WESTMINCOM: Lawless element apprehended, firearms seized in Basilan

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Feb 12, 2022): Lawless element apprehended, firearms seized in Basilan

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – February 12, 2022

Firearms and ammunition were seized from a lawless element in Basilan in the wee hours of February 12, 2022. Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command said combined elements of the PNP Special Action Force and 18th Infantry Battalion conducted a joint law enforcement operation to serve a Warrant of Arrest for Murder on Ernie Hawari, a.k.a. Kulot in Barangay Baimbing, Lamitan City, Basilan.

 
During the serving of the warrant, Hawari promptly fired upon the operating troops using his M16 rifle. This forced the government forces to retaliate, hitting the target on his left hand. Hawari was immediately evacuated to Lamitan City District Hospital for medical attention.

 
“The operation yielded to the arrest of Hawari and the seizure of one M16 rifle with four magazines, two rifle grenades, and three rounds of M203 ammunition. Operating troops immediately secured the area to preempt any hostile activity that may be perpetrated by his possible allies,” Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway, Commander of Joint Task Force Basilan said.

 
The subject is one of the suspects in an anti-personnel mine explosion in a temporary checkpoint in Campo Uno, Lamitan City that resulted in the death of one soldier and the wounding of another sometime in August 2021.

“We sustain our strengthened coordination with the police and other law enforcement units to continuously eliminate the menaces of society and curb unlawful activities in our area of operation. Rest assured that we intensify further our operations especially during this election period to protect the communities from the terror ploys of the enemies of the state,” Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. emphasized.

 
#SupportOurTroops
#SundaloSalamatsaSerbisyo
#AFPyoucanTRUST
#TeamAFP
#TeamWestMinCom
#WholeofNationApproach

https://www.facebook.com/westmincomafp2021/photos/pcb.238937721774449/238937475107807/

https://www.facebook.com/westmincomafp2021/?ref=page_internal

WESTMINCOM: 3 in 1 for 4th MBde/NTGS’ Special Project

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Feb 13, 2022): 3 in 1 for 4th MBde/NTGS’ Special Project

4th Civil Relations Group

3 in 1 for 4th MBde/NTGS’ Special Project

4th MBde/NTGS’ Special Project launched against the ASG netted three (3) target personalities successively in a day by its OPCON units, composite PNP Provincial, Regional, and National offices/units (Sulu PPO, CIDG, SAF, RMF), NICA9, and NTF-ELAC Sulu.

 
With the efforts of identifying and confirming the involvement of target personalities in the ASG, on 10 February 2022, said units/offices jointly facilitated the surrender of ASG members Farckidly Sairul Abdurasa @FAR and Marsan Adong Awwalon @MARSAN. @FAR operated with the late ASGSL Taullah ABDURASA while @MARSAN was with ASGSL Sansibar BENSIO, who is currently detained at Sulu Provincial Jail. Later that day, MBLT-8 presented to Commander, 4th Marine Brigade/NTGS and Mayor, Omar Municipality ASG Member Kimar J. Diray @KIM.

All three (3) ASG members, other than their insecurities that government forces are closing in on them, opted to surrender, lead normal lives, and avail of the government’s programs for ASG returnees, even as they revealed the hardships they have been experiencing aggravated by the apparent infighting within the ASG.

#SundaloSalamatsaSerbisyo
#AFPyoucanTRUST
#SupportOurTroops
#TeamWestMinCom
#TeamCRSAFP

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=311428397678591&set=a.226169562871142

https://www.facebook.com/westmincomafp2021/?ref=page_internal

2 cops, teen hurt in attack allegedly by NPA in Negros Occidental

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 13, 2022): 2 cops, teen hurt in attack allegedly by NPA in Negros Occidental (By: Carla Gomez)

Police investigators conduct a probe following the attack allegedly staged by the New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Bi-ao, Binalbagan town, Negros Occidental on Sunday. (Contributed photo)

Two policemen and a teenager were injured in an attack allegedly staged by the New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Bi-ao, Binalbagan town, Negros Occidental on Sunday, February 13.

Lt. Charles Richard Casalan, Binalbagan deputy police chief, and Cpl. Julius Tranquillero, were on board their Hilux patrol vehicle at about 8:15 a.m. when an improvised explosive device exploded, said Maj. Ellendie Rebusquillo, Binalbagan police chief.

An exchange of gunfire ensued, which wounded a 15-year-old.

Sgt. Brian Ganzon, the driver of the police patrol vehicle, and the other policemen managed to escape.

“The cellular phone of the driver (hanging on his chest) saved him from a bullet headed towards his chest. Instead of hitting the driver’s chest, the bullet shattered his phone,” Rebusquillo said.

The policemen, he said, responded to a report that NPA rebels had killed a person in Sitio Nursery, Barangay Bi-ao.

Before reaching the place, they were reportedly attacked by the communist rebels.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1554200/2-cops-teen-hurt-in-attack-allegedly-by-npa-in-negros-occidental

NPA is ‘biggest’ security threat to May polls – AFP spox

From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 13, 2022): NPA is ‘biggest’ security threat to May polls – AFP spox (By Martin Sadongdong)

As the May elections draw near, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is preparing for any planned attack that may be launched by the New People’s Army (NPA) which is considered as the “biggest” security threat thus far.

File photo / MANILA BULLETIN

Col. Ramon Zagala, AFP spokesperson, said the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has partnered with the AFP and Philippine National Police to deputize military personnel in ensuring the “free, orderly, honest, peaceful, and credible” elections on May 9.

“We can say that the communist terrorist group [is the biggest threat] because they want to influence our elections especially now that they are weakened. They cannot match the force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines so they would want to elect a candidate that they can easily manipulate and threaten,” Zagala said in a radio interview over dzBB on Sunday, Feb. 13.

“That’s what we are monitoring right now, the communist terrorist group is really a serious threat,” he added.

There are at least seven cities and 39 towns that are being monitored by the military this coming elections due to the threat of communist rebels and private armed groups. Zagala said most of them are located in Mindanao.

“We are looking at the history of violence in previous elections or election-related incidents. From there, the [Comelec] together with the AFP and PNP will declare it as areas that are in need of strict monitoring. These are just general areas per region,” Zagala said.

Once an area is declared to be an election hotspot, Zagala said military and police personnel will be augmented to ensure the elections there will be secured from communist groups, local terrorists, and private armed groups.

Zagala said AFP Chief, Gen. Andres Centino has directed area commanders to assess all the security concerns that the military has been receiving since the start of the campaign period last Feb. 8.

“Rest assured that we have enough manpower that is dedicated for the elections,” he promised.

Meanwhile, the military spokesperson reminded all soldiers to remain apolitical and non-partisan. He said the AFP will no longer reshuffle its commanders and personnel as “we rely on their professionalism.”

Earlier, the PNP reshuffled some of its police chiefs, especially in areas where they have relatives, to ensure that they will not influence the outcome of local elections there.

https://mb.com.ph/2022/02/13/npa-is-biggest-security-threat-to-may-polls-afp-spox/

Southern Philippine Ambush Kills MILF Commander, 8 Others

From BenarNews (Feb 12, 2022): Southern Philippine Ambush Kills MILF Commander, 8 Others (By Jeoffrey Maitem and Mark Navales)

A Philippine police investigator searches for evidence on Saturday after nine people were killed in an ambush of two vehicles in Maguindanao province, Feb. 12, 2022. (Mark Navales/BenarNews)

Armed men ambushed a two-vehicle convoy carrying a Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) commander traveling through a southern Philippine village on Saturday, killing nine and injuring three others, authorities said.

The men attacked the convoy of Peges Mamasainged, also known as Commander Black Magic, around 8:30 a.m. in Tambunan village in Maguindanao province, according to provincial police commander Col. Jibin Bongcayao.

“The motive of the incident is the long-standing family feud of the involved parties,” the police official said.

Mamasainged, a member of the MILF’s inner guard base command, was traveling to a nearby village when he was killed along with five relatives and three unidentified individuals. Authorities did not release details on those who were injured.

Bongcayao identified MILF members Jordan Mama Lintang and his son, Morsid, as the alleged leaders of the attack. He did not say if any of the attackers were injured or if members of the convoy fired back.

MILF spokesman Von Al Haq, meanwhile, said the father and son were not members of the organization. The MILF signed a peace agreement with the government in 2014, ending its long-running separatist insurgency in the region.

In predominantly Muslim areas of Mindanao island, it is not unusual for families to settle differences through clan wars known as “rido.” Hostilities could last for decades until a peace pact is signed, usually through mediation by religious leaders along with a cash payment.

Political rivalries, ancestral land claims, disputes over local fiefdoms as well as election-related feuds often spur clan wars in Mindanao, the country’s mineral-rich southern third.

“Police and military personnel have been deployed in the area to prevent escalation of the incident,” Bongcayao said.

Al Haq, the MILF spokesman, told BenarNews the organization’s ceasefire team was on the ground as well to help prevent the situation from getting worse.

“It’s confirmed that those people ambushed were our men. The suspects are not connected with us,” he said. “We are checking if it’s election related.”

On May 9, Filipinos will vote to elect a new president and vice president, fill 12 of the 24 Senate and all 316 House seats along with about 18,000 official positions ranging from governors to mayors and town councilors.

Philippine elections, especially in the countryside, are traditionally marred by violence. In 2019, 23 people were killed and 50 injured during mid-term polls and as many as 50 people died in poll-related violence during the 2016 presidential election, according to statistics from the national police.

https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/philippine/deadly-ambush-02122022083620.html

Police to file charges vs MILF commander attackers

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 13, 2022): Police to file charges vs MILF commander attackers (By: Edwin O. Fernandez)

GUINDULUNGAN, MAGUINDANAO--Police are preparing to file charges against the gunmen who killed nine relatives including a commander of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), the armed wing of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), in a remote village here on Saturday.

The victims and the perpetrators were locked in a long running family feud involving territory and land conflict, according to Capt. Fayeed Cana, Maguindanao police spokesperson.

Police, backed by military forces, are now hunting down Jordan Mama Lintang, alias “Commander Jordan,” his son Morsid and several armed followers for killing Peges Lentagi Mamasainged alias “Commander Black Magic” of the BIAF.

Police insisted that both belonged to the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), the military arm of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), although Von Al Hag, spokesperson of MILF, insisted only Mamasainged belonged to MILF.

“The protagonists were feuding cousins,” Capt. Cana said, adding that charges for multiple murder and frustrated murder were already being prepared against the suspects for filing before the prosecutor’s office Monday.

Aside from Commander Black Magic, those who were killed included Mamasainged’s sons Johari, Sadam, Sader, cousins Kamar and Tani, and three other armed followers.

Three others in Mamasainged’s convoy of two SUVs — Anwar Dimasingian, Baunal Lumabad and Sanjen Mamasainged — were critically injured and were now fighting for their lives in a hospital.

Al Hag told the Inquirer Sunday the MILF had deployed a team to investigate the incident and to help prevent it from getting worse.

“It’s confirmed that those people (who were) ambushed were our men. The suspects are not connected with us,” he said, refuting Cana’s claim.

Al Hag said the MILF was also checking if the ambush was election-related.

Commander Black Magic, his sons, and followers were on board a Mitsubishi Montero and Ford Ranger heading for Ampatuan, Maguindanao for a settlement of the “rido,” involving them and cousins, led by Commander Jordan, when they were ambushed in Sitio Dam, Barangay Malumamis here at 8 a.m. on Saturday.

The Guindulungan police said that aside from killing the victims, the suspects also carted away their wallets, undetermined number of pistols and rifles, magazines, all their mobile phones and other personal items.

Scene of the crime operatives found more than 100 empty shells of caliber 45 pistol, M-16 and M-14 assault rifles at the site of the murder. (With report from Jeoffrey Maitem)

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1554233/police-to-file-charges-vs-milf-commander-attackers

Police identify suspects behind killing of 9 in Maguindanao ambush

From Rappler (Feb 12, 2022): Police identify suspects behind killing of 9 in Maguindanao ambush (By ROMMEL REBOLLIDO)

Authorities launch pursuit operations against a BIAF commander and his son, who allegedly led the group behind the ambush

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines – Heavily armed men staged an ambush and killed at least nine people and hurt three others in a village in Maguindanao province on Saturday morning, February 12.

Police blamed the killings on a feud between the families of two commanders of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces-Moro Islamic Liberation Front (BIAF-MILF).

Captain Fayeed Cana, the spokesperson of the Maguindanao police, said the main target of the attack was Peges Lentagi Mamasainged, otherwise known as Black Magic, a commander of the BIAF-MILF.

She said authorities had launched pursuit operations against the armed group allegedly led by Jordan Malalintang and his son Morsid. Like Mamasainged, the elder Malalintang is also a BIAF commander, and the two were feuding cousins.

Mamasainged died along with his sons Johari, Sadam, Sadr, and five others.

Police said another family member, Kamar Mamasainged, and one Tani were also killed in the ambush.

Three companions of the Mamsainged’s group – Anwar Dimasinsin, Sanjen Mamasainged, and Baunal Lumabad – were struggling for life in a hospital as of this posting.

The victims were in two sports utility vehicles on their way to the town of Datu Saudi Ampatuan when the armed group rained them with bullets on a two-lane road in Sitio Dam, Barangay Kalumamis, Guindulungan in Maguindanao.

Police said the victims were going to attend a kanduli (thanksgiving banquet) to celebrate a rido settlement in Barangay Kitapok, Datu Saudi Ampatuan town when they were attacked.

Bloodstains on the narrow road led to the body of another man several meters from the bullet-riddled vehicles. Police said it looked like the victim was trying to escape.

Crime scene investigators said the empty shells found near the vehicles came from high-powered firearms such as M14 and M16 rifles.

Talayan Mayor Midpantao Midtimbang Jr. said the ambush was staged at around 8 am, about 10 kilometers from the Cotabato City-Sultan Kudarat highway.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/police-identify-suspects-behind-killing-maguindanao-ambush-february-12-2022/

NPA couple surrenders, reunites with loved ones in Agusan Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 13, 2022): NPA couple surrenders, reunites with loved ones in Agusan Norte (By Alexander Lopez)

PRO-13 director, Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr. (Photo courtesy of PRO-13 Information Office)

A couple engaged in New People’s Army (NPA) activities recently surrendered voluntarily to the personnel of 1304th Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 13 and the 1st Agusan del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company.

In a statement Sunday, Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr., director of Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 (Caraga), said the couple decided to end their yearning to be with their families again after finally abandoning the communist movement on Saturday.

Caramat identified the surrenderers as alias Wendel, 37, a resident of Barangay Jaguimitan of Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, and the team leader of Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) 3, Guerrilla Front 4A (GF-4A) under North Central Mindanao Regional Committee of the NPA.

Wendel surrendered with his live-in partner, alias An-An, 32, a resident of Barangay Malinao of Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental, serving as Squad Medic of SRC-3 GF-4A.

“Both surrendered to unite with their families and live a normal life which might turn out to be impossible if they were to remain in the movement,” Caramat said.

Wendel, he added, is the brother of Jealan Pinakilid, alias Baking, the commanding officer GF-4A of the NPA operating in the areas of Agusan del Norte and some parts of the Misamis Oriental province.

“Despite the recent atrocities conducted by the New People’s Army in Surigao del Sur, they cannot hide the fact that many of its members are tired of their futile resistance and just wanted to live a peaceful and violent-free life,” Caramat said.

He is referring to the road blockade and ransacking of houses perpetrated by the NPA insurgents in Cortes, Surigao del Sur last February 10.

Caramat also urged the remaining NPA guerrillas in Agusan del Norte and other parts of the Caraga Region to surrender and live peacefully with their families and communities.

“It’s not too late for you to surrender. The government is always open to accept and assist you to start new lives,” he added.

Caramat said Wendel and his live-in partner will be processed for them to avail of government support, particularly through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

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

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1167656

Alleged NPA landmine blast injures 2 cops in NegOcc town

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 13, 2022): Alleged NPA landmine blast injures 2 cops in NegOcc town (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

ROADSIDE BOMB. The encounter site, where suspected CPP-NPA members engaged policemen and detonated an anti-personal mine, in Barangay Bi-ao, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental on Sunday (Feb. 13, 2022). Two personnel of Binalbagan Municipal Police Station were injured during the explosion while a 15-year-old boy was hit by a stray bullet. (Photo courtesy of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office)

Two policemen and a minor in Binalbagan, Negros Occidental were wounded during a roadside encounter with suspected members of Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Barangay Bi-ao on Sunday morning.

Police report said Lt. Charles Richard Casalan, the station’s deputy chief of police, and Cpl. Julius Tranquillero, sustained minor injuries during an explosion and were treated in the town infirmary, along with a 15-year-old boy, who was hit by a stray bullet.

Maj. Ellendie Rebusquillo, chief of Binalbagan Municipal Police Station, said 10 of his men were on board a patrol vehicle going to Sitio Nursery, which called for assistance after residents found a dead man in the area.

At around 8:15 a.m. while traversing Sitio Candida 2, shots were fired at the policemen and when they fired back, an explosion took place, he added.

In a statement, Brig. Gen. Flynn Dongbo, director of Police Regional Office-Western Visayas (PRO-6), denounced what he calls a “treacherous act” of the CPP-NPA in detonating an anti-personnel mine aimed at the policemen.

He said several communist-terrorists were seen engaging the policemen and they withdrew to various directions after the gunfight.

“They have the intention to kill our personnel who are lawfully performing their mandated duties. They also disturbed the tranquility of the community in Barangay Bi-ao,” Dongbo said.

He said police personnel are now pursuing the perpetrators.

“We will conduct a thorough investigation, find evidence to support an airtight case, and run after them,” he added.

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 inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1167665

CHR exec says probe on death of 2 minors in N. Samar ongoing

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 13, 2022): CHR exec says probe on death of 2 minors in N. Samar ongoing (By Lade Jean Kabagani)

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) assailed the clash between New People’s Army (NPA) rebels and government troops that killed two children in Northern Samar.

CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia said their regional office in Eastern Visayas is looking into the incident that killed Andre Mercado, 12, and Leandro Alivio, 13, in Barangay Roxas, Catubig town on February 8.

"Ginagarantiya ng international humanitarian law (IHL) ang proteksyon ng mga sibilyan laban sa mga epekto ng armadong tunggalian, lalo na ang kapakanan ng mga bulnerableng sektor tulad ng mga bata at babae (The international humanitarian law guarantees the protection of civilians against the effects of armed conflicts, especially among vulnerable sector such as children and women)," De Guia said in a statement on Sunday.

De Guia emphasized that carrying out attacks in the presence of innocent civilians is a violation under Republic Act 9851, or the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity.

"Mag-iimbestiga ang CHR sa pamamagitan ng aming opisina sa Region VIII para tignan ang pananagutan ng mga may sala sa nasabing posibleng paglabag (Our CHR office in Region 8 will investigate to look into possible violations and their possible liabilities)," she said.

In May last year, the CHR probed 1,506 atrocities and IHL violations committed by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA and the National Democratic Front from 2010 to 2020.

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

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1167668

MILF: LBO extends helping hands to Gokotan Victims, CSOs show massive support

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Feb 9, 2022): LBO extends helping hands to Gokotan Victims, CSOs show massive support (By LBO Committee On Communication Information Technology, Luwaran)



LBO Committee On Communication Information Technology, Luwaran, February 8, 2022

 
Cotabato City February 6 -- The League of Bangsamoro Organizations (LBO) provided relief assistance to the victims of human rights violations in Barangay Gokotan, Pikit North Cotabato.

LBO President Prof. Hashim B. Manticayan has directed Committee on Peace Unity and Reconciliation chair Mahdi Amella to spearhead the distribution of rice and noodles relief goods for more than 400 families most of them relatives of the victims located at Barangay Gokotan, Pikit North Cotabato.

The provision of assistance is form part of LBO Ta’ajia or sympathy to the bereaved families of the slain civilians when the police led by PNP Regional Director Brig. Gen. Alexander Tagum conducted a raid on December 29, 2021 that resulted to the killings of an innocent civilians, lootings and destruction of their properties.

Early Saturday morning, LBO team composed of more than thirty SUVs (all members of the LBO) loaded with relief goods convoyed towards Pikit and headed to Barangay Gokotan where a short program held.

In his opening statement, LBO CPUR chairman Mahdi Amella explained why the peaceful condemnation rally cum solidarity visit did not take place on January 21. According to him, this does not mean that they are afraid of the Tagum's group who planned to stop such activities. But coincidentally the IATF National declared North Cotabato under alert level 3 due to surge of Covid 19 cases. “Because of this we did not continue the proposed rally and solidarity visit because we do not want to violate the health protocols’, Amella added.

Meanwhile, Abdulgafor Dalid, a close relative of the victims called on everyone to remain calm in the midst of the trial that has come into their lives. He also asked everyone to just trust BARMM as he believes that BARMM government will not abandon them in their situation. He also revealed some information, according to him, he received a call from the PNP man. “Someone from the PNP wants me to sign a receiving copy of a motors that they want to return but I refused to it because we have already submitted this issue to the BARMM leadership so it's up to them on how they resolve the case. Even if those motors and other important belongings cannot be returned to us, so be it, as long as justice will be given to the victims of these heinous crime”. Dalid said.

Representative of Coordination Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) Commander Aratuc also gave a short messages, He said that if it were not for our respect to the peace agreement it would not have been happened, that we would have been attacked without intense retribution from our side. He also informed everyone that Maridagao is a land of a famous Moro Warriors the like Kagi Manalos who never retreat from any battle. “You are just policemen, we fought harder against the soldiers many corpses were left here, including their high -caliber weapons”. He added.

Abdulfatah Dalid, son of a victim emotionally expressed his sentiments on the unjust killing of his family and the looting of their properties. The pain inflicted on us is not only in Gokotan as it also happened in the entire Bangsamoro. This oppression is not only now but it has long been done to the Bangsamoro. “It's not fair that somebody break into your house, shoot your family while sleeping and steal your belongings”. He said. “Now all the people here are already affected, they are all traumatized. Everybody in this community has been greatly affected, their livelihood has been affected, their business their farming. With this, we call on everyone, all over the world to help us achieve justice so that the lives of the people here can return to normal,” Dalid said

Atty. Abdulnasser Badrudin of the Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission (BHRC) was also present at the program, he provided updates regarding the incident, according to him, and case has been filed against the individual members of the raiding team. He said that the case is in progress. His only appeal to everyone is the cooperation of all involved in the case especially the witnesses.

In his closing remarks LBO Spokesman Emran Mohammad gave updates regarding the commitments of the LBO in seeking justice for the Gokotan victims. “The LBO is now moving heaven and earth on how to attain justice for the victims. After the Press Conference on January 23 in Cotabato City, the LBO did not stop there, in fact few days ago, we went to the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPPRU) to submit our manifesto, we also wrote a letter addressed to BHRC, and other government line agencies informing them about the incident. We also have schedule to meet the European representative and the Head of Mission of the International Monitoring team (IMT), Mohammad said.

While the program was going on, hundreds of people gathered with postcards on display with written “Justice for Gokotan Victims”, Respect the Ceasefire Agreement”, Stop discrimination Against Bangsamoro people” and others.

After the program, LBO CPUR and staffs arranged the beneficiaries for a ceremonial turn-over of a relief goods. The distribution runs smoothly and all the recipients/beneficiaries around were able to get their respective share.

The relief assistance extended by the LBO to the victims is part of its continuous effort to support mitigation and rehabilitation program of the present BARMM regional administration, proof that the CSOs and the BARMM government are partners in peace and development efforts.

The said relief assistance is a fulfillment of the LBO's previous commitment to visit the victims to sympathize and provide the corresponding assistance.

[Luwaran is the official online publication of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Committee on Information, MILF Central Committee]

https://www.luwaran.com/news/article/2433/lbo-extends-helping-hands-to-gokotan-victims--csos-show-massive-support--

CPP/NPA-Central Negros: LPC-NPA snipes CAA detachment in Negros Oriental

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Feb 13, 2022): LPC-NPA snipes CAA detachment in Negros Oriental

JB Regalado

Spokesperson

NPA-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command)

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

February 13, 2022

Last February 10, 2022 in the evening, the LPC-NPA conducted a sniping operation against the CAA detachment of the 62nd IB located in Barangay Guba, Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental. The AFP incurred at least 1 casualty due to the said operation.

Troops of the detachment in Guba are involved in the continuing Focused Military Operations in the area since the last quarter of 2021 up to now. Their mere presence have sowed terror among civilians, especially as gross human rights violations intensify, involving numerous cases of red-tagging, illegal detention, indiscriminate firing and other instances that involve blatant disrespect to international humanitarian law.

The AFP/PNP/NTF-ELCAC combine grow ever more desperate to meet their impossible deadline to decimate the revolutionary movement by the end of Duterte’s official term. As their resources become split in the campaign season due to corruption and electioneering especially for favored candidates led by Bongbong Marcos and Sara Duterte-Carpio, their target of ending the just resistance of the oppressed classes is but a pipedream especially as the LPC-NPA have persisted to mount tactical offensives amid overwhelming odds and their lies of the NPA’s ‘dwindling strength’.

Absolutely led by the CPP and cherished by the broad masses, the NPA is determined to surmount obstacles to carry forward the National Democratic Revolution through advancing the Protracted People’s War to greater heights. The US-Duterte regime will surely fail in their bloody counterrevolutionary war as Negrosanons and the entire Filipino people are resolute to end their suffering by wholeheartedly supporting and treading the path of the armed revolution. ###

https://cpp.ph/statements/lpc-npa-snipes-caa-detachment-in-negros-oriental/

Kalinaw News: Rehabilitation of Kamuntayan-Upper Sinumaan feeder road kicks off

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 13, 2022): Rehabilitation of Kamuntayan-Upper Sinumaan feeder road kicks off



Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista, Jolo, Sulu – Some 500 villagers of Brgys Kamuntayan and Upper Sinumaan, Talipao town of this province will soon experience safer and smooth travel after the rehabilitation of the road culverts was formally started through a simple ribbon-cutting ceremony graced by Brigadier General Antonio Bautista Jr, the Acting Commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu (JTF-Sulu) and the Army’s 11th Infantry Division, Friday, February 11.

The road rehabilitation will also benefit the residents of Sitios Timpuad and Gulangan, all of Upper Sinumaan, particularly in transporting and selling their local produce down to the marketplace with ease and safety.

The event would not be successful without the support and collaboration of the 1101st Infantry Brigade under Brigadier General Eugenio Boquio, the 2nd Special Forces Battalion of the Special Forces Regiment, 545th Engineer Battalion, s1st Sulu District Engineering Office, and the local government of Talipao.

In his simple message, Brigadier General Bautista said that the rehabilitation of the road culverts symbolizes the continuous progression of peace in the area that leads to the betterment of the residents’ way of life.

He added that just like the road to be repaired, peace should always be given a chance to be paved for the “road to peace” is dreamt of by everyone, not just for the people of today, but for the future and succeeding generations.

The rehabilitation of the Kamuntayan-Upper Sinumaan road culverts is expected to finish in just less than four weeks.

[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/rehabilitation-of-kamuntayan-upper-sinumaan-feeder-road-kicks-off/

Kalinaw News: AFP’s Center for Law of Armed Conflict condemns CPP-NPA IHL violations

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 13, 2022): AFP’s Center for Law of Armed Conflict condemns CPP-NPA IHL violations



FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – The CPP-NPA terrorists have once again violated the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) as they continue perpetrating their heinous atrocities against the Filipino people.

Two minors, ages 12 and 13, were killed while an adult civilian was wounded in an attack by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Brgy Roxas, Catubig, Northern Samar, February 08, at around 3:00 p.m. According to reports, the rebels indiscriminately fired upon government troops from Army’s 803rd Infantry Brigade despite civilians’ presence in the forested area.

The terrorists, alleged to be members of Front Committee 15 of Sub-Regional Committee “Arctic” of Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee, under Rosalina Esponilla, alias Megan, were encountered by troops of 803rd Infantry Brigade who were patrolling the area after receiving reports that Catubig-Las Navas Complex residents are being routinely terrorized and extorted by said terrorist group.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Joel Alejandro S Nacnac, Director of Armed Forces of the Philippines Center for Law of Armed Conflict (AFP-CLOAC), said the IHL is meant to protect the civilians during armed conflict between government forces and non-state armed groups, and what transpired in Catubig violates RA 9851 Sec 4 B1 and C1 which addresses unlawful killing and intentionally directing attack against civilians.

The civilians killed and injured in Catubig were hit at the back, indicating that the civilians were not capacitated or in any way trying to protect themselves.

As a course of immediate action, AFP higher headquarters has instructed unified commands, JTF and QRTs to gather substantial evidence of extortion hoping witnesses will surface to testify.

From 2010-2020, 1,506 recorded cases of IHL violations committed by NPAs have already been forwarded to Commission on Human Rights (CHR). When asked about the status of these cases, Brig. Gen. Nacnac cited hindrances in persecuting IHL violators, as relayed by CHR, such as the time limitation of evidence for the filling of Multiple Murder cases as well as IHL/RA9851 cases.

Relatedly, CHR has promised to conduct its independent investigations against the violations committed by the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs). On the other hand, CHR will give out financial assistance to the victims once IHL violations have been clearly proven.

Brig. Gen. Nacnac encouraged the public to report human rights violators, specifically non-state armed groups, whom he regards as the real hindrances towards total progress of the country.

[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/afps-center-for-law-of-armed-conflict-condemns-cpp-npa-ihl-violations/

Kalinaw News: Lawless element apprehended, firearms seized in Basilan

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 12, 2022): Lawless element apprehended, firearms seized in Basilan



Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – February 12, 2022

Firearms and ammunition were seized from a lawless element in Basilan in the wee hours of February 12, 2022. Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command said combined elements of the PNP Special Action Force and 18th Infantry Battalion conducted a joint law enforcement operation to serve a Warrant of Arrest for Murder on Ernie Hawari, a.k.a. Kulot in Barangay Baimbing, Lamitan City, Basilan.

During the serving of the warrant, Hawari promptly fired upon the operating troops using his M16 rifle. This forced the government forces to retaliate, hitting the target on his left hand. Hawari was immediately evacuated to Lamitan City District Hospital for medical attention.

“The operation yielded to the arrest of Hawari and the seizure of one M16 rifle with four magazines, two rifle grenades, and three rounds of M203 ammunition. Operating troops immediately secured the area to preempt any hostile activity that may be perpetrated by his possible allies,” Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway, Commander of Joint Task Force Basilan said.

The subject is one of the suspects in an anti-personnel mine explosion in a temporary checkpoint in Campo Uno, Lamitan City that resulted in the death of one soldier and the wounding of another sometime in August 2021.

“We sustain our strengthened coordination with the police and other law enforcement units to continuously eliminate the menaces of society and curb unlawful activities in our area of operation. Rest assured that we intensify further our operations especially during this election period to protect the communities from the terror ploys of the enemies of the state,” Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. 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/lawless-element-apprehended-firearms-seized-in-basilan/