NTF-ELCAC warns poll bets vs. paying NPA permits

From the Philippine News Agency (May 4, 2022): NTF-ELCAC warns poll bets vs. paying NPA permits

Secretary Hermogenes C. Esperon Jr., National Security Adviser and Vice-Chairperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (File photo)

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) has warned candidates in the national and local elections that they risk disqualification if they collaborate with communist terrorist groups (CTGs) by paying the so-called permit to win (PTW) and permit to campaign (PTC) fees of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army - National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

The NTF-ELCAC issued the warning after PTW and PTC were declared illegal by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

In a statement on May 2, Secretary Hermogenes Esperon Jr., National Security Adviser and Vice-Chairperson of the NTF-ELCAC, said: “We salute the Comelec en banc for keeping our elections clean, honest, and peaceful by keeping the CPP-NPA-NDF from interfering in the electoral processes.”

“The Comelec has spoken. The PTW and PTC extortion schemes of the CPP-NPA-NDF and their allied front organizations are prohibited, outlawed, and illegal,” Esperon said.

He added that “the CPP-NPA-NDF has no place in our electoral processes. These terrorists must not be allowed to interfere in the Filipino people's right to suffrage” or “to capitalize on the elections in order to sabotage the government from within.”

He said any candidate in the national and local elections who shall pay the PTW and the PTC to the CPP-NPA-NDF and their front organizations “commit the highest form of betrayal against the Filipino people,” “of the public trust,” and “of our constitution”, and is a ground for disqualification.

He said such payment “tarnishes the memory of all those who have perished in the struggle of the Filipino people against the reign of terror and violence waged by the CPP-NPA-NDF.”

Comelec Resolution No. 22-0179 deemed these acts of the CTGs as vote-buying and voter coercion, election offenses that are penalized under Section 261 (a) and (e) of the Omnibus Election Code.

The Comelec said paying the PTW and PTC fees to the CPP-NPA-NDF is an act of vote-buying on the part of the candidate, a ground for the disqualification pursuant to Section 68 (a) and (b) of the Omnibus Election Code.

The payment of PTW or PTC fees to the CPP-NPA-NDF or their front organization also constitutes financing of terrorism and acts providing material support to terrorists, punishable under Section 4 of R.A. No. 10168 or the Anti-Terror Financing Act of 2012 and R.A. 11479, Section 12 of the Anti-Terror Act of 2020.

If such a candidate has been elected, the Comelec resolution said the candidate may be disqualified from holding office.

On the other hand, the CPP-NPA-NDF may be held liable for vote-selling aside from the fact that such acts of extortion are tantamount to terrorism.

While assuring the public of the NTF-ELCAC’s “commitment to uphold the rule of law” during the elections, Esperon added that the government believes that the CPP-NPA-NDF and their allied front organizations are “coming to an end.”

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173616

NPAs told to avail of E-CLIP as AFP beefs up offensive

From the Philippine News Agency (May 4, 2022): NPAs told to avail of E-CLIP as AFP beefs up offensive (By Priam Nepomuceno)

PNA file photo

As the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) intensifies its operations against the communist terrorist groups to secure the May elections, AFP Chief, Gen. Andres Centino, has urged all remaining rebels to surrender and avail of the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) so that they can live peaceful lives with their families and loved ones.

The AFP chief made this appeal following the death of two New People's Army (NPA) terrorists during an encounter with the 36th Infantry Battalion in Lanuza, Surigao Del Sur last April 29.

"We are saddened by (the lives) wasted because of the senseless armed revolution of the communist NPA terrorists,” he said in a statement late Tuesday.

Centino also renewed his call on other members of the terrorist group to surrender now while they still have a chance. He added the government’s E-CLIP is designed to provide support to NPA rebels who wish to abandon the communist movement and return to their families.

A 36th Infantry Battalion soldier was wounded in the five-minute clash while the bodies of the two slain NPAs were recovered along with their weapons, a 5.56mm assault M-16 rifle and a .45- caliber pistol.

Almost PHP500 million worth of cash assistance has been given to the former rebels (FRs) under E-CLIP, an official of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) earlier said.

Navy Captain Ferdinand Buscato, executive director of Task Force Balik-Loob and representative of E-CLIP and Amnesty Clusters of NTF-ELCAC, said a total of 20,579 FRs have surrendered to the government from July 2016 to November 2021.

Buscato said since the creation of NTF-ELCAC through Executive Order No. 80 in 2018, a total of 3,751 FRs have been given livelihood assistance worth PHP50,000 each (PHP187.2 million) while 6,171 received immediate assistance amounting to PHP15,000 each (PHP92.46 million).

He said the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has also extended reintegration assistance worth PHP96.6 million and firearms remuneration worth PHP109 million to former members of the NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

“[That’s] for a total of halos kalahating bilyon na po ang binayad ng DILG para po sa ating mga former rebels (almost half a billion [pesos] were given by the DILG for our former rebels),” Buscato 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 separate part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173604

Ex-Defense chief to get Japanese recognition

From the Philippine News Agency (May 4, 2022): Ex-Defense chief to get Japanese recognition (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

Former Defense Sec. Voltaire Gazmin

The Japanese government is set to confer an imperial award on former Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin for boosting the ties between Tokyo and Manila when he served from 2010 to 2016.

The Japanese Embassy in Manila will confer the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star on Gazmin in a ceremony to be hosted by Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa on May 6.

The embassy said Gazmin's initiative to sign the Memorandum on Defense Cooperation and Exchanges between the Ministry of Defense of Japan and the Department of National Defense (DND) in 2015 as well as the agreement concerning the transfer of defense equipment and technology in 2016 had promoted close relations between the two countries on national defense.

In addition, these "contributed to strengthening Japan and Philippines defense capabilities and improvement of security environment in the region."

"Japan highly valued his effort to support the peace and stability of the Asia Pacific and other regions. The government of Japan extends its sincere congratulations to Lieutenant General Voltaire T. Gazmin (Ret.), and hopes that commends his active role in strengthening the close relationship between our two countries," it said.

The awarding, to be held in Makati City, will be graced by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, the embassy said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173620

Hyundai to build 6 Navy patrol vessels

From the Philippine News Agency (May 5, 2022): Hyundai to build 6 Navy patrol vessels (By Priam Nepomuceno) 

PNA file photo

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Thursday said South Korean shipbuilder, Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), has been selected by the Philippine Navy's (PN) technical working group (TWG) for its offshore patrol vessel (OPV) project which will consist of six ships.

"At kamakailan lang napili nila (PN TWG) yung Hyundai ng (South) Korea. Sila rin gumawa ng ating dalawang frigate at gumagawa sila ng dalawang corvette. Ang nakita ng Navy na isang advantage dyan ay iisang system yung mga barko na yan, saka kung kailangan natin ng maintenance o whatever, madaling pumunta dito yung mga South Koreans (And recently, the [PN TWG] has selected Hyundai of [South] Korea. They are the ones who built our [Jose Rizal-class missile frigates], they are also the ones building our two [missile-armed corvettes]. The Navy sees that having [HHI] build all these ships is the similarities in their systems, and if we need to do maintenance or repairs, the South Koreans could easily come)," he said when asked for updates on the OPV project during an interview with government media.

He is also hopeful that the contract will be finalized and signed this month.

"I hope this month magkakaroon ng (there will be a contract (signing) after that or by June. Tignan natin kung maihabol natin bago matapos termino ni Presidente (let us see on whether we can do it before the President ends his term)," Lorenzana added.

The DND earlier said it is now looking for new proponents for the PN's procurement of six OPVs due to pricing issues with Australian shipbuilder Austal.

"Pending our approval of the contract for the purchase, they (Austal) said the cost has increased -- materials, labor and everything. They asked for additional payment. I think our budget is PHP30 billion, they want PHP12 billion more for the six OPVs or they said we can reduce the number from six to five," Lorenzana said.

He added that he can no longer ask the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for additional funding.

However, he also said reducing the number of OPVs to be acquired is not an option for the PN.

"Ang gusto nila (Navy) anim talaga dahil talagang (yun) kailangan natin, so ang ginawa nila ay nakikipag-usap sila ngayon sa mga ibang proponents (na) kayang tugunan without any increase in price or reducing the number of ships (What they really want is six because that is the number they need, so they are now talking with other proponents capable of giving that number without increasing the price or reducing the number of ships)," the DND chief earlier said.

Lorenzana said that shipbuilders from France, Sweden, South Korea, Japan, Turkey and India have expressed interest in the PN's OPV project.

Initially, Australian shipbuilder Austal was believed to be the frontrunner in the OPV project.

Lorenzana, in an earlier statement, said tapping Austal for the project will be greatly advantageous to the country as it will provide jobs to Filipinos as the company has an existing shipyard in Balamban, Cebu which it had acquired from Aboitiz.

This is aside from the transfer of technology which will also be beneficial to the Philippines in the long run, he added. The OPV project is expected to replace the World War II surface assets decommissioned by the Navy.

The DBM already released the funds for the project last year.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173716

OPAPRU, AFP, MILF sign pact to ensure peaceful, honest 2022 polls

From the Philippine News Agency (May 5, 2022): OPAPRU, AFP, MILF sign pact to ensure peaceful, honest 2022 polls (By Lade Jean Kabagani)

PEACEFUL ELECTIONS. The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) sign a “Pledge of Commitment” on April 30, to ensure clean, orderly, and peaceful election in BARMM. The OPAPRU said on Thursday (May 5, 2022) the signing of the pact is another major milestone in the Bangsamoro peace process. (Photo courtesy of OPAPRU)

A clean, orderly and peaceful election is eyed for the Bangsamoro Region with only four days to go before the election day.

This, after the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have forged a “Pledge of Commitment” on Tuesday to ensure a safe and peaceful election in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

In a statement on Thursday, the OPAPRU said the signing of the pact is another major milestone in the Bangsamoro peace process as it was held inside the MILF’s sprawling Camp Bilal in Munai, Lanao del Norte -- which was once considered a major stronghold of the revolutionary group in the province.

Over the past days, the Joint GPH and MILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and the Ad hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) visited several MILF commands and neighboring areas to engage with MILF members.

These visits include a series of dialogues on the agreements contained in the Guidelines for Mutual Understanding signed by the GPH-MILF CCCH on April 30, in relation to the upcoming national and local polls.

Meanwhile, the pledge of commitment contains agreements on the adherence to the ceasefire protocols as stipulated in the operational guidelines of the Agreement on General Cessation of hostilities of 1997 or the Ceasefire Agreement signed between the national government and MILF; avoiding violent or provocative actions that may trigger MILF members, the civilian populace, or the government’s security forces to do the same; and to remain neutral in any political-related engagements on the ground that may lead to conflict situations.

Describing the newly signed commitment as a milestone in the peace process, Galvez cited the huge impact of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) on the promotion and raising of socio-civic awareness for the MILF.

Galvez said this also paved the way for the establishment of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), a political organization formed by the MILF under the leadership of BARMM Interim Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim.

“Kaugnay nito, ay hinihiling namin ang buong-pusong kooperasyon at suporta ng ating mga kapatid na MILF sa darating na halalan. Nawa’y tumulong po tayong lahat upang maisagawa ito ng malinis at maayos (With this, we are asking for the wholehearted cooperation and support from our brothers in MILF in this coming elections. I hope we will all help to push a clean and orderly elections),” he added.

Galvez also encouraged all qualified men and women members of the MILF to join the Philippine National Police force, especially those who have finished their college education.

The National Special Qualifying Eligibility Exam (NSQEE) for National Police Commission (Napolcom) in BARMM will be held on May 29 in Cotabato City.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173775

US military donates ICU beds to Batanes

From the Philippine News Agency (May 5, 2022): US military donates ICU beds to Batanes

ICU BEDS. The US Embassy Civil Affairs Team turns over the ICU beds to Batanes provincial officials, led by Governor Marilou Cayco in this undated photo. The ICU beds, which are valued at more than PHP589,000, were CAT’s second donation to Batanes in the past year. (Photo by US Embassy in Manila)

The United States Embassy Civil Affairs Team (CAT) has donated five intensive care unit (ICU) beds to the provincial government of Batanes to support local Covid-19 and disaster response efforts throughout the province.

The ICU beds, which are valued at more than PHP589,000 (USD11,250), were CAT’s second donation to Batanes in the past year. In November 2021, CAT provided a supply of Covid-19 personal protective equipment.

The islands of Batanes are subject to frequent typhoons and occasional earthquakes. Maintaining medical supplies such as ICU beds in the province is an important part of providing immediate care to the local population after natural disasters since Batanes’ remote location can delay the arrival of supplies from outside areas.

“The ICU beds we received from the U.S. Embassy CAT will surely be of great help to our continued Covid-19 [and disaster] response. We are beyond grateful and appreciative of this donation. It’s a testament of your care and concern for our province,” Governor Marilou Cayco said.

“It is my fervent hope that this undertaking will open more windows of opportunity between the people of Batanes and the US Embassy. May this be the start of a harmonious partnership in working toward improving our health and medical facilities,” Cayco added.

“We have been truly impressed by the compassion and resiliency of the Ivatan people. On behalf of the U.S. Embassy, we look forward to our continued collaboration and partnership,” CAT Leader US Army Capt. Arthur Kim said.

Provincial Health Office Director Dr. Allan Sande also thanked CAT for always standing by Batanes and delivering the “timely and relevant support” needed by the province.

“The items we received from the last donation were given at a time when we needed them most. During the first Covid-19 surge in October last year, if not for these bundles of safety items they have given us, it could have been very difficult in the management of community transmission,” Sande said.

The US Embassy CAT was previously known as the Civil-Military Support Element.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173782

6ID deploys 400 recruits as peacekeepers in C. Mindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (May 2, 2022): 6ID deploys 400 recruits as peacekeepers in C. Mindanao (By Danilo Adorador, III)

GIVE YOUR BEST. Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID), tells 422 newly-graduated Army personnel to practice what they have learned in their four-month training during graduation ceremonies held Sunday (May 1, 2022) at the 6ID Training School in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao. The new batch of soldiers will be deployed to various units of the 6ID in Central Mindanao. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – The Army’s 6th Infantry Division here started Monday the deployment of 422 newly-enlisted soldiers to different battalions in Central Mindanao.

This came after the closing ceremonies for Candidate Soldier Course (CSC) Classes 673, 674, and 675 were held amid drizzles Sunday at the 6th Division Training School, Barangay Semba, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Army’s 6ID commander, said the recruits will be deployed to help the Army’s peace advocacy and programs throughout its area of operation.

“I expect you to be sturdy, hardworking, and passionate. Remember that we are banking on your capacity to deliver results that will impact the mission of this command and the Philippine Army,” Uy, also the commander of Joint Task Force Central (JTFC), said in a statement Monday.

“Prove yourself worthy of the knowledge and skills imparted to you. Learn to also love your profession and always give your best,” Uy added.

The three groups of candidate soldiers have undergone four-month rigorous training.

They will be deployed in Army units within the area of operation of the 6th ID that includes the provinces of Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, part of North Cotabato, part of Lanao del Sur, and part of Sarangani.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173438

MILF declares support for 'RoSa' tandem

From the Philippine News Agency (May 2, 2022): MILF declares support for 'RoSa' tandem (By Edwin Fernandez)

Moro Islamic Liberation Front chief Ahod 'Murad’ Ebrahim and Davao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte. (Photo courtesy of MILF/Bangsamoro Media Production)

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) said Monday it is backing the candidacy of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte as vice president, days after the group also declared support for the presidential bid of Vice President Leni Robredo.

“Yes, the MILF is supporting Mayor Sara Duterte's vice presidential bid,” lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, secretary-general of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), the MILF’s political group, said in a statement Monday.

Sinarimbo's statement came after MILF chief Ahod “Murad’ Ebrahim, also UBJP president, bared to reporters last week that the party is also backing Mayor Sara.

“We have made commitment kay President Rodrigo Duterte that we will also support the candidacy of his daughter Sara Duterte,” Ebrahim said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173439

Ex-NPA rebels claim sexual harassment, abuses by comrades

From the Philippine News Agency (May 2, 2022): Ex-NPA rebels claim sexual harassment, abuses by comrades (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

UNITY WALK. Government agencies, non-government groups, and other the stakeholders participate in the Duterte Legacy Caravan in Manjuyod, Negros Oriental on Sunday (May 2, 2022). During the event, former rebels called out to their former comrades to surrender and avail of the government's services and benefits offered to them. (Photo courtesy of the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office)

Some three former rebels (FRs) of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) are calling on those who are still in the movement to surrender to avoid being victimized by sexual abuse and harassment, similar to what they experienced.

Ka Bona, Ka Arce, and Ka Sky gave their testimonies on Sunday during a Duterte Legacy Caravan Thru Convergence of All Government Agencies in Manjuyod, Negros Oriental.

The activity was part of a series of caravans aimed at informing the public about the administration’s programs and policies, Lt. Col. Ruben Verbo said on Monday.

One of the FRs said while in the underground movement, she experienced sexual harassment while other women were also allegedly subjected to abuse by the male rebels.

The other FRs also recounted the atrocities that they were involved in and cited injustices and hardships which pushed them to surrender, Verbo said.

Also on Sunday, a unity walk participated in by various government agencies, law enforcement groups, local government officials, and other stakeholders was held around the town’s main streets prior to a program at the municipal gymnasium.

The weekend event was themed “Pagkakaisa ng Mamamayan at Pamahalaan Tungo sa Pagbangon, Kapayapaan, at Kaunlaran”.

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

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173503

10ID aims better services with 75 new vehicles

From the Philippine News Agency (May 2, 2022): 10ID aims better services with 75 new vehicles (By Christine Cudis)

BETTER, FASTER SERVICES. Maj. Gen. Nolasco Mempin, the Army's 10th Infantry Division commanding officer, pours wine over the newly turned over vehicles during the ceremonial blessing in Camp General Manuel Tan in Mawab, Davao de Oro Monday (May 2, 2022). The 10ID earlier received the first batch of 35 vehicles to complete the total of 75 vehicles to ensure better and more efficient services. (Photo courtesy of 10ID)

DAVAO CITY – The Philippine Army's 10th Infantry Division (ID) received Monday the second batch of modern vehicles that completes the 75 units allocated for re-fleeting purposes.

Maj. Gen. Nolasco Mempin, 10ID commander, said in an interview the newly-acquired units were composed of special purpose vehicles (SPVs), motorcycles, and ambulances.

"These will further improve our mandate of protecting the people and securing the land against all forms of threats whether man-made or natural," Mempin said.

Mempin said the SPVs will be issued to units and staff that have not been issued new vehicles.

"This assures that they can attend to their personnel performing combat operations on the front lines safely and fast. These will also elevate our community support programs under the National Task Force on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict," he said.

The second batch of new vehicles comprises seven units of Mitsubishi pickup trucks; two units of Toyota van-type ambulances; and 31 units of Kawasaki motorcycle.

Thirty-five other vehicles in the first batch were earlier turned over to the 10ID.

Mempin said the vehicles, especially the motorcycles, will further enhance the 10ID's stakeholder engagements, as well as community services in the far-flung communities that could not be reached by four-wheeled vehicles.

The ambulances, on the other hand, will double their life-saving capability for their personnel during casualty or medical evacuation.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173459

MNLF's support essential for peace, dev't in Mindanao: Sara

From the Philippine News Agency (May 2, 2022): MNLF's support essential for peace, dev't in Mindanao: Sara (By Che Palicte)

Vice presidential aspirant Davao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte. (PNA file photo)

Mayor Sara Z. Duterte said Monday the endorsement of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) is essential to the UniTeam's cause of bringing about peace and development in Mindanao and the rest of the country.

In a statement, the vice presidential contender thanked the MNLF for its support of her candidacy as well as for his running mate presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

On April 25, Albakil ‘Thong’ Jikiri, current MNLF national vice chairman for military affairs, issued the group’s official statement in Zamboanga City urging their members to support the tandem and the rest of the candidates under Uniteam.

"Jikiri cited their confidence in the wisdom and sincerity of both I and Mr. Marcos," Duterte said.

She said the MNLF’s support to the UniTeam will serve as a "solid foundation" in their pursuit of continued peace and development and "equality of rights and opportunities for the Moro community."

"As a Mindanawon, I will always protect and support the interest of Mindanao and its people, knowing the role of Mindanao in the growth of the entire country," she said.

Meanwhile, Muslimin Sema, chairman of the MNLF’s central committee, also supported the presidential daughter's bid for the vice presidency in the coming May 9 polls.

Sema said they have asked all of their families, members, and field commanders to vote for Duterte.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173504

3 NPA rebels killed, firearms recovered in Bicol

From the Philippine News Agency (May 3, 2022): 3 NPA rebels killed, firearms recovered in Bicol (By Connie Calipay)

Some three New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in a clash with police and military troops in the boundary of Albay and Sorsogon provinces on Monday, the Philippine Army (PA) reported.

Maj. John Paul Belleza, 9th Infantry Division (9ID) spokesperson, said in a report sent to reporters on Monday evening that the joint team of security forces encountered seven armed rebels.

After some 10 minutes of firefight, the rebels fled in different directions, leaving three of their slain comrades.

Government soldiers recovered the three bodies, including that of their group leader "Bong".

No casualty was reported on the side of the troops.

Authorities also recovered from the site two M16 assault rifles, one .45-caliber pistol, several propaganda materials, and personal belongings of the rebels.

Belleza said the gun battle ensued when the troops responded to the "information given to the troops by concerned residents regarding the presence of armed men at the boundary of Barangay Buenavista in Pioduran, Albay, and in Barangay Sta. Cruz, Donsol in Sorsogon."

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 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/1173536

NPA couple surrenders to police in Bacolod City

From the Philippine News Agency (May 3, 2022): NPA couple surrenders to police in Bacolod City (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

OATH OF ALLEGIANCE. Young couple Adonis Ligid-Ligid and Danica Aro, platoon leader and medic of the Sentro de Grabidad Southern Front of the NPA’s Armando Sumayang Command based in Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental, pledge allegiance to the Philippine government during their surrender to the Bacolod City Police Office on Tuesday (May 3, 2022). They said that since joining the rebel movement when they were just teenagers, they have become tired of the armed struggle and now long for peace. (Photo courtesy of Adrian Prietos)

A young couple, former fighters of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) based in Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental, surrendered to the Bacolod City Police Office on Tuesday.

They were identified as Adonis Ligid-Ligid, 26, and his common-law wife Danica Aro, 21, platoon leader and medic, respectively, of the Sentro de Grabidad Southern Front of the NPA’s Armando Sumayang Command.

Col. Thomas Joseph Martir, police city director, welcomed the former rebels.

“With your surrender, we hope to encourage the others to do the same so they would also enjoy a good life with their family with the support of the government,” he said.

According to the briefer, the couple contacted the anti-crime advocacy group Task Force Kasanag, which endorsed them to Police Station 7, and they formally turned themselves in and pledged allegiance to the national government in a ceremony held at the BCPO headquarters.

Ligid-Ligid, who joined the CPP-NPA at 18, came from a family of communist rebels and fought the government for eight years.

His three siblings died in clashes with government troops in previous years.

Meanwhile, Aro was recruited by the communist-terrorist group in 2018 when she was only 17.

They told the police they were blinded by the propaganda of the CPP-NPA and since joining the movement when they were just teenagers, they have become tired of the armed struggle and have longed for peace.

In 2020, they already planned to surrender but their movements were then limited by coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) quarantine restrictions.

Until recently, when they had the opportunity to visit their family, they decided not to return to their lair.

After the couple’s surrender, the Philippine National Police endorsed them to the temporary custody of Hinoba-an Mayor Ernesto Estrao, who was represented by his spouse, Barangay 1 village chief Letecia Estrao.

Estrao turned over to the surrenderers the financial assistance provided by the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office.

The former rebels’ surrender was held during the launching of the BCPO’s Project TAPE or Table for Peace, a Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC) initiative that promotes peace, development, and reconciliation in this city.

The word “tape” also means to secure, cordon, and isolate Bacolod from the deception, recruitment, and atrocities of the communist-terrorist groups.

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/1173562

Army chief cites task force ELCAC as best tool vs. NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (May 4, 2022): Army chief cites task force ELCAC as best tool vs. NPA (By Sarwell Meniano)

FIGHTING INSURGENCY. Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. (left) and Army 8th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Edgardo de Leon check firearms recently seized in Leyte and Samar provinces during a display at the Army headquarters in Catbalogan City, Samar on Tuesday (May 3, 2022). Brawner said the gains in the fight against insurgency are the results of the "whole-of-nation" approach. (PNA photo by Sarwell Meniano)

Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the institutionalization of the "whole-of-nation" approach is the “best thing that ever happened” in the fight against the New People’s Army (NPA) during the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

During a visit to the Army’s 8th Infantry Division here Tuesday afternoon, Brawner commended soldiers for working with government agencies and communities to solve the decades-old insurgency.

“The best thing that ever happened to our counterinsurgency is the implementation of the Executive Order (EO) No. 70, which gave birth to the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). All government agencies and the private have been working together to help end insurgency,” Brawner told reporters.

The directive also institutionalizes a “whole-of-nation approach” to attaining an inclusive and sustainable peace.

The official made the remarks after inspecting hundreds of firearms and anti-personnel mines seized by the Philippine Army units in Eastern Visayas between 2021 to early 2022 through information provided by former rebels formed into a group of peace advocates.

In Eastern Visayas alone, at least 1,505 regular NPA members surrendered to the government from 2019 to March 2022, indicating that the communist terrorist group is weakening, according to the military.

Of the number, 57 of them yielded in 2019 and 415 turned themselves in a year after.

Most of them or 1,007 surrendered in 2021 while 26 fighters abandoned the NPA just this year.

The weakening of NPA in Eastern Visayas is a result of a "whole-of-nation" approach by linking arms between basic service providers from the central government, community participation from the local governments, and the security sector from the military and police.

In support of the fight against NPA, several local government units have formed their local task force ELCAC.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173610

Army deploys ‘peacekeepers’ for Monday’s polls in Lanao Sur town

From the Philippine News Agency (May 4, 2022): Army deploys ‘peacekeepers’ for Monday’s polls in Lanao Sur town (By Edwin Fernandez)

PEACEKEEPERS. Soldiers from the Army’s 6th Infantry Division prepare for deployment anywhere in Central Mindanao and part of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao when necessary. The 6ID sends more than 100 soldiers of the 62nd Reconnaissance Company to the coastal town of Malabang, Lanao del Sur Tuesday (May 3, 2022) to serve as peacekeepers after the area was tagged as an election hotspot. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – More than 100 soldiers have been deployed in the Lanao del Sur town of Malabang due to intense political rivalries, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) here said Wednesday.

Malabang, one of the six coastal towns in Lanao del Sur’s first district, was placed under Commission on Elections (Comelec) control due to political tensions among several candidates.

“The Army’s 62nd Reconnaissance Company (62RC), a rapid deployment unit of the 6ID, was sent to Malabang Tuesday,” Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, the 6ID chief and concurrent head of Joint Task Force Central, said in a statement.

The 62RC will augment the local police and the two Marine companies earlier sent by the First Marine Brigade to the area, Uy added.

The town of Tubaran, also in Lanao del Sur, was also placed under Comelec control due to long-standing rivalry among local political clans.

The town is under the Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade of the 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173617

'ISIS recruiter' nabbed in Zambo Sibugay

From the Philippine News Agency (May 4, 2022): 'ISIS recruiter' nabbed in Zambo Sibugay (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

Government forces arrested an alleged recruiter and firearms supplier of a locally-based Islamic State for Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terror group in Zamboanga Sibugay province, a top police official said Wednesday.

Brig. Gen. Franco Simborio, Police Regional Office - Zamboanga Peninsula (PRO-9) director, said the alleged terrorist recruiter, Abdul Salikala, was arrested by a police and military team around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday in Barangay Libertad, Tungawan.

Salikala, 32, of Tungawan town in Zamboanga Sibugay, is also a member of the Hassan criminal gang and has a standing warrant of arrest for murder issued in 2011, Simborio said.

He said the suspect was monitored recruiting persons in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte, to be part of the locally-based ISIS.

Salikala was also monitored to have transported high-powered firearms from Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay to Barangays Latabon and Malambuhangin in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte, he added.

The suspect was placed under the custody of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173619

Eastmincom ready vs. NPA in poll hotspots

From the Philippine News Agency (May 4, 2022): Eastmincom ready vs. NPA in poll hotspots (By Che Palicte)

The Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) assured Wednesday its forces are on high-alert status against possible New People's Army's (NPA) atrocities, especially in areas identified with security concerns in the May 9 elections.

Lt. Gen. Greg Almerol, Eastmincom commander, said security preparations and contingency measures are in place in areas identified as election hotspots in Caraga and Davao regions.

"Preparations include intensified random checkpoints and ensuring that available resources are ready for deployment, especially during the transport of election materials to polling centers," Almerol said in a statement.

Likewise, he said the series of surrenders among the communist NPA members and the collapse of its units have undermined the group—enough to prevent it from conducting atrocities.

Almerol said the troops conducting security operations recently figured in a series of encounters with the NPA in the Caraga and Davao regions that led to the neutralization of six personalities.

The latest encounter on April 29 in the Surigao del Sur town of Lanuza resulted in the death of two unidentified NPA combatants.

Almerol said the rebels were planning to extort local candidates who were holding campaign rallies in Barangay Nurcia, Lanuza.

On April 28, a clash also transpired between the troops of the 901st Brigade's 30IB and NPA in the hinterlands of Bacuag, Surigao del Norte.

A day before, four NPA members, two of whom were minors, surrendered to the troops of 701st Brigade's 66IB in the Davao de Oro town of Maragusan.

"We condemn the NPA's incessant use of children in their terrorist activities," Almerol said.

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

The National Democratic Front 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/1173630

Teen NPA fighter dies in southern Negros clash

From the Philippine News Agency (May 4, 2022): Teen NPA fighter dies in southern Negros clash (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

KILLED. The body of the 16-year-old CPP-NPA fighter, who died in a clash with troops of the Philippine Army’s 15th Infantry Battalion in the hinterlands of Candoni, Negros Occidental on Tuesday (May 3, 2022). The young rebel , a resident of neighboring Sipalay City, served as squad medic of the NPA’s South West Front. (Photo courtesy of 15th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)

A minor combatant of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) died following a series of clashes with troops of the Philippine Army’s 15th Infantry Battalion (IB) in the hinterlands of Candoni, Negros Occidental on Tuesday afternoon.

Known as “Kisap” and “Boyca,” the 16-year-old resident of neighboring Sipalay City, was a squad medical officer of the NPA’s South West Front.

Lt. Col. Michael Cuarteros, commanding officer of 15IB, said on Wednesday the troops are saddened by the young man's death as he was just used by the NPA to participate in hostilities.

“That is clearly a violation of both local and international laws,” he said.

The International Humanitarian Law (IHL) outlaws the recruitment of minors as child fighters. Rule 136 states that “Children must not be recruited into the armed forces or armed groups”.

According to the 15IB report, the troops, who were checking on a previously cleared village for the conduct of the retooled community support program, responded to reports of the presence of armed men, leading to a 15-minute firefight in Sitio Tigmaya, Barangay Gatuslao.

A soldier, who was slightly injured in his left arm, is now recuperating in a hospital.

After the encounter, government troops recovered an M-16 rifle, a .45-caliber pistol, an anti-personnel mine, five aluminum magazines of caliber 5.56mm rifle, more than 50 rounds of various types of ammunition, 22 bullet shells, and three kilos of ammonium nitrate composition.

They also found a hand-held commercial radio, a mobile phone, personal belongings, and subversive documents.

Cuarteros urged the remaining CPP-NPA members in southern Negros to “lay down their arms and stop sacrificing their lives for a pointless ideology”.

“Government assistance awaits your return to start a new life. Otherwise, we will continue to hunt you down,” he said.

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

The 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/1173664

Army exhumes remains of alleged NPA fighter in MisOr

From the Philippine News Agency (May 4, 2022): Army exhumes remains of alleged NPA fighter in MisOr (By Franck Dick Rosete)

COMBATANT'S REMAINS. Soldiers from the Army’s 58th Infantry Battalion, together with the police’s Scene of the Crime Operatives and village officials, recover the skeletal remains of a communist New People’s Army rebel in Barangay Mimbuntong, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental, Monday (May 2, 2022). A former NPA guerrilla revealed the location of the shallow grave. (Photo courtesy of 58IB)

Troopers from the Army's 58th Infantry Battalion (58IB) exhumed the skeletal remains of a communist New People’s Army (NPA) combatant buried in the hinterlands of Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental, a military official said Wednesday.

In a statement, Lt. Col. Ricky Canatoy, 58IB commander, said they recovered the remains in Barangay Mimbuntong Monday together with provincial police counterparts.

Canatoy said village officials first discovered the gravesite after a former rebel revealed its location.

According to the former rebel, NPA regular Romy Ayuma was killed in an encounter in December 2019.

The surrenderer disclosed that Ayuma is a member of Pia, Paking, Hari, NPA Guerrilla Front 4B, Sub-Regional Committee 1, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

He added that Ayuma was buried in a shallow grave by his comrades before fleeing the encounter site.

Canatoy, the 58IB commander, said they also discovered that the shirt on the skeletal remains had been hit by a bullet on the abdominal part.

Ayuma "could be one of many NPA members abandoned by the armed group to die alone in the hinterlands," Canatoy said.

He said it was typical for NPA rebels to have no regard for human life, as evidenced by their practice of leaving wounded comrades to die in the hinterlands.

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 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/1173607

BCDA, Army boost security in New Clark City

From the Philippine News Agency (May 4, 2022): BCDA, Army boost security in New Clark City (By Zorayda Tecson)

AGREEMENT. Maj. Gen. Andrew D. Costelo, commander of the 7th Infantry Division, Philippine Army (left), and Lawyer Aristotle B. Batuhan, officer-in-charge, president, and chief executive officer of Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), sign a partnership agreement to enhance security activities in the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac on Wednesday (May 4, 2022). As agreed upon, the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary Company II (CAA-II) of the 7ID will augment the security operations. (Photo courtesy of BCDA)

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division of the Philippine Army have partnered to enhance security cooperation in the 9,450-hectare New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac.

Maj. Gen. Andrew D. Costelo, commander of the Philippine Army's 7th Infantry Division, and Lawyer Aristotle B. Batuhan, officer-in-charge, president, and chief executive officer of BCDA, signed the partnership agreement on Wednesday for the augmentation of military troops to help ensure continuous and unhampered development within the metropolis.

Augmenting the security of the New Clark City is the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary Company II (CAA-II) of the 7ID.

The 7ID has been instrumental in sustaining peace within its area of responsibility in Central and Northern Luzon, successfully weakening insurgency within its areas of responsibility covering the seven provinces of Tarlac, Bulacan, Bataan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Zambales, and Aurora.

Costelo cited the importance of Build, Build, Build projects in boosting economic activity in the region.

“The security and protection of these vital infrastructures are our responsibility as the protector of peace in the community. With our collective commitment to serving the Filipino people, together we can do more," Costelo said in a statement.

Among the vital infrastructures in New Clark City are the National Government Administrative Center (NGAC), the country’s backup government operations center, and the world-class sports facilities, where events of the 2019 South East Asian Games were held.

Batuhan, for his part, cited CAA-II of the 7ID for continuously augmenting the security needs of the metropolis.

"While we recognize the existence of insurgents in our country, we give great honor to the reliability and strength of your company to deliver on the necessary peaceful force that can prevent any delays to this project,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173676

9K cops, soldiers to ensure poll security in BARMM

From the Philippine News Agency (May 5, 2022): 9K cops, soldiers to ensure poll security in BARMM (By Edwin Fernandez)

READY TO SERVE. More than 9,000 police and soldiers have been deployed across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao starting Wednesday (May 4, 2022) to ensure peace during the May 9 elections. The security forces are deployed in the BARMM provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur Sulu, Basilan, and Tawi-Tawi (Photo courtesy of PRO-BARMM)

PARANG, Maguindanao – More than 9,000 police and military personnel have been deployed to various provinces in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to help ensure peace during the May 9 elections.

Brig. Gen. Arthur Cabalona, BARMM police director, said Thursday at least 6,347 police and 2,846 military personnel are assigned to the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi to secure the polling areas ahead of election day.

Cabalona said police personnel alone will secure1,195 polling centers, five provincial treasurer’s offices, 119 city and municipal treasurer’s offices where election paraphernalia are stored, 120 Commission on Elections (Comelec) field offices, and 86 canvassing areas.

Cabalona said the deployment includes 706 Reactionary Standby Support Force (RSSF) personnel for Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao.

“Another 405-strong Quick Reactionary Force (QRF) personnel will be on standby and ready to be deployed anytime in case of emergency,” he added.

Additional police from regional mobile force battalion (RMFB) will augment personnel in Lanao Del Sur, Maguindanao, and Cotabato City while personnel from the RMFB–BASULTA will be deployed in the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.

Cabalona said there are also 2,516 police personnel trained as electoral board of inspectors as requested by the Comelec and are ready to serve as replacements in case some teachers back out on the day of the election.

“We need to ensure that the registered voters are free to vote for their candidates that during the process, they feel safe, secure, and protected,” Cabalona said.

Lawyer Ray F. Sumalipao, the Comelec-BARMM director, said the police have two vital roles during the elections—to serve as security personnel and to act as special members of the electoral board if the need arises.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173702

Army official calls for public vigilance on Election Day

From the Philippine News Agency (May 5, 2022): Army official calls for public vigilance on Election Day (By Sarwell Meniano)

POLL DUTY. Some of the soldiers who will secure elections in Eastern Visayas during a send-off ceremony on May 4, 2022 at the police regional headquarters in Palo, Leyte. A top official of the Philippine Army has asked the public to be vigilant against possible distractions and intimidation of voters on Election Day. (PNA photo by Sarwell Meniano)

A top official of the Philippine Army has asked the public to be vigilant against possible distractions and intimidation of voters on Election Day.

Army’s 8th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Edgardo de Leon on Thursday urged the public to report possible election-related violence or disturbance in the voting process.

“If you notice that someone will attempt to distract voting, just inform our police and soldiers at checkpoints and we will immediately respond. We cannot cover all areas in Eastern Visayas that’s why we need reports from concerned citizens,” De Leon told reporters.

The official believes that local private armed groups and the New People’s Army cannot fight with government forces.

“We will run after those who will disturb peace and order up to the mountains. That’s our mandate. We just need information about their presence from the communities. If your information are delayed, it would be too late for us to respond,” De Leon said.

Nearly 6,000 soldiers are deployed for election duties in Eastern Visayas, most will secure polling precincts in remote communities where there are threats from private armed groups and rebels.

A platoon of soldiers (about 20 to 50 personnel) is assigned to each precinct or checkpoint in conflict-stricken areas.

From the Philippine National Police, there are about 10,000 personnel deployed for election duties.

Most of them will secure precincts near highways and urban centers.

The region has 3,166,262 registered voters who will troop to 6,271 clustered precincts established in 4,390 villages.

Authorities have not identified any election hotspots in Eastern Visayas for the May 9 national and local elections.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173707

W. Visayas ELCAC saddened by death of NPA child warrior

From the Philippine News Agency (May 5, 2022): W. Visayas ELCAC saddened by death of NPA child warrior (By Perla Lena and Lade Jean Kabagani)

WAR MATERIEL. Firearms and ammunition found after an encounter between government troops and the South West Front of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) at Sitio Tigmaya, Barangay Gatuslao in Candoni Negros Occidental on May 3, 2022. The encounter also resulted in the death of a minor serving as a medical officer for the rebels. (Photo courtesy of 3rd DPAO)

The 16-year-old child warrior recruited by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) would have been alive today if he was not recruited by the communist terrorist group (CTG).

This was the sentiment of the Western Visayas Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF6-ELCAC) on Thursday regarding the death of a young rebel fighter who also served as the medical officer of the CPP-NPA-NDF’s South West Front during an encounter with the 15th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army at Sitio Tigmaya, Barangay Gatuslao in Candoni Negros Occidental on May 3, 2022.

“We extend our prayers and sympathy to the family of the young man who was deprived of a bright and better future by the CPP-NPA-NDF, which deceived and recruited him to join the terrorist organization that has done nothing but ruin the lives of the children in Negros Island and in other parts of the country. Had the CPP-NPA-NDF kept their hands off, he would have been alive today,” said the task force through its spokesperson Prosecutor Flosemer Chris Gonzales in a statement furnished to the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

Gonzales said the boy should have been alive if the NPA rebels did not recruit and brought him to the mountains for “senseless armed struggles.”

“However, the CPP-NPA-NDF, being the terrorist organization that it is, can never take their filthy hands off our children. They take pride and a perverse sense of joy in deceiving and recruiting the youth. They target our children to be recruited to wage their war of terror against the government and the Filipino people,” Gonzales said.

He said those who “blindly support and enable” the NPA’s recruitment and series of attacks “are no better than these criminals and terrorists.”

“They deserve a 10th Circle of Hell for their crimes against the Filipino people, for their crimes against parents who lost a child to their perverted and evil cause,” he said.

“We cry out loud in anger at the CPP-NPA-NDF as we remember the horrors that they have committed against scores of Filipino youth that they have deceived and exploited, radicalized and weaponized,” he added.

Gonzales chided the rebel group “for robbing our youth of their innocence, and forcing them to live a life of hatred, of violence, of abuse, of fear, and of terror, for causing the pointless deaths of our children in furtherance of their godless and soulless ideology.”

He called on the people of Western Visayas and the entire nation to stand in solidarity against the CPP-NPA-NDF terrorist organization.

“Words cannot embrace the indignation that we feel against the CPP-NPA-NDF for their sins against our people. We call on the peace-loving people of Candoni, Sipalay, and the entire Negros Island to condemn the CPP-NPA-NDF and their allied front organizations,” Gonzales said. “Let us win the peace by ending the local communist armed conflict."

In a press statement released by the 3rd Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) of the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) of the Philippine Army on Wednesday, it said that the encounter was a result of the information relayed by people in the community regarding the presence of the CPP-NPA in the area.

After the encounter, the government troops recovered from the site one M16 rifle, one .45 caliber pistol, one anti-personnel mine, magazines, ammunition, radio, cellular phone, and personal belongings.

Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, commander of the 3ID, called on the remaining NPA members to surrender and avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) as he also condemned the recruitment of minors and turning them into combatants.

“We strongly condemn the continuous recruitment of innocent minors by the CPP-NPA terrorists. Using them in their senseless armed struggle is a clear violation of the International Humanitarian Law,” Arevalo said in a statement.

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

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173711

10 ex-NPA rebels in Antique get livelihood grant

From the Philippine News Agency (May 5, 2022): 10 ex-NPA rebels in Antique get livelihood grant (By Annabel Consuelo Petinglay)

LIVELIHOOD GRANT. A former rebel in the province of Antique receives his livelihood settlement grant from Antique Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Lazaro Petinglay and Peace and Order and Public Safety consultant Margie Gadian (1st and 2nd from left) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development Sustainable Livelihood Program Antique program coordinator Geralyn Flores (right) in San Jose de Buenavista on Thursday (May 5, 2022). Flores said they released the cash grant in the amount of PHP20, 000 to each former rebel as capital for their livelihood. (PNA photo by Annabel Consuelo J. Petinglay)

SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – Some 10 former rebels in Antique received a livelihood settlement grant from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Thursday.

DSWD Antique provincial coordinator for the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) Geralyn Flores, in her message, said the grant was given to the former rebels for them to come up with a livelihood as they start a new life.

“The grant is being given to let them feel that the government is concerned about their welfare,” Flores said in a short ceremony at the Productivity Skills Capability Building (PSCB) training center in the provincial capital.

Five of the recipients are from the Municipality of Sibalom, three from Culasi, and two from Sebaste and each received PHP20,000 as capital.

Antique provincial government Peace and Order and Public Safety (POPS) consultant Margie Gadian said the former rebels should strive to make their livelihood projects sustainable because these will be monitored by the DSWD.

Last year the provincial government extended PHP10,000 each as an aid to individuals in crisis situations (AICS) and as part of Executive Order No. 70 or the "whole-of- nation" approach.

One of the recipients, alias Jongjong, who was 16 when recruited in February 2020 by his friend alias Guiller, was lured by the New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Imparayan, Sibalom.

He stayed with the NPA for almost six months helping to recruit members.

“Since I was only a minor then, I only helped in the recruitment and also in collecting the goods such as rice among the community folks,” he said.

He admitted that there were two of them minors when he was with the group. The other one was a 17-year-old from Miagao, Iloilo.

The former rebel said he will use the amount to start a business.

Alias Guiller, on the other hand, said he thought he would have a better life when he joined the NPA when he was only 18 years old.

“I only later realized that life with the rebel group was more difficult than when we were with our families,” he said.

He added that they escaped from the rebel movement in July 2020 and went home to their families who facilitated their surrender to authorities.

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

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173725

Army officials hit NPA for minor’s senseless death

From the Philippine News Agency (May 5, 2022): Army officials hit NPA for minor’s senseless death (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

SEIZED. Among the items seized by troops of the Philippine Army’s 15th Infantry Battalion following a series of encounters with CPP-NPA terrorists in Candoni, Negros Occidental on May 3, 2022. A 16-year-old rebel, who served as a medic, died in one of the firefights. (Photo courtesy of 15th Infantry, Philippine Army)

Officials of the Philippine Army assailed the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) for recruiting a child combatant whose life was wasted in a clash with government troops in Candoni, Negros Occidental on May 3, 2022.

The fatality, 16-year-old alias “Kisap” and “Boyca”, served as a squad medical officer of the NPA’s South West Front.

Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, on Thursday reiterated that using minors in a senseless armed struggle is a clear violation of the International Humanitarian Law.

“We strongly condemn the continuous recruitment of innocent minors by the CPP-NPA terrorists. He was recruited and used by the NPA in their atrocities and hostilities,” Arevalo said in a statement.

Brig. Gen. Leonardo Peña, commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade, called on parents anew to protect and watch over their children to keep them away from the dangers of society, particularly the false philosophy of the CPP-NPA and its political wing, the National Democratic Front (NDF).

“We are dismayed by the wasted life of a youth who was made a child soldier by the CPP-NPA-NDF. They poison the minds of their recruits in a godless organization and meaningless armed struggle to topple down our democratic form of government,” he added.

In the afternoon of May 3, troops of the 15th Infantry Battalion engaged communist rebels in a 15-minute firefight in Sitio Tigmaya, Barangay Gatuslao, resulting in the death of the teenager.

During the clearing operation, they found firearms, ammunition, an anti-personnel mine as well a hand-held commercial radio, a mobile phone, and personal items, among others.

“We will be relentless in our campaign to help and support the national government in its campaign to eradicate and totally end five decades of menace and terroristic activities of the CPP-NPA in the countryside,” Peña said.

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

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173731

NPA finance officer killed in Agusan Norte clash

From the Philippine News Agency (May 5, 2022): NPA finance officer killed in Agusan Norte clash (By Alexander Lopez)

SLAIN NPA LEADER. The Army’s 402nd Infantry Brigade confirms the death of Peter Pinakilid, the finance and political officer of the dismantled Guerrilla Front 4A of the New People’s Army. Pinakilid was killed during an encounter on Wednesday (May 4, 2022) in Barangay Macalang, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. (Photo courtesy of 402Bde)

The rebel who was killed in Wednesday's encounter in Agusan del Norte was among the top leaders of the dismantled Guerrilla Front 4A (GF-4A) of the New People's Army's (NPA) North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).

In a statement Thursday, the Army's 402nd Infantry Brigade (402Bde) said Peter Pinakilid was the finance and political officer of the GF-4A and a member of the Sub-Regional Committee 3 of the NCMRC.

Pinakilid was killed in Barangay Macalang, Buenavista town when his group of around 20 clashed with soldiers of the Army's 12th Scout Ranger Company under the 4th Scout Ranger Battalion.

“Peter Pinakilid is the biological father of the most notorious NPA rebel, Jelan Pinakilid, alias Baking, who died in an encounter with the troops of the 58th Infantry Battalion last 18 February 2022 in Misamis Oriental,” 402Bde said.

The identity of Pinakilid was confirmed by a former rebel, it added.

“The NPA rebels were in the area to conduct extortion activities and the imposition of permit-to-campaign and permit-to-win on candidates for the upcoming local and national elections,” 402Bde said.

Brig. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, 402Bde commander, expressed condolences to the family of the slain NPA rebel.

“We are saddened that another life had to be wasted as ensued from a long senseless armed struggle that these NPA terrorists are still fighting for,” Orio said.

Peter and Jelan Pinakilid's deaths are "a clear manifestation" of the NPA's move to generate funds and sustain the rebellion, the Army official said.

Orio also urged the remaining NPA rebels in the area to surrender and return to their families and give their children a better future.

“We will continue to hunt the enemies down, and we will always be true to our commitment of ending more than five decades of insurgency,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173748

NPA rebel slain in Agusan Norte clash

From the Philippine News Agency (May 4, 2022): NPA rebel slain in Agusan Norte clash (By Alexander Lopez)

Google map of Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.

A New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was killed in a predawn encounter Wednesday with government forces in Agusan del Norte's town of Buenavista, police said.

In a report, the Agusan del Norte Police Provincial Office (ADNPPO) said a platoon of the 12th Scout Ranger Company was conducting combat operations in the vicinity of Barangay Macalang, Buenavista, at around 3:30 a.m. when they chanced upon some 20 NPA rebels.

“A 20-minute firefight immediately ensued, after which, the NPA rebels withdrew towards the south direction of Barangay Macalang,” ADNPPO said.

Government troops recovered from the encounter site the body of an NPA guerrilla and three AK-47 rifles.

Authorities are still trying to determine the identity of the slain rebel, the report said.

The insurgents belong to the NPA's Sub-Regional Committee 3, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee, it added.

Personnel from the Buenavista municipal police are currently conducting checkpoints along the vicinity of Barangay Macalang.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173647