the CNTs also because her father and her two (2) other brothers were also active members of the armed group. In other words, her entire family was ruined by the CNTs by taking the most important foundation of their family which was her father-the person who should guide, protect, take care and look after them while they grow.

Alias Wena together with her companion Alias Apay who was also pregnant was
rescued by the troops of 23IB in Barangay Guinabsan, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte way back May 16, 2020. They then stayed inside the Masigasig Happy Home and were assisted and monitored by the FR NCO especially during their prenatal, ultrasound, and other necessary activities to make sure that they will deliver their babies healthily. The unit also made sure that they can avail of all the assistance and benefits offered by the government for the FRs.

Alias Wena thanked the government especially the PSWD, PLGU Agusan Norte, and the 23IB, and other line government agencies who never failed to extend assistance to them especially to her who is bearing her first child. She needed a peaceful environment, nutritious foods, and must not be stressed as being pregnant is so sensitive to stressful environments. Unfortunately, her husband, who was also a member of the CNT, already passed away. She needs to stand on her own but luckily, our government is always ready to help her anytime.

“Grabe ka lisod ang akong naagian sa panahon nga naa pako sulod sa kalihukan. Walay tarong nga tulog, kaon ug kanunay pa gyod ko nga kulbaan labi na kay nakaagi na mi og engkwentro. Dili maayo para sa pareha nako nga usa ka buros nga mapasmuhan, dili maka tulog og tarong unya hago pa gyod kaayo sige ug lakaw-lakaw sa lasang. Giantos nako ang tanang kalisod kay nagtoo ko nga mao na gyud to ang klase sa kinabuhi nga akong pakamatyan. Dako gyod ang akong pasalamat sa gobyerno ug sa kasundaluhan kay matinud-anon sila sa pagtabang namo ug ila ming gidawat ug guhatagan og bag-ong paglaom. Ila usab ming gi trato og maayo ug itabangan labi na sa akong pagpanganak. Dako akong kalipay nga nahimugso nako ang akong anak sa kahayag ug maningkamot ko nga mahatagan nako siya og hayag nga kaugmaon aron dili niya maagian ang kalisod sa akong naagian kay dali kong
nadala ug nalingla sa mga NPA tungod usab kay kulang ko sa kahibalo sa kamatuoran. Akong padak-on ang akong anak ug tabangan nga makab-ot ang iyang mga pangandoy sa kinabuhi.”

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C Paulo, the Acting Commander of 23IB happily
welcomed the newborn baby. He expressed gladness upon knowing the baby was successfully and healthily delivered despite the pandemic that we are facing.

“I am glad that another blessing enters inside our Battalion. While the NPAs are only good in destroying families, your army and the government will mend what the NPAs have broken especially the families,” Paulo said.

He added that Alias Wena was one of the survivors in the encounter that transpired in Sitio Likudon, Brgy Kamanikan, Gingoog City way back May 10, 2020, wherein Fifteen (15) NPA combatants were killed in action and Alias Nady (their comrade), a pregnant NPA Amazon was one of the casualties.

“Indeed, coming back to the folds of the law is the most wonderful thing that the FRs can give to themselves especially for the Amazon because it is so dangerous for them.

You are destined to be the light of your families to guide your children. You are not supposed to be suffering in the mountains to fight against the government without gaining any profit,” Paulo said.

The 23rd IB commander also hoped that the life of Alias Wena will inspire NPA
Amazons who are still chained by the wrong ideology of the NPA to go back to the folds of the law, lay down their arms and unite with their families and communities in ending the local communist armed conflict.

“Do not be afraid. We will ensure your security because we know that any threats against you coming from the lawless CNTs will also be threats against your children and we will never allow any unnecessary things to happen to you and your family. We are always here to protect,” Paulo said.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/army-welcomes-newborn-baby-of-former-npa/

Kalinaw News: Miyembro ng MB sa San Mariano, Isabela nagbalik-loob

 Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 11, 2020): Miyembro ng MB sa San Mariano, Isabela nagbalik-loob

Camp Melchor F Dela Cruz, Upi, Gamu, Isabela- Nagbalik loob sa gobyerno ang isang miyembro ng Milisyang Bayan dala ang kanyang M16, magazine at mga bala sa Sitio Rutong, Barangay Gangalan, San Mariano, Isabela.

Ayon sa sumukong si alyas Dalisay, ibang-iba na ang kanilang sitwasyon sa kasalukuyan mula ng mawala ang impluwensya ng NPA sa kanilang lugar. Siya mismo ang nakaranas sa tunay na pagbabago ng kanilang pamumuhay sa pagdating ng mga serbisyo at programa ng pamahalaan. Isa ito sa mga nagmulat sa kanya upang sumuko sa mga kasundaluhan. Pagbabahagi pa niya na ang kanyang mga isinukong gamit ay ipinagkatiwala sa kanya ng isang alyas Amar, kumander ng NPA noong taong 2013 bilang kanyang armas.

Dagdag pa ni alyas Dalisay na hindi naaayon sa kanyang kagustuhan ang pamumuhay na mayroon siya bilang miyembro ng Milisyang Bayan. Aniya, wala naman silang naranasang pagbabago tulad ng pangako sa kanila ng kilusan. Laking pasasalamat niya sa kasundaluhang tumulong sa kanya upang magbagong buhay.

Malaki rin ang naging papel ng isa sa mga nauna ng sumuko sa gobyerno upang hikayatin siyang magbalik loob. Salungat sa sinasabi ng mga NPA, walang katotohanan na sila ay pahihirapan at papatayin ng sundalo kapag sila ay sumuko.

Sa ngayon ay nasa kustodiya na ng kasundaluhan si Dalisay at ang kanyang isinukong mga gamit pandigma para sa tamang disposisyon.

Nagpahayag naman si BGen Laurence E Mina PA, Commander ng 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army ng kanyang pasasalamat sa tiwala ni alyas Dalisay sa gobyerno lalo na sa kasundaluhan at sa kanyang kasamahan na naghikayat sa kanyang sumuko at magbagong buhay.

Umapela rin si BGen Mina sa mga nauna ng sumuko na tulungan ang kanilang mga dating kasamahan na magbalik loob sa pamahalaan. “Kinakailangan ang tulong ng bawat isa upang matuldukan na ang insurhensiya sa ating bayan. Tiyakin nating matatamasa ang tunay na kapayapaan at kasaganaang nararapat sa bawat isa.”

[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/miyembro-ng-mb-sa-san-mariano-isabela-nagbalik-loob/

Kalinaw News: 6 LTGs gunmen surrender to 40IB

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 11, 2020): 6 LTGs gunmen surrender to 40IB

CAMP Siongco, Maguindanao – Six members of the local terrorist group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) surrendered to 40th Infantry Battalion were presented in a ceremony on Thursday (October 8, 2020) to Joint Task Force Central and 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division Commander Maj. Gen. Juvymax R. Uy.

These former rebels under the Karialan faction came from Barangay Midconding and Barangay Kulasi both in GSKP town of Maguindanao province. They brought along with them the following firearms one Garand Rifle, Homemade Barrette Rifle, Homemade RPG, M79 Grenade Launcher and Garand Rifle. The said firearms and ammunitions were presented to the commander of 6th ID in the simple ceremony at 1:30 in the afternoon.

One former terrorist who asked not to be named said the continuous military operations against them have confined their movement and limiting their access for food. They also had to transfer from villages to another to escape the military focused operations. JTFC and 6th ID Commander said that he was happy for the group in their decision to go back to the mainstream society.

“I would like to congratulate the troops of 40th Infantry Battalion for this effort to work hand-in-hand with the other government enforcement that led to the surrender of these CTGs.

Maj. Gen. Uy assured the erstwhile rebels that the government would help them through a livelihood program and join the mainstream society to live peacefully with their families.

[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-ltgs-gunmen-surrender-to-40ib/

Kalinaw News: 2 Local Terrorist Group members yield to JTF Central

 Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 11, 2020): 2 Local Terrorist Group members yield to JTF Central

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Two active members of the local terrorist group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) laid down their arms and surrendered to the army troops in General Salipada K. Pendatun, Maguindanao on October 8, 2020.

The former rebels who belonged to the BIFF’s Karialan Faction, surrendered to the 40th Infantry Battalion and GSKP Municipal Police Station in Barangay Midpandacan, GSKP town.

Surrendered items include one Homemade RPG with two ammunition and one hand grenade. They were presented to Hon. Rafsanjani Bimbo Ali, Municipal Mayor of GSKP.

“We were left demoralized and leaderless that we opted to surrender to the government,” said one of the returnees.

“We toil not only to triumph battles but to conquer the hearts of our enemies in the name of peace and stability in South and Central Mindanao”, Major. Gen. Juvymax R. Uy, Commander of Joint Task Force Central said in his message.

Maj. Gen. Uy has expressed his gratitude to the former LTGs who helped them convince their other comrades to surrender to the government and he will work together with the local government units for their livelihood opportunities.



[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/2-local-terrorist-group-members-yield-to-jtf-central/

AFP Chief: Govt’s support to modernization key in defeating terrorist groups

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 12, 2020): AFP Chief: Govt’s support to modernization key in defeating terrorist groups (By Lucia F. Broñio)

CALOOCAN CITY, Oct. 12 (PIA) -- Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Gilbert I. Gapay said the government’s support to the AFP Modernization Program is vital in military operations securing sovereignty and defeating terrorist groups.

Gapay said that the AFP is grateful for the unprecedented support of President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration to the AFP Modernization as the military undergoes implementation of the program’s Horizon 1 and Horizon 2 projects.

Recent acquisitions include six (6) units of Super Tucano A-29B made by Brazil’s Embraer SA, which were obtained by the Philippine Air Force (PAF). The fixed-wing light attack aircrafts are now being utilized by the 15th Strike Wing to support and eventually fully replace the remaining OV-10 Bronco and SF-260 attack planes of PAF.

At least 14 air forces around the globe are using the said asset which has electro-optical infrared and laser-firing technology beneficial in counterinsurgency efforts of the military. The Super Tucanos will also complement the FA-50 which was used during the Marawi siege.

The Philippine Navy (PN) meanwhile announced on October 8 that the BRP Antonio Luna (FF151) positively passed its first sea trials conducted in South Korean waters on September 24-29.

BRP Antonio Luna is Philippine Navy’s second missile-frigate after the BRP Jose Fizal (FF-150).

The delivery of the second frigate was originally set this October but was delayed due to the prioritization of COVID-19 response. It is now expected to arrive in January or February of 2021 to boost anti-air warfare (AAW), anti-surface warfare (ASUW), anti-submarine warfare (ASW), and electronic warfare (EW) operations.

Moreover, the Philippine Army (PA) recently received two (2) R-44 Raven Light Training Helicopters from anonymous individuals. The Commanding General of the Philippine Army Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana led the commissioning of the two new assets at the Aviation Regiment in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija on October 6.

The light choppers will be used for aviation regiment training as the army looks forward to acquiring additional aircraft in the coming years. Under the AFP Modernization Program, the army has light tanks and self-propelled artillery in the pipeline.

“The AFP Modernization program provides us with the necessary tools in defeating internal and external threats. It particularly gives as the leverage in facing terrorist groups,” Gapay stated.

“We cannot stress the importance of being well-equipped as we face all these adversaries in our territorial defense, counterinsurgency efforts, including humanitarian response. Enhancing our capabilities in terms of equipment and assets gives us the motivation and preparedness to overcome these challenges,” General Gapay added.

Apart from defeating terrorist groups, military assets were also utilized in COVID-19 efforts. Military vehicles were deployed to distribute 2.4 million food packs nationwide and accommodate passengers. Moreover, 1,094 military personnel, 1,054 civilians and 230 foreigners, and 781.8 thousand kilograms of cargoes were transported through 741 flight missions. Meanwhile, 15 naval vessels were used to conduct sealift operations and transport military personnel, civilians and around 433 thousand kilograms of cargoes.

“Having the government’s support in the AFP Modernization program is the primary key that we need to fulfill our mandate of protecting the people, upholding our sovereignty and preserving territorial integrity,” Gapay added. (PIA NCR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1055764

120 militiamen to secure Borongan City's rebel-infested villages

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 12, 2020): 120 militiamen to secure Borongan City's rebel-infested villages (By Gerico Sabalza)

MILITIAMEN. A total of 120 new militiamen in Borongan City, Eastern Samar started on Monday (Oct. 12, 2020) their 45-day basic military training at the headquarters of the Philippine Army’s 78th Infantry Battalion in Lalawigan village. Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda said the city government will provide each of them PHP6,500 monthly allowance during their deployment in the villages of Amantacop, San Mateo, and Canyupay. (Photo courtesy of Borongan City government)

A total of 120 new militiamen in Borongan City, Eastern Samar started on Monday their 45-day basic military training to assist government troops in counter-insurgency activities.

During the training’s opening ceremony at the headquarters of the Philippine Army’s 78th Infantry Battalion (78IB) in Lalawigan village, Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda lauded the brave men for accepting the responsibility as new members of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Forces (CAFGU) Active Auxiliary (CAA).

“This program is (a) big help in maintaining peace and order in communities. We should unite and show to people that the government, through the CAA, is here to protect them against anyone who abuses their rights,” he said.

CAFGU is a paramilitary unit composed of volunteer reservists organized into companies of personnel that are led by regular troops.

The new recruits, 100 from Borongan and 20 from other parts of the province, will also undergo medical and neuro-psychiatric examinations.

Agda said the city government will provide each of them PHP6,500 monthly allowance during their deployment in the villages of Amantacop, San Mateo, and Canyupay.

“As one unit of security apparatus in the country, let us unite and show them our love for the country. Let us not abuse the authority and the responsibility the people and the government have entrusted to us,” Agda told the trainees.

He recalled that December last year, a cop and a civilian were killed, while several others were hurt, during an ambush perpetrated by members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Libuton village.

The attack came a month after an explosion in an upland village of Pinanag-an that killed six soldiers and wounded 20 others from the government troops.

The NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1118213

Rebel tagged in Mindanao mayor's slay killed in Cebu City

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 12, 2020): Rebel tagged in Mindanao mayor's slay killed in Cebu City (By John Rey Saavedra)

WANTED FOR MURDER. Left photo shows NPA member Denis Paradero Rodinas who was killed on Sunday night (Oct. 11, 2020) after he fought against a joint team from the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines serving him five arrest warrants for his involvement in several crime incidents. Rondinas' companion, Girlie Mercado, alias Tams or Sol, who is also an NPA member, is now in police custody. (Photo courtesy of Central Command)

A member of the New People’s Army (NPA) suspected for killing a mayor and his son in Mindanao in 2015 was slain in a joint operation in this city’s hinterland village of Pung-ol Sibugay on Sunday night.

Col. Jerry Borja, chief of the Task Force Cebu, Bohol and Siquijor confirmed to the Philippine News Agency on Monday afternoon that Denis Paradero Rodinas, tagged as the most wanted NPA rebel in Mindanao, succumbed to gunshot wounds on his body “after he became hostile to the arresting authorities”.

Borja said authorities received a tip-off from village residents that Rodinas was constructing a two-story concrete house on a lot covered by Republic Act 7586, the National Integrated Protected Areas System, but without securing a permit from the city.

The joint operatives were armed with five warrants of arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court in Compostela, Davao de Oro to be served against Rodinas and his companion, Girlie Mercado, alias Tams or Sol, also a member of the NPA in Southern Mindanao.

According to a statement released by the Central Command, Rodinas “fought back against the arresting officers” while his companion, Mercado, was already in police custody.

The authorities recovered from Rodinas’ possession a car, several cellphones, and a .45-caliber pistol.

“He might be here planning to strengthen their forces in Central Visayas, recruiting for new members. But he was wrong, Central Visayas is not a safe haven for NPA terrorists like him for the citizens will report their presence to the authorities. They are not welcome in Central Visayas,” Borja told the Philippine News Agency in an interview.

Rodinas, who used the aliases "Manoy", "Butchok" and "Jassi", became wanted for a series of atrocities in Mindanao, including the brutal killing of Mayor Dario Otaza of Loreto, Agusan del Sur and his son Daryl in Butuan City in October 2015.

Otaza, a member of the Manobo tribe, was a former NPA member but later became a critic of the underground movement after he surrendered to the government.

Otaza reportedly managed to drive away communist insurgents from Loreto town and dissuaded residents from joining the group. However, he and his son were abducted on Oct. 19, 2015.

The hogtied and bullet-riddled bodies of the mayor and his son were found the next day in Purok 2 of Barangay Bitan-agan, a hinterland village of Butuan City.

Lt. Gen. Alberto Ancan, Central Command chief, in a statement congratulated the personnel of the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines “who are involved in years of hard work and sacrifice just to give justice to all the victims of Rodinas’ crimes”.

“It has been said before that the long arm of the law will soon reach this fugitive and it finally happened. Mayor Otaza and his son Daryl as well as all other victims of his atrocities can be at peace now,” Ancan said.

He vowed to continue the momentum in the government fight against insurgency “until the last NPA shall decide to put an end on their atrocities”.

Rodinas was also tagged in separate murder incidents involving two Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary members in Molave, Zamboanga del Sur and in Clarin, Misamis Occidental in 2009 as well as in raids and burning of heavy equipment of several mining firms in Mindanao.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1118235