3 rebels Killed, another captured in clash

From the Mindanao Times (Mar 21, 2022): 3 rebels Killed, another captured in clash (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

THE military reported that soldiers of the 58th Infantry Battalion killed three members of the New People’s Army, while another was captured during an encounter Friday in Sitio Solana, Barangay Plaridel, Claveria, Misamis Oriental.

However, the report did not identify the rebels who clashed with members of the battalion, a unit under the 4th Infantry Division.

Colonel Jorry Baclor, Public Affairs Office (PAO) chief, said soldiers were conducting an operation when they chanced up the rebels who were believed to be members of the Sub Regional Command (SRC)1 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

The clash resulted in the recovery of two rifles, ammunition and personal belongings of the fleeing rebels.

“This is a clear manifestation that the NPA in the country is losing ground,” Baclor said.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2022/03/21/3-rebels-killed-another-captured-in-clash/

Soldier slain, companion hurt in ambush | military

From the Mindanao Times (Mar 22, 2022): Soldier slain, companion hurt in ambush | military (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

THE military reported that a soldier was killed while a member of the paramilitary unit was injured when members of the New People’s Army (NPA) ambushed them as they were traveling on motorcycle along the Puting Bato Road on their way to their base in Sitio Lusong in Cabdbaran City Monday.

Based on the report, Staff Seargent Darryl Jay A Rivera, assistant patrol base commander, died while his companion, John B Odon, was injured. They were assigned to the Lusong Patrol Base in Brgy Puting Bato, Cabadbaran City, a unit under the 29th Infantry Battalion.

Major Francisco Garello Jr., 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office chief, said the two were part of the team that was conducting a coordination meeting for the implementation of livelihood projects in the area for former rebels. They were returning to their base when the incident happened.

Garello said Rivera, who was recognized for his bravery in an encounter in Zapanta Valley, sustained several gunshot wounds while his companion was just slightly wounded and was able to escape.

The division said in a statement that the sacrifice made by the slain soldier “will not be put in vain and we will not stop until the perpetrators are brought to justice. ” the statement said.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2022/03/22/soldier-slain-companion-hurt-in-ambush-military/

Armed men shoot farmer dead

From the Visayan Daily Star (Mar 22, 2022): Armed men shoot farmer dead (BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Five unidentified armed men shot and killed a farmer on March 19 at Sitio Trinity in Brgy. Canlusong, EB Magalona, Negros Occidental.

The victim identified by the police as Roger Libre, 46, of Sitio Tayap, Brgy. Patag, Silay City, succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds.

The lifeless body of Libre was found by his wife, Mary Ann, at a ravine in their “kaingin” farm, police said.

Marvin, son of the victim, told the EB Magalona police that his father was shot by five unidentified armed men, who were wearing black pants, jackets and bonnets.

On the other hand, the cadaver of Roberto Garganian was also discovered on March 19 at Sitio Caradio-an, Brgy. San Antonio, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.

The victim was found inside a sugarcane plantation about 10 meters away from his residence.

The cause of death of the victim has yet to be established by the Himamaylan police.

https://visayandailystar.com/armed-men-shoot-farmer-dead/

FACT CHECK Apart from BIFF, Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups remain security threats in Mindanao

 From MindaNews (Mar 21, 2022): FACT CHECK Apart from BIFF, Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups remain security threats in Mindanao (By FACT CHECK)

A recent news release by the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) that only the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) is sowing mayhem in Mindanao is misleading and lacks context.

The misleading claim was contained in the report entitled “Mindanao now relatively peaceful – President Duterte.” The news release was based on President Rodrigo Duterte’s interview with fugitive Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, who is wanted in the United States for alleged labor and sex trafficking cases, on March 12.

The news release, issued on March 13, stated:

“We have a good rapport with the Moro of Mindanao. And I think that just allow them in the governance of our country and give them enough elbowroom to, you know, just govern without interference of armed groups,” he added, noting only the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) is sowing mayhem because of political differences.https://pcoo.gov.ph/news_releases/mindanao-now-relatively-peaceful-president-duterte/ fbclid=IwAR3NUdl0lSyHbBtBi4t6xy8EfeVd4OQnjcfdCYEc5keeqToxNI2BI2ej6Uo

The BIFF is a splinter group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) founded in 2010 by the late Ustadz Ameril Umbra Kato, then commander of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces 105th Base Command who waged attacks against the military in Maguindanao and North Cotabato in 2008 after the Supreme Court declared as unconstitutional the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain between the government and the MILF.

While the conflict between the Philippine government and the MILF had ceased with the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), security threats from other Moro groups remain on the island, which the PCOO report failed to acknowledge or elaborate on.

The CAB, the final peace agreement between the government and the MILF signed in 2014 after 17 years of negotiations, provides for the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), which was realized in 2019 following the ratification of Republic Act 11054 or the Organic Law for the BARMM.

The International Crisis Group (ICG), an independent global peace advocacy group, noted in its latest report for Asia, entitled “Addressing Islamist Militancy in the Southern Philippines” released on March 18, that while militant groups outside the Bangsamoro peace process are weakened, they are not yet defeated. https://www.crisisgroup.org/asia/south-east-asia/philippines/323-addressing-islamist-militancy-southern-philippines

Apart from the BIFF, the ICG pointed out the threats posed by the remnants of the Islamic State-aligned Maute Group in the Lanao provinces and the Abu Sayyaf Group in the Sulu archipelago.

“While military operations have clearly weakened the militants, the armed forces have not managed to defeat them,” the ICG reported.

Combined forces of the Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups seized the Islamic City of Marawi in May 2017, displacing at least 350,000 civilians. Some 1,100 individuals, mostly Islamic militants, were killed during the five-month urban warfare that left the core of Marawi in rubble. The government has been rehabilitating Marawi. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1537308/dhsud-marawi-rehab-95-complete-by-june

Various media outlets recently reported some headways made by state security forces against the Maute and the Abu Sayyaf groups in the south.

On March 1, the military launched air strikes and ground assault in Maguing, Lanao del Sur that left seven members of the Maute group and a soldier killed. Government troops overran the terrorists’ lair and seized 45 high-powered firearms, including crew-served weapons, shoulder-fired rockets and bombs. https://www.philstar.com/nation/2022/03/04/2164787/terrorists-killed-lanao-del-sur-ops-rise-7

Four days later, police and military operatives arrested the wife of an Abu Sayyaf bomb expert in Jolo, Sulu. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1564793/wife-of-abu-sayyaf-bomb-maker-held-in-sulu

As with all our other reports, MindaNews welcomes leads or suggestions from the public to potential fact-check stories. (Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)

(This fact-check piece was produced with the support of Internews’ Philippine Fact-Checker Incubator Project.)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2022/03/fact-check-apart-from-biff-maute-and-abu-sayyaf-groups-remain-security-threats-in-mindanao/

Gov’t gifts ex-combatants with peaceful communities in Mindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 21, 2022): Gov’t gifts ex-combatants with peaceful communities in Mindanao

FRUITFUL MEETING. Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. (front, left) meets with local officials and top brass of the 11th Infantry Division to discuss their gains in Jolo, Sulu on Thursday (March 17, 2022). President Rodrigo Duterte previously said he will be leaving the presidency with a relatively peaceful Mindanao. (Photo courtesy of OPAPRU)

JOLO, Sulu – The security situation in this island province has significantly improved over the years, creating an environment where all sectors can closely work together to help transform Moro combatants, their families, and communities, according to Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr.

President Rodrigo Duterte likewise commended the good relationship between the national government and the Moro rebels in Mindanao.

“This harmonious relationship paved the way for the implementation of the signed peace agreements with the Moro rebel organizations, and this led to the prevailing improved peace and order conditions in Mindanao,” Galvez said in a news release over the weekend.

President Duterte earlier said he will be leaving the presidency with a relatively peaceful Mindanao.

“We have a good rapport with the Moros of Mindanao. And I think that just allow them in the governance of our country and give them enough elbowroom to, you know, just govern without interference from armed groups,” the President said during a recent television interview.

The Duterte administration has pushed for the full implementation of the peace agreements with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which is a realization of the Chief Executive’s commitment to “implement all signed peace agreements in step with constitutional and legal reforms.”

The President shepherded the passage of the Bangsamoro Organic Law that created a more powerful autonomous region with a parliamentary form of government in the Bangsamoro.

In parallel, the national government implemented the Normalization Track of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro to help in the transformation of former MILF combatants into peaceful and productive citizens.

Under the peace process with the MNLF, the government crafted a Transformation Program to aid members of the group who were not included in the integration program following the signing of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement.

Galvez flew to Sulu on Thursday and held a series of meetings with the top brass of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ 11th Infantry Division (ID) to secure several peace engagements with the military.

He also met separately with Albakil Tong Jikiri, a member of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority and recently appointed by Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao as Deputy Chief Minister for Island Provinces, and with local officials of Sulu led by Governor Abdusakur Tan to discuss the transformation programs for members of the MNLF and MILF, as well as a rehabilitation program for former members of the Abu Sayyaf.

The peace and security situation in Sulu, which has been considered as the hotbed of several armed groups, has turned around. There have been no bombings and kidnapping incidents in recent years, according to the military.

“I congratulate the military and the local government of Sulu led by Governor Tan. With the improved security condition in the island province, there is more reason for us to carry out our mandate to transform Moro combatants and their communities. In this way, we are laying down the foundation of enduring and sustainable peace not just in Sulu but also across Mindanao,” Galvez said.

The national government will implement a Transformation Program worth PHP430 million for 3,000 MNLF members, their families and communities in Sulu this year.

The intervention is on top of the PHP130 million worth of socioeconomic assistance that will be provided to MNLF members in Sulu within this year.

The national government is utilizing the same approach under the Normalization Program for former MILF combatants.

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity’s (OPAPRU) Social Healing and Peacebuilding Program will help in the rehabilitation of former Abu Sayyaf members.

The military has committed to help implement the MNLF Transformation Program, especially in the verification and profiling process, according to Brig. Gen. Benjamin Batara, Jr., commander of the 1103rd Brigade and who represented Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, commander of the 11ID and Joint Task Force Sulu.

“MNLF communities have a role to maintain peace in Sulu since they are also part of the stakeholders. Achieving peace is always a shared responsibility,” Batara said.

The departments of Social Welfare, Education and Environment, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and Commission on Higher Education, among others, are also involved in the implementation of the Transformation Program in partnership with the military and provincial government of Sulu.

Galvez was accompanied by Undersecretary Arthur Tabaquero, chair of the Government of the Philippines Coordinating Committee with the MNLF-Sema Group; OPAPRU Assistant Secretary Andres Aguinaldo Jr., chair of the Coordinating Committee’s socio-economic sub-committee; Director Jana Jill Gallardo, head of OPAPRU’s MNLF Concerns Department; Brig. Gen Antonio Nafarrete, Western Mindanao Command Deputy Commander for Administration; and Col. Giovanni Franza, 1102nd Brigade commander.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1170247

Over 300 MisOr villagers return home after Army-NPA clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 21, 2022): Over 300 MisOr villagers return home after Army-NPA clash (By Nef Luczon)

ASSURANCE TO SAFETY. Some 325 residents have returned to their homes in Sitios Cogon and Alangit in Barangays Natubo and San Nicolas of Jasaan town in Misamis Oriental on Sunday (March 20, 2022), following assurance of their safety by the military. The residents fled on March 18 after government troops clashed in the boundary village of Barangay Plaridel in Claveria town. (Photo courtesy of 58IB)

Some 325 residents from two barangays in the Misamis Oriental town of Jasaan have returned to their homes after an encounter between government troops and communist rebels has ceased.

In a statement released Monday, 1Lt. Vincent Mark Maddul, Army’s 58th Infantry Battalion (58IB) civil-military operations officer, said the residents came from Sitios Cogon and Alangit of Barangays Natubo and San Nicolas, respectively.

"The local government unit (LGU) of Jasaan provided food packs to 140 residents from Sitio Cogon and Sitio Alangit, as well as 185 residents from Barangay San Nicolas, who have all safely returned to their respective homes," Maddul said.

On March 18, the residents fled their homes when 58IB troopers clashed with New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas in Barangay Plaridel, Claveria town, which was adjacent to Barangays Natubo and San Nicolas in Jasaan.

Residents started returning to their homes last Sunday after the LGU, together with the 58IB, declared the area as cleared.

Lt. Col. Ricky Canatoy, 58IB commander, assured residents that no harm will happen in their communities after their return.

"You have nothing to worry about. As your Philippine Army will continue to uphold its duty to ensure the safety and protection of every individual in the communities," he said.

3 NPA fighters killed

During the March 18 encounter, the 58IB soldiers, under the operational control of the 402nd Infantry Brigade, were tracking down NPA fighters when an encounter erupted around 7 a.m.

The running gun battles left three NPA fighters dead, identified during follow-up operations as Agay Taquin, Andrew Odiongan, and Joan Pajardo.

The cadavers were turned over to the LGU of Balingasag, Misamis Oriental, the place where their families reside.

Seized by 58IB troopers during the series of clashes were a KG9 rifle, an M16 rifle, a Carbine rifle, assorted personal belongings, and documents.

The troops also seized five makeshift tents from NPA hideouts.

Maj. Gen. Wilbur C Mamawag, Army’s 4th Infantry Division commander, vowed they will press the fight against the NPA while ensuring troops' safety to sustain the campaign to end the local communist armed conflict.

Since January this year, the Army-led Joint Task Force Diamond has neutralized 86 NPA fighters and seized 62 high-powered firearms during combat operations and a series of surrenders.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1170262

6 ex-rebels in Antique get E-CLIP cash aid

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 21, 2022): 6 ex-rebels in Antique get E-CLIP cash aid (By Annabel Consuelo Petinglay)

REFORMED. Six former rebels in Antique province receive their financial assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the Department of the Interior and Local Government on Monday (March 21, 2022). One of the ex-combatants, alias Boboy, said he was promised an escape from poverty when he joined the New People’s Army in 1986 when he was only 15 years old. (PNA photo by Annabel Consuelo J. Petinglay)

SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – Some six former New People's Army (NPA) rebels from this province received financial assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) on Monday.

Three former New People’s Army regular members received PHP65,000 each while PHP15,000 each went to three other Militia ng Bayan or NPA supporters.

Boboy, 51, said in an interview that he was only 15 years old when he joined the rebel group after he was promised an escape from poverty. He admitted his lack of education easily lured him into the movement.

He served as team leader and recalled his encounter with the military in Barangay Magsaysay, Culasi in 1988 when two of his comrades were heavily wounded.

He said lack of permanent shelter and a place to sleep and a tiresome life on the run convinced him to surrender in 2020.

“I have a cousin who surrendered first and he convinced me to also do so,” he said.

Antique Governor Rhodora Cadiao is hoping the beneficiaries will use the assistance well as they start their new lives.

“Don’t waste the opportunity being given by the national government to be able to return to the mainstream of society because you already know how difficult it is to live as rebels,” she said during the E-CLIP ceremony.

She added she sympathized with those driven to join the NPA because of poverty and lack of access to government support programs.

E-CLIP, under Administrative Order No. 10 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in 2018, is a complete package of assistance to help former rebels and Militia ng Bayan members lead productive lives and restore their allegiance to the Philippine government.

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

The 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/1170278

Underground allies abandon NPA movement in Surigao Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 21, 2022): Underground allies abandon NPA movement in Surigao Norte (By Alexander Lopez)

ABANDONING THE ARMED STRUGGLE. At least 271 members of underground mass organizations (UGMOs) from five barangays in five towns in Surigao del Norte formally abandon the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army- National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) during the separate assemblies. Photo shows UGMO members in Barangay Magtangale, Malimono, Surigao del Norte, denouncing the CPP-NPA-NDF in an assembly held on March 19, 2022. (Photo courtesy of 30IB)

The Army’s 30th Infantry Battalion (IB) has reported the surrender of 271 members of underground mass organizations (UGMOs) in Surigao del Norte.

In a phone interview Monday, 1Lt. Christian Elpedes, the 30 IB acting civil-military operations officer, said the surrender of the UGMO members took place during the separate assemblies in five barangays in Surigao del Norte, the latest of which was on Saturday.

“These UGMO members came from five barangays in five towns in the province. The latest assembly and withdrawal of support activity was held last March 19,” Elpedes said.

Of the UGMO surrenderers, 17 were members of the Milisya ng Bayan; seven from the Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad; and the rest were members of the different support organizations of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the National Democratic Front (NDF), and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA).

“They voluntarily withdrew and officially pledged their oath of allegiance to the government during the separate assemblies,” Elpedes said.

In a statement Monday, the 30IB said the UGMO members were identified by the community support teams (CSTs) of the Philippine Army’s 30IB, 58IB, 26IB, and 23IB.

The CSTs were deployed from January to March this year in Barangays Tapian in the town of Maninit; Karihatag in Malimono; and also Magtangale, Macopa, and Balite in the town of San Francisco.

The CSTs deployment was supported by former rebels in Surigao del Norte, the statement said.

“As a manifestation of withdrawal of support, UGMO members signed the wall of commitment showing their full support in declaring the CPP-NPA-NDF as persona non grata, and was followed by the ceremonial burning of the CPP-NPA flag as they denounced the futile struggle of the communist groups,” the 30IB said.

They also surrendered during the separate activities war materials that included an M16 rifle, an M79 grenade launcher, two anti-tank improvised explosive devices, and subversive documents.

Lt. Col. Ryan Charles G Callanta, the Army’s 30IB commander, welcomed the 271 UGMO members back to the fold of the law, even as he recognized their courage to renounce the communist organization.

“We are thankful that these people, previously deceived by the CPP-NPA-NDF, heeded our call for peace and enabled the government machinery to facilitate the delivery of basic services as a catalyst for progress and development,” Callanta said.

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

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1170273

‘Brighter streets, future’ for rebel-cleared Davao Norte village

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 22, 2022): ‘Brighter streets, future’ for rebel-cleared Davao Norte village (By Che Palicte)

NEW LIGHTS, NEW HOPE. Military officials, along with the indigenous community leaders in Sitio Nasilaban, Barangay Palma Gil, Talaingod, Davao Del Norte, pose for posterity during the ceremonial lighting of the solar lights Monday evening (March 21, 2022). Dubbed as 'Suga sa Katawhan,' the 400 solar streetlights will be distributed to 32 sub-communities of the barangay and are expected to illuminate the main Panpan Road. (PNA photo by Che Palicte)

A former New People’s Army (NPA) infiltrated village in Davao del Norte town has benefited from a solar lighting project extended by the government and a partner stakeholder.

Officials of the Army’s 1003rd Infantry Brigade (1003rd IBde), indigenous community leaders, local government officials, and representatives from Jamie V. Ongpin Foundation Inc. witnessed the ceremonial lighting of the newly-installed solar lights Monday evening in Sitio Nasilaban, Barangay Palma Gil, Talaingod, Davao del Norte.

Dubbed as "Suga sa Katawhan," the 400 solar streetlight project will be distributed to 32 sub-communities of the barangay and is expected to illuminate the streets along the Panpan Road.

In an interview, Brig. Gen. Consolito Yecla, 1003rd IBde commander, said they will finish the installation of the 400 solar lights in a month.

“It will give you hope despite the adversities that come in your way,” Yecla said, adding that the project may not solve all the village’s problems, “but will somehow give residents hope for a better future, especially for their children.”

“They will now have a light for their modular classes. We hope it will inspire you to work and hope to inspire others [sector] to give more for the Indigenous People (IP),” he added.

Yecla underscored the fact that the former NPA-influenced area is now free from the vestiges of insurgency.

A total of 206 IPs in Talaingod town who were members of various NPA fronts had earlier surrendered and declared "pagsalikway" or rejection of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA.

The surrenderers included eight members of the NPA Sub-Regional Guerrilla Unit (SRGU)/Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) 5; Bakwits -- five; Milisyang Bayan (MB) -- six; Komiteng Rebolusyonaryo sa Munisipal (KRM) -- four; Komiteng Rebolusyonaryo sa Baryo (KRB) -- 168; Salugpungan teachers and students -- 15.

The group also signed the oath of allegiance to the government and burned the replica of the NPA flag, signifying that they are abandoning the dismantled communist organization in the province.

“It [insurgency] has ended. We hope we will unite and encourage other members of the NPA to surrender,” Yecla said.

As a response, Lutenant Tausan Apoga alias Macky, former commanding officer of Sub-Regional Guerrilla Unit (SRGU), urged the IPs to support the project of the government.

“I joined the NPA believing that the government is not working for the people. But look now, they are doing everything to help us through various projects in our communities,” he said.

Macky admitted that when he knew that various projects were done in Talaingod town, he voluntarily surrendered and urged the IPs to support the government in its peace efforts.

Meanwhile, kagawad (village councilor) Intot Juan of Barangay Nasilaban thanked the military and the foundation for the donated solar lights.

“We see the real light now. Thank you for the support you have given to our barangays,” he said.

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

The 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/1170305

'Urban parliamentary struggle' headed for collapse: Ex-NPA leader

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 22, 2022): 'Urban parliamentary struggle' headed for collapse: Ex-NPA leader (By Che Palicte)

Ariane Jane Ramos, former secretary of the New People's Army's Guerrilla Front 55, Sub-Regional Committee 5 -Southern Mindanao Regional Command. (PNA file photo)

With the surrender of the face of the controversial UCCP-Haran "bakwit" (evacuee) group recently, a former rebel leader said the New People’s Army’s (NPA) "urban parliamentary struggle" is heading for collapse.

In an interview, Ariane Jane Ramos, former secretary of the NPA Guerrilla Front (GF) 55, Sub-Regional Committee 5 (SRC)-Southern Mindanao Regional Command (SMRC), said the surrender of Jong Monzon has caused a massive blow to the “bakwit” school.

Monzon is the former secretary-general of the "Pasakaday Salugpongan Kalimodan" (PASAKA), the Indigenous People's group behind the "bakwit" controversy that the military said was a front for the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA (CPP-NPA).

“The Haran will now protect its legality. As we all know, Jong is the legal face of Haran. However, they are now exposed, and they are now left with two options: to surrender or become members of the NPA,” she told the Philippine News Agency Monday night.

Ramos said the collapse of the Haran group would create a domino effect on the entire SMRC.

“The stronghold of SMRC in the entire region is Haran. With what happens, they will find it hard to recruit and organize as other organizations are also affected,” she said.

The NPA’s urban parliamentary struggle, Ramos, is primarily conducted through protests and rallies involving members of the rebel group's unarmed legal fronts.

Meanwhile, Ramos said SMRC is losing its foothold as more NPA leaders like her have surrendered and pledged allegiance to the government.

“SMRC has weakened because there are no second liners that would train the cadres. If they replace Jong, it might not be someone as good and as expert as him,” Ramos said.

'Big catch'

Ramos recalled that when they were still in the armed struggle, Monzon was the representative of the IPs equipped "with high political consciousness guided by the doctrines of the CPP-NPA."

“He is a big catch. His surrender is indeed a big blow to the CPP-NPA-NDF. He exposed the mechanisms on how the CPP operates in the hinterlands and the cities,” she said.

Ramos also welcomed the possibility of Monzon to be part of the ‘peace champions,’ a group of ex-NPA leaders who now work hand in hand with the government.

This includes Ida Marie Montero alias Mandy, secretary and finance officer of the Komiteng Tagapagpaganap/Komiteng Kalihiman; and Lutenant Tausan Apoga alias Macky, former commanding officer of the Sub-Regional Guerrilla Unit (SRGU).

“I am hoping he will (Monzon) join us. We were batch mates actually when we started learning the intermediate party course. He was supposed to be in the armed struggle in 2013, but he did not follow the democratic centralism and joined the following year instead,” Ramos 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 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/1170313

PAF, American fighter pilots train on anti-air, airfield strikes

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 21, 2022): PAF, American fighter pilots train on anti-air, airfield strikes (By Priam Nepomuceno)

An FA-50PH (Photo courtesy of Philippine Air Force)

The military's FA-50 jet fighter pilots will train with their American counterparts, flying F-16s, specifically on the suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) exercises in the ongoing Bilateral Air Contingent Exchange.

Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesperson Col. Maynard Mariano said Sunday the training, which started on March 14 and will end on March 25, would involve four American F-16s and four PAF FA-50s on the neutralization of "enemy anti-air assets and airfields."

"The area of engagement will be over IMTA (Intensive Military Training Area ) 2 – over the mountainous area of Zambales, Tarlac and Pangasinan," he said in a message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA). "This will be part of (this) week's activities but we (do) not know exactly what date."

SEAD refers to operations conducted to neutralize enemy surface-based air defenses like anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) and surface-air missiles (SAM) and interrelated systems such as early-warning radar and command, control and communication.

Mariano said the exercises would be held at the Crow Valley, formally known as the Colonel Ernesto Rabina Air Base.

He added that this year's exercises would feature Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) on how to use and defend against SAM systems.

"This will be a SMEE -- more on a lecture type and procedures on what to do on how to defend against, (and) also to employ (SAM systems)," he said.

Twelve US F-16s will be participating in this year's exercises with 10 FA-50s from the PAF's 5th Fighter Wing. The American aircraft arrived in the country last March 12.

The exercises are held at Basa Air Base and Clark Air Base -- both in Pampanga; Colonel Ernesto Ravina Air Base in Capas, Tarlac; and in Wallace Air Station in San Fernando, La Union.

These exercises would focus on a wide range of mission sets such as air-to-air engagement, base defense; air traffic navigations and integration coordination; air battle management, air defense command, and control operations; radar and radio operations; and surface-to air-missile operation and deployment planning.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1170211

CPP-NPA-NDF using red-tagging as cover to protect fronts

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 21, 2022): CPP-NPA-NDF using red-tagging as cover to protect fronts

Cristoni “Jong” Latiban Monzon (Screengrab from RTVM)

A former rebel has revealed that "red tagging" is a term concocted and being used by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) to protect their so-called "legal fronts" such as Party-list groups Kabataan, Anak Bayan, Bayan Muna, Gabriela, Karapatan and ACT-Teachers from culpability.

“Red tagging is a word used by the communist group to cover and protect its legal fronts which the Commission on Election has unwittingly accredited via the party-list system. We can see them in Congress," Cristoni “Jong” Latiban Monzon alias Ka-Franco said during Monday’s virtual press briefing of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

Monzon, who had just recently surrendered to government forces along with two other rebels, served as a former political instructor of the CPP-NPA-NDF’s Regional Operations Command, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee.

Recruited in 2009 when he was still a minor while studying Civil Engineering at Davao City's University of Mindanao, Monzon spent 13 years of his young life being part of the core group of the CPP-NPA-NDF in the region.

He said his ordeal with the communist terrorist groups (CTGs) should vouch for his revelations.

It was in 2009 that his father was killed and his recruiter from Karapatan brainwashed his young mind to believe that government soldiers were the ones responsible for his father's death, which is why he was enticed to join the CTGs, the former rebel said.

He confirmed that Kabataan, Anakbayan, Bayan Muna, Gabriela, Karapatan and ACT-Teachers are part and parcel of the CPP-NPA-NDF, and cautioned students and other young voters not to be swayed by the deceitful propaganda of the communist movement's so-called legal fronts.

Monzon said he became a volunteer for the Karapatan's allied organization called Hustisya (Justice) and called for justice over his father's death. He was then recruited by Anakbayan and became one of its youth leaders and eventually became a spokesperson for the group.

He then lived at the Kabataan party-list’s headquarters and was tasked to educate students of different campuses regionwide. Eventually, he became a member of one of the CTG’s underground movements, Kabataang Makabayan.

"Kukunin ang emotion mo. At dahil nga sa pagkamatay ng aking ama, curious na ako sa lahat na ng issues (They will use your emotion. And since my father has just died, I was curious then about all the issues). To be more active because agitated na and was told to recruit students to upsurge the movement," he explained.

Later on, Monson said he was deployed to teach those in the countryside and became the secretary-general of the "Pasakaday Salugpongan Kalimodan" (PASAKA), the CPP-NPA-NDF's front organization that exploits Indigenous Peoples (IPs) by offering them free education.

"It is based on a defense mechanism, to demonize the military in a public campaign using the IPs and to pressure government troops into abandoning hinterland areas under their influence" Monzon said, adding that IPs were also used to get international funding.

The issuance of warrants of arrests against him prompted him to hide in the mountains as instructed by the CPP-NPA-NDF command, as he was made to believe that the military was out to kill him.

But the hardships of living in the mountains along with firearm training took a toll on him, so he escaped along with two other IP rebels and turned themselves to local authorities led by Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang.

"Hindi naman pala totoo ang sinasabi nila sa kin na berdugo ang mga militar, in fact approachable sila. Nagpapasalamat ako sa binigay ng mga sundalo sa akin na second chance (Later I found that what they told me that the soldiers are executioners is not true. In fact, the are approachable. I would like to thank the military for giving me a chance),” Monzon said.

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

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1170297

BRP Gregorio Del Pilar nears operational status: PH Navy

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 22, 2022): BRP Gregorio Del Pilar nears operational status: PH Navy (By Priam Nepomuceno)

BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PS-15) (File photo)

The BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PS-15), one of the largest vessels of the Philippine Navy (PN), has successfully completed two sea trials and is now nearing operational status, more than three years after a grounding incident in 2018.

"PN patrol ship under the Offshore Combat Force, BRP Gregorio Del Pilar, has successfully completed two sea trials that included the testing of the ship's main and auxiliary engines, propellers, and other related systems. The sea trials conducted are aimed at assessing the vessel's seaworthiness," Navy spokesperson Commander Benjo Negranza said in a message to reporters Tuesday.

These sea trials took place earlier this month in Subic Bay, Zambales.

"Currently, BRP Gregorio Del Pilar is not yet fully operational pending its endurance test. This is being conducted to test the overall performance of a vessel at maximum continuous rating at a given period usually from six to 24 hours to ensure the reliability of the ship's main propulsion and auxiliary engines," Negranza said.

He also added that the ship is also scheduled to have its Operational Readiness Evaluation (ORE).

In the ORE, Negranza said the ship's degree of readiness and its crew on various conditions such as standard drills and exercises required for a wide range of missions, is evaluated.

This is done prior to deployment to naval operating forces, he added.

"The area of deployment of BRP Gregorio Del Pilar will be determined by the higher headquarters based on several factors," Negranza said.

One of the ship's two variable pitch propellers was damaged, along with its propeller hub, after it ran aground off Hasa-Hasa Shoal in August 2018.

Difficulties in procuring parts and the pandemic moved the completion of the repairs of the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar to the latter part of 2021.

Earlier, the PN said no fire broke out aboard the offshore patrol vessel BRP Gregorio Del Pilar, amid reports of an unusual amount of smoke coming from the vessel during a recent sea trial.

"(The) BRP Gregorio Del Pilar conducted (a) sea trial in the waters at the vicinity of Subic in the morning of March 14, 2022. While the more-than-usual smoke was noted during the sea trial, there is no incident of fire aboard (the) ship as alleged. The ship's force, together with our engineers and contracted repair specialists, are looking at the possible cause of the unusual volume of smoke," Negranza said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1170311

PRRD hopes next administration will continue NTF-ELCAC

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 22, 2022): PRRD hopes next administration will continue NTF-ELCAC (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (File photo)

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Monday expressed hope that the next administration will continue providing support to the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

This, as Duterte heaped praises on the NTF-ELCAC for its anti-insurgency initiatives that helped maintain peace and order in the country.

“I hope the next administration will continue with this ELCAC,” Duterte said in his prerecorded Talk to the People aired Tuesday morning on state-run PTV-4.

Duterte issued the statement, as he acknowledged the criticisms earned by the NTF-ELCAC.

He lamented that the opposition has been calling for the abolition of the NTF-ELCAC, despite the anti-insurgency task force’s efforts that led to the reintegration of many former rebels into mainstream society.

“Alam mo ‘yang ELCAC sinasaway ng mga kapartido sa labas sa aming grupo (You know, the ELCAC has been criticized by groups outside our party), I mean the opposition or the ones opposing us,” Duterte said. “Itong (This) ELCAC, it’s a very good program. It has helped a lot of the rebels find their way into the mainstream of society.”

Duterte also renewed his call for the communist rebels to surrender, reassuring them that a comfortable life awaits them.

“Mag-surrender na kayo kasi nandiyan ang ELCAC matulungan kayo mga rebelde (To rebels, surrender because ELCAC is there to help you),” he said.

Under Executive Order 70 inked by Duterte Dec. 4, 2018, the NTF-ELCAC is mandated to undertake a whole-of-nation approach to attain “inclusive and sustainable peace” in the country.

The NTF-ELCAC, according to its report released in July 2021, has so far dismantled 16 Guerrilla Fronts and six Regional Guerrilla Units.

It has also provided livelihood training to 194 and skills training to 710 villages.

The report also revealed that a total of 2,701 retooled community support program orientations from 2020 to 2021 have been undertaken in several rebel-infested villages nationwide.

The NTF-ELCAC has also earned the support of 1,715 local government units, with 84 percent of them or 1,436 of them passing a resolution declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines’ (CPP) armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), as persona non grata in their respective localities.

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

The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the CPP's political wing, the National Democratic Front, as a terrorist group on June 23, 2021, citing it as "an integral and inseparable part" of the NPA that was created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1170316