Kalinaw News: Cadre of Isabela PC with a case of murder, arrested

 Posted to Kalinaw News (Jul 15, 2023): Cadre of Isabela PC with a case of murder, arrested

LOOK: NPA Member of the Isabela Provincial Committee, Regional Committee-Cagayan Valley with a charge of multiple murder, arrested after the authorities filed an arrest warrant in Barangay Villa Pascua, Diffun, Quirino Saturday July 15, 2023.
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Cadre of Isabela PC with a case of murder, arrested

A cadre of the Communist Terrorist Group was arrested with multiple murder case after the authorities filed a warrant of arrest in Barangay Villa Pascua, Diffun, Quirino this Saturday July 15, 2023.

Accused Romeo Cudal alias Mon, 66 years old, tubong Baracaoit, Gattaran, Cagayan and Agrarian Revolution Officer of the Provincial Committee Isabela, Committee-Cagayan Valley.

Cudal was arrested on warrant of arrest with criminal case number 24-8071 released at Regional Trial Court Branch 24, Echague, Isabela.

The warrant of arrest was immediately served by the combined forces of 86th Infantry Battalion and PNP in the hideout of the accused.

The court has not recommended bail for Cudal's short-term freedom.

Cudal's presence was noted based on information provided by residents of the area indicating the real motives of the communist terrorist groups.

Meanwhile, the Quirino Provincial Task Force- End Local Communist Armed Conflict is pleased with the arrest of alias Mon who is also a major reduction in the recruitment force [in the agriculture sector] of the communist terrorist group.

Photos:86th Infantry Battalion,5ID,PA

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https://www.facebook.com/kalinawnews/

France eyes more maritime interactions in PH to promote peace

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 15, 2023): France eyes more maritime interactions in PH to promote peace (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

SIDEBAR. Outgoing French Ambassador Michele Boccoz grants an interview on the sidelines of the Bastille Day reception at a Makati City hotel on Friday (July 14, 2023). She reiterated Paris’ interest to work with like-minded states in promoting peace and stability amid growing geopolitical tensions and uncertainties in the Indo-Pacific region. (PNA photo by Joyce Rocamora)

MANILA – France is planning to increase its maritime interactions in the Indo-Pacific and the Philippines with the deployment of more naval assets, including the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier in 2025.

During the Bastille Day reception at a Makati City hotel on Friday night, outgoing French Ambassador Michele Boccoz reiterated Paris’ interest to work with like-minded states in promoting peace and stability amid growing geopolitical tensions and uncertainties in the region.

“We’re planning the deployments for the next few years little by little but we will have more important visits of carriers, aircraft carriers, and others. The preparations are underway,” she told reporters in an interview.

Boccoz said France would also work closely with Manila on capacity building and technology transfers.

This year, France participated for the first time as an observer in the “Balikatan” military exercises and joined the multilateral “Sama-Sama” (Together) exercises, which sought commitment towards ensuring free and open seas.

Last month, the French Navy Destroyer Lorraine docked in Manila for a goodwill visit before its commissioning.

According to Boccoz, France will send a full-time resident defense attaché to the Philippines this year, signaling its increased interest in the area.

“I believe deeply in this relationship. As you know, France is an Indo- Pacific nation with two million inhabitants in this zone, so close to the Philippines geographically and in terms of values. We believe deeply in democracy, a rules-based international order, and diplomacy,” she said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1205693

A refurbished health facility for the Philippine Navy

From the Business Mirror (Jul 15, 2023): A refurbished health facility for the Philippine Navy

Puerto Princesa City – The renovation of health facilities, an important component of the health and medical advocacy of SM Foundation, does not only cover barangay health centers.

It includes the rehabilitation of military health stations where both uniformed and civilian personnel and their dependents are given medical attention.

Last July 10, a refurbished Naval Station Apolinario Jalandoon Medical Dispensary (NSAJMD) in the city was inaugurated and formally turned over to the Philippine Navy, a major service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines by SM Foundation. The NSAJMD in the Naval Installation and Facilities West is the Philippine Navy’s Military Treatment Facility that dispenses medical and healthcare services to all Philippine Navy personnel, their dependents, and authorized civilians within the Naval Installation and Facilities West and in the area of responsibility of the Naval Forces West.

Following standards set by the Department of Health, the upgrade covered both the exterior and interior of the health facility. Walls were repainted to provide a cheerful and conducive environment to healthcare workers and patients. Inverter-type of air conditioner units and refrigerator were installed to reduce power consumption. LED lights were likewise used. Aside from the medical dispensary makeover, SM Foundation donated furniture including hospital beds and medicines for its pharmacy.

Other military medical facilities that have been renovated by SM Foundation include the

Philippine Military Academy Fort del Pilar Station Hospital, Camp Evangelista Station Hospital Annex,

Edwin Andrews Air Base Hospital, BGen Benito N. Ebuen Air Base Hospital, Philippine Air Force General Hospital, Air Force City Hospital in Clark, Fernando Airbase Station Hospital in Lipa, the Convalescence, Orthopedic & Heroes Ward of the V, Luna Hospital, now the AFP Hospital and Camp Evangelista Station Hospital Annex in Cagayan de Oro City, among others.

The NSAJMD is the 194th SM Foundation Wellness Center to date. It is the 39th military facility renovated by SM Foundation and the second in Puerto Princesa City following the 2018 turnover of a renovated Camp General Artemio Ricarte Station Hospital.

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2023/07/15/a-refurbished-health-facility-for-the-philippine-navy/

PH, US Marines hold Palawan live fire exercises amid stormy weather

From GMA News Online (Jul 15, 2023): PH, US Marines hold Palawan live fire exercises amid stormy weather

Philippine and American Marines held their joint live fire exercises in Rizal, Palawan on Saturday despite the stormy weather brought by the Southwest Monsoon.

In a 24 Oras Weekend report by Chino Gaston on Saturday, the Philippine and American troops were seen positioning themselves in trenches as they simulated an enemy attack coming from the sea.

Armored personnel carriers and 40 millimeter anti-aircraft cannon then arrived to reinforce the "defenders."

Filipino and American troops then struck at floating targets at sea as they were challenged by heavy rains and strong winds.

However, the use of aircraft and the deployment of high-mobility artillery rocket systems was canceled due to bad weather, though US Marines were landed on the training area using Ospreys.

Nevertheless, the challenges brought by rains were beneficial as it enhanced the training of the troops.

Both camps expressed hopes for additional weapons and equipment for the Philippine Armed Forces. — Jamil Santos/DVM, GMA Integrated News

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/875937/ph-us-marines-hold-palawan-live-fire-exercises-amid-stormy-weather/story/

Marcos asks Armed Forces to dismantle rebel groups

From the Manila Standard (Jul 15, 2023): Marcos asks Armed Forces to dismantle rebel groups (By Charles Dantes)

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday asked the military troops to bring all rebels back into the fold of the law by end of 2023.

Mr. Marcos made the remarks during his visit to Camp Juan Ponce of the 803rd Infantry (Peacemakers) Brigade of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Sumuroy, Northern Samar.

The president said his administration would be in full support to tend to rebels who would surrender.

“So, that is the plan. This is how we are going to move forward but this is all founded, it is all based, on the continuing good work that you put in every day,” said Mr. Marcos.

The 803rd IB has been instrumental in weakening the number of rebels in the region with over 6,200 of its sympathizers and personalities, and the dismantling of two guerilla fronts in Northern Samar.

“We have seen…..the increase in the firearms that have been neutralized and also the personalities that have been neutralized. Let us continue that trend,” the Chief Executive said.

The president said he could not wait to return to Northern Samar in the future to declare the area insurgency-free.

https://manilastandard.net/news/314350298/marcos-asks-armed-forces-to-dismantle-rebel-groups.html

Victims of rebel abuses gets help from government

From the Philippine Star (Jul 15, 2023): Victims of rebel abuses gets help from government (John Unson)

An Army officer explains to villagers in an upland barangay in Makilala, Cotabato the government’s programs for former strongholds of communist terrorists.
Philstar.com / John Unson

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Life is back to normal for more than 400 villagers at the upland border of Cotabato and Davao del Sur provinces that communist rebels had abused in years past.

The barangays where they reside, once bastions of the New Peoples’ Army now tagged by the Armed Forces and the Philippine National Police merely as a “communist terrorist group,” had been declared “insurgency free” as a result of interventions by local government units, the provincial police in both provinces and the Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion.

In a statement dispatched Saturday to media outfits in central Mindanao, the 39th IB said representatives of the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Region 12 released on Friday a P246,000 livelihood grant for 82 families in Barangay San Vicente in Makilala town in Cotabato province that got displaced by CTG-Army clashes in recent years.

Another group, the Tapicong Datalcolon Farmers Association. also launched then, with the help of DSWD-11, its general merchandise business in Barangay Bacungan in Magsaysay, Davao del Sur.

The 39th IB and the provincial police offices in Cotabato and Davao del Sur were cited by national officials who accompanied President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. during his visit to Digos City last month for having been instrumental in setting free from ruthless armed groups the highland barangays at the border of the two provinces.

A villager, Patricio Dumais, told reporters Saturday the forced collection from them of “revolutionary tax” by armed men made life for them so miserable.

“Now we can plant corn and other crops freely, our earnings safe from extortionists,” Dumais said.

Lt. Col. Ezra Balagtey, commander of the 39th IB, told reporters Saturday credit for the recovery of families in hinterlands in Magsaysay and Makilala has to go to the DSWD, the Department of Agriculture and local executives involved in community rehabilitation efforts after communist guerillas had left for good.

Records from the offices of the provincial governors in the two provinces indicate that more than 300 CTG members in the two provinces have surrendered in batches since 2018 through the intercession of local officials and units of the 39th IB.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2023/07/15/2281319/victims-rebel-abuses-gets-help-government

DND chief slams NPA for false ideology

From the Manila Times (Jul 16, 2023): DND chief slams NPA for false ideology (By Dexter A. See)

BAGUIO CITY: Defense Secretary Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro Jr. criticized the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) for fighting for an ideology and a cause that had never been realistic from the start.

Teodoro, the guest of honor during the regular meeting of the Regional Peace and Order Council in the Cordillera on Friday, pointed out that the government would not hesitate to flex its muscles within the bounds of the law to thwart any attempt by the communist rebels to wreck havoc and disrupt the peace and order in the country.

The Defense official also welcomed two former rebels who earlier surrendered to authorities and would be provided with the appropriate government assistance under the Expanded Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip) for them to start a new lease on life. They were former members of the NPA Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Party Committee.

"All the chances were given to the CPP-NPA," Teodoro said.

"In the past administration, they were even given Cabinet positions, yet what happened? Now, whose fault is it if a community is displaced — is it the government or the NPA?"

Teodoro also criticized the CPP-NPA for allegedly using improvised explosive devices in their combat operations despite being prohibited by existing treaties.

He encouraged the remaining communist rebels to return to the folds of the law before it was too late.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/07/16/regions/dnd-chief-slams-npa-for-false-ideology/1900845

Former rebel surrenders to authorities in Taytay

From Panay News (Jul 15, 2023): Former rebel surrenders to authorities in Taytay



A 51-year-old former New People’s Army (NPA) member in the barrio voluntarily surrendered to the personnel of the 401st B Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) in Taytay, Palawan on Thursday, July 13.

Police reports stated that the former NPA member, known as “Ka Jong”, belonged to the Kilusan Larangang Gerilya (LRG)-North, SRMA-4E STRPC, and a peasant-farmer under the Pinagkaisang Lakas ng mga Okupante, Residente, Mangagawa, Magsasaka at Mangingisda (PLORMMM).

The surrender of “Ka Jong” is attributed to the relentless efforts of the intelligence units of the 401st B MC RMFB, working in collaboration with Taytay MPS, Dumaran MPS, San Vicente MPS, PPCPO City Intelligence Unit, Provincial Intelligence Unit, Police Station 1 and 2, PPCPO City Mobile Force Company, 2nd PMFC Palawan PPO, CIT-RID 4B, RID NCRPO, 103rd SAC PNP-SAF, RID MIMAROPA, 2nd SOU PNP Maritime Group, and CIU-Palawan PCG.

“Ka Jong” is now under the custody and supervision of the 401st B MC RMFB for custodial debriefing, documentation, and assistance in processing his participation in the Enhanced Comprehensive and Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

https://palawan-news.com/former-rebel-surrenders-to-authorities-in-taytay/#google_vignette

PBBM sees end of insurgency in Northern Samar by yearend

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 15, 2023): PBBM sees end of insurgency in Northern Samar by yearend (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

CAMP VISIT. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. visits the Philippine Army’s 803rd Infantry (Peacemaker) Brigade at Camp Sumoroy in Catarman, Northern Samar on Friday (July 14, 2023). During his visit, the President expressed optimism that Northern Samar would be declared insurgency-free by the end of 2023. (Screenshot from Radio Television Malacañang)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has expressed optimism that Northern Samar would be declared insurgency-free by the end of 2023.

During his visit to Camp Sumoroy in Catarman, Northern Samar on Friday, Marcos lauded the Philippine Army’s 803rd Infantry Brigade (IBde) for their efforts to maintain peace and order in the province and expressed hope that the troops would be relentless in the drive to dismantle the communist rebel groups before the yearend.

“I just received the briefing on the success rate sa ating pagbuwag, sa ating pag-dismantle ng mga front, pag-weaken ng mga ibang front (of dismantling the fronts). And I was also given a very encouraging deadline that masabi natin (we could say) that we will have dismantled all of the CTG (communist terrorist group) fronts by the end of the year and that is the result of your good work,” he said.

"From the progress being made in Northern Samar, we are looking forward to declaring that province clear of CTGs by the end of the year."

Marcos said he could not wait to visit Northern Samar again to declare that it is already free from all forms of insurgencies.

“And that will be a big, big blow to the enemy forces because they have always felt that Northern Samar is a place that they feel safe in,” he added.

The 803rd IBde has been instrumental in degrading the insurgents’ strength in the region, with the surrender of more than 6,200 of its sympathizers and personalities, and the dismantling of two guerilla fronts in Northern Samar.

Despite the brigade’s accomplishments, Marcos reminded the soldiers to stay alert and vigilant.

“You are still now in Northern Samar, on the front line. Kaya’t (So), do not let your guard down. Continue to do what you have been doing dahil (because), as I said, it has been successful, it has been effective and we can see that from the weakening of the enemy forces,” he said.

Marcos also urged the brigade to step up their counterinsurgency efforts to convince the rebels to return to the fold of the law.

He reassured that rebels who wish to reintegrate into society would get the government’s full support and assistance.

“So, that is the plan. This is how we are going to move forward but this is all founded. It is all based on the continuing good work that you put in every day,” Marcos said.

The President also urged the troops to continue their close coordination with the community to ensure the success of the anti-insurgency campaign.

He renewed his vow to provide the government troops with all the tools, equipment, and training that they need as part of the administration’s efforts to modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines not only for internal security operations but also for countering possible external threats.

“We have seen…. the increase in the firearms that have been neutralized and also the personalities that have been neutralized. Let us continue that trend,” Marcos said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1205681

Maguindanao Norte town execs surrender 36 guns, explosives

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 15, 2023): Maguindanao Norte town execs surrender 36 guns, explosives (By Edwin Fernandez)

LOOSE FIREARMS. Military and police personnel document the 36 assorted high-powered guns and explosives surrendered by civilians in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte on Friday (July 15, 2023). The firearms, which included a .50-caliber machinegun, were turned over to authorities by civilians in the town’s 34 villages. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao Norte – Local officials of Datu Odin Sinsuat (DOS) town in Maguindanao Norte surrendered 36 assorted high-powered firearms to the military in support of the government’s campaign against loose firearms.

In a statement Saturday, DOS Mayor Lester Sinsuat said the firearms came from residents of the town’s 34 villages.

“We are fully supporting the government’s campaign against loose firearms,” the mayor said.

Sinsuat and other town officials turned over the loose firearms to Lt. Col. Tristram Tolentino, the Army’s 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion (IB), based in the area on Friday.

On the same day, Tolentino presented the firearms to Col. Nasser Lidasan, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) deputy commander, and Col. James Gulmatico, the deputy director for operation of the Police Regional Office in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The surrendered firearms included a .50-caliber machine gun, a .50-caliber sniper rifle, a Garand rifle, nine M14 rifles, five M16 rifles, two 12-gauge shotguns, eight M79 grenade launchers, five 9mm Uzi submachine guns, a .22-caliber rifle, a .38-caliber revolver, and two homemade guns.

Four explosives, comprising two rocket-propelled grenades and two 40mm rifle grenades, were also surrendered.

Maj. Gen. Alex S. Rillera, Army’s 6ID commander, lauded the DOS officials for their initiative.

"Every firearm that we collect from unauthorized persons is equivalent to saving the life of innocent civilians in DOS town,” Rillera, also the commander of the Joint Task Force Central, said in a separate statement.

Also on Friday, the 6ID announced that troopers from the 40th IB discovered a lair of a local terrorist group in Barangay Salman, Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur with running trenches and abandoned war materials.

Rillera said the seized war materials included improvised explosive device components, an M16 rifle magazine assembly with 20 live ammunition, a bandolier, and a chest rig tactical gear.

Also recovered were assorted personal belongings, construction materials, and cooking utensils.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1205686

Viscom chief cites advisory body’s role in fight vs. insurgency

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 15, 2023): Viscom chief cites advisory body’s role in fight vs. insurgency (By John Rey Saavedra)

ADVISORY BOARD. Visayas Command (Viscom) chief, Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo (left), chats with Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma during the 2nd-quarter Viscom Multi-Sector Advisory Board (MSAB) chaired by the prelate, at Camp Lapu-Lapu in Cebu City on Friday (July 14, 2023). Arevalo cited the role of Viscom MSAB in sustaining the gains in their fight against insurgency in the Visayas. (Photo courtesy of Viscom PIO)

CEBU CITY – The top Army official in the Visayas on Saturday cited the contribution of a private sector advisory body in sustaining the gains in their fight against insurgency in the central Philippines.

Visayas Command (Viscom) chief, Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, said the Multi-Sector Advisory Board (MSAB) has assisted the unified command’s commitment to promoting good governance, transparency, and accountability in fulfilling its mission to defeat the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in the country’s three central regions.

Arevalo said soldiers in the Visayas are guided by his operational philosophy, “feared by the enemy, loved by the people,” in every phase of fulfilling their mission to bring sustainable peace and development.

“As the reliable Armed Forces in the Visayas region, we should be feared by the enemy and loved by the people. Let’s focus on defeating the enemy and of course to balance this, we should be loved by the people. We cannot defeat them without being loved by the people,” he said.

As he highlighted the role of all the civil-military operations sections and units in the Visayas as "warrior diplomats," Arevalo said the Viscom would recognize, through awards and medals, their efforts in gaining the hearts and minds of the Visayan people who have contributed a lot in the effort to neutralize the CPP-NPA.

On Friday, Arevalo graced the 2nd-quarter MSAB meeting presided by its chairperson, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, and attended by its members across various representations.

The MSAB consists of members of the academe, project management practitioners, public officials, youth, women, legal professionals, media practitioners, military retirees, and reservists.

Palma expressed his full support for the priority programs of the Viscom and highlighted the role of the MSAB in aligning these programs.

“We are here to see their focus. We are here to know their priority, and we are here to assist in the attainment of that priority,” he said.

Among the mandates of the MSAB is to champion the implementation of the Viscom Transformation Roadmap and provide expert advice.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1205695