Kalinaw News: Government Convergence Team, Army provide Assistance To 30 People’s Organizations, Former Rebels in Davao Oriental

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 22, 2021): Government Convergence Team, Army provide Assistance To 30 People’s Organizations, Former Rebels in Davao Oriental



Davao Oriental – 400 individuals coming from 30 federated people’s organization of Davao Oriental’s 2nd district receive aid from local and national government agencies during the distribution of assistance held at 66th Infantry Battalion Advance Command Post in Brgy. Dawan, Mati, Davao Oriental on May 20, 2021 together with NTF-ELCAC Spokesperson Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy.

Among the beneficiaries are people’s organization composed of former members of underground mass organization of CPP-NPA-NDF. The program was organized by the Philippine Army and the revitalized-Pulis sa Barangay under Police Regional Office 11. The beneficiaries received Php3,000 and 1,000 food packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development as part of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS).

Meanwhile, Department of Agriculture distributed vegetable seed. On the other hand, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority conducted profiling and assessment for skills training and scholarships. The Department of Labor and Employment also continue the profiling and assessment for TUPAD and Livelihood Program. The Department of Trade of Industry, likewise conducted assessment and profiling to qualified beneficiaries for Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) Program; while the Cooperative Development Authority conducted training for Cooperative in Competency and Capacity Building; Fiscal Management and Marketability of Products.

Furthermore, the office of Senator Lawrence “Bong” Go provided food packs, face shields, masks, and vitamin packs for the participants and raffled off several bicycles, shoes, and computer tablets for the students. National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) Spokesperson Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy said in her speech that the peace everyone is seeking is at hand and expressed her gratitude to the people for being with the government in the fight against insurgency towards peace and development.

The 10th Infantry “Agila” Division Commander Major General Ernesto Torres Jr. said that the convergence program of various people’s organization, former rebels, and farmers working together with various government agencies is an indicator of a dying insurgency in an area as it exhibits the essence of peace and coordination as a factor for lasting peace, eradicating the insurgency being waged by CPP-NPA-NDF for 53 years now. “We are on the right direction in empowering our People’s Organization. Nakikita natin itong mga people’s organization as a refuge of our FRs in returning to the mainstream society with dignity, security, and the opportunity for livelihood for their families. And I am proud to report that the 10th Infantry Division supported the creation of more than 500 people’s organization in our area of responsibility. And this is actually a pilot launching of this type of strengthening of our POs,” Maj. Gen. Torres said.

The Convergence team consists of government agencies coming from the Department of Agriculture represented by Ms. Enya Ahamit; Department of Trade and Industry represented by Asec. Reveree Niño Contreras; Department of Social Welfare and Development represented by Ms. Gemma Dela Cruz; Department of Labor and Employment represented by Dir. Jason Balais; Technical Education and Skill Development Administration represented by Provincial Director Leah Braga; National Commission on Indigenous People represented by Mr. Emmanuel Gacal; Cooperative Development Authority represented by Usec. Joseph Encabo; Office of Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go represented by Atty. Ron Villacampa; 10th Infantry “Agila” Division Philippine Army; Philippine National Police; and the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental represented by 2nd Representative, Joel Mayo Almario.

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/government-convergence-team-army-provide-assistance-to-30-peoples-organizations-former-rebels-in-davao-oriental/

Kalinaw News: For Lasting Peace | SALW memorandum signed, 23 assorted firearms surrendered

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 22, 2021): For Lasting Peace | SALW memorandum signed, 23 assorted firearms surrendered



HADJI MUHAMMAD AJUL, Basilan — A total of twenty-three firearms surrendered. Twenty high-powered long firearms and three pistols were received by Brigadier General Domingo B Gobway, the Commander of Joint Task Force Basilan – 101st Brigade from the different Barangays of Municipality of Hadji Muhammad Ajul as part of the signing of Memorandum of Understanding on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Program at Barangay Buton on Friday, 21 May 2021.

The Small Arms and Light Weapons Program is a component of the normalization process under the Comprehensive Agreement of Bangsamoro which aims to reduce the significant number of illicit firearms and to restrict its movement within the locality.

Governor Jim Hataman-Salliman strongly supports the SALW program which is seen to greatly improve the peace and development of Basilan. Constituents who surrendered their loose firearms will receive livelihood support and financial assistance from the government as provided in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Brigadier General Gobway expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the cooperation of the Local Government Unit headed by Mayor Ibrahim Ballaho and all the Barangay Leaders. According to him, this collaboration of the LGU, police and the military on SALW will hasten the normalization process.

“I am very much thankful to Hon. Ibrahim Ballaho who took bold steps to be the first Mayor to implement the SALW program,” Brigadier General Gobway said.

Lieutenant Colonel Alex D Ampati, the Commanding Officer of the 4th Special Forces Battalion, is grateful to the efforts and hard work of the 15th Special Forces Company headed by the Captain Sherwin D Latiera.

Captain Sherwin Latiera ensures that his unit will support the program on SALW in order to attain a long-lasting peace in Hadji Muhammad Ajul Muncipality.

“Ang kasundaluhan ninyo ay inyung kaibigan, at katuwang sa kapayapaan. Kaya Tayo po ay magtulungan sa ganitong programa ng pamahalaan,” Captain Latiera said.

Also present in the activity were Police Colonel Rodrigo O Maramo, the Provincial Director of PNP Basilan, different local government agency heads, and other stakeholders.



[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/for-lasting-peace-salw-memorandum-signed-23-assorted-firearms-surrendered/

Kalinaw News: Magkakasunod na Peace Rally isinagawa sa ibat-ibang Barangay sa Masbate

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 22, 2021): Magkakasunod na Peace Rally isinagawa sa ibat-ibang Barangay sa Masbate



Magkasamang nagsagawa ng Peace Rally ang Brgy Calumpang at Brgy Dalipe ng Cawayan, Masbate kasama ang mga residente ng dalawang barangay nitong Biyernes ika-21 ng Mayo 2021 na ginanap sa Plaza, Brgy Dalipe, Cawayan, Masbate.

Ang dalawang barangay na ito ang pinakauna sa buong probinsiya ng Masbate na nagpakita ng buong loob na katapangan upang labanan ang mga teroristang CPP-NPA-NDF dalawang taon na ang nakararaan.

Ang nasabing aktibidad ay isinagawa upang ipagdiwang ang ikalawang anibersaryo ng paglaya sa kamay ng mga teroristang CPP-NPA-NDF na may temang “Patunay na Walang Puwang ang Salot na CPP-NPA-NDF sa Aming Barangay” at “Dalawang Taon na ang Nakalipas, Tuloy lang ang Laban”.

Samantala, nagsagawa din ng magkasunod na Peace Rally sa pangunguna ng kanilang mga Punong Barangay, Opisyales, at Tanod ang mga residente ng Brgy Dayao at Brgy Bat-ongan ng Mandaon, Masbate nitong ika-21 at ika-22 ng Mayo 2021 upang ipakita ang kanilang pakikiisa sa pamahalaan na labanan at supilin ang insurhensiya sa probinsiya. Kasunod nito ay pormal at buluntaryong nanumpa ng tigil suporta ang ilang mga dating tagasunod ng mga teroristang CPP-NPA-NDF sa harap ng Punong Barangay at mga residente.

Ang sunod-sunod na pagdaos nang Peace Rally sa ibat-ibang barangay sa probinsiya ng Masbate ay patunay lamang na mulat na ang mga mamamayang Masbateño sa mga panlilinlang, masasamang gawain at masamang naidulot ng mga teroristang CPP-NPA-NDF. Ito ay patunay na paghahangad ng kapayapaan, kaunlaran at tunay na pagbabago nang mga Masbateños.

[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/magkakasunod-na-peace-rally-isinagawa-sa-ibat-ibang-barangay-sa-masbate/

Kalinaw News: 23IB joins project platform launching for IPs in Agusan del Norte

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 23, 2021): 23IB joins project platform launching for IPs in Agusan del Norte



BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte – The 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion joined the launching of a project platform dubbed as Rights-Based Development Approach through Culturally Responsive Environmentally Adaptive, and Time-Bounded Enrichment Projects (RDA-CREATE) last May 19, 2021 in Sitio Balataan, Barangay Camagong, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte. This project platform will benefit the Indigenous People (IP) communities in Agusan del Norte.

The launching was spearheaded by the National Commission on Indigenous People in Agusan del Norte (NCIP-ADN), and Revise Mandahinog, the IP Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of Nasipit.

Present during the activity were Agusan del Norte Gov. Dale B. Corvera, Agusan del Norte Second District Rep. Ma. Angelica Amante-Matba, Nasipit Mayor Enrico R. Corvera, Datu Eddie “Bawang” Ampiyawan, the IPMR of the province of Agusan del Norte and Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, the commander of 23IB.

The launching was aimed to sustainably increase and develop different projects anchored in the four (4) bundles of rights of the IPs as stipulated in the Indigenous Peoples Right Act (IPRA) of 1997.

The launching of the RDA-CREATE also focused on the rights of the IPs on their ancestral domains in terms of protection, promotion, preservation, and recognition. The activity also strengthened the IP structures for them to exercise their rights in the development, management, and control of their ancestral domains.

The activity started with a ritual officiated by Datu Ruben Mandahinog that asked for guidance for the appropriate approaches for the effective implementation of the projects for the IP communities in the area. Ribbon-cutting and tree planting activities were also facilitated in line with the launching of the Pang Ibabasok Agro Tourism Park in the area. Among the direct beneficiaries of the project are the IP members of the association of the Higaonon Indigenous Cultural Communities.

NCIP-ADN Acting Provincial Director Engr. Cierona Cutar- Molaan discussed some salient provisions of Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) during the activity, with the highlights on the IP rights on their ancestral domains, rights to self-governance and empowerment, social justice and human rights, and the rights to cultural integrity.

Datu Mandahinog welcomed all the participants and thanked them for their continued support to the Higaonon tribe in Nasipit.

“Nalipay mi nga anaa ang gobyerno nag suporta sa amo ug mihatag kanamo sa mga pinasahing prebelihiyo nga mapadayon ug mapalambo ang among mga katungod isip mga lumad. Dako among pagsalig nga ang tanang mga proyekto nga ilang ipahigayon sa among yutang kabilin dili makadaot sa among tribu, kundili maka tabang hinuon aron mahatagan ug dugang kalambuan ug mga oportunidad ang matag myembro sa sa among kumunidad. Tungod sa suporta ug proteksyon nila sa amo, mapasa ug mapabati pa namo sa mga sunod pang henerasyon ang tanang kaayuhan nga nahitabo sa among tribu. Buhaton usab namo ang tanan aron dili maguba ang kalinaw ug kalambuan sa among lugar pinaagi sa pag-abog sa mga dautang elemento nga mosuway sa pag bungkag sa panaghiusa ug pagtinabangay sa matag-usa ug aron dili mulungtad ang insurhensiya,” Datu Mandahinog said.

Rep. Amante-Matba also assured her support to the IPs in Agusan del Norte through the provision of programs and services that are needed in communities.

“We in the provincial level, in partnership with different government agencies will always support and prioritize the IPs in Agusan del Norte because they are one of the most vulnerable and affected sectors to the insurgency which hinders their progress. We will implement projects that are beneficial to them in order for them not to be left behind by the current standing of our nation,” Amante-Matba said.

Lt. Col. Paulo lauded the unified support of different agencies to the IP communities in Nasipit and the rest of the province of Agusan del Norte.

He also assured the IP leaders and members in the area of the continued support of the 23IB in all development initiatives for the IP communities in the province.

“Beyond recognizing and protecting the rights of the IPs, the 23IB is committed to support all the initiatives to develop their communities. We are also committed to help empower them to be able to participate in decision-making in different levels, whether in the national or international fora to raise the primary issues that are affecting their people and communities,” Paulo 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/23ib-joins-project-platform-launching-for-ips-in-agusan-del-norte/

Kalinaw News: 58IB and LGU hold 3-day Leadership Summit for Balingoan Youth

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 24, 2021): 58IB and LGU hold 3-day Leadership Summit for Balingoan Youth



CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental – The Army’s 58th Infantry Dimalulupig Battalion, in partnership with the Balingoan Local Government Unit, held its 1st Municipal Youth Leadership Summit 2021 (YLS) from May 17 to 19, 2021 at Villa Felomina, Barangay Silad, Sugbongcogon, Misamis Oriental. Balingoan and Misamis Oriental Chapter of Propelling Our Inherited Nation Through Our Youth (POINTY), in collaboration with the 58IB, organized the three-day Municipal Youth Leadership Summit 2021 with the theme: “Kabataan-onan: Paglaom ug Pangandoy para sa Malinawong Munisipyo ug Komunidad.”

A total of 50 young people from various barangays in Balingoan, Misamis Oriental, participated in the YLS, which aims to build youth leaders and inspire them to become responsible citizens and catalysts for peace and growth in their communities. Despite the pandemic, chances must be taken to continue its development especially for the next generation, thus the realization of the said summit. Safety protocols were strictly imposed during the event to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Aside from the discussion of youth in peacebuilding, the participants were also given a series of lectures on COVID-19 related health protocols, disaster risk reduction management, and basic life support and first aid, IPRA Law, 4 Bundles of Rights, 6 Programs for Indigenous People under EO No. 70, Anti-criminal Act, and Livelihood Opportunities for Indigenous People, and CPP-Youth NPA’s Exploitation.

Team building activities, healthy competitions, small group discussions, community development programs, and socio-cultural activities were also supplemented to complete the package that has prepared the participants on becoming an equipped peace advocates. During the opening ceremony, Lieutenant Colonel Ricky L Canatoy, Commanding Officer of 58IB, delivered a message emphasizing the summit’s main objectives. “This YLS is intended not only to inform and educate you about the true intentions of the CPP- NPA-NDF, but also to help you build and develop your character. We hope that by giving you lectures on drug awareness, business opportunities, and leadership seminars and events, you can become a better and more responsible citizen in your municipality. Our approach in engaging the youth at this summit is multi-faceted.”

Col Cerilo C Balaoro Jr, Deputy Brigade Commander of 402nd Brigade, also sent a powerful message to the attendees. “YLS is a collaboration. This has been going on for a long time, and it is always a collaborative effort between the military and other stakeholders, especially the local government. And I’m grateful that Balingoan is a very supportive LGU when it comes to youth-oriented activities and programs. Throughout this three-day summit, you will gain a deeper understanding of one of our country’s most pressing problems, insurgency, which we in the security sector have been and continue to resolve.Under Executive Order No. 70, we all have been mandated to end the local communist armed conflict through the Whole of Nation Approach, and by the word ‘whole, I mean that you, as youth and future leaders of our country, have also a significant role to play.” “The NPA has been recruiting and deceiving young minds because they believe that youth are perfect for recruitment because they are idealistic, curious, seeking adventures, and innocent. Innocent in the sense that you do not know both sides of a story when a social problem occurs, and because of your youth, you are easily swayed and influenced.

The bottom line is that they want you to take up arms and fight the government on your dime. Our democracy is not perfect; it has and will continue to have flaws. But, please, do not be naive and picky. Try to see that the government is committed to resolving the problem. My advice to you is to continue to be open and curious while being cautious. Be discerning. Be advocates of peace. Let us work together to insulate recruitment in the youth sector. This is the time to hone your leadership skills so that a portion of you can become a better citizen and learn how to contribute to society while avoiding any anti-government activities. We expect a lot from you because ang Kabataan ang Pag Asa ng Bayan. “I hope you can make a difference in ending the country’s local communist armed conflict,” Col Balaoro added. Meanwhile, the Municipal Mayor of Balingoan, Hon. Aaron Paul Unabia, urged the youth to be peacemakers. “I sincerely hope you will not take this lightly. I hope that whatever you learn this morning and, in the days, ahead, you will take what you have learned back to your respective barangays and use it to raise awareness. Always keep in mind that you have a significant role to play in the growth of our province, municipality, and barangays. We all want the same thing: for the uprising to come to an end. However, the government cannot do this on its own.

As the primary stakeholders in this country, we need your help. Between the LGU and its constituents, there is a two-way partnership. And, as a youth, I hope you can serve as the LGU’s bridge to these people who feel neglected by the government. I hope that as members of your barangays, you will do your part in disseminating the important knowledge that you will gain, because we need your assistance and cooperation. Because without your cooperation, the developments in our area will be difficult to accomplish. So let us all work together to make our municipality a better place.” One participant, on the other hand, shared her experience and reflections from the YLS during the summit’s final day.

[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/58ib-and-lgu-hold-3-day-leadership-summit-for-balingoan-youth/

Kalinaw News: 23IB hands over NPA body to family

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 24, 2021): 23IB hands over NPA body to family



BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte – The troopers of 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion (23IB), in coordination with the members of the council of Barangay Guinabsan, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte formally handed over the cadaver of the slain New People’s Army (NPA) rebel to his immediate family on Sunday, May 23, 2021. It can be recalled that an NPA insurgent, identified as Cris Guilayon alias Jefferson, a resident of Barangay Rizal, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte was killed in an encounter with the troops of 16th Infantry Battalion (16IB) under the Operational Control of 23IB on 20 May 2021 at the hinter area of Sitio Balatakan of Barangay Guinabsan.

The government troopers also recovered from the encounter site two (2) AK-47 rifles. After the encounter, the troops carried the recovered cadaver from the encounter site to the council members of Guinabsan for documentation before it was brought to a funeral home in Buenavista for proper disposition. The cadaver was brought back to Guinabsan while waiting for the immediate relatives to arrive and claim the dead body of the slain NPA rebel. Three days after the incident, the family of alias Jefferson arrived in Guinabsan to claim his cadaver. His mother, Mrs. Marina Borres said that someone called her child, Rose Mae Borres, the younger sister of Alias Jefferson, informing them of his untimely death.

Rose Mae was in tears when she testified to 23IB about the final instances when she had a talk with her older brother and how he was duped to join the NPA movement. “Naay nagtawag sa ako nag paila nga kauban kuno niya sa kalihukan ug iya kong gi impormahan nga patay na si kuya. Matod pa niya nga mao na gyod daw na ang dagan sa ilang trabaho nga gisudlan, usahay mamatyan sila, usahay sab sila ang makapatay. Ug kung gusto kuno me makakita sa iyang haya, adtoon lang namo ang Kapitan sa Barangay Guinabsan adiser pa ilubong. Dako gyod akong kahiubos sa walhong grupo kay ilang nadani si kuya tungod kay gisaaran nila nga hatagan ug kwarta. Nisugot si kuya kay gusto gud niya tabangan iyang mga anak. Karon nga namatay na wala man lang gani silay natabang bisan gamay. Sayon ra kayo para sa ila nga muingon nga wala na si kuya nga murag dili kinabuhi sa tawo ang Nawala. Nag bangutan gyod me kay palangga namo si kuya.

Wala unta siya namatay kung wala pa nila pasaligi ug giilad,” Rose Mae said. She added that alias Jefferson had work in Buenavista but later they found out that he went to Davao City and told them last month that he was already with the rebels. “Nanarbaho mana siya sa Prince sauna unya paghuman ug tukod ato, kalit lang dayon na syang nawala. Nagtoo me nga niadto sya sa Davao kay gikuyog siya sa iyang agalon. Wala me magdahom nga mao ni iyang dangatan karon. Nawala siya niadto lang bulan sa Marso tuig 2019 ug panalagsa nalang siya mutawag namo. Last nga kontak namo niadto lang milabay nga petsa 20 sa Abril 2021 ug didto pa siya miangkon nga niuban siya sa kalihukan ug matod pa niya nga padalhan ug kwarta sa iyang mga kauban ang iyang pamilya samtang naa sya sa bukid. Nag too me nga binuang ra niya to pero ako na syang gikumbinsi nga muhawa na sa kalihukan kay igo ra syang giilad sa iyang mga kauabn. Nalooy ko sa iyang tulo ka gagmayng mga anak nga igo lang niya napasagdan.

Ag iyang asawa usahay mangayo pag tabang sa amoa kay galisod sab ang pagpuyo,” Rose Mae said. Despite the loss, his mother, Mrs. Borres expressed her gratitude to the government for the assistance they received. The 23IB also provided the family with assistance. “Nagpasalamat me sa gobyerno labi na sa kasundaluhan kay bisan paman nahimo nilang kaaway ang akong anak, ila gihapon gitabangan ug gi plastar ang iyang patayng lawas. Hinaot unta nga wala nay laing katawhan ang mailad pa sa walhong kalihukan aron wala nay pamilya nga mag bangutan sama namo. Dili na namo makita pag balik ang akong anak,”- Mrs Borres stated. Mrs. Borres also told the 23IB troopers that alias Jefferson used the family name of her common-law-husband, which is Guilayon, while her daughter, Rose Mae, uses her family name Borres. Lieutenant Colonel Julius Cesar C. Paulo, the Commanding Officer of 23IB expressed his deepest sympathy to the bereaved family of alias Jefferson.

“We condole with the grieving family of alias Jefferson. Even though he fought against the government, we still value his life because he is just a victim of the deception and false ideologies of the NPAs. It’s about time to end this nonsense movement of the NPAs. Many NPA members have lost their precious lives and many families mourned for losing their long-lost loved ones. May the remnants of the NPAs ponder on this incident, that no matter how loyal they are to their leaders, they will only be treated as nobody especially when incidents like this happens. It is very clear that the NPA leaders are only good at manipulating their members, and will never stand by their side when they are in great trouble. They cannot even provide a proper burial to their slain members. They are just taking advantage of the situation of their targets to recruit them in their senseless cause. I hope that the local residents will cut their support to the terrorist NPAs who only manipulated them and pulled them in total despair,” Paulo 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/23ib-hands-over-npa-body-to-family/

Kalinaw News: 11 Communist NPA, 3 supporters comprise new batch of surrenderors in Masbate

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 25, 2021): 11 Communist NPA, 3 supporters comprise new batch of surrenderors in Masbate

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur – Eleven Communist NPA members and three supporters with their 14 low-powered firearms yielded to the combined elements of the 903rd Infantry Brigade (903Bde), 2nd Infantry Battalion (2IB), and PNP conducting continuous security operations in Barangay San Antonio, Palanas, Masbate on May 23, 2021.

Masbateños condemn the communist insurgency in their area. The Army’s persistent security operations continues to encourage members and supporters of Communist NPA to return to the folds of the law.

Lieutenant Colone Siegfried Felipe Awichen, Commander 2IB said that the group will now undergo series of debriefing prior to their enrollment in the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Likewise, Colonel Aldwine Almase, Commander 903Bde, stressed that the triumph of Masbateños against Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) is a proof when the government and its people work together, nothing is impossible.

“Years ago, Masbate was once a stronghold of Communist Terrorist Group. But now, we are seeing a different picture in this island province. If Masbateños can make the communist insurgency irrelevant in their home province, it means that we can also do this in the entire Bicol Region,” Col. Almase said.

Furthermore, Major General Henry A. Robinson, Jr. Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Bicolandia recognized the relentless efforts of the Army, PNP, and the Masbateños who boldly show their strong repugnance against CTG which led to this remarkable accomplishment.

“It is very rewarding to see how the Bicolanos are now rallying behind us, as we press on the fight against insurgency. As we soar higher in our thrust towards peace and progress in Bicol, CTG will continue to crumble and will eventually reach its natural demise. We have accomplished many achievements especially in Masbate, but we won’t stop until we achieve long-term peace throughout Bicolandia.”

Moreover, just this month of May 2021, thirty-one (31) surrenderors were recorded in Masbate and yielded twenty-one (21) assorted firearms.

[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/11-communist-npa-3-supporters-comprise-new-batch-of-surrenderors-in-masbate/