Philippine Troops Kill 5 Communist Rebels in Bohol Clash

From BenarNews (May 25, 2021): Philippine Troops Kill 5 Communist Rebels in Bohol Clash (By Nonoy Espina)

Members of the New People’s Army, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, gather in formation in the Sierra Madre Mountain Range east of Manila, July 30, 2017.  AFP

Government troops killed five suspected communist guerrillas in a gunfight in the central Philippines on Tuesday, the military said.

A government soldier was shot during the early morning clash in Bohol province but was out of danger, officials said. The shootout occurred four days after Philippine police killed another three suspected fighters with the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of the outlawed Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), near Manila.

Tuesday’s violence occurred when soldiers were responding to civilian reports about the presence of NPA members in a hilly area of Bilar town, said 1st Lt. Elma Grace Remonde-Abulencia, spokeswoman for the local infantry.

“Our troops were fired upon by the armed men and it triggered a shootout. The gunfight lasted for more than an hour,” Remonde-Abulencia told reporters. “We were still waiting for the Scene of the Crime Operatives so that the five bodies can be brought to the mainland for possible identification.”

Last Friday, Rommel Riza, commander of the NPA’s Regional Special Operations Group, and two comrades were killed in a gunfight with police in Sta. Rosa City, just south of Manila. Police commandos were about to serve an arrest warrant but Riza’s group resisted and fired at the approaching lawmen, regional police commander Brig. Gen. Eliseo Cruz said.

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said the government forces had stopped an attempt by Riza and the others to kill members of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), a government agency.

“One of their missions is to hit NTF-ELCAC talking heads. However, they were pre-empted. Our gratitude to our partners in NTF-ELCAC, including members of the armed forces and the police,” the state-run Philippine News Agency quoted Esperon, the task force’s vice chairman, as saying on May 21.

The news agency report stated that CPP founder Jose Maria Sison had recently ordered the NPA to deploy “so-called armed partisan units and special operation groups to cities and major town centers.” It also reported that five members of a “communist hit squad” tasked with assassinating top national and government leaders, along with police and military officers, were killed in January.

In a statement posted online over the weekend, Sison called Esperon’s claim “pure concoction.”

“National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon is a big liar in claiming that I have released an order to kill the so-called talking heads of NTF-ELCAC and other officials of the security sector of the Duterte regime,” Sison said.

President Rodrigo Duterte, a self-proclaimed former leftist, was once a student of Sison. Among Duterte’s first acts upon assuming office in 2016 was to open peace talks with the CPP, which has been waging a guerrilla war since 1969. He later ended the talks after accusing the communist rebels of being insincere because they kept launching attacks amid the negotiations.

In March, Duterte ordered security forces to end the communist rebellion once and for all.

“I’ve told the military and the police that if they find themselves in an armed encounter with the communist rebels, kill them, make sure you really kill them and finish them off if they are alive,” he said at the time.

The strength of the NPA guerrilla force is estimated to be about 5,000 fighters divided among 80 fronts across the Philippine archipelago.

Jeoffrey Maitem contributed to this report from Cotabato, Philippines.

https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/philippine/five-killed-05252021123255.html

Andanar: TF-ELCAC’s ‘homebuilding’ fosters peace, empowers communities

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 25. 2021): Andanar: TF-ELCAC’s ‘homebuilding’ fosters peace, empowers communities (By Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy)

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, May 23 (PIA)--Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin M. Andanar said “we need a home to keep peace, just as we need peace to keep a home.”

Andanar highlighted the importance of the whole-of-nation approach in peacebuilding, through Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC), as Cabanglasan town signals the start of the construction of its P20-million housing project for indigenous peoples (IPs) in groundbreaking rites on Friday at barangay Poblacion.

The National Housing Authority's blueprint for the "NHA-Cabanglasan IP Village" resettlement project shows 80 housing units of a "two-storey single detached design” costing P250,000 per unit covering more than 10 hectares to house needy IP families of the Umayamnon and Higaonon tribes living in geographically remote and deprived areas, including riverbank IP dwellers.

Andanar cited in a video message to the beneficiaries and other peace advocates, in “Bisaya” dialect, that unity and cooperation between and among the people, local government unit, and national government agencies led to the realization of the said housing project.

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar explains the significance of the whole-of-nation approach in peacebuilding, through TF-ELCAC, as Cabanglasan town breaks ground for its P20-M indigenous peoples village. (PIA Bukidnon)

“They [IPs] deserve decent homes. They were among those affected by the unrest caused by terrorist groups. They were the first victims of harassment. Some have even sacrificed lives to protect their tribes and families. Despite the richness of their culture and abundance of natural resources, living peacefully remains a challenge for them," he said.

The Secretary, as Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security for Northern Mindanao (CORDS X), emphasized that coordinating peacebuilding and development activities would ensure that communities continue to prosper.

Cabanglasan town Mayor Renante V. Inocando, visibly pleased to be included in the list of priority program beneficiaries thanked NHA and the CORDS X for sincerely fortifying the local government's toil to make IP aspirations a reality, reiterating that this housing project is one of the government's vows during the Convergence Areas for Peace and Development (CAPDev) launching on June 28, 2019.

CAPDev is a program that aims to address the root causes of insurgencies, internal disturbances and tensions, and other armed conflicts and threats.

Cabanglasan Mayor Renante Inocando (5th from right) leads the groundbreaking ceremony for the P20-million ‘NHA-Cabanglasan IP Village’ on Friday at barangay Poblacion. The TF-ELCAC-led IP relocation project covers 10 hectares and will accommodate 80 needy IP families from the town's outlying areas. (PIA Bukidnon)

“I am most gratified with the government agencies' and Secretary Andanar's support for Cabanglasan municipality. The Umayamnon and Higaonon tribes had a dream. And now I join them in thanking the government for making their dream a reality. We in the local government will continue to share the same hopes and dreams in order to achieve lasting peace,” the mayor said. (RLRB/PIA Bukidnon)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1076088

Residents of communist affected, influenced areas call for continued support of ELCAC programs

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 25. 2021): Residents of communist affected, influenced areas call for continued support of ELCAC programs (By Emmanuel D. Taghoy)

SERGIO OSMEÑA, Zamboanga del Norte, May 25 (PIA) – “No to ELCAC defund!”

Beneficiaries and recipients of programs and projects under the Executive Order No. 70 dubbed as Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) cried the same, continuation of various assistance by the government to fully uproot NPA influence and threats in the community.



“Kami manghinaot nga unta matuman ang mga proyekto nga gisaad sa amoa pinaagi sa ELCAC sama sa pagtukod ug bakeryhan ug galingan,” said Michelle Andes, resident of Barangay Bagumbayan, Sergio Osmeña Sr. and beneficiary of bread and pastry training of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-9. (We are hopeful that projects under ELCAC will be realized as promise by the government.)

She said the initial efforts will mean something if the implementation of ELCAC programs will continue.

“Sa ingun niana mamahimong mahinungdanon ug undanon ang trainings nga gipasiuga ug dili mamahimong kawang lamang,” (The trainings we have attended will become meaningful and fruitful and not otherwise.)

Michelle is only one among other residents from conflict-affected areas in the Zamboanga Peninsula region who shared her concern of the planned defund of ELCAC.

Several reaction videos submitted from different beneficiaries of ELCAC projects are posted in government Facebook pages expressing their worry over ELCAC defund also noting the changes and positive impact the “whole of nation” approach brought in their lives. (NBE/EDT/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1076114

RTF8-ELCAC conducts regional conference for peace and development

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 24. 2021): RTF8-ELCAC conducts regional conference for peace and development (By Gemma T. Tabao)

TACLOBAN CITY, May 24 (PIA) – The Sectoral Unification, Capability Building, Empowerment and Mobilization Cluster (SUCBEM) of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict or RTF-ELCAC in the Eastern Visayas region, starts today, May 24, 2021, its two-day Regional Conference for Peace and Development (RCPD) at the Samar State University in Catbalogan City.

The activity will be attended by some 300 participants coming from the various sectors namely: indigenous peoples, labor, peasant sector, youth, farmers and fisherfolks, as well as the women sector, who will be discussing their peace and development issues, and of which concerns will be included in the Social Reform Agenda (SRA), to form part of the President’s State-of-the-Nation Address or SONA, this year.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) 8 Public Information Officer Myles Joseph Colasito in an interview during the Suruswerte ha PIA program hosted by Regional Director Olive Tiu, informed that the said conference will serve as a consultation so as to know the sentiments and issues encountered at the local level.

According to Colasito, the massive consultation which is not only being done in Region 8 but also in other regions all over the country, was organized by the of National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), in coordination with the different government agencies such as the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), National Commission for Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the National Youth Commission (NYC), and the DILG being the secretariat and likewise the lead in the whole-of-nation approach for peace and development.

“This nationwide consultation is not just for the sake of producing the SRA, but will likewise strengthen the participation of the different sectors, both in the national and local governance, from the planning, implementation and down to the monitoring of government projects,” he said.

He added, “Among the activities set for the conference are orientation on the peace and development programs, discussion on some issues, and identification of sectoral specific organizing strategies.”

Colasito also shared that the 2-day activity which will be followed by a press conference on its second day, will be joined by some ELCAC National Task Force personalities, particularly NAPC Head Executive Assistant Elias Labro Jr., and DILG Undersecretary Epimaco Densing, among others.

The event will also observe a blended approach where some will be personally present, and the rest to join virtually, so as to ensure safety and avoid the spread of Covid-19. (LDL/GTT/PIA-Leyte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1075986

Victims of CTG exploitation decry unjust acts

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 24. 2021): Victims of CTG exploitation decry unjust acts (By Lorenzo O. Lambatin, Jr.)

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, May 24 (PIA) – A total of 35 victims of exploitation by the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) from Barangay Minapasuk, Calatrava town recently staged a condemnation rally against the rebels at the covered court of the barangay.

79th Infantry (Masaligan) Battalion Civil-Military Operations Officer 1Lt. Dansan Camua, the villagers carried placards with messages denouncing the CTG as purveyors of a useless and meaningless ideology, followed by the burning of the flag of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) to show their withdrawal of support from the movement and to affirm their full allegiance to the government.

In a statement, Mayor’s Office Executive Assistant Marianne Lumanog thanked the 79IB, Philippine National Police and other partner agencies for bringing peace to the town of Calatrava.

She urged the residents of Brgy. Minapasuk to stand against the evils of insurgents and informed them about the services and programs of the local government for the welfare of the communities.

"We have come up with resolutions declaring CPP-NPA-NDF as persona non grata. Do not allow the CTG to manipulate and deceive you again. That is why, we in the government sincerely ensure to bring services and programs to the people. Let us unite and encourage the remaining rebels to return to the folds of law and avail of the government's reintegration program so that we could attain genuine peace and progress in our community," Lumanog said.

Lt. Colonel Gerard T. Alvaran, Commanding Officer of 79IB, said the victims of CTG's exploitation have already awakened from their deceptive approach as well as their recruitment and extortion activities. The victims' commitment to withdraw support from the armed group is already a bold step towards total eradication of insurgency.

"We hope for your continued support and participation in our campaign to end local communist armed conflict. As your partner in this endeavour, we will continue to collaborate with the LGUs and stakeholders to help the communities to be resilient against the threats being brought by these peace spoilers," Alvaran added. (79th IB/JSC/Lljr/PIA6 Negros Occidental)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1076030

70 more disgruntled NPA Militias in Iloilo surrender

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 25. 2021): 70 more disgruntled NPA Militias in Iloilo surrender (By Jemin B. Guillermo)

ILOILO CITY, May 25 (PIA) – A total of 70 News People’s Army (NPA) Militias from the province of Iloilo denounced the communist terrorist ideology and atrocities and surrender to the government.

Their return to the folds of the law was formalized in a simple ceremony held at Camp Monteclaro in Barangay Igtuba, Miagao, Iloilo on Monday, May 24, 2021, said 30st Brigade Civil-Military Operations Officer Capt. Hazel Joy Durotan in a press release.

Of the 70 NPA Militias who surrendered to the 61st Infantry Battalion’s Community Support Program (CSP) team, 17 came from Miagao town, six from Leon town, 26 from Tubungan town and 21 from the municipality of San Joaquin, Durotan said.

The surrenderers also turned over 69 low powered firearms and one high powered firearm.

Present during the activity ceremony were 3rd Infantry Division Assistant Commander Brig. General Noel Baluyan, 301st Infantry Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Marion Sison, 61IB Commanding Officer Col. Joel Benedict Batara, Western Visayas Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict Spokesperson and RTF Legal Cooperation Cluster head Prosecutor Flosemer Chris Gonzales, Miagao mayor Mac Napulan, Leon Sangguniang Bayan member Josephine Marquez.

Also in attendance during the event were San Joaquin Municipal Administrator Leo Satana, Tubugan Public Employment Services Officer Emelyn Tano representing Mayor Roquito Tacsagon, Iloilo Police Provincial Office Deputy Provincial Director for Administration Police Pltc Romar Peregil, and Department of Social Welfare and Development 6 team led by Belinda Ho.

Part of the event was the signing of the wall of commitment and declaration of their oath of allegiance. Each of the former rebels also received family food packs and P5,000 cash assistance from DSWD 6.



Meanwhile, Sison said that the mass surrender of the former NPA in the barrio members is a strong indication that the Communist Terrorist Group’s (CTG) deception has lost its grip in their former strongholds.

He also assured the former rebels that the Army, local government units, and other government agencies will help them start a new and peaceful life.

“Your Army in Panay will always be your partner as you return to the folds of the law and start a new chapter of your lives together with your family. Now is the best time to embrace the culture of peace,” Sison said.

He urged them to join hands together to put an end to the error acts staged by the communists.

“Sama-sama nating wakasan ang terorismong dulot ng komunismo. Sa inyong pakiki-bayanihan, makakamit natin ang kapayapaan,” Sison said. (PIA6/301Bde-Philippine Army)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1076113

Local ELCAC TFs reminded to stay active on ground vs. insurgency

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 24. 2021): Local ELCAC TFs reminded to stay active on ground vs. insurgency (By Christian Allister G. Tubadeza)

BANGUED, Abra, May 24(PIA) -- With the Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP) project implementation about to start, the Provincial and Local Task Forces to End Local Communist Armed-Conflict (ELCAC) here in the province were told to stay active in order to completely win our battle against insurgency.

This is one of the reminders for the local officials during the Provincial Leveling Session on ELCAC led by the Cordillera RTF-ELCAC s facilitated by Department of theInterior and Local Government (DILG) Cordillera via Webex.

The virtual session provided the chairpersons of local task forces with an in-depth background and knowledge on the strategies and tactics utilized by the CPP-NPA-NDF.

It was also venue to establish a greater synergy in the efforts being carried out by the implementing mechanisms of the Executive Order No. 70 “Institutionalizing a ‘Whole-of-nation approach in endling local communist armed-conflict towards the attainment of sustainable and inclusive peace.

CORDS for Cordillera and DA Secretary William Dar conveying his message during the Provincial Levelling Session on ELCAC for Abra. (CAGT - PIA CAR, Abra)

Based on the SBDP distribution of projects in Cordillera, 19 SBDP projects are identified for Abra which include farm-to-market roads(Php 67M), water and sanitation systems (22M), school buildings(P17M), health stations(P6M) and Php 2M worth of agricultural, livelihood, and technical vocational training projects.

These are distributed in the six barangays that are identified as SBDP beneficiaries. Four are in the municipality of Malibcong namely Brgy. Buanao, Dulao, Duldulao and Bayabas while the other two are barangays Naguillian and Ud-Udiao in Sallapadan.

Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) for Cordillera, Agriculture Secretary William Dar acknowledged the continuous support, readiness and cooperation of the provincial and local task forces in the implementation of EO 70 in Abra.

“In implementing the ELCAC program, your readiness support and willing cooperation has generated lessons and milestones that brought us to where we are today,” Dar said.

Abra PTF-ELCAC Chairperson Gov. Joy Bernos reminded all Abraneans especially the punong barangays to stop allowing the deceitful propaganda and ideologies of the Communist Terrorist Groups in the local areas to finally achieve a true peace and order.(JDP/CAGT – PIA CAR, Abra)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1076004

DOST, LGU, PNP ink agreement to help former rebels

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 25. 2021): DOST, LGU, PNP ink agreement to help former rebels (By Merlito G. Edale, Jr.)

SAN MARIANO, Isabela, May 24 (PIA) - The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Local Government Unit here and the 1st Isabela PNP Mobile Force Company have agreed to provide livelihood assistance for Former Rebels (FRs).

DOST Isabela head Lucio Calimag said his office has allocated P300,000 through the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program.

He said that through the CEST, the former rebels will be provided with an empowered, inclusive, and resilient community particularly in Sitio Udjao through the conduct of livelihood technology trainings and workshops for the former rebels.

Calimag added that the beneficiaries will also be provided with portable solar drying trays which they can use for efficient and practical drying of their high-value crops.

The LGU of San Mariano, on the other hand, has recently launched its Project Sarili’y Mo’y Uusad Biyayang angkabuhayan Laan na aming Igagawad (SUBLI) for the former rebels in support to Executive Order No. 70 of President Duterte's program to end local communist armed conflict in the country.

The police and the military will also provide former rebels with security while the livelihood programs and projects are being implemented in their communities. (BME/MGE - PIA-2/Isabela)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1075998

'Good governance is the antidote to insurgency'- NSA Esperon

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 24. 2021): 'Good governance is the antidote to insurgency'- NSA Esperon (By Ma. Joreina Therese A. Blanco)

LAOAG CITY, May 24 (PIA) – National Security Adviser (NSA) and Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) for Region I Secretary Hermogenes C. Esperon Jr. believes that the best antidote to insurgency is good governance.

During his message on the virtual Joint Regional and Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) Barangay Levelling Sessions-Barangay Development Program on May 24, he challenged barangay officials, especially village chiefs, to exercise good governance in their communities to avoid getting deceived by lies from terrorist groups.

“Peace and order to us is very important to continue our path to progress. May I remind barangay kapitans, we must continue to exercise good governance in our barangays because it is the best antidote to insurgency,” the security adviser says.

The online levelling session convened more than 1,000 participants composed of national government agencies belonging to the Provincial Task Force on ELCAC, local government units, and barangay officials in Ilocos Norte.

BARANGAY LEVELLING SESSION. The barangay levelling session is conducted via Zoom app on May 24 and was participated by more than 1,000 participants from Ilocos Norte. (MJTAB)

It primarily aims to orient local leaders in the province about the core efforts of the government in the fight against insurgency, specifically the present administration’s goal of empowering underserved barangays with sustainable development programs to prevent communist groups of deceiving them again.

“I have the information that most barangays have declared the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front) as persona non grata,” Esperon added.

In 2019, the province of Ilocos Norte declared communist rebels as persona non grata through an approved resolution by the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC).

“I would like to express my support and commendation for the conduct of the Department of the Interior and Local Government's Barangay Levelling Session. On ELCAC side, we commend the efforts of Secretary Esperon. I stand with you. Many of our towns in Ilocos Norte have been declared insurgency-free and we are always with you in this fight against communist armed conflict, insurgency, and terrorism,” Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc said in his video message.

The levelling session for Region I started in Ilocos Norte which will be followed by the provinces of Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan. (JCR/AMB/MJTAB PIA Ilocos Norte)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1076055

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1076055

Mom of slain NPA hopes tragedy won't happen to other families

From the Philippine News Agency (May 25. 2021): Mom of slain NPA hopes tragedy won't happen to other families (By Alexander Lopez)

GRIEVING MOTHER. Marina Borres (2nd from left) signs documents to claim the remains of her son, Cris Guilayon, a New People’s Army (NPA) combatant killed in an encounter on May 20, 2021 in Barangay Guinabsan, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. Borres was assisted by 2Lt. Angel Grace M. Sebelina (1st from left), the acting civil-military operations officer of the Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion. (Photo courtesy of 23IB)

The mother of the New People’s Army (NPA) rebel killed during an encounter last week in the Agusan del Norte town of Buenavista has claimed the remains of her son Sunday afternoon, a military official said.

Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, the commander of 23rd Infantry Battalion (23IB), said Marina Borres, whose son Cris Guilayon was killed in a firefight last Thursday, hopes the tragedy that has befallen her family won't happen to others.

“Mrs. Marina Borres and her daughter Rose Mae appeared in Barangay Guinabsan on Sunday and coordinated with our unit and the members of the barangay council to claim the cadaver,” Paulo said in a statement.

Paulo quoted the mother as saying that parents and young people should resist the "recruitment and deception" of the NPA rebels to stop the loss of life among the youth.

“I hope that no more innocent people will be fooled by the NPA to join their movement and eventually die and abandoned by their comrades. I pray that no more families cry due to the loss of their loved ones deceived by these communists. We will never see Dodong again,” Borres was quoted as saying.

She also thanked the 23IB and the barangay council of Guinabsan where the clash occurred for taking care of the remains of her son.

“The 23IB respected the dead body of my son. From the encounter site, the soldiers carried his body and had it cleaned in a funeral parlor. Despite his being a rebel, the 23IB paid respect to my son by taking care of his dead body,” Borres said.

Her daughter, Rose Mae, said that her brother was working in a construction site in Buenavista and later relocated to Davao Region to work sometime in 2019.

“We lost regular communication with him since March 2019 and he seldom called us. Last April 20, 2021, he called and told us that he is now with the NPA. He also told us that the NPA leaders promised financial support to his family. I convinced him to leave the NPA movement as the promises made by their leaders are not true but he ignored me,” Rose Mae said.

She said her brother is survived by his wife and two young children.

“I told him that what the NPA leaders were telling him were lies as no financial aid was received by his wife. It’s us who provided support to his wife and children whom he abandoned when he joined the rebel movement,” Rose Mae said.

She blamed her brother's demise on the "false and empty promises" of the NPA.

Paulo said he hopes the rebels under the Guerilla Front 4A would heed the call of the slain rebel's family and give up the rebellion.

“Many NPA rebels have lost their precious lives and their families mourned for their loss. I hope that the remnants of GF-4A in the areas of Agusan del Norte would 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 happen,” Paulo said.

“Lay down your arms now while you still have time. The government is always open to accept you back and provide you the needed support to renew your lives," he added.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1141264

BARMM leaders, partners vow to uphold peace, security

From the Philippine News Agency (May 25. 2021): BARMM leaders, partners vow to uphold peace, security (By Noel Punzalan)

Screen capture of BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim.

Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao's (BARMM) leaders and the area's partners vowed to uphold peace in the region, following a spate of attacks from lawless groups recently.

“This is our home and we will not let you individuals (peace spoilers) destroy it from within,” BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim said in a message on Tuesday.

He pointed out that the Bangsamoro has been trapped on what is seemingly becoming an “endless loop of war.”

For the past four decades, Ebrahim noted that the national government and the Moro fronts – Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Moro National Liberation Front - entered peace agreements— “all in hopes of making life better in this part of the country.”

“We cannot keep pushing forward for a renewed region if we keep turning back to violence,” he said. “As MILF chairman and BARMM chief minister, I reiterate our support to make sure that the Bangsamoro becomes a haven of tranquility and optimism.”

The chief minister’s statement echoed the stand of BARMM leaders and partners to address existing conflicts with lawless groups in Maguindanao and other parts of the region during Monday’s 1st Peace and Security Summit held at the BARMM government center here.

In Maguindanao, the summit participants comprising of local government officials particularly focused their attention on the so-called SMPS Box - referring to the adjoining towns of Shariff Aguak, Pagatin (Datu Saudi Ampatuan), Mamasapano, and Shariff Saydona – where the Daesh-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) operates.

The summit was divided into seven clusters: Local Governance; Religious Sector; Security Sector; Human Rights; Development Planning; Humanitarian Response and Civil Society Organizations; and Indigenous Peoples’ concerns.

During his presentation at the summit, Minister Naguib Sinarimbo of the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government – BARMM said the provincial government of Maguindanao has declared the BIFF and other local terrorist groups as persona non grata.

He also laid down the BARMM’s plan of action for peace, security, and development and the Bangsamoro Community Resilience Framework that included the development and implementation of a holistic approach to strengthening community resilience within the region.

He said the region has a history of conflict between groups asserting the right to self-determination and the Philippine state forces.

“However, because of the peace agreement, we are done with that type of conflict,” Sinarimbo said referring to the MILF and the MNLF’s comprehensive peace agreements with the government.

Lt. Col. Homer A. Estolas, who represented Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) commander Major Gen. Juvymax Uy to the summit, said the Army-led Joint Task Force Central (JTFC) supports the BARMM in its endeavor for a peaceful and progressive Maguindanao.

“Rest assured that the 6ID and JTFC will jointly do their part to achieve peace and development in the province,” he said.

The summit concluded through the signing of a pledge of commitment to fortify the collaboration and coordination of the different stakeholders in keeping the peace, security, and development in the region.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1141379

ASG bandit, Zambo City’s most wanted, nabbed

From the Philippine News Agency (May 25. 2021): ASG bandit, Zambo City’s most wanted, nabbed (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Police and military operatives have arrested an Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) member allegedly involved in the kidnapping and beheading of a farmer more than 11 years ago in this city, an official said Tuesday.

Brig. Gen. Ronaldo Genaro Ylagan, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) director, said Abdulhakim Nasalon, 45, tagged as the most wanted person and a resident of Barangay Muti here, was arrested in a law enforcement operation around 11:30 a.m. Monday in Barangay Curuan.

Ylagan said that Nasalon has a standing warrant of arrest for kidnapping and serious illegal detention with ransom.

Nasalon is also a member of the Ajijul group or the Zamboanga cell of the ASG and was allegedly involved in the 2009 kidnapping of farmer Doroteo Gonzales, a resident of Barangay Buenavista here.

Gonzales was taken to Al-Barka, Basilan province, where the ASG bandits beheaded him after his family failed to pay the ransom of PHP25 million.

Ylagan said Nasalon was placed under the temporary custody of the Zamboanga City Police Office.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1141442

High-ranking NPA leader, 4 others die in Bohol clash

From the Philippine News Agency (May 25. 2021): High-ranking NPA leader, 4 others die in Bohol clash (By John Rey Saavedra)

BOHOL CLASH. Left photo shows the war materiel found in Barangay Cabacnitan, Bilar town in Bohol where soldiers from the 47th Infantry Battalion fought with 11 New People's Army rebels. Right photo shows one of the five rebels killed in the gunbattle. (Photo courtesy of DPAO)

A high-ranking leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) and four other rebels died in an encounter with government forces in Cabacnitan village, Bilar town in Bohol on Tuesday.

A soldier was injured in the firefight, and is now in stable condition in one of the hospitals in Tagbilaran City.

A statement by the 3rd Infantry “Spearhead” Division’s (3ID) public affairs office said the soldiers from the 47th Infantry “Katapan” Battalion (47IB) were conducting a combat operation in response to reports of local residents on plans of the communist terrorist groups (CTGs) to “liquidate” known government supporters and personalities.

“While responding, the troops encountered more or less 11 armed members of the communist-terrorist group,” Maj. Cenon Pancito, the Army Division’s public affairs officer, said.

The government troops seized from the encounter site two M16 rifles; five .45 caliber pistols, a bandolier, three short magazines of M16 with 30 rounds of ammunition, six cellular phones, a laptop, a grenade, a hand-held radio, and various subversive documents with high intelligence value.

Pancito said one of the fatalities was believed to be the vice commanding officer of SYP Platoon of the CTG's Bohol Party Committee.

The operating soldiers said they encountered 11 rebels, six of whom escaped eastward.

Authorities have yet to release the names of the fatalities, one of whom was female, 47th IB civil military operations officer 1st Lt. Elma Grace Abulencia said.

Maj. Gen. Eric Vinoya, 3rd ID commander, commended the troops for their successful armed engagement with the NPA members.

The 47IB is under the operational control of the 302nd Infantry Brigade which is also a unit under the supervision of the 3ID.

Vinoya also lauded the vigilance of the residents and local chief executives in reporting the movement and activities of CTGs and lawless elements in their areas.

“Bohol was once declared insurgency-free province because of the will of the people to stay peaceful. This province is not a safe place for NPAs. Boholanos are resilient and united people. They will not allow violence to prosper again in their beautiful island,” Vinoya said. “The NPAs should heed the call of Boholanos for a harmonious province for them to avoid this kind of misfortune”. (

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1141409

Kalinaw News: 5 Killed, 1 Wounded during Army-NPA Clash in Bilar, Bohol

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 25, 2021): 5 Killed, 1 Wounded during Army-NPA Clash in Bilar, Bohol



CAMP SIKATUNA, Carmen, Bohol – 5 NPAs including 1 female member were killed while high-powered firearms were seized during an encounter between 47IB troopers against eleven (11) NPA rebels in Sitio Langub, Brgy Cabacnitan, Bilar, Bohol on Tuesday morning, May 25, 2021.

The successful 30-minute running gun battle resulted in wounding of one (1) personnel from the government side while yielded a total of five (5) NPAs killed whose identity is yet to be identified; and captured of high-powered firearms such as – two (2) M16 Rifles with four (4) loaded magazines, five (5) Cal. 45 pistols. Further, war materials were also captured from the encounter site such as one (1) hand grenade; two (2) handheld radios; three (3) AK47 magazines with ammunitions; six (6) cellular phones; two (2) bandoliers; one (1) backpacks and other personal belongings, one (1) laptop; CTG documents of high intelligence value; cooking paraphernalia with rice and other food supplies, first aid kits and medicines.

The encounter was a result of the active cooperation of the civilian populace to maintain peace and order in the barangay. This group of NPAs is responsible for the killings of civilians including those hardworking innocent peace advocates who were killed in the recent ambush that transpired in Barangay Aloja, Batuan. Likewise, the 47IB expresses its deep gratitude to the community whose timely information and full cooperation have been vital to the success of the said engagement.

The 47IB is now taking action to send the dead bodies to their families and facilitated the financial or any immediate assistance from the Provincial and Local Government. “We urge our fellow Boholanos to continuously report these CTGs who have been threatening our people in the countryside. We also encourage a more strengthened collaboration of all the National and Local Government Departments to address the roots of insurgency and end the local communist armed conflict.

The peace initiatives are not only an army’s duty but it is also a duty of the community. For as long as there are masses who support them including politicians and even businessmen, their illegal and terroristic activities will continue to hamper the ongoing peace and development in the area,” First Lieutenant Elma Grace Abulencia, the Civil-Military Operation Officer of 47th Infantry Battalion.

[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/5-killed-1-wounded-during-army-npa-clash-in-bilar-bohol/

Kalinaw News: Peace advocates work hard to keep Basilan safe and secured

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 25, 2021): Peace advocates work hard to keep Basilan safe and secured



Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – May 25, 2021, Another municipality in Basilan forged a pact to support the small arms and light weapons (SALW) program in Basilan. According to Western Mindanao Command Chief Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan, Jr., military and police officers together with the local government officials of Tabuan Lasa signed this morning, May 25, an agreement to support the implementation of the SALW program in the said municipality.

The MOU was signed by Joint Task Force Basilan Commander Brigadier General Domingo Gobway, PNP Provincial Director Police Colonel Rodrigo Maramo, 4th Special Forces Battalion Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Alex Ampati, and Provincial Administrator Manny Muarip at the Basketball Court of Lanawan Island, of the said municipality.

The MOU provides for the reduction and management of small arms and light weapons of individuals and groups doing hostile activities in the communities. The elected municipal and barangay officials of Tabuan Lasa led by Mayor Brenda Junaid also took part in the signing of the MOU.

Brigadier General Gobway said this is a good development in the implementation of the program in the province of Basilan. “Last Friday, the same memorandum was signed in the municipality of Hadji Mohammad Ajul. We hope that the other municipalities will also signify their support to the program,” said Brigadier General Gobway.

Meanwhile, the activity today was highlighted by the presentation of seven assorted loose firearms to Brig. Gen. Gobway and Gov. Hataman by 1st Lieutenant Alvin Balangcod, the Commanding Officer of the 14th Special Forces Company. “These loose firearms were voluntarily surrendered by civilians from the different barangays of Tabuan Lasa,” said 1st Lieutenant Balangcod.

Since January 2021 date, a total of 52 loose firearms were handed over to JTF Basilan, 22 of which are recovered through rido settlement, and 30 are surrendered by the civilians. “To end terrorism, we must address its root causes which include the proliferation of loose firearms.

I am happy that JTF Basilan is achieving a greater height in the campaign against loose firearms through the SALW program in their area of operation,” Lieutenant General Vinluan, Jr. stated.

[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/peace-advocates-work-hard-to-keep-basilan-safe-and-secured/

Kalinaw News: EastMinCom is Best Performing Unified Command in Combat, Non-military Ops – AFP Chief

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 25, 2021): EastMinCom is Best Performing Unified Command in Combat, Non-military Ops – AFP Chief



NSFA Panacan, Davao City – Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Cirilito Sobejana commended the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) for sustaining its standing as the best Unified Command in terms of accomplishments in both combat and non-military operations.
This pronouncement was made by General Sobejana during his “Talk to Troops” on May 24 at the Naval Station Felix Apolinario Covered Court in Camp Panacan, Davao City.

Gen. Sobejana said that EastMinCom’s relationships with the communities and the Local Government Units are very commendable and should be sustained.

The AFP Chief of Staff has emphasized in his speech that the troops’ responsibility includes more than just war. “Our AFP is not just for war. We are doing operations other than war. Our people should understand this,” Gen. Sobejana said, adding that AFP’s role in the society is ‘very relevant’ for its job is multifarious.

General Sobejana stressed the need for the troops to instill among the Filipino citizenry that the military’s role is not confined within the world of warfare, noting that the military dimension in solving the decades-old armed conflict is only about 20%. The Chief of Staff highlighted the importance of the Whole-of-Nation approach in ending the local communist armed conflict since he said that 80% of the solution requires the involvement of everybody.

Sobejana explained that there are problems relating to insurgency that are beyond the AFP’s resolve. Hence, the help of civilians is crucial to the attainment of long lasting peace in the country.

“By way of addressing the economic dimension of war, we are putting an end to the armed conflict without firing a single shot. I just want to impress upon you that our arms and ammunitions are not the ultimate solutions to our security problem. We at the AFP should understand that,” he said but he was quick to add that this does not mean that soldiers should be unarmed.

EastMinCom, along with the other Unified Commands of the AFP, is working with other government agencies, Local Government Units and Civil Society Organizations in uplifting Filipino lives by establishing programs that are conducive to nation-building.

Among the most recent non-military activities of the Command are the establishment of “Tulong Bayanihan para sa Sambayanan” program which ensures the peaceful and orderly distribution of donated goods to the people who need it most. It has already benefitted around 1,300 families in Eastern Mindanao who have been badly hit by the Covid-19 pandemic. EastMinCom also continually mobilizes its troops to serve as frontliners in the fight against Covid-19 as we ensure a peaceful atmosphere of Eastern Mindanao.

[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/eastmincom-is-best-performing-unified-command-in-combat-non-military-ops-afp-chief/

Kalinaw News: Military engineers facilitate installation of power lines in Tawi-Tawi

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 25, 2021): Military engineers facilitate installation of power lines in Tawi-Tawi



Camp Navarro, Zamboanga City – The Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) through the 54th Engineer Brigade (54EBde) facilitated the ongoing installation of distribution line extensions (DX) in Lupa Pula, Mapun, Tawi-Tawi. WestMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., together with 54EBde Commander Brig. Gen. Anthony Cacayuran, checked on the progress of the said project on May 24, 2021. According to Brig. Gen. Cacayuran, the project commenced on March 13, 2017 in the island municipality of Mapun and it is now 95% completed. “Currently, we are doing the installation, stringing, and tensioning of Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced (ACSR) wire on the 11 steel poles at Sitio Batutay in Barangay Gupah,” said Brig. Gen. Cacayuran. Target completion of the project is by the end of the 2nd quarter. A Sangguniang Bayan member said the people of Mapun are very happy and grateful of the support the military is extending to improve their status of living. Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. also paid a courtesy call on Municipal Officer-in-Charge Omar Mockthar Abdulpatta on the same day. On behalf of Mayor Suraida Muksin, Abdulpatta expressed his gratitude to Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. and to the troops deployed in the different barangays of Mapun for maintaining the peace and order in the communities. Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. lauded the good governance of the local government officials of Mapun. “Let us continue to work together for peace and prosperity here in the beautiful island of Mapun. Rest assured that Team WestMinCom will always be your partner for development while we continue to sustain the peace in the area.”

[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/military-engineers-facilitate-installation-of-power-lines-in-tawi-tawi/

Kalinaw News: 70 disgruntled NPA Militias surrender to Army in Iloilo

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 25, 2021): 70 disgruntled NPA Militias surrender to Army in Iloilo



CAMP HERNANDEZ, Dingle, Iloilo – 70 NPA Militias from the province of Iloilo denounced communist terrorist ideology and atrocities, and formalized return to the fold of the law in a simple ceremony held at Camp Monteclaro, Barangay Igtuba, Miagao, Iloilo on May 24, 2021. Among the 70 NPA Militia surrenderors from the 61st Infantry Battalion’s (6IB) Community Support Program (CSP) team, 17 are came from the Municipality of Miagao; 6 from the Municipality of Leon; 26 from the Municipality of Tubungan; and 21 from the Municipality of San Joaquin. The surrenderors also turned over 69 low powered firearms and 1 high powered firearm. The activity were attended by Brig. Gen. Noel Baluyan, Assistant Division Commander, 3rd Infantry Division; Brig. Gen. Marion R. Sison, Commander, 301st Infantry Brigade; Col. Joel Benedict G. Batara, Commander 61IB; Prosecutor Flosemer Chris Gonzales, Chairman, LCC and Spokesperson, RTF-ELCAC6; Hon Mac Napulan, Mayor of Miagao, Iloilo; Hon. Josephine Marquez, SB member & Chairman on Peace and Order, Leon Iloilo; Mr Leo Satana, Municipal Administrator of San Joaquin, Iloilo; Ms Emelyn Tano, Tubungan PESO representing Mayor Roquito Tacsagon; Police P/Lt. Col. Romar Peregil,Deputy Provincial Director for Administration, Iloilo Police Provincial Office; DSWD6 team headed by Ms. Belinda A. Ho. Along with the signing of the wall of commitment and declaration of their oath of allegiance, the former rebels also received food packs and Php5000.00 cash assistance from DSWD VI. Brig. Gen. Marion Sison said in his statement that the mass surrender of the former NPA in the barrio is a strong indication that Communist Terrorist Group deception has lost its grip in their former strongholds. Brig. Gen. Sison likewise gave his assurance to the former rebels that the Army, LGU, and other government agencies will help them start a new and peaceful life. “Your Army in Panay will always be your partner as you return to the fold of the law and start a new chapter of your lives together with your family. Now is the best time to embrace the culture of peace. Let us together end the terrorism caused by Communist Terrorist. With your cooperation, we can achieve peace.”

[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/70-more-disgruntled-npa-militias-surrender-in-iloilo/