Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events: 03/02/21

Tuesday, March 2, 2021

Kalinaw News: Female NPA rebel killed, two firearms recovered in Misamis Oriental clash

From Kalinaw News (Mar 2, 2021): Female NPA rebel killed, two firearms recovered in Misamis Oriental clash

CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental- A female Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) fighter was killed, and two high-powered firearms were seized during an encounter with the combined troops of 58th Infantry Battalion and 42nd Division reconnaissance company in the hinterlands of Brgy Mantangale, Balingoan, Misamis Oriental, March 01, 2021.

The government troops encountered more or less 30 CTGs at around 4pm in the afternoon. They are believed to be members of Platoon Falcon, Huawei, Sub-Regional Committee 1 (SRC 1), NCMRC. The operation was conducted following reports on the presence of the said CTGs in the area.

The female cadaver’s identity is withheld prior informing her family. The troops found the female CTG fighter, who had been abandoned by her comrades on the site of the encounter, lifeless. Troops were able to recover two M16 rifles, three magazines for AK47, four magazines for M14, three rifle grenade, two signus radio, three cellular phones, three solar panel, assorted medicines, personal belongings, subversive documents and 18 backpacks.

“We are very grateful for the swift response by the men in uniform in securing the area,” said Hon. Aaron Paul S. Unabia, Municipal Mayor of Balingoan. “The LGU Balingoan will do its best to assist the Philippine Army and all other government agencies and instrumentalities in putting an end to the insurgency problem and bringing peace and prosperity to the area.”

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Ricky L Canatoy, Commanding Officer of 58IB said, “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of the killed female rebel. Another life was wasted and lost for fighting for the wrong ideologies of the NPA.”

Furthermore, he urged the remaining NPA fighters to abandon the armed struggle, return to the folds of the law, and avail the programs of the government.

“I truly hope that more and more NPA rebels will surrender now and stop adhering to the lies and deceptions put inside your heads. Do this for the sake of your life and to avoid this unfortunate death. It is not yet too late. You are always welcome to surrender and come back to the folds of law. We assure you that a good future awaits as we will assist you from the beginning until you can avail all the benefits under Enhanced Comprehensive and Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). Likewise, your Army will continue to work to ensure the safety and protection of every individual in the communities,” he ended.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/female-npa-rebel-killed-two-firearms-recovered-in-misor-clash/

Kalinaw News: LGU- MAGPET provided financial assistance to six (6) Former Rebels in North Cotabato.

From Kalinaw News (Mar 2, 2021): LGU- MAGPET provided financial assistance to six (6) Former Rebels in North Cotabato.

Magpert, North Cotabato-The Local Government Unit of Magpet distributed Financial Assistance to the Former Rebels of the 72nd Infantry “GABAY” Battalion at ACP, 1002nd “BAGWIS” Brigade during Flag Raising ceremony on 01 March 2021.

The LGU of Magpet initiated the government policy on “Institutionalizing the Whole-of -Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict of the Executive Order-70 (EO-70). A total of one hundred forty (140) FRs from the municipalities of Magpet, Arakan, Antipas, President Roxas, Tulunan, Makilala and Kidapawan City all of North Cotabato will benefit from the said program of the government.

It can be recalled that these FRs received financial assistance worth fifteen thousand pesos (15,000.00) each from the provincial government of North Cotabato last December of 2020, and additional three thousand pesos (3,000.00) from the Department of Social Welfare and Development Region 12.

Because of the generosity of LGU of Magpet in North Cotabato, the six newly surrendered FRs received their second batch of twenty thousand pesos (20,000.00) eachsince they already received the same amount last January 11, 2021. Hon Florenito T Gonzaga, Municipal Mayor of Magpet said that he will continue to give assistance to all members of the communist terrorist group who will surrender to the government and wish to have a new life. This amount will surely help them to start their new journey in life while waiting for the assistance of Enhanced Comprehensive Localized Integration Program (E-CLIP).

A Former of SRC 3 and one of the beneficiaries of the financial assistance said; “I am very happy that the present administration is sincere in helping us. They gave us another chance for us to start a new beginning, and the amount we received from the generosity of the government will surely uplift our day to day situation.

Meanwhile, BGEN POTENCIANO C CAMBA PA, Commander 1002nd Brigade expressed his gratitude to the support of partner LGU to the Former Rebels. BGEN CAMBA encouraged the people of Magpet and the whole of North Cotabato who still have relatives, friends and members of their family who remained to be with CTG to inform them to peacefully lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law. The government is sincere in ending this decade long insurgency.

Kalinaw News: Bagong Battalion Commander ng 40IB, itinalaga

From Kalinaw News (Mar 1, 2021): Bagong Battalion Commander ng 40IB, itinalaga

Camp Siongco, Maguindanao – Naupo bilang bagong Battalion Commander ng 40 Infantry “Magiting” Battalion si Lt. Col. Edwin M. Alburo matapos palitan si Lt. Col. Rogelio S. Gabi sa ginawang Change of Command Ceremony sa Headquarters ng 40IB sa Barangay Tual, President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat nitong ika-23 ng Pebrero, 2021.

Pinangunahan ni 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division at Joint Task Force Central Commander, Major General Juvymax R. Uy ang seremonya. Sa kanyang mensahe, sinabi ni Maj. Gen. Uy na ang maayos na pagpapatupad ng intelligence at combat operations laban sa mga threat groups sa nasasakupang lugar, epektibong pakikipagtulungan sa mga stakeholders at matagumpay na pagpapatupad ng reporma ay syang nagdala sa tagumpay ng Magiting Troopers.

Binati naman ni Maj. Gen. Uy ang bagong upo na Battalion Commander ng 40IB na si Lt. Col. Alburo at tiwala siyang magampanan o mahigitan pa ang mga tagumpay na nagawa ng pinalitang opisyal.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/bagong-battalion-commander-ng-40ib-itinalaga/

Kalinaw News: Former 6ID Spokesperson assumes 38IB

From Kalinaw News (Mar 1, 2021): Former 6ID Spokesperson assumes 38IB

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Major General Juvymax R. Uy, Commander of 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division and Joint Task Force Central (JTFC), presided the Change of Command of 38th Infantry (WE CLEAR) Battalion in Sitio Tampuan, Brgy. Kamanga, Maasim, Sarangani Province on February 24, 2021.

In a traditional military ceremony, Lt. Col. Edgardo L. Vilchez was replaced by former 6ID spokesperson Lt. Col. Anhouvic B. Atilano, also a former Commanding Officer of 6th Civil-Military Operations (KASANGGA) Battalion and Acting Chief, Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO).

During his message, Maj. Gen. Uy elaborated the efforts of Lt. Col. Vilchez during his stint, such as surrender of communist terrorist group and conduct of clearing operations against lawless elements. “I believe that your capability will go a long way too as you lead the 34th Infantry ‘Reliable’ Battalion”, the 6ID Commander said.

“Dingdong, may you not stop on your tracks and continue on yielding the best output in all your endeavor. Your accomplishments in CMO Battalion have greatly contributed to the command’s accomplishment”, Maj. Gen. Uy stated.

Maj. Gen. Uy is confident enough with the leadership of the new Commander of 38IB. The Division Commander assured that Lt. Col. Atilano is very much capable of his new responsibilities.

“To the ‘We Clear Troopers’, I am hoping that we work together to unite the people in Sarangani. Naniniwala ako sa pagsisikap at pagtutulungan ng bawat isa sa inyo, na naging dahilan ng patuloy na pagsulong ng yunit na ito”, JTF Central Commander stressed in his final remarks.

Kalinaw News: Bagong 6CMO Battalion Commander umupo na

From Kalinaw News (Mar 1, 2021): Bagong 6CMO Battalion Commander umupo na

Camp Siongco, Maguindanao – Pinangunahan ni Major General Juvymax R. Uy, Commander ng 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division at Joint Task Force Central ang Change of Command Ceremony ng 6th Civil-Military Operations (Kasangga) Battalion sa PC Hill, Rosary Heights 1, Cotabato City noong ika-25 ng Pebrero, 2021.

Sa naging tradisyonal na seremonya, pinalitan ni Lt. Col. John Paul D. Baldomar bilang Battalion Commander ng 6CMO Battalion si Lt. Col. Anhouvic B. Atilano na ngayon ay umupong Battalion Commander ng 38th Infantry (We Clear) Battalion.

“With deep sense of responsibility and professional competence, Lt. Col. Atilano introduced active innovations and new concepts in the unit which successfully gained the hearts and minds of the masses especially his different approaches in the conduct of various Information Support Affairs programs, Civil Affairs, and Public Affairs projects” ayon kay Maj. Gen. Uy.

“JP, I would like to congratulate you in advance for leading the KASANGGA Battalion to be even more than just a ‘KASANGGA’ by working closely with all sectors of society and engage all stakeholders for the benefit of everyone,” dagdag pa nito.

“To the KASANGGA Troopers, work as a team with enthusiasm, committed and passionate like what you have shown to your previous commander and take all the learnings that you will get from your new battalion commander. Do your share. No matter how small you do for this unit, it contributes a lot not only to your Battalion but to the Joint Task Force Central as well”, panghuling mensahe ng 6ID Commander.

Kalinaw News: Apat na bagong Assistant Chief of Staff ng 6ID umupo na

From Kalinaw News (Mar 1, 2021): Apat na bagong Assistant Chief of Staff ng 6ID umupo na

Camp Siongco, Maguindanao – Umupo na ang apat na bagong Assistant Chief of Staff ng 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division matapos ang Joint Change of Chief of Offices Ceremony sa Kampilan Clubhouse kahapon ng umaga Pebrero 26, 2021.

Sa nasabing seremonya, pinalitan si Lt. Col. Edwin M. Alburo ni Lt. Col. Frederick M. Chicote bilang Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence at Maj. Alexander T. Pio bilang Assistant Chief of Staff for Training & Education. Pumalit rin kay Lt. Col. Clairemont W. Pinpin si Maj. Vinjie A. Dinorog bilang Assistant Chief of Staff for Personnel at si Lt. Col. Glenn Loreto B. Caballero ang Assistant Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operation na pumalit kay Maj. Homer A. Estolas.

Binati naman ni Major General Juvymax R. Uy, Commander ng 6ID at Joint Task Force Central ang mga bagong upo na mga opisyal na hahalili sa pagbabalangkas at pamamahagi ng kanyang mga polisiya, paghahatid ng kanyang mga mando at pangangasiwa sa kaniyang ipinapatupad.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/apat-na-bagong-assistant-chief-of-staff-ng-6id-umupo-na/

Kalinaw News: 34IB has a new Battalion Commander

From Kalinaw News (Mar 1, 2021): 34IB has a new Battalion Commander

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – The 34th Infantry ‘Reliable’ Battalion of 6th Infantry ‘Kampilan’ Division has a new Battalion Commander in the change of command ceremony held in Barangay Salunayan, Midsayap, North Cotabato on February 25, 2021.

Major General Juvymax R. Uy, Commander of 6ID, presided over the traditional military ceremony where Lt. Col. Glenn Loreto Caballero relinquished his post to Lt. Col. Edgardo Vilchez Jr. as the Reliable’s new Commanding Officer.

In his message, Maj. Gen. Uy outlined the accomplishments of 34IB in various security operations through the leadership of the former Commanding Officer. His command was able to capture and apprehend 35 personalities, neutralize 16 lawless armed individuals, confiscate 70 firearms, and recovery of sundry ammunition, improvised explosive devices, and illegal drugs.

“I thank you for your dedicated service and for always aiming for excellence. You have done so well. The accomplishments of the unit are acquainted to your leadership skill”, Maj. Gen. Uy further elaborated.

Likewise the Commander said “To Edgar, the baton is now yours. Be that new lion who will lead the entire unit to greatness and victories. Your time has now come to show to all people of North Cotabato what you got as a leader”.

“To all Reliable Warriors who were once Storm Troopers and now full-blooded Kampilan Warriors, I urge you all to work with your new Commander with enthusiasm and commitment”, Maj. Gen Uy added.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/34ib-has-a-new-battalion-commander/

Kalinaw News: Karahasan ng mga Bandidong BIFF, Napigilan ng 6th Infantry (Redskin) Battalion

From Kalinaw News (Mar 1, 2021): Karahasan ng mga Bandidong BIFF, Napigilan ng 6th Infantry (Redskin) Battalion

Camp Siongco, Maguindanao – Napigilan ng 6th Infantry (Redskin) Battalion sa pamumuno ni Lt. Col. Charlie C. Banaag and tangkang karahasan ng mga bandidong BIFF sa komunidad ng Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao noong ika-28 ng Pebrero 2021.

Nakasagupa ng 6IB at 23rd Mechanized Company bandang alas-2 ng madaling araw ang mga elemento ng bandidong BIFF-Karialan Faction matapos nilang tangkang sunugin ang mga bahayan sa komunidad ng Sitio Gadong, Barangay Pagatin 1, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao. Tumagal ng tatlong oras ang palitan ng putok na nagresulta sa pagkasawi ng apat at pagkasugat ng dalawang myembro ng terroristang grupo.

“Sa loob ng panahon na yun nagawa nilang sunogin ang isang pamamahay ng isang residente doon”, ayon kay Lt. Col. Banaag.

Sinabi naman ni 1st Mechanized Infantry (Maaasahan) Brigade Commander Col. Pedro Balisi Jr., narekober nila ang sampung mga Improvised Hand Thrown Grenade. Agad naman itong dinis-arma ng Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team.

“Trademark ng mga teroristang grupo ang narekober naming mga explosive materials”, ayon kay Col. Balisi Jr.

Samantala nanawagan naman si Joint Task Force Central at 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division Commander Major General Juvymax R. Uy sa mga myembro ng teroristang grupo na ibaba na lang ang kanilang mga armas at magbalik-loob na lamang sa gobyerno at mamuhay ng mapayapa katulad ng iba nilang dating kasamahan na tinatamasa na ngayon ang normal na buhay.“Walang lugar sa komunidad ang karahasan. Panawagan ko na lang sa kanila na bumaba at iwanan na ang maling indoktrinasyon”, pahayag ni Maj. Gen. Uy.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/karahasan-ng-mga-bandidong-biff-napigilan-ng-6th-infantry-redskin-battalion/

Kalinaw News: NPA Rebels Crumbling in Northern and Central Luzon

From Kalinaw News (Mar 1, 2021): NPA Rebels Crumbling in Northern and Central Luzon

Camp Aquino, Tarlac City— Northern Luzon Command on Sunday revealed that a total of 235 communist rebels returned to the folds of the law for the month of February 2021. That is 8 to 9 rebel surrenders everyday, a much higher rate compared to the previous month which is 2 to 3 rebels returning to government fold each day.

These surrenders include 10 regular NPA members with 5 of their firearms; 123 Milisya ng Bayan; 2 Sangay sa Partido ng Lokalidad; and 100 party members from the different NPA-affiliated mass organizations in Northern and Central Luzon.

The 235 former rebels are currently undergoing processing of requirements to avail the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP). This is in addition to the 87 rebels who surrendered in January 2021 who have completed the processing of their requirements and are now awaiting for the release of their respective ECLIP grants.

Northern Luzon Command Chief, Lieutenant General Arnulfo Marcelo B Burgos Jr said that the growing numbers of rebel surrenders each month indicates the nearing end of the already dwindling forces of the communist terrorists, saying that “The communist terrorists in Northern and Central Luzon are now crumbling and are nearing their total destruction, as more of their members realize the deceptions and manipulative ploys of their leaders who recruited them and use them do further their personal agenda.”

He attributed the mass surrenders to the active support and collaboration of the local government units and the community through the whole-of-nation approach, as he said that “We are elated to know that here in Northern and Central Luzon, the local government units and the community continue to embrace their active role in the fight to totally eradicate the communist terrorists. Indeed, the whole-of-nation approach is making headways in our campaign to end the local communist armed conflict in this part of our country.”

Lieutenant General Burgos ended by reiterating his call to the remaining few members of the communist terrorists to abandon their armed struggle, saying that “There is no better time to lay down their arms and abandon their false ideology but now. The government’s thrust for genuine peace is on its peak. They should grab the opportunity while they can, for the sake of their families who have been longing for peaceful and prosperous lives with them.”

https://www.kalinawnews.com/npa-rebels-crumbling-in-northern-and-central-luzon/

Kalinaw News: Army’s 301st Bde statement on the death of Brgy Chairman Julie Catamin

From Kalinaw News (Feb 28, 2021): Army’s 301st Bde statement on the death of Brgy Chairman Julie Catamin

CAMP HERNANDEZ, Dingle, Iloilo— 301BDE Philippine Army strongly condemns the killing of one of our peace advocates in Tapaz.

Punong Barangay Julie Catamin has supported the RCSP advocacy of the 301st Brigade and has been instrumental in the success of the CSP in Barangay

Roosevelt, Tapaz, Capiz. He has worked with our soldiers in bringing peace to his Barangay and the people of Tapaz.

Under his leadership, Barangay Roosevelt declared the CPP-NPA as Persona Non Grata on September 15, 2020 and has always been supportive of E.O. 70.

TODAY, we have lost a peace advocate. We have lost an ally. But his legacy of peace shall always be remembered. Isa kang Bayani Hon. Julie Catamin. Ipinaglaban mo ang Kapayapaan. Ipinaglaban mo ang Kalayaan ng mga taga Tapaz mula sa terorismong dulot ng CPP-NPA.

As fellow workers in the government, we vow to bring to justice these CPP NPA terrorists and that your work here on earth inspires us to exert some more effort in our fight for true and genuine peace.

“Ang traidor na pagpaslang sa kanya ay magsisilbing motivation upang lalong pang paigtingin ang laban upang tapusin ang mga comunistang terorista”, BGen Marion R
Sison PA, Commander 301Bde.

Kalinaw News: NPA mother and her child along with 3 others surrendered in MisOr

From Kalinaw News (Feb 28, 2021): NPA mother and her child along with 3 others surrendered in MisOr

CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental – Three regular fighters of New People’s Army (NPA) and one Militia ng Bayan (MB) member surrendered to the 58th Infantry “Dimalulupig” Battalion thru a negotiation effort done by 58IB, February 27, 2020.

The said NPA fighters were identified as alias Boyaks and alias Mona, both 36 years of age. The other is alias Kring-Kring, 20 years old, all are members of Sub Regional Sentro De Grabidad Eagles, Sub-Regional Committee 1 (SRC 1), North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC). Also, one Militia ng Bayan (MB) member in the alias of Tugas, who is 23 years old and a member of MB, Guerilla Front 4A of Sitio Bocbocon, Barangay Durian, Las Nieves, Agusan Del Sur, has surrendered to 58IB.

All were recruited at a young age. One surrenderer, alias Kring-kring was recruited by the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) when she was just 17 years old, who was promised with a job that pays highly, which was in the end was all just a lie. The promised better future never came. Instead, she was treated by the armed group otherwise.

According to the law, such act shows clear violation of the Children’s Right and International Humanitarian Law. As stated in its Rule 136, “Children must not be recruited into armed forces or armed groups”. This strongly indicates that the communist terrorist group disregards the law and continues to ruin our youth’s future.

In her testimony, Kring-Kring said that she decided to surrender after realizing that if she continued to join the armed struggle, there would be no future for her and her newly born child. According to her, at 5 months of pregnancy, she still carries a firearm around her and was directed to join in their operations, which is extremely dangerous for a pregnant woman like herself. Along with herself, she surrendered the high-powered firearm in her possession, an M14 rifle.

The said surrenderers will be enrolled to the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) of the government that will help them go back to the mainstream society. The surrender of these NPA fighters is the result of relentless effort of the 58IB in bringing peace and development in the conflict-affected areas of Misamis Oriental.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Ricky L Canatoy, Commanding Officer of 58IB said, “The number of communist terrorist groups is declining, and they are under pressure to surrender to government authority due to the loss of their powers and mass bases. Furthermore, their surrender shows that they are fed up with the wrong ideologies of the NPA and the false hopes given by the NPA. This also suggests that they are moving their support and trust from the NPA to the government. Rest assured that the Army will help them obtain benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive and Local Integration Program (ECLIP) and finally start anew with their families and loved ones.

“I am optimistic that the continued commitment of the Army and the other stakeholders’ to enforcing E-CLIP would spark hope for a better future and encourage the remaining members of the NPA to lay down their weapons and return to the folds of the law.” Lt. Col. Canatoy 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-mother-and-her-child-along-with-3-others-surrendered-in-misor/

Kalinaw News: Another series of surrender of NPA’s UGMO members and firearms recorded in Bukid

From Kalinaw News (Feb 28, 2021): Another series of surrender of NPA’s UGMO members and firearms recorded in Bukid

Kibawe, Bukidnon – Another series of surrender of the NPA’s underground mass organization (UGMO) members with their firearms to 16IB, Kibawe PNP and 2nd Bukidnon PMFC happened at Brgy Mascariñas and Brgy Bukang Liwayway, all of Kibawe, Bukidnon last 16, 26 and 27 February 2021.

The series of surrender happened after the conduct of the Peace Building Seminar last 16 February 2021 at Kibawe, Bukidnon. Seven (7) members of the NPA’s UGMO surrendered to the unit in coordination with the Kibawe PNP and 2nd Bukidnon PMFC, bringing with them six (6) shot gun gauge 12, two (2) Caliber 38, one (1) improvised garand and one (1) anti-personnel mine with detonator.

The surrenderees were identified as ‘Sonny’, 40yrs old, member of UGMO who surrendered after the Peace Building Seminar last 16 February 2021 brought with him two (2) shot gun gauge 12; ‘Jerict’, 21yrs old and ‘Casoy’, 36yrs old, former members of the Militiang Bayan of Guerilla Front 53 who surrendered last 26 February 2021 brought with them two (2) shot gun gauge 12, one (1) improvised garand and one (1) caliber 38.

The next day, 27 February 2021 upon their knowledge of the surrender of other Militiang Bayan and UGMO member, the following approached the Community Support Program Team of the unit and voluntarily surrendered: ‘Putian’, 60yrs old with one (1) caliber 38; ‘Budoy’, 43yrs old, ‘Lawin’, 31yrs old and Romulo Nuñez c, brought with them two (2) shot gun gauge 12 and one (1) anti-personnel mine with detonator.

The said personalities are now undergoing interview, custodial debriefing, and proper documentation for their firearms.

The continuous surrender of the CTGs who opted to lay down their arms to the Philippine Army and PNP is a clear manifestation of the effectiveness of the Executive Order Nr 70 series of 2019 which institutionalized the Whole-of-Nation Approach in ending insurgency in the country.

Kalinaw News: 23IB joins community consultation, planning in AgNor villages

From Kalinaw News (Feb 28, 2021): 23IB joins community consultation, planning in AgNor villages

Buenavista, Agusan Del Norte – The 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion (23IB) worked hand-in-hand with the local government unit (LGU) of Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte, the members of the barangay councils, and the Youth for Peace of Las Nieves during the conduct of community consultation and planning in two conflict-affected villages in the area.

The activity was conducted last February 24, 2021 in Barangays San Roque and San Isidro in Las Nieves town. Hundreds of residents in said barangays joined the activity that focused on the discussions on their peace and security situation and the planning for the programs and services the government will intervene in their communities.

Las Nieves Mayor Avelina S. Rosales led the LGU during the conduct of the activity as well as the youth leaders in the area. A former rebel, Julieto Canoy also known as Tatay Bom, was also invited to speak about the different schemes that the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the New People’s Army (NPA) and the National Democratic Front (NDF) employ in sowing fear and harassment in communities.

He also discussed the manner the CPP-NPA-NDF recruits the youth and other members of the community to join their futile armed struggle against the government. Furthermore, he encouraged the residents to stand against the CPP-NPA-NDF by cutting their ties with the group and support the initiatives of the government.

“Ako kaniadto usa lamang ako ka mag-uuma, apan sa wala ko damha, nga mahulog ko sa pagpangilad sa mga membro sa CPP-NPA-NDF. Adunay grupo nga miadto sa among lugar ug giorganisa niya ang mga mag-uuma ug gipasaligan nga tabangan aron mahaw-as gikan sa kalisod.

Sa pila ka mga semana, naengganyo gyod ko nga mo apil sa ilang kalihukan ug wala ko makahibalo nga bakak ra diay ang tanan nilang gipasalig kanamo. Sulod sa 31 ka tuig nga naulipon ko sa maong grupo, ngapabilin kong nagmatinud-anon sa ila ug nasayod ko unsay dagan sa ilang kalihukan.

Nag tago lang kana sila sa mga legal nga makamasang organisasyon aron dali makailad sa katawhan gamit ang mga bakak nga propaganda kontra gobyerno apan ang tinuod nila nga katuyoan mao lang nga pangwartahan ang ilang mga myembro aron makabaton sila ug nindot ug haruhay nga kinabuhi.

Ang ilang saad nga hatagan ug yuta ang ilang mga myembro puro lang mga bakak ug bisan pa mulabay ang pila ka tuig wala gyod bisan isa sa ilang saad ang matuman. Gamiton ramo nila sa panahong mag organisa sila ug rallies batok sa gobyerno hangtod nga hatagan na mo nila ug armas aron kamo makig away sa gobyerno isip mga regular nga myembro sa NPA.

Busa isip kanhing myembro sa walhong kalihukan nga naka kaagi sa grabeng kalisod, ang akong bugtong matambag sa inyo nga ayaw mog pailad sa ilang grupo ug undanga na ninyo ang pag suporta sa maong grupo. Ayaw itugot nga makapahigayon pa silage halapad nga recruitment sa inyong lugar aron dili maguba ang kaugmaon sa matag usa kaninyo,” Tatay Bom said.

For her part, Mayor Rosales thanked the residents for joining the activity and the support they provided to the programs and services of the government.

“Wala gyod laing mahatag ang grupong CPP-NPA-NDF kaninyo gawas sa kagubot. Kami nga naa sa gobyerno, dili me gusto nga mag antos sa kalisod ang katawhan labi na sa sakop sa amog munisipyo busa kami maningkamot gyod me aron maihatag kaninyo ang mga nindot nga mga proyekto ug programa para sa ika uswag sa inyong pagpuyo.

Gani, adunay mga giandam nga mga livelihood programs ang atong munisipyo alang sa mga mag-uuma ug amo kini gipunduhan. Karon, tanag ahensya sa gobyerno nagkahiusa na aron tubagon ang mga problema sa katawhan pinaagi sa Executive Order 70 busa ako usab hangyo sa matag usa nga tabangan ninyo kami sa pag mintenar sa kahapsay sa inyong lugar aron nga wala nay mobabag sa gobyerno sa paghatod niini sa mga proyekto alang kaninyo.

Atong andamon ang atong isig kaugalingon sa kalambuan pinaagi sa pag putol sa insurhensiya. Dili na kita mo sugot nga maka rekruta ug makapangilad pa sila labi na sa mga inosenteng lumlopyo,” Mayor Rosales said.

Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, the 23rd IB commander, encouraged the supporters of the Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) to abandon the weakening group.

“We are here to provide guidance and awareness to everyone especially those who don’t have any idea regarding the deception tactics of the CNTs. I know that some of you were just forced to support the CNT activities because you are afraid of the threats thrown at you by the armed group. They are only taking advantage of your vulnerabilities.

If you continue to support the CNTs, it will be the reason for the fast growth of insurgency. Your actions now will determine your future. If you still continue to support the CNTs, there is a big chance that your future children and grandchildren’s lives will also be affected. It is not only you who will suffer but also the next generation,” Paulo said.