Kalinaw News: Former NPA leader leads 107-strong graduates of Candidate Soldier Course in 10ID

From Kalinaw News (Dec 10, 2022): Former NPA leader leads 107-strong graduates of Candidate Soldier Course in 10ID

MAWAB, Davao de Oro – Former Guerilla Front Secretary of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) now became a full-fledged member of the Philippine Army after completing the Candidate Soldier Course (CSC) cross-trained with Infantry Orientation Course (INFOC) during the Graduation Ceremony held at Sgt Demerin Grandstand, Camp General Manuel T Yan Senior in Mawab, Davao De Oro on December 10, 2022.

Private Kurt Russel O Sosa formerly known as alias “Ugnay” was the former Deputy Secretary of the dismantled Sub-Regional Committee 4 and Secretary of the Guerilla Front 3, but now a bonafide soldier of the 10th Infantry “Agila” Division. Private Sosa also became the Class President out of 107 graduates, of which 89 are males and 18 are females, who all belong to CSC “KATALAS” Class of 741 – 2022 and INFOC Class 26 – 2022. Likewise, along with Private Sosa were another three (3) former rebels and nine (9) Indigenous Peoples.

Meanwhile, 10ID Commander MGen Nolasco A Mempin congratulated not only the graduates but also the parents and loved ones for the support they provided to the trainees.

“Our profession as a soldier will not make us rich. However, if we perform our duties and responsibilities with utmost nobility, this will give us a more fulfilled life than anyone else,” MGen Mempin added.

In her message, Davao De Oro Governor Dorothy M Gonzaga expressed her gratitude to the graduates for their decision in joining the profession of arms to serve the Filipino people.

“Overwhelmed ang akong kasingkasing kay karong adlawa nahimo kong kabahin sa inyong graduation. Natagaan kog chansa na mosulti sa inyo sa akong kalipay na nadungagan na pud ang atong mga heroes sa atong kinabuhi ug sa atong nasud,” (Today, my heart is overwhelmed because I became part of your graduation. This became an avenue in expressing my gratitude knowing that we have another set of heroes for ourselves and for our country) Gov Gonzaga added.

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.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/former-npa-leader-leads-107-strong-graduates-of-candidate-soldier-course-in-10id/

Kalinaw News: 28 CTG and Milisyang Bayan members yield to troops in Sarangani Province

From Kalinaw News (Dec 10, 2022): 28 CTG and Milisyang Bayan members yield to troops in Sarangani Province

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – Twenty-eight communist terrorist group and Milisyang Bayan members finally decided to return to the folds of the law in Sarangani Province on December 8, 2022. They submitted themselves to the 38th Infantry Battalion at Purok Caballero, Tambilil, and Kiamba towns, all in the same province, on Thursday evening.

Lt. Col. Michael Angelo Candole, the Acting Commanding Officer of 38IB said the former rebels handed over five Garand rifles, 17 rounds of cal. 30 ammunition, three Garand clips, two 40mm High Explosives ammunition, one improvised explosive device, and 70 meters of electrical wire. Lt. Col. Candole confirmed that three of the surrendered personalities were members of Squad Primera of Guerilla Front Musa, Far South Mindanao Region (FSMR) while the rest were from the Milisyang Bayan (MB) and Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad (SPL).

The former rebels revealed that they witnessed how the lives of their comrades changed after they decided to return to mainstream society and this convinced them to surrender as well.

According to Maj. Gen. Roy Galido, Commander of Joint Task Force Central, the surrendered CTG personalities will be recommended to avail of the E-CLIP benefits. They were given initial financial assistance, food items, assorted vitamins, and medicines from the local government of Kiamba and were subsequently presented to Kiamba Police Station for documentation.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, Acting Commander of WestMinCom commended the troops for this remarkable accomplishment. He also urged the remnants of the CTG to end their arm struggle and support the government’s peace efforts. “Reintegration packages which include livelihood and capacity development trainings, are being prepared to provide former rebels and their families social equity and a fair chance to be productive members of the society.”

The influx of surrenders is attributed to the government’s Reintegration Programs being implemented by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict and the collaborative efforts of the military forces, the local chief executives, other law enforcement agencies, peace-inclined groups, and the peace-loving people of Mindanao.

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.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/28-ctg-and-milisyang-bayan-members-yield-to-troops-in-sarangani-province/

Kalinaw News: 50IB, PNP recover arms cache in Kalinga

From Kalinaw News (Dec 10, 2022): 50IB, PNP recover arms cache in Kalinga

CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela- An arms cache containing several war materiel was recovered in a joint operation of the 50th Infantry Battalion and Kalinga PNP at Sitio Kalakatan, Barangay Mabaca, Balbalan, Kalinga on December 9, 2022.

The said troops acted upon the information provided by a concerned citizen on the alleged hideout of the Communist NPA terrorist believed to be members of the Weakened Komiteng Larangang Guerilla – Baggas.

Upon verification, combined troops discovered an enemy hideout that was abandoned for months based on the tracks found.

After a thorough search in the area, the combined troops located an arms cache containing one colt M16A1 rifle with four magazines, two Garand rifles with five magazine clips, one carbine rifle, three rifle grenades, 27 pieces of 7.62mm ammunition, two M203 live ammunition, one 60mm live ammunition, two sticks of Ammonium nitrate, three improvised explosive devices, electric wire, blasting cap, medical paraphernalia, NPA flag other personal belongings, and subversive documents.

The dwindling number of the KLG-Baggas may have sorted in leaving the war materiel to escape the government forces. Moreso, the sustained campaign of the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) of Kalinga draws close to the dismantling of KLG-Baggas.

To recall, on December 8, troops of the 54th Infantry Battalion encountered the members of Weakened KLG Ampis in Brgy Tulgao, Tinglayan, Kalinga.

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.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/50ib-pnp-recover-arms-cache-in-kalinga/

Kalinaw News: Wanted NPA leader apprehended by government troops in Bulacan

From Kalinaw News (Dec 9, 2022): Wanted NPA leader apprehended by government troops in Bulacan (By Jonathan Blanco)

Camp Aquino, Tarlac City – Dec. 9 2022

A ranking leader of the Communist Terrorist Group was arrested by joint elements of the Joint Task Force Kaugnay of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan on Wednesday, December 8, 2022.

The military identified the apprehended CTG leader as Janeth Cruz Dela Rosa with aliases Aryang/Libay/Ditsy/Laura/Frankie/Trixie/Ali/Marbe, the NPA Secretary of Central Luzon’s Regional White Area Committee, and a member of Execom Central Luzon’Regional Committee (CLRC).

Said law enforcement operation was carried on by the simultaneous implementation of Warrants of Arrest for murder, and two counts of attempted murder issued by the Regional Trial Court of Iba, Zambales.

With reports of a continuous winning streak against the New People’s Army, Commander of Northern Luzon Command, Lt Gen Ernesto Torres Jr expressed the full intent of the Defenders of the North to further intensify its internal security efforts to permanently clear Northern and Central Luzon from communist terrorists.

“We will be relentless in the execution of our mission, our soldiers are taking the extra mile to ensure the expedition of the decimation of CTGs in our area of operations,” said Lt Gen Torres Jr.

“We urge the remaining communist terrorists in Northern Luzon to put away their guns and abandon armed insurgency. Heed the call of our government to return to the folds of the law and avail its local integration program,” the NOLCOM Commander added.

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.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/wanted-npa-leader-apprehended-by-government-troops-in-bulacan/

Kalinaw News: 𝗔rmas at bala ng mga rebelde, narekober ng militar sa lalawigan ng 𝗔payao

From Kalinaw News (Dec 9, 2022): 𝗔rmas at bala ng mga rebelde, narekober ng militar sa lalawigan ng 𝗔payao (Arms and ammunition of the rebels, recovered by the military in the province of Apayao (By Jonathan Blanco)

SANTIAGO CITY- Narekober ng mga kasundaluhan ang ilang gamit pandigma na pagmamay-ari ng mga kasapi ng Komiteng Larangang Guerilla North Abra matapos ang engkwentro sa bayan ng Kabugao, Apayao nitong ika-anim ng Disyembre taong kasalukuyan.

Nasamsam ng tropa ng 102nd Infantry Battalion partikular sa barangay Maragat ang isang M16 rifle, sampung pirasong 5.56 mm na bala, short magazine, poncho at mga subersibong dokumento.

Kaugnay nito, patuloy pa rin ang hot pursuit operations ng militar sa mga tumakas na nakalabang rebelde at ng mahikayat rin ang mga ito na magbalik-loob sa gobyerno.

Samantala, naglabas na ng kautusan si Apayao Governor Elias Bulut na bibigyan ng reward ang sinumang makakahuli o makakapatay sa miyembro o lider ng teroristang grupo.

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.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/%f0%9d%97%94rmas-at-bala-ng-mga-rebelde-narekober-ng-militar-sa-lalawigan-ng-%f0%9d%97%94payao/

Kalinaw News: 30 Youth Leaders Join in Leadership Executive Course in Zamboanga City

From Kalinaw News (Dec 8, 2022): 30 Youth Leaders Join in Leadership Executive Course in Zamboanga City (By Jonathan Blanco)

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – December 8, 2022

Thirty young leaders from conflict-affected areas in western and central Mindanao participated in the first-ever three-day leadership executive course, which was organized by the Western Mindanao Command’s Office of the Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff for Civil-Military Operations and the 4th Civil Relations Group. Personnel from the Joint Task Forces ZamPeLan, Central, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, and Zamboanga screened the selected participants. From December 1 to 3, 2022, five young leaders were assigned to represent each joint task force at the WMC Grandstand Basement, Camp Navarro, Calarian, this city.

“This course will cultivate the participants’ potentials as they work their way to becoming leaders and active supporters of peace and development in Mindanao,” said Lt. Col. Abdurasad Sirajan, Acting Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff for Civil-Military Operations, during the activity’s opening program.

The Leadership Executive Course, with the theme “Breeding Good Leaders, Shielding the Youth Against Violent Extremism,” aimed to empower youth as advocates of peace and development and discourage them from participating in any terrorist acts, prevent them from ideological or physical infiltration of terrorist groups, and sustain the large network of youth leaders that has been generated over the years.

According to Col. Elmer Suderio, WestMinCom’s Chief of Unified Command Staff and the Keynote Speaker during the opening ceremony, the command is blessed to be able to execute programs that guide and develop skills, as well as recognize the critical role of youth in nation-building.

Competent subject matter experts such as Mr. Raymond Domingo of the National Youth Commission IX, Commissioner Nasserudin Dunding of the Bangsamoro Youth Commission, BARMM, Dr. Rufina Cruz of Peace Advocate Zamboanga, Zamboanga City Councilor Cary Jhon Pioc, Major Andrew Linao of the 4th Civil Relations Group, PNP-RACU9 and OU2-WMC personnel, and Ka PR, a former member of CPP-NP Aside from the knowledge gained, participants were given the opportunity to explore the Navy warship Patrol Craft 390. They also participated in a variety of recreational activities. They then displayed their God-given talents at the three-day event’s closing program.

JTF Zamboanga Commander, Col. Randolph Rojas, said in his closing message, where he was invited as the guest of honor and speaker, “It gives me pride to stand before a crowd of young people who try to make a difference in their lives by taking responsibility for an enormous role in our current drive against terrorism here in Mindanao.” You meet at a similar ground, perhaps a common goal and struggle to bring stability and free your land from strife, coming from varied cultures, religions, and tribes, born and reared in battle-torn territories. This empathy awakens your leadership potential.

For his part, Marine Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, Acting Commander of Western Mindanao Command, congratulated the facilitators on a job well done. “We feel that we must empower young and assist them in staying away from drugs and violent extremism since they are the most vulnerable segment of society. We will continue to invest in our most valuable assets, our hope for a better and more peaceful future, our next generation of leaders and experts.”

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.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/30-youth-leaders-join-in-leadership-executive-course-in-zamboanga-city/

Kalinaw News: Walang humpay na operasyon ng militar nagresulta sa pagsuko ng 4 na BIFF

From Kalinaw News (Dec 8, 2022): Walang humpay na operasyon ng militar nagresulta sa pagsuko ng 4 na BIFF (Relentless military operations resulted in the surrender of 4 BIFFs) (By Jonathan Blanco)

CAMP SIONGCO, Awang, DOS, Maguindanao del Norte – Dahil sa pinaigting na focused military operations ng ating mga kasundaluhan, napagdesisyunan ng apat na Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) na iwanan na ang armadong pakikibaka at magbalik-loob sa pamahalaan.

Ang apat na mga dating BIFF combatants – Karialan Faction ay iprenisinta kay AGILA HAVEN Focal Person Roger Dionesio; Hon. Ferdinand Agduma, Mayor ng Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat at Brigadier General Pedro Balisi, Commander ng 1st Mechanized Brigade sa Headquarters ng 1Mechanized Brigade, Camp Leono, Brgy. Kalandagan, Tacurong City nitong ika-6 ng Disyembre, 2022.

Ayon kay Brigadier General Pedro Balisi Jr, ang Commander ng 1st Mechanized Brigade na ang sobrang pagod, gutom at walang patunguhang ipinaglalaban ang dahilan ng kanilang pagtalikod sa ekstremistang pangkat. “Isa pa dito, ang walang humpay na focused military operations ng ating mga kasundaluhan kaya wala na silang mapuntahan dahil walang humpay ang ating pagtugis sa kanila”, giit pa ni BGen. Balisi.

Isinuko din nila ang kanilang mga bitbit na armas na kinabibilangan ng isang US 1911 60mm Mortar; isang Colt M16 Rifle; isang 9mm Tongram; isang Cal .50 Barrett at dalawang mga magazines.

Nabatid na ang apat ay sumuko nitong ika-2 ng Disyembre, 2022 sa pamunuan ng 1st Mechanized Battalion sa ilalim ng nasasakupan ng 1st Mechanized Infantry (Maaasahan) Brigade na nakabase sa Brgy Kalandagan sa nasabing lungsod.

Ikinagalak naman ni Major General Roy Galido, Commander ng 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division at Joint Task Force Central ang magandang hakbang ng apat na mga dating combatants at mababawasan ang karahasan dahil sa pagsuko ng instruments of violence. “Alam kong biktima lamang kayo ng deception at misinformation, kaya ang inyong pagbabalik-loob sa ating pamahalaan ay isang magandang oportunidad na mabibigyan natin ng puwang ang kapayapaan sa land of the Promise, ang Midnanao”, pahayag ni Maj. Gen. Galido.

Sa ngayon, nasa 201 na mga BIFF na ang sumuko sa Joint Task Force Central mula buwan ng Enero hanggang sa kasalukuyan habang 239 na iba’t-ibang uri ng armas, kasama na ang pampasabog ang nakuha at nakumpiska sa pagsuko at mga operasyon ng militar laban sa pangkat ng BIFF.

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.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/walang-humpay-na-operasyon-ng-militar-nagresulta-sa-pagsuko-ng-4-na-biff/

Kalinaw News: 500 ka tao tumanggap ng maagang Pamasko mula sa Task Force ELCAC sa Surigao del Sur

From Kalinaw News (Dec 8, 2022): 500 ka tao tumanggap ng maagang Pamasko mula sa Task Force ELCAC sa Surigao del Sur (500 people received early Christmas from Task Force ELCAC in Surigao del Sur) (By Jonathan Blanco)

CARMEN, Surigao del Sur- 500 katao pinagkaisa sa kapayapaan at nabigyan ng maagang regalo sa Peace Building Information Drive (Pamaskong Handog 2022) ng Task Force-ELCAC sa Covered Court, Brgy Hinapoyan, Carmen, Surigao del Sur sa ika-6 ng Disyembre 2022.

Matatandaan na mula sa naturang barangay sa Sitio Gacub ang limang hinukay na pinaslang ng Terroristang Grupong CPP-NPA (CTG) noong ika-30 ng Oktubre ngayong taon. Naglaan ang Lokal na Gobyerno ng Carmen, SDS, 901st Infantry “Fight Em’” Brigade, 36th Infantry “Valor” Battalion, Provincial Police Office SDS, Philippine Red Cross SDS Chapter, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, Carrac-an Eagles Club, at IPMR Carmen na ibahagi ang Dokumentaryo ng iDocu Team ni John Paul Seniel na may pamagat na “Hinagpis ng 5 Byuda sa Hinapoyan” sa mamayanan ng barangay kasama ang 3 sityo ng Gacub, Tabinas, at Bayabas, Carmen.

Sa naturang dokumentaryo nilahad ang mga pangyayari sa mga pinatay na maglalapnisan at hinilom ang mga panawagan ng mga naiwang kapamilya sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng maagang pamasko sa mga Taga-Carmen. Hinimok ni Carmen Mayor Jane V. Plaza sa naturang aktibidad na mamulat ang lahat sa totoong gawain at pakay ng makakaliwang grupo sa mga Carmenanon at ipinahayag ang pakikiisa sa kapayapaan at siguridad ng Indigenous Peoples Community. Sa pakikiisa ng mga IPMR at Tribal Chieftain ng Hinapoyan ay winaksi nila ang CPP-NPA-NDF sa kanilang tribu at kinondena ang mga abuso, pagpatay, at pangrrecruit ng mga terrorista sa kanilang komunidad.

Nilayon ng Peace Building Information Drive ang pagkakaayos, pagunlad, at panibagong pag-asa sa mga taga-Hinapoyan upang hindi na maulit ang trahedya na nangyari sa naturang bayan mula sa karahasan at kalupitan ng komunistang grupo.

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.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/500-ka-tao-tumanggap-ng-maagang-pamasko-mula-sa-task-force-elcac-sa-surigao-del-sur/

Kalinaw News: 2 biktima ng ‘panlilinlang’ ng komunistang terorista, nagbalik-loob sa Sarangani Province

From Kalinaw News (Dec 7, 2022): 2 biktima ng ‘panlilinlang’ ng komunistang terorista, nagbalik-loob sa Sarangani Province (2 victims of the communist terrorist's 'trick', converted in Sarangani Province)

CAMP SIONGCO, Awang, DOS, Maguindanao del Norte – Nagbalik-loob sa pamahalaan ang dalawang mga dating combatants ng communist terrorist group, kabilang na ang isang menor de edad sa bayan ng Maitum, Sarangani Province.

Si alyas Mark na edad 20-anyos ay miyembro ng Squad Segunda ng guerilla front Musa sa ilalim ng Far South Mindanao Region Command kasama din nitong sumuko si alyas Bunso na edad 17-anyos at kasapi ng Platoon Dabu- Dabu, West daguma front, South Regional Command sa ilalim ng humihina at papawasak na FSMRC.

Sumuko ang mga ito sa pamunuan ng 34th Infantry (Reliable) Battalion sa pamumuno ni Lt. Col. Rey Rico at 38th Infantry (We Clear) Battalion na pinamumunuan ni Lt. Col. Michael Angelo Candole, hapon nitong ika-5 ng Disyembre, 2022.

Bitbit din nila sa kanilang pagsuko ang dalawang mga matataas na uri ng baril na kinabibilangan ng isang M16 A1 Rifle at isang Cal.30 Garand Rifle kasama na ang mga magasin at mga bala.

Ayon kay 1st Mechanized Infantry (Maaasahan) Brigade, Commander, Brigadier General Pedro Balisi Jr., na ang pagbabalik-loob ng dalawa ay indikasyon lamang na unti-unting nananaig ang kapayapaan sa bahaging ito ng Mindanao. “The security landscape in the area is changing and we are able to sustain the momentum”, wika pa ni BGen. Balisi Jr.

Ang dalawang mga dating combatants ay iprenisinta sa Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) sa bayan ng Maitum sa pangunguna ni Hon. Alexander Bryan Reganit, ang alkalde ng munisipyo ng Maitum.

Kaugnay nito, tiniyak naman ni Major General Roy Galido, ang Commander ng Joint Task Force Central at 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division ang seguridad ng mga sumukong rebelde. “Our troops from the Joint Task Force Central continue to bolster our civil-military cooperation efforts with partner stakeholders to put an end to terrorism in Central and South-Central Mindanao and to convince the remaining terrorists to end their armed struggle and return to the mainstream society. Alam kung biktima lamang sila ng misinformation at deception”, pahayag pa ni Maj. Gen. Galido.

Tinataya sa 122 na ang mga sumukong communist terrorist group mula buwan ng Enero hanggang sa kasalukuyan. Abot naman sa 135 na iba’t-ibang uri ng baril at mga pampasabog ang nasabat buhat sa iba’t-ibang mga operating units ng Joint Task Force Central mula sa mga rebeldeng komunista.

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.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/2-biktima-ng-panlilinlang-ng-komunistang-terorista-nagbalik-loob-sa-sarangani-province/

Kalinaw News: 4 NPA members Yield in AgNor on the Peak of Christmas

From Kalinaw News (Dec 7, 2022): 4 NPA members Yield in AgNor on the Peak of Christmas (By 4th Infantry "Diamond" Division)

CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte- Four members of the communist terrorist group (CTG) who desired to return to the fold of the law voluntarily laid down their arms and came to 29th Infantry Battalion at Headquarters 29IB, Purok 4, Brgy Del Pilar, Cabadbaran City, and Agusan del Norte on December 1, 2022.

The four CTG personalities were identified as Margie Mayag Danapa alias Yani, 24 years old and a member of Sentro De Grabidad, Guerilla Front 16, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee, Virgie Iligan Pinao alias Rubi, 36 years old, a member of Regional Sentro de Grabedad, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee, Jhunday Dayong Flordeliza alias Wegols of Regional Sentro de Grabedad, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee and Jerome Sandag Maca alias Ryan,27 years old, member of Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda 21C, Guerilla Front 21, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee of the New People’s Army.

According to the surrenders, they wanted to go home to their families because they have been missing them so much especially alias Rubi and alias Wegols who are married and have children whom they haven’t seen in a while. They also decided to lay their arms since they realized that the promised support for their families had ceased without their knowledge.

According to alias Virgie “lahi ra gyud ang pagtagad sa gobyerno kay ang pagtagad sa NPA bangis. Karon nga nanaog nami wala man mi kasinati nga kulatahon, wala sad mi gipatay. Lahi kaayo ang doktrina nga gitudlo sa amoa.” (“The treatment of the government is really different unlike to the treatment of the CTG, it’s brutal. Now that we have sided with the government, we didn’t experience being beaten, we are not even killed. The doctrine that they have told us is very different.”)

LtCol Cresencio C Gargar, Acting Commanding Officer of the 29th Infantry (Matatag) Battalion said that “To the remaining members of the Communist Terrorist Groups, our government is in full support and is hand in hand in helping you to have a peaceful and meaningful life together with your love ones. Now that it is Christmas time, it is a perfect time to surrender and reunite with your family. The gate of our camp is wide open in accepting those who want to surrender. I will be happy to meet you and I am looking forward to helping you reunite with your family.”

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.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/4-npa-members-yield-in-agnor-on-the-peak-of-christmas/

Kalinaw News: Firearm, ammos recover after firefight in Apayao

From Kalinaw News (Dec 7, 2022): Firearm, ammos recover after firefight in Apayao (By Jonathan Blanco)

CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela- High-powered firearm owned by the members of Komiteng Larangan Guerilla North Abra were recovered after an armed encounter on December 06, 2022, in Barangay Maragat, Kabugao, Apayao.

Along with the high-powered firearm, ammunitions and subversive documents were also retrieved by the troops of the 102nd Infantry Battalion after scouring the encounter site.

Prior, troops of the 102nd Infantry Battalion conducted combat operations when the locals tipped off the presence of the terrorist group.

With the support of the locals, the troops will hunt down the fleeing communist terrorist as well as pursue them to return to the pillars of the government. Note that, Governor Elias Bulut released an Executive Order giving financial rewards to those who can arrest and/or kill a leader/member of a terrorist group.

Further, the support of the whole Apayao contributed to the campaign of the government to end local communist armed conflict wherein the army troops will relentlessly chase the insurgents to achieve peace and progress 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.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/firearm-ammos-recover-after-firefight-in-apayao/

Kalinaw News: CTG’s Young Combatants Yield to Government Forces in Sarangani

From Kalinaw News (Dec 7, 2022): CTG’s Young Combatants Yield to Government Forces in Sarangani (By Jonathan Blanco)

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

Tired of hiding, two communist terrorist group members laid down their arms and returned to the folds of the law. They handed over their firearms to Lt. Col. Rey Rico, Commanding Officer of the 34th Infantry Battalion, Lt. Col. Michael Angelo Candole, Commanding Officer of the 38th Infantry Battalion, and the municipal police at the municipal hall of Maitum town, Sarangani Province on Monday afternoon, December 5.

Maj. Gen. Roy Galido, the Commander of Joint Task Force Central, identified the surrendered personalities as alias Mark, 20 years of age and a member of Squad Segunda of Guerrilla Front Musa and alias Bunso, a minor (17 years old) and a member of Platoon Dabu-Dabu, West Daguma Front, Sub-Regional Committee Daguma, both of the Far South Mindanao Regional Committee. Their surrendered firearms include one M16 A1 rifle with two magazines and 35 rounds of ammunition and one cal. 30 Garand rifle with one clip and four ammunition.

The former rebels were subsequently presented to the Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) led by Maitum Mayor Alexander Bryan Reganit on the same day.

Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, Acting Commander of Western Mindanao Command, said the armed forces anticipate a surge in the number of CTG remnants who will surrender in the coming days as the peace efforts are intensified. “Those who remain in hiding must know that “Reintegration Packages” await them. The package includes livelihood and capacity development training and financial assistance, all aimed at providing former rebels and their families social equity and a fair chance to be productive citizens of their respective community.”

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.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/ctgs-young-combatants-yield-to-government-forces-in-sarangani/

164 Reds surrender in Mimaropa since January

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 3, 2022): 164 Reds surrender in Mimaropa since January (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

MANILA – A total of 164 members of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army (CPP-NPA) have surrendered to different police units in Mimaropa from January to December 1 this year, the regional police said Friday.

“We are committed to sustaining the success of this campaign towards a communist terrorist group-free Mimaropa,” Police Regional Office (PRO) 4-B (Mimaropa) chief, Brig. Gen. Sidney Hernia, said in a statement.

The latest to surrender were two members of the NPA in Oriental Mindoro on Thursday.

“Ka Gringo”, 27, and “Ka Jimbo,” 33, both members of Platoon SERNA of Kilusang Larangang Gerilya - Mark Anthony Velasco under the Lucio de Guzman Command of the Sub-Regional Military Area 4D, Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee, voluntarily surrendered after a series of dialogues with the 403rd B Maneuver Company (MC), Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) 4-B, led by Lt. Sherwin Ramirez, in Barangay Cabalwa, in the town of Mansalay.

The successful surrender of the former rebels was made possible with the assistance of the Bulalacao municipal police, 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, and Provincial Intelligence Unit, all under the Oriental Mindoro provincial police; Regional Intelligence Division; 10th Special Action Battalion, Philippine National Police (PNP) Special Action Force; 4th Infantry Battalion and 23rd Military Intelligence Company, 203rd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army; and Regional Intelligence Unit Mimaropa, PNP Intelligence Group.

Hernia said the surrenderers are now under the custody of the 403rd B MC for debriefing, and assistance for their enrollment in the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive and Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

“All those who surrendered can avail of the E-CLIP for their reintegration to the community and will be receiving livelihood program and cash aid from the government,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1190005

PH Army commits to develop ground units to address all threats

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 3, 2022): PH Army commits to develop ground units to address all threats (By Priam Nepomuceno)

2022 OPERATIONS FAMILY CONFERENCE. Col. Alvin Luzon, Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, Philippine Army, highlights the Army's annual accomplishments in support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) mission during the Year-end 2022 Operations Family Conference held at SOTO Grande Hotel in Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City on Dec. 2, 2022. (Photo from PA)

MANILA – The Philippine Army (PA) is committed to developing its ground forces to address all types of security threats.

This was stressed by PA assistant chief-of-staff for operations, Col. Alvin V. Luzon, during the just-concluded Year-end 2022 Operations Family Conference held Friday at the SOTO Grande Hotel along Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City.

During the briefing, the Army official presented a rundown of PA accomplishments based on its mandate to develop, organize, train, equip, support, and sustain ground forces for the execution of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) mission.

"Col. Luzon highlighted PA’s thrust to develop the capability of ground forces to address all types of threats and raise the current operational tempo of ground units," said Army spokesperson, Col. Xerxes Trinidad, in a statement forwarded to reporters Saturday night.

Likewise, Luzon also gave an update on measures undertaken by the PA leadership to provide ground units with mission-essential equipment and programs being implemented to bolster its operational tempo in executing the AFP's campaign.

”On the whole, the PA as a force provider will continue to effectively perform its core functions to capacitate the PA forces to support the successful execution of the AFP line of efforts and operations," Luzon said.

He added the PA will pursue its charted course towards capability and organizational development and be postured to remain responsive to meet the challenges brought about by the continuously evolving security environment.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1190029