CHR urged to probe NPA’s frequent use of banned mines in Samar

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 14, 2022): CHR urged to probe NPA’s frequent use of banned mines in Samar (By Sarwell Meniano)

BANNED. Some anti-personnel mines turned over by a former rebel to the Philippine Army in Borongan City, Eastern Samar on June 3, 2022. The Philippine Army has formally asked the Commission on Human Rights 8 (Eastern Visayas) to investigate the frequent use of internationally banned anti-personnel mines by the New People’s Army in the Samar provinces. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

The Philippine Army has formally asked the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) 8 (Eastern Visayas) to investigate the frequent use of internationally banned anti-personnel mines (APMs) by the New People’s Army (NPA) in the Samar provinces.

In a letter, the commander of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division, Maj. Gen. Edgardo de Leon, told CHR-8 Director Desiree Pontejos that the NPA consistently ignores the International Humanitarian Law.

“The 8th Infantry Division respectfully requests the CHR to faithfully execute its mandate to uphold the respect of Human Rights primarily and International Humanitarian Law corollary and to conduct an investigation on the culpability of the National Democratic Front (NDF) of the Philippines leadership as Responsible Superior for the continuing blatant violation of the International Humanitarian Law and Ottawa Conventions,” de Leon said.

The letter, dated July 12, 2022 and was shared with the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Thursday, asserts that the NDF is fully aware that its armed wing, the NPA, has been manufacturing, stockpiling, transporting, and using the banned explosives.

De Leon sent the letter just a week after NPA members detonated anti-personnel mines laid along the community trail of Magsaysay village in Mapanas, Northern Samar on July 5, wounding seven soldiers belonging to the community support program team.

He said the July 8 statement of Marco Valbuena, who introduced himself as chief information officer of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), is an admission that the NPA was behind the July 5 blast.

Valbuena claimed the government troops were hit by an NPA unit, referring to the APM explosion, according to de Leon.

De Leon also cited four other incidents where the NPA used anti-personnel mines to attack government forces in the Samar provinces.

On April 3, two policemen were killed and four troopers were hurt when the NPA detonated APMs along the road in San Miguel village, Las Navas, Northern Samar.

On January 25, a similar incident in Pinabacdao, Samar injured a soldier and a militiaman.

The use of banned explosives by rebels killed a soldier and two militiamen and wounded other troopers in Jipapad, Eastern Samar on July 7, 2021.

The bloodiest was on Dec. 1, 2019, when NPA-planted mines exploded along a highway in Borongan City in Eastern Samar, killing a policeman and a civilian. The incident also injured four police officers and 12 civilians, including three children.

“The NPA continues to manufacture, stockpile, transport, and use APMs as evident on the recent incidents and as revealed by former civilian sympathizers who turned in a big number of this internationally banned mine. They revealed that the APMs were entrusted to them by NPA fighters,” de Leon wrote in his letter.

The use of APMs violates the Ottawa Treaty, International Humanitarian Law, and Republic Act 9851 or the “Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity."

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

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1178921

Army to sustain youth advocacy to counter NPA recruitment

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 14, 2022): Army to sustain youth advocacy to counter NPA recruitment (By Alexander Lopez)

MOLDING THE YOUTH. Some 30 youth leaders from various villages in Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte, joins the three-day Youth Leadership Summit held from July 9-11, 2022. The Army’s 29IB said the activity aims to mold the participants to become effective community leaders and to protect them from the influences of the NPA rebels. (Photo courtesy of 29IB)

The Army’s 29th Infantry Battalion (29IB) in Agusan del Norte has vowed to sustain its advocacy programs on youth leadership as part of its broader peace and development initiative to counter the recruitment of the communist New People’s Army (NPA).

Col. Jason Saldua, the commander of 29IB, said the unit will also work with stakeholders and government agencies to equip young people to become effective leaders in their communities.

“Young leaders have the right to be molded to become good leaders in their communities and the chance to be educated for development,” Saldua said in a statement Thursday.

The Army unit recently engaged some 30 young leaders from the different barangays in Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte, in a three-day leadership summit held from July 9 to 11 this year.

Saldua said the three-day activity aims to enhance the leadership skills of Kitcharao's youth leaders “and help their communities become free from illegal drugs and criminality.”

“Our young leaders must be updated and be aware of the schemes the terrorist groups are using during recruitment,” he added.

The 29IB is set to conduct more youth summit activities in Agusan del Norte to shield the youth from the influences of the NPA insurgents, he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1178930

NPA squad leader yields in Agusan Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 14, 2022): NPA squad leader yields in Agusan Sur (By Alexander Lopez)

A squad leader of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) has surrendered to the Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office (ADSPPO), a regional police official said Thursday.

Brigadier Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr., Director of the Police Regional Office in Caraga (PRO-13), identified the surrenderer only as “Tero,” a squad leader under the NPA's Sub-Regional Committee 3, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

“He surrendered due to exhaustion and exploitation while with the NPA in the mountains. He also longed to return to his family and community,” Caramat said in a statement Thursday.

Tero, whose NPA unit operates in the hinterlands of Agusan del Sur, yielded to ADSPPO Wednesday.

Caramat said a number of Tero's colleagues in the same rebel unit had already surrendered earlier.

Based on his revelations, Tero said he was recruited to the NPA in 2016 and was promoted as a squad leader the following year.

“To the remaining NPA rebels in the Caraga Region, do not let rebellion take your life. I urge you to follow the decision of Tero,” Caramat 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/1178936

Financial aid given to slain cop’s family in Bicol

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 14, 2022): Financial aid given to slain cop’s family in Bicol (By Connie Calipay)

The Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) has handed over cash assistance to the family of a police officer who was killed in an operation aimed at arresting a member of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA).

In an interview on Thursday, Maj. Malu Calubaquib, PRO-5 spokesperson, said the surviving wife and children of PSSg. Nikki Codera of the Masbate 2nd Provincial Mobile Force received PHP550,000 financial assistance early this week.

Calubaquib said the cash assistance was sourced out from the contributions of Bicol police personnel and was personally turned over to his family in Pio V. Corpuz, Masbate.

"The camaraderie and brotherhood of the men and women of Bicol police have truly come a long way as it extends financial assistance to the family of the late PSSg Nikki Codera," she said.

Calubaquib added that the heroism and bravery of the late police officer will always be remembered.

"He will serve as an inspiration to his colleagues to continue what the organization has started in such a way putting justice and honor to his sacrifices in the name of public service," she added.

"Kami ay lubos na nakikidalamhati sa mga mga naulila ni PSSg Nikki Codera na nagbuwis ng kanyang buhay sa ngalan ng pagtupad sa kanyang sinumpaang tungkulin bilang isang alagad ng batas. Sya ay maituturing na isang bayani na kumakatawan sa disiplina at katapatan sa tungkulin na inaasahan di lamang sa bawat pulis at lingkod-bayan kundi sa bawat mamamayang may pagmamalasakit sa kapakanan ng ating pamayanan. Sya ay isang huwaran para sa lahat at mananatiling buhay ang kanyang alaala at mabuting ginawa sa puso at isipan naming lahat. (We express our deepest sympathy to the bereaved family of PSSg Nikki Codera, who gave his life in the service of his duty as a public servant. He is a hero that symbolizes the discipline and honesty in the service that is expected not just by the other police officers but by every fellowman who seeks peace in our community. He was a good example to all, his memories will remain in our hearts and minds)," PRO-5 director Brig. Gen. Mario Reyes said in a statement.

Codera was killed in a shootout while serving a warrant of arrest against suspect Hubert Aplacador, who is wanted for murder by a Masbate court in Barangay 157, Malibay, Pasay City.

However, Aplacador opened fire at the arresting team, prompting them to retaliate, which resulted in the shooting of Codera.

Codera was immediately brought to the nearest hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. Lt. Rogelio Walay, the arresting team's leader who was injured in the encounter, is now in stable condition.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1178965

2 gov’t-issued guns recovered from slain NPA rebels in NegOcc

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 14, 2022): 2 gov’t-issued guns recovered from slain NPA rebels in NegOcc (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

STOLEN FIREARMS. Some of the firearms found by military and police forces after an encounter with the CPP-NPA rebels in Barangay Santol, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental on July 6, 2022. The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office confirmed on Thursday (July 14) two of the recovered firearms were seized by the communist rebels in separate attacks on policemen in Negros Island in 2008 and 2010. (Images courtesy of 303rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army)

Two of the firearms recovered by government troops from the four Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) rebels who died during a clash in Binalbagan, Negros Occidental last July 6 were stolen from personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

According to the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO), these guns were taken by the communist rebels in separate attacks on policemen in Negros Island in 2008 and 2010.

Lt. Judesses Catalogo, acting spokesperson of NOCPPO, said on Thursday this confirmation debunks the claim of the CPP-NPA that the clash in Binalbagan was not a legitimate security operation, pointing out that the neutralized rebels were actually carrying guns looted from police stations.

“The recovered firearms are being subjected to ballistic examination at the NOCPPO forensics unit for microetching and ballistics comparison to determine if these were also used in other crimes perpetrated by members of the CPP-NPA,” Catalogo added.

The first firearm, a Springfield M14 rifle, was issued to Cpl. Jose Ray Bringuez, who was formerly assigned at the Sipalay City Police Station.

The rifle was stolen by a group of 30 rebels who attacked the community police assistance center in Barangay San Jose on April 30, 2010.

Catalogo said they confirmed the firearm’s ownership through the PNP Logistics Data Information Management System.

The other weapon, a caliber .45 pistol, belonged to Staff Sgt. Ranulfo Sarsaba Estrada of Guihulngan City Police Station in Negros Oriental, based on a check with the Regional Civil Security Unit-Western Visayas.

On Nov. 3, 2008, some 40 rebels ransacked the La Libertad Municipal Police Station, Estrada’s former unit, and took his personal firearm as one of the loots.

The four CPP-NPA rebels, who all belonged to the NPA’s Central Negros 2-Komiteng Rehiyon Negros, were among those behind the ambush of personnel of Binalbagan Municipal Police Station in Barangay Bi-ao last February, a report of the Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Battalion said.

On the morning of July 6, troops from the 94th Infantry Battalion, 33rd Division Reconnaissance Company, and the Negros Occidental Police Mobile Force Company engaged the rebels and recovered four bodies of the enemy after the encounter in Sitio Amilis, Barangay Santol.

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

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1178983

Elite troops hold interoperability exercise in ex-ASG stronghold

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 14, 2022): Elite troops hold interoperability exercise in ex-ASG stronghold (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

JOINT EXERCISE. A soldier stands guard as the truck of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) maneuvers on a muddy road amid a downpour in Sinumaan complex, a former stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf Group in Talipao, Sulu. The elite troops of the Army's 2nd Special Forces Battalion and PNP-SAF held an interoperability exercise in the area on Wednesday (July 13, 2022). (Photo courtesy of the 6th Special Forces Company)

Elite Army and police forces conducted an interoperability exercise in the Sinumaan complex, a former stronghold of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits in Sulu’s town of Talipao, a military official said Thursday.

Capt. Ron Villarosa, the Army’s 6th Special Forces Company (6SFC) commander, said the exercise spanned the newly opened 7-km. Sinumaan road network, passing through the recently liberated communities of barangays Bud Bunga and Upper Sinumaan, reaching Masjid Maas, and exiting towards Barangay Kagay in Talipao.

The troops involved in the exercise that was held Wednesday belonged to the 6SFC of the Army’s 2nd Special Forces Battalion (2SFB)and the 7th Special Action Battalion of the Philippine National Police – Special Action Force (PNP-SAF).

Villarosa said the activity allowed the PNP- SAF troopers to operationally test their 4×4 all-terrain vehicles in the mountainous and hinterland areas of Sinumaan.

“Upon descent, the convoy encountered heavy downpour, exposing the troopers to challenging trail conditions,” he said.

Villarosa noted that the activity formed part of the partnership between the two elite units to advance development, governance, and security interventions in conflict-affected communities.

Early this month, Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, 11th Infantry Division commander, led the inauguration of the 7-km. unpaved Sinumaan road network, which connects barangays Lower Sinumaan and Upper Sinumaan.

The road network was built in three weeks through the joint efforts of the 2SFB and 545th Engineering Battalion, in partnership with the local government through the Provincial Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict (PTF-ELAC).

The PTF-ELAC is Sulu’s local version of the national government’s Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

Patrimonio said the endeavor is tangible proof that they are getting nearer to the overall peace and development that all had wanted for the province of Sulu.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1178964