Kalinaw News: Tactical Offensive Failed: 4 NPA killed, 16 Firearms Captured

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 7, 2022): Tactical Offensive Failed: 4 NPA killed, 16 Firearms Captured

Four NPA members were neutralized and 16 high-powered firearms were captured by the 1st Special Forces Battalion in a combat operation at Sitio KM 24, Brgy Tikalaan, Talakag, Bukidnon yesterday afternoon, April 6, 2022.

To divert the relentless combat operations of the 1st Special Forces Battalion against the Sub-Regional Command – 5, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee in Lanao del Sur since the beginning of 2022, one platoon of the said command – PLATUN IPAD, crossed from Lanao Del Sur to Bukidnon to launch a tactical offensive against Private Construction Companies in charge of building road projects, sabotage vulnerable military and police units, kill unsupportive Local Chief Executives and civilians, and for the coercive recovery of their former mass bases in the Province of Bukidnon.

The 1st SF Battalion launched a combat operation to prevent the CTG violent atrocities. An hour and fifty minutes firefight with the elements of PLATUN IPAD, SRC-5, NCMRC transpired that resulted in the neutralization of four (4) communist terrorists and the capture of 16 high-powered firearms, assorted magazines, ammunition, medicines, bandoliers, and backpacks.

LTC VERCISIO G SAN JOSE JR, Battalion Commander of 1SFB said, “There is no chance for them to conduct violent atrocities in the Province of Bukidnon. We will continue the relentless and aggressive fight to hunt down and neutralize every Communist Terrorists NPA element that refuses to heed the government’s call to lay down arms, abandon their twisted and violent communist ideology and to peacefully surrender and avail the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government. We will make sure that they will not hamper the peace and the progressive development of Bukidnon.”

BGEN FERDINAND T BARANDON PA, Commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, 4ID, PA, said, “These Communist Terrorists are responsible for the many deaths and sufferings of the people of Bukidnon. They took pride in committing violent acts such as extortion, destruction of government projects, and killing not just the military and police forces, but also unsupportive civilians. We have given our best efforts to end this armed conflict to give way to the peace and development of Bukidnon.”

The outstanding courage and determination shown by the 1st Special Forces Battalion with extreme risk of life above and beyond the call of duty are living proof that your Philippine Army is devoted to serving the Filipino people and protecting the country against violence and exploitation of the CTG.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/tactical-offensive-failed-4-npa-killed-16-firearms-captured/

Kalinaw News: Hunger and abandonment force seven NPA members to surrender in Davao

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 7, 2022): Hunger and abandonment force seven NPA members to surrender in Davao



MAWAB, Davao De Oro – Hunger, abandonment and social pressure from community compel seven (7) Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) to yield to government forces on two separate occasions in Davao De Oro and in Davao Del Norte on April 4 and April 5, 2022, respectively.

Troops from the 60th Infantry “Mediator” Battalion facilitated the surrender of three (3) CNTs from the Guerilla Front 3, bringing along with them two (2) M16 rifles, assorted medical paraphernalia, and war materiel at Sitio Bagtok, Brgy. Gupitan, Kapalong, Davao del Norte on April 5, 2022. Likewise, four (4) CNTs from the Guerilla Front 2 surrendered to 66th Infantry “Kabalikat” Battalion at Purok Kalantas, Barangay Macagong, Maragusan, Davao de Oro on April 4, 2022.

The returning rebels from both weakened guerilla fronts namely alias “Jisie”, “Eljen”, “Wanwan”, “Dencio”, “Bernon”, “Gorio” and “Yanyan” cited that hardship due to lack of supplies, encouragement from their former masses to surrender, and the humane treatment accorded to their former leaders who surrenderred earlier to the government compel them to yield as well.

MGen Nolasco A Mempin, 10ID commander lauds the troops for the safe return of the former rebels as the government continues its last push to eradicate insurgency in Southern Mindanao. “We will continue to support and help our former rebels through various government programs as they transition towards a peaceful and productive means of life. Rest assured that their surrender will not be put in vain,” MGen Mempin added.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/hunger-and-abandonment-force-seven-npa-membersto-surrender-in-davao/

LOOK: Military receives medium lift aircraft, 2 ATAK helicopters

From Rappler (Apr 7, 2022): LOOK: Military receives medium lift aircraft, 2 ATAK helicopters (By JAIRO BOLLEDO)

The C-295 aircraft was procured from Spain, while the 2 ATAK choppers are from Turkey

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) recently received a medium lift aircraft and two ATAK helicopters for the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

On Wednesday, April 6, the two T-129 ATAK choppers from Turkey and one C-295 Medium Lift Aircraft from Spain were turned over to the AFP in Villamor Airbase, Pasay City. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana led the ceremony, with AFP vice chief of staff Lieutenant General Erickson Gloria and PAF commanding general Lieutenant General Connor Anthony Canlas.

 

Lieutenant General Canlas with the guests of honor during the joint acceptance, turn-over, and blessing of air assets.

The two new ATAK choppers were delivered on March 9, part of the Air Force’s acquisition of 6 units of the said aircraft from the Turkish Aerospace Industries under the Horizon 2 of the AFP modernization program.

The new ATAK helicopters are two-engine, multi-role, and can operate in all types of weather. They are designed for advanced attack and reconnaissance missions of the military.

 

Secretary Delfin Lorenzana with the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey during the ceremonial pouring of champagne to one of the T-129 ATAK helicopters.

According to the Air Force, the new ATAK units will complement the existing surface strike systems of the PAF.

Meanwhile, the new C-295 aircraft arrived in the country on March 28, according to the AFP. The new aircraft was part of the first batch of deliveries bought from the Airbus Defense and Space company under the military’s Command and Control Fixed-Wing Turboprop Acquisition project.

Lieutenant General Connor Anthony Canlas and Lieutenant General Erickson Gloria during the ceremonial pouring of champagne on one of the T-129 ATAK helicopters

The newly turned over aircraft is the first of three C-295 aircraft bought by the AFP. The new C-295 will be used to transport personnel and equipment. It will also be used for disaster relief and humanitarian assistance operations of the military, according to the AFP.

For 2022, the military has beefed up its air assets through donations and acquisitions.

Canlas and Gloria during the ceremony.

On April 1, the Philippine Army received a Short Sherpa aircraft donated by a private institution. In February, the defense department signed a $624-million contract to buy 32 new sets of Black Hawk helicopters.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/military-receives-medium-lift-aircraft-atak-helicopters/

4 slain as Army soldiers, NPA rebels clash in Bukidnon anew

From Rappler (Apr 7, 2022): 4 slain as Army soldiers, NPA rebels clash in Bukidnon anew (By FROILAN GALLARDO)

The military says soldiers found 16 high-powered firearms and backpacks left behind by fleeing rebels, suggesting that many more are wounded

Four New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed when government troops clashed with them in a hinterland village in Talakag town in Bukidnon province on Wednesday afternoon, April 6.

Brigadier General Ferdinand Barandon, commander of Army’s Task Force Peacemaker, said the fighting started at around 5:30 pm and ended about two hours later.

The military claimed it suffered no casualties.

Major Francisco Garello Jr., the spokesman of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, said one of those killed was Jelly Sugnot, a young woman in her twenties.

Garello identified the other slain rebels as Carlisio D. Sumalinog, Jovilito Pontillas, and Gary Juliana.

Barandon said the soldiers, all under the 1st Special Forces Battalion, found at least 16 high-powered firearms and backpacks during subsequent clearing operations at the encounter site in Barangay Tikalaan, Talakag town.

The firearms include seven M16 rifles, two R4 carbines, an M653 rifle, three Garand rifles, an AK-47, and an M14 rifle.

“We believe that many more rebels were wounded because backpacks and firearms were strewn along their escape path,” he said.

The military said the soldiers encountered at least 30 rebels from the Platun Ipad of the NPA’s North-Central Mindanao Revolutionary Committee.

The same rebel group recently suffered major setbacks as a result of military operations in Impasug-ong town and the Mount Kitanglad range, forcing them to flee and head toward the Talakag, according to Barandon.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/mindanao/army-soldiers-npa-rebels-clash-bukidnon-anew-april-6-2022/

AFP dangles P5.3-million reward for Concha’s arrest

From Panay News (Apr 7, 2022): AFP dangles P5.3-million reward for Concha’s arrest (By Ruby Silubrico)

BOCALA

With P5.3 million being offered as reward, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is hopeful of catching its prized rebel target in Panay Island – Ma. Concepcion “Concha” Araneta-Bocala, peace consultant of the Communist Party of the Philippines and National Democratic Front.

Bocala – arrested for rebellion and other criminal charges by the combined forces of the military and police on Aug. 1, 2015 at a safe house in Barangay Calumpang, Molo district here – was temporarily released from detention in 2016 to participate in the peace talks between the rebels and the national government in Norway.

However, after President Rodrigo Duterte terminated the negotiations in 2017, Bocala disappeared. The AFF believed she sought the help of comrades to hide.

“Since may arrest warrant sya, she is our target,” said Major General Benedict Arevalo, commander of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID).

He described Bocala as a “communist terrorist group member”.

The bounty for her arrest was raised to P5.3 million from P4.8 million last year.

From what the military so far gathered, Bocala is no longer in Panay Island. But they are uncertain where she is now based.

What the 3ID is sure is that Bocala was not among the 16 rebels who died when the military bombed a New People’s Army (NPA) encampment in Barangay Alimodias, Miag-ao, Iloilo four months ago, on Dec. 1, 2021.

According to the military, Bocala also goes by the nom de guerre “Etang” and “Martha”and is serving as secretary general of the NPA’s Komiteng Rehiyon – Panay (KR-P).

Arevalo previously twitted Bocala for being “matanda na”.

“Dapat sa kanya mag-surrender na at magpahinga,” according to Arevalo.

Bocala is believed to be in her 70s.

Her husband Reynaldo died in a shootout with policemen on May 28, 2021 in Pavia, Iloilo. He held several positions in the NPA in Panay Island – deputy secretary of the NPA Southern Front Committee, chief of the NPA regional operational department, and finance officer.

Nine other suspected CTG personalities in Panay Island were recently named and the corresponding prize money for their arrest:

* Elmer Buencochillo alias Jess (multiple murder and frustrated murder) – P150,000

* Robhttps://www.panaynews.net/afp-dangles-p5-3-million-reward-for-conchas-arrest/erto Cabales alias Ted, Apid, Ryan, Robert (robbery in band with frustrated murder and damage to property) – P150,000

* Nahum Camariosa alias Bebong (multiple murder) – P150,000

* Arlo Vargas alias Allen (murder, robbery in band) – P1.05 million 

* Severino Geonago alias Berona, Dario, Tisoy (robbery with serious physical injury) – P500,000

* Roberto Gomia alias Toto, Miller, Eloy (destructive arson) – P1.05 million 

* Rexel Sejas – (multiple murder and frustrated murder) – P1.05 million 

* Magno Flores (murder) – P550,000

https://www.panaynews.net/afp-dangles-p5-3-million-reward-for-conchas-arrest/

NPA extortion activities spoiled in NegrOr

From the Visayan Daily Star (Apr 7, 2022): NPA extortion activities spoiled in NegrOr (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Fleeing NPA rebels left behind back packs containing military and CPP-NPA uniforms, among other items, at the encounter site in Brgy. Nagbinlod, Santa Catalina, Negros Oriental.*PA photo

The Army’s 11th Infantry Battalion reported that it has spoiled extortion activities and atrocities to be perpetrated allegedly by the New People’s Army, following an encounter yesterday in Sitio Igang, Brgy. Nagbinlod, Santa Catalina, Negros Oriental.

Lt. Col. Roderick Salayo, 11IB commander, disclosed that the encounter between Army soldiers and seven NPA members lasted 20 minutes and prompted rebels to flee in a northerly direction.

Recovered from the encounter site were a caliber .38 revolver, seven back packs containing personal belongings, a Baofeng communication radio, assorted medical supplies, four cellular phones and camouflage uniforms, among other items.

No soldiers were reported hurt in the gunbattle, while the 11IB is still verifying if the fleeing rebels had injured members.

The infantry units of 302nd and 303rd Infantry Brigades stationed in Negros Island have been relentlessly pursuing armed NPA rebels as the May 9 elections is fast approaching.

There are currently four towns and cities in Negros Occidental under the Red category because of threats from New People’s Army.

https://visayandailystar.com/npa-extortion-activities-spoiled-in-negror/

4 NPA rebels slain in Bukidnon clash – Army

From MindaNews (Apr 7, 2022): 4 NPA rebels slain in Bukidnon clash – Army (By FROILAN GALLARDO)

Special Forces operatives of the Philippine Army take a noontime rest at a sari-sari store in Brgy. San Vicente, Baungon, a neighboring town of Talakag, Bukidnon on Friday (Nov. 6, 2015). MindaNews file photo by H. MARCOS C. MORDENO

The military on Thursday said soldiers killed four New People’s Army rebels in an encounter in the mountains of Talakag town, Bukidnon Wednesday afternoon.

BGen Ferdinand Barandon, commander of Army Task Force “Peacemaker” said the fighting which started around 5:30 p.m. ended two hours later and resulted in the seizure of 16 high-powered firearms.

“We believe many more rebels were wounded based on the backpacks and firearms strewn along their escape paths,” Barandon said.

Barandon said soldiers clashed with 30 rebels belonging to Platun Ipad of the North Central Mindanao Revolutionary Committee in the mountains of Barangay Tikalaan, Talakag.

He said there were no casualties from the 1st Special Forces Battalion who clashed with the rebels.

“Platun IPAD are the rebels who fled to Maguing and Bumbaran after they suffered major setbacks in Impasugong town and Mt. Kitanglad,” Barandon said.

Maguing and Bumbaran are towns located in neighboring Lanao del Sur province.

Major Francisco Garello Jr., 4th Infantry Division spokesperson said one female in her 20s was among the four rebels killed in the clash.

Garello identified the dead female rebel as Jelly Sugnot, and the three others as Carlisio D. Sumalinog, Jovilito Pontillas and Gary Juliana.

He said the seized firearms included seven M16 rifles, two R4 carbines, one M653 rifle, three Garand rifles, one AK 47 rifle, and one M14 rifle.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2022/04/4-npa-rebels-slain-in-bukidnon-clash-army/

NPA platoon leader surrenders to NorMin police

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 7, 2022): NPA platoon leader surrenders to NorMin police (By Franck Dick Rosete)

ANOTHER NPA LEADER YIELDS. A New People's Army platoon commander who surrenders to the Police Regional Office in Northern Mindanao 10 is received by Brig. Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr., PRO-10 director, Wednesday afternoon. The NPA leader brought with him two high-powered weapons. (Photo courtesy of PRO-10)

A platoon leader of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Bukidnon has surrendered to the Police Regional Office of Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) Wednesday afternoon.

Brigadier Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr., PRO-10 director, identified the surrenderer only as Brabong, commanding officer of Platoon 3, Sub-Regional Committee 5 (SRC5), North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC), who is from the Bukidnon town of Talakag.

Brabong turned over two high-powered firearms during the surrender rite at the PRO-10 headquarters in Camp Vicente Alagar here.

Acorda said NPA rebel was one of the responsible for the recent abduction of a policeman in the Bukidnon town of Kalilangan. The police officer was released after two months and 18 days of captivity.

Brabong's guerilla front was also involved in extortion activities victimizing businesses, farmers, and construction companies under the SRC-5, NCMRC's operational sphere, Acorda added.

Lt. Col. Michelle Olaivar, PRO-10 spokesperson, said a former rebel helped facilitate Brabong's surrender.

"He (Brabong) communicated to a former rebel, who also surrendered to us. That was the start. When we confirmed, we immediately fetched him in Talakag town," Olaivar said.

Brabong surrendered an M72 Light Anti-tank Weapon (LAW) caliber 66mm Rocket Launcher and an M1919 Browning .30-caliber machine gun with 228 rounds of ammunition, Olaivar said.

Meanwhile, Acorda underscored the coordination among the police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and community residents in convincing NPA rebels to return to mainstream society.

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 (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/1171625

21 more NPA rebels, supporters surrender in Albay

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 7, 2022): 21 more NPA rebels, supporters surrender in Albay (By Connie Calipay)

At least nine New People's Army (NPA) rebels and 12 members of the communist movement's Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad (SPL) voluntarily surrendered early this week and were welcomed by the 49th Infantry Battalion (49IB) in Ligao City in Albay province, a military report said.

Maj. John Paul Belleza, 9th Infantry Division (9ID) spokesperson, in an interview on Thursday said weapons were also surrendered during the presentation of the former rebels and turnover ceremony on Tuesday.

"The former rebels also surrendered one M1 Garand rifle, one M2 Carbine rifle, one .45 pistol, and two .38 revolver pistols," Belleza said.

He said that Lt. Col. Benjamin Tapnio, 49IB commander, personally met the former rebels who renounced their support for the communist terrorist group.

“Ikinagagalak po ng tropa ng 49IB 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. (The 49IB and the citizens of Albay are glad because of your voluntary submission and renouncement. May this serve as a way to encourage our former companions to voluntarily surrender and withdraw their support to CTG. Let’s give them hope and bring them on a straighter path towards peace),” he said.

Col. Edmundo G. Peralta, 902nd Infantry Brigade commander also warmly welcomed the rebel returnees.

Peralta said their voluntary submission and renouncement are of great importance not only for them in the Philippine Army but as well as for their families.

He also added that it is a big achievement not only for the Philippine Army but as well as for themselves and the citizens.

Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo, Police Regional Office (PRO5) director, said they will continue to encourage the remaining active members of the communist NPA, including its supporters in Albay to renounce and surrender to the folds of the law.

“Hangga’t may 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 (As long as we have remaining brothers and sisters who are still victims of false ideologies of the enemy, the government troops will not stop encouraging them)," he said.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Alex Luna, 9ID and Joint Task Force (JTF) Bicolandia commander assured that former rebels who surrendered will receive benefits that will give them and their families another hope through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC).

“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 (Surrendering and renouncing is an indication that peace is in our hands not just in Albay but in the entire region. It also shows that all our strategies and programs are effective mostly for our our brothers)," Luna added.

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 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/1171649

PAF, US Navy aircraft to hold ‘simulated kill’ combat tactics

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 7, 2022): PAF, US Navy aircraft to hold ‘simulated kill’ combat tactics (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of PAF

Philippine Air Force (PAF) FA-50PH jet fighters will conduct "dissimilar air combat tactics" (DACT) with Hawker Hunter aircraft of the US Navy on Friday, the last day of the two-week "Balikatan" exercises.

"The last flight of the FA-50s of the 5th Fighter Wing with the Hawker Hunters of the US Navy will be on April 8, they will do DACT," said PAF spokesperson, Col. Maynard Mariano, in a message to the Philippine News Agency Thursday.

He added that these exercises will have two Korea Aerospace Industries FA-50PH planes going head-to-head with Hawker Hunter transonic aircraft which the US Navy contracted for this purpose.

DACT refers to training where two dissimilar aircraft are pitted against each other in air-to-air combat.

Winners are generally the fighter teams who can successfully manage to get the so-called "simulated kill" via the opposing jet fighters' air-to-air missile or gunnery systems.

Mariano said the FA-50PH and Hawker Hunter aircraft will conduct "four sorties" on the said training.

Aside from the DACT, PAF and participating US air units also conducted defensive counter-air, and offensive counter-air exercises along with tactics in the fighter and missile engagement zones in the past two weeks, the PAF spokesperson added.

"SMEEs (subject matter expert exchanges) and practical exercises were also done for surface-to-air missile employment concentrating on its command-and-control, hand-over of defenses, and employment and deployment planning," Mariano said.

Participating in these exercises are the American Lockheed Martin F-16s "Fighting Falcon" fighter aircraft and the Patriot surface-to-air missile system, and UH-60 "Black Hawk" while the Air Force deployed the FA-50PHs and the anti-aircraft units of the PAF's 960th Air and Missile Defense Group.

"Balikatan" which means “shoulder-to-shoulder” or “shouldering the load together” is an annual joint and combined exercise hosted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and US Indo-Pacific Command conducted to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences.

Participants in this year's "Balikatan" exercises are 3,800 members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and 5,100 US military personnel -- the largest number of combined personnel of the two militaries in the annual exercise since the start of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic in 2020.

During the "Balikatan" 2021, at least 226 American and 415 Filipino military personnel participated, while "Balikatan" 2020 was canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

PH, US troops hold air assault exercise

Meanwhile, the Philippine Army (PA) and its US Army Pacific (USARPAC) counterparts have conducted an air assault exercise in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija from April 4 to 5.

"The air assault exercise -- spearheaded by PA and USARPAC (jointly called the Combined Army Forces or CARFOR) -- was highlighted by the seizure of multiple objectives through the company-level combined air assault launched by the PA 1st Brigade Combat Team and USARPAC’s 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division," said Army spokesperson, Col. Xerxes Trinidad, in a statement Wednesday night.

The exercise tested the interoperability of both armies in a holistic exercise that incorporated elements of combined joint special operations forces reconnaissance; chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives (CBRNE); counter-improvised explosive device (C-IED); site exploitation; and military operations on urban terrain (MOUT).

Another highlight of the exercise is the nighttime sling load training where soldiers rigged up a piece of equipment onto all-weather, medium-lift "Chinook" and "Black Hawk" helicopters using sling sets, cargo nets, and other specially designed equipment.

Sling loading equipment allows units to avoid obstacles that may hinder them from promptly reaching their target destination. The technique is also used to reach areas where the use of convoys is impractical or unfeasible.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1171628

PMC activates battalion to operate BrahMos missile system

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 7, 2022): PMC activates battalion to operate BrahMos missile system (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of Philippine Marine Corps

The country's archipelagic coastal defense capabilities got a jump start with the recent activation of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC)'s Shore Based Anti-Ship Missile (SBASM) battalion.

“The activation of SBASM (Provisional) will certainly add to drumbeat the heartbeat, and deliver the knockout punch for our archipelagic coastal defense capability,” PMC commandant Maj. Gen. Nestor Herico said in a statement Thursday.

The SBASM battalion which was activated on April 3, the first in the PMC, will be operating one of the best anti-ship missile systems on the planet which can quickly detect, track, chase, and destroy targets.

The PMC is expected to receive a coastal battery next year from Indian defense firm BrahMos Aerospace Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi (BAPL).

A missile battery typically consists of three mobile autonomous launchers with two or three missile tubes each, along with the tracking systems.

A SBMS (shore-based missile system) is a significant part of any reliable coastal defense system in pursuit of maritime security while in a defensive posture.

It addresses the country’s military’s weaknesses and vulnerability in sea control, anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD), and coastal and island defense operations as guided by the PN Active Archipelagic Defense Strategy and PMC Archipelagic Coastal Defense Concept.

Herico also called on SBASM Battalion commander Lt. Col. Miguel P. Perez, to train Marines under his command and forge the newest cutting-edge technology of the AFP.

“You will be striking the first hammer blow in forging the 'newest cutting edge' of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in terms of territorial defense,” Herico added.

Last January, the Department of National Defense (DND) officially signed the contract for the acquisition of Indian-made BrahMos medium-range ramjet supersonic cruise missiles.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and BrahMos Aerospace director general Atul Dinkar Rane signed the contract worth PHP18.9 billion in a virtual ceremony at the DND headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Three batteries of the BrahMos cruise missiles will be acquired by the country under this contract. Lorenzana also said that the BrahMos cruise missiles will greatly beef up the PN's firepower, particularly the Philippine Marine Corps' Coast Defense Regiment.

He added that the BrahMos cruise missile system will provide counter-attack capabilities within the Philippine exclusive economic zone.

"As the world's fastest supersonic cruise missiles, the BrahMos missiles will provide deterrence against any attempt to undermine our sovereignty and sovereign rights, especially in the West Philippine Sea," Lorenzana said.

The BrahMos cruise missile can be launched from a ship, aircraft, submarine, or land and has a top speed of around Mach 2.8 (around 3,400 km. per hour), and is capable of carrying warheads weighing 200 to 300 kilograms.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1171661

Party-list survey results prove KABAG's deception to voters

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 7, 2022): Party-list survey results prove KABAG's deception to voters (By Wilnard Bacelonia)

NTF-ELCAC spokesperson and PCOO Undersecretary Lorraine Marie Badoy (PNA file photo)

The Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) continues to deceive voters as what the latest Pulse Asia survey results show, National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) spokesperson for Sectoral Concerns, Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy, said on Thursday.

Based on the March 2022 Pulse Asia survey for party-list preference and seat allocation, Gabriela got 1.46 percentage points which would most likely give them two seats if the May 2022 elections took place during the survey period.

The survey also reported that Bayan Muna got 1.76 percentage points and Alliance of Concerned Teachers got .65 percentage points giving each one a seat in Congress.

"The latest survey, pinapakita niya talaga kung gaano kalalim yung panloloko na ginagawa ng CPP-NPA-NDF, yang KABAG, sa taumbayan na humaharap sila, hinihingi yung tiwala natin pero hindi nila inaamin na CPP-NPA-NDF sila para makabalik uli sa Kongreso (The latest survey shows how deep CPP-NPA-NDF, that KABAG, deceive the people that they can face them asking for our trust but they do not admit that they are CPP-NPA-NDF so they can return to Congress)," Badoy said during the launch of Duterte Legacy Caravan Project through convergence of all government agencies at the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) headquarters in Taguig City.

The survey results, she said, made the NTF-ELCAC committed to following President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's call not to vote for the KABAG - Kabataan, Anakpawis, Bayan Muna, Alliance of Concerned Teachers, and Gabriella.

"Ang Pangulong Duterte bababa siya sa June 13 na siya na yata yung pangulo na 72 percent trust and approval ratings so ang ibig sabihin, pinagkakatiwalaan natin siya at sinasabi ko sa inyo na hindi kayo nagkamali sa pagbigay ng tiwala na yan. Kung kaya't yung kanyang guidance sa atin na huwag nang iboto ang KABAG, inuulit ko lang yan sa sinabi niya. Kung hindi, kawawa tayo (President Duterte will step down on June 13 with a 72 percent trust and approval ratings, which means, we trust him and I am telling you that you've made the right decision for giving that trust. That is why his guidance to us not to vote for KABAG, I am just repeating what he said. If not, we will suffer)," Badoy said.

She also urged the Filipino voters to join the government in stopping the 53 years of suffering that the CPP-NPA-NDF and its operative, KABAG have caused.

Adhering to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum Circular No. 2022-035 entitled “Suporta sa Duterte Legacy Caravans”, the Duterte Legacy Caravan Project thru convergence of all government agencies in NCRPO is the first PNP-led program that would continue in different parts of the country until May 1.

The memorandum circular also states that the initiative will be supported and participated by concerned Local Government Units in all regions of the country in line with the Duterte Legacy organized by the PCOO, DILG, and PNP.

It aims to inform the public about the government's programs, policies, and efforts to bring about real change by showcasing real stories from the beneficiaries of the Duterte Administration's landmark programs as well as delivering basic services of various government agencies during the caravans.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1171722