‘Reds recruiting in 18 big colleges’

Posted to the Manila Standard (Jan 24, 2021): ‘Reds recruiting in 18 big colleges’

A senior military official identified Saturday top universities and colleges as among 18 learning institutions which are breeding grounds for anti-government communist recruitment.

Immediately, the state-run University of the Philippines administration said it was open to a dialogue with the Department of National Defense to discuss the latter’s termination of a 31-year-old agreement with the institution.

It said it wanted more information about allegations that students were recruited for the communist insurgency.

In an interview on GMA News’ Super Radyo dzBB heard nationwide, Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr., spokesman for the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), said the military had listed at least 18 colleges and universities, mostly in the National Capital Region, where communist recruitment activities were taking place.

Parlade said the institutions included UP, the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), Far Eastern University (FEU), Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), University of Santo Tomas (UST), Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM), De La Salle University (DLSU), and University of Makati.

Parlade said that because of the DND-UP accord, the military had faced hurdles in confirming communist recruitment, adding that the abrogation of the accord is just right.

In a separate interview on Super Radyo dzBB, Dr. Elena Pernia, Vice President for Public Affairs of UP, said the school’s administration open to a dialogue with the DND to discuss DND’s termination accord.

Earlier, UP president Danilo Concepcion, in a letter to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, urged the DND to reconsider the revocation of the 1989 pact with the university and suggested that school officials and the Defense chief could meet to discuss the latter’s concerns in the shared spirit of peace, justice, and the pursuit of excellence.

Lorenzana said he was open to sit with the UP management if they could explain student deaths during armed clashes between the military and the New People’s Army (NPA).

Also, Lorenzana presented a list of UP students who allegedly became members of the NPA, but Pernia said the UP administration had not yet seen the list from the DND.

Pernia said it would be better if the DND could give them a copy of the list of students who allegedly became members of the NPA for better dialogue.

“It will lead to better dialogue, better discussion... That’s what communication is all about. We’ll come together with some clarity,” Pernia said.

The unilateral termination of the agreement came to light last Monday after the Philippine Collegian posted on Facebook a letter from Lorenzana dated January 15 informing UP’s Concepcion of the DND’s decision, citing information that communists are supposedly recruiting students inside UP campuses.

https://manilastandard.net/mobile/article/345170

FALSE: List of dead, captured former UP students who became NPA

Posted to Rappler (Jan 23, 2021): FALSE: List of dead, captured former UP students who became NPA

At least 8 of the people on the list are still alive, not captured, and have not been linked to the New People's Army

• Claim: A list of former UP students who joined the New People's Army (NPA) are now dead or captured by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

• Rating: FALSE

• The facts: At least 8 people on the list are public figures who are still alive and have not been captured as members of the NPA. There have also been no official reports or proof that they were members of the NPA.

• Why we fact checked this: At least 12 Facebook pages that identify as linked to the military shared this list on Thursday, January 21.

Complete details:

A list on the Facebook page "Armed Forces of the Philippines Information Exchange" names 27 people who are supposedly "UP [University of the Philippines] students who became NPA [New People's Army] (died or captured)."

The list was posted on Friday evening, January 22, and had at least 916 reactions, 58 comments, and 467 shares before it was taken down on Saturday morning. According to CrowdTangle data, there are at least 12 other Facebook pages that posted the same list on Friday. 

This claim is false.

At least 8 names on the list are journalists, former government officials, lawyers, teachers, or entertainment personalities who are still alive and have not been captured as members of the NPA. They are the following:

• Rafael Angelo L. Aquino is a partner of the Santos Parungao Aquino & Santos Law Offices and is a member of the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG). 

• Roel Landingin is a business journalist and was formerly editor-in-chief of the magazines Forbes Philippines and Entrepreneur Philippines.

In a text message to Rappler, Landingin said that whoever posted the list should take it down and issue a public apology. “The post is patently false on all counts. I never became an NPA. Neither have I been captured. And I’m very much alive. Truth is, I have been working as an economic and business journalist for more than 3 decades now,” he told Rappler.

• Alexander Padilla was the former Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) president and CEO. In a statement on Facebook, Padilla said:

“I am appalled and disgusted [at] how government cavalierly plays with the lives of innocent people on that list. As for me, I am not NPA, never been. I have not been jailed or captured, never have. I am not dead, obviously. But I am a proud UP graduate of the College of Law. I have served in government for over twenty years and even served as chair of the government peace panel negotiating with the CPP/NDF/NPA. With these baseless allegations and because of red tagging and the anti terrorism law, I am now anxious for me and for others on the list, whose lives are now placed in peril.”

• Liza Magtoto is a playwright and a member of the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA). She is known for the comedy musical “Care Divas” and for “Rak of Aegis.”

• Elmer Mercado was an Undersecretary for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. On his LinkedIn profile, Mercado denied ever being a member of the NPA. 

• Marie Liza Dacanay is the president of the Institute for Social Entrepreneurship in Asia (ISEA) and is a faculty member of Ateneo de Manila University. In a text message to Rappler, Dacanay said:

“I never became an NPA, I was never captured and I'm alive. I'm gravely concerned that an official AFP page is spreading false news. In the context of the unconstitutional provisions of the anti-terror law, I will not take this lightly as we need to make the AFP accountable for actions that are libelous and potentially endangering and wreaking havoc on the lives of individuals like me who are leading peaceful, meaningful lives as responsible citizens and advocates of democracy and sustainable development.”

Dacanay also said that she is consulting her lawyer and organizations she leads on possible responses to the post, including legal action.

• Roberto Coloma is the Singapore bureau chief of Agence France-Presse. 

• Roan Libarios is the founder and managing partner of the firm Libra Law. He has held a number of positions in the public sphere, including serving as president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines from 2011 to 2013, vice governor of Agusan del Norte, and Agusan del Norte 2nd District congressman. 

He was also one of the members of the Consultative Committee formed by President Rodrigo Duterte to craft a new constitution for a federal system of government.

Behn Cervantes died on August 13, 2013. He was an artist and activist who founded or was a founding member of the UP Repertory Company and PETA. He directed, acted, and produced plays, musicals, films, and documentaries, and has won numerous awards, grants, fellowships, and scholarships. He is recognized on the Bantayog ng mga Bayani (Monument to the Heroes) memorial as one of the individuals who fought against Martial Law and dictator Ferdinand Marcos from 1972 to 1986.

There are no official reports or proof that these people were ever members of the NPA.

The pages that posted the list identified themselves as connected to the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The page that received the most interactions on Facebook was called “Armed Forces of the Philippines Information Exchange.” Other pages that posted the list were:

Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
Western Command Armed Forces of the Philippines
SecondtoNone Infantry Battalion
9CMO Kaagapay Battalion Page
141st CMO Special Enabler Company, 14CMOBn
6th Civil Relations Group, Palawan
12th Infantry "Lick 'Em" Battalion 3ID PA
77th Infantry "Don't Dare" Battalion
54th Engineer Brigade
201st Infantry - Kabalikat Brigade, PA
66th Infantry Kabalikat Battalion

The page "Conservatives of the Philippines" also shared the list, but it does not identify itself as connected to the military. – Vernise Tantuco/Rappler.com

https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/fact-check/list-dead-captured-former-up-students-npa

Lorenzana optimistic of Abu Sayyaf downfall in Sulu

Posted to the Philippine Star (Jan 23, 2021): Lorenzana optimistic of Abu Sayyaf downfall in Sulu (Roel Pareño)

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said he sees the gradual defeat of the Abu Sayyaf group in Sulu as the number of its members continue to decrease due to the relentless military and local government campaign against terrorism.

Lorenzana issued this statement during his Friday visit in Jolo, Sulu to assess the military campaign against the terror group and to formally accept into the mainstream of society 25 former Abu Sayyaf members who surrendered since early this month.

Lorenzana came to Sulu with President Rodrigo Duterte, who separately met in a close door meeting with the military commander under the Joint Task Force Sulu and 11th Infantry Division, Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan Sr. The chief executive did not issue any statement to the public.

“It is my utmost hope that we ultimately defeat the ASG and surely, with the concerted and sustained efforts of our troops, local government units here in Sulu, we will attain peace in the region,” Lorenzana said as he met with the former Abu Sayyaf members.

“To our brothers here who surrendered, you have made the right and best decision,” Lorenzana said in a brief address.

The defense chief appealed to the former militants to help the remaining Abu Sayyaf members who remain at large to change for the better.

“You will not be neglected, you will not be left alone. You will be taken care of by our government," Lorenzana said.

The former Abu Sayyaf members also spoke to Lorenzana and explained the circumstances of how they were convinced to join the terror group.

They said the continued surrender of many members has adversely affected the ranks and strength of the Abu Sayyaf group, its logistics and even its morale following the neutralization of its key leaders.

Arsad Hajihil, 60, one of the oldest members who surrendered, told Lorenzana that he is a former commander of the Abu Sayyaf group central committee in the 1990s and had stayed with the group for 25 years before he surrendered last January 9.

Hajibil vowed to take his second chance to lead a more peaceful life as he expressed his gratitude to the assistance provided by the provincial government.

The Joint Task Force Sulu reported that the Abu Sayyaf group's strength is somewhere less than 100 members, with Radulan Sahiron as the most senior leader and few sub-leaders, including Mudzrimar "Mundi" Sawadajaan, the mastermind of the recent Jolo twin suicide bombing attack.

The military said that while Sahiron remained as the most senior leader, he is not affiliated with the foreign-based terror group of Islamic State militant group who was headed previously by slain leader Hatib-Hajan Sawajaan. 

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2021/01/23/2072497/lorenzana-optimistic-abu-sayyaf-downfall-sulu

MILF's bid for BTA extension not for power but to ensure success of peace deal – Murad

Posted to Rappler (Jan 22, 2021): MILF's bid for BTA extension not for power but to ensure success of peace deal – Murad (By PIA RANADA)

'Now is the time that it will succeed. We are asking everyone to give this a chance,' says the interim Chief Minister

Bangsamoro Interim Chief Minister Ahod "Al Haj Murad" Ebrahim made an impassioned push for a 3-year extension of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), saying it is primarily to ensure peace in Mindanao, and not a bid to stay in power.

"For us, it's not the power in the governance but it is the success of the implementation of the process of the peace agreement because it is the fruit of two decades of struggle," he said on Friday, January 22, during a virtual press conference.

"I myself, I started by joining the struggle when I was 19 years old. Now I am 71 years old so I have spent almost my whole life in the struggle," he continued.

The day before, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao celebrated its second founding anniversary. 

(READ: On 2nd year, Bangsamoro gov't struggles to deliver gov't 'felt' by people)

The BTA, led by the Chief Minister's organization, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), has a good chance of succeeding in bringing development and peace to the conflict-racked region, said Murad.

"Now is the time that it will succeed. We are asking everyone to give this a chance to succeed because it is not only for our good but the good of the Bangsamoro people and the entire Philippine people," he said.

MUST READ
Checklist: What Bangsamoro gov't has accomplished so far

Failure could lead to more violence

Asked if MILF members, especially those with arms, will again resort to violence should Congress fail to grant a 3-year extension, Murad said he could not speculate on this but that there are surely "small groups" who could use the failure of a 3-year-old BTA to foment conflict.

"We can't say now if they will go back to war but we know there are still groups that are just waiting for failure because they will exploit on that," said Murad.

He said he was not "scaring" anyone but that the "reality" is that success in the transition process is necessary to prevent violent groups from gaining traction and followers.

Duterte fully supports Murad-led BTA

Murad also said that President Rodrigo Duterte expressed "full satisfaction" in the transition process and committed to support the BTA in whatever way is necessary for their success.

They had met in Malacañang on Thursday to discuss the status of the transition.

"He clearly pronounced that he is very thankful and he assured the support of his administration to the transition authority in order to accomplish its tasks," said the Chief Minister.

Malacañang has long said it backs the BTA's call for an extension, putting pressure on lawmakers to pass the needed amendment to the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

Five bills to this end have been filed in the 18th Congress.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/milf-seeking-bta-extension-not-for-power-success-peace-deal-murad-ebrahim

CPP/Bayan: State forces refuse to turn over cadaver of unionist to family

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jan 21, 2021): State forces refuse to turn over cadaver of unionist to family

.
It took more than three weeks before the cadaver of Vilma Salabao, a unionist who was among those massacred by the police and 2nd ID on December 17, 2020, was turned over to her family.

The victim was killed in a mango farm at Sitio Malalim, Barangay San Jose, Baras, Rizal along with Carlito Zonio, caretaker and chief security guard of the farm; cousins Jonathan and Niño Alberga, security guards; and Wesley Obmerga. Obmerga was suffering from tuberculosis, while Salabao had cancer. The victims are known as the Baras 5.

The Karapatan-Southern Tagalog said that the cadavers of the victims bore marks of harsh torture.

After the brutal crime, the fascists planted evidences of firearms and explosives to make it appear that the victims were members of the New People’s Army (NPA). The 2nd ID, through Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade, Jr. first announced that the victims were revolutionary tax collectors of the NPA and were killed after fighting back. After a few weeks, Sec. Eduardo Año of the Department of Interior and Local Government announced that the victims were partisans.

Killing. Elements of the Philippine National Police (PNP)-Camarines Sur killed Aldren Lagdaan Enriquez on January 6 in Barangay Sagrada, Iriga City. The victim was an active member of the Camarines Sur People’s Organization and was accused of being a member of the NPA. Around 30 policemen entered his house. He was shot in cold blood in front of his two young children.

The PNP-Region 5 also killed Eddie Barcoma Belludo, a resident of Sitio Camenorial, Barangay Banquerohan, Legazpi City, on January 11. He was also accused of being an NPA member and was planted with evidences of firearms and explosives.

Harassment. A policeman based in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, filed a trumped up murder charge against Windel Bolinget, chairman of the Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA). He and 9 other individuals were accused of killing Garito Tiklonay Malibato, a member of Lumad group Karadyawan. Malibato was killed in March 2018 by Alamara paramilitary forces.

Illegal arrest. Joint elements of the police and 201st IBde arrested Ruel Custodio and Ruben Estocado at Zone 3, Barangay Poblacion, Atimonan, Quezon on December 26. The victims are members of the Coco Levy Funds Ibalik Sa Amin who were accused of being NPA members. Evidences of firearms and explosives were likewise planted to justify the arrest. They were not allowed to be visited by their relatives.

Abduction. The 62nd IB has yet to surface farmer Anselma Garde, 31, who was abucted by its soldiers on January 17 at Sitio Batong-Buang, Barangay Trinidad, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.

On the same day, the military shelled and bombed the mountainous areas of barangays Sandayao, Trinidad, Binobohan, Imelda and Tacpao of the same town. This resulted in the forcible evacuation of around 100 families.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2021/01/21/state-forces-refuse-to-turn-over-cadaver-of-unionist-to-family/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Recruitment campaign in Bicol

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jan 21, 2021): Recruitment campaign in Bicol

The dedication of members of the Party branch in Barangay Higos in Bicol was key to their successful recruitment campaign last year.

To reach the target of contributing at least 10 new recruits, each Party member was tasked to recommend individuals whom they recommend to join the people’s army, especially the youth. In the recruitment process, they take into consideration the age of their targets, their organizational membership, parental and family background, and readiness to join the people’s army.

Party cadres tirelessly educated those who expressed their interest to join. Cadres visited them almost daily in their houses and simultaneously convinced their families. The Party branch also help residents in their production activities. Through these, they are able to educate their targets about the root causes of their daily hardships. “We explain to them that there is no other solution to the crisis but their united resistance, and that its armed form is the most correct and appropriate,” said Ka Mario, a Party branch member.

Aside from regular educational discussions given to mass organizations, the targets are given a course on the basic military regulations of the people’s army. They are also educated on the significance of serving full-time in the army and readiness to be deployed wherever it is needed.

As a result of their endeavor, Baryo Higos was able to produce seven full-time Red fighters last year, while several other youth joined part-time. “We have another platoon of militia which can serve as a source of new recruits,” added the comrade.

The Pary branch regularly checks on them and boosts their morale even after they joined the people’s army. The Party branch also attends to the needs of the families of Red fighters.

Those who are recruited were also motivated by the outstanding example of Party branch members. “If we aim to recruit full-time Red fighters, we must also work full-time in our barrio. We have learned to dedicate a time each day to pay attention to the problems, interests and needs of the barriofolk,” Ka Mario concluded.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2021/01/21/recruitment-campaign-in-bicol/

CPP/Ang Bayan: NPA-Mindoro snipes Solcom helicopter

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jan 21, 2021): NPA-Mindoro snipes Solcom helicopter

A unit of the New People’s Army (NPA)-Mindoro (Lucio de Guzman Command) sniped at a S70i BlackHawk helicopter of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and prevented it from landing in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro on January 9.

The helicopter was about to land at Sitio Mantay, Barangay Monte Claro to transport officers of the AFP Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) when the incident took place. The said officers, which include AFP Solcom commander Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade, Jr., were set to facilitate the forced surrender of residents in the area.

Parlade was left with no other choice but to walk to the next barrio while surrounded by a phalanx of soldiers to escape the area.

Meanwhile, a Huey (UH-1H) of the AFP crashed at Sitio Nahigit, Barangay Bulonay, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon on January 16. The helicopter was sighted six times conducting reconnaissance and delivering supplies to operating troopers in the boundaries of Misamis Oriental, Agusan del Sur and Bukidnon. Due to the incident, the Departmet of National Defense ordered a temporary stop to the use of Huey helicopters.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2021/01/21/npa-mindoro-snipes-solcom-helicopter/

CPP/Ang Bayan: NPA-Abra ambushes butcher soldiers

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jan 21, 2021): NPA-Abra ambushes butcher soldiers

The New People’s Army (NPA)-Abra (Agustin Begnalen Command) ambushed the abusive and butcher soldiers of the 24th IB and 72nd Division Reconnaissance Company (DRC) on January 4 in Barangay Pacgued, Malibcong, Abra. Nine soldiers were killed, including platoon leader 2Lt. Zaldy D. Lapis, Jr.

The surprise NPA attack against the soldiers was carried out swiftly. The said military units have been conducting focused operations and occupied the said community for a month. The NPA also sniped at a helicopter which responded to the scene and which was used to indiscriminately strafe the area. From January 5 to 7, the military deployed a Super Tucano bomber plane and droped 23 bombs which ravaged farmlands and forests.

The 24th IB and 72nd DRC are notorious for perpetrating fascist crimes against Abreños. These include the strafing of six young fisherfolk in Barangay Lan-ag, Lacub in February 2020. The victims survived the attack but the residents were traumatized. The victims include the chairman of the Sangguniang Kabataan in the barangay. The soldiers made it appear that the victims are members of the NPA. On top of this, the unit is also notorious for theft and ransacking the houses of civilians.

From 2018 to 2019, the 24th IB has relentlessly initimidated and threatened the members and leaders of Kakailian Salakniban Tay Amin a Nagtaudan, local chapter of the Cordillera People’s Alliance in Abra.

Negros. Thirteen soldiers of the 62nd IB were killed in an ambush by the NPA-Central Negros on January 10. Red fighters blasted the soldiers at Sitio Batong-buang, Barangay Trinidad, Guihulngan, Negros Oriental.

The 62nd IB operated in the community for more than a week. Ka JB Regalado, spokesman of the said NPA unit, belied the military’s claim that another encounter took place in the afternoon of the same day. “That was a misencounter between 62nd IB and CAFGU,” he pointed out. The offensive is a counteroffensive to the attacks and suppression campaign of the Duterte regime against Negrenses.

Albay. The NPA-Albay (Santos Binamera Command) was able to seize three short firearms in an ambush against the 31st IB on January 17 in Barangay Banquerohan, Legazpi City. Three soldiers were slain.

Rizal. The NPA-Rizal mounted two ambushes against a platoon comprised of elements of the 80th IB and Philippine National Police-Rizal at Sitio Dapis, Barangay Puray, Rodriguez on January 4. A soldier was killed and many others were wounded.

Panay. Red fighters launched three armed offensives against state forces in December 2020. Two ambushes were mounted by the NPA-Capiz against operating troops of the 12th IB in Barangay Buri, Tapaz, Capiz on December 9, 2020. On December 16, 2020, the NPA-Iloilo blasted a police mobile in Barangay Balicuas, Tubungan, Iloilo. A soldier was killed and eight others were wounded in the said offensives.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2021/01/21/npa-abra-ambushes-butcher-soldiers/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Protest against the abrogation of the UP-DND Accord

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jan 21, 2021): Protest against the abrogation of the UP-DND Accord

More than 200 individuals converged at the University of the Philippines (UP)-Diliman, Quezon City on January 19 to denounce the unilateral termination of the UP-Department of National Defense (DND) accord by DND Sec. Delfin Lorenzana. The said accord prohibits the entry of police and military forces in the campus without due permission from university administrators.

The maneuver aims to allow the military to intervene in UP which has long drawn the ire of the regime. This violates academic freedom and shrinks the democratic space in the campus. Soldiers can now freely roam around campuses empty of students with the implementation of the online learning system.

In a show of force, the military brazenly entered UP Diliman the next day. Duterte’s minions in congress now aim to also abrogate a similar agreement between the DND and the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.

To oppose these attacks, students must bravely defend the universities by holding assemblies in campuses to manifest their resistance.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2021/01/21/protest-against-the-abrogation-of-the-up-dnd-accord/

Kalinaw News: NPA member surrenders to 38IB

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jan 24, 2021): NPA member surrenders to 38IB



CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Another member of the Communist Terrorist Group in Sultan Kudarat have returned to the fold of the government and totally turned his back from the armed struggle of the Communist – New People’s Army-Terrorist (CNT) after he surrendered on January 20, 2021.

According to Major General Juvymax R. Uy, Commander of 6th Infantry (KAMPILAN) Division and Joint Task Force Central, the former rebel surrendered at the headquarters of 38th Infantry (WE CLEAR) Battalion in Sitio Tibulos, Barangay Baliango, Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat.

Maj. Gen. Uy, disclosed that the former extremist was the organizer-leader of the Kisasabanay Dulangan Manobo (Kiduma) and a former member of Platoon Telego, Guerilla Front 73 under Far South Mindanao Region. However, the army official held back from giving other information about the surrender of the former rebel including his name or identity for security reasons.

The former CTG member turned over one Cal. 30 M1A1 Garand rifle, six magazine clips, Forty-three rounds of ammunition and one bandolier to the military.

“The heightened military operation against the CTG had forced him to abandon his group and return to the folds of the law with the help of the 38th IB in Palimbang town” Maj. Gen. Uy further said.

“Just like the other former rebels, we will ensure his safety and security as he will go back to the mainstream society. We will work together with the local government unit for his livelihood opportunities” the Commander 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/npa-member-surrenders-to-38ib/

Kalinaw News: 4 Terrorists Killed in South Cotabato

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jan 24, 2021): 4 Terrorists Killed in South Cotabato



CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Four members of the Dawlah Islamiyah terrorist group were neutralized in a joint police-military and law enforcement support operations composed of the 5th Special Forces Battalion, under 6th Infantry (KAMPILAN) Division, T’boli Municipal Police and other augmentation forces in T’boli, South Cotabato on January 21, 2021.

The slain suspects were Macabangin brothers identified as Harudin, Norhan, Baharan and Moin all members of Dawlah Islamiyah (DI) Maguid Group reportedly under the command of alias ‘Tadoy’.

The army and police personnel raided the suspects’ hideout in Sitio Malou Jawe, Barangay Basag in the said town, around 5:00 a.m.

During the serving of the warrants of arrest, armed men fired at the arresting officers which prompted the government troops to retaliate. The exchange of gun fires lasted for 20 minutes which resulted to heavily wounding the suspects. The Government troops brought the casualties to the nearest hospital but were pronounced dead on arrival by the attending physician.

Recovered from their possession were one unit of homemade carbine, one magazine of carbine rifle, three live ammunition of carbine rifle, two units of Cal .45 pistol, two magazines of Cal .45, eleven live ammunition of Cal .45, one hand grenade, three units’ cellular phone, one piece of fired cartridge case of carbine, three pieces of fired cartridge case of Cal. 45, fifteen pieces of fired cartridge of caliber 5.56mm and pack of dried marijuana leaves with estimated value of P300.00.

Major General Juvymax R. Uy, Commander of 6th ID and Joint Task Force Central lauded the government troops for the successful conduct of the operation. “You have shown bravery and selflessly performed duties in securing the people of South Cotabato; for this reason, I commend you for a job well done “, said Maj. Gen Uy.

“The Joint Task Force Central and the 6th Infantry Division will continue to pursue remnants of the Dawlah Islamiyah and other terrorist groups operating in Central Mindanao to finally put an end to their terroristic activities and pave the way for a lasting peace in this part of Mindanao” the Commander 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/4-terrorists-killed-in-south-cotabato/

Kalinaw News: Labi ng estudyante na miyembro ng teroristang NPA narekober sa Baggao, Cagayan

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jan 24, 2021): Labi ng estudyante na miyembro ng teroristang NPA narekober sa Baggao, Cagayan



CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela- Narekober ng 501st Infantry Brigade at ng PNP Region 2 ang labi ng isang miyembro ng teroristang NPA sa Sitio Kapanisuwan, Barangay Bitag Grande, Baggao, Cagayan noong ika-23 ng Enero taong kasalukuyan.

Ibinahagi ng isang dating rebelde ang naturang impormasyon na kaagad inaksyonan ng kasundaluhan na nagresulta sa pagkakadiskubre sa mga labi ni Justine Bautista alyas Aira, Medical Officer at Political Guide ng Northern Front Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley at dating estudyante ng Cagayan State University. Bago pa man sumampa sa armadong kilusan si alyas Aira ay naging miyembro siya ng Kabataan at College Editor’s Guild of the Philippines.

Ayon sa dating rebelde, basta na lamang inilibing ng mga kasamahang NPA ang bangkay ni alyas Aira matapos mamatay sa engkwentro noong June 25, 2017 sa isinagawang pagsalakay ng NPA/Northern Front sa kampo ng militar sa San Jose, Baggao.

Nagpaabot ng pakikiramay ang pamunuan ng 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army sa mga kamag-anak ni alyas Aira. Inihayag din ni MGen Laurence E Mina PA, Commander ng 5ID ang kanyang kasidhian sa teroristang NPA. “Nakakalungkot isipin na matapos masawi si alyas Aira ay inilibing lamang siya ng hindi nabibigyan ng disenteng burol. Ang masama pa rito, ay anak siya mismo ng kumander ng NPA na gumagalaw sa Cagayan. Ito ang naging resulta ng panlilinlang ng mga rebeldeng CPP-NPA sa mga kabataan at mga estudyante. Sana ay wala ng kabataang matulad sa sinapit ni alyas Aira dahil sa pagsanib sa NPA.”

Dagdag pa ng heneral na ito ay isa lamang sa mga patunay na hindi binibigyan ng kahalagahan ng kilusan ang pagkatao ng kanilang mga kasapi. Walang patutunguhan ang kanilang ipinaglalabang idelohiya kundi ang katapusan. “Hinihikayat ko ang mga nalalabi pang mga kasapi ng CPP NPA na magising na sa katotohan at bitawan ang panlilinlang ng kilusan. Bumaba na kayo at yakapin ang tunay na demokrasya at makiisa bilang iisang lahing Pilipino. Nakaantabay ang tunay na pamahalaan sa inyong muling pagbabalik.”

Pinasalamatan din ni MGen Mina ang dating rebeldeng nakipagtulungan sa tropa ng pamahalaan upang mahukay ang labi ng dati niyang kasama upang mabigyan ng disente at maayos na libing.

Ang paghuhukay sa mga labi ni alyas Aira ay nasaksihan din ng mga opisyales ng barangay. Sa ngayon ay dinala na sa Regional Crime Laboratory Office 02 ang labi ni alyas Aira para sa karagdagan pang pagsisiyasat.

[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/labi-ng-estudyante-na-miyembro-ng-teroristang-npa-narekober-sa-baggao-cagayan/

Kalinaw News: Dawlah Islamiyah’s ‘Drug Trader’ Member Killed in Military-Police Operation in South Cotabato

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jan 24, 2021): Dawlah Islamiyah’s ‘Drug Trader’ Member Killed in Military-Police Operation in South Cotabato



CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Another member of Dawlah Islamiyah included in the top 10 drug personality in the municipality was killed in a law enforcement support operations of the combined elements of 5th Special Forces Battalion of 6th Infantry (KAMPILAN) Division, Polomolok MPS and other law enforcement agencies in Polomolok, South Cotabato on January 21, 2021.

The fatality was identified as Insik Mamalanta aliases Kamarudin Sante and Abu. Mamalanta engaged in a shootout with government forces in Purok 9, Barangay Koronadal Proper, Polomolok at around 4:30 a.m.

The operating troops carried a search warrant and reached the area when the suspect suddenly fired at the government forces forcing them to retaliate thereby wounding him. Mamalanta was immediately rushed to the nearest hospital but was declared dead on arrival by his attending physician.

“Intel reports says that Mamalanta is listed as leader of one of the existing armed group in the province under Tadoy Makatigel, and was also included in the Top 10 Municipal Drug Personality and member of Dawlah Islamiya – Maguid group (Socksargen Katiba)” said Major General Juvymax R. Uy, Commander of 6ID and Joint Task Force Central.

Recovered from the slain suspect’s possession included the following: one unit of Cal. 38 revolver, ammunition, one fired cartridge case of Cal. 38, three pieces cartridges of alleged 5.56MM, Illegal drug paraphernalia, ten pieces of rectangular shape heat sealed transparent cellophane sachet containing white crystalline substance of suspected shabu with estimated weight of more or less 1 gram worth P6, 860 and one piece rifle grenade with plastic casing.

“I commend the 5th Special Forces Battalion and other forces of the government for the neutralization of Dawlah Islamiyah terrorist member, thereby making true the mandate and commitment of Joint Task Force Central to protect the people of South Cotabato against the atrocities made by this terrorist” Maj. Gen. Uy added.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/dawlah-islamiyahs-drug-trader-member-killed-in-military-police-operation-in-south-cotabato/

Kalinaw News: 195 Tausug graduates from Citizens Basic Military Reserve Training; to form part of the Sulu Ready Reserve Battalion

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jan 24, 2021): 195 Tausug graduates from Citizens Basic Military Reserve Training; to form part of the Sulu Ready Reserve Battalion



Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista, Jolo, Sulu – 195 Tausugs who came from different areas of Patikul graduated from Basic Citizen Military Training Class 01-20 in a ceremony near the municipal hall saturday morning. A first in Sulu, the class will form part of the Sulu Ready Reserve Battalion, January 23, 2021,

The new reservist braved an intensive 45-day training facilitated by units under the Philippine Army Reserve Command led by MGen Peale Jon L Bondoc who witnessed the ceremony. Also present were; Governor Abdusakur M Tan, 11th Infantry Division Commander MGen William N Gonzales, and guest of honor Western Mindanao Commander LtGen Corleto S Vinluan Jr.

In his speech, LtGen Vinluan assured that the local chiefs and the new reservist that this is just the start of a community based security. “This graduation is just the start. We are going to form the first ever Sulu Ready Reserve Battalion. The ROTC graduates would also form part of upcoming unit.”

According to MGen Gonzales, the formation of a Ready Reserve Battalion in Sulu was based on guidance from Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. “Yesterday, the secretary said that he wants to strengthen the security here in Sulu. What more could be better than to let the Tausugs themselves do this? We have personnel from the police and regular army soldiers that are Tausug – now we are proud that we have a reserve force that consist of purely Sulu residents. I thank MGen Bondoc for all the support he continues to pour in.”

Meanwhile, Sulu Governor Abdusakur M Tan said that he himself is part of the reserve force with a rank of a Major. “The residents of Patikul are very lucky to be the first reservist batch in Sulu,” he added. Gov Tan was accompanied by Mayor Kerkhar Tan and Patikul Mayor Kabir Hayudini whose application as a reserve army captain is on the way.

[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/195-tausug-graduates-from-citizens-basic-military-reserve-training-to-form-part-of-the-sulu-ready-reserve-battalion/

Kalinaw News: Clashes Erupt in Misamis Oriental, Agusan del Sur; 1 NPA Dead, 3 Firearms Seized

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jan 24, 2021): Clashes Erupt in Misamis Oriental, Agusan del Sur; 1 NPA Dead, 3 Firearms Seized



Bancasi, Butuan City – Government troops under the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade thru its operationally controlled Battalions namely the 58th Infantry (Dimalulupig) Battalion and 26th Infantry (Ever Onward) Battalion clashed against CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) in Agusan Sur and Misamis Oriental provinces, respectively, on January 20, 2021.

The 402nd Brigade, under the leadership of Brigadier General Maurito L Licudine, continues to implement its campaign to neutralize the CPP-NPA Terrorist (CNTs) conducting extortion, recruitment and threatening the communities in its AOR.

“Our Battalions on the ground are continuously tracking and pursuing the CNTs since the end of the yuletide season. We shall not allow any breather to these terrorists who instill fear and disrupt the peace and development in the area. We will make the CNTs feel that we are always on their tails and even ahead of them. Rest assured that our focused military operations will not stop in order to ensure the safety of the people”, BGen Licudine said.

The troops of 58IB clashed around 7:15 in the morning of January 20, 2021 against more or less fifteen (15) CNTs believed to be members of Sentro De Gravidad (SDG) Samsung, Huawei, Sub Regional Committee (SRC) 1 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) at Brgy San Juan, Balingasag, Misamis Oriental.

The firefight that lasted for fifteen (15) minutes and the NPA terrorists were successfully driven away and scampered towards different directions. Troops discovered a CNT hideout and seized one (1) M653 Rifle, one (1) long magazine for M16 Rifle, four (4) short magazines for M16 Rifle, fifty (50) rounds ammo for M16, fifteen (15) rounds ammo for AK47 Rifle, two (2) cellular phones, one (1) USB, medical paraphernalia and subversive documents.

Meanwhile, at around 11:00 in the morning of same day, troops of 26IB tracking the CNTs for several days figured in a twenty (20)-minute skirmish against more or less twenty (20) members of the Regional Sentro De Gravidad (RSDG) Compaq of the NCMRC at Brgy Segunda, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur. Said firefight resulted to the death of one (1) NPA terrorist and the seizure of one (1) M16 Rifle with attached M203 Grenade Launcher.

BGen Licudine extended his sincere condolences to the bereaved family of the killed NPA and emphasized that the armed struggle is futile and not the solution to socio-economic issues. “The CPP/NPA leadership thinks only about their own interest. They used the lowly recruits to pursue their agenda and leave them dying without guilt. Our condolences to their families as they mourn their loss. This tragic death could have been avoided if the CPP-NPA-NDF did not exploit the innocent minds of these unfortunate victims”.

On the other hand, BGen Licudine underscored the role of the residents in the said areas as the significant element why the government troops were able to easily trace the NPA terrorist as the people are already awakened and accepted their responsibility to give their fair share in this fight.

“The civilians are an integral part of our successes. They have been reporting the presence of the CNTs in their communities allowing us to respond promptly. We also acknowledge the support and assistance given by the Local Chief Executives and Local Government Agencies to our government troops in the implementation of EO70 to finally end the local communist armed conflict in our AOR”.

“We reiterate our call for peace to those who wish and decide to abandon the armed struggle and surrender. They can still avail the E-CLIP where they will be given fresh start thru the Financial Assistance, Livelihood and Skills Trainings and Housing Assistance from NHA among others, that will provide opportunities to transform their lives from the path of violence to living peacefully with their love ones”, BGen Licudine stressed.

The government troops are all safe and continue tracking the escaping NPA Terrorists.

[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/clashes-erupt-in-misamis-oriental-agusan-del-sur-1-npa-dead-3-firearms-seized/

NTF-ELCAC grants P20-M dev’t fund for 215 villages in Region 11

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 24, 2021): NTF-ELCAC grants P20-M dev’t fund for 215 villages in Region 11 (By Che Palicte)

DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS. National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. (right) and Department of Budget and Management Secretary Wendel Avisado. Esperon said Saturday (Jan. 23, 2021) some 215 barangays in the Davao Region will be given PHP20 million worth of funds for the Barangay Development Program under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. (PNA photo by Prexx Marnie Kate Trozo)

A total of 215 barangays in the Region 11 (Davao) will be given PHP20 million worth of funds for the Barangay Development Program (BDP) under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

In a press conference here on Saturday, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said of the 215 identified barangays, 82 are from this city, 65 in Davao de Oro, 32 in Davao Oriental, 23 in Davao del Norte, eight in Davao del Sur, and five in Davao Occidental.

Under the NTF-ELCAC, BDP is the flagship program of the Duterte administration for poverty alleviation and development in the context of addressing the root causes of insurgency, he said.

“We will fine-tune the rules of implementation and our target rollout date is on March 15 or even earlier than that,” he added.

The identified barangays have previously been cleared of the threat and influence of the communist terrorist group (CTG) from 2016-2019 through security operations and are ready for a package of development projects contained in the BPD.

“The concept of this program was approved in January last year as it was presented to the President and the members of his Cabinet. The fact that no less than the President himself chairs the NTF-ELCAC underscores the importance of this undertaking,” he said.

Esperon further said the program was intended to curb the recruitment of the New People’s Army (NPA) through holistic development projects that bridge the gap between the needs of the communities and accessibility.

“It intends to eradicate the root causes of insurgency, poverty, disease, lack of education and opportunities, and finally, social injustice. Allow me to reassure the public that the barangay recipients of the programs under the BDP were consulted and vetted through our stringent measures,” Esperon added.

The barangay recipients will spend the PHP20 million fund through the following programs and activities: farm to market roads by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Department of Public Works and Highways -- PHP12 million; school buildings by the Department of Education -- PHP3 million; water and sanitation systems by Department of the Interior and Local Government --PHP2 million; and reforestation and national greening program of Department of Environment and Natural Resources and for health stations by the Department of Health -- PHP1.5 million each.

“It shall be implemented by the regional offices in coordination with the local chief executives. It will demonstrate a collaborative effort between various stakeholders both the national and local level,” he added.

Meanwhile, Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado said the budget will be downloaded to the barangays as soon as his office receives the complete documents with the requirements.

“President Duterte ordered me to fast-track the release of the fund so that the barangays can start implementing the projects,” he said.

Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang said they will adhere to the guidelines of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on the utilization of the fund.

“There will be barangay consultations as to what are their priority projects based on the guidelines given by DBM for the utilization of PHP20 million. We will make sure to prioritize what the community needs because we are focusing to address the insurgency problems,” Dayanghirang added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1128387

DND welcomes PRRD’s desire to acquire more choppers

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 24, 2021): DND welcomes PRRD’s desire to acquire more choppers (By Priam Nepomuceno)

President Rodrigo R. Duterte

The Department of National Defense (DND) on Sunday expressed its gratitude to President Rodrigo R. Duterte for his readiness to purchase more helicopters to replace the ageing UH-I "Huey" combat utility helicopters of the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong issued this statement in the wake of President Rodrigo R. Duterte's announcement last Friday to acquire more helicopters for PAF and decommission its ageing assets to protect the lives of military personnel.

"The DND expresses its sincerest gratitude for President Duterte's approval of the purchase of more helicopters for the PAF to replace the ageing Hueys," he added.

Andolong also pointed out that PAF received six modern S-70i "Black Hawk" late last year which is part of the 16 units ordered from Polish company Polskie Zaklady Lotnicze Sp.z.o.o. and manufactured under license from Sikorsky USA.

The entire order is worth USD241 million or about PHP11.5 billion.

The remaining 10 S-70is are expected to be delivered this year.

The "Black Hawks" were procured through a government-to-government transaction with Poland.

The negotiations were completed in 2019.

The acquisition of the S-70i combat utility helicopters was part of Horizon 2 of the AFP Modernization Program.

"With the President's announcement of his intention to acquire more helicopters, we see it as a positive development as the procurement of additional combat utility helicopters (CUH) can now proceed smoothly and without delay because it came from the President himself," he added.

All PAF UH-Is were ordered grounded following the Jan. 16 mishap in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon on January 16, killing five military personnel and two militiamen.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1128381