MILF: CMO-ICCAD, NCMF-Gensan thank Muslim groups, sponsors for Istiqbal Ramadhan activity

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Apr 4, 2022): CMO-ICCAD, NCMF-Gensan thank Muslim groups, sponsors for Istiqbal Ramadhan activity (By Gandhi Kinjiyo)

GENERAL SANTOS CITY --The City Mayor’s Office – Integrated Cultural Communities Affairs Division (CMO-ICCAD) and the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) – General Santos City Provincial Office thanked the One Gensan Ummah comprised of Muslim organizations, individuals and sponsors of the Istiqbal (Welcoming) Ramadhan held last Thursday (March 31, 2022) at the Oval Gymnasium, this city.

More than 1,700 attendees coming from the different barangays if General Santos joined the activity to learn the necessary preparations needed, the benefits and strategies to sustain the virtues of fasting during Ramadhan.

CMO-ICCAD Division Head Jocelyn Lambac-Kanda thanked fellow organizers, the working groups, sponsors and individuals who shared their efforts, time and resources for the successful conduct of the activity.

“Truly with unity, we can do big important event for the benefit of the Muslim communities,” she said.

NCMF Provincial Director Aida Seddic also expressed gratitude to the different organizations and persons who contributed in the inclusive conduct of the event that educated the Muslims about fasting.

Selected Ulama or Muslim scholars gave lectures related to fasting during Ramadhan.

Sponsors provided copies of Holy Qur’an, perfumes and Muslim garments as gifts to the participants who won in the raffle.

Organizations and institutions which comprised the One Gensan Ummah were the following: GSC Muslim Religious Advisory Council headed by Sheikh Ibrahim Andang Jr; Hayatol Ulama SarGen headed by Sheikh Refaey Antao; UNYPAD Gensan headed by Sahani Ansa; Khairukom Qur’an Institute headed by Ustadz Ashraff Alangan; General Santos Council of Elders headed by Mike Andang; Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Societies; United Bangsamoro Justice Party; Rajahbuayan Bandar Women headed by Amina Taliguia; Gensan Madaris Asatidz Federation headed by Ustadz Moctar Alangan; Council of Propagators of Peace; Maranao Alliance for Solidarity, Integrity and Unity (MASIU )headed by Alex Lacoto; Bangsamoro Communications Network Gen Santos City Chapter heased by Datu Mackey Akmad; Salam Police Advocacy Group (SPAG) and Educational Research Center headed by Sheikh Ibrahim Andang Jr; GSC ALIVE Teachers Association under the supervision of Division ALIVE Coordinator Hanena L. Epino; Mindanao State University – CETD; General Santos Council of Elders headed by Mike Andang; World Assembly of Muslim Youth; Bait Al Iman, Association headed by Dong Aquia; Gensan Madaris Academy headed by Sheikh Abdulfatah Zacaria; Ayah Women and Call Guidance; Dar Albayan Litahfiydil Qareen lil Bannat; Dar Aisha; Dar Ruqayyah; and UMMYO.

Individuals and sponsors who shared their resources were the following: PSSgt Zacaria M. Kanda; Yannie Utto; Charmaine Joyce Maningo; Warda Kanda Amil and Rebuddin Amil owners of Taha Printing Press; Dong Aquia; Lamion Gensan; Rachel Banisil Udasan; Ayana Hub; Marof Utto; Tanseem Aparel; Haironesa Domado, Amina Saliao; Col. Abu Khayr Macalangcom; Mrs. Chin Villamora; Directress Esmaida Andang Alaiden, ShL; Ummo Khayzer; Flavors of Halal; Kixonezeroeight Trading; Kix108 auto motor carwash and detailing; Rosela and Alonto Diga; RAADZ Place owned by Noraiha Calolong; Shawarma Mama; Major Badruddin Esmael and PNP Salam; Atty Psyche Fontanilla; PMSG Alvin Mamadra; Baivah Kanda; Satira Abaya Collection owned by Baiibon Alangan; Sanah Al Mohsana; Sahod Aguil; Hamdan Bakeshop; Mr. and Mrs. Marohomzar Ubpon; Prof Jovar Pantao; Soraida Macadatar and other anonymous Muslims.

Muslim youth organizations who were also thanked for their efforts and resources were the GSC Federation of Madaris Student Body Organization headed by Cedie Duran; Salam Bangsamoro Youth headed by Prince Khebb Guiomala; and Federation of Muslim Students Association.

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

https://www.luwaran.com/news/article/2449/cmo_iccad__ncmf_gensan_thank_muslim_groups__sponsors_for_istiqbal_ramadhan_activity

MILF: Bangsamoro Darul Ifta announces April 3 as the start of Ramadhan

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Apr 2, 2022): Bangsamoro Darul Ifta announces April 3 as the start of Ramadhan (By Gandhi Kinjiyo)

2APRIL

Photo courtesy of MPDA TV

The Office of the Bangsamoro Darul Ifta, headed by Mufti Abuhuraira Udasan, announced that Sunday, the 3rd day of April as the start of Ramadhan based on the moonsighting result that was conducted on Friday, April 1, 2022.

“They have performed what they were assigned to do (moonsighting), and then finally, the result of the moonsighting is that the moon crescent has not been sighted. Based on this, the Bangsamoro Darul Ifta has decided that the beginning of Ramadan will be on Sunday 3rd of April 2022,” the announcement read.

Based on the hadith of the Allah's Messenger, peace and blessing be upon him: "Fast when you see it (the crescent of Ramadan) and break the fast when you see it (the crescent of Shawwal), and if it is obscured from you too cloudy, then complete Sha'ban a thirty (days)"

Fasting during Ramadhan is one of the five pillars of Islam. Muslims streghthen their connection with the Almighty through prayers, meditation, giving charity and reading the Holy Qur’an during Ramadhan.

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

https://www.luwaran.com/news/article/2450/bangsamoro-darul-ifta-announces-april-3-as-the-start-of-ramadhan

MILF: UNYPAD- Gensan joins moonsighting activity

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Apr 2, 2022): UNYPAD- Gensan joins moonsighting activity (By Gandhi Kinjiyo)

MAASIM, Sarangani Province -- The United Youth for Peace and Development (UNYPAD) – General Santos City (Gensan) Chapter joined the moonsighting team of General Santos City during the conduct of moonsighting activity at barangay Daliao, this town, on April 1, 2022 to determine the start of the holy month of Ramadhan.

 
Present in the activity were the officers and members of UNYPAD-Gensan led by Ustadz Nurrudin Monding, the chair of Dawah and Education Committee.

Sheikh Ibrahim Andang, Jr, chairman of the Gensan Muslim Relgious Advisor Council, gave a short lectures on the importance of conducting moonsighting citing that it is Sunnah or tradition of Prophet Mohammad.

The sighting of the hilal or crescent on Thursday would mark the start of Ramadhan, the month of fasting.

However the Hilal (cresent moon) was not sighted. On the otherhand the Darrul Ifta of the Bangsamoro announced that their moonsigting teams in other parts of Mindanao have not reported any sighting of cresent moon and that the start of fasting would be on April 3, 2022.

Fasting during Ramadhan is one of the five pillars of Islam. Muslims streghthen their connection with the Almighty through prayers, mediation, giving charity and reading the Holy Qur’an during Ramadhan.

The moonsighting activity was organized by the Gensan Muslim Religious Advisory Council, Gensan Madaris Federation, Hayatol Ulama – SarGen, Imam Council of General Santos City together with the the City Mayor’s Office – Integrated Cultural Communities Affairs Division and the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos – General Santos City Provincial Office.

The General Santos City ALIVE Teachers Association and Muslim Women of SOcSarGen also joined the undertaking.

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

https://www.luwaran.com/news/article/2451/unypad--gensan-joins-moonsighting-activity

MILF: BARMM, UBJP has not endorsed any national candidate

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Apr 1, 2022): BARMM, UBJP has not endorsed any national candidate (By Alexander Iskandar, Luwaran)

Mohagher Iqbal (Google photo)

Cotabato City (March 16, 2022)—The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the United Bangsamoro Justice Party, have not yet endorsed any bet for a national position.

 
In two separate ambush interviews on Wednesday — after Vice President Leni Robredo visited the Bangsamoro Government Center (BGC) in the city — Bangsamoro Minister of Education Mohagher Iqbal and Minister of Interior Naguib Sinarimbo confirmed that they are still waiting to hear the platforms of other candidates for the 2022 presidential race, according to a post by Mindanews on March 16, 2022,

Iqbal, also Chief of the MILF Implementing Peace Panel went further to say that he does not think the Bangsamoro Government, which handles the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), will endorse anyone, the Mindanews report said.

There is no official pronouncement from the BARMM. In my perspective, I don’t see that the BARMM would come out with an official statement about the candidate they would support in the upcoming elections but all candidates are welcome and would be given a chance to make presentations, Iqbal said.

At the center of what we want to hear from them is their platform about BARMM, the Moro issue, and also how to preserve and promote the gains of the peace process, Iqbal told Mindanews during the interview.

For his part, Sinarimbo clarified that UBJP, like the Bangsamoro Government, has not yet picked a candidate to support in the 2022 polls.

And then the leadership would decide, just like the party of the MILF, the United Bangsamoro Justice Party and the Bangsamoro Government would decide who is the most deserving to be president of the country, he added.

But unlike Iqbal who thinks that BARMM as a whole would not make any endorsement, Sinarimbo revealed that there were internal talks as to when the endorsement would be made public.

We have had internal discussions on when the official endorsement would be out. But our timetable is dependent on the opportunity for other national candidates to present so that we can be fair and pick objectively, Mindanews quoting Sinarimbo saying.

Recently, presidential candidates Isko Moreno Domagoso and Leni Robredo visited Cotabato City.

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

https://www.luwaran.com/news/article/2448/barmm__ubjp_has_not_endorsed_any_national_candidate

MILF: UNYPAD (United Youth for Peace and Development) encourages youth to act on behalf of the Muslim Ummah

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Apr 1, 2022): UNYPAD (United Youth for Peace and Development) encourages youth to act on behalf of the Muslim Ummah (By Gandhi Kinjiyo)

“We at the UNYPAD (United Youth for Peace and Development) encourage you to participate or get involved in conducting beneficial activities for the Muslim Ummah," Sani Ansa, UNYPAD-Gensan Chairman, told to fellow Muslim youth in his message during the Istiqbal Ramadhan activity organized by One Gensan Ummah on Thursday held at the Oval Gymnasium in this town.

GENERAL SANTOS CITY –“We at the UNYPAD (United Youth for Peace and Development) encourage you to participate or get involved in conducting beneficial activities for the Muslim Ummah," Sani Ansa, UNYPAD-Gensan Chairman, told to fellow Muslim youth in his message during the Istiqbal Ramadhan activity organized by One Gensan Ummah on Thursday held at the Oval Gymnasium in this town.

 
“Being youth, we can do more beneficial things, we might have not enough resources, but I believe that we have the energy that we can use in a most productive manner,” Ansa underscored.

UNYPAD-Gensan is part of One Gensan Ummah, a consortium of Muslim organizations in this city that was formed to facilitate the conduct Istiqbal Ramadhan 2022.

The full force of UNYPAD – Gensan together with the Women’s Affairs Committee were present in the event.

Ustadz Nurrodin Monding, UNYPAD-Gensan’s Da’wah and Education Committee Chairman, gave the rationale of the activity.

 
Ustadz Mohammad Borhan Emam, UNYPAD-Gensan Secretary, was the master of ceremony.
More than 1,700 attendees coming from the different barangays of Gensan joined the event.

It was anchored on the theme “Ramadhan and Humanity. Amplifying, Kindness and Forgiveness.”
The prominent Ulama of the city gave lectures on the preparations, benefits, rules on fasting and sustaining values or virtues of Ramadhan throughout the year.

Aside from UNYPAD-Gensan, other Muslim youth organizations of the city who shared their time and efforts for the activity were the Gensan Madaris SBO Federation, Salam Bangsamoro Youth and Federation of Muslim Students Association (FEMSA).

They actively engaged in the food distribution and venue preparation and restoration.

Copies of Holy Qur’an, perfumes and garments were given away as gifts. Those were provided by partners and benevolent individuals.

UNYPAD-Gensan also hosted Istiqbal Ramadhan 2021 at Barangay Tambler in this city.

The City Mayor’s Office – Integrated Cultural Communities Affairs Division and the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos – General Santos City Provincial Office were among the organizers.

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

https://www.luwaran.com/news/article/2452/general-santos-city-------we-at-the-unypad--united-youth-for-peace-and-development--encourage-you-to-participate-or-get-involved-in-conducting-beneficial-activities-for-the-muslim-ummah---sani-ansa--unypad-gensan-chairman--told-to-fellow-muslim-youth-in-his-message-during-the-istiqbal-ramadhan-activity-organized-by-one-gensan-ummah-on-thursday-held-at-the-oval-gymnasium-in-this-town---

SOLCOM: Himamaylan local’s tip-off: 2 NPA leaders left dead by comrades in another clash with 94IB

Posted to the Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 5, 2022): Himamaylan local’s tip-off: 2 NPA leaders left dead by comrades in another clash with 94IB

303rd Infantry Brigade
Himamaylan local’s tip-off: 2 NPA leaders left dead by comrades in another clash with 94IB

CAMP GERONA, MURCIA, Negros Occidental - Concerned locals of Brgy Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental reported the presence of armed NPA Terrorist in the area which resulted in a clash with the troops of 94IB and members of Communist NPA Terrorist leaving their 2 dead comrades at around 3:30 in the afternoon today April 01, 2022 (Friday) in said city.

 
Elements of the 94th Infantry Battalion and 79th Infantry Battalion responded to a report from concerned citizens in Sitio Kulihaw regarding the presence of suspicious persons believed to be NPA terrorists in the area. They encountered more or less MOL twenty (20) CNT members at Sitio Kulihaw Brgy Buenavista, Himamaylan City, NOC. Said NPA Terrorists hastily withdrew leading towards the northeast direction of Sitio Alolong of said Brgy leaving behind their dead comrades in the area.

 
The encounter resulted in the death of two (2) CNTs identified as Elbert Nicolas Quillano @CARDING, Platoon Leader of SDG Platoon, Central Negros 2, and Jessa Luiso Quillano @CLEA, Medical Officer, SDG Pltn, CN2, Komiteng Rehiyun- Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor (KR-NCBS).

 
The troops were able to seize the following war materials in the encounter site: One (1) Cal .45 pistol, one (1) Cal.45 magazine loaded with 7 live ammunitions, one Lenovo tablet, 2 cellphones, 1 Baofeng radio, assorted medicines, subversive documents, and some personal belongings.

 
Himamaylan City PNP retrieved the bodies of the 2 dead CNTs for proper disposition and further investigation.

"With the Himamaylan City Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MPTF-ELCAC), we will unify and harmonize our peace and development efforts especially with the different stakeholders to end the local communist armed conflict in the city of Himamaylan, especially now, that election time is just a month ahead.

 
We thanked the people of Brgy Buenavista in Himamaylan for their vigilance in reporting the presence of armed NPA terrorists and for taking concrete actions to ensure that the NPAs are unwanted in their community. We will ensure that these CNTs’ intimidation and extortion activities are halted. I call on the remaining members of the NPAs especially in Central Negros to return to the folds of the law and abandon the futility of the armed struggle. Take advantage of the E-CLIP being offered by our government which will be of great help for your return to live a normal life,” said Brigadier General Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Brigade Commander.

#AFPYouCanTRUST!
#HimamaylanCTF-ELCAC
#Team303rdInfantryBrigade
#94thInfantryBattalion
#PhilippineArmy
#ServingThePeople
#SecuringTheLand
#ParaSaBayanArmy@125
#LovedByThePeople
#FearedByTheEnemy

https://www.facebook.com/303rdbrigade.philarmy/photos/pcb.1382111278901001/1382111015567694/

https://www.facebook.com/SouthernLuzonCommandAFP/

NOLCOM: Highest-Ranking CPP Officer in Southern Mindanao Region Killed in Davao de Oro

Posted to the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 6, 2022): Highest-Ranking CPP Officer in Southern Mindanao Region Killed in Davao de Oro

https://www.facebook.com/crgnolcom/photos/a.607791242603248/5117665144949146/

https://www.facebook.com/NOLCOM/

NOLCOM: LOOK | Three New People’s Army rebels were welcomed after they surrendered

Posted to the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 6, 2022): LOOK | Three New People’s Army rebels were welcomed after they surrendered

Brigada PH

LOOK | Three rebel formerly New People’s Army covers were welcomed tightly after they surrendered to the 1001st Infantry Brigade (1001st Bde) and 60th Infantry (Mediator) Battalion at Sitio Bagtok, Brgy. Haircut, Kapalong, Davao del Norte

https://www.facebook.com/BrigadaPhilippines/photos/pcb.112797744717263/112796791384025/

https://www.facebook.com/NOLCOM/

NOLCOM: RP-US BALIKATAN|| One unit of classroom building was officially turned over to Pinas Elementary School in Pinas, Claveria, Cagayan

Posted to the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 6, 2022): RP-US BALIKATAN|| One unit of classroom building was officially turned over to Pinas Elementary School in Pinas, Claveria, Cagayan

5ID Startroopers, Philippine Army

RP-US BALIKATAN|| One unit of classroom building was officially turned over to Pinas Elementary School in Pinas, Claveria, Cagayan after its construction under the Engineering Civil Action Program of RP-US BALIKATAN Exercises 37-2022.

Col Scott Morrison, USMC and LtC Joel V Lucas, Executive Officer of 501st Infantry Brigade turned over the 7x9 school building to Dr. Orlando E Manuel, School Division Superintendent together with the teachers of the said school.

 
The school building with an estimated amount of 1.2 million pesos was sponsored by the US government and was constructed through the joint efforts of 513ECB, 51st Engineering Brigade, 17th Infantry Battalion, Marine Battalion Landing Team 10, and US Marine.
Note that the construction of the school building started on March 07, 2022.

17th Infantry Battalion, PA

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=348948577278876&set=pcb.348949373945463

https://www.facebook.com/NOLCOM/

NOLCOM: NOLCOM Commander vows full support to local chief executives peace campaigns in Abra

Posted to the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 6, 2022): NOLCOM Commander vows full support to local chief executives peace campaigns in Abra

Northern Luzon Command, AFP

Nolcom Commander Lt.Gen. Ernesto C Torres Jr, PA paid courtesy call to Congressman JB Bernos and Governor Maria Jocelyn Valera Bernos of Abra Province on April 1, 2022

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=313471924207026&set=a.196658585888361

https://www.facebook.com/NOLCOM/

NOLCOM: Mga Miyembro ng CTG Tumiwalag sa Kilusan at Nagbalik-loob sa Army sa Albay

Posted to the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 6, 2022): Mga Miyembro ng CTG Tumiwalag sa Kilusan at Nagbalik-loob sa Army sa Albay (CTG Members Resigned from the Movement and Converted to the Army in Albay)

AFP Radio DWDD

Mga Miyembro ng CTG Tumiwalag sa Kilusan at Nagbalik-loob sa Army sa Albay

 
CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur - Bukas palad na tinanggap ng 49th Infantry (GOOD SAMARITANS) Battalion ang pormal na pagbalik-loob at boluntaryong pagsuko ng siyam (9) na regular na miyembro ng Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) at pagtiwalag at pagbawi ng suporta ng labindalawang (12) miyembro ng Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad (SPL) sa isinagawang "Presentation of Former Rebels and Turn Over Ceremony" sa Barangay Tastas, Ligao City, Albay, nitong Abril 5.
Sa nasabing seremonya, kasabay na isinuko ang mga baril kabilang na ang isang (1) M1 Garand rifle, isang (1) M2 Carbine rifle, isang (1) .45 pistol, at dalawang (2) .38 revolver pistol.

 
Personal na hinarap ni Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Tapnio, Battalion Commander ng 49IB ang 21 na mga dagdag sa dumaraming bilang ng mga sumusuko at tumitiwalag sa kilusan at partido na mga biktima ng Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) sa nasabing probinsya.

 
“Ikinagagalak po ng mga tropa ng GOOD SAMARITANS at ng mga mamamayan ng Albay ang inyong pagsuko at pagbabalik-loob, maging daan sana ito upang mas mahikayat pa natin ang inyong mga dating kasamahan, na tulad niyo ay sumuko na rin lang, at magbitiw na ng suporta sa CTG, bigyan din natin sila ng pag-asa at dalhin sa mas tuwid na daan tungo sa kapayapaan”, ani Lt. Col. Tapnio.

 
Malugod naman na tinanggap ni Colonel Edmundo G. Peralta, Brigade Commander ng 902nd Infantry (FIGHT AND SERVE) Brigade, ang nasabing mga dating miyembro at taga-suporta ng CTG na kaniyang pinasalamatan sa gitna ng programa.

 
“Malaking bagay, hindi lang sa amin, kundi sa mga pamilya ninyo ang pagbabalik ninyo sa puder ng gobyerno, isa itong napakalaking senyales na marami na ang naliliwanagan sa mga maling adhikain ng kalaban. Malaking tagumpay ito sa amin, sainyo, at sa ating mga kababayan. Sa inyong pagsuko at pagbabalik-loob ay maraming buhay ang naisasalba at maisasalba pa”, ani Col. Peralta.

 
Samantala, ayon kay Police Brigadier General Jonnel Estomo, Police Director ng PRO5, patuloy rin ang kanilang paghikayat sa mga natitira pang mga aktibong miyembro ng CNT at mga taga suporta nito sa probinsya na magbalik loob na at magpasaklaw nang muli sa batas ng ating bansa.

 
“Hanggat may mga natitira pa tayong mga kapatid na biktima pa rin ng mga maling ideolohiya ng kalaban ay hindi hihinto ang tropa ng gobyerno na sila’y hikayatin. Patuloy po kami sa aming misyon na makapagsalba pa ng mas maraming buhay”, ani PBGen. Estomo.

 
Binigyang diin naman ni Major General Alex Luna, Commander ng 9th Infantry (SPEAR) Division at Joint Task Force (JTF) Bicolandia, ang kahalagahan ng pagsuko at pagbitaw ng suporta ng mga dating miyembro ng CNT.

 
“Ang inyong pagsuko at pagbibitaw ng suporta ay isang repleksyon na mas abot kamay na natin ang tunay na kapayapaan hindi lamang dito sa Albay kundi maging sa buong Bicolandia. Ipinapakita lamang nito na epektibo ang lahat ng ating mga paghikayat at mga programang sibil lalo na sa ating mga kapatid na naligaw ng landas”, ani Maj. Gen. Luna

 
Kaugnay nito, tiniyak ni Maj. Gen. Luna ang mga benepisyong matatanggap ng mga sumukong miyembro ng CTG na magbibigay sa kanila ng bagong pag-asa maging sa kanilang mga pamilya. Ito ay sa pamamagitan ng Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) at ng Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC).

 
Matatandaan, nitong Enero 20 lamang ay nagkaroon din ng pormal na seremonya ang 49IB para sa 21 biktima ng CTG na kinabibilangan ng anim (6) na dating mga miyembro ng SPL, pag suko ng limang (5) dating miyembro ng Militiang Bayan (MB), at ng sampung (10) dating mga regular na miyembro ng CTG, na patuloy pang dumarami sa pag-usad ng taon dahil sa mga matatagumpay na operasyong militar at sibil ng mga kasundaluhan at kapulisan.

#AFPyoucanTRUST
#supportourtroops
#SundaloSalamatsaSerbisyo

https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/pcb.3327062564204883/3327062000871606/

https://www.facebook.com/NOLCOM/

NOLCOM: COORDINATED PATROL | Philippine Navy completes joint patrol with TNI Angkatan Laut

Posted to the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 6, 2022): COORDINATED PATROL | Philippine Navy completes joint patrol with TNI Angkatan Laut

Philippine Navy

COORDINATED PATROL | Philippine Navy completes joint patrol with TNI Angkatan Laut
The Philippine Navy and the Indonesian Navy have successfully completed the first leg of the two commands’ marine coordinated patrol (CORPAT PHILINDO) along the Philippines-Indonesia borders on March 30.

PN’s BRP Ismael Lomibao (PC383) and aircraft NV394 joined TNI-AL’s KRI Kakap (KKP-811) and maritime patrol aircraft U-6216 in the bilateral activity’s 35th iteration since 1986, which aims to secure the two nations’ shared border and foster a strengthened relations between the two navies.
Read more about this story on this link:  https://www.facebook.com/372605296215664/posts/2355022417973932/

/: Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao
#FlyNavy
#PhilFleetVanguardofOurSeas
#ModernandMultiCapablePHNavy
#AFPyoucanTRUST

https://www.facebook.com/PhilippineNavy/photos/pcb.10158995965852956/10158995965582956/

https://www.facebook.com/NOLCOM/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis:

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 (Apr 6, 2022): Badoy is delusional over claims of 24,000 “NPA surrenderees”—CPP

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) today dismissed claims made yesterday by National Task Force-Elcac spokesperson Lorraine Badoy of 24,000 “NPA surrenderees” since 2016, which is supposedly a 6,000 “increase” since June last year.

“Ms. Badoy is delusional in announcing these fantastic and bloated numbers of the NTF-Elcac,” remarked CPP Chief Information Officer Marco Valbuena. “The NTF-Elcac is inflating its self-importance through self-praise and giving itself a pat in the back in a desperate attempt to make them look important amid mounting calls for its immediate abolition.”

“Making up these inflated numbers of surrenderees is a desperate attempt of the NTF-Elcac to make themselves look significant.”

“The truth is that these numbers being reported by the NTF-ELCAC and the AFP are all a farce,” said Valbuena, pointing out that these are several times the number of NPA fighters.

“A great majority of those presented as surrenderers are, in fact, civilians, whose democratic rights were violated by the arbitrary, baseless and unlawful red-tagging by the AFP,” said Valbuena. “They are unarmed peasants who have been subjected by the military to relentless harassment and suppression.” he said.

“In barangays under the AFP’s ‘civil-military’ operations, people are forced to ‘cooperate’ under pain of being arrested and detained without charges or killed,” said Valbuena. “This has been the terrible norm in the conduct of the AFP’s dirty war.”

“Since the pandemic, there are also numerous cases were people were enticed or compelled to attend assemblies and sign papers in exchange for receiving ‘ayuda’ or a few kilos of rice and grocery bags, only to find out the following day that they have become as ‘surrenderees,'” Valbuena added.

Valbuena also pointed out that the NTF-Elcac’s surrender drive is a big scam of military officers. “The bigger the number of ‘surrenderees’, the more that they get to pocket,” said Valbuena. “With a budget of ₱65,000 for every ‘surrenderee’, as much as ₱1.5 billion would have been distributed by the NTF-Elcac and AFP, which I am quite sure they have not made proper documentation and accounting before the COA.”

“It is not surprising that there are persistent reports of ‘repeat surrenderees’ where the military made some people join their “surrender rites” twice or thrice in the space of a few months,” added Valbuena.

Valbuena questioned the NTF-Elcac for claiming that a big number of the “surrenderees” are “NPA supporters.” He pointed out that “under the rules of war, ‘surrendering’ is an innate act of combatants, not of the civilian population. In fact, it is prohibited to force a civilian population to go against their beliefs and allegiance.”

“Neither were these civilians charged of any crime under the GRP’s laws, so how can they be made to ‘surrender’,” added Valbuena. “This goes to show that the NTF-Elcac and AFP’s surrender drive is unlawful and a giant farce.”

“Far from being crushed, the NPA and the revolutionary movement continues to steadily advance across the country,” said Valbuena. “Of course, in the course of waging war, some fighters surrender or abscond. But their numbers are far, far below from that being claimed by the AFP.”

Despite the brutal war of suppression being waged by the AFP and the Philippine National Police (PNP), the NPA and all revolutionary forces led by the CPP remain determined to resist and surmount the fascist onslaught of the Duterte terror regime. (CPP Information Bureau)

https://cppangbayan.wordpress.com/2022/04/06/badoy-is-delusional-over-claims-of-24000-npa-surrenderees-cpp/

AFP: 266 NPAs yield to military in Q1 of 2022

From the Manila Bulletin (Apr 6, 2022): AFP: 266 NPAs yield to military in Q1 of 2022 (By Martin Sadongdong)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) expressed confidence Wednesday, April 6, that communist insurgency will be greatly weakened, if not totally eradicated, before President Duterte‘s last day in office in June as more rebels continue to surrender to the military.

File photo / MANILA BULLETIN

Data provided by the AFP public affairs office showed that a total of 266 communist rebels yielded to government forces from January to March 2022 – or an average of 89 insurgents per month.

Most of those who surrendered came from various New People’s Army (NPA) units in Eastern Mindanao with 114.

Meanwhile, there were 58 fighters who surrendered in Western Mindanao; 37 in Southern Luzon; 36 in Visayas; 20 in Northern Luzon; and one from Palawan.

“The AFP attributes the significant gains against the CNTs [Communist-New People’s Army terrorists] to the increasing support of communities and local government units through the National Task Force on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC),” said Gen. Andres Centino, AFP Chief of Staff.

“As the nation’s primary protector against terrorists and other state adversaries, the AFP’s security operations, programs, and activities are rooted in our collective desire for peace and security. Through working and cooperating with organizations and stakeholders, I know that we can get closer to achieving these mutual aspirations for our people,” he added.

The surrender of the communist rebels led to the dismantling of some of the most ferocious NPA units in the country.

Among those who yielded to the military recently is Maximo Catarata, the alleged former secretary of the NPA’s Guerilla Front 3 (GF3) in Davao del Norte.

His surrender last March 31 led to the dismantling of the entire GF3, according to Col. Jorry Baclor, chief of the AFP public information office.

However, not all communist rebels are as lucky as Catarata.

The AFP said that 37 communist fighters died in various military operations within the first three months of 2022.

There were also 29 NPA members who were arrested or captured in operations.

One of the alleged top-ranking communist rebels who got killed by the military was Menardo Villanueva.

Villanueva, the alleged leader of the NPA, head of the National Operations Command (NPA-NOC), and a long-time secretary of the National Democratic Front’s Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC), died in an alleged firefight with elements of the 1001st Infantry Brigade in Brgy. Libodon, Mabini, Davao de Oro last Jan. 12.

Aside from this, state security forces also reduced the firepower of the communist groups with the seizure and surrender of 492 assorted firearms and 148 anti-personnel mines.

The military also discovered and destroyed 66 communist encampments, most of which are located in Eastern Mindanao and Visayas.

Centino urged the entire troops to intensify their operations to completely eradicate the threat of communist insurgency before Duterte steps down from the presidency.

https://mb.com.ph/2022/04/06/afp-266-npas-yield-to-military-in-q1-of-2022/

Extremists denounce Abu Sayyaf in Sulu

From the Manila Times (Apr 7, 2022): Extremists denounce Abu Sayyaf in Sulu (By Julmunir Jannaral)

Two former Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members denounced the group's deception as they handed over their firearms to the military in Sulu on Tuesday, April 5.

Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, commander of Joint Task Force Sulu, said the surrender of the ASG members was an offshoot of the active collaboration between the military and the police.

Patrimonio identified the surrendered personalities as alias Udar, 42 years old, a resident of Panamao, and a follower of Senior Leader Radullan Sahiron, and alias Al, 42 years old, a resident of Luuk, and a follower of sub-leader Idang Susukan and late sub-leader Alhabsy Misaya.

"Despaired by the terrorist group's deception, the two decided to end their armed struggle and return to the folds of the law," Patrimonio said.

The surrendered personalities handed over one Elisco M16A1 rifle, one US cal. 30 M1 Garand rifle, one Colt 1911 and.45 cal pistols with magazine loaded with five live ammunition, three long and two short magazines of M16A1 rifle loaded with 41 rounds of 5.56mm live ammunition, five rounds of M203 live ammunition and one black bandolier to the troops of the 4th Marine Brigade in Barangay Tandu Bato, Luuk, Sulu.

The duo revealed that they are tired of evading the government forces and victimizing innocent civilians. They also fear being killed due to the ASG's weakened capability and the intensified operations of the military in the province.

"The success of the AFP's campaign against terrorism is attributable to the synergy among security forces coupled with the unwavering support of the local government units, peace partners, the religious leaders, and the locals," Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr., commander of Western Mindanao Command said.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/04/07/news/regions/extremists-denounce-abu-sayyaf-in-sulu/1839108

Civilian tip-off leads to Army-NPA encounter, female rebel killed in Aklan

From Panay News (Apr 5, 2022): Civilian tip-off leads to Army-NPA encounter, female rebel killed in Aklan (By Boy Ryan Zabal)

A female rebel killed of Sentro de Grabidad (SDG) Igabon Platoon, Central Front of the Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay (KR-P). 301st Brigade, PA

A New People’s Army (NPA) member was killed in an encounter with Army troopers in Libacao, Aklan on April 1, 2022.

The 15-minute gun battle resulted to the death of a female fighter of Sentro de Grabidad (SDG) Igabon Platoon, Central Front of the Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay (KR-P).

Authorities seized a homemade shotgun with ammunition, empty shells of 5.56 mm and homemade shotgun, a backpack containing personal belongings, and subversive documents.

The encounter of the 31st Division Reconnaissance Company under the supervision of the 12th Infantry Battalion against five NPA rebels in Sitio Maytaraw in Barangay Dalagsa-an took place at around 2:10 p.m.

No one was hurt on the side of government troops after the brief firefight.

In a statement, Brigadier-General Marion Sison, 301st Infantry Battalion commander, lauded the trust and support of the community in providing reliable and timely information to the government soldiers.

“It is a clear manifestation that the civilian populace is now aware of the treacherous, deceitful, and evil acts of the NPAs that only sow fear and terror in their community,” he stressed.

Two rebels were also killed in a joint operation of the 94th and 79th Infantry Battalion in Sitio Kulihaw, Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City in Negros Occidental on April 1.

Last year, there were 49 NPA rebels killed, 22 were apprehended and 71 had surrendered in Central and Western Visayas regions, according to the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division.

Major General Benedict Arevalo, 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division commander, commended the dedication of the government troops for their relentless operations against NPA rebels.

“We will never stop securing and serving our people until we attain long and lasting peace and development in this part of the country. We will continue to hunt the remaining terrorist groups,” he added.

https://www.panaynews.net/civilian-tip-off-leads-to-army-npa-encounter-female-rebel-killed-in-aklan/

Army in Samar cites support of locals vs. NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 6, 2022): Army in Samar cites support of locals vs. NPA (By Sarwell Meniano)

OUTREACH. Soldiers spend time with children during a book launch in this Dec. 1, 2021 photo. The Philippine Army in Northern Samar is largely counting on the support of locals to win the war against the New People’s Army in the province. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army's 20th Infantry Battalion)

The Philippine Army in Northern Samar is largely counting on the support of locals to win the war against the New People’s Army (NPA) in the province.

Philippine Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion spokesperson 2nd Lt. Joyce Ann Bayron said on Wednesday the recent recoveries of war materiel can be attributed to the collaboration between soldiers and community members.

On March 28, residents of Can Maria village in Lapinig, Northern Samar revealed to soldiers the location of the NPA lair where they recovered several short firearms and ammunitions, four anti-personnel mines with a detonator, four hand grenades, and subversive documents.

Acting on tips from local, government troops found a caliber 38 gun and several ammunitions, sim cards, assorted subversive documents, a revolutionary cap, battle dress attire, and raincoat from a house in Siljagon village in Mapanas, Northern Samar on March 25.

“Successful recovery and discovery of war materials is one of the positive effects of local peace engagement in strengthening the efforts of our community support program (CSP) teams in dealing with communist insurgents,” Bayron added.

CSP is a flagship program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines used to clear communities of NPA infestation while neutralizing the politics-military structure the rebels established in the villages.

It involves immersion of personnel in the identified barangays and the conduct of various community engagements geared towards addressing the needs of the people.

The partnership between locals and soldiers is part of the localized peace engagement, a mechanism that enables the government to not only directly engage the rebels in a peaceful discourse but also touches base with residents in communities affected by the armed conflict.

The strategy is one of the 12 clusters of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, the multi-agency body created under Executive Order No. 70 or the whole-of-nation approach.

Activities include forums involving the youth, labor, and indigenous peoples (IPs) sectors, provision of immediate cash assistance and livelihood interventions to former rebels, continuous consultations with families of combatants, and the protection of industries from the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA infiltration.

Meanwhile, the official said the military will continue its relentless effort in making the communist terrorist group irrelevant in Northern Samar despite recent treacherous attacks targeting government forces.

On April 4, the NPA detonated the internationally banned anti-personnel mines that killed a police officer and wounded three other policemen and two soldiers while heading to Las Navas town center to get booster shots.

Police and military officials said on April 5 that criminal charges will be filed against members of the communist terrorist group for the attack.

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 Fund 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/1171515

Government provides housing for ex-rebels in Negros

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 6, 2022): Government provides housing for ex-rebels in Negros (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

CORE SHELTER. The first batch of six housing units for former communist rebels in Negros Oriental will be turned over soon by the Philippine Army and the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas. The Core Shelter housing project in Barangay Miguel, Tanjay City, Negros Oriental will benefit 60 families of former members of a breakaway rebel group. (Photo courtesy of 302IB, Philippine Army)

The first batch of housing units for former rebels of the breakaway rebel group Rebolusyong Partidong Manggagawa-Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP/RPA/ABB) in Negros Oriental will be turned over this month to the beneficiaries.

Brig. Gen. Leonardo Peña, commander of the Philippine Army's 302nd Infantry Brigade based in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental, told the Philippine News Agency on Wednesday the turnover of the first 16 housing units will be done after the Holy Week.

“We don’t have a specific date yet although the houses have been completed, but definitely it will be this month at the earliest or in early May for Kapatiran members in Negros Oriental, as part of President Rodrigo Duterte’s whole-of-nation approach,” Peña said in mixed English and Filipino.

The RPMP/RPA/ABB is a breakaway group of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) and is now known as "Kapatiran", which has a standing peace agreement with the government.

The Core Shelter housing project in Sitio Ling-ab, Barangay San Miguel in Tanjay City is a collaborative effort of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), through the Philippine Army, and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (formerly Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process), under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program.

“The housing site will accommodate 60 families of profiled Kapatiran members who have 'surrendered' to the government over the past 10 years or so,” Peña said.

The six housing units will be the “show window” of this collaboration to show the government’s sincerity in helping former rebels in their new life away from the underground movement, he said.

The 542nd Engineering Construction Battalion of the Philippine Army is undertaking the building of the concrete houses.

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

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1171547

2 more ASG bandits yield, denounce terror group's 'deception'

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 6, 2022): 2 more ASG bandits yield, denounce terror group's 'deception' (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

DECEIVED, TIRED. Two Abu Sayyaf Group bandits surrender Tuesday (April 5, 2022) to military authorities in Sulu province, claiming to have realized they were deceived by their leaders. They turned over a Garand rifle, a caliber .45 pistol, a bandolier, and assorted ammunition. (Photo courtesy of the Joint Task Force Sulu)

Two more Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits have surrendered in the province of Sulu after realizing they were deceived by their leaders, a top military official said Wednesday.

Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, Joint Task Force (JTF)-Sulu commander, identified the ASG surrenderers as Abu Udar, 42, and Abu Al, 42, who surrendered Tuesday to the Army's 4th Marine Brigade in Barangay Tandu Bato in Luuk town.

Udar, a resident of Panamao town, is a follower of ASG senior leader Radullan Sahiron, while Abu Al of Luuk municipality is a follower of sub-leader Idang Susukan and the late sub-leader Alhabsy Misaya.

“Despaired by the terrorist group’s deception, the two decided to end their armed struggle and return to the folds of the law,” Patrimonio said in a statement.

Patrimonio said the surrenderers turned over a Garand rifle, a caliber .45 pistol, a bandolier and assorted ammunition.

The duo also revealed that they were tired of evading the government forces and victimizing innocent civilians, he said.

He added that they also feared being killed due to the ASG'S weakened capability and the intensified operations of the military in the province of Sulu.

Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said the military's success against terrorism can be attributed "to the synergy among security forces coupled with the unwavering support of the local government units, peace partners, the religious leaders, and the locals."

Rosario urged the remaining ASG members to come out, saying the group has lost substantial mass support amidst the military's combined combat and non-combat operations targeting the bandits.

JTF-Sulu records showed that a total of 48 ASG members surrendered since January, this year.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1171551

3 Reds surrender in Davao Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 6, 2022): 3 Reds surrender in Davao Norte (By Che Palicte)

PEACEFUL SURRENDER. Three New People’s Army (NPA) fighters surrender to the Philippine Army’s 60th Infantry Battalion on Tuesday (April 5, 2022) in Barangay Gupitan, Kapalong, Davao del Norte. The rebels said they suffered from persistent lack of food and other essential supplies. (Photo courtesy of 60IB)

Some three communist New Peoples' Army (NPA) fighters surrendered to military troops in Barangay Gupitan, Kapalong, Davao del Norte, the Army’s 10th Infantry Division (ID) here said Wednesday.

In a statement, 10ID identified the surrenderers as alias Bernon or Dose, a squad leader, alias Gorio, and alias Yanyan--all belonging to an NPA guerrilla unit under the Southern Mindanao Regional Command (SMRC).

The surrrenderers, who yielded on Tuesday, are all on an Army watchlist of NPA members operating in the boundaries of Davao de Oro, Agusan del Sur, and Davao del Norte, 10ID said.

The three yielded two high-powered firearms, assorted medical paraphernalia, and war matériel.

Bernon said he and his colleagues decided to surrender after many of their leaders have already abandoned the rebel group recently.

In addition, he said they can no longer sustain the hardship, lack of supplies, and support from their mass base.

“We have no other means to survive since we cannot meet our needs from our former mass base anymore," the former rebel was quoted as saying.

Bernon said their surrender also became easier through the help of their former comrades, who assured them that the military would take care of all their needs, including legal requirements, and help them connect with their families and loved ones.

On February 26, 13 members of the same NPA unit led by its commanding officer, alias SM, surrendered to the 60IB. Four other rebels led by a certain Datu Makatindog, the front’s secretary, also yielded on March 31.

Lt. Col. Merrill Sumalinog, acting 60ID commander, noted that the series of surrenders "happened without a single bullet shot against the enemy."

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 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/1171556

New facilities in Aurora to boost maritime security in PH Rise

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 6, 2022): New facilities in Aurora to boost maritime security in PH Rise (By Zorayda Tecson)

NEW NAVAL FACILITIES. The Department of Public Works and Highways-Aurora District Engineering Office has completed the construction of P36.63-million naval facilities in Casiguran, Aurora. The projects consist of a typhoon-resilient main building with complete amenities, a radio room, and an armory, intended to boost the country’s security in the Philippine Rise. (Photo courtesy of DPWH-3)

The Department of Public Works and Highways-Aurora District Engineering Office has completed the construction of PHP36.63-million naval facilities in Casiguran, Aurora intended to boost the country’s security in the Philippine Rise.

Aurora District Engineer Roderick Andal said in a statement on Wednesday the facilities in the naval operating base consist of a typhoon-resilient main building with complete amenities, a radio room, and an armory.

He said the project also includes the construction of two units of 40-footer container vans converted into navy personnel barracks, four toilets and four shower stalls, four guardhouses, a sewage treatment plant, and a perimeter fence.

Likewise, he said a 100-kilovolt amps (kVA) generator, reliable water source, and solar panels with batteries as an alternative source of energy were installed.

“The project implemented by our office is expected to boost security in the Philippine Rise and at the same time, strengthen the Philippine Navy's capability of securing the country's maritime areas,” Andal said.

The base, which would serve as a naval support facility and naval air detachment, is close to Philippine Rise, a 13 million-hectare undersea region east of Luzon.

Through the convergence program of the Department of National Defense-Department of Public Works and Highways (DND-DPWH) known as the “Tatag ng Imprastraktura para sa Kapayapaan at Seguridad” (TIKAS), various infrastructures and capacity-building projects have been implemented in an effort to advance the interests and welfare of the national defense force.

DPWH-Central Luzon Director Roseller A. Tolentino has earlier assured the implementation of all TIKAS projects in the region in support of the national government’s strategy of building a modern military.

This year, a total budget of PHP957.51 million will be used in modernizing military facilities across the region.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1171555

Troops seize gun, subversive docs after NegOr clash with Reds

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 6, 2022): Troops seize gun, subversive docs after NegOr clash with Reds (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

SEIZED. Soldiers of the Philippine Army's 11th Infantry Battalion clash with suspected remnants of a New People's Army front group in Barangay Nagbinlod, Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental on Wednesday (April 6, 2022). A firearm, subversive documents, and other items were recovered by soldiers from the encounter site. (Photo courtesy of the 11th IB)

Soldiers from the 11th Infantry Battalion (11IB) of the Philippine Army clashed with seven suspected members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) on Wednesday in Barangay Nagbinlod, Sta. Catalina in Negros Oriental.

Recovered from the scene of the encounter in Sitio Igang were a .38-caliber pistol, seven backpacks, four cellular phones, assorted medical supplies, a radio, a bandolier, food supplies, personal belongings, and subversive documents.

1st Lt. Rogem Pearl Lanuza, 11IB Civil-Military Operations officer, told the Philippine News Agency the firefight took place around 6:30 a.m. and lasted for about 20 minutes.

She said the soldiers patrolled the area upon receiving information from locals about the presence of armed men.

The suspected rebels, who fled after the encounter, are believed to be remnants of the NPA’s South East Front which the Philippine Army said had been dismantled last year.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Roderick Salayo, 11IB commanding officer, said the tip-off received from residents was an indication that civilians in Sta. Catalina are no longer supporting the NPA.

“We are thankful to the people, the police, and the local governments for cooperating with us in fighting the insurgency, and we will not stop going after these remnants until they are finally neutralized,” he said in mixed English and Filipino.

Pursuit operations continue for the suspected NPA rebels who Salayo said could also be engaged in election-related activities such as collecting money from political candidates as so-called “permit-to-campaign” and “permit-to-win” fees in remote areas.

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

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1171605

US Peace Corps, PH partners welcome new volunteers

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 6, 2022): US Peace Corps, PH partners welcome new volunteers

US Peace Corps volunteers meet Peace Corps staff and Filipino partners virtually. (Contributed photo)

The United States Peace Corps recently concluded a weeklong kickoff program for American volunteers who will provide virtual technical assistance to three requesting Filipino partners in the next six months.

These American volunteers formerly lived and worked in the Philippines as Peace Corps volunteers and are “returning” to the country virtually to support Filipino host organizations with priority projects as part of the US Peace Corps’ innovative Virtual Service Program, which was introduced due to the pandemic.

The three Filipino partners are the local government of Ivisan in Capiz, the Bataan Peninsula State University, and the Philippine Science High School.

The American volunteers engaging with them will collaborate on environmental program sustainability, agro- and ecotourism program development, and information and communications technology.

“The US Peace Corps is pleased to support partners in meeting their priority technical assistance needs here in the Philippines, and we plan to continue this unique, highly demanded program even after the pandemic is fully behind us and we have volunteers here in person early next year,” US Peace Corps Philippines Country Director Jenner Edelman said.

This is the second time in the past year that former American Peace Corps volunteers have engaged with requesting partner organizations through virtual service, including with new Peace Corps partners.

The participating Americans are private citizens who share their professional expertise and dedicate five to 15 hours per week to serve alongside their Filipino counterparts.

The US Peace Corps is the US government’s premier volunteer service organization and was founded by former US President John F. Kennedy in 1961.

Since then, more than 240,000 Americans have served in more than 140 countries worldwide, including more than 9,300 volunteers in the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1171518

Over 250 NPA rebels surrender in Q1

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 6, 2022): Over 250 NPA rebels surrender in Q1 (By Priam Nepomuceno)

NPA surrenderers in Agusan del Norte (Photo courtesy of 4ID Philippine Army)

Around 266 New People's Army (NPA) rebels, majority from its units in Eastern Mindanao, have returned to the fold of the law for the first three months this year.

Armed Forces of the Philippines public affairs office chief Col. Jorry Baclor said 114 were from Eastern Mindanao, 58 from Western Mindanao, 37 from Southern Luzon, 36 in the Visayas, 20 in Northern Luzon and one from Palawan.

Baclor said the most recent was the surrender of Maximo Catarata, Secretary of Guerilla Front 3 in Davao del Norte on March 31, leading to the dismantling of the NPA unit.

Authorities also recorded 37 NPA members killed and 29 apprehended in operations nationwide for the same period.

Among the most wanted rebels who died in a firefight was Menardo Villanueva in Barangay Libudon, Mabini, Davao de Oro on January 12.

Villanueva is the commander of the NPA's national operations command and a long-time secretary of the National Democratic Front (NDF) Southern Mindanao Regional Committee.

He also served as head of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Mindanao Commission and as Political Bureau Chief of the CPP's central committee.

Government troops also reduced the NPA's firepower with the seizure and surrender of 492 high-powered and low-powered firearms and 148 anti-personnel mines that the International Humanitarian Law strictly prohibits.

The military's operations, getting information from concerned citizens and former NPA rebels, resulted in the discovery of 66 communist terrorist encampments, mostly in Eastern Mindanao and the Visayas.

The military has attributed the gains against the communist terrorists to the support of communities and local government units through the National Task Force on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict.

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/1171532

Newest Coast Guard vessel completes first sea trial off Japan

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 6, 2022): Newest Coast Guard vessel completes first sea trial off Japan (By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz)

The Philippine Coast Guard's MRRV-9702, soon to be BRP Melchora Aquino after its commissioning ceremony. (Photo courtesy of PCG)

The Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) second 97-meter multi-role response vessel (MRRV) has completed its first sea trial off Shimonoseki in Yokohama, Japan.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, the PCG said the sea trial was performed by the vessel’s manufacturer, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co. Ltd.

The vessel -- dubbed MRRV-9702 or BRP Melchora Aquino once commissioned -- is on schedule to leave Japan for the Philippines by next month.

“Tulad ng MRRV-9701, ang MRRV-9702 ay mayroon maximum speed na hindi bababa sa 24 knots; endurance na di bababa sa 4,000 nautical miles (Like the MRRV-9701, the MRRV-9702 has a maximum speed of not lower than 24 knots and endurance of not lower than 4,000 nautical miles),” the PCG said.

These vessels are capable of sustained patrols at the West Philippine Sea, the Philippine Rise, and other areas within the Philippine exclusive economic zone.

The two vessels were purchased as part of the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project Phase 2.

Melchora Aquino, the MRRV-9702’s soon-to-be namesake -- was a revolutionary leader also known as “Tandang Sora” and was said to be the “mother of the Philippine revolution.”

MRRV-9701 -- to be dubbed BRP Teresa Magbanua after its formal commissioning -- arrived in the country in late February this year.

In March, the PCG and the Department of Transportation carried out a sea trial with the MRRV-9701 in vicinity waters off Bataan as part of the vessel’s final acceptance procedure.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1171563