PNP deploys SAF troops in NCR areas with high ECQ violations

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 21, 2020): PNP deploys SAF troops in NCR areas with high ECQ violations (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)



QUARANTINE DUTY. PNP deputy chief for operations, Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar (left) inspects SAF troops deployed at the Blumentritt Market in Manila on Tuesday (April 21, 2020). Members of the PNP's elite force have been deployed in areas where violations of home quarantine and physical distancing are rampant. (Photo courtesy of JTF CV Shield)

The Joint Task Force Corona Virus Shield (JTF CV Shield) on Tuesday said Special Action Force (SAF) commandos will be deployed in 10 areas in Metro Manila, where violations of home quarantine and physical distancing are rampant.

The SAF commandos are known to be the toughest and the strictest among operatives of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Eleazar said the deployment of SAF commandos has been approved by PNP chief Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa whose instruction is to ensure that the guidelines of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to prevent the spread of the coronavirus are strictly enforced "anytime, anywhere".

Gamboa earlier gave a go-signal for the deployment of more policemen to enforce quarantine guidelines.

Eleazar said a total of 116 SAF commandos have been deployed in various areas in Metro Manila on board six medium troop carriers (MTC) and six multi-purpose armored vehicles (MPAV).

“They will assist the local police in enforcing the ECQ. We believe that the presence of our SAF commandos will further compel hardheaded people to behave and follow the ECQ because our SAF are tough and strict when it comes to discipline,” he said in a press statement.

He added that there will no double standard in the implementation of the ECQ.

"Regardless of your social status, you will be arrested if you violate the home quarantine,” Eleazar added.

He said the SAF commandos were divided into 12 teams.

Each team is composed of eight SAF commandos.

Eleazar said the initial deployment will be in areas where violations of home quarantine and physical distancing are unrestrained based on intelligence reports and monitored social media posts.

These include Blumentritt in Sta. Cruz, Manila; Libertad in Pasay City; Pasig Palengke; Napindan public market in Taguig; public market in Lower Bicutan, also in Taguig; Las Piñas City public market; North Caloocan; Alabang public market; Bagong Parañaque public market and Marikina public market.

“Initially, these areas are where they would be assigned to enforce the ECQ. But they can transfer to other locations depending on our monitoring of areas where home quarantine and physical distancing are violated,” Eleazar said.

He said they could also increase the number of SAF commandos depending on the situation on the ground.

“We are assessing the situation on the ground on a daily basis. With the approval of our Chief PNP, we could increase the number of our SAF personnel in the coming days depending on the situation on the ground,” Eleazar added.

Meanwhile, SAF director Maj. Gen. Amando Clifton Empiso said they have enough standby forces to augment local police forces in enforcing the ECQ guidelines not only in Metro Manila but also in the provinces.

“Your SAF has always been in the frontline in any kind of battle, we are willing to do our share to win this fight against Covid-19, this time, in helping in the enforcement of the necessary measures to ensure that the virus is contained,” he said.

Eleazar also disclosed that they have stepped up the intelligence operations in Metro Manila to identify other areas where ECQ guideline violations are prevalent.

Monitoring of social media posts relating to ECQ violations was also intensified.

“We are also encouraging the public, particularly our netizens, to report to us any violation of the home quarantine and social distancing. We assure you that we will immediately act on your complaint or report. Nasa kalye man o nasa common areas ng gated subdivision o condominium ang mga violators ay magkakaroon tayo ng agarang aksyon (Whether violators are on streets or common areas of gated subdivisions or condominiums, we will act on them quickly),” he said.

Stressing that they respect human rights, Eleazar said their main concern is to uphold the people's right to life and safety from Covid-19 in this "extraordinary time" the country is facing.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1100486

Navy ship leaves for China to pick up 23K boxes of PPE

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 21, 2020): Navy ship leaves for China to pick up 23K boxes of PPE (By Priam Nepomuceno)



SEND-OFF. Navy troops hold a send-off ceremony for the BRP Bacolod City (LS-550) and its crew at the Captain Salvo Pier, Sangley Point, Cavite on Tuesday (April 21, 2020). The ship was deployed to pick up over 23,000 boxes containing personal protective equipment (PPE) sets procured by the government from China. (Photo courtesy of Naval Public Affairs Office)

The Philippine Navy (PN) on Tuesday deployed one of its logistics support vessel, the BRP Bacolod City (LS-550), to pick up 23,385 boxes of personal protective equipment (PPE) at the Zhangzhou Port in Xiamen, China.

The ship departed Sangley Point, Cavite after a short send-off ceremony, PN public affairs office chief, Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas said in a statement.

BRP Bacolod City is under the leadership of Commander Rogelio Lachina.

Roxas said the ship was deployed after Presidential Peace Adviser and National Task Force Against Covid-19 chief implementer, Carlito Galvez Jr., called for the Navy's services in picking up and delivering to the country the remaining sets of PPE that the Department of Budget and Management procured from China last month.

Aboard the ship were 33 container vans courtesy of the Pacific Roadlink Logistics, Inc. (PRLI) which is based in Angat, Bulacan.

Roxas said these container vans will serve as storage rooms of the PPE sets.

Meanwhile, Philippine Fleet commander, Rear Admiral Loumer Bernabe, one of the ranking officials who saw BRP Bacolod City and its crew off, said their mission is very important as this will help provide more PPE sets to medical front-liners tackling the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak.

"Always bear in mind that you're doing this for our country and our people in the Glory of God," he said as he wished everyone aboard a safe voyage.

Roxas said this undertaking highlights the crucial capability of the PN to provide much needed logistical support and another manifestation of its full support to the government by devoting personnel, assets, and resources to the resolve of containing this pandemic.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1100491

Rebel leader killed in Samar gunfight

From Tempo (Apr 19, 2020): Rebel leader killed in Samar gunfight

An alleged leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in a three-minute firefight with members of the Philippine Army’s 46th Infantry Battalion, 8th Infantry Division, in Barangay Buluan, Calbiga, Samar, Saturday morning.

Samar Island resulting in the death of was Noel Galvez alias Bani at around 5:15 a.m.

There was no casualty reported on the government forces. They seized one M-14 rifle loaded with ammunition and one Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

Capt. Reynaldo Aragones Jr., Division Public Affairs officer, in a statement said the gunfight was the result of the timely report of some concerned civilians on the presence of the NPA rebels led by Galvez who were harassing the populace.

The same group of rebels was allegedly responsible for the murder of former rebel Ildefonso Nablo Jr. alias Marwan on April 9, 2020.
Lt. Col. Colonel Rhomel Langcauon, commanding officer of the 46IB lauded his troops for the successful community security operation.

He also thanked the vigilance of the community for the timely information provided to the security forces. (Marie Tonette Marticio)

http://tempo.com.ph/2020/04/19/rebel-leader-killed-in-samar-gunfight/

EASTMINCOM: Bodies of 2 NPA rebels retrieved from encounter site in Davao Oriental

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 19, 2020): Bodies of 2 NPA rebels retrieved from encounter site in Davao Oriental

For identification: Cadavers of the two NPAs in a public identification after the troops of 67th IB retrieved it from the encounter site and turned them over to the Local Government of Baganga, Davao Oriental to allow their family to claim and render decent burial.

The two NPAs were killed during an encounter between the elements of 67th Infantry Battalion under Ltc. Dema-ala, and undetermine number of NPAs in KM22, So. San Francisco, Brgy. Campawan, Baganga, Davao Oriental on April 16, 2020.

The encounter transpired while the troops are conducting security operations in preparation for the DSWD and LGU Social Amelioration Program implementation in the said area.

https://www.facebook.com/eastmincom/photos/pcb.2999704690089748/2999704470089770/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/eastmincom/photos/pcb.2999704690089748/2999704533423097/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/eastmincom/photos/pcb.2999704690089748/2999704643423086/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/eastmincom/

EASTMINCOM: What was Wrong with Anakpawis' 'Relief Operation' in Bulacan?

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 20, 2020): What was Wrong with Anakpawis' 'Relief Operation' in Bulacan?

For everyone's information


https://www.facebook.com/eastmincom/photos/a.912869452106626/3002591249801092/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/eastmincom/

WESTMINCOM: WESTMINCOM debunks disinformation about planned Islamic State-inspired attacks

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 20, 2020): WESTMINCOM debunks disinformation about planned Islamic State-inspired attacks

PRESS STATEMENT

Viral rumors about planned Islamic State-inspired attacks, in forms of circulated text messages and videos, are dismissed as malicious form to instill fear and confusion in communities while the nation grapples with Coronavirus Disease 19.

These viral messages are, in fact, recycled and circulated even before the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law in 2017.

Certain 2nd Lt. Daniel Pedregosa is not a member of the AFP nor included in our roster of troops.

On the other hand, the videos circulated in social media is an old viral videos as early as 2016.

We now implore the vigilance and cooperation of our fellow Filipinos. We entreat you to be prudent in using social media to prevent their becoming malicious platforms.

The Western Mindanao Command is nevertheless on top of the situation. We will not let our guards down in putting an end to terrorism in the midst of this pandemic.

https://www.facebook.com/afpwestmincom/

Kalinaw News: 3 Suspected CNTs captured, 1 boy rescued, 1 killed, 3 high powered firearms recovered in Agusan del Norte clash (Graphic Photos)

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 21, 2020): 3 Suspected CNTs captured, 1 boy rescued, 1 killed, 3 high powered firearms recovered in Agusan del Norte clash (By 29th Infantry “Matatag” Battalion)



DEL PILAR, Cabadbaran City, April 20 – Three suspected Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) were captured, one was killed, one nine-year-old boy was rescued, and three high powered firearms and other war materials were recovered by the troops of the 29th Infantry “Matatag” Battalion in three successive encounters in the uninhabited area of Brgy. Bangayan, Kicharao, Agusan del Norte on April 20, 2020.

The troops were conducting combat operations in the area when they encountered more or less 20 CNTs who are believed to be members of Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda (SYP) 16A, Guerilla Front Committee (GFC) 16 of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Command (NEMRC) under alias @GAB. The firefight lasted for about five minutes, which resulted in the capture of three 3 suspected CNTs, the rescue of a nine-year-old boy and the discovery of a newly abandoned temporary enemy hideout that can accommodate more or less 20 persons.

After which, the troops continued its pursuit operations and encountered more or less five CNTs in a firefight that lasted for about 20 minutes. The rest of the New People’s Army (NPA) members scampered towards the northerly direction leaving behind their dead member believed to be a high ranking personality, one M4 rifle with M203, one battery of Harris handheld radio, one cellphone, one Improvised Explosive Device (IED) kit and one backpack containing subversive documents with high intelligence value.

Later in the afternoon in another encounter lasting about 15 minutes, the troops recovered one AK47 rifle and one AK47 magazine loaded with 20 rounds of serviceable ammunition. After this, the enemy withdrew towards a southerly direction.

There were no casualties from the government side while the CNTs suffered casualties as indicated by heavy bloodstains which were seen at the encounter site and along their route of withdrawal.

Lt.Col. Isagani O. Criste, Commanding Officer of 29IB said, “The NPA terrorists have shattered the aspirations of many youths, destroyed many families and killed numerous innocent people. Given this, it should have been easy for us to take vengeance into our hands, but that is not what we want. We are grieved every time there is an encounter. Because we do not delight in bloodshed. We fight only because our duty has mandated us to serve and protect the people and secure the land even if it comes at the cost of sacrificing our own lives.”

“I reiterate my call to all who are still in the mountains. Lay down your weapons of war and surrender now. The government is ready to assist you in your desire to change for the better. We will help you, just surrender peacefully,” Criste assured.

The captured and rescued personalities have already been turned over to the proper authority for further investigation while the identity of the slain NPA is currently being withheld pending further confirmation and validation. His body will later be turned over to his family.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/3-suspected-cnts-captured-1-boy-rescued-1-killed-3-high-powered-firearms-recovered-in-agusan-del-norte-clash/

Kalinaw News: Army continues to secure the distribution of food packages and Social Amelioration Program from CTG’s threat of extortion

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 20, 2020): Army continues to secure the distribution of food packages and Social Amelioration Program from CTG’s threat of extortion (By 10TH INFANTRY DIVISION)



Tupi, South Cotabato – There was indeed a close air support that happened as part of our community support operation to prevent the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) from taking advantage of the distribution of food packages and social amelioration program (SAP). It can be recalled that two (2) days ago April 18, 2020, 27IB together with PNP were requested by the LGU of Kiamba to provide the unhampered distribution of food packages and SAP amidst COVID-19 pandemic in geographically isolated areas with presence of CTG just like Barangay Gasi.

A barangay official of the said barangay who requested anonymity for security reasons confirmed the presence of CTG in the outskirt of the barangay planning to ransack the food packages distribution efforts of the government. Accordingly, said official was not able to visit his farm for the past three (3) months due to the continues presence of CTG in the outskirt of Barangay Gasi.

Rest assured that we will continue to support our government through the conduct of community support operations relative to COVID-19 in order to ensure the unhampered distribution of food packages and SAP to our communities particularly in areas where threats from the CTG are imminent. It can be recalled that the CTG ransacked the food distribution in Samar last April 7 where 30 Communist NPA Terrorist took away relief goods intended for the people of Brgy Guinmayohan. Despite the security sector support to end the COVID-19 pandemic, the CTG are imprudent and instead take advantage of the situation. This could happen also in our area and as such community support operations are necessary to prevent such to happen.

“The operation conducted was a legitimate operation that was planned following the rules of engagement of DSSP “Kapayapaan”. It is unfortunate that the CTG continue to endanger the lives, properties, and livelihood of civilians by residing near the communities and extorting subsistence from them.” LTC VICTORINO M SEÑO INF (GSC) PA said.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/army-continues-to-secure-the-distribution-of-food-packages-and-social-amelioration-program-from-ctgs-threat-of-extortion

Kalinaw News: 3 Soldiers slain as NPA continues to violate IHL in Negros Occidental

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 20, 2020): 3 Soldiers slain as NPA continues to violate IHL in Negros Occidental (By 3rd Infantry Division)



CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan, Capiz – Three soldiers were killed when suspected members of the CPP-NPA terrorists detonated a landmine against the elements of the 94th Infantry Battalion of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, who were conducting security patrol in Sitio Tugas, Brgy. Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental around 10:00 am today, April 19, 2020.

The soldiers were responding to the repeated plea of the local residents of Sitio Tugas on the presence of CPP-NPA terrorists who were conducting extortion and recruitment activities in their community, when the incident took place.

A 30-minute firefight ensued following the landmine detonation that resulted to the killing of three soldiers and the wounding of four others. Meanwhile, authorities are still confirming the casualties among the terrorist group, as military operations continue against the perpetrators.

With the incident, the Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army Major General Eric Vinoya, condemned the cowardice and the dastardly act of the CPP-NPA terrorists by violating, yet again, the International Humanitarian Law, while vowing to press the fight hard against the said terrorist group.

He also expressed his deepest thoughts to the families, relatives, and friends of those who made the supreme sacrifice.

“The incident today vividly reminds us of the treachery and the true evil that reside in each and every heart of the CPP-NPA terrorists, as they once again proven their outright disregard to established laws on armed conflict. Their continued use of landmine against our troops is prohibited under the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and this violation bespeaks of the cowardice and banditry of this terrorist group. These terroristic acts motivate us further to press on and finish the fight. We will hunt you down!” said Major General Vinoya.

“To the families, relatives, and friends of our fallen soldiers, we would like to extend our deepest sympathies. They died protecting the people of Negros, they died as heroes.” he added.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/3-soldiers-slain-as-npa-continues-to-violate-ihl-in-negros-occidental/

Del Rosario urges Duterte gov't: Protest new Chinese districts in South China Sea

From Rappler (Apr 20, 2020): Del Rosario urges Duterte gov't: Protest new Chinese districts in South China Sea (By Sofia Tomacruz)

'As we struggle against a pandemic that poses a real threat to our lives, we must not also risk losing our national patrimony,' says former foreign secretary Albert del Rosario



TENSION. Here is a file image of the Spratly and Paracel island groups in the South China Sea. File photo from Google Earth

Former foreign secretary Albert del Rosario called on the Duterte government to file a diplomatic protest against China's creation of two districts in the South China Sea, saying the Philippines must be "extra vigilant" in defending its sovereign rights even as it combats the coronavirus pandemic.

"We...respectfully urge our government to protest this recent action of China, as it rightly did over the sinking of the Vietnamese fishing boat on April 8, 2020," Del Rosario said in a statement on Sunday night, April 19.

"These recent events in the South China Sea remind us Filipinos to be eternally vigilant in the defense of our country's territory and sovereign rights even as we confront a very grave threat as COVID-19," he added.

Del Rosario – under whose leadership the Philippines took China to court and won – said Beijing's recent moves only showed it "has been relentless in exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic as it continues to pursue its illegal and expansive claims in the South China Sea."

"As we struggle against a pandemic that poses a real threat to our lives, we must not also risk losing our national patrimony upheld by international law and meant for present and future generations of Filipinos," he said.

What did China do? China Global Television Network earlier reported Beijing established a Paracel (Xisha) district and a Spratlys (Nansha) district, to be under the control of the Chinese city of Sansha.

The move follows its efforts to boost its claims in the South China Sea, over which the Philippines and other Southeast Asian states likewise have claims.

Prior to the creation of the new districts, a China Coast Guard ship harassed and sank a Vietnamese boat in the maritime area, an incident the Philippines protested. Beijing also established two research stations in its artificial islands in Fiery Cross and Subi reefs.

"In these trying times, we also respectfully urge the Chinese leadership to uphold global unity and mutual trust, and not to engage in needless provocations that may only be seen as abusive and may worsen the situation currently being confronted by the world," Del Rosario said.

The United States earlier warned China "to stop exploiting the distraction or vulnerability of other states to expand its unlawful claims in the South China Sea" as countries are preoccupied with fighting the pandemic.

Vietnam, which claims the Paracels, protested China's creation of districts in the South China Sea on Monday, April 20, calling it a "serious violation" of its sovereignty.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/258483-del-rosario-urges-duterte-government-protest-new-districts-south-china-sea

IN PHOTOS: AFP's mobile kitchen brings free meals to Quezon City homeless

From Rappler (Apr 20, 2020): IN PHOTOS: AFP's mobile kitchen brings free meals to Quezon City homeless
(UPDATED) Some 3,000 disadvantaged individuals and families will be given free hot meals once a day with the help of mobile kitchen trucks from the Armed Forces of the Philippines



RELIEF EFFORTS. Member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines handed food assistance through the AFP's Mobile Kitchen feeding program to residents at Brgy. Tatalon in Quezon City on April 20, 2020. Photo by Darren Langit/Rappler

(UPDATED) – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) rolled out a test run of a mobile kitchen providing hot meals to the homeless in Quezon City.

In a statement on Sunday, April 19, the AFP said the mobile kitchen project was done as part of the "Kapwa Ko, Sagot Ko" campaign.



LINING UP. Member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines handed food assistance through the AFP'ss Mobile Kitchen feeding program to residents at Brgy. Tatalon in Quezon City on April 20, 2020. Photo by Darren Langit/Rappler

Some 3,000 disadvantaged individuals and families will be given free hot meals once a day, beginning Monday, April 20. The initiative will go on for a couple of days, with Purok 1, 2, and 3 of Barangay Tatalon in Quezon City being the pilot project site.

In addition to informal settlers and families in depressed communities, other identified beneficiaries include stranded workers or students receiving little or no support.



MEAL. Member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines handed food assistance through the AFP's Mobile Kitchen feeding program to residents at Brgy. Tatalon in Quezon City on April 20, 2020. Photo by Darren Langit/Rappler

The initiative is a bid to help maintain enhanced community quarantine protocols which limit civilian movements and activities to help arrest the spread of the coronavirus. (READ: Philippines coronavirus cases rise to 6,459, death toll hits 428)

The AFP's mobile kitchen, made up of two trucks, will be staffed by soldiers who have culinary training. They will prepare the meals every day. Meanwhile, support personnel will deliver the food to designated drop-off points.



MOBILE KITCHENS. The AFP Mobile Kitchen aims to provide free meals to the homeless amid the quarantine. Photo by Armed Forces of the Philippines Public Affairs Office

At the conclusion of the campaign, the AFP also suggested the mobile kitchens may shift to other adjacent communities.

The campaign's implementation is spearheaded by the Civil Relations Service AFP (CRSAFP), led by Major General Ernesto Torres Jr.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/258525-afp-mobile-kitchen-bring-free-meals-homeless-quezon-city

Rights group claims military attacked Sibalom civilians

From Panay News (Apr 21, 2020): Rights group claims military attacked Sibalom civilians

The human rights group Panay Alliance Karapatan condemned what it alleged to be a recent attack on innocent civilians of Barangay Igpanulong, Sibalom, Antique.

The attack resulted in the killing of a youth and arrest of 12 more civilians, many of whom were minor students, according to the group.

In statement released by the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry (Hunter) Battalion, the military claimed to have seized a New People’s Army (NPA) training ground where they encountered 40 members of the NPA at around 10 a.m. on April 18 in Sitio Anoy, Barangay Cabalaunan, Miag-ao, Iloilo.

As a result, the Army claimed, one NPA member was killed and 11 were captured.

Panay Alliance Karapatan, however, cited “independent reports” that the military had killed one civilian and arrested and detained 12 others and that these people were unarmed civilians, and some were students.

The group said it was able to get in touch with the mother of one of these civilians, Ellen Centino from Barangay Igpanulong, Sibalom, Antique who aired her concern for her 18-year old son Carlo.

According to the group, the mother recalled that on April 14 Carlo asked permission to go with his friends to the forest to gather honey from beehives which they then intended to sell.

The young men have not returned yet, according to the group. Their ages ranged from 14 to 21 years old.

Meanwhile, the NPA Mt. Napulak Command in Southern Panay released a statement denying the Army report of an encounter in Miag-ao.

“If indeed it was Carlo Centino and his companions who were chanced upon and fired at by the Philippine Army soldiers, we call on them to promptly release these civilians unharmed to their families, as well as the remains of the person reportedly killed,” according to Panay Alliance Karapatan in a statement.
The group urged the Commission on Human Rights to conduct an investigation.

“Our hope is that this will not fall into the pattern where defenseless people become victims of staged encounters and end up in jails on trumped up charges filed by the army and police,” according to Panay Alliance Karapatan.

https://www.panaynews.net/rights-group-claims-military-attacked-sibalom-civilians/

More soldiers deployed to Miag-ao

From Panay News (Apr 21, 2020): More soldiers deployed to Miag-ao (By Ruby Silubrico)

ILOILO City – The 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) of the Philippine Army deployed additional soldiers to Miag-ao, Iloilo following an encounter with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels on Saturday.

The 3ID spokesperson, Army Captain Cenon Pancito III, said, “We are ready if they want war.”

He criticized the rebels for not respecting the government ceasefire at this time when the country is battling with the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

The NPA continue to launch atrocities, extort money from farmers and recruit people, even minors, said Pancito.

On April 18, troops of the 61st Infantry Battalion encountered around 49 rebels under the Suyak Platoon of the NPA Southern Front Committee in Barangay Cabalaunan, Miag-ao.

One suspected rebel died. The Army identified him as John Faronchilin, kagawad of Barangay Onop, Miag-ao.

The firefight lasted for some 40 minutes.

Army soldiers recovered from the clash site an M1 Garand rifle, a KG9 submachine gun, a .45 pistol, improvised explosive devices, medical paraphernalia, and subversive documents.

On the other hand, the NPA through spokesperson Ka Ilaya Kanaway denied that Faronchilin was a member of the NPA.

Faronchilin was a leader of a farmers’ association in their barangay, according to Kanaway.

“Ginakasubo gid namon ang pagtaliwan sang isa ka huwaran nga lider sang mangunguma. Samtang, ginakaakig sang sektor sang mangunguma ang kriminal, pasista kag berdugo nga militar nga nagpatay sa iya,” Kanaway said.

He also claimed that the encounter was faked by the Army.

https://www.panaynews.net/more-soldiers-deployed-to-miag-ao/

Top officials condemn attack on soldiers

From the Visayan Daily Star (Apr 20, 2020): Top officials condemn attack on soldiers

Top officials of Negros Island yesterday condemned the New People’s Army (NPA) for killing three soldiers of the Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion, and injuring four others in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, Sunday.

“I am deeply dismayed and I condemn the attacks against our soldiers during a humanitarian mission,” Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said.

All 11 members of the House of Representatives from Negros Island also filed a resolution yesterday, strongly condemning what they called the deplorable act of the NPA.
“We recognize the heroism of all our soldiers, who are among the selfless frontliners in the fight against COVID-19 and for keeping the peace in Negros Island,” they said.

The soldiers were conducting an outer security patrol during the distribution of the Social Amelioration Program cash grants in Sitio Tugas, Brgy. Carabalan, Himamaylan City, when a 30-minute firefight ensued after the rebels set off an improvised explosive device and threw grenades at the soldiers, Lacson said.

The governor called for the cooperation of the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA as the province and the rest of the world battle the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The war right now is not among us Negrenses and Filipinos, the real war is against the unseen virus that is out to attack all of us, regardless of our political beliefs,” he said.

“The entire world, the entire human race is in the midst of a pandemic right now. COVID-19 and the efforts to address it is not a socio-political issue or concern - this is a human race survival concern,” he said.

The virus knows no gender, nationality, social status, political beliefs, he pointed out.

“Unless all sectors of society unite to defeat this common enemy, it is us, it is the human race that will succumb and cave in defeat to COVID-19,” he said.

Lacson called on the rebels not to allow the pandemic to diminish progress to attain real and lasting peace.

Representatives Gerardo Valmayor Jr., Leo Rafael Cueva, Francisco Benitez, Juliet Marie Ferrer, Ma. Lourdes Arroyo and Genaro Alvarez of Negros Occidental, Greg Gasataya of Bacolod City, Stephen Paduano of Abang Lingkod, and Jocelyn Limkaichong, Manuel Sagarbarria, and Arnolfo Teves of Negros Oriental filed a joint resolution in the House condemning the attack.

“Confirmed reports indicate that the government forces were ambushed — the Army vehicle suffered from a landmine blast and grenades were thrown at the soldiers, and it was not an encounter as claimed by the NPA spokesman, who also said they did not suffer any casualty after the firefight,” the representatives said.

The solons said they “condemn the treacherous and cowardly attack” against the soldiers who were in the area to assist in the distribution of SAP grants to beneficiaries affected by COVID-19.

They also expressed their deepest sympathy to the families of the fallen soldiers.

Killed were 2Lt Ralf Amante Abibico, Cpl Joel Nobleza, and Pfc Carl Venice Bustamante, while injured were Cpl John Cris Laus, PFC John Paul Geonzon, Cpl Lismer Jade Tumayao, and PFC Alexis Mepranum.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2020/April/21/topstory3.htm

NPA use of landmines hit

From the Visayan Daily Star (Apr 20, 2020): NPA use of landmines hit

The Army’s 3rd Infantry Division yesterday mourned the loss of the lives of three soldiers, including a young Army officer, in an ambush staged by the New People’s Army in Brgy. Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, Sunday.

At the same time, Maj. Gen. Eric Vinoya, 3ID commander ,condemned the “cowardice and dastardly act of the NPA” saying the rebels violated the International Humanitarian Law for using landmines in the ambush.

Vinoya vowed the Army will press the fight hard against the local terrorist group.

Killed in the ambush were 2Lt Ralf Amante Abibico, Cpl Joel Nobleza and PFC Carl Venice Bustamante. Injured during the gunbattle were Cpl John Cris M. Laus, PFC John Paul M. Geonzon, Cpl Lismer Jade J. Tumayao and PFC Alexis I.Mepranum, all members of the 94th Infantry Battalion.

“They died protecting the people of Negros, they died as heroes,” Vinoya said.

Stressing that the CPP-NPA once again proved their outright disregard to the established laws on armed conflict, Vinoya said that the terroristic acts will motivate the Army to press on and finish the fight.
“We will hunt you down,” Vinoya said.

Col. InocencioPasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, also said that the heroism of the slain Army troopers will never be forgotten by the people of Negros.
Pasaporte yesterday said that the injured Army troopers are now in stable condition as he lauded their heroism, bravery, and selfless dedication to secure and protect the Negros communities.

He also assured all necessary assistance and benefits to the families of the fallen soldiers.

Abibico, a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy, served as a platoon leader of the 94IB Charlie Company, who with 19 of his men were sent to secure the outer perimeter of Brgy. Carabalan, Himamaylan City, where residents are scheduled to receive cash grants under the Special Amelioration Program of the government.

KaJuanitoMagbanua, spokesperson of the NPA ApolinarioGatmaitan Command, in a radio interview, justified the staging of the ambush, claiming that it was a form of an active self defense while they are observing the extended ceasefire declaration as ordered by the CPP central committee.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2020/April/21/topstory2.htm