Gunmen kill 3 village officials, hurt another in Mindanao gun attacks

 From Rappler (Apr 10, 2023): Gunmen kill 3 village officials, hurt another in Mindanao gun attacks (By ROMMEL REBOLLIDO)

The victims are not the first. Early this year, gunmen also killed a village chief during an ambush in Maguindanao del Norte

GENERAL SANTOS, Philippines – Daring daylight gun attacks have killed at least three village officials in three Mindanao provinces over the weekend, as Christians in these regions observed the culmination of the Holy Week while Muslims observed the final days of Ramadan.

The first victim was Danny Angkay, the barangay chairman of Salaman village in the coastal town of Lebak, Sultan Kudarat in the Soccsksargen region, who was shot dead in Ampatuan town, Maguindanao del Sur on Black Saturday, April 8.

Captain Guissepe Tamayo, police chief of Ampatuan town, said they were still looking into leads in the killing of Angkay, who was in the town to visit a relative.

Angkay, along with two companions, was traveling home to Lebak town in a mini-van when they were attacked by motorcycle-riding gunmen along a highway.

On Easter Sunday, Tonesa Sarudin, the barangay chairperson of the remote seaside village of Mindupok in Maitum town, Sarangani in the Soccsksargen region, was shot to the head by motorcycle-riding gunmen in front of the barangay hall of Mindupok.

Maitum police chief Major Bernard Francia said Sarudin was walking near the barangay hall when the gunmen approached and shot her, and then the killers quickly fled.

Sarudin was a barangay councilor herself before assuming the chairmanship of Mindupok, replacing the village chief Mohamad Akmad who was also killed in an ambush in September 2020.

According to the police, Sarudin had recently received death threats, and investigators were considering the possibility of a rido (clan feud) motive in her murder.

Also on Easter Sunday, Abdul Malik Uban, a barangay councilman of Polloc in Parang town, Maguindanao del Norte, was shot dead by gunmen. His wife Salma was wounded and was in critical condition.

The incident occurred along a road in Barangay Poblacion 2 in Parang, where the victims were traveling together in a car when the gunmen came and shot them.

CCTV footage showed two men with handguns approaching and shooting at the group in a red sedan that was running slow before running off.

In February, gunmen also attacked and killed the then Polloc barangay chairman Abobacar Abdul and his wife Baisa in an ambush. The couple died from multiple gunshots after gunmen sprayed their car with bullets in Barangay Sarmiento in the same town.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/mindanao/deaths-injuries-gun-attacks-april-8-9-2023/

No need to worry about EDCA sites if nobody attacks, Marcos tells China

From Rappler (Apr 10, 2023): No need to worry about EDCA sites if nobody attacks, Marcos tells China (By BEA CUPIN)

The Philippine president says no Philippine military base will be used for ‘offensive’ actions

BATAAN, Philippines – There’s no need to worry if no one is attacking.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday, April 10, downplayed China’s qualms over additional sites under the Philippines and the US’ Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), telling reporters that there’s no need to “worry” as long as no offensive attack takes place.

“Kaya kung wala naman sumusugod sa atin, hindi nila kailangan mag-alala dahil hindi naman sila natin lalabanan. Ang ginagawa lamang natin ay pinapapatuloy natin ang depensa ng ating teritoryo, ng ating republika,” said Marcos in a chance interview on the sidelines of a Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) event at the Mount Samat National Shrine.

(If nobody attacks us, then they do not need to worry because we will not fight them. We’re only continuing to defend our territory, our republic.)

Other Stories

Philippines gives US access to military sites in northern Luzon, Palawan This brings from five to nine the total number of sites under EDCA, a military deal that allows the US to access local bases

In two separate press conference on April 4 and April 6, China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning blasted the US for its “zero-sum mentality in pursuit of selfish interests,” referring to the opening of new EDCA sites. “This would only lead to more tensions and less peace and stability in the region,” she said on April 4.

Two days later, reacting to the Philippines’ Department of National Defense officer-in-charge Carlito Galvez Jr.’s justification of the additional EDCA sites, Mao pointed out the “long list of turmoil, division and devastation left behind by the US military around the world.”

The president said China’s reaction was not “surprising” but added “hindi tayo papayag na gamitin ang mga base natin para sa kahit anong offensive na action. Ito ay para lamang tulungan ang Pilipinas,” he said.

(We will not allow our bases to be used for offensive actions. These will be used only to help the Philippines.)

The Chinese Embassy in Manila, in remarks released in March 2023, questioned if it was in the Philippines’ national interest “to get dragged by the US to interfere in the Taiwan question.”

Yet Marcos himself, during an official visit to Japan in early February 2023, said “it’s very hard to imagine a scenario where the Philippines will not somehow get involved” in tensions in the Taiwan Strait.

Malacañang, in early April, announced the location of four new sites under EDCA. Most of the bases were vetted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). By clearing and approving the four bases as EDCA sites, American soldiers will be able to access them and preposition US assets in those bases. The four bases – in the northern provinces Cagayan and Isabela, and in Palawan province in southern Luzon – offer greater US access to the West Philippine Sea, Sulu Sea, and Taiwan.

The selection of the four bases was seen as a “big deliverable” of the Philippines to the US, its oldest treaty ally. Marcos has previously framed the new EDCA sites as having been selected with disaster response as the main consideration.

Taiwan is becoming a flashpoint in the region, owing to China’s moves in trying to assert control of Taipei. Taiwan, a democratically-governed country, is being claimed by China as its own territory. The US has promised to defend Taiwan in the event of an attack from China.

There is, too, the dispute in the South China Sea, which China has practically claimed all of as its own. China has repeatedly downplayed tensions in the resource-rich waterway, with Mao claiming on April 6 that “there is never any issue with freedom of navigation and safety in the South China Sea.” Yet Filipinos who go to sea – from fishermen to the Philippines Coast Guard – will be quick to point out the repeated threats of Chinese vessels.

Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo has called Chinese harassment in the South China Sea a “daily situation.”

The US has said it would also come to the Philippines’ defense should it be attacked in the South China Sea. Recently, Marcos summoned China’s ambassador after China used a military-grade laser against the Philippine Coast Guard.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/marcos-jr-tells-china-no-need-worry-edca-sites-nobody-attacks/

Soldier hurt in Maundy Thursday clash in Toboso

From Panay News (Apr 10, 2023): Soldier hurt in Maundy Thursday clash in Toboso (By DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA)

Children sing as the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary is being paraded during the Encuentro at Sto. Niño Parish in Bacolod City’s Barangay Pahanocoy on Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023. Encuentro, the reenactment of the joyful reunion of sorrowful Mary and the resurrected Jesus, takes place before the first Easter Sunday Mass. (Sto. Niño Parish / SOCCOM photo)

BACOLOD City – A Philippine Army soldier was wounded in a clash with rebels in Sitio Seraje, Barangay San Isidro, Toboso, Negros Occidental, on Maundy Thursday, April 6.

Three New People’s Army (NPA) rebels spotted fleeing were also reportedly hurt.

The 303rd Infantry Brigade (303IBde) requested not to identify the wounded soldier, who is now recovering at a hospital in Bacolod City.

On Thursday afternoon, the Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (79IB) responded to an extortion complaint by residents and encountered more or less 10 rebels.

Recovered at the encounter site were two homemade shotguns, two shotgun magazines, two 12-gauge shotgun ammunition, six packs of medicine kits, six hammocks, two pairs of boots, and a mobile phone battery, among others.

The 303IBde commander Brigadier Gen. Orlando Edralin said he appreciated the continued support of the locals and commended the efforts of the 79IB.

The wounded Army trooper, meanwhile, was awarded the Wounded Personnel Medal by Edralin himself.

https://www.panaynews.net/soldier-hurt-in-maundy-thursday-clash-in-toboso/

MNLF condemns Israeli attack on Al-Aqsa Mosque

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Apr 9, 2023): MNLF condemns Israeli attack on Al-Aqsa Mosque

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Former Muslim secessionist group Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) has strongly condemned the Israeli attack on Palestinian worshippers at Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem.

Dozens of Palestinians were injured and hundreds arrested by Israeli police in the raid early on Wednesday, April 5, sparking widespread clashes and protests in the West Bank during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

“We strongly condemn the recent attack on our Muslim brothers and sisters who were praying inside Al-Aqsa Masjid in this holy month of Ramadan. This violent act goes against the fundamental principles of humanity, respect, and tolerance. Every individual has the right to practice their religion freely without fear of violence or persecution,” the MNLF, chaired by Nur Misuari said over the weekend.

“The attack on Al-Aqsa Masjid by the Israeli soldiers is not only an attack on the Muslim community but also an attack on the sanctity of a religious site that holds immense significance to millions of people around the world. We must all stand together to denounce such senseless acts of violence and work towards creating a more peaceful and harmonious world,” it added.

Israeli said security units were forced to enter a prayer hall in the Temple Mount compound, known to Muslims as al-Haram al-Sharif, after what it called masked agitators barricaded themselves inside the mosque after nightly Ramadan prayers, in violation of an agreement ahead of the holy month that worshippers would not be allowed to stay in the house of prayer overnight.

Manila has not issued any statement on the raid, but Israel is a major supplier of weapons to the Philippines.

Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, also condemned the attack. “As Palestinian Muslims gathered for Ramadan prayers exercising their right to worship in Al-Aqsa Mosque, Israeli authorities used blatantly excessive and unjustified force against them,” she said.

Albanese said Israeli forces violently entered Al-Aqsa Mosque, used stun grenades and tear gas, fired sponge-tipped bullets, and indiscriminately beat Muslim worshippers – including elderly people and women – with batons and rifle butts. She added that at least 450 Palestinian men were reportedly arrested, and some were kicked and slapped by escorting soldiers as they were led out of the Haram Al-Sharif compound in handcuffs.

She deplored the “reckless and unlawful” actions of Israeli forces, which reportedly allowed some 165 Jewish Israelis to enter the compound, in violation of the Status Quo Agreement, which Israel is bound to respect. “The well-known desire of Israeli settlers to either destroy the mosque or forcibly convert all or part of the compound into a synagogue, as happened to the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron, is a source of deep anxiety among Palestinians,” she said.

The Special Rapporteur noted that similar violence took place during the holy month of Ramadan in 2021 and 2022, adding to the daily violence under Israeli occupation.

“These actions have led to a spiralling situation of rocket fire into Israel and missiles launched into Gaza, endangering civilians on both sides of the Green Line. I am alarmed by the escalation of violence, particularly because of the further devastation it will bring to Palestinians in Gaza, who have been trapped by an inescapable siege since 2007,” Albanese said.

“Over the years, Israel has not ceased its violent attacks against Palestinian worshippers at Al-Aqsa Mosque in violation of international law,” she said, calling on the international community to step up efforts to hold the occupying power accountable for its unacceptable behavior in the occupied territory before the situation spirals further out of control.

“It is imperative that all parties comply with international law, without exception,” she said. “Failure to do so fuels and perpetuates the culture of injustice and impunity.”

On Saturday, April 8, Israel announced it would extend a closure on Palestinians entering Israel from the West Bank, and would also suspend special entry permits for Palestinians in Gaza to visit Israel for Ramadan prayers and for work, according to the Washington-based, non-profit media organization, National Public Radio. (Mindanao Examiner)

https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2023/04/mnlf-condemns-israeli-attack-in-al-aqza.html

Wescom chief leads aerial inspection of Malampaya platform

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 10, 2023): Wescom chief leads aerial inspection of Malampaya platform (By Priam Nepomuceno)

INSPECTION. Western Command (Wescom) head, Vice Admiral Alberto B. Carlos (right) talks to seven personnel stationed at the Matincloc platform in Palawan on April 7, 2023. Carlos also conducted an aerial inspection of the Malampaya. (Photo courtesy of Wescom FB page)

MANILA – Western Command (Wescom) head, Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, led an aerial inspection of the Malampaya Natural Gas Platform, considered the country's "energy crown jewel,” over the weekend.

In a Facebook post Saturday, Wescom said the inspection is part of its commitment to "ensure steady power supply during the Holy Week and throughout the summer months when demand is expected to peak."

After his aerial inspection, Carlos landed on the Matinloc platform, some 42 kilometers off mainland El Nido, Palawan to talk to the seven-man team stationed there and assess the condition of the station and its power and water supplies.

He also met with the ranking commanders of Joint Task Force (JTF) Malampaya. led by Navy Capt. Brendo Casaclang, to discuss the challenges of securing the energy projects in the “western frontier.”

"It is important for us to ensure the uninterrupted oil supply chain from Malampaya as it accounts for 40 percent of Luzon’s power requirement. Any interruption to this line may mean a minimum of a 10-hour blackout,” Carlos stressed.

To make the most of the Malampaya visit, Carlos observed the operation of the Philippine Navy’s unmanned aerial system (UAS) flight unit stationed in El Nido.

The UAS flight unit is under the Naval Air Wing and is currently attached and operationally controlled by Wescom to provide sustained maritime domain awareness picture in the JTF Malampaya’s area of operations.

"As the Navy's Gray Eagle, the most senior naval aviator still in active service, Vice Admiral Carlos noted the strong presence of naval air assets in (the) JTF Malampaya area. In addition to the UAS flight unit, maritime patrol aircraft NV-312 and AW-109 naval helicopter NH-431 are also flying regular air patrols in northern Palawan," the Facebook post read.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1199051

PAF C-130 in Catarman airport ‘mud episode’ undamaged

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 10, 2023): PAF C-130 in Catarman airport ‘mud episode’ undamaged (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" cargo aircraft of the Philippine Air Force (Courtesy of PAF)

MANILA – The Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Saturday said its Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" cargo aircraft is undamaged after its left landing gear got stuck in the mud at Catarman Airport in Samar.

PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said the crew of the C-130 aircraft, with tail number 5011, conducted precautionary measures to get the left landing gear safely out of the mud sans any damage.

The aircraft landed in Mactan, Cebu at about 6:24 p.m. No crew or passengers were hurt.

"O/a (on around) 1430 (2:30 p.m.) C-130 # 5011, while maneuvering for a 180 degree turn to preposition for takeoff at the threshold of Catarman Samar Airport, inadvertently got its left landing gear (wheel) stuck in the mud at the edge of the runway. It had been raining in the area which caused the softening of a part of the grassy ground where the tight turn had to be made," Castillo said in a message sent to the media.

She said they appreciate the public's concern over the mishap and assures of the PAF’s “commitment and highest regard for safety as we perform our missions in service of our country and people."

The PAF has at least three C-130s in its fleet with another three units expected to be delivered within two to three years.

The C-130s are the Air Force's primary cargo lifters and used extensively in troop transport, resupply, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1199054

AFP: 137 Reds, local terrorists neutralized in Q1

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 10, 2023): AFP: 137 Reds, local terrorists neutralized in Q1 (By Priam Nepomuceno)

(File photo)

MANILA – A total of 137 communist and local terrorist group members have been neutralized by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) during focused military operations conducted in various parts of the country from Jan. 1 to March 31 this year.

AFP public affairs office chief Col. Jorry Baclor, in a statement Sunday night, said 82 of the 137 terrorists neutralized are from the New People's Army (NPA).

"Against the communist terrorist groups (CTGs), the AFP neutralized 82 regular members. Of these, 17 were killed in combat operations, 20 were apprehended or captured, and 45 surrendered to government forces," he added.

Baclor said the AFP also captured 210 firearms during encounters with NPA forces and recovered another 109 through surrenders.

Around 87 anti-personnel mines (APMs) were also seized while 51 NPA "encampments" were discovered.

"Of the 22 remaining guerrilla fronts of the CTG, only three remain active, while 19 are considered weakened and nearing dismantling," Baclor said.

Meanwhile, the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group lost 30 of its members as 28 surrendered and two were captured.

Military troops also captured six firearms during encounters and gained 29 through surrenders, Baclor said.

"Meanwhile, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) continue to suffer losses as three members were killed in combat operations while 18 surrendered to government troops. The BIFF also lost 64 firearms and nine APMs," he added.

Also, three members of the terrorist group Daulah Islamiyah were killed due to focused military operations, while one surrendered.

The AFP also recovered one firearm while three APMs were seized.

"These significant tactical victories against the CTG and other local terrorist groups were made possible due to the dedication and commitment of AFP troops with the support of the LGUs (local government units) and other law-enforcement agencies," Baclor said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1199075

PBBM: EDCA sites won’t be used for ‘offensive’ operations

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 10, 2023): PBBM: EDCA sites won’t be used for ‘offensive’ operations

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (File photo)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday maintained that the four additional sites under the Philippines’ Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with its longstanding ally, the United States, would not be used for "offensive actions.”

The President made this remark in a chance interview with reporters during his attendance at the commemoration of the 81st Araw ng Kagitingan at the Mt. Samat National Shrine in Pilar, Bataan.

“Hindi tayo papayag, ang Pilipinas, hindi tayo papayag na gamitin ang mga bases natin para sa kahit anong offensive na action. Ito ay para lamang tulungan ang Pilipinas, pagka nangangailangan ng tulong ang Pilipinas (The Philippines will not allow to use our bases in any offensive action. It will be used once the Philippines is need of help),” Marcos said when asked whether the additional sites could “add tensions” in the region.

"Ang ginagawa lamang natin ay ipagpatuloy natin na pinapatibay natin ang depensa ng ating teritorya, ang pagdepensa ng Republika (What we are doing is to keep strengthening the defense of our territory, our Republic),” he added.

Marcos said the additional EDCA sites give the United States, which has a robust post-World War II security partnership with the Philippines, "a chance to be able to come and help us in any way.”

"Lahat ito existing na ‘yan. Mayroon na talaga tayong… kampo diyan na dati pa. At ang kaibahan lamang at sa ginawa natin dito ay ‘yung EDCA ay binibigyan natin ng pagkakataon ang ating mga (All these sites are already existing. And the only difference with what we did in this EDCA is that we give chance to) --- our only treaty partner, which is the United States, we give the chance to be able to come and help us in any way, lalong-lalo na… nag-umpisa talaga ‘yan sa pagtulong sa mga disaster relief, ganyang klaseng bagay (especially for disaster relief operations, things like that),” the President said.

Malacanang earlier announced four locations considered “suitable and mutually beneficial” as EDCA sites that are seen to boost the disaster response of the country as the locations will also be used for humanitarian and relief operations during emergencies and natural disasters.

The four locations inspected and assessed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) include the Naval Base Camilo Osias in Sta. Ana, Cagayan; Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo, Cagayan; Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela and Balabac Island in Palawan.

Marcos granted in February US troops access to four more Philippine military camps on top of the five existing locations under the EDCA.

Filipino and American troops are also scheduled to hold their largest-ever military exercise this April.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1199094

DND maintains EDCA not ‘gross violation of PH sovereignty’

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 10, 2023): DND maintains EDCA not ‘gross violation of PH sovereignty’ (By Priam Nepomuceno)

(File photo)

MANILA – The Department of National Defense (DND) shrugged off claims that the Philippines' Enhanced Defense Cooperation (EDCA) with the United States does not constitute a "gross violation of our national sovereignty".

"The EDCA, which is an offshoot of the MDT (Mutual Defense Treaty) was deemed constitutional by the Supreme Court. The EDCA Agreed Locations are not permanent basing facilities for the US but will be jointly operated by the two sides, and their use by our treaty ally is subject to our permission and mutual agreement," DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in a statement over the weekend.

He also stressed that the EDCA sites primarily consist of storage facilities, which require minimum use of utilities since they will only be utilized during exercises and emergencies, and improvements on existing facilities owned and operated by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

"In addition, the US is funding the construction and development of the EDCA Agreed Locations and, in doing so, is creating jobs and boosting the local economies of the communities where the sites are located," Andolong said.

He also noted that improvements on EDCA sites are part of the efforts to enhance the capability of the Philippines to ensure its security.

"The DND reiterates that access to and use of EDCA Agreed Locations by US personnel is by invitation of the Philippines and is by no means 'unhampered' or 'unimpeded.' The Philippines retains sovereignty and responsibility over EDCA Agreed Locations," the DND spokesperson stressed.

The Philippines earlier named Naval Base Camilo Osias in Sta. Ana, Cagayan; Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo, Cagayan; Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; and Balabac Island in Palawan as additional EDCA locations.

The proposal to add additional EDCA locations was announced by the Philippines and US defense departments last February.

These new locations add to the five EDCA locations earlier picked by Manila and Washington D.C. -- Cesar Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga; Fort Magsaysay Military Reservation in Nueva Ecija; Lumbia Airfield in Cagayan de Oro City; Antonio Bautista Air Base in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; and Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu.

The DND spokesperson added that these EDCA sites are vital to defending the country's territories, responding to calamities and securing Filipino fishermen making their livelihood in the country's vast waters.

"We call on the public to approach and understand the issue beyond the myopic perception that strengthening the military's capabilities means inviting war or conflict. Time and again, the AFP's assets and facilities have been utilized to respond to various threats to the security and safety of the Filipino people," he said.

Andolong also stressed that allocating resources for the development of the country's defense capabilities and the enhancement of the skills of its troops is a part of the functions of a state such as the Philippines.

He also assured the public that the DND and AFP are exercising judicious use of the funds allocated for the country's defense posture as this will allow the military to perform its mandate.

"Furthermore, Philippines-US activities, including efforts facilitated through EDCA, are intended to enhance the partnership between the Philippines and the US. These are not directed against any particular country but to modernize our alliance with the US and maintain a peaceful, free and prosperous Indo-Pacific," Andolong noted.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1199084

P900K reward up for arrest of NPA hitman in NegOcc

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 8, 2023): P900K reward up for arrest of NPA hitman in NegOcc (By Nanette Guadalquiver)



WANTED. The "wanted" poster for New People's Army hitman and murder suspect Roger Fabillar alias "Arnel Tapang". The reward for his arrest was raised from PHP500,000 to PHP900,000 on Thursday night (April 7, 2023). (Image courtesy of 79th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Arm)

BACOLOD CITY – The reward for the arrest of the elusive New People’s Army (NPA) hitman Roger Fabillar, the primary suspect in three murder cases in northern Negros, was raised from PHP500,000 to PHP900,000 on Thursday night.

“Several concerned stakeholders and private individuals offered additional cash reward amounting to PHP400,000 to hasten the manhunt against Fabillar and his group. Such amount shall be given to anyone who could provide information that could lead to the arrest and/or neutralization of Fabillar,” announced the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) based in Sagay City, Negros Occidental province.

Also known as “Arnel Tapang”, “Jhong” and “Nono,” the suspect, who is about 31 years old, is facing criminal charges for the series of killings in Calatrava town since last year.

The victims included village chief Benjamin Javoc of Barangay Lalong as well as Renato Estrebillo and Rodel Nobleza, of Barangay Marcelo, who were all gunned down last August.

In February this year, Fabillar was also tagged in the killing of councilman Benito Hubahib of Barangay Cambayobo.

The initial cash reward was set at PHP100,000 in August, and was increased to PHP300,000 then PHP500,000 in September.

Lt. Col. J-jay Javines, commanding officer of 79IB, had earlier said Fabillar is assigned to carry out special operations for the remnants of the dismantled NPA Northern Negros Front.

The bounty was raised following an encounter between the troops of 79IB and communist rebels in Sitio Siraje, Barangay San Isidro in the adjacent Toboso town on Thursday.

In September last year, soldiers installed “wanted” posters with the photograph and personal information of Fabillar in various barangays of Calatrava and Toboso.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Fabillar may contact the 79IB through hotline numbers (0963)8739989 (Smart) and (0927)3392481 (Globe).

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1199045