Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events: 02/01/21

Monday, February 1, 2021

P1.8M firearm remuneration benefits 15 former rebels in DavSur

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 1, 2021): P1.8M firearm remuneration benefits 15 former rebels in DavSur (By Carina Cayon)

DIGOS CITY, Davao del Sur, Jan. 29 (PIA) – More than P1.8 million worth of financial assistance under the government’s Firearm Remuneration Program has benefited 15 former rebels from Davao del Sur, who surrendered their firearms when they returned to the folds of the law.

The former rebels personally received their checks on Wednesday (Jan. 27) during the awarding ceremony at the Davao del Sur Coliseum in Digos City where the surrendered firearms were also presented.

Governor Douglas Cagas together with Provincial Director Mika-Chan Magtulis of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) - Davao del Sur, headed the distribution of the cash assistance which ranged from a minimum of P60,000.00 to P214,000.00.

Under the Firearm Remuneration Program, the cash incentives will depend on the type of firearms surrendered.

Magtulis bared that the beneficiaries surrendered to the government in 2019 when they also yielded up their firearms from low to high-caliber weapons such as different types of rifles.

The Firearm Remuneration Program, which is part of DILG’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) for former rebels, intends to urge members of the New Peoples Army (NPA) and the so-called Militia ng Bayan to surrender along with their firearms.

Another two former rebels also received cash assistance worth P65,000.00 under ECLIP’s livelihood and immediate assistance.

Magtulis stated that the financial assistance for the former rebels will help them prepare to be reintegrated to their respective communities, and regain their normal life.

Cagas urged the former rebels to support “the wishes and the efforts of our President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to end this conflict among Filipinos. Tapuson nato ning pag away-away sa atong nasud. Daghan nag nangamatay niini daghan na og na injured (Let’s put an end to this conflict in our country. Many have died, many were injured).”

“But when you encourage people to go back to the folds of the law, provide them with support, to sustain them,” the governor emphasized.

The awarding of the ECLIP assistance was held in time for the commencement rites of the Tupad Pangako Program (TPP) where another 21 former rebels graduated from a three-month livelihood training program at the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center in Bansalan, Davao del Sur.

The TPP was launched in October 2020, in a bid to provide assistance for the FRs in Davao del Sur to start a new and normal life.

The TPP was a joint initiative of the provincial local government of Davao del Sur, DILG Davao del Sur, Philippine Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion and Davao del Sur Provincial Police Office (DSPPO), and the MBRLC. (PIA-XI/Carina L. Cayon)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1065590

ASG surrenderers rise to 21 as 1 more yields in Zambo City

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 2, 2021): ASG surrenderers rise to 21 as 1 more yields in Zambo City (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

The number of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) surrenderers within the Western Mindanao Command’s (Westmincom) area of operations since last month climbed to 21 as another ASG bandit yielded to military authorities, officials said Tuesday.

Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of Westmincom, said Serhan Nieva Saliddin, a native of Indanan, Sulu, surrendered Monday to the Joint Task Force Zamboanga (JTFZ).

Saliddin, who lay low for more than three years, yielded an M-14 rifle when he surrendered to the JTFZ headed by Col. Antonio John Divinagracia.

Divinagracia said Saliddin decided to surrender “because he wants to clear his name and his being linked to the notorious group.”

“Through a negotiation with our intelligence personnel, he is now done being a lawless element and is ready to be reintegrated into the mainstream society,” Divinagracia said.

Vinluan said Saliddin was a follower of Sulu-based ASG leader Mujer Yada and has served as one of the guards of four kidnap victims consisting of two Canadians, a Norwegian, and a Filipina.

The ASG bandits kidnapped Canadians Robert Hall and John Ridsdel, Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad, and Filipina Marites Flor on Sept. 21, 2015 at Oceanview Resort in the Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte.

The ASG killed the two Canadians for failure to pay the ransom while Flor and Sekkingstad were freed separately in 2016.

For fear of his safety, Saliddin said he decided to lie low and started moving from one place to another, after which he traveled to Sabah in January 2019 where he worked construction worker.

He then moved to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where he was imprisoned due to illegal entry and was among the Filipino deportees sent back to this city in October last year due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Alaric Avelino Delos Santos, Westmincom Civil-Military Operations chief, said Saliddin would be enrolled in the government's reintegration and rehabilitation program.

“We hope that more of our misled brothers will follow his footstep,” delos Santos added.

Lt. Col. Haywein Salvado of the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) said Saliddin has no pending case and is free to be reintegrated into mainstream society.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1129267

Sayyaf man who guarded beheaded Canadians surrenders to military

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 1, 2021): Sayyaf man who guarded beheaded Canadians surrenders to military (By: Julie Alipala)

One of the terrorists who had taken captive two Canadians who were beheaded in captivity in Sulu had surrendered to officials of the military-led Joint Task Force Zamboanga on Monday (Feb. 1).

Brig. Gen. John Divinagracia, task force commanding officer, said Serhan Nieva Saliddin, 37, was one of Abu Sayyaf members under the leadership of Mundi Sawadjaan.

Saliddin, according to Divinagracia, served as guard watching over the two Canadians, a Norwegian and a Filipino who were kidnapped in a resort on Samal Island, Davao del Norte province and brought to Sulu, an Abu Sayyaf bailiwick, five years ago.

The Canadians, John Risdel, 68, and Robert Hall, 50, and Norwegian Kjartan Sekkisnstad, 56, and Filipino Teresita Flor were kidnapped in the resort owned by Sekkinstad on Samal island on Sept. 21, 2015.

Seven months after the kidnapping, on April 25, 2016, Abu Sayyaf beheaded the two Canadians separately—Risdel first then Hall on June 13, 2016.

Divinagracia said Saliddin guarded the hostages for up to seven months.

Saliddin’s assignment was to guard the hostages but he “left the group after encountering hardships in the mountain due to a series of military operations,” Divinagracia said.

Saliddin left the group when the two Canadians “were still alive,” he added.

Flor was first to be released after a month of captivity while Sekkinstad was freed only in September 2016.

Divinagracia said Saliddin went in hiding and left Sulu in 2018 for Taganak Island in Tawi-Tawi. He entered Sabah illegally and traveled to Kota Kinabalu, where he was arrested for illegal entry.

Since his arrest in 2018, Saliddin had been jailed in Kota Kinabalu until he was deported to the Philippines in September 2020.

Saliddin stayed in Zamboanga City with relatives at the village of Mampang “but frequently changed locations out of fear,” said Divinagracia.

The Army officer said Saliddin later sent surrender feelers. “We evaluated his case and we accepted his surrender this morning,” Divinagracia said.

He said it was up to police to file charges against Saliddin.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1390762/sayyaf-man-who-guarded-beheaded-canadians-surrender-to-military

Opinion: Biden administration: Prospects for Phl-US relations

Opinion piece posted to the Philippine Star (Jan 31, 2021): Biden administration: Prospects for Phl-US relations (By BABE’S EYE VIEW FROM WASHINGTON D.C. - Ambassador B. Romualdez)

The other night, I was invited to the “2021 Prospects for the Philippines” online forum organized by the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines, where I spoke on the prospects for Philippines-United States relations. The open forum after my speech was a welcome opportunity to engage with FOCAP members – among them Jim Gomez of the Associated Press, respected former Beijing based CNN journalist Jim FlorCruz and FOCAP president Jamela Alindogan. The late FOCAP founder Gaby Tabuñar was a personal friend of mine from my early days as a news reporter for Channel 9. It was actually an opportunity for me to share with media the work being done by our Philippine embassy team in Washington.

No one ever expected that a once-in-a century crisis would confront us. The pandemic has wrought untold devastation on people’s lives and their livelihood, with countries especially the United States having to cope with the economic consequences. As I told the FOCAP members and guests, the challenge that our country – as well as the rest of the world – is facing revolves around protecting the people from the COVID-19 pandemic while creating the conditions that would bring about swift and sustainable economic recovery.

As it has only been less than two weeks since President Joe Biden took his oath as US president, it is understandable that the early days of his administration would be devoted to “getting the house in order,” so to speak, with the top priority being the implementation of a comprehensive and detailed strategy to address the raging COVID-19 infection rate in the US.

As early as May last year, we have been talking to US biotech and pharmaceutical companies at the forefront of developing COVID-19 vaccines and we are extremely pleased that we had fruitful discussions, with separate commitments from Novavax (through the Serum Institute of India), Moderna and Johnson & Johnson for the supply of 30 million, 20 million and six million doses of their respective vaccines with initial deliveries beginning as early as this May.

The arrangement with Moderna has the national government, LGUs and the private sector pooling their resources to have as many Filipinos inoculated, particularly those in the frontlines and those providing essential services. I cannot thank businessman Ricky Razon enough for volunteering not only to consolidate orders from LGUs and businesses, but also to ship the vaccines from the manufacturing facility in Europe at no cost to the government – clearly underscoring the importance of private-public partnership during this crisis.

During the Q&A, we were asked how serious the US pivot to Asia is and the situation regarding the South China Sea. I told them the Biden administration was ready to recognize the Philippines’ arbitral award like the previous administration. In fact, early on right after the US elections, we already reached out to senior foreign policy advisers of the incoming Biden administration to get a feel of what their policy would be like on the South China Sea.

During the conversation between Foreign Affairs Secretary Teddy Boy Locsin and State Secretary Antony Blinken, both reaffirmed the two nations’ commitment to further strengthening the alliance. On the South China Sea, Secretary Blinken gave his assurance that the US will stand with claimant countries and reiterated the previous administration’s stance as far as China’s maritime claims are concerned. He also underscored that the Mutual Defense Treaty will apply to armed attacks against the Philippines – a clear indication that our alliance remains solid.

I was also asked about the Visiting Forces Agreement and while it is in limbo right now, so to speak, I am sure this will be part of the discussion surrounding the Mutual Defense Treaty during the annual Bilateral Strategic Dialogue between the Philippines and the US (which will be done virtually for the first time due to the pandemic) which I will be attending. I will also have a meeting on Monday with a key member of the White House National Security Council to discuss foreign policy issues that impact both our countries.

During his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin acknowledged the importance of Asia, saying that the region must be “the focus of our effort, and I see China in particular as a pacing challenge for the department,” promising that there will be a “laser-like focus on developing the right capabilities, plans, operational concepts” that will ensure that the US will maintain a competitive edge with regard to China.

Secretary Austin also said that the US will continue to advocate the peaceful resolution of maritime disputes without force or coercion. While the US does not insert itself into territorial or maritime disputes to which it is not a part, it maintains a strong position on adherence to the legal regime of the oceans reflected in the Law of the Sea Convention.

The Philippines has been consistent in pushing for the resolution of disputes in a peaceful manner, and we welcome the US effort to work closely with allies and partners in addressing issues of common concern and interest.

While the US Congress is now led by Democrats, we have friends from both sides of the political spectrum, so I remain confident that the bilateral relationship between the US and the Philippines will remain strong. Most importantly, the friendship between the two nations is deeply anchored on our people-to-people ties – made very evident during this pandemic with thousands of Filipino-Americans working as frontliners and essential workers, performing their duties with dedication, compassion and utmost excellence.

https://www.philstar.com/opinion/2021/01/31/2074202/biden-administration-prospects-phl-us-relations

ASG leader killed in Tawi-Tawi encounter

From The Manila Times (Jan 31, 2021): ASG leader killed in Tawi-Tawi encounter (By Al Jacinto)

A sub-leader of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) was killed in a clash with policemen in the southern Philippine province of Tawi-Tawi, according to officials.

The officials on Friday said Alkam Hadjail exchanged gunfire with commandos, who were trying to capture him in Maraning village in Languyan town on Thursday.

Hadjail opened fire on police forces sent there to serve a warrant of arrest.

He was involved in terrorism and ransom kidnappings in Mindanao and was eventually tracked down in his hideout by security forces.

Meanwhile, the fighting happened on the same day soldiers ordered the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) to dismantle its camp in the capital town of Bongao after villagers noticed the presence of strangers in the area.

Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, said the illegal camp, which was accessible by boat in the village of Lakit-Lakit, raised serious security concerns among civilians in the town.

“The camp, which is accessible by boat, has become a serious security concern for the people of Bongao due to the continuous construction of perimeter houses and the reported presence of people not from the province,” Vinluan added.

He said the illegal establishment of the camp is a violation of the peace accord that the MNLF signed with Manila in 1996.

“This is a clear violation of the 1996 final peace agreement between the government and the MNLF. Hence, [a] series of dialogues were conducted by the provincial government and the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi with the local MNLF (leaders) for the dismantling of the structure,” Vinluan added.

He said the local government and the military exhausted all diplomatic means to compel the group to peacefully dismantle and vacate their unauthorized encampment.

Gov. Yshmael Sali said only police and military camps are allowed in Tawi-Tawi, one of five provinces under the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

“We disallow the establishment of camps except those by legitimate security forces [such as] the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police here in Tawi-Tawi,” he added.

There was no immediate statement from MNLF’s Nur Misuari, chief of the former rebel group.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/01/31/news/regions/asg-leader-killed-in-tawi-tawi-encounter/835339/

Renewed push for peace in Philippines as more fighters look to lay down arms

From the Arab News (Jan 30, 2021): Renewed push for peace in Philippines as more fighters look to lay down arms

Moro Islamic Liberation Front leader Murad Ebrahim with Gen. Carlito Galvez, Jr, chief of staff the Armed Forces of the Philippines, during his visit to their camp in 2018. (Photo by Ellie Aben/AN)

Program facing hurdles as the government struggles to fulfil financial pledges to militants in Bangsamoro region, CM Murad says

MANILA: Hundreds of local militants from Daesh-inspired groups in the southern Philippines are considering giving up their weapons to live everyday lives, even as the government continues to register gains in its anti-terror programs, Al Hajj Murad Ebrahim, chief minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), said on Friday.

“We are trying to open dialogue with them, convincing them to join us, the government,” Murad told reporters at the annual forum of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP).

Since its inception two years ago, the BARMM government has overseen the decommissioning of thousands of fighters from the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF).

The BIAF is the military wing of the MILF, once the largest Muslim insurgent group in the Philippines, which Murad also heads.

“Our target is... we will be decommissioning at least 40,000 combatants. This will be divided into three phases – the first 30 percent, a second 35 percent and a third 35 percent. We have completed the 30 percent, which is the first phase of 12,000 (former BIAF members). Plus there was an initial batch during the past administration where we already started a symbolic decommissioning of 1,500 (MILF fighters),” Murad said.

For progress in the initiative, Murad said the BARMM government had started talks with members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) to drop their weapons and return to normalcy.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front leader casts his vote for the first time in a historic referendum seeking to ratify a law that gives more autonomy to the Philippines’ Muslim minority on Jan. 21, 2019. (Photo by Ellie Aben/AN)

In 2014, both the BIFF and the ASG, the most violent militant organization in Mindanao, pledged allegiance to Daesh. Neither the BIFF nor the ASG is led by one leader, and they have splintered into several factions.

The BIFF parted ways with the MILF, which now leads the interim Bangsamoro government, during former President Gloria Macapagal’s rule when the peace process was halted for some time.

The BIFF is divided into three factions, with Murad saying that two of its groups were “open to the dialogue”.

He said that more than 900 of its members would like to join the Bangsamoro government’s decommissioning process.

During BARMM’s second anniversary celebrations last week, Murad said that besides the BIFF, a few ASG members had also “manifested their possible joining in the parliament and the decommissioning process.”

He, however, did not divulge any other details during the forum but added that the decommissioning of the MILF combatants was being delayed as the government had yet to deliver on its promise to extend 1 million pesos ($21,000) in socio-economic packages for each of the 13,500 decommissioned combatants. They had returned to civilian life in the first phase of the initiative.

The package includes housing amenities, scholarships for their children, and a few other economic projects.

“So far they have received only P100,000 each,” Murad said, adding that they had raised the issue with the national government to prevent further frustration among ex-MILF fighters which might cause them to return to militancy.

Officials at the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Department of National Defense were unavailable for comment when contacted by Arab News on Saturday.

Murad said that the “real challenge” was sourcing the program’s funds.

“I think the challenge with the national government is there is no particular budget for that 1 million pesos each. Their plan is they will take it out from the programs of the different departments. So now that is the challenge because it takes time before the departments can extend the necessary assistance to the (first batch of former) combatants,” he said.

“Unless we can at least complete this assistance, then we cannot go on with the second phase of the decommissioning. And the second phase is scheduled already for this time,” Murad continued.

The decommissioning of the former BIAF members is part of the normalization track of the MILF-Government of the Philippines peace agreement. It is envisioned that the ex-fighters will be able to return to mainstream society, and the six government-acknowledged MILF camps and communities will be transformed into peaceful communities.

Several Bangsamoro officials have been lobbying for a three-year extension for the Bangsamoro transition government to meet their targets, citing the challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Murad said that the call for an extension was “not about politics or political power.”

“We see that we need this extension to complete the implementation of the agreement,” he said.

https://www.arabnews.com/node/1801016/world

4 suspected NPA rebels slain in Camarines Sur clash

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer(Feb 1, 2021): 4 suspected NPA rebels slain in Camarines Sur clash (By: Mar S. Arguelles)

Four suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in an encounter with Army soldiers in a remote village in Garchitorena town in Camarines Sur province Monday, the military said.

Captain John Paul Belleza, public affairs office chief of the Philippine Army’s 9th Infantry Division, said the still-unidentified rebels were killed in the firefight with Army soldiers on combat patrol in Barangay Toytoy around 11 a.m.

The slain suspected rebels were believed to be members of the NPA’s Guerilla Front Larangan 1 operating in Camarines Sur.

Recovered from the scene were nine assault rifles belonging to the armed group, four of which were from the slain rebels. The companions of the slain rebels immediately fled.

Belleza said government troops were still in hot pursuit against the fleeing rebels.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1390606/4-suspected-npa-rebels-slain-in-camarines-sur-clash

Esperon hits CPP over claims vs NTF-ELCAC dev't programs

From Abs-CBN (Jan 31, 2021): Esperon hits CPP over claims vs NTF-ELCAC dev't programs (By ERWIN COLCOL)

National Security Adviser Hermogenes C. Esperon Jr. on Sunday hit back at the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) for claiming that the barangay development programs (BDP) of the government’s anti-communist task force are mere “band-aid” solutions to cover up the “roots of peasant unrest in the countryside."

In a statement, Esperon described the CPP's assertions, as released by its information officer Marco Valbuena, as merely an "act of desperation" on the part of the left-wing organization.

Contrary to Valbuena's claims, he said the BDP is the flagship program of the Duterte administration to end the local communist armed conflict by addressing the root causes of insurgency.

The funding for the BDP is part of the budget allocation for the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) for 2021.

"I wish to emphatically state that the projects under the BDP were conceived through multi-sectoral consultations with threatened/affected communities in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs)," Esperon said.

"The selection of barangay recipients and their corresponding programs and projects had undergone stringent vetting from national agencies. The grassroots-level needs assessment ensures that the recipients of the package of development initiatives are endowed access to basic services essential for a dignified and comfortable life," he added.

Esperon also belied Valbuena's claims that under the BDP, P20 million will be distributed among 215 barangays, which is supposedly equivalent to P93,000 each.

“What will the NTF-ELCAC's P20 million bring to 215 barangays (which if distributed equally amounts to P93,000 each)? Practically nothing. Just think, each barangay will get a health center worth P6,976? Or P13,953 for a school building?” Valbuena said in his earlier statement.

But Esperon corrected Valbuena and said that the P20 million is to be given to each barangay cleared of the threat and influence of the New People's Army from 2016 to 2019.

He said that a total of 822 barangays will be receiving the P20 million BDP assistance, not 215 as Valbuena claimed. This means that a total P16.44 billion will be allotted for the programs and projects to be implemented under the BDP, he added.

"It would be ridiculous to assume, in his words, that 'each barangay will get a health center worth P6,976... or P13,953 for a school building.' The entire machinery of the government’s checks and balances was exhausted in the review and approval process of this Program, from the Congressional Hearings to the Department of Budget and Management," Esperon said.

"No competent disbursement authority will allow such an unbelievably small amount such as P6,976 for a health center or P13,953 for a school building," he added.

Esperon likewise slammed Valbuena for claiming that the NTF-ELCAC is undermining "civilian supremacy" by taking over the functions of civilian agencies through its barangay development projects.

"It might interest Mr. Valbuena to know that contrary to his statement, it is the civilian agencies that shall be implementing the Barangay Development Program as they have been involved in the NTF-ELCAC from the beginning," he said.

"Through the partnership of civilian agencies and private-sector organizations, needs-based programs are to be provided to identified communities. In the fulfillment of the Whole-Of-Nation Approach, private-public sector partnership is the foundation of nation-building as espoused through the NTF-ELCAC’s goals," he added.

Esperon advised Valbuena and the CPP to not stand in the way of grassroots developments if they cared for social justice, progress, and equality.

"Intindihin niyo muna nang mabuti ang BDP bago kayo magpuna," he said.

The House Makabayan Bloc had criticized the NTF-ELCAC's P16.4 billion budget for the BDP during the 2021 budget deliberations.

ACT Teachers party-list Representative France Castro surmised that the huge allocation could only be used as "pork barrel" for the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Malacañang defended the proposed budget of the task force, saying that it is a “valid expenditure.”

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/773989/esperon-hits-cpp-over-claims-vs-ntf-elcac-dev-t-programs/story/

35 NPA rebels surrender in north

From The Manila Times (Feb 1, 2021): 35 NPA rebels surrender in north (By Leander C. Domingo)

CAMP MELCHOR F. DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela: Thirty-five members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) have surrendered to the 17th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Zinundungan Valley, according to the Army’s Fifth Infantry Division (ID).

A Fifth ID soldier said the Zinundungan Valley in Rizal town in Cagayan province is one of the CPP-NPA rebel strongholds in Region 2 (Cagayan Valley).

Among the surrenderers, three were regular members of the CPP-NPA, five were members of the Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad and 27 were Militia ng Bayan members, who simultaneously surrendered to the 17th IB on Jan. 28, 2021.

They said they only experienced hardships and difficulties in joining and supporting the rebel movement.

Maj. Gen. Laurence Mina, Fifth ID commander, said a continuous community support program to bring to villages the programs and projects of the government convinced the former rebels to give up the fight.

Mina added that the military, in collaboration with different government agencies, will not stop in bringing the programs and projects of the government, especially to communities that have been left undeveloped.

He thanked the former rebels for trusting the Philippine Army and the government. Retired Army colonel Darwin Sacramed, Cagayan provincial administrator, lauded the members of the CPP-NPA for surrendering to the government and for finally being able to join their respective families and villages.

Col. Steve Crepillo, 501st IB commander, said their decision to surrender was the greatest contribution to the government’s pursuit of peace and order in Cagayan province.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/02/01/news/regions/35-npa-rebels-surrender-in-north/835772/

17 Westmincom personnel promoted

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Jan 31, 2021): 17 Westmincom personnel promoted

ZAMBOANGA. Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, reminds the 17 newly promoted Westmincom personnel to serve selflessly and remain steadfast to their mandate of serving the people. A photo handout shows Vinluan pinning the insignia to Storekeeper Chief Annelyn Marcelo of the Navy and one of those promoted to the next higher rank. (SunStar Zamboanga)

THE newly promoted personnel of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) had been reminded to continue to serve selflessly and remain steadfast to their mandate of serving the people and securing the Southwestern Philippines.

Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan, Jr., commander of Westmincom, issued the advise as he led Friday, January 29, the simple donning of ranks ceremony to the 17 newly promoted personnel at the Eisenhower Hall, Khadaffy Mansion, Camp Basilio Navarro that houses the Westmincom headquarters in this city.

Four of the newly promoted enlisted personnel were from the Philippine Air Force, 11 from the Philippine Navy, and two from the Philippine Army.

The promoted Air Force personnel include Master Sergeant Luke Dello, Master Sergeant Marty Gee Vicente, Staff Sergeant Argie Macatumbas, and Staff Sergeant Anjoe Macansantos.

Among the promoted Navy personnel are Storekeeper Chief Annelyn Marcelo, Machinery Repairman 1st Class Reynaldo Delfin, Electriciansmate 1st Class Noel Bismar, Gunnersmate 1st Class Jose Alvin Enriquez, Disbursing Clerk 1st Class Sherwin Patron, Machinery Repairman 1st Class Ramil Gonzales, Electronics Technician 1st Class Wilmer Ignacio, Storekeeper 2nd Class Irene Marticio, Data Processing 3rd Class Naser Ladjahasan, Yeoman 3rd Class Henry Marcos, and Electronics Technician 3rd Class Rey Villalon.

Technical Sergeant Tirso Nicor and Sergeant Nursana Baridji of the Philippine Army were also among the promoted enlisted personnel of the command.

“As you are pinned with your new rank insignia, bear in mind that it is just the beginning of another journey full of bigger responsibilities,” Vinluan told the newly promoted enlisted personnel.

Vinluan said the promotion in the Armed Forces of the Philippines is a significant achievement in a service member’s career.

He said it is a testament to their commitment, mastery of duties and skills, and to the service member’s leadership capabilities.

He added that it also uplifts the morale of the soldiers thereby increasing their productivity.

Brigadier General Camilo Balutan, Westmincom deputy commander for operations, the command staff, and the senior non-commissioned officers graced the donning of ranks ceremony.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1884457/Zamboanga/Local-News/17-Westmincom-personnel-promoted

AFP names acting intel chief amid ongoing probe on ‘erroneous’ red-tagging list

From CNN Philippines (Jan 31, 2021): AFP names acting intel chief amid ongoing probe on ‘erroneous’ red-tagging list

The Armed Forces of the Philippines designated on Sunday the acting deputy chief-of-staff for intelligence amid the ongoing probe on the erroneous list that tagged some University of the Philippines alumni as members of the New People’s Army.

AFP spokesperson Edgard Arevalo confirmed on Sunday that BGen. Charles Gaerlan will be the acting intelligence chief.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana earlier sacked then intelligence chief MGen. Alex Luna following the publication of the list.

Moreover, the AFP also said that BGen. Gabriel Viray is named as the acting civil military operations chief.

The post was formerly held by MGen. Benedict Arevalo, who was also relieved after his office posted on Facebook the list of UP alumni allegedly captured and killed after joining the communist group.

The military apologized later on after Lorenzana acknowledged the mistake.

https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2021/1/31/AFP-names-acting-intel-chief-probe-red-tagging-list-.html

CPP/NDF-Bicol: Parlade at NTF-ELCAC, ang palpak, magastos at masugid na makinarya ng fake news ng rehimeng US-Duterte

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Feb 1, 2021): Parlade at NTF-ELCAC, ang palpak, magastos at masugid na makinarya ng fake news ng rehimeng US-Duterte

MA. ROJA BANUA

SPOKESPERSON

NDF-BICOL

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

FEBRUARY 01, 2021

Kahit sa gitna ng pandemya at matinding krisis, pinanggigigilan ng butangerong si Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade, Jr. at ng NTF-ELCAC ang mamamayang mapangahas at matapang na lumalaban sa diktadura. Hindi pa natatapos ang buwan, kitang-kita na kung saan inaaksaya ng naturang task force ang P19 bilyong pondo nito. Kabilang na rito ang enggrandeng programa sa Maynila at sa iba pang prubinsya upang iparada ang mga pekeng pinasukong NPA at tuluy-tuloy na red-tagging sa mga unibersidad at iba pang progresibong organisasyon at indibidwal. Ngunit malinaw sa mamamayang Pilipino ang katotohanan: hindi sila mapapakain, mababakunahan o matutulungang makaahon mula sa sunud-sunod na sakuna ng mga pekeng balita at pananakot ng pasistang estado.

Mismong si Parlade at ang NTF-ELCAC ang gumagatong sa obhetibong kondisyon upang magngalit ang mamamayan, sa loob at labas ng bansa, sa diktadura ng rehimeng US-Duterte. Palaki nang palaki ang inaaning suporta ng masang Pilipinong nagpupunyagi para sa demokrasya hanggang sa ibayong dagat. Hindi napigilan ng mga junket ng NTF-ELCAC sa ibayong dagat at sa loob ng bansa ang pagkilala ng mga institusyong nagtataguyod ng karapatang tao, akademiko, European Union (EU) at ng iba pang lokal at pandaigdigang organisasyon sa malubhang kalagayan ng karapatang tao sa bansa. Kamakailan nga lamang, umikot si Parlade sa Sorsogon upang iparada ang mga pekeng pinasukong NPA at patuloy na magpakalat ng mga pekeng balita at sindakin ang masang Bikolano.

Hindi tinakot ng red-tagging ang mamamayan, bagkus higit na lumakas ang kanilang pagkakaisa. Sa halip na maihiwalay ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan, lalong napalapit dito ang masang api at pinagsasamantalahan dahil nabatid nilang makatwiran at makatarungang lumaban. Kaya ilang beses mang ipahayag ng AFP-PNP-CAFGU at iba pang ahensya ng sibilyang junta ni Duterte na nalulusaw na ang mga sonang gerilya sa dami ng diumano’y sumusukong NPA at opensiba ng militar, sila rin naman ang nabibigwasan at nailalantad bilang mga hibang at sinungaling.

Mahigpit na nananawagan ang NDF-Bikol sa masang Bikolano na magpatuloy sa pagkakaisa at pagpapalakas ang panawagan para sa pagbuwag ng NTF-ELCAC, pagbasura sa EO 70 at mga kahalintulad na batas at tuluyang pagtuldok sa diktadura ng rehimeng US-Duterte. Ang mga krimen ni Duterte bilang commander-in-chief at tagapangulo ng NTF-ELCAC ay isa sa isang libo’t isang dahilan bakit dapat wakasan na ang kanyang paghahari-harian. Magpakailanma’y kasama ng mamamayan ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa bawat hakbang tungo sa pagkamit ng tunay na panlipunang pagbabago.

https://cpp.ph/statements/parlade-at-ntf-elcac-ang-palpak-magastos-at-masugid-na-makinarya-ng-fake-news-ng-rehimeng-us-duterte/

CPP/NPA-NCMROC: 20 casualties among AFP conducting FMO in Bukidnon

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Feb 1, 2021): 20 casualties among AFP conducting FMO in Bukidnon

MALEM MABINI

SPOKESPERSON

NORTH CENTRAL MINDANAO REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

FEBRUARY 01, 2021

The New People’s Army – North Central Mindanao Region (NPA-NCMR) lauds the Red fighters in Bukidnon for their successful offensives against the fascist AFP troops conducting focused military operation in the region. Within two weeks, from January 20 to 31, the NPA in Bukidnon launched eight military actions against the enemy where the AFP suffered more than 20 casualties.

Last January 20, 12:00 PM, the NPA simultaneously attacked the AFP detachments in Sityo Kipulot, Brgy. Palacapao and Brgy. Butong, Quezon, Bukidnon. On the following day, enemies departed from their camp in Brgy. Butong to Davco. One enemy was killed in Brgy. Butong while result in the Brgy. Palacapao attack is still for confirmation.

• January 25, 9:30 PM, the NPA paralyzed six equipment of the Ulticon Builders Incorporated (UBI) in Brgy. Mandahikan, Cabanglasan, Bukidnon. The Red fighters burned down two backhoe, two mixers, one dump truck and one small mixer. The said company is infamous for paying low wage among its workers as well as not giving their 13th month pay and for not giving compensation for the residents’ farmlands, houses and lands destroyed by the company’s road construction.

• January 26, 1:00 AM, the NPA launched a surprise attack against the AFP camp in Brgy. Minungan, Quezon, Bukidnon. Upon arriving at the camp’s gate, a handstoke was released towards the open door. The comrades, who were positioned at the upper area of the detachment, then fired at the enemy’s location. Three enemies were killed-in-action.

• January 27, 12:00 midnight, the NPA attacked the AFP troops under the 60th IB who were guarding the UBI’s equipment in Sitio Butay Simong, Brgy. Namnam, San Fernando, Bukidnon. Two enemy troopers were killed.

• January 29, 12:30 PM, the NPA attacked the AFP troops conducting psychological operation through CSP in Sitio Buko, Brgy. Banlag, Valencia City, Bukidnon. The enemy troops were only 50 meters away from the community and were obviously using the residents as their shield. The NPA used a rifle grenade as their signal fire before firing several gunshots. The Red fighters then withdrew right after the attack. Meanwhile, the enemy went on a rampage and randomly fired their weapons until the following day.

• January 30, a military soldier was killed-in-action when the Red fighters sniped the AFP troops in Sitio Saluringan, Brgy. Canangaan, Cabanglasan.

• January 31, 11:00 AM, a command detonated explosive device (CDX) hit the enemy troops who were conducting a clearing operation at the area where the NPA snipers were positioned a day ago. Five enemies were killed while other eight were wounded. It was known that the AFP troops have long been camping and were mining for gold in Sitio Saluringan.

At around 2:00 PM, an Agusta Westland helicopter indiscriminately bombed the place of incident. Three rockets and other four 90mm artillery shells were dropped.

To make the US-Duterte regime bleed from a thousand cuts, the Red commanders and fighters of NPA-NCMR will launch more offensive military actions. In the face of the country’s current health, economic and political crisis, it is ever more justified for the people’s army to punish the tyrant, fascist and corrupt regime and its allies for their crimes and violations of the people’s rights and interests and frustrate Duterte’s anti-people and dirty war.

https://cpp.ph/statements/20-casualties-among-afp-conducting-fmo-in-bukidnon/

CPP/NDF-Bicol: Parlade at NTF-ELCAC, ang palpak, magastos at masugid na makinarya ng fake news ng rehimeng US-Duterte

MA. ROJA BANUA

SPOKESPERSON

NDF-BICO

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

FEBRUARY 01, 2021

CPP: Mark the 50th anniversary of the Diliman Commune

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Feb 1, 2021): Mark the 50th anniversary of the Diliman Commune

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES
FEBRUARY 01, 2021

Today we mark the 50th anniversary of the Diliman Commune, a 9-day uprising of the students of the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City. The Diliman Commune was part of the widespread strikes and protest actions against oil price increases, imperialist control of the economy and police brutality under the Marcos regime.

The student uprising was part of the continuum of the surging national democratic mass movement of students and workers from the previous decade. It broke out one year after the First Quarter Storm of 1970 which saw tens of thousands marching on the streets clamoring for an end to imperialism, feudalism and bureaucrat capitalism and seeking revolutionary change.

The uprising was sparked by police repression against students who took to the streets to join workers and drivers to protest oil price increases and denounce imperialist control of the economy. From February 1 to 9, students of UP Diliman formed barricades, occupied university buildings and dormitories, took control of the local radio station and printing press, mounted mass teach-ins and built mass organizations.

They fought police and military forces and helicopters with militant protests, barricades and molotov cocktails. Marcos relented the fascist assaults and gave the university the “responsibility” to administer campus affairs, thereby earning the students and the UP community victory for academic freedom.

While pressing with the people’s economic demands, university students carried out a cultural revolution within the campus. They aired revolutionary songs over radio and issued written declarations espousing national democracy. They studied revolutionary theory, promoted the leadership of the working class, and rallied the pettybourgeoisie and peasantry under the banner of the people’s democratic revolution. They called on the broad masses to join and support the revolutionary armed struggle in the countryside.

The university students mounted the uprising knowing fully the limitations of their power, that social revolution cannot be attained by their actions alone. They would lift their barricades and end the commune with a clear view of the revolutionary path.

Scores upon scores who took part in the Diliman Commune and hundreds more from the surge of the national democratic student movement would march to the countryside to join the New People’s Army. They served as commanders and political instructors of the people’s army and take direct part in the revolutionary armed struggle. Many still linked up with the workers movement and helped build unions.

Veterans of the upsurge of the national democratic student movement in the 1960s and early 1970s were among the most resilient fighters for freedom and democracy against the US-Marcos dictatorship and would dedicate the rest of their lives to the people’s democratic revolution. A number of them remains active in the revolutionary underground as well as in the legal democratic movement.

Inspired by their example, succeeding generations of students would take the national democratic path of militant struggle. Together with the workers strike movement, the student protest movement would resurge in the mid-1970s and shatter the Marcos dictatorship’s reign of terror and mount sustained mass protest actions until the ouster of Marcos in 1986. Over the past three decades, student protests have surged time and again against rising costs of education, US military bases, trade liberalization, government corruption, against the return of the Marcoses, and other people’s issues. The student protest movement continues to be a steady source of patriotic and democratic forces as well as revolutionary armed fighters of the people’s army.

Drawing lessons from the Diliman Commune at this time is doubly significant after the Department of National Defense (DND) unilaterally abrogated the 1989 UP-DND accord which safeguarded student and academic freedoms by prohibiting the intimidating and repressive presence of the military in the UP campuses. The Duterte fascist regime is using anticommunism to pursue its evil aim of taking away the students hard-won freedoms and place UP and other university campuses under his tyranny. The ultimate aim is prevent students from linking up with the broad masses of workers and peasants and performing their historical role in social movements and people’s revolution.

Let us mark the 50th anniversary of the Diliman Commune by reaffirming the people’s national democratic cause and the struggle against the Duterte’s fascist regime. The national democratic student movement must continue to arouse, organize and mobilize the student masses in order to advance their welfare and democratic rights, fight for a nationalist, scientific and mass-oriented educational system and unite with the Filipino people in their patriotic and democratic mass struggles.

The students must never tire of exposing imperialism as the principal enemy of the Filipino people–the big foreign monopoly capitalist corporations, the IMF-WB-ADB and other creditors and credit rating agencies, the US and Chinese government and their militaries. It is the imperialists, in connivance with the local reactionary classes of big bourgeois compradors and landlords who exploit Filipino cheap labor, plunder the country’s minerals and natural resources, dump surplus products to the detriment of local industry and agriculture, keep the country backward and reliant on foreign capital and loans and trample on the country’s sovereignty through political interference and military domination.

The national democratic student movement must continue to serve as the indefatigable voice of the Filipino people’s resistance, exposing the rotten semicolonial and semifeudal system and waving the red banner of national democracy.

Let us reaffirm the Filipino people’s struggle for national liberation and social justice as we also mark 500 years of colonialism and resistance. Starting April 27, the day that Datu Lapu-Lapu defeated the Magellan-led contingent of Spanish colonial forces, let us celebrate the Filipino people’s five centuries of valiant struggle against foreign aggression and neocolonial subjugation.

The Filipino proletariat and people also mark this year the 150th anniversary of the Paris Commune, which was also one of the sources of inspiration of the Diliman Commune. The Paris Commune was the first successful working class government in history which, despite being short-lived, proved in practice the necessity for the working class to seize and wield state power in order to effect the revolutionary transformation of society and establish socialism.

https://cpp.ph/statements/mark-the-50th-anniversary-of-the-diliman-commune/

Kalinaw News: Four communist terrorists killed, 10 high powered firearms captured as army and bicolanos press on the fight against NPA in Bicol

Kalinaw News (Feb 1, 2021): Four communist terrorists killed, 10 high powered firearms captured as army and bicolanos press on the fight against NPA in Bicol

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur-Four communist NPA terrorists (CNTs) were killed in an armed encounter that ensued between the government troops and the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) at 10 o’ clock in the morning in Barangay Toytoy, Garchitorena town in Camarines Sur province, Monday, February 1.

Elements of 83rd Infantry Battalion (83IB) were conducting a security operation in response to the report of residents about the CTG’s presence in the area when they encountered at least 20 CNTs.

Four still unidentified CTG members were killed, eight M16 rifles, one M14 rifle and one M203 grenade launcher were captured from the encounter site while a minor CTG member was arrested.

Lt. Col. Clark Dalumbar, Battalion Commander of 83IB thanked the residents for the prompt report and for not allowing the CTG to roll out another unlawful activity victimizing even the poorest of the poor.

Meanwhile, Col. Jaime Abawag, Brigade Commander of 902nd Infantry Brigade lauded his troops’ ever persistent operations and the cooperation of the Bicolanos that led to the recent score.

MGEN HENRY A ROBINSON JR PA, Commander of Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB) on the other hand, denounced the CTG for using children as a combatant citing that recruitment of minors is a violation of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and the 1989 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

According to him, it is also a clear violation of RA 7610 which states that children shall not be the object of the attack and shall be entitled to special respect and are not allowed to become part of any armed group.

“We strongly condemn the CTG’s continuous use of children as combatants. This only proves how terrible, ruthless and selfish these terrorists are. Children should be in school, they do not belong in battlefields. These communist terrorists are not just outlaws, they are also threat to the youth—the future of our country. Thus, I urge all the Bicolanos to help us in our persistent campaign to totally eliminate communist insurgency. Let us not allow these terrorists to ruin the lives of our children. This successful engagement must serve as a warning to the remaining CTG members; there are only two options left for you: to die fighting for a lost cause or to surrender and live a peaceful life with your loved ones,” MGen. Robinson 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/four-communist-terrorists-killed-10-high-powered-firearms-captured-as-army-and-bicolanos-press-on-the-fight-against-npa-in-bicol/

Kalinaw News: Lt. Gen Sobejana Graces FR Summit in Bicol, Affirms the Growing Support of Bicolanos Aimed at Ending Communist Insurgency

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jan 31, 2021): Lt. Gen Sobejana Graces FR Summit in Bicol, Affirms the Growing Support of Bicolanos Aimed at Ending Communist Insurgency

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur-True to its promise of assisting the former members and supporters of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) to start over again upon returning to the folds of the law, the 9th Infantry (Spear) Division (9ID) organized a 2-day FR Summit.

From January 29-30, representatives from TESDA, DSWD, NHA, and DILG provided lectures and brief training to a total of 31 FRs.

During the closing program, no less than the Commanding General of the Philippine Army, LTGEN CIRILITO E SOBEJANA PA served as the keynote speaker.

In his speech, Lt. Gen. Sobejana expressed his happiness for the opportunity to see the FRs face to face and cast the vision the government has for them.

“‘Yong E-CLIP program is just an added thing na nakukuha ninyo for returning to the folds of the law. Ang importante dito, makamit natin ang kapayapaan, katahimikan, ‘yong matutulog ka sa gabi na hindi ka mangangamba namagkaroon ng putukan. Napakasarap namnamin ‘yong undisturbed ‘yong ating pagtulog at pag hanapbuhay. I am looking forward that with your right decision ay lalong magsusulong ng katahimikan at kapayapaan dito sa rehiyon ng Bicol,” Lt. Gen. Sobejana said.

Some of the FRs also shared their willingness to rally with the government’s campaign to end communist insurgency.

“Dati, ako’y nasa kabundukan. Ngayon ay nasa kahawanan na, malaki po ang pagkakaiba ng buhay na nandito tayo ngayon sa tamang pamahalaan at nagpapasalamat din po ako sa lahat ng nagbigay ng E-CLIP benefit na nakatulong po sa aming mga anak at sa pamilya,” Leo, not his real name said.

Another FR also encouraged the Bicolanos and his former comrades not to turn a blind eye on the CTG’s deceptions and terrorism.

“Kami po ay patuloy na nananawagan sa mga natitira sa kabundukan na ang pagkakataong ito ay bigyan nating pagpapahalaga para matapos na ang problema. Hindi po ito matatapos na problema kung patuloy magbubulagalagan at magbibingihan, susunod sa maling ideolohiya. Sana po ay maging bahagi kayo ng nagbalik-loob sa ating pamahalaan. Patuloy po kaming nanawagan sa lahat ng ahensya ng gobyerno lalo na sa ating mahal na Pangulo na itong programa ng Whole-of-Nation Approach at EO 70 ipagpapatuloy at sustainable para matapos na ang problema,” Rodel, also not his real name said.

Meanwhile, MGEN HENRY A ROBINSON JR PA, Commander of 9ID said that the division is very honored that Lt. Gen. Sobejana was able to grace the event.

“Si Lt. Gen. Sobejana na mismo ang nagsabi na hindi gyera ang gusto ng mga sundalo. That is why, we reach out to these former rebels because we want them to feel that we are here for them, we don’t want them to get left behind. Ganito rin ang gusto nating mangyari para sa mga natitira pang CTG members kaya hindi tayo titigil hangga’t hindi natatapos ang armadong tunggalian na ito. Ang mabuti ngayon, lalong dumarami ang kakampi natin. Once we continue joining our hands towards our goals and aspirations, we will win this fight,” MGen. Robinson 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/lt-gen-sobejana-graces-fr-summit-in-bicol-affirms-the-growing-support-of-bicolanos-aimed-at-ending-communist-insurgency/

Kalinaw News: Combatting Terrorism through Education, Military and GMA Kapuso Foundation Strengthen Partnership in Bicol

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jan 31, 2021): Combatting Terrorism through Education, Military and GMA Kapuso Foundation Strengthen Partnership in Bicol

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur-In the pursuit to provide the Bicolanos a conducive environment for learning, the Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB) and GMA Kapuso Foundation Inc. (GMAKFI) once again collaborated to rehabilitate and build classrooms for various schools in Bicol which were damaged by three strong typhoons last year.

On Friday, January 29, a total of 20 newly rehabilitated classrooms were inaugurated in Sto. Domingo Central School in Sto. Domingo, Albay.

No less than the Commanding General of Philippine Army, LTGEN CIRILITO E SOBEJANA PA, served as one of the guests during the ceremony.

In his message, Lt. Gen. Sobejana lauded the programs for education of GMAKFI which he considers as a great complimentary effort to the peace and security campaigns of the government.

“We really need to invest on education. Ika nga, mayroon kayong mga sundalo that kills the terrorists, we have the teachers or the academe that kill terrorism. So, if our teachers and our academe are effective in doing their job, of killing terrorism, then, there will be no terrorists. So, if there are no terrorists, then your soldiers will be effectively supporting your efforts of educating the youth which I consider the most vulnerable sector in our society,” Lt. Gen. Sobejana said.

As a constant partner, Ms. Rikki Escudero-Catibog of GMAKFI thanked the Army for its sincerity to extend a hand to the beneficiaries of their various projects.

“I really noticed how the Bicolanos value education, from primary to secondary to college. It really pleases us that we have this very nice school to turn-over to you because we know how hard the students and the teachers work on education,” Catibog added.

Also present during the event were MGEN HENRY A ROBINSON JR PA, Commander of JTFB; Gov. Al Francis Bichara of Albay; Mayor Joseling Aguas Jr. of Sto. Domingo; Norma Samantela, the Schools Division Superintendent of Albay, Barangay officials and the faculty and staff of Sto. Domingo Central School.

Prior to this, a blessing and inauguration of two classrooms of San Rafael Integrated School in Barangay San Rafael and another two classrooms of Prieto Diaz Central School in Barangay Poblacion both in Prieto Diaz town in Sorsogon was conducted last January 27 with LTGEN ANTONIO G PARLADE JR PA, Commander of Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) as one of the guests.

Meanwhile, in Catanduanes, a groundbreaking ceremony was also held on January 28 for the construction of four classrooms of a Kapuso type school building and the rehabilitation of two classrooms of Palta Big Elementary School in Barangay Palta Big, Virac town.

Aside from security during the rehabilitation phase, the Army also provides the labor counterpart through its 565th Engineer Construction Battalion.

MGen. Robinson on the other hand said that the success of the said projects is a manifestation of the undying “bayanihan” of the government, its partner stakeholders and the Bicolanos.

“We are hopeful that with these school facilities, young Bicolano learners will be better equipped in terms of education. I fully agree with Lt. Gen. Sobejana that as future leaders of our country, we should address the needs of the youth sector. Schools should be a place where students can hone their skills, discover their potentials and learn how to be productive individuals. Thus, we thank the GMAKFI for always giving us the opportunity to be part of these noble projects,” MGen. Robinson 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/combatting-terrorism-through-education-military-and-gma-kapuso-foundation-strengthen-partnership-in-bicol/

Troops, NPA clash in MisOcc

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 1, 2021): Troops, NPA clash in MisOcc (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

Military troops hunting a group of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels figured in a clash that injured a militiaman in Misamis Occidental province, officials said Monday.

Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said the subject of the pursuit operation are members of the Guerrilla Front Sendong of the NPA’s Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee.

Vinluan said the troops of the 10th Infantry Battalion were conducting combat operations when they figured in a 20-minute firefight with 20 rebels in Barangay Tuno, Don Victoriano Chiongbian, Misamis Occidental on Jan. 30.

The NPA communist terrorists, who were believed to have incurred casualties, fled bringing along their wounded comrades.

“The enemy (NPA rebels) incurred an undetermined number of casualties as evident in the bloodstains in their withdrawal path,” said Lt. Col. Ray Tiongson, 10IB commander.

Tiongson said the militiaman, whose identity was withheld, is recuperating at a hospital in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur.

The troops recovered personal belongings, assorted foodstuff, and 60 live ammunition for AK-47 assault rifle at the clash site.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1129131

4 rebels killed in clash with gov't troops in CamSur

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 1, 2021): 4 rebels killed in clash with gov't troops in CamSur (By Mar Serrano) February 1, 2021, 3:24 pm

Map of Garchitorena, Camarines Sur (Google image)

Four suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in a clash with Army soldiers on Monday in a remote village in Garchitorena, Camarines Sur, an Army report said.

Army Capt. John Paul Belleza, 9th Army Infantry Division public affairs chief, said the firefight resulted in the death of four NPA rebels whose identities are yet to be determined.

Army troopers were on combat patrol when they encountered a group of NPA rebels belonging to the Guerilla Front (GF) Larangan 1 operating in the province at around 11 a.m. in Barangay Toytoy.

Soldiers recovered from the scene nine assault rifles, four of which belonged to the slain rebels.

Belleza said government troops are still pursuing the fleeing rebels.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1129153

Cops, Army hunt down 2 men in grenade attack

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 1, 2021): Cops, Army hunt down 2 men in grenade attack (By Edwin Fernandez)

BLAST SITE. A police officer points to the spot where the fragmentation grenade landed and exploded inside the paramilitary base in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao on Saturday (Jan. 30, 2020). A militiaman was injured during the attack. (Photo courtesy of Shariff Aguak MPS)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Police and military authorities are on the lookout for two men who lobbed a hand grenade inside a military detachment in Shariff Aguak town, leaving a militiaman injured.

Maj. Olegario Salvador, Shariff Aguak police chief, said that the attackers were on board a motorbike and quickly fled after throwing the explosive past 1:30 p.m. on Saturday.

“The search for the ‘persons of interest’ is still ongoing, and we hope to catch them soon,” Salvador said in an interview by reporters here Monday.

Joey Reyes, a member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU), was inside the paramilitary detachment in Barangay Labu-Labu when the grenade attack occurred.

“He is now undergoing medication at the Maguindanao provincial hospital,” Salvador said, adding that other militiamen inside the detachment were unharmed.

The harassed CAFGU detachment belonged to the Army’s 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion situated beside an irrigation canal in the area.

Salvador said a closed-circuit security camera at the detachment captured the two suspects on motorbike slowing down as it passed by the Army base and lobbed something before they sped away.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1129145

Extortion group behind Tulunan bombing: SITG

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 1, 2021): Extortion group behind Tulunan bombing: SITG (By John Andrew Tabugoc)

EXTORTION TARGET. A unit of the Yellow Bus Line (partly hidden) that was allegedly targeted by the Al Khobar extortion group during the Jan. 27, 2021 bombing in Barangay Sibsib, Tulunan, North Cotabato. No one was hurt among the passengers, but the blast that occurred at a drop point killed a fruit vendor and wounded three bystanders. (Photo courtesy of Tulunan MPS)

TULUNAN, North Cotabato -- The police’s Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) Sibsib has identified the Al Khobar extortion group as responsible for the Jan. 27 bombing incident here that killed one and injured three others.

Major Jun Napat, Tulunan police chief, said the group was identified based on the bomb fragments gathered by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit and Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) that matched with the signature improvised bombs used by the Al Khobar group in the past.

“The bombing survivors also managed to distinguish two suspects as the ones who planted the bomb at an abandoned ticket booth in Barangay Sibsib and are now ‘persons of interest’ in connection with the incident,” Napat said on Monday.

The bomb went off past noontime as a Yellow Bus Line (YBL) unit was approaching and about to unload passengers near the ticket booth adjacent to a waiting shed in Barangay Sibsib here.

Napat said “extortion” on the bus company was the primary motive in the bombing that killed fruit vendor Gina Paunon, 53.

The Tulunan bombing was connected to another bomb planted in the baggage compartment of a bus unit that was disarmed by the EOD team at the Kidapawan City overland terminal last month, the police official bared.

“We are still waiting for the official statement of the YBL regarding our findings,” he said, adding that the Al Khobar extortion group has been preying on big businesses in Central Mindanao since 2007.

The SITG Sibsib is composed of personnel from the Police Regional Office - 12, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, the North Cotabato Police Provincial Office, and the Tulunan police office.

Meanwhile, the Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) has ordered all bus units plying the Tulunan route to load and unload their passengers only at the designated bus checkpoints, particularly in Barangays Bual and La Esperanza.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1129184

Army, PDEA join hands to combat illegal drugs in NorMin, Caraga

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 1, 2021): Army, PDEA join hands to combat illegal drugs in NorMin, Caraga (By Nef Luczon)

AGAINST ILLEGAL DRUGS. Maj. Gen. Andres Centino (left), commander of the Army's 4th Infantry Division, joins PDEA director general Wilkins Villanueva in signing an agreement for both parties to jointly tackle the problem of illegal drugs in Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions Monday (Feb. 1, 2021). The agreement takes effect immediately after the signing. (Photo courtesy of 4ID)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Army's 4th Infantry Division (4ID) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) signed an agreement on Monday to combat illegal drugs in Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions.

Signed by Director-General Wilkins Villanueva and 4ID commander Maj. Gen. Andres Centino at the 4ID headquarters here, the agreement seeks to harness both parties' resources to heighten the government's war on illegal drugs.

"As the division restlessly continues its fight against insurgency, the troopers are also one with the PDEA in freeing Northern Mindanao and Caraga from illegal drugs," Centino said.

He said the Army's participation in the fight against illegal drugs "can also run parallel" with the war against communist insurgency, which the 4ID chief noted are "priority programs of President Rodrigo Duterte."

"Illegal drugs, just like the communist insurgency, are victimizing people and destroying precious lives," he said.

For his part, Villanueva thanked Centino for his commitment, even as he expressed hope for the end of insurgency and illegal drugs before Duterte’s term ends next year.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1129173

NTP for fast attack missile boats out mid-February

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 1, 2021): NTP for fast attack missile boats out mid-February (By Priam Nepomuceno)

The Notice to Proceed (NTP) for the Philippine Navy (PN)'s Fast Attack Interdiction Craft-Missile (FAIC-M) is expected to be out by mid-February.

This was confirmed by PN public affairs office chief, Commander Benjo Negranza, when asked by the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on updates for the project Monday.

"The contract for the project is being finalized for subsequent signing and issuance of NTP estimated to be on mid-February this year," he said.

The FAIC-M project (also known as the Shaldag Mark 5) was already issued a Notice of Award (NOA) by the Department of National Defense (DND) last January 4.

The NOA was signed by DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana as head of the procuring entity.

The project, which consists of two lots, is worth around PHP10 billion.

Lot 1 consists of acquisition of the naval platforms and upgrade of the Cavite Naval Shipyard while Lot 2 is focused on the acquisition of the weapons system of these FAIC-Ms which include remotely-controlled gun and missile systems.

"Another milestone was achieved just recently which includes the successful negotiations for the Lot 1 (Platforms) & Lot 2 (Combat Systems and Missiles) of the Fast Attack Interdiction Craft-Missile (FAIC-M) Acquisition Project. This resulted in the provisions for an additional one unit with one set of remote combat weapon systems (on top of the programmed 8 units FAIC-M) for the PN and an upgrade of the Naval Ship Yard - without additional cost to the government. Hence, the PN expects to obtain a total of nine missile-equipped FAICs in the coming years," PN chief Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo earlier said.

The FAIC-Ms, the Navy chief was referring to, is expected to replace the force of patrol killer medium (PKM) or medium-sized patrol craft, with deliveries expected to start in 2022.

Four of the FAIC-Ms will be armed with non-line-of-sight (NLOS) missiles with pinpoint accuracy and a range of 25 kilometers while the other four will be armed with machine guns and light automatic cannons.

With the FAIC-Ms, the PN shall have the capability to defend the key sea lines of communications (SLOCs), such as Mindoro, Balabac, Sibutu, and Basilan Straits against conventional threats.

While operating in restricted waters, the FAIC-Ms can interdict surface threats and launch NLOS missiles safely using the surrounding littoral areas as maneuver space and cover.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1129163

Groups rally behind gov’t lawyers set to defend anti-terror law

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 1, 2021): Groups rally behind gov’t lawyers set to defend anti-terror law (By Lade Jean Kabagani)

SUPPORT FOR TERROR LAW. A member of an anti-communist group hangs tarpaulin on a footbridge to support government lawyers who will defend the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 in oral arguments at the Supreme Court on February 2. The law seeks to prevent, prohibit and penalize terrorism in the country. (Photo courtesy of Remy Rosadio/LPP)

Various multi-sectoral groups rallied behind government lawyers who will defend the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 in oral arguments at the Supreme Court on Tuesday by hanging tarpaulins expressing their support for the law.

Members of the League of Parents of the Philippines (LPP) or the Liga ng mga Magulang, Liga Independencia Pilipinas (LIPI), Sulong Maralita, Youth for Peace and Development, Hands Off Our Children (HOOC), and Yakap ng mga Magulang (YKM) put up tarpaulins bearing messages of support for the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 (ATA), a law that seeks to prevent, prohibit and penalize terrorism in the country.

Remy Rosadio, LPP chair, said the move is also part of the groups' relentless condemnation against the atrocities perpetrated by communist terrorist groups and other terrorist organizations.

"We, parents, fully believe that this law puts a strong legal backbone against terrorisms –– including those barbaric acts which are being locally carried out by the members of Abu Sayyaf and the New People's Army," she said.

The law could also stop terrorists from pursuing their illegal recruitment schemes, she added.

“Every child has the right to live peacefully and must not be engaged with the uncertainties of the armed movement,” Rosadio said.

She said this could be a tougher response against the threat of terrorism and armed insurgency in the country.

Meanwhile, Jose Antonio Goitia, secretary-general of LIPI, said the move also seeks to boost the morale of “our valiant lawyer defenders”.

"We all decided to put up tarpaulins all around Metro Manila so our valiant lawyer defenders would see themselves the overwhelming support the people and our Nation has for them,” Goitia said. "We are doing this to boost their morale and principles to fight the terror which is the communist terrorist groups, the radical extremists, their legal fronts and sympathizers."

Goitia said the anti-terrorism law is crucial to defending national security.

“The Anti-Terrorism law is of paramount importance to our national security, as the nation endured decades of violent extremism perpetrated by the Communist Party of the Philippines, its armed and legal fronts, causing the destruction of billions worth of businesses and properties, killings of innocent people, kidnappings, the radicalization of our youth, illegal taxation, and other crimes,” he said.

Goitia said "to negate the importance of this landmark law is an insult to all Filipinos."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1129246

Senate OKs resolution to ratify treaty vs. use of nuclear weapons

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 1, 2021): Senate OKs resolution to ratify treaty vs. use of nuclear weapons

Senate plenary hall (File photo)

The Senate on Monday adopted a resolution expressing its concurrence to the ratification of a treaty on the prohibition of nuclear weapons (TPNW).

Introduced and sponsored by Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, proposed Senate Resolution 620 was unanimously adopted with 23 votes. The resolution was co-sponsored by Senator Risa Hontiveros and all other senators.

"The Treaty further reinforces commitments against the use, threat of use, development, production, manufacture, acquisition, possession, stockpiling, transfer, stationing, or installation of nuclear weapons," said Pimentel, chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations.

He said highlights of the treaty include the prohibition to:

--Develop, test, produce, manufacture, otherwise acquire, possess or stockpile nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices;
--Transfer to any recipient whatsoever nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices or control over such weapons or explosive devices directly or indirectly;
--Receive the transfer of or control over nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices directly or indirectly;
--Use or threaten to use nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices;
--Assist, encourage or induce, in any way, anyone to engage in any activity prohibited to a State Party under this Treaty;
--Seek or receive any assistance, in any way, from anyone to engage in any activity prohibited under this Treaty; and
--Allow any stationing, installation or deployment of any nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices in its territory or at any place under its jurisdiction or control.

Pimentel said the treaty is the "first globally applicable multilateral agreement to comprehensively prohibit nuclear weapons on the basis of international humanitarian law."

He said the Philippines is among the first states to sign the treaty, along with other 52 countries.

As a signatory to the treaty, he said the Philippines has much to gain, including the TPNW's provisions on victim assistance and environmental remediation.

He cited an environmental research that warned of a global climate cooling capable of adversely affecting food production for years even with a "limited regional nuclear war."

The same research warned that a large-scale nuclear war could "create ice-age like conditions that might eliminate most of the human race."

"Nuclear weapons do not discriminate. We cannot afford another nuclear arms race. The Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings in Japan are horrors that should never be repeated," Pimentel stressed.

For her part, Hontiveros said nuclear weapons have "humanitarian and environmental consequences that span decades and cross generations."

"The TPNW is groundbreaking and a step in the direction of creating an international norm of conduct. With 86 nations signing it and 52 so far ratifying it - perhaps we will be the 53rd - the collective voice of humanity is clear: nuclear weapons should be banned forever, as we have banned landmines and biological and chemical weapons," she said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1129263

Hunt on for killers of soldier, 3 others in Maguindanao ambush

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31, 2021): Hunt on for killers of soldier, 3 others in Maguindanao ambush (By Edwin Fernandez)

AMBUSHED. The ambushed vehicle in Datu Anggal Midtimbang town in Maguindanao crashed by the roadside after the Saturday afternoon (Jan. 30, 2021) incident. The four occupants of the vehicle were killed during the ambush. (Photo courtesy of Datu Anggal Midtimbang LGU)

Police pursuit operations are ongoing against a group of armed men who ambushed and killed four persons on Saturday afternoon in Maguindanao.

In his report to the police provincial office, investigator-on-case Police S/Sgt. Michael Lacsasa said the victims were on board a white multicab vehicle (MAB 2431) traversing the national highway in Barangay Tulunan of Datu Anggal Midtimbang town when ambushed by unidentified gunmen at 3:45 p.m.

Lacsasa identified the victims through their identification cards as Army Pfc. Heredin K. Kanakan, of Barangay Sta. Cruz, Koronadal City, Heredin Kamidon of Cotabato City, Fatima Usman of Muntinlupa City, and a still unidentified woman.

“We found 14 empty shells for (the) M16 rifle and .45-caliber pistol at the ambush site,” he said.

Also found from the slain victims were three sachets of suspected shabu items.

Lacsasa said they have “persons of interest” linked to the attack but declined to divulge further details pending police follow-up operations.

https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4004111469161356591/4589502781597894802