AFP Chief visits WestMinCom, reminds troops to remain non-partisan in May 2022 polls

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 11, 2022): AFP Chief visits WestMinCom, reminds troops to remain non-partisan in May 2022 polls (By Liza Abubakar-Jocson)

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Andres Centino called on Western MIndanao Command (WestMinCom) military officials and officers to remain non-partisan, and focus on their duty to ensure the safe conduct of the 2022 national and local elections.

Troops stand in attention while listening to the message of AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Andres Centino. (WestMinCom photo)

In his talk to the men, Centino asked troops to focus on their duty in ensuring the safety of the voters in the 2022 polls while reminding them to stay non-partisan in the coming elections.

“It is not our job to meddle in partisan political activities,” said Centino.

Centino made the call during his first visit as AFP Chief to the WesMinCom on Thursday, March 10.

Centino during welcome ceremonies at the Western MIndanao Command. (WestMinCom photo)

The chief of staff was welcomed by WestMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr. together with deputy commanders, the joint task forces and brigade commanders, the unified command staff and other officers.

Centino visited WestMinCom to personally engage with the troops and boost their morale. The visit also enabled him to determine the operational and administrative concerns of the camp to better address security challenges in the region.

“We are deeply honored to hear his words of encouragement and support to all our endeavors,” said Rosario.

https://mb.com.ph/2022/03/11/afp-chief-visits-westmincom-reminds-troops-to-remain-non-partisan-in-may-2022-polls/

AFP chief confers medals to 3 'Haribon' troops

 From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Mar 11, 2022): AFP chief confers medals to 3 'Haribon' troops

ZAMBOANGA. General Andres Centino, Armed Forces Chief of Staff (center), confers Gold Cross Medal to a junior officer and two enlisted men of the 103rd Infantry Brigade for gallantry in action against the Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group (DI-MG) in Lanao del Sur. A photo handout shows Centino is flanked by Major General Generoso Ponio, 1st Infantry Division commander (left), and Brigadier General Jose Maria Cuerpo II, 103rd Infantry Brigade commander (right), upon his arrival Thursday, March 10, at Camp Ranao, Marawi City. (SunStar Zamboanga)

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has conferred Gold Cross Medal (GCM) to a junior officer and two enlisted men for gallantry in action against the Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group (DI-MG) in Lanao del Sur.

General Andres Centino, AFP chief-of-staff, conferred the GCM to the three awardees during his visit Thursday, March 10, at the headquarters of the 103rd Infantry "Haribon" Brigade in Marawi City.

"I would not miss the chance to visit you as you have done a very significant achievement for the Armed Forces of the Philippines," Centino said.

"I commend Major General Gene Ponio and Brigadier General Jose Maria Cuerpo for leading the Haribon troopers to a very laudable performance in the recent operations," he added.

Second Lieutenant Kevin Camua, Sergeant Jonathan Lictawa, and Corporal Charlie Angcat received GCM medal for displaying gallantry during the intense firefight against the DI-MG that resulted in the neutralization of nine terrorists, destruction of 10 enemy structures, and the recovery of 45 firearms and other war materiel.

The camp of the DI-MG in Ilalag villag, Maguing, Lanao del Sur, fell into the hands of the government troops on March 1 following hours of firefight against 60 DI-MG terrorists. The firefight was preceded by an early morning airstrike.

Cuerpo, the 103rd Infantry Brigade commander, received Centino during the latter's visit to Camp Ranao, home of the brigade's headquarters in Marawi City.

Centino reminded the troops not to lose focus on the organization's goals and be relentless on the conduct of operations to defeat the local terrorist groups and minimize, if not eradicate, insurgency in Lanao del Sur and the whole of Mindanao before the President Rodrigo Duterte steps down.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1923347/zamboanga/local-news/afp-chief-confers-medals-to-3-haribon-troops

Hinihinalang rebelde patay sa engkwentro sa Catanduanes

From ABS-CBN (Mar 12, 2022): Hinihinalang rebelde patay sa engkwentro sa Catanduanes (Suspected rebel killed in encounter in Catanduanes)

Isang hinihinalang miyembro ng New People's Army (NPA) ang napatay nang maka-engkwentro umano ang mga sundalo at pulis sa bayan ng San Miguel, Catanduanes nitong Huwebes ng umaga.

Ayon sa 9th Infantry Division ng Philippine Army, nagsagawa ng security operation ang mga awtoridad sa lugar matapos makatanggap ng impormasyon sa umano'y presensiya ng mga hinihinalang rebelde sa lugar.

Tumagal ng 45 minuto ang palitan ng putok sa Sitio Kuripdas, Barangay JMA Alberto, ayon sa militar.

NPA 'secretary', asawa patay sa engkwentro sa Misamis Oriental

Narekober nila ang mga armas kagaya ng M14 rifle, mga pampasabog at iba pang personal na gamit ng mga hinihinalang rebelde. —Ulat ni Karren Canon

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/12/22/hinihinalang-rebelde-patay-sa-engkwentro-sa-catanduanes

Several residents in Isabela take the oath of allegiance

From Panay News (Mar 12, 2022): Several residents in Isabela take the oath of allegiance (By Mae Singuay)

Following an encounter incident between the alleged members of the New People’s Army(NPA) rebels and the military in Barangay Amin, Isabela Negros Occidental on March 9, several residents have withdrawn their support against the rebels and took their oath of allegiance with the government troops.

Second Lieutenant Mary Liza Joy De Guzman, a civil-military officer of the 62nd Infantry Battalion(62IB) said residents wherein the recent encounter occurred and resulted to neutralization of two members of the NPA cast-off their support against the rebels and took their oath of allegiance through “Panunumpa sa Kalinong”, as the 62IB and a former rebel conducted also the local peace engagement and insurgency awareness symposium.

During the activity, Major Alenel Valles, Battalion Executive Officer of 62IB expressed his appreciation to the local residents for the timely information they had given.

He emphasized that the successful operation was due to the courage and cooperation of the locals.

Noel Magquilat, Punong Barangay of Amin appreciated the effort of the army by providing them the right information, especially on the deceptive tactics and propaganda of the rebels, and educating them on the government program to rebel returnees, the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP.

He also assured that his barangay will continue to support the authorities on its peace and development efforts and implementation of government programs.

https://www.panaynews.net/several-residents-in-isabela-take-the-oath-of-allegiance/

EASTMINCOM: AFP Intensifies CSP Engagements; DILG Programs to Welcome More Surrenderees

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Mar 11, 2022): AFP Intensifies CSP Engagements; DILG Programs to Welcome More Surrenderees

DILG Cotabato Province Official

AFP Intensifies CSP Engagements; DILG Programs to Welcome More Surrenderees

Being a partner in Community Support Program (CSP) engagements, DILG-Cotabato delivers today, March 11, 2022 a lecture with regard to DILG programs to the 39th IB Troopers, in 39th Infantry (Smash 'Em) Batallion, 10th ID, PA in Makilala, Cotabato.

LGOO Mark Biescas, representing PD Ali Abdullah, discussed various DILG programs which may be shared to the communities covered by the said battalion. The topics include the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) and Local Government Support Fund-Support to Barangay Development Program (LGSF-SBDP) of the department. ELCAC or Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict program was also highlighted and tackled for the said purpose. Different national line agencies have also shared their expertise with regard to various programs offered by the government.

 
The battalion, headed by Ezra L. Balagtey, INF (GSC) PA, through the officer-in-charged expressed his gratitude of thanks for the participants and partner agencies.

The 5-day community development training of 39th IB troopers will end tomorrow, March 12, 2022. The troopers will thereafter use and showcase the discussed government programs from the trainings and share it to the assigned communities where they are about to immerse.

March 11, 2022-- Makilala, Cotabato

#ECLIP

#YesforELCAC
#positivepeace
#lupaddose
#smashem
#TatakAgila
#TatagAgila

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WESTMINCOM: Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group (DI-MG) Lost Support in Piagapo, Lanao del Sur

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Mar 11, 2022): Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group (DI-MG) Lost Support in Piagapo, Lanao del Sur

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

4th Civil Relations Group

Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group (DI-MG) Lost Support in Piagapo, Lanao del Sur

Madalum, LDS – A total of thirty (30) DI-MG supporters and couriers from Brgy Talao and Brgy Palacat both of Piagapo, Lanao del Sur withdrew their support to the DI-MG and surrendered to the combined troops of 12CMO Battalion and 51st Infantry Battalion led by LTC FERNANDO L PAYAPAYA INF (GSC) PA at Headquarters 51IB, Brgy Dilausan, Madalum, LDS on March 4, 2022 at around 3:25 in the afternoon.

The activity can be attributed to the recent successful encounter at Brgy Ilalag, Maguing Lanao del Sur on March 01, 2022 that brought fear to all other members and supporters of the DI-MG and the sustained Combat Operations, Intelligence Operations, Civil-Military Operations and the Joint Deployment of Offensive PsyOps of 51st IB and 12CMO Battalion in the hinter barangays of Piagapo where the DI-MGs were frequently monitored in the previous months.

 
“Naipaliwanag ng mga sundalo sa amin Anti-Terror Law, ayaw naming madamay at ayaw na po naming bumalik ang mga ISIS na yan sa barangay namin sir kasi natatakot kaming magkaroon na naman ng encounter sa aming barangay katulad ng nangyari sa Maguing, nakakatakot yung malalaking mga pagsabog sir.” A statement of one of the surrenders.

Lt. Col. Payapaya expressed his warm welcome to the surrenders who withdrew their support to the DI-MG. " Ako ay lubos nagpapasalamat sa inyong pagtakwil sa mga terroristang grupo at pagpapakita ng supporta sa mga kasundalohan. Hangad namin ang kaayosan at kapayapaan sa inyong lugar para hindi mahirapan an gating gobyerno na dalhin ang kanyang mga programa at serbisyo para sa inyo", LTC Payapaya said. The surrenders sworn to the Holy Qur’an that they will never support again the DI-MGs and before they returned to their respective barangays, they received food packs from the LGU and BARMM.

#SundaloSalamatsaSerbisyo
#AFPyoucanTRUST
#SupportOurTroops
#TeamWestMinCom
#TeamCRSAFP

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WESTMINCOM: CONTINUING PROGRESS: 53IB Inspects Farm-to-Market Road in Hinterland Barangay

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Mar 11, 2022): CONTINUING PROGRESS: 53IB Inspects Farm-to-Market Road in Hinterland Barangay

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

4th Civil Relations Group
 ·
CONTINUING PROGRESS: 53IB Inspects Farm-to-Market Road in Hinterland Barangay

The Philippine Army's 53rd Infantry "Matapat" Battalion (53IB) ensures the continuity of progress by securing the ongoing construction of farm-to-market road (FMR) in Barangay Labangon, Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur.

Initiated in September 2020, the Barangay Labangon FMR is a 7-kilometer road opening project of Dumingag Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) in partnership with 53IB and Army's 551st Engineer Battalion (551EBn) leading to Barangay Tutukan of the same town.

In a statement, 53IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera said that the ELCAC project needs to be sustained in order to prevent the resurgence of CPP-NPA terrorists in the barangay.

"Sustainment is the key. This FMR is a vital component to bring government services to the people of this geographically isolated and disadvantaged barangay," said Lt. Col. Herrera.

Barangay Labangon is included in the government's Barangay Development Program (BDP). The BDP is the flagship program of Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) which was conceptualized to finally address insurgency by bringing sustainable solutions and basic services to communities in need.

 
In May 19, 2020, Barangay Labangon was declared "clear" of Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army (CPP-NPA) influence through the Army's Community Support Program (CSP).

#SundaloSalamatsaSerbisyo
#AFPyoucanTRUST
#SupportOurTroops
#TeamWestMinCom
#TeamCRSAFP

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WESTMINCOM: Bangsamoro Youth Commission, UNICEF, VSO Continue 2nd Batch Training of Young Peace-builders

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Mar 11, 2022): Bangsamoro Youth Commission, UNICEF, VSO Continue 2nd Batch Training of Young Peace-builders

4th Civil Relations Group

Bangsamoro Youth Commission, UNICEF, VSO Continue 2nd Batch Training of Young Peace-builders

This batch's training, which started on Saturday, March 5 and will end on Tuesday, March 8, is being participated by 25 young peace-builders coming from different BYC-accredited youth organizations in Maguindanao province.

The said initiative aims to capacitate young people in gaining peace-building and life skills that can enhance their positive role in generating solutions to issues of peace and security in the Bangsamoro community.

The first batch of the training was conducted on February 28 to March 3 in Cotabato City. | @Bangsamoro Youth Commission

#SundaloSalamatsaSerbisyo
#AFPyoucanTRUST
#SupportOurTroops
#TeamWestMinCom

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WESTMINCOM: Almost 2,000 MILF combatants successfully decommissioned in 1st quarter of 2022

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Mar 9, 2022): Almost 2,000 MILF combatants successfully decommissioned in 1st quarter of 2022

4th Civil Relations Group

Almost 2,000 MILF combatants successfully decommissioned in 1st quarter of 2022

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa Allahu’ta’Allah dahil nakaabot pa tayo sa ngayong panahon na nakasama pa tayo sa bunga ng jihad (struggle), Alhamdulillah. Gagamitin namin ito sa pagtulong sa paghahanapbuhay at sa pag-aaral ng aming mga apo.” (I am thankful to Allahu’ta’Allah because we have reached this time and we are still here to be part of the result of jihad (struggle), Alhamdulillah. We will use this to help in our livelihood and in our grandchildren's education.)

This was shared by Rowaida Taha, a former member of the Bangsamoro Islamic Women's Auxiliary Brigade (BIWAB) from Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao, after undergoing the decommissioning process and receiving a transitional cash assistance amounting to PhP100,000.00. The cash assistance is part of the socioeconomic package the decommissioned combatants receive through the Task Force for Decommissioned Combatants and Their Communities (TFDCC).

 
Of this amount given to all decommissioned combatants, PhP80,000.00 is under the Bangsamoro Transitory Family Support (BTFS) Package which they can use for their basic needs such as food, hygiene kits, sleeping materials, kitchen and shelter kits, as well as medical, educational, and transportation needs; while the PhP20,000.00 under the Livelihood Settlement Grant (LSG) may be used as seed capital to start a micro-enterprise or to purchase starter kits for the establishment of livelihood projects.

 
Taha is among the 1,950 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants who were successfully decommissioned during the third phase of the decommissioning process held from February 15 to March 1 of this year.

Another 5,250 MILF combatants also under the third phase were decommissioned from November to December last year.

 
To date, 19,345 MILF combatants have already been decommissioned under Phases 1, 2, and the first part of Phase 3, which were held in 2015, 2019-2020, and 2021-2022, respectively.

To ensure adherence to strict health protocols, all MILF combatants scheduled for decommissioning were subjected to pre-health screening and antigen COVID-19 testing before proceeding to the assembly and processing area (APA) site where they were officially processed for decommissioning.
They also underwent a needs assessment conducted by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in partnership with the TFDCC.

According to DSWD social worker Norhata Benito, program focal of the agency’s Normalization Program, the conduct of the needs assessment and validation process is important in identifying socioeconomic interventions tailored fit for the needs of each DC, their families, and their communities.
"When we do home visitations, it's not only for DCs but also for their families and communities so we are very much sure that the suggested services that they will avail ay talagang naka-align sa pangangailangan ng combatant, pamilya nya at kanyang komunidad," Benito said.

 
She said that through the on-site validation process after the decommissioned combatants are assessed at the APA site, they are referred to the concerned government agencies so they can be given the appropriate interventions and services.

Benito said these initiatives include, among others, programs on health, technical and livelihood which aim to uplift the well-being of the former combatants.

 
The third phase of the decommissioning process is set to be completed within the year, in which 14,000 MILF combatants are scheduled to be decommissioned.

 
The decommissioning process is among the key provisions of the Annex on Normalization of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the peace agreement forged between the government and MILF in 2014, which aims to help former MILF-BIAF combatants make the successful transition as peaceful and productive civilians. | @Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process

#SundaloSalamatsaSerbisyo
#AFPyoucanTRUST
#SupportOurTroops
#TeamWestMinCom

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CPP/LINGKAWAS//Aktibong asset sa AFP/PNP, gisilutan sa NPA-ADN

Article from propaganda publication posted to PRWC Newsroom, the blog site of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Information Bureau (Mar 10, 2022): LINGKAWAS//Aktibong asset sa AFP/PNP, gisilutan sa NPA-ADN (Active asset of AFP/PNP, punished by NPA-ADN)


LINGKAWAS

Aktibong asset sa AFP/PNP, gisilutan sa NPA-ADN

Gisilutan sa New Peoples Army – Agusan del Norte si Ramil Balod, usa ka aktibong asset sa pulis ug militar, niadtong March 02, 2022 didto sa Sitio Imelda, Brgy. Antongalon, Butuan City.

Si Balod, 33 anyos ug lumulupyo sa nasangpit nga lugar aktibong asset nga direktang gigunitan ni Jose Adorna, Military Intelligence Group 16; Lt. Jezrel Diagmel, kanhing 36th IBPA Battalion Commander, ug usa ka pulis nga na-assign sa Police Station 4, Ampayon, Butuan City. Prinsipal nga trabaho niya ang pagpanubay sa mga timailhan o pagpangita og NPA sa kabukiran pinaagi sa kanunay pagsuroy samtang nagpakaaron-ingnon nga nangati og limukon/ mamusil og langgam. Ginahimo niya kini adeser mosulod ang operating troops sa militar ug pulis ug kung adunay mga ‘sightings’ sa NPA sa ilang lugar. Katulo ka beses na kining mibalhin og pinuy-anan aron mas makasulod pa sa hilit nga bahin sa mga barangay ug magpatuman niini nga trabaho.

https://prwcinfo.wordpress.com/2022/03/10/aktibong-asset-sa-afp-pnp-gipusil-patay-sa-npa-adn/

CPP/NDF-Negros: Negrosanon unite against Marcos-Duterte fascist tandem in 2022 polls

Propaganda statement posted to PRWC Newsroom, the blog site of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Information Bureau (Mar 11, 2022): Negrosanon unite against Marcos-Duterte fascist tandem in 2022 polls

BAYANI OBRERO 

SPOKESPERSON

NDF-NEGROS

March 11, 2022

Using the billions of pesos from the loot of erstwhile dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and bureaucratic plunder of the present tyrant Rodrigo Duterte, the tandem of Bongbong Marcos and Sarah Duterte made use of an army of throlls and so-called social influencers to spread lies and distortions about Martial Law under Marcos and the de facto dictatorial rule of Duterte.

They are consistently whitewashing and revising history in order to make it appear that Martial Law referred by most Filipinos as the “dark period” was a “golden era” for the country. And to return to this chimerical period, Filipinos should elect Bongbong Marcod to GPH presidency.

We should not forget the atrocities and grave crimes of the Marcos open fascist dictatorship. The 70,000 that were imprisoned, the 34,000 that were tortured, the 3,240 that were killed, the more than 1,000 that disappeared and many others who suffered under Martial Law.

These are not mere figures or statistics but lives destroyed by Marcos Martial Law from 1972-1986.

Particular in Negros, we should not forget the victims of Escalante Massacre, Languini 9 (Candoni) Massacre and similar incidents of murder spree perpetrated by Marcos butchers, the Philippine Constabulary (PC) and Civilian Home Defense Force (CHDF).

In the economic field, we should not forget how Marcos bankrupted the national treasury and how unemployment worsened from 7.1% in 1965 to 12.6% in 1985, prices soared from 2.7% inflation rate in 1965 to 23.2% in 1985 and how immense poverty persisted. Up to half (49%) of the population were in extreme poverty by 1985.

In Negros, we should not forget the famine in 1980s as symbolized by the malnourished child Joel Abong when its sugar-based economy gave in to years of bureacratic corruption by Marcos and crony Roberto Benedicto and the neoliberal onslaught by IMF-WB and other imperialist multi-lateral institutions. Almost 200,000 workers lost their jobs and about 1,000,000 went hungry.

We must never forget the valiant struggle of the Filipino people against the Marcos dictatorship that culminated in the Edsa uprising that ousted Marcos Sr. We must not allow the revival and restoration of the Marcoses and the perpetuation of the Duterte dynasty from power.

Negrosanon must register its resounding and united voice against the fascist tandem of Bongbong Marcos and Sarah Duterte in the upcoming polls. At the same time, we must wage all forms of struggles and mass movements amid the worsening socio-economic conditions under the tyrant Duterte.

The desperate move of the Duterte regime to red tag the supporters of Leni-Kiko tandem, progressive senatorial aspirant Neri Colmenares and the Makabayan bloc is bound to fail. Because no amount of red tagging can cover up the truth and hide the glaring realities of poverty and repression.

The NPA should launch more frequent tactical offensives against Duterte’s fascist minions in the AFP, PNP and paramilitary forces. While NDF-Negros urges all patriotic elements in the armed forces to stand up for the people and junk Duterte as their commander-in-chief. ###

https://prwcinfo.wordpress.com/2022/03/11/negrosanon-unite-against-marcos-duterte-fascist-tandem-in-2022-polls/

CPP/NDF-KM: On continued attacks against the democratic masses

Propaganda statement posted to PRWC Newsroom, the blog site of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Information Bureau (Mar 10, 2022): On continued attacks against the democratic masses

MARIA LAYA GUERRERO

NATIONAL SPOKESPERSON

KABATAANG MAKABAYAN

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT

March 10, 2022

A year later, the families and friends of the victims of the Bloody Sunday Massacre have yet to see justice for the brutal and terrorist act the state committed against the people of Southern Tagalog. On the contrary, fascism and state repression have only gotten worse.

Only today, the police conducted raids in different parts of Cavite under the pretext of the war on drugs. Several people were accosted, with one Jonathan Mercado – a peasant leader – arrested and yet to be surfaced. This is no less than a brazen act of harassment, coming only days after local and national politicians’ blatant red-tagging of the people of Cavite.

Recently, Duterte’s Anti-Terrorism Council named 16 NDFP allied organizations as terrorists. On one hand, the designation is absurd, bordering on downright comical. The Kabataang Makabayan is a clandestine group. A piece of paper claiming it to be a terrorist entity can’t change the fact that KM is a 57-year-old revolutionary organization that has played significant roles in uniting the Filipino youth and toppling dictatorships.

On the flip side, this terrorist designation only proves how uninterested the Duterte regime is in solving the roots of the armed struggle and addressing the just demands of the Filipino people.

The NDFP represents the CPP-NPA in the peace negotiations with the GRP. Naming it a terrorist is tantamount to the state hammering the last nail in the peace talks’ coffin.

There is no doubt that the state will take advantage of this terrorist designation to quell mass movements and “justify” illegal arrests and, worse, extrajudicial killings.

Kabataang Makabayan is not, and will never be, forced into a corner by a bunch of corrupt and fascist state officials claiming us to be terrorists. In fact, our revolutionary fervor and optimism are more ablaze than ever!

We are revolutionary youths fighting against systemic oppression and exploitation in a semi-feudal and semi-colonial society. Our 57 years of democratic struggle stand witness to how just and correct our principles are, and we will continue to uphold and espouse these principles!

Kabataang Makabayan stands with the Filipino masses in condemning the state’s relentless repression and outright attacks. We are with you in mourning and struggle, and we will be with you in triumph and freedom.

Long live Kabataang Makabayan!
Long live the New People’s Army!

https://prwcinfo.wordpress.com/2022/03/10/on-continued-attacks-against-the-democratic-masses/

CPP/NPA-Negros Island ROC: Another vicious ‘Sauron’-like attack in Central Negros forthcoming

Propaganda statement posted to PRWC Newsroom, the blog site of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Information Bureau (Mar 10, 2022): Another vicious ‘Sauron’-like attack in Central Negros forthcoming

NEGROS ISLAND REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND (APOLINARIO GATMAITAN COMMAND)

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

March 10, 2022

The Apolonario Gaitmaitan Regional Operational Command of the New People’s Army-Negros Island today disclosed that 303rd Brigade and their police cohorts are set to launch new rounds of ‘Sauron’ operations in the farming villages of Isabela and Binalbagan, Negros Occidental.

‘Sauron’ operations are mark by its sheer brutality and blood-thirsty onslaught against red-tagged and unarmed civilians using grotesquely overwhelming force.

As per information from concerned patriotic elements in the military and police, Barangay Camangcamang in Isabela, Barangays Biao and Santol and adjacent areas area the main targets of these synchronize operations that will possibly be conducted in the last week of March or the 1st week of April.

It’s likely that the 303rd Brigade and PNP forces will resort to all dirty tricks such as illegal searches, unlawful arrests, extra-juducial killings and the like.

Whatever may come to the civilians and residents in these areas, nobody will be held accountable but the fascist military and police who has been red-tagging them all along.

We call on the people of Central Negros to stand for their rights amid ever intensifying repression and state terrorism of the US-Duterte regime. ###

https://prwcinfo.wordpress.com/2022/03/10/another-vicious-sauron-like-attack-in-central-negros-forthcoming/

CPP/CIO: Lacson is Duterte’s attack dog against Robredo for scenario building

Propaganda statement posted to PRWC Newsroom, the blog site of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Information Bureau (Mar 11, 2022): Lacson is Duterte’s attack dog against Robredo for scenario building

MARCO VALBUENA

CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

March 11, 2022

Sen. Panfilo Lacson’s red-tagging against the camp of presidential candidate Leni Robredo is serving the tyrant Duterte’s scenario-building to justify the possibility of imposing martial law as a last resort option to secure power. The presidential candidate Lacson, who surely is aware that he has no chances of winning, is using his campaign as platform to serve as Duterte’s attack dog against the Robredo camp.

There is persistent talk that Duterte’s plans to create a scenario of “political chaos” to “blame the communists” in order to justify the imposition of emergency rule and carry out the mass arrests and crackdown against the broad democratic forces before or right after the elections, are still on the table. This scenario is set to be played when plans to steal the results of the May 2022 elections for the Marcos-Duterte tandem become untenable because of the overwhelming rejection of the people.

The police arrests yesterday of peasant organizers in Cavite, a day after a congressman claimed that “NPA-trained” activists joined Robredo’s campaign rallies, are a veiled attempt to sow fear among campaigners and supporters of Robredo and other progressive candidates and parties.

Lacson claims of possessing “intelligence information” but can only cite the participation of national democratic organizations and parties in Robredo rallies as basis for his declared “fears” that a Robredo victory will lead to a “coalition with the communists.” Lacson lost what little credibility he had when he referenced statements made by the NTF-Elcac’s consummate liar Jeffrey Celiz, who made himself known by falsely promoting himself as a former member of the NPA’s “national command.”

Senator Lacson, a former police general and martial law torturer, is a veteran of red-tagging against activists and oppositionists. He was also reported to be behind the Rizal Day bombing of 2000 to derail the mounting protests against the Estrada regime. He is a staunch supporter of the NTF-Elcac’s brutal war of suppression and principal author of the draconian “Anti-Terrorism Law.”

He has stepped up his attacks in the face of mounting support for Robredo as shown by the large mass demonstrations during a number of campaign sorties in different parts of the country.

The Robredo-Pangilinan campaign is proving to be the most formidable electoral challenge to the ruling Duterte clique. So far, it is Robredo’s campaign and rallies which have successfully brought together the broadest array of democratic forces. These are serving as a means of expression of the people’s pent up anger against corruption, foreign subservience, and tyranny of the Duterte regime, and plans to bring back the Marcoses to Malacañang through deceit and stealing the elections.

For the record, neither the CPP nor the NDFP has forged any agreement with any of the political parties running in the May 2022 elections. Neither are the CPP or NDFP concerned with discussing a “coalition government” at this time. The NDFP, together with various peace advocates, have only publicly expressed hopes that the people will support a candidate that will resume peace negotiations with the NDFP in order to discuss the socioeconomic and political roots of the current civil war.

Several presidential candidates, including Robredo and Lacson, have declared openness to “peace talks,” but this can only be “election talk,” as none have been explicit in declaring plans to resume the suspended peace negotiations with the NDFP and recognize all past agreements as basis for moving forward.

https://prwcinfo.wordpress.com/2022/03/11/lacson-is-dutertes-attack-dog-against-robredo-for-scenario-building/

Kalinaw News: PA, PAF hold joint exercises in Rizal

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 11, 2022): PA, PAF hold joint exercises in Rizal



FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – Philippine Army (PA) and Philippine Air Force (PAF) troops held joint exercises on military freefall, bundle drop, helicopter sniping, and fast rope insertion extraction system on March 10, 2022 at the 80th Infantry Battalion headquarters in Barangay Pinugay, Baras, Rizal.

The first-ever PAF-PA Interoperability Exercise—which aims to address gaps in joint operations, and achieve seamless air-to-ground communications and operations between the two Armed Forces of the Philippines major services—started on March 7 and will culminate on March 11, 2022. Around 700 Army troops and 300 PAF personnel are participating in virtual subject matter expert exchanges and face-to-face exercises.

Communications and electronics exercise and air evacuation training are also scheduled at Camp Capinpin, the headquarters of the 2nd Infantry Division (2ID), in Tanay, Rizal.

[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/pa-paf-hold-joint-exercises-in-rizal/

Kalinaw News: Army’s 91IB initiates planting of 100 coconut seedlings for IP community in Aurora

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 11, 2022): Army’s 91IB initiates planting of 100 coconut seedlings for IP community in Aurora



FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija — The Commander of the 7th Infantry (KAUGNAY) Division, Philippine Army, MGen Andrew D Costelo PA, lauded the initiative of the troops of the 91st Infantry (SINAGTALA) Battalion, led by LTC Reandrew P Rubio following its coconut seedling planting activity to an Indigenous People’s community in Barangay Bayanihan, Maria Aurora, Aurora on March 09, 2022.

The activity was in partnership with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Aurora, as part of the PTF-ELCAC’s programs through the ‘Whole-of-Nation Approach’.

MGen Costelo said that the initiative was part of the sustainment efforts of the PTF-ELCAC and the Army in the IP community following its implementation of the Community Support Program (CSP) and also aims to increase the province’s coconut production and make the industry even more sustainable for the IP community.

“This effort is also part of our commitment to help our IP farmers increase their income through a sustainable livelihood which is coconut farming. We would like to extend our gratitude to our partner stakeholders for the support of this initiative that benefits our IP community,” said MGen Costelo.

Meanwhile, LTC Rubio assured that they will be doing their best effort to help the IP community in the province of Aurora which aims to prioritize and harmonize the delivery of basic services and social development packages of the government.

On the other hand, NCIP Aurora Representative Dhelsie Joy Pineda said expressed her gratitude to 91st IB for its relentless support to Bugkalot tribes.

“We appreciate the efforts of the 91IB for peace and development. This is one way of bringing their message of peace to us. Let us support our government. Samantalahin natin yung mga pwede pa nilang maitulong sa atin ng gobyerno at suportahan natin sila,” Pineda said.

The said activity was also participated by 307th Community Defense Center, 3rd Regional Community Defense Group, Army Reserve Command-Aurora Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion; Indigenous Person Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Maria Aurora; Youth For Peace members; The Fraternal Order of EAGLES (Philippine Eagles), and Barangay Officials of Barangay Bayanihan.

[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/armys-91ib-initiates-planting-of-100-coconut-seedlings-for-ip-community-in-aurora/

NPA confirms 2 casualties in Isabela ‘raid’

From the Visayan Daily Star (Mar 11, 2022): NPA confirms 2 casualties in Isabela ‘raid’ (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The New People’s Army Leonardo Panaligan Command has issued a statement denouncing the killing of two of its members during a raid in Brgy. Amin, Isabela, Negros Occidental, jointly conducted by the 62nd Infantry Battalion and the town police on March 10.

Rebel spokesperson Ka JB Regalado claimed in a statement he issued that Virgilio Marco “Ka Bidam” and Ben Jack “Ka Yuhan” Ruales were captured and mercilessly fired at, contrary to allegations that both killed died in the gunbattle.

But he acknowledged that Robert “Ka Kits” Ancino managed to hit two Army soldiers, although he was injured and captured.

PBrig. Gen. Flynn Dongbo, regional police director of Western Visayas, said that the injured and captured rebel he identified as Robert Ancino, 21, is a hitman of the NPA.

Marco was also identified by the Philippine Army as commanding officer of the Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda (SYP) Lenovo Platoon, whose unit was responsible for series of killing of civilians in Moises Padilla and Binalbagan, Negros Occidental, Vallehermoso and Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, who they accused as military informants.

Two .45 caliber pistols and a hand grenade were recovered at the encounter site, according to the Isabela police. Dongbo said that Marco has a pending arrest warrant for illegal possession of firearms.

Regalado disputed police claims that they were about to serve the arrest warrant against Marco before the alleged encounter.

https://visayandailystar.com/npa-confirms-2-casualties-in-isabela-raid/

102 areas tagged as election hotspots in BARMM

From MindaNews (Mar 10, 2022): 102 areas tagged as election hotspots in BARMM (By FERDINANDH B. CABRERA)

The seat of power in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in Cotabato City, 22 September 2021. MindaNews photo by GREGORIO BUENO

Ninety-nine towns and three cities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) are considered election hotspots, according to the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) which held its first meeting this year on Thursday.

Eighteen of these areas are under Red Code (critical), 34 under Orange Code (with presence of armed groups and organized movements), and 50 under Yellow Code (with history of violent incidents).

BGen Arthur Cabalona, BARMM regional police director said the primary reasons for the violent incidents were conflicts between two groups.

The meeting, held at Bajau Hall of the BARMM Government Center, was presided by Interim Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, the RPOC chair. Thirty-eight members of the council attended the meeting either in person or via Zoom.

Ebrahim cited that the May 9 elections will be the first time for members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to exercise their right to suffrage and support its political party, the United Bangsamoro Justice Party.

He urged the military and police to ensure that the people are protected in the exercise of such right.

During the same meeting, lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, RPOC secretary and BARMM spokesperson told the council that the Department of Interior and Local Government national office has formed the task force for the disbandment of private armed groups.

Sinarimbo, also the Interior Minister of BARMM said the disbandment of armed groups is important because it will make it easier to proceed with the decommissioning of MILF fighters.

He noted that MILF fighters would be reluctant to undergo decommissioning if the private armed groups were not disbanded.

At the same time, the military assured residents of Pikit in North Cotabato and areas around Liguasan Marsh in Maguindanao they have nothing to fear despite the presence of more soldiers and policemen in their communities.

MGen Alfredo Rosario, chief of the Western Mindanao Command who attended the RPOC meeting via Zoom, said they launched the operations in these areas in response to the presence of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and Dawlah Islamiya.

Rosario said there was no need for civilians to evacuate as ensuring their safety is among their priorities.

Cabalona said he refused to believe that their presence instilled fear, and that it should be the other way around.

He assured that the operations would not lead to the disenfranchisement of voters during election day.

Lawyer Abdul Rashig Kamil, chair of the Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission reported during the meeting that some civilians in the affected areas had voiced apprehensions on the effect of the military and police operations.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2022/03/102-areas-tagged-as-election-hotspots-in-barmm/

Probe set on presence of armed men who clashed with police in Cotabato City

From MindaNews (Mar 11, 2022): Probe set on presence of armed men who clashed with police in Cotabato City (By FERDINANDH B. CABRERA)

Army and police explosive ordnance experts conduct investigation on the Sunday evening (22 December 2019) bombing along Sinsuat Avenue near the entrance at Pedro Colina Hill in Cotabato City. MindaNews file photo by FERDINANDH CABRERA

The Regional Police Office of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PRO-BARMM) will conduct a special investigation into the presence last month of armed men in Rosary Heights, this city.

A video footage presented during the Regional Peace and Order Council meeting on Thursday showed the armed men exchanging fire with operatives from police precinct 2 on Feb. 22.

BGen Arthur Cabalona, regional police director of BARMM said the incident shown on video alarmed them since it happened during the implementation of the election gun ban.

Cabalona said he believed the armed men on the video were neither policemen nor members of the military.

City police director Col. Rommel Javier earlier said the armed men on the video were possibly the policemen who responded to the incident.

Cabalona added his office is also investigating the incidents in Datu Piang, Maguindanao and in other areas that were captured on video.

Meanwhile, BARMM officials asked why members of the Cotabato City Police Office have continued using the PRO-12 insignia even if the Department of Interior and Local Government national office has turned it over to the autonomous region. “May we seek clarification from our police on this,” lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, BARMM Interior Minister said.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2022/03/probe-set-on-presence-of-armed-men-who-clashed-with-police-in-cotabato-city/

Incumbent BTA members to continue in holdover capacity; next President may appoint new set of members

From MindaNews (Mar 11, 2022): Incumbent BTA members to continue in holdover capacity; next President may appoint new set of members (By BONG S. SARMIENTO)

Group photo of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority with Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity Carlito Galvez, Jr. and the last governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Mujiv Hataman during the turnover rites from the ARMM to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex in Cotabato City on February 26, 2019. MindaNews photo by MANMAN DEJETO

The current members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) will continue in office in a holdover capacity until June 30, 2022, to allow the next President to appoint a new set of officials, senior government officials said.

Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr., of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, said that President Rodrigo Duterte officially approved last March 3 the proposal to maintain the current composition of the BTA, the interim government of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

In the memorandum issued by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea on the abovementioned date, he stated: “In the exigency of public service, and in accordance with Section 2 of Republic Act No. 11593, otherwise known as ‘An Act Resetting the First Regular Elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,’ please be informed that the request to maintain the current composition of the BTA is hereby approved. The incumbent members of the BTA shall continue in office in a holdover capacity, until otherwise directed by the Office of the President.”

“In a holdover capacity, the terms of office of the BTA members are tied to the appointing authority, which in this case is President Duterte. This is to allow the next President to appoint a new set of BTA members once he or she assumes office,” Galvez explained in a statement issued Thursday.

Duterte is due to step down from power on June 30, 2022 after six years in office.

In a joint statement Friday last week, the Security, Justice and Peace Cabinet Cluster (SJPCC) announced that Duterte had approved their recommendation to maintain the status quo on the membership of the 80-member BTA last February 21.

Apart from Galvez, the SJPCC is composed of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año and Secretary Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. of the National Security Council.

The SJPCC earlier recommended to the President to keep the status quo in the BTA based on Resolution No. 173 issued by the BTA on 12 October 2021, and subsequently, Resolution No. 209 dated 15 February 2022.

In Resolution No. 173, the BTA requested Duterte to allow the incumbent BTA members to continue carrying out their mandate in order to preserve the gains achieved under the body’s various programs, projects and legislative measures.

In resolution No. 209, the BTA appealed to Duterte to give primary consideration to the re-appointment of BTA members who are nominated by the national government, “as this will ensure a smooth transition process without the possibility of any political disruptions taking place.”

Galvez said the SJPCC made the recommendation in light of the fact that only three months remain before the newly-elected administration takes over the reins of government.

“This period would give the incumbent BTA members the time to complete their deliverables until June of this year,” he said.

The BARMM was created in January 2019 following the plebiscite that ratified Republic 11054 or the Organic Law for the BARMM. The following month, Duterte named the members of the BTA, led by Ahod Ebrahim, popularly known as Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, chair of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The creation of the Bangsamoro region is the major component of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the final peace agreement signed by the government and the MILF in 2014 after 17 years of negotiations.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2022/03/incumbent-bta-members-to-continue-in-holdover-capacity-next-president-may-appoint-new-set-of-members/

Mosque shooting injures 2 in Pagadian City

From the Mindanao Examiner (Mar 11, 2022): Mosque shooting injures 2 in Pagadian City

Four gunmen barged into a mosque and shot two worshippers in a daring broad daylight attack in Pagadian City in the southern Philippine province of Zamboanga del Sur, police said Friday.

Police said the Thursday attack wounded Ustadz Salman Maulana Palwa, 39, and president of the Southeast Asian Development Committee Foundation Inc.; and Edon Abas Palwa, 63.

“Investigation disclosed that prior to the incident, the victims were worshiping inside the mosque when suddenly four unidentified male suspects entered the mosque and shot them,” said Maj. Shellamie Chang, a regional police spokesperson.

The motive of the attack is still unknown and it was unclear whether it was connected to Palwa’s non-profit foundation.

According to information, the 27-year old foundation assists and provides opportunities to Muslims, who are in dire need of help and support, to elevate them to the high status in the aspects of religious practice, knowledge, character and economic standing to become more productive citizens and God-fearing individuals.

The assailants fled on two motorcycles after the attack and were being hunted by the police in Pagadian, where gun attacks are not uncommon. Chang said the victims were rushed to hospital.

Police investigators have recovered a total of 18 bullet casings from .45-caliber pistols used by the gunmen. “Personnel of Pagadian City Police Station conducted a thorough investigation and follow-up operation to identify, locate and arrest the suspects,” Chang said.

The victims’ families nor the foundation issued any statements into the shooting.

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2022/03/mosque-shooting-injures-2-in-pagadian.html

MILF, BARMM officials assure peaceful polls

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 11, 2022): MILF, BARMM officials assure peaceful polls (By Edwin Fernandez)

FOR PEACEFUL ELECTIONS. Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim (right) speaks with Brig. Gen. Arthur Cabalona, BARMM police director (back at camera), following a regional peace and order council in Cotabato City on Thursday (March 10, 2022), as BARMM Interior Minister Naguib Sinarimbo (center) looks on. Ebrahim, concurrent head of the former rebel organization Moro Islamic Liberation Front, vowed to help ensure the peaceful and orderly May polls in the region. (Photo courtesy of Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo)

Officials of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) vowed Friday to help ensure a peaceful, clean, and orderly elections on May 9 this year.

“This year’s election is the first time that the MILF will officially participate in the electoral process as part of its transition from an armed revolutionary organization into a political party,” BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim said in a statement.

“Let us make this election as the first where the will of the people will be truly expressed,” he added.

On Thursday, Ebrahim presided over a regional peace and order council meeting where he urged everyone to ensure that the first experience of the MILF in a democratic process "will be one where the valid will of the people will be expressed."

The "usual machinations of traditional politicians who subvert the popular will of the people through bribery and intimidation,” he said, should be prevented.

Ebrahim, who in the past repeatedly rejected calls for the MILF to join the political exercises and changed stance after a peace deal was reached with Manila, also expressed optimism the security sector in BARMM “will stay neutral and ensure a clean, honest, and peaceful elections that truly reflects the will of the people.”

Brig. Gen. Arthur Cabalona, the BARMM police director, assured Ebrahim that the Police Regional Office–BARMM will be "apolitical and neutral" to ensure a credible election in the region.

Ebrahim, also MILF chairman, said with the peace mechanism and the Bangsamoro Organic Law in place, the MILF has actively participated in the country’s democratic political exercises this year.

It has also formed its political arm, the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), after ratifying the Bangsamoro Organic Law through a two-part plebiscite in January and February 2019 that led to the formation of the BARMM.

Areas of concern

Meanwhile, Cabalona reported that the PRO-BARMM has listed 102 areas of concern in this year’s national and local elections in BARMM.

Of this number, 99 are municipalities and the three others are the cities of Cotabato, Marawi, and Lamitan.

Cabalona told RPOC members that 18 zones in the region were classified as “areas of immediate concern” and labeled as “Red code” (critical areas); 34 others were listed under “Orange code” or areas where lawless groups like the Abu Sayyaf, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, Dawlah Islamiya, and private armed groups exist.

Fifty other areas in BARMM were tagged under “Yellow code” due to a history of election-related violence, the police official said.

PRO-BARMM said the number of election hot spots may decrease or increase depending on the situation on the ground the moment the campaign period for local aspirants begins on March 25.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1169542

More cops sent for peacekeeping mission in Samar

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 11, 2022): More cops sent for peacekeeping mission in Samar (By Sarwell Meniano)

PEACEKEEPERS. The 244 police officers during a send-off ceremony on March 10, 2022. The policemen are tasked to ensure peaceful and orderly elections in Samar province. (Photo courtesy of Philippine National Police)

The Philippine National Police (PNP) regional office has sent more police officers to Samar province for a peacekeeping mission ahead of the campaign period of local candidates.

Some 244 policemen formally accepted their temporary assignment on Thursday through a ceremony at the regional headquarters here, the PNP said in a media release on Friday.

Of the number, 28 are women included in the deployment to the different town and city police stations in Samar province.

They will be temporarily stationed in Catbalogan City, the provincial capital.

"We want to ensure that no untoward incidents or election-related incidents to happen in Eastern Visayas. We have a task ahead to keep the peace before, during and after the elections and we will be measured in our performance on how we have maintained and kept the peace,” PNP Eastern Visayas Regional Director Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said.

This is the second batch of policemen sent to Samar for a peacekeeping mission to form part of the Regional Special Operations Task Group (RSOTG) – Samar.

On March 2, some 235 personnel were assigned in Calbayog City, Gandara, Sta. Margarita, Matuguinao, and San Jorge towns. These areas are known for election-related violence.

The PNP regional office reactivated the RSOTG-Samar tasked to ensure this year's peaceful and orderly elections in the province.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1169543

2 NPA fighters yield in Zambo Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 11, 2022): 2 NPA fighters yield in Zambo Sur (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

Two combatants of the New People’s Army (NPA) have surrendered to the government authorities in Zamboanga del Sur as they wish to live safe and peaceful lives, a top police official said Friday.

Col. Diomarie Albarico, Zamboanga del Sur police director, identified the NPA surrenderers as Douglas Anoan Enlab alias Ka Dong, 56, and Jonar Mantao Enlab alias Nard, 27.

Albarico said the two surrendered around 2 p.m. Thursday at the municipal police station of Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur.

The Enlabs used to operate under the Barrio Revolutionary Committee (BRC) of the Guerrilla Front Big Beautiful Country (GF-BBC) of the NPA’s Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC), Albarico said.

He said the two were recruited by Martino Ayas alias Naser, a team leader of Team Baking, Squad 2, of GF-BBC, and served as look out and courier of the group.

The two surrenderers were placed under the custody of Bonifacio Enlab, the barangay chairperson of Dilud, Dumingag for their eventual reintegration to the community, the police official said.

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

The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the 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/1169584

NPA recruiter abandons group after 6 years

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 11, 2022): NPA recruiter abandons group after 6 years (By Alexander Lopez)

Image courtesy of PRO-13 Information Office

A female recruiter and health officer of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) operating in Surigao del Sur in the last six years recently surrendered to authorities in Agusan del Norte, a police official said Friday.

Maj. Dorothy Tumulak, information officer of the Police Regional Office in Caraga (PRO-13), said alias “Ason”, of Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur, gave herself up to the Cabadbaran City police on Wednesday.

“Ason surrendered in Cabadbaran City with the help of former rebels. She has been an active NPA recruiter for more than six years in Surigao del Sur,” Tumulak said.

She said the surrenderer used to work under the Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda, Guerrilla Front 19, of the NPA’s Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee.

Tumulak said Ason's surrender was the result of the continuing efforts of PRO-13 to end the local communist armed conflict in the region.

“The surrender of Ason will greatly affect the recruitment activities of the NPA in Surigao del Sur and other parts of Caraga Region,” she said.

In a statement, Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr. the PRO-13 director, said Ason has been an active NPA guerrilla since November 2015, operating in the mountainous area of Diatagon in Lianga town and other parts of Surigao del Sur.

“She renounced her commitment from being a rebel after realizing the deceptions and lies. She has awakened to the sincerity of the government in providing support to rebels who would wish to change their lives peacefully,” Caramat said.

He added that PRO-13 will continue to work to defeat the insurgency, alongside the directives of Philippine National Police chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos to strengthen the fight against the communist insurgency in the country.

Ason will undergo processes and assessments for her enrollment to the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the government, Caramat said.

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 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/1169579

NTF-ELCAC dev't program benefits 3 Iloilo town villages

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 11, 2022): NTF-ELCAC dev't program benefits 3 Iloilo town villages (By Perla Lena)

PROJECTS FOR THE BARANGAYS. Some of the non-infrastructure projects intended for three barangays, which are recipients of the Local Government Support Fund-Support to Barangay Development Program (LGSF-SBDP) of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) in Miagao, Iloilo. Interior and Local Government Iloilo Provincial Director Teodora Sumagaysay, in her message during the turnover ceremony on Friday (March 11, 2022) said the three barangays are recipients of a total of six non-infra and eight infrastructure projects. (Photo courtesy of DILG Iloilo FB page)

Three villages in the municipality of Miagao, Iloilo are recipients of PHP20 million worth of projects each under the Local Government Support Fund-Support to Barangay Development Program (LGSF-SBDP) of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

Interior and Local Government Iloilo Provincial Director Teodora Sumagaysay, in her message following the groundbreaking ceremony of the farm-to-market road (FMR) in Barangay San Jose and turnover of non-infrastructure projects at the Justice Ramon B. Britanico Hall in the town’s poblacion on Friday, said peace can be achieved if the government is brought closer to the people and not by resorting to violence.

“The PHP20 million fund allocation answered a lot of concerns that are being faced by the barangays as identified in their barangay development plans. May it be infrastructure or non-infrastructures as long as it is the menu of the SBDP,” she added.

Barangays San Jose, Banbanan, and Wayang in Miagao are recipients of a total of six non-infrastructure and eight infrastructure projects.

In addition to FMR, San Jose was also a recipient of a hauling vehicle (mini-truck) while its rice processing complex with drier and rice mill is yet to be constructed.

Barangay Banbanan has identified for its projects a rice thresher and other farm equipment, acquisition of electric sewing machines with livelihood facility and amenities, and construction of post-harvest facility composed of rice drier and rice mill with amenities.

Barangay Wayang will have a post-harvest facility composed of rice drier and rice mill and purchase of a tractor and other pre-harvest equipment and facility.

Sumagaysay urged the recipients to continue spreading the message that the government takes care of its people by providing them with projects.

“Sometimes we need to stop and feel the presence of the government. Sometimes we are very busy but we need to stop and smell the roses and feel that our government really cares for us,” she added.

Iloilo Provincial Administrator Lawyer Dennis Ventilacion, who represented Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., said the province has the biggest allocation of the LGSF-SBDP in the whole country.

The province this 2021 has 165 projects composed of 96 infrastructures and 69 non-infrastructures with an allocation of PHP720 million.

Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB) commanding officer Lt. Col. Harold Garcia said the events were considered as a “breakthrough” because they brought Miagao a “step closer in solving a long-standing problem, which is insurgency”.

He said that for at least two months their troops led the conduct of a community support program (CSP) in the recipient-barangays that paved the way for the implementation of the SBDP.

CSP is the tool of the Army that aims to bring peace and development in conflict-affected barangays and an initiative to bring the government closer to the people through an immediate delivery of basic services, especially to grassroots communities.

“With the two months that we stayed we are summing up to validate and confirm that these barangays are indeed cleared from insurgency,” he said.

The groundbreaking ceremony and turnover of non-infrastructure projects were joined by DILG Regional Director Juan Jovian Ingeniero, Engr. Romeo Andig of the Provincial Engineer’s Office, Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) Director Col. Adrian Acollador, Mayor Macario Napulan, and officials of recipient barangays.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1169594

PH Army offers 'wellness checks' for 125th anniversary

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 11, 2022): PH Army offers 'wellness checks' for 125th anniversary (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of Philippine Army

The Philippine Army (PA) on Thursday launched its "Physical and Mental Health Hygiene Modalities" as among activities for the celebration of its 125th anniversary on March 22.

"Commanding General, Philippine Army (CGPA) Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. graced the activity that provided free services including stress relaxation, Luscher color test, artificial intelligence assisted x-ray, bone scanning, random blood sugar testing, cholesterol screening, oral health education, and psychospiritual counseling to Army personnel and civilian human resource. Pharmaceutical companies also provided free consultation and loot bags to event participants," PA spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement Friday.

The event was held at the PA Grandstand at Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila.

It was organized by the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Personnel, Office of the Army Chief Surgeon, Office of the Army Chief Nurse, and Office of the Army Chief Dental Service.

Brawner thanked personnel who manned the booths for supporting the PA’s thrust to ensure the physical and mental health of soldiers.

He also urged Army personnel to take advantage of the comprehensive physical and mental health programs which are in line with his guidance to take care of the Army’s most important resource.

“Today is a fitting opportunity for the Philippine Army to institutionalize a vital endeavor to ensure the overall health and mental well-being of the personnel and their families. Therefore, I would like to encourage everyone to have this mindset that we should remove the stigma that goes with mental health,” Brawner said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1169529

Retired military exec echoes Lacson warning vs. 'coalition gov't'

 From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 11, 2022): Retired military exec echoes Lacson warning vs. 'coalition gov't' (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Partido Reporma standard-bearer Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson (File photo courtesy of Lacson-Sotto media bureau)

A retired military officer who played a key role in the 1986 Edsa Revolution has echoed the concerns of Partido Reporma standard-bearer Senator Panfilo "Ping" M. Lacson against a "coalition government" with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

Retired Philippine Air Force Col. Hector Tarrazona made the warning in a letter to 1Sambayan convenor and former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, after seeing "known communists, whose ultimate goal is to overthrow the government" in the coalition.

"While I was very hopeful to see the coalition of different political groups, I was greatly disappointed to see known communists, whose ultimate goal is to overthrow the government, in the coalition," he said in his letter to Carpio dated March 19 and made public on Friday, referring to a Zoom webinar of the coalition which he attended.

Tarrazona, who persuaded the PAF's 15th Strike Wing to support the 1986 Edsa Revolution, said there is no place for communists in the coalition.

Tarrazona, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1968, refuted the claim of ex-Senator Antonio Trillanes IV that he saw no communist in the campaign team of Vice President Leni Robredo. Trillanes is part of Robredo's senatorial slate.

In his letter, Tarrazona said the insurgency, which has gone on for at least 51 years, has killed up to 60,000 soldiers, insurgents and civilians.

"You may have pleased a few thousand communists but you will be losing the support of millions among the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and PNP (Philippine National Police) personnel and their families, businessmen, farmers, and other Filipinos who have been victims of their terrorism, atrocities, and revolutionary taxation. I hope you would correct this big political blunder," he told Carpio.

Lacson earlier voiced concern that operatives of the CPP, New People's Army, and National Democratic Front may have infiltrated Robredo's campaign, citing information from ex-NPA cadre Jeffrey "Ka Eric" Celiz that jibed with the information from his intelligence sources.

Also on Friday, Lacson scored the propaganda by some groups that claimed activists were arrested in Cavite after he warned of the possible infiltration by the CPP and its legal fronts of the campaign of Vice President Ma. Leonor "Leni" Robredo.

Lacson said a fact-check showed the arrests were related to an operation of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) against illegal drugs in the province.

"May naaresto pero drug operation ito sa Bacoor. Ang nag-operate, PDEA, anti-illegal drugs operation (The arrests in Bacoor stemmed from an anti-illegal drug operation)," he said in an interview with Radyo 5.

He noted the groups that issued "alerts" and tried to make it appear that they were arrested because he had "red-tagged" them for attending Robredo's campaign rally in Cavite earlier this month.

"Ganyan ang kanilang ginagawang propaganda. Kaya huwag maligaw ang mag-attend na volunteer (That is the propaganda they are trying to spread. I hope the public and campaign volunteers will not believe them so easily)," he said.

Lacson reiterated he has never engaged in red-tagging, and that he merely warned those concerned about entering into a possible coalition government with the CPP, New People's Army and National Democratic Front - with the NPA insurgency having been behind more than 2,000 deaths, the loss of billions of pesos in revolutionary taxes and the destruction of properties of those who refused to "cooperate" with them.

Also, he maintained he has his own intelligence sources who validated the information that members of CPP legal fronts were at Robredo's rally.

He added it is natural for the CPP and its legal fronts to discredit ex-NPA cadre Jeffrey "Ka Eric" Celiz.

"Ang armed struggle hindi ma-justify no matter how you look at it (But an armed struggle can never be justified no matter how you look at it)," he stressed.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1169530