NPA rebel killed, 8 firearms seized in Bukidnon, Agusan del Sur

From the Mindanao Times (Sep 25, 2023): NPA rebel killed, 8 firearms seized in Bukidnon, Agusan del Sur (By RHODA GRACE SARON) 

 

ANOTHER member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in an encounter with soldiers, who also seized eight firearms in two focused military operations in Bukidnon and Agusan del Sur, on Sept. 22 and 24, 2023.

The military identified the slain rebel as Madagi Tumanan, a resident of Barangay Eureka, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental.

Accordingly, soldiers of the 26th Infantry Battalion led by Lt. Col. Sandy Majarocon, under the operational control of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, clashed with more or less five communist terrorists in Barangay Guibonon, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur on Sept. 24, which resulted in the death of Tumanan.

Major Francisco Garello Jr., 4th ID spokesperson, said the soldiers also captured an M16 rifle.

Majacorom said the remains of the rebel would be turned over to the police and eventually to the nearest funeral parlor in Gingoog City.

“We will reach out to the family so that the dead CNT will have a decent burial,” he said.

“We remain committed to the respect of human rights and highly value the sacredness of a body of human beings, contrary to the communist terrorist group’s (CTG’s) criminal actions in abandoning their dead comrade as if it’s nothing after using and pushing him to his grave,” he added.

Meanwhile, on Sept. 22, troops of the 8th Infantry Battalion under commanding officer Lt. Col. Anthony Bacus, captured two firearms after an encounter against at least seven rebels in Sitio Kamaca, Barangay Bontongon, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon.

A thorough search and clearing at the nearby creek of said encounter site resulted in the discovery of an arms cache containing an M16 rifle, M203 Grenade Launcher, Cal .30 M1 Garand rifle, and Cal .22 Semi-Automatic Pistol.

Captured items during the encounter include an M1 Garand rifle and Caliber 45 pistol, magazines with ammunition, an anti-personnel mine with fuse and a detonating cord.

Bacus said residents reported the presence of rebels last week, prompting a military offensive.

“We wanted this criminal group to realize the futility of using violence as a means to advance an agenda. Your soldiers in Bukidnon won’t stop until the CTG criminals will yield and give our people a community free from threat and chaos,” Bacus said.

403rd Brigade Commander BGen. Michele B. Anayron Jr. said they are going after the remaining members of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCRMC), responsible for numerous acts of violence and extortion in Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental.

In addition, they also coordinated with other government agencies and the local government unit in Agusan del Sur and Misamis Oriental for some assistance to his family.

Major General Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II, commander of the 4th Infantry Division, said they remain resolute in neutralizing the CTG criminals by reducing their capabilities, disrupting their networks, and preventing their resurgence in the communities.

“We in the 4ID continue to encourage our fellow Filipinos to support our intensified efforts together with our partner agencies under the Task Force to end local communist armed conflict in order to maintain peace and security in the regions. With this, we reaffirm our resolve to combat criminalities and insurgency, ensuring that the people can live free from fear and in an environment conducive to growth and prosperity,” Cuerpo added.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2023/09/25/npa-rebel-killed-8-firearms-seized-in-bukidnon-agusan-del-sur/

NPA rebel killed in Agusan

From Malaya Business Insight (Sep 26, 2023): NPA rebel killed in Agusan (By Victor Reyes)

A NEW People’s Army (NPA) rebel died and eight firearms were recovered by government troops in clashes in Agusan del Sur and Bukidnon.

The communist rebel, identified as Madagi Tumanan, died on Sunday after an encounter with soldiers from the Army’s 26th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Barangay Guibonon in Esperanza town in Agusan del Sur.

Soldiers also recovered at the encounter site an M16 rifle.

Lt. Col. Sandy Majarocon, 26th IB commander, said the cadaver of Tumanan, a resident of Gingoog City in Misamis Oriental, will be turned over to the PNP.

“We will reach out to the family so that the dead CNT (CPP-NPA terrorist) will have decent burial,” he said.

“We remain committed to the respect of human rights and highly value the sacredness of a body of human being, contrary to the communist terrorist group’s criminal actions in abandoning their dead comrade as if it’s nothing after using and pushing him to his grave,” he added.

In Bukidnon, troops from the 8th IB clashed with another group of rebels in Sitio Kamaca, Barangay Bontongon in Impasug-on town last Friday.

Lt. Col. Anthony Bacus, 8th IB commander, said the battalion conducted an operation in the area after receiving information from residents about rebel presence.

“We wanted this criminal group to realize the futility of using violence as a means to advance an agenda,” said Bacus, referring to the NPA rebels.

No one was reported killed or injured in the encounter.

Troops recovered two Garand rifles, M16 rifle, an M203 grenade launcher, a cal. 22 semi-automatic pistol, a cal. 45 pistol, magazines, assorted ammunition, an anti-personnel mine with fuse and detonating cord and other war materiel.

https://malaya.com.ph/news_news/npa-rebel-killed-in-agusan/

Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat military operations kill 3

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Sep 26, 2023): Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat military operations kill 3 (By: Edwin Fernandez)

FOILED GUNRUNNING. Police in Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat killed two gunrunners when they resisted arrest after a botched gun deal on Sunday, Sept. 24. Two sniper rifles and a Yamaha NMax motorbike were recovered from the slain suspects. | PHOTOS: Lambayong PNP

TACURONG CITY Sultan Kudarat – Three armed men were killed Sunday during separate law enforcement operations by police and military forces in Maguindanao del Sur and Sultan Kudarat provinces, authorities said.

Two men from Maguindanao del Sur suspected of involvement in gunrunning activities were killed when they resisted arrest after an entrapment operation in Lambayong town, Sultan Kudarat, said Major Jethro Doligas, Lambayong police chief.

Doligas said the two gunrunners opened fire on a man they were negotiating with about 1 p.m. for the sale of two homemade sniper rifles at the national highway in Barangay Didtaras.

Doligas identified the fatalities as Abdulazis Bukakong, a suspected member of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters residing in Barangay Kulambog, and Alimudin Tayan, an alleged member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front residing in Barangay Darumpua, both in Sultan sa Barongis town in Maguindanao del Sur.

Doligas said the duo agreed to sell two sniper rifles to a buyer who was an undercover police officer.

After sensing that they were dealing with a law enforcer, they opened fire on the buyer, but both were subdued by responding police officers waiting from a distance while the transaction was in progress.

Inside two sacks, the police found one cal. 50 sniper rifle and another, a cal. 7.56 sniper rifle with ammunition. Police also recovered the suspects’ Yamaha NMax motorbike.

In Ampatuan town, also in Maguindanao del Sur, military forces killed a suspected member of the Dawlah Islamiya terrorist group during a  military operation.

Brigadier General Oriel Pangcog, commander of the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade, identified the suspect as Merlo Mling, who was killed in a brief clash Sunday with soldiers from the 40th Infantry Battalion.

Pangcog said the clash began when Mling and his companions fired at soldiers heading toward the outskirts of Ampatuan to check on reports about the presence of gunmen in the area.

His companions escaped during the encounter, but the Army believed that some of them were injured.

The soldiers found near Mling’s cadaver an M14 assault rifle, an M79 grenade launcher and a caliber .45 pistol.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1836748/maguindanao-sultan-kudarat-military-operations-kill-3

2 illegal gun dealers killed in Sultan Kudarat entrapment operation

From the Philippine Star (Sep 26, 2023): 2 illegal gun dealers killed in Sultan Kudarat entrapment operation (John Unson)

The two rifles and the motorcycle of the slain illegal gun dealers are now in the custody of the local police. Philstar.com / John Unson

COTABATO CITY— Policemen shot dead two long wanted illegal gun dealers in an entrapment operation that turned haywire in Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat on Monday.

Brig. Gen. Jimili Lopez Macaraeg, director of the Police Regional Office-12, on Tuesday identified the slain suspects as Abdullazis Sidik Bukakong and his accomplice Alimudin Andong Tayan, who died on the spot from bullet wounds sustained in the brief shootout.

A report from the Lambayong Municipal Police Station stated that Bukakong was a member of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters while Tayan belonged to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, something that puzzled probers, knowing that both groups are hostile to each other.

Macaraeg said that the duo pulled out guns and opened fire when they sensed that they had sold two bolt-action 7.62 millimeter sniper rifles to plainclothes policemen in clandestine tradeoff along a secluded stretch of a highway in Barangay Didtaras in Lambayong.

The police director said that the entrapment operation that turned awry was laid together by the combined personnel of the Lambayong MPS and the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Police and PRO-12 intelligence operatives.

Besides the two assault rifles, policemen also impounded the motorcycle of the suspects that they reportedly used in transporting firearms to buyers in Lambayong and nearby towns in Sultan Kudarat.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2023/09/26/2299165/2-illegal-gun-dealers-killed-sultan-kudarat-entrapment-operation

Dawlah member dead, 3 hurt in Maguindanao del Sur clash

From the Philippine Star (Sep 25, 2023): Dawlah member dead, 3 hurt in Maguindanao del Sur clash (By John Unson)

The Army’s 40th Infantry Battalion is now in custody of the firearms of the slain Merlo Pasandalan Mling. Philstar.com / John Unson

COTABATO CITY — Soldiers shot dead a member of the Dawlah Islamiya and wounded three others in an encounter in Ampatuan town in Maguindanao del Sur over the weekend.

Army Brig. Gen. Oriel Libres Pangcog, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, and Col. Roel Rullan Sermese, Maguindanao del Sur police director, separately confirmed to reporters on Monday that a long wanted terrorist named Merlo Pasandalan Mling was killed in a brief clash on Saturday morning with patrolling personnel of the 40th Infantry Battalion near the town proper of Ampatuan.

Pangcog said the firefight broke out when Mling and his companions opened fire on soldiers dispatched to check their presence in the area, as reported by villagers.


Confidential informants, among them Muslim clerics opposed to the activities of the Dawlah Islamiya, have confirmed to reporters and officials of the Army's 6th Infantry Division that three of Mling’s companions, Kadir Tangan Mindoh, Samarudin Didao Namla and Salem Muntak Junaid were wounded in the ensuing gunfight.

The three wounded terrorists were seen being carried away from the scene by companions as they fled when they sensed that Army and police reinforcements were closing in.

Pangcog said soldiers found beside Mling’s cadaver an M79 grenade launcher, an M14 assault rifle and an improvised .45 caliber machine pistol, are now in the custody of the 40th IB.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2023/09/25/2298967/dawlah-member-dead-3-hurt-maguindanao-del-sur-clash

Sayyaf killed, 9 policemen wounded in Sulu encounter

From the Manila Times (Sep 26, 2023): Sayyaf killed, 9 policemen wounded in Sulu encounter (By Al Jacinto)

ZAMBOANGA CITY: An Abu Sayyaf fighter was killed and nine police commandos were wounded in a firefight Saturday in Sulu province in southern Philippines.

The fighting was the first between security forces and the pro-ISIS group following the military's declaration that the province is now free from the Abu Sayyaf.

Police forces were sent to the remote town of Panamao to serve an arrest warrant on a wanted Abu Sayyaf member Muksidal Jumadil at his hideout in the village of Seir Hagad after villagers tipped off authorities about his presence.

Jumadil opened automatic fire on the commandos, sparking a fierce battle that eventually resulted in the killing of the gunman. The wounded commandos, all members of the 7th Special Action Battalion, were rushed to a hospital. Among the wounded were a captain and two of his lieutenants.

Police said Jumadil was wanted for a string of murders in the Sulu. No other details about his criminal past were made available by the authorities. Many of the Abu Sayyaf leaders in Sulu had been killed in military and police operations and their members surrendered the past years to avail of the government's amnesty program.

Meanwhile in Basilan province, two pro-government militias ambushed a policeman SSg Jun Jabbal Arasal and his two companions Rene Tanasain and Arastud Asisoy on Friday, September 22, in Parangbasak village in Lamitan City.

The ambushers, Lipunan Docol and Lim Amaran, escaped after attacking the three who were travelling in a car. Police said they are investigating the motive of the attack or whether this was a family feud or a clan war.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/09/26/regions/sayyaf-killed-9-policemen-wounded-in-sulu-encounter/1911766

Philippines removes China’s barriers in Panatag Shoal

From Rappler (Sep 25, 2023): Philippines removes China’s barriers in Panatag Shoal (By BEA CUPIN)

(2nd UPDATE) The Philippines undertakes this rare move – dismantling a physical installation by China in the West Philippine Sea – upon the orders of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines announced on Monday evening, September 25, that it had removed the floating barriers installed by the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) at Bajo de Masinloc or Panatag Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

The Philippines undertook this rare move – dismantling a physical installation by China in the West Philippine Sea – upon the orders of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The announcement came less than six hours after the country said it would take all appropriate actions” to remove the 300-meter “hazard to navigation.”

“In compliance with the instruction of the President, the Chairman, National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS), Secretary Eduardo Año, has directed the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to execute a special operation to remove the floating barrier that obstructed the southeast entrance of Bajo de Masinloc (BDM),” said PCG spokesperson commodore Jay Tarriela in a social media post around 8 pm, Manila time.

Earlier on Monday, the Philippines condemned the floating barriers installed by the CCG in Panatag Shoal.

“We condemn the installation of floating barriers by CCG in BDM. The placement by the People’s Republic of China of a barrier violates the traditional fishing rights of our fishermen whose rights have been affirmed by the 2016 arbitral ruling,” said Año in a statement on Monday.

“We will take all appropriate actions to cause the removal of the barriers and to protect the rights of our fishermen in the area,” he added.

In a separate statement, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson Teresita Daza said the Philippines would “take all appropriate measures to protect our country’s sovereignty and the livelihood of our fisherfolk.”

China, in turn, insisted that it had the right to control access to Bajo de Masinloc and that the Philippines did not ask “permission” to enter its lagoon.

In a press conference, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin insisted “Huangyan Dao has always been China’s territory,” using the Chinese name for the atoll. China refers to the formation, also known as Scarborough Shoal, as an “island.” China also insists that it has “indisputable sovereignty” over the so-called “island” and its waters, even if a 2016 arbitral ruling said the shoal was only a rock.

China does not recognize the 2016 ruling.

“China Coast Guard did what was necessary to block and drive away the Philippine vessel. The steps it took were professional and restrained,” added Wang.

On Sunday, September 24, the PCG said the CCG installed a 300-meter floating barrier at the southeast portion of Panatag Shoal, also known as Scarborough Shoal. The placement of barriers meant that Filipino fisherfolk were unable to enter the shoal, where fish is aplenty and where fisherfolk are protected from the dangers of open sea.

Some 50 Philippine fishing boats were in the area when Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and PCG personnel aboard the BRP Datu Bankaw witnessed the installation of the barriers on Friday, September 22. Filipino fisherfolk said the CCG typically installs barriers when they see many Filipino boats in the area.

“[The 2016 arbitral tribunal] ruled categorically that such action by the PRC violated the traditional fishing rights of our fishermen in the shoal who have been fishing there for centuries. Any state that prevents them from doing artisanal fishing there violates UNCLOS and international law, in general,” said Año.

In 2016, an arbitral tribunal at the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in favor of the Philippines, quashing China’s sweeping claim over practically all of the South China Sea. The court also determined that China behaved “unlawfully” against the Philippines when it violated the Philippines’ sovereign rights in its exclusive economic zone. The court also scored Beijing for the damage it had inflicted on the coral reef and marine ecosystem in its “large-scale land reclamation.”

“Bajo de Masinloc is an integral part of the Philippines over which we have sovereignty and territorial jurisdiction according to UNCLOS. The 2016 arbitral award affirms it as a traditional fishing ground of Filipino fisherfolk,” said Daza.

“China’s reported installation of barriers and its negative impact on the livelihood of Filipino fisherfolk or any other activity that infringes upon the Philippines’ sovereignty and jurisdiction in Bajo de Masinloc are violations of international law, particularly UNCLOS and the arbitral award,” she added.

The September 22 is the latest in a long list of China’s aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea, or parts of the South China Sea within the Philippines exclusive economic zone.

China has made a habit, for instance, of blocking and harassing Philippine ships on resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre, the Philippines’ dilapidated outpost in Ayungin Shoal. Filipino fisherfolk often get the shortest end of the stick, facing harassment from Chinese ships that are far bigger and more modern than their own.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/philippines-condemns-plans-remove-china-barriers-panatag-shoal/

WATCH: PH’s ‘special operation’ to remove China’s floating barrier in Bajo de Masinloc

From Rappler (Sep 25, 2023): WATCH: PH’s ‘special operation’ to remove China’s floating barrier in Bajo de Masinloc (By BEA CUPIN)

'The decisive action of the PCG to remove the barrier aligns with international law and the Philippines' sovereignty over the shoal,' says the Philippine Coast Guard

MANILA, Philippines – Aboard a small boat and with knives in hand, personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday, September 25, carried out a “special operation” to remove a floating barrier placed by the Chinese Coast Guard at the opening of Bajo de Masinloc or Panatag Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

“In compliance with the instruction of the President, the chairman, National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS), Secretary Eduardo Año, has directed the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to execute a special operation to remove the floating barrier that obstructed the southeast entrance of Bajo de Masinloc (BDM),” said PCG Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela in a post on X (formerly Twitter) late Monday.

It was just on Sunday, September 24, when the PCG announced that their Chinese counterparts placed a floating barrier made of rope, nets, heavy metal chains, and anchors across the southeast entrance to Bajo de Masinloc.

By midafternoon of Monday, both Año and Department of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Teresita Daza promised the Philippines would do what it could to protect the country’s sovereignty and the rights of Filipino fisherfolk in the area.

Año was more daring.

He said the Philippines would “take all appropriate actions to cause the removal of the barriers.”

China’s actions meant that Filipino fisherfolk – some 50 boats were just outside the shoal when the barrier was placed – were barred from safely entering the lagoon of the shoal, where fish are abundant and where waters are much safer compared to the open sea.

The shoal was declared by a 2016 arbitral tribunal as a common fishing ground, meaning all nationalities that traditionally fished there – Chinese, Filipino, or Vietnamese – should be able to do so without impediment.

“The barrier posed a hazard to navigation, a clear violation of international law. It also hinders the conduct of fishing and livelihood activities of Filipino fisherfolk in BDM, which is an integral part of the Philippine national territory. The 2016 Arbitral Award has affirmed that BDM is the traditional fishing ground of Filipino fishermen. Thus, any obstruction hindering the livelihoods of Filipino fisherfolk in the shoal violates the international law,” Tarriela said in the same post.

Photos and a video released by Tarriela showed PCG personnel cutting through the barrier rope with knives, as well as hoisting up an anchor that was part of the barrier.

A Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) ship with PCG, BFAR, and media personnel had arrived near the shoal just as the Chinese Coast Guard was installing the barrier. Filipino fisherfolk, according to the PCG, noted that the Chinese have always put barriers the moment they monitor a large volume of vessels near the shoal.

The BFAR and PCG personnel were bringing with them gas, food, and other provisions for the Filipino fisherfolk out at sea.

“The decisive action of the PCG to remove the barrier aligns with international law and the Philippines’ sovereignty over the shoal,” said Tarriela.

He added, “The PCG remains committed to upholding international law, safeguarding the welfare of Filipino fisherfolk, and protecting the rights of the Philippines in its territorial waters.”

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who ordered the operation, has not said a word about China’s latest act of aggression in the West Philippine Sea.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/video-philippine-coast-guard-remove-china-barrier-bajo-de-masinloc/

House passes MUP pension bill, putting ball in Senate’s court

From Rappler (Sep 26, 2023): House passes MUP pension bill, putting ball in Senate’s court (By DWIGHT DE LEON)

The proposal seeks to address perennial issues hounding the current military and uniformed personnel pension system, which has strained government finances over the years

MANILA, Philippines – The House of Representatives passed on final reading a bill that seeks to reform the country’s generous pension system for military and uniformed personnel (MUP).

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s priority measure cleared the chamber on Tuesday midnight, September 26, after 272 lawmakers voted to pass the the MUP Pension System Act. Four House members opposed the measure, while one other abstained from the vote.

House Bill No. 8969 seeks to address perennial issues concerning the current pension system, which has strained government finances over the years.

But the measure that passed the chamber has been watered down compared to the original proposal, which sought to include present retirees and active MUPs in the reforms.
What the bill contains

Under the approved measure, only new entrants will be required to contribute 9% of their monthly compensation to the fund, since proponents already dropped initial proposals to compel MUP in active service to contribute as well.

The pension of retired MUPs are automatically indexed at a full rate, while active members are guaranteed of a salary increase of 3% per annum for the next 10 years.

Two trust funds would be created, one for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and another for uniformed personnel, composed of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), and commissioned officers of the Hydrography Branch of the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA).

Funding sources would include capitalization, mandatory contributions, savings of the national government, unprogrammed appropriations, and investment income from the trust funds, among others.

The trust funds would be managed by the MUP Trust Fund Committee, chaired by the Finance Secretary.

MUST READ: FAST FACTS: What’s in the MUP Pension System Act proposed in the House?

The bill has around 30 main authors, but listed first are Speaker Martin Romualdez, Tingog Representative Yedda Romualdez, Tingog Representative Jude Acidre, Majority Leader Mannix Dalipe, and Albay 2nd District Representative Joey Salceda.

Voting against the measure, Kabataan Representative Raoul Manuel criticized the annual salary increase for MUPs under the bill.

“In exempting active MUPs from contributing to the pension funds, it will too burdensome for the government before the trust funds become self-sustaining,” he added.
Long and winding road

Attempts to review and reform the military pension system go all the way back to early 2000s, under the administration of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

But these efforts failed to pick up steam due to serious apprehensions from military and uniformed personnel.

The existing pension system – described by Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno as the most generous in the world – has widened the cracks in government coffers, putting the Philippines on the brink of fiscal collapse.

Every year, the government digs deep into its pockets: in 2022, military pension spending reached P164 billion, surpassing maintenance and other operating expenses as well as capital outlays.

MUST READ: EXPLAINER: How generous military pension is pushing Philippines to fiscal collapse

Diokno has said Marcos is willing to spend his political capital to get the bill passed, and by July, his administration officially listed military pension reform as a priority measure that he wants to sign into law before end of the year.

In August, Speaker Romualdez formed an ad hoc panel tasked to consolidate numerous proposals on the subject.

The bill passed by the committee is different from the one that hurdled the House, because the latter accommodated numerous suggestions raised by Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr., who opposed blanket mandatory contributions for mandatory personnel, and tweaks to indexation.

The approved bill will be transmitted to the Senate, which now has the ball on Marcos’ priority meausre.

Senate records show three measures seeking to reform the MUP pension system are pending in the committee level.

These bills are filed by senators Jinggoy Estrada, Win Gatchalian, and Bong Revilla.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/house-representatives-passes-military-uniformed-personnel-pension-system-reform-september-2023/

84 ex-rebels receive financial aid

From Panay News (Sep 26, 2023): 84 ex-rebels receive financial aid (By Ruby P. Silubrico)

Financial assistance are distributed to 84 former New People’s Army members at Camp Monteclaro in Miag-ao, Iloilo on Sept. 22, 2023. 61ST INFANTRY BATTALION

ILOILO City – Eighty-four former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) received financial assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Friday at Camp Monteclaro, Barangay Igtuba, Miag-ao, Iloilo.

These former rebels hailed from the towns of Igbaras, Miag-ao, San Joaquin, and Leon in the 1st District of Iloilo Province, said Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Balgos, commander of the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion.

Balgos said the financial aid was part of the government’s Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), with the DSWD disbursing a total of P420,000.

“We aim to show the rebels, who continue to hide in the mountains, that our government is genuinely committed to assisting them. They need to halt the armed struggle and avail themselves of the livelihood programs and financial aid offered by our government,” Balgos told Panay News.

Before receiving this assistance, the ex-rebels underwent a process of verification and profiling. At present, 34 more former rebels are being assessed and profiled./PN

https://www.panaynews.net/84-ex-rebels-receive-financial-aid/

Slain rebels behind liquidation of 2 soldiers, civilian

From the Visayan Daily Star (Sep 25, 2023): Slain rebels behind liquidation of 2 soldiers, civilian (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Members of a group of New People’s Army rebels who were encountered and killed by Army soldiers on September 21 in Sitio Lubi, Brgy. Tabugon, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, were tagged as those behind the summary execution of two Army soldiers and a civilian in Sipalay City and Ilog, respectively, in 2022.

This was bolstered with the recovery of a .45 caliber pistol owned by the late Sgt. Regie Glindro, one of the two Army soldiers waylaid and summarily executed by rebels in Brgy. Camindangan, Sipalay City, on November 24, 2022. It was among the guns recovered by soldiers from six NPA rebels killed in an encounter on Thursday night last week in Sitio Lubi, Brgy. Tabugon, Kabankalan City, according to a statement issued by the Army’3rd Infantry Division.

Justice now appears closer at hand for the fallen Army personnel, as those responsible for their murders have paid for their crimes in an armed engagement with the Army troops, Lt. Col. J Jay Javines, Civil Military Operations officer of the 3rd Infantry Division, said.

Javines added that the same group of rebels was also responsible for killing of 65-year-old Silas Granada in Brgy Pingot, Ilog, in January this year, shooting the victim in the head several times.

In previous months The NPA Armando Sumayang Jr. Command of the NPA had issued separate statements claiming responsibility for the deaths of Granada, and Army Sgts. Regie Glindro and SSgt. Ken Camilan, in Ilog and Sipalay City, respectively.

Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, 3rd Infantry Division commander, disclosed that the death of six rebels in Negros Occidental encounter is not only a big blow to the New People’s Army that brings them closer to becoming inconsequential, but most importantly, “this is justice being served to the victims of their willful killings.”*

https://visayandailystar.com/slain-rebels-behind-liquidation-of-2-soldiers-civilian/

CHR to probe rebel deaths in Kabankalan, Bago salvaging

From the Visayan Daily Star (Sep 26, 2023): CHR to probe rebel deaths in Kabankalan, Bago salvaging (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The Commission on Human Rights will conduct an independent probe on the death of six suspected New People’s Army rebels, reported by the Philippine Army to have died in a gun battle in Kabankalan City, as well as the reported “salvaging incident” in Bago City, all in Negros Occidental.

Vincent Parra, head of the CHR sub office in Negros Occidental, yesterday said they received information that the New People’s Army claimed it was not an encounter, but an ambush.

Parra also said that they received reports that one of the casualties in the alleged encounter was a pregnant woman.

These are all allegations, according to Parra, that they will validate on Thursday, by looking into the police blotters, to check the identities of those killed in the reported encounter.

In a radio interview, the family of Rubin Gaitan, who was driving the tricycle used by the slain rebels, insisted that he is a not member of the NPA.

The military reported earlier that six NPA died in an encounter Thursday night last week in Sitio Lubi, Brgy. Tabugon, Kabankalan City, that also resulted in the recovery of five handguns, including a .45 caliber pistol owned by the late Army Sgt. Regie Glindro, among other items.

Brig. Gen. Joey Escanillas, 302nd Infantry Brigade commander, earlier said that the rebels opened fire first at Army soldiers, prompting the soldiers to respond defensively.

Parra said that they will also investigate the reported salvaging of two victims in Brgy. Tabunan, Bago City, and the dumping of the body of a still unidentified person in Brgy. Efigenio Lizares.

The two “salvage victims” were identified by the police as Scott Pill Arevalo, 37, and Edward Pille, 28, of Brgy. Singcang Airport, Bacolod City, whose cadavers were claimed by their respective families during the weekend.

Upon discovery, both victims were hogtied, having their hands and feet bound together with packing tape. Their mouths and noses also covered with a thick layer of packing tape that could have caused their suffocation, said PSSgt. Armando Arao, Bago City police investigator.

On the other hand, the identity of a man, who was found dead on September 15 along the road of Hacienda Otilla, Brgy. Efigenio Lizares, Talisay City, has not yet been established by the police.*

https://visayandailystar.com/chr-to-probe-rebel-deaths-in-kabankalan-bago-salvaging/

Floating barriers at Scarborough Shoal violate PH sovereignty - DFA

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 25, 2023): Floating barriers at Scarborough Shoal violate PH sovereignty - DFA (By Ma. Teresa Montemayor)

ILLEGAL. Floating barriers with an estimated length of 300 meters southeast of Bajo de Masinloc were discovered by the Philippine Coast Guard and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources personnel onboard BRP Datu Bankaw during a routine maritime patrol on Sept. 22, 2023. Filipino fisherfolk reported that Chinese vessels usually install floating barriers whenever they see local boats in the area. (Photo courtesy of PCG)

MANILA – The installation of floating barriers at Scarborough Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc, by the China Coast Guard is an infringement of Philippine sovereignty, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Monday.

Bajo de Masinloc is an integral part of the Philippines over which it has sovereignty and territorial jurisdiction, according to UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said in a statement.

The 2016 Arbitral Award also affirmed it as a traditional fishing ground of Filipino fisherfolk.

“China’s reported installation of barriers and its negative impact on the livelihood of Filipino fisherfolk or any other activity that infringes upon the Philippines’ sovereignty and jurisdiction in Bajo de Masinloc are violations of international law, particularly UNCLOS and the Arbitral Award,” Daza said.

The Philippine Coast Guard reported on Sunday that their personnel and officers of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources discovered an estimated 300-meter floating barrier during a routine maritime patrol on Sept. 22.

The DFA will "take all appropriate measures" to protect the country’s sovereignty and the fisherfolk’s livelihood, Daza said.

Earlier, National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said a report about the Chinese activity has been completed and now awaiting the president's response.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1210513

6 PH Navy ships hold naval gunnery exercises off Basilan

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 25, 2023): 6 PH Navy ships hold naval gunnery exercises off Basilan (By Priam Nepomuceno)

GUNNERY DRILLS. The BRP Domingo Deluana (PG-905), one of the six Philippine Navy (PN) ships that held a gun test firing and capability demonstration off the waters of Basilan on Sept. 23. The Navy on Monday (Sept. 25, 2023) said these maneuvers aim to evaluate and ensure the operability, accuracy and effective operation of all naval combat systems, including the skills of the gun crew and fire control operators aboard the PN vessels. (Photo courtesy of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao)

MANILA – The Philippine Navy (PN) on Monday said six of its ships have successfully conducted its third quarter gun test firing and capability demonstration over the weekend.

In a social media post, the PN said BRP General Mariano Alvarez (PS-38), BRP Nestor Acero (PG-901), BRP Domingo Deluana (PG-905), BRP Florencio Iñigo (PC-393) and the 1st Boat Attack Division’s BA-485 and BA-487participated in the drill off Basilan.

It added that ships are deployed at its Naval Forces Western Mindanao and that the firing exercise took place at the "vicinity five nautical miles southeast off Dasalan Island, Basilan" on Sept. 23.

"Further, the demonstration included live-gunnery exercises, swarming tactics and coordinated maneuvers, all aimed at evaluating the performance of naval weaponry and the overall operational capabilities of the participating vessels," the PN said.

It added that these maneuvers aim to evaluate and ensure the operability, accuracy and effective operation of all naval combat systems, including the skills of the gun crew and fire control operators aboard the PN vessels.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1210478

Army, PAF drills boost internal, territorial defense power

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 26, 2023): Army, PAF drills boost internal, territorial defense power (By Priam Nepomuceno)

JOINT DRILLS. Philippine Army and Philippine Air Force troops at the opening ceremony of the five-day PA-PAF Interoperability Exercise (IOX) at the Army's 5th Infantry Division headquarters in Camp Melchor F. Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela on Monday (Sept. 25, 2023). Around 836 personnel from the PA and PAF are participating in the exercise. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army)

MANILA – Philippine Army (PA) spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad on Tuesday said their ongoing five-day exercise with the Philippine Air Force (PAF) is to enhance the communication and coordination of the two services be it for internal security or territorial defense missions.

The five-day PA-PAF Interoperability Exercise (IOX) at the 5th Infantry Division in Camp Melchor F. Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela started on Monday and will run until Friday, he added.

"(This iOX also seeks) to enhance personnel competencies and unit capabilities and be readily deployable, as well as to sustain and jointly address contingencies (and) to enhance the interoperability relations between the PA and PAF through the conduct of training exercise in support to the accomplishment of the respective missions," Trinidad told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) in a message.

He added that this year's IOX includes command post exercises, subject matter expert exchanges (SMEEs) and field training exercises (FTXs).

Around 836 personnel from the PA and PAF are participating in the SMEEs on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, air-to-ground operations, close air support, fast rope insertion extraction system, military free fall, hoist, communication and support system, and sustainment operations.

Meanwhile, the battle staff exercise will focus on problem-action scenarios, which will all be applied to the FTX as a culmination activity.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1210538

Floating barriers at Bajo de Masinloc removed

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 26, 2023): Floating barriers at Bajo de Masinloc removed

MANILA – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has removed the floating barriers installed by the China Coast Guard in the southeast entrance of Scarborough Shoal also known as Bajo de Masinloc.

In a statement Tuesday, the PCG said the move complies with the instruction of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea chair Secretary Eduardo Año.

HAZARD. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) removes the floating barriers at Bajo de Masinloc. The PCG said the move is in compliance with the instruction of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea chair Secretary Eduardo Año. (Photo courtesy of PCG)

PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela said the barrier posed a hazard to navigation, a clear violation of international law.

"It also hinders the conduct of fishing and livelihood activities of Filipino fisherfolk in BDM (Bajo de Masinloc), which is an integral part of the Philippine national territory," he added.

The installation of floating barriers at Scarborough Shoal is an infringement of Philippine sovereignty, the Department of Foreign Affairs earlier said.

Bajo de Masinloc is an integral part of the Philippines over which it has sovereignty and territorial jurisdiction, according to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The 2016 Arbitral Award has affirmed that Bajo de Masinloc is a traditional fishing ground of Filipino fishermen.

"Thus, any obstruction hindering the livelihoods of Filipino fisherfolk in the shoal violates the international law. It also infringes on the Philippines' sovereignty over BDM," Tarriela said.

"The decisive action of the PCG to remove the barrier aligns with international law and the Philippines’ sovereignty over the shoal."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1210541

Agusan Sur firefight leaves 1 NPA dead

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 25, 2023): Agusan Sur firefight leaves 1 NPA dead (By Alexander Lopez)

SKIRMISH SITE. Cooking utensils and other personal belongings of communist rebels are scattered on the ground at the clash site in Barangay Guibongon, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, on Sunday (Sept. 24, 2023). The Army’s 4th Infantry Division says a New People’s Army rebel was killed following the brief encounter, which led to the recovery of a high-powered firearm. (Photo courtesy of 4ID)

BUTUAN CITY – A New People’s Army (NPA) guerrilla was killed in an encounter with government troopers in Esperanza town, Agusan del Sur on Sunday.

In a statement Monday, the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) identified the slain NPA as Madagi Tumanan, a resident of Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental.

Timanan died during the clash with soldiers from the Army's 26th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Barangay Guibongon, Esperanza municipality.

“Based on the report of Lt. Col. Sandy Majarocon, the commander of 26IB, the troops encountered around five NPA rebels in the area, which resulted in the death of Tumanan and the recovery of an M16 rifle,” 4ID said in a statement.

It added that the slain rebel's remains will be turned over to his family through the Philippine National Police in Gingoog City.

Meanwhile, the 4ID also reported the recovery of six high-powered firearms last Sept. 22 in an encounter in Barangay Bontongon, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon.

“The troops of the 8IB clashed with seven NPA terrorists which resulted in the recovery of two firearms and an additional four others after the search and clearing operations,” the 4ID said.

The firearms included two M1 Garand rifles, a .45-caliber pistol, an M16 rifle, an M203 grenade launcher, and a .22-caliber pistol.

In addition, the troops also recovered an anti-personnel mine with a fuse and detonating cord at the vicinity of the encounter site.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1210527