'Lipad Aklat' brings learning materials to Occ. Mindoro

From the Philippine News Agency (May 27, 2022): 'Lipad Aklat' brings learning materials to Occ. Mindoro (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Army Aviation planes that transported the learning materials for schoolkids in Occidental Mindoro on May 25, 2022. (Photo courtesy of PA)

Two aircraft from the Philippine Army (PA)'s Aviation Regiment flew books for the children studying at the Labangan Elementary School, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro as part of its "Lipad Aklat" project last May 25.

"The 'Lipad Aklat' project is launched by the regiment in partnership with stakeholders to reach out to schools in far-flung villages and help educators in the promotion of quality education," PA spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said Friday.

The flight was led by Army Aviation Regiment (AAR) commander Col. Andre B. Santos in coordination with the Tanay, Rizal-based 2nd Infantry Division troopers, who flew to Occidental Mindoro to deliver book donations to school children.

The AAR is based in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija.

"They also flew to Lubang Island on the same day to charter boxes of Department of Education self-learning modules," Trinidad said.

The “Lipad Aklat” project was launched by the regiment in partnership with stakeholders to reach out to schools in far-flung villages and help educators in the promotion of quality education.

PA commander Lt Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. lauded the Army aviators for launching the noble project which aims to help improve children’s literacy and cognitive skills.

He also pledged to lobby for more air assets for the regiment to further boost the AAR's capability to do its missions.

The AAR is tasked to do aerial reconnaissance and transport missions for ground units.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1175271

PAF ends 9-day gunnery competition

From the Philippine News Agency (May 27, 2022): PAF ends 9-day gunnery competition (By Priam Nepomuceno)

T-129 ATAK Helicopter loitering over the target area (Photo courtesy of PAF)

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) announced the conclusion of the nine-day gunnery competition tasked to test the skills and accuracy of its strike, monitoring and detection assets.

The event took place at the Col. Ernesto Rabina Air Base in Capas, Tarlac between May 16 to 24, PAF spokesperson Col. Maynard Mariano said in a statement Friday.

These exercises were formally known in PAF and military circles as "SANAY-TUDLA II" and "SIMEX III".

He said the gunnery competition was highlighted by the participation of the PAF's air defense, command, control, communications, computers, information/intelligence, surveillance, targeting acquisition and reconnaissance (C4ISTAR), search-and-rescue systems and surface strike-capable assets.

These assets were divided into two teams supported by other PAF units corresponding to their core systems under the Integrated Air Operation System, Mariano said.

"During the conduct of the exercise(s) the PAF utilized its air assets such as the FA-50PH of the 5th Fighter Wing; the AW-109AH, SF-260TP, T-129, and A-29B 'Super Tucano' of 15th Strike Wing; Bell-412 helicopters from the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing; unmanned aerial vehicles from the 300th Air Intelligence and Security Wing; the S-76(i) and (W-3A) 'Sokol' helicopters from the 505th Search-and-Rescue Group; and radars from the 580th Aircraft Control-and-Warning Wing," he added.

The activity was viewed live at the PAF Control Center, Air Force Command Center and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Command Operations Center along with other military command-and-control facilities.

"Combat air controllers of the 710th Special Operations Wing and direct air support forward teams were also the key players in the success of the activity. Critical to the activity was the connectivity provided by the 950(th) CEIS (Communications, Electronics, and Information System) Group," he said.

He said the "SANAY-TUDLA II" and "SIMEX III" showcased the delivery of secured and near-real-time "common operational picture" through a live voice, video and data feeds from sensors to shooters and to decision-makers in all command-and-control centers of the PAF.

The event was witnessed by AFP acting chief-of-staff Air Force Lt. Gen. Erickson R. Gloria, PAF chief Lt. Gen. Connor Anthony Canlas Sr., and other ranking military officials.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1175277

PCG's newest multi-role vessel leaves Japan for PH

From the Philippine News Agency (May 27, 2022): PCG's newest multi-role vessel leaves Japan for PH (By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz)

PCG'S NEWEST SHIP. The Philippine Coast Guard's (PCG) BRP Melchora Aquino, a 97-meter multi-role response vessel (MRRV) at Shimonoseki Shipyard in Japan on Thursday. The vessel is in transit and is expected to reach the Philippines on Wednesday, June 1. (Photo courtesy of PCG)

The Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) newest 97-meter, multi-role response vessel (MRRV) has been sent off from its manufacturer in Japan and will reach the country on June 1.

In a speech during the ship’s send-off ceremony in Japan on Friday, PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu said the vessel, BRP Melchora Aquino, is “another brand-new capital ship” similar to BRP Teresa Magbanua.

“This sturdy white ship will serve as the stalwart protector of our maritime reserve, and instrument for peace and tranquility within our territorial waters,” Abu said.

He said the vessel will be a “symbol of hope,” a “source of national pride,” and will serve as an instrument in promoting the rule of law at sea and “enhancing amity among neighboring nations.”

Made by Mitsubishi Shipbuilding and funded through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), he said the vessel “symbolizes the strong partnership and cooperation” between Japan and the Philippines.

In a separate speech, Transportation Undersecretary for Maritime Admiral George Ursabia Jr. (Ret.) said both BRP Melchora Aquino and BRP Teresa Magbanua were acquired under the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project Phase 2.

Ursabia thanked the Japanese government and its people for being the Philippines’ “closest development allies” and for their contribution to the growth of the country.

“I am confident that our solid partnership and decade-long friendship aimed at realizing numerous development projects will further solidify our bond to be able to withstand the tides of time,” Ursabia said.

The PCG’s newest MRRVs were modeled after the Japan Coast Guard’s Kunigami-class vessel, have a maximum speed of not less than 24 knots, and endurance of not less than 4,000 nautical miles.

The ships are capable of sustained maritime patrols in the country’s maritime jurisdictions, including the West Philippine Sea and Philippine Rise.

On Sunday, the BRP Teresa Magbanua and other PCG vessels were sent to Makassar, Indonesia to represent the Philippines in the Marine Pollution Exercise 2022 from May 22 to 27.

The PCG is joined in the exercise by Indonesia’s Directorate General of Sea Transportation and the JCG.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1175310

Passenger bus blast injures 2 in Koronadal

From the Philippine News Agency (May 26, 2022): Passenger bus blast injures 2 in Koronadal (By Richelyn Gubalani)

BUS EXPLOSION. A blast rips though the back of a Yellow Bus Line unit around 12:15 p.m. Thursday (May 26, 2022) in Koronadal City, South Cotabato. Two persons are injured in the incident. (Photo courtesy of Brigada GenSan)

An explosion ripped though the back of a passenger bus injuring two people in the South Cotabato city of Koronadal Thursday afternoon, officials said.

The Yellow Bus Line unit was cruising on a busy highway around 12:15 p.m. near a mall when the explosion occurred, injuring tricycle driver Wilfredo Ilagan Tino and another unidentified individual.

A CCTV video of the explosion showed Valenzuela's tricycle was cruising near the bus, stopping on its tracks when the blast occurred.

A report from the South Cotabato Police Provincial Office (SCPPO) said Valenzuela was rushed to the hospital.

All six passengers, including the conductor and driver, were unharmed.

Brigadier Gen. Eduardo Gubat, acting 6th Infantry Division (6ID) commander, said the bus was on its way to Koronadal City terminal from Tacurong City.

Gubat said the bombing in Koronadal City and the neighboring Tacurong City minutes later on the same day may have been a retaliation for the May 23, 2022 death of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter- Karialan Faction member Abdul Patir.

No one was hurt in the Tacurong City blast around 12:45 p.m. Thursday. No one has claimed responsibility for both explosions.

Gubat said the operation that killed Patir in the Maguindanao town of Datu Salibo also wounded the leader of the Dawlah Islamiya, Abu Turaife.

“Initially, this a reaction to what we did a successful combat. Maraming wounded at may namatay sa kanila and they were recovered firearms doon sa Datu Salibo sa Maguindanao against Dawlah Islamiyah headed by Abu Turaife and hindi lang na-account yung mga wounded,” Gubat said.

Gubat said all Army units in the region have ordered to be on guard against saboteurs, especially terrorists targeting innocent civilians.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1175261

Rebels' surrender in Eastern Samar cripples NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (May 27, 2022): Rebels' surrender in Eastern Samar cripples NPA (By Sarwell Meniano)

FIGHTING INSURGENCY. Troopers from the 1st Eastern Samar police mobile force company patrolling in Dolores, Eastern Samar in this May 25, 2022 photo. The police unit said on Friday (May 27, 2022) the recent surrender of a team leader and a member of the New People’s Army has further weakened the communist terrorist group in Eastern Samar. (Photo courtesy of 1st ESPMFC)

The recent surrender of a team leader and a member of the New People’s Army has further weakened the communist terrorist group in Eastern Samar, an official of the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Friday.

Lt. Col. Joy Leanza, commander of the PNP’s 1st Eastern Samar police mobile force company (ESPMFC) based in Dolores town, said the strength of the NPA has been weakening almost daily.

"Clearly, a large portion of the communist membership was reduced as almost every day, NPAs ceded to the government forces in all parts of the country. Their organization has weakened due to the aggressive campaign of the task force to end local communist armed conflict and the attractive full package guaranteed by the government's livelihood program for former rebels,” Leanza said in a statement.

The official issued the statement two days after the surrender of "Ka Ebir", a team leader of NPA’s squad in Eastern Samar, and "Ka Ogis", an active NPA member in the province. They are both residents of Dolores town.

"Ka Ogis" handed over a fragmentation grenade while "Ka Ebir" gave up his 9mm pistol to authorities when they showed up at the ESPMFC headquarters.

The two admitted that testimonies from their former comrades about the government’s sincerity to help rebels has encouraged them to lay down their firearms.

“Both surrenderers admitted to being swindled by ideologies fed by the NPAs that were all hoaxes and devoid of truth. They were recruited and became full-time members of the NPA when they were still minors,” Leanza added.

The surrender of rebels to the authorities is a wake-up call to their comrades who are still hiding in the mountains to abandon the NPA, the official said.

"With open arms, we welcome our NPA brothers and sisters who wish to start a new life. The government will give them all the benefits and necessary assistance,” Leanza said.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-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 NDF as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1175276

NPA deputy leader hurt in Ifugao clash rescued by gov't troops

From the Philippine News Agency (May 27, 2022): NPA deputy leader hurt in Ifugao clash rescued by gov't troops (By Villamor Visaya, Jr.)

OFF TO SAFETY. An injured deputy leader of the New People’s Army is being carried to a hospital in Nueva Vizcaya on Thursday (May 26, 2022). The rebel was injured in a clash with government troops and was left behind by his comrades as they fled. (Photo courtesy of 54IB, Philippine Army)

CAMP MELCHOR DELA CRUZ, Gamu, Isabela – Government soldiers on Thursday rescued an injured deputy leader of a Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army (CPP-NPA) band while scouring the mountains of the Cordillera and Ilocos regions, the military said Friday.

Capt. Karol Jay Mendoza Jr., civil-military operations officer of the Army's 54th Infantry Battalion, said Avelino Cruz, alias Junel/Alcaras, was the vice commander of a group that fought government troops and was left behind by his comrades after being injured as they withdrew from the scene of the encounter.

Cruz belongs to the CPP-NPA's Guerrilla Front Abra - Mountain Province - Ilocos Sur (GF-AMPIS) under the Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Committee and was seen and extricated by soldiers in Asipulo, Ifugao.

In a phone interview, Mendoza said the rebel is in a stable condition at the Veterans’ Regional Hospital in Nueva Vizcaya.

“If he was not seen and saved by the Army soldiers on May 26, he would have died by loss of blood due to his broken leg as he was left out by his comrades,” he said.

Cruz is facing charges for multiple murder, multiple frustrated murder, and attempted murder before various courts in the Cordillera and Ilocos.

Meanwhile, soldiers gave food and other assistance to the families who had evacuated to the Namal Elementary School when two firefights erupted between troops and communist guerillas on May 23 and 24.

Likewise, the 54th Infantry Battalion turned over the guns and other materiel seized during the clashes to the Asipulo police as evidence for various cases to be lodged against the insurgents.

These included two M-16 Armalite rifles, an M-653 Baby Armalite rifle, a rifle grenade, two hand grenades, and six anti-personnel landmines.

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/1175307

Soldiers recover materiel in Aurora town

From the Philippine News Agency (May 27, 2022): Soldiers recover materiel in Aurora town (By Jason De Asis)

WAR MATERIEL. Soldiers retrieve an anti-tank mine and a detonating cord in the hinterlands of Barangay Matawe, Dingalan, Aurora on Friday (May 27, 2022). They also recovered a .38-caliber revolver. (Photo courtesy of the Army's 91IB)

BALER, Aurora – Government troops on Friday recovered war materiel belonging to members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Matawe, Dingalan, this province.

Lt. Col. Julito B. Recto, acting commander of the Army’s 91st Infantry (Sinagtala) Battalion (91IB), said the soldiers found the rebels' supplies cache after receiving a tip from a civilian.

Recto said the troops recovered one anti-tank mine, one detonating cord, and one .38-caliber revolver.

“So far, our troops are scouring the area for further development against the enemy,” he said in an interview.

Recto commended the government troops for their immediate action and urged them to intensify their campaign against terrorism.

Meanwhile, he called on the remaining members of the NPA to lay down their arms and lead a peaceful life with their loved ones.

“I call for them (NPA) to surrender. This is now the time to embrace peace and the government’s offer of a comfortable life through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). Our government is here ready to welcome those who wanted to embrace a new life with peace and will ensure that they will get all the assistance they need through E-CLIP,” Recto said.

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

The National Democratic Front (NDF) has 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/1175320