2 NPA guerilla fronts dismantled in Negros

From the Visayan Daily Star (May 8, 2021): 2 NPA guerilla fronts dismantled in Negros (BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division reported that it has dismantled two New People’s Army guerilla fronts in Negros Island, with another soon to follow.

Maj. Cenon Pancito III, spokesperson of the 3rd Infantry Division, said yesterday that they were able to dismantle the South East and Northern Negros Fronts of the Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros/Cebu/Bohol/Siquijor (KR-NCBS), in the past year.

Eighty-four far-flung communities in Western and Central Visayas have also been liberated from the influence of the CPP-NPA-NDF, Pancito said.

The KR-NCBS had earlier issued a statement strongly debunking military claims of having dismantled its South East Front guerilla unit.

Pancito said that 40 to 60 NPA fighters compose a guerilla front, but they were able to reduce their armed strength to less than 15 fighters.

While he admitted that there are still NPA remnants operating in the northern and southeast portions of Negros Island, Pancito said they are more focused on recovering their areas, and avoiding armed skirmishes with government troops.

They shift to political work, and building alliances again, and recruiting new fighters, based on documents recovered by Army troops, following encounters with the NPA, he added.

Maj. Gen. Eric Vinoya, 3ID commander, said they were able to induce numerous surrenders of both guerilla members and supporters of the CPP-NPA. From January to April 28 this year, the 3ID infantry units stationed in Negros, Panay, and Bohol had conducted 57 operations that resulted in the killing of 15 NPA rebels, capture of two others, and seizure of 24 high-powered firearms.

https://news.visayandailystar.com/2-npa-guerilla-fronts-dismantled-in-negros/

Armed clash in Datu Paglas averted by talk between mayor and BIFF leader

From MindaNews (May 8, 2021): Armed clash in Datu Paglas averted by talk between mayor and BIFF leader (By FERDINANDH B. CABRERA)

At least 20 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) under the Karialan faction were sighted in the market of Datu Paglas town in Maguindanao province at daybreak Saturday, causing tension in the area and the closure of a portion of the North Cotabato-Maguindanao highway, but armed confrontation was averted following a talk between the town mayor and the group’s leader.

Lt. Col. John Paul Baldomar, spokesperson of the 6th Infantry Division, said the group left the area after the military’s explosive ordnance team dismantled four improvised explosive devices planted in strategic areas before reaching the town. Baldomar said it was part of the BIFF’s tactical defense to prevent the military from getting closer to them.

Baldomar said the tension eased after the group’s leader and the mayor of Datu Paglas town, Abubakar Paglas, talked. The mayor is a Datu while the BIFF leader, is reportedly a former Sangguniang Kabataan chair in the town.

After the talk, the armed group left the market.

By 1:30 p.m. the closed portion of the highway was reopened.

BACK TO BARRACKS. Soldiers from the 6th Infantry Division at the boundary of Datu Paglas and Buluan towns in Maguindanao move out to return to barracks after tension in Datu Paglas, Maguindanao eased with the departure of some 20 members of the Bangamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters. A talk between the group’s leade and the town mayor averted an armed clash between the BIFF and the military. MindaNews photo by FERDINANDH B. CABRERA

In a radio interview over Brigada, Abu Jehad, spokesperson of the BIFF’s Karialan faction, said they had no plan to launch an attack. He said they went to Datu Paglas to rest as they were still fasting because of Ramadan.

Jehad added that when soldiers arrived, they were forced to defend themselves. “If they will try hard to push through, we will be forced to fight back,” he said.

Former Maguindanao Governor and incumbent Congressman Esmael Mangudadatu, went to the boundary of his hometown, Buluan, and Datu Paglas, to monitor the situation of the residents who fled their villages, most of whom are fasting.

The month-long Ramadan started on April 13 and is expected to culminate in Eid’l Fitr on May 13.

Mangudadatu said the group sighted in the area was led by certain Solaiman, a former SK chair who married a close relative of the BIFF under Karialan. The BIFF has two other factions.

Baldomar said sporadic gunfire was heard by residents but he was quick to clarify that it was not from their group but from the BIFF positioned inside the public market.

“We are just here to cordon off the area while negotiation is ongoing,” he said.

The military also deployed armored vehicles along the North Cotabato-Maguindanao highway as a preemptive measure.

Baldomar said the military used air assets only for reconnaissance purposes, to pursue the BIFF who were pushing towards Sultan sa Barongis town. (Ferdinandh B. Cabrera / MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2021/05/armed-clash-in-datu-paglas-averted-by-talk-between-mayor-and-biff-leader/

Anti-Red team can’t dip hands into P16-billion fund—Lacson

From the Manila Standard (May 7, 2021): Anti-Red team can’t dip hands into P16-billion fund—Lacson

The P16.4-billion allocation for the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) for 2021 can’t be abused, Senator Panfilo M. Lacson said Thursday.

Lacson gave this assurance to fellow lawmakers who wanted NTF-ELCAC defunded, even as he stressed the amount would eventually be released to the local government units that would carry out the projects.

Being the sponsor of the NTF-ELCAC’s 2021 budget, Lacson said it was his obligation and responsibility to defend the Department of Budget and Management’s release of funds which would be implemented not by the NTF-ELCAC but by the local government units concerned.

Lacson, chairperson of the Senate Committee on National Defense, sponsored the budget of the Department of National Defense (DND) and its attached agencies for 2021.

He said programs, activities and projects (PAPs) worth P1 million or less will be implemented by the barangays - those worth more than P1 million but not more than P10 million by the city or municipality and those worth more than P10 million by the province.

PAPs for the cleared barangays include the construction of water systems, local roads, school buildings, and day-care centers.

Lacson pointed out that the fund is not even at the disposal of the security sector since it is part of the Special Purpose Fund under the Assistance to Local Government Units (ALGU), for holding and developing barangays cleared of NPA influence.

Citing Special Allotment Release Orders (SAROs) issued by the DBM in relation to the NTF-ELCAC’s Barangay Development Program, Lacson said the P9.699 billion released so far would fund development PAPs in 485 of 822 barangay beneficiaries.

Lacson said some P9.699 billion has been released so far for the development of barangays that have been cleared of the influence of the New People’s Army (NPA).

The P9.699 billion represented 59 percent of the total P16.4 billion for 1,374 development programs, projects and activities. It includes P9.275 billion for infrastructure; P165.4 million for livelihood/social services; P159.06 million for electrification; P84,525 for agriculture; and P15,500 for COVID-19.

On the other hand, Lacson said he was still waiting for the DND to comply with the 1987 Constitution by relieving Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. as NTF-ELCAC spokesperson, after being assured by a high official of the task force of prompt action on the matter.

He said Parlade’s holding a position in a civilian body like the NTF-ELCAC violates Article XVI, Sec 5, paragraph 4 of the 1987 Constitution, where “no member of the armed forces in the active service shall, at any time, be appointed or designated in any capacity to a civilian position in the Government, including government-owned or controlled corporations or any of their subsidiaries.”

https://manilastandard.net/index.php/news/national/353859/anti-red-team-can-t-dip-hands-into-p16-billion-fund-lacson.html

NPA rebels yield guns, explosives; Makabayan bloc banners seized

From the Philippine News Agency (May 8, 2021): NPA rebels yield guns, explosives; Makabayan bloc banners seized (By Connie Calipay and Mar Serrano)

UNMASKING REDS. War materiel were turned in by former rebels who surrendered in Masbate on Thursday (May 7, 2021) while banners of Makabayan bloc were recovered from an NPA member’s house on the same day. Some eight members of NPA’s Militia ng Bayan yielded to elements of the 2nd Infantry Battalion who were conducting security operations in Barangay San Isidro, Palanas town. (Photo courtesy of 9ID, Philippine Army)

Seeing how the lives of their former comrades changed after returning to the government fold, more members of the communist terrorist group (CTG) in Masbate decided to surrender, bringing along their weapons.

In a statement on Friday, Capt. John Paul Belleza, 9th Infantry Division (9ID) spokesperson, said eight members of “Militia ng Bayan” of the New People's Army (NPA) yielded to elements of the 2nd Infantry Battalion (2IB) who were conducting security operations in Barangay San Isidro, Palanas town on May 6.

“Also turned in by the group were four different firearms, such as M16 rifle, homemade shotgun, six caliber .38 revolvers, three caliber .357 pistols and assorted ammunition,” he said.

Lt. Col. Siegfried Felipe Awichen, 2IB commander, thanked the surrenderers for making the life-changing decision of abandoning the terrorist group.

On the same day, the 2IB received information from concerned citizens that a certain Atibagos who is an active member of Larangan 2, Komiteng Probinsya 4 of NPA’s Bicol Regional Party Committee (BRPC), was in possession of firearms and explosives.

The troops immediately proceeded to the reported area but Atibagos managed to escape.

A quick search in the vicinity of his residence resulted in the recovery of a .357 caliber pistol, anti-personnel mine, laptop, two printers, projector, welding machine, amplifier, solar panel, two camouflage uniforms of the Philippine Army and Philippine Air Force, signal booster, and banners of the Makabayan bloc -- Bayan Muna, Gabriela, Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT Teachers), and militant groups Concerned Drivers and Operators-Piston (Condor-Piston), Bayan and Karapatan.

Upon verification, it was learned that the recovered anti-personnel mine from Atibagos' residence matched with the same kind that was detonated in Uson town on May 1 that killed two civilians and injured five others.

Col. Aldwine Almase, commander of 903rd Infantry Brigade, thanked the residents of Barangay San Isidro for the information about Atibagos, saying that if the said firearms and explosives were not seized, they might have be used against government troops and innocent civilians.

"Napakalaki ng papel na ginagampanan ng mga Masbateño sa sunod-sunod nating tagumpay sa Masbate. (Masbateños have a great role in a continuous win here in Masbate). This should serve as a warning to the CTG that they should leave the province because the residents despise them so much," Almase said.

Makabayan bloc unmasked

Maj. Gen. Henry Robinson Jr., commander of Joint Task Force Bicolandia, said with the seizure of the banners of Makabayan loc and various militant groups, the said organizations have been unmasked of their true color.

"The Makabayan Bloc and these groups have been accusing us of red-tagging. Pero ang katotohanan, hindi natin kailangang gawin 'yan. Sabi nga sa kasabihan, 'kahit anong tago, sisingaw at sisingaw pa rin ang baho.' (But the truth is, we don’t need to do it. As the saying goes, foul odor will stink no matter how much they try to conceal it). How are they going to explain this? Will they continue to deny their affiliation with the CTG and their involvement in the five-decade insurgency in our country which has claimed precious lives? Sa muli, nananawagan tayo sa mga Bicolano, patuloy tayong magkaisa at sabay-sabay nating tapusin ang armadong tunggaliang ito (Once again, we are calling on all Bicolanos, let’s continue to unite and together, let’s end this armed struggle)," Robinson said.

Aside from the growing support of Bicolanos and the intensified implementation of the whole-of-nation approach to end insurgency, JTF Bicolandia also attributed the significant accomplishments of the military to the effective and successful joint operations of the Army and the Police Regional Office 5 (PRO5) of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The continuous rise in the number of surrenderers and neutralization of CTG members during armed encounters and apprehensions as well as the discovery of arms cache and war materiel are the fruits of the police and soldiers' consistent improvement of its interoperability, Robinson said.

"We, in the JTF Bicolandia will continue to work hand in hand with our counterparts from the PNP to sustain our gains here in Bicol and create a great impact in our campaign against communist insurgency. To the Bicolanos, rest assured that your Army and police will not waver in our thrust to serve and protect you," he added.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1139473

NTF-ELCAC to go 'full blast' on legal offensives after anti-terror law oral arguments

From Rappler (May 8, 2021): NTF-ELCAC to go 'full blast' on legal offensives after anti-terror law oral arguments (By PIA RANADA)

The President's task force plans to seek the disqualification of around 9 groups from the 2022 elections, says its spokesman Antonio Parlade Jr

President Rodrigo Duterte's anti-communism task force is just waiting for the Supreme Court anti-terror law oral arguments to end before filing cases against organizations it believes are helping communist rebels, including cases to disqualify around nine groups from the 2022 elections.

This is according to National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) spokesperson Lieutenant General Antonio Parlade Jr in an interview on Rappler's Seat of Power podcast.

"After this anti-terror law petition, makikita ninyo talagang full blast, full force na 'yung legal offensive natin," he said on Friday, May 7 (the interview will be published on Monday, May 10). (After this anti-terror law petition, you will see that we will go full blast, full force on our legal offensive.)

He also said that if not for the oral arguments which began in February 2, "we would have already filed cases against all those front organizations."

The task force held off on filing more cases, he said, so as not to "stymie" the Supreme Court precedings in which the court is hearing those persons and groups who want to declare Republic Act No. 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 as unconstitutional for violating basic rights and freedoms.

One of the legal attacks he said the NTF-ELCAC will pursue is to seek the disqualification of around "nine" groups from joining the 2022 elections as party-list groups.

"Tatlo na 'yung na-file-an. I think mayroon pang siyam.... May mga bagong organization silang tinayo," said Parlade. (We filed against three. I think there are nine more.... They put up new organizations.)

He did not identify the nine groups. The NTF-ELCAC previously submitted a petition before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to cancel the registration of the Gabriela Women's Party in the party-list system, accusing it of receiving funds from a foreign government, specifically Belgium, through a nongovernmental organization.

NTF-ELCAC vice chairperson National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr has also said the government seeks the disqualification of the groups composing the Makabayan bloc: Bayan Muna, ACT Teachers Gabriela, and Kabataan.

The groups the task force will ask the Comelec to disqualify are supposedly guilty of acts of violence and receiving foreign funding, which are grounds to disqualify them from the elections, said Parlade.

Duterte has told lawmakers he wants the 1987 Constitution amended to keep out "groups calling for the fall of government" from party lists that seek election into Congress.

Waiting for court proscription

Meanwhile, the task force is also waiting for the Court of Appeals to proscribe groups designated by the executive branch's Anti-Terror Council as terrorists.

So far, these designated groups are the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People's Army, apart from Muslim extremist groups like the Maute Group.

Parlade thinks there will be more designations of groups as terrorists by the Anti-Terror Council after the oral arguments.

'Double time'

The NTF-ELCAC feels the pressure brought on by the upcoming elections because it means time is almost up for the task Duterte gave them.

"We need to move faster because we have a timetable. The President’s instruction is to end this communist armed conflict before he steps down so we have to double time," said Parlade.

Duterte created the NTF-ELCAC in December 2018 through an executive order. He sits as its chairperson, but its policies and activities are overseen mostly by vice chairperson Esperon.

The group is described by the government as a way to bring together disparate government programs and budgets to pour in development programs in places with strong communist rebel presence in the hopes of convincing them to return to the folds of the law.

But NTF-ELCAC and its spokespersons like Parlade have also been slammed for spreading propaganda that has baselessly and dangerously linked activists, celebrities, media, universities, and even charity organizers to armed communists.

The killings of Left-leaning individuals, some during government operations, others by unknown assailants, have fueled fears of being red-tagged. Human rights groups, some lawmakers, and critics accuse Duterte of not seriously pursuing investigations into these deaths.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/ntf-elcac-go-full-blast-legal-offensives-after-anti-terror-law-oral-arguments

NPA rebel yields due to hardship, meaningless revolution

From the Philippine News Agency (May 8, 2021): NPA rebel yields due to hardship, meaningless revolution (By Perla Lena)

SURRENDERED GUNS, AMMO. A New People's Army regular and nine members of the Milisyang Bayan surrender to the community support program team under the 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB) based in Miagao, Iloilo on May 6, 2021. Photo shows the assorted firearms and ammunition turned over by the surrenderers. (PNA photo courtesy of 301st Infantry Brigade)

A regular of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) and nine Milisyang Bayan (MB) members surrendered to the government last May 6.

"Agot" (not his real name), 24, married and resident of Barangay Molina, Tubungan, Iloilo, gave up to the community support program (CSP) team under the 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB) based in the municipality of Miagao.

“Hardship and the realization of this meaningless revolution pushed alias 'Agot' to yield,” the statement of the 301st Infantry Brigade said on Saturday.

"Agot" was assigned under the Sibat platoon of the Southern Front (SF) of the Kilusang Rehiyon–Panay (KR-P).

Meanwhile, the MBs, supporters of the SF of KR-P, were from Tubungan and Miagao.

“Aside from being a force multiplier, these individuals act as the eyes and ears of the enemy in their barangays to report on presence and movement of government security forces; and offer logistical support to the NPA,” the statement added.

With their surrender, they also gave up seven homemade shotguns with ammunition and magazine, a homemade caliber 45 pistol, and a homemade caliber 38 with ammunition.

Brig. Gen. Marion Sison, commander of the 301st Infantry Brigade, directed the 61IB to facilitate the surrenderers' transition back to mainstream society through the provision of livelihood benefits and other government assistance.

“The continuous surrender of members of the NPA and their supporters shows the impact of the government’s campaign in ending local communist armed conflict. Through the united effort of the people of Panay and the local government units, we see that indeed the end of communist terrorism is inevitable,” he said.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1139601

Military declares Maguindanao town clear after clash with Islamist rebels

From ABS-CBN (Apr 8, 2021): Military declares Maguindanao town clear after clash with Islamist rebels

State troops can be seen on the streets of Datu Paglas in Maguindanao while residents flee amid firefights after Islamist rebels stormed the town Saturday morning. Photos courtesy of Omolhier Saguia

(UPDATE)— Government troops on Saturday drove away about 100 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) who stormed the town of Datu Paglas in Maguindanao.

The Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry Division Commander, Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, confirmed that the military launched an operation in the area on Friday after receiving reports about the presence of BIFF members.

“Kagabi ay nag-launch kami ng operasyon sa Datu Paglas kasunod ng report ng presensiya ng BIFF sa bayan. Karugtong ito ng ating ginagawang operasyon sa SPMS box, halos isang linggo nang nagkakaroon ng encounter ang ating military at local terrorists,” said Uy. (Last night, we launched an operation in Datu Paglas following reports on the presence of BIFF in the town. This is part of our operation in SPMS (Shariff Aguak, Pagatin, Mamasapano and Shariff Saydona) box where encounters between the military and local terrorists have been happening for almost a week.)

Uy also confirmed that BIFF members occupied the public market in Datu Paglas on Saturday morning.

“Kasama 'yan sa ating ginagampanang tungkulin kung saan ay ayon sa utos ng ating Presidente Rodrigo Roa Duterte na matapos itong local terrorist problem sa kanyang termino,” Uy said. (That is part of our mandate, based on President Duterte’s order to end local terrorist problem during his term.)

Vice Mayor Mohammad Paglas earlier said that the group has been resting in the area when the military monitored them.

"Pumasok ang grupo nila dito sa palengke pati sa Gawad Kalinga na residential house ng sibilyan. Wala naman silang hinostage na mga tao, nakipagbakbakan na lang sila sa military," said Paglas. (The group entered the wet market and even the Gawad Kalinga housing for civilians. They did not take anyone hostage but engaged in a firefight with the military.)

Videos posted on Facebook show military armored personnel carriers rolling into town and residents fleeing amid the sound of gunshots. Videos courtesy of Norhaina OMal Pangilayan

Stranded civilians were told to go home when the clash started. Videos captured from a road, meanwhile, showed residents fleeing to safety as armored personnel carrier rolled into town.

Resident Norhaina Pangilayan said it was the BIFF group who advised them to leave the area.

“Yung mga Freedom pinalikas na 'yung mga tao. Kasi 'baka madamay kayo' sabi nila. So ang mga tao nakaalis na. Bago pa dumating mga sundalo, wala nang tao sa loob,” said Pangilayan. (The [rebels] told people to leave so they won't be caught in the crossfire. So the people have already left even before the soldiers came.)

Saturday’s firefight lasted for more than an hour before the military regained control of the area.

The military assured that no soldier nor civilian was hurt and that no property was damaged in the clash.

“Kailangan kasi natin na i-clear muna ang area dahil may nakitang IED sa lugar ngayong humupa na ang sitwasyon” he said. (We still need to clear the area because an IED was spotted there, the situation has subsided.)

The BIFF group encountered by the military was under Commander Karialan.

Meanwhile, the neighboring town of Buluan enforced a temporary lockdown due to the encounter, according to Mayor Dhats Mangudadatu in an announcement on his Facebook page.

"No movement muna po until the situation is in control as will be announced by our PNP and AFP personnel," said Mangudadatu.

Authorities have yet to said if there were casualties from the encounter.

The BIFF is a breakaway group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which earlier brokered peace with government and is in the process of transition into self-governance in the Bangsamoro region.

WIth reports from Lerio Bompat and Chrislen Bulosan

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/08/21/islamist-rebels-storm-maguindanao-town-clash-with-state-troops

Maguindanao town 'under control' after BIFF gunmen cause stir, fight with troops

From CNN Philippines (May 8, 2021): Maguindanao town 'under control' after BIFF gunmen cause stir, fight with troops

Government troops clashed with Islamist militants who caused a commotion in a public market in Datu Paglas town in Maguindanao early Saturday, according to military officials who said the situation is now "under control" after the gunmen fled.

Troops and members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) clashed for "15 to 30 minutes," Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, 6th Infantry Division commander, told CNN Philippines. Uy said no one died or got hurt among security forces and civilians, but it remains unclear if any BIFF fighter was killed.

"Hindi namin, hindi ko ma-ascertain but definitely may tinamaan," he said, citing witnesses.

[Translation: We cannot, I cannot ascertain [if there are casualties] but definitely some got shot.]

There was no property damage, he added.

What happened?

At around 4 a.m., members of the BIFF Karialan Faction "threatened" some civilians in a public market in Barangay Poblacion, Lt. Col. John Paul Baldomar, 6th Infantry Division spokesman told reporters.

Baldomar said he cannot "ascertain" the exact number of BIFF rebels in the area, but some witnesses saw "more or less" 80 of them. Uy, meanwhile, said authorities spotted less than 20 rebels who were searching for food after clashing with troops in previous days.

Civilians fled the market "out of fear" and reported the rebels' presence to troops nearby, Baldomar said. Government forces immediately responded and evacuated those affected, he added. Troops cordoned off the portion of the Poblacion market and closed a part of the national highway in Datu Paglas for safety reasons. Some people were left stranded while the highway was being closed. As the rebel forces were "withdrawing" from the Maguindanao town, they fired shots at the national highway, prompting troops to fire back.

"Habang nandun pa sa area, may mga civilian kasi tayo na naipit nung sinarado yung highway, may mga civilian tayo na nandun sa part ng highway, ito ay pinaputukan ng mga armadong grupo kaya tayo ay nagretaliate...para maprotektahan yung mga civilian na ito at evacuate natin sila," Baldomar said.

[Translation: Shots were fired at the highway where stranded civilians were, so we retaliated to protect and evacuate the civilians.]

CNN Philippines Correspondent David Santos contributed to this report

https://cnnphilippines.com/regional/2021/5/8/BIFF-fighters-Datu-Paglas-updates.html

Over 100 BIFF members occupy Maguindanao town market

From Rappler (May 8, 2021): Over 100 BIFF members occupy Maguindanao town market

(1st UPDATE) Members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters went on a pre-dawn food run at the Datu Paglas public market but were forced to occupy it for several hours when troops arrived, says Lieutenant Colonel John Paul Baldomar

Over a hundred members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) linked to the Islamic State occupied the Datu Paglas town market in Maguindanao for several hours on Saturday morning, May 8, forcing families to flee their homes.

Lieutenant Colonel John Paul Baldomar, 6th Infantry Division spokesperson, confirmed in a pooled media interview shared with defense reporters that the BIFF-Karialian faction entered the town at around 4 am on Saturday and occupied the Datu Paglas market.

Baldomar said fleeing residents first alerted authorities about the incident, and the military helped other residents evacuate.

Baldomar said in Filipino that they "allowed the local government unit to engage with the group and dialogue with them so that the situation would be resolved peacefully."

He said the market was cleared by late Saturday morning, and that there were ongoing pursuit operations.

Local police earlier estimated that there were over 100 BIFF members who occupied the market, based on residents' reports, but Baldomar said the number might be closer to 80.

Food run?

Baldomar said that it appeared that the intention of the BIFF members was to just get food from the market, but their presence scared locals who reported them to authorities, and the group got stuck in the market in the process.

Responding to questions, the military officer said the BIFF group "did not fire their guns" when they went into the market.

"Kanila lang ginawa, na pinuntahan ang palengke, kumuha sila ng mga pagkain, naipit. Naipit lamang sila, tinreathen nila ang mga civilian. Naipit lamang sila noong nakita nila yung ating mga forces ay nadeploy na sa iba't ibang lugar at kanila na itong pansamantalang in-occupy because of the presence ng ating mga sundalo at kapulisan na hindi na nila makuha 'yung iba pang structures diyan sa poblacion," he said. (What they did was they went to the market, they got food, and got stuck. When they couldn't leave, they threatened the civilians. They got stuck there when they saw our forces deployed in diffetent areas, so they temporary occupied [the market] because of the presence of our soldiers and police to ensure that they don't ccupy other structures in the town center.)

He said the only exchange of fire happened when some BIFF members fired shots at some civilian commuters who got stuck in the national highway, prompting the military to retaliate so that they could evacuate the civilians. Baldomar said no one was hurt.

"We have a strict instruction from higher authorities that as much as possible, there should be a peaceful resolution of the situation," Baldomar said.

Clearing operations

He also said the portion of the national highway leading to Datu Paglas had been temporary closed to protect the community.

Baldomar said that during the clearing operations at the national highway, troops recovered four improvised explosive devices, and that they are checking the area for more IEDs to ensure the safety of residents and road users.

Asked for a possible reason for the incident, Baldomar said in Filipino that according to troops, the BIFF "had no other intention but to cause trouble here in Maguindanao."

"Gusto nilang ipakita na they are still a force to reckon with despite the number of surrenders and nanuetralize na mga kasamahan nila for the past few months (They just want to show that they are still a force to reckon with despite the number of surrenders and their members who had been neutralized in the past few months)," he added.

Local media earlier reported that Datu Paglas Mayor Datu Abubakar Paglas assured residents that the situation remained under control.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/terrorist-attack-datu-paglas-maguindanao-may-8-2021 

Philippine troops drive away armed rebels from public market

From the Associated Press (Apr 8, 2021): Philippine troops drive away armed rebels from public market

Dozens of Muslim militants occupied a public market overnight in the southern Philippines before fleeing after a tense standoff with government forces, officials said Saturday.

The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters did not take any hostage or put up resistance when army troops and police took positions at dawn Saturday near the public market in the farming town of Datu Paglas, said military spokesman Lt. Col. John Paul Baldomar.

“They went into the market and stole food but got stuck inside when they saw that our forces have taken positions to ensure other buildings could not be threatened,” he told reporters.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or deaths.

The rebel group broke off from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the largest Muslim rebel group in the south, after it entered into peace talks and later signed a Muslim autonomy deal with the government in 2014. The breakaway guerrillas have continued sporadic attacks and bombings, with some aligning themselves with the Islamic State group.

Baldomar said government forces locked down the town center, where the public market is located, and closed a highway at the height of the hourslong rebel occupation of the market. After the gunmen fled in batches following talks with local officials, soldiers found at least four homemade bombs placed by the rebels along the highway. Troops were pursuing the gunmen, he said.

Datu Paglas Vice Mayor Mohammad Paglas, however, gave a different account and told reporters that the mostly young Muslim rebels arrived on board five trucks in the town center Friday to rest and mark the holy fasting month of Ramadan. He added some of the gunmen have relatives in the town in predominantly Muslim Maguindanao province.

“A big number of gunmen arrived and told us they just wanted to take a rest since it’s Ramadan. We allowed them,” Paglas said.

When troops and police, some on board armored personnel carriers, arrived, the rebels were forced to retreat into the public market for cover but allowed people to leave the building, he said.

Paglas said there was an exchange of fire before the rebels fled, as requested by local officials.

Baldomar said some of the gunmen opened fire on civilian motorists, who were trapped along the highway. The motorists later managed to flee with the help of the military, he said.

Government forces have been on alert in the south, homeland of minority Muslims in the largely Roman Catholic nation, after hundreds of mostly local militants with some foreign supporters linked to the Islamic State group laid siege on southern Marawi city in 2017.

They took over buildings, including banks, school campuses and a hospital, before troops quelled the insurrection after five months with the help of surveillance aircraft deployed by the U.S. and Australia.

The audacious attack at the time reinforced fears that the IS was gaining a foothold in the Southeast Asia despite battle setbacks in Iraq and Syria.

https://apnews.com/article/islamic-state-group-philippines-religion-c9791e0dbe9b6768664b24c04e1c79f9

Fighters of breakaway Muslim group storm southern Philippine town

From Al Jazeera (May 8, 2021): Fighters of breakaway Muslim group storm southern Philippine town

As many as 200 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters reportedly occupied the central market of Datu Paglas in Mindanao.

The BIFF is opposed to the peace agreement in southern Philippines between the main Muslim rebel group, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the central government, leading to their breakaway [File: Ted Aljibe/AFP]

Suspected members of the group, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), stormed a town in the southern Philippine island of Mindanao on Saturday, according to media reports, forcing many residents to evacuate as the military set up road blockades and advanced towards the area.

As many as 200 BIFF fighters reportedly entered Datu Paglas, a town in the province of Maguindanao in Mindanao, early on Saturday, the state television PTV said. Other reports placed the number of fighters between 80 to 100.

Videos posted on social media showed government troops hunkered on a sideroad as the sound of gunfire were heard. But there were no immediate reports of casualties.

According to the state-owned Philippine News Agency (PNA), a cargo truck was used by the gunmen to block the national highway leading to the town public market.

Lieutenant Colonel John Paul Baldomar, a military spokesman, was quoted by PNA as saying that the fighters occupied the town’s public market and established a “defensive position” there.

The rebels also prevented vendors and civilians from leaving.

Another report quoted Baldomar as saying the fighters only wanted to get food from the market, but their presence scared off residents, who then reported them to authorities.

Video footage posted by MAX FM, a radio station in the neighbouring city of Tacurong, showed government troops blocking a highway leading to Datu Paglas.

Another video clip showed thick black smoke rising from the town, as some residents were seen fleeing from the area.

Hundreds of motorists and passengers were also reportedly stranded due to the closure of a major road that passes through the town. As of 0300 GMT, the road remained closed to civilian traffic.

Esmael Mangudadatu, a Congress member and former governor of Maguindanao, told the radio station that the main concern now is to secure the safety of civilians. Many of the residents of the town are preparing for Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

The BIFF is opposed to the peace agreement in southern Philippines between the main Muslim rebel group, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the central government, leading to their breakaway.

According to the military, some of the BIFF fighters have reportedly fought alongside the Maute group and the Abu Sayyaf in the 2017 siege of Marawi, which lasted for five months.

Some members of the BIFF have also reportedly pledged allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS).

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/8/breakaway-muslim-fighters-storm-southern-philippine-town

17 NPA regular fighters yield in Bukidnon

Posted to the Philippine Information Agency (May 7, 2021): 17 NPA regular fighters yield in Bukidnon (By Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy)

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, May 7 (PIA)--Seventeen armed New People’s Army (NPA) surrenderers were presented to the press on Tuesday at the First Special Forces Battalion (1SFBn) camp in Mampayag, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

They turned over eleven assorted guns and rounds of ammunition at the ceremony with the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC) led by Governor Jose Ma. R. Zubiri Jr, and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Provincial Director Carmelo Enrique Libot.

Governor Zubiri visibly overjoyed to see the new surrenderers, gave each of them P25,000.

overnor Jose Ma. R. Zubiri Jr. gives P25,000 to each of the 17 rebels who surrender. (VPSB/PIA 10)

Doubly happy was Regional Director Mari-Flor Dollaga of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-10 who shelled out P10,000 and boxes of foodstuff to each of the former rebels.

Like real military men, the surrenderers snappily rose and loudly thanked their benefactors for the bounty they received—a bonanza they never had it so good in their lifetime.

DSWD Regional Director Mari-Flor Dollaga leads the distribution of P10,000 livelihood aid and boxes of foodstuff to each of the former rebels. (VPSB/PIA 10)

In a press conference, Lt. Col. Vercisio San Jose Jr, 1SFBn commander, said these young NPA regular fighters who were operating under CPP-NPA’s Front 68-B, Sentro de Grabidad, Sub-Regional Command 4 have realized that the meaningless guerilla fighting and deceptive communist recruitment in Bukidnon’s mountainous communities have only brought intimidation, violence, and socio-economic despair.

Brigadier General Ferdinand Barandon, likewise, emphasized that the Bukidnon Task Force ELCAC through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and Amnesty Cluster will always facilitate the distribution of the government's aid to those who returned to the folds of the law.

The Philippine Army presents 17 armed New People’s Army surrenderers to the press at the First Special Forces Battalion (1SFBn) Camp in Mampayag, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. (VPSB/PIA 10)

Also present then was 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB) Commander Lt. Col. Edgardo Talaroc Jr, 88IB Commander Lt. Col. Christian James Vingno, and BGen. Maurito Licudine, commander of 402Bde based in Butuan City.

BGen Licudine has large army contingents near the Pantaron range in Bukidnon province.

When asked by the media if December 2021 could mean the end of the NPA, the army’s 4th Infantry ‘Diamond’ Division (4ID) Commander MGen. Andres Centino said that President Rodrigo Duterte wants the conflict solved before he [the President] steps down. That would be in June 2022. He then called on the remaining rebels in the mountains to come down now while there is still time.

The division commander’s message sounded cold steel the fact that 16 army battalions with heavy armor are now in Bukidnon poised for the final blitzkrieg any day. (RLRB/PIA Bukidnon)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1074526

Hiligaynon News: NPA ginpakamalaut bangud sa pag-patay sang tanod

Posted to the Philippine Information Agency (May 7, 2021): Hiligaynon News: NPA ginpakamalaut bangud sa pag-patay sang tanod (By Lorenzo O. Lambatin, Jr.)

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Mayo 7 (PIA) — Ginatos ka mga pumuluyo sang banwa sang EB Magalona ang sining karon lang nag kondenar sa mga katapo sang Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) Terrorist (CNT) sa ila sini pagpatay kay Barangay Tanod Elmer Ortencio.

Ang nasambit nga pagpakamalaot kag pagkondena ginpatigayon antes ang lubong ni Ortencio sa public cemetery sang Brgy. XUV, syudad sang Victorias.

Suno kay Civil-Military Operations Officer 1Lt Dansan Camua sang 79th Infantry (Masaligan) Battalion (IB), 3rd Infantry Division, ang pamilya, abyan, mga residente kag mga opisyales sang Brgy. Consing, banwa sang EB Magalona ang nagkondenar sang indi makatarungan nga pag-patay kay Ortencio.

Ang mga pumoluyo nagpakita sang mga banner kag placard nga may mensahe nga untaton na ang kalakasan, pangilkil kag pag limbong sa mga katawhan sang mga NPA.

Si Ortencio ginkuha sang mga armado nga tinuga sadtong Abril 13 kag nakit-an na lang nga patay na sa kawayanan sang Hacienda Margarita, Brgy. Consing, syudad sang EB Magalona.

“Ang Philippine Army naga-panginbulahan sa mga opisyales sang barangay kag mga pumoluyo sa ila pag kondenar sa mga komunistang terorista,” pahayag ni Lieutenant Colonel Gerard T. Alvaran, Commanding Officer sang 79IB.

Samtang, si Colonel Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd IB Commander, nagpahayag nga ang Philippine Army upod ang PNP kag iban pa nga mga civil society organizations ang maga bulig sa pag uswag sang mga kumonidad batuk sa mga lihuk sang mga CTG. (79th IB, 3rd ID/JSC/Lljr/PIA6 Negros Occidental)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1074529