Wednesday, February 16, 2022

PH, US Special Forces hold training exercise in Nueva Ecija

From ABS-CBN (Feb 16, 2022): PH, US Special Forces hold training exercise in Nueva Ecija


The PH-US military training exercises, called Balance Piston 22-1, will end on March 7, 2022, according to the Philippine Army. Courtesy of the Philippine Army Special Forces Regiment “Airborne”

Filipino and American elite soldiers have begun a 3-week training exercise in Nueva Ecija dubbed Balance Piston 22-1, the Philippine Army said Wednesday.

Members of the Philippine Army’s Special Forces Regiment "Airborne" and of the U.S. Army Special Forces are taking part in the drills that opened last Feb. 14 at Fort Ramon Magsaysay. The activities will run through March 7.


Participants are expected "to learn and exchange tactics, techniques, procedures, and best practices," the Philippine Army said.

The events will focus on the following:
  • Human rights and law of armed conflict
  • Combat management of marksmanship skills
  • Small unmanned aerial systems tactics techniques and procedures
  • Command and control structure
  • Mission planning
  • Unconventional warfare subject matter experts exchange
  • Crisis action planning
  • Fundamentals of reconnaissance
  • Find, fix, finish, exploit, analyze, disseminate
  • Urban reconnaissance
  • Tactical combat casualty care
Balance Piston 22-1, an annual bilateral exercise, "tests and validates plans, procedures, and concepts to enhance collaboration and interoperability," the Philippine Army said.

READ: US Navy, Marines start exercises with Philippine troops to boost maritime security

Last week, the Philippines got 4 new training aircraft worth $2.2 million from the United States. This is part of the country's plans to boost its maritime security capabilities.

READ; Philippines receives 4 training aircraft from US

The Philippines and the US have been allies under their Mutual Defense Treaty forged in 1951.

Under the treaty, the two sides are obligated to come to each other's aid in case of external aggression.

The US is the oldest security ally of the Philippines, with a wide-ranging security partnership that includes assistance to support Philippine efforts towards enhancing its defense capabilities.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/02/16/22/ph-us-elite-army-units-hold-joint-exercise

'Disgruntled' ex-NPA rebel yields in Nueva Ecija

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 16, 2022): 'Disgruntled' ex-NPA rebel yields in Nueva Ecija (By Jason De Asis)



NEW LIFE AHEAD. A former member of the dismantled communist guerilla front Kilusang Larangang Gerilya-Sierra Madre (KLG-SM) of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to government troops in Nueva Ecija on Tuesday (Feb. 16, 2022). Alias 'Ka Pado' also yielded his firearm and hand grenade to the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office. (Photo courtesy of the Army's 91IB)

A former member of the dismantled communist guerilla front Kilusang Larangang Gerilya-Sierra Madre (KLG-SM) of the New People’s Army (NPA) has surrendered to government troops in Nueva Ecija on Tuesday.

In an interview on Wednesday, Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, commander of the Philippine Army's 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion, said alias "Ka Pado", a former member of KLG-SM's Squad Uno, also turned over his firearm and hand grenade to the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (1PMFC) of the Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office (NEPPO).

Rubio said during a custodial debriefing, Ka Pado relayed that he was recruited to the terrorist organization by a member of Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay) in Quezon City in 2016, and was assigned in the KLG-SM operating in the provinces of Nueva Ecija and Aurora.


However, the former rebel said he decided to lie low in 2019 after witnessing how his fellow comrades who died in armed encounters were denied a decent burial at their camp.

“Parang hayop lang na ibinaon sa lupa at hindi na ipinaalam pa sa mga kamag-anak nito. Paano kung sa akin mangyari yun? Simula noon nag-lie low na ako at naghanap ng posibleng makatulong sa akin upang makapagbagong-buhay (They were buried like an animal and their relatives were not not even informed about their death. What if it happened to me? Since then, I decided to lie low and look for someone who could possibly help me to start new life),” Ka Pado was quoted as saying.

The surrenderer said he is very thankful to the government for giving him a chance to start a new and peaceful life.

Meanwhile, Rubio said they have endorsed Ka Pado for enrollment in the national government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

“We are preparing the necessary assistance to the surrenderer for his reintegration protocols under the government’s E-CLIP which offers free medical treatments, education, housing, and legal aid to rebels who will surrender,” Rubio said.

He also commended the troops for their hard work and dedication.

“Once again, we call on the remnants of KLG-SM to abandon the armed struggle and live peacefully. This is the right time to surrender due to unwavering support from the non-government agencies and local government units,” he said.

Col. Joseph Norwin Pasamote, the commander of the 703rd Infantry (Agila) Brigade, lauded the courage of Ka Pado as he encouraged him to support the peace and development programs of the government.

Maj. Gen. Andrew Costelo, commander of the 7th Infantry Division, said it is not surprising that Kadamay was involved in the recruitment of Ka Pado to the terrorist organization.

He advised everyone to be vigilant about the dubious activities of the communist terrorist groups’ front organization, especially this coming election.

“This is a clear link between the Kadamay and the communist terrorist groups, kaya pinapalakas natin ang ating information operations sa mga kalungsuran at kanayunan na huwag sumali sa mga prenteng grupo ng teroristang grupo gaya ng Kadamay (that is why we are intensifying our information operations in the cities and the communities not to join the front organizations of the terrorist groups like Kadamay),” Costelo added.

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

The National Democratic Front (NDF) 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/1167873

91 supporters of Reds’ front group pledge allegiance to govt

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 16, 2022): 91 supporters of Reds’ front group pledge allegiance to govt (By Che Palicte)



PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. A total of 91 former supporters of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in Compostela, Davao de Oro officially declare their withdrawal of support to the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA in a simple ceremony in the said town on Tuesday (Feb. 15, 2022). Apart from signing the oath of allegiance to the government, the group also burned the replica of the NPA flag that signifies their abandonment of the dismantled communist organization in the province. (Photo courtesy of Davao de Oro PIO)

A total of 91 supporters of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in Compostela, Davao de Oro have officially declared their withdrawal of support to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA-National Democratic Forint (NDF) organization, authorities said Wednesday.

In a statement, Brig. Gen. Neil Alinsangan, director of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Intelligence Group, expressed his appreciation for the joint effort of all government agencies and security forces for the attainment of peace and development in the province of Davao de Oro.

The ceremony for the group’s withdrawal of support to the NPA was held at the police provincial office covered court in the town on Tuesday.

Apart from signing the oath of allegiance to the government, the group also burned the replica of the NPA flag which signifies their abandonment of the dismantled communist organization in the province.


“This is a clear manifestation that the Whole of Nation Approach or [Executive Order] 70 was implemented. The PNP through its RPSB (Revitalized Pulis sa Barangay) in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), local government units, and other civic clusters successfully facilitated the group’s withdrawal [to the NPA] with their formal reintegration into the community,” Alinsangan said.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Filmore Escobal, director of the Police Regional Office - Davao Region (PRO-11), emphasized the importance of preventive measures so communities will not be deceived by the false advocacies of the communist group.

“We plan to organize the group into people’s organization and local government units will come in for appropriate intervention programs,” he added.

In response, Vicente “Boy” Barrios, one of the surrenderers, said he realized that they have been used by the NPA organization that exploited various social issues to agitate them in dissenting from the government.

“They used and deceived us. This time we will no longer believe in their lies, and we condemn their wrongdoings. We want to live in peace,” he said.

The provincial government has provided the surrenderers with relief supplies, food packs, and financial assistance worth PHP3, 000 each.

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/1167878

Robredo reiterates support for ELCAC program

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 16, 2022): Robredo reiterates support for ELCAC program (By Annabel Consuelo Petinglay)



PEOPLE SUPPORT. Vice President Leni Robredo, who is running for president in the May 2022 elections, greets the Antiqueños during a campaign event Wednesday (Feb. 16, 2022). Robredo reiterated her support for the ELCAC program of the current administration. (PNA photo by Annabel Consuelo J. Petinglay)

Vice President Leni Robredo on Wednesday reiterated her stand in supporting the “whole-of-nation” approach by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) of the current administration.

The May 2022 presidential aspirant was in Antique and wooed this province’s 400,000-strong voting population.

“I have no objection (against ELCAC), in fact, I am supportive to the 'whole-of-nation approach',” Robredo said in an interview, adding what she is against is for the program to be used for red-tagging.

The NTF-ELCAC was created through Executive Order 70 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in 2018 institutionalizing the "whole-of-nation approach "to address the local communist armed conflict.

It is a convergence of various government agencies grouped into 12 clusters with their specific mandates.

Robredo added that for the program to become successful there is a need to build confidence among the former rebels that they are part of the country's development.

The Vice President said that she, her running-mate Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, and their senatorial candidates were surprised with the overwhelming welcome they received.

Robredo also met the Gerona clan, who are her relatives in Antique province, particularly from the municipality of Hamtic. The Geronas are said to be mostly educators.

Robredo and Pangilinan vowed for a transparent and honest government once they win in the election. Both thanked the people for being there for them even for previous polls.

Robredo won in Antique when she ran for vice president.

Meanwhile, Antique Vice Governor Edgar Denosta, who introduced Robredo during the campaign rally at the Evelio B. Javier (EBJ) Park, said the province has been a recipient of various support from her office with the 1,000 sacks of rice for the Typhoon Odette victims, as the most recent assistance.

“The support given to Antique is proof that Robredo really loves the Antiqueños,” Denosta said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1167941

2 ASG bandits nabbed in Lamitan City

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 16, 2022): 2 ASG bandits nabbed in Lamitan City (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)



Government troops have arrested two members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Basilan province, a top military official disclosed Wednesday.

Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom),
identified the arrested ASG members as Ibrahim Enteng alias Andjan Badjo, and Muads Abirin Akmad.


Rosario said the two were arrested by troopers of the Army’s 18th Infantry Battalion and 4th Special Forces Battalion on Sunday at the public market of Lamitan City in Basilan.

“In coordination with our partners and stakeholders, we are expediting the arrest of terrorists who seek refuge in peaceful communities. We implement security measures to prevent them from creating havoc and disrupting peace in our area of operation,” Rosario said.

He said the troops seized from them two .45 caliber pistols with several rounds of ammunition, two mobile phones, and a fragmentation grenade.

He said the duo are followers of the late Basilan-based senior ASG leader Furuji Indama.

He said Enteng and Akmad are now under the custody of the Lamitan City Police Station for proper disposition.

Since January this year, the Westmincom has apprehended a total of six ASG members in Western Mindanao.

Of the six, three were captured in Sulu, two in Basilan, and one in Zamboanga City.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1167925

Balance Piston exercise to boost PH, US troops interoperability

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 16, 2022): Balance Piston exercise to boost PH, US troops interoperability (By Priam Nepomuceno)



BALANCE PISTON. Officials of the Philippine Army's Special Force Regiment "Airborne" and the US Army Special Forces lead the opening of the Balance Piston 22-1 exercise in Fort Ramon Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija on Feb. 14, 2022. The Philippine Army on Wednesday (Feb. 16, 2022) said the Balance Piston 22-1 aims to test and validate plans, procedures, and concepts to enhance collaboration and interoperability between Filipino and US Special Forces. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

The Philippine Army’s (PA) Special Force Regiment "Airborne" (SFRA) and the US Army Special Forces formally opened the three-week Balance Piston 22-1 exercise that would improve interoperability between the two services, at Fort Ramon Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija on February 14.

PA spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad, in a statement Wednesday, said the Balance Piston 22-1 aims to test and validate plans, procedures, and concepts to enhance collaboration and interoperability between Filipino and US Special Forces.

"(The) Joint/Combined Exchange Training Balance Piston 22-1 is an annual bilateral exercise that provides an avenue to Filipino and US Special Forces to learn and exchange tactics, techniques, procedures, and best practices,"
he said.

The exercise, which ends on March 7, will focus on Human Rights and Law of Armed Conflict; Combat Management of Marksmanship Skills; Small Unmanned Aerial Systems Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures; Command and Control Structure; Mission Planning; Unconventional Warfare Subject Matter Experts Exchange; Crisis Action Planning, Fundamentals of Reconnaissance; Find, Fix, Finish, Exploit, Analyze, Disseminate; Urban Reconnaissance; Tactical Combat Casualty Care; and a Culmination Exercise.

Meanwhile, SFRA acting commander, Col. Eliglen F. Villaflor, who served as the event's keynote speaker, said the exercise would help the unit identify operational capabilities and competency gaps.

“Observe and learn from our US Special Forces partners,” he said.

Trinidad added that the annual exercise reinforces the thrust of Army Chief, Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr., in enhancing the skills of soldiers and competencies of Army units to further empower them in mission accomplishment.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1167865

WESTMINCOM: BIFF Field Commander, Members Lay Down Arms in North Cotabato

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Feb 14, 2022): BIFF Field Commander, Members Lay Down Arms in North Cotabato

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – February 15, 2022

A field commander and 13 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters-Karialan Faction yielded to the military in North Cotabato on February 14, 2022. According to Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command, the 14 BIFF personalities submitted themselves to Col. Jovencio Gonzales, Commander of the 602nd Infantry Brigade, and Lt. Col. Edgardo Vilchez, Jr., Commanding Officer of the 34th Infantry Battalion at the battalion headquarters in Barangay Salunayan, Midsayap, North Cotabato Monday morning.
 
One of the 14 surrendered personalities surrendered to Col. Gonzales at 8:30 in the morning, February 14.
He handed over one rocket-propelled grenade and one M1 Garand rifle. He was subsequently presented to Northern Kabuntalan Mayor Ramil Umbra Dilangalen.

Col. Gonzales said the surrender was facilitated by the 34IB, Northern Kabuntalan PNP, and the intelligence units.
 
Meanwhile, at about 10:30 a.m., same day, 13 more BIFF including a field commander surrendered to Col. Gonzales. The former violent extremists were accompanied by Norodin Akis and Dong Bantas, members of the Council of Elders of Midsayap. The 13 handed over seven M1 Garand rifles, one Springfield cal. 30 Sniper rifle, one M14 rifle with magazine, one M16 rifle with magazine, three cal. 45 pistols with magazines, 50 rounds of cal. 30 ammunition, nine rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 13 rounds of 6.56mm ammunition, seven rounds of cal. 45 ammunition, and seven clip Garand magazines.

The 13 former violent extremists were formally presented to Midsayap Mayor Romeo Araña. They also underwent custodial debriefing conducted by the 34IB.
 
Col. Gonzales attributed the successful surrender of the 13 BIFF personalities to the troops of the 34IB, Midsayap PNP, and the intelligence operatives.
 
For security reasons, the identities of the surrendered personalities are withheld. Surrendered firearms were deposited at the 34IB supply room for safekeeping.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Commander of Joint Task Force Central commended the peacemaking initiatives of the 34IB. He also vowed to assist the former violent extremists in their reintegration into mainstream society.
 
For the first two months of 2022, a total of 64 BIFF personalities have surrendered to the government forces in Central Mindanao.

“Our efforts compel more militants to just give up their fight and start anew. Rest assured that our campaign to end terrorism will never falter,” said Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr.





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WESTMINCOM: Let Us Protect Our Children Against the Abuse of the New People's Army

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Feb 14, 2022): Let Us Protect Our Children Against the Abuse of the New People's Army



4th Civil Relations Group

The Communist-Terrorist New People’s Army had been abusing the future of our nation for 53-years.
Filipino children were recruited, used in combat, injured and killed, even their schools were attacked…and there are still more unreported and unrecorded abused against children perpetrated by these Communist-Terrorists.

LET US PROTECT OUR CHILDREN against the abuse of the New People’s Army!

Note: Data were based on the Annual Report of the United Nations Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict for 2020. 

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WESTMINCOM: Australian Ambassador, PAPRU Visit WestMinCom

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Feb 16, 2022): Australian Ambassador, PAPRU Visit WestMinCom

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – February 16, 2022

His Excellency Steven Robinson, the Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, and Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr., Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (PAPRU) visited the Western Mindanao Command late afternoon of February 15, 2022. Together, they paid a courtesy call on the WestMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr.
 
Ambassador Robinson reiterated the Australian government’s promise to extend assistance to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, particularly the Western Mindanao Command, in the fight against terrorism. He vowed to support the collaborative efforts of the AFP and OPAPRU to end the decades-long armed conflicts in Mindanao.
 
The Australian Ambassador and PAPRU were briefed on the security updates within WestMinCom’’s area of operation.
 
As the vaccine czar, Secretary Galvez, Jr. sought the military’s assistance to convince the citizens to take advantage of the vaccination campaign against COVID-19 of the national government. “Help us to encourage the people especially those in the far-flung communities to have themselves vaccinated and be protected from the virus,” the vaccine czar emphasized.
 
Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the distinguished visitors for their continued support of WestMinCom’s campaign against terrorism and violent extremism. “We are honored to hear those pledges of support from you,” Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. addressed the visitors.
 
During their visit, the distinguished visitors were received by the WestMinCom Chief at the Laong Laan Hall located at Camp Navarro, Calarian, this city.









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WESTMINCOM: 2 Abus Nabbed, Firearms seized in Basilan

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Feb 16, 2022): 2 Abus Nabbed, Firearms seized in Basilan

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – February 16, 2022

Two members of the Abu Sayyaf Group were captured in a joint entrapment operation in Lamitan City, Basilan on February 13, 2022. According to Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command, the entrapment operation was conducted by joint elements of the 18th Infantry Battalion and 4th Special Forces Battalion at Public Market Place, same city at noon Sunday.
 
Apprehended by the military troops were Ibrahim Enteng, a.k.a. Anjan Badjo, and Muads Abirin Akmad, a.k.a. Akmad, both followers of the late Basilan-based senior ASG leader Furuji Indama. Confiscated from their possession were two M1911 US cal. 45 pistol, two magazines, fourteen ammunition, two cellular phones, and one hand fragmentation grenade.
 
Enteng and Akmad are currently detained at Lamitan City Police Station for proper disposition and legal procedure. From January 2022 to date, the armed forces have apprehended a total of six ASG personalities in Western Mindanao. Of the six, three were captured in Sulu, two in Basilan, and one in Zamboanga City.
 
“In coordination with our partners and stakeholders, we are expediting the arrest of terrorists who seek refuge in peaceful communities. We implement security measures to prevent them from creating havoc and disrupting peace in our area of operation,” Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. said.







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WESTMINCOM: American General Vows Continued Support to AFP

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Feb 16, 2022): American General Vows Continued Support to AFP

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – February 16, 2022

More assistance will be extended by the United States of America to the Armed Forces of the Philippines as it counters terrorism, the US three-star general said during his visit to the Western Mindanao Command.

In his visit, Lt. Gen. Bryan Fenton, Commanding General of the Joint Special Operations Command, lauded the efforts of the WestMinCom in combatting the terror groups that victimized several foreigners and locals in the past. The US general paid a courtesy call on WestMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr. at the command headquarters at Camp Navarro, Calarian this city Tuesday morning, February 15, 2022.

Lt. Gen. Fenton vowed to sustain the strong cooperation between the US and Philippine military. He further said that the US troops are committed in assisting the command until the coveted peace and development in Southern Philippines is achieved. The two military commanders also discussed possible ways to broaden efforts between the WestMinCom and US troops.
 
“Our partnership is grounded on our Iron-clad commitment to shared security. We will continue to work hand-in-hand to eradicate the extremists and terrorists. We admire your strategic and operational approaches in fighting against the terror groups that threaten international security. We are here to solidify further our alliance for the common good,” Lt. Gen. Fenton added.
 
Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. thanked Lt. Gen. Fenton for taking the time to visit the command. He also expressed his gratitude for the US military’s support to all of WestMinCom’s endeavors.
 
“Rest assured that we will continue to strengthen our good relationship as we work together to fight against terror,” the WestMinCom Commander further stated.

Brig. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, WestMinCom’s Deputy Commander for Administration; Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, Deputy Commander for Operations; Col. Elmer Suderio, Chief of Unified Command Staff; and the staff officers of the command joined Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. in welcoming the distinguished visitor.







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