4 alleged NPA members killed in Occidental Mindoro, Masbate — AFP

 From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 1, 2022): 4 alleged NPA members killed in Occidental Mindoro, Masbate — AFP (By: John Eric Mendoza)

Four alleged members of the New People’s Army were killed in separate encounters in Occidental Mindoro and Masbate on Monday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported on Tuesday.

In Occidental Mindoro, two members of the NPA were killed while one soldier was injured in two separate encounters in Barangay Malpalon in Calintaan town.

Both alleged NPA members, a male and female that were killed in the firefight, have yet to be identified.

Meanwhile, two communist rebels have also been killed during an encounter with the military personnel which lasted for eight minutes in Barangay Miabas, Palanas, Masbate.

The said encounters yielded three high-powered guns and hand grenades, among other war materiel, according to AFP.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1588259/4-alleged-npa-members-killed-in-occidental-mindoro-masbate-military

City gov’t recognizes TFD for zero-terrorism incidents

From the Mindanao Times (Apr 29, 2022): City gov’t recognizes TFD for zero-terrorism incidents (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

THE LOCAL government lauded Task Force Davao (TFD) for its commitment to secure the city, which has been enjoying zero terrorism-related incidents in the past five years.

Acting City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, in his message, said the TFD and other members of the security cluster played a vital role in sustaining the growth of the city over the years.

Mindanao Times File Photo

“Davao City takes pride in its peace and order mechanisms, which help support local economic development. Your campaigns geared toward the safety of the city allow our citizens to live peacefully and for businesses to thrive in our communities. In your 19th year in serving the people of Davao, we thank you for your support of the security program of the local government. The city’s culture of security is a testament to the success of our cooperation,” he said during TFD’s 19th founding anniversary celebration at the TFD headquarters near Sta. Ana pier.

The acting mayor said TFD’s presence is vital, considering the constant threat in some conflicted regions near Davao City. Terrorist attacks, according to him, cannot be predicted but these are consequential because of Davao City’s geo-political situation.

The vice mayor added, “We’re experiencing peace, but most conflicted places in Mindanao are not experiencing it. We are very lucky. The Davaoeños are very thankful for people like you who are serving under the Task Force Davao. Daghan kaayong salamat sa inyo (Thank you very much).”

He said the stable peace and order in the city allowed more opportunities for more investments, both domestic and foreign. He also said that the Build Build Build program of President Rodrigo R. Duterte opened road networks throughout the city, which the City Government of Davao will utilize to also open opportunities for people who are far from the city center.

He challenged the TFD to sustain its gains and ensure the safety of peace-loving Davaoeños.

“We’re confident that with our strong synergy, we’ll continue to succeed. Let us work actively in deterring any threat to the security of Davao City,” he said.

TFD Commander Col. Darren Comia said that the TFD was challenged not only by the threat of terrorism but also by the threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Comia said, “Despite these threats, we stood up. We faced all the challenges just to ensure the safety and security of Davao City. With our experience, your Task Force Davao has become stronger and more resilient in all the odds that we will be confronting while performing our mandate.”

He underscored that the TFD’s success was due to the support, cooperation, and collaboration of all its stakeholders and partners then and now, including the peace-loving Davaoeños.

“We’re more motivated and inspired now because all of you are our source of encouragement and motivating force for us to carry on with our tasks,” he said, also thanking all officers, including enlisted personnel and Cafgu Active Auxiliary assigned to the TFD in the past 19 years.

The TFD chief also assured us that all their gains will be sustained and more legacies will be added.

Comia added, “On behalf of the officers, men and women, and the entire Task Force Davao, I, as your commander, commit ourselves to the maintenance of peace, security, and order in this beautiful city of Davao where life is here.”

Meanwhile, the 10th Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Nolasco Mempin said his steadfastness and commitment to duty were tested when he served as TFD commander for almost two years.

“I’m very proud to be a part of it and more than proud for what it has become over the years. Your 19 faithful years of rendering intensive counter-terror efforts in Davao City contributed much to making the city the trade, commerce, industry, and political hub not only in Mindanao but also in the entire country,” he added.

The TFD was activated due to terror attacks in 2003, specifically the bombing of the old airport and Sasa Wharf.

The Roxas Night Market blast on September 2, 2016, which claimed 15 lives and injured 69 others, was the last terrorist attack in the city.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2022/04/29/city-govt-recognizes-tfd-for-zero-terrorism-incidents/

9 Red fighters neutralized, 56 surrender

From the Visayan Daily Star (Apr 30, 2022): 9 Red fighters neutralized, 56 surrender (BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Another Army soldier receives a Military Merit Medal from Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 3rd Infantry Division commander, in recognition of his bravery during an encounter with NPA rebels in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.* PA photo

The Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion is reported to have neutralized nine New People’s Army red fighters, including two child warriors, and facilitated the surrender of 56 former rebels and supporters in central Negros.

Of the nine neutralized rebels, Lt. Col. William Pesase, 62IB commander, disclosed that three of them died in gun battles, three were captured, two NPA child warriors rescued, and an injured NPA member surrendered, from January to April 21 this year, all which are under the Leonardo Panaligan Command.

Six firearms left behind by the fleeing rebels were also recovered, Pesase said, in a report of the 62nd Infantry Battalion.

He also attributed the surrender of 14 NPA regulars, five Militia ng Bayan and 37 of their supporters to intensified Civil-Military Operations and Local Peace Engagements.

On April 25, Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 3rd Infantry Division commander, led the conferment of Military Merit Medals to 20 soldiers of the 62IB and 33rd Division Reconnaissance Company in Brgy. Libas, Isabela, Negros Occidental.

Arevalo said that the award will serve as motivation for their continuous efforts to totally neutralize the NPA remnants in central Negros.

Pesase said he appreciates the initiative and untiring support of Gen. Arevalo in boosting the morale and welfare of 62IB troops.

https://visayandailystar.com/9-red-fighters-neutralized-56-surrender/

SPECIAL REPORT: From bullets to ballots: MILF fields local bets for the 2022 polls

From MindaNews (May 1, 2022): SPECIAL REPORT: From bullets to ballots: MILF fields local bets for the 2022 polls (By BONG S. SARMIENTO)

Along the banks of the Tamontaka River near the majestic Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque or the Grand Mosque of Cotabato on March 25, Day 1 of the 45-day campaign period for local candidates, Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim, chair of the erstwhile rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), told the huge crowd: “Ang affair natin ngayon ay isa sa pinakahistoric dito sa atin sa Bangsamoro kasi unang eleksyon sa ating bansa na nagparticipate ang MILF.” (Our affair today is one of the most historic events in the Bangsamoro because this is the first election in the country where the MILF is fielding candidates).  

Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim, chair of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and its political party, United Bangsamoro Justice Party, rallies support for UBJP candidates during the start of the local campaign period on 25 March 2021 in Cotabato City. Ebrahim is also interim Chief Minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. MindaNews photo by BONG S. SARMIENTO

The Moro leader and his convoy of luxury vehicles had to carefully maneuver amid a throng of people and vehicles, many lining very early in the morning along the Tamontaka-Bubong road to become part of Bangsamoro history. Ushered to the stage under heavy security, Ebrahim calmly stood and cleared his throat, introducing himself as wearing the hat of the president of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), the MILF’s political party.

Apart from being the MILF chair and UBJP president, Ebrahim wears another major hat, as the interim Chief Minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), where he is formally known as Ahod Balawag Ebrahim. He promised to govern the region guided by the principle of “moral governance.”

The same moral governance principle has been embraced by UBJP in the MILF’s quest to continue the Bangsamoro cause for their right to self-determination, but shifting from bloody armed revolution to electoral or democratic struggle: from bullets to ballots.

Ebrahim and senior UBJP leaders, basking in the crowd’s applause and cheers on their moral governance battlecry, marched their members and supporters to vote the candidates their political party fielded or is supporting across the Bangsamoro region.

A female supporter shows her vigorous support to UBJP candidates during the start of the local campaign on 25 March 2022 in Cotabato City. MindaNews photo by BONG S. SARMIENTO

“Bumoto kayo at bibigyan kayo ni Allah ng reward, because it is part of the jihad, Insha’Allah,” Ebrahim said. “Wag natin itong sayangin na pagkakataon, first time tayo bumoto sa pangalan ng jihad, sa pangalan ng rebolusyon. Ngayon lang, so wag nating sayangin.” (Go out and vote. Allah will give you reward because it is part of the jihad, Insha’Allah. Let us not waste this chance. It is our first time to vote in the name of jihad, in the name of revolution. The chance is now, so let us not waste it.)

After waging a decades-long war for their right to self- determination in Mindanao, the MILF and the Philippine government signed on March 27, 2014 under the Aquino administration, the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), after 17 years of peace negotiations.

The implementation of the CAB suffered delays and it was only in 2018, under the Duterte administration, when Republic Act 11054 or the Organic Law for the BARMM, the enabling law of the peace agreement, was passed. Ratified in a plebiscite in January and February 2019, it paved the way for the creation of the BARMM, now consisting of five provinces and three cities and the 63 villages in six North Cotabato towns that joined the new autonomous region.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte sounds the gong to signal the inauguration of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex in Cotabato City on March 29, 2019, marking what he said was a “new dawn” for the Moro.’ Joining the President is BARMM interim Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ibrahim (MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim). ROBINSON NIÑAL JR./PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

The BARMM was inaugurated on March 29, 2019 with President Rodrigo Duterte sounding the gong to mark the historic occasion.

The 2019 plebiscite was the first electoral exercise participated in by the MILF leadership and members, including its armed group, the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF). Ebrahim cast his vote for the first time, naturally in favor of ratification.

The second electoral exercise participated in by the MILF/BIAF was the May 2019 midterm polls but the MILF, then on its first months in the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), the MILF-led body tasked to govern the BARMM during the transition period, did not field any candidate under UBJP.

The transition period was supposed to end on June 30, 2022 with the oathtaking of the BARMM’s first set of elected officials but it was extended until June 30, 2025 with the passage of a law resetting the date of the first regular election from May 2022 to May 2025.

2014 registration

The MILF’s political party was organized in 2014 and was registered with the Commission on Elections in 2015, as it was then anticipating that the new autonomous region that would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao would be established before the Aquino administration bows out of office on June 30, 2016.

Six years after UBJP’s registration, and midway through an extended transition period, the MILF has been transitioning, too, from rebels to government leaders. From bullets to ballots.

  

An MILF member listens to UBJP candidates during the start of the local campaign on 25 March 2022 in Cotabato City. MindaNews photo by BONG S. SARMIENTO

To sustain the gains of the Bangsamoro peace process, the MILF’s UBJP fielded for the first time, candidates in this city, the seat of government of the Bangsamoro region, and its traditional bailiwick, Maguindanao, and is supporting other local candidates elsewhere in the region.

The creation of the Bangsamoro region is the centerpiece of the CAB, which Ebrahim stressed was the fruit of their nearly 50 years of armed struggle.

“We need to protect the fruits of our struggle because we sacrificed our lives, we shed our blood and bear many hardships to reap it. We must ensure that the fruits that we reap we can further sow for the benefit of the next generation of Bangsamoro people,” the 72-year-old leader said at the rally.

To protect and sustain the gains of the peace process, including the MILF’s leadership in the BARMM, Ebrahim rallied the front’s 40,000-strong armed forces and their families and the mass supporters of MILF to vote for the UBJP candidates and the other bets the party is supporting.

A month later, on April 23, 2022, the UBJP welcomed Vice President Leni Robredo in the MILF’s Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, to declare support for Robredo.

Vice President Leni Robredo gets the endorsement of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party, the political party of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, both chaired by Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim, on her birthday on Saturday, 23 April 2022 at the MILFs Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. Ebrahim is interim Chief Minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. MindaNews photo by GREGORIO BUENO

“As we aspire for genuine reconciliation and national healing, having Leni Robredo as the next President of the country brings hope to the realization of the elusive unity, through inclusivity, good governance, and real democracy,” Ebrahim said.

In response, Robredo, who was then celebrating her birthday, noted the MILF’s endorsement is a huge birthday gift to her.

“What I can assure the Bangsamoro people is that a Robredo presidency will be a friend of the Bangsamoro and a champion of the peace process,” she said.

UBJP’s platform of governance

At the riverside rally on March 25, Mohagher Iqbal, speaking as UBJP vice president for Central Mindanao, laid the UBJP’s platform of government before a crowd chanting Allahu Akbar (God is the greatest) many times.

Like Ebrahim, Iqbal also wears other major hats. The MILF chief peace negotiator from 2003 to 2016 has been serving as MILF peace implementing panel chair since 2016 and as Bangsamoro Minister of Education since 2019.

“First and foremost, the UBJP adheres, more than good governance, to moral governance – maka-Diyos na (God-centered) governance,” Iqbal explained.

  

Mohagher Iqbal, UBJP vice president for Central Mindanao, addresses UBJP supporters during the start of the local campaign on 25 March 2022 in Cotabato City. MindaNews photo by BONG S. SARMIENTO

The MILF’s political party also fosters a consultative and collective leadership to empower the people, Iqbal said, stressing: “We need to give the power to our people.”

Another major platform of government of the UBJP, according to Iqbal, is infrastructure and economic development to uplift the lives of residents in the impoverished Bangsamoro region.

But the heart of the UBJP’s governance is to sustain the gains of the Bangsamoro peace process, Iqbal stressed.

“Kailangan na itong kapayapaan at hustisya na natamasa natin ngayon ay kailangan tuloy-tuloy na ito. Wala nang daan na pwedeng tahakin kung hindi and daan ng kapayapaan” (There’s a need to sustain the peace and justice that we’re reaping now. There is no other path to tread but the way of peace), he said.

“Tapos na po ang gyera. Tapos na po negotiations. Nandito na po tayo sa electoral at democratic struggle. Kailangan tuloy-tuloy yung daan sa Kalayaan. Tayo pong lahat balagan nahirapan po tayo sa panahon ng gyera, ayaw na natin ulitin yan, ayaw na natin ulitin yan,” (The war is over. The negotiations are over. We are now in the electoral and democratic struggle. The road to peace must be continuous. All of us really suffered the cruelties of war – we don’t want that to happen again, we don’t want that to happen again).

At his office in the Bangsamoro Government Complex on March 24, the day before their riverside rally, Iqbal told MindaNews that the MILF formed the UBJP as the front veered away from armed struggle to the political and democratic struggle, still in pursuit of the Bangsamoro right to self-determination.

From ARMM to BARMM

“The MILF will exist and transition into a social movement. One of UBJP’s main priorities is to promote the Bangsamoro identity and justice for our people,” he said.

Iqbal noted that UBJP members, many of whom also belong to the MILF, are motivated by a spirit of voluntarism inculcated even while the front was waging war with the government.

A win by UBJP candidates is crucial to the Bangsamoro transition government, which is dominated by the MILF, in delivering social services and economic development alongside the implementation of the provisions of the peace agreement across the Bangsamoro region, Iqbal said.

The BARMM, which replaced the 29-year-old ARMM comprises the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, the cities of Marawi, Lamitan and Cotabato, and 63 villages from six towns in North Cotabato.

Cotabato City and the 63 villages in North Cotabato, now referred to as the Special Geographic Area, are the additions to the new autonomous region. The ARMM was composed of the same five provinces plus the cities of Marawi and Lamitan.

 

A voter writes on her ballot in a polling precinct in Barangay Bagoinged inside Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s Camp Raja Muda in Pikit, North Cotabato during the plebiscite for the Bangsamoro Law on 6 February 2019. MindaNews photo by MANMAN DEJETO

During the January 2019 plebiscite, out of ARMM’s 1,980,441 registered voters, an overwhelming majority or 1,540,017 voted in favor of RA 11054’s ratification, as against the 198,750 who opposed it. In Cotabato City, which has at least 113,751 registered voters, those who voted for inclusion numbered 36,682 while 24,994 rejected it.

Maguindanao overwhelmingly voted “yes” to ratify the Bangsamoro law, with 608,846 in favor and 9,096 against. The vote-richest province in the BARMM, Maguindanao had 640,244 registered voters then.

The four ARMM provinces – Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao and Tawi-tawi voted for inclusion in the BARMM. Only Sulu voted against inclusion but is still part of BARMM because RA 11054 provides that it that the ARMM provinces and cities voted as one geographical area.

Vital to 2025 parliamentary polls

Iqbal noted the 2022 local elections is more complicated than the 2019 plebiscite, since the voting does not involve a single issue directly affecting the Bangsamoro people as a whole, unlike the plebiscite three years ago.

Nevertheless, the MILF is hoping that on May 9, it would get the same voting trend in the 2019 plebiscite, particularly in Cotabato City, the seat of the BARMM and the defunct ARMM, and in Maguindanao province.

He explained that the 2022 election is very important for the MILF as a prelude to the 2025 Bangsamoro parliamentary elections.

The UBJP is fielding a full slate in Cotabato City and in Maguindanao province. If they win in these areas, he said, this would help make the UBJP a force to reckon with during the 2025 parliamentary elections. The dominant political party becomes the “Government of the Day.”

Under RA 11054, the Bangsamoro parliament shall be composed of 80 members 40 representatives of political parties, 32 single-member district representatives and eight sectoral representatives (two reserved seats for non-Moro indigenous peoples, two for settler communities and one sectoral seat each for women, youth, traditional leaders, and the Ulama).

In Cotabato City, the UBJP standard bearer is Bruce Matabalao, a city councilor who is on his last and third term. His running mate is two-term city councilor Butch Abu, son of the late MILF vice chair for political affairs Ghazali Jaafar. Matabalao is challenging incumbent Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi, who staunchly campaigned against the inclusion of the city to the Bangsamoro region.

She protested the results of the plebiscite in Cotabato City where majority voted for inclusion in the BARMM. She claimed voters against inclusion were threatened and intimidated. She also opposed the term extension of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), the interim governing body of the BARMM. The BTA’s mandate is supposedly only until June 30, 2022, when the first set of BARMM elected officials shall have taken their oath.

Maguindanao bets

The transition period in the Bangsamoro region, however, was extended for three more years after President Rodrigo Duterte signed in October a law postponing the 2022 Bangsamoro parliamentary elections and synchronizing it with the 2025 national elections.

Ebrahim, as interim Chief Minister and chair of the MILF, had pushed for the extension of the transition period, noting it will allow the government and the MILF to implement the provisions of the CAB and those provided by the BOL, which was hampered by the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In Maguindanao, the UBJP is fielding former three-term governor (2010-2019) and now 2nd District Rep. Esmail “Toto” Mangudadatu in the gubernatorial race against reflectionist Gov. Bai Mariam Sangkat-Mangudadatu (Nacionalista Party), wife of Sultan Kudarat Gov. Suharto “Teng” Mangudadatu, Toto’s cousin.

 

Vice President Leni Robredo is flanked by (L to R) former Buluan Mayor Ibrahim “Jong” Mangudadatu, Bai Sandra Sema, candidate of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) for Vice Governor of Maguindanao, Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu, UBJP candidate for Maguindanao Governor, Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim, chair of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the UBJP and presently the interim Chief Minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and Datu Roonie Sinsuat, reelectionist 1st district Representative. MindaNews photo by CAROLYN O. ARGUILLAS

Four others are also gunning for the post: Hadji Yasser Ampatuan (Abag Promdi), Dhats Ganasi (Aksyon Demokratiko), Norsalyn Kasim (Independent) and Datu Mala Lumbos (Independent).

Toto Mangudadatu’s running mate is former 1st district Rep. Bai Sandra Sema., wife of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chair Muslimin Sema, now Labor Minister of the BARMM.

Mangudadatu and Sema staunchly support the Bangsamoro peace process. Sema’s opponents are Bai Ainee Limbona-Sinsuat (Nacionalista Party), the wife of incumbent Vice Governor Lester Sinsuat; Alpata Utto (Abag Promdi) and independent candidates Suraida Abdullah and Abdulhadi Hasim.

In the first congressional district, the UBJP’s bet is reelectionist Rep. Datu Roonie Sinsuat, Sr. In the second congressional district, the MILF’s political party is fielding former two-term Rep. Zajid “Dong” Mangudadatu, brother of Toto.

The other candidates in the first congressional district are Mohammad Ali Amil (Independent), Bai Donna Dilangalen (Kilusang Bagong Lipunan), Jashriya Dilangalen (Partido Demokratiko Sosyalista ng Pilipinas), Ellas Dimarao (Independent), BTA member Dimple Mastura (PDP-Laban) and Mastura Mokamad (Promdi).

For the second congressional district, the other bets are Kadil Kayadtugan (Independent), Bing Mangacop (Promdi) and Datu Paglas Vice Mayor Tong Paglas (Nacionalista Party).

In the other parts of the region, the UBJP fielded slates only in some municipalities and provinces, with Iqbal saying the MILF is throwing support to those who supported the Bangsamoro peace process and the establishment of the BARMM.

Sustaining gains of the peace process

Like Iqbal, Ebrahim also underscored the relevance of the May 9 polls to the 2025 Bangsamoro parliamentary elections.

The MILF chair stressed the need for UBJP candidates to win, noting that if they lose, it would be difficult for the Bangsamoro government to deal with the local government units whose leaders beat the MILF’s bets, apparently referring to Cotabato City and Maguindanao province.

“Pero kung mananalo tayo, Insha Allah, makikita ninyo na ang LGUs maging katuwang natin, kasangkapan natin para madeliver sa inyo ang programa ng BARMM” (But if we win, Insha Allah, the LGUs will be our partners in the delivery of the BARMM’s programs), Ebrahim said.

Ebrahim rallied support for the victory to the UBJP candidates, by issuing a general marching order.

“As chairman of the MILF, I order all MILF members to vote all the candidates of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party,” he said.

MILF members man a checkpoint at Camp Darapanan, the front’s main headquarters in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, on 26 March 2022. The MILF has shifted its struggle from “bullets to ballots.” MindaNews photo by BONG S. SARMIENTO

Iqbal said they are banking on the “hundreds of thousands” of MILF members and supporters to help bring victory to UBJP candidates in Maguindanao province and in Cotabato City.

He noted the UBJP is an important vehicle for the MILF’s continuing struggle to its final objective, which is to define the Bangsamoro’s right to self-determination.

Iqbal stressed that while 85% of the CAB has been captured in RA 11054 or the Organic Law for the BARMM, implementation of the final peace agreement is still ongoing.

Political and Normalization tracks

Three years after the Bangsamoro transition government was formed, implementation of the political and normalization tracks of the peace agreement remains a work in progress, hampered by the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The political track involves, among others, the passage of the priority codes, the setting up of offices, the disposition of the personnel of the ARMM and the full transfer of powers and properties of the ARMM government to the BARMM government, except those properties, land and structures located outside of the ARMM.

The normalization track seeks to help MILF combatants transform into civilian lives and the recognized MILF camps into peaceful and productive economic zones.

Members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) who will be decommissioned arrive at the Old Capitol complex in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat on Saturday, September 7, 2019, for the launch of the second phase of the decommissioning process. MindaNews photo by MANMAN DEJETO

Phase 1 of the decommissioning process involving 145 MILF fighters and 75 high-powered weapons was done in June 2015 in Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao, with then President Benigno Simeon Aquino III attending the ceremonies.

President Rodrigo Duterte launched Phase 2, involving 12,000 MILF fighters and at least 2,100 assorted weapons, in September 2019, with the process completed in March 2020.

Last November, the third phase of decommissioning, involving 14,000 combatants or 35% of the 40,000-strong MILF and about 2,500 assorted weapons, kicked off and is still on going.

The remaining 35% will be decommissioned before the signing of the exit agreement between the government and the MILF and witnessed by the Malaysian facilitator of the peace negotiations and the Third Party Monitoring Team that the two parties created.

Key to peace in Mindanao

Iqbal stressed the need for the UBJP candidates to win to help sustain the gains of the Bangsamoro peace process and the implementation of the peace accord.

“The CAB has to be implemented because that’s the key to peace in Mindanao,” Iqbal stressed.

Ebrahim ordered MILF members and appealed to the front’s supporters to vote all the candidates fielded and supported by UBJP.

“We plead you that we help each other so that the fruits of the armed struggle will remain for our people, for our region,” Ebrahim urged MILF supporters.

UBJP candidates Bai Sandra Sema for Vice Governor of Maguindanao, Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatugu who seeks to return as Governor of Maguindanao and Zajid Mangudadatu for 2nd district representative, are joined in this billboard by UBJP and MILF chair Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim, who is also interim Chief Minister of the Bangsamoro Government. MindaNews photo by BONG S. SARMIENTO

Musa Damao, president of the non-government Bangsamoro Dialogue for Peace and Justice, described the UBJP as “very powerful in the Bangsamoro communities,” especially in Maguindanao and the 63 villages in North Cotabato that voted for inclusion to the BARMM.

“That’s because of their sympathizers, apart from the core MILF members… The UBJP has a mass-based support,” Damao, who holds a doctorate degree on peace and development, told MindaNews.

Damao, a resident of the Bangsamoro Special Geographic Area comprising the 63 villages in North Cotabato, said MILF members “will vote as a bloc, giving UBJP candidates an edge over their rivals.”

“The MILF members usually follow the directive from the hierarchy,” he said.

According to him, the MILF’s cozying up with established politicians, such as Toto Mangudadatu, seeks to create a “powerful political bloc,” each complementing one another.

Iqbal noted the UBJP wants a clean and orderly elections.

“That’s why we need to guard our votes. Like what we did in the 2019 plebiscite where our comrades, including the old folk, cried because they need to guard the votes. We must do that again. This is our fight, the fight of our people, of everyone, so let us keep watch of our votes,” he said.

https://www.mindanews.com/special-reports/2022/05/special-report-from-bullets-to-ballots-milf-fields-local-bets-for-the-2022-polls/

Ex-NPA rebels in Aurora pledge allegiance to gov't

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 30, 2022): Ex-NPA rebels in Aurora pledge allegiance to gov't (By Jason De Asis)

COMMITMENT OF SUPPORT. A former member of the communist terrorist group signs a commitment of support to the government's peace efforts. He is one of the 55 former rebels who pledged allegiance to the national government after the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict Region 3 Situational Awareness and Knowledge Management conducted a local peace and community consultation in Barangay Marikit, Casigura, Aurora on Friday (April 29, 2022). (Photo by Jason De Asis)

A total of 55 former guerrillas of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army (CPP-NPA) have withdrawn their support for the communist movement and pledged their allegiance to the national government.

The withdrawal of support was made after the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) Region 3 Situational Awareness and Knowledge Management (SAKM) conducted a local peace and community consultation in Barangay Marikit, Casiguran town, this province on Friday.

During the event, the former CPP-NPA rebels, composed of 30 former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and 25 former members of the Militia ng Bayan, burned the communist flag as proof of their sincerity to the government.

The community consultation meeting, with former rebels, their mass base supporters, military and police personnel, and representatives from concerned government agencies, aims to orient and increase awareness of Executive Order No. 70 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte, which institutionalizes a “whole-of-nation approach” in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace.

Maria Luisa F. De Guzman, regional director of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), thanked the former rebels as well as the residents condemning the CTGs and helping them to attain inclusive peace and development in Aurora.

“This is a result of our community consultation in promoting peace and stability in the province. This is part of our campaign against insurgency, together with the help of the Army’s 91st Infantry 'Sinagtala' Battalion, Aurora Police Provincial Office, and other concerned agencies. I thank all of you for helping the government in its fight against terrorism,” she said.

De Guzman urged the participants to form an organization to easily get assistance from the government.

“We will help you and address your needs. We urged you to organize and mobilize. Rest assured that the government will do its part to bring financial assistance and livelihood so that no one will come back with the CTGs,” she added.

Ret. Army Brig. Gen. Abraham Claro C. Casis, the official representative of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU), said the government has always been open to diplomatic communication for a peaceful resolution gearing toward ending any form of conflict that may trigger violence.

Col. Julio S. Lizardo, provincial director of the Aurora Police Provincial Office, thanked the former rebels for their trust in the government and for deciding to live peacefully with their loved ones.

Lt. Col. Julito B. Recto Jr., commander of 91st IB, likewise assured the former rebels of their safety, saying that “the Philippine Army troopers are here to protect you from any harm brought about by atrocities of the CPP-NPA.”

Meanwhile, Ka Baldo, a former commander, called on active NPA members to give up their fight before it is too late to reunite with their families.

“Hindi ko na mabuo ang aming pamilya. Kaya bilang dati ninyong kumander ako ay humihiling sa inyo na huwag ng lumaban sa gobyerno. Makipagtulungan po tayo sa kanila at magbagong buhay ng totoo. Mahalin natin ang ating pamilya upang hindi ito mawasak katulad ng nararanasan ko ngayon. Huwag maniwala sa mga panlilinlang ng NPA (I could no longer rebuild my family. So, as your former commander, I am asking you not to fight the government. Let us work with them and change their life for real. Let us love our family so that it would not be destroyed as I am experiencing now. Do not believe the deceptions of the NPA” the former rebel said.

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

The 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/1173365

Westmincom units ordered to ensure peaceful, orderly polls

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 30, 2022): Westmincom units ordered to ensure peaceful, orderly polls (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

POLL SECURITY. Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, 11th Infantry Division (ID) commander (right), discusses the preparation updates for the upcoming May 9 national and local elections to Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr., commander of Western Mindanao Command, on Friday (April 29, 2022) at Camp Gen. Teodulfo Bautista, home of the 11ID in Jolo, Sulu. Rosario visited the 11ID to assess the situation as well as the security preparations of the unit. (Photo courtesy of 11ID)

Units under the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) were directed to ensure the peaceful and orderly conduct of the May 9 national and local elections in their areas of jurisdiction.

The units under Westmincom are the Army’s 1st, 11th, and 6th Infantry Divisions that have jurisdiction over the Zamboanga Peninsula, Lanao del Norte, parts of Lanao del Sur, Central Mindanao, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.

Westmincom also has a naval component — Naval Forces Western Mindanao — and an Air Force component —Tactical Operations Wing-Western Mindanao.

Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr., commander of Westmincom, said on Saturday that he visited the different field units of the command one after the other the past few days to assess the situation as well as the preparedness of the troops.

The latest unit that Rosario visited was the 11th Infantry Division (ID) based in Jolo, Sulu.

Rosario was impressed with the security preparations of the 11ID, which he visited Friday.

He also conveyed to all field units the guidance of Gen. Andres Centino, Armed Forces Chief-of-Staff, to remain non-partisan and perform their election duties to ensure safe, accurate, free, and fair elections.

Rosario added that they will provide logistical needs, like transportation, to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the preparations and conduct of the poll.

“We will provide security to the polling places, election officials and paraphernalia,” Rosario said in a statement.

Meanwhile, he reminded the commanders of the field units to continue their mandated tasks while rendering poll security duty.

He said there should be designated personnel who will be deployed to perform election duties while others will continue performing military operations to continuously defeat the remaining members of the different terror groups.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173377

CPP-NPA exploits labor unions to agitate workers: ex-rebel

From the Philippine News Agency (May 1, 2022): CPP-NPA exploits labor unions to agitate workers: ex-rebel (By Christine Cudis)

Labor Day press conference (Screengrab)

Former rebels who operated in Davao de Oro (formerly Compostela Valley) admitted they aimed to agitate workers of big corporations and lure them into the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA).

Arman Blase, former spokesperson of Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) in Southern Mindanao, said in a Labor Day press conference on Sunday organized by the local government of Davao de Oro that one of their first goals was to establish labor unions.

"We will observe and ask what their issues are as workers and soon they will be radicalized. When they are angry enough, they can now be mobilized for strikes or protests," he said.

Blase said he started as a full-time member of the KMU in 2008 but the CPP-NPA's activities were already active as early as 1997.

"Agitating workers is the fastest way to increase our recruitment. When there are many members joining the protests, then we can start to extort from the companies," he said.

He also said that the recruited members of labor unions participate in extortion activities in other areas.

He said one of the big corporations in the province that received extortion demands was Lapanday Foods Corporation, a grower, supplier, and exporter of farm-fresh bananas and pineapples to international markets.

History of attacks

Brig. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr., acting commander of the 10th Infantry Division, said extortion activities only show that rebels abhor peace.

"The NPA rebels do not just conduct terror attacks but threaten the livelihood of workers," Madrigal said.

A recent extortion try by CPP-NPA rebels was foiled on March 27 in Barangay Tupas Maragusan, Davao de Oro.

Lt Gen. Greg Almerol said the rebels were planning to mark the 53rd anniversary of the NPA, but it was preempted after concerned citizens reported the plan to authorities.

“Our troops who have been conducting focused military operations since last year to sustain our crackdown against the remaining [communist rebels] were alerted by concerned citizens on the presence of armed groups attempting to plant an IED (improvised explosive device) along the road. This was immediately responded to by the 1001st Brigade’s troops, which led to a series of armed encounters and resulted in the death of Daguman (Ezekiel), a central committee member of the CPP, and his comrades,” he narrated.

One of the slain NPA rebels during the gunfight, according to the military, was involved in the attack on Lapanday in 2015 and the Macondray Plastic Plant in Panabo City in 2017 and in the 2015 murder of Datu Ruben Labawan, a tribal leader in Paquibato, Davao City.

Addressing the situation

The Philippine Amy said it has strengthened efforts to secure the investments that generate employment for locals and sustain government programs.

Capt. Mark Tito, the 10th Infantry Division spokesperson, shared that they conduct Community Support Programs as well as intelligence operations and massive information dissemination to spread awareness on terrorist activities.

"This is to create an awareness among the public that giving in to the demands of communist terrorist groups is against the law. The extortion money can be utilized for the advancement of the armed struggle," he said.

Dialogues, forums, and awareness drives with the business sector especially with mining companies or personnel, politicians, banana plantation companies, and workers are the common efforts, Tito added.

"Our intelligence team can also offer identification of these CPP-NPA collectors as well as other personalities that intend to extort from corporations or private individuals," he said.

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

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173416

Army recovers IEDs, ammo in Surigao Norte clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 29, 2022): Army recovers IEDs, ammo in Surigao Norte clash (By Alexander Lopez)

WAR MATERIEL. The homemade bombs, ammunition, and other war matériel recovered by government troops following a firefight against communist New People’s Army rebels in Bacuag, Surigao del Norte Thursday (April 28, 2022). The Philippine Army’s 30th Infantry Battalion says the rebels withdrew after the 15-minute gun battle. (Photo courtesy of 30IB)

Army troopers from the 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB) have recovered two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ammunition following an encounter with the communists New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Surigao del Norte, the military said Friday.

In a statement, the Army’s 30th Infantry Battalion (IB) said troops were sent to Barangay Payapag in Bacuag town Thursday after residents reported the presence of around 10 armed NPA rebels.

While on patrol heading to the area, government troopers were fired upon by the NPA rebels, resulting in a 15-minute gun battle.

The insurgents, identified as belonging to the NPA's North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee led by Alberto Castañeda and Roel Neniel, immediately retreated during the gunfight.

Recovered from the encounter site were two IEDs, five magazines for the AK-47 rifle, 150 pieces of various types of ammunition, personal belongings, and subversive documents.

Lt. Col. Charles Callanta, 30IB commander, said the encounter "stopped the NPA rebels from executing their plans against the community, particularly intimidation and extortion."

Peace and development, Callanta said, can only be attained if people in different communities will work hand-in-hand with the government.

Pursuit operations in the area are still ongoing, he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173321

Teen NPA fighters yield in Davao Oro

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 29, 2022): Teen NPA fighters yield in Davao Oro (By Che Palicte)

RESCUED YOUNG REBELS. Four teenaged New People's Army rebels surrender to the Army's 66th Infantry Battalion in Maragusan, Davao de Oro, Wednesday (April 27, 2022). Since 2016, the Army's 10th Infantry Division recorded at least 121 rescued minors from the NPA. (Photo courtesy of 10ID)

Some four teenaged New People's Army (NPA) rebels have surrendered to government forces in Davao de Oro, a military official said Friday.

Capt. Mark Anthony Tito, the Army’s 10th Infantry Division spokesperson, said the surrenderers were members of NPA’s Regional Operations Command Southern Mindanao Regional Committee.

The four yielded to the Army’s 66th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Barangay Coronobe, Maragusan, Davao de Oro, Wednesday, Tito said in a statement.

Tito identified only two of the four through their aliases: Jomari,18, a squad political guide, and Vina, 19, a squad supply officer.

Following their surrender, the group assisted 66IB soldiers in locating two M16 rifles they themselves hid in Barangay Andap, New Bataan town.

Tito said the two minors were already reported to the New Bataan Municipal Social Welfare Development Office (MSWDO) for appropriate action.

Maj. Gen. Nolasco Mempin, the 10ID commander, welcomed the surrender and rescue of the minors.

"To the members of the NPA, stop exploiting the Filipino youth. Surrender now and abandon the armed struggle that victimized thousands of lives," Mempin said.

Since 2016, the 10ID recorded around 121 rescued minors being exploited by the NPA in its armed struggle.

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

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173306

NPA rebels yield in Sultan Kudarat

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 29, 2022): NPA rebels yield in Sultan Kudarat (By Edwin Fernandez)

NPA SURRENDERERS. Nine former New People’s Army (NPA) communist rebels pose with soldiers who convinced them to surrender in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, on Thursday (April 28, 2022). The Army’s 37th Infantry Battalion says the rebels surrendered due to hunger and exhaustion. (Photo courtesy of 37IB)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Some nine combatants of the New People’s Army (NPA) have surrendered to state troopers in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, the military here announced Friday.

Lt. Col. Allen Van Estrera, Army’s 37th Infantry Battalion commander, said the surrenderers used to operate under the NPAs Far South Mindanao Region. They turned over two AK-47 rifles, an M16 rifle, a Carbine, a 9mm submachine gun, two .345-caliber pistols, and an MK2 hand grenade.

Estrera attributed the success of the surrender program to the intensified intelligence operations of the 37IB.

He said the rebels cited hunger and exhaustion as the primary reasons for their return to mainstream society.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander, said the surrenderers have "made the right decision."

Since January this year, a total of 61 communist rebels were neutralized in Central Mindanao, five of whom were killed in encounters, 53 surrendered, and three apprehended.

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

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173315

Hunt on for gunmen in Maguindanao ambush

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 28, 2022): Hunt on for gunmen in Maguindanao ambush (By Edwin Fernandez)

Google map of Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

DATU ODIN SINSUAT, Maguindanao – Police launched a manhunt for the motorcycle riding-in-tandem gunmen who ambushed and killed a man Thursday afternoon.

Lt. Col. Assir Balindong, Datu Odin Sinsuat municipal police chief, said the victim Aquino Datucan was driving a black Toyota Hi-Lux pick-up truck when ambushed at 3 p.m. in Barangay Makir.

Datucan was rushed by his companion to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. His companion who was seated in the front seat was unharmed.

A female public commuter van passenger, identified as Sapia Mokamad, 58, of Koronadal City, collapsed when she saw the shooting and was also declared dead on arrival in the hospital.
Police said she died of apparent cardiac arrest.

Police found empty shells of an M16 rifle at the crime scene.

A possible motive for the attack could be a personal grudge or “rido” or clan war, police said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173316

5 terrorists, soldier killed in Lanao Sur clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 28, 2022): 5 terrorists, soldier killed in Lanao Sur clash (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

FOILED TERROR PLAN. Government troops recover high-powered firearms during a combat operation against the terror Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group (DI-MG) Wednesday (April 27, 2022) in Butig, Lanao del Sur. Five DI-MG members and a soldier were killed during the encounter. (Photo courtesy of the 5IB)

Five members of the Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group (DI-MG) and a soldier were killed while another trooper was injured during an encounter in the hinterlands of Lanao del Sur, a military official said Thursday.

Lt. Col. Romulus Rabara, the Army’s 5th Infantry Battalion (IB) commander, said “intense fighting” broke out during an operation against 40 members of DI-MG, led by a certain Abdullah in Barangay Ragayan, Butig, Lanao del Sur, Wednesday afternoon.

“The troops engaged the enemy in a four-hour gun battle which started at 8:30 a.m. until noon on Wednesday,” Rabara said in a statement.

He said the 5IB’s 1st Field Artillery Battalion and two AW-109 attack helicopters of the Philippine Air Force’s Tactical Operations Group provided support to the advancing ground troops.

The encounter resulted in the death of five DI-MG members and the recovery of four high-powered firearms, a rocket-propelled grenade, various ammunition, an improvised landmine, and other war matériel.

Rabara said a soldier, Corporal Rutevic Jaralve of Zamboanga del Norte, died while another trooper was slightly injured in the encounter.

He said they initiated the military operation based on information provided by the locals who noticed the presence of armed men in the mountainous part of Barangay Ragayan.

He said the residents' information coincided with intelligence reports that an armed group had been stockpiling construction materials and food supplies in the village.

“The encounter is proof that the terrorists are out to disrupt the peace whenever they are capable. It is for this reason that the Army is aggressive in its counter-terrorism operations,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173244

Ex-rebels' book seeks to ‘unmask’ CPP-NPA, communism myths

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 28, 2022): Ex-rebels' book seeks to ‘unmask’ CPP-NPA, communism myths (By Christine Cudis)

REDEMPTION. A group of former New People’s Army rebels launches the book “Unmasking: The Myth of Communism in the Philippines” in Davao City Thursday (April 28, 2022). The book is a compendium of firsthand accounts and analyses from former cadres of the communist rebel organization. (Photo by Robinson Niñal)

DAVAO CITY – A group of former New People's Army (NPA) rebels launched a book Thursday that seeks to expose the inner workings of the rebel group and its front organizations.

The authors said the book, “Unmasking: The Myth of Communism in the Philippines,” is their way of redeeming themselves for their involvement with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), whose ideology espouses the violent overthrow of the government.

Launched at the Sunny Point Hotel here, the book is a compendium of firsthand accounts and analysis of their experience as former cadres of the rebel organization. The book is free.

Joy James Saguino, one of the authors, was the former secretary of the NPA Guerrilla Front 20 that operates in Southern Mindanao.

Saguino was studying accountancy at the University of the Philippines in the Visayas when she was recruited and became a student organizer of Anakbayan and the Kabataan party-lists in 2007.

After a year, she joined one of the NPA guerrilla fronts operating in the towns of Igbaras, Miag-ao, and San Joaquin in Iloilo province.

Saguino, who earned the alias of “Ka Amihan”, revealed that as she assumed positions in various cause-oriented groups, she was also tasked to campaign for the NPA-allied party-lists in the 2016 elections.

Dark truths

She left the organization in 2017 when martial law was declared in Mindanao following the five-month siege of Marawi City by the Maute Group-led terror groups.

Saguino said she took the chance to flee the organization because she already “realized its dark truths”.

“(Making) this book is our way of redeeming ourselves for all the things and for all the people that we let suffer as a result of our participation in the so-called people's war” she said.

Saguino said the psychological debriefing she received from authorities guided her and her colleagues to heal and better themselves to rejoin society.

“Our exposé is not based on vengeance or anger towards our former comrades nor of our former organization, but borne of our love to who we are once, the Filipino youth, where we all started," she explained.

The authors said the book tells the story of the CPP and the robust network base that they have built over the decades.

According to the authors, the book extensively describes the CPP-NPA as an organization and the way it infiltrates the various layers of society to achieve its ends.

Political discourse

A contributing author, Noel Legaspi or Ka Efren, said the book aims to heighten the knowledge of every Filipino about the sociopolitical issues plaguing the country.

“This will also supplement social science subjects for college students, training schools, and those who wish to understand the perspectives of the CPP-NPA-NDF. We wish to explain why insurgency persists all over the Philippines,” he said.

Legaspi was a former political science student at Mindanao State University in General Santos City. He was a former NPA cadre and a spokesperson of the NDF.

He said the book was made convenient to read even by those who are “uninitiated” on political discourse.

“The publication aims to convey clear discussions regarding the subject. Unfamiliar concepts and events are supported with additional research to achieve a deep appreciation for the written material,” he said.

The authors said the book can also serve as reference material in the academe.

“College students, training schools, and other educational institutions can use the publication to understand the perspective of how and why the CPP-NPA-NDF continues to persist all over the Philippines,” Legaspi said.

The three other authors are former youth leader Jake Lanes or Ka Elmo, former secretary-general of Lakas ng Kabataan; former secretary of the East Front Committee and Henry Abraham Command Ivy Lyn Corpin; former operator of NPA’s intelligence unit Eric Celiz; former cadre Rey Christian Sabado.

Celiz is vying for a seat in Congress as the first nominee of the Sambayanan Party-list, while Sabado is now a non-commissioned officer from the Philippine Army's Class 677.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173210

Manhunt on vs. suspects in ambush of off-duty cop

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 28, 2022): Manhunt on vs. suspects in ambush of off-duty cop (By Edwin Fernandez)

Google map of Pikit, North Cotabato.

Police have launched a manhunt against two riding-in-tandem gunmen who ambushed and seriously injured an off-duty police officer in the North Cotabato town of Pikit.

“We have persons of interest in this case, and we're continuing our investigation,” Maj. Maxim Peralta, Pikit town police chief, said in a phone interview Thursday.

Peralta identified the victim as Pat. Santhy Ben Marcelo Buagas, 25, of Alamada, North Cotabato.

Buagas was alone and in civilian clothes on board his motorcycle when two men on a motorbike opened fire along the national highway in Barangay Batulawan, Pikit at about 1 p.m. Wednesday.

Responding police officers rushed Buagas to the Pikit hospital and later transferred him to Kidapawan City.

The off-duty police officer belongs to the 3rd Regional Mobile Force Battalion of the Police Regional Office–Soccsksargen (PRO-12).

It was unclear if Buagas was armed with his service firearm at the time of the incident.

Crime scene investigators found empty shells of .45 caliber pistol at the site of the ambush.

In a statement, Brig. Gen. Alexander Tagum, police regional director for the Soccsksargen Region, condemned the attack against Buagas.

Tagum said the police officer was “shot treacherously” while driving to report for his afternoon duty.

“We are praying for the fast recovery of Patrolman Buagas. This blatant act of violence will be resolved and the perpetrators will be held accountable by the law,” Tagum said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173164

Army’s 91IB to continue security ops aside from poll duties

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 27, 2022): Army’s 91IB to continue security ops aside from poll duties (By Jason De Asis)

DEPLOYMENT. Troops of the Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry Battalion (91IB) are shown during the simultaneous logistical readiness test and dispatch ceremony for the national and local elections in Baler, Aurora on Wednesday (April 27, 2022). Some 350 personnel of the 91IB will be deployed to help ensure the safe, accurate and fair conduct of the May 9 polls. (Photo courtesy of the Army's 91IB)

BALER, Aurora – The Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry Battalion (91IB) will deploy some 350 personnel to help ensure safe, accurate, and fair conduct of the May 9 national and local elections.

Lt. Col. Julito B. Recto Jr., acting commanding officer of the 91IB, said on Wednesday his unit is always ready for combat and non-combat missions such as election duties, prior to, during, and after the polls.

“We are ready at all times in our primary mission to end local communist armed conflict and other threats to ensure that the coming May 9 national and local elections are safe and peaceful, together with the Philippine National Police and other security forces,” he said in an interview.

Recto attended the simultaneous logistical readiness test and dispatch ceremony that was conducted on Wednesday at the Aurora Police Provincial Office, Camp Victor Ravina in Barangay Sabang here.

“We are one of the deputized agencies and instrumentalities of the government that was tasked to ensure free, orderly, honest, peaceful, and credible elections. Aside from this task, we will continue with the conduct of all internal security operations in this province,” he said.

Recto said the primary task of the 91IB in the elections is to help secure the polling places, voting centers, canvassing centers, and election paraphernalia.

“Our mobility assets and water-craft, communication systems, and other equipment to support the logistical requirements of Commission on Elections (Comelec) are ready. Our soldiers, who will be assigned on election duties, may also assist in the law enforcement support operations, including the implementation of election laws,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173097

Don't vote for NPA-linked party-lists, ex-NPA cadre to youths

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 27, 2022): Don't vote for NPA-linked party-lists, ex-NPA cadre to youths (By Che Palicte)

Ariane Jane Ramos alias Marikit, former secretary of the NPA Guerrilla Front 55, SRC 5 – Southern Mindanao Regional Command. (PNA file photo)

A former cadre of the New People’s Army (NPA) has warned the youth not to fall prey to communist legal front organizations that are aiming for a House seat through the party-list system in the May 9 elections.

Ariane Jane Ramos, former secretary of the NPA Guerrilla Front 55 of the Southern Mindanao Regional Command, said various legal front organizations of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA—such as the Anakbayan, League of Filipino Students, and the Gabriela Youth—are running for seats in the House of Representatives.

“We already know them and we know what the destiny awaits the young people who participated in their group. If you can't become a full-time activist, you will eventually become a full-time NPA member,” Ramos said.

While there is nothing wrong with being an activist, the former rebel said joining an armed group espousing the violent overthrow of the government is wrong.

“It is true that they are touting legitimate issues of the poor and the minority. However, these issues do not serve the interest of the people per se, but rather serve the interest of the CPP-NPA to overthrow the current government,” she said.

As the election approaches, Ramos warned the youth about "the real goal" of the leftist Makabayan bloc, which she said, "pretends to be the ones who carry the grievances and interests of the people."

In reality, she said the bloc uses and exploits the vulnerable sectors of the society to get themselves into the government and influence its policies for the NPA's advantage.

“One of our main duties today is to save the lives of our fellow youth on the brink of death caused by the twisted ideology of the CPP-NPA-NDF. So let us not join and vote on all the legal fronts of the CPP-NPA, and all we have to do is reveal all the real facts and intentions of the leftist group,” Ramos said.

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

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173127

Terror groups weakened as numbers drop: Westmincom

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 27, 2022): Terror groups weakened as numbers drop: Westmincom (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

The Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) recorded 288 members of terror groups neutralized during the first quarter of this year, a top military official said Wednesday.

Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said 66 of the 288 were New People’s Army (NPA) combatants, 49 Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits, 64 Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group (DI-MG) extremists, and 109 Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) radicals.

Rosario said of the 66 NPA rebels, one was killed, three were arrested and the remaining 62 surrendered. A total of 63 assorted firearms were also recovered.

Of the 49 ASG bandits neutralized, five were killed, two got arrested, and 49 surrendered, Rosario said, adding that 38 firearms were seized.

“The series of neutralization to include the influx of surrender weakened the firepower and capability of the ASG terrorists,” he said.

He said the armed capabilities of the DI-MG also weakened due to the neutralization of its remaining members.

The military official noted that 64 DI-MG personalities were killed while 61 firearms were recovered from January to March this year.

DI-MG is composed of the combined remnants of the Maute, Toraife, and Hassan factions, he said.

Meanwhile, Rosario noted a decrease in the violent activities of the BIFF due to the series of surrenders among its ranks.

Rosario said at least 109 BIFF members yielded to the government forces and 107 firearms were also handed over in the first quarter of the year.

“We are gaining ground because of the cooperation and support of the local government units and the different sectors of society and the swift reaction of troops to reports from civilians as to the whereabouts of our adversaries,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173095

NPA 'permit to campaign' payment is support for rebels: Army exec

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 27, 2022): NPA 'permit to campaign' payment is support for rebels: Army exec (By Alexander Lopez)

A top Philippine Army commander in Surigao del Norte has strongly urged local candidates not to pay the permit to campaign being collected by communist rebels.

Brig. Gen. George Banzon, the commander of the 901st Infantry Brigade (901Bde), pointed out Wednesday that payment of permits to campaign to the New People’s Army (NPA) is tantamount to supporting the rebels' cause.

“Do not give in to the demands of the NPA, such as the permit to campaign and permit to win, or anything that will support their cause,” Banzon said in a statement.

Banzon's call came after the military, police, and the Commission on Elections in Surigao del Norte signed Monday a "pledge of integrity" among the local candidates in the Surigao del Norte town of Placer.

He said the Army will continue to run after NPA rebels in the area and will give the guerrillas no room to interfere and disrupt the elections.

“To the lawless elements who will resort to violence that might disrupt the peace and order prior, during, and after the election, we will use the full force of the law to go after you,” the Army official said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173086

MNLF faction declares support for BBM-Sara tandem

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 27, 2022): MNLF faction declares support for BBM-Sara tandem (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF)–Jikiri faction has expressed support for the candidacies of former senator and presidential aspirant Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and vice presidential aspirant Davao City Vice Mayor Sara Duterte.

Albakil Jikiri, MNLF national vice chairman for military affairs, said the MNLF under the late Yusop Jikiri has decided to support the UniTeam or the BBM-Duterte tandem after "careful assessment of the prevailing political situation in the country."

“The MNLF under Yusop Jikiri, who is now represented by Albakil ‘Thong’ Jikiri, the MNLF vice chairman for military affairs, has decided to support the candidacies of (former) Senator Bong-Bong Marcos as president and Mayor Inday Sara Duterte as vice president of the country come May 9, 2022 elections,” Wednesday's MNLF statement said.

Jikiri said they believe in the "wisdom and sincerity" of the two candidates, especially Marcos, whose late father, then President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. was responsible for the conclusion and the signing of the 1975 Tripoli Agreement.

Marcos and Duterte are in the best position to work and finish the remaining unimplemented modalities of the peace process between the government and the MNLF, he said.

“We unanimously agreed that our undivided and total support will be given to the candidacies of Marcos and Duterte as president and vice president, respectively,” Jikiri said.

He also urged all MNLF members is Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi (BaSulTa) as well as Zamboanga Peninsula to support Marcos, Duterte and the senatorial candidates of the UniTeam.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173078

P50-K reward offered for arrest of Maguindanao bus bomber

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 27, 2022): P50-K reward offered for arrest of Maguindanao bus bomber (By Edwin Fernandez)

BOMB BLAST. A glass window at the rear section of the ill-fated Rural Tours Bus is shattered after a powerful improvised bomb exploded on April 24, 2022 in Parang, Maguindanao. The town government has offered a PHP500,000 reward for information that could lead to the arrest of the bomber. (Photo courtesy of Army’s 6th Infantry Division)

The local government of Parang town in Maguindanao province has offered a PHP50,000 reward for any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspect in Sunday’s bus bombing that injured six passengers.

Parang Mayor Cahar Ibay said Wednesday the reward will immediately be released “without question” to anyone who can identify and help arrest the bomber, whose facial composite and a closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage were earlier released by the police.

“Hopefully, the bounty will help hasten the identification and eventual arrest of the suspect,” Ibay told reporters in a phone interview.

Lt. Colonel Cristio Lagyop, speaking for police in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), said one of two improvised bombs ripped through the rear portion of the bus. A mobile phone was used as a triggering device.

The bus carrying 27 passengers was heading for Dipolog City from General Santos City when the explosion occurred at past 7 a.m. while on stopover in Parang.

No one has claimed responsibility for the incident, but police are looking at business rivalry as a possible motive for the bombing.

Some groups are reportedly against the operation of the Rural Tours in the Cotabato-Pagadian route since it alienated passenger vans plying the same route.

Passenger vans collect P1,000 to P1,500 per passenger on the Cotabato-Pagadian route while the Rural Tours only charges P800 per person.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173069

2 NPA rebels killed, arms cache recovered in Masbate

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 27, 2022): 2 NPA rebels killed, arms cache recovered in Masbate (By Connie Calipay and Mar Serrano)

Police and military troops clashed with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in a remote village in Palanas, Masbate on Monday, leaving two rebels dead, the Philippine Army (PA) said.

In an interview on Wednesday, Maj. John Paul Belleza, 9th Infantry Division (ID) public affairs office chief, said support troops from the PA and Philippine National Police have so far spent more than 48 hours tracking down the 20-man NPA group.

The firefight lasted for 15 minutes, which resulted in the recovery of two bodies that were left by their comrades who fled in different directions.

No casualty was reported on the side of the government troops.

"As long as there are still indications of the presence of NPAs, the hot pursuit will continue. The joint military-police tracker group was scouring possible neighboring villages of the town where the rebels could have hidden," Belleza said.

He also said the bodies of the two rebels were brought to the town police station for identity and disposition.

Authorities also recovered an M16 assault rifle, a grenade, five anti-personnel mines, two claymore mines, 12 rifle magazines, 320 rounds of assorted ammunition, explosive and communication equipment, and personal belongings.

Belleza said the rebels on the run were reportedly involved in extortion, bombing, and the killing of police, military, and civilians in the province.

Meanwhile, in a statement, Maj. Gen. Alex Luna, commander of Joint Task Force Bicolandia, condemned the plans of communist terrorist group (CTG) to use of anti-personnel mines in Masbate.

“Kinokondena po ng pamunuan ng JTF Bicolandia ang mga tangkang panggugulo at pagsasamantala ng mga miyembro ng CTG sa lalawigan ng Masbate lalo na ang patuloy na paggawa at paggamit ng mga teroristang ito ng mga pampasabog na hindi lamang nakakasira ng mga pribadong ari-arian ng mga tao kundi nakakadagdag rin sa patuloy na banta sa mismong buhay ng mga Masbateño. Gaya ng nangyari noon sa mga Absalon at iba pang mga sibilyan na namatay at nasugatan dahil sa paggamit ng anti-personnel mines ng mga NPA (The JTF Bicolandia condemns the attempts of CTGs to destroy and exploit the province of Masbate by doing and using explosives that destroy private properties and threaten the lives of Masbateños. Like what happened with the Absalons and other civilians that were killed because of the NPAs' use of anti-personnel mines)," Luna 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/1173046