Antiterror raps lodged vs 3 Negros NGO workers

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 6, 2025): Antiterror raps lodged vs 3 Negros NGO workers

Negros Island Region. INQUIRER FILES

BACOLOD CITY—Three members of a nongovernment organization (NGO) based in southern Negros faced charges in court after they were arrested on Jan. 2 for allegedly providing financial aid to the New People’s Army (NPA), the military arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

Dharyl Albañez, Federico Salvilla, and Perla Pavillar—workers of Paghidaet sa Kauswagan Development Group (PDG) Inc.—were charged with violation of Republic Act No. 10168, also known as the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012.
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READ: Cebu court sets trial for 24 red-tagged NGO workers

Albañez secured his temporary liberty after posting the P200,000 bail set for each of the accused. The two others remained in police custody.

The Department of Justice, on Dec. 3, 2024, claimed the three NGO workers were involved in funding the activities of the NPA in the towns of Pulupandan and Cauayan and La Carlota City in Negros Occidental.Article continues after this advertisement

The Negros chapter of the militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), in a statement posted on Facebook on Friday, condemned the arrest of the three development workers, saying it was part of the Marcos administration’s “escalating crackdown against progressive development workers and activists who tirelessly champion the rights of marginalized communities.”Article continues after this advertisement

“This pivot serves as a clear demonstration of the administration’s subservience to US imperialist interests, particularly in heightening tensions with China,” it added.

PDG has a decadeslong history of advocating for agrarian reform and the rights of small farmers and fishers and has long been a target of red-tagging and harassment, Bayan said. —CARLA P. GOMEZ

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2021686/antiterror-raps-lodged-vs-3-negros-ngo-workers

2 Panay activists ask Ombudsman to sanction soldiers for red-tagging

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 8, 2025): 2 Panay activists ask Ombudsman to sanction soldiers for red-tagging (By: Joey Marzan)

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — State forces, who are usually taking to court militants they accuse of colluding with communist rebels, are now on the receiving end of a complaint lodged by two activists from Iloilo and Aklan provinces on Panay Island.

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) Panay secretary general Elmer Forro and Bayan-Aklan spokesperson Kim-Sin Tugna filed the administrative complaint against two military officers who allegedly linked them to the rebel movement on their blocktime radio programs last year.

The two, in a complaint mailed to the Office of the Ombudsman in Quezon City, named Staff Sergeants Nathan dela Cruz and Ernel Mallan of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID)-3rd Civil-Military Operations Battalion as respondents.

READ: A slap in the face of red-taggers

Forro and Tugna, in their Dec. 20, 2024 complaint only made public recently, asked the antigraft office to cite Dela Cruz and Mallan for grave misconduct for linking them to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), and political front, the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

They also sought the suspension of Dela Cruz and Mallan pending the investigation of the case and for the soldiers.Article continues after this advertisement

“This culture of vilification and harassment has extended beyond verbal attacks. Military units under the 301st Infantry Brigade engaged in surveillance operations, posted defamatory statements, and spread fear within communities in Panay by deploying troops in civilian communities,” Bayan said in a statement Monday on the complaint filed.Article continues after this advertisement

It added: “Such actions infringe on free speech, freedom of assembly, and freedom of association enshrined in the Philippine Constitution and recognized under international law.”

The Inquirer tried to get a statement from 3ID, but it has yet to receive a response as of Tuesday.
‘Recruiters’

Dela Cruz and Mallan were accused of repeatedly Red-tagging the complainants, tagging them as alleged “recruiters” of the CPP-NPA-NDFP, in their radio programs—“Spearhead Times” in K5 News FM Kalibo and “Sundalo Ako Ng Bayan” (I am a Soldier of the Nation) over Radyo Todo Kalibo—between May and October last year.

The complaint cited the 2023 case of Deduro vs Vinoya, publicized by the Supreme Court in 2024, which considered red-tagging as a threat.

The case also involved an activist from Iloilo, former Bayan Muna Rep. Siegfred Deduro.

“By repeatedly red-tagging complainant Tugna, other activists, and Bayan, the respondents intentionally and deliberately, in conspiracy with one another, with malice, and in a highly oppressive and discriminatory manner, in contravention of law, rules, and standards as discussed below, and in violation of the victims’ civil and political rights,” Forro and Tugna said.

The repeated Red-tagging, the complaint said, “threatened and endangered their lives, liberty, and security, as well as that of their family members and colleagues.”

Forro and Tugna also accused the two Army soldiers of violating Republic Act No. 11313, or the Safe Spaces Act, when they called activist Rovelyn Tugna a “sexytary” during their Aug. 25, 2024 broadcast.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2022262/2-panay-activists-ask-ombudsman-to-sanction-soldiers-for-red-tagging

Farmer Killed by NPA in San Carlos

From the Daily Guardian (Jan 9, 2025): Farmer Killed by NPA in San Carlos (By Glazyl M. Jopson)

Police secure the crime scene in Barangay Bagonbon, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, where a farmer was shot dead by rebels Tuesday. (Photo courtesy of San Carlos City Police Station)

BACOLOD CITY – The Roselyn Jean Pelle Command-New People’s Army (NPA) claimed responsibility for the killing of a farmer in Barangay Bagonbon, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, last Tuesday.

Ka Cecil Estrella, spokesperson for the rebel group, said the action was a “punitive measure” against the 51-year-old victim, whom they accused of being a serial rapist.

The group also alleged that the victim was a ringleader of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army (RPA) and a military intelligence asset.

“His punishment has long been demanded by the masses,” the group stated in a statement released Wednesday.

Police Major Ryan Villasario, deputy chief of the San Carlos City Police Station, said the victim was tending to his cow around 8 a.m. when unidentified armed men shot him.

The victim succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds. Authorities recovered a spent shell from a 5.56 mm firearm at the crime scene.

Villasario said the victim had no criminal record. Despite the NPA’s statement, he emphasized that investigators would continue to pursue the case based on evidence and witness accounts.

“It’s their claim and propaganda,” Villasario said, adding that the allegations alone would not be taken at face value.

https://dailyguardian.com.ph/farmer-killed-by-npa-in-san-carlos/#google_vignette

NPA claims killing of San Carlos tanod

From Digicast Negros (Jan 9, 2025): NPA claims killing of San Carlos tanod (By Mark L. Garcia)

The New People’s Army (NPA) claimed the killing of a chief tanod in a shooting incident in Brgy. Bagonbon, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, on Tuesday, Jan. 7.

The NPA Roselyn Jean Pelle Command of the Northern Negros Guerilla Front alleged that Elberito Ancero, 51, was a military intelligence asset.

Ancero died after 12 armed individuals shot him.

The victim was tending to his cow when he was killed.

The NPA said their “punitive action” was due to the victim’s “counter-revolutionary acts” and alleged rape cases.

The police are still investigating the incident.*

https://digicastnegros.com/npa-claims-killing-of-san-carlos-tanod/#google_vignette

Surrendered Firearms

From MindaNews (Jan 10, 2025): Surrendered Firearms (By Froilan Gallardo)

Brigadier General Michelle Anayron, commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, shows Bukidnon officials led by 2nd District Rep. Jonathan Flores (R) the firearms surrendered by 36 New People’s Army rebels in Malaybalay City on Friday, 10 January 2024. MindaNews photo by FROILAN GALLARDO

https://mindanews.com/photo-of-the-day/2025/01/surrendered-firearms/#gsc.tab=0

Sipalay gunfight leaves one dead, sends community into panic

From Brigada News (Jan 10, 2025): Sipalay gunfight leaves one dead, sends community into panic (By Reymund Titong)

Government troops engaged with an alleged New People’s Army (NPA) member in Sitio Camboguiot, Barangay Camindangan, Sipalay City, leaving one person dead and sparking panic among residents, especially the elderly, at around 7:00 AM on Friday, January 10.

Lieutenant Colonel J-Jay Javines, Public Information Chief of the 3rd Infantry Division, told Brigada News FM Philippines that they have not yet identified the deceased.

However, he said that the deceased was a male, estimated to be between 50 and 60 years old, and belonged to the NPA’s Southwest Front, which the military considers dismantled.

Troops from the 15th Infantry Battalion engaged the armed group after receiving a tip about their presence in the area. The firefight lasted several minutes, he added.

The military recovered an M14 rifle, a backpack, personal belongings, and other documents from the scene. The military believes these items are subversive.

A video posted on Facebook captured residents panicking and calling for help as gunshots rang out in the background.

https://www.brigadanews.ph/sipalay-gunfight-leaves-one-dead-sends-community-into-panic/

NPA killed, high-powered firearm seized in Negros Occidental clash

From the Sun Star-Philippines (Jan 11, 2025): NPA killed, high-powered firearm seized in Negros Occidental clash (By Leo Solinap)

NEGROS. A 15th Infantry Battalion soldiers show the M14 assault rifle, and four backpacks and other recoveries at the encounter site in Sitio Cambugyot, Barangay Camindangan, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental, where one NPA member was killed and an M14 assault rifle was seized following a 25-minute firefight on January 10, 2025. (Photo by 15IB)

A MEMBER of the Communist New People’s Army (NPA) was killed during an encounter with troops from the Army’s 15th Infantry (Molave Warrion) Battalion (15IB) on Friday, January 10, 2025, in Sitio Cambugyot, Barangay Camindangan, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental.

Major General Marion Sison, commander of the Army's 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division (3ID), commended the 15IB for its successful operation.

He highlighted the neutralization of an NPA member and the seizure of a high-powered firearm as significant accomplishments in maintaining peace and security in Negros Island.

“I urge the remaining CTG (Communist Terrorist Group) remnants to lay down their arms and return to the fold of law. There is still time to choose a different path. Our troops remain committed to pursuing those who threaten the hard-won stable internal peace and security environment of Negros Island,” Sison said.

He also called on NPA members to take advantage of the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip) and Amnesty Program, emphasizing the opportunity to reunite with their families and reintegrate into their communities.

He emphasized the chance to avoid the same fate as their comrades and urged them to work together for a peaceful future on Negros Island.

“This is your chance to avoid the same fate that befell your comrade. Together, we can build a peaceful future for Negros Island, a future where harmony and progress flourish,” Sison added.

The clash occurred between 15IB at around 7:35 a.m. as government forces conducted combat operations following reports of armed communist terrorists in Sipalay City.

The 15IB based in Cauayan, Negros Occidental is headed by Lieutenant Colonel Brian Bagaipo.

The soldiers encountered an undetermined number of remnants from the dismantled Southwest Front under the Komiteng Rehiyon – Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor.

The firefight lasted for 25 minutes, resulting in the death of one unidentified NPA member. The troops recovered the cadaver of the slain rebel, an M14 assault rifle, and four backpacks. No casualties were reported on the side of the government forces. (Leo Solinap/SunStar Philippines)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/iloilo/npa-killed-high-powered-firearm-seized-in-negros-occidental-clash

2 ex-ASG members killed in Basilan town ambush

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Jan 7, 2025): 2 ex-ASG members killed in Basilan town ambush

Basilan map. (SunStar photo)

TWO former members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) were killed in an ambush in a remote area in Sumisip, Basilan province, the police said Tuesday, January 7, 2025.

The incident was reported to the Sumisip Police Station around 8:50 p.m. Monday, January 6, although it took place around 5:40 p.m. at Sitio Datag in Ettub-Ettub village.

In a report to the Basilan Police Provincial Office, Police Lieutenant Mujib Hassan, Sumisip police officer-in-charge, identified the fatalities as Burhan Ajaa, and Radzmie Tuya, 20, all residents of Ettub-Ettub.

Investigation showed the victims were walking on the way home when unidentified gunmen waylaid them that resulted to their instantaneous death.

The remains of the victims were brought to their respective residence for burial in accordance to the Muslim rites and tradition.

The police are still conducting an in-depth probe to determine the identities of the suspects behind the ambush. (SunStar Zamboanga)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/2-ex-asg-members-killed-in-basilan-town-ambush

2 former bandits killed in Basilan attack

From ABS-CBN (Jan 7, 2025): 2 former bandits killed in Basilan attack (By Roel Pareño)

© Wikipedia photo

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Two former Abu Sayyaf bandits were killed in an attack by unidentified assailants in Sumisip, Basilan on Monday.

Police identified the fatalities as Nadzmie Hatta Arili, alias Burhan, and Radzmie Amil Nakibsina, who had been reintegrated into the community a few months ago.

Investigation showed the victims were walking home in Sitio Datag, Barangay Ettub-Ettub when they were killed.

The victims died instantly from multiple gunshot wounds, probers said.

A manhunt has been launched for the assailants.

https://www.msn.com/en-ph/news/national/2-former-bandits-killed-in-basilan-attack/ar-AA1x7oxf?apiversion=v2&noservercache=1&domshim=1&renderwebcomponents=1&wcseo=1&batchservertelemetry=1&noservertelemetry=1

PNP reshuffles 10 ranking officers

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 11, 2025): PNP reshuffles 10 ranking officers (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

MANILA – Ten ranking officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) have received new assignments in the latest leadership reshuffle ordered by PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil.

In a directive dated Jan. 10 and made public Saturday, Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan was appointed director of Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 (Central Visayas).

PNP spokesperson and Information Office chief, Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, succeeds Maranan as director of PRO 3 (Central Luzon).

Fajardo will be replaced by Col. Randolf Tuaño as acting PNP spokesperson and Information Office chief.

Brig. Gen. Roel Rodolfo was named director of PRO 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula).

Rodolfo, who assumed leadership of the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group on Jan. 8, will be replaced by Col. Elmer Ragay.

Brig. Gen. Eleazar Matta is now officer in charge of the Highway Patrol Group (HPG), with Col. Rolando Cuya Jr. replacing him as head of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG).

Other new appointees are Brig. Gen. Bowenn Joey Masauding as deputy director of the Directorate for Comptrollership, Brig. Gen. Wilson Asueta as deputy director of the Directorate for Information and Communications Technology, and Brig. Gen. William Segun as deputy director of the PNP Area Police Command in Southern Luzon.

Marbil said the reshuffle aims to strategically position officials. He urged them to remain committed to fairness and integrity in performing their duties.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1241545

NPA leader tagged in killing of young footballer in 2021 nabbed

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 12, 2025): NPA leader tagged in killing of young footballer in 2021 nabbed (By Darryl John Esguerra)

Keith Absalon (Photo courtesy of Far Eastern University)

MANILA – Authorities have arrested a high-ranking New People’s Army (NPA) member allegedly involved in the murder of Far Eastern University (FEU) football player Keith Absalon and his cousin Nolven Absalon in Masbate City in June 2021.

Members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the Bicol region led the operation that led to the arrest of the suspect identified as “Onang" on Jan. 6.

A warrant of arrest in connection with the Absalon murders was issued against Onang and 23 others by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) 5th Judicial Region, Branch Masbate City.

Onang is charged with multiple crimes, including violations of the International Humanitarian Law and Other Crimes Against Humanity (RA 9851), two counts of murder, and one count of attempted murder.

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) lauded the arrest of Onang, calling it a “significant breakthrough in the nation’s fight against insurgency and criminality.”

“The capture of ‘Onang’ is a clear message to all who seek to disrupt peace and commit heinous crimes under the guise of ideology. The long arm of the law will find you, and justice will prevail," NTF-ELCAC Executive Director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. said in a statement Saturday evening.

Keith Absalon, who was one of the country’s most celebrated football players in high school, and his cousin were victims of an improvised explosive device blast while riding bicycles in Masbate in 2021.

“Keith Absalon’s murder was a monstrous act that shocked the nation and underscored the ruthless tactics of the NPA. Today, we are one step closer to justice for Keith, Nolven, and their grieving families,” Torres said. (With Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1241564