Kalinaw News: Another 246 CTG Members and Supporters Surrender in Masbate, Pledge Support to Government’s Anti-Insurgency Campaign

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 25, 2021): Another 246 CTG Members and Supporters Surrender in Masbate, Pledge Support to Government’s Anti-Insurgency Campaign



CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur-Heeding the call of the government to abandon the useless cause of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), members and supporters of the terrorist group in Masbate continue to surrender in droves.

During the peace rallies being conducted in different parts of the island province, the surrenderers publicly denounced CTG’s terrorism along with their pledge of support to the government’s campaign to end the communist insurgency.

Again in Dimasalang, 13 Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad (SPL) members and nine supporters surrendered on September 18 while on September 19, another 42 SPL members, six Militiang Bayan (MB) members and 12 supporters yielded.

In Uson, 13 SPL members and 11 supporters surrendered on September 20 while on September 21, one regular NPA member, seven SPL members and 12 supporters also surrendered.

Meanwhile, a whopping 120 surrenderers composed of five regular NPA members, 13 Militiang Bayan (MB) members, 90 Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad members and 12 supporters withdrew their membership and support from the CPP-NPA-NDF in Barangay Mapuyo, Mobo on September 24.

The group also took part in the burning of the replica of CTG’s flag and the effigy of Jose Maria Sison which was initiated by the Barangay officials headed by Barangay Chairman Alfonso Arellano, tanods and the residents of Mapuyo.

Lt. Col. Siegfried Felipe Awichen, Battalion Commander of 2nd Infantry Battalion (2IB) considered the continuous surrender of CTG members and supporters to the Community Support Program (CSP) Teams and PNP in the province as one of the major breakthroughs of the Army’s CSP operations.

Col. Aldwine Almase, Brigade Commander of 903rd Infantry Brigade, lauded the unyielding efforts of the military and police which contributed significantly to the unstoppable gains of the government in Masbate.

“Maliban sa CSP, tuloy-tuloy din ang Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) ng DILG sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng Masbate kaya naniniwala tayong marami pa ang susuko. Idagdag pa natin ang pagdodoble-kayod ng ating mga LGUs at local chief executives upang kondenahin at itaboy ang CTG sa kanilang lalawigan. Bunsod nito, naniniwala tayong hindi lang hihina kundi tuluyan ng maglalaho ang communist insurgency sa Masbate,” Col. Almase said.

Moreover, Police Regional Office-5 (PRO-5) under PBGEN JONNEL C ESTOMO thanked the surrenderers for abandoning the useless cause of the CTG along with their pledge to help the anti-insurgency campaign of the government.

“Itong panibagong grupo ng mga CTG members at supporters na nagbalik-loob sa pamahalaan ay magiging mga buhay na patunay na ang pagbabago ay nakasalalay sa pagkakaisa at hindi sa paghahasik ng karahasan at terorismo,” PBGen. Estomo said.

Meanwhile, for MGEN HENRY A ROBINSON JR PA, Commander of Joint Task Force (JTF) Bicolandia, the continuous mass surrenders in Masbate creates a ripple effect that is why even in the mainland Bicol, more and more members and supporters of CTG are returning to the folds of the law.

“Nagpapasalamat tayong muli sa mga Masbateño sapagkat kung wala ang kanilang buong suporta sa ating mithiing tapusin ang communist insurgency, hindi magbubunga ang ating mga pagsisikap. Lahat ng ating mga nakakamit na tagumpay ay nagsisilbing inspirasyon upang lalo pa nating pag-ibayuhin ang ating kampanya laban sa terorismo at insurhensya,” MGen. Robinson said.

In total, 1,065 CTG members and supporters returned to the folds of the law for this year alone in the entire Bicol region, including these series of mass surrenders and the 113 surrenderers last September 14-17 in Dimasalang.

[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/another-246-ctg-members-and-supporters-surrender-in-masbate-pledge-support-to-governments-anti-insurgency-campaign/

Kalinaw News: Task Force Davao Catches Big; 62 Illegal Firearms and Shabu Seized at Lacson Checkpoint

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 25, 2021): Task Force Davao Catches Big; 62 Illegal Firearms and Shabu Seized at Lacson Checkpoint



The intensified joint AFP-PNP checkpoint operation of Task Force Davao (TFD) in collaboration with the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) catches big on Saturday September 25, after around P48,000 worth of suspected shabu and 62 unlicensed firearms were seized from two travelers at the Lacson Checkpoint, Calinan, Davao City.

The authorities identified the suspects as Michael John Burias Lantoria, 40, a resident of 193 Max Suniel St, Carmen, Cagayan de Oro and Sebastian S. Quiblat, 61, from Igpit, Opol, Misamis Oriental onboard a white Mitsubishi Strada pick-up with plate number KAA 7618 traveling towards Calinan, Davao City.

The suspects yielded 5 sachets of suspected shabu weighing approximately 3 grams, drug paraphernalias, unlicensed firearms including 43 pcs of 9mm pistol, 18 pcs of 12 gauge shotguns, one (1) 380 pistol and assorted magazines and ammunitions.

Based on the report from Major Efren Tongya-en, the Officer-In-charge of Lacson Checkpoint Operations, the suspects were busted after authorities, composed of TFD and PNP personnel together with K-9 unit conducted a thorough search around the vehicle of the suspect and found out the concealed contrabands.

The suspects together with all the pieces of evidence were immediately placed under the custody of Calinan Police Station for proper disposition.

Task Force Davao Commander Colonel Darren Comia commended the efforts of the troops in busting illegal elements and contrabands entering Davao City.

“This is a testament of the vigilance and alertness of the TFD personnel in ensuring the safety and security of Davao City. With this catch, indeed, the Culture of Security is very much alive in Davao City”, Col Comia said.

Meanwhile, 10th Infantry “Agila” Division Commander MGen Ernesto C Torres Jr commends the troops of Task Force Davao under the leadership of COL Comia.

“This big catch in Davao City is a clear manifestation of 10th Infantry Division’s commitment to help provide lasting peace and order in the region. Indeed, our troops are committed and skillful in the performance of their duties. And for the peace-spoilers, you have no room in the area of 10ID.” MGen Torres 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/task-force-davao-catches-big-62-illegal-firearms-and-shabu-seized-at-lacson-checkpoint/

Kalinaw News: “Hiniusang Tunol Serbisyo Caravan”: Bringing Government Services Closer to its Constituents.

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 25, 2021): “Hiniusang Tunol Serbisyo Caravan”: Bringing Government Services Closer to its Constituents.



As the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Mabini continuously endeavors to bring services and reach out to the people to attain peace, the Office of Municipal Mayor headed by Hon Raynaldo L Dayanghirang supported the 48th Infantry (Guardians) Battalion that facilitated the conduct of the “Serbisyo Caravan” with the theme “Hiniusang Tunol Serbisyo Caravan” last September 23, 2021. This is one of the initiatives of the unit in the area where the Modified Community Support Program (MCSP) Teams are placed to bring government services closer to the people, particularly in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs).

This inter-agency outreach program aimed to provide assistance to the communities and to make government services more accessible to the public and further enables the government to implement the whole of nation approach together with different line agencies and stakeholders to focus their programs, projects, and services to Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) affected communities to address the issues being exploited by the CTGs.

The one-day activity offered free medical check-ups, medicines and vitamins, distribution of vegetable seeds, civil registration assistance, food pack distribution, and COVID 19 vaccination, and free haircut which benefited more than 220 beneficiaries. Also highlighted in the activity is the conduct of Pulong-Pulong and peace rally to prove and showcase support of the community and denounce CPP-NPA-NDF atrocities including other left-leaning organizations all over the country.

A concerted effort of 48th Infantry (Guardians) Battalion, LGU, Mabini headed by Hon. Reynaldo Dayanghirang and Mr. Emilio O. Melecio Brgy Chairman of Brgy Del Pilar made the activity successful. Also present in the activity were Cong Ruwel Peter Gonzaga, Congressman of 2nd District, Davao de Oro, and Rev. Emerson L Luego of Sto Niño Parish Church to extend their invaluable support to the communities.

Lieutenant Colonel Enrique G Rafael, Commanding Officer, 48IB emphasized that the Philippines Army through the help of different stakeholders is always ready to support its constituents and encouraged the community to stop supporting those terrorist and left-leaning organizations. “Through the implementation of Executive Order 70 and with the convergence of efforts of all government agencies, issues linked to insurgency problem are now easily addressed. I hope that the remaining Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) members in Davao de Oro will be wakened up from being blinded by the false ideologies of their leaders and decide to go back to the folds of the law and enjoy the life in the mainstream society”.

“Development can only be achieved in a peaceful environment. The reds will not exist if you will continue to deny their presence in the community and stop supporting them. Let us help one another to attain peace and you will see the result later on.” said Cong. Ruwel Peter Gonzaga.

The conduct of Serbisyo Caravan is one of the culminating activities of the unit’s MCSP Team that is currently deployed within the focused areas particularly in the far-flung Sitios of Brgy Del Pilar, Mabini, Davao de Oro.

[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/hiniusang-tunol-serbisyo-caravan-bringing-government-services-closer-to-its-constituents/

Aklan State U disposes of subversive reading materials

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 25, 2021): Aklan State U disposes of subversive reading materials (By Perla Lena)

SUBVERSIVE. Members of the Aklan Police make an accounting of subversive textbooks and reading materials turned over by the Aklan State University - Banga campus on Friday (Sept. 24, 2021). The university is the first tertiary-level institution in the Visayas to surrender such reading materials. (Photo courtesy of Banga MPS Facebook)

The Aklan State University (ASU) in the municipality of Banga made history as the first higher education institution in the Visayas to turn over subversive documents and textbooks to the government.

The reading materials were mostly donated to the ASU and have been in its library since 2012, before the term of current president, Dr. Emily Arangote, who was appointed last year.

“The APPO (Aklan Police Provincial Office), with the full support of RTF-ELCAC 6 (Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict 6 [Western Visayas]) reached out to ASU for them to turn over also books that are not mentally healthy for students,” task force spokesperson, Prosecutor Flosemer Chris Gonzales, said during the dialogue and turnover ceremony held at the university cafeteria on Friday.

The books and documents, which are now under the custody of the APPO - Provincial Investigation and Detection Management Unit, include one authored by Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Ma. Sison titled Foundation for Resuming the Philippine Revolution.

In exchange, Gonzales donated a book from the RTF-ELCAC-6, The War Within.

He noted that turning over the books to the government is not a restriction of academic freedom.

“Academic freedom is always subject to control and supervision by the state when the welfare of the people or overriding public welfare calls for it. We are at war with terrorism and of course, our university officials exercising sound discretion and good judgment can always decide for the welfare of their students,” Gonzales said in his message.

In an interview on Saturday, APPO spokesperson, Staff Sgt. Ma. Jane Vega, said even if Aklan has been declared insurgency-free in December 2011, there are still sightings of insurgents as neighboring Antique and Capiz provinces are still infiltrated.

Vega said APPO Director, Col. Ramir Perlito Perlas, pursued the turnover so students would not be influenced by the communist ideologies.

“We are very active in our campaign. Col. Perlas pursued this initiative because he does not want to see atrocities that are happening in other provinces to happen here,” she said.

Vega also encouraged other schools in the province to “not hesitate to surrender” similar materials to the police.

The Philippines' Anti-Terrorism Council has designated the CPP, New People’s Army, and National Democratic Front as terrorist groups.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1154646

Army buries 5 slain NPA rebels in Cagayan province

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 25, 2021): Army buries 5 slain NPA rebels in Cagayan province (By Villamor Visaya, Jr.)

FINAL RITES. A priest (right) blesses the remains of five slain New People’s Army rebels prior to their burial in Santa Teresita, Cagayan on Friday (Sept. 24, 2021). The bodies were found on Sept. 22, a day government troops launched an airstrike at the rebels’ hideout in Barangay Dungeg. (Photo courtesy of 5ID)

CAMP MELCHOR DELA CRUZ, Isabela – They were considered enemies of the State but the military will not deprive them of decent burials that all Filipinos deserve.

Five New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, who were found dead on Sept. 22 after an encounter with government forces the day before, were blessed by a priest and buried in a public cemetery in Santa Teresita, Cagayan on Friday.

Three were identified only as Titan, Dyosa, and Marlon, while two others were unidentified.

Maj. Jekyll Julian Dulawan, the Philippine Army 5th Infantry Division spokesperson, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Friday night that no relatives claimed the bodies.

The clash between the communist rebels belonging to the NPA-East Front Komiteng Probinsiya Cagayan and soldiers from the 501st Infantry Brigade took place in Barangay Dungeg in Santa Teresita town.

If families would come forward later, the bodies would be exhumed, Dulawan said.

Army soldiers discovered the rebels’ lair with an improvised explosive device-manufacturing site during a reconnaissance patrol.

They asked the Philippine Air Force to launch an airstrike on the lair that lasted 20 minutes.

No military casualties were reported.

Photo courtesy of 5ID

The Philippines' Anti-Terrorism Council has designated the Communist Party of the Philippines, (CPP), NPA and National Democratic Front as terrorist groups.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1154654

New aviation facility inaugurated at Fort Magsaysay

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 25, 2021): New aviation facility inaugurated at Fort Magsaysay (By Marilyn Galang)

INAUGURATION. DPWH Secretary Mark Villar (3rd from right), together with some military officials, leads the inauguration of the new hangar facility of the Philippine Army's Aviation Regiment at Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija on Saturday (Sept. 25, 2021). The project was implemented by the Department of National Defense, and the Department of Public Works and Highways under the Tatag ng Imprastruktura para sa Kapayapaan at Seguridad program. (Photo by Marilyn Galang)

FORT RAMON MAGSAYSAY, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija – A new hangar facility was inaugurated at the Philippine Army's Aviation Regiment here on Saturday.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who was represented by Northern Luzon Commander Lt. Gen. Arnulfo Marcelo B. Burgos, Jr., along with Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar and Regiment Commander Andre B. Santos, inaugurated the project by the Department of National Defense (DND), and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) under the so-called Tatag ng Imprastruktura para sa Kapayapaan at Seguridad (TIKAS).

The TIKAS program was initiated for the mutual benefit of the two agencies wherein the DND can mount projects with the DPWH while the soldiers shall safeguard infrastructure projects in conflict areas.

Santos said the new Army Aviation hangar will serve as quarterage for the new air assets of the Philippine Army.

He said this will enhance the command’s capabilities in safeguarding its equipment, assets and enable the regiment to conduct aircraft maintenance activities 24/7.

Aside from the PHP63.1-million Army Aviation hangar, a PHP39.2-million, two-story administration building of the Light Reaction Regiment was also inaugurated.

Villar said the completion of the military facilities is expected to boost military defense operations.

“This defense standard military hangar is capable of accommodating government aircraft for storage, maintenance, and rapid deployment when needed,” he said in an interview.

Meanwhile, Villar said the completion of the new Light Reaction Regiment administration building is expected to improve the working condition of personnel involved in administrative and support operations.

He the national government through the DPWH will continue to support the construction of modern military structures in the country.

“This year, our agency will also construct another hangar and the new headquarters building of the Army Aviation Regiment. Under the agency’s proposed FY 2022 National Expenditure Program, a total of 14 projects under the TIKAS program have been proposed with a total project cost of PHP210-million and I hope it will be approved by Congress,” he added.

Also present during the event were Armed Forces of the Philippines Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, J4., Maj. General Rene S. Diaz, who represented AFP chief, Lt. Gen. Jose Faustino Jr.; 7th Infantry Division Acting Commander, Brig. Gen. Luis Rex D. Bergante; and Regiment Commander of Light Reaction Regiment, Brig. Gen. Monico E. Abang.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1154673

Slain CAFGU member's kin gets gov't aid

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 25, 2021): Slain CAFGU member's kin gets gov't aid (By Annabel Consuelo Petinglay)

FINANCIAL AID. Herminia Mariano (seated) cries for justice for his 20-year-old son, Michael, who was killed by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army rebels in Barangay Igbucagay, Hamtic, Antique on Friday (Sept. 24, 2021). On Saturday, she received PHP20,000 from the provincial government, delivered by Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office head Lazaro Petinglay (center) and witnessed by Staff Sergeant Ariel Vargas (left) of the Philippine Army’s 61st Delta Company. (PNA photo by Annabel Consuelo J. Petinglay)

SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – The Civilian Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) member who was killed by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) rebels in Hamtic, Antique on Friday was the family’s breadwinner.

Michael Mariano, 20, of Barangay Osorio here, was taking a bath outside with his friends when five rebels opened fire at them at about 7 a.m.

Peter Glen Ocario and John Carlo Cabigunda, who are also members of the 4th Platoon of the CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA) Detachment, were injured in the incident in Barangay Igbucagay.

Herminia, the victim’s mother, said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Saturday that his son joined the CAA a year ago to help maintain peace in the province and financially support the family after her husband died.

Mariano has three younger siblings.

“Michael was such a generous child that he would send us regularly his salary so that we would have some money to buy our food,” she said.

Mariano was particularly supporting an eight-year-old sibling who has learning difficulties and was not included in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) that only covers a maximum of three children.

“Michael was a 4Ps beneficiary that’s why he was able to reach Grade 12,” Herminia said.

Now, she does not know how to rebuild their lives after her son was murdered by CPP-NPA rebels.

“Michael and his companions were taking a bath when it happened that they were really caught off guard,” she narrated in the vernacular.

On Saturday, Mariano’s family received PHP20,000 from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office while the two injured companions got PHP10,000 each.

They will also be provided with sacks of rice and other food items as initial help from the provincial government, which will also spend on the construction of his tomb as the Philippine Army already shouldered the expenses for the casket and embalmment.

Hamtic municipal police chief, Maj. Rex Farren, earlier said Mariano suffered gunshot wounds to the chest, Ocario was hit on his left leg, and Cabigunda was shot on his left arm.

Based on the initial investigation, the five rebels were about 100 meters away from the area where the CAFGU members were taking a bath.

Recovered at the crime scene were fired and unfired cartridge cases of M16 and M14 rifles.

The Philippines' Anti-Terrorism Council has designated the CPP-NPA and National Democratic Front as terrorist groups.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1154658