Two CPP-NPA leaders with P2.9-M bounty killed in Samar clash

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 16, 2022): Two CPP-NPA leaders with P2.9-M bounty killed in Samar clash (By Marie Tonette Marticio)

Two alleged leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-New People’s Army (NPA) were killed during a police operation Wednesday morning in Brgy. Alejandrea, Jiabong, Samar.

The fatalities were identified as Amado Adelantar alias ‘Kumander Butil’ or ‘Ka Boy,’ 69, and his wife Maria Norie Adelantar or ‘Ka Cedang,’ both high ranking officers of the communist NPA.

Kumander Butil has a P2.9 million bounty for his head. He used to lead the Dalogdog Platoon during his younger years. He was reportedly a member of the Executive Committee and Secretariat of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC), and the adviser to the Sub-Regional Command Browser, where he used to be the secretary.

Kumander Butil was facing eight warrants of arrest for murder, frustrated murder, homicide, and the special complex crime of robbery with homicide from the Regional Trial Court of Catbalogan City, also in Samar.

On the other hand, his wife, ‘Ka Cedang’ or ‘Ka Mely’ was allegedly the finance officer of SRC Browser.

The operation stemmed from a call from a local tipster that six unidentified armed men were seen in their village at about 2 a.m. on the outskirts of Brgy. Alejandria in Jiabong, Samar, about 10 kms south of Catbalogan City.

The information was confirmed by former NPA members that surrendered to the government.

In response, Jiabong PNP, together with troopers from the 87th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, the 12th SAB, and the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) of the Samar Police Provincial Office (SPPO) immediately proceeded to the area.

According to the operating teams, they were fired upon as they arrived in the area prompting them to defend themselves.

The two wounded rebels were left behind while others escaped.

There were no reported casualties or injuries on the side of the operating teams.

Authorities were able to recover one KG9 sub-machine gun and one 9mm pistol with an empty steel magazine believed to be used by Kumander Butil.

Meanwhile, another 9mm pistol loaded with five bullets, believed to be the firearm used by Ka Cedang, was also recovered.

Aside from the guns allegedly used by the fatalities, the SOCO also recovered three fired cartridge cases of 5.56 caliber, three fired cartridge cases of 9mm, 1 MK2 hand grenade, and another improvised hand grenade.

Sources revealed that the couple had been soliciting permits to campaign during elections.

They also informed that Ka Cedang is a board-certified teacher but opted not to pursue a teaching profession, and instead joined the CPP-NPA.

The sources added that the couple is from the neighboring Paranas town.

Meanwhile, Col. Richard Saavedra, Samar Police Provincial Director, commended the operating teams for their successful anti-insurgency operations that led to the neutralization of two alleged notorious CPP-NPA leaders.

“We always encourage our police officers in all areas to stay vigilant and take extra caution from these kind of incidents,” Saavedra said.

https://mb.com.ph/2022/03/16/two-cpp-npa-leaders-with-p2-9-m-bounty-killed-in-samar-clash/

2 NPA leaders killed in Samar clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 17, 2022): 2 NPA leaders killed in Samar clash (By Sarwell Meniano)

NEUTRALIZED. The bodies of two New People's Army rebels outside the police station of Jiabong, Samar. The two were killed after launching an attack against government forces in Jiabong town on Wednesday (March 16, 2022). (Photo courtesy of Rommel Rutor)

Two leaders of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in a clash when they fired upon patrolling policemen in Jiabong, Samar on Wednesday.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) identified the two killed rebels as Amado Adelantar alias "Butil" and his wife in the communist movement, Maria Norie Adelantar alias "Cedang".

Amado, charged with murder, robbery, and homicide, was the commander of the NPA scout ranger orientation course (SROC); while Marie Norie is a finance officer of NPA SROC.

They were both under the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)–NPA Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee.

The police reported the wounded couple died while being rushed to the Samar Provincial Hospital in Catbalogan City, 31 kilometers away from Jiabong town.

The clash erupted when police operatives patrolled the area on Wednesday morning acting on reports that six armed rebels were sighted in Alejandrea village in Jiabong town.

“Our police were fired upon as they arrived in the area, prompting them to defend themselves. Two wounded (the couple) were left behind while others escaped. While there were no casualties or injuries on the side of the operating teams,” said PNP Samar provincial director Col. Richard Saavedra.

After the encounter, government troops seized a KG9 sub-machine gun with an empty magazine, a pistol with a magazine loaded with five live ammunition, five fired cartridge cases, two hand grenades, and subversive documents.

Saavedra lauded operating teams for the successful anti-insurgency operations that led to the neutralization of two notorious NPA leaders.

“I call on the remaining communist rebels to lay down their arms and return to the fold of law and that they need to surrender and accept the government’s offer to enjoy a peaceful and productive life,” the official said.

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

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1169958

Densus 88 Arrests 12 Terrorist Suspects in Four Cities

Posted to Tempo.co (Mar 17, 2022): Densus 88 Arrests 12 Terrorist Suspects in Four Cities (By Ririe Ranggasari)



TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Police's special counterterrorism squad, Densus 88, arrested 12 suspected terrorists. They were arrested in four different cities during a crime and terror prevention operation in the Jakarta, Banten, Bogor, and Batam areas.

Densus 88's head of operational assistance (Kabagbanops), Sr. Comr. Aswin Siregar, said that some of the suspects are allegedly linked to the Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) network while the others are supporters of ISIS.

"Four of [the suspects arrested] in Riau Islands are JI. The ones in Banten are also JI. The other are ISIS supporters," Aswin said on Thursday, March 17.

The 12 suspected terrorists were arrested on Tuesday and Wednesday, starting with three ISIS supporters apprehended Jakarta, Bogor and Tangerang.

One of the suspects arrested in Gunung Sindur, Bogor Regency, had posted to social media his plan to pledge himself to ISIS on February 16. He also shared videos of ISIS' acts of violence in his Facebook account.

The other two ISIS supporters, MR (21) and HP (36), were arrested in West Jakarta and Ciputat. Officers said they are supporters of Daulah Islamiyah ISIS who work as video editors and translators at the Annajiyah Media Center group. The group has been distributing digital posters containing jihadi propaganda.

Densus 88 also arrested five suspected JI terrorists in Banten on Tuesday. One of them is a 45-year-old civil servant (PNS) at the Tangerang Agriculture Office.

The four JI supporters in Batam, Riau Island, were arrested on Wednesday, two of whom are members of JI Batam's management. From the suspects in Batam, Densus 88 confiscated evidence including a bow with 11 arrows.

https://en.tempo.co/read/1571813/densus-88-arrests-12-terrorist-suspects-in-four-cities

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Isuspinde ang BBB, ibigay ang sapat na ayuda

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda posted to the PRWC Newsroom, the blog site of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Information Bureau (Mar 16, 2022): Isuspinde ang BBB, ibigay ang sapat na ayuda (Suspend the BBB, provide adequate assistance)

March 16, 2022

Tumanggi kahapon si Rodrigo Duterte na isuspinde ang excise tax sa langis. Taliwas ito sa panawagan ng maraming sektor sa lipunan para sana maibsan ang walang awat na pagsirit at bahagyang ibaba ang presyo ng mga produktong petrolyo. Sa halip, balak ng rehimen na mamudmod ng kakarampot na ₱200 sa “pinakamahirap na 50%” o 12 milyong pamilya para “makaagapay” sa krisis.

Kakarampot na ₱33 bilyon ang inilaan para sa ayuda, malayong-malayo sa ₱147 ang tinatayang makukulekta ng estado mula sa mga buwis na ipinataw nito sa mga produktong petrolyo.

Ang pagtanggi sa pagsuspinde ng buwis ay dahil may paglalaanan na diumano ang pondong ito. Isiniwalat mismo ng Department of Finance na nakatakda na ito para sa mga proyekto ng programang Build-Build-Build.

Kinutya ng Anakpawis Partylist at grupo ng kababaihang magsasaka na Amihan ang limos na ayudang gustong ibigay ng Department of Finance (DOF) sa mga pamilyang apektado ng pagsirit ng presyo ng langis at mga bilihin.

“Ang iginigiit namin ay ayudang sapat at dagdag-sahod pero ang dumating ay limos. Kung tutuusin, mas mababa pa ito sa limos. Nakakagalit na parang pulubi ang pagtrato sa masa ng gubyernong ito.” ayon kay Ka Ariel Casilao, pambansang tagapangulo ng Anakpawis.

“Kung malaking bahagi ng excise tax ay para sa BBB, mas dapat nga ito suspindihin. Alam natin na malulustay sa kurapsyon ang pondo sa BBB at imprastruktura,” ani Casilao.

Ikatlong araw na ngayon ng isang linggong protesta na ikinakasa ng mga maralitang sektor sa pamumuno ng Anakpawis. Kabilang dito ang mga protestang ‘tigil-palaot’ ng Pamalakaya, noise barrage at mga piket ng mga opereytor at drayber ng dyip at iba pang mga sektor. Sa nagdaang dalawang araw, inilunsad ang mga proesta sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng Metro Manila at ilang mga prubinsya.

“Kahit malakas ang panawagan ng mga apektadong sektor na suspindihin o alisin muna ang excise tax sa langis, sumang-ayon pa rin si Pangulong Duterte sa gusto ng DOF na manatili ang excise tax. Nanaig ang interes ng kartel na langis na kumita ng husto kahit hirap na hirap na ang taumbayan,” dagdag ni Casilao.

Sa panig ng grupong Amihan, sinabi ng tagapangulo nitong si Zenaida Soriano na kulang ang ₱200 para sa isang buwan, na pambili ng isang kilong bigas, ulam para sa 3 beses na kainan, at pambili ng sahog at iba pa.

Ginawa lamang umano ito ni Duterte bilang konswelo-de-bobo o para palabasing mayroong tugon ang gubyerno sa panahon ng matinding krisis.

Isinaad din ng Amihan na pinagkakasya na lamang ng kababaihang magsasaka ang ₱478-₱700 na badyet para sa isang araw para mabuhay. Dagdag dagok sa kanila ang pagtaas ng presyo ng LPG na mahigit ₱1000 na ngayon.

“Ang kahilingan ng mga maralita ay ₱10,00 ayuda at ₱15,000 production subsidy at suspensyon ng excise tax sa produktong langis. Bakit napakahirap para sa kanilang ibigay ito?” bwelta ni Soriano.

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/isuspinde-ang-bbb-ibigay-ang-sapat-na-ayuda/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Dambuhalang inutang ni Duterte, hindi sa pagharap sa pandemya napunta (Duterte owes a lot, but not in dealing with the pandemic

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda posted to the PRWC Newsroom, the blog site of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Information Bureau (Mar 16, 2022): Dambuhalang inutang ni Duterte, hindi sa pagharap sa pandemya napunta (Duterte owes a lot, but not in dealing with the pandemic

 

March 16, 2022

Hindi totoong lumobo ang utang ng bansa para sa pangangailangan sa pagharap sa pandemya, taliwas sa sinasabi ng mga upisyal sa ekonomya ng rehimeng Duterte. Ayon sa pananaliksik ng Ibon Foundation, mas malaking bahagi ng inutang ng rehimen mula tumama ang pandemya noong 2020 ay ginamit para tustusan ang programa sa imprastruktura at pagbabayad ng utang.

Noong katapusan ng Enero 2022, iniulat ng estado na umabot na sa ₱12.3 trilyon ang utang ng pambansang gubyerno. Nangangahulugan ito ng ₱110,364 utang ng bawat Pilipino.

Ayon sa Ibon, sa ₱5.3 trilyong inutang ng rehimen mula 2020 hanggang 2021 (o halos kalahati ng kabuuan), ₱570 bilyon lamang ang napunta sa pagharap sa pandemyang Covid-19.

Sa kabilang banda, ayon sa Ibon, gumastos ang rehimen ng ₱1.84 trilyon para sa proyektong imprastruktura at ₱2.17 trilyon para ipambayad ng utang. Ang mga ito ay pitong beses na mas malaki kumpara sa ginastos sa pag-apula ng pandemya.

Pinalobo rin ng mga upisyal sa ekonomya ng rehimen ang iniulat nitong mga utang na nakuha para sa apulain ang pandemya. “Nagsisinungaling ang mga manedyer sa ekonomya sa pagsasabing ang tugon sa Covid-19 ang nagpalobo sa utang sa pagsasabing mayroong $25.7 bilyon na dayuhang utang para sa pandemya.” Sa pagsusuri ng grupo, nasa $5.6 bilyon o 23% ng kabuuan ang partikular na para sa tugon sa Covid-19.

“Malinaw na tumanggi ang gubyernong Duterte na maglaan ng sapat na pondo sa pinakakagyat na mga pangangailangan ng mamamayan sa ilalim ng pandemya tulad ng pagpapalakas sa sistemang pangkalusugan, pagbibigay ng ayuda sa nahirapang mga pamilya, at subsidyo sa mga magsasaka at maliliit at katatamtamang-laking negosyo,” ayon sa grupo.

Dagdag nito, hindi angkop na hindi binago ang malakihang paggasta sa imprastruktura dahil malaking bahagi nito ay lumalabas ng bansa sa anyo ng pagbili ng mamahaling imported na mga materyal, makinarya at pagbabayad sa dayuhang mga kontraktor. “Mas malaki sana ang naging multiplier effect ng halagang ito kung inilagay ito sa mga bulsa ng mamamayan at sa pagsuporta sa lokal na maliliit at katamtamang-laking negosyo.”

Tinawag ng Ibon na “dagdag insulto” ang plano ng Department of Finance na magpataw ng dagdag na buwis para ipambayad sa utang. Noong katapusan ng 2021, umabot sa ₱1.28 trilyon ang binayaran ng rehimen na utang, mas mataas nang 25% kumpara sa nakaraang taon.

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/dambuhalang-inutang-ni-duterte-hindi-sa-pagharap-sa-pandemya-napunta/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Mga piloto ng AFP, sinasanay ng US sa aerial bombing

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda posted to the PRWC Newsroom, the blog site of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Information Bureau (Mar 16, 2022): Mga piloto ng AFP, sinasanay ng US sa aerial bombing (AFP pilots, US trained in aerial bombing)

March 16, 2022

Nasa Pilipinas ngayon ang mga eroplanong pandigmang F-16 ng US para magdaos ng Bilateral Air Contingent Exercise-Philippines (BACE-P) mula Marso 14-25. Sa loob ng 12 araw, sasanayin ang mga piloto ng Philippine Air Force (PAF) para umano sa mas mahigpit na pagtutulungan ng dalawang pwersa.

Kabilang sa mga isasagawang pagsasanay ang “air to ground engagement,” na katawagan sa mga pambobomba at istraping. Mula nang bilhin ng Philippine Air Force ang mga FA-50, pangunahing misyon nito ang paghuhulog ng bomba sa mga sakahan, komunidad at kabundukan ng mga magsasaka, katutubo at Moro. Pinakahuli dito ang paghulog ng di bababa sa 12 bomba sa Barangay Runggayan, Maguing, Lanao del Sur noong Marso 1. Pawang mga sakahan at istrukturang sibilyan ang tinarget ng pambobomba.

Lalong humihigpit ang hawak ng US sa Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) sa sunud-sunod na mga pagsasanay-militar sa bansa sa loob lamang ng kasalukuyang buwan.

Ang bukambibig ng US na umano’y “interoperability” ay ang pagpapahusay nito sa kanyang kumand at kontrol sa mga armadong pwersa ng iba’t ibang bansa sa Indo-Pacific. Pangunahin itong nagsisilbi sa pagpapakitang-gilas laban sa China upang pigilan ang pagpapalawak ng huli sa rehiyon.

Ang BACE-P ngayong taon ang ika-10 ulit nang pagsasanay mula nang simulan ito noong 2016 na pangunahing nilahukan ng mga fighter jet na FA-50 ng Pilipinas at F-16 naman ng US.

Pagkakataon rin ang BACE-P upang maihambog ng US ang kanyang mga lumang F-16 na matagal nang iniaalok para sa programang “modernisasyon” ng AFP.

Bago ang pagsasanay sa mga piloto, nauna nang sinimulan noong Marso 5 sa Fort Magsaysay sa Nueva Ecija ang taunang pagsasanay na “Salaknib 2022.” Sa taong ito, tuturuan ng US Army Pacific ang binuo nitong 1st Brigade Combat Team ng Philippine Army ng karagdagang mga taktika sa pag-opereyt bilang kumbinasyon ng iba’t ibang yunit kabilang ang artileri, mga tangke at eroplano.

Aabot sa 1,100 sundalo mula sa US Army Pacific ang dumayo upang lumahok sa Salaknib 2022. Pinalolobo ng bilang na ito ang dami ng mga tropang Amerikano na permanenteng nakaistasyon sa mga kampo ng AFP, kahit pa tahasang nilalabag nito ang soberanya ng bansa.

Mas marami pa ang dadagsa na sundalong Amerikano bago magtapos ang buwan para naman sa Balikatan Exercise. Palalahukin din ng US ang iba pang kaalyado nitong bansa, kabilang ang Japan, Australia at mga bansa sa Southeast Asia.

Samantala, nagtapos noong Marso 7 ang tatlong-linggong pagsasanay ng Special Forces ng Philippine Army sa ilalim ng Balance Piston 22-1. Kabilang sa itinuro sa kanila ng US Special Forces ang bagong mga taktika nito sa operasyong paniktik, at paglulunsad ng “unconventional warfare.” Bahagi ng “unconventional warfare” ang pagtustos sa mga armadong pwersa para pabagsakin ang nakatayong mga gubyerno tulad ng ginawa ng US sa Iraq, Afghanistan at Latin America. Saklaw din nito ang mga operasyong kontrainsurhensya at kontragerilya.

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/mga-piloto-ng-afp-sinasanay-ng-us-sa-aerial-bombing/

CPP/NPA-Bicol ROC: Foil Duterte’s threat to embroil the Philippines into the US proxy war in Ukraine! Take on the opportunities to advance amidst intensifying inter-imperialist aggression!

Propaganda statement posted to PRWC Newsroom, the blog site of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Information Bureau (Mar 16, 2022): Foil Duterte’s threat to embroil the Philippines into the US proxy war in Ukraine! Take on the opportunities to advance amidst intensifying inter-imperialist aggression!

 

This article is available in Pilipino

Raymundo Buenfuerza

Spokesperson

Bicol Regional Operational Command (Romulo Jallores Command)

New People's Army

March 16, 2022

In the face of worsening economic crises triggered by unprecedented basic commodities and oil price hikes, Duterte had the audacity to hawk the possibility of dragging the country into the US newest proxy war in Ukraine. In this light, it is all the more judicious for the Filipino people to carry out their nationalist duty of advancing the people’s democratic revolution in defense of the country’s sovereignty against the increasing imperialist aggression and warmongering.

Duterte’s treacherous maneuvers to strengthen US military presence in the country amidst the Ukraine conflict is very alarming. These include US and Duterte’s recent agreement to escalate the country’s nuclear arms capacity. Yearly military exercises between AFP and US, such as the Marine Exercise 2022, Balance Piston Exercise and Salaknib Exercises, abound. In Bikol, the AFP revives the plan to construct a naval base in Panay Islands, Panganiban, Catanduanes. Patrol sightings of the US warship USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier have also been reported in San Bernardino Strait, Bulusan, Sorsogon. This indicates the US-Duterte regime’s keenness to make the Philippines actively complicit in the US worldwide wars of aggression.

With Duterte’s anti-people war raging within the country and an imperialist war outside its homefront, the Filipino people stands at an important turning point in their history. The imperialists’ wars to wrangle a new world order will certainly cause ramifications larger than oil price hikes. The Filipino people must take this opportunity to persevere even more in advancing their revolutionary armed struggle to genuinely attain national liberation.

The people’s democratic revolution remains to be the only weapon the masses can wield to completely break free from the stranglehold of foreign occupation and control. The revolution must be fulfilled, strengthened and intensified by the Filipino people as their most concrete contribution and solidarity to the international anti-imperialist movement and genuine peace.

https://cpp.ph/statements/foil-dutertes-threat-to-embroil-the-philippines-into-the-us-proxy-war-in-ukraine-take-on-the-opportunities-to-advance-amidst-intensifying-inter-imperialist-aggression/

CPP/NDF-Bicol: Further intensify the people’s democratic war to end imperialist rule!

Propaganda statement posted to PRWC Newsroom, the blog site of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Information Bureau (Mar 16, 2022): Further intensify the people’s democratic war to end imperialist rule!

This article is available in Pilipino

Ma. Roja Banua

Spokesperson

NDF-Bicol

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

March 16, 2022

Duterte’s prompt offer for imperialist US to use the Philippines for their troops should the war between Ukraine and Russia intensify is an utmost perfidy against the Filipino people. Duterte’ offer is equivalent to sacrificing the lives of 110 million Filipinos who are literally striving to live and overcome the worsening economic crisis and deteriorating human rights violations.

The imperialist US has done this before during the Iran-Iraq war in the early ‘90s when US bases were still in the country and through Gloria Macapagal Arroyo regime’s declaration that the country was US’ second front in its war on terror after the 9/11 bombings.

It is utter foolishness for the Duterte regime to hold on to the Mutual Defense Treaty as basis for the US’ and the Philippines’ cooperation during an attack on either one of them. The people must realize that this lopsided agreement only benefits the imperialist US and its rapacious desire to maintain its teetering hegemony. The US and its puppet Duterte regime will only drag the country into a war that the Filipino people would be made to pay with their lives, livelihood and future.

The masses must brace themselves when the US takes advantage of Duterte’s offer. Although their troops do not have their own bases in the country, under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), they have the liberty to use all existing AFP bases without cost. In Bikol, the imminent construction of a Forward Operating Base in Panay Islands, Panganiban, Catanduanes would be undeniably used and maximized by the US for its military attack ploys against Russia, China or any other target of its terroristic aggression.

The NDF-Bikol calls on all people to unite in opposing and resisting this act of treachery by the US-Duterte regime. It is important to hold the safety and welfare of their fellow Filipinos more than the imperialist US’ deluded desires to remain as the sole superpower in the world. They must fortify their unity and solidarity in order to frustrate the regime’s vicious plans.

The Filipinos must also call to put an end to US instigation of the war between Ukraine and Russia. The Ukrainian people and all the other citizens the US use as pawns that this senseless war only serves to preserve monopoly capitalist oppression.

Above all, the Filipino people should intensify and strengthen their conduct of the peoples’ democratic war. Its triumph will be an enormous blow against the imperialists. At the same time, it will serve as an inspiration and model for all the uprising peoples to realize their class unity and decisively bring the final demise of imperialism.

https://cpp.ph/statements/further-intensify-the-peoples-democratic-war-to-end-imperialist-rule/

Kalinaw News: Philippine Army kicks-off two-day 14th Senior Leaders Conference

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 17, 2022): Philippine Army kicks-off two-day 14th Senior Leaders Conference



FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – The Philippine Army kicked-off on March 16, 2022 the two-day 14th Senior Leaders Conference (SLC)—an annual summit which aims to cultivate the culture of strategic thinking within the organization and introduce effective leadership principles to the Army top brass—at Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila.

This year’s SLC is anchored on the theme “Driving the Transformation Momentum: Winning Tomorrow’s Wars Today.” A pool of local and foreign subject matter experts delivered online lectures on the future of warfare and its implications on Army concepts and capabilities; and rethinking military leadership strategies on the event’s first day.

The symposium, which was first held in 2004, is part of the series of month-long events to celebrate the 125th founding anniversary of the Philippine Army. Philippine Army Major Units commanders attended the event physically at the Philippine Army Officers’ Clubhouse while other senior leaders joined via video teleconferencing.

“Conducting the SLC annually is a testament to the premium that we put in broadening the perspective of the Army’s senior leaders. A broader perspective, together with critical thinking, foresight, thirst for knowledge, and drive to innovate will ensure the Army’s growth and responsiveness in the years to come,” Commanding General, Philippine Army (CGPA) Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner, Jr., said in his remarks.

“If we want to win our future wars, we should start investing in what really matters today,” Lt. Gen. Brawner said.

[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/philippine-army-kicks-off-two-day-14th-senior-leaders-conference/

Kalinaw News: JTF AGILA records two successive victories against terror group in Davao (2)

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 17, 2022): JTF AGILA records two successive victories against terror group in Davao



MAWAB, Davao De Oro – Joint Task Force AGILA recovered 11 high-powered firearms (HPFA) in Davao De Oro and Davao Del Norte and facilitated the surrender of three (3) New People’s Army personalities belonging to Regional Operations Command (ROC), Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) in Davao Oriental on March 12 and March 9 respectively.

In Davao Del Norte and Davao De Oro, 11 high-powered firearms (HPFA) of the New People’s Army (NPA) cached in three (3) different locations were discovered through simultaneous Joint Intelligence Operations by 60th Infantry “Mediator” Battalion on March 12 through the revelation of the 13 recently surrendered members of the Weakened Guerilla Front 3, Sub Regional Committee 4, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) to 60IB on February 26 in Brgy. Kidawa, Laak, Davao De Oro.

Also, Christony Jun Latiban Monzon alias “Elizabeth” in the hinterlands (Red Area) and alias “Franco” in the Urban area (White Area), a 2nd Political Instructor of the Regional Operations Command (ROC), SMRC and Former Secretary-General of “Pasakaday Salugpongan Kalimodan” (PASAKA) in Davao Region; Datu Mentroso Tumagsa Malibato alias “Raquel,” Platoon Supply Officer, ROC, SMRC, and former Vice Chairman Internal Affairs of PASAKA in Davao Region; and Danny Tiklunay Malibatu alias “Rolly,” Political Guide, Tersera Squad, SMRC voluntarily surrendered to the Provincial Local Government Unit of Davao Oriental headed by Governor Nelson Dayanghirang and to the 701st Infantry Brigade based in Mati City on March 9, 2022.

During the press conference held at Headquarters 701st Brigade in Mati City on Tuesday afternoon, Monzon said “I think the media can still remember my name. I was assigned in UCCP-Haran (in Davao City) where the IPs were gathered to pose as evacuees (bakwits in local dialect). We were there, as mandated by the leaders of the CPP-NPA, to act as their best defense. We were told to cry for human rights violation.”

According to Monzon, they were told to retreat to the countryside because of the case filed against him. Monzon, UCCP Bishop Hamuel Tequis, Rev. Daniel Palicte, Ephraim Malazarte, Lindy Trenilla, and Grace Avila were charged with two counts of violation of RA 7610 or the Child Abuse Law by the Davao City Regional Trial Court on April 2021.

Meanwhile, Agila Division Commander Major General Nolasco A Mempin lauded this significant accomplishment of the subordinate brigades and for their relentless efforts in pursuing the remaining CTG members and their firearms.

“The massive surrender of the Communist NPA Terrorists and its leaders in 10ID area of responsibility and the recoveries of numerous firearms pinpointed by former rebels indicate that your Army in Southern Mindanao is on track in defeating insurgency before our Commander-in-chief steps down on June 2022,” MGen Mempin added.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/jtf-agila-records-two-successive-victories-against-terror-group-in-davao-2/

Kalinaw News: AFP Inspector General renders courtesy call on CGPA

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 17, 2022): AFP Inspector General renders courtesy call on CGPA



FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – The Inspector General, Armed Forces of the Philippines (TIG,AFP) Lt. Gen. William N. Gonzales rendered a courtesy call on Commanding General, Philippine Army (CGPA) Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner, Jr., to discuss this year’s Annual General Inspection (AGI) at the Headquarters Philippine Army, Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila on March 15, 2022.

“In order for us to determine if there is a problem, there has to be an honest-to-goodness investigation, inspection, evaluation, and assessment. That is why we are going through this exercise every year so that we can improve our organization,” the CGPA remarked.
The Army Chief also called on Philippine Army Major Units and Army offices to fully cooperate and be transparent with the AGI team so it can come up with an accurate assessment of the organization.

The AGI serves a management tool to assess if major services are able to accomplish their respective missions; ensure a high level of morale and welfare and discipline of troops; strengthen leadership; and guarantee the effective and efficient utilization of government resources. The inspection results will also help PA track its progress on the 18-year Army Transformation Roadmap.

PA received a 91.44% rating for operational readiness, mission accomplishment, utilization of resources, and state of morale, welfare, and discipline of Army personnel in last year’s AGI.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/afp-inspector-general-renders-courtesy-call-on-cgpa/

Kalinaw News: Former NPA leads troops to Arms Cache

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 16, 2022): Former NPA leads troops to Arms Cache



Poblacion 2, San Jose De Buan, Samar, March 13, 2022 – One NPA member yields to the Army’s 87th Infantry (Hinirang) Battalion (87IB) in Sitio Campundok, Brgy. Lawaan II, Paranas, Samar on March 13, 2022. Upon his surrender, Alberto Nalex Alias “Bhong”, a former member of the Platoon PARAN, SRC BROWSER, EVRPC, tipped the 87IB about the location of arms cache in the vicinity of Brgy Lawaan.

Lt. Colonel Luzelito Q. Betinol INF (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer of 87IB launched an operation to locate the arms cache with the help of Bhong together with Barangay Officials of Sitio Campundok, Brgy Lawaan II, Paranas, Samar. The troops were able to find the location of the arms cache, that resulted to the discovery of one (1) M16 Rifle (Elisco) with defaced serial number, two (2) long and two (2) short magazine and thirty-five (35) rounds of 5.56 ball cartridge ammunitions; one (1) COLT AR15 .45 with serial number 102978, sound suppressor and one (1) magazine with thirteen (13) rounds of .45 ball cartridge ammunitions, one (1) 8 kgs Anti-Personnel Improvised Explosive Device with Four (4) pcs blasting cap and one (1) trigger mechanism.

Alias “Bhong” disclosed that they were abused by their leaders, face hardships in the mountains, and lost confidence in their cause, prompting him to leave and pursue the path to peace and be with his loved ones again with the help of 87IB. Lt Colonel Betinol, Commanding Officer of 87IB said “The testimony of alias “Bhong” reaffirmed the abuses being conducted within the NPA leadership. The active participation of the Brgy Officials and other residents of Brgy. Lawaan is a manifestation of the declining support of the masses to the terrorist organization.”

LTC Betinol further said that the government welcomes the remaining members of Communist NPA Terrorist to surrender and return to the folds of the law just like with alias “Bhong” to rebuild their life and recover the lost opportunities.

Colonel Lenart R Lelina, 801st Brigade Commander lauded the efforts of 87IB and said that this achievement shows that the forces of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTGs) is truly weakening. Col Lelina, added that civilians and former rebels support and cooperative to the government authorities proved that they have high trust and confidence to the Philippine Army. He encouraged the active rebels to surrender and assured that the government give chances and opportunities to live life in peace and security.

[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/former-npa-leads-troops-to-arms-cache/

Kalinaw News: Sitio Elders Stand Firm; to Help Gov’t Fight Against Terrorism in Zambales

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 16, 2022): Sitio Elders Stand Firm; to Help Gov’t Fight Against Terrorism in Zambales



FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – The Commander of the 7th Infantry (KAUGNAY) Division, Philippine Army Major General Andrew D Costelo PA welcomed the support of the Elders at Sitio Coto Barangay Taltal, Masinloc, Zambales in the government’s fight to end the local communist armed conflict during a community consultation held last March 11, 2022.

The meeting aims to identify and address issues and concerns of the residents concerning the peace and development activities of the government in the area.

According to MGen Costelo, the Sitio Elders led by Mrs. Socorro Patacsil the Coto Executive Committee President have declared their full support to fight the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) and expressed their support to the peace and development efforts of the government.

“We are very happy for the support of the Sitio Elders in Masinloc, Zambales in our campaign to end this five-decade insurgency. Napakahalaga ng suporta ng taumbayan sa ating kampanya kaya naman muli naming hinihikayat ang lahat na isulong natin ang pangmatagalang kapayapaan, iwaksi ng tuluyan ang impluwensiya ng teroristang grupo, at magkaisa sa ikaka-unlad ng ating bayan,” said MGen Costelo.

It can be recalled that a Community Support Program (CSP) Team was deployed in Sitio Mandaloy last year to clear the said Sitio from the influence and presence of the CTGs. Sitio Coto is adjacent to Sitio Mandaloy and belongs to the same barangay.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Eugene Henry Z. Cabusao, the Commanding Officer, 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion commended the residents and local officials for their cooperation and support to the government.

During the meeting he said, “ang hangarin ng kasundaluhan ay mapanatili ang kapayapaan, seguridad at kapakanan ng bawat mamamayan dito sa inyong lugar. Kaya nagpapasalamat ako sa suporta ng mga mamamayan upang tuluyang ma protektahan at mapangalagaan ang inyong Sitio laban sa mga teroristang grupo.”

Also present during the meeting were the Sitio Elders, members of Coto Executive Committee, Brgy Officials of Brgy Taltal, School Teachers of Coto High School, and some of the residents of said Sitio.

[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/sitio-elders-stand-firm-to-help-govt-fight-against-terrorism-in-zambales/

Kalinaw News: JTF AGILA records two successive victories against terror group in Davao

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 16, 2022): JTF AGILA records two successive victories against terror group in Davao



MAWAB, Davao De Oro – Joint Task Force AGILA recovered 11 high-powered firearms (HPFA) in Davao De Oro and Davao Del Norte and facilitated the surrender of three (3) New People’s Army personalities belonging to Regional Operations Command (ROC), Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) in Davao Oriental on March 12 and March 9 respectively.

In Davao Del Norte and Davao De Oro, 11 high-powered firearms (HPFA) of the New People’s Army (NPA) cached in three (3) different locations were discovered through simultaneous Joint Intelligence Operations by 60th Infantry “Mediator” Battalion on March 12 through the revelation of the 13 recently surrendered members of the Weakened Guerilla Front 3, Sub Regional Committee 4, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) to 60IB on February 26 in Brgy. Kidawa, Laak, Davao De Oro.

Also, Christony Jun Latiban Monzon alias “Elizabeth” in the hinterlands (Red Area) and alias “Franco” in the Urban area (White Area), a 2nd Political Instructor of the Regional Operations Command (ROC), SMRC and Former Secretary-General of “Pasakaday Salugpongan Kalimodan” (PASAKA) in Davao Region; Datu Mentroso Tumagsa Malibato alias “Raquel,” Platoon Supply Officer, ROC, SMRC, and former Vice Chairman Internal Affairs of PASAKA in Davao Region; and Danny Tiklunay Malibatu alias “Rolly,” Political Guide, Tersera Squad, SMRC voluntarily surrendered to the Provincial Local Government Unit of Davao Oriental headed by Governor Nelson Dayanghirang and to the 701st Infantry Brigade based in Mati City on March 9, 2022.

During the press conference held at Headquarters 701st Brigade in Mati City on Tuesday afternoon, Monzon said “I think the media can still remember my name. I was assigned in UCCP-Haran (in Davao City) where the IPs were gathered to pose as evacuees (bakwits in local dialect). We were there, as mandated by the leaders of the CPP-NPA, to act as their best defense. We were told to cry for human rights violation.”

According to Monzon, they were told to retreat to the countryside because of the case filed against him. Monzon, UCCP Bishop Hamuel Tequis, Rev. Daniel Palicte, Ephraim Malazarte, Lindy Trenilla, and Grace Avila were charged with two counts of violation of RA 7610 or the Child Abuse Law by the Davao City Regional Trial Court on April 2021.

Meanwhile, Agila Division Commander Major General Nolasco A Mempin lauded this significant accomplishment of the subordinate brigades and for their relentless efforts in pursuing the remaining CTG members and their firearms.

“The massive surrender of the Communist NPA Terrorists and its leaders in 10ID area of responsibility and the recoveries of numerous firearms pinpointed by former rebels indicate that your Army in Southern Mindanao is on track in defeating insurgency before our Commander-in-chief steps down on June 2022,” MGen Mempin added.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/jtf-agila-records-two-successive-victories-against-terror-group-in-davao/

Kalinaw News: Three (3) New Peoples Army personalities belonging to Regional Operational Command (ROC), Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) voluntarily surrendered to 701st Infantry Brigade

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 16, 2022): Three (3) New Peoples Army personalities belonging to Regional Operational Command (ROC), Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) voluntarily surrendered to 701st Infantry Brigade



Mati City, Davao Oriental– Three NPA members of the SMRC’s Regional Operational Command who figured in a series of combat engagement with troops of 1001st Infantry Brigade surrenderd to the adjacent 701st Infantry Brigade based in Mati City on March 8, 2022.

The surrender was made possible through the assistance of Hon. Podit Modista Monzon Paguyan, Boston Municipal Councilor and IPMR and Hon. JP Lampig, Boston Municipal Councilor who brought the surrenderees to 701st Brigade and Hon. Nelson L Dayanghirang, Provincial Governor of Davao Oriental.

The surrenderees are identified as; Mr. Christony Jun Latiban Monzon alias “Franco”, 2nd Political Instructor, ROC, SMRC, Former Secretary General of “Pasakaday Salugpongan Kalimodan” (PASAKA) in Davao Region, 29 years old, single, and a resident of Sitio Kaanislagan, Brgy San Jose, Boston, Davao Oriental; Datu Mentroso Tumagsa Malibato alias “Raquel”, Platoon Supply Officer, ROC, SMRC, and former Vice Chairman Internal Affairs, of “Pasakaday Salugpongan Kalimodan” (PASAKA) in Davao Region, 50 years old, married, a resident of Brgy Gupitan, Kapalong, Davao Del Norte; and Mr. Danny Tiklunay Malibatu alias “Rolly”, Political Guide, Tersera Squad, SMRC, 32 years old, single, a resident of Barangay Gupitan, Kapalong, Davao Del Norte.

They expressed that hardship, hunger and fear of dying in a combat engagement led them to surrender. Hence, they escaped from their group and left their comrades at Andap, New Bataan, Compostela, Davao de Oro on the evening of March 6, 2022. Mr Monzon then contacted her aunt to assist them to surrender to government troops. They also revealed that they were part of the NPA formation which figured in a series of encounters with troops of 1001Brigade in the area of Davao de Oro. Mr. Monson also revealed that before becoming a full-time member of NPA, he was active in organizing various NPA-run community schools and facilitating IP Bakwits at UCCP Haran in Davao City as the Secretary General of PASAKA. He also revealed that Chad Booc was with them when their group engaged government troops in a series of encounters at Andap, New Bataan, Compostela, Davao de Oro which led to the death of their comrades including Chad Booc.

BGEN OLIVER C MAQUILING PA, 701stBrigade Commander extends his thanks to the stakeholders who exerted effort to recover their relatives and assisted them in their surrender. BGen Maquiling also expressed his deep gratitude to Governor Nelson Dayanghirang who continuouly facilitate these peaceful efforts of our brothers who wants to go back to the folds of the law.

Brigadier General Maquiling also underscored that, “the government is more than willing to accept and assist the few remaining NPA members who wish to help themselves by going back to the mainstream society living normal and peaceful lives.”

[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/three-3-new-peoples-army-personalities-belonging-to-regional-operational-command-roc-southern-mindanao-regional-committee-smrc-voluntarily-surrenfered-to-701st-infantry-brigade/