Kalinaw News: 58IB prevents CTG hostile plans, high-powered firearm and war materials captured by troops in Mis Oriental

From Kalinaw News (Jul 6, 2022): 58IB prevents CTG hostile plans, high-powered firearm and war materials captured by troops in Mis Oriental

CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental – A high-powered firearm was recovered during a clash between the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) and government troops under the 58th Infantry “Dimalulupig” Battalion this afternoon, July 06, 2022.

The said encounter happened at around 3:30 in the afternoon, in the hinterlands of Barangay San Juan in Balingasag, while the troops responded to the information from a concerned citizen following the presence of the armed group in their farm land. The firefight lasted for about ten (10) minutes, and the troops recovered. One AK-47 assault rifle, four (4) magazines AK47 with ammo, three (3) magazines M16 with ammo, five (5) bag packs with personal belongings, one rifle grenade, assorted medical paraphernalia, and subversive documents.

Lieutenant Colonel Ricky L. Canatoy, Commanding Officer of the 58th Infantry “Dimalulupig” Battalion, said that, “The encounter is a result of the continued effort and active steps to thwart enemy activities.” We urge the remaining members of CTGs to lay down their arms and live a peaceful and normal life and refrain from needless life loss. However, our troops will not hesitate and remain vigilant to use force against peace spoilers and other threat groups who will continue to use terrorism. “

Additionally, Lt. Col. Canatoy expresses his sincere appreciation to the residents of Brgy San Juan in Balingasag for their prompt and precise information on the presence of the CTGs. The said barangay is a beneficiary of the 20 million pesos ELCAC Support to Barangay Development Project (SBDP) being cleared from CTG influence and the encounter is a sign that the people in the community are not tolerating the presence of CTG that prompted them to report the same to the government troops.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/58ib-prevents-ctg-hostile-plans-high-powered-firearm-and-war-materials-captured-by-troops-in-mis-oriental/

Kalinaw News: FRs receive 100K worth of livelihood assistance

From Kalinaw News (Jul 6, 2022): FRs receive 100K worth of livelihood assistance

CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela- Ten former rebels (FRs) received livelihood kit worth of 10,000 pesos each on July 06, 2022 at Municipal Hall, Barangay San Jose, Baggao, Cagayan.

Sari-sari store package was awarded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) thru the assistance of 77th Infantry Battalion and the Local Government Unit of Baggao.

The said assistance is under the Livelihood and Entrepreneurship Program of DTI in connection with the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).

The beneficiaries extended their gratefulness to the government as they pledge to grow the initial investment given to them.

LtC Magtangol G Panopio, Battalion Commander of 77IB thanked the DTI for its support in ending the local communist armed conflict and for assisting in the reintegration process of the former rebels.

He then urged the remaining members of the Communist Terrorist Group to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/frs-receive-100k-worth-of-livelihood-assistance/

Kalinaw News: 2 communist terrorist group officers yield in Zamboanga del Norte

From Kalinaw News (Jul 6, 2022): 2 communist terrorist group officers yield in Zamboanga del Norte

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – July 6, 2022

Two Communist Terrorist Group officers yielded to the 97th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Del Pilar, Piñan, Zamboanga del Norte on Tuesday, July 5.

Col. Nolasco Coderos, Jr., Commanding Officer of the 97IB, identified the surrendered personalities as Gina Belsa Granada, a.k.a. Dave, and her husband Benedicto Granada, a.k.a. Ikoy. Alias Dave was the Front Secretary while alias Ikoy was the Deputy Secretary of the defunct Guerilla Front BBC of the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee.

The couple was subsequently presented to Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, Commander of the 102nd Infantry Brigade. The one-star general assured the two of their safety and the government’s assistance in their reintegration into mainstream society. “The brigade and its units are always committed to its mandate, which includes the protection of the lives of its former adversaries who chose to return to the folds of the law,” Brig. Gen. Nicolas said.

During the initial debriefing, the former rebels revealed that they opted to surrender due to the hardships they experienced brought by the military offensives launched by the Army units in the area.

Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command said the armed forces will remain steadfast in conducting military operations to pressure the CTG remnants to surrender and be productive citizens of the country.

The former rebels will be enrolled in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program that grants immediate cash assistance and livelihood packages.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/2-communist-terrorist-group-officers-yield-in-zamboanga-del-norte/

Kalinaw News: Agusan’s most wanted NPA leader, high-ranking cohorts surrender

From Kalinaw News (Jul 5, 2022): Agusan’s most wanted NPA leader, high-ranking cohorts surrender

Bancasi, Butuan City – Agusan’s most wanted New People’s Army (NPA) leader together with three (3) high ranking NPAs and one (1) NPA Medic surrendered to 42nd Military Intelligence Company (42MICo) under the Operational Control of 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade on July 4, 2022.

The top NPA leader who surrendered to 42MICo is identified as Rogelio Sapon Gerondio Jr who is conspicuously known as aka Napnap, 45 years old, Secretary of Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) 3, and the concurrent CO of Regional Operations Command (ROC) of SRC 3. Gerondio who spent 18 years as NPA is the husband of Julieta Galario Gerondio @ Kai/Bel, the former Secretary of SRC 3 who was apprehended last April 4,2022. He was the culprit behind numerous hostile activities and atrocities however, opted to surrender due to the series of encounters at Brgy. Macalang, Buenavista and Brgy. Consorcia of Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte that led to numerous casualties on their side, either dead or wounded. As a result, it weakened their will to fight every time they encountered with the government troops.

Gerondio is facing several warrants of arrest with its respective crime case numbers as follows: 3497 (Murder); 3495 (Frustrated Murder); 4210 (Multiple Frustrated Murder); 3948 (Multiple Murder); 3498 (Frustrated Murder); 3496 (Frustrated Murder); 4167 (Grave Threats); 6974 (Murder); 4019 (Multiple Murder); 4115 (Multiple Murder); and 6972 (Attempted Murder).

Moreover, Gerondio surrendered together with three (3) high ranking NPAs and one (1) Medic who are identified as Ruel Nawagas Namansulay, 30 years old, CO of Front Operational Command (FOC) of Former Guerilla Front 4A, SRC 3; Maricel Asalan Lunsayan, 29 years old, Political Officer (Head Provincial Staff) of Former Guerilla Front 4A, SRC 3; Rexon Sapon Guinar Sr, 49 years old, the brother of Rogelio Gerondio and a Political Officer (Head Provincial Staff) of Former Guerilla Front 88, SRC 3 ; and Nita Ondong Guinar, 48 years old of Former Guerilla Front 88, SRC 3.

The aforementioned surrendered CPP-NPA Terrorists brought along with them the following: one (1) AR18 Rifle; one (1) M14 Rifle; one (1) M16 Rifle; and two (2) Cal. 45 pistols.

To recall, the 402nd Infantry Brigade implemented its sustained, focused military operations as early as October last year which resulted to the neutralization of NPA’s top personalities such as Jelan Pinakilid, Agusan’s Top NPA extortionist together with his wife, Darling Pinakilid. Also, SRC 3’s Spokeperson and Finance Officer, Armando Pante Rabanes @ ANTOY also surrendered last 07 December 2022.

BGen Adonis Ariel G Orio, 402BDe Commander, commended the troops for a successful conduct of joint intelligence operation that led to the surrender of the said Top NPA leader and high-ranking members.

“It has been more than a decade since we’re trying to catch these most wanted NPAs. The surrender of Gerondio aka Napnap and others is the result of all the collaborative efforts that the NTF-ELCAC has long been doing. To those who are still inside the NPA hideouts, you cannot stay there forever. The government forces will continue its focused military operations to hunt you down. Do not wait to have the same fate of those who died due to long senseless armed struggle.” BGen Orio said.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/agusans-most-wanted-npa-leader-high-ranking-cohorts-surrender/

Kalinaw News: NPA terrorists in Northern Samar use Anti-Personnel Mines; Injures Seven Army Personnel

From Kalinaw News (Jul 5, 2022): NPA terrorists in Northern Samar use Anti-Personnel Mines; Injures Seven Army Personnel

NPA terrorists in Northern Samar use Anti-Personnel Mines; Injures Seven Army Personnel

Las Navas, Northern Samar, 05 July 2022 – Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) used anti-personnel mines against CSP Teams of the 20th Infantry (We Lead) Battalion while conducting combat patrol at 06:15 today, July 05, 2022 in the vicinity of Brgy. Magsaysay, Mapanas, Northern Samar.

The attack of the members of the CPP-NPA using anti-personnel mines has injured seven (7) Army Personnel whereas two (2) personnel is in a critical condition. “The seven wounded in action were still on the process of casualty evacuation,” said Second Lieutenant Bayron, 20IB Acting Spokesperson.

“Barangay Magsaysay is a recipient among four barangays in Mapanas, Northern Samar which was supposed to receive a 63-million worth of PAMANA Infrastructure Program CY 2018 for the Construction of Siljagon-Naparasan-Quezon-Magsaysay Farm-to-Market Road
for the calendar year 2018. According to the regional official of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), the presence of New People’s Army (NPA) in Northern Samar has discouraged contractors from implementing multi-million infrastructure projects meant for impoverished and conflict-stricken communities. It can also be recalled that the OPAPP Program Manager for Visayas, Imelda Bonifacio has said on an interview in 2018 that construction firms have abandoned at least three projects for fear of NPA’s extortion activities and being caught in the crossfire between government troops and armed rebels. This is one of the reasons why the AFP and PNP tied up to redeploy CSP Teams in Brgy. Magsaysay and other conflict-affected barangays to ensure that the project implementation of PAMANA Projects and other government projects will push through and not be put hampered by the NPA’s extortion and intimidation. The “We Lead Troopers” cannot allow the people of Mapanas to be deprived of government services because of NPA’s deceptive propaganda and lies,” Bayron added.

The CPP-NPA-NDF once again made a serious violation of International Humanitarian Law in Northern Samar. It can be recalled that on April 03, 2022, the CNTs used anti-personnel mines against CSP Teams of the 20th Infantry (We Lead) Battalion while moving back to Barangay Osang, Catubig, Northern Samar at vicinity Brgy. San Miguel, Las Navas, Northern Samar, which resulted to the death of two (2) PNP Personnel and injuries of four (4) others.

Lieutenant Colonel Joemar Buban, Commanding Officer of 20IB stated that the said terroristic attack of the CNTs is a clear violation of the Ottawa Convention (Mine Ban Treaty) that prohibits the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel landmines (APLs). “The 20IB has been doing its best to help the conflict-affected barangays through our Community Support Program Teams to achieve long-lasting peace and sustainable development in Northern Samar. We are calling the Commission of Human Rights to investigate and make a statement on these continuous inexcusable violations of Ottawa Convention, International Humanitaritian Law and RA9851 by communist NPA terrorists in Northern Samar. Moreover, the leadership of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), as the self-proclaimed organizational representative of the NPA, should be held liable for not taking any efforts to stop the NPA, its armed wing, from its continuing production stockpile, transport, and use of crudely manufactured anti-personnel mines (APM) that also pose danger to lives of the people in the communities where they lay the mines,” Lieutenant Colonel Buban added.

The leadership of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), as the self-proclaimed organizational representative of the NPA, should be held liable for not taking any efforts to stop the NPA, its armed wing, from its continuing production stockpile, transport, and use of crudely manufactured anti-personnel mines (APM) that also pose danger to lives of the people in the communities where they lay the mines. Significantly, the APM that was detonated this morning was laid by the NPA in a trail commonly used by civilians in Brgy Magsaysay, Mapanas, Northern Samar.

Maj Gen Edgardo De Leon

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/npa-terrorists-in-northern-samar-use-anti-personnel-mines-injures-seven-army-personnel/

Kalinaw News: Former Rebel tip-off leads to discovery of CTG Arms cache in Ilocos Sur

From Kalinaw News (Jul 5, 2022): Former Rebel tip-off leads to discovery of CTG Arms cache in Ilocos Sur

Camp Aquino, Tarlac City – July 5, 2022

Troops of the 71st Infantry Battalion under the Joint Task Group Defender discovered a terrorists’ arms cache in the vicinity of Sitio Ramut, Zone 7, Brgy Salincub, Santiago, Ilocos Sur on July 3, 2022.

In a statement, Lt. Gen. Ernesto Torres Jr., Commander of the Northern Luzon Command revealed that “the 71IB recovered one (1) M16 rifle, eight (8) magazines (5-long and 3-short), 140 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition and one (1) bandolier from the said location.”

Lt Gen Torres furthered that “a former leader of the terror group Weakened Guerilla Front AMPIS which operates in the areas of Abra, Mountain Province, and Ilocos Sur tipped the troops of the whereabouts of the said arms cache.”

“The recovered war materiel were brought to the headquarters of 71Ib for proper disposition and documentation,” said Brig Gen Krishnamurti Mortela, Commander of JTG Defender which covers the area of Ilocos Sur.

It can be recalled that the 54th Infantry Battalion conducting pursuit operations after a series of clashes with members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) on May 23-24, 2022 rescued a ranking leader of the terror group who was left by his comrades after being wounded in an armed encounter last May 26, 2022 at Sitio Belbel, Brgy. Namal, Asipulo, Ifugao.

The abandoned CTG leader was later identified as “Junel”, Vice Commanding Officer of the Front Operational Command, Weakened Guerilla Front AMPIS.

“The discovery of a cache of arms in Ilocos Sur is indicative of alias “Junel’s” sincere desire for genuine peace and projection of his gratitude to the military who helped him when he was already on the verge of death from being betrayed by his comrades, as he aided the government forces locate the CTG war materials,” added Brig. Gen Mortela.

Meanwhile, Major General Andrew Costelo, Commander of Joint Task Force Kaugnay, hailed the troops’ series of accomplishments in their area of operations including the recent discovery of two arms caches on July 01, 2022, at Barangay Santa Juliana, Capas, Tarlac; and another at Sitio Gued-Gued, Brgy Palis, Botolan, Zambales on June 26, 2022, and at Brgy Carmencita Floridablanca, Pampanga last June 12, 2022.

“Our efforts to create lasting peace, prosperity and development in our communities will continue until we can fully decimate terrorist organizations in our area of operations,” said Maj. Gen. Costelo.

Lt. Gen. Torres stated, “the successive discovery of CTG weapons caches further weakens the arms capability of these terror groups, preventing them from performing hostile attacks in northern and central Luzon.

“NoLCom has its doors open for the former comrades of Junel and all other remaining members of the CTG who wish to return to the fold of the law and start anew with their families,” added the NOLCOM Commander as he encouraged remaining Communist terrorists in the area to yield to the government.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/former-rebel-tip-off-leads-to-discovery-of-ctg-arms-cache-in-ilocos-sur/

Kalinaw News: Four (4) NPA Terrorists killed, firearms seized in clash with 94IB Troops in Central Negros

From Kalinaw News (Jul 6, 2022): Four (4) NPA Terrorists killed, firearms seized in clash with 94IB Troops in Central Negros

CAMP GERONA, Murcia, Negros Occidental – Troops of 94th Infantry Battalion score as four (4) members of Communist NPA terrorists were killed and firearms seized during a clash between CPP-NPA Terrorist belonging to Central Negros 2 (CN 2) Front and government security forces at vicinity Sitio Amelis, Brgy Santol, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental on July 06, 2022 (Wednesday).

Accordingly, the presence of the armed NPAs were tipped off by residents and bolstered by information generated from the surrenderees of 94IB. The group is involved in the ambush of PNP Binalbagan sometime February this year. The joint security operation resulted in an armed encounter which lasted for three (3) minutes before the CNTs scampered in different directions leaving four (4) bodies of their comrades behind. The unidentified killed CNT members were 3 males and 1 female. Also recovered from the encounter site are war materiels including 1-M16 with attached M203 grenade launcher, 1-M16 rifle, 1-M14 rifle and 1-Cal. 45 pistols and personal belonging of the NPAs.

Fortunately, no casualties on the government side and the troops are still conducting pursuit operations on the fleeing NPAs.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade Commander lauded the immediate response of the troops in helping the locals of Binalbagan against the extortion and atrocities of the CPP-NPA Terrorist. Your Army and PNP in Negros are in control of the situation. I am also commending the quick action of the locals in the area showing their concern for the peace and order of their community as they reported the presence of the terrorist NPAs. We assure everyone that we will not put our guards down and we will continue to go after this CPP-NPA terrorist who continues to sow fear and intimidate the communities. We will pursue the NPAs to eradicate them in Negros Island,” BGEN Pasaporte added.

It can be recalled that last July 02, 2022, a total of 19 NPA members of Central Negros 2 (CN2), Komiteng Rehiyon- Negros, Bohol, Siquijor, Cebu (KR-NCBS) surrendered to the troops of 94IB due to hardships and false promises of the CNT leaders in their organization.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/four-4-npa-terrorists-killed-firearms-seized-in-clash-with-94ib-troops-in-central-negros/

Kalinaw News: 3rd Mechanized Battalion unearthed CTG War Materials in Tarlac

From Kalinaw News (Jul 5, 2022): 3rd Mechanized Battalion unearthed CTG War Materials in Tarlac

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – Following a tip from a concerned citizen, 2 arm caches were successfully excavated and discovered war materials on July 01, 2022 at Barangay Santa Juliana, Capas, Tarlac. The arms caches allegedly belonged to the Weakened KLG-TARZAM.

The joint elements of 31st Mechanized Infantry Company, 3rd Mechanized Infantry (Makatarungan) Battalion; 790th Air Base Group and 710th Special Operations Wing, Philippine Air Force; National Intelligence Coordinating Agency 3 (NICA3); and Capas Municipal Police Office led to the discovery of two (2) communist terrorist arm caches in Tarlac.

Among the recovered war materials are one (1) M16A1 rifle; one (1) M14 rifle; one (1) M2 carbine; one (1) KG9 Machine Gun (SMG); one (1) Beretta 9MM; three (3) Cal..38; one (1) Magnum Cal..22; one (1) Cal.22; different ammunitions as follow: 92 rounds 7.62MM, 46 rounds 7.62MM linked, 373 rounds 5.56MM, 15 rounds 9MM, 4 rounds cal.22 Magnum, and 7 rounds. Cal.38; 16 assorted magazines; one (1) commercial radio; medical and personal belongings of the CTG members.

For the last 2 months, the 3rd Mech Bn discovered 3 arms caches in their area of operation, among the recovered war materials, are (five) 5 high powered firearms (HPFAs) in Sitio Tala, Barangay Burgos, San Jose, Tarlac last May 30, 2022. Another is one (1) Garand Rifle and other CTG equipment in Barangay Palis, Botolan Zambales last June 26, 2022.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Jeszer M Bautista, Acting Commanding Officer of 3rd Mech Bn, “Sunod-sunod ang ating pagkakatuklas sa mga nakatagong armas at kagamitan ng KLG-TARZAM, nagpapatunay lamang ito na ang mga dati nilang kasamahan at ang mamamayan ay sawa na sa panlilinlang at panggagamit ng mga terorista, sila na mismo ang nagtuturo kung saan ito nakatago”.
Meanwhile, MGEN ANDREW D COSTELO, Commander of 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division foresight the end of local armed conflict in the area of responsibility. “Hindi magtatagal ay atin nang matutunton ang kinaroroonan ng mga armadong terorista para sa wakas ay matapos na ang local communist armed conflict sa Northern at Central Luzon.”

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/3rd-mechanized-battalion-unearthed-ctg-war-materials-in-tarlac/

Kalinaw News: 150 IP Families benefited from Community Outreach Program and Information Awareness drive in Nueva Ecija

From Kalinaw News (Jul 5, 2022): 150 IP Families benefited from Community Outreach Program and Information Awareness drive in Nueva Ecija

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – 150 families from the “Dumagat” tribe benefited from the Community Outreach Activity conducted by the CLUBi YSMX Philippines Incorporated, Nueva Ecija chapter together with the 84th Infantry (Victorious) Battalion in partnership with the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians (PAFP) Incorporated on July 03, 2022 at Sitio Bulak, Brgy Rio Chico, Gen Tinio, Nueva Ecija.

At the same time, 1st Lieutenant Junberth N Ulan-Ulan, Company Commander of Bravo Company, 84IB talked about ways to be a resilient IP Community and being aware of the deception and exploitation of Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) to the Indigenous People.

The activity was dubbed as: “We Ride, We Care, We Share” aims to extend assistance to the Indigenous People (IP) in an isolated community by giving free medical checkups and medicines, food packs and hygiene kits for the IP family. Also, school supplies, assorted clothes and toys were given to the children. In addition, food feeding and free haircut was also offered to all the beneficiaries of the activity.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Enrico Gil C Ileto, Commanding Officer of 84IB assures continues support of the unit with this humanitarian activity that helps less fortunate
MGen Andrew D Costelo, Commander of the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division on the other hand, extends his gratitude to the 84IB and CLUBi YSMX Philippines, Nueva Ecija chapter Incorporated and PAFP for having a common purpose of extending help to the less fortunate IP communities in the province.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/150-ip-families-benefited-from-community-outreach-program-and-information-awareness-drive-in-nueva-ecija/

Kalinaw News: 79IB concludes 3-day Youth Leadership Summit in Calatrava

From Kalinaw News (Jul 4, 2022): 79IB concludes 3-day Youth Leadership Summit in Calatrava

Sagay City, Negros Occidental – A total of 66 youth from barangay Minapasuk, Cambayobo, Hilub-ang and Winaswasan, all Calatrava, Negros Occidental completed the 3-day Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) organized by the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion held at the Evacuation Center of Calatrava from July 01 to 03, 2022.

Anchored on the theme, “PAKIGLAMBIGIT: Advancing Peace Amidst Challenging Times Through Culture of Collaboration” the YLS sought to empower the youth through a leadership training; instill among them the spirit of patriotism, nationalism and social responsibility; transform them into active partners of government in its peace-building initiatives; and protect them from manipulation, recruitment and exploitation of the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs).

Series of team building activities, workshops, and lectures were conducted in line with the awakening, nurturing, and empowering modules of YLS.

Among the participants was Junwel Orot of Sitio Tinibiangan, Brgy Minapasuk who shared the wonderful experience and learnings he had during the three-day summit and thanked the Philippine Army and their Brgy Captain for encouraging them to participate in the activity. “Mo uli ko sa amua, akoa gyung dal-on sunod namo balik dri akoang mga kuyog kay lami diay kaayo. Dako kaayo ug kalipay diay. Kami pag gikan namo sa amua, dako ko kaayo ug kahadlok abi nako ug unsa ni diri. Wala mi kadala ug sapatos ug mga delargo kay tungod nahadlok mi ug unsa kay nakaagi nami ug kahadlok pod sauna,” said Orot.

Calatrava Municipal Mayor Marilyn Era who was represented by Ms. Mariane Lumanog, Executive Assistant to the Mayor expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Brgy Officials for accepting the invitation and for sending their youth to participate in the activity and to the Philippine Army for their support not only in the peace and development efforts of the municipality but also in shaping the minds and hearts of the future generations of Calatrava to become productive citizens and responsible leaders in their community.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel J-jay Javines, Commanding Officer of 79IB expressed his utmost gratitude to everyone who made the activity possible and successful. He further lauded the determination and interest of the youth to protect and sustain the peace in their respective community.

“Consider this leadership summit as privilege and training as future leaders of your locality. Be a responsible citizens, make the most of what you have learned and use your talents and abilities to influence others in doing the right thing,” said Lt Col Javines.

Your Army will not allow any form of deceptive and manipulative efforts that would ruin your future. That is why we are conducting this activity, together with the municipal government and the Youth For Peace Movement- Northern Negros Chapter to shield you from the influence and recruitment of these terrorists, Lt Col Javines added.

The three (3) day youth activity which commenced on July 1 was made possible through the support of Hon. Gerardo P Valmayor Jr., 1st District Representative; the Local Government Unit of Calatrava headed by Hon. Marilyn Era, Municipal Mayor; Barangay Captains of Brgy Minapasuk, Hilub-ang, Winaswasan and Cambayobo by sending respective number of youth participants; facilitators of Youth For Peace Movement-North Negros Chapter; 65th Special Action Company, 6SAB PNP-SAF; Calatrava MPS and other lecturers from the DSWDO and MDRRMO.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/79ib-concludes-3-day-youth-leadership-summit-in-calatrava/

Kalinaw News: Army troops unearth three CTG cadavers in Isabela province

From Kalinaw News (Jul 4, 2022): Army troops unearth three CTG cadavers in Isabela province

CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela- After the revelations of the Former Rebels, three cadavers of the Communist Terrorist Group members were unearthed by the troops of the 95th Infantry Battalion on July 03, 2022, at Barangay Canadam, Maconacon, Isabela.

The cadavers were identified as alias Marco, a member of Squad Dos, was indecently buried on May 24, 2022 based on the date written in the stone, alias Lucia, and alias Jero, who were also crudely buried last June 2022. They are all members of the weakened Komiteng Probinsya Isabela, Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley.

They were all covered with hammock and their make-shift graveyard was about one foot below the ground.

“The recovery of their remains is through the revelation and cooperation of our Former Rebels. Based on them, the three met their unfortunate death because of starvation,” LtC Carlos B Sangdaan Jr., Battalion Commander of the 95th Infantry Battalion said.

Currently, the operating troops are still scouring the area with the guidance offered by the former rebels. “We have alerted now our adjacent troops for the retrieval operation. As we are also doing an effort on looking for their families to turn over their cadavers,” added the Battalion Commander.

Meanwhile, BGen Danilo D Benavides, Brigade Commander of the 502nd Infantry Brigade extended his condolences to the bereaved families. “We offer our condolences to the families of these individuals. Their lives were wasted on the terrorist group as they are guiltlessly abandoned by their comrades by just burying them anywhere.”

“CTGs are really violators of human rights. They are depriving the rights of their members and worst just dumping them when they are of no use and are dead,” said BGen Benavides.

He also said that the remaining members of the terrorist group now met their dead end as their comrades are dying because of lack of food and water intake.

“To the remaining members of the CTG, choose whether to still live a miserable life or take the opportunity to return now to the folds of the law. Do not wait for the time to be reunited with your family lifeless. Lay down your arms and be with them again,” the general ended.

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