NDF grows weaker as Filipinos expose its ‘rapaciousness’

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 25, 2021): NDF grows weaker as Filipinos expose its ‘rapaciousness’ (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (File photo)

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Saturday said the National Democratic Front (NDF) continues to weaken as Filipinos persistently expose the evils perpetrated by the communist terrorist group.

The defense chief’s statement came as the NDF observed its 48th founding anniversary Saturday. He went on to blame the organization for all the violence and atrocities committed by its armed wing, the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA).

"The NDF and its member organizations continue to weaken as Filipinos have unmasked their lies and rapaciousness. Enabling communist terrorists, the NDF must be held liable for the violence and destruction wrought by the CPP-NPA," he said in a statement.

The NDF, established on April 24, 1973 was called a "revolutionary united front organization of the Filipino people fighting for national freedom and for the democratic rights of the people."

Lorenzana called the existence of the NDF a bane for its members as it could no longer ignore the fact that the government continuously enjoys the support of the people, while the political wing of CPP-NPA continues to fade into oblivion.

"Their discredited ideology has never received significant support from the people nor has it contributed an iota of good to the country," he added.

As a sign of extreme desperation, Lorenzana said NDF and its remaining allies would resort to more heinous acts to undermine the country's democracy and way of life.

"We, therefore, call on our people to remain vigilant against the duplicity of these terrorists,” he said.

He also urged the Filipinos to do their share by “supporting the reintegration of our kababayans (countrymen) who were led astray by the CPP-NPA-NDF.”

“Now is the time for us to heal our nation, reconcile our differences, and unite for our lasting peace and progress," he added.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1137921

100 Anakpawis members, 75 ex-NPA rebels sever ties with Reds

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 25, 2021): 100 Anakpawis members, 75 ex-NPA rebels sever ties with Reds (By Gigie Arcilla)

DISAFFILIATION. A total of 100 members of Anakpawis - Pamplona Municipal Chapter, 75 New People’s Army members from Sto Niño, Rizal and Piat in Cagayan, and 30 youths attend a disaffiliation ceremony at the Multi-Purpose Gymnasium of Barangay San Juan in Pamplona town, Cagayan on April 24, 2021. Claims of hardships and deception prompted them to sever ties with the communist groups. (Contributed photo)

Just when the National Democratic Front (NDF) was celebrating its 48th anniversary on Saturday, a total of 100 members of militant group Anakpawis along with former members of the New People’s Army (NPA), and several youths severed their ties with communist terrorist groups (CTG).

A report from the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict said the disaffiliation ceremony at the Multi-Purpose Gymnasium of Barangay San Juan in Pamplona town, Cagayan attended by the 100 members of Anakpawis - Pamplona Municipal Chapter, 75 NPA members from Sto Niño, Rizal, and Piat in Cagayan, and 30 youths.

Emelita Biscaro alias Mimi, a former full-time Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) member, admitted that she joined Anakpawis in 2012 because the group has been helping the poor like them especially addressing their land problems.

Biscaro, of Barangay Curva, Pamplona, and vice-chairperson of women’s peasant group AMIHAN-Cagayan, said she later led organizing activities in the province but decided to leave the organization in 2018.

Former CPP-NPA member Mitch Ligas, of Barangay Calassitan, Sto Nino, Cagayan, said she was recruited by a certain Ivy Lyn Corpin alias Red.

Ligas claimed to be a victim of deceitful recruitment by being promised an educational scholarship and support for her family’s land dispute problems.

Admitting the hardships she experienced with the NPA, she urged the public to be vigilant and fight the deceptive recruitment of CTGs, and protect the youth sector.

Meanwhile, Balani Barangay Captain Mauricio Aguinaldo, a former rebel now the Regional coordinator of SAMBAYANAN, brought with him 45 former NPA rebels from Sto. Nino and Rizal.

He denounced the CTGs and all its national leaders, particularly former Anakpawis party-list Rep. Rafael Mariano, for going around Cagayan province to deceive innocent individuals and families.

Anakpwis, a party-list of marginalized sectors of workers, peasants, fisherfolk, national minorities, urban and rural poor, is reportedly an electoral wing of the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) and the peasant group Kilusang Mangbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP).

KMU and KMP, along with Bayan, Gabriela, Alliance of Concerned Teachers, League of Filipino Students, and KADENA were earlier named by CPP founding chairman Jose Maria Sison as part of the CPP-NPA’s democratic forces in advancing their Philippine revolution.

Aguinaldo said it is high time to oppose CTGs, and thanked the 100 Anakpawis members for their withdrawal of support to the CPP-NPA.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

He lauded the efforts of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict and the benefits provided to former NPA rebels.

The event was also graced by Cagayan Provincial Administrator, Lt. Col. Darwin B. Sacramed who represented Pamplona Mayor Digna G Puzon-Antonio; Brig. Gen. Steve D. Crespillo, of the Army’s 50th Infantry Brigade; Police Col. Romaldo Bayting; and heads of regional offices of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Police Regional Office, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Social Welfare and Development and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1137948

BDP for best interest of underserved barangays: Esperon

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 25, 2021): BDP for best interest of underserved barangays: Esperon (By Azer Parrocha)

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. (File photo)

The government’s anti-insurgency body said the Barangay Development Program (BDP) is for the best interest of underserved barangays and denies communist groups the opportunity to take back what was formerly their playground.

National Security Adviser (NSA) Hermogenes Esperon Jr., in a statement Sunday, appealed to lawmakers to support the BDP, noting that many communities have long waited for these sustainable development initiatives since the start of the Duterte administration in 2016.

“Now that we have successfully liberated them from the clutches of the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army – National Democratic Front), is it not our moral obligation to see to it that they are not at risk for recapture? Is it not our duty as public officials to guarantee that the CPP-NPA-NDF will no longer return to these communities to exploit their vulnerability?,” he said.

Esperon, who is also vice chair of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), came to the defense of the BDP’s PHP16.5 billion funding after some lawmakers sought to defund the NTF-ELCAC.

Of the PHP19 billion total budget of the NTF-ELCAC, PHP16.5 billion is allotted for the development of over 800 barangays cleared of insurgency.

He said stopping the funds for NTF-ELCAC’s BDP would mean halting government means to end a divisive conflict that has handicapped the country.

“The failure to deliver this program would not just mean frustration among us at NTF-ELCAC and the principles that we stand for. Rather, the failure to deliver the Barangay Development Program to the formerly conflicted communities that need it most is tantamount to abandoning their aspirations for a dignified life,” he said.

Core programs

The BDP’s core programs and projects for each recipient barangay, which would receive PHP20 million, include a 1-kilometer farm-to-market road worth PHP12 million, classrooms (PHP3 million), water and sanitation systems (PHP2 million), a health station (PHP1.5 million), and livelihood projects (PHP1.5 million).

The PHP16.5-billion BDP budget goes directly to local government units from the Department of Budget and Management.

“We at the NTF-ELCAC have nothing to gain from the BDP apart from the fulfillment of our legal mandate,” Esperon said in a press statement.

To allay concerns over corruption on the utilization of BDP’s funds, Esperon said the NTF-ELCAC receives daily updates on the progress of the BDP funds and its utilization through various agencies concerned.

“I wish to assure stakeholders that the project management teams at the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the various mechanisms of transparency and accountability of the regional and provincial task forces of the NTF-ELCAC are working to ensure that the BDP funds are used responsibly and for their intended purpose,” he said.

Transparency measures

He added that several measures were drafted to ensure the transparency of the nationwide program.

“At the very least, the guidelines stipulated under the Department of Budget Management (DBM) Local Budget Circular 135 and 135-A are in place to ensure transparency and accountability in the utilization of the BDP funds which will be released to provincial and city governments where the 822 barangays are located,” he said.

Esperon also provided updates on the BDP’s package of programs, which he said were released following the stringent evaluation of the government agencies concerned.

DBM okays 483 BDP projects

Citing data April 23, 2021, he said a total of 525 out of 822 barangays have already endorsed their respective programs and projects to the DBM while the remaining 237 are in the process of endorsing their plans.

“After thorough verification of the proposals at the national level, the BDP package of 483 barangays have already been approved with projects worth PHP9.66 billion ready for release to the provincial and city governments for the benefit of barangays under their jurisdiction,” he said.

Esperon said these will not be released in cash but in the form of projects to the local governments of the identified barangay recipients.

His office, he said, expects the remaining barangays to complete their requirements for the release of the BDP package to their respective provincial governments at the soonest possible time.

He also urged stakeholders to report incidents of misuse, abuse of authority, and malversation, through the government’s appropriate grievance channels such as the Office of the Ombudsman, the Sandiganbayan, and the 8888 Citizens’ Complaint Center.

“It is fairly easy to make speculations thus far on misuse of the BDP funds, but to substantiate allegations is a matter that requires comprehensive investigations altogether,” he added.

Amid red-tagging allegations, Esperon assured that the NTF-ELCAC has “the best interest of the country” in mind.

The NTF-ELCAC was created by virtue of Executive Order 70 issued on Dec. 4, 2018 “to provide an efficient mechanism and structure for the implementation of the Whole-of-Nation Approach to aid in the realization of the collective aspirations for inclusive and sustainable peace.”

The BDP is the NTF-ELCAC’s hallmark program that aims to bring development to former conflict-prone communities.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1137951

Army pantry serves Nueva Ecija town

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 25, 2021): Army pantry serves Nueva Ecija town (By Marilyn Galang)

ARMY EFFORT. The Philippine Army’s 84th Infantry Battalion and private donors set up a community pantry in Camp Kapitan Berong, Guimba on Saturday (April 24, 2021). The leadership of the Armed Forces of the Philippines supports community pantries and similar activities. (Photo courtesy of 84IB)

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – The Philippine Army’s 84th Infantry Battalion (84IB) here organized a community pantry on Saturday, with the help of the local government and private donors.

Residents trooped to Camp Kapitan Berong in Barangay Cavite, Guimba town where the 84IB initially prepared 45 kilos of upo (bottle gourd), 60 kilos each of squash and eggplants, 20 kilos each of ampalaya (bitter gourd) and patola (sponge gourd), and one box each of sardines and corned beef.

"Sa kabuuan, 75 katao ang inisyal na nabiyayaan ng pagkain mula sa community pantry. Kasalukayan ding naghihimok para sa mga karagdagang donasyon ang pinagsamang pwersa ng kasundaluhan at opisyales ng Barangay Cavite, Guimba (Overall, 75 persons got food items from the community pantry. We are currently encouraging other donors and the military to give more)," the information office said in a Facebook post.

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief-of-staff Gen. Cirilito Sobejana previously said in a virtual presser that he has ordered the Civil-Military Operations Office to support community pantries and other similar activities.

"In fact, we are looking for funds for this purpose and (I'm) even contemplating on convincing the members of the Armed Forces to donate one day of our subsistence allowance so with that we will be able to accumulate a substantial amount to support the community pantry or other similar humanitarian undertakings," he said on Thursday.

Sobejana said they will identify areas under lockdown and will deliver food and other necessities.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1137927

Army launches own community pantries in 5 Aurora towns

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 25, 2021): Army launches own community pantries in 5 Aurora towns (By Jason De Asis)

AID FOR THE NEEDY. Residents of Dinalungan, Aurora line up to avail of free food items being offered at the Sinagtala Community Pantry of the Army's 91st Infantry Battalion headquarters in Sitio Marawi, Barangay Simbahan on Saturday (April 24, 2021). Similar projects were launched by soldiers in other municipalities of the province to help the townsfolk who are severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. (Photo courtesy of 91st Infantry Battalion)

BALER, Aurora – The 91st Infantry Battalion (91IB) under the Army's 7th Infantry Division formally opened its Sinagtala Community Pantry in five towns of Aurora province on Saturday and Sunday.

In an interview on Sunday, Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, commander of 91IB, said the project was started with the help of donors who want to assist the Aurora townsfolk who are greatly affected by the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

He added that the undertaking is in line with the Philippine Army’s “Kapwa ko, Sagot ko” project.

“This is one way of showing our support to our constituents in the area amid (the) Covid-19 pandemic,” Rubio said.

The pantries are located in Barangay Masagana in the town of Dilasag; Barangay Poblacion 8 in Casiguran; Sitio Marawi, Barangay Simbahan in Dinalungan; Barangay Sapang Kawayan in Dipaculao; and Barangay 4 in San Luis.

The pantry in Dipaculao opened Sunday and the rest on Saturday. They offer rice, vegetables, and grocery items to the needy and will be open daily.

“When the circumstances seem despairing, we can elevate each other's spirit through cooperative undertakings. As such, the 91 Infantry 'Sinagtala' Battalion is assiduous in extending its support to communities through 'community pantries' as part of the government's initiative to relieve distress amid the Covid-19 pandemic,” Rubio said.

He added the Bravo Company initially provided 100 kilos of rice, 15 kilos of tilapia, 100 pairs of slippers, two sacks of assorted clothing, 100 pieces of canned goods, 100 packs of noodles, 10 trays of eggs and 300 pieces of assorted bread for the pantries.

The battalion headquarters also provided various kinds of vegetables such as eggplant, bitter gourd, cabbage and squash, as well as eggs and noodles.

Rubio also said for the pantry in Dipaculao, the 91IB personnel donated PHP50 each from their own pocket.

Meanwhile, the Aurora Reservist Shooters Association, Inc. is currently gathering goods and money for the noble activity.

“We keep on finding ways and means to serve our people and this is one way of extending the Bayanihan spirit, our “Kapwa ko, Sagot ko program” which we have started last year for those severely affected by the pandemic. We will not hesitate to go beyond our means to deliver basic services and relief goods to the poorest of the poor who are still affected by this pandemic,” Rubio said.

He reminded the people to get only enough food and give others in need a chance to also avail of the free goods from the community pantries.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1137929

Kalinaw News: Ex-Milisyang Bayan supporters formally withdraw allegiance to CPP-NPA

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 25, 2021): Ex-Milisyang Bayan supporters formally withdraw allegiance to CPP-NPA



BALER, Aurora – 1 former rebel and 4 supporters voluntarily surrendered and signified their official withdrawal of support to the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) of Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) at the 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion (91IB), Philippine Army Headquarters in Barangay Calabuanan, Baler, Aurora on April 24, 2021

Lieutenant Colonel Reandrew P. Rubio, Commander, 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion said that the Sinagtala troopers and Police Major Bartolome Antolin, Force Commander, 1st Aurora Provincial Mobile Force Company, Police Lieutenant Renemar C. Montes, Deputy Chief of Police, Baler Municipal Police Station and other security forces facilitated the withdrawal of support of four 4 members of Advocates of Human Rights in Aurora Province (AHRAP) (AHRAP) who requested for their anonymity for security reasons.

He added that Bravo Company of 91IB led by 1st lieutenant Bobby A. Ferrer together with Barangay Council of Barangay Calaocan, Dipaculao headed by barangay councilor Freddie P Santiago in line with the implementation of Barangay Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (BTF ELCAC) facilitated the surrender of a former MB of Venerando Years Villacillo Command, CVRC, 60, married, and a resident of KM14, Barangay Calaocan, Dipaculao with one (1) bandoleer with three (3) magazines for M16, two (2) magazine for M14, twelve (12) rounds 5.56 mm ammunition, and one (1) round of ammo for 7.62 at Barangay Calaocan, Dipaculao, Aurora.

Rubio furthered that the Alpha Company and Delta Company, 91IB (lead unit) led by 1st Lieutenant Jevie Sagragao together with 91st IB Civil-Military Operation Quick Response Team, and other security forces facilitated the withdrawal of support of two (2) members of Liga ng Mangagawang Bukid (LMB) which was organized by Eulalia Ladesma (captured in 2018) and wife of @BISUKOL (TN: Michael Ladesma killed in 2019) at Barangay Labi, Bongabon, Nueva Ecija.

“Our continued intensified military efforts are now gradually paid off. The successive withdrawal of supports and the voluntary surrender of the rebel returnees to our unit- the 91 Infantry (SINAGTALA) Battalion is a testimony that they started to appreciate our sincerest efforts, of course, with the help of our PNP counterparts. They realized that we are true with our endeavors and that it’s safer to be back in the real government,” Rubio said.

Rubio said that the surrenderees are now undergoing custodial debriefing at the 91IB where they related their ordeals while in the terrorists’ group.
“They revealed the group’s deceits while recalling the rebel leaders’ promises to support their families once they join the rebel forces. The surrenderees added that they have already awakened and have realized that the NPAs’ ideologies are only based on lies and deceptions,” Rubio said.

Rubio reiterated the call for the remaining members and supporters of the CPP-NPA to abandon the group’s terroristic activities that sowing terror to the community.

[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/ex-milisyang-bayan-supporters-formally-withdraw-allegiance-to-cpp-npa/

Kalinaw News: 2 NPA and 1 supporter surrender to government troops in Aurora

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 25, 2021): 2 NPA and 1 supporter surrender to government troops in Aurora



BALER, Aurora – 1 supporter and 2 members CPP-NPA are now under validation following their surrender to the government troops according to a top military official in this province.

Lieutenant Colonel Reandrew P. Rubio, Commander, 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion (91IB), Philippine Army said that the government troops intelligence build-up and intensified operation resulted in the surrender of alias Marvin/Rexon, a former squad leader of Squad Dos, Regional Sentro de Gabridad (RSDG), Komiteng Larangang Guerrilla Quirino-Nueva Vizcaya (KLG Q-NV), Komiteng Probinsya Isabela Komiteng Rehiyon Cagayan Valley (KOMPROB ISABELA, KR-CV) and former member of Sangay sa Yunit Propaganda (SYP) of the Central Front, KR-CV in Barangay Calabuanan, Aurora.

He also added that a former Chairman of Aurora Justice and Peace Action Group (JPAG) also surrendered to the operatives of Alpha Company, of 91IB led by 1st Lieutenant Jevie J. Sagragao together with Dingalan Municipal Police Station led by Police Executive Master Sergeant (PEMS) Manuel Roldan P. Gonzales and LGU Dingalan headed by Mayor Shierwin H. Taay, in line with the implementation of the municipal task force to end the local communist armed conflict (MTF ELCAC) held at Municipal Hall, Barangay Poblacion, Dingalan, Aurora.

“The series of withdrawal of support and surrender of former NPAs manifest that the implementation of PTF-ELCAC is proven to be effective. ” Rubio said. He further explained that this successful accomplishment shows the continuous weakening of CPP-NPA through the loss of
support from the communities.

“Their surrender to the government and withdrawal of support from the terrorist group will save people from harm and hostile activities brought by the CPP-NPA-NDF,” Rubio 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/2-npa-and1-supporter-surrender-to-government-troops-in-aurora/

Kalinaw News: Philippine Army launched Sinagtala Community Pantry in Aurora

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 25, 2021): Philippine Army launched Sinagtala Community Pantry in Aurora

BALER, Aurora-The 91st Infantry (SINAGTALA) Battalion, 7th Infantry (KAUGNAY)Division, Philippine Army formally launched SINAGTALA Community Pantry in the province of Aurora on Saturday, April 24, 2021.

Lieutenant Colonel Reandrew P. Rubio, commander of 91st IB said that the SINAGTALA Community Pantry is launched with the help of stakeholders to help those who are greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic which is in line with the Philippine Army’s “Kapwa ko, Sagot ko” project.
“This is one way of showing our support to our constituents in the area amid the COVID-19 pandemic,” Rubio said. The pantries which have rice, vegetables, and groceries are open daily and are located at Barangay Masagana in the town of Dilasag; Barangay Poblacion 8 in the town of Casiguran; Sitio Marawi, Barangay Simbahan in the town of Dinalungan; Barangay Sapang Kawayan in the town of Dipaculao and Barangay 4 in the town of San Luis, all of Aurora. “When the circumstances seem despairing, we can elevate each other’s spirit through cooperative undertakings. As such, the 91 Infantry (SINAGTALA) Battalion is assiduous in extending its support to communities through ‘Community Pantries’ as part of the government’s initiative to relieve distress amid the COVID-19 pandemic,” Rubio said.

He furthered that the bravo company initially provided 100 kilos of rice, 15 kilos tilapia, 100 piecers of slippers, 2 sacks of assorted dress, 100 pieces of can goods, 100 pieces of noodles, 10 trays of eggs, and 300 pieces of assorted Bread. The battalion headquarters also provided eggplant worth Php250, Upo-Php450, Ampalaya-Php275, Kalabasa-Php600, Kamote-Php100, Sitaw-Php 125, Monggo-Php100, Repolyo-Php350, Pechay-Php75, Luya-Php150, Toyo-Php300, vinegar-Php300, Asin-Php300, Oil-Php300, Paminta-Php100, Bagoong-Php300, eggs-Php300, Noodles (2 boxes)-Php500, Onion-10 kilos, Chili-15 kilos, Tomato-20 kilos
and Sweet Potato-1 sack.

Rubio said that the “SINAGTALA Community Pantry” is set to place in the town of Dipaculao wherein the 91st IB personnel donated Php50 each from their pocket. The Aurora Reservist Shooters Association, Inc. (ARSAI) is also in full support of the program wherein the reservist from the Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force, and Philippine Navy are currently gathering goods and money for the noble activity in serving the people of Aurora.

“We keep on finding ways and means to serve our people and this is one way of extending the Bayanihan spirit, our “Kapwa ko, Sagot ko program” which we have started last year for those severely affected by the pandemic. We will not hesitate to go beyond our means to deliver basic services and relief goods to the poorest of the poor who are still affected by this pandemic,” Rubio said.
Rubio reminded the people to get only enough food and give others in need a chance to get it.

[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/philippine-army-launched-sinagtala-community-pantry-in-aurora/

Kalinaw News: “Kabsat Ko, Ipateg Ko (Kapatid ko, Mahalaga sa akin)- Lamesang Bayan” ng 5ID, umarangkada!

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 25, 2021): “Kabsat Ko, Ipateg Ko (Kapatid ko, Mahalaga sa akin)- Lamesang Bayan” ng 5ID, umarangkada!



CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela- Umarangkada na ang “Kabsat Ko, Ipateg Ko (Kapatid ko, Mahalaga sa akin)– Lamesang Bayan” ng 5th Infantry Division (5ID), Philippine Army sa ilalim ng kanilang Command Social Responsibility na kung saan, nabahagian ng ayuda ang ilang mga residente sa syudad ng Ilagan at bayan ng Naguilian, Isabela ngayong ika-24 ng Abril taong kasalukuyan.

Sa pamamagitan ng boluntaryong ambagan ng bawat sundalo ng 5ID, pakikipagtulungan ng mga ahensya ng pamahalaan at ilang non-government organizations, nakalikom ng sari-saring mga gulay, bigas, mga pampalasang tulad ng sibuyas, bawang, suka, toyo, seasoning, at maging mantika. Mayroon ding mga itlog, noodles, delata, kape, asukal, bitamina at mga damit na naipamahagi sa mga residente na kinabibilangan ng mga katutubong Agta sa Barangay Cabisera 10, isa sa mga liblib na lugar ng Ilagan City at sa Barangay Burgos, Naguilian, Isabela.

Nabili ang mga gulay mula sa Nueva Vizcaya Agricultural Terminal (NVAT) at Isabela Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (IAPTC) na binabagsakan ng produkto ng mga magsasaka sa Cordillera at Lambak ng Cagayan. Habang binili naman mula sa mga Former Rebels ang mga itlog na galing sa kanilang livelihood program mula sa Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster ng Regional Task Force-End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) ng Rehiyon Dos. Layunin nito na matulungan ang mga magsasaka at mga former rebels na mabili ang kanilang mga produkto. Upang matulungan naman ang mga negosyanteng nagsisimula pa lamang sa kanilang negosyo, sa kanila naman bumili ng mga ipinamahaging noodles, mga delata at iba pang kailangan sa pagluluto. Nakiisa rin sa bayanihan ang sektor ng simbahan sa pamamagitan ng Church of Christ mula sa Roxas, Isabela na mamahagi ng mga bitamina at mga damit.

Malaki ang naging pasasalamat ng mga residente sa ipinaabot na tulong ng kasundaluhan lalo pa’t nararanasan pa rin nila ang hirap na dulot ng pandemya. Ayon kay Barangay Chairperson Dominico Lelina ng Barangay Burgos, ilan sa kanyang mga kabarangay ang nawalan ng hanapbuhay mula nang magkaroon ng pandemya na naghanap ng temporaryong mapagkakakitaan. Ibinahagi rin ng kapitan, ang kahirapan ng transportasyon sa kanilang barangay dahil sa mahigpit na pagsunod sa mga inilatag na health protocols kontra CoVID-19. “Hindi po madali ang pagbyahe ng mga gustong pumunta ng bayan upang makapamili ng kanilang pangangailangan dahil sa hirap ng transportasyon. Napakalaking tulong para sa amin ang ipinamahagi ng ating kasundaluhan dito sa aming barangay. Kaya labis po akong nagpapasalamat lalo na kay Maj. Gen. Mina dahil hindi nila nakalimutan ang aming barangay.”

Tuwang-tuwa naman si Lola Lorita Lazaro, residente sa barangay Burgos nang makakuha ng sapat na mga gulay para sa kanyang ilang araw na pagkonsumo. Aniya, napakaswerte nila sa kanilang Barangay dahil bagamat may kalayuan ang kanilang lugar, nagawa pa rin silang mapuntahan ng kasundaluhan upang makapag abot ng ayuda para sa kanila.

Malaki rin ang naging pasasalamat ni Joefer Areola ng kaparehong barangay dahil sa pagsisikap ng kasundaluhan na marating ang kanilang Barangay. Wala rin umano siyang narinig na reklamo mula sa sundalong nagbuhat ng sako-sakong mga gulay, bigas, at ilang mga sangkap panluto hanggang sa makakuha ang mga residente sa Lamesang Bayan. “Itong mga gulay at bigas ay napakalaking tulong para sa aking pamilya.

Hiling naman ni Lean Bielgo, Barangay Secretary ng San Antonio, Ilagan City ang proteksyon ng bawat kasundaluhan sa pagganap ng kanilang tungkulin upang mas marami pa ang maabot ng tulong na ipinagkakaloob sa mga mamamayan. “Nawa’y bumalik din sa inyo ang tulong na inyong ipinamahagi sa amin. Hindi po namin lubos akalain na sa kabila ng kalayuan ng aming lugar ay narating pa ito maabutan kami ng tulong.”

Bago pa man ang pamamahagi ng tulong sa mga nabanggit na lugar, nabahagian na ng tulong mula sa Lamesang Bayan ng 5ID ang mga Former Rebels at kanilang mga pamilya na sa kasalukuyan ay nasa Happy Farm Ville, Upi, Gamu, Isabela.

Samantala, nakiisa rin ang kasundaluhan ng 503rd Infantry Brigade sa itinayong Lamesang Bayan sa pamamagitan ng pagtutulungan ng bawat residente sa Tabuk City, Kalinga. Nakipagbayanihan din ang kasundaluhan ng 54th Infantry Battalion sa inilunsad na Lamesang Bayan sa bayan ng Lagawe, Ifugao. Nabuo ang nabanggit na proyekto nang magbahagi ang mga residente ng kanilang tulong para sa mga nangangailngan.

Nagpasalamat naman si Maj. Gen. Laurence E Mina, Commander ng 5ID sa bayanihan ng bawat sundalo na boluntaryong nagbigay ng bahagi ng kanilang sahod upang mabigyan ng tulong ang mga pamilya na lubos na naapektuhan ng pandemya sa pamamagitan ng proyektong “Kabsat Ko, Ipateg Ko- Lamesang Bayan (Kapatid ko, Mahalaga sa akin)” ng 5ID.

Ipinaabot din niya ang kanyang pasasalamat sa mga ahensya ng pamahalaan at non-government organizations na nagtiwala sa 5ID upang maihatid sa mga mamamayan ang kanilang ipinagkaloob na tulong. “Ang proyektong “Kabsat Ko, Ipateg Ko- Lamesang Bayan (Kapatid ko, Mahalaga sa akin)” ng 5ID na ating inilunsad ay naglalayong makapag-ambag sa hapag-kainan ng ating mga kababayang higit na naapektuhan ng pandemya at mas nangangailangan ng tulong. Ito ay nagpapakita ng pagdadamayan, pagtutulungan, pagmamalasakit at bayanihan ng mga Pilipino. Sa ating mga kababayan, sama-sama nating labanan ang pandemya sa pamamagitan ng pagkakaisa. Kung makikipagtulungan ang bawat isa sa atin, mas magiging matibay tayo hanggang sa matalo natin ang mga hamong dulot ng pandemyang ito.”

[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/kabsat-ko-ipateg-ko-kapatid-ko-mahalaga-sa-akin-lamesang-bayan-ng-5id-umarangkada/

Kalinaw News: 4ID helps in setting-up the community pantry initiated by good- intentioned volunteers in Cagayan De Oro

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 25, 2021): 4ID helps in setting-up the community pantry initiated by good- intentioned volunteers in Cagayan De Oro



Cagayan de Oro City – The 4th Infantry Division, through its Task Force Oro, supported the community pantry set-up by the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP) in cooperation with barangay officials of Macasandig and Cagayan de Oro City local Police, in Barangay Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro City on April 24, 2021. Jeremy Cabrera, one of the organizers, said that their sole purpose of putting up a community pantry is to help the residents who are in a difficult situation during this time of the pandemic.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Anshary Pumbaya, head of Task Force Oro said that the Philippine Army will always support initiatives like this. “In these very challenging times, simple and noble deeds of volunteerism deserves the full support of your Army Troopers and by all government agencies.”

The barangay council of Macasandig headed by Barangay Captain Aaron Neri assured that standard health protocols are being strictly followed to avoid the spread of the COVID-19.

[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/4id-helps-in-setting-up-the-community-pantry-initiated-by-good-intentioned-volunteers-in-cagayan-de-oro/

Kalinaw News: Army chief confers ATR institutionalized stage to 2nd Field Artillery Battalion with gold trailblazer award

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 24, 2021): Army chief confers ATR institutionalized stage to 2nd Field Artillery Battalion with gold trailblazer award



Committed to its mantra of Handa, Tapat and Maaasahan, 2nd Field Artillery Battalion, Army Artillery Regiment, the Philippine Army was able to transcend its gains while pursuing excellence as it reaped the final stage of the Army Governance Pathway, the Institutionalized Status effective 12 January 2021 under General Order Nr 64 Headquarter Philippine Army dated 20 January 2021.

No less than the Acting Commanding General of the Philippine Army, Lieutenant General Jose C Faustino PA conferred the award on April 22, 2021, during his visit to the Army Artillery Regiment (AAR) in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija.

To recall, 2FAB underwent the tedious bid process for the ATR Institutionalization Stage wherein it was able to hurdle the Breakthrough Results presentation before the Philippine Army Strategy Management Committee (SMC) on 09 October 2020, the ATR On-Site Audit done by the AAR SMC on 28-30 October 2020 and the Revalida presentation before the panelists from the PA and AAR SMC and the AAR Multi-Sector Advisory Board on 27 November 2020.

The unit received the ATR Lamp for obtaining a Gold Trailblazer Award with an overall rating of 97.42%. It was virtually received by the 2FAB Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Rosa Ma Cristina Rosete-Manuel, based in Mawab, Davao de Oro while Brigadier General Romulo A Manuel Jr PA, the AAR Commander, physically received the same.

The recognition is a manifestation that 2FAB aligned itself to the vision of the Philippine Army, by 2028, a world-class Army that is a source of national pride.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/army-chief-confers-atr-institutionalized-stage-to-2nd-field-artillery-battalion-with-gold-trailblazer-award/

Kalinaw News: Army, LGU send-off CSP Teams to 7 Iloilo City villages

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 24, 2021): Army, LGU send-off CSP Teams to 7 Iloilo City villages



CAMP HERNANDEZ, Dingle, Iloilo— The Army’s 301st Infantry Brigade in partnership with the local government of Iloilo City deployed Community Support Program (CSP) teams to seven villages in Iloilo City on Friday, April 23, 2021. The send-off ceremony was held at the Iloilo City Hall Ground, Iloilo City.

In attendance were Mr. Nestor Panaguiton, Executive Assistant of Mayor Jerry Treñas; Mr. Carlos Lim, Director, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) – Iloilo City; Lieutenant Colonel Rommil Abayon, Commanding Officer, 3rd Civil-Military Operation Battalion; Captain Jolly Bulawan, CSP Officer, 301st Infantry Brigade; Captain Ivy Arcangeles, Commanding Officer, 33rd CMO Company, and village chairmen of the seven barangays.

The CSP teams were composed of soldiers from the 33rd CMO Company led by CPT Arcangeles and one augmentation team from the Iloilo City Police Office. They will be facilitating the synchronized implementation of government services, programs, and projects in Barangay South Fundidor, North Fundidor, and West Timawa in Molo District; Barangay Sinikway in Lapuz District; Barangay Baldoza in Lapaz District, and Barangay Navais in Mandurriao District. Brigadier General Marion R Sison, Commander, 301st Infantry Brigade, expressed his gratitude to Mayor Jerry Treňas and the local government unit of Iloilo City for allowing and supporting our soldiers and PNP personnel in addressing the issues and problems brought by the legal front organizations of the CPP-NPA-NDF that pervade in some urban villages.

“We are grateful for the trust given by the city government to the CSP teams who are strongly committed to ensuring the fast delivery of government services to the villages. With this, I am encouraging the village chairmen to support our soldiers and the PNP as they work with the Ilonggos in building peaceful and progressive communities, keeping in mind that nation-building is our shared responsibility,” Brigadier General Sison said.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/army-lgu-send-off-csp-teams-to-7-iloilo-city-villages/

Kalinaw News: Kinam cleared of NPAs, Philippine Army-built road shortens travel from 12 hours to 30 minutes

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 24, 2021): Kinam cleared of NPAs, Philippine Army-built road shortens travel from 12 hours to 30 minutes



MALAPATAN, Sarangani (April 23, 2021) – A Serbisyo Caravan vehicle of the provincial government journeys through the newly-opened road going to Barangay Kinam via Barangay Daan Suyan to deliver the needed services for the residents of Kinam on April 21.

The road-opening project, which started in 2020, was the initiative of the partnership of the provincial government of Sarangani, local government of Malapatan, and the 52nd Engineer Brigade – 512th Engineer Construction Battalion, in response to the mandate of President Duterte thru Executive Order No. 70 “institutionalizing the whole-of-nation approach creating a national task force to end local communist armed conflict or ELCAC.”

With the road-opening project, government services were able to reach the far-flung barangay of Kinam and brought an end to insurgency in the community. According to Tata Sinon, 33, a farmer from Sitio Masandig, before the road was opened, it would take farmers half-a-day of 23 river-crossing via horse-riding from Kinam to Daan Suyan, and another half-a-day from Daan Suyan to Lun Padidu in bringing their products of copra, corn, abaca, and upland rice to the market. He even lamented that back then, half of their products would be damaged and go to waste whenever the water level in the river is high.

Sinon added the residents of the barangays have also been suffering in the early 90s to early 2000s due to armed conflict between the New People’s Army rebels and government troops. With the road now opened in the highlands, it would only take a 20 to 30-minute ride from Kinam to Daan Suyan via motorcycle or pick-up truck. Farm products would be delivered with ease and would be of high quality and price, delivery of basic social and economic services to the people is no longer hampered, and development has thrived as peace is now achieved in the community.

[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/kinam-cleared-of-npas-philippine-army-built-road-shortens-travel-from-12-hours-to-30-minutes/

Kalinaw News: More Abu Sayyaf Group Members, supporters yield in Sulu

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 24, 2021): More Abu Sayyaf Group Members, supporters yield in Sulu



Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Jolo, Sulu – Ten more Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members/supporters, including females, surrender as military forces in Sulu intensify efforts to end terrorism in the province.
“Yesterday morning, Marine Battalion Landing Team- 1 under the overall-in-charge Major John A Dela Cruz formally welcome the voluntary surrender of ten personalities associated with ASG at their headquarters at Barangay Seit Lake Poblacion, Panamao, Sulu. Four are full-time members, while the rest are supporters – close family members of ASG subleader Sansibar Bencio. This was all made possible through the help of our Local Chief Executives in Panamao led by Mayor Al-Frazier, S Abdurajak” said 4th Marine Brigade Commander Colonel Hernanie S Songano.

Major Dela Cruz identified the surrenderees as ASG member Makkin Salidin, Idjo Aburajan, Haris Jul, Raham Saddih all under subleader Sansibar Bencio. In total, they yielded three M16 rifles with magazines and ammunition, one M14 rifle, and a Cal. 45 pistol.

Both Sansibar Bencio’s mother, Maybat Saliddi, and his wife, Marissa Marajan, also came forward and surrendered an M1 Garand rifle as a sign of their sincerity. Meanwhile, the remaining supporters who surrendered are close relatives of ASG member Sikal Hussein.

Per Joint Task Force Sulu Commander, Major General William N Gonzales the members surrendered since the key ASG leaders at the second district has already been neutralized by the marines.”Hairulla Abduraja was killed in an encounter in 2019. Then, subleader Hatib Munap Binda and Bencio Barahama were also neutralized in November 2020.”

“Aside from leadership vacuum tremendously felt by the ASG at the second district, the fact that ASG main group is at its downfall is putting pressure on all remaining members and supporters. Driving them to have a change in perspective and return to a life of peace,” Major General Gonzales added.

The surrenderees have all been turned over and will be assisted by the local chiefs at the Barangay level. To note, Chief of Staff Armed Forces of the Philippine General Cirilito Sobejana exemplified that the excellent convergence of local government units/agencies and the military is the game-changer in this fight against terrorism during his visit at Joint Taskforce – Sulu Headquarters.

[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/more-abu-sayyaf-group-members-supporters-yield-in-sulu/