Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events

By Retired Analyst

Monday, October 4, 2021

CPP/NPA-Negros Island ROC: Phil Army suffers casualties in Central Negros

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 4, 2021): Phil Army suffers casualties in Central Negros

NEGROS ISLAND REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND (APOLINARIO GATMAITAN COMMAND)
NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

OCTOBER 04, 2021



Philippine Army’s 62nd and 94th Infantry Battalions suffered casualties from military actions mounted by Red fighters under the Leonardo Panaligan Command – Central Negros Front (LPC-NPA) and Mount Cansermon Command – South Central Negros Front (MCC-NPA).

On September 22, a 62nd IB soldier was killed when a unit of the LPC-NPA launched a sniping operation against an Army detachment at Barangay Budlasan, Canlaon City, Negros Oriental.

According to Ka JB Regalado, LPC-NPA spokesperson, “the people of the aforementioned barrio cannot erase from their minds and hearts the simultaneous killings of innocent farmers and civilians in Canlaon City last March 30, 2019 by military troops and police during its Oplan Sauron 2.”

Throughout the 2nd wave of the government’s Synchronized Enhanced Managing of Police Operations (SEMPO 2), eight individuals were mercilessly killed and many others were victims of illegal arrests based on trumped-up charges in Canlaon City and the towns of Manjuyod and Sta. Catalina all of Negros Oriental.

Meanwhile, a unit of the MCC-NPA attacked an isolated column of the 94th IB conducting combat operations at Sitio Kubay-Anahaw, Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental on October 1 around 9 o’clock in the morning.

Four soldiers were wounded in the 10-minute firefight whereas the NPA unit maneuvered to favorable terrain unharmed.

Ka Dionesio Magbuelas, MCC-NPA spokesperson, denounced the 94th IB for spreading fake news to the media by claiming an encounter ensued between its troops and estimated 15 NPA fighters at Sitio Lanap, Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City.

“94th IB soldiers have been sweeping the mountainous areas of Himamaylan for almost three weeks and it is protecting and securing the road project connected to the planned harmful mining operation at the boundary of Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental and Tayasan, Negros Oriental that is vehemently opposed by residents especially the Maghat-Bukidnon tribe,” he said.

In its statement, the MCC-NPA also condemned the military for beating farmer Pedro Montecino and his son, Christopher, of Sitio Kubay-Anahaw, Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City.

Up to now, the two are still in the hands of the 94th IB and are forced to guide combat operations exploring the forests within the said barrio, it stated.
Notorious criminal punished

Meantime, the LPC-NPA meted the death penalty issued by the people’s revolutionary court against Alvino Ejida, former chief of Barangay Gihub, La Libertad, Negros Oriental last Friday, October 1.

Two fire arms were confiscated from Ejida along with magazines and ammunition.

As specified in its statement, Ejida was a notorious criminal with cases of rape, robbery, and land grabbing among others, and his most recent victims, just last month, were Rolan Fabellaran, Rolan Paculanang and Mansio CaƱete whom he shot.

A hardened member of bandit group Salbatore that later on became a counterrevolutionary fanatic group, Ejida was an asset of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and a thug of Congresswoman Jossy Limkaichong of the 1st District of Negros Oriental, it added.###

https://cpp.ph/statements/phil-army-suffers-casualties-in-central-negros/
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CPP/NPA-South Central Negros: 4 pilason sa aksyon militar sang NPA sa Himamaylan City, ‘ikaduhang engkwentro’ fake news

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 4, 2021): 4 pilason sa aksyon militar sang NPA sa Himamaylan City, ‘ikaduhang engkwentro’ fake news

DIONESIO MAGBUELAS
SPOKESPERSON
NPA-SOUTH CENTRAL NEGROS (MT. CANSERMON COMMAND)
NEGROS ISLAND REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND (APOLINARIO GATMAITAN COMMAND)
NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

OCTOBER 04, 2021



Ginpalukpan sang command detonated explosive sang mga Pulang hangaway idalum sang Mount Cansermon Command (MCC-NPA) ang separado nga kolum sang 94th Infantry Battalion (IB) sadtong Oktubre 1, pasado alas 9 sang aga sa Sitio Kubay-Anahaw, Barangay Carabalan sakop sang Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental. Naglawig sang halos 10 ka minuto ang baylohanay sang lupok nga nagresulta sa apat ka kaswalidad sa hanay sang militar. Samtang wala naman sang natala nga kaswalidad sa hanay sang NPA kag luwas nga nakamaniobra sa paborable nga tereyn.

Sa pihak nga bahin, fake news ang ginpaggwa sang 94th IB sa medya nga may engkwentro sa tunga sang ila tropa kag ginbana-bana 15 ka katapo sang NPA sa Sitio Lanap, Barangay Buenavista sakop sa gihapon sang amo nga syudad.

Halos tatlo ka semana na nga nagapanglighot sa nabukid nga bahin sang Himamaylan City ang 94th IB. Partikular sa Barangay Carabalan, ini ang naga-protektar kag nagapaseguro sang mga proyekto nga kalsada nga may kaangtanan sa plano nga pag-opereyt sang makahalalit nga minahan sa boundary sang Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental kag Tayasan, Negros Oriental nga lubos nga ginapamatukan sang mga pumuluyo ilabi na sang tribu sang Maghat-Bukidnon.

Hugot naman nga ginakondena sang MCC-NPA ang pagpangkastigo sang militar sa mga mangunguma nga sila Pedro Montecino kag iya bata nga si Christopher sang Sitio Kubay-Anahaw, Barangay Carabalan nga asta subong ara pa sa kamot sang 94th IB kag pogus nga ginagamit sa pagpangsulod sang mga kalasangan sa amo nga baryo.###

https://cpp.ph/statements/4-pilason-sa-aksyon-militar-sang-npa-sa-himamaylan-city-ikaduhang-engkwentro-fake-news/
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CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Tagong yaman nina Tugade at Dennis Uy, nabunyag

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis (Tagalog edition) posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 4, 2021): Tagong yaman nina Tugade at Dennis Uy, nabunyag


ANG BAYAN | OCTOBER 04, 2021



Dalawang Pilipino na ang nabunyag na may itinatagong yaman sa isinapublikong milyun-milyong dokumento na naglalaman ng impormasyon tungkol sa tagong mga kumpanya at ari-arian ng pinakamayayamang negosyante at pulitiko sa buong mundo na tinawag na Pandora Papers.

Sa ulat ng Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, lumitaw ang pangalan ni Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade at ng negosyanteng si Dennis Uy — parehong malapit kay Rodrigo Duterte — sa mga dokumentong ito. Nakarehistro ang kanilang mga kumpanya sa British Virgin Islands, isang bansang kilalang taguan ng mga kurakot at kita ng mga umiiwas magbayad ng buwis sa kani-kanilang mga bansa.

Nakalista si Tugade, kasama ang kanyang asawa at tatlong anak, bilang may-ari ng Solart Hildings Limited — isang kumpanyang nakabase sa British Virgin Islands (BVI). May nakalista itong halagang P75 milyon. Ayon sa PCIJ, wala sa deklaradong statement of Assessts, Liabiltiies and Net Worth (SALN) ni Tugade ang naturang kumpanya.

Si Dennis Uy ay nakalista bilang may-ari ng China Shipbuilding and Exports Corp. at Pacific Rider Limited in Overseas Management Company Trust Limited, parehong nakarehistro sa BVI. Kliyente ang dalawang kumpanya ng Commence Overseas Limited, na siya ring nangangasiwa sa pinansya ng isa pa niyang kumpanya — ang Apex Mining Co. Inc na nakabase sa Mindanao.

Si Tugade at Uy ay dalawa lamang sa tinatayang 900 indibidwal na “nakabase sa Pilipinas” na napangalanan sa Pandora Papers.

Saklaw ng Pandora Papers ang mga sikretong yaman ng 330 pulitiko at 130 bilyunaryo, gayundin ng mga artista, manggagantso, drug lord, mga myembro ng royal family at lider relihiyo sa 200 bansa. Isinapublko ito ng International Consortium of Investigative Journalists noong Oktubre 4.

Sangkot sa kinikilalang pinakamalaking kolaborasyon sa pag-iimbestiga ang mahigit 600 mamamahayag mula sa 150 organisasyong media sa 117 bansa. Ang mga dokumento na may laking 2.94 terabyte ay nasa anyo ng mga dokumento, grapiks, emails, spreadsheet at iba pa. Kalakhan sa pinag-aralan ng ICIJ ay mga datos sa pagitan ng 1996 hanggang 2020.

[In the face of the rapidly changing political and economic situation in the Philippines, as well as around the world, the newspaper Ang Bayan publishes daily news and analysis on key issues facing the proletariat and the Filipino people, as well as the oppressed people among others. t other corners of the world. Here you will find the latest news and articles of Ang Bayan.]

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/tagong-yaman-nina-tugade-at-dennis-uy-nabunyag/
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CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Wyeth, iligal at tusong nagtanggal ng 21 manggagawa

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis (Tagalog edition) posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 4, 2021): Wyeth, iligal at tusong nagtanggal ng 21 manggagawa


ANG BAYAN | OCTOBER 04, 2021



Galit ang mga manggagawa sa iligal na pagtanggal ng Nestle-Wyett sa 21 unyonista at regular na manggagawa noong Setyembre 30. Ayon sa mga manggagawa, pinatawag sila sa isang diumanong “team building activity.”

Sa pulong na iyon ibinigay sa kanila ng maneydsment ang “notice of redundancy” o pabatid ng pagsisisante sa 21 manggagawa at unyonista. Nakasaad sa pabatid na kailangan ng 21 na pumirma na sumasang-ayon sila sa pagsisisante at mag-apply sa ibang pusisyon.

Kabilang sa mga tinanggal sa pwesto ang mga forklift operator at quality inspector, mga gawaing esensyal sa kumpanya. Ayon sa unyon ng Wyeth, imposibleng tumakbo ang operasyon ng kumpanya kung wala ang mga manggagawa para rito. Liban dito, halos wala ring bakanteng pusisyon sa iba pang dibisyon ng trabaho sa Wyeth kung saan pinag-aaplay ang mga sinisanteng manggagawa.

Kinundena rin ng unyon ang pagbabawal ng kumpanya na papasukin ang mga manggagawa. Anila, Oktubre 31 pa nakatakdang maging epektibo ang notice of redundancy pero unang araw pa lamang ng Oktubre ay pinagbabawalan nang pumasok ang mga sinisanteng manggagawa.

[In the face of the rapidly changing political and economic situation in the Philippines, as well as around the world, the newspaper Ang Bayan publishes daily news and analysis on key issues facing the proletariat and the Filipino people, as well as the oppressed people among others. t other corners of the world. Here you will find the latest news and articles of Ang Bayan.]

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/wyeth-iligal-at-tusong-nagtanggal-ng-21-manggagawa/
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CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Pilipinas, pinakakulelat na naman!

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis (Tagalog edition) posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 4, 2021): Pilipinas, pinakakulelat na naman!


ANG BAYAN | OCTOBER 04, 2021



Sa 53 bansa, pinakamahina ang Pilipinas sa paglaban sa pandemyang Covid-19 ayon sa Bloomberg Covid Resilience Ranking na inilabas noong Setyembre 28. Numero uno ang bansa bilang pinakamasamang mapaglalagiang bansa sa panahon ng pandemya. Ito ay matapos ang “tuluy-tuloy na pagsama ng tugon nito sa buong taon ng 2021.” Ang pagraranggo ay isinasagawa ng Bloomberg, isang kilalang burges na magasin na nakabase sa US na nakatuon sa mga usapin sa ekonomya at pulitika sa iba’t ibang panig ng mundo.

Ang paghahanay ay nakabatay sa mga pamamaraan na ipinatupad upang harapin ang pagkalat ng bayrus at ang epekto nito sa panlipunan ang pangekonomyang kalagayan ng bansa.

Bagsak ang bansa sa apat na sukatan na inilatag ng Bloomberg. Una, bumagsak nang 74% ang kapasidad nito na magbyahe sa himpapawid (air travel) at sarado pa rin ang mga hangganan nito sa mga dayuhan. Sa usapin naman ng pagkontrol ng bayrus, binigyang-pansin ng Bloomberg na umaabot sa 27% ang nagpopositibo sa mga sumasailalim sa Covid-19 testing. Ibig sabihin, kulang ang testing at nalilimita lamang sa mga nagpapakita ng sintomas, at hindi sapat ang contact tracing. Kung gayon, malaki ang posibilidad na mas marami ang hindi naibibilang na nahawa sa mga komunidad.

Ayon pa sa institusyon, malaki ang naging epekto ng pandemya sa kalidad ng buhay ng mamamayan ng Pilipinas, hindi pa rin malayang nakakikilos ang mamamayan at mabagal ang pag-usad ng ekonomya na tinatayang lalago lamang nang 4.5% sa taong ito, mas mababa kaysa unang target bago kumalat ang baryant na Delta. Matindi pa, lugmok ang imprastrukturang pangkalusugan ng bansa kumpara sa ibang lugar.

“Peklat sa ekonomya” bilang epekto ng pandemya

Pahayag naman ng United Overseas Bank, magkakaroon ng pangmatagalang “economic scarring” o pagpeklat sa ekonomya ng bansa ang pandemya at makaaapekto ito tiyak sa pag-abante ng ekonomya ng bansa pagkatapos ng pandemya. Dagdag pa sa ligalig na ito ang paparating na eleksyong 2022.

Sa taya ng Oxford Economics, lalago lamang ng 3.5% ang bansa, malayong mababa sa target ng gubyerno. Anila, apektado ang pagrekober ng ekonomya ng Pilipinas sa ikatlong kwarto ng 2021 dahil sa biglaan na namang pagpataw ng mas mahihigpit na lockdown sa National Capital Region at iba pang syudad.

Napilitan nang umamin ang National Economic and Development Authority na aabot sa 10 taon bago makarekober ang lokal na ekonomya. Ito ay matapos paulit-ulit na pagmamayabang na makababangon na ang ekonomya sa 2022 o kahit sa huling kwarto ng 2021. Ipinalalaganap ng mga heneral sa IATF na magkakaroon ng “masayang pasko” sa pangakong “bubuhos” ang bakuna sa huling kwarto ng taon.

Sinisisi ng NEDA ang mga lockdown ng IATF sa pagkalugi ng maraming negosyo at kawalan ng hanapbuhay ng milyun-milyong Pilipino. Tinataya ng ahensya na P41.4 trilyon ang halaga ng nawala sa bansa dulot ng mga lockdown. “Mararamdaman ang pagkalugi na ito sa susunod na 10 hanggang 40 taon,” aniya.

[In the face of the rapidly changing political and economic situation in the Philippines, as well as around the world, the newspaper Ang Bayan publishes daily news and analysis on key issues facing the proletariat and the Filipino people, as well as the oppressed people among others. t other corners of the world. Here you will find the latest news and articles of Ang Bayan.]

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/pilipinas-pinakakulelat-na-naman/
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Kalinaw News: AFP Chief sees the stronger partnership with Australian Government

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 4, 2021): AFP Chief sees the stronger partnership with Australian Government



CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the
Philippines (AFP) looks forward to holding more bilateral engagements with the
Australian Government following the success of this year’s Indo-Pacific Endeavor (IPE
2021). Lieutenant General Jose Faustino Jr congratulated the Australian Ambassador to The Philippines, His Excellency Steven Robinson AO whom he met on Thursday at the General Headquarters Building in Camp Aguinaldo.

“The AFP acknowledges the significance of participating in this year’s Indo-Pacific
Endeavor. Collaboration on activities like IPE echoes our mutual commitment in
advancing our partnership to inculcate resiliency in the region through events of beyond military nature,” he said.

Ambassador Robinson said the IPE 2021 has been the most significant maritime activity of the year. “It is tremendous to have the opportunity to have three Australian Navy vessels here in Philippine Waters conducting an exercise with you [AFP],” he said. The IPE held on September 26 to 29 is the Australian Defense Force’s flagship engagement activity with Southeast Asia.

It is aimed at strengthening regional partnerships and collaborations on Humanitarian
Aid and Disaster Relief, Maritime Security, Gender, Peace, and Security, increased
Interoperability and Capability Integration.

Among activities conducted during IPE 2021 was the Exercise Lumbas participated by
the Philippine Navy’s BRP Antonio Luna and Australian vessels (HMAS) Canberra and
ANZAC. Other activities held were the Women, Peace and Security Symposium, Amphibious Symposium, Special Forces Counterpart Talks, and Close Quarter Battle Mobile Training.

“The conduct of training provides a great opportunity for our personnel to advance their skills and knowledge with the Australian forces. I look forward to more engagements and robust bilateral relationship between our countries’ respective military organizations,” said, Lieutenant General Faustino.

The Philippines and Australia is celebrating 75 years of long-standing diplomatic
partnership as both countries work closely in areas of defense, counter-terrorism, law
enforcement, education, and development.



[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/afp-chief-sees-the-stronger-partnership-with-australian-government/

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Kalinaw News: NPA in Quezon suffers another loss, 4 members surrender to Army

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 4, 2021): NPA in Quezon suffers another loss, 4 members surrender to Army



CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal – 4 members of NPA surrenders anew, early afternoon of October 2, 2021, to the authorities in the province of Quezon.

According to sources, the surrender that happened at 1:30 p.m. yesterday was a direct result of the information campaigns conducted by the 1st Infantry Battalion of the 2nd Infantry Division, Philippine Army through the direction of the Municipal Task Force ELCAC of General Nakar in the province of Quezon.

The surrenderees who were all residents of the municipality of General Nakar were members of Guerilla Front NARCISO of Sub-Regional Military Area-4A of the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee yielded one Garand Rifle; one Shotgun; and one Caliber .38 Revolver, and all with ammunitions.

Major General Rowen S Tolentino the commander of the 2nd Infantry Division,
Philippine Army lauded the troops as well as the LGU of General Nakar for their continuous sterling achievements saying “Sa 1st IB, well done and keep up the good work.

“Sa amin naman pong iginagalang na Punong Bayan ng General Nakar sa probinisya po ng Quezon, marami pong salamat sa inyong pakikiisa sa programang pangkapayapaan. Saludo po ako sa inyong lahat”.

It can be recalled, that just almost a week ago, when an NPA ammunition cache was discovered in the area, Honorable Eliseo R Ruzol Sr., appealed to his constituents to support their municipal task force to eradicate the insurgency problem of their town.

With the new surrender, seemingly the plea of the said official was favorably considered and acted upon by the town folks of General Nakar, Quezon. And with the current trend,it is not far-fetch, the insurgency problem will be eradicated in just a matter of time.




[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-in-quezon-suffers-another-loss-4-members-surrender-to-army/
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Kalinaw News: 2 NPA Terrorists Perish in Clash

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 4, 2021): 2 NPA Terrorists Perish in Clash



Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija — Two members of the NPA’s Komiteng Larangang Guerilla – Abra, Mt. Province, Ilocos Sur or KLG-AMPIS died following an encounter between the troops of the Army’s 54th Infantry and 69th Infantry Battalions and the 72nd Division Reconnaissance Company (72DRC) in Barangay Mainit, Bontoc Mt. Province on September 28, 2021.

The Commander of 69IB, Lieutenant Colonel Marcelo Valdez identified the personalities as Ernesto Lucabin alias “Ashley” and Wilfredo Gaayon alias “Jazz”.

Troops recovered from the encounter site one (1) M14 Rifle, 9 Anti-personnel mines ; 5 magazines for M14 with 70 rounds of ammunition; 3 magazines for AK 47 with 20 rounds of ammunition; 2 blasting caps; 2 hand grenades; 2 rifle grenades; 4 cellphones; 2 commercial radios; one flash drive; 2 rolls of wire; 5 backpacks; and personal belongings.

“While we condole with the family of the slain Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) members for their loss, we also call other members of the CTG to surrender and avail the chance given by the government, so that they can go home to their families rather than suffer the same fate like their dead comrades,” said BGen Mortela.

The Acting Commander of 7th Infantry (KAUGNAY) Division, Philippine Army, Brigadier General Luis Rex Bergante said that the death of the two KLG-AMPIS members is a big blow to the terrorist organization in the Cordillera Region.

“We are saddened by the death of 2 CPP-NPA in Mt Province. I am urging the remaining members of KLG-AMPIS to lay down their arms and be our partner in uplifting the lives of your families and people in remote barangays. Enough of this useless communist ideology,” said BGen Bergante.



[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/2-npa-terrorists-perish-in-clash/

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Kalinaw News: PLEDS Cluster Intensifies Information Awareness Campaign in Nueva Ecija

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 4, 2021): PLEDS Cluster Intensifies Information Awareness Campaign in Nueva Ecija



Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija — An information awareness drive was conducted by the Local Government Units, the Bravo (BRAVEHEART) Company, 84th Infantry (VICTORIOUS) Battalion together with other members of Peace, Law Enforcement and Development Support (PLEDS) cluster at the Barangays of Sampaloc and Cadaclan in Patabangan and Macapsing, Estrella, and Cabucbucan of Rizal all of Nueva Ecija on 26 – 29 September 2021.

Said activity was part of the implementation of the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP). The RCSP is a convergence mechanism for the LGUs particularly in the barangay for the identification of issues and needed government interventions.

It adheres to the government principles ensuring that social justice and mainstreaming peace and development are given priorities by the LGUs.

The initiatives aimed at informing all sectors in the community and the general public to the current programs of the government pertaining to peace and development and the deceptive strategy of the Communist Terrorist Groups by infiltrating the barangays and other vulnerable sectors of the community.

It is also in line with the continued implementation of Executive Order 70 of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte that institutionalized the Whole-of-Nation Approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace in the country.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Enrico Gil C Ileto, Commanding Officer of 84th Infantry (Victorious) Battalion, “We will continue to be relentless in educating and giving information to the people on how this Communist Terrorists Group exploits and uses the masses to advance their atrocious acts.”

“The efforts of the Local Government Units in our Area of Operation through its Retooled Community Support Program is instrumental in ending this half-century-old insurgency in the country,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Acting Commander of the 7th Infantry (KAUGNAY) Division, Philippine Army Brigadier General Luis Rex D. Bergante PA cited the vital importance of strengthened information awareness campaign in far-flung communities as it is one way to prevent the CTG’s lies, deception, and exploitation.



[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/pleds-cluster-intensifies-information-awareness-campaign-in-nueva-ecija/

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Kalinaw News: 2 former CTGs in Aurora surrendered to government troops to live peacefully

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 4, 2021): 2 former CTGs in Aurora surrendered to government troops to live peacefully



BALER, Aurora-Two former members of the communist terrorist groups (CTGs) voluntarily surrendered to government troops in order to live peacefully in normal lives on Sunday, October 03, 2021 at around 7:30 in the evening as a result of the intensified campaign of the government’s National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

The two ex-rebels said that they want to be with their families and live peacefully.

They added that their surrender is for the betterment of their lives and their families.

“Sumuko po kami para maging malinis na ang aming pangalan at mawala na ang takot namin sa araw-araw na pamumuhay. Gusto na naming magbagong buhay at tulongan ang gobyerno para sa tuloy-tuloy na katahimikan dito sa Aurora,” they said.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio said in an interview on Monday that he is glad for them (surrenderers) who finally realized to live peacefully with their families, saying that it is the most important thing to be with their respective family.

“This recent development manifests the effective collaboration and partnership between the military and PNP in implementing the provincial task force to end local communist armed conflict (PTF ELCAC). We are optimistic that the remnants of Komiteng Larangang Guerrilla Sierra Madre (KLG-SM) will eventually surrender and be our partner in pursuit to lasting peace and development,” Rubio 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/2-former-ctgs-in-aurora-surrendered-to-government-troops-to-live-peacefully/

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Kalinaw News: Silay farmers abandon NFSW, conducts Condemnation Rally against CTGs

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 4, 2021): Silay farmers abandon NFSW, conducts Condemnation Rally against CTGs



Camp Gerona, Brgy Minoyan, Murcia, Negros Occidental – More members of local farmer’s organizations in Silay City decided to abandon membership from NFSW and strongly denounce the violence and atrocities committed by Communists Terrorist Groups (CTGs) through condemnation rally at Brgy E. Lopez, Silay City, Negros Occidental on October 02, 2021 (Saturday).

Members of the farmers association namely Hda Cumabat Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association (HACUARBA); Hda Mariano –D Farmers and Farm Workers Association (HAMADFFWA); Hda Vista Alegre Farmers and Farm Workers Association (HAVAFFWA); and Hda Gretchen Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association (HAGARBA) marched along the thoroughfares of their barangay carrying placards bearing messages that earnestly called on the communist insurgents to stop terrorism in their communities while voicing out their sentiments and resistance against the terrorist group.

They took their Oath of Allegiance to the Philippine Government before Hon. Memia Gallego, Brgy Captain of Brgy E. Lopez, 79th Infantry Battalion troops headed by Lt. Colonel J-Jay Javines, Battalion Commander, 79IB and Silay City PNP then burned the replica flags of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA-NDF) were also to show that CNTs are not welcome in their villages. Before the condemnation rally, they already withdrew their membership and support to the National Federation of Sugarcane Workers (NFSW) group in their community.

Brigadier General Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade Commander said, “The activity only goes to show that our locals are already aware of the deceptive tactics of the CPP-NPA-NDF in the area thus they are now actively participating in the government’s thrusts in restoring peace and bringing development and progress in the locality. Their all-out support to the government activities further indicates that they strongly condemn the hostilities perpetrated by CPP-NPA-NDF.

“I commended the wise decision of the farmers in withdrawing membership and support with the NFSW and other CTG affiliated organizations existing in the area. Silaynon already knew whom to trust and collaborate with their barangays to attain their aspirations in life. Nevertheless, your Army along with the PNP, local government units and agencies, and concerned civil society organizations will be here to assist our communities towards its peaceful development,” BGen Pasaporte 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/silay-farmers-abandon-nfsw-conducts-condemnation-rally-against-ctgs/

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BARMM CSOs take a proactive role in Bangsamoro transition with support from EU, AECID

From the Mindanao Times (Oct 4, 2021): BARMM CSOs take a proactive role in Bangsamoro transition with support from EU, AECID

LOCAL Civil Society Organizations in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) will take a proactive role in the Bangsamoro transition period with the launch of the European Union (EU) and Spanish Agency for International Cooperation and Development (AECID) supported Enhancing Civil Society Organizations’ Capacities for Inclusive Development (ECSO-CID) on September 30, 2021, in Cotabato City.

BARMM Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim, Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines Jorge Moragas, and Head of Cooperation of the Delegation of the European Union in the Philippines Christoph Wagner led the virtual launch organized by the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA).


The ECSO-CID is a sub-component of the Justice and Society Project under the Support to Bangsamoro Transition (SUBATRA) Programme, which started in July 2020 and will run until June 30, 2025, with an approximate budget of at least Php1.5 billion from the EU and co-funded by AECID.

The Bangsamoro transition period includes the passage of priority legislation and the setting up of BARMM bureaucracy to ensure continued delivery of services.


The ECSO-CID aims to strengthen the capacities of local CSOs in planning, networking, and advocacy, enabling them to formulate innovative ways to support the Bangsamoro transition while promoting a culture of peace and dialogue in communities.

The BARMM Chief Minister noted the vital role of the CSOs in the Bangsamoro peace process. He commended the local CSOs for helping BARMM advocate for the extension of the Bangsamoro transition period. “The CSOs possess the power and capacity to make lasting social change,” he said.

Ambassador Moragas stressed that social support is fundamental in the peace process. “The CSOs will help the Bangsamoro people achieve the dividends of peace the soonest possible time,” Moragas said.

Moragas added that the peacebuilding process in the Bangsamoro is essential for the stability of the country and the region.

The Delegation of the EU in the Philippines reiterated its commitment to lasting peace and development in the Bangsamoro region.

“ECSO-CID reinforces our support to strengthen the capacities of the executive, parliamentary, and judicial branches of the BARMM,” said Wagner.

He added that the role of CSOs is critical in establishing an enabling democratic governance environment during the Bangsamoro transition period.

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) also vowed to provide BARMM efficient and quality procurement, logistics, infrastructure, and communication and visibility services through the SUBATRA Programme. “Rest assured that we will walk beside you in this journey towards achieving lasting peace and development in the BARMM,” said UNOPS Philippines Country Manager Oscar Leonel Marenco Ruiz.

Through the ECSO-CID, the BDA and the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society will engage local CSOs to help bring Bangsamoro government services closer to the people of BARMM.
https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2021/10/04/barmm-csos-take-a-proactive-role-in-bangsamoro-transition-with-support-from-eu-aecid/

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16 soldiers get medals

Posted to the Visayan Daily Star (Oct 4, 2021): 16 soldiers get medals (BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Sixteen soldiers of the 79th Infantry Battalion, who figured in an encounter with suspected New People’s Army rebels on September 30 in Brgy. San Pablo, Manapla, Negros Occidental, were conferred with medals, in recognition of their gallantry and heroic acts, by Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 3rd Infantry Division commander.

The encounter claimed the lives of four NPA rebels, including Marilyn Badayos, former secretary of the NPA South East Front,
who was reported by Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, to have succeeded slain NPA leader Kerima Lorena Tariman, secretary of the dismantled Northern Negros Front.


Ka Juanito Magbanua, spokesman of the Apolinario Gatmaitan Command, in a statement issued on October 1, condemned the incident, claiming that it was a massacre.

Magbanua insisted that there was no encounter, as he further alleged that security forces entered the house, where the victims were sleeping and mercilessly shot them.


Arevalo lauded the 79IB under the leadership of Lt. Col. J-jay Javines for their commitment and dedication in protecting Negrenses against the NPA remnants in northern Negros

The 79IB was also responsible for the neutralization of Tariman, who died in an encounter on August 20, in Brgy. Kapitan Ramon, Silay City, while Nilda Natan Bertulano, secretary of the NPA South West Front was captured by Special Action Force commandos and 15th Infantry Battalion in another encounter in Brgy. Tabu, Ilog.

Army chief Lt. Gen. Andres Centino also lauded the 79IB for a job well done in northern Negros.

“Your recent success against the state enemies in Negros Occidental contributes to ending the local communist armed conflict in that part of the country,” Centino said in a statement issued by the Philippine Army Public Information Office.

https://visayandailystar.com/16-soldiers-get-medals/
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316 neophyte police officers ready for anti-insurgency campaign

Posted to the Visayan Daily Star (Oct 4, 2021): 316 neophyte police officers ready for anti-insurgency campaign (BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN)


The 886 neophyte police officers being readied for deployment soon in all areas of Western Visayas for counter-insurgency and law enforcement operations.* PRO 6 photo

The Police Regional Office 6 will soon deploy its 316 neophyte police officers for internal security campaign and law enforcement operations in the different areas of Western Visayas.

This comes after they completed the 45-day mandatory Basic Internal Security Operations Course (BISOC) on October 2 at Camp Jalandoni in Sara town of Iloilo.

PLt. Col. Arnel Solis, PRO6 spokesperson, yesterday said that the BISOC training develops discipline, character, skills and knowledge of police officers, in terms of internal security and other police operations.

BISOC is one of the mandatory courses before a police trainee will be considered as a full pledged police officer.

The graduates are being expected to be assigned at the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 6, and in the different mobile force companies stationed in Panay and Negros Occidental.

On the other hand, 560 more neophyte police officers, who attended the graduation rites, are also up for a similar training, Solis said.

https://visayandailystar.com/316-neophyte-police-officers-ready-for-anti-insurgency-campaign/
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Marines, PDEA nab 3, seize P6.8-M shabu in Tawi-Tawi

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 4, 2021): Marines, PDEA nab 3, seize P6.8-M shabu in Tawi-Tawi (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)



DRUG BUST. Joint Marines and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency operatives arrest three alleged big-time drug pushers Saturday (Oct. 2, 2021) in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi. A Marine soldier (left) stands guard while PDEA agents conduct an inventory of the confiscated shabu and other pieces of evidence from the suspects. (Photo courtesy of Marine Battalion Landing Team-12)

Joint military and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) operatives have arrested three suspected big-time drug personalities and seized PHP6.8 million worth of illegal drugs in an anti-drug operation in Tawi-Tawi, military officials announced Monday.

Maj. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr., commander of Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), identified the arrested suspects as Rodimer Hamsiri Sappari, 21; Nurmilyn Suldi Majid, 26; and Hatta Muialib Sakiral, 28, all of Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.


Rosario said the suspects were arrested by joint operatives of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-12 (MBLT-12) and PDEA around 4:40 p.m. Saturday along Bagay Street in Barangay Poblacion, Bongao.

Seized from the suspects were a kilogram of suspected shabu worth PHP6.8 million, marked money, three wallets, a bag, three identification cards, one brown paper bag, and two plastic pieces of cellophane.

“The intensive planning and coordination led to the successful execution of the buy-bust operation,” Col. Romeo Racadio, Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi commander, said Monday.

Racadio said the arrested suspects were placed under the custody of the PDEA-9 for proper disposition and filing of appropriate charges.

Rosario said they will continue to conduct law enforcement support operations with other law enforcement agencies to prevent the proliferation of illegal drugs in the province of Tawi-Tawi.

“Rest assured that the military units under the Western Mindanao Command will continue to attune its efforts particularly on the government’s campaign against prohibited drugs,” Rosario said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1155481
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Couple severs ties with NPA after 20 years

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 4, 2021): Couple severs ties with NPA after 20 years (By Sarwell Meniano)



LEAVING NPA. The firearm, ammunitions, and subversive materials turned over by a couple who abandoned the New People’s Army and surrendered to the Philippine Army in Leyte on Sunday (Oct. 3, 2021). They were engaged in communist activities for two decades in Luzon before yielding to the military. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

A couple engaged in New People’s Army (NPA) activities for two decades in Luzon surrendered on Sunday to the Philippine Army in Mahaplag, Leyte.

Grace and Bart (not their real names), both 50 years old, turned over subversive documents and books, a caliber .38 revolver with a quick ammunition reloader, 13 pieces of live ammunitions, two pieces of 5.56mm ammunitions, and two sets of acupuncture needles.

Grace’s son, also an ex-rebel, convinced them to surrender to the Army’s 14th Infantry Battalion (14IB),
according to a press statement on Monday.

The couple was recruited in 2000 by Glicerio Relona, then commander of the NPA South Leyte Front.

After a year, Tirso Abegonia, a ranking NPA commander from Samar and Relona’s father-in-law, sworn in Grace and two other women as full-fledged party members.

The couple belonged to the defunct Evelyn Dublin Command, South Leyte front, that operated in the southern part of Leyte province from 2000 to 2001, before they were assigned to Metro Manila in March 2002.

Grace was tasked to locate and reconnect with NPA members from Leyte who moved to the National Capital Region, according to the military.


In 2002 in Manila, she assisted an NPA member, who travelled alone by air from Leyte to Manila to seek medical treatment.

Bart worked as mason-carpenter, unaware that his common-law wife had maintained ties with NPA leaders in Manila and nearby Rizal province.

Manila-based rebels took part in distributing electronic propaganda materials to the media outlets, the statement added.

In 2005, the couple moved to Subic, Zambales, where “Ka Gary”, a ranking officer of the Workers’ Alliance in Region 3 (WAR-3) worked with Grace.

From 2010 to 2016, the WAR-3 leader engaged Grace in the party-list election campaign of Bayan Muna, Anakpawis, Gabriela Women’s Party, Suara Bangsamoro, and Kabataan, according to the military.


“The revelations of the couple who originated from Leyte but was moved to Luzon by the NPA is a proof of the standard practice of the latter to hide their forces from military offensive in the countryside. This also gives weight to earlier claims by other former rebels that the Makabayan Bloc (in the House of Representatives) is indeed the umbrella organization of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-led party-list groups,” said Brig. Gen. Zosimo OIiveros, commander of the Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade.

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

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1155486
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3 more soldiers in Lanao Sur tower blast get medals

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 4, 2021): 3 more soldiers in Lanao Sur tower blast get medals (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)



SIMPLE CEREMONY. Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, 1st Infantry Division (ID) commander, awards the Wounded Personnel medals to three soldiers confined at Camp Major Cesar Sang-an Station Hospital in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur on Monday (Oct. 4, 2021). The three were among eight soldiers hurt in an explosion near transmission towers in Buadiposo-Buntong, Lanao del Sur last week. (Photo courtesy of the 1ID Public Affairs Office)

The Army’s 1st Infantry Division (1ID) on Monday awarded Wounded Personnel Medals (WPM) to three more soldiers hurt in an explosion near transmission towers in Buadiposo-Buntong, Lanao del Sur last week.

Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, 1ID commander, led the awarding of medals in a ceremony inside the Camp Major Cesar Sang-an Station Hospital in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.

Ponio said the WPM recipients -- Sgt. Roy Malhin, PFC Elmar Miquiabas, and PFC Jeffrey Andrade, all of the Army’s 55th Infantry Battalion, were honored for their utmost dedication to duty.
Ponio also extended financial assistance and gave grocery items to the three awardees who are recuperating at the military hospital.

Ponio said the three awardees were among the eight soldiers who were wounded after a booby trap exploded while they were securing the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) personnel in Baragay Tangcal, Buadiposo-Buntong, Lanao del Sur, last September 28.

The incident occurred when one of the soldiers tripped over a hidden vine that was connected to the grenade pin planted near the transmission tower while providing security assistance to the NGCP linemen who were conducting routine tower inspection and repair.

Five of the eight wounded soldiers and the two NGCP personnel were taken to Amai Pakpak Medical Center (APMC) in Marawi City.

Two of them have already been released from the hospital and have returned to duty. They all received a similar award.

Brig. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, 103rd Infantry Brigade commander, bestowed Sunday the WPM to the three still confined at APMC in Marawi City, namely, 2Lt. Bryan Paul Calilung, Pfc. Aries Rico, and Pvt. Benjack de Guzman.

The WPM is awarded to members and civilians employed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) who are injured or killed in combat with the enemy.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1155496
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Cops probe killing of 3 persons in SoCot town

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 4, 2021): Cops probe killing of 3 persons in SoCot town (By Richelyn Gubalani)



Photo: Google map of Polomolok, South Cotabato

Police have launched a deeper investigation into the suspected summary execution of three persons in a remote village in Polomolok, South Cotabato.

Lt. Col. Alex Joe Orcajada, chief of Polomolok municipal police station, said the three victims were found hogtied with gunshot wounds past 9 a.m. Monday near a river in Purok 2, Barangay Sulit.

He identified the victims as Jayson Endencio, 25, of Purok 1, Barangay Lapu; and Eros James Benosa, 18, and Carlyn Loyd Huelar, 22, both of Purok 6, Barangay Sulit.

They were reportedly last seen by relatives leaving Barangay Sulit on Sunday morning aboard a motorcycle, he said.

“They only said they’re going to the Melyango (swimming) resort in Tboli (town),” Orcajada said in a phone interview.

The police official said the families of the three victims reported them as missing after failing to return home on Sunday evening.

Concerned residents eventually found their remains separately on Monday morning and relatives confirmed their identities.

Orcajada said investigators are already following some leads regarding the killing, including the possible suspects, but withheld specific details pending the ongoing investigation.

But he hinted it was possible that the victims were mistaken as “assets” of authorities by certain lawless groups.

“We’re looking into all angles and gathering accounts from possible witnesses to identify the suspects,” Orcajada said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1155517
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Philippine Army in Negros prepares for TD Lannie

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 4, 2021): Philippine Army in Negros prepares for TD Lannie (By Mary Judaline Partlow)



DISASTER RESPONSE. The Philippine Army in Negros Oriental gears up for Tropical Depression Lannie. On Monday (Oct. 4, 2021), Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 was hoisted over parts of Negros Island. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

Personnel of the 303rd Infantry Brigade (303IBde) and its line battalions in Negros Island are preparing for the possible onslaught of Tropical Depression (TD) Lannie (international name Talim).

Brigade commander, Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, has alerted Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) teams for deployment in Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental, a media release on Monday said.

The 62nd Infantry Battalion and the 79th Infantry Battalion are under the 303IBde.

The Army has also prepared its military field ambulances, military trucks, and utility vehicles to provide necessary mobility assistance, while personnel trained for disaster response operations are also on standby for deployment.

Reservists and auxiliary units are likewise ready for augmentation.

“Your Army in Negros is in a high state of readiness, preparation, and dedication. We are always ready and alert both in times of natural calamities and man-made disasters since the lives and safety of the people are of paramount importance,” Pasaporte said.

He also emphasized the need for collaboration among the people, local government units, agencies, and other stakeholders.

As of its 11 a.m. update, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration has placed Negros Occidental and the northern and central portions of Negros Oriental (Bais City, Mabinay, City of Bayawan, Basay, City of Tanjay, Manjuyod, Bindoy, Ayungon, Tayasan, Jimalalud, La Libertad, City of Guihulngan, Vallehermoso, Canlaon City) under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1155508
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Army lauds Silay City farmers for leaving NPA-allied group

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 4, 2021): Army lauds Silay City farmers for leaving NPA-allied group (By Nanette Guadalquiver)



DESIRE FOR PEACE. Replica flags of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army were burned during a peace rally participated in by members of four farmers associations in Barangay E. Lopez in Silay City, Negros Occidental on Oct. 2, 2021. The farmers said they have abandoned their membership with the National Federation of Sugarcane Workers, which is considered by government forces as a legal front of the CPP-NPA. (Photo courtesy of 79th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)

The Philippine Army has lauded the decision of farmers in Barangay E. Lopez in Silay City, Negros Occidental to leave the National Federation of Sugarcane Workers (NFSW), which is considered by government forces as a legal front of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

“I commend the wise decision of the farmers in withdrawing their membership and support to the NFSW and other communist-terrorist group affiliated organizations existing in the area. Silaynons already knew whom to trust and collaborate with to attain their aspirations in life,” said Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, in a statement on Monday.

During a peace rally facilitated by the 79th Infantry Battalion (79IB) on October 2, some 250 individuals who belong to four farmers' associations held a march, bearing placards denouncing the atrocities and deceptions committed by the CPP-NPA.

In rites that followed at the village gymnasium, they also took an oath of allegiance to the Philippine government before village chief Memia Gallego, burned the replica flags of the CPP-NPA, and joined in the symbolic signing of resolutions passed by their respective associations approving the creation of the Barangay Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

The participants are members of the Hacienda Cumabat Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association (HACUARBA), Hacienda Mariano-D Farmers and Farm Workers Association (HAMADFFWA), Hacienda Vista Alegre Farmers and Farm Workers Association (HAVAFFWA), and Hacienda Gretchen Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association (HAGARBA).

Gilbert Bautista, a former member of NFSW, and now chairman of HAVAFFWA, said in a statement that troops of the 79IB helped their association benefit from government assistance.

“We thank the Philippine Army for assisting us. This is the first time we were able to avail of government programs,” he added.

Bautista urged his fellow farmers not to allow the CPP-NPA and its allied organizations to take advantage of them again.

Last August 28, members of two other associations in Barangay E. Lopez, including Hacienda Culahao-C Farmer Workers Association (HACUFWA) and Hacienda Nenita Farmer Workers Association (HANFAWA), also burned the communist-terrorist flags and pledged allegiance to the government in a ceremony held in the same venue.

Lt. Col. J-jay Javines, commanding officer of 79IB, said the move of the farmers is a bold step towards ending insurgency.

“It may seem insignificant to conduct condemnation rallies, but for the people who were once victimized by the deceptions and threats of communist-terrorist groups, participating in these activities show their earnest desire to live in a place where peace and development prosper,” he added.

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/1155552
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Top wanted NPA commander nabbed in DavSur

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 4, 2021): Top wanted NPA commander nabbed in DavSur (By John Andrew Tabugoc)



The municipal police station of Magpet, North Cotabato (Photo courtesy of Magpet MPS)

MAGPET, North Cotabato - Joint police and military operatives here nabbed a wanted high-ranking leader of the communist New Peoples’ Army (NPA) in a coordinated operation conducted in Davao del Sur, police here reported Monday afternoon.

Major Marvin Crisma, chief of Magpet police,
identified the suspect as Elizaberto Jaictin alias Donker, 43, of Sitio San Roque, Amabel here.

According to the police, Jaictin is a field commander of the NPA’s Guerilla Front 53 operating here and in the adjacent town of Sulop in Davao del Sur.


“The suspect is also the most wanted person listed here in our municipality”, he said.

He added that Jaictin claimed to be “inactive” in the communist organization.

Armed with a warrant of arrest, the Magpet police, together with the North Cotabato police’s Special Action Force (SAF), the Sulop police and the military’s 72nd Infantry Battalion, nabbed the suspect around 2 p.m. Saturday in Purok 3, Barangay Laperas, Sulop, Davao del Sur.

The suspect had been charged with violation of Presidential Decree 1866 as amended by Republic Act 8294 and RA 9516 - the illegal possession, manufacture, acquisition of firearms, ammunition, or explosive - with criminal case number 5920-2021 dated January 11, 2021, issued by Judge Herelinda Molina-Diaz of the Regional Trial Court Branch 61 in Kidapawan City.

A search warrant issued against Jaictin in his house in Barangay Amabel here in January yielded a live hand grenade and assorted ammunition.

However, the suspect was not around at that time.

Crisma said it was only on Saturday when the suspect was chanced upon by the joint tracking team at his hideout in Barangay Laperas.

“The suspect was surprised and was not able to resist the arresting team,” Crisma said.

The arrest was the result of the collaborative effort of the law enforcement agencies, he added.

The suspect is currently locked up at the municipal police station here while waiting for a commitment order from the court.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1155590
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BARMM leadership vows to support PRRD bets, Mayor Sara

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 4, 2021): BARMM leadership vows to support PRRD bets, Mayor Sara (By Edwin Fernandez)



FULL SUPPORT. Photo shows BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim in this file photo. On Monday, Ebrahim assured President Rodrigo Duterte that BARMM leaders will support his daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte and other candidates that he would endorse. (Photo courtesy of Bangsamoro Information Office – BARMM)

The leadership of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on Monday threw its support behind President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s daughter Mayor Sara and all other candidates that the chief executive would be endorsing for next year’s elections.

In a statement, BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim said Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte has all the support of the Bangsamoro government and its leaders should she decide to abandon her mayoral bid and instead seek the highest post of the land.

“We are confident (she) will continue the legacy of peace and commitment to progress in Mindanao, especially in the BARMM,” Ebrahim said of Mayor Sara if ever she would later change her mind of joining the next presidential race.


Ebrahim issued the statement after President Duterte, during the filing of the candidacy of Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Saturday as a vice presidential candidate, hinted that Mayor Sara would seek the presidency with Go as her running mate.

Mayor Sara, for her part, has also filed on Saturday her certificate of candidacy for her third and final term as Davao City mayor.

After expressing his support for candidates President Duterte would be endorsing, Ebrahim said: “we likewise reiterate our immense appreciation to Pres. Duterte for recognizing the urgency and necessity of the postponement of the elections in the BARMM and consequently extending the transition period.”

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1155512
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5 of 20 flagged bank accounts used for essential purposes: AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 4, 2021): 5 of 20 flagged bank accounts used for essential purposes: AFP (By Priam Nepomuceno)



AFP spokesperson, Col. Ramon Zagala (File photo)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it has closed 15 out of the 20 bank accounts reported as unauthorized by the Commission on Audit (COA) but it expressed hope that it will be allowed to retain the remaining five, saying these are needed for essential purposes.

In a statement late Sunday, AFP spokesperson, Col. Ramon Zagala identified the retained bank accounts and the reason for doing so.

"(First is) Account Number 00-140-102888-6 of UCPB (United Coconut Planters Bank). This account is for payment of procurement under the AFP Modernization Program. There are several multi-year contracts being serviced by this account," he added.

Zagala said closing this account now will jeopardize the payment schedule for these contracts.

"We have requested the Permanent Committee to retain this account until the procurement it is supporting is completed," he added.

Established in 1987, the Permanent Committee monitors activities and balances of all funds of the national government other than the general fund.

The body is composed of the secretaries of the Department of Finance and Department of Budget and Management as heads, with officials of the COA as members.

The COA, in its 2020 audit report on the AFP general headquarters, said the military is maintaining 20 bank accounts containing more than PHP1.8 billion without the written authority of the Permanent Committee.

Zagala said the second account -- 0582-1004-97 with Land Bank of the Philippines -- account supports the AFP Educational Benefit System Office that pays for the scholarship of children of soldiers who died and/or wounded in the line of duty.

"This fund comes from donations. We request that this account be retained for the reason stated above," he added.

Zagala said the third account -- 1672-1004-17, also with LBP -- is being managed by the AFP Real Estate Office.

The funds consist solely of the rent payments for military quarters used to support the repair of government quarters and development of housing projects, he added.

"This account is requested to be retained until the AFP finds another to combine it with," he added.

He said the fourth account -- 0552-1057-02, also with LBP -- is being used for the pay and allowances for the salaries of technical and administrative officers namely, military doctors, nurses, dentists, and other healthcare workers.

He added that the fifth account -- 0662-1058-00, also with LBP -- is where the proceeds of the sale of bid documents are deposited, for payment of honoraria and to support related administrative requirements of the Bids and Awards Committee members.

"The AFP is studying how these accounts can be merged to reduce the accounts further to two or three accounts. The AFP assures the public that all funds in these accounts are properly accounted for and disbursed in accordance with accounting regulations," Zagala said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1155478
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117 licensed professionals join PNP ranks

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 4, 2021): 117 licensed professionals join PNP ranks (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)



NEW PNP OFFICERS. A total of 117 licensed professionals take their oath as police officers in Camp Crame on Monday (Oct. 4, 2021). The newly appointed police commissioned officers were formally turned over to the Directorate for Human Resource and Doctrine Development (DHRDD) to undergo the mandatory Officers' Basic Course and Field Training Program before reporting to their respective unit assignments. (Photo courtesy of PNP)

A total of 117 licensed professionals formally took their oath as commissioned officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday under the 2021 Lateral Entry Program aimed at recruiting more technical service officers in the service.

During the oath-taking ceremony in Camp Crame on Monday, PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said the newly-inducted officers include four lawyers, three medico-legal officers, one chaplain, and two medical doctors, who were appointed to the initial rank of police captain with a basic monthly salary of PHP56,582 plus allowances.

Also inducted were 107 dentists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, pharmacists, nutritionists, engineers, chemists, forensic criminologists, and information technology officers.

They were appointed to the initial rank of police lieutenant with a basic monthly salary of PHP49,528 with allowances and other cash and non-cash benefits.

"The PNP has gained another batch of professionals and competent police officers as added strength to the workforce of the PNP that will complement to the growing demands of public safety especially in the midst of this ongoing global pandemic," Eleazar said as he administered the oath of office and donning of ranks of the newly commissioned officers.

He also noted that the organization will be expecting effective results from the new officers in the next coming years not only in their respective fields of technical expertise but also as leaders who will be mentoring high standards of morality and professionalism to their colleagues at work.

The newly appointed police commissioned officers were formally turned over to the Directorate for Human Resource and Doctrine Development (DHRDD) to undergo the mandatory Officers' Basic Course and Field Training Program before reporting to their respective unit assignments.

The Lateral Entry Program for technical service officers is among the regular sources of Police Commissioned Officers in the PNP aside from the cadetship program in the PNP Academy.

Last September 16, 241 technical service professionals were inducted into the PNP Officer Corps in similar investiture ceremonies.

Eleazar, meanwhile, said all of the newly-commissioned officers were hired via their faceless recruitment process which is qualification-based and not prone to the old "palakasan" (patronage) system.

"So I can say that all these newly appointed police commissioned officers (are) not only the (most) qualified but the best qualified for the PNP and for the organization," he added.

With this system now in place, Eleazar expects incidents of corruption within the PNP's recruitment system will be further reduced.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1155500
Retired Analyst at 2:07 PM No comments:
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Evidence on Gabriela party-list DQ case 'solid’: Esperon

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 4, 2021): Evidence on Gabriela party-list DQ case 'solid’: Esperon




National Security Adviser and NTF-ELCAC Vice-Chairman Secretary Hermogenes Esperon Jr. (File photo)

As the Gabriela Women’s Party (GWP) filed its certificate of candidacy (COC) with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday, the National Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) is confident that the party-list group will be disqualified to run for next year’s congressional elections.

At the virtual press conference of the NTF-ELCAC, National Security Adviser and NTF-ELCAC Vice-Chairman Secretary Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said the evidence in support of the disqualification case filed against Gabriela before the Comelec is solid.

“Dapat silang madisqualify dahil talagang tumatanggap sila ng pondo sa abroad. At marami sa miyembro ng Gabriela ang napupunta sa frontlines at nagiging NPA (They should be disqualified because they are actually receiving funding abroad. And many of Gabriela’s members go to the frontlines and become NPA (New People’s Army) members),”
Esperon said.


However, Esperon the Philippines is a democratic country and abides by the principles of due process, so the party-list can still file for its candidacy until the Comelec decides to disqualify Gabriela to run for Congress.

“Yung pagpa-file nila ng candidacy ay karapatan nila iyon, dahil wala pa namang desisyon... In fact, meron pang mga party-list ang nag-aapply sa Comelec ngayon na hindi pa napaprocess. Ang alam ko…(The filing of their candidacy is their right because there is no decision yet.. In fact, there are still party-lists who are now applying to the Comelec who have not been processed. What I know) they may file their candidacies pending their registration as party-list… this is all part of democracy,” he added.

He said the NTF-ELCAC has done its part and the ball now is with the Comelec to disqualify Gabriela which is part of the so-called Makabayan bloc in the Lower House, along with Bayan Muna, Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), Kabataan, and Anakpawis.

“Natapos na nating ang ating gawain, ibinigay na natin ang ebidensya. Hintayin natin ang Comelec magdecide. Now kung magfile sila ng candidacy that is perfectly alright with us, habang wala pang desisyon (We have done our part, we have provided the evidence. Let’s wait for the Comelec to decide. Now if they file candidacy, that is perfectly alright with us, where there is no decision yet),” he said.

Meanwhile, Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy, NTF-ELCAC spokesperson on Social Media and Sectoral Concern, did not mince any words in denouncing the Gabriela Party-list for its misrepresentations.

She said the government will do everything in its power to continue to protect the youth from the evils of the Communist Party of the Philippines – NPA – National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

“A lot of our youth have died as NPAs. But before that, they joined Gabriela. I'm sure under the democratic process, they could file their candidacy. But the NTF-ELCAC will make sure that the CPP-NPA-NDF operatives will not go back to Congress because that is where they could harm our most vulnerable sector,” Badoy said.

NSA Deputy Director General Antonio Parlade Jr., for his part, confirmed that both Gabriela and Gabriela Youth are part of the armed rebellion of the CPP-NPA-NDF.

“Ang linaw-linaw ng participation ng Gabriela at Gabriela Youth sa armed rebellion. Ang dami na nating videos. At madami na tayong former rebels na nagsasabi na from Gabriela ay naging NPA sila. At yung iba hindi nga nila alam kung kailan sila nagtransition to NPA from Gabriela. Yung mga nacapture natin ang sinasabi nila ay Gabriela sila, pero they were with the NPAs. (The participation of Gabriela and Gabriela Youth in armed rebellion is very clear. We have many videos. And we have many former rebels who say that from Gabriela, they became NPA members. Others don’t even know when they transitioned to NPA from Gabriela. Those we captured said they were Gabriela members, but they were with the NPA,” Parlade said.

“So, napakalinaw ng participation ng Gabriela dito sa armed struggle. Palagay ko na din naman, ay malinaw na sa mga taumbayan yung mga bagay na ito. Kaya hindi na pwede yung stand na apathy (So, the participation of Gabriela in this armed struggle is very clear. I think these things are clear to the people. So apathy is no longer applicable),” he added.

Last August, the NTF-ELCAC filed a petition with the Comelec contending that Gabriela willfully violated Section 2, Paragraph 5, Article 9 (C) of the Philippine Constitution by unlawfully receiving financial contributions from a foreign government and non-government organizations (NGOs), acts that are considered interference on domestic affairs and inimical to Philippine sovereignty.

According to the petition, based on the report by the international accounting firm Mazars, Gabriela received funds not only from the Belgian government but also from Viva Salud VZW, a Belgian-accredited non-government organization (NGO) and another European group.

Viva Salud from Belgium sent PHP1.8 million in March 2019, while fund transfers ranging from PHP1 to PHP2 million were made by the INTL FCstone Ltd. of London from September 2015 to March 2019.

Esperon said during the same period mentioned, then GWP Representative Emerenciana de Jesus who was also the chairperson of Gabriela, Inc. from 2013 to 2015, contributed a total of PHP930,000 to Gabriela during the 2019 national and local elections.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1155599
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OVERVIEW: Retired soldier/civilian analyst - Vietnam veteran- Southeast Asia specialist - Spent some time in Vietnam, Europe, the Middle East, Korea, and the Philippines - Now old and long-retired - Enjoying the good life - Blog helps to keep me mentally active
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