Stricter police checkpoints up in BARMM vs. terror threat

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 1, 2021): Stricter police checkpoints up in BARMM vs. terror threat (By Edwin Fernandez)

Brig. Gen. Eden T. Ugale, director of the Police Regional Office -Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. (File photo courtesy of PRO-BARMM)

Stricter checkpoints will be set up across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) following the death of Dawlah Islamiya leader Salahuddin Hassan in this province last week.

Brig. Gen. Eden T. Ugale, BARMM police director, said Monday all police units in the region have been placed on heightened alert for possible retaliatory attacks from followers of the slain DI leader.

“We vow to remain relentless against the terrorist groups to sustain the peace and development that we have attained in the BARMM,” Ugale said in a statement.

Ugale said they believe that Hassan still has active followers hiding in Maguindanao who are capable of carrying out retaliatory attacks to avenge his death.

He ordered all police provincial offices, municipal, and city police stations as well as provincial police mobile groups, and all police force multipliers to ensure everyone in the region is safe following Hassan's death, which he said was a huge blow to the DI terror group in Maguindanao and other parts of the region.

Parallel with the alert status of all police units, especially in Maguindanao, the police are also seeking the help of the general public on the matter.

“We urge the public to continue to cooperate and report any threat or suspicious unlawful activities in their locality for us to effectively perform our mandate,” Ugale said.

A joint police and military pre-dawn operations in Talayan, Maguindanao on October 29 led to the death of Hassan, the emir of Islamic State-linked DI terrorist group in the country, and his wife, Jehana Mimbida, the DI finance officer, in remote Barangay Damablac, Talayan town.

The wanted couple resisted arrest and engaged government troops in a brief gun battle, eventually resulting in their death.

Hassan, a student of slain foreign bomb-maker Zulkifli bin Hir, was blamed for the separate bombing and torching of two Yellow Bus units in North Cotabato in January and June this year, and also the Rural Transit Bus bombing in Bukidnon in 2014.

The DI was also tagged in the 2018 twin bombings in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat that killed five persons and hurt 40 others, and also the Davao Night Market explosion in Davao City in 2016.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1158399

NPA collected P1-B in Northeast Mindanao since 2016

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 1, 2021): NPA collected P1-B in Northeast Mindanao since 2016 (By Nef Luczon)

EXTORTION. Maj. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., 4th Infantry Division commander, reveals in a press conference that the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) of the New People’s Army (NPA) has collected PHP1 billion in extortion money in the last five years. Brawner said Myrna Sularte, wife of slain NPA spokesperson Jorge "Ka Oris" Madlos, belongs to the NEMRC and collects "revolutionary taxes" from private businesses such as mining and construction companies. (Screengrab from 4ID Livestream)

The Army's 4th Infantry Division (4ID) on Sunday revealed that the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) of the New People’s Army (NPA) has collected PHP1 billion in the last half decade – the biggest amount of communist extortion money in the Philippines.

Col. Edmund delos Santos, 4ID's civil-military operations officer, in a press conference Sunday, said based on their monitoring since 2016, the NEMRC has collected an average of PHP200 million yearly totaling to over PHP1 billion in the last five years.

"The collection from Caraga region comprised 60 percent of the overall extortion nationwide, some of the collections are also used to fund (NPA regional committees in) other regions," he said.

Maj. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., 4ID commander, said the NEMRC is where Myrna Sularte, alias Maria Malaya, operates collecting "revolutionary taxes" from private businesses such as mining and construction companies.

Sularte, the NEMRC secretary, is the wife of NPA spokesperson and national operations command (NOC) officer Jorge "Ka Oris" Madlos, who was killed during an encounter with the Army’s 403rd Brigade forces in Impasugong, Bukidnon on October 30.

Also killed in the same encounter was Eighfel Dela Pena alias Pika/Maui, a medic of the NOC.

In a statement sent to members of the media, Sularte responded to the 4ID's claim, saying that Madlos was killed in an ambush by the Army on October 29.

Meanwhile, as the 2022 election campaign period nears, Brawner asked politicians and political organizations not to pay the NPA for a "permit to campaign and permit to win," as the terrorists would only use them to further fund their operations.

He said politicians and their groups should instead coordinate with the Army and the police to secure the areas they plan to visit.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-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/1158365

Silay farmers break away from CPP-NPA legal front

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 1, 2021): Silay farmers break away from CPP-NPA legal front (By Nanette Guadalquiver)  November 1, 2021, 3:00 pm

CONDEMNATION. Leaders and members of five farmer associations in Silay City, Negros Occidental raise placards expressing their sentiments against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army on Saturday (Oct. 30, 2021). The groups cut ties with the National Federation of Sugarcane Workers, an alliance identified by the government as a legal front of the communist terrorist group. (Photo courtesy of 79th IB, Philippine Army)

Broken promises have led more farmers in Silay City, Negros Occidental to cut ties with the National Federation of Sugarcane Workers (NFSW), a group identified as a legal front of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

The Philippine Army said 750 farmers from five associations in Barangay E. Lopez have declared their breakaway from the NFSW and denounced the abuses of the communist terrorist group over the weekend.

In a statement on Monday, Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, said he hopes more groups will emulate the Silaynon farmers.

“We call on all sectors to be wary of organizations linked with the communist terrorist group. Their deceptive nature and strategy will infiltrate and destroy our farmers,” he said.

Pasaporte encouraged Negrenses to contact the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police (PNP), and local government units that will provide them with accurate information about the programs of the government.

Lt. Col. J-jay Javines, commanding officer of 79th Infantry Battalion, lauded the farmers for their firm stand in condemning the abusive actions of the CPP-NPA and its allied organizations.

“The pledge to withdraw their support is both an opportunity and a fresh start to free themselves from deceptions and manipulations,” he said in another statement.

On Saturday, a mass condemnation rite was held at the E. Lopez covered court by leaders and members of Hacienda Pula-Silay Agrarian Reform Cooperative; Purok Sunshine, Aidsisa Agriculture Workers Association; Purok Langka, Aidsisa Farmer and Farm Workers Association; Hacienda Caridad Farmers and Farm Workers Association; and Agricultural Farmers and Farm Worker Association.

Jocelino Abayon, vice chair of Aidsisa Farmers and Farm Workers Association, said the NFSW promised to give them land but it never happened.

“In the end, they just left us. The Philippine Army and the PNP guided us on the things that needed to be done and led us to the right agency who can help us process the papers for us to own a land,” he added.

Abayon said they have realized the government truly cares for their plight and they were deceived to join the NFSW.

The farmers took their oaths of allegiance to the Philippine government before village chief Memia Gallego, who vowed to cooperate with the authorities in her community from the influence of the CPP-NPA.

The participants raised placards expressing their sentiments against the CPP-NPA and burned replica flags of the communist terrorist group.

They also joined the symbolic signing of resolutions for the creation of the Barangay Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

The five associations comprised the village’s third batch of farmers who denounced the atrocities and abuses of the CPP-NPA this year.

On October 2, the condemnation rites were participated in by four groups: Hacienda Cumabat Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association, Hacienda Mariano-D Farmers and Farm Workers Association, Hacienda Vista Alegre Farmers and Farm Workers Association, and Hacienda Gretchen Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association.

On August 28, members of two other associations, Hacienda Culahao-C Farmer Workers Association and Hacienda Nenita Farmer Workers Association, also burned the communist terrorist flags and pledged allegiance to the government.

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.

The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the National Democratic Front as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and separate part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1158403

New Central Luzon police chief assumes post

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 1, 2021): New Central Luzon police chief assumes post (By Zorayda Tecson)

NEW PRO-3 CHIEF. Brig. General Matthew Baccay delivers his message during the change of command held on Monday (Nov. 1, 2021) at the PRO-3 Grandstand, Camp Olivas, City of San Fernando, Pampanga. Baccay assumed as the new PRO-3 regional director, replacing Brig. General Valeriano de Leon. (Photo by PRO-3)

Brig. General Matthew Baccay assumed on Monday as the new director of the Police Regional Office 3 (Central Luzon), replacing Brig. General Valeriano de Leon.

The change of command ceremony was held at the PRO-3 Grandstand, Camp Olivas here, with Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, as the presiding officer.

Baccay, who belongs to Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class ’92 Tanglaw-Diwa, was the district director of the Eastern Police District prior to his new assignment.

Baccay, who was previously assigned at PRO-3 as the chief of the Comptrollership Division and chief of Regional Intelligence Division, was welcomed with arrival honors rendered by PRO-3 personnel.

Baccay thanked the PNP chief for the trust and confidence that has been given to him.

“Ang maitalaga bilang regional director ay mapanghamon sa akin dahil sa dalawang dahilan, una ang PRO3 ay itinanghal na best regional police office at ikalawa dahil si Brig. General Val De Leon ay isa sa mga hinahangaan kong senior officers at karangalan ko na sumunod sa kanyang yapak (Being designated as regional director is a challenge for me because of two reasons. First, the PRO-3 was recognized as best regional police office and second, because Brig. General Val De Leon is one of the senior officers I admired and it is my honor to follow his steps),” he said in his message during a live stream event.

Baccay urged the police force in the region not to have let up in their mandated tasks.

“Malapit na ang kapaskuhan at siguradong tataas na naman ang ating crimes against properties kasabay din ang paghahanda sa ating nalalapit na national at local elections, we should all be prepared (Christmas is near and it is certain that crimes against properties will increase. In simultaneous with incoming national and local elections, we should all be prepared),” he added.

Baccay also assured the PNP chief that PRO-3 will strictly adhere to and comply with the intensified cleanliness policy.

“Ang mabuti kong gawa gagantimpalaan at ang masama parurusahan (My good deed will be rewarded and the bad will be punished). This will be my marching order in my tenure here in PRO-3,” he added.

Meanwhile, de Leon will be assigned as the director of the Philippine National Police-Civil Security Group following the compulsory retirement of Major General Ferdinand Daway.


https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1158415

Tired of life on the run, NPA rebel yields in Baler

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 1, 2021): Tired of life on the run, NPA rebel yields in Baler (By Jason De Asis)

SURRENDER. Alias Ka Purong (2nd from left), a former member of the Aurora Provincial Committee of the New People's Army, surrenders to authorities with his high-powered firearm and ammunition in Aurora province on Sunday (Oct. 31, 2021). Tired of life on the run, he now wants to live peacefully with his family. (PNA photo by Jason de Asis)

A communist rebel belonging to the Aurora Provincial Committee of the New People’s Army (NPA) has surrendered to government authorities, saying he now wants to live a peaceful life.

Alias “Ka Purong”, a resident of Casiguran town, likewise yielded an M16 rifle with one magazine loaded with 20 rounds of live ammunition to the Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion (IB), 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, and other security forces on Sunday.

In an exclusive interview on Monday, Ka Purong said he’s had enough of a life on the run.

“Gusto ko ng mamuhay ng mapayapa kung kaya’t isinuko ko ang aking baril dahil ayaw kong magtago nito at baka maging mitsa pa ito ng aking buhay (I want to live peacefully that is why I surrendered my firearm because I do not want to keep it as it might even cause my death),” he said.

He encouraged rebels still in hiding to coordinate with authorities.

“Sa aking mga kasamahan, sumuko na kayo habang may gobyernong kumakalinga sa mga naliligaw ng landas. Hindi po ako sinaktan ng mga sundalo bagkus ay malasakit at pagmamahal ang ginawa nila sa akin. Tinutulungan nila akong makapagbagong buhay at binibigyan ng (To my comrades, please surrender while there is a government that takes care of those who went astray. I was not hurt by the soldiers, but rather they showed me concern and love. They are helping me to start a new life and provided) livelihood assistance,” Ka Purong said.

Lt. Col. Reandrew Rubio, commander of the 91st IB, lauded the efforts of 1st Lt. Carlo Omayon Jr. of lead unit Delta Company and other security forces who facilitated the surrender of Ka Purong.

In a statement of Monday, he said the surrender is a result of the continuous Retooled Community Support Program and focused military operations in support of Executive Order No. 70, signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in December 2018 to create the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict that employs a whole-of-nation approach to end communism and institute peace-building initiatives, and the comprehensive dissemination of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integrated Program.

Ka Purong is under the custody of Delta Company in Barangay Calabuanan here for custodial debriefing and documentation.

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

The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the National Democratic Front as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and separate part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1158421

Lorenzana hails AFP victories vs. NPA, Dawlah Islamiya

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 1, 2021): Lorenzana hails AFP victories vs. NPA, Dawlah Islamiya (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (File photo)

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Monday lauded the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for two successful operations in Bukidnon and Maguindanao that resulted in the deaths of ranking leaders of New People’s Army (NPA) and Dawlah Islamiya (DI).

"The neutralization of Jorge 'Ka Oris' Madlos and Salahuddin Hassan through the sustained internal security operations of our troops is a big blow to these local terrorist groups, and a manifestation of the AFP's commitment to secure the people against the threat of these lawless elements, especially in Mindanao," Lorenzana said in a statement.

With the dwindling force of the NPA and other terrorist groups due to focused military operations, Lorenzana urged all Filipinos to continue supporting ongoing peace and development efforts.

"As the NPA and other local terrorist groups become weaker due to the efforts not just of the security sector but of the whole nation, we call on the public to continue supporting our bid for peace and progress in our country," he added.

Lorenzana also thanked troops from the 4th and 6th Infantry Divisions and the Philippine National Police for their efforts.

"Patunay ang tagumpay na ito sa pinalakas na kapasidad ng AFP at ng pinaigting na suporta ng taumbayan sa ating laban kontra sa terorismo (These victories only proved the enhanced capabilities of the AFP and heightened support of our Filipino countrymen in the fight against terrorism)," Lorenzana said.

Madlos was killed along with an NPA medic, Eighfel Dela Pena (alias Pika/Maui), in Sitio Gabunan, Barangay Dumalaguing, Impasugong town in an encounter with combined troops from the 8th and 88th Infantry Battalions and 1st Special Forces Battalion.

Reports said there were anti-personnel mines in the area, prompting soldiers to call for air support. Government troops then engaged around 30 communist terrorists in the firefight.

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.

On the other hand, the National Democratic Front has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and separate part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

Meanwhile, DI terror group leader Salahuddin Hassan and his wife were killed in remote Barangay Damablac, Talayan town by troops of the 6th Infantry Division last October 29.

Hassan who has aliases of "Orak," "Salah," "Tulea," and "Abu Salman" was the emir of the DI terror group operating in south-central Mindanao. He had a PHP1.3-million bounty on his head.

The Anti-Terrorism Council has named Hassan as among the top terrorists operating in Mindanao.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered police units and offices to be on heightened alert against possible retaliatory attacks from NPA members after the death of Madlos.

In a statement Sunday night, PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar also lauded the military’s effective internal security operations that led to the neutralization of Madlos.

“The PNP is one with our brothers in the Armed Forces of the Philippines in curbing the lawless activities and atrocities of the communist rebels that bring fear and terror to our communities. The entire PNP hails this successful operation as a big blow to the CPP-NPA-NDF," Eleazar said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1158382

NTF-ELCAC 'game changer' in campaign vs. Reds: AFP chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 2, 2021): NTF-ELCAC 'game changer' in campaign vs. Reds: AFP chief (By Priam Nepomuceno)

The creation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) is a "game-changer" in the government's campaign against the New People's Army (NPA) and insurgency, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Jose Faustino Jr. said.

“The effect of Executive Order Number 70 is undeniable. It has been a game-changer for us as it expedited the dismantling of guerrilla fronts and apprehension and capture of CTG leaders due to the convergence of efforts from all agencies and local government units,” Faustino said in a statement Monday night.

Executive Order 70 institutionalized in 2018 the whole-of-nation approach and established the NTF-ELCAC as means to attaining inclusive and sustainable peace.

Since then, about 4,075 members and supporters of the terrorist group have surrendered and withdrawn their support to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the NPA.

There were 198 communist terrorists who were killed and another 240 were either apprehended or captured in operations.

“Based on our data, the surrenders outnumber those who are recruited,” Faustino said.

Over the weekend, NPA leader Jorge Madlos alias "Ka Oris" and a fellow rebel were killed in an encounter in a mountainous area in Impasugong, Bukidnon.

The most wanted NPA commander in Mindanao, Madlos, 71, faced multiple criminal cases such as robbery with homicide, damage to properties, murder, and double frustrated murder.

Faustino said the loss of a rebel leader like "Ka Oris" was "irreversible".

His death is seen in the security sector as a major blow to the communist terrorist group, which has seen its leaders -- Benito Tiamzon and Julius Giron -- fall in the past few years.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1158459

NTF-ELCAC hopes Ka Oris brings Reds' delusions down to his grave

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 1, 2021): NTF-ELCAC hopes Ka Oris brings Reds' delusions down to his grave (By Azer Parrocha)

NPA commander and spokesperson Jorge Madlos alias "Ka Oris" (File photo)

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on Monday expressed hope that the death of Jorge Madlos alias "Ka Oris" of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) would mean that the CPP-NPA Terrorist’s (CNT) “delusions” are buried with him.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Undersecretary and NTF-ELCAC spokesperson for sectoral concerns Lorraine Marie Badoy made this statement after Madlos was killed along with a fellow rebel in a 30-minute gunfight with government troops in the mountains of Bukidnon on Saturday.

“We hope Ka Oris brings down to his grave the delusions of the terrorist CPP-NPA-NDF that they can ever hope to win their senseless war fueled by an obsolete and inhumane ideology more so when they are fighting a people galvanized in fierce rejection of it and in defense of the Republic,” she said in a press statement.

Badoy said the NTF-ELCAC lauds the neutralization of Madlos but “do not rejoice” over the killing of a Filipino by fellow Filipinos.

“Nor do we rejoice that superior military action was what it took to stop this man from hurting our people. Not a peaceful dialogue between brothers, but a most decisive show of force in neutralizing a butcher who was directly responsible for so much death and destruction,” she added.

She said “Ka Oris” had blood dripping off his hands “at the countless crimes against humanity he himself strategized and implemented.”

“He also played a lead role in the recruitment and radicalization of the helpless, the most gullible among us, mutating them into violent extremists of the NPA that brought them deeper into poverty or ended their lives,” she said.

Madlos’ death, she said, brought the country a step closer to ending a war that ended the lives of countless Filipinos and obstructed the country’s progress.

“What we rejoice in is that now this terrorist who was a cut above all terrorists can no longer harm the Filipino people. And that his death will send the clear signal to those who persist in the futility of fighting government that the only sensible option left for them is to lay down their arms peacefully and rejoin civil society,” she said.

She is also hopeful that Madlos’ demise would only be the start of ongoing efforts to ensure long-lasting peace in the country.

“The sweet peace that has long eluded us is finally at arm’s reach. George Madlos, butcher and madman, communist terrorist and violent extremist is no more,” she added.

Badoy also thanked the Armed Forces of the Philippines- (AFP), particularly the 403rd Infantry Brigade under Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) under Maj. Gen. Romeo Brawner, for launching their anti-insurgency operations.

“They who fought this lonely war by themselves and who held our country safely in their arms with no thought for their own personal safety- until this singular President created the National Task Force ELCAC so that now the Filipino people stand United with them in finally ending this bloody chapter in our Nation’s history,” she added.

Maj. Francisco Garello Jr., chief of the Army's Division of Public Affairs Office, said Madlos was killed, together with another rebel in a 30-minute gunfight and ground assault in Sitio Gabunan, Dumalaguing, Impasugong.

The military launched the operations about 12:30 a.m. after receiving reports about the presence of heavily armed men conducting indoctrination and teach-ins in the area.

Madlos was the commander and spokesperson of the NPA’s national operations command and spokesperson of the NDF in Mindanao.

He was wanted for criminal cases such as murder, multiple murders with double frustrated murder, and robbery with double homicide and damage to properties.

Madlos killed in encounter

Meanwhile, AFP spokesperson Col. Ramon Zagala maintained that Madlos was killed in a legitimate encounter, refuting claims from the communist terrorists that he was ambushed.

"Jorge Madlos alias 'Ka Oris' was killed in an encounter against troops from the 403rd Brigade last October 30, 2021 at Sitio Gabunan, Barangay Dumalaguing, Impasug-ong Bukidnon. He is the Commander, National Operations Command, NPA Spokesperson, and a member of the Central Committee-Execom/Politburo," Zagala said in a statement.

Zagala added that being at the top leadership of the NPA, Madlos is protected round-the-clock by more or less 40 communist terrorists.

He said it is unlikely that he will move without these armed elements as claimed by the NPA.

"We are expecting the communist terrorist group to continue to misdirect the public on the circumstances of this huge loss in the CPP-NPA leadership. As such, we are firm and will stand by our troops on the ground on the legitimacy of this successful encounter," Zagala added.

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.

The NDF has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and separate part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1158410