Sunday, February 6, 2022

WESTMINCOM: ‘Keep the momentum going’ –WestMinCom Chief

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Feb 6, 2022): ‘Keep the momentum going’ –WestMinCom Chief



4th Civil Relations Group

‘Keep the momentum going’ –WestMinCom Chief

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – February 3, 2022

Western Mindanao Command Chief Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr. presided over the 1st Quarter 2022 Command Conference at the WestMinCom Headquarters, Camp Navarro, Calarian this city on Wednesday, February 2, 2022.

To observe minimum health protocols, the number of participants was reduced. Only the two deputy commanders and command staff were required to be physically present while the Joint Task Forces and other subordinate commanders attended the conference virtually.
 
During the activity, the Joint Task Forces and OPCON unit Commanders presented their respective unit operational updates and administrative concerns. Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. then gave his comments and guidance on how to address their concerns.

In his message, Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. said, “Let us keep the momentum going by stepping up our performance. Stay focused on achieving our goals for peace, security, and development here in Mindanao”.
 
He also directed the subordinate commanders to remind the troops to strictly remain apolitical and work hard to facilitate free, honest, and peaceful National and Local Elections.
 
“Give your full commitment to accomplish our goals. Let’s do this together,” the WestMinCom Commander added.
 
All the participants who attended physically passed the antigen test conducted an hour before the activity.
 
#SundaloSalamatsaSerbisyo
#AFPyoucanTRUST
#SupportOurTroops
#TeamWestMinCom
#TeamCRSAFP

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WESTMINCOM: Joint Task Force Central Continues to Gain Ground in Campaign Against Insurgency

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Feb 6, 2022): Joint Task Force Central Continues to Gain Ground in Campaign Against Insurgency

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – February 6, 2022

Joint Task Force Central continues to gain ground in the campaign against terrorism and insurgency in Central Mindanao. Military troops recovered firearms in an arms cache disclosed by a former rebel after he surrendered in South Cotabato earlier this month. According to WestMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., troops of the 5th Special Forces Battalion acted on the information from a former member of the communist terrorist group and proceeded to the location of an arms cache at Purok Tabuto, Sitio Lambed, Barangay Laconon, T’Boli, South Cotabato on Saturday, February 5, 2022.
 
Operating troops recovered one cal. 5.56 M16A1 rifle and one improvised M79 Grenade Launcher. Recovered firearms were deposited at 5SF Battalion headquarters for safekeeping.
 
Meanwhile, two members of the communist terrorist group yielded anew in Central Mindanao on Saturday afternoon. According to Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Commander of Joint Task Force Central, the surrendered personalities are former members of the Dragon Fruit Platoon, East Daguma Front, Sub-Regional Committee Daguma, Far South Mindanao Region.
 
A.k.a Ran and a.k.a. Kulam handed over one 12-gauge Shotgun and one cal. 38 revolver to Lt. Col. Allen Van Estrera, Commanding Officer of the 37th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Tibpuan, Lebak, Sultan Kudarat.

Surrendered firearms were deposited at 37IB headquarters for safekeeping while the surrendered personalities are currently undergoing custodial debriefing.
 
“This is a positive development in our campaign to end the local communist armed conflict in Central Mindanao. Rest assured that we will be strengthening our efforts to engage communities and encourage rebels to surrender while military actions are sustained in the area,” Lt. Gen. Rosario said.



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US military supports Palawan outreach

From the Manila Times (Feb 7, 2022): US military supports Palawan outreach



Doctors and dentists travel to Puerto Princesa for medical consultations and dental education workshops.

From January 19 to 22, the US Civil-Military Support Element-Philippines (CMSE-PHL) worked with local partners to bring no-cost medical and dental care to more than 800 residents of Rizal and Quezon municipalities in Palawan.

CMSE-PHL donated almost 1,000 kilograms of medical and dental supplies valued at over P717,000 to augment ongoing outreach programs conducted by the provincial and municipal governments to provide medical services in rural barangays (villages).


CSME-PHL also helped facilitate the travel of doctors and dentists from Puerto Princesa to provide medical consultations and dental education workshops. CSME-PHL provided the medical and dental services in cooperation with the Rizal and Quezon local government units, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) 18th Special Forces Company, the Palawan Department of Health (DoH), the Philippine Dental Association-Palawan chapter, and local chapters of the Kiwanis Club and Philippine Eagles.With CSME-PHL support, DoH successfully vaccinated more than 140 people in Rizal and Quezon against Covid-19 with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine — continuing the fight against the pandemic in some of the most rural villages of Palawan.

"We were pleased to see the [CMSE-PHL] come here and work with us in our mission to bring services to the people of Quezon. We hope to see them here again," said Quezon Mayor Joselito "Joy" Ayala.

"We are proud to be able to travel to Rizal and Quezon for our medical and dental outreach and help contribute to a 75-year legacy of friendship and cooperation between the United States and the Philippines," said Sgt. 1st Class Phillip Mendoza of CMSE-PHL.

"We want to thank all of our partners in Palawan, from the AFP, the provincial and municipal governments, and the medical and dental professionals, for making this possible." Before departing Palawan, CMSE-PHL also donated four medical tents to DoH in Puerto Princesa to help the province's ongoing vaccination efforts against Covid-19 and fight the recent surge of cases.

"This medical mission is an example of the strong US-Philippine partnership in action," said Capt. Jose Syrill Pervez, the commanding officer of AFP's 18th Special Forces Company. "We have the Philippine military, government, civilian, and now our American partners from the CMSE-PHL working side-by-side to support the people of Rizal and Quezon, and I hope we can continue this effort together."

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/02/07/expats-diplomats/us-military-supports-palawan-outreach/1832012

Kalinaw News: Dwindling leadership led anew to surrender of 15 NPAs, recovery of high-powered firearms

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 6, 2022): Dwindling leadership led anew to surrender of 15 NPAs, recovery of high-powered firearms



NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – As the leadership of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Eastern Mindanao weakens further following the series of neutralization of their top-ranking leaders, due to the relentless focused military operations directed by LtGen. Greg T. Almerol, the Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) to his forces, another 15 CTG members capitulated to the troops in the previous week bringing along their high-powered firearms.

The successful military operations launched by the troops of 4th Infantry Division’s 403rd Brigade and 1st Special Forces Battalion (1SFBn) in Bukidnon has led to the surrender of twelve high-ranking leaders and members of Guerilla Front (GF) 68B, SRC4 and SRC5 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee on February 4, 2022.

The surrenderees were identified as Ponduwa Domino Hangadon alias Kayleb, Political Guide of Squad 1, Ace Company; Garry Balansi Ampoan alias Liyab, Head of Education and Propaganda of Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad (SRSDG) Crackers Company; Jobert Culentas Manlapitao alias Lance, Team Leader of Squad 1, Platun Uno, SRSDG Crackers Company; Chriza Baliling Paluga, alias Enchang, Medical Officer; John Almier Cumad Semini alias Jazz, Political Guide of Squad 1; Jason Valcorza Omongos alias Araw, Political Guide of Squad 2, Platun Uno; Cristine Baliling Paluga, alias Lexie, Political Guide of Squad 2, Platun Dos; Ariel Ochea Capin alias Arjen, Platun Leader of Platun Dos; Omar Talha Binongcasan alias Hydra, member of Squad 1, Ace Company; Reymund Jiminez Belarmino alias Saysay, member of Squad 1, Platun Dos; Jerson Sayana Ontihay alias Sawie, member of Squad 1, Platun Dos; and Niño Baliling Paluga alias Loyd, member of Squad 2, Platun Dos.

They also yielded five high-powered firearms composed of two AK47 rifles and three M16 rifles with magazines and ammunitions.

This was immediately followed by the surrender of three CTG members who brought along an AK47 rifle, a Shotgun and a Garand rifle with scope to the troops of 901st Brigade’s 29th Infantry Battalion (IB) at Brgy Del Pilar, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte on February 5.

They were identified as alias Zhia, the Vice Commanding Officer and Political Instructor of Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda (SYP) 16B, GF16 of North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC); a certain alias Jing who is Zhia’s father and a Milisyang Bayan (MB) member of SYP19B, GF19 of NEMRC; and alias Dondon, a member of SYP16A, GF16.

EastMinCom has also diminished further the armed capability of the CTG as the troops of 402nd Brigade’s 23rd IB seized four AK47 rifles, an M14 rifle, five anti-personnel mines, a rifle grenade, two 20-liter containers of assorted ammunitions, assorted medical supplies, personal belongings, subversive documents with intel value and other war materiel after an armed encounter transpired at Sitio Tud-ol, Barangay Tungao, Butuan City on February 4, which came after concerned citizens reported the presence of an armed group in the said area.

Another high-powered firearms recovered by the troops of 701st Brigade’s 67th IB and intel units, which contains an M14 rifle and two AK47 rifles with four empty magazines as a former leader of the dissolved GF North of SMRC revealed its location of arms cache at the hinterlands of Sitio Cogonon, Brgy Salvacion, Trento, Agusan Del Sur on February 5.

Meanwhile, a troops of 10th Infantry Division’s 1002nd Brigade and 73rd IB also recovered an M16 rifle and an AK47 rifle after the troops acted upon the revelation of former rebels on their location of arms cache at Brgy Malalan, Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental on February 3.


It can be recalled that LtGen. Almerol previously assessed that a snowball of surrender is possible as the CTG, particularly in the area of Bukidnon, is on the verge of collapse following the successive neutralization of its top ranking leaders such as Ka Oris, Ka Bok and Ka Gonyong who served as the pillars of their organization.

“Our troops will never stop pursuing the remaining CTGs until the terror they bring in the peace-loving filipino and communities in Eastern Mindanao are completely extinguished. They have no other choice but to surrender or die away from their loved ones,” he said.

He also bared that the CTG’s continued decrease in manpower prompted its members to hide their firearms in caches which can be easily captured by the troops as former rebels divulge their location, while the continued support of civilians to the troops by serving as the eyes and ears in their community has contributed to successful encounters which led to the neutralization of communist terrorists and capture of their firearms.

“The civilians and former rebels, who now serve as our partners contributed a lot to our unprecedented accomplishments. Evident to this are the series of armed encounters, capture of CTG’s firearms, and the massive surrender which are results of timely reporting and the active support of the local chief executives. If this will continue in the coming days, we are very optimistic that we can achieve the goal of ending the local communist armed conflict by mid-year of 2022,” LtGen. Almerol expressed.

The EastMinCom Commander also welcomed the peaceful surrender of CTG leaders and members and called upon their remaining comrades to “emulate the example of those who have already chosen the path of peace by embracing the government’s sincere offer through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) to start a new life with your loved ones.”



[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/dwindling-leadership-led-anew-to-surrender-of-15-npas-recovery-of-high-powered-firearms/

Kalinaw News: High-powered firearms, War Materiel Seized in AgNor Clash

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 6, 2022): High-powered firearms, War Materiel Seized in AgNor Clash



BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte – High-powered firearms and war materiel were recovered after a successful Focused Military Operations (FMO) of the troops of the 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion, Philippine Army against CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) at the hinterlands of Sitio Tud-ol, Barangay Tungao, Butuan City on February 04, 2022.

The troops were conducting combat operations in the area when they encountered more or less 15 CNTs who are believed to be members of Platoon SAGAY, SRSDG 3, North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC) led by a certain Alias XJ.

The firefight lasted for about 20 minutes, after which the enemies scampered towards the north direction. The encounter resulted to the recovery of four (4) AK47 rifles, one (1) M14 rifle, five (5) Anti-Personnel Mines, two (2) pieces Blasting Caps, one (1) Rifle Grenade, six (6) pieces AK47 Magazines, two (2) 20-L containers of assorted ammunition, assorted medical supplies, CNT personal belongings, subversive documents, and other war materiel.


The said operations was launched through the directive of GEN ANDRES C CENTINO, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to fast-track the dissolution of the remnants of the CNTs in Caraga Region.

LTC JULIUS CESAR C PAULO, Commanding Officer, 23IB stated that “The continuous recovery of war materiel and high-powered firearms was achieved because of a successful FMO and the reliable information from the locals. The people are now unafraid to divulge to the security forces the location of these CNTs. It is a proof that the community, especially those in the hinterlands that were previously frequented visited` by the CNTs, have now realized that they were deceived by these Communist Terrorists.”

He also pointed out that from this vantage point, it is apparent that the CNTs has really no chance of winning this war now that their former mass bases have already rejected them while their high-ranking leaders are either neutralized or are already allies of the government.

Meanwhile, BGEN. ADONIS ARIEL ORIO, the Commander of 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade lauded the successful FMO of the 23IB.

“Our capacity to locate other members of the CNTs and conduct intensive military operations to drive them away from communities can be attributed to the growing trust of some NPA members in the government, not only because of our programs for their former comrades but also the delivery of basic services to the people living in far-flung areas. This recent encounter is a manifestation of their crumbling leadership and the fall of their mass bases, which served as pillars of their operations,” Brig. Gen. Orio said.

The recent accomplishment, he added is part of the ramped-up efforts as we hasten to defeat the CNTs. With this, we can meet the deadline set by the President as we reach the end-point of insurgency.



[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/high-powered-firearms-war-materiel-seized-in-agnor-clash/

Kalinaw News: AFP-PNP Lasang Checkpoint nabs COMELEC gun ban, anti-illegal drug violators

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 6, 2022): AFP-PNP Lasang Checkpoint nabs COMELEC gun ban, anti-illegal drug violators



Task Force Davao has efficiently utilized the Culture of Security ordinance to catch two law violators in a row on Sunday, February 6 at the joint AFP-PNP checkpoint in Lasang, Bunawan, Davao City.

At around 12:10 pm, the authorities composed of personnel from Task Force Davao and Davao City Police office apprehended a certain Javier Parato, 34 years old, married, a resident of 49 Sta. Isabela, Calabanga, Camarines Sur for violating the Commission on Election (COMELEC) gun ban.

The suspect was supposed to enter Davao City with an Isuzu Truck bearing plate number CAM 3266 when inspected with one (1) Cal .38 revolver along with (2) rounds of live ammunition.

At 12:30pm, another illegal drugs was intercepted at the same checkpoint.

The authorities confiscated a tiny sachet of suspected marijuana weighing around 1.56 grams with an estimated street value of P187 from a certain Mr. Ronald Gelicaña Tidoy, 28, single, and a resident of Topaz St. Sto Niño, Matina Crossing, Davao City.

Gelicaña was among the passengers of a Public Utility Bus plying from Northside traveling towards Davao City.

With these accomplishments, Colonel Darren E. Comia, Commander of Task Force Davao, commended the troops for their efficient implementation of the Culture of Security. Likewise, the TFD Commander lauded the troops manning the border control points for diligently performing their mandate of ensuring the safety and security of Davao City.

The suspects and evidences were immediately turned over to Bunawan police station for proper disposition.



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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/afp-pnp-lasang-checkpoint-nabs-comelec-gun-ban-anti-illegal-drug-violators/

Kalinaw News: 12 NPA Members Surrendered to 1st Special Forces Battalion

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 6, 2022): 12 NPA Members Surrendered to 1st Special Forces Battalion



Twelve regular NPA members of Guerilla Front 68B and Sub Regional Sentro De Grabidad Wei of Sub Regional Command 4, Ace Company and Sub Regional Sentro De Gravidad Crackers of Sub Regional Command 5 both of North Central Mindanao Regional Committee surrendered with three (3) M16 rifles and two (2) AK47 rifles to 1st Special Forces Battalion on February 4, 2022.

The neutralization of the said NPA members is the enemy-centric effect of the 1st Special Forces Battalion’s precise intelligence operations, deep psychological operations, and relentless physical pressure through fierce firefights and deadly encounters since the beginning of 2021.

LIEUTENANT COLONEL VERCISIO G SAN JOSE JR, Battalion Commander of the 1st Special Forces Battalion, welcomed the 12 former rebels to the Battalion Headquarters at Brgy. Mampayag, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, and he said, “You have made the right decision to abandon the communist ideology and to peacefully surrender to the AFP. Further, we are ready to support you in availing the socio-economic programs and livelihood assistance prepared by our government. Moreover, it has been our mandate to decisively neutralize the elements of communist terrorist in our area of operations. Hence, we advise you to encourage your former comrades, who are still blindly fighting against our legitimate government, to peacefully surrender; or we will relentlessly hunt them down.”

BRIGADIER GENERAL FERDINAND T BARANDON, Commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, 4th Infantry Division gratefully received the 12 former rebels for choosing to seek refuge in the government. He stated, “These rebels have finally realized that they have been fighting meaninglessly for a hopeless cause which only brought them worthless sacrifice and bloodshed to the lives of the innocent civilians. We will help them to start a new life and to protect them in every way we can from the hypocritical leaders preaching the poisons of communist ideology.”

The former rebels have undergone custodial debriefing and legal processing of their documents in order to formally welcome them in the folds of the government. The LGU of Manolo Fortich have initiated the medical check-up of the said former rebels.

The 1st Special Forces Battalion remains in its thrust as liberators of the oppressed and champions of peace. Hence, the unit believes that it is everyone’s job to fight against the Communist Terrorists. We need to take the Whole of the Nation Approach as our guide to enjoin every sector of our society to unite and fight the insurgency that have been spreading in our communities for decades.

[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/12-npa-members-surrendered-to-1st-special-forces-battalion/

Kalinaw News: NoLCom Commander rallies troops to bolster efforts in securing lasting peace in North Luzon

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 6, 2022): NoLCom Commander rallies troops to bolster efforts in securing lasting peace in North Luzon



Camp Aquino, Tarlac City – Feb 4, 2022

Northern Luzon Command Commander Lt. Gen. Ernesto Torres Jr. visited the headquarters of Joint Task Force (JTF) Karagatan in San Fernando, La Union and Joint Task Group (JTG) Defender in Manaoag Pangasinan on February 4, 2022, to personally give his guidance to the troops in securing the country’s interests and ensuring lasting peace in north Luzon.

Lt. Gen. Torres was accorded with the traditional military honors by the officers and men of JTF Karagatan led by Capt Francisco Tagamolila and JTG Defender Commander Brig. Gen. Krishnamurti Mortela.

Afterward, the visiting commander was apprised of the JTF and JTG’s current thrusts and ways ahead.

In his “Talk to Troops,” Lt. Gen. Torres rallied the troops to further bolster efforts in securing our country’s northern frontier and emphasized his guidance in the campaign in ending the local communist armed conflict.

Lt. Gen. Torres reiterated President Duterte’s order to finish the local communist armed conflict by the end of his term this June 2022. ” Let’s continue to press on our campaign to eliminate the remaining communist terrorist,” he said.

“Through the whole-of-nation approach spearheaded by the NTF-ELCAC, we shall endeavor to aggressively support the programs to end internal dissension through a progressive and sustainable campaign that would address its root causes,” added Lt. Gen. Torres as he emphasized the importance of the military’s Community Support programs and the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

“While much of our efforts are focused on internal security, we shall not lose sight, however of our constitutional mandate of protecting the people and securing the sovereignty of the state and the integrity of our national territory as defenders of our nation,” furthered Lt. Gen. Torres.

With the Northern Luzon Command being AFP’s unit in charge of protecting sovereign rights and territorial integrity in the country’s maritime domain which encompasses the vast, resource-rich maritime areas that include the Bajo De Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea, the Philippine Rise (Benham Rise) and the Batanes Strait, the NoLCom Commander encourage the navy in the north to “effectively maximize the utilization of our naval assets in protecting the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, particularly in the country’s northern borders.”

He also recognized the army, sailors, and marines who “have exemplified the traits of excellent and professional members of the armed forces committed to serving the Filipinos and selflessly perform their mandate as defenders of the north, guardians of our sovereignty, and protectors of the people.”

This military tradition of newly assumed NoLCom Chief making rounds to all units under his command is conducted as a way to rally the troops, reaffirm commitment and boost their morale toward achieving the objectives of the campaign plans of NoLCom in all its mission areas.



[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/nolcom-commander-rallies-troops-to-bolster-efforts-in-securing-lasting-peace-in-north-luzon/

Kalinaw News: NoLCom Commander visits the local chief exec of La Union

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 6, 2022): NoLCom Commander visits the local chief exec of La Union



Northern Luzon Command Commander Lt. Gen. Ernesto Torres Jr. paid a courtesy visit to La Union Governor Hon. Francisco Emmanuel Ortega III at the La Union Provincial Capitol on February 4, 2022.

Lt. Gen. Torres said that the purpose of the visit is to personally coordinate and ensure the security environment of the province for the upcoming National Polls as they gear towards the conduct of a peaceful and fair 2022 election. Talks about coordination and cooperation to fully apprehend remaining Communist terrorists in the area were also discussed.

NoLCom Commander assured the governor that “NolCom forces will be deployed in strategic locations within their areas of operations, as deputized by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), and in coordination with other concerned agencies like the PNP, PCG, and other National Government Agencies to enable our people within Northern and Central Luzon to exercise their right of suffrage by casting their votes without fear and intimidation.”

“With our good convergence, we can surely attain our overarching objective of setting the conditions towards secured communities that will usher lasting peace and development in the beautiful province of La Union” added Lt. Gen. Torres.

Meanwhile, Gov. Ortega expressed his gratitude to the military for their unrelenting service and commitment to keeping the peace in La Union even amidst additional threats posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gov. Ortega also lauded the NoLCom troops for their “visibility and immediate response” in times of calamities and danger, as well as for their support to the province’s economic development, and law-enforcement operations.

During his call to the La Union governor, Lt. Gen. Torres was accompanied by officers of the NoLCom command staff.

The NoLCom commander aims to personally visit other local chief executives in NoLCom’s area of responsibility to assess the security environment and establish a goodwill partnership between the military and stakeholders that will be instrumental in the overall achievement of lasting peace and progress in Northern Luzon.

[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/nolcom-commander-visits-the-local-chief-exec-of-la-union/

Kalinaw News: Barangays get free livestock for Poultry Farm Projects in Patikul

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 6, 2022): Barangays get free livestock for Poultry Farm Projects in Patikul



Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista, Jolo, Sulu – As part of Balik Barangay Program, nine former internally displaced communities receive 5,400 hens for a livelihood poultry farm projects on January 26, 2022 at Municipal Hall, Brgy Taglibi, Patikul, Sulu.

The distribution of poultry was initiated by the municipal local government unit, SMCC-MEANO Farms, Special Area for Agricultural Development Region 9 and 1103rd Infantry Brigade (1103rd Bde) of 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division.

This project is expected to significantly improve food security and economic stability of Barangays Pansul, Panglayahan, Kabbon Takas, Bakung, Buhanginan, Maligay, Tugas, Bungkaong, Latih. With 600 egg-laying chickens each barangay is to team up with battalions under 1103rd Bde to fully maximize the resources provided.

To note, all internally displaced communities of Patikul officially returned to their lands November last year. According to Patikul Mayor Kabir Hayudini, this rehabilitation was made possible by the improved security situation of the municipality.

“Maraming taga-Patikul ang naging bakwit ng maraming taon. May ang iba, limang taon, ang iba pitong taon. Nasira talaga ang buhay ng tao nung panahon na marami pa ang Abu Sayyaf dito. Ngayon, grabeng tuwa at pagmamalaki namin sa pagbabago sa Patikul,” the Mayor said.

Meanwhile, 1103rd Bde Commander BGen Benjamin G Batara Jr expressed that they were able to reduce the number of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members through the active participation of Patikul residents.

“Sama-sama ang tropa, ang LGU at iba pang mga volunteer na sibilyan na nag-iikot sa bundok, naglalagay ng bakod, gumagawa ng kalsada. Hanggang ngayon patuloy pa rin tayo sa community organizing, project implementation at hindi kami titigil diyan hanggang sa maghilom na ang naranasan nilang pasakit sa pagiging IDP.”

For his part, Joint Task Force – Sulu and 11ID Commander MGen William N Gonzales agreed and said that the military campaign in Sulu is meant for the long haul. “I am honored to have been part of Sulu’s history and I will always be genuinely concerned about the future of this place that has become my home.”

[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/barangays-get-free-livestock-for-poultry-farm-projects-in-patikul/

Kalinaw News: 2 More CTG Personalities Surrender in Central Mindanao

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 6, 2022): 2 More CTG Personalities Surrender in Central Mindanao



Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – February 5, 2022

Two more significant personalities of the communist terrorist group laid down their arms and returned to the folds of the law in Central Mindanao on February 4, 2022. WestMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr. said that the two submitted themselves to the military troops at the Headquarters of 11th Special Forces Company in Barangay Lambingi, T’Boli, South Cotabato.

A.k.a. Dagul, a political guide of Platoon Central, Guerilla Front Musa, and a resident of Barangay Ned, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato; and a.k.a. Tata, a member of Local Guerilla Unit Milisyang Bayan, and a resident of Barangay Klubi, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato,
handed over one improvised M79 Grenade Launcher and five rounds of 40mm High Explosives to the military.


Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Commander of Joint Task Force Central said this accomplishment is attributable to the resolve of our units on the ground to engage the local leaders and convince the remaining CTG members to come out.

The surrendered firearms and ammunition were deposited at 11SFC headquarters for safekeeping. The two are the 13th and 14th CTG personalities respectively, who yielded to the Joint Task Force Central for this year alone. It can be recalled that earlier this week, five former rebels also surrendered to the military in Central Mindanao.

“I commend the troops of Joint Task Force Central for their hard work and dedication. Their determination to end terrorism peacefully is very laudable,” Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. said. “We urge our brothers and sisters who are still hiding that now is the time for you to come out. Join us in our journey towards peace here in Mindanao”.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/2-more-ctg-personalities-surrender-in-central-mindanao/

Kalinaw News: 3 Reds Desired A Peaceful Life, Yields in 29IB

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 6, 2022): 3 Reds Desired A Peaceful Life, Yields in 29IB



CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte- Three regular members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who desired to have a peaceful life, voluntarily surrendered on February 5, 2022 at the Headquarters 29th Infantry “Matatag” Battalion stationed at Brgy Del Pilar, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte.

The said rebels were identified as alias @Zhia, 27 years old, Vice Commanding Officer (VCO)/ Political Instructor (P.I) of SYP16B, GF16, NEMRC, PSR listed surrendered with her father alias @Jing, 53 years old, Milisya ng Bayan (MB) member of SYP19B, GF19, NEMRC and alias @Dondon, 29 years old, armed member of SYP16A, GF16, NEMRC.

The surrenderers brought with them one (1) serialized AK47 Rifle, one (1) serialized Armscor shotgun and one (1) serialized Garand Rifle with scope.


According to alias @Zhia, “Gusto na gyud mi mamuyo ug malinawon. Giagni sad mi ni mama nga musurrender aron dili nami magsige ug puyo sa bukid, magtago-tago sa mga kasundaluhan.” (We already want to live in peace, my mother encouraged us to surrender so that we will not live in the mountains and not continue to hide from the government forces.”)

Alias @Dondon said “Kapoy kayo among kahimtang didto sa bukid, gutom mi didto, dungag pa ang kakapoy nga akong nasinatian kung maglakaw mi. Nisurrender ko kay para sad sa akong anak aron sad mudako sya nga kumpleto mi ug matagaan sad ako sya ug maayo nga kaugmaon.” (Our experience there in the mountains is so tiresome. We have suffered hunger and the extra fatigue that I have experienced while on mission. I have surrendered for the sake of my son so that he can grow with a complete family and that I can give him a better future.”)

Lt.Col. Jason M Saldua, Commanding Officer of 29IB said in a statement, “Kabalo ko nga dili sayon magsige ug lakaw-lakaw sa bukid, magtago-tago labi na sa kasundaluhan. Sakto sila sa ilahang desisyon nga munaog ug musurender diri sa amoa. Matagaan sila ug higayon nga mabag-o ang ang ilahang kinabuhi layo sa kakapoy, kagutom, kadelikado sa bukid. Nagpalamat kami sa ilahang pagnaog.” (I know that it is not easy to walk in the mountains, to hide especially from the government troops. Their decision to surrender is right. They will be given a chance to change their lives away from hunger, tiredness and danger. We thanked them for heeding our call.”)

To all others, I am calling you once again to surrender while there is still time. Our unit is always open to embrace you as you will change your future for the better “, Ltc Saldua emphasized.



[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/3-reds-desired-a-peaceful-life-yields-in-29ib/

Former rebel killed in Calatrava

From the Visayan Daily Star (Feb 6, 2022): Former rebel killed in Calatrava (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)


A police prober gathers evidences at the site where a former rebel was killed by suspected NPA rebels in Calatrava.*PNP photo

The Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion yesterday slammed the killing a former rebel by four suspected New People’s Army rebels on February 4 in Brgy. Cambayobo, Calatrava, Negros Occidental.

The victim was identified as Jimmy dela Cruz, 21, who surrendered to the Philippine Army two years ago after serving the Northern Negros Front, which had been dismantled by the 79IB last year.

Initial police investigations show that the victim and fellow laborers were loading harvested sugarcanes on a cargo truck when four armed men arrived.

The victim was immediately shot in the chest by the armed suspects, who fled the crime scene.


https://visayandailystar.com/former-rebel-killed-in-calatrava/

Deputy brigade commander dies in diving accident

From MindaNews (Feb 6, 2022): Deputy brigade commander dies in diving accident (By FROILAN GALLARDO)

An army deputy brigade commander drowned in a tragic diving accident off Iligan Bay in Initao town, Misamis Oriental on Saturday morning.

Initao police investigator Cito Chiel Balaba identified the victim as
Army Col. Nolie Anquillano, 54, deputy commander of the Marawi City-based 103rd Infantry Brigade.


Balaba said Anquillano was diving along with fellow Army and police officers when the accident occurred at around 10:20 a.m. on Saturday.

“He was declared missing by his companions after they searched the area,” Balaba said

Together with divers who were companions of the victim, the policemen led by Initao town police chief Maj. Roberto Cambi joined the search.


Initao, Misamis Oriental. MindaNews file photo by Bobby Timonera

Police said the seas around Initao town were rough because of the northeasterly winds. 1234

Balaba said the body of the victim was found at around 1:15 pm and was brought to the Misamis Oriental Provincial Hospital in Initao where he was declared dead.

Anquillano is the second officer from the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade who died while on a diving trip.

Brig. Gen. Daniel Lucero, former 103rd Infantry Brigade commander died in a similar accident in Tukuran town in Zamboanga del Sur on June 1, 2013.


Lucero had just been named as commanding general of the 1st Tabak Division in Pagadian City.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2022/02/deputy-brigade-commander-dies-in-diving-accident/

Informant gets P7.8-M bounty for helping gov’t neutralize Ka Oris

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 6, 2022): Informant gets P7.8-M bounty for helping gov’t neutralize Ka Oris



REWARD. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana hands over the PHP7.8-million bounty to informant “Ricky” at the Philippine Army's 4th Infantry Division headquarters in Cagayan de Oro City on Feb. 2, 2022. The informant provided tips that led to the neutralization of ranking New People’s Army leader Jorge “Ka Oris” Madlos in Bukidnon on Oct. 30, 2021. (Photo courtesy of 4ID)

“Ricky”, the informant who led government troops to the neutralization of ranking New People’s Army (NPA) leader Jorge “Ka Oris” Madlos last year, has received his PHP7.8-million bounty.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Gen. Andres Centino, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), awarded the money on February 2 at the headquarters of the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) at Camp Evangelista here, according to a news release.

Madlos, 71, was killed in a 30-minute encounter with the troops of the 4ID's 403rd Infantry Brigade in Barangay Dumalaguing, Impasugong, Bukidnon on Oct. 30, 2021.

Also killed was Eighfel Dela Pena (alias Pika/Maui), a medic of the National Operations Command of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) - NPA Komiteng Mindanao.


The bounty has been put up since 2000 through the AFP-Philippine National Police Joint Order of Reward under the Department of National Defense and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

“Ricky” had mask and dark eyeglasses on when he received the money for security reasons.

Lorenzana commended him for his bravery and thanked him for trusting the government despite the risks.

The DND chief hoped that aside from the monetary reward, other civilians would emulate what “Ricky” did, an act of shared responsibility and commitment to fast-track the government’s goal to end the local communist armed conflict.

In a statement released Saturday, Brig. Gen Wilbur Mamawag, the new commander of 4ID, also expressed his appreciation to the informant.

“We all wanted to live in peace. But all of us must contribute our share to attain peace. Hence, I salute the likes of Ricky who stand courageously against the communist terrorist group. This also proves that the support coming from the civilians have altered the balance in an overwhelming favor toward the government and peace partners,” he said.

Madlos faced multiple criminal cases such as robbery with homicide, damage to properties, murder, and double frustrated murder.

He was cremated after testing positive for Covid-19 and his remains turned over to his younger brother, Rito, on Nov. 11, 2021.

Government forces are also hunting down Madlos’ widow, Myrna Sularte (alias Maria Malaya), the secretary of the NPA North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1167150