CNTs yield to the government, surrender high-powered firearms

From PTV News (Jul 2, 2021): CNTs yield to the government, surrender high-powered firearms

Six Communist NPA terrorist (CNT) members yield to the government on June 30, 2021. / Photo Courtesy of 5ID Startroopers, Philippine Army

Camp Melchor F. dela Cruz, Upi, Gamu, Isabela – Six Communist NPA (New People’s Army) terrorist (CNT) members yielded to government troops and surrendered high-powered firearms and war materials in San Mariano, Isabela on June 30.

Alias ‘Onyok,’ 25, team leader of Squad Uno; alias ‘Jun-Jun,’ 30, team leader of Squad Dos; Alias ‘Eugene,’ 55, team leader of Squad Tres; alias ‘Merson,’ 30, supply officer; alias ‘Jeffrey,’ 24, CNT member; and alias ‘Badboy,’ 56, member of Militia ng Bayan, all belonging to the Regional Sentro De Gravidad (RSDG) Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley (KR-CV), decided to return to the fold of the law through the combined efforts of the 95th Infantry Battalion (95IB) under the 502nd Infantry Brigade and local Philippine National Police (PNP) units in Barangays Disulap, Balagan, and Zone 1 in San Mariano, Isabela.

According to the surrenderees, the morale of the remaining RSDG members is low after a series of encounters that resulted in the deaths of their leaders, the successive voluntary surrender of their members, the withdrawal of support of their mass bases, and the confiscation of their various war materials.

While sacrificing their lives for nothing in the terrorist organization, they are seeing the positive changes in the lives of their former comrades who earlier surrendered and are now working with the government. These made them believe that they were deceived by the false and empty promises of terrorist CPP-NPA leaders and cadres.

They have also surrendered four high-powered firearms (one M653 Rifle Elisco, one M14 rifle, and two M16 rifles), one low-powered firearm (.38 caliber revolver), 12 improvised explosive devices (IEDs), five magazines for M14, 100 pieces of 7.62 ammunition, and one bandolier that were issued and entrusted to them by the terrorist Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

Maj. Gen. Laurence Mina, commander of the Philippine Army’s 5th Infantry Division, lauded 95IB and 502nd Infantry Brigade Startroopers for their sustained effort to free Isabela from insurgency.

He also thanked the surrenderees for making the right decision to give up armed struggle and embrace the opportunity to live a peaceful and meaningful life with their loved ones.

“I commend the Liberator and Salaknib Startroopers for their effort [that led to] the surrender of six RSDG members with firearms and war materials. This will undeniably affect further the deteriorating capability of RSDG as revealed by the surrenderees. We will not stop until we achieve the genuine peace and prosperity that we all deserve,” he said.

https://ptvnews.ph/cnts-yield-to-the-government-surrender-high-powered-firearms/

Kalinaw News: Army’s 12th Infantry Battalion Recovers NPA Anti-Personnel Mine in Tapaz Encounter

Posted to the Kalinaw News Website (Jul 2, 2021): Army’s 12th Infantry Battalion Recovers NPA Anti-Personnel Mine in Tapaz Encounter

CAMP HERNANDEZ, Dingle, Iloilo – Army troops under the 12th Infantry Battalion encountered remnants of the Communist NPA terrorists in Sitio Tabiay, Barangay Buri, Tapaz, Capiz at around 11:35 A.M Thursday, July 01, 2021.

This, after the troops responded to the reports on the presence of the armed communist-terrorists in the area. The encounter lasted for almost one hour. Seized from the encounter site were one (1) anti-personnel mine; nine (9) backpacks; six (6) hammocks; two (2) stoves; four (4) flashlights; three (3) jungle bolos; two (2) kilograms of tobacco; six (6) kilograms of meat; one (1) sack of rice; 150 meters of electrical wire; one (1) binocular; five (5) liters gasoline; one (1) container fertilizer; medical supplies; subversive documents; assorted food supplies and personal belongings. No reported casualty on the government side.

Most of the recoveries were materials used in making anti-personnel mines. These are proofs of New People’s Army (NPA) continue to use landmines which is a clear violation of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL). The purpose of anti-personnel mines indiscriminately destroys lives including innocent civilians.

“These terrorists want to brutally harm our troops and civilians, a blatant violation of the International Humanitarian Law,” 301st Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Marion Sison, said. “The people in the community are complaining about the NPA terrorists who were extorting money and food supplies. They are using threat and violence to force the people to give in to their demand,” Brigadier General Sison further said.

Moreover, General Sison urged the NPA terrorists to lay down their arms peacefully and abandon the armed struggle to be with their family and community as he assured them that their human rights will be respected. He also instructed the troops to ensure the safety and security of the populace in the area following the encounter.

[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/armys-12ib-recovers-npa-anti-personnel-mine-in-tapaz-encounter/

Kalinaw News: Fourth Special Forces Battalion renders honor to Police Brigadier General Victor Wanchakan

Posted to the Kalinaw News Website (Jul 2, 2021): Fourth Special Forces Battalion renders honor to Police Brigadier General Victor Wanchakan

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – The Fourth Special Forces Battalion headed by Lieutenant Colonel Alex D Ampati, the Commanding Officer, rendered honor to Police Brigadier General Victor Wanchakan, the Deputy Regional Director for Administration PNP Police Regional Office IX here at Headquarters, Barangay Cabunbata on July 02, 2021.

Police Brigadier General Wanchakan is a Special Forces trooper and an Airborne. A member of Special Forces Operation Class 69 in the year 1992 and is currently assigned at PRO 9 based in Zamboanga City.

The event exhibited the harmonious relationship of the Army and PNP which strengthens the camaraderie among servicemen. Collaboration and cooperation between these two units greatly contribute to bolster peace and development in Basilan.

Also present in the activity were, Police Lieutenant Colonel Junpikar Sitin, Chief of Police – ICPS, Police Major Cristoferson Nullar, the Commanding Officer of 54th Special Action Company, other officers and enlisted personnel.

[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/fourth-special-forces-battalion-renders-honor-to-police-brigadier-general-victor-wanchakan/

Kalinaw News: NPAs yield to the government; high-powered firearms surrendered

Posted to the Kalinaw News Website (Jul 2, 2021): NPAs yield to the government; high-powered firearms surrendered

CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela- Six Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) members yielded to the government troops and surrendered high-powered firearms and war materials in San Mariano, Isabela on June 30, 2021.

Alias Onyok, 25 years old, Team Leader of Squad Uno, Alias Jun-Jun, 30 years old, Team Leader of Squad Dos, Alias Eugene, 55 years old, Team Leader of Squad Tres, Alias Merson, 30 years old, Supply Officer,Alias Jeffrey, 24 years old, CNT member, and Alias Badboy, 56 years old, member of Militia ng Bayan, all belong to the Regional Sentro De Gravidad (RSDG), Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley (KR-CV) decided to return to the folds of the law through the combined efforts of 95th Infantry Battalion under 502nd Infantry Brigade and local PNP units in Barangays Disulap, Balagan, and Zone 1 all of San Mariano, Isabela.

According to the surrenderees, the morale of remaining members of the RSDG is low after the series of encounters that resulted to the death of their leaders, the successive voluntary surrender of their members and the withdrawal of support of their mass bases aside from the confiscation of their various war materials. While sacrificing their lives for nothing in the terrorist organization, they are seeing the positive changes in the lives of their former comrades who earlier surrendered and are now working with the government. These made them believe that they were deceived with the false and empty promises of terrorist CPP-NPA leaders and cadres.

They have also surrendered four high-powered firearms (one M653 Rifle Elisco, one M14 rifle, and two M16 rifles), one low-powered firearm (cal. 38 revolver), 12 pieces of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), five magazines for M14, 100 pieces of 7.62 ammunition, and one bandolier that were issued and entrusted to them by the terrorist Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

MGen Laurence E Mina, Commander of 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army lauded 95IB and 502nd Infantry Brigade Startroopers for their sustained effort to free Isabela from insurgency. He also thanked the surrenderees for taking the right decision to give up armed struggle and embrace the opportunity to live a peaceful and meaningful life with their loved ones. “I commend the Liberator and Salaknib Startroopers for their effort in the surrender of six (6) RSDG members with firearms and war materials. This will undeniably affect further the deteriorating capability of RSDG as revealed by the surrenderees. We will not stop until we achieve the genuine peace and prosperity that we all deserve.”

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/npa-yield-to-the-government-high-powered-firearms-surrendered/

Kalinaw News: Communist Terrorists in the north, on the verge of total collapse

Posted to the Kalinaw News Website (Jul 2, 2021): Communist Terrorists in the north, on the verge of total collapse

Camp Aquino, Tarlac City – Northern Luzon Command Chief, Lieutenant General Arnulfo Marcelo B Burgos Jr. on Friday revealed that the communist terrorist groups in Northern and Central Luzon are on the verge of total collapse as the intensified security operations continue to gain grounds in the region.

The statement was made following the influx of surrenders from the ranks of the communist rebels and withdrawal of support by party members of the communist terrorist affiliated mass organizations all over Northern and Central Luzon.

As per the record of NOLCOM for the 2nd quarter, 205 communist rebels surrendered along with 109 firearms, 143 of which are regular NPA members while 62 are members of the Milisyang Bayan. The most recent of which is the surrender of five (5) regular members of the communist rebels and one Milisyang Bayan on June 30, 2021, at Barangay Balagan, San Mariano, Isabela. They yielded five firearms, 100 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, and 12 improvised explosive devices.

Meanwhile, on June 29, one regular NPA member surrendered to the members of the 702nd Infantry Brigade at Barangay Suquib, Besao, Mountain Province. He brought along with him, one M16 Rifle and 20 rounds of 5.56mm live ammunition. Said former rebel also led the troops of 69th Infantry Battalion and Besao Municipal Police Station to the discovery of an arms cache at Barangay Gueday, Besao, Mountain Province the following day. The arms cache contains one M16 Rifle, five improvised explosive devices, 100-meter electrical wire, three handheld radios, one mobile phone, and one digital electronic tester.

Apart from these surrenders and recoveries, 558 party members from the different NPA-affiliated mass organizations expressed their withdrawal support from the terrorist group. These are in addition to the 12 communist rebels who were neutralized in an encounter and joint law enforcement operations for the period.

Lieutenant General Burgos in his statement emphasized that they are at the “forefront in the campaign to end the local communist armed conflict in Northern and Central Luzon”, he cited that, “around 2 to 3 communist rebels surrendered to the government troops every day with a firearm being surrendered every day. This is a clear indication that it is just a matter of time that these communist terrorist groups will be defeated.”

“We will ensure to usher our brothers and sisters to enter a new life of peace and progress through the government’s ECLIP. With these developments, I encourage the remnants of the communist rebels in Northern and Central Luzon to abandon their armed struggle, return to the folds of the law and live a peaceful and prosperous life with their families”, he added.

Lieutenant General Burgos ended his statement by reaffirming their commitment to decimate the communist terrorists, saying that “As we have evaluated our gains, we will continue to build up our momentum in decimating the few remaining members of the communists terrorist group. We will not stop until the entire Northern and Central Luzon are declared free of insurgency.”

The recent rebel surrenders are currently being assisted by the government forces in processing their requirements to avail the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).

[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/communist-terrorists-in-the-north-on-the-verge-of-total-collapse/

Kalinaw News: Troops from the 25th Infantry Battalion recover NPA's food cache in Davao de Oro

Posted to the Kalinaw News Facebook Page (Jul 2, 2021): Troops from the 25th Infantry Battalion recover NPA's food cache in Davao de Oro

Troops from the 25th Infantry Battalion recover NPA's food cache in Davao de Oro

FULLSTORY: https://qoo.ly/3cy4u2

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#ARMY124
#ParaSaBayan

NPA supply of food diminishes as troops recover food cache

Monkayo, Davao de Oro- Troops of 25th Infantry Battalion, Intel Operatives of this unit and higher headquarters discovered ten (10) containers of thirty (30) Liters Plastic Gallons of Rice at Brgy. Mt. Diwata, Monkayo, Davao de Oro on 30 June 2021. The recovery of Food Cache was through the revelation of a Former Rebel who was a former member of the North Front, SRC 1 of SMRC who operates in some portion of the municipality. This food cache was buried by the members of North Front, SRC 1, SMRC led by alyas Jake, the Front Secretary sometime in the year 2018.


This recovery of the front’s supply of food will cause the weakening of their members as they suffer hunger and sickness that will eventually stop them from spreading their wrong and nonsense ideologies and prevent them from affecting the communities through their lies and deceit. Also through the help of the people in the area, this cache was recovered successfully and clearly manifests that the communities also cooperated in preventing the CPP-NPA-NDF from entering their area again as they denounce NPA’s presence in their barangay and declaring them as Persona Non-Grata. It can be recalled that in March 2018, almost 2,000 Former NPA Mass Supporters, Milisyang Bayan, and Regular NPA members in the whole municipality of Monkayo, Davao de Oro voluntarily surrendered to this unit after realizing the futility of their cause in the organization.


In pursuing to achieve a peaceful and conflict-resilient community, the residents of the barangay denounce their support and are committed that they will continue to help in fighting the insurgency in their area and will not let the CTGs enter their barangay again. “As part of our aim in clearing affected barangays and sustaining the gains and efforts of this unit, we will continue to eliminate all the support that the CTGs get from the communities and the supplies of food that they have buried in different areas that may lead them to go back in the communities. We still urge those who are still active members to surrender to the folds of the law rather than die of hunger and sickness in the mountains especially this time of the pandemic.” COL ASNAWI P MUTI INF (GSC) PA, Battalion Commander of this unit 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/npa-supply-of-food-diminishes-as-troops-recover-food-cache/

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Kalinaw News: Army's "Masigasig" Battalion receive NPA couple who suffered harsh living conditions with the CPP-NPA organization

Posted to the Kalinaw News Facebook Page (Jul 2, 2021): Army's "Masigasig" Battalion receive NPA couple who suffered harsh living conditions with the CPP-NPA organization

Army's "Masigasig" Battalion receive NPA couple who suffered harsh living conditions with the CPP-NPA organization.

FULLSTORY: https://qoo.ly/3cy4g6

#PhilArmy
#ARMY124
#ParaSaBayan

Fatigue, disillusionment pushed NPA couple to yield to 23IB

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte – A New People’s Army (NPA) couple voluntarily surrendered to Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C Paulo, the Commanding Officer of the 23rd Infantry “Masigasig” Battalion (23IB) in Jamboree Site, Purok 6, Brgy Alubihid, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte on 29 June 2021.

The surrenderers were identified as @DALA, 55 years old, former CO, SYP GABON, GF 88, and @NABEN, 50 years old, member of SYP GABON, GF 88. Both are current members of Sub-Section Guerilla Unit (SSGU) under SRC 3, North Central Mindanao Command (NCMRC) of the NPA. Alias DALA handed over one (1) COLT M16 Rifle, one (1) long magazine, and five (5) 5.56 ammunitions.

According to @DALA and @NABEN, for thirty (30) years in the armed struggle, they experienced hardships in the underground movement, the difficulties of living in the mountains without certainties of life, and the lack of food. They have lived on the edge for years and they opted to surrender and reunite with their families as they have been on the run from government forces who are out to hunt them down while they have been holed out in their mountain lair.

“Walay saktong tumong ug klaro ang dagan sa among kinabuhi sulod sa pila ka katuigan. Nagpuyo kami nga puno sa pagduda ug kabalaka, ug nag subay base sa pamaagi sa walhong kalihukan nga klase sa pagkinabuhi. Giilad kami nila na hatagan kami nila ug yuta ug mayo nga panginabuhi paagi sa pasalig nga bakak maong naka sulod mi sa ngitngit nga dalan sa armadong panagbangi,” Alias DALA said.

The NPA couple admitted that they were also threatened by their comrades that the military would kill them once they surrender, which turned out to be NPA’s false propaganda.

Lt. Col. Paulo heartily welcomed the surrenderers and expressed his admiration for their decision to join the government in taking this fight against the CNTs.

“I am glad that these two CNT members finally took the challenge, bravely left the armed movement, and realized that they were following a futile cause and eventually found hope with the government’s successful interventions. Their lives were being used by the armed group for a useless cause,” Paulo said.

He added that the failed promises of the NPA drove the former rebels “to abandon the armed struggle after seeing the sincere gesture of the government in addressing the issues and delivering public services to the communities, especially the marginalized sector, through the Whole of Nation Approach.”

The surrender of the said couple was realized through the efforts made by the unit together with the Higaonon Tribe of Esperanza, Agusan del Sur led by Datu Saulugan Nilo D Manpatilan, Supreme Datu and SP member and Brgy. Chairman Datu Manlinonhaw Oliver M Tipunan, Brgy. Tagbalili Esperanza, Agusan del Sur.

“I also thank the support of Datu Saulugan and other tribal leaders for leading the IP community towards the right path and towards peace and prosperity contrary to the propaganda of the NPA whose only objective is to prey upon the vulnerabilities of our IP,” Paulo added.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/fatigue-disillusionment-pushed-npa-couple-to-yield-to-23ib/

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Kalinaw News: Tip-off from locals yields to the discovery of a high-powered firearm in Davao del Sur

Posted to the Kalinaw News Website (Jul 2, 2021): Tip-off from locals yields to the discovery of a high-powered firearm in Davao del Sur

MAKILALA, COTABATO – Through the help of a concerned citizen, the 39th Infantry (Smash’em) Battalion troopers discovered a high-powered firearm (HPFA) at Purok 6, Brgy. Waterfall, Kiblawan, Davao del Sur on June 29, 2021.

The recovered firearm consists of one (1) homemade .50 Caliber rifle with two (2) ammunitions, was found wrapped in a sack and buried under the bushes of an abandoned farmhouse.

Battalion Commander of 39th Infantry Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Geoffrey M. Carandang commended the citizens of Brgy. Waterfall and encouraged the remaining NPA fighters to abandon their armed struggle and instead, return to the folds of the law. “The successful operation was partly due to the intensified Community Support Program (CSP) of 39IB in the municipality. It has gained the active participation and trust of the people who are supportive to government programs focused on ending the local communist armed conflict. Brgy Waterfall is just one of the many communities who swore to reject the presence of Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) who continue to deceive our farmers, the IPs, and youth, committing them to support their worthless cause. Rest assured that the Philippine Army will relentlessly pursue these remaining few CTGs and their cohorts until the last element is brought to justice.”

[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/tip-off-from-locals-yields-to-the-discovery-of-a-high-powered-firearm-in-davao-del-sur/

Kalinaw News: Army's 38IB confiscated homemade firearms in Sarangani

Posted to the Kalinaw News Facebook Page (Jul 2, 2021): Army's 38IB confiscated homemade firearms in Sarangani

Army's 38IB confiscated homemade firearms in Sarangani

FULLSTORY: https://qoo.ly/3cy3sp

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#ARMY124
#ParaSaBayan

Soldiers seize 42 firearms in Sarangani

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – July 2, 2021 Military troops seized a total of 42 firearms in the focused military operations launched in Maitum, Sarangani Province on July 1, 2021.

“Based on the report from the ground, while troops of the 38th Infantry Battalion were operating in barangays Batian and Zion, all of Maitum, they confiscated 42 homemade shotguns from various personalities,” said Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command.

According to Col. Eduardo Gubat, Commander, 603rd Infantry Brigade, the firearms were recovered from the possession of personalities believed to be members of “Militiang Bayan” under Platoon West, Guerilla Front Musa, Far South Mindanao Region.

“Our troops are currently conducting dialogue with the villagers so that they will not anymore be deceived,” Col. Gubat stated.

The confiscated firearms were brought to 38IB headquarters in Kamanga, Maasim, Sarangani Province for safekeeping.

“Our aggressive drive against terrorism and lawlessness continues. This proactive measure is done to preempt the terror plots and criminal activities of the malefactors,” said Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Commander of Joint Task Force Central.

Troops continue to conduct clearing operations.

“As we sustain the momentum, we urge the peace-loving people Mindanao to take steps and support us in our journey towards the attainment of lasting peace and sustainable development in the region,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.

[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/soldiers-seize-42-firearms-in-sarangani-2/

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OP-ED: 75 Years of U.S.-Philippine Friendship

 Posted to the Palawan News (Jul 2, 2021): OP-ED: 75 Years of U.S.-Philippine Friendship (By John Law)

On July 4, 1946, President Manuel Roxas and U.S. High Commissioner Paul McNutt signed the Treaty of Manila, establishing the independence of the Republic of the Philippines. The document touted “the unity of American and Philippine ideals,” and heralded a “new era of the two Governments and peoples…bound as closely as ever by ties of friendship and mutual trust.” In his Philippine Independence Day message last month, President Biden reaffirmed this connection, saying, “Our people are forever connected through our deep bonds and shared sacrifices of valor, of family, and of friendship.”

These shared ideals were lyrically expressed 245 years ago in another Declaration, which proclaimed the inalienable rights, freedom, and equality of all persons. Our two democracies continue to be guided by this “unity of ideals” as we strive to fulfill those lofty goals and ensure prosperity, security, and opportunity for all. This Independence Day, I am heartened by the examples set by so many individuals in both countries whose efforts and accomplishments vividly embody those principles.

Both our nations celebrate and reward creativity, hard work, and entrepreneurial spirit. This is exemplified by the brilliance and ingenuity of tech executive Dr. Dan Lachica, who, after making his career in Silicon Valley, returned to the Philippines to help build a cutting-edge semiconductor industry back home. We see it in Fil-Am chef and Kora Bakery co-founder Kimberly Camara, whose desserts, inspired by Camara’s memories of cooking with her lola, now delight New Yorkers with Filipino flavors.

A further testament to our shared democratic principles are the growing ranks of Filipino-American leaders elected and appointed to public office in the United States. We are delighted when outstanding Filipinos find their experiences in the U.S. of value to their endeavors here, such as Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto, who was recently recognized by the U.S. State Department as one of 12 International Anticorruption Champions. Mayor Sotto was a 2018 Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative Professional Fellow, through which he completed a professional residency in the United States at the Iowa Public Information Board, helping inform his impressive anti-corruption initiatives.

Justifiably renowned are the histories of bravery and sacrifice of Filipinos and Americans who fought side by side for freedom eight decades ago. Yet our defense ties are no mere relic of history. Year after year, our armed forces grow stronger, closer, and more interoperable through joint training and exercises. The U.S. military is further enriched by the contributions of Filipino-American service members such as Char McGinnis, recently promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force. Her promotion ceremony was held aboard the USS Missouri, the site of the Japanese surrender that ended World War II, in honor of her Filipino grandfather, a veteran of that conflict.

Those profound historic roots are constantly nourished by robust ongoing educational and scientific cooperation — investments to ensure our relationship continues flourishing in the future. We are excited by the successes of talented young people like Filipino scholar Farrell Eldrian Wu, who recently graduated from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a perfect 5.0 GPA, and Fil-Am NASA engineer Gregorio Villar III, whose work helped ensure the safe landing of the NASA Perseverance rover on the surface of Mars. The more than four million Filipinos in the USA, and more than 350,000 Americans living in the Philippines, knit our countries ever closer together and show that our peoples, literally and figuratively, are one family.

The U.S.-Philippine relationship is indeed “Thriving at 75.” These deep bonds and shared ideals give me confidence that, for generations to come, the United States and the Philippines will be “bound as closely as ever by ties of friendship and mutual trust.” Para sa mas matibay na samahan!

https://palawan-news.com/75-years-of-u-s-philippine-friendship/

12 ex-rebels get P664K in cash aid

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jul 2, 2021): 12 ex-rebels get P664K in cash aid (BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

More than P600,000 in financial assistance was recently given to 12 former New People’s Army rebels in Negros Oriental, under the government Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo, assisted by Col. Leonardo Peña, 302nd Infantry Brigade commander, and P/Col. Glenn Mayam, provincial police officer-in-charge, and a representative of the Office of the Presidential Adviser–Visayas, led the distribution of financial assistance to the 12 former rebels, five of whom used to be regular fighters of the NPA, while the seven others were Yunit Milisya members, on June 24 in Dumaguete City.

The former rebels surrendered to the 62nd Infantry Battalion.

ASSISTANCE

Lt. Col. Melvin Flores, 62IB commander, said the seven NPA para-military men received P15,000 each as immediate assistance, while five others got P65,000 each in livelihood assistance. Four of them also received a total of P234,000 for surrendering four .38 caliber revolvers and an M16 assault rifle, Flores said.

A total of P273,000 in firearms remuneration and immediate financial assistance was earlier given to 28 former rebels, who also surrendered to the 62IB in Guihulngan City. Fifty-six other former rebels also availed of P3 million in assistance from the Guihulngan City Task Force- ELCAC, he added. The former rebels also received P50,000 each from Degamo.

https://news.visayandailystar.com/12-ex-rebels-get-p664k-in-cash-aid/

DAR awards land titles to ex-rebels, over 600 farmers in Isabela

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 1, 2021): DAR awards land titles to ex-rebels, over 600 farmers in Isabela (By Villamor Visaya, Jr.)

NEW LAND OWNER. Agrarian Reform Secretary John Castriciones awards a certificate of land ownership to a beneficiary in Barangay Villapaz, Naguilian, Isabela on Thursday (July 1, 2021). More than 600 farmers received land titles in the province, including seven former rebels. (Photo by Villamor Visaya Jr.)

NAGUILIAN, Isabela – To give more Isabelinos land tenure, Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary John Castriciones led the distribution of 670 certificates of land ownership award (CLOAs) to as many farmer-beneficiaries, including seven rebel-returnees in this province on Thursday.

The CLOAs cover 840.6961 hectares of farms, said the secretary, who toured Villapaz village in this town and some areas in Jones and Delfin Albano for the distribution of the titles, along with farm equipment and support services.

The seven former rebels received a total of 15.4366 hectares of farmland, Castriciones noted.

Also distributed were 43 units of brand-new motorcycles with sidecars locally called "kolong-kolong", two units of multi-purpose vans and a farm tractor to farmers' organizations.

Castriciones also led the groundbreaking and memorandum-signing for 150 houses in the Balai Farmers housing project in Villapaz village here, among other activities.

In an interview with the Philippine News Agency, he said they have been working "triple time", "which led to many distributions of land titles during this period.”

Castriciones said they have been exerting more effort in land acquisition and distribution, assisting agrarian reform beneficiaries who need legal intervention through adjudication and mediation, and delivery of support services such as social infrastructure and local capability building, agri-business and rural development and access facilitation services.

Earlier, DAR also distributed 63 CLOAs to beneficiaries in Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya; 12 CLOAs to beneficiaries in Furagui, Solana, Cagayan; three CLOAs to recipients in Padul, Solana, Cagayan; and 14 to beneficiaries in Baggao, Cagayan.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1145669

2 former insurgency-hit areas get electricity

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 2, 2021): 2 former insurgency-hit areas get electricity (By John Andrew Tabugoc)

EMPOWERING SUB-VILLAGES. Households in mountainous Sitio Natuyukan, Barangay Balite were energized by Cotelco on Thursday (July 1, 2021) under the Sitio Electrification Program in Magpet, North Cotabato. Municipal Administrator Jupiter Rubino (inset) and the Cotelco team cross the river for another energization activity in Sitio Kirundong, Barangay Kinarum of the same town. (Photos courtesy of Magpet LGU)

MAGPET, North Cotabato – The Cotabato Electric Cooperative (Cotelco), the province’s power provider, launched on Thursday afternoon the lighting of 143 households in two remote sub-villages here – both former encounter zones between government forces and communist New People’s Army (NPA) guerillas.

Jay Gonzaga, executive assistant of Mayor Florenito Gonzaga, and Jupiter Rubino, the municipal administrator and concurrent member of the Cotelco’s board of directors, led the separate onsite ceremonial switch-on before the recipients of the energization program in the adjoining areas.

“This is the promising mission of the Sitio Electrification Program (SEP), which is to bring electricity to the countryside to increase progress and attain sustainable development,” Rubino said.

The activity energized 60 households in remote Sitio Natuyukan, Barangay Balite, and 83 houses in Sitio Kirundong, Barangay Kinarum – both Indigenous Peoples’ (IP) communities on the hilly part of this town.

The beneficiaries only paid PHP117 with a free 30-meter drop wire, kilowatt meter, two bulbs, and a power outlet added with free-of-charge household installation.

As a counterpart, the local government unit offered the free issuance of building and electrical permits to reduce the burden of beneficiaries to comply with Cotelco’s prerequisite requirements.

“We will continue to grant options that could minimize your monetary requirements to avail (of) this significant project, such as this (electrification) for you,” Gonzaga told the beneficiaries in the vernacular.

According to Rubino, the Ubo Manuvu settlers have long been waiting to experience the benefit of electrification that could help their livelihood and respond to their students’ needs at home.

The villages were once a haven of insurgents due to their terrain and distance from the town proper.

Residents were often forced to evacuate to safer grounds due to atrocities.

“Now we can really see the benefits of electricity and it’s worth it after the long wait,” Danny Enoc, the leader of Sitio Natuyukan, said in Manobo language.

Rubino said the SEP would energize soon three other sub-villages here targeting 114 households in Sitio Bantaan, Bagumbayan; Sitio Tribal, Barangay Imamaling; and Sitio Malinao II in Barangay Magcaalam.

The SEP, a nationally-funded program under the National Electrification Administration, pursues rural electrification for countryside development.

The Cotelco has a total of 37 sitios (sub-villages) in the province to be energized under the program this year.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1145709

42 guns seized from NPA supporters in Sarangani

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 2, 2021): 42 guns seized from NPA supporters in Sarangani (By Allen Estabillo)

Government troops seized 42 illegal firearms from suspected supporters of the New People’s Army (NPA) in focused military operations in Maitum town, Sarangani province on Thursday.

Col. Eduardo Gubat, commanding officer of the Army’s 603rd Brigade, said the firearms were confiscated by elements of the 38th Infantry Battalion (IB) from various personalities who are reportedly members of the NPA’s “Milisya ng Bayan”.

Gubat said the troops were operating in parts of barangays Batian and Zion in Maitum when they recovered the weapons, mostly homemade shotguns.

The “Milisya ng Bayan” unit, part of the support mechanism of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) - NPA, was under the Platoon West of Guerilla Front 73 (Musa) - Far South Mindanao Region, he said.

“Our troops are currently conducting dialogue with the villagers so that they will not anymore be deceived by the communist terrorist group,” Gubat said in a report.

He added that their units have been conducting clearing operations in the area, which is near the province’s boundaries with South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat.

The confiscated firearms, he said, were brought to the 38IB headquarters in Barangay Kamanga, Maasim town for safekeeping.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Joint Task Force Central commander, said in a statement the operation was a proactive measure to preempt the terrorist plots and criminal activities in the area.

“Our aggressive drive against terrorism and lawlessness (in these areas will) continue,” Uy said.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1145770

Gov't troops discover Reds' arms cache in Mt. Province

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 2, 2021): Gov't troops discover Reds' arms cache in Mt. Province (By Liza Agoot)

WAR MATERIALS. Government troops discover an arms cache in Besao, Mountain Province on Thursday (July 1, 2021). Police Regional Office Cordillera information officer, Capt. Marnie Abellanida, said among those recovered were an M16 rifle, explosives, electrical wires, two-way radios, cellular phone, and other items. (Photo courtesy of PROCor PIO)

Joint troops of the Mountain Province police and Philippine Army (PA) discovered an arms cache of the New People's Army in Besao town, Mountain Province on Thursday, the Police Regional Office Cordillera (PROCor) said on Friday.

Capt. Marnie Abellanida, PROCor information officer, said that government forces recovered weapons and communication materials at the CTG facility in Barangay Gueday including an Elisco M16 A1 rifle with defaced serial number, 2.3 kilograms command-detonated explosives, and four one-kilogram command-detonated explosives. These items were brought to the 69th IB detachment based in Ilocos Sur for proper disposition.

The officer said other seized items include 100 meters of electrical wire, two Motorola radios, an Icom radio with charger, cellular phone, and electrical digital tester.

He said the arms cache was discovered based on information from a community member.

Abellanida added that the government is pursuing its various programs to end the local armed conflict.

"Seryoso po ang gobyerno sa kanyang kagustuhan na matapos na ang kaguluhan sa pagitan ng mga miyembro ng maka-kaliwang grupo at ng gobyerno (the government is serious in its aim to end the hostilities between the members of the left-leaning organization and the government)," he said.

He urged people who have been "lost" to avail of government programs and assistance as the administration pursues effort to end the decades-long insurgency.

"There are programs to help them change to a better and peaceful life," Abellanida said.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1145745

Tips from locals lead to clash, recovery of NPA bombs

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 2, 2021): Tips from locals lead to clash, recovery of NPA bombs (By Perla Lena)

THANKFUL. Major Cenon Pancito III, chief of the 3rd Division Public Affairs Office (3DPAO), on Friday (July 2, 2021) said the military is thankful to residents for giving them prompt information on the presence of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army in Sitio Tabiay, Barangay Buri in Tapaz, Capiz. The information led to an almost one-hour encounter on July 1, 2021. (PNA file photo)

Information from residents on the presence of the members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) rebels in Sitio Tabiay, Barangay Buri in Tapaz, Capiz resulted in an almost an hour encounter with government troops in the area and recovery of materials used to make anti-personnel mines (APM) on Thursday.

Major Cenon Pancito III, chief of the 3rd Division Public Affairs Office (3DPAO), on Friday said that what happened was a “classic example of the people and the Philippine Army working together”.

“There was really an encounter but our recoveries were the ones that they left behind in the area and most of which are really materials used in making anti-personnel mines,” he said in an interview.

No one was hurt among the government soldiers, Pancito added.

Those recovered include one APM, nine backpacks, six hammocks, 150 meters of electrical wire, a binocular, five liters of gasoline, a container filled with fertilizer, medical supplies, subversive documents, assorted food supplies, and personal belongings.

He added that they were thankful for the prompt information provided by residents, thus they were able to pre-empt any plans of the CPP-NPA against the government forces or any of their targets.

He said that it is an indication that the government is “winning the war against insurgency, against the CPP-NPA”.

Pancito added that the community support program (CSP) deployed in strategic areas of central Panay has ended on the second quarter of the year but the Philippine Army has left behind dedicated forces that will react immediately in case there are movements on the part of the CPP-NPA.

While there were no forces deployed specifically in Barangay Buri, yet they are also covered by teams deployed in the vicinity.

Buri is about a four-hour walk from the main road, which is about 10 kilometers away from the town proper.

Pancito called on the public not to worry when there are encounters at this time, instead, they have to be more afraid when they know that the area is part of the guerilla zone of the CCP-NPA and no encounter was recorded because it means the people “are sympathetic with the New People’s Army”.

“This time around it’s different. The people are the ones telling us that we should be there in the area to protect them,” he added.

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/1145824

CTGs in Northern, Central Luzon on the verge of total collapse

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 2, 2021): CTGs in Northern, Central Luzon on the verge of total collapse (By Zorayda Tecson)

INTENSIFIED SECURITY OPS. LT. Gen. Arnulfo Marcelo B. Burgos Jr., chief of the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom), said the communist terrorist groups in Northern and Central Luzon are on the verge of total collapse as the intensified security operations continue to gain grounds in the areas. Burgos made this statement on Friday (July 2, 2021) following the influx of surrenders from the ranks of the communist rebels and withdrawal of support by party members of the communist terrorist affiliated mass organizations all over Northern and Central Luzon. (Contributed Photo)

Communist terrorist groups (CTGs) in Northern and Central Luzon are on the verge of total collapse as intensified government security operations continue to gain ground in both areas.

Lt. Gen. Arnulfo Marcelo B. Burgos Jr., chief of the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom), made this statement on Friday following the influx of surrenders from the ranks of the communist rebels and withdrawal of support by party members of the communist terrorist affiliated mass organizations all over Northern and Central Luzon.

Based on the record of Nolcom for the second quarter of the year, a total of 205 communist rebels have surrendered, along with 109 firearms.

Of the total surrenderers, 143 are New People’s Army (NPA) rebels while 62 are members of the Militia ng Bayan.

The most recent surrenderers are five communist rebels and one Militia ng Bayan on June 30, 2021 at Barangay Balagan, San Mariano, Isabela.

They yielded five firearms, 100 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, and 12 improvised explosive devices.

Likewise, 558 supporters from the different NPA-affiliated mass organizations expressed their withdrawal of support from the terrorist group.

These are in addition to the 12 communist rebels who were neutralized in an encounter and joint law enforcement operations for the period.

Burgos, in his statement, emphasized that they are at the “forefront in the campaign to end the local communist armed conflict in Northern and Central Luzon”.

He cited that around two to three communist rebels surrender to the government troops with a firearm being handed over daily.

He said that this is a clear indication that it is just a matter of time that the communist terrorist groups will be defeated.

“We will ensure to usher our brothers and sisters to enter a new life of peace and progress through the government’s E-CLIP (Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program). With these developments, I encourage the remnants of the communist rebels in Northern and Central Luzon to abandon their armed struggle, return to the folds of the law and live a peaceful and prosperous life with their families”, he added.

“As we have evaluated our gains, we will continue to build up our momentum in decimating the few remaining members of the communist terrorist group. We will not stop until the entire Northern and Central Luzon are declared free of insurgency," he said.

The CPP-NPA, which has been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government, 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/1145800

Military assets deployed to aid towns near Taal Volcano

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 2, 2021): Military assets deployed to aid towns near Taal Volcano (By Priam Nepomuceno)

A view of Taal Volcano in Batangas (File photo)

Military personnel, vehicles and equipment have been deployed to assist in several Batangas towns affected by Taal Volcano's unrest, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Friday.

AFP spokesperson Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said two military trucks come from the 2nd Infantry Division and a towable fuel and forward deployed to the Philippine Air Force's 730th Combat Group in Nasugbu town.

"We have placed more personnel on alert and ready for immediate deployment. Communications equipment were also deployed," Arevalo said.

Other units of the Southern Luzon Command are on standby and ready to assist anytime, he added.

The AFP’s Joint Task Group Taal, led by Brig. Gen. Rommel Tello, is coordinating with local chief executives in monitoring the volcano, now under Alert Level 3 (magmatic unrest).

Other military units were constituted as disaster response teams, including officer-led reservists with equipment placed on standby alert and prepositioned at the Fernando Airbase in Lipa City.

"We will continue monitoring the situation and the developments," Arevalo said. "We are prepared to assist and to assume the lead with the PNP when needed."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1145715

AFP nudges CHR to dig deeper into Absalons’ slay

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 2, 2021): AFP nudges CHR to dig deeper into Absalons’ slay (By Lade Jean Kabagani)

Kieth Absalon (Photo courtesy of Facebook)

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines Center for Law of Armed Conflict (AFPCLOAC) has requested the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to conduct a lateral investigation on the Masbate incident that killed college football player Kieth Absalon and his cousin, Nolven.

Brig. Gen. Jose Alejandro Nacnac, Director of the AFPCLOAC, sent a request letter to CHR Chair Jose Luis Martin Gascon to probe the “abhorrent, despicable, and reprehensible” attack perpetrated by the New People’s Army (NPA) on June 6, 2021.

“As vanguards of HR and International Humanitarian Law, we ask that your office pursue justice for the Absalons and all victims of the most recent anti-personnel mine (APM) explosions and the protection of civilians against the use of APM by the NPA and CTGs (communist terrorist groups). We also solicit your assistance and support in the overall effort of the government to end local communist armed conflict,” stated the letter dated June 29.

Nacnac condemned the incident, saying the NPA rebels must be held liable for indiscriminate use of APM and attack on innocent civilians.

“The continued use by NPAs of anti-personnel mines and improvised explosive devices (IED) that kill and maim civilians and soldiers in wanton disregard and intentional violation of International Humanitarian Law is disturbing and should be stopped,” Nacnac said in a statement on Friday.

Nacnac noted the "civilian-combatant distinction is a cardinal principle" of international humanitarian law, "intended to minimize harm to civilians by keeping violence a matter for combatants".

Citing Section 14 of Republic Act (RA) No. 9851, or the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide and Other Crimes Against Humanity signed into law on Dec. 11, 2009, Nacnac said the communist leader orchestrating the violent attacks must also face criminal charges.

"In addition to other grounds of criminal responsibility for crimes defined and penalized under RA 9851, Section 10 thereof provides that NPA leaders like Joma Sison shall be criminally responsible as a principal for such crimes committed by subordinates under his/her effective command and control, or effective authority and control as the case may be, as a result of his/her failure to properly exercise control over such subordinates," Nacnac added.

"The liability of leaders of these CTGs for the harm and damage their subordinates had inflicted on non-combatants must not be left unpunished," he continued.

In May, the CHR vowed to investigate the 1,506 atrocities and IHL violations committed by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA and the National Democratic Front from 2010 to 2020.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1145818