Cop killed, another hurt; 4 suspects nabbed in Zambo Sur clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 20, 2022): Cop killed, another hurt; 4 suspects nabbed in Zambo Sur clash (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

Google map of Sominot municipality, Zamboanga del Sur.

Four suspected gunmen were separately arrested after an encounter that resulted in the death of a policeman and wounding of another in Zamboanga del Sur, a top police official said Wednesday.

Two of the four arrested suspects were also injured during Tuesday afternoon's clash along the boundary of Barangays New Oroquieta and New Carmen in Sominot town, according to Zamboanga del Sur police director Col. Diomarie Albarico.

Albarico identified the arrested suspects as Rogelio Mehoy Cabasan, 52, a village watchman; Tito Sereno Mabanto, 36; Dioneso Sereno Mabanto, 57; and Leonie Sereno Mabanto, 48.

Albarico said the encounter occurred while the personnel of the Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Intelligence Unit (ZSPIU) were checking on the reported presence of two motorcycle-riding gunmen in the area.

A member of the ZSPIU, Staff Sgt. Khalid Jade Dacula was killed while Staff Sgt. Ronald Banagbanag was wounded during the clash.

Reinforcements from the Sominot municipal police station, the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company, and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion’s 902nd Company arrived at the clash site but the gunmen had escaped, Albarico said.

A follow-up operation led by Albarico was launched that resulted in the arrest of Cabasan, who was injured, around 5:24 p.m. Tuesday in Barangay New Oroquieta.

Recovered from the possession of Cabasan were a .357 Magnum revolver and a .45 caliber pistol.

Albarico said the other three suspects were arrested around 5:55 p.m. on the same day, also in New Oroquieta.

One of the suspects, Mabanto, had a bullet wound on his right leg, the police official said.

Recovered from the three suspects were an M-16 rifle, a magazine for a .45-caliber pistol, and the missing 9mm pistol of the slain cop.

Albarico said appropriate charges will be filed against the suspects.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1172529

4 soldiers hurt in Albay clash with Reds

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 20, 2022): 4 soldiers hurt in Albay clash with Reds (By Connie Calipay)

Some four soldiers were wounded in a clash with New People's Army (NPA) rebels in a village here on Tuesday, the military reported Wednesday.

Maj. John Paul Belleza, 9th Infantry Division (9ID) spokesperson, said the firefight occurred at around 1 p.m. in Barangay Bariis.

Belleza, in a text message to the Philippine News Agency, said troops of the 31st Infantry Battalion (31IB) encountered more or less 10 NPA rebels.

"Four soldiers were wounded with shrapnel from an exploded anti-personnel mine. They are currently in stable condition. One was already discharged from the hospital," Belleza said.

He said the communist guerillas fled toward the eastern direction of Barangay Cagbacong after a few minutes of exchanging fire.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, another 10-minute clash occurred as troops pursued the rebels in Barangay Mariawa, also in this city of Albay province.

"No casualties among the government troops while (it was) undetermined on the enemy side," Belleza said.

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

The National Democratic Front (NDF) has also 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/1172561

Army, LGU facilitate transport of NPA rebel's body

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 20, 2022): Army, LGU facilitate transport of NPA rebel's body (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

SLAIN REBEL. The body of Jonard Salo, alleged Team 2 Leader of the remnants of the NPA's South East Front in Negros Oriental, will be transported to Calatrava, Negros Occidental. Salo was killed during an encounter with the Army's 11th Infantry Battalion troops on April 14, 2022 in Sitio Tulong, Barangay Enrique Villanueva in Sibulan, Negros Oriental. (Photo courtesy of 11th IB, Philippine Army)

The 11th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army based in Siaton, Negros Oriental, is helping facilitate the requirements for the transport of a suspected Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) rebel to his hometown in Calatrava, Negros Occidental.

1st Lieutenant Rogem Pearl Lanuza, 11IB Civil-Military Operations officer, told the Philippine News Agency on Wednesday afternoon that among the needed documents are a police blotter report, the death certificate, and a permit to transport the body from the local government unit (LGU) of Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental.

Jonard Salo, alias Lino/Rapid/Nikko, the alleged Team 2 leader of the remnants of the NPA’s dismantled South East Front, was killed during the April 14 encounter with 11IB troops in Sitio Tulong, Barangay Enrique Villanueva in Sibulan, Negros Oriental.

In that incident, the soldiers recovered an arms cache and the body of Salo, with the aid of a military working dog, soon after the encounter.

Lanuza said the documents have to be obtained from the LGU of Sta. Catalina as the encounter site sits on the boundary of this southern town and Sibulan.

The slain rebel's remains are at a funeral home in Bayawan City, Negros Oriental, where his brother is currently residing, but the cadaver will have to be brought to their parents' home in Barangay Cambayobo, Calatrava, she said.

The Calatrava LGU will provide the vehicle to transport the body of Salo, once all the documentary requirements are completed, she added.

The parents have not seen Salo for 11 years, thinking all the while that he was employed in Manila, and did not have any inkling that he had joined the underground movement, the Army officer said, quoting the brother.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Roderick Salayo, 11IB commanding officer, said “we are extending our assistance to Jonard Salo as a sign of our sincerity to help, of course, because he is a brother Filipino and it is just unfortunate that he was bearing arms against the government for quite a long time”.

“It is sad to note that his life ended this way,” Salayo added.

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/1172576

68 ‘snipers’ vie for slot with PA shooting team

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 20, 2022): 68 ‘snipers’ vie for slot with PA shooting team (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

MARKSMANSHIP ASSESSMENT. Some 68 soldiers coming from five Army Infantry Divisions based in Mindanao are seeing action in the 12-day marksmanship skills evaluation at Camp Major Cesar Sang-an in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur. The participants of the activity, which kicked off Monday (April 18, 2022) will exhibit their marksmanship skills in pistol, rifle, and machine-gun categories. (Photo courtesy of the Army's 1st Infantry Division)

Sixty-eight marksmen from five Army Infantry Divisions in Mindanao are seeing action in the 12-day Philippine Army Marksmanship Assessment and Evaluation (PAMAE) 2022, with the 1st Infantry Division (ID) as the host.

The PAMAE, which kicked off Monday and ends April 29, is being held at Camp Major Cesar Sang-an housing the 1ID headquarters in Barangay Upper Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.

Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, 1ID commander, said Wednesday the participants are from the Army's 1st, 4th, 6th, 10th, and 11th Infantry Divisions, the Philippine Army’s major units in Mindanao.

Ponio said the participants will exhibit their marksmanship skills in the men’s pistol, women’s pistol, rifle, and machine-gun categories.

Ponio said the PAMAE aims to evaluate the marksmanship skills of the personnel assigned in the different Army combat units across the country.

It also seeks to scout and develop young and potential shooters who will augment the PA Shooters Contingent during participation in various local and international shooting competitions.

Moreover, Ponio said the annual rating is also designed to increase the pool of instructors of the Marksmanship Training School (MTS).

“Marksmanship is one of the indispensable competencies of our soldiers,” Ponio said in a statement. “We will train our soldiers until they attain that high level of proficiency in their marksmanship skills."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1172548

PH, US defense chiefs meet to further beef up alliance

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 20, 2022): PH, US defense chiefs meet to further beef up alliance (By Priam Nepomuceno)

ALLIES. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (right) shakes the hands of his counterpart, US Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III during their meeting at the Pentagon in Washington DC on Tuesday (April 19, 2022). The two secretaries discussed ways to further improve the alliance between the United States and the Philippines. (Photo from the Facebook page of Secretary Lorenzana)

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and his US counterpart, Lloyd J. Austin III, met at the Pentagon in Washington DC on Tuesday (Philippine time) for another bilateral meeting to enhance the two nations' alliance.

Lorenzana said his latest meeting with Austin would also be his farewell call as he ends his term as defense chief in 72 days.

"At the Pentagon with US Department of Defense (DoD) Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III for another bilateral meeting to discuss ways to continue to deepen cooperation under the US-Philippines alliance," he said on his Facebook page Tuesday night.

It was the third time Lorenzana personally met with Austin – once in Manila and twice in Washington DC.

The two discussed strengthening mutual defense treaty commitments, enhancing maritime cooperation, and improving interoperability in information sharing.

A statement released by the US defense department said Austin lauded Lorenzana for advancing some of the alliance's initiatives.

"I know that our teams have been meeting frequently… over the past year, and they've done a great deal to advance some of the forward-looking alliance initiatives that you and I have discussed," he said.

He added that this is a testament to the strength of the US-Philippines alliance and friendship and Lorenzana's leadership.

Austin pointed to the size of the joint US-Philippine Exercise Balikatan – the first since the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic – as an example of the vitality of the alliance between the nations.

"Despite the pandemic, this was one of the largest of these exercises ever, including exercising a new range of capabilities," he said. "And that just underscores our shared commitment to this alliance, and that commitment is ironclad."

Austin said Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine points to the need for countries to stand together to defend the international, rules-based architecture that has served the world well since the end of World War II.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1172507

Facebook move to restrict Esperon post 'offensive': ELCAC spox

 From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 20, 2022): Facebook move to restrict Esperon post 'offensive': ELCAC spox (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

FB WARNING. A screenshot of Esperon's post on April 14, 2022 that received a warning from Facebook. Esperon said in a separate FB post that he knows better about matters of national security. (Screenshot from Esperon's Facebook account)

A spokesperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) scored Facebook and its fact-checkers for their "imprudence and audacity" to issue a warning to National Security Adviser (NSA) Hermogenes Esperon Jr. for a post urging Filipinos to unite to end insurgency.

Interior Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya, also NTF-ELCAC spokesperson, described the move as "alarming if not dangerous," saying the social media giant and its third-party fact-checkers Rappler and Vera Files are "overly focused" on calling out and restricting accounts of government officials while turning a blind eye to others.

"The imprudence of FB to warn Secretary Esperon on a national security issue is unthinkable and downright offensive as the social media platform has taken on the role of Big Brother with the power to censure the social media posts of the NSA himself on matters of national security," Malaya said in a statement Wednesday.

Esperon's Facebook post on April 14 partly read: "In ending insurgency, the Filipinos must unite against armed struggle and against organizations, aboveground and underground, that support the New People's Army, including Communist Party (CPP) members who have infiltrated the Congress through the partylist system."

In response to the warning, Esperon said in a separate Facebook post: "What's wrong with this to restrict me? I should know better than you do on matters of national security."

Malaya said Facebook has "appointed itself as an omnipotent force that can censure at their discretion – based on standards that they themselves created – the legitimate posts of highly respected officials of the country."

He urged Facebook to revisit and modify its "obviously one-sided" standards, saying these "serve to promote the interests of the few and powerful."

He called on the social media giant to stick to its goal of helping people connect and engage, and to leave national security matters to the experts.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1172509

Roque to review PH criminal jurisdiction over US soldiers

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 20, 2022): Roque to review PH criminal jurisdiction over US soldiers

Senatorial candidate Harry Roque (File photo)

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has commended UniTeam senatorial aspirant Harry Roque for seeking justice for disadvantaged and marginalized Filipinos like murdered transgender Jennifer Laude.

Duterte asked Roque to reconfigure the criminal jurisdiction over foreign soldiers that commit offenses on Philippine soil under the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).

If elected to the Senate, Roque said he would look into the provision concerning non-service-related crimes committed by American soldiers.

In 2014, US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton killed Laude in Olongapo City. As legal counsel to the Laude family, Roque secured a homicide conviction against the American serviceman in 2015.

The Olongapo City Trial Court sentenced Pemberton to a 12-year maximum prison term. The court reduced it to 10 years based on an appeal. After serving his sentence for over five years, Pemberton received a presidential pardon in 2020.

But Roque pointed out that Pemberton was never remanded to Philippine police custody during the court trial. He cited a VFA clause that allows the US to get custody of personnel arrested for a non-service-related offense pending their conviction.

Roque said such an arrangement contradicts the country's VFAs with Australia and Japan. The Philippines has automatic custody of any Australian or Japanese personnel found violating domestic laws while not on official duty.

"In terms of criminal jurisdiction, our military agreement with the US should follow our VFAs with Japan and Australia. Otherwise, we will have a hard time prosecuting foreign soldiers who commit heinous crimes in our country," he said.

Roque recommended that the custody of visiting military personnel charged with a crime in the Philippines should be with Filipino authorities.

"Our experience with the Laude case shows that, while our defense treaties with the US are in effect, the Philippines is still treated as a colony of America," Roque said.

The former presidential spokesman noted that only American military personnel has this special treatment in the country.

Roque also said an American disclosed that Pemberton would shuttle back and forth to the Philippines while the case was on trial.

"If a Filipino soldier commits the same offense while on official duty in US territory, I think American authorities would automatically demand absolute custody of the Filipino suspect," Roque said.

Both the Philippines and the US signed a VFA in 1998, which reaffirmed their obligations under the Mutual Defense Treaty.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1172575

55 PMA cadets joining PAF tour 15th Strike Wing

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 21, 2022): 55 PMA cadets joining PAF tour 15th Strike Wing (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo taken from 15th Strike Wing Facebook page

At least 55 cadets of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 2022, who are set to join the Philippine Air Force (PAF) after graduation, have experienced a demonstration flight when they visited the 15th Strike Wing Wednesday to get a first-hand look at the aircraft and equipment used by the unit.

In a Facebook post Thursday, the 15th Strike Wing, the Air Force unit responsible for the overall tactical and ground air support operations in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said the aerocadets interacted with the pilots and toured the 16th Attack Squadron's A-29B Super Tucanos Basic Aircraft Training Device.

"Selected cadets were also given the opportunity to ride the AW-109AH and the MD-520MG for a demonstration flight," the post read.

The 15th Strike Wing headquarters is located at the Major Danilo Atienza Air Base, Sangley Point in Cavite City and is equipped with a variety of ground attack aircraft and helicopters.

The future PAF officers also made a courtesy call to the 15th Strike Wing commander, Brig. Gen. Aristotle Gonzalez, who reminded the cadets to put into practice the lessons from the Academy.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1172598

Reserves play key role in peace, dev't efforts, nat'l emergencies

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 21, 2022): Reserves play key role in peace, dev't efforts, nat'l emergencies (By Priam Nepomuceno)

CALL TO ACTIVE DUTY. A total of 103 reserve officers who will undergo the two-year Call to Active Duty Tour for Training during the send-off ceremony at the Philippine Army Grandstand, Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila on April 19, 2022. The training gives them the chance to serve in the regular force. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army)

A ranking Philippine Army (PA) official said reserve officers play a crucial role in the "total force" concept of the military, especially in times of national emergencies.

PA vice commander Maj. Gen. Henry M. Doyaoen made this statement during the send-off ceremony for the 103 Call to Active Duty Tour for Training (CADTT) officers last April 19 at the Philippine Army Grandstand in Fort Bonifacio.

"I am proud to witness a new batch of CADTT officers who can actively and wholeheartedly serve the Filipino people and the country in challenging situations. As you transition into serving with our regular Army units, I urge you all to maximize your learning for the duration of your two-year active duty tour for training,” he said in a statement Wednesday night.

The CADTT is a program that gives reserve officers the opportunity to serve in the regular force. The program hones their capabilities in leading and managing small unit operations as part of a bigger force.

Doyaoen also highlighted the Army reserve force’s crucial role in the humanitarian assistance and disaster response efforts, particularly during the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, the eruption of Taal volcano, the onslaught of “Odette” late last year, and more recently Tropical Storm Agaton, the first tropical cyclone to hit the country this year.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1172602

Envoy’s visit bolsters PH-Australian defense ties

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 21, 2022): Envoy’s visit bolsters PH-Australian defense ties (By Priam Nepomuceno)

DEFENSE TIES. Philippine Army commanding general Army Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr., hands a memento to Australian envoy H.E. Steven J. Robinson AO in a courtesy call at the Headquarters Philippine Army, Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila to bolster the Philippine-Australia defense ties on April 20, 2022. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army)

The defense ties between the Philippines and Australia got a further boost following the courtesy call on Wednesday of Australian Ambassador Steven J. Robinson AO to Army commander Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. in Fort Bonifacio.

"The CGPA (Commanding General Philippine Army) and Ambassador Robinson discussed how the Australian Army could help the Philippine Army transition to focus on territorial defense operations," Army spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said on Thursday.

Trinidad said "it was discussed how they (Australia) can help the Army. These can be achieved thru military exercises and bolster the capabilities and interoperability of both armies against all forms of threats," Trinidad said in a message to the Philippine News Agency.

He added the PA has been strengthening its relations with its neighboring armies and partners.

"The Army benefits from multilateral engagements with its counterparts to acquire knowledge, share experiences, and enhance its relations. We have been engaging our military counterparts in the region and military exercises are often discussed for both parties as a way to strengthen the interoperability of both parties in addressing threats," Trinidad said.

He added that three agreements underpin the Philippine-Australia bilateral defense ties -- the 1995 Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperative Defense Activities; the Philippines-Australia Status of Visiting Forces Agreement; and the 2015 Comprehensive Partnership Agreement.

"The PA, Australian Army, Philippine Marine Corps, and the US Marine Corps are scheduled to hold the 2022 edition of Carabaroo, a trilateral combined-joint exercise aimed at enhancing participating forces’ counter-terrorism and counter-violent extremism capabilities, as well as bolstering collective resolve, teamwork, mutual learning," Trinidad said.

Also, PA Special Forces Regiment (Airborne), First Scout Ranger Regiment, Light Reaction Regiment, and their counterparts from the Australian Army are slated to conduct the annual Dusk Caracha, a combined bilateral exercise aimed at enhancing interoperability and counter-terrorism and other non-traditional capabilities of both armies.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1172605

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Huling kasong diskwalipikasyon laban kay Marcos Jr., ibinasura ng Comelec

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 20, 2022): Huling kasong diskwalipikasyon laban kay Marcos Jr., ibinasura ng Comelec (Last disqualification case against Marcos Jr., dismissed by the Comelec)

April 21, 2022

Kagaya ng inaasahan, tuluyan nang ibinasura ng Commission on Elections (Comelec) nitong Agosto 20 ang huling kasong diskwalipikasyon laban sa dating senador na si Ferdinand Marcos Jr. bilang kandidato sa pagkapangulo sa darating na halalan. Inihain ang pangatlo at huling kasong diskwalipikasyon ng isang grupong Ilocano.

Ibinatay ang pagsampa ng mga kasong diskwalipikasyon laban kay Marcos Jr. sa hatol ng Regional Trial Court sa Quezon City noong 1993. Nahatulang nagkasala si Marcos Jr. sa hindi pagbayad ng kanyang income tax o buwis mula 1983 hanggang 1985 noong siya’y naging bise gubernador at bandang huli ay gubernador ng Ilocos Norte.

Anang mga nagpetisyon, ang hindi niya pagbayad ng buwis ay isang kaso ng “moral turpitude” ng isang upisyal publiko na nagdidiskwalipika sa kanya sa pagtakbo o paghawak ng pusisyon sa gubyerno. Ang “moral turpitude” ay isang akto o gawi na lumalabag sa sentimyento o tinatanggap na kalakaran sa isang komunidad tulad ng pagbayad ng buwis sa gubyerno bilang isang mamamayan, laluna kapag siya ay isang upisyal ng gubyerno.

“Hindi kami kumbinsido sa kanilang argumento”, sabi ni Commissioner Socorro Inting, ang pinuno ng Comelec First Division. Sa 10-pahinang desisyon ng First Division, sinabi nito na hindi mali ang hindi pagbayad ni Marcos Jr. ng kanyang mga buwis.

Noong Pebrero 10, ibasura ng Commission First Division, sa pamumuno ni Commissioner Aimee Ferolino, ang unang kasong diskwalipikasyon na isinampa ng Campaign Against the Return of the Marcoses and Martial Law (CARMMA) at ng iba pang demokratikong grupo.

Ayon kay Bonifacio Ilagan, tanyag na dramatista at convenor ng CARMMA, “Pinagtibay lamang ng nasabing desisyon ang aming mga pagdududa tungkol sa integridad ng Comelec at ng prosesong elektoral.” Malinaw na ang pinakahuling desisyon ng Comelec sa kasong diskwalipikasyon ni Marcos Jr. ay nagbigay pabor sa kanyang kandidatura.

Dati nang ibinunyag ni dating Commissioner Rowena Guanzon na nakisawsaw sa pagdedesisyon ng Comelec ang isang maimpluwensyang senador na malapit kay Duterte at idolo rin nito ang diktador Marcos.

Nang magkaroon ng mga bakante ang Comelec dulot ng pagretiro ng ilang komisyuner, pinuno ito ni Duterte ng kanyang mga tauhan na tubong Davao City tulad nina Inting, Ferolino at Marlon Casquejo. Dahil dito, lalong tumibay ang paniniwala ng CARMMA na hindi magiging malaya at patas ang halalan.

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/huling-kasong-diskwalipikasyon-laban-kay-marcos-jr-ibinasura-ng-comelec/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Mga sundalo, naghahasik ng lagim sa Agusan del Norte

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 20, 2022): Mga sundalo, naghahasik ng lagim sa Agusan del Norte (Soldiers, sowing terror in Agusan del Norte)

 

April 20, 2022

Mula Pebrero hanggang ikalawang linggo ng Marso, walang tigil ang 29th IB sa paghahasik ng terorismo laban sa mga sibilyan sa mga baryo sa Santiago at Jabonga, Agusan del Norte. Bahagi ito ng kampanyang kontra-insurhensya ng rehimeng Duterte.

Sa Santiago, sinalakay ng mga elemento ng 29th IB noong Marso 15 ang mga bahay ng mga minero sa Sinamparong sa Mt. Manhupao. Hinalughog nila ang mga bahay at inakusahang mga suporter ng BHB ang mga nakatira rito. Ginulo nila ang gamit at pinaghahagis pati ang mga alagang manok.

Bago nito, noong Marso 3, kinordon at nilimitahan sa 5 kilong bigas lamang ang pwedeng bilhin ng mga residente sa Palo 11, Barangay Poblacion sa parehong bayan. Pinipipirma at minomonitor din ang mga minerong pumapasok sa panning area ng Mt. Manhupao. Isang sibilyan ang pinaputukan ng kumander ng detatsment ng CAFGU sa lugar.

Noong Pebrero 22, pitong minero ang iligal na inaresto at tinortyur sa Mt. Manhupao. Pinagbantaan sila para pigilang magsalita tungkol sa pangyayari.

Noong Pebrero 20, sinalakay at niransak din ng mga sundalo ang tatlong bahay sa Sinamparong, Mt. Manhupao. Noong Pebrero 16, inakusahan ng mga sundalo ang minerong si Mario Montel na sumusuporta sa BHB dahil lamang may nakaimbak siyang pagkain sa isang tunnel mine. Aniya, ang pagkain ay suplay niya at iba pang minero habang nasa panning erya.

Sa Jabonga, nilimitahan ng 29th IB ang bigas na maaaring bilhin ng mga residente matapos sila akusahan na mga tagasuporta ng BHB. Tuwing umaga lamang din sila pwedeng bumili. Ang maliliit na tindahan sa lugar ay pinagbawalan na magtinda ng bigas sa mga sityo at komunidad ng Lumad at magsasaka.

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/mga-sundalo-naghahasik-ng-lagim-sa-agusan-del-norte/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: 16 kaso, isinampa laban sa tagapagsalita ng NTF-Elcac

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 20, 2022): 16 kaso, isinampa laban sa tagapagsalita ng NTF-Elcac (16 cases, filed against NTF-Elcac spokesperson)

 

April 20, 2022

Umaabot na sa 16 na kaso ng pang-aabuso sa kapangyarihan, electioneering at iba pang kasong administratibo ang isinampa kay Dr. Lorraine Badoy-Partosa, tagapagsalita ng NTF-Elcac, kilalang isa sa pangunahing red-tagger ng rehimeng Duterte. Ang mga kaso ay isinampa sa iba’t ibang ahensya at upisina ng estado.

Hinihingi ng mga kasong isinampa ng mga grupo na suspendihin si Badoy sa kanyang pusisyon sa gubyerno at iutos na itigil na ang paninira at panrered-tag sa mga organisasyon. Nais din ng ilang nagsampa na tanggalan siya ng lisensya bilang duktor.

Pinakahuli sa mga nagsampa si Roberto de Castro ng Bagong Alyansang Makabayan ngayong araw, Abril 20.

Kahapon, isinampa ng National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) ang “motion for contempt” laban kay Badoy sa Court of Appeals matapos ang pakikipagpanayam nito kay Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan na nakakulong sa National Penitentiary. Hinatulan ng habambuhay na pagkakakulong si Palparan sa kanyang papel sa pagdukot at pagdesaparasido sa dalawang mag-aaral ng University of the Philippines noon 2006.

Noong araw ding iyon, nagsampa ng kaso ang mamamahayag na si Maria Ressa ng Rappler sa upisina ng Ombudsman matapos siyang paulit-ulit na bastusin at malisyosong iugnay sa armadong rebolusyonaryong kilusan. Hinikayat ni Ressa ang Ombudsman na patawan ng parusa si Badoy bilang pampublikong upisyal ng gubyerno.

Sa Ombudsman rin nagsampa ng kaso noong Abril 13 si Zena Bernardo, ina ng tagapagtatag ng Community Pantry PH na si Ana Patricia “Patreng” Non. Nired-tag ni Badoy, ng mga pulis at militar, si Patreng at ang kauna-unahang pantry na nagdiwang ng isang taong anibersaryo noong Abril 15.

Noong Abril 11, naghain ng reklamo ang Alliance of Health Workers (AHW) sa Ombusdman at sa Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) kasabay ng panawagang isuspinde at kalaunan ay tanggalan ng lisensya si Badoy bilang duktor. Niredtag din ni Badoy ang mga manggagawang pangkalusugan dahil sa kanilang paggigiit ng makatarungang kumpensasyon sa gitna ng pandemya.

Naghain din ng reklamo ang mga grupo sa paggawa, mga mangingisda, magbubukid at maralita noong Marso 30.

Nagsampa rin ng kaso ang kampo ni Leni Robredo, kandidato sa pagkapresidente, matapos akusahan ni Badoy na may “sabwatan” ang kanyang kampo sa armadong rebolusyonaryong kilusan. Ang ilan pang nagsampa ng kaso ay mga guro sa ilalim ng Alliance of Concerned Teachers at grupo ng mga lider-kabataan mula sa iba’t ibang pamantasan.

Samantala, nagsampa rin ng kaso ang blokeng Makabayan sa Commission on Elections laban kay Badoy sa paglabag sa Omnibus Election Code sa paninira sa mga progresibong partido at pagdawit sa kanila sa armadong rebolusyonaryong kilusan.

Sunud-sunod ang pagsasampa ng mga kaso laban kay Badoy matapos paigtingin niya, ng NTF-Elcac at mga ahensya ng gubyerno ang redtagging sa mga grupong maka-Kaliwa na aktibo sa kampanya ng tambalang Leni-Kiko. Nang magsimulang lumawak ang suporta sa tambalan, si Leni Robredo na mismo ang niredtag ng mga ito. Bahagi ito ng sistematikong pag-atake sa kampo ng mayor na oposisyon sa tambalang Marcos-Duterte sa eleksyong 2022.

Pinakaunang nagsampa ng kaso ang Ibon Foundation noong Pebrero 2020 laban kay Badoy, dating NTF-Elcac spokesperson Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade, at National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. Sinundan ito ng apat na iba pa noong Disyembre 2020.

Talaan ng mga personaheng nagsampa ng kaso kay Lorraine Badoy:

1. Ibon Foundation sa Ombudsman, Pebrero 2020
2. Karapatan sa Ombudsman, Disyembre 4, 2020
3. Kabataan PL sa Ombudsman, Disyembre 7, 2020
4. NUPL sa Ombudsman, Disyembre 9, 2020
5. Altermidya sa Ombudsman, Disyembre 18, 2020
6, 7, 8. Kabuuang 26 na indibidwal, kabilang sina Raymond Palatino, kapatid ni Dr. Natividad Castro na si Delfin Castro, mga lider-estudyante, guro, aktibista, myembro ng relihiyosong grupo, at iba pa ang nagsampa ng tatlong magkakahiwalay na reklamo laban kay Badoy sa Ombudsman, Marso 23, 2022
9. Makabayan Bloc sa COMELEC, Marso 25, 2022
10. Makabayan, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, Amihan National Federation of Peasant Women, Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas sa Ombudsman, Marso 30, 2022
11. Alliance of Health Workers sa Ombudsman, Abril 11, 2022
12. Manggagawang pangkalusugan sa PRC, Abril 11, 2022
13. Zena Bernardo, Community Pantry PH sa Ombudsman, Abril 13, 2022
14. NUPL sa Court of Appeals, Abril 19, 2022
15. Maria Resssa ng Rappler sa Ombudsman, Abril 19, 2022
16. Roberto de Castro ng Bayan sa Ombudsman, Abril 20, 2022

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/16-kaso-isinampa-laban-sa-tagapagsalita-ng-ntf-elcac/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Pamamaril sa grupo ng mga Lumad at ni Ka Leody sa Bukidnon, umani ng kundenasyon

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 20, 2022): Pamamaril sa grupo ng mga Lumad at ni Ka Leody sa Bukidnon, umani ng kundenasyon (Shooting of a group of Lumads and Ka Leody in Bukidnon, reaping condemnation)

 

April 20, 2022

Kinundena ng maraming grupo, kabilang ang Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas, ang pamamaril ng mga bayarang goons ng pamilyang Lorenzo sa grupo ng mga Lumad at sa grupo ng kandidato sa pagkapangulo na si Ka Leody de Guzman, sa Barangay Butong, Quezon sa Bukidnon noong Abril 19.

Papunta ang mga Lumad na kabilang sa Kiantig Manobo-Pulangihon Tribal Association sa kanilang lupa para muling okupahin ang 4-ektaryang lupain doon nang paputukan sila. Lima ang napabalitang nasugatan sa 15-minutong pamumutok. Nakunan ng bidyo at naibrodkas ang insidente ni David D’ Angelo, kandidato pagkasenador, habang nagaganap ito.

“Ang karahasang ito ay hindi lamang lantarang paglabag sa election gun ban,” ayon sa grupong Karapatan. “Ito ay walang kahihiyang pang-aatake na ang layunin ay takutin ang katutubong Manobo-Pulangiyon na naggigiit sa kanilang mga karapatan sa lupang ninuno laban sa pang-aagaw ng lupa.”

Kinundena rin ni Neri Colmenares ang pamamaril. “Walang lugar ang ganitong klaseng dahas sa ating lipunan, may eleksyon man o wala,” aniya. “Kailangan pigilan ang ganitong sistemang nanggigipit sa ating mga katutubo, at marapat na kilalanin ang kanilang karapatan sa kanilang lupang ninuno.”

Sa harap nito, nanawagan ang Unyon ng mga Manggagawa sa Agrikultura (UMA) para sa kagyat na pag-aresto sa mayor ng Quezon na si Pablo Lorenzo III na siyang tinuturong amo ng mga bayarang goons. Si Lorenzo rin ang itinuturong utak sa pagpaslang kay Renato Anglao, noo’y pangkalahatang kalihim ng Tribal Indigenous Oppressed Group Association o Tindoga noong Pebrero 3, 2017. Inagaw ng pamilyang Lorenzo ang noo’y lupang ninuno ng mga taga-Tindoga na ginawang Montalvan Ranch ng meyor.

“Kung gaano kahaba ang kasaysayan ni Lorenzo ng pandadahas sa mga katutubo ng Bukidnon para agawin ang kanilang lupa, gayundin kahaba ang kasaysayan ng pagbubulag-bulagan ng National Commission on Indigenous Peoples sa pang-aapi ng mga landgrabber sa kanila,” ayon kay Ka Tonying Flores, pinuno ng UMA.

Ayon pa sa UMA, mahalagang itampok ang usapin ng lupa sa eleksyon. “Ang kawalan ng lupa ay isyung kinakaharap ng malawak na sektor ng anakpawis, at ang kagutumang hatid nito ay suliraning kinakaharap ng buong bansa,” anito. “Hindi dapat takasan ng mga kandidato ang usapin ng tunay na reporma sa lupa, kabilang ang pangangalaga nito sa mga lupang ninuno.”

Ayon sa PKP, ang pamamaril sa grupo ng mga Lumad at kay de Guzma ay hindi isang isolated na kaso. “Ang mga lupang ninuno ng mga grupong Lumad sa Mindanao, gaya ng iba pang grupong minorya, ay marahas na inaagaw at dinarambong ng malalaking kumpanya sa mina at plantasyon, at para bigyan-daan ang mga proyektong ekoturismo, enerhiya, dam at iba pang imprastruktura.”

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/pamamaril-sa-grupo-ng-mga-lumad-at-ni-ka-leody-sa-bukidnon-umani-ng-kundenasyon/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Piket laban sa proyektong incinerator sa Davao, hinaras

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 20, 2022): Piket laban sa proyektong incinerator sa Davao, hinaras (Picket against incinerator project in Davao, harassed)

 

April 20, 2022

Hinaras ng mga pulis ng Davao City ang protesta ng Panalipdan Youth, isang grupong maka-kalikasan, sa harap ng Sangguniang Panglunsod ngayong araw, Abril 20. Isinagawa ang protesta para tutulan ang panukalang proyekto ng syudad na Waste-To-Energy Incineration.

Sa bidyo na ipinost ng Himati sa social media, makikitang pilit na itinataboy ng nga pulis ang mga demonstrador na nakatayo sa harap ng gusali at may hawak na mga plakard. Maririnig ang paggigiit ng kabataan ang kanilang karapatan na ilunsad ang kanilang “silent protest.” Ang Himati ay upisyal na publikasyon ng University of the Philippines-Mindanao.

Tinututulan ng grupo ang planong itayong incinerator sa Barangay Biao Escuela, isang komunidad na agrikultural sa loob ng syudad. Ang incinerator ay isang aparato para sa pagsusunod ng basura sa matataas na temperatura hanggang ito ay maging abo.

Ayon sa grupo, magdudulot ng masamang epekto sa kalusugan ng mga residente sa barangay ang naturang proyekto. Apektado rin nito ang kabuhayan ng mga impormal na manggagawa sa basura. Dala ng naturang mga grupo sa social media ang #NoToDavaoWTE at #GoforZeroWasteDavao.

“Direktang labag ito sa Clean Air Act, Renewable Energy Act, and Ecological Solid Waste Management Act at wala rin itong environmental compliance certificate,” anito. “Umiinit ang mundo dahil sa pandarambong sa kapaligiran sa tulak ng pagkahayok ng mga kumpanya. Obligasyon naming kumilos ngayon na!”

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/piket-laban-sa-proyektong-incinerator-sa-davao-hinaras/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Antolohiyang Ulos, lumabas na

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 20, 2022): Antolohiyang Ulos, lumabas na (Anthology Ulos, out)

 

April 20, 2022

Lumabas na ang ginintuang isyu ng Ulos (Disyembre 2018 at Marso 2019), ang pangkulturang dyornal ng pambansa-demokratikong kilusan sa pangangasiwa ng ARMAS (Artista at Manunulat ng Sambayanan) sa pamamatnubay ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas (Marxismo-Leninismo-Maoismo). Malugod na ihinahandog ng ARMAS ang antolohiyang ito sa ika-50 anibersaryo ng dakilang partido ng uring proletaryado at ng pangunahing armadong organisasyon nito, ang Bagong Hukbong Bayan.

Bilang pagsisimbolo ng 50 taong buhay-at-kamatayang pakikibaka, nilalaman ng ginintuang isyu na ito ang 50 piling tula, awit, sanaysay, kwento at iba pang naratibo, at mga likhang sining ng mga kilalang manunulat at artista tulad nina Eman Lacaba, Romulo Sandoval, Kris Montañez, Jose Maria Sison, Alan Jazmines, Wilfredo Gacosta, Servando Magbanua, Kerima Lorena Tariman, Mayamor, Alice Guillermo, Neil Doloricon, Parts Bagani, Silvia Madiaga at iba pang mga kadre ng Partido, Pulang kumander at mandirigma at organisador ng masa. Maaaring i-download ang inyong kopya sa Philippine Revolution Web Central (cpp.ph).

Inianunsyo rin ng Patnugutan ng Ulos na bukas ito sa pagtanggap ng mga akdang literatura at likhang sining para sa Ulos 2022. Maaari lamang na ipadala ninyo ang inyong kontribusyong akda o likha sa cppinformationbureau@protonmail.com.

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/antolohiyang-ulos-lumabas-na/

CPP/NDF-Negros Island: Verdict on Bayles EJK victory against state fascism, yet cries for justice still resound all-over Negros Island

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 20, 2022): Verdict on Bayles EJK victory against state fascism, yet cries for justice still resound all-over Negros Island

Bayani Obrero

Spokesperson

NDF-Negros Island

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

April 21, 2022

The revolutionary movement in Negros Island regarded the decision of the Bacolod Regional Trial Court (BRTC) on the murder of activist Benjamin Bayles by state forces as a win against state fascism, although many familes of victims of political killings alongside thousands of victims of human rights violations (HRV) in Negros and the entire country continue to demand justice.

In a verdict dated March 31, 2022, Acting Presiding Judge Ana Celeste Bernad found then soldiers of the 61st Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, Rafael Cordova alias Roger Bajon and Reygine Laus alias Ronnie Caurino, guilty of the murder of Bayles in June 14, 2010 and sentenced them to suffer the penalty of reclusion perpetua and ordered payment of P300,00 for indemnity and damages.

National Democratic Front (NDF) – Negros spokesperson Ka Bayani Obrero welcomed the verdict as a motivation for the anti-fascist movement to press on until justice is achieved for all HRV victims since the Martial Law period of dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. up to the present strongman rule of Duterte while stepping up the fight to end tyranny and state terror.

Human-rights groups have documented state perpetrated killings through the regimes since Marcos Sr where more than 3,000 were murdered under the late dictator’s rule; 1,064 fell to summary executions during Cory Aquino’s presidency; 218 summary executions and 144 were victims of massacres under the Ramos regime; there were 1,206 political killings in Gloria Arroyo’s nine-year rule; and 334 victims of extrajudicial killings under the BS Aquino regime.

Meanwhile, under the Duterte regime, 427 cases of political killings (as of December 2021) have been documented excluding the almost 30,000 victims of the regime’s so-called “war on drugs.”

“Of the 427 extrajudicial killings, 121 occurred in Negros Island and a majority of which were farmers and activists killed and massacred after the implementation of Memorandum Order 32 on November 2018,” Obrero noted.

According to him the gruesome massacre of the Sagay 9, the merciless Oplan Sauron 1 and 2 and Oplan Branstark in Negros Oriental and the killing of peasant leaders, activists and human rights defenders such as Alexander Ceballos, Atty. Ben Ramos, Bernardino “Toto” Patigas and Zara Alvarez remain wanting of justice.

Obrero said the resounding call for justice will not end until the status quo of class oppression and exploitation persists, adding that Duterte’s obsession of crushing the New People’s Army (NPA) before his term ends have alarmingly targetted civilians to further sow fear

Based on reports received by NDF-Negros, in Central Negros alone since the start of 2022, there are already more than 30 cases of HRVs affecting at least 300 victims. The recent abduction of urban poor community organizer Iver Larit has heightened the already seething unrest in Negros that is known as a social volcano.

“Reports continue to come in from other areas in the island and the HRV figures are worrying,” Obrero said. “However, contrary to the tyrant’s intent of destroying the revolutionary movement, revolutionary ranks are swelling. More are encouraged to engage in armed struggle, or at the very least, find their courage to resist Duterte’s reign of terror.”

In celebration of the 49th founding anniversary of the NDF on Sunday, April 24, Ka Bayani Obrero called on the revolutionary forces, the Negrosanons, and peace-loving individuals and groups in the island to further expand the people’s movement to end Duterte’s strongman rule and resist any move that may prevent him and his cohorts from answering their multiple high crimes.

“Like the murderers of Benjie Bayles, all perpetrators of human rights abuses through the years must be brought to justice. This path maybe a difficult one but the people’s democratic revolution will persevere until genuine justice and social change is achieved,” Obrero concluded.###

https://cpp.ph/statements/verdict-on-bayles-ejk-victory-against-state-fascism-yet-cries-for-justice-still-resound-all-over-negros-island/

CPP/NPA-Southern Tagalog ROC: NTF-ELCAC, bahagi ng pinakamalaking kabiguan ng rehimeng Duterte

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 20, 2022): NTF-ELCAC, bahagi ng pinakamalaking kabiguan ng rehimeng Duterte (NTF-ELCAC, part of the Duterte regime’s biggest failure)

Armando Cienfuego

Spokesperson

Southern Tagalog Regional Operational Command (Melito Glor Command)

New People's Army

April 20, 2022

Purong kasinungalingan at rurok ng kahibangan ang pahayag ni Defense Undersecretary Cesar Yano noong Abril 14 na ang NTF-ELCAC ang “best thing that happened to the Philippines” o ang pinakamagandang bagay na nangyari sa Pilipinas. Pagbabaliktad ito sa malupit na katotohanan at garapal na pagtatangka na pagtakpan ang umaalingasaw na rekord ng pasistang anti-komunistang task force na pasimuno sa walang-habas na mga teroristang pag-atake sa mga sibilyan, paglabag sa mga batas ng digmaan at red-tagging sa lahat ng kritiko ng rehimeng Duterte.

Ang kalokohang ito ay reaksyon ng NTF-ELCAC sa serye ng pambabatikos na tinatanggap nito bunsod ng walang kapararakang red-tagging at pamamahayag ng spokesperson nitong si Lorraine Badoy, na nitong huli’y nagawa pang purihin ang berdugong si Palparan. Si Yano, na pinuno ng peace, law enforcement at development support cluster ng NTF-ELCAC, ay napilitang ipagtanggol ang task force mula sa di paborableng opinyong publiko sa task force. Kaya nga sabay ng pagdepensa sa madugong rekord ng NTF-ELCAC ay hinamak niya ang mga grupong tumututol sa red-tagging at minaliit ang kanilang reklamo. Pangitang pikon na ang mga opisyales ng NTF-ELCAC at nauubusan na ng maikakatwiran.

Walang maniniwala kay Yano sa pagmamalaki sa NTF-ELCAC kundi mga kapwa niya opisyal militar, mga pasista at panatikong anti-komunista tulad ni Badoy dahil itinatakwil at ibinabasura ng sambayanan ang NTF-ELCAC at ang paghahari ng rehimeng US-Duterte. Isinusuka ang NTF-ELCAC ng mga Pilipino dahil sa pagyurak nito sa mga demokratikong karapatan, walang pakundangang red-tagging, pagkubabaw sa mga sibilyang otoridad at pangungurakot ng bilyun-bilyong piso. Ang NTF-ELCAC ang siya ring promotor ng mga pasistang hakbang sa pagsupil sa kalayaan sa pag-iisip ng mga Pilipino. Ipinatanggal nito ang mga libro sa mga eskwelahang lumilinang sa kritikal na pag-iisip ng mga estudyante, binubusalan ang kalayaan sa pamamahayag ng mga progresibo’t kritiko, nilalason ang isip ng publiko gamit ang trolls at makinarya sa disinformation at napakarami pang ibang anti-demokratikong hakbangin. Sa tindi ng pagkakalat ng lason ng NTF-ELCAC ay naitulak ang mga dating tahimik na mamamayan na pumalag at magrehistro ng diskuntento sa rehimen.

Pinagtatakpan ni Yano ang pagkamuhi ng buong bayan sa NTF-ELCAC dahil ang malawak na disgusto sa task force ay katumbas ng pagtakwil sa kontra-rebolusyonaryong isterya na pilit isinusubo ng mga pasista sa taumbayan. Desperadong hakbang ito sa harap ng kabi-kabilang pagbatikos at panawagan ng sambayanan na buwagin na ang teroristang ahensya at papanagutin ang mga kriminal na heneral at rehimeng US-Duterte.

Karima-rimarim para sa rehimeng US-Duterte ang pagbuhos ng napakalaking pondo, oras at enerhiya sa kontra-rebolusyonaryong kampanya. Bigo ito sa layuning pigilan ang pagkilos ng bayan sa pamamagitan ng pagbabansag sa mga lehitimong pakikibaka bilang teroristang aktibidad na malisyosong idinidirehe ng CPP-NPA-NDFP. Imbes na mahiwalay ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa mamamayan, ang tunay na nahiwalay at higit na nalantad ang pagkademonyo ay ang rehimeng US-Duterte.

Sa pagtatapos ng termino ni Duterte, magsisilbi ang NTF-ELCAC na paalala at pananda ng pinakamalaki nitong kabiguan. Ito ay ang kabiguang durugin ang CPP-NPA-NDFP at wakasan ang paglaban ng mamamayan. ###

https://cpp.ph/statements/ntf-elcac-bahagi-ng-pinakamalaking-kabiguan-ng-rehimeng-duterte/

CPP/NDF-Negros Island: Like his master Duterte, Gen. Arevalo is a barefaced braggart and liar

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 20, 2022): Like his master Duterte, Gen. Arevalo is a barefaced braggart and liar

Bayani Obrero

Spokesperson

NDF-Negros Island

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

April 20, 2022

Desperate to show off the supposed gains of their heightened counter-revolutionary war efforts, 3ID recently released a report claiming that in the first quarter of this year alone they were able to successfully neutralize “34 NPA” members, including 6 “top leaders”.

The said narrative is consonant with the propaganda offensive of the US-Duterte regime to paint a winning picture of their failed campaign to destroy the armed revolutionary movement of the people.

As the end of the term of office of his boss draws nearer, 3ID commander Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo is ever more compelled to manufacture results that in effect showed a conjured figures of battlefield triumphs.

A deeper scrutiny of the report and the fantastic figures it contained will reveal the following:

Many of the so-called killed NPA fighters are civilians murdered by 3ID operating units and presented as NPAs in cases of botched strike operations against NPA units. Like what happened to the Sabanal brothers in Sitio Malikoliko, Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City on March 26;

Others are unarmed revolutionaries who were summarily executed after being apprehended like the case of couple Elbert Nicolas and Jessa Lucio Quillen in Sitio Kulihaw, Barangay Buenavista in aforesaid city on April 4;

Some are hors de combat that under international humanitarian law should have been afforded humane treatment like the case of Virgilio Marco Taman in Barangay Amin, Isabela;

Several are legal activists and peace consultant such as the case of youth leader and peasant organizer Carmen Jonesville Matarlo arrested together with NDFP peace consultant Ramon Patriarch in Barangay Suay, Himalayan on March 18.

A number are disenfranchised elements who have long cease their revolutionary activities and commitment.

Another standard practice of 3ID under Arevalo is the grossly exaggerated attribution of position, rank or authority.

Matarlo was the first presented as the staff of Patriarca, but in the report, she was billed as the secretary of CCP’s Regional Communications Bureau. Meanwhile, Patriarca was ridiculously portrayed both as the secretary and deputy secretary of KRN (Negros Regional Party Committee). A certain Raymart Hilacio Castillo was suddenly promoted as the regional finance officer of the alleged KR-NCBS. The civilian in who was killed by the AFP in Sitio Manlibod, Barangay Trinidad, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental on January 15 was depicted as the finance officer of the Central Negros 1 guerilla front.

This aims to project an image of collapsing revolutionary movement with the arrest of its purported leaders, as well as, to justify the killings of civilians and activists.

Arevalo is a barefaced braggart and liar who will do anything to satisfy and promote the interest of his fascist master Duterte and his own. But no amount of bravado and fabrications can hide the obvious fact of mounting revolutionary resistance of the people amidst worsening socio-economic and political conditions under the US-Duterte regime.

As the crisis of the ruling semi-colonial and semi-feudal system worsens, the people’s democratic revolution will further advance to greater heights and come closer to its final victory. ###

https://cpp.ph/statements/like-his-master-duterte-gen-arevalo-is-a-barefaced-braggart-and-liar/

Kalinaw News: 4ID seized 7 high-powered firearms from a CTG arms cache in Surigao del Sur

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 20, 2022): 4ID seized 7 high-powered firearms from a CTG arms cache in Surigao del Sur

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – Troops from 75IB, 401Bde of the 4th Infantry Division have recovered seven (7) high-powered firearms anew from a communist terrorist group (CTG) arms cache at Sitio Lagangan, Brgy Caras-an, Tago, Surigao del Sur on April 19, 2022.

A tip-off from a concerned citizen led to this successful retrieval operations, which yielded seven AK-47 Rifles and 17 pieces of magazines.

Maj. Gen. Wilbur C. Mamawag, 4ID Commander, lauded the troops for this unrelenting drive to collect CTG firearms which they have been using to intimidate contractors and other businesses that do not give in to their extortion activities, including local candidates in the coming elections.

As the Commander of Joint Task Force Diamond, my desire is to eliminate the potential spoilers in the coming polls by making sure that the CTG will not be in a position to harass and intimidate people in the countryside as the election draws near. We will continue to hunt them down and collect their firearms faster than they could hide.” MGen Mamawag said.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/4id-seized-7-high-powered-firearms-from-a-ctg-arms-cache-in-surigao-del-sur/

Kalinaw News: Mga Kasundaluhan naka-engkwentro ang mga teroristang NPA sa Oriental Mindoro

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 20, 2022): Mga Kasundaluhan naka-engkwentro ang mga teroristang NPA sa Oriental Mindoro (Troops have encountered NPA terrorists in Oriental Mindoro)



GLORIA, ORIENTAL MINDORO – Isang grupo ng Teroristang NPA na pinaniniwalaang mga miyembro ng Komiteng Larangan Gerilya IGNACIO CALABRIA MAGADIA, SRMA 4D, STRPC ang naka engkwentro ng mga kasundaluhan mula sa 76th Infantry (Victrix) Battalion, 203rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, PA.

Ang nasabing pangyayari ay naganap sa Sitio Pitong Gatang, Brgy Manguyang, Gloria, Oriental Mindoro umaga ng April 17, 2022. Habang nagsasagawa ng combat operations.

Ang ating mga kasundaluhan sa pangunguna ni 1Lt. John Vincent L Calopez ay naka engkwentro ang teroristang grupo na humantong sa humigit kumulang na 10 minuto na labanan at pagkakarekober ng dalawang (2) matataas na uri ng baril katulad ng M-16 Rifle, dalawang (2) Magazine, walong ( 8 Cellphone, anim (6) na Flash drive, limang (5) Improvised Explosive Device, Isang (1) Commercial Radio, mga subersibong dokumento at mga personal na kagamitan ng mga Teroristang NPA.

Bago ang nasabing pangyayari, isang impormasyon ang nakarating sa ating mga kasundaluhan mula sa lokal na residente ng Sitio Pitong Gatang hinggil sa mga kinaroroonan ng nasabing Teroristang Grupo.

Ayon sa impormasyon, may humigit kumulang na walong ( 8 katao na may mga dala-dalang matataas na kalibre ng baril ang naglalagi sa kanilang nayon at nasabing nangingikil sa karatig sitio.

Ayon kay LtCol William O Romero, Acting Commanding Officer ng 76IB ang pagbibigay impormasyon at pakikipagtulungan ng mga residente sa lugar ay bunga ng pagsisikap ng programa ng Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas at ng National Task Force Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict sa pamamagitan ng Mobile Community Support Sustainment Team (MCSST) at Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) na isinigawa ng 76IB at kapulisan sa Brgy Manguyang, Gloria.

Ito ay pagpapatunay at pagtitibay lamang na ang mamamayan sa Bayan ng Gloria ay sawa na sa mga kasinungalingan at pang-aabuso na ginagawa ng mga Teroristang NPA.
Malapit ng makamtam ang matagal ng minimithi ng mga Mindoreño na kapayapaan sa isla ng Mindoro at katahimikan ng mga katutubong Mangyan.

Ayon kay Brigadier Gen. Jose Augusto V Villareal, pinuno ng 203rd Bantay Kapayapaan Brigade, “Ang mga kasundaluhan ay laging handang tumulong sa sino mang nagnanais na magbalik loob sa gobyerno at magpapailalim sa Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) o Task Force Balik loob. Ito na ang tamang panahon upang makamtan ang tunay na pagbabago tungo sa maunlad at mapayapang pamumuhay sa ilalim ng pag-akay ng gobyerno at naaayon sa batas.”

[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/mga-kasundaluhan-naka-engkwentro-ang-mga-teroristang-npa-sa-oriental-mindoro/

Kalinaw News: NPA member killed, High-Powered Firearm seized in NegOcc clash

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 20, 2022): NPA member killed, High-Powered Firearm seized in NegOcc clash



A member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in an encounter at Sitio Bajay, Brgy Caliling, Cauayan, Negros Occidental on April 19, 2022.

A 62-year old Celso Tribunalo y Dahil-Dahil alias LARRY/ JIMLO/GREG, Squad Leader, Squad 2, Platoon 2, SDG, SWF/ Member, PLTN 3, SWF, of Sitio Ulomhon, Brgy Yao-Yao, Cauayan, Negros Occidental was killed in an encounter between the troops of 15th Infantry Battalion and more or less 10 NPA members of Southwest Front of KR-NCBS

The encounter happened at around 6:10 a.m., which lasted for about 15-minutes.

Prior to the encounter, the troops of 15IB were conducting combat operations in Cauayan Municipality and immediately responded to the tipped-off of local populace on the presence of fully armed rebels in the community.

The overwhelming force of the government troops made the enemies withdrew, leaving their dead comrade behind. The troops also retrieved One (1) M4 Rifle with magazines, ammunition, other war materiel and NPA personal belongings.

In his statement, Major General Benedict Arevalo, the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division Commander, commended the unending support of the local populace for giving accurate information to the troops.

Likewise, MGen Arevalo congratulated the operating troops in preventing the atrocities of the NPAs not only in Negros island, but also in other part of Western and Central Visayas.

“We are saddened by another life wasted because of senseless armed revolution of CPP-NPA terrorists. Thus, we are again calling to the other members of the terrorist group to surrender now, while they still have a chance”, said MGen Arevalo.

[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]

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EASTMINCOM: Gov't forces nab 'communist' leader in CDO

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 17, 2022): Gov't forces nab 'communist' leader in CDO

5th Civil Relations Group

READ | Gov't forces nab 'communist' leader in CDO

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Government forces arrested a leader of the New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) allegedly involved in extortion, in a joint military and police operation here on Tuesday evening.

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EASTMINCOM: Army discovers large NPA arms cache in Agusan del Sur

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 18, 2022): Army discovers large NPA arms cache in Agusan del Sur

5th Civil Relations Group

Army discovers large NPA arms cache in Agusan del Sur

At about 0530 pm last April 11, 2022, operating troops of 60IB discovered an arms cache at the vicinity of Bagul, Brgy. Kapasa II, La Paz, Agusan del Sur.

 
Alyas Bolo, a former member of the Weakened Guerilla Front 3 (WGF3) who recently surrendered to 60IB. Alyas Bolo told the military that these high-powered firearms were owned by his former comrades who recently yielded to the government and once belonged to the dismantled group of Guerilla Front 3 (GF 3), Sub-Regional Committee 4 (SRC 4), Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC).

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EASTMINCOM: EastMinCom troops foil CTG attempt to disrupt Holy Week celebration, neutralize 3 terrorists

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 18, 2022): EastMinCom troops foil CTG attempt to disrupt Holy Week celebration, neutralize 3 terrorists

AFP Radio DWDD

EastMinCom troops foil CTG attempt to disrupt Holy Week celebration, neutralize 3 terrorists

 
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) under the direction of LtGen. Greg T. Almerol foiled the Communist Terrorist Group’s (CTG) plan to disrupt the celebration of Holy Week as troops of the 4th Infantry Division and 10th Infantry Division continually conducting focused military operations clash with CTG remnants in Davao Region and Caraga, leading to the neutralization of three terrorists and seizure of firearms.

 
Responding troops of the 901st Brigade’s 36th Infantry Battalion (IB) skirmished with CTG after concerned residents of Brgy. Agsam, Lanuza, Surigao del Sur reported the presence of armed group belonging to Guerilla Front (GF) 30, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) on April 14.

 
The said encounter resulted in the death of two CTG members identified as Dexter Maca Emba and Laig Catapte and the seizure of an AR15 rifle, a CZ858 rifle, assorted magazines and ammunition, a bandolier, food supplies and other war materiel.

 
Prior to this, an encounter also transpired on April 13 between the troops of the 701st Brigade’s 66IB and combined elements of the Regional Operations Command (ROC) and GF2, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) at Marangig Falls, Brgy. New Albay, Maragusan, Davao de Oro, which led to the capture of alias Darwin, a Squad Medic of Primera, ROC.

 
This was followed by the recovery of an M14 rifle, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), and other war materiel on April 14 when alias Darwin disclosed the location of an arms cache that they buried on April 11 at the encounter site.

 
LtGen. Almerol said that the cooperation of alias Darwin manifests the genuine adherence of EastMinCom’s troops to Human Rights, International Humanitarian Law, and Rules of Engagement where captured armed elements are being treated with a utmost respect.

 
Meanwhile, the EastMinCom Commander also lauded the local communities for their vigilance which led to the swift response of EastMinCom troops.

 
“Our continuous application of the whole-of-nation approach and culture of security will never be in vain. The support of communities, local government units, and other members of society is our most effective tool to finally end the local communist armed conflict,” he said.

 
He also expressed his sympathy and condolences to the bereaved families of the killed CTG members saying “this would not have happened if they only took heed of our consistent encouragement to surrender.”

 
“We are once again calling our fellow Filipinos to end their futile fight against our government. Our doors are always open to receive you should you choose to surrender now and help us end the 53 years of terrorism. The benefits of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and other government interventions are waiting on your return,” LtGen. Almerol assured.

 
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EASTMINCOM: Female NPA Member Apprehended in Surigao Del Sur

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 18, 2022): Female NPA Member Apprehended in Surigao Del Sur

901st Infantry Fight 'Em Brigade, PA

Female NPA Member Apprehended in Surigao Del Sur

PLACER, Surigao del Norte A certain Jemalyn Calinawan also known as LIZEL, a regular armed New Peoples’ Army (NPA) member was apprehended by joint elements of AFP-PNP on Thursday morning, April 7, 2022 at her residence in Purok 3, Brgy Adlay, Carrascal, Surigao del Sur.

 
Calinawan was arrested by virtue of Warrant of Arrest (WOA) with Criminal Case No. 15456 for multiple frustrated murder issued by Hon. Leonila P Gorgolon, the presiding judge of the 10th Judicial Region Branch 30, Surigao City with a recommended bail of PhP200,000.00. The arrest was made thru the cooperation of a concerned citizen who has a knowledge of the subject as a member of the NPA.

It can be recalled that in the past weeks, series of skirmishes between government security forces and the NPA terrorist operating in the province of Surigao del Norte have occurred that caused the surrender of some of its armed members. The significant cooperation of these former NPA members also led to the apprehension of their key leaders and identification of some of their comrades who are still outlaw.

 
Brigadier General George L Banzon PA, Commander of the 901st Brigade, Philippine Army, commended the efforts of 30IB troopers under the strong leadership of Lt.Col Ryan Charles G. Callanta and PNP personnel who were involved in the successful arrest of a.k.a. LIZEL. He also extended his sincere appreciation for the full cooperation and support of former rebels who tipped-off the presence of Calinawan in the place where it was arrested.”

 
General Banzon added, “my continued call for the remaining NPA members to return to the folds of the law before it’s too late because the Philippine Army and the whole AFP will be relentless in its effort to go after every member of the NPA that continue to disrupt the peace and development in CARAGA region. The full force of the law will be brought down on you,” he continued.

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EASTMINCOM: EastMinCom troops strike CTG head extortionist, seize firearms in Caraga Region

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 19, 2022): EastMinCom troops strike CTG head extortionist, seize firearms in Caraga Region

EastMinCom troops strike CTG head extortionist, seize firearms in Caraga Region

NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) troops under LtGen. Greg T. Almerol has put the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) at a disadvantage in the recent skirmish that killed a top-ranking CTG head extortionist and his comrade in the hinterland of Brgy. Jaliobong, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte on April 17.

The clash came as troops of the 901st Brigade's 29th Infantry Battalion (IB) responded to several reports from concerned locals regarding the presence of CTG in the area who were conducting extortion and demanding food supplies.

The two CTG personalities were identified as Samuel Navidas Batican, Commanding Officer of Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda (SYP) 16A, Guerilla Front (GF) 16, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), and a certain alias "Yawming."

Troops also seized two high-powered firearms and materials composed of a Colt AR15 rifle, an M14 rifle, two cellular phones, foodstuffs, and other supplies at the encounter site.

LtGen. Almerol said that Batican has pending cases for violation of the Republic Act (RA) No. 10364 or the "Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012" and RA No. 9851 for the use of banned anti-personnel mines (APMs).

On the other hand, a CTG leader identified as Fortunato Suazo Undayon, yielded to the troops of the 901st Brigade's 36IB and 3rd Special Forces Battalion in Brgy. Puyat, Carmen, Surigao del Sur after four years of being in the terrorist movement on April 17.

He also brought along an AK47 rifle, an M1 Carbine rifle, magazines, various ammunition, a detonator, and a digital multimeter tester.

Meanwhile, LtGen. Almerol lauded the residents of Brgy. Jaliobong for their cooperation that led to the death of the terrorist members. He also associated the CTG's series of setbacks with the strong support of local communities to government troops, which hindered them to commit atrocities as civilians report their presence.

"If not for the information relayed by the residents, Batican might still be at large today continually committing extortion and other crimes against innocent civilians. We commend them for their cooperation with our troops," he said.

"The people of Eastern Mindanao are now tired of the five decades of unrest in their hometowns. They are now demanding peace and development, which can only be attained by extinguishing the armed conflict brought about by the CTG," LtGen. Almerol added.

The EastMinCom Commander also expressed that the death of Batican and his comrades will give justice to the victims of their atrocities and warned others that "they might suffer the same fate should they continue their crimes and resist to surrender."

"We will be relentless in our fight against you. There is no safe place for you to hide now that the people are on our side. Surrender now and enjoy the benefits of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) or join your other comrades who fought and died for a useless ideology," he said.###

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EASTMINCOM: EASTMINCOM Affirms to Continue Whole-of Nation Approach to End Insurgency

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 19, 2022): EASTMINCOM Affirms to Continue Whole-of Nation Approach to End Insurgency

EastMinCom Commander lauded the local communities for their vigilance which led to the swift response of EastMinCom troops.

EASTMINCOM foiled the Communist Terrorist Group’s (CTG) plan to disrupt the celebration of Holy Week as troops of the 4th Infantry Division and 10th Infantry Division continually conducting focused military operations clash with CTG remnants in Davao Region and Caraga, leading to the neutralization of three terrorists and seizure of firearms on April 14.

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EASTMINCOM: EASTMINCOM Achieves Victory Since 3 NPA Terrorist Leaders Arrested

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 19, 2022): EASTMINCOM Achieves Victory Since 3 NPA Terrorist Leaders Arrested

EASTMINCOM ACHIEVES VICTORY | Three (3) wanted Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) leaders and member were apprehended following a series of Law Enforcement Operations. LtGen. Greg T. Amerol emphasizes that this is not only a victory for the Command and other government security forces but also the people, especially the victims of the CTG's injustice.

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EASTMINCOM: Ranking CTG on most-wanted list falls to EastMinCom Troops; firearm recovery continues

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 19, 2022): Ranking CTG on most-wanted list falls to EastMinCom Troops; firearm recovery continues

AFP Radio DWDD

Ranking CTG on most-wanted list falls to EastMinCom Troops; firearm recovery continues

NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - A wanted Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) leader who was responsible for several atrocities in Davao del Sur and North Cotabato was killed together with his comrade during a skirmish with the troops of Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) at Sitio Panopio, Brgy. Malasila, Makilala, North Cotabato on April 13.

LtGen. Greg T. Almerol, the Commander of EastMinCom identified the two CTG personalities as Roberto Castillote, Commanding Officer, and Jovilito Yambanao, Political Guide, belonging to the dismantled Pulang Bagani Command (PBC), Sub-Regional Committee 3 (SRC3), Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC).

The firefight ensued as troops of 1002nd Brigade's 39th Infantry Battalion (IB) responded to information on a planned atrocity to be perpetrated by the said armed individuals in Brgy. Malasila when they were first fired upon, resulting in the demise of the two terrorist personalities.

Troops also seized an Uzi Sub-machine gun, two improvised explosive devices (IED), a hand grenade, and a container with gasoline at the encounter site.

It can be recalled that Castillote was pointed out as responsible for the ambush and death of four police and SOCO personnel who were supposed to investigate a shooting incident involving his group in Brgy. Sibayan, Bansalan, Davao del Sur on March 8, 2017. One of the victims was pregnant at that time.

 
He also has pending warrants of arrest for attempted murder, double attempted murder, frustrated murder, murder, slight illegal detention, robbery, robbery with homicide, and violation of the Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection Against Child Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination.

LtGen. Almerol said that the death of Castillote will finally give justice to the victims of his crimes and prevented others to be victimized by his evil schemes.

"May his death ease the grief of the families left behind by the victims of Castillote’s atrocities who seek justice for long years. With this accomplishment, we also assure that the CTG will no longer revive to cause more human rights violations against our innocent people," he said.

In a separate incident, a high-powered firearm was recovered anew by the troops of the 10th Infantry Division under the 1001st Brigade's 25IB and 28IB together with Davao de Oro Police Mobile Force Company at Sitio Tandik, Barangay Tandawan, New Bataan, Davao de Oro on April 13.

The recent discovery of another arms cache came after a former member of Guerilla Front 2 (GF2), SMRC identified as alias Wenwen revealed its location, which hides an M60 Machine Gun.

LtGen. Almerol said it was a follow-up to the operation on April 8 in Sitio Mission, Brgy. Andap, New Bataan, Davao de Oro, aided also by alias Wenwen, which led to the seizure of seven high-powered firearms composed of an M60 Machine gun, a K3 Light machine gun, an M203 Grenade Launcher, four M16 Rifles, and an IED.

Meanwhile, the EastMinCom Commander vowed to continue its focused military operations to pursue other wanted terrorists on the run and serve justice for their victims. He also encouraged other members of the CTG to submit themselves or fall next in line to their dead comrades.

"Running away from the long arm of the law is only futile as your crimes will eventually be paid just like what happened to your previous comrades. We will relentlessly pursue you until your victims and their families attain justice," LtGen. Almerol warned.

"Your only option now is to surrender as we can assist you to seek amnesty and probably avail the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP)," he added.

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