‘Part of God’s plan’: Brawner assumes post as new Army chief, looks back on near-death experiences

From the Manila Bulletin (Dec 10, 2021): ‘Part of God’s plan’: Brawner assumes post as new Army chief, looks back on near-death experiences (By Martin Sadongdong)

Maj. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. officially took command of the 104,000-strong Philippine Army (PA) as its 65th Commanding General in a Change of Command hybrid ceremony on Friday, Dec. 10, describing it as a “part of God’s plan” in his life.

Brawner replaced Lt. Gen. Andres Centino as the top man of the premier command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Centino, on the other hand, was appointed by President Duterte as the AFP Chief of Staff last month.

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (middle) presides over the Change of Command Ceremony between Lt. Gen. Andres Centino (left) and Major Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. (right), the outgoing and incoming Commanding General of the Philippine Army respectively, at the Army Headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Dec. 10, 2021. (Screenshot from Philippine Army livestream)

Department of National Defense (DND) Sec. Delfin Lorenzana presided over the ceremony at the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City while other military commanders attended virtually due to the prevailing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

Looking back, Brawner said it was as if becoming the Army chief was his destiny. He recalled a time where he was one of the passengers of the ill-fated C-130 aircraft that crashed in Sulu in July this year.

Brawner was saved since he alighted from the chopper midway of the flight in Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro City while the rest of the passengers, mostly newly trained soldiers, were transported to Jolo for their first mission. More than 50 soldiers died in the air mishap.

In October also this year, Brawner was riding a Philippine Air Force helicopter en route to visit one of the Army’s forward operating detachments in Pantaron Range in Mindanao when they were fired upon by the New People’s Army (NPA). One of the choppers was hit multiple times, forcing them to make an emergency landing.

In 1986 when he was a second year cadet at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), Brawner said he was struggling and wanted to go out of the academy by deliberately failing his Math subject – a major subject with five units. The deliberate attempt, however, was noticed by the Dean of the Academics so he gave the young Brawner a pep talk and passed him conditionally.

“And so today, I stand before you as the 65th Commanding General of the Philippine Army not with pride in my heart but with gratitude and humility, knowing that this was all part of God’s plan,” Brawner said in his assumption speech.

Major General Romeo Brawner Jr. (File photo from Philippine Army)

Brawner said that he would focus on taking care of the troops’ health, morale, and welfare as well as the honing of their skills and competencies “to ensure that they can accomplish the missions given to them.”

Prior to this, Brawner was the commander of the 4th Infantry Division and oversaw the military operations in Northern Mindanao and Caraga. He led the 4ID in neutralizing high-ranking communist leaders, the most recent of whom was Jorge “Ka Oris” Madlos, the head of the NPA National Operations Command.

He is also a battle-tested military officer, having been designated as the deputy commander of the Task Group Ranao and spokesperson of Task Force Marawi during the Marawi siege.

He also assumed as brigade commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade based in Marawi City before he was elevated as the Commandant of Cadets at the PMA. Unfortunately, it was under his stint that a freshman cadet, Darwin Dormitorio, died due to alleged hazing.

This incident prompted Brawner to prioritize eradicating hazing in the premier military training institution before he resigned from post.

During his younger years, Brawner also held various key positions in the AFP including as commanding officer of the 2nd Special Forces Battalion; Chief of Staff of the 6th Infantry Division; spokesperson of the Philippine Army and Armed Forces of the Philippines; and regiment commander of the Civil Military Operations Regiment.

Brawner is a product of the PMA “Makatao” Class of 1989 where he graduated salutatorian. He was also the class “baron” or regiment commander of the Cadet Corps.

He has three master degrees under his name: Master of Science in Information Management from the Ateneo de Manila University, Master of Business Administration (Management of Technology) from the Asian Institute of Technology in Thailand, and Master in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College. He also graduated from the European School of Management in Oxford, United Kingdom.

Meanwhile, Lorenzana commended Centino for his tour of duty as the 64th PA Commanding General, and challenged Brawner to emulate or even surpass his predecessor’s achievements. Centino is a graduate of the PMA “Maringal” Class of 1988.

As Army Chief, Centino pursued four significant thrusts which focused on implementing intelligence-driven operations; optimal use of resources; advancement of professionalism and meritocracy in the organization; and perfection of ownership of military camps and reservations for capability and base development.

Centino had visited remote detachments and patrols bases as part of his commitment to boost the troops’ morale, check their readiness, and reiterate the AFP’s drive to eradicate insurgency within the June 2022 deadline set by President Duterte.

“As I relinquish my command, I would like to remind you that we need to continue to pursue mission accomplishment and the morale and welfare of our personnel in complementing approaches. Make your presence known to the troops, visit their units and stands in remote locations and furthermost outposts of our country,” Centino told Brawner.

“Our troops will be more determined and motivated to do their jobs when they see, talk with, and confide with you their needs and problems. Give our troops that winning edge to fight and win our battles,” he added.

https://mb.com.ph/2021/12/10/part-of-gods-plan-brawner-assumes-post-as-new-army-chief-looks-back-on-near-death-experiences/

Govt troops overrun NPA lair in Agusan del Norte

From the Manila Times (Dec 10, 2021): Govt troops overrun NPA lair in Agusan del Norte (By Francis Earl Cueto)

STATE troops overran a New People's Army (NPA) hideout after an encounter in Agusan del Norte on Wednesday, the Philippine Army said on Friday.

Members of the 23rd Infantry Battalion (IB) penetrated the NPA lair along Sitio Taub, Barangay Rizal, Buenavista.

According to Lt. Col. Julius Cesar Paulo, the 23IB commander, the troops responded to reports coming from residents of the presence of NPA rebels.

"After the 10-minute armed encounter, the rebels abandoned their position as they scampered to different directions," Paulo said.

Paulo said the rebels were being led by a certain Rogelio Gerondio alias Napnap of the Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad Sagay of the NPA North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).

"Our troops recovered one M14 rifle with three magazines. We also recovered from the hideout two containers filled with some 200 M-14 and M-16 rounds of ammunition," he said.

Paulo said the NPA may have casualties or injured members due to the traces left behind.

"We immediately conducted clearing and pursuit operations where our troops discovered bloodstains in their escape routes," Paulo said.

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

https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/12/10/news/govt-troops-overrun-npa-lair-in-agusan-del-norte/1825460

Gov’t soldiers recover 3 guns after clash with rebels in Cagayan

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 10, 2021): Gov’t soldiers recover 3 guns after clash with rebels in Cagayan (By: Villamor Visaya Jr.)

Government troops recovered these guns from the skirmish site in Gattaran town, Cagayan province on Wednesday, Dec. 8. (Photo courtesy of the 5th Infantry Division)

Army soldiers from the 77th Infantry Battalion recovered three guns after a five-minute skirmish Wednesday, Dec. 8, with New People’s Army rebels, in Gattaran town, Cagayan province, the military said Friday.

Capt. Rigor Pamittan, 5th Infantry Division’s new spokesperson, said the government soldiers were patrolling Sitio Salong in Barangay Tanglagan when an undetermined number of communist guerrillas attacked them.

Pamittan said the rebels belong to the Komiteng Probinsya Cagayan- Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley.

He said the soldiers fought back, forcing the rebels to withdraw. No one was killed or injured from both camps.

Seized after the encounter were a carbine and two Springfield rifles used by the rebels.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1526281/govt-soldiers-recover-3-guns-after-clash-with-rebels-in-cagayan

Military: No truth in reports of 'secret meeting' to invade Sabah

From the Philippine Star (Dec 10, 2021): Military: No truth in reports of 'secret meeting' to invade Sabah (Roel Pareño)

Joint Task Force Sulu is headquartered in Busbus, Jolo  Joint Task Force Sulu Facebook page

There is no truth to reports that the province of Sulu is recruiting a militia to takeover Sabah, military officials said.

Joint Task Force Sulu issued the statement in response to reports of a supposed secret meeting held by officials of the province. South China Morning Post, citing "a senior regional security source" said the meeting involved 19 mayors of Sulu and included talk of recruiting 600 men to invade Sabah.

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The joint task force said the meeting initiated by the provincial government was about increasing security measures that the military provides the province.

It said local government units were taking additional measures to boost the confidence of Sulu residents and investors by enacting a "Bantay Dagat" project. The task force, through a spokesperson, "totally [denies] such invasion of Sabah reports."


Malaysian news site The Star quotes a regional intelligence source as saying the supposed plan may be related to upcoming polls. "It is more a political play to win the elections. Whoever brings up the Sabah claim can gain greater support from the Tausug community," The Star quotes is source as saying.

Joint Task Force Sulu said Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan Sr. and the 19 mayors of the province met last week to develop a project to strengthen the maritime borders of Sulu.

The "Bantay Dagat" project will involve the municipal and barangay governments and will recruit fisherfolk and seafarers as force multipliers in conducting patrols in coordination with the military.

The volunteers will also be used in disaster response in coastal and maritime areas, the joint task force said.

An insider said the Sabah issue was mentioned but only in passing.

"But there was nothing serious in it, it was just like barbers talking. It was just an idea with no personality and the least to say it was a waste of time," the source added.
Sabah dispute

The Sulu sultanate used to rule over parts of southern Philippines and Sabah. In 1963, the British government transferred Sabah to the Federation of Malaysia.

The Philippines claims that Sabah was only leased, not ceded, to the British North Borneo Co. The heirs of the sultan of Sulu continue to receive lease payments for Sabah.

Malaysia, however, maintains that the international community has been recognizing Sabah as part of its territory since the formation of the federation in 1963.

A standoff occurred nearly a decade ago in Sabah and sparked an offensive by Malaysian forces when an heir of the Sultanate of Sulu and more than 200 followers from Tawi-Tawi landed in the Lahad Datu district.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2021/12/10/2147066/military-no-truth-reports-secret-meeting-invade-sabah

11ID fetes 4 soldiers, militiaman for gallantry

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Dec 10, 2021): 11ID fetes 4 soldiers, militiaman for gallantry

ZAMBOANGA. The 11th Infantry Division (ID) awards the Wounded Personnel Medal (WPM) to four soldiers of the 45th Infantry Battalion and a militiaman for gallantry in the fight against the Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sulu. A photo handout shows Major General William Gonzales, 11ID commander, pinning a medal to one of the awardee-soldiers Monday, December 6, at Camp Navarro General Hospital, Zamboanga City. (SunStar Zamboanga)

THE 11th Infantry Division has awarded Wounded Personnel Medal (WPM) to four soldiers of the 45th Infantry Battalion and a militiaman for gallantry in the fight against the Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sulu.

The recipients of the WPM were Corporal Sydney Tangguiyac, Private Aljade Jamjiron, Private Brayan Marfe, Private Edmun Ferrer, and militiaman Nadzmir Majili.

Each of them also received P20,000 cash gifts from Major General William Gonzales, 11ID commander, who led the awarding of medal Monday, December 6, at Camp Navarro General Hospital, Zamboanga City.

Gonzales said the medal awardees were injured during a clash against some 30 Abu Sayyaf bandits led by Radullan Sahiron on Sunday, December 5, in Danag and Maligay villages, Patikul, Sulu.

“We thank you for your service and sacrifices. Know that the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Filipinos are proud of you,” Gonzales said.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant General Alfredo Rosario, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command, commended the 11ID troopers for your continuous dedication and selfless service to the country and people.

“May the recognition (award) be an added motivation in your efforts to quell terrorism in Sulu,” Rosario added.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1915512/Zamboanga/Local-News/11ID-fetes-4-soldiers-militiaman-for-gallantry

Bukit Aman: Meeting of southern Philippines ‘mayors’ on security matters, not plotting to attack Sabah

Posted to the Malay Mail (Dec 10, 2021): Bukit Aman: Meeting of southern Philippines ‘mayors’ on security matters, not plotting to attack Sabah

Eastern Command from Commander Datuk Ahmad Fuad Othman (left) handing over duties to Hamzah Ahmad, witnessed by Chief Minister Datuk Hajiji Noor and Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Idris Abdullah. — Borneo Post Online pic

The recent meeting of 19 “mayors” from southern Philippines was about security plans to defend their area from the threats of elements, and not a new plot to capture Sabah.

Bukit Aman Department of Internal Security and Public Order director Datuk Hazani Ghazali said the allegation that the meeting was to plan a new plot to capture Sabah was fake news manipulated by certain parties.

He said the fake news was a manipulation by certain individuals who were envious of the peace and security achieved in the state and Malaysia as a whole.

“The information is not valid (authentic), we received information that the meeting is focused on security there to defend themselves from terrorist elements, ‘lawless elements’ and so on, and that they want to invite more investors (to the area).

“This information was distorted, this is not a ‘state act’ (act of state) but more of an individual (action). No matter what, we in the security forces are always vigilant, (for) Sabah and the whole of Malaysia, we are always ready, this is our land we will definitely defend,” he said at a media conference at Menara Kinabalu here today.

Earlier, he attended the handover ceremony of Eastern Command from Commander Datuk Ahmad Fuad Othman to Hamzah Ahmad, witnessed by Chief Minister Datuk Hajiji Noor and Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Idris Abdullah.

Recently, the media reported that a meeting to hatch plans to attack Sabah was believed to have been held in the southern Philippines, where there were allegedly plans to recruit 600 militia to attack the state as well as to send spies (for reconnaissance).

Hazani said the Malaysian security forces enjoyed close cooperation with the security forces of neighbouring countries involving the exchange of information on nefarious elements.

“More or less, every time there is a big event there like an election, there will be incidents cropping up like this we have (existing) cooperation, if there is a threat, the neighbouring security forces will channel information to us, like if the Abu Sayyaf group enters Sabah, we get information from them,” he said.

Meanwhile, Hamzah said he would ensure close cooperation with all security forces on the east coast of Sabah to maintain peace and security in the area, especially in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone).

“I will review what needs to be reinforced and carry out improvements in deployment to boost security and ensure we are always safe and secure,” he said.

International media yesterday reported that a secret meeting was held on December 1, organised by a senior Sulu local government official attended by 19 mayors there, to discuss the establishment of the “Royal Sulu Army” to capture Sabah, with 11 of the mayors present agreeing to the plan.

The attack on Sabah is alleged to take place in February next year.

Yesterday, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani said the security in Sabah is well under control.

Acryl Sani said so far, no confirmation had been received by his department to verify the intended plot.

He said the information was believed to have been manipulated by those who were envious of the country’s security level, as well as the close ties between Sabah and the southern Philippines.

“PDRM takes the matter seriously and will take immediate action to increase preparedness at the highest level in Sabah to face any eventualities and the threat of intrusion.

“We give our commitment in this matter to prevent any recurrence of incursion incidents in Sabah. PDRM has good relations with the Philippine authorities and shares intelligence information on any activities that could threaten the close relationship and security of the two countries,” he said in a statement yesterday night.

Acryl Sani said the police were always ready to deal with any threat, and efforts would also be intensified to detect and identify sleeper cells in Sabah which may be involved in the conspiracy.

According to him, any attempt to threaten the security and sovereignty of the country by any party will be subject to stern action. — Borneo Post Online

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2021/12/10/bukit-aman-meeting-of-southern-philippines-mayors-on-security-matters-not-p/2027559

Sulu soldiers allowed to go home for holidays

From the Philippine Star (Dec 11, 2021): Sulu soldiers allowed to go home for holidays (Roel Pareño)

Soldiers in Sulu will be allowed to go home in batches to spend the Christmas holiday with their families following the successful operations against Abu Sayyaf bandits.

“The soldiers will be having their Christmas break after relentlessly helping us secure Sulu. Let’s give them time to celebrate with their families,” Lt. Jerica Angela Manongdo, public affairs officer of the Joint Task Force Sulu, said.

She said the soldiers were not able to go on a Christmas break for two years due to relentless offensives against Abu Sayyaf bandits and quarantine restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Manongdo said soldiers who are not from Sulu would be transported by a C-130 plane from Sulu to Zamboanga and Manila.

She gave assurance that the campaign against Abu Sayyaf bandits would continue even during the holidays.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2021/12/11/2147174/sulu-soldiers-allowed-go-home-holidays

Esscom cripples two Abu Sayyaf clans, says retiring chief

Posted to the Daily Express (Dec 10, 2021): Esscom cripples two Abu Sayyaf clans, says retiring chief

Since its establishment in 2013, the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) has crippled 41 Abu Sayyaf group clans that involved in kidnapping for ransom activities in Sabah.

Its commander Datuk Ahmad Fuad Othman attributed the success to swift intelligence exchange between ESSCom, the Sulu Joint Task Force and the Western Mindanao Command military team.

“Two of the Abu Sayyaf group clans, namely Hatib Munap Binda and Jemaah Group led by Ustaz Mamay Aburi were crippled during my tenure as ESSCom Commander,” he told reporters after a parade to mark his retirement, here, on Wednesday.

Ahmad Fuad also shared the success of three joint special operations with the Philippines in neutralising nine main targets of Abu Sayyaf, thus maintaining zero kidnappings in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone).

“No kidnappings occured during my tenure and this is due to the close cooperation with security forces from the Philippines and Indonesia,” said Ahmad Fuad who will retire on Dec 11.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Fuad said several plans had been drawn up by ESSCom to strengthen security control in the ESSZone, including the proposal to build General Operations Force posts in populated areas.

“ESSCom also proposed that a Forward Operation Base of the Air Operation Force be established in Tawau to house all the assets and facilitate their maintenance works,” he added.

Ahmad Fuad also reminded all members of the security forces in the ESSZone against abetting cross-border criminals or syndicates in conducting their illegal activities.

https://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news/183209/esscom-cripples-two-abu-sayyaf-clans-says-retiring-chief-/

CPP/NPA-Negros: Mainit nga pagpanginbulahan sa mga madinalag-on nga opensiba sang Pulang hukbo sa isla sang Negros

Propaganda statement posted to the PRWC Newsroom (Dec 10, 2021): Mainit nga pagpanginbulahan sa mga madinalag-on nga opensiba sang Pulang hukbo sa isla sang Negros

JUANITO MAGBANUA

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-NEGROS

December 10, 2021

Ginapaabot sang Apolinario Gatmaitan Command (AGC) ang mainit nga pagpanginbulahan kag pagdayaw sa tanan nga mga Pulang hangaway sa isla sang Negros ilabi na sa mga katapu sang New People’s Army sa idalum sang Leonardo Panaligan Command-New People’s Army (LPC-NPA) Central Negros Front sa maisogon nga pagpaninguha nga atubangon ang mabaskog nga atake sang pasista nga pwersa sang Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) kag Philippine National Police (PNP).

Halin sang madinalag-on nga pag-ambus sang LPC-NPA sa ginkombina nga tropa sang 62nd kag 79th Infantry Battalion sadtong Nobyembre 3, sunod-sunod gilayon ang paglunsar sang mga madinalag-on nga taktikal nga opensiba sa Central Negros. Ang paglunsar sang mga taktikal nga opensiba nga ginapatigayon sang mga katapu sang NPA sa isla sang Negros nakabase sa direktiba sang rehiyunal nga komand sang NPA kag sa pagtuman sa panawagan sang Partido nga maglunsar sang masunson kag malapnagon nga pagpakig-away gerilya sa bilog nga pungsod.

Indi mangin madinalag-on ang mga taktikal nga opensiba sang NPA kung wala ang madalom kag malapad nga suporta sang pumuluyo ilabi na sang masang mangunguma. Ang NPA ang nagabulig sang ila paghimakas para sa matuod nga reporma sa duta kag sa iban pa nga paghimakas batok sa tanan nga porma sang pagpanghimulos kag pagpamigos.

Akig na ang masa kay Duterte kag sa mga pasista nga hinimoan sang mga idu-ido sini sa ila operasyon militar sa kaumhan. Indi na maisip ang mga paglapas sang ila tawhanon nga kinamatarung sang mersenaryo nga AFP/PNP kag berdugo nga rehimen Duterte. Dugay na nga ginasinggitan sang hustisya ang pumuluyo kag nagapanawagan sa NPA para sa pagpangapin sang ila tawhanon nga kinamatarung.

Resulta sang malapnagon kag mabaskog nga operasyon militar sa kaumhan ang pagkahamulag sang kaaway sa malapad nga masa. Nagasandig ang AFP/PNP sa brutalidad, pagpamahug kag pagpaniplang agud iduso ila kabutigan nga mawasak ang rebolusyonaryong kahublagan sa bilog pungsod sa Hunyo 2022.

Ginapanawagan sang AGC-NPA sa tanan nga larangan gerilya sa isla sa Negros nga upod sa masang pigos kag ginhimuslan nga palapnagon ang paglunsar sang mga taktikal nga opensiba para pangapinan ang interes sang pumuluyo kag pabayaron sang mahal ang mga may utang nga dugo sa pumuluyo kag rebolusyon. Paabansehon ang halintang sang armado nga rebolusyon halin sa estratihiko nga depensiba pakadto sa estratihiko nga pagkapatas kag estratihiko nga opensiba tubtob sa lubos nga kadalag-an.

Mabuhay ang CPP, NPA kag NDF!
Mabuhay ang masang pigos!

https://prwcinfo.wordpress.com/2021/12/10/mainit-nga-pagpanginbulahan-sa-mga-madinalag-on-nga-opensiba-sang-pulang-hukbo-sa-isla-sang-negros/

CPP/NPA-Negros: AGC-NPA Negros commends Red fighters for successful offensives

Propaganda statement posted to the PRWC Newsroom (Dec 10, 2021): AGC-NPA Negros commends Red fighters for successful offensives

JUANITO MAGBANUA

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-NEGROS

December 10, 2021

Amid massive military operations in the hinterlands of Negros, Ka Juanito Magbanua, spokesperson of the Apolinario Gatmaitan Command – New People’s Army Negros Island Regional Operation Command (AGC-NPA), congratulated and commended all Red fighters in the Island for bravely confronting attacks of “fascist forces of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP).

In a statement released today, December 10, Magbanua particularly saluted NPA units under the Leonardo Panaligan Command-NPA Central Negros Front (LPC-NPA).

“Since the LPC-NPA’s ambush of combined troops of the 62nd and 79th Infantry Battalion last November 3, successful tactical offensives were continually mounted in Central Negros,” he said.

Magbanua was referring to several harassment and sniping operations against military troops and detachments, and two raids of an illegal cockfighting activity and a military safe house as well.

The mentioned military actions are as follows:
November 3, 3PM – ambush of 69IB and 79IB troops at boundaries of Sitios Nakuruhan and Maluy-a, Barangay Quintin Remo, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental (9 soldiers killed-in-action, 2 R4 Rifles seized)

November 9, 7PM – harassment of 94IB troops at Barangay Amontay, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental (3 soldiers killed-in-action)

November 21, 4:30PM – harassment of military detachment at Sitio Mamballo, Barangay Quintin Remo, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental

December 3, 8PM – sniping operation at CAFGU detachment, Barangay Guba, Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental (1 soldier killed-in-action)

December 4, 4:30PM – raid of Guihulngan police guarding illegal cockfighting activities at Sitio Makulos, Barangay Bulado, Guihulngan City (police woman captured and released unharmed after interrogation)

December 4, in the evening – raid of military safe house at Barangay Kalupaan, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental (2 military packs recovered)

According to Magbanua, tactical offensives launched by NPA members in Negros Island is “based on the directive of its regional command and adhered to the Party’s [CPP] call for intensive and extensive guerrilla warfare in the entire country.”

He added that NPA tactical offensives will not succeed without the deep and widespread support of the people especially the peasant masses.

“The NPA helps them in their struggle for genuine land reform and in their resistance of all forms of exploitation and oppression,” Magbanua stated in his statement.

“The masses are angry with Duterte and at the fascist acts of his lackeys in their military operations in the countrysides,” he said.

Magbanua remarked that human rights violations of the AFP/PNP and the bloodthirsty Duterte regime are too many to count, and the people have long been crying for justice and calling for the NPA to defend their human rights.

Furthermore, he said that “the enemy is isolated from the broad masses as a result of widespread and massive military operations.”

“The AFP/PNP are depending on brutality, threats and deception to assert its lie of destroying the revolutionary movement in the whole country by June 2022,” Magbanua said.

The AGC-NPA then called on all guerrilla fronts in Negros Island to “intensify further its tactical offensives along with the oppressed and exploited masses to defend the interest of the people and make those with blood debts to the people and the revolution pay dearly.”

It also directed its NPA units to advance the armed revolution from strategic defensive to strategic stalemate and strategic offensive until total victory.###

https://prwcinfo.wordpress.com/2021/12/10/agc-npa-negros-commends-red-fighters-for-successful-offensives/

CPP/NDF-Southern Mindanao: To rebel against tyranny is a human right!

Propaganda statement posted to the PRWC Newsroom (Dec 10, 2021): To rebel against tyranny is a human right!

RUBI DEL MUNDO

NDF-SOUTHERN MINDANAO

December 10, 2021

When a tyrannical regime unleashes a three-pronged war meant to license the sellout of the country’s economic and political sovereignty; when we are denied even the most elemental social services such as healthcare and education, especially during a raging public health crisis; when the regime’s fascist armed forces execute or incarcerate thousands of civilians, mothers, elderly, activists or political opponents; when the anti-revolution ruling clique scapegoats the revolutionary movement for the masses’ myriad of miseries in order to pillage public coffers for the perpetuation of its dynasty, the Filipino people have no other recourse but to wield their right to resolutely rebel against the tyrannical regime and the very root of the system that dehumanizes them.

Duterte is the number one human rights violator who helmed and continues to carry out the three-pronged war that holds his five-year old fascist dictatorship together—his so-called war on drugs to monopolize the drug trade in cahoots with Chinese drug syndicates; his counter-insurgency war to sow terror against all forms of resistance, especially the revolutionary armed struggle; and his all-out war against the rest of the Filipino people to corner bureaucratic loot, escape accountability and perpetuate his clique in reactionary power. As the death toll and litany of human rights violations mount in his warpath, Duterte has been judged by the people to be guilty beyond reasonable doubt and hold him accountable for five years of state terror.

The past year has been witness to a relentless and indiscriminate spree of air strikes and artillery shelling by the Armed Forces of the Philippines in many parts of the country. The disproportionate and gratuitous, not to mention extortionate, shock-and-awe tactic is straight out of the counter-insurgency playbook of Duterte’s US imperialist warhawk master and has been condemned worldwide as utter contravention of the international humanitarian law and war conventions. Just as the US bombarded the civilian populace of Afghanistan, Syria, and the rest of the Middle East, the fascist Duterte regime dropped 500-lb bombs in Dolores, Eastern Samar in August and more recently in Miag-ao, Iloilo City.

It rained missiles and launched bombs in the peasant and Lumad communities of Davao de Oro, Agusan del Sur, North Cotabato, in Davao City and in other parts of Southern Mindanao, leaving terrorized civilians in its wake. This excessive use of military force was in full display when the AFP’s 69 missiles and bombs bombarded the ancestral land and communities of the Manobo Lumad in Talaingod in September until October over a span of only 34 days. The aerial bombings and artillery shelling will surely escalate, along with human rights violations that come with them, as the AFP beefs up its war arsenal with expensive and destructive military hardware.

The AFP and the mythomaniac National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) have made war trophies out of their victims. They brag about the “influx of surrenderees” as crown jewels when in reality, a significant number of these “surrenderees” are unarmed civilians misrepresented as NPA fighters. A few of them were in fact captured Red fighters, and as such should have been conferred the status of prisoner-of-war with its attendant rights under the Geneva conventions. They were instead declared by the AFP as “NPA surrenderees,” in order to milk them for cash bounty, publicity mileage for the “success” of the AFP’s counter-insurgency campaign and justification for the existence and gargantuan budget of the NTF-ELCAC.

These “surrenderees” are held in duress, denied proper legal representation, and kept in military compounds with heavy surveillance and sometimes deprived the right to communicate with their families. Such is the case of Arian Jane Ramos and Jocy Papasin, both pregnant at the time of their capture, who were presented to the media by the spin doctors of the Eastern Mindanao Command as “surrenderees,” pressured to go along with a storyline, thereby obfuscating their rightful status as prisoners of war.

The summary executions, meanwhile, of revolutionaries Jorge “Ka Oris” Madlos, Alvin “Ka Joaquin” Luque and Jhon “Ka Parts” Niebres Peñaranda and many others are downright violations of their human rights and acts of cowardice by the AFP. These comrades have no means to defend themselves when they were murdered in cold blood by AFP and PNP troops. Indiscriminate and excessive aerial bombings and artillery shelling, fake “surrenderees” and summary executions of hors de combat revolutionaries must therefore be investigated.

To righteously rebel against an unjust system is the very principle of the national democratic revolution. The people’s war is just, not only because it adheres to international humanitarian laws and rules of engagement in war, but also because it encapsulates the masses’ highest aspirations for a just social system where the downtrodden are not robbed of the fruits of their labor.

We call on our revolutionary forces to continue to lead the struggle for land, jobs and decent wages, adequate health services, free and quality education, food security, and other democratic rights. They must forge unity with the broad democratic front in order to unmask Duterte and his fascist armed forces in the international community and hold them accountable for their innumerable crimes against the people. The need for broader unity has become more pressing as the scions of Duterte and Marcos are hell-bent on ensuring the perpetuation of their corrupt and fascist dynasty.

In the time of Duterte’s tyranny, we are reminded that the realization of the true value of human rights necessitates the concrete unity and conscious action of the Filipino people. Otherwise, these hard-won rights will remain only on paper and become sitting targets of the fascist attacks of Duterte and the next fascist reactionary regime.

https://prwcinfo.wordpress.com/2021/12/10/to-rebel-against-tyranny-is-a-human-right/

Kalinaw News: CSPA leads Army’s year-end human resource management forum

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 10, 2021): CSPA leads Army’s year-end human resource management forum



FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – The Chief of Staff, Philippine Army (CSPA) Maj. Gen. Roberto Capulong led the Human Resource Management Year-end Conference and Workshop here at the Army’s main headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on December 9, 2021.

Human resource (HR) officers from various Philippine Army Major Units (PAMUs) participated in the virtual symposium facilitated by the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Personnel.

PA HR officers discussed responsive resolution of cases, purposive recruitment program, attrition system, and mechanism, personnel rationalization, and the updated database of the Philippine Army Human Resources Management Information System (PAHRMIS).

“Human resources are the most valuable resource of any organization. This activity has provided us with the opportunity to review and assess the responsiveness and appropriateness of the Philippine Army’s personnel-related services,” said the CSPA.

[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/cspa-leads-armys-year-end-human-resource-management-forum/

Kalinaw News: New Army Chief lays out the plan for the Philippine Army

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 10, 2021): New Army Chief lays out the plan for the Philippine Army

FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – Newly designated Commanding General of the Philippine Army (CGPA) Maj. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner, Jr., laid out his three-fold plan for the 100,000-strong Philippine Army in his assumption speech today, December 10, at the Headquarters Philippine Army Grandstand (HPAG).

The 65th CGPA said that he will focus on taking care of the health, morale, and welfare of troops; honing their skills and competencies; ensuring that all resources will reach all Army units.

“We will make sure that the Army soldier and his family are well-taken care of—the soldier after all is the most precious resource of the Army. We will make sure that soldiers are healthy not just physically but also mentally,” the CGPA remarked.

“We will enhance further the competencies and skills of our soldiers and our units so that they are well-trained and well equipped and well-prepared to meet the challenges of fighting the enemies of the state while protecting our people.

Moreover, Maj. Gen. Brawner said that the command will push down the needed resources to field units nationwide. The CGPA said these plans will further capacitate troops to “effectively and efficiently” comply with the Commander-in-Chief’s mandate to end the local communist armed conflict by June 2022. He also vowed to help the Commission on Elections (Comelec) pursue a credible, orderly, and honest May 2022 national election.

Maj. Gen. Brawner also commended his immediate predecessor Lt. Gen. Andres Centino who was designated as the 57th AFP Chief of Staff on November 12, 2021.

Pres. Rodrigo Duterte appointed Maj. Gen. Brawner’s as the 65th CGPA on December 7. Under Maj. Gen. Brawner’s leadership, the 4th Infantry Division neutralized high-ranking CTG personalities in Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions including Jorge Madlos alias Ka Oris, head of the NPA’s National Operational Command.

[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/new-army-chief-lays-out-the-plan-for-the-philippine-army/

Kalinaw News: Surrendered NPA Commander causes other Three NPA members to yield in Cotabato

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 10, 2021): Surrendered NPA Commander causes other Three NPA members to yield in Cotabato

MAKILALA, COTABATO – Three (3) New People’s Army (NPA) members of Guerilla Front (GF) ALIP, Far South Mindanao Regional Committee (FSMRC) submitted themselves to Congressman Rudy S. Caoagdan of the 2nd District of North Cotabato at 1:00 p.m. today, December 10, 2021.

Alias Jian and alias Rojen both 22 years old and alias Bador 39 years old all residents of the municipality of Makilala decided to return to the folds of the law after finding out that their leader alias Borjack abandoned the armed struggle.

The successful surrender of the FRs was realized through the intervention of Congressman Caogdan who engaged and encouraged them to surrender to the government and choose to live peacefully together with their families.

During their initial debriefing, the FRs disclosed that they turned in knowing that their former leader surrendered to 39IB and realized that armed revolution is not the key to solve the problems of society.

Congressman Caoagdan in an interview said, “The government, most especially the military forces, is so happy to know that our rebel friends have seen the gradual intervention in pursuit of preventing armed conflict. The military is always doing the best approach to make sure that our friends from the other side will turn back to us and help us in our journey of a changed community, a developed and peaceful one.”

The surrenderees are now undergoing custodial debriefing and need assessment for their enrollment to E-CLIP.

[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/surrendered-npa-commander-causes-other-three-npa-members-to-yield-in-cotabato/

Kalinaw News: Bike for Peace: Stakeholders support Barangay Development Program

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 10, 2021): Bike for Peace: Stakeholders support Barangay Development Program



MAKILALA, COTABATO – Government, youth and civic organizations joined the Whole of Nation (WoN) Approach through Bike for Peace: Medical Mission and Community Outreach in Sitio Bandera, Brgy Balabag, Digos City, Davao del Sur to support the ongoing Barangay Development Program (BDP) today, December 10, 2021.

It can be recalled that Sitio Bandera, Barangay Balabag has been one of the most conflict-stricken areas in Digos and has served as the main battleground between government forces and communist terrorist group due to its infiltration.

This activity aims to continuously promote the sustainable development of former conflict-affected areas which ensures that formerly neglected rural communities are provided with well-established quality government services.

The activity was participated in by 200 bike enthusiasts from all over Digos City headed by Hon Ian Llanos bringing medicine and other provisions for the conduct of the medical mission and civic action in the recipient barangay.

Through the combined efforts of the Local Government Unit of Digos City headed by Mayor Josef Cagas, Caring Hearts Group, members of 603rd Technical and Administrative Service Group led by LTC Mary Christine Daligdig (MC) RES, NLC Construction, Davao del Sur Police Provincial Office under PCOL Giuseppe Geralde, Digos City Police led by PLTC Hamlet Lerios, City Veterinary Office, City Agriculturist, PNP-RPSB, Youth For Peace Movement-Davao del Sur Chapter, Barangay Officials and 39IB, they were able to cater up to 115 families of Barangay Balabag by providing free circumcision, legal consultation, checkup, medicine, food and school supplies.

[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/bike-for-peace-stakeholders-support-barangay-development-program/

Kalinaw News: CPP NPA Terrorists are the True Human Rights Violators

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 10, 2021): CPP NPA Terrorists are the True Human Rights Violators



The 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, your Army in Western and Central Visayas is mandated to protect the people at all times. Upholding their rights and dignity is always our top priority in everything we do.

The people’s fervent desire for violence and CPP NPA Terrorists-free community drives us to be offensive against these terrorists. We are only fulfilling the people’s cry for justice for all the victims of these terrorist groups’ atrocities and terroristic actions.

As legitimate armed forces, we must defend the people in our area of responsibility against these NPA terrorists who are blatantly abusing the rights and dignity of the civilians for more than fifty decades. These rampant human rights violations of NPAs prompted the Armed Forces of the Philippines Center for the Law on Armed Conflict (AFPCLOAC) to submit an initial 1, 672 NPA’s human rights violations in Commission on Human Rights (CHR). These crimes were recorded from 2010 to 1st semester of this year.

Undeniably, NPA Terrorists are the true human rights violators. October of this year, there are an additonal of 166 new violations have been recorded perpetuated by this terrorist group: 16 cases of recruitment and use of child combatants, 10 cases of destruction of civilian-owned properties, 113 cases of anti-personnel mine use, 20 cases of willful killings and 7 other alleged violations of international humanitarian law.

All of these violations perpetrated by this terrorist group were already submitted to CHR, Department of Justice (DOJ) and United Nation (UN). They are now informed about the lawlessness of the CPP-NPA terrorists to the Filipino communities.

Let us be wary of these terrorists, for they are hiding behind the mask of fake human rights advocates. Let us not be fooled by their deceptive tactics and maneuvers. They are experts in fabricating and propagating false accusations and stories. They are trained to blame and point their guilty fingers at government security forces like us to cover their crimes.

In the spirit of impartiality and justice, we are very much open to any independent investigation, particularly of those conducted by the CHR on our military actions, especially the recent encounter in Miag-ao that left nine dead NPAs. The IPPO SOCO and EOD Teams that processed the scene of the incident will negate any and all false claims made by groups pretending to be human rights defenders, that properties, agricultural farmlands, and local communities were subjected to indiscriminate use of military assets.

Also, we called upon them to investigate the CPP NPA’s recruitment of youth, for two of the fatalities in the said encounter were minors when recruited to join the group.

In celebration of the world wide Human Rights Day, we all aspire for better humanity with a greater sense of empathy and understanding of others; hence, we cannot allow these terrorists to deliberately violate the human rights of the people we oath to serve. We will not rest on our laurels with the people on our side until we put their decades-long cruelty of CPP NPA terrorists to its end.

MGen Benedict M Arevalo PA, Commander, 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, Philippine Army, in the Annual Celebration of Human Rights Day, December 10, 2021.

[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/cpp-npa-terrorists-are-the-true-human-rights-violators/

Kalinaw News: Female CNT member returns to the folds of the law

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 10, 2021): Female CNT member returns to the folds of the law



CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela- Another member of Communist NPA Terrorist returned to the folds of the law through the Isabela Provincial Task Force-End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) in Sitio Tapigue, Barangay Ayod, Dinapigue, Isabela on December 09, 2021.

Hardships and psychological torture were the reasons why alias Gladys, 29 years old, member of Section Guerilla Unit of the Regional Sentro De Grabidad, Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley, voluntarily surrendered to the government. She joined the Communist Terrorist Group on February 05, 2016, under the command of a certain alias Davao. However, when her comrade died in an encounter, alias Gladys then realized that she is sacrificing her life for nothing in the CTG.

Additionally, alias Gladys also learned about the voluntary surrender of her former comrades on December 7, 2021, which also made her decide to return to the folds of the law.

Members of the Isabela PTF-ELCAC immediately assisted the former rebel in her reintegration to be able to go back to mainstream society.

MGen Laurence E Mina, Commander of 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army thanked the former rebel for her decision to abandon the terrorist group and live with the true government. “There is nothing better than to live your life with peace and comfort with your family. I will not falter in encouraging the remaining members of the CTG. Come and return to the folds of the law. Your loved ones are waiting for you and we are ready to assist you in every way we can.”

[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/female-cnt-member-returns-to-the-folds-of-the-law/

Kalinaw News: 4ID Commander is the new CGPA

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 10, 2021): 4ID Commander is the new CGPA

Today, Major General Romeo S Brawner Jr, the Commander of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, is officially installed as the 65th Commanding General of the Philippine Army (CGPA) in a Change of Command Ceremony presided over by Secretary Delfin S Lorenzana of the Department of National Defense.

The 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, Philippine Army (4ID, PA), welcomes with pride and honor the designation of our Commander, Major General Romeo S Brawner Jr, as the new CGPA replacing the 57th AFP Chief Staff and outgoing CGPA, Lieutenant General Andres C Centino.

Major General Brawner’s vast combat experience and management skills, as well as his decorated military career and unblemished service reputation, led to the favorable endorsement of DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte subsequently approved his appointment to lead more than 100,000 Army troopers as CGPA effective December 7, 2021.

Maj Gen Brawner Jr. is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Makatao” Class of 1989. When he took over as Commander, 4ID on July 5, 2021, he led the Diamond troopers in the campaign against the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), putting 4ID in the history books for the neutralization of Jorge Madlos, alias Ka Oris, Head of the NPA’s National Operational Command (NOC).

Under the leadership of Maj Gen Brawner Jr, the 4ID was able to initiate 89 armed encounters that resulted in 25 CNTs killed, 48 CNTs apprehended or captured, and 138 CNTs who surrendered. Likewise, a total of 80 high-powered and low-powered firearms were captured during encounters; 44 high-powered and low-powered firearms were seized from arms caches; and 67 high-powered and low-powered firearms were surrendered by former rebels.

The 4ID also takes pride in the fact that the entire Philippine Army will continue to be under the helm of a Diamond trooper. Like everyone else, we are still awaiting for the next 4ID Commander who will lead the Diamond troopers in the campaign against the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) and continue the strong partnership with the civilian stakeholders through Task Force ELCAC in pursuit of a just and lasting peace.

Certainly, the Diamond troopers are always committed to be true to our mandate to serve the people and secure our area of responsibility in the Caraga and Northern Mindanao regions.

[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/4id-commander-is-the-new-cgpa/

Kalinaw News: WestMinCom Chief conferred with Marine Brigade Command Badge

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 10, 2021): WestMinCom Chief conferred with Marine Brigade Command Badge



Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – December 10, 2021

Maj. Gen. Ariel Caculitan, Commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps, awarded the Marine Brigade Command Badge (Honorary) to the Western Mindanao Command Chief, Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., during his visit to the command at Camp Navarro, Calarian, this city on December 9, 2021.

The award was accorded to the WestMinCom Commander for having operational control over the Marine units deployed in the Province of Tawi-Tawi, 2nd District of Sulu, Central Mindanao, and Zamboanga City that significantly contributed to the accomplishment of the Philippine Marine Corps’ mission.

Maj. Gen. Caculitan said the corps values the exceptional leadership of Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. and for that, aside from being a seasoned three-star army general, he is now recognized as a certified senior officer of the Philippine Marine Corps.

Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. expressed his gratitude to Maj. Gen. Caculitan for taking the time to visit the command and recognizing his contributions as a unified command chief to the corps. “Let us continue to live up to our best services and be an inspiration to our comrades-in-arms and our countrymen,” the WestMinCom Commander said.

Maj. Gen. Caculitan paid a courtesy call to the WestMinCom Commander at 3:30 p.m. Thursday. He was welcomed with full military honors during his arrival and was subsequently received by Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. at the Laong Laan Hall.

The two-star marine general is the 33rd Commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps. He is a proud member of the Philippine Military Academy “Makatao” Class of 1989. He is one of the few Naval Aviators who received the “Best in Flying” award.

[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/westmincom-chief-conferred-with-marine-brigade-command-badge/

Kalinaw News: Army holds Service Orientation Seminar for new 2nd Lieutenants

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 10, 2021): Army holds Service Orientation Seminar for new 2nd Lieutenants



FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – The Philippine Army, through its Army Personnel Management Center (APMC), conducted a Service Orientation for 64 newly minted 2nd Lieutenants at the Ricarte Hall of the Philippine Army Officers’ Club on December 8, 2021.

The 64 2nd Lieutenants underwent the service orientation program to familiarize them with the functions and responsibilities of the general staff and post units as well as the Army’s current thrusts and programs. They are part of the Officer Preparatory Course Class (OPC) 72-2020.

“A six months of rigorous training has capacitated you to lead our troops in combat and non-combat missions,” said APMC Deputy Director Lt. Col. Ronaldo Mateo.

“As you carry on with our sworn mandate to serve the people and secure the land, always remember to always uphold the Army’s core values of honor, patriotism, and duty,” Lt. Col. Mateo remarked.

[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-holds-service-orientation-seminar-for-new-2nd-lieutenants/

NTF-ELCAC: Tool for a peaceful and progressive society

From Palawan News (Dec 10, 2021): NTF-ELCAC: Tool for a peaceful and progressive society (By Maridel Pillo)

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) was established to provide mechanisms and ensure effective and efficient implementation of the Whole-of-Nation Approach (WNA) in the realization of an inclusive and sustainable peace.

Institutionalizing the WNA means the convergence of all government instrumentalities, the private sector, non-government organizations, and other stakeholders in the delivery of basic services and in peace-building programs, plans, and activities.

Since its implementation, the NTF-ELCAC has achieved a leap in terms of eliminating local armed conflict in just a matter of two years.

The task force had accomplished several projects and effectively addressed most of its plans and programs through its 12 operational clusters, namely, Situational Awareness and Knowledge Management; Local Government Empowerment; Strategic Communications; Sectoral Unification, Capacity Building, Empowerment, and Mobilization; Basic Services; Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment; Infrastructure and Resource Management; Local Peace Engagement, Peace, Law Enforcement, and Development Support; Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration and Amnesty Program; and International Engagement.

The task force’s accomplishments under its Basic Services Program include the 190 completed and 141 ongoing housing developments in Davao del Norte and Cagayan de Oro City through the National Housing Authority for the Indigenous People (IP) since 2016, the closure of Salugpungan Schools, the construction of 9,691 last-mile schools by the Department of Education from 2019 to 2021, the establishment of 8,244 barangay health stations by the Department of Health (DOH), and the electrification of 40 sitios by the National Electrification Administration (NEA).

Through the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood, and Employment Program, it has provided livelihood training to 194 barangays with 268 interventions from various agencies, as well as skills training to 710 barangays with 1,576 interventions from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, the Department of Education, and other agencies.

The Task Force also installed solar lighting and charging systems, formed cooperatives, delivered funding to agrarian reform recipients, established vegetable and poultry farms, and provided former rebels with livelihood kits, as well as established Project IPEACE in IP villages.

The task force’s Peace, Law Enforcement, Development, and Security Program had dismantled 16 guerilla fronts and 6 regional guerilla units while weakening five others; filed International Humanitarian Law violations against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) with the Commission on Human Rights in Region 10; provided orientation on Executive Order No. 70 to officials of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and rescued trafficked IP students in Cebu.

Another notable accomplishment of the task force was the designation of the NDF as a terrorist group by the Anti-Terrorist Council. The Anti-Money Laundering Council was given the authority to execute a freeze order on any accounts and assets associated with the NDF, which was described as long overdue.

Through the Legal Cooperation and Local Peace Engagement Program, the following were achieved: the filing of perjury cases against Communist Terrorist Groups, Rural Missionaries of the Philippines, Gabriela, and Karapatan; the backing of the Commission on Elections in the bid to cancel the Gabriela Party-list Registration; the investigation and case build-up on Haran 31; the freezing of CTG’s assets; the Samar Bishops’ leading local peace dialogues; and the holding of Ugnayan sa Barangay, among others.

With the continuing efforts of the task force in achieving its mandated mission of eradicating terrorist groups and ceasing internal insurgencies through WNA, the country will soon see the light of a more progressive and developing land—for the Filipino people, and for the future to come. Indeed, there is still a lot more to accomplish, but through the good process, government leaders’ support, and the public’s participation, the task force’s vision may be eventually realized.

https://palawan-news.com/ntf-elcac-tool-for-a-peaceful-and-progressive-society/

14 NPA members surrender in Davao Region on Dec. 5-8

From the Davao Times (Dec 10. 2021): 14 NPA members surrender in Davao Region on Dec. 5-8 (By RHODA GRACE SARON)

Photo courtesy of 10th Infantry Division

FOURTEEN members of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the 10th Infantry Division in Talaingod, Davao del Norte, and Davao Occidental from Dec. 5-8.

Capt. Mark Anthony Tito, the 10th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) chief, said they facilitated the surrender of 11 fighters, as well as the arrest of three supply and medical officers of the NPA in Talaingod, Davao Del Norte, and the recovery of four high-powered firearms.

On Dec. 7, the 73rd Infantry Battalion has facilitated the surrender of Far South Mindanao Region members from the revelation of alias Che-Che, Borjack, and Nilo at Sitio Kibayo, Barangay Sugai, Jose Abad Santos in Davao Occidental.

The surrenderees are:

 
Alias Carding/Arman, 45, resident of So Tamuan, Barangay Barrio bukid, Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental.
Alias Rockey, 25, resident of Sitio Liburon, Brgy Manuel Peralta, Malita.
Alias Tban, 37, resident of Sitio Balantako, Brgy Kalbay, JAS.
Alias Goliau Black, 40, resident of Sitio Mainit, Brgy Caburan.
Alias Cvariel, 20, resident of Barangay Mangga, Matanao, Davao del Sur.
Alias Tamsi, 28, resident of Barangay Mangga, Matanao.
Alias Boyka/ Baking, 27, resident of Sitio Malinawon, Brgy Barrio Bukid.
Alias Happy, 18, resident of Barangay Congan, Glan, Sarangani.

The military said they were all members of Far South Mindanao Region. They also confiscated two M16A1 rifles and an M653 rifle.

Meanwhile, an M60 machine gun was also recovered by the 73IB in a separate operation, together with the Malapatan Municipal Police Station and 1st Sarangani Provincial Mobile Company of the Philippine National Police at Barangay Tuyan, Malapatan, Sarangani Province last Dec. 5.

The troops also accommodated the surrender of the 20-year-old fighter from the Guerilla Front Musa under FSMR in Barangay Sugal, Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental. A .45 caliber pistol, two cellular phones, and commercial radio were also surrendered to the troops by the rebel.

Also, four improvised explosive devices weighing 12 kilos each were recovered by the troops of the 72nd Infantry Battalion following an operation in Sitio Upper Banban, Barangay Miaray, Dangcagan, Bukidnon last Dec. 7, 2021.

In addition, two former rebels in the 27th Infantry Battalion area of operation were assisted in their surrender on Dec. 8, 2021, both in Talaingod, Davao Del Norte.

The Bravo Company of the 27IB has aided the surrender of alias Dampan, a former Militia ng Bayan and courier of the Sub-Regional Guerilla Unit (SRGU), in Sitio Nasilaban, Barangay Palma Gil, Talaingod, Davao Del Norte with his one M1 Garand with ammunition.

On the same day, the Charlie Company of the 27IB, facilitated the surrender of alias Pawan under Iskwad Primera of SRGU, SRC5 in Sitio Old Laslasakan, Barangay Palma Gil, Talaingod, Davao Del Norte.

Furthermore, troops of the 89th Infantry Battalion encountered more or less six rebels under Ka Mandy of SRC5 at Sitio Pusod, Barangay Cayaga, San Fernando, Bukidnon last Dec. 7 at 10:25 p.m.

The firefight resulted in the capture of:

Alias Beauty, Platun Medic, Basil Platun, SRGU, SRC5, SMRC and a resident from So Sambulungan, Talaingod, DDN;
Alias EBA, Supply Officer, Squad Primera, Basil Platun, SRGU, SRC5, SMRC and a resident from Laslasakan, Talaingod, DDN;
Alias AILYN, Medic, Squad Primera, Basil Platun, SRGU, SRC5, SMRC and a resident from So Peroy, Talaingod, DDN.

The said rebels were tasked to pick up the supply of SRC5 but were overrun by the troops at the drop-off site.

Maj. Gen Ernesto C. Torres Jr., 10th Infantry Division commander, vows to continue the intensive military operations to eliminate the remnants of the NPA that continued to disrupt the peace and development in their area of responsibility.

“Our troops will aggressively pursue peace spoilers to make way for more insurgency-free communities. We urge our fellow Filipino brothers and sisters who are still in the CTG to lay down their arms….and may this yuletide season become the start of lasting peace in our region,” he said.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2021/12/10/14-npa-members-surrender-in-davao-region-on-dec-5-8/

Sabah, Philippines dismiss 'fantastic' reports of Sulu invasion plan

From the Mindanao Examiner (Dec 10, 2021): Sabah, Philippines dismiss 'fantastic' reports of Sulu invasion plan

Sabah police have shut down a news report of an alleged secret plot hatched by elected officials in the Filipino province of Sulu to invade Sabah off the southern Philippines.

The news article published on December 9 by the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post (SCMP) quoted an unnamed regional security source, who elaborated the plot hatched on December 1 following a clandestine meeting by a locally-elected official of Sulu who gathered all 19 mayors to discuss plans to set up a “Royal Sulu Army” with a target of recruiting up to 600 men to invade Sabah.

The report said of the 19 mayors who attended the secret meeting, 11 agreed to the plan while the rest sat on the fence, neither agreeing to nor rejecting it. “Each mayor is expected to provide 50 men who are skilled and brave in battle. The cost of ammunition and other logistics is to be borne by the high-ranking official who also promised to contribute 500,000 pesos to build 100 speed boats that will be used to attack Sabah,” the source said.

The source said that according to the plan, the local official was believed to have supplied 500 firearms to local representatives in Sulu who would then distribute them, adding, some 150 to 200 spies from Sulu were expected to be directed to Lahad Datu and Semporna – two key coastal towns where an invasion force might land.

“All the Sulu soldiers entering the waters of Lahad Datu and Semporna will be bringing in firearms [according to the plot],” said the source. “All the firearms will be buried in an area before being used to attack the targeted area.”

However, the source added that “no one” had infiltrated Sabah – but warned the Sulu plotters had “sleeper cells” there. The security source said intelligence gathering and security had been stepped up in Sabah since the discovery of the Sulu meeting.

“The potential of the plan to attack Sabah coming to fruition depends on how much political support and funds it can get from various parties. Many stakeholders in the Philippines and abroad are willing to exploit this issue for their respective political and strategic interests,” the SMCP quoted its source as saying.

The source said February next year was seen as the best time to invade. That time was likely to have been chosen to “commemorate” an invasion of Sabah eight years ago by fighters from Sulu, the SCMP source added.

In February 2013, Sabah was rocked by the – ultimately unsuccessful – invasion of over 200 armed followers of the Sultan of Sulu, Jamalul Kiram III. The men were led by the sultan’s brother, Agbimuddin Kiram, who had come to press an ancestral claim over Sabah. Malaysia responded by sending troops and launching airstrikes before the stand-off ended. The conflict, which lasted more than a month, resulted in the deaths of 68 men from the Sulu sultanate, nine Malaysian armed services personnel and six civilians.

“The failure of the heirs of the Sulu Sultanate to obtain the consent of the Malaysian government to settle the proprietary rights over Sabah prompted the implementation of this plan,” the SCMP quoted its source as saying.

Malaysia Inspector General of Police Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani said there is no confirmation on the intended plan so far. He said it is believed “information has been manipulated by parties who are jealous of the level of security and close ties between Sabah and the southern Philippines.”

“The Royal Malaysian Police takes this matter seriously and will take immediate action to increase the preparedness [of the police] to the highest level in Sabah to face any possibility of a threat of invasion and to avoid any repeated incident of infiltration in the state,” he added.

Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Idris Abdullah also dismissed the news report as untrue. “The report is not true, nevertheless, we are always enhancing maritime security,” Idris told Daily Express on December 9 after the SCMP came out with the article which was branded as “fantastic” by a Philippine military commander based in Sulu, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region.

Philippine Army First Lt. Jerrica Angela Manongdo, a spokesperson for the Joint Task Force Sulu, also denied the news report, although he admitted there was a meeting, but it has nothing to do with Sabah, now a federal state of Malaysia.

“There was a meeting (by Sulu leaders), but (it) has nothing to do with Sabah or Malaysia,” Manongdo told Daily Express.

In a separate statement, Manongdo said meeting - convened by Gov. Sakur Tan and the 19 municipal mayors - was aimed at developing a project to strengthen the maritime borders of Sulu by organizing the “Bantay Dagat” in the province.

The Bantay Dagat, in collaboration with the military, will manned by fishermen and volunteers and patrol the sea around the province to help improve border control against terrorist and any other lawless elements, and will also be utilized for disaster response during calamities in the maritime and coastal areas.

“This initiative stemmed out of the inclination to continue improving the island province’s stability in terms of security and economic aspect,” Manongdo said.

The spokesperson said some 299 locals were also recruited as soldiers and now members of the 11th Infantry Division in Sulu and that 300 civilian volunteers are currently undergoing military training in the province.

“All in all we have 820 men and women ready to serve the nation wearing the military uniform. We will continue to recruit and train to fill-up the manning of our newly created infantry division. We are at the forefront of ensuring security and we will tirelessly collaborate with the local governments when it comes to humanitarian development and economic initiatives,” Maongdo said.

The SCMP, founded in 1903 and was once one of the most profitable newspapers in the world, boosted by a large classified job-advertisement section. Media mogul Rupert Murdoch acquired control of the paper in 1986 before selling his stake to Malaysian tycoon Robert Kuok in 1993. The paper changed hands again in 2015 when Alibaba agreed to buy it in a HK$2.06 billion deal.

Alibaba, whose founder Jack Ma came under fire for criticizing China’s financial watchdogs last year, has been under pressure from the Chinese government to divest some of its media assets, including the SCMP, Bloomberg News reported in March, according to Reuters. (Mindanao Examiner)

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2021/12/sabah-philippines-dismiss-fantastic.html

152 ex-commies denounce deceitful CPP-NPA front groups

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 10): 152 ex-commies denounce deceitful CPP-NPA front groups (By Sarwell Meniano)

DENOUNCING INSURGENCY. Former members of New People’s Army front organizations burn rebel flags outside the People’s Center and Library in Tacloban City on Friday (Dec. 10, 2021). At least 152 formally disaffiliated from communist terrorist groups. (PNA photo by Sarwell Meniano)

TACLOBAN CITY – At least 152 members of New People’s Army (NPA) front organizations here formally turned away from the communist terrorist group on Friday.

In a ceremony at the People’s Center and Library here, NPA-affiliate group members pledged their loyalty to the government and joined the Metro Tacloban Integrated Peace and Development Workers Federation.

Of the 152 surrenderers, 42 were formerly from Kadamay, 36 Katrabaho, and 26 from Gabriela.

The rest belonged to Sagupa, Masanag, Bayan Muna, and Anakpawis.

The groups are affiliates of Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), a group linked with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) - NPA.

KMU-Tacloban chair Roy Perez, who has four children, abandoned the CPP-NPA after 15 years.

"Those 15 years are too much. I want to live in peace with my family. I'm tired of fighting the government," the 47-year-old Perez told the Philippine News Agency.

He was 32 when he joined the NPA in the Davao Region in late 2006 and was designated as a squad leader and finance officer.

He visited his family here in 2013 and was not able return to Mindanao due to the devastation caused by Super typhoon “Yolanda”.

Since then, Perez had been organizing anti-government rallies.

Perez recalled visiting NPA lairs in the mountains of Basey and Calbiga in Samar in 2018 and 2019.

Napoleon Escalona, 54, also realized that he was deceived by the CPP-NPA for the past 10 years.

"We were made to believe that laborers like us are oppressed and undesirable. They took advantage of our vulnerable situation. Usually, the NPA mobilized us to conduct rallies especially during demolition of houses of poor families," Escalona, chair of labor group Katrabaho, said in another interview.

He was convinced to join the NPA-affiliated group when his 20-year-old son died at work due to an accident -- sacks of cement buried him alive.

"My intention was to seek justice for my son's death, but the labor group indoctrinated me to fight the government by joining the NPA front organization," Escalona added.

Mayor Alfred Romualdez, who led the oath-taking rites, assured former NPA supporters of help from the city government.

"We want you to live a normal life and become productive citizens. The government is here to support you," the mayor said in his speech.

Representatives from government agencies also committed to support them through capability building, access to funds, and technical assistance.

Philippine Army 8th Infantry Division commander, Maj. Gen. Edgardo de Leon, said the mass disaffiliation was a result of the whole -of-nation approach by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC).

ELCAC, according to de Leon, paved the way for the surrender of NPA fighters and supporters and dismantling of guerrilla fronts.

"With the task force ELCAC, we have stopped the NPA recruitment. Front organization members used to rally expressing anger to the government, but now you are joining a rally for peace and development," de Leon said in his speech.

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/1162371

Sulu, 11ID maintain security fortification vs. terrorists

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 10): Sulu, 11ID maintain security fortification vs. terrorists (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

Sulu Provincial Capitol Building. (File photo)

The provincial government of Sulu, in partnership with the 11th Infantry Division (ID), continues to fortify security measures to deter atrocities by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in the province.

Maj. Gen. William Gonzales, the 11ID commander, said Friday Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan has tasked the mayors of the 19 towns to develop a project to strengthen the province’s maritime borders.

“The project which will be called ‘Bantay Dagat (Sea Guards)’ will involve the municipal and barangay local government units (LGUs),” Gonzales, also the Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said in a statement.

Gonzales said municipal mayors and barangay officials were assigned to recruit fishermen or seafarer volunteers who would conduct maritime patrols in collaboration with 11ID troopers to help improve border protection against ASG bandits.

The Bantay Dagat will also be used for disaster risk reduction and management in time calamities in the maritime and coastal areas of the province, Gonzales said.

He said the additional security measures are aimed at increasing the confidence of the residents as well as attracting investors to the province.

Meanwhile, he said 299 privates joined the ranks of the 11ID, through special enlistment, and took oath Thursday to dedicate their lives in service of the nation.

Most of them are Tausugs, who either have special skills or have served as members of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary or Army reservists.

Apart from them, Gonzales said there are also 221 new privates undergoing a 60-day infantry orientation course (IOC) and another 300 civilian-volunteers who are currently training to become reservists.

The IOC is a prerequisite before the newly-graduate soldiers get deployed to the different line units of the 11ID.

“Overall, we have 820 men and women ready to serve the nation wearing the military uniform. We will continue to recruit and train to fill up the manning of our newly created infantry division,” Gonzales said.

President Rodrigo Duterte, accompanied by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, led the activation on Dec. 17, 2018, of the 11ID, which is dedicated to fighting the Islamic State-affiliated terrorist groups in the region.

“We are at the forefront of ensuring security and we will tirelessly collaborate with the LGUs when it comes to humanitarian development and economic initiatives,” Gonzales said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1162380

41 ex-rebel supporters in Pangasinan vow allegiance to gov't

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 10): 41 ex-rebel supporters in Pangasinan vow allegiance to gov't (By Hilda Austria)

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. Forty-one former supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) from Bayambang town, Pangasinan. They denounced on Friday (Dec. 10, 2021) their support to the terrorist group and pledged allegiance to the national government anew. (Photo by Hilda Austria)

BAYAMBANG, Pangasinan – Some 41 former supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) here denounced their support to the terrorist group, and pledged allegiance to the national government anew.

"Wala din kami napala. Wala din 'yong pinangako nilang lupa. Akala namin yong sinalihan namin ay party-list lang para sa election, di namin alam NPA na pala. Sinasama kami sa mga rally. Kami naman sumasama para makapasyal, libre pagkain at sasakyan pero walang pera (We got nothing out of it. The promised land to us was not fulfilled. We thought at first we just joined a party-list for the election, we didn't know they were part of NPA. They asked us to join rallies. We joined because of the free food and travel but they did not give us money)," said Jennie (not her real name), 62, in an interview on Friday.

She said a party-list group recruited them along with other farmers from the town with a promise to give them lands way back in 2016.

"We thank the national government for their effort to attain peace in the country," she added.

Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (PPPO) officer-in-charge Col. Richmond Tadina said the former supporters were part of the underground mass movement organizations (UGMO) in the province.

"Since Pangasinan has been insurgency-free since 2019, there are no armed groups but there are still the UGMO who support the CPP-NPA although they are now denouncing their support," he said.

As part of the whole-of-nation approach of the national government, the PPPO and the provincial government gave cash aid worth PHP5,000 to each of the former supporters as well as livelihood aid, seedlings, and other farm inputs.

They will also be given training by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office for water search and rescue and basic life support.

Tadina said there are still more from Bayambang who will be denouncing their support to the terrorist group and will join the government from Bayambang town.

"It's a good sign. Due to the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), many are now denouncing support as they see that they are just being deceived. The national government is also addressing the problems at the grassroots level," he said.

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

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/1162383

6ID gets 560 force multipliers for peacekeeping missions

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 10): 6ID gets 560 force multipliers for peacekeeping missions (By Edwin Fernandez)

NEW PEACEKEEPERS. The 560 civilian volunteers graduate as new members of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit Active Auxiliaries during rites at the 6th Infantry Division (6ID) training base in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao on Friday (Dec. 10, 2021). They will actively take part in the peacekeeping missions of the 6ID and the Joint Task Force Central in Central Mindanao. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – A total of 560 civilian volunteers have been added to the military’s force multipliers in Maguindanao following their graduation from basic military training on Friday.

The 560 civilians completed their 45-day basic military training at the 6th Division Civilian Armed Auxiliary (CAA) Affairs Unit Training Base at Barangay Taviran in Datu Odin Sinsuat town.

Colonel Michael Santos, 6ID chief of staff, served as guest of honor and speaker during the graduation rites that turned the 560 civilian volunteers into new members of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit Active Auxiliaries (CAFGU-CAA).

“You have evolved from carefree civilians to disciplined and skilled military troops,” Santos told the graduates.

Santos represented Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, 6ID commander and concurrent head of the Army-led Joint Task Force Central (JTFC), during the graduation activity.

The group belonged to CAA-I Basic Military Training Classes 90-100 2021 and are considered as “Army force multipliers.”

“Remember you are not only CAFGUs but you will play vital roles to achieve the vision-mission of JTFC that is to achieve peace in this part of Mindanao,” Santos added.

The new CAAs will be deployed to the different communities in Central Mindanao and will complement the 6ID peace advocacy campaign.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1162441