Troops seize bomb-making materials from rebel camp

From the Manila Times (Nov 3. 2021): Troops seize bomb-making materials from rebel camp (By Vince Jacob Visaya)

Rebels’ lair Soldiers and policemen recover several materials used for explosive devices from an alleged rebel encampment in the Mountain Province on Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE-BAUKO, MOUNTAIN PROVINCE

SANTIAGO CITY: Army soldiers and policemen overran a suspected abandoned rebel encampment in the Mountain Province on Sunday, October 31, the military and police said.

The camp was located at the boundaries of Bantey in Tadian town, Banguitan; in Besao town; and Balintaugan in Bauko town, all in the Mountain Province.

Soldiers from the 69th Infantry Battalion (IB) and police teams from the Mountain Province and Bauko discovered the site during joint security operations in the area .


Found in the encampment were an antipersonnel improvised explosive device (IED), 31 sticks of commercial dynamite, marked Nitro EM 1500 emulsion explosives, a mine container with detonating cord and seven meters of wire, a blue plastic drum, two "Batayang Kurso ng Partido" books, assorted belongings, food and 20 foxholes.

READ: 2 rebels, 1 soldier killed in Negros clash

The discovery came a day after a suspected New People's Army (NPA) leader and his companion were killed in Gueday, Besao, Mountain Province on October 30.

Army soldiers from Bravo Company of the 69th IB were having combat operations when they chanced upon the rebels.

A firefight allegedly ensued between the Army soldiers and the Kilusang Larangang Guerilla Abra-Mountain Province-Ilocos Sur of the NPA, led by Marcos Kina-ud Yocogan alias Corel or Timmy.

After the encounter, the bodies of Yocogan, a native of Bangaan, Sagada, Mountain Province, and his comrade, a fellow named Simon, were found. Their bodies were brought to a funeral parlor.

READ: 5 slain NPA rebels get proper burial

Seized were two M16 rifles, two bandoliers with nine magazines, two two-way radios, an IED, a flashlight, medical supplies, personal belongings and subversive documents.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/11/03/news/regions/troops-seize-bomb-making-materials-from-rebel-camp/1820703

CPP claims lies; Ka Oris killed in legit clash: Eastmincom

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 3, 2021): CPP claims lies; Ka Oris killed in legit clash: Eastmincom (By Nef Luczon)

DEBUNKED. Maj. Gen Romeo Brawner Jr. (2nd from left), the Army’s 4th Infantry Division commander, debunks allegations that New People’s Army spokesperson Jorge Madlos was unarmed and ambushed while in transit on a motorcycle on Saturday (Oct. 30). Brawner said the Armed Forces of the Philippines respects and follows the International Humanitarian Law and will not resort to tactics used by communist armed groups. (PNA Photo by Nef Luczon)

The Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) on Tuesday debunked claims of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) that one of its high-profile leaders killed by the military in Impasugong, Bukidnon was "unarmed" and "ambushed."

Lt. Gen. Greg Almerol, the Eastmincom commander, in a statement, said NPA spokesperson and CPP-NDF leader Jorge "Ka Oris" Madlos was killed in a legitimate encounter, adding that the communist group's claims "is nothing but a final attempt to save face using a tired trope” to discredit the accomplishment of the military unit."

“The CPP’s official statement of lies is nothing new. It was nothing but an overused line that the CPP has been using for many years whenever they find themselves in a disadvantaged position,” Almerol said.

“If they must lie, they should at least be original to sound convincing. In this case, they have failed to persuade the people by using the same lie over and over again," he added.

A statement from the NDF, purportedly signed by Myrna Sularte, alias "Maria Malaya," circulated among media outlets on October 31, following the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) press conference in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon detailing the operations it made concerning the death of Madlos.

During the event, Maj. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., the 4ID commander, urged Sularte, the wife of Madlos, to surrender.

The NDF statement claimed Madlos was about to go for a medical check-up onboard a motorcycle unarmed when the government troopers staged the ambush.

Almerol said there is "not a single honest bone in the CPP leaders’ and members’ bodies."

"They have been lying to the people for decades to advance their agenda of violence and rob the people of peace and development that they should have been enjoying in their communities many years ago,” he said.

During his visit at the 4ID headquarters here Monday, Almerol led the awarding of medals to the commanders and team leaders of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, including the 8th Infantry Battalion, Special Force Battalion, with the Philippine Air Force's Technical Operations 10, as recognition for the continued anti-insurgency campaign that led to the death of Madlos.

He said the Eastmincom has a good roster of team members and leaders enacting their mandate well.

Adherence to IHL

Meanwhile, Brawner also denied Madlos was unarmed and ambushed on October 30, saying the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has no business "in ambushing unarmed combatants especially riding on the motorcycle."

"The AFP respects the International Humanitarian Law, and you never heard the AFP is conducting an ambush (operations)," he said.

Brawner said it is "the other way around," where the CPP-NPA-NDF forces used anti-personnel mines to ambush police and military personnel, including civilians like in the case of civilian casualties Kieth Absalon and his uncle.

Absalon was a university football player who died in a landmine planted by the NPA guerilla forces in Masbate in June this year, with the CPP-NPA taking responsibility for the incident.

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.

The NDF was 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/1158515

Army transformation roadmap vital to victories vs. terror groups

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 3, 2021): Army transformation roadmap vital to victories vs. terror groups (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Philippine Army chief, Lt. Gen. Andres Centino (File photo)

MANILA – Philippine Army (PA) commander Lt. Gen. Andres Centino credited the ongoing Army Transformation Roadmap (ATR) for being instrumental in the significant victories against local terrorist groups in the country, saying it has made the army more efficient in carrying out its tasks.

“Iyong pag-implement natin ng operations ay napadali na rin dahil disiplinado ang mga sundalo. If ever mayroon mang misbehaviors na nangyayari, we were able to act on these right away dahil may systems tayo (The implementation of our operations is made easier as our soldiers are more disciplined. If there will be cases of misbehavior, we will be able to act right away as we have a system now)," Centino said in a statement Tuesday night.

He added that the implementation of plans and programs has become easier due to fine-tuned procedures and organized planning and budgeting measures.

"We have instituted measures and scorecards to assess the efficiency of our performance. Because of this transformation roadmap, we have performed very well," Centino said.

He has laid out four significant thrusts upon taking the helm of the PA in May this year:

• Implement an intel-driven operation focusing on the primary tasks to defeat armed groups;

• Optimal use of resources;

• Advancement of professionalism, and meritocracy within the organization; and

• Protect the ownership of military camps and reservations for base development.

Last October 30, New People's Army (NPA) leader Jorge Madlos, alias "Ka Oris", and a fellow rebel were killed in an encounter in a mountainous area in Impasugong, Bukidnon.

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

The Communist Party of the Philippines (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.

The National Democratic Front was 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, Dawlah Islamiya (DI) terror group leader Salahuddin Hassan and his wife were killed in remote Barangay Damablac, Talayan town, Maguindanao by troops of the 6th Infantry Division on October 29.

Hassan, who used the aliases "Orak", "Salah", "Tulea", and "Abu Salman", was the emir of the DI terror group operating in south-central Mindanao.

The Anti-Terrorism Council has named him as among the top terrorists operating in Mindanao. Hassan had a PHP1.3-million bounty on his head.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1158601

Kalinaw News: CTG terroristic acts suppressed; encampment, explosives and firearms seized

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 3, 2021): CTG terroristic acts suppressed; encampment, explosives and firearms seized

CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela- Extortion and recruitment activities of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) was suppressed while their encampment, firearms and explosives were seized in Barangay Dy-Abra, Tumauini, Isabela on October 31, 2021 after the encounter that transpired between the government forces and the remnants of the Regional Sentro De Grabidad (RSDG), Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley (KR-CV) a day earlier.

Troops of the 86th Infantry “Highlander” Battalion (86IB) seized the enemy encampment that can accommodate 10 persons and captured four M16 rifles, one M203 grenade launcher, one Glock 17 pistol, four rifle grenades, one hand grenade, four Anti-Personnel Mines with six (6) blasting caps, wires for Anti-personnel Mines (APMs), National Democratic Front (NDF) flag, ICOM radio, medical kit, other personal belongings and subversive documents during their pursuit operation in the said area.

Earlier on October 25, 2021 concerned residents of Barangay Antagan-1 tipped-off the information on the extortion against the farmers and recruitment activities of the CTG members in their barangay. Troops of the 86IB together with PNP Region 02 immediately conducted Focused Military Operations to verify the said report. While the troops were approaching barangay Dy-Abra, Tumauni in the morning of October 30, 2021, they were fired upon by the CTGs and the firefight ensued that lasted for about 10 minutes. After which, the enemy scampered to different directions to evade the advancing government troops.

LtCol Joseph C Flores, Battalion Commander of 86IB said that the CTGs are adding to the burden of the farmers and the communities in far-flung areas.

While BGen Danilo Benavides, Commander of 502nd Infantry Brigade urged the remaining members of the terrorist group to lay down their firearms and return to folds of the law.

Further, MGen Laurence E Mina, Commander of 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army lauded the efforts of the troops in protecting the communities from the abuses of the CTG. “The recovery of the firearms and explosives saved not just the lives of the government troops, but also of the unwary innocent civilians. This is another blow against the crippled RSDG of KRCV. We urge the remaining members to choose the right path- go down and surrender.”

[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/ctg-terroristic-acts-suppressed-encampment-explosives-and-firearms-seized/

Kalinaw News: CGPA credits Army transformation roadmap on gains against local terrorist groups

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 3, 2021): CGPA credits Army transformation roadmap on gains against local terrorist groups

FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – The Commanding General of the Philippine Army (CGPA) Lt. Gen. Andres Centino credited the Army’s transformation roadmap (ATR) in attaining significant gains against the local terrorist groups in the country.

“The Army’s transformation roadmap has enabled us to become more efficient in carrying out our tasks,” Lt. Gen. Centino said in an online interview yesterday, November 1, 2021, with SMNI News.

“Iyong pag-implement natin ng operations ay napadali na rin dahil disiplinado ang mga sundalo. If ever mayroon mang misbehaviors na nangyayari, we were able to act on these right away dahil may systems tayo,” the CGPA said.

“Overall, dahil naisaayos ang procedures natin, organized na ‘yung pagplano at pagbudget ng ating mga gawain, napadali ang implementasyon ng ating mga plano at programa.” Lt. Gen. Centino said.

“We have instituted measures and scorecards to assess the efficiency of our performance,” the CGPA remarked. “Because of this transformation roadmap, we have performed very well.”

Lt. Gen. Centino has laid out four significant thrusts upon taking the helm of the Army on May 2021: implement an intel-driven operation focusing on the primary tasks to defeat the armed group; optimal use of resources; advancement of professionalism, and meritocracy within the organization; and protect the ownership of military camps and reservations for base 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/cgpa-credits-army-transformation-roadmap-on-gains-against-local-terrorist-groups/

Kalinaw News: Army chief optimistic on ending insurgency by 2022

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 1, 2021): Army chief optimistic on ending insurgency by 2022



FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – The Commanding General of the Philippine Army (CGPA), Lt. Gen. Andres Centino, expressed optimism that the Philippine Army-AFP can comply with the Commander in Chief’s order to end the festering insurgency problem by 2022.

“We are optimistic that we can comply with the president’s order to end the communist armed conflict by 2022,” Lt. Gen. Centino said in an online interview in SMNI news today, November 1, 2021.

“We are on track with what the president has mandated us to do,” said the Army chief. “We are capable of doing this. Everything is in place. We have the support of the people, which is the most important. We also have the full support of the administration.”

The CGPA underscored the Army’s significant gains in dismantling the Communist Terrorists Group’s central committee, regional and sub-regional committees, and guerilla fronts resulting in their diminished influence in the communities.

The Philippine Army dealt communist insurgents a massive blow with the death of top NPA commander Jorge “Ka Oris” Madlos. He died in an encounter in the hinterlands of Impasug-ong, Bukidnon, on October 30, 2021. Ka Oris is the Commander of the CTG’s National Operations Command, directing the operations of the NPAs nationwide.

Lt. Gen. Centino also mentioned the capture of 35-year-old rebel leader Ramil Banawan, Secretary of Guerilla Front Malayag, Sub-Regional Command 2 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee, in operation in San Fernando, Bukidnon, on October 25, 2021.

Lt. Gen. Centino also credited the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) for the series of decisive gains against communist and terrorist elements. “The NTF-ELCAC, which relies on the comprehensive whole-of-nation approach in solving the insurgency problem, allowed our troops to focus on combat missions and security operations,” the CGPA said.

“Be assured of the continuing service of the Philippine Army to the people,” the CGPA concluded.

[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/army-chief-optimistic-on-ending-insurgency-by-2022/

Kalinaw News: 48IB’s MCSP teams facilitate turn-over of QIP Materials for GIDA’s in Pantukan, Davao de Oro

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 2, 2021): 48IB’s MCSP teams facilitate turn-over of QIP Materials for GIDA’s in Pantukan, Davao de Oro



Pantukan Davao de Oro – LGU Pantukan together with other local government agencies and 48 Infantry (Guardians) Battalion formally turned-over the 1st batch of Quick Impact Project (QIP) materials to the People’s Organization composed of former rebels (FRs) and Underground Mass Organization (UGMO) members during serbisyo caravan held in Sitio Kadapa, Brgy Tibagon, Pantukan, DDO.

The activity was realized through collaborative efforts among various stakeholders from Provincial LGU of Davao de Oro, Municipal LGU of Pantukan, Local Government Agencies, Office of the Representative, 2nd District, PNP Units, Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative and other Civilian Stakeholders.

The said endeavor has benefited more or less 119 families which include feeding program, distribution of food packs, school supplies, hygiene kits coming from the Provincial Government of Davao de Oro and Office of the Representative of 2nd District of same Province. Distribution of vegetable and hill seeds, garden tools, pales and dippers with groceries, rabies vaccination, RSBSA registration and civil registration assistance were also undertaken by the LGU Pantukan and Pantukan Municipal Officials and Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative. The municipal health office in partnership with 10ID station hospital and 10ID dental dispensary also offered free tuli, medical checkups, tooth extraction and medicines and vitamins distribution.

To educate the community on some emerging issues, Anti-smoking, Environmental Sanitation, Protection, Conservation, Anti-drugs/ELCAC, Disaster Preparedness, Child Labor, and Health Protocol were also discussed.

Lt. Col. Rafael, CO of 48IB said that the main purpose of the activity is to reach out the communities in GIDAs to bring different government services, to address their issues and concerns and to formally handover the materials needed for the POs’ QIPs.

The Presidents of three POs named SATISFA, KAFA and KADFA expressed their appreciation and were grateful to the government specially to the 48IB who facilitated the delivery of basic services from the local Government to the communities in GIDA.

Lt. Col. Rafael gave emphasis on the importance of institutionalizing the Whole-of-the-Nation Approach in addressing insurgency problem by resolving the issues and concerns of the CTG-affected communities. The endeavor shows the spirit of bayanihan where concerned government agencies collaborated to reach out to these people and make them feel that government services more accessible.

The conduct of Serbisyo Caravan was also one of the culminating activities of the unit’s Modified Community Support Program (MCSPs) wherein issues and concerns of the community which were brought during the need assessment survey were addressed by the LGU Pantukan such as lack of water reservoir, community latrine, water tub and others.

[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/48ibs-mcps-teams-facilitate-turn-over-of-qip-materials-for-gidas-in-pantukan-davao-de-oro/

Kalinaw News: IP Community Awarded with Library and Solar Lights in Nueva Ecija

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 1, 2021): IP Community Awarded with Library and Solar Lights in Nueva Ecija

Nueva Ecija – Eighteen Indigenous People (IP) families from the Aeta community were awarded with a library and solar lights during an Outreach and Gift Giving Activity at Sitio Kaitahan, Brgy Cadaclan, Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija on October 30, 2021.

Parents and children of the community were also given information on how Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) exploit and deceive Indigenous People through propaganda machineries in a short information drive. The activity was conducted by the 84th Infantry (Victorious) Battalion in partnership with the Rotary Club of Makati-San Antonio and Rotary Club of San Jose Golden Harvest.

The IP Community received One unit of Library with bookshelf, monoblack tables and chairs, art kit, solar wall light and 62 books for the kids. They also received 40 sets of Solar Pipe Lights, 36 Gallons of Slim Water Container with faucets, 1 set of Sewing Machine, First Aid kit, Football Gears, Clothes, and Toys.

According to Ms Eiza Mendoza Espina, President of Rotary Club of Makati-San Antonio, “Sana ay maalagaan ninyo ang mga biyayang natanggap dahil para ito sa ikabubuti ng komunidad ninyo at sana rin ay nakapagbigay kami ng pag-asa at oportunidad sa inyong lahat”.

Ms Espina also added that, “We are grateful to 84IB for the partnership that brought this mission to a success. Your initiative to help improve people’s lives is a special characteristic that we admire.”

On his part, Mr Danny Balario, Aeta community leader said, “Kami po ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa ating mga kasundaluhan ng 84IB at Rotary Club International na siyang pumarito upang maghatid ng tulong para sa amin, malaking bagay ang inyong naibahagi sa amin lalo na sa munting aklatan para sa mga kabataang Aetas at ito ay aming iingatan”.

Lieutenant Colonel Enrico Gil C Ileto, Commanding Officer of the 84th Infantry (Victorious) Battalion is thankful to the Rotary Club International for the partnership in delivering basic services for the IP communities. He also said that, “It is our commitment to support the Department of Education in protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) to basic education”.

[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/ip-community-awarded-with-library-and-solar-lights-in-nueva-ecija/

Madlos’ wife likely to succeed key NPA post – Army

 From Mindanews (Nov 2, 2021): Madlos’ wife likely to succeed key NPA post – Army (By FROILAN GALLARDO)

The military said on Monday that Myrna Sularte, aka “Maria Malaya,” would most likely succeed her slain husband, Jorge Madlos, to head the National Operations Center (NOC) of the New People’s Army nationwide.

Lt. Gen. Greg Almerol (right), Armed Forces Eastern Mindanao Command chief, pins a medal to Brig. Gen. Ferdinand Barandon who masterminded the operations that led to the killing of NPA leader Jorge Madlos (aka “Ka Oris”) in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon. The awarding rites were held Monday (1 November 2021) at the 4th Infantry Division headquarters in Cagayan de Oro City. MindaNews photo by FROILAN GALLARDO

Lt. Gen. Greg Almerol, Armed Forces Eastern Mindanao Command chief, said only Sularte, currently the secretary of the NPA North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), can succeed Madlos.

“Only she is left among the NPA leaders who have the stature like Madlos,” he said.

Almerol said the Communist Party of the Philippines would find it hard to replace Madlos, who was also a politburo member of its central committee.

The military said that Madlos, 72, was killed alongside his medical aide, Eighfel de La Pena alias “Ka Pica,” during a firefight with government troops who assaulted a rebel-held area in Sitio Gabunan, Barangay Dumalaguing in Impasug-ong town in Bukidnon Saturday morning.

Sularte, however, denied it was a firefight, saying that Madlos and his aide were killed in an ambush in Impasug-ong Friday night. This she said in a statement issued in behalf of the National Democratic Front North Eastern Mindanao Region.

Almerol arrived in the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) headquarters in Barangay Patag here Monday morning to give medals to the commanders of the Army units involved in the military operations against Madlos.

Lt. Gen. Greg Almerol (seated, center), Armed Forces Eastern Mindanao Command chief, and 4ID commander Maj. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., with the officers who led the military operations against NPA leader Jorge Madlos (aka “Ka Oris”), after awarding rites in Camp Evangelista, Cagayan de Oro City on Monday (1 November 2021). MindaNews photo by FROILAN GALLARDO

Maj. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., 4ID commander, said Philippine Air Force F50 jets were used to drop bombs on the rebel-held encampment in Sitio Gabunan on Friday night.

“We had to use the F50 jets to drop bombs to clear a path to the camp for our soldiers,” he said.

Brawner said all the jet planes landed safely at the Sasa Airport in Davao City after dropping their 500-lb bombs in Sitio Gabunan.

He said the camp was surrounded with anti-personnel mines, some as big as milk cans, that it would be impossible to breach without incurring casualties.

Brawner said the final assault was made by a platoon of 20 soldiers from the 8th Infantry Division, 1st Special Forces Battalion and the 2nd Army Ranger Company dawn on Saturday.

Brig. Gen. Ferdinand Barandon, commander of the Army’s 403rd Infantry Brigade, said the soldiers were only able to enter the camp around 11:30 a.m. on the same day.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2021/11/madlos-wife-likely-to-succeed-key-npa-post-army/

Ka Oris kin claiming his remains; wake and interment planned in Surigao City

From Mindanews (Nov 2, 2021): Ka Oris kin claiming his remains; wake and interment planned in Surigao City (By ROEL CATOTO)

Jorge Madlos aka Ka Oris, spokesperson of the National Democratic Front in Mindanao. MindaNews photo by Gregorio Bueno

A sibling of Jorge “Ka Oris” Madlos, the slain top New People’s Army (NPA) leader in Mindanao, went to Bukidnon province Sunday night to claim his remains, another sibling said Monday.

Retired engineer Vicente Madlos, Jorge’s elder brother, told MindaNews in a phone interview that his younger brother, Rito Madlos, traveled to Bukidnon to get the remains of Jorge, the seventh of nine siblings.

Vicente said they are planning to hold the wake of Ka Oris at a basketball court in Villa Corito, a private subdivision in Surigao City.

Ka Oris, the face and voice of the communist insurgency in Mindanao, will be interred at the Surigao Memorial Park here, he added.

Vicente said the arrangements have been agreed by the Madlos siblings and their other relatives.

“We have agreed to hold the wake here in Surigao City than on Siargao (Island) since majority of our close relatives live in Surigao,” Vicente said.

The 72-year-old, Siargao-born rebel leader was killed on Friday, October 29, along with an aide, in what the military claimed to be a clash between rebel and government forces in Sitio Gabunan, Barangay Dumalaguing, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon. The military said their bodies were recovered the following day.

The NDF refuted this claim, saying the ailing Madlos and his medical aide, identified by the military as Eighfel Dela Peña, were killed in an ambush on Friday night.

According to Ka Oris’ wife, Maria Malaya, National Democratic Front spokesperson for Northeast Mindanao, Madlos and Dela Peña were on a motorcycle on their way to get medical treatment, and never reached the highway.

Malaya has called on the government to allow the family to hold a wake for Ka Oris, so the people who knew him can pay their final respects to the long-time communist leader.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2021/11/ka-oris-kin-claiming-his-remains-wake-and-interment-planned-in-surigao-city/

MILF combatants held for passing thru Maguindanao hiway without coordination

From Mindanews (Nov 2, 2021): MILF combatants held for passing thru Maguindanao hiway without coordination (By FERDINANDH B. CABRERA)

Joint operatives from Maguindanao police and troops of the 6th Infantry Division have flagged a convoy of heavily armed combatants from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s (MILF) 105th Base Command as they passed through the highway in the municipality of Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao Monday evening allegedly without coordination.

Datu Odin Sinsuat municipality, Maguindanao. Map courtesy of Google

Col. Jibin Bongcayao, commander of Maguindanao provincial police, said they have now in custody 35 members of the MILF’s 105th Base Command and confiscated 31 high-powered firearms.

The police official noted that the armed MILF members were violating the agreement between the Moro group and the government when they passed through main thoroughfares without coordinating with authorities.

“We are preparing to file a protest before the peace panel,” Bongcayao said.

He said they blocked the convoy of one pickup truck and two passenger vans in Barangay Dalican, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao around 9:10 p.m. Monday.

The group was led by certain Abdul Hamid Datuan, whose heavily armed men were wearing MILF camouflage uniforms.

The action, Bongcayao said, has caused alarm among residents because of the lack of coordination.

The group of Datuan came from the municipality of Kabuntalan in Maguindanao and was planning to go back to their main base in neighboring Talitay town.

They are now in the custody of the 2nd Mechanized Battalion in Talayan, Maguindanao.

Bongcayao said they have already informed the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) about the violation and is waiting for the recommendation of the peace panel.

“Based on the agreements, these armed combatants can wear their uniforms and bring their firearms within their designated recognized camps,” he pointed out.

The MILF hierarchy has yet to issue a statement.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2021/11/milf-combatants-held-for-passing-thru-maguindanao-hiway-without-coordination/

Madlos frequented CDO for medical treatment – Army

From Mindanews (Nov 2, 2021): Madlos frequented CDO for medical treatment – Army (By FROILAN GALLARDO)

Rebel leader Jorge Madlos aka “Ka Oris” had reportedly suffered from kidney failure and frequented this city to seek medical treatment in the months before he was allegedly slain in an encounter with government troops in Bukidnon last weekend, even as the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) said that Madlos “remained healthy and strong until his last years.”

Rebel leader Jorge Madlos (aka “Ka Oris”) during the 40th anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines in Surigao del Sur on 28 December 2012. MindaNews file photo by FROILAN GALLARDO

Lt. Gen. Greg Almerol, chief of the Armed Forces’ Eastern Mindanao Command, said Madlos travelled to Cagayan de Oro from Cebu before going to Bukidnon where a massive military operation finally caught up with him.

“Here in Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon, the NPA has a network of supporters who are doctors and nurses who can attend to Madlos,” he said.

Almerol said Madlos, 72, who hails from Dapa in Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte, had been suffering from kidney failure and used to come down to Cagayan de Oro for his dialysis treatment.

A source in Cagayan de Oro said he used to administer intravenous medication to Madlos until it stopped more than a year ago.

The source said he once accompanied the rebel leader to a hospital in Cagayan de Oro where blood samples were taken.

“Madlos did not alight from the vehicle. He had his blood sample taken right inside the vehicle by a sympathetic nurse,” the source narrated.

Maj. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., commander of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division based here, said there was no doubt that Madlos enjoyed a network of doctors and nurses in Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon who were either his friends or sympathizers.

He said Madlos graduated from the state-owned Central Mindanao University in Musuan, Bukidnon.

But CPP spokesman Marco Valbuena denied that Madlos had been frequenting this city for dialysis.

“If he regularly needed to have dialysis, he would not last long in the guerilla zone,” he said over Messenger. Valbuena pointed out that it was Brawner who said that Madlos had been in the guerilla area for long.

He said that Madlos remained healthy and strong and “even joined in guerrilla maneuvers in the face of intense military operations” in the last few months.

Valbuena admitted, though, that the rebel leader had to live with a damaged urinary bladder after he was denied treatment when he was imprisoned from 1987 to 1992. “But it was not life threatening or debilitating,” he stressed.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2021/11/madlos-frequented-cdo-for-medical-treatment-army/

2 Zambo Sur villages get P40-M BDP projects

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 2, 2021): 2 Zambo Sur villages get P40-M BDP projects (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

ELCAC PROJECTS. Zamboanga del Sur Governor Victor Yu (2nd from right) leads the groundbreaking ceremony on Saturday (Oct. 30, 2021) for a PHP20-million development project in one of the two insurgency-cleared barangays in Guipos that will receive funding from the government. The projects to be carried out in Barangays Dalapan and Datagan are part of the Barangay Development Project, the flagship program of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. (Photo courtesy of 53IB)

Some two insurgency-cleared barangays in Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur will each receive PHP20 million worth of Barangay Development Program projects from the government.

Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera, Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion commander, in a statement Monday, identified the two barangays as Dalapan and Datagan, which were previously conflict-affected and declared clear from the communist influence in September 2019 through the Army's Community Support Program (CSP).

Herrera said the BDP is the flagship program of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

“The NTF-ELCAC was conceptualized to finally address insurgency by bringing sustainable solutions and basic services to communities in need,” he said.

The BDP, meanwhile, is a hallmark program of NTF-ELCAC with the end goal of bringing development to former conflict-prone communities.

It is directed to rehabilitate and develop 822 barangays formerly established as guerilla fronts of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army – National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) in several parts of the countryside.

Under the BDP, each barangay is allotted PHP20 million for their respective projects, for a total of PHP16.44 billion in allocated funds.

The BDP budget goes directly to local government units from the Department of Budget and Management.

Groundbreaking

Herrera said Zamboanga del Sur Gov. Victor Yu led the groundbreaking ceremony Saturday signaling the start of the implementation of the ELCAC projects in Barangay Dalapan.

He said the projects included the construction of an access road from Purok I to Purok III; construction of a solar dryer and storage at Purok 1B; and, construction of a Level II portable water supply reservoir, pipes distribution line, intake box, and tap stands.

He said that the projects for Barangay Datagan have yet to be identified based on the needs of the constituents.

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 was 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/1158418

Army, PNP disarm MILF group in Maguindanao sans coordination

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 2, 2021): Army, PNP disarm MILF group in Maguindanao sans coordination (By Edwin Fernandez)

CHECKPOINT. Maguindanao police personnel conduct random checkpoint operations along the national highway as part of a crime prevention campaign as directed by Maguindanao police provincial director Col. Jibin Bongcayao. Joint military and police personnel manning a checkpoint at the border of Datu Anggal Midtimbang and Datu Odin Sinsuat towns flagged down a convoy of some 35 Moro Islamic Liberation Front members who passed through the area with high-powered firearms without proper coordination with state forces Monday (Nov. 1, 2021). (Photo courtesy of Maguindanao PPO)

Some 35 heavily armed members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) that had signed a peace deal with the government were disarmed by government forces here for traveling without coordination with state forces, police said Tuesday.

The 1997 general agreement on the cessation of hostilities between the government and the MILF states that movements of armed personnel from the MILF ranks must be coordinated with government forces to prevent any misencounter.

Government forces should also coordinate with MILF if the troop movement is within MILF-acknowledged areas.

However, Col. Jibin Bongcayao, Maguindanao police director, said no coordination was made with the police or the military when MILF members, armed with long and short firearms and in fatigue uniform traveled in a convoy along the highway in Maguindanao on Monday night.

Soldiers of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade and Datu Odin municipal police office personnel manning a checkpoint in the borders of Datu Anggal Midtimbang and Datu Odin Sinsuat, both in Maguindanao flagged down the convoy at 9 p.m.

The MILF forces were on board a pickup truck and two commuter vans and were flagged down for inspection.

They claimed they were MILF members belonging to the 105th base command.

“They were polite, there was no resistance when our police asked them to disembark and submit themselves for inspection,” Bongcayao said.

Bongcayao said for lack of coordination, the MILF fighters and their 35 long and short firearms were taken into custody by government forces.

Bongcayao said coordination is in progress between the ceasefire panels of the government and MILF for settlement of the incident.

Bongcayao said the movement of heavily armed men without coordination with state forces might trigger a misencounter and should not be allowed.

Led by a certain Commander Abdul Hamid Datuan, the MILF men claimed they were on their way home to their main base in Talitay, Maguindanao, from Mother Kabuntalan town where they attended a religious event when they were flagged down.

They are now at the headquarters of the 2nd Mechanized Battalion in Talayan, Maguindanao.

Following the signing of the GPH-MILF peace deal, the military and the MILF are now “friendly forces.”

The MILF is yet to issue a statement on the incident.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1158472

Ex-NPA leader urges comrades to surrender 'before it's too late'

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 2, 2021): Ex-NPA leader urges comrades to surrender 'before it's too late' (By Richelyn Gubalani)

SURRENDER CALL. File photo shows Noel Legaspi alias “Ka Efren” (center), deputy secretary of the CPP Far South Mindanao Regional Committee and spokesperson of the National Democratic Front Far South Mindanao, urging comrades to surrender during a press conference in General Santos City in 2020. Legaspi made the same call on Tuesday (Nov. 2, 2021) in response to the killing last Saturday of ranking NPA leader Jorge Madlos alias “Ka Oris” and another companion in an encounter in Barangay Dumalaguing, Impasugong town in Bukidnon. (Screengrab of press conference)

A former leader of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in South Central Mindanao reiterated his call to remaining combatants in the area to surrender to avoid suffering the same fate of their slain comrades.

Noel Legaspi alias “Ka Efren,” who had served as deputy secretary of the CPP Far South Mindanao Regional Committee and long-time spokesperson of the National Democratic Front (NDF) Far South Mindanao, said on Tuesday they should grab the chance to yield and lead peaceful lives before their “uncertain struggle” catches up with them.

He issued the statement in response to the killing last Saturday of ranking NPA leader Jorge Madlos alias “Ka Oris” and another companion in a reported encounter in Barangay Dumalaguing, Impasugong town in Bukidnon.

“I am again appealing to my former comrades to surrender before it’s too late,” Legaspi said in an interview.

The former rebel leader, along with his wife Jeanalyn Defensor Bendalian, surrendered to government troops in January 2018 in South Cotabato province after nearly 26 years in the communist terrorist organization.

He availed of the government’s reintegration program and has since become a peace worker and advocate.

Legaspi said he had known the 72-year-old Madlos, who was considered as one of the highest-ranking NPA leaders in Mindanao, and whom he described as his “mentor.”

He said the latter’s story, specifically his death in the recent clash, is mainly the same path that awaits the NPA combatants who still refuse to give up fighting and remain in the mountains.

“They’re wasting their time for a war that they will not win and would only lead them to their graves,” he said.

Legaspi said he did not regret his decision to surrender more than three years ago and the chance to pursue a normal life.

He said his current situation, especially living with his family, has been better and far different from his previous experience while trying to survive and evading government forces in the mountains.

Legaspi reiterated that there is no more reason for them to fight the government, with the changes that came these past years.

He cited the convergence efforts of government agencies under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict that have reached many far-flung areas in the country to bring various services.

NPA combatants who would decide to surrender are now assured of a better and brighter future through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, he said.

“You can also eventually become instruments of peace in our communities if you take that path,” he said.

The CPP-NPA, which has been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

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/1158481

'Butcher' is dead, IP group on Ka Oris' end

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 2, 2021): 'Butcher' is dead, IP group on Ka Oris' end (By Che Palicte)

Photo courtesy of Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Council of Elders and Leaders

The Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Council of Elders and Leaders (MIPCEL) expressed elation Tuesday over the death of Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) leader Jorge Madlos alias ‘Ka Oris’ they referred to as the "butcher" of the IP’s in Mindanao.

Madlos was killed together with a fellow rebel, in an encounter in a mountainous area in Impasugong, Bukidnon on Oct. 30

“MIPCEL is happy to inform our constituents of the news that Ka Jorge Madlos aka Ka Oris is dead. He is eliminated by the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” the MIPCEL statement said.

MIPCEL said Madlos' death was a welcome development for all the Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICC)-IPs in Mindanao since he was identified as the chief implementer of the terrorist programs of the CPP.

“There is a reason for the IPs of Mindanao to celebrate and thank the AFP for a job well done,” the statement added.

According to MIPCEL, Madlos is the secretary of the Kommid, the highest organization of the CPP-NPA in Mindanao, and her wife Maria Malaya, the spokesperson of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines in Northeastern Mindanao Region, are both accountable for 17 major atrocities committed against IP’s in Mindanao.

“We also reiterate the call, especially for our IP brothers and sister victimized by these communist terrorist groups, to surrender and return to your communities,” MIPCEL added.

The IP group also assured their fellow IPs that the government is willing to receive them with open arms.

“Let us end this reign of terror in our ancestral domains for the last five decades and instead cooperate in building a united, empowered, and developed ICCs/IPs,” MIPCEL said.

MIPCEL said systematic and continuing killings of IPs, both leaders and ordinary members, were rampant in the areas where Ka Oris operated.

“Now at least we can say to Datu Jumar Bucales and all the IP Leaders and members killed, little by little, [that] justice has been served,” the group added.

In October last year, Datu Hawudon Jumar Bucales, of the Manobo tribe, and the Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of Lianga, Surigao del Sur, along with seven others, were traveling to Barangay San Isidro when they were waylaid by some 20 suspected NPA combatants.

Bucales had previously released statements against the NPA and other party-list groups and led the closure of Lumad schools in Surigao del Sur.

MIPCEL added that the area where Madlos operated is the same area where the ALCADEV Lumad schools and the Tribal Filipino Program in Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS) are located.

The IP group also recounted that the single biggest destruction done by the NPA under the watch of Madlos against a private company was the attack and burning of equipment of the Taganito Mining Corporation located in Barangay Taganito Claver, Surigao del Norte in 2011.

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 National Democratic Front (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/1158471

Eastmincom debunks 'ambush' claims vs. Ka Oris

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 2, 2021): Eastmincom debunks 'ambush' claims vs. Ka Oris (By Nef Luczon)

DEBUNKED. Maj. Gen Romeo Brawner Jr. (2nd from left), the Army’s 4th Infantry Division commander, debunks allegations that New People’s Army spokesperson Jorge Madlos was unarmed and ambushed while in transit on a motorcycle on Saturday (Oct. 30). Brawner said the Armed Forces of the Philippines respects and follows the International Humanitarian Law and will not resort to tactics used by communist armed groups. (PNA Photo by Nef Luczon)

The Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) on Tuesday debunked claims of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) that one of its high-profile leaders killed by the military in Impasugong, Bukidnon was "unarmed" and "ambushed."

Lt. Gen. Greg Almerol, the Eastmincom commander, said in a statement NPA spokesperson and CPP-NDF leader Jorge "Ka Oris" Madlos was killed in a legitimate encounter, adding that the communist group's claims "is nothing but a final attempt to save face using a tired trope” to discredit the accomplishment of the military unit."

“The CPP’s official statement of lies is nothing new. It was nothing but an overused line that the CPP has been using for many years whenever they find themselves in a disadvantaged position,” Almerol said.

“If they must lie, they should at least be original to sound convincing. In this case, they have failed to persuade the people by using the same lie over and over again," he added.

A statement from the NDF, purportedly signed by Myrna Sularte, alias "Maria Malaya," circulated among media outlets on October 31, following the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) press conference in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon detailing the operations it made concerning the death of Madlos.

During the event, Maj. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., the 4ID commander, urged Sularte, the wife of Madlos, to surrender.

In the NDF statement, it claimed that Madlos was about to go for a medical check-up onboard a motorcycle unarmed when the government troopers staged the ambush.

Almerol said there is "not a single honest bone in the CPP leaders’ and members’ bodies."

"They have been lying to the people for decades to advance their agenda of violence and rob the people of peace and development that they should have been enjoying in their communities many years ago,” he said.

During his visit on Monday at the 4ID headquarters here, Almerol led the awarding of medals to the commanders and team leaders of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, including the 8th Infantry Battalion, Special Force Battalion, with the Philippine Air Force's Technical Operations 10, as recognition for the continued anti-insurgency campaign that led to the death of Madlos.

Almerol said the Eastmincom has a good roster of team members and leaders enacting their mandate well.

Following IHL

Meanwhile, Brawner also denied Madlos was unarmed and ambushed on October 30, saying the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has no business "in ambushing unarmed combatants especially riding on the motorcycle."

"The AFP respects the International Humanitarian Law, and you never heard the AFP are (sic) conducting an ambush (operations)," he said.

Brawner said it is "the other way around," where the CPP-NPA-NDF forces used landmines to ambush police and military personnel, like in the case of civilian casualties Kieth Absalon and his uncle.

Absalon was a university football player who died in a landmine planted by the NPA guerilla forces in Masbate in June this year, with the CPP-NPA taking responsibility for the incident.

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.

The NDF was 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/1158515

Remaining terrorists should surrender after leaders' deaths

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 2, 2021): Remaining terrorists should surrender after leaders' deaths (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Department of National Defense Undersecretary Reynaldo B. Mapagu (File photo)

Following the deaths of ranking leaders of terror groups last week, Task Force Balik Loob chair Reynaldo B. Mapagu on Tuesday called on the remaining members of these groups to immediately surrender and avail of the government's reintegration assistance.

The appeal came after the deaths of Jorge “Ka Oris” Madlos of the New People's Army (NPA) and Salahuddin Hassan of Dawlah Islamiyah (DI) in separate military operations in Mindanao last week.

"The deaths of NPA leader Jorge 'Ka Oris' Madlos and the so-called 'emir' of DI, Salahuddin Hassan, point to the diminishing capability of these terror groups, especially in Mindanao. As these groups lose their key officers, we fully expect their terror operations to fall apart," said Mapagu, who is also Department of National Defense (DND) undersecretary.

He added that the remaining active members of the terrorist groups should take the present opportunity to surrender, lest they also suffer the same fate in encounters with the military and police.

"This is the most opportune time for our brothers and sisters to desert the life of violence they were indoctrinated into by these insurgents. While the promises of these terror groups to their members amount to nothing, our reintegration assistance and benefits for former rebels and former violent extremists are real and tangible," Mapagu said.

He also urged these individuals not to waste their lives and used the opportunity to surrender and reintegrate to live peacefully with their families and loved ones.

Madlos was killed along with an NPA medic, Eighfel Dela Pena (alias Pika/Maui), in Sitio Gabunan, Barangay Dumalaguing, Impasugong town, Bukidnon in an encounter with combined troops from the 8th and 88th Infantry Battalions and 1st Special Forces Battalion last Oct. 30.

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

Madlos is the spokesperson of the National Operations Command (NOC) of the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA (CPP-NPA) Komiteng Mindanao and National Democratic Front (NDF)-Mindanao.

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.

On the other hand, 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.

Meanwhile, Hassan and his wife were killed in remote Barangay Damablac, Talayan town by troops of the 6th Infantry Division last Oct. 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.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1158482

Duterte to listen to MILF on BTA appointments

 From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 2, 2021): Duterte to listen to MILF on BTA appointments (By Azer Parrocha)

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (File photo)

President Rodrigo Duterte will consider appointing a new set of Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) members based on nominations from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the government, Malacañang said on Tuesday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made this assurance after Duterte signed Republic Act (RA) 11593, a law that moves the election of officials of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) from 2022 to 2025.

“Well, ang appointment po talaga ng 80-man (the appointment of the 80-man) BARMM members is according to the law passed by Congress to be made by the President. So, antayin na lang po natin ang desisyon ng Presidente. Pero siyempre po hindi naman po pupuwedeng sabihin na balewala ang magiging boses ng MILF (So, let us wait for the decision of the President. Of course, they cannot ignore the voice of the MILF),” he said in a Palace press briefing.

Roque also expressed confidence that the provision that the BTA should be led by the MILF stays.

“Sigurado naman po ako mayorya ng mga ma-a-appoint ng Presidente ay manggagaling pa rin sa hanay ng MILF. Bagamat mayron din po yang appointees ang ating gobyerno (I am sure that the majority of those who will be appointed by the President will still come from the ranks of the MILF. Although our government also has appointees),” he added.

RA 11593 is an amendment to the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), which mandated that the first election for BARMM officials would be synchronized with the national elections in May 2022.

Under the new law, the Bangsamoro elections would now be synchronized with the 2025 national elections.

During the extension of the transition period, the BTA will continue to serve as the BARMM interim government.

However, the new law allows the President to appoint the 80 new interim members of the BTA who will serve until June 30, 2025 or until the election of their successors.

The BTA, led by Interim Chief Minister Ahod "Al Haj Murad" Ebrahim, has pushed for the extension of the BTA's term to give it more time to finish its task in restructuring the Bangsamoro government given delays in government programs caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ebrahim earlier thanked Duterte for signing the extension law, saying it will ensure “that the government-MILF Peace Process will be successful.”

“The call towards extending the transition period speaks the collective desire of the Bangsamoro people in making sure that we have a strong regional bureaucracy that can address our decades-long challenges and make sure that a brighter future awaits them,” he said.

The Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro between the government and MILF, signed in March 2014, allowed the creation of the BARMM in 2019.

Currently, the BARMM is under a transition period.

During the transition period, the interim Bangsamoro government will identify the new structural framework of the BARMM, taking into consideration the existing structure, budget, and other relevant features of the now-defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1158510