Saturday, November 26, 2022

50 BIFF insurgents surrender

 From the Manila Times (Nov 22, 2022): 50 BIFF insurgents surrender (By Christian Crow Maghanoy)



Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. PHOTO BY JOHN ORVEN VERDOTE

THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reiterated its commitment in its peace and order initiatives following the surrender of 50 Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) insurgents in Sultan Kudarat.

Interior Secretary Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr. said that the agency's commitment entails the promise of extending government support to former violent extremists (FVE) under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-Clip.

"The government under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. remains committed to its peace and order initiatives. We will work on that. And now, with 50 FVE here in Sultan Kudarat, I am happy that you have chosen the path of peace," Abalos said in a statement on Monday.


"Expect your government to support you as you return to your families and society," he added.

Abalos said that all 50 surrenderers, upon proper documentation, can be eligible to receive government support under the E-Clip initiative.

He said the DILG field office in Sultan Kudarat is in continuous coordination with the local government unit (LGU) to ensure that the surrenderers will be granted support as they join the mainstream society.

The DILG chief stressed that by surfacing and returning to the folds of the law to become productive citizens of the society, the former rebels can take advantage of E-Clip's assistance that covers livelihood, education, housing, medical assistance, monetary remuneration for each firearm surrendered, and other social services crucial to their reintegration into society.

"We thank our FVEs who decided to leave their lives full of violence and return to their families to be a productive part of society. We are with you on this path," he said.

He likewise said that under the E-Clip initiative, some 611 former insurgents and their families have received P45.79 million in financial and livelihood assistance since July 2022.

According to the report of DILG in Soccsksargen, 47 of said FVEs received a collective amount of P540,000 where 15 received P20,000 each; 16 FVEs with P10,000 each; and, 16 received P5,000 each from the Provincial Government of Sultan Kudarat under the "Kakep Ka Su Kalilintad" or "Embracing the Peace" campaign. Three of the surrenderers were not able to attend the event.

"We thank the Sultan Kudarat provincial government for extending their assistance to our FVEs. Next is the help from the government through E-Clip."

The provincial government likewise handed 47 food packs that included rice, assorted canned goods, and instant noodles.

Abalos said all necessary steps for the inclusion of surrenderees as recipients of E-Clip are now being undertaken.

He likewise said close monitoring will be conducted to ensure proper utilization of government livelihood and financial assistance.

The DILG in Soccsksargen said the 50 former insurgents surrendered following a police operation of the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Police-Provincial Intelligence Unit under the supervision of Col. Christopher Bermudez and led by LtCol. Bryan Bernardino.

The former extremists likewise surrendered to the Philippine National Police numerous assorted high-powered firearms and one crew-served weapon or mortar and improvised explosive devices. They have been tagged and tied to the various bombing incidents in various places and attacks against police or military detachments in the region.

Abalos was joined by Sultan Kudarat Gov. Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu, Ilocos Regional Police Director BGen. Jimili Macaraeg, DILG-Soccsksargen Regional Director Josephine Cabrido-Leysa, and the local chief executives of all the Sultan Kudarat towns.

Former governor Suharto Mangudadatu, Maguindanao Gov. Bai Mariam Mangudadatu and Rep. Bai Princess Rihan Sakaluran were also present to witness the surrender of the 50 FVEs.

The BIFF is an Islamist militant organization based in Mindanao. It is a smaller player in the overall Moro insurgency in the Philippines and is mostly active in Maguindanao and other places in Central Mindanao.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/11/22/news/regions/50-biff-insurgents-surrender/1867232

Alleged ex-NPA member yields 18 firearms to Army officials in Samar

 From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 22, 2022): Alleged ex-NPA member yields 18 firearms to Army officials in Samar (By: Joey Gabieta)



FILE PHOTO: The New People’s Army (NPA). INQUIRER FILES

TACLOBAN CITY — At least 18 assorted firearms were surrendered by a former rebel to Army officials in Samar on Sunday, November 20.

The cache of firearms was surrendered by a certain “Aljur” to Col. Juanito Parazo Jr., the commanding officer of the 46th Infantry Battalion based in Calbiga town, Samar.

Based on the battalion’s report, the firearms were buried by the rebels in Barangay Sinalangtan, a remote village of Calbiga which was once under the influence of the communist armed group, the New People’s Army (NPA).

Captain Ryan Layug, the spokesperson of the 8th Infantry Division based at the Samar provincial capital of Catbalogan City, said that the surrendered cache of firearms will undergo some “technical inspection.”

“Part of the technical inspection is to determine if (these firearms) came from our inventory and how we lost (them),” he said.

Layug also said that all these recovered firearms will be decommissioned as part of their standard operating procedure.

“Among the types of firearms recovered, only the M16 rifle is being used by the AFP,” he said.

READ: Alleged NPA rebel surrenders to cops in Laguna

Of the 18 firearms seized by authorities, four were M14 rifles, six M16 rifles, four AK47 rifles, shotguns, KG-9, 38 caliber pistol, M79 grenade launcher, and 14 AK47 magazines.

Last August 20, Lt. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro, Armed Forces chief of staff, led in the decommissioning of 65 firearms either surrendered or captured by the government troops from the NPA members in the region.

Aljur, who surrendered on November 19, was a part of the Squad 3, “Bugsok” Platoon of the communist group operating in the towns of Sta. Rita, Pinabacdao, and Calbiga.

The former rebel disclosed that he has two brothers who were still connected to the NPA. He urged them to return to the folds of the law.

Parazo welcomed the decision of Aljur to surrender together with the firearms.

“We sincerely thank him for abandoning their wrong ideology and embracing the government’s program to achieve peace,” he said in a statement.

For his part, Col. Lenart Lelina, the commanding officer of the 801st Infantry Brigade based in Hinabangan town, also in Samar, vowed to help Aljur by providing him all the benefits he is entitled to receive as a surrenderee.

Lelina said the surrendered firearms alone cost almost P1 million.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1696477/alleged-ex-npa-member-yields-18-firearms-to-army-officials-in-samar

Sulu launches 380-member civilian sea patrol team as it reinforces gains vs Abu Sayyaf

From the Business World Online (Nov 21, 20221): Sulu launches 380-member civilian sea patrol team as it reinforces gains vs Abu Sayyaf


SULU’s civilian auxiliary troop will help security forces patrol and protect the province’s coastal waters using 95 motorized boats. — WESTMINCOM

A SEA patrol team composed of 380 civilian armed forces has been launched in Sulu, known to have been a hotbed of the local terrorist and bandit group Abu Sayyaf, as the island province boosts security and economic development.

Sulu Governor Abdusakur M. Tan, in a statement on Monday from the military’s Western Mindanao Command, said the new Task Force Bantay Dagat will be working with security forces in protecting territorial waters, monitoring illegal fishing activities, and providing help in rescue operations.

The team, launched on Saturday at the province’s Maubuh Beach with their 95 motorized patrol boats, will undergo training to be facilitated by the military’s 11th Infantry Division.


“The Western Mindanao Command witnessed the unity and cooperation shown by the local government officials and the citizens of Sulu to address the peace and development issues and concerns in the province,” WestMinCom commander Arturo G. Rojas said in the statement.

The Philippine Marine officer said the Bantay Dagat will reinforce efforts in curbing lawless activities.

“The establishment of the Task Force Bantay Dagat is a very good initiative to sustain peace in Sulu,” Mr. Rojas said.

Earlier this month, the military reported the surrender of over 150 members of the Abu Sayyaf group in Sulu, in addition to about 800 who had previously turned themselves in to authorities.

“We have engaged in offensive attacks as we are pursuing them for the crimes they had committed in the past. Several of their high-ranking officials have arrest warrants and we are implementing the law to bring them to justice,” Ignatius N. Patrimonio, commander of the 11th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Sulu, said in a briefing on Nov. 8.

The Bangsamoro regional government, which covers Sulu, announced in June the construction of a reformation center in the province to help former Abu Sayyaf members reintegrate and become productive citizens.

The P25-million facility will provide skills training as well as ideological belief reorientation, according to Bangsamoro Interior and Local Government Minister Naguib G. Sinarimbo.

“We believe that the long-term solution is providing them a new (or correct) perspective of the interpretation of their religious belief,” Mr. Sinarimbo said during the project’s groundbreaking ceremony.

The Abu Sayyaf group had been notorious for abducting locals and foreigners for extortion, and in more recent years carried out terrorist activities as it allied with the extremist Islamic State.

https://www.bworldonline.com/the-nation/2022/11/21/488556/sulu-launches-380-member-civilian-sea-patrol-team-as-it-reinforces-gains-vs-abu-sayyaf/

Sulu launches coastal patrol force vs Abu Sayyaf

From the Philippine Star (Nov 22, 2022): Sulu launches coastal patrol force vs Abu Sayyaf (Roel PareƱo)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — To sustain military efforts in preventing Sulu from becoming a holding place for captives of the Abu Sayyaf, the provincial government and its 19 municipalities launched the Bantay Dagat Task Force over the weekend.

The Bantay Dagat or Sea Patrol Task Force will closely coordinate with government security forces to protect the territorial waters and maritime environment of the province, according to Gov. Abdusakur Tan Sr.

The initiative is intended to sustain government efforts that prevented the remaining Abu Sayyaf bandits from taking their hostages to the island province.

Tan said the local sea task force would also work with law enforcement agencies in monitoring illegal fishing activities, providing rescue operations and enforcing coastal laws.

The Sea Patrol Task Force is composed of 380 personnel of the Special Civilian Armed Force Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary.



“The task force is equipped with motorboats that will patrol the surrounding islets and coastal areas of Sulu,” Tan said.

Task force members will undergo military training to be facilitated by the Army’s 11th Infantry Division (ID).

The task force was launched at the Maubuh Beach in Barangay Umangay, Patikul town.

Among those who attended the event were Defense officer-in-charge Senior Undersecretary Jose Faustino Jr., Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., National Security Adviser Clarita Carlos, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. and Philippine Coast Guard commander Admiral Artemio Abu.

Also present in the event were military and police commanders led by Western Mindanao Command acting chief Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, Joint Task Force Sulu and Army’s 11ID chief Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, Bangsamoro police director Brig. Gen. John Guyguyon and ground commanders.

Abalos lauded the provincial government for addressing the security issues in the province.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2022/11/22/2225558/sulu-launches-coastal-patrol-force-vs-abu-sayyaf

CPP/NPA-Central Negros: Serye nga Opensiba sang NPA sa Central Negros Nagmadinalag-on

Posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Nov 22, 2022): Serye nga Opensiba sang NPA sa Central Negros Nagmadinalag-on (A series of NPA offensives in Central Negros Nagmadinalag-on)
 


JB Regalado
Spokesperson
NPA-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command)
Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)
New People's Army

November 22, 2022

Nagmadinalag-on ang serye nga opensiba sang New People’s Army (NPA) sa Central Negros. Duha (2) ang napatay kag usa (1) man ang nasamdan sa mga katapo sang 62nd IB sa tatlo ka asud-asod nga opensiba sang NPA batok sa naga-operasyon nga tropa sang berdugong 62nd IB kahapon, Nobyembre 21, 2022, sa Barangay Trinidad, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental. Isa (1) man ka intel asset sang militar ang ginsilotan kamatayon sang NPA.

Nobyembre 21, alas 4:10 sang hapon, ginharas sang Leonardo Panaligan Command-New People’s Army (LPC-NPA) ang isa (1) ka platun sang pasistang tropa sang 62nd IB sa Sityo Tuko, Barangay Trinidad, Guihulngan City. Duha (2) ang KIA sa nasambit nga tropa militar. Samtang alas 4:30 sang hapon gin-snipe naman sang isa pa ka yunit sang LPC-NPA ang isa (1) man ka platun sang lain pa nga yunit sang 62nd IB nga naga-operasyon sa Sityo Tuko, Barangay Trinidad sa gihapon. Nagresulta naman sang pagkasamad sang 1 pa ka katapo sang 62nd IB.

November 20 sang gab-i, madinalag-on man nga ginsilotan kamatayon sang NPA si Jovanie Omboy sa Sityo Haroy, Barangay Montilla, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental. Ini nakabase sa desisyon sang rebolusyonaryong korte sang pumuluyo. Si Omboy pila na ka beses nga gin-istorya sang NPA. Ginsaway kag gin-edukar, kag ginpaandaman sa duha (2) ka beses apang nagpabilin nga nagpakatig-a kag pabilin nga masupog nga intel asset sang militar.

Si Jovanie Omboy ang regular nga nagareport sa Barangay Montilla Army Patrol Base. Tuig 2020 liwat naman ini nga nagpaniktik sa hulag sang NPA kag gilayon nagareport sa nasambit nga Army Patrol Base. Nagahupot man ini sang armas-luthang, abusador kag bahidor. Rason nga ginpamatbatan sang korte sang pumuluyo sang silot nga kamatayon sadtong tuig 2021.

Ang sunud-sunod nga opensiba sang LPC-NPA sa Central Negros ang padayon man nga sabat sang NPA sa padayon man nga mga bayolasyon sang 62nd IB sa tawhanon nga kinamatarung.

Samtang, lubos man ginakondenar sang Leonardo Panaligan Command ang brutal nga pagpatay sang nasambit nga berdugong militar kay Victor Baldonado sang Sityo Columbia, Barangay Trinidad, Guihulngan City sadtong November 21, 2022 alas 6:00 sang aga atubang sa iya asawa kag kabataan mismo sa ila puluy-an. Wala sang engkwentro nga natabo kag indi katapo sang NPA si Victor Baldonado. Si Baldonado ang biktima sang red-tagging sang militar halin pa tuig 2017. Isa siya ka sibilyan kag madugay na nga gapanguma sa lugar. Kabutigan kag taliwas ini ang pagpasibangud sang militar kay Victor Baldonado.

Dugang pa nga magtuki sang kahuyangan sang berdugong militar. Padayon nga maglunsar sang taktikal nga opensiba batok sa pasistang tropa militar! Silotan ang 62nd IB para sa tunay nga hustisya sa ila mga biktima!

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/serye-nga-opensiba-sang-npa-sa-central-negros-nagmadinalag-on/

CPP/Negros Island RC: CPP Negros pays tribute to NPA spox in latest Ang Paghimakas issue

Posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Nov 22, 2022): CPP Negros pays tribute to NPA spox in latest Ang Paghimakas issue



Ang Paghimakas
Negros Island Regional Committee
Communist Party of the Philippines

November 22, 2022

The Communist Party of the Philippines’ Negros Island Regional Party Committee (CPP Negros) offered its “firmest red salute” to Ka Juanito Magbanua whom it called a “hero of the Negrosanon and Filipino people” and “inspiration in the fight for national liberation and social emancipation.”

Romeo Nanta, 64 years old, well-known for his nom de guerre Ka Juanito Magbanua as spokesperson of Apolinario Gatmaitan Command – New People’s Army Negros Island Regional Operational Command (AGC-NPA), was killed in “cold blood by fascist 94th Infantry Battalion soldiers after he was captured and tortured on October 10 in Sitio Medel, Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.”

According to CPP Negros, “the ailing Ka Juaning [Magbanua] was barely armed and not in the position to give battle.”

As hors de combat, he should have been treated as prisoner of war and afforded the full range of rights in accordance with Protocol I of the Geneva Conventions per International Humanitarian Law (IHL), it stated.

CPP Negros also slammed 303rd Brigade commander BGen. Pasaporte for “shamelessly using the death of Ka Juaning as war trophy and prating nonsensically on the supposed ‘impending collapse’ of the NPA in Negros as a result.”

39 years of serving the people

Meanwhile, it acknowledged Magbanua for dedicating 28 years of his life as Red fighter and commander, and Party member and cadre for 39 years—which was only interrupted briefly when he was arrested in Cadiz City in 2011.

It also listed some of Magbanua’s achievements before he was appointed as NPA spokesman in 2010.

As Red commander, according to CPP Negros, most notable among tactical offensives led by Magbanua were the ambush of CAFGU foot patrol in Sitio Namulo, Barangay Santol, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental in February 2000 wherein two CAFGU and one Army regular were killed-in-action and one CAFGU member was wounded-in-action; the ambush in Sitio Bulod, Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City in August 2000 that killed 17 enemy soldiers; the raid against RPA bandits in Brgy. Biao, Binalbagan in 2002; and the raid of Barangay Mahalang, Himamaylan City CAFGU detachment in February 2004 that yielded four high-powered firearms.
Jovial, down-to-earth comrade

Magbanua was described as a tough NPA spokesperson, clashing head-on “with reactionary mouthpieces” and vehement against human rights violations especially of peasant killings in Negros.

But among comrades and the masses, he was jovial, down-to-earth and approachable, CPP Negros noted in its tribute statement.

He was a cook, an electrician, acupuncturist, musician, among others to the masses, it stated.

Excerpts of tribute statements from the five guerrilla fronts under AGC-NPA were also published in Ang Paghimakas’ November 2022 release along with statements from NPA Negros, National Democratic Front – Negros, and Kabataang Makabayan (KM) – Negros.#

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/cpp-negros-pays-tribute-to-npa-spox-in-latest-ang-paghimakas-issue/

CPP/NDF: Open Letter//To our families and friends who are being terrorized by the enemy’s fascist psywar machinations

Posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Nov 22, 2022): Open Letter//To our families and friends who are being terrorized by the enemy’s fascist psywar machinations
 


National Democratic Front of the Philippines
November 22, 2022

On the first week of October, the Regional Peace and Order Council at the behest of the AFP’s 10th Infantry Division and the Eastern Mindanao Command declared the entire Davao region “insurgency-free.”

Absent in the supposed “achievements” of “surrendered individuals, neutralized personalities, and seized firearms” is the unrelenting psywar, vilification and harassment campaign by enemy troops against innocent civilians whose crime, at least to the former’s fascist eyes, is being related to Red fighters, revolutionaries, or even aboveground activists or critics of the draconian Marcos-Duterte regime.

Across the region, our parents, children, relatives and friends, despite being non-parties to armed hostilities, are being viciously targeted by AFP troops as part of their increasingly desperate and increasingly mad crusade to appear to be winning in its war of counterrevolution.

In Davao del Norte and North Cotabato, some parents and siblings of Red fighters, revolutionaries and legal activists are being harassed in their homes and places of employment by enemy agents, intimating dire consequences should the families refuse to “cooperate.” Like some criminal, these civilians are being subjected to interrogation without legal counsel and pressured to provide information about their relatives accused of being “terrorists.”

In Bukidnon and Davao del Sur, leaflets produced by the 72nd IB are being circulated in communities bearing pictures of underage children of some Red fighters. The masses in the area were outraged and disgusted by the enemy’s use of minors in its desperate attempt to force the surrender of revolutionaries.

In Davao de Oro and Davao del Norte, during inconvenient, tiresome and almost monthly, assemblies-cum-surrender ceremonies conducted by the AFP’s retooled community support program (RCSP) teams, residents are being publicly-shamed and warned with veiled threats for having either NPA or activist relatives. One elderly mother was forced by the 25th IB to go on air in a local radio station after having been accused of having a son in the NPA.

These desperate maneuverings of the enemy are outright violations of international humanitarian laws as guaranteed in the Geneva Conventions and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) to protect the welfare of unarmed civilians, especially children. In the base areas and guerilla zones, the masses sympathize with the harassed families and condemn the despicable psywar activities of AFP troops.

All through these egregious attacks, you—dear families and friends—even those who previously did not necessarily share our political views, have come to realize who the real enemy is, the real terrorist, the wolf in sheep’s clothing. In trying to sway your emotion as families and friends, the enemy resorts to pandering, lies, intrigues and exaggeration against revolutionaries and activists while glossing over the violations and abuses they themselves commit in communities they lay siege in. But you see through these.

You understand that when the enemy says your son, daughter, sibling or friend should “surrender” so that he or she can “finally live peacefully” (comrades scoff at this ironic claim as “peaceful in the midst of turmoil” or “maliwon taliwala sa kaguliyang”), it will not be a quiet life with families and friends but a hellish life at the constant beck and call of the enemy. For how many of those who already either voluntarily or were coerced to surrender for months or years now have you witnessed still being dragged into combat operations with AFP troops, forced to enlist as members of CAFGU and paramilitaries, or worse still, made to intimidate and even kill peasant and Lumad civilians in order to be useful to the enemy’s counterinsurgency campaign? You are not fooled by the trappings of their medical missions, road projects, livelihood seminars or other dole outs because you know who they truly are and what they do.

Many of you likewise spurn the sugar-coated enticements of the enemy (which include paltry alms such as several kilos of rice and other food items) because you know better than to betray us and the principles we stand for. Most of all, you realize how insufferably condescending it is for the enemy to lure you with the proverbial pieces of silver while skirting the basic yoke we and other families like us carry every single day: landlessness, barely livable wages, homelessness, loss of livelihood, poverty and other social ills.

And in spite of the clear danger, some of you found the courage to stand against the harassment and intimidation and seek legal redress to assert your civilian status and keep the fascists at bay. During interrogations, many of you minced no words questioning the legality of the enemy’s actions, even calling out their lies and misrepresentations. Some of you even turned the tables on the enemy, admonishing them that should any harm befall you, no one else is to blame but the soldiers who continue to harass you.

In the rural areas, your neighbors and community leaders, having had enough of the enemy’s unwelcome presence and abuses, stood by and defended you during interrogations or when soldiers accosted you in public places. In progressively many, albeit subtle and simple, ways, you managed to resist and unite with your neighbors to confront the unwanted outsiders in your respective communities.

We salute your fighting spirit and, above and beyond your loyalty as our families and friends, hold in high regard your conviction that what we—Red fighters, revolutionaries and activists—do and strive for is just and right and not terrorism. You are living proof that the enemy has utterly failed in severing the unity among the oppressed, forged not by mere kinship but by class bias to struggle against imperialism, feudalism, bureaucrat capitalism and the fascism that binds all three evils together.

In these challenging times amid the worsening socio-economic crisis under the illegitimate US-Marcos II regime, we urge you to continue standing and struggling alongside other peasant, Lumad, urban poor and petty bourgeois families who not only share your lot in life but also your aspirations for a lasting peace based on social justice. Not the fragile kind that the enemy, after wasting billions of your and other Filipino taxpayers’ money, only ever managed to fashion.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/to-our-families-and-friends-who-are-being-terrorized-by-the-enemys-fascist-psywar-machinations/

CPP/North Central Mindanao ROC: 8th IBPA, gibomba ug gistraffing ang umahan ug gomahan human nga pakyas makaigo sa NPA

Posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Nov 23, 2022): 8th IBPA, gibomba ug gistraffing ang umahan ug gomahan human nga pakyas makaigo sa NPA (8th IBPA, farms and rubber farms were bombed and straffed after failing to hit the NPA)
 


Malem Mabini
Spokesperson
North Central Mindanao Regional Operational Command
New People's Army

November 23, 2022

Paturagas nga nagstraffing ug nangrocket ang mga pasistang 8th IBPA sa gomahan ug sikbit nga mga uma sa Purok 8, Brgy. St. Peter, Malaybalay City. Tungod kini sa duha ka engkwentro tali sa NPA ug AFP niadtong alas-4:00 sa hapon sa November 15, 2022 sa maong baryo.

Nasugukan sa 8IB-PA ang usa ka yunit sa NPA ug unang nakapamusil ang AFP apan wala makaigo sa kauban. Pagbalos sa mga NPA, nakita nga adunay isa ka sundalo nga nahagba. Nikabat og 20 minutos ang maong panagsangka. Ugma, pagkabuntag, November 16, gibalikan sa NPA ang nahitaboan. Gisnayp ug gi-harass ug adunay usa pa ka patay sa AFP.

Ang balos sa kahanginan pagka-alas-7:20 sayo sa buntag, walo ka rocket ang nitugpa ug lima ka hugna nga straffing gikan sa .50 caliber machine gun gikan sa McDonnell-Douglas 520 (MD520). Nikabat og 40 minuto ang pagpamomba. Sa ikaduhang hugna, gikan alas-9:25-9:35 sa buntag, naghulog na sab og walo ka rocket ug nagpabuto og tulo ka hugna gikan sa .50cal machine gun.

Tungod sa wala makaigo ang AFP sa bisan usa ka NPA, gipahimungtan ug gihasi sa mga pasistang AFP ang masa ug mga residente sa maong baryo ug mga kasikbit nga lugar. Grabe ang kalisang sa mga tao, samot na ang mga naa sa uma ug mga tapper sa goma. Nagkapuliki sila og pangdagan kay maghulog na og rocket ang MD520 nga nakatungod sa ilang baryo. Ang mga teacher ug estudyante nga nagklase sa eskwelahan sa St. Peter nalisang sab pag-ayo. Nanghapa sila samtang nagsaoy-saoy ang bomber aircraft labina kung didto sa ila motungod.

Ang mga gomahan ug uma duol sa komunidad usa sa mga tinubdan sa panginabuhian sa mga lumulupyo. Taliwa niini, milyun-milyong peso ang ginawaldas sa AFP ug gubyerno mismo sa paggamit og kusog nga mga himan nila nga nagaguba sa umahan ug kinaiyahan ug dili man lang makaigo sa ilang mga target. Mas tumong nila ang pagpanghadlok ug pagterorisa sa masa aron iundang ang pagsuporta nila sa hukbo ug sa rebolusyon.

Niini, gnakundena sa NPA NCMR ang pagpahimuntang sa mga pasistang tropa sa 8IBPA ngadto sa masa ug sibilyan nga walay katakos nga mosukol. Lapas sa tawhanong katungod ang ilang pagpanimalos sa mga walay sala sa ila. Sa ilang pagpanghadlok sa mga residente sa lugar, pagguba sa ilang tinubdan sa panginabuhiang mga umahan ug gomahan, pagguba sa kinaiyahan, ug pagpasangil sa ila isip tigsuporta sa rebolusyon mas makapahimulag sa 8IB ngadto sa masa. Samot na hinuon mangita og armadong kusog ang mga biktima sa pagpanghasi ug kanunay andam ang NPA sa mga yangongo sa masa.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/8th-ibpa-gibomba-ug-gistraffing-ang-umahan-ug-gomahan-human-nga-pakyas-makaigo-sa-npa/

CPP/NPA-Central Negros: 1 Pilason sa 62nd IB sa Guihulngan

Posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Nov 26, 2022): 1 Pilason sa 62nd IB sa Guihulngan (1 Shot in the 62nd IB in Guihulngan)
 


JB Regalado
Spokesperson
NPA-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command)
Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)
New People's Army

November 24, 2022

Panginbulahan sa mga Pulang kumander kag hangaway sang banwa sa padayon nga paglunsar sang opensiba batok sa berdugong 62nd IB sa Central Negros.

Ginadayaw man sang Leonardo Panaligan Command-New People’s Army ang madinalag-on nga operasyon haras sa Brgy Sandayao Army Patrol Base, Guihulngan City alas 6:30 sang gab-i, Nobyembre 23, 2022. Isa (1) naman ang pilason sa nasambit nga tropa militar suno pa sa mga residente.

Ipadayon ang paghatag hustisya sa nga biktima sang paglapas sang tawhanon nga kinamatarung. Hublasan ang nagaperwisyo sa pumuluyo nga NTF-Elcac kag silotan ang pasista kag mersenaryong militar sa kaumahan!

Padayon nga magbato kag isulong ang inaway banwa tubtob sa kadalag-an!

CPP/NPA-Central Negros: Katapo sang PNP Guihulngan Samaron sa NPA Sniping Operation

Posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Nov 26, 2022): Katapo sang PNP Guihulngan Samaron sa NPA Sniping Operation (PNP Guihulngan Samaron was involved in the NPA Sniping Operation)
 


JB Regalado
Spokesperson
NPA-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command)
Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)
New People's Army

November 26, 2022

Madinalag-on nga ginsnipe sang Leonardo Panaligan Command-New People’s Army ang PNP substation sa Sityo Parkingan, Barangay Trinidad, Guihulngan City, alas 5:00 sang hapon Nobyembre 25, 2022. Pilason ang isa (1) ka katapo sang PNP-Guihulngan samtang hilway naman nga naka-atras ang NPA.

Ang NPA ang padayon nga nagasabat sa mga demanda, yamo kag reklamo sang pumuluyo nga palayason ang pasistang PNP sa lugar bangud nagperwisyo lang ini sa ila pagpangabuhi. Wala man sang seguridad ang kabuhi sang mga sibilyan kag inosenteng mga mangunguma sa Brgy Trinidad, Guihulngan City sa pagtiner sang mga ini sa lugar.

Mas nagdamo ang kaso sang pagpangawat, kriminalidad ilabi na ang padayon nga kaso sang pagpanglapas sang tawhanon nga kinamatarung sa pumuluyo, kaangay sa brutal nga pagpatay kay Greg Cantela kag Pompeo Landisa, iligal nga pag-aresto kay Ronald Baydal kag iban pa. Ini nga panghitabo ang indi malipatan kag nangin bangungot sa pasistang militar kag kapulisan sang Guihulngan.

Indi pagpatulugon ang pasistang kaaway! Silotan kag palayason ang berdugong militar sa kaumahan!#

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/katapo-sang-pnp-guihulngan-samaron-sa-npa-sniping-operation/

EASTMINCOM: Eastern Mindanao Command strengthens sincere relations with Indonesia

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Nov 26, 2022): Eastern Mindanao Command strengthens sincere relations with Indonesia

The 39th Philippines – Indonesia Border Committee Chairmen's Conference (PH-ID BCCC) has recommended the approval of a 12-point agenda that would enhance the diplomatic relations and joint implementation of the 1975 Border Agreements between the two countries. Hosted by the Republic of Indonesia held in a hybrid mode on November 22-23, with the Indonesian delegation joining in Manado City while the Philippine delegation was at the Radisson Park Inn and SMX Lanang Convention Center, Davao City.



https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=499497915542452&set=a.221431016682478

https://www.facebook.com/eastmincomafp

AFP/CRS: Breaking News//Army's 91st IB Continues to Intensify School Awareness Campaign of CTG's Infiltration of Youth Sector in Baler, Aurora

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines/Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Nov 26, 2022): Breaking News//Army's 91st IB Continues to Intensify School Awareness Campaign of CTG's Infiltration of Youth Sector in Baler, Aurora

Over 63 junior and senior high school students at Mariano L. Sindac Integrated School were geared up by the troops of Charlie (Cougar) Company, 91st Infantry (Sinagtala) Battalion, 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, Philippine Army to intensify the information on youth/campus infiltration of Communist Terrorist Group (CTGs) and provide awareness (New People's) Army Recruitment Process.



https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=519471260223226&set=a.228486002655088

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/

69 IB: JUST IN// 61IB and NPA Clash at Igbaras, Iloilo

Posted to the 69th Infantry Hunter Battalion Facebook Page (Nov 25, 2022): š‰š”š’š“ šˆš | šŸ”šŸšˆš ššš§š ššš€ š‚š„ššš¬š” ššš­ šˆš š›ššš«ššš¬, šˆš„šØš¢š„šØ

The 61st Infantry (Hunter) Battalion, 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, Philippine Army under the supervision of the 301st Infantry (Bayanihan) Brigade, 3ID, PA, encountered more or less Ten (10) CPP-NPA terrorists in Brgy Tigbanaba, Igbaras, Iloilo on November 26, 2022.
This is a developing story.




https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=518381203660537&set=a.222460456585948

https://www.facebook.com/61HunterBattalion

NPA claims responsibility for ambush

From the Visayan Daily Star (Nov 26, 2022): NPA claims responsibility for ambush (BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The Army’s 3rd Infantry Division strongly condemned the merciless killing of two of its personnel, following the admission of the New People’s Army Armando Sumayang Command that they were behind the deaths on November 24 in Sitio Cambugiot, Brgy. Camindangan, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental.

Killed were SSgt. Ken Camilan and Sgt. Regie Glindro, both intelligence operatives of the 47th Infantry Battalion.


In a statement, Major Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 3ID commander, said that the ultimate sacrifice of the two soldiers would not go in vain, for their death would drive their colleagues to end the cruelty of the NPA and bring the perpetrators to justice.

“These soldiers risked their lives to protect and bring peace to the people of Negros, and we honor the heroism and sacrifices of our fallen comrades, and we will ensure that justice will be served,” MGen Arevalo said, stressing that “this senseless attack proves again that the CPP NPA is a consistent human rights violator.”

The two Army soldiers were on their way to Sitio Cambogiot proper in the barangay on board a motorcycle, when an armed group of suspected rebels opened fire at them. Both victims succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds and died on the spot, according to initial reports of the Sipalay City Police Station.

Initial police investigations showed that five armed men fled on board two motorcycles towards Sitios Bolo, Linumsan and Omas in Brgy. Camindangan, Sipalay City.

Recovered from the scene of incident were six empty .45 caliber pistol shells and five fired cartridges from an M-16 assault rifle.

Arevalo disclosed that Camilan and Glindro were traversing the national highway of Brgy. Camindangan, to coordinate with barangay officials regarding the upcoming local peace engagement with residents who used to be rebel supporters, when they were flagged down and shot dead by the rebels.

They were not in combat operations and were wearing civilian clothes when killed, Arevalo said.

He believes that the act of rebels was in retaliation for the setbacks suffered by the CPP-NPA, following the recent discovery and seizure of an arms cache on Nov. 19 in Brgy. Gatuslao, Candoni, and the surrender of Germelyn Planas Quiretan, an official of the South West Front of the Komiteng Rehiyonal Negros/Cebu/Bohol/Siquijor.

In a statement it issued, the NPA Armando Sumayang Command admitted that they were responsible for the ambush and killing of the two Army soldiers.


https://visayandailystar.com/npa-claims-responsibility-for-ambush/

Naval Forces Western Mindanao commander is now Philippine Navy chief

From MindaNews (Nov 24, 2022): Naval Forces Western Mindanao commander is now Philippine Navy chief (By FRENCIE CARREON)

ZAMBOANGA CITY (MindaNews / 24 Nov) – Rear Admiral Toribio Dulinayan Adaci Jr. is now the Philippine Navy’s Flag Officer-in-Command.


Rear Admiral Toribio Dulinayan Adaci Jr. receives the Philippine Navy flag from Armed Forces Chief of Staff Bartolome Bacarro during the turnover ceremony Thursday morning (24 November 2022). Screengrab from a Philippine Navy FB live broadcast

Adaci was former Naval Forces Western Mindanao commander from October 20, 2020 until his rise to become the Navy’s chief during ceremonies at the Naval Headquarters in Manila Thursday morning.

He assumed the post as the 40th FOIC, receiving the command from Rear Admiral Caesar Bernard Valencia, who was acting chief since September 9 this year.

Lt. Gen. Bartolome Bacarro, Armed Forces Chief of Staff, presided the change-of-command ceremony.

Adaci is the first FOIC who will be serving a fixed term of three years, as prescribed by Republic Act No. 11709. The latter was signed into law by former President Rodrigo Duterte last April.


Adaci expressed his gratitude to President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, to Lt. Gen. Bacarro, to officers in the AFP, his family, and friends who graced the event.

Lt. Senior Grade Chester Ross Cabaltera, NFWM spokesperson, told MindaNews in a phone interview that Adaci still is the NFWM commander as his successor has not yet been named.

During the ceremony Thursday morning, Naval Adjutant General Col. Bernardo Fortez Jr. read the citation of the award covered by General Orders 1749 dated 23 November 2022, which awarded the Military Merit Medal to Rear Admiral Cesar Bernard Valencia for meritorious and valuable services rendered as the Acting Flag Officer-in-Command of the Philippine Navy from September 9 to November 24.

“Despite the short term stewardship, RAdm Valencia executed and implemented the Philippine Navy’s programs, activities, and projects for the current year,” Fortez stated.

Adaci, whose roots are from Kiangan, Ifugao, is a cavalier of the Philippine Military Academy Makatao Class of 1989.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2022/11/naval-forces-western-mindanao-commander-is-now-philippine-navy-chief/

Australia, PH seek closer tie-up on maritime security

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 26, 2022): Australia, PH seek closer tie-up on maritime security (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)



STRATEGIC PLANNING. The 6th Philippines-Australia Strategic Dialogue tackled cooperation on maritime security and combatting transnational crimes at a hotel in Manila on Friday (Nov. 25, 2022). Heading the two countries’ delegations were (from left) Defense Undersecretary for Civil, Veterans, and Reserve Affairs Franco Nemesio M. Gacal and Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro for the Philippines, and Australian Foreign Affairs Deputy Secretary for Southeast Asia and Global Partners Michelle Chan and Australian Defense Acting Deputy Secretary for Strategy, Policy, and Industry Hugh Jeffrey. (Courtesy of DFA)

MANILA – The Philippines and Australia are looking to strengthen cooperation on maritime security and combatting transnational crimes.

Senior foreign affairs and defense officials discussed ways to boost collaboration, both bilaterally and through multilateral organizations, at the 6th Philippines-Australia Strategic Dialogue, held at a hotel in Manila on Friday.


The dialogue was last conducted in 2020 via virtual mode.

Both sides reiterated their commitment to support a rules-based regional order with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at the center.

"Both sides reaffirmed the importance of maritime cooperation activities, including the conduct of maritime dialogues, joint exercises, capacity building activities, training, and logistics support, which show the common maritime perspectives underpinning the two countries’ maritime cooperative endeavors," the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

The officials noted President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s agreement to strengthen ties between their countries by formally elevating the bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership.

Marcos and Albanese also vowed to further boost cooperation on agriculture, energy, and climate change during their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 29th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders' Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand on November 19.

"The connections between Australia and the Philippines have been long-standing and have become stronger and stronger. We have a sizeable population in Australia of Filipino nationals. And many of them have already taken Australian citizenship and dual citizenship," Marcos said during the meeting.

DFA Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Defense Undersecretary for Civil, Veterans, and Reserve Affairs Franco Nemesio Gacal led the Philippine delegation.

The Australian side was represented by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Deputy Secretary for Southeast Asia and Global Partners Michelle Chan, and Department of Defense Acting Deputy Secretary for Strategy, Policy, and Industry Hugh Jeffrey.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1189535

Military holds fun run to raise funds, boost tourism

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 26, 2022): Military holds fun run to raise funds, boost tourism (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)



FUN RIDE. Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, 11th Infantry Division (ID) commander (right), leads 182 bikers in the 30-km. fun bike event in Sulu on Nov. 20, 2022. On Sunday (Nov. 27, 2022), 1,131 individuals will participate in the fun run dubbed “Run, Sulu, Run 2022. (Photo courtesy of 11ID)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – About 1,131 participants are set to join Sunday's fundraising event dubbed "Run, Sulu, Run 2022", which will pass through the provinces' municipalities of Jolo, Patikul, and Indanan.

Aside from fundraising, the fun run will also highlight the relative peace Sulu is enjoying, and boost the province’s eco-tourism potential by inviting tourists to visit.


Col. Alaric Avelino delos Santos, 11th Infantry Division (11ID) Civil-Military Office chief, said Saturday 1,100 soldiers and 31 civilians have registered for the event.

Delos Santos said the fun run would have four categories – 3 km., 5 km., 10 km., and 21 km. The participants were classified into two age brackets – 39 years old and below, and 40 years old and above.

He said 1,052 of the 1,131 registered participants are aged 39 and below while the remaining 79 are 40 years old and above.

The starting time is 6 a.m. for the 3-km. and 5-km. categories; 5:30 a.m. for the 10-km. category; and 5 a.m. for the 21 km. category.

“All the registered participants are advised to be at the starting point at 4 a.m.,” delos Santos said, adding that all participants will get a blood pressure check before the start of the event.

Both the starting point and the finishing line are at the grandstand of the Provincial Capitol in Barangay Bangkal, Patikul, Sulu.

“The proceeds of the activity will be donated to five selected students from our Balik-Barangay Program and a portion of the proceeds will be used to enhance the training facilities of the Alakdan Division Training School,” Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, 11ID commander, said in a statement.

Capt. Desford Masirag, 11ID information officer, said the registration fees for each category are as follows: PHP700 for the 3-km. category; PHP800 for the 5-km. ; PHP1,000 for the 10-km. ; and PHP1,400 for the 21-km. categories.

Meanwhile, Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan lauded the security force for initiating activities that help boost Sulu’s growing eco-tourism industry.

“As partner of the military, I am committed to support the activity as a manifestation of our firm resolve to develop the growing eco-tourism potential in the province of Sulu,” Tan said.

He said they envision conducting an international triathlon event in Sulu.

On November 20, a total of 182 bikers took part in the 30-km. fun bike event also initiated by the 11ID.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1189520