Military airstrikes pound rebel lair in Cagayan

 From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 1, 2022): Military airstrikes pound rebel lair in Cagayan

BOMB RAID: A resident of Barangay Santa Clara in Gonzaga, Cagayan province, flees his village at the height of the military airstrike on Mt. Cagua on Jan. 29. (Photo courtesy of MARIVIC ASCUETA)

Government aircraft dropped bombs on a suspected stronghold of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Gonzaga town, Cagayan province, on Jan. 29 as the Philippine Army’s 501st Infantry Battalion fought off alleged communist rebels on Mt. Cagua.

Air support from the Tactical Operations Group bombarded the uninhabited mountain in Sitio Maging, Barangay Santa Clara, said Army Capt. Rigor Pamittan, spokesperson of the Army’s 5th Infantry Division (ID), the military’s primary anti-insurgency unit in northern Luzon based in Isabela province.

The government troops fought members of the NPA’s East Front Komiteng Probinsya Cagayan, who had been holed out in the mountain, Pamittan told the Inquirer by phone on Sunday.

On Monday, the Army said it was still gathering information on whether there were casualties among the rebels, as it cautioned the public against photos circulating and going viral on social media showing several bodies of suspected communist rebels that were reportedly retrieved from the clash site.

‘Causing confusion’

In a statement, the Army’s 5th ID said the photos were “causing confusion” since these were unrelated to the Cagayan clash.

He said the photos of the armed encounter were between the military’s 62nd Infantry Battalion and the communist rebels in the City of Guihulngan, Negros Oriental province, that happened in March 23 last year.

During the airstrike in Gonzaga, villagers in Barangay Santa Clara confirmed spotting truckloads of soldiers being transported to Cagua. They also reported hearing explosions at the foot of the mountain, which is about 8 kilometers from the village center.

Villager Rod Erick Sola said he was at Barangay Rebecca, which is about 16 km from Mt. Cagua, and could hear gunfire and explosions there during the airstrike.

Ferdinand Cortez, public relations officer of the Department of Agriculture in Cagayan Valley, on Monday said his relatives also heard gunfire from Barangay Maging, another village in Gonzaga.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1547958/airstrikes-pound-rebel-lair-in-cagayan

Gov’t should continue LPE peace program

Posted to the Manila Standard (Jan 31, 2022): Gov’t should continue LPE peace program

The Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) on Monday has urged the next administration to continue the Local Peace Engagement (LPE) with the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) as it is the most effective way to end local communist armed conflict.

At the virtual press briefing of the National Task Force to End Local Communists Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) Assistant Secretary Wilben Mayor, chief-of-staff and OPAPRU spokesperson said they are recommending that LPE should remain in the peace process to finally put an end to the more than five-decade-old insurgency of the Communists Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army – National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

“Like any other administration who has their own policy and directions, LPE is only part of our recommendation to the next administration, an effective way, to sustain the gain of peace we have experienced,” Mayor said, as results proved that LPE had placed the CPP-NPA-NDF in the losing end.

Mayor explained that when President Rodrigo Roa Duterte discarded the peace negotiations at the national level for the lack of sincerity from the CPP-NPA-NDF panel, this has been replaced by “the 6-points peace and development agenda” under Executive Order No. 70, which adopted a ‘whole-of-nation approach’ that centered mostly through LPE and the creation of NTF-ELCAC.

That move, Mayor said, paved the way to fast-track development projects in areas earlier declared as CTG strongholds with all the government agencies joined in 12 clusters working hand-in-hand with the local executives and even local and community leaders, including village chiefs (barangay chairmen) in two tracks of approach—community consultations and problem-solving.

“OPAPRU believes that LPE while nationally orchestrated and locally implemented has been effective in most conflict-affected communities, preventing the communities to be exploited, (by CTGs),” Mayor explained.

“Peace is possible in direct consultations nationwide,” he added. And while LPE was adopted and implemented by previous administrations, the Duterte Administration “enhanced” the process “that provides platforms for former rebels to directly be involved in the peacebuilding process.”

Interior and Local Government Director Rene Valera on the other hand, said the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) under the LPE proved “that communicating for a perpetual end to extreme violence and forming alliance towards positive change,’ has made many communities free of CTGs.

Valera explained that RCSP involved all the stakeholders, starting from the national government to local executives and leaders down to citizens of communities bothered by CTGs “to secure peace and development’ and unhampered delivery of basic services.

Major General Edgardo De Leon, Commander of the 8th Infantry “Stormtrooper” Division of the Philippine Army, now handling the insurgency in Eastern Visayas said LPE “is a proof of an effective concept.” It placed their military operations though successful, secondary to non-military aspects of the concept.

The army official added that these discoveries and disclosures made by ‘whistleblowers’ prompted Joma Sison to prove that he is the one leading the CPP-NPA-NDF by claiming that revelations made by surrenderees were ‘fake’ and concocted by the military.

He added that the NPA surrenderees no longer cover their faces when they surrender to the government and return to the folds of the law. Previously, the government forces do not show their faces, with respect to them and their families. But now these former rebels are insistent to show themselves and tell everyone that they are not fake surrenderees. And many of them are already part of the government’s nation-building programs.

https://manilastandard.net/news/national/314203939/govt-should-continue-lpe-peace-program.html

2 suspected communist rebels killed in Bukidnon clash –military

From GMA News Online (Jan 31, 2022): 2 suspected communist rebels killed in Bukidnon clash –military (By GISELLE OMBAY)

The military killed two alleged Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) rebels and captured two others during a Saturday encounter in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

In a statement, the Philippine Army said its 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion and the 8th Infantry Battalion (IB) responded to a report of armed men in Sitio Lamana, Barangay Kibalabag.

According to the military, a firefight broke out with five members of Headquarters Force Neo, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).

The two suspected rebel fatalities were identified as Alias Draw and Alias Paet, while the two captured were 72-years-old Nisy Sante Alias Arnold 20-year-old Gelloye Lipanya Sagula alias Janjan.

Three .45 caliber pistols, a 9mm pistol, five magazines, one cellphone, and medical supplies were seized at the encounter site.

During a search in the area, government troops were also able to rescue seven civilians including four minors.

Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Bacus, 8th IB Commander, said the alleged NPA rebels threatened the rescued civilians.

Bacus added that the suspected rebels were extorting vegetables from the civilian farms and they “immediately fired” when they saw the soldiers approaching.

The military is waiting for the family members of the killed individuals to claim the bodies.

Bacus reiterated the call for rebels to surrender and avail of the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Meanwhile, 403rd Infantry Brigade Commander Brigadier General Ferdinand Barandon lauded the troops for the operation, which was part of their goal to end local insurgency in the area.

“We also thank the residents who reported the presence of the CNTs which led us into stopping their terroristic activities against the innocent people of Bukidnon,” he added.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/820185/2-suspected-communist-rebels-killed-in-bukidnon-clash-military/story/

Weapons expert very much alive

 From The Star (Jan 31, 2022): Weapons expert very much alive (By MUGUNTAN VANAR)

KOTA KINABALU: The Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) has dispelled talk that notorious Abu Sayyaf gunman Mudzrimar @ Mundi Sawadjan is dead, saying that he has remained active in a number of fire-fights.

Citing intelligence information shared by Philippine security forces, Joint Task Force Sulu and Western Mindanao Command Esscom commander Deputy Comm Datuk Hamzah Ahmad said Mundi is very much alive.

He said the Philippine security forces confirmed that Mundi was active and has been involved in fire-fights with the military in the southern Sulu province since July last year.

In a statement yesterday, DCP Hamzah said Mundi remains on Esscom’s wanted list.

Doubts over Mundi’s death were raised after a news report claimed that the gunman was killed in a battle with the Philippine security forces in May last year, thus raising questions on why his name was added to Esscom’s updated list of “wanted men” last Thursday.

On Saturday, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Razarudin Husain asked Esscom to recheck the status of Mundi amid media reports that he was dead.

Regional intelligence sources said that Mundi, who is seen as a possible Emir of the Philippines Darul Islamiyah linked to the Islamic State, remains on the run and is in hiding following the Philippines’ on-going military operations against the group.

Mundi was listed among 20 Abu Sayyaf gunmen linked, or involved in, cross border kidnappings in Sabah’s waters.

He was a sub-commander in the Abu Sayyaf group and identified as the mastermind behind two major attacks in Jolo that included the bombing of a cathedral.

Mundi is also the nephew of Abu Sayyaf leader Hatib Hajan Sawdjaan. He is widely seen as a key person to lead Darul Islamiyah.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/01/31/weapons-expert-very-much-alive

Police to beef up security to prevent Abu Sayyaf sub-leader, bombmaker from entering Sabah

From the New Straits Times (Jan 31, 2022): Police to beef up security to prevent Abu Sayyaf sub-leader, bombmaker from entering Sabah (By Sharifah Mahsinah Abdullah)

Federal police Internal Security and Public Order Department director Datuk Hazani Ghazali said police, especially the Special Branch, have been told to monitor the situation. -NSTP file pic

KOTA BARU: Police will beef up security to ensure the Abu Sayyaf sub-leader and bombmaker Mudzimar @ Mundi Sawadjaan does not enter Sabah.

Federal police Internal Security and Public Order Department director Datuk Hazani Ghazali said police, especially the Special Branch, have been told to monitor the situation.

He said they would also work closely with the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) to prevent the entry of the Abu Sayyaf sub-leader into Sabah.

"I would like to confirm that we were informed that Abu Sayyaf sub-leader and bombmaker Mudzrimar @ Mundi Sawadjaan, who is a suspect wanted by Esscom, is still alive.

"Therefore, Esscom as well as Special Branch police personnel are directed to check on this and to increase their operations.

"We will do whatever necessary to prevent his entry into Sabah," he said today.

Hazani said Esscom would also continue to share information with the Joint Task Force of Western Mindanao Command (J2 Westmincom) and Philippine National Police.

It was reported that the sub-leader who had been previously reportedly to have been shot dead last May in the Philippines was confirmed to be still alive.

Esscom commander Deputy Commissioner Hamzah Ahmad had said this was confirmed through the sharing of information by the Philippine security forces involving the Joint Task Force Sulu (JTFS) and J2 Westmincom.

He added that Mudzrimar has been confirmed to be still alive following a series of clashes and encounters between Philippine security forces and the suspect since July 2021.

Hamzah said after that, Mudzrimar, who was removed from the list of individuals wanted by Esscom last year was now listed again following a kidnapping for ransom case in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone.

Mudzrimar is a nephew of Abu Sayyaf senior leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, besides having the expertise in making bombs as well as planning the bombings in a number of incidents in Jolo, the Philippines, in 2020, including at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2022/01/767661/police-beef-security-prevent-abu-sayyaf-sub-leader-bombmaker-entering

53IB inaugurates circumferential road

 From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Jan 31, 2022): 53IB inaugurates circumferential road

ZAMBOANGA. As part of its 37th founding anniversary, the Army's 53rd Infantry Battalion, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Sur, inaugurated on January 28, 2022 the First Lieutenant Sahiron A. Gumampang circumferential road at Camp Major David Sabido, home of the 53IB in the town of Guipos. (SunStar Zamboanga)

THE Army's 53rd Infantry "Matapat" Battalion (IB), in partnership with the Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Sur, inaugurated the circumferential road at Camp Major David Sabido, home of the 53IB in the town of Guipos.

The circumferential road, named after the later First Lieutenant Sahiron A. Gumampang, was inaugurated Friday, January 28, in a simple ceremony as part of its 53IB's 37th founding anniversary.

The 37th Founding Anniversary is anchored on the theme "Matapat @ 37: Victory in Time of Convergence."

Lieutenant Colonel Jo-ar Herrera, 53IB commander, said in a statement Monday, January 31, that the circumferential road was constructed last year and donated to the command by the Provincial Government headed by Governor Victor Yu.

Herrera expressed his gratitude to Yu for the continued partnership and convergence in bringing progress and development in Zamboanga del Sur.

"This circumferential road significantly contributed to the uplifting of our troops' morale and welfare. Let us continue this close partnership to sustain progress and development in the province of Zamboanga del Sur," he said.

The circumferential road was constructed in honor of Gumampang, who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the people of Sulu during the encounter against the Abu Sayyaf Group on September 4, 2005 in Karawan village, Indanan town.

 
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1919683/zamboanga/local-news/53ib-inaugurates-circumferential-road

Kalinaw News: Injured NPA Combatant Surrenders to Government Troops in South Cotabato

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jan 31, 2022): Injured NPA Combatant Surrenders to Government Troops in South Cotabato



CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – An injured member of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), identified as a certain Ricky Lumbay alias Jeric, voluntarily surrendered with his caliber 5.56 M16A1 Carbine Rifle to the 11th Special Forces Company, 5th Special Forces Battalion (5SFBn) and the Local Government Unit of T’Boli, South Cotabato today, January 31, 2022, at Barangay Edwards of said town.

Brigadier General Pedro Balisi Jr. disclosed that the alias Jeric was among the CTG members encountered by government troops at Brgy Tudok, T’Boli, South Cotabato during the combat operations launched last January 5, 2022, wherein 6 NPA terrorists were believed to be wounded based on the testimonies of some witnesses.

Alias Jeric narrated that he was left injured by other NPA members during the armed clash last January 5, 2022. “Noong narinig naming nagputukan na, tumalon ako sa bangin at ung ibang kasama ko nagtakbuhan na rin, lalo na narinig nila yung helicopter. Kaya ako napilay at nasugatan dahil sa pagtalon ko sa bangin,” alias Jeric said. “Naligaw ako sa aking mga kasama, pagod, gutom at masakit ang aking katawan kaya gumawa ako ng paraan para makalapit sa mga tao at magsurrender,” he added.

Residents from Sitios of Motosom, Salabanog and Mangga of Brgy. Laconon, T’Boli, South Cotabato immediately reported to authorities the presence of alias Jeric. It can be recalled that said communities were among the barangays that received help through the Community Support Program (CSP) and Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) conducted by the Local Government Unit of T’Boli and the 5th SFBn.

Mayor Dibu S. Tuan expressed that the NTF-ELCAC mechanisms are effective because of the recent surrenders of CTG Local Guerilla Units/Milisyang Bayan and NPA terrorist members from October 2021 to date. “Our conduct of CSP and RCSP is gaining grounds and it must be sustained. These development-oriented approaches coupled with the AFP and PNP’s peace, law enforcement, and development support activities and combat operations is a good practice that every LGU must adopt and sustain further,” Hon. Mayor Tuan said.

The LGU of T’Boli provided the surrenderee with immediate medical and financial support. Further, he will be enrolled in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) as part of the overall government program for those CTG members who returned to the folds of the law.

Major General Juvymax Uy, Commander of Joint Task Force Central and 6th Infantry Division commended the Local Government Unit within their area of operations for the great partnership in implementing the NTF-ELCAC mandate which positively results in peaceful surrenders and combat encounters against the CTGs in South Cotabato.

“With the help of the LGUs and the communities, the defeat of the CTG is inevitable wherein with the recent surrenders of CTG members and accomplishments of the NTF-ELCAC, our efforts towards peace are gaining grounds and will be realized in the near future,” Maj. Gen. Uy added.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/injured-npa-combatant-surrenders-to-government-troops-in-south-cotabato/

Kalinaw News: NPA Sectoral Organization Nagbalik-loob sa Gobyerno

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jan 31, 2022): NPA Sectoral Organization Nagbalik-loob sa Gobyerno



Narvacan, Ilocos Sur – Tuluyang nilisan ng 41 myembro ng Kasigudan Aywanan Takderan Binangon di Kabunyan Organization (KATABIKO) ang CPP-NPA-NDF sa isinagawang Oath of Allegiance sa Bunga National School, Bunga, Tadian, Mountain Province noong ika-30 ng Enero 2022.

Sa pamamagitan ng Localized Peace Engagement sa panunguna ng 69th Infantry (COUGAR) Battalion sa isinagawa na Joint Community Support Program ng mga kasundaluhan ng Alpha Company, 69th Infantry Battalion; 2nd Civil-Military Operations (KABALIKAT) Company at 1502nd Maneuver Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 15 katuwang ang Local Government Unit ng Tadian, Mountain Province, naisagawa ang pagbabalik loob nila sa gobyerno at pagbasura sa idelohiya ng CPP-NPA na patuloy na sumisira sa mapayapang pamumuhay sa Cordillera.

Pinagtibay ng Cordillera People’s Alliance ang KATABIKO bilang kanilang pundasyon sa sector ng Indigenous Peoples para maging hayag na organisasyon para sa armadong pakikibaka ng terroristang CPP-NPA sa mga liblib na lugar bilang kanilang baseng masa.

Nagpasalamat si Heneral Krishnamurti A Mortela, Philippine Army, Commander, 702nd Infantry (Defender) Brigade sa 41 myembro ng KATABIKO na nagbalik-loob at karagdagang sinabi, “ginamit ng CPA ang KATABIKO bilang kanilang hayag na organisasyong upang higit nilang palakasin ang armadong pakikibaka ng CPP-NPA sa Mountain Province na pumapatay sa mayaman at matatag na kultura ng mga taga Cordillera.”

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/npa-sectoral-organization-nagbalik-loob-sa-gobyerno/

Kalinaw News: 10ID will share best practices; Releases One Battalion to Samar

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jan 31, 2022): 10ID will share best practices; Releases One Battalion to Samar



MAWAB, DAVAO DE ORO – The 3rd Infantry “Regardless of What” Battalion now heads to Eastern Visayas under the jurisdiction of the 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division after its six-year deployment in the area of 10th Infantry “Agila” Division as an operational control unit.

Arriving in 2016, 3rd IB has become a guardian and protector of the masses of Paquibato District in the hinterlands of Davao City as its area of operation. Paquibato for many years became a hotbed of the Communist Terrorist Group. However, with the relentless operations of 3IB and other nearby units, the area progressed under numerous projects from National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict dismantling numerous guerilla fronts under its watch.

Meanwhile, in its six years as 10ID’s operational control unit, 3rd IB accomplished numerous feats geared towards the counter-insurgency efforts of the Agila Division.

In 2018, 3rd IB dismantled the Guerilla Front 54 operating in Davao City, followed by the annihilation of Pulang Bagani Command 2 and 3 in 2019. Meanwhile, in 2020, Guerilla Front 56 was also erased in its area of operation.

Recently, 3rd IB led by its Battalion Commander COL JUVENAL MARK T TAYAMEN played a huge role in the dismantling of Sub-Regional Committee 5 of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee. The annihilation of SRC5 came after the surrender of its Secretary Ida Marie Montero alias Ka Mandy along with other SRC5 leaders and members.

Acting Agila Division Commander BGen Allan D Hambala said that moving of 3rd IB to Eastern Visayas is a strong manifestation that insurgency in the area of 10ID has reached its end-point.

“We are now watching the end-game of insurgency in Agila Division. We believe that there’s much work to be done in other parts of our country as we hasten to defeat the CTG. With the victories of 10ID, we can still meet the deadline set by the President despite the transfer of 3IB.” BGen Hambala added.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/10id-will-share-best-practices-releases-one-battalion-to-samar/

Kalinaw News: Two NPA killed; two captured and civilians rescued in a new Bukidnon clash

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jan 31, 2022): Two NPA killed; two captured and civilians rescued in a new Bukidnon clash

IMPASUGONG, BUKIDNON – The Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) continues to disintegrate as troops of the 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion and 8th Infantry (Dependable) Battalion, Philippine Army were able to neutralize two CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) and capture two others in a recent encounter at the hinterlands of Sitio Lamana, Barangay Kibalabag, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon last January 29, 2022.

The soldiers were responding to reports of the presence of the CNTs when the firefight ensued against five members of Headquarters Force Neo, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (HQF Neo, NCMRC). Afterward, government troops were able to recover two CNT cadavers identified as Alias Draw, member of dismantled squad 1, Platoon Dario, Sub-Regional Committee 2, NCMRC; and Alias Paet, Communication Staff/Special Operations Group/Intel of Regional Operations Command, NCMRC, and captured two CNTs namely; Nisy Sante Alias Arnold, 72 years old, Supply Officer, Squad 1, Regional Sentro De Gravedad (RSDG) Compaq, NCMRC; and Gelloye Lipanya Sagula Alias Janjan, 20 years old, member, Squad 2, Team Abe of the same unit. Three caliber 45 pistols, one 9mm pistol, five magazines, one cellphone, and medical supplies were also seized at the encounter site.

Further, upon searching the area, troops were also able to rescue seven civilians including four minors namely: Alias Jecko, 30 years old, and his son Alias Gerald, 11 years old, Alias Raffy, 28 years old, his wife Alias Jennifer, 24 years old, and their children Jepoy, 5 years old, Junray, 3 years old, and Shantal 1-year old.

LTC Anthony Bacus, Commander 8IB said, “Nasalbar nato ang mga sibilyan nga gihadlok og gipangilkilan sa mga Teroristang NPA. Giadtuan sila sa ilang umahan og ginapangayoan sila og mga tanum nga gulay. Sa dihang nakit-an sa mga NPA ang atong personahe og ila kining gipabuthan.” (We rescued the civilians who were threatened and extorted by the NPA Terrorists. They were approached at their farm and the CNTs extorted vegetables from them and when they saw the soldiers approaching, they immediately fired.)

“Karon among ginahulat ang pamilya sa mga namatay nga CNTs aron sila hingpit nang mapahiluna. Kami nasubo sa nadangatan nila tungod sa pagpanglinla sa Teroristang NPA. Tungod niiini, padayun ang among panawagan sa nahibilin pang mga CNT nga mosurrender na ug pahimuslan ang Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) tungod sayang ang kinabuhi,” Bacus added. (We are waiting for the family members of the dead CNTs in order for them to finally rest in peace. We are saddened of their demise and it is because of the deception of the NPA Terrorists. We continue our call to the remaining CNTs to surrender and avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) because life is precious.)

BGen Ferdinand Barandon, the Commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade also expressed, “I congratulate the troops of the 2nd SRB and the 8IB for your recent accomplishment as we continue ending the local insurgency in our area of responsibility. We also thank the residents who reported the presence of the CNTs which led us into stopping their terroristic activities against the innocent people of Bukidnon.

[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/two-npa-killed-two-captured-and-civilians-rescued-in-a-new-bukidnon-clash/

3ID races vs time to wipe out rebels

From Panay News (Jan 31, 2022): 3ID races vs time to wipe out rebels (By Ruby Silubrico)

“Patuloy ang ating campaign. We are now doubling our effort. Ang mga sunod-sunod na encounters at mga pag-surrender or pagkahuli ng mga rebelde ating ginagawa,” says Major General Benedict Arevalo, commander of the Philippine Army’s 3rd infantry (Spearhead) Division based in Jamindan, Capiz.

Will the Philippine Army succeed in ending the insurgency in Panay and Negros islands before the term of President Rodrigo Duterte ends this June 30?

The 3rd infantry (Spearhead) Division is doubling its effort, according to Major General Benedict Arevalo, division commander.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) chief of staff General Andres Centino committed to stop the 52-year rebellion by the time the President steps down from office.

“Patuloy ang ating campaign. We are now doubling our effort. Ang mga sunod-sunod na encounters at mga pag-surrender or pagkahuli ng mga rebelde ating ginagawa,” Arevalo said.


The New People’s Army (NPA) has three options, he said – die in an encounter, be captured or surrender voluntarily.

Surrender is the best option, stressed Arevalo.

Surrenderees are offered financial and livelihood assistance under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) to start a new life.

“As your Chief of Staff, I am taking the lead in this final push of our campaign. I enjoin everyone to maintain our momentum, sustain our gains and remain victorious. Let us finish the local armed conflict within the President’s term. As the Armed Forces of the Filipino people, we shall not fail them in their desire of having a peaceful and secure society,” Centino said during last month’s 2021 yearend command conference at the AFP general headquarters.

Centino directed AFP commanders to intensify their operations against the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the NPA, through intelligence-driven combat operations aiming to destroy the rebels’ leadership, cut-off their source of funds and disrupt their logistics support.

“Let us once again be reminded to isolate ourselves from partisan politics so we can focus on our noble mandate of protecting the people and the state. We must avoid participating in any partisan political activities, except to exercise our individual right to vote,” Centino added.

According to Arevalo, in Panay Island, the 3ID’s biggest accomplishment in Panay was the death of 16 rebels in an encounter on Dec. 1, 2021 in Barangay Alimodias, Miag-ao, Iloilo.


“Once again, I call the rebels to surrender kasi kahit kami ayaw namin ng away. Kung willing kayo magbalik-loob sa gobyerno, we will help you through the E-CLIP program,” Arevalo said.

https://www.panaynews.net/3id-races-vs-time-to-wipe-out-rebels/

NoCot village execs asked to back gov’t drive vs. unlicensed guns

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31, 2022): NoCot village execs asked to back gov’t drive vs. unlicensed guns (By Edwin Fernandez)

SURRENDERED UNLICENSED FIREARMS. Colonel Jovencio Gonzales, (3rd from right, 1st row), commander of the 602nd Infantry Brigade poses with local officials of Carmen, North Cotabato after the turnover of firearms by town’s village officials in support of the Army’s disarmament campaign on Saturday (Jan. 29, 2022). The village officials handed over five M1 Garand rifles and two US-made Carbine rifles. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

Army officials in North Cotabato have urged village officials in the province to emulate seven local executives who supported the government’s disarmament program.

Colonel Jovencio Gonzales, commander of the Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade based in Carmen, North Cotabato, made the appeal Monday after seven village chairpersons in the area have voluntarily surrendered assorted firearms in support of the campaign against loose firearms.

“The disarmament program also forms part of the 602Bde preparation for peaceful elections this year,” Gonzales said in a statement.

Gonzales, together with Lt. Col. Rommel Mundala, commander of the 90th Infantry Battalion, received the firearms from the Carmen local officials on Saturday.

He identified the town's village officials as Jimmy Cabrillo of Kibudtungan, Percival Bacudo of Aroman, Reynaldo Camique of Tonganon, Acob Guiamilil of Palanggalan, Ronald Akmad of Kibenes, Robert Baguat of Ranzo, and Pepito Calibara of Tacupan .

They handed over five M1 Garand rifles and two US-made Carbine rifles.

“The activity is part of the Balik Baril Program of our unit in partnership with the municipality of Carmen. This is to eradicate illegal firearms in our area of operation,” Mundala said in a separate statement.

Speaking for the group, village chair Cabrillo said their decision to turn over the guns signifies their full support of the government’s disarmament campaign.

Major General Juvymax Uy, Army 6th Infantry Division commander and chief of Joint Task Force Central, commended the 602Bde and 90IB for successfully convincing the village leaders to support the Army “Balik Baril” program.

Uy said he hopes other leaders in the province and the 6ID area of jurisdiction in Central Mindanao will reach out to their constituents and urge them to also voluntarily turn in their unlicensed firearms.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1166702

Suspected NPA rebel nabbed in NegOr town

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31, 2022): Suspected NPA rebel nabbed in NegOr town (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

COLLARED. Policemen arrest a septuagenarian, believed to be a member of the New People's Army, in the municipality of Sta. Catalina in Negros Oriental on Saturday (Jan. 29, 2022). He was nabbed by virtue of an arrest warrant in relation to charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives. (Photo courtesy of the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office)

Police led by the Criminal Investigation Detection Group (CIDG) arrested a suspected Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) rebel in Barangay Nagbalaye, Sta. Catalina town in Negros Oriental over the weekend.

Lt. Col. Ruben Verbo Jr., head of the Police Community Affairs and Development Unit (PCADU) and Public Information Officer of the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office, on Monday, identified the suspect as Fedelino Villahermosa Arañez, 74, married, resident of Sitio Payawpayawan, Barangay Nagbinlod of the same town.

The rebel was arrested on Saturday at his temporary residence in Sitio Nalbog in Barangay Nagbalaye, by virtue of an arrest warrant in relation to cases of illegal possession of firearms and explosives under Republic Act (RA) 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act and RA 9516 or the Illegal/Unlawful Possession, Manufacture, Dealing In, Acquisition or Disposition of Firearms, Ammunition or Explosives, respectively.

Verbo said Arañez is the No. 10 Most Wanted personality at the municipal level and is allegedly a member of the NPA’s South East Front-Komiteng Rehiyon Negros, Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor.

He is also one of the subject personalities during the simultaneous implementation of five search warrants in Sitio Payawpayawan on March 29, 2021, but he was not around at the time.

The suspect is now temporarily detained at the Sta. Catalina Police Station.

A bail bond of PHP100,000 has been set for the charge under RA 10591 but no bail has been set for the RA 9516 case.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1166753

More resources to meet insurgency deadline: Brawner

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31, 2022): More resources to meet insurgency deadline: Brawner (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Army chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army)

The chief of the Philippine Army (PA) vowed to pour resources into its units in order to meet the June deadline of eradicating insurgency and threat groups.

During his visit to the 7th Infantry Division headquarters at the Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija last Saturday, Army chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner told officers and enlisted personnel he would be the "servant leader" kind by providing them with support and resources, a thrust of the "SERVE" (Soldiers, Enhance, Resources, Victorious, Elections) program.

“The style of leadership that we will apply while I am the CGPA (Commanding General Philippine Army) is servant leadership. We will be servants to the needs of our operating units,” Brawner said Saturday.

Resources include the necessary equipment, aside from the enhancement of skills of the soldiers so that they are prepared for the challenges of fighting and neutralizing these threats.

In a speech during his assumption of command last December, Brawner vowed to continue the programs implemented by his predecessor, Gen. Andres Centino, now the Armed Forces of the Philippines chief-of-staff.

"It is imperative that we pursue this thrust so that we be able to accomplish the mission that was ordered by no less than the Commander-in-Chief (President Rodrigo R. Duterte) which is to end the local communist armed conflict by the end of his term," he said.

In the long term, Brawner said the thrust to equip soldiers with the resources, equipment and skills would help propel the Army towards modernization and achieving its vision to be world class by 2028.

In a statement issued Sunday, Army spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said Brawner also highlighted the need to take care of the soldiers' physical and mental health and enhance their skills and competencies.

"The CGPA vowed to provide units with support and resources to empower them in their sprint towards the June 2022 deadline set by the commander-in-chief to eradicate insurgency and other threat groups," Trinidad's statement read.

He added that enhancing the resources would help them win against threat groups, allowing troops to focus on ensuring orderly and peaceful elections in May.

Earlier, Brawner vowed to focus more efforts on ensuring that troops and their families are taken care of.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1166680

38 PNP officials get new assignments ahead of May 9 polls

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31, 2022): 38 PNP officials get new assignments ahead of May 9 polls (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

File photo

At least 38 police commanders in the National Capital Region and other parts of the country were reassigned to other posts in line with ongoing efforts of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to isolate the organization from local partisan politics.

PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos said those reassigned effective last January 8 are composed of provincial directors, city directors, and chiefs of police.

"That's what we did even before the start of the election period to make our organization apolitical, to do away with perception of bias or familiarity," Carlos said on the sidelines of the 31st foundation day of the PNP at Camp Crame, Quezon City on Monday.

He said some of those reassigned are already overstaying in their posts while some have to be replaced because they were picked by the incumbent mayors or governors who are running for reelection in the May 9 local and national elections.

"Our police personnel should be apolitical. They will be there to level the playing field and make sure they are not biased to one candidate or another," Carlos said.

He said it was the PNP leadership that decided on the reassignment of the provincial police directors based on the assessment conducted through the PNP rotation policy.

In the case of chiefs of police, Carlos said it was the police regional directors who made the decision.

"So that's it we do it to be apolitical, to lose the perception of bias or familiarity so we have a lot of replaced provincial directors. At the level of the chiefs of police, ours are the regional director chooses or decides on who to take so during command visits, during command conferences, I review our rotation policy," Carlos said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1166720