2 NPA rebels killed in Zambo Sur clash

From the Philippine News Agency (May 12, 2020): 2 NPA rebels killed in Zambo Sur clash (By Leah Agonoy and Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)



RECOVERED. Government troops recover two AK-47 assault rifles and other personal belongings following a clash Monday (May 11, 2020) that saw the death of two New People's Army rebels in Sitio Pisyo, Barangay Balonai, Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur. The troops were on combat patrol when they clashed with a group of NPA rebels. (Photo courtesy of the 53rd Infantry Battalion)

Two New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in a clash with government troops in the Zamboanga del Sur town of Midsalip, officials said Tuesday.

Lt. Col. Jo-Ar Herrera, 53rd Infantry Battalion commander, said the gun battle that occurred at 11:05 a.m. Monday in Sitio Pisyo, Barangay Balonai, Midsalip ensued as the troops chanced upon a group of NPA rebels while on combat patrol.

Herrera said the troops recovered the two NPA casualties after the 15-minute firefight, along with two AK-47 assault rifles, two bandoliers with magazines, ammunition, and a backpack.

He said there was no reported casualty among the troops.

“This (clash) would not have been possible without the information provided by concerned citizens of the enemy presence in their communities,” he said. “The people are already taking proactive roles in denouncing the terroristic acts of the NPAs in their barangays.”

Col. Leonel Nicholas, 102nd Infantry Brigade commander, said the troops are tracking down the fleeing NPA rebels.

“We call on the public to remain vigilant and report to the government forces the presence of suspicious-looking people in their communities,” said Maj. Gen. Gene Ponio, Joint Task Force ZamPeLan (the Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao provinces) commander.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), commended the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan troops for their "remarkable accomplishments" amid 2019 coronavirus disease crisis.

The NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1102591

2 more NPA rebels yield in Sarangani

From the Philippine News Agency (May 12, 2020): 2 more NPA rebels yield in Sarangani (By Allen Estabillo)



Lt. Col. Ronaldo Valdez, commanding officer of the Army’s 73rd Infantry Battalion. (Photo courtesy of the 73IB) 

Two more disgruntled New People’s Army (NPA) rebels surrendered in Malapatan town, Sarangani province on Monday following negotiations with local leaders and government troops.

In a statement on Tuesday, Lt. Col. Ronaldo Valdez, Army’s 73rd Infantry Battalion commanding officer, said the rebels yielded voluntarily along with a high-powered firearm through assistance from community leaders in Barangay Sapu Masla, Malapatan.

He identified the returnees as aliases “Jobel” and “Lala,” both previously under the Platoon South of the NPA’s Guerilla Front 71 (Tala)-Far South Mindanao Region.
“Lala” surrendered an Elisco M653 rifle reportedly issued by the NPA unit.

Valdez said their latest accomplishment was an offshoot of the continuing implementation in the area of its community support program.

He said concerned community stakeholders, especially barangay leaders, facilitated the negotiations with the returnees.

He said the surrenderers admitted they were enticed to join the ranks of the communist terrorists after believing their propaganda that the military is abusive and cruel.

But he said they saw that it was contrary to the real situation, especially by the warm welcome received by the past returnees from the military.

In a statement, “Lala” said their former comrades were not beaten after they surrendered and now have better lives.

“It only proves that the communist terrorist organization is just exploiting and giving us false hopes,” he said.

“Jobel” said he saw the government’s sincerity in helping the poor, including his family, through various programs and projects.

Valdez added that they will process the inclusion of the returnees into the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program so they can also avail of financial and livelihood grants.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1102599

Military: Duterte’s P2M bounty for top Red leaders ‘good news’

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 12, 2020): Military: Duterte’s P2M bounty for top Red leaders ‘good news’ (By: Frances Mangosing)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday (May 12) welcomed President Rodrigo Duterte’s offer of P2 million in reward for the capture of top communist rebel leaders.

“Good news for the AFP,” said AFP Chief Gen. Felimon Santos Jr.

He said the reward from Duterte would add to funds for rewards for informants. “This will bring in more informants,” said Santos.

Santos was asked to comment on Duterte’s statement earlier in the day about his new bounty offer.

“If you’re able to kill a commander or point where a commander slept, just tell me and there’s P2 million for you as long as it’s top commander,” Duterte said on Tuesday.

The President gave assurance the informant would be treated as a witness and protected.

“I will relocate you. Because if not, you really will be killed,” Duterte said in Filipino. “If that happens, those who squeal, you will be given a new identity like in the witness protection program,” he said.

In April, Duterte declared he would no longer engage in peace talks with the rebels after attacks were reported on soldiers involved in COVID-19 relief work.

He even threatened to declare martial law if communist rebels would continue their attacks.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1273598/military-dutertes-p2m-bounty-for-top-red-leaders-good-news

Defense Chief tells military to help in cash aid distribution

From the Manila Bulletin (May 12, 2020): Defense Chief tells military to help in cash aid distribution (By Martin Sadongdong)

On orders of President Duterte, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana instructed on Tuesday the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to assist the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the distribution of cash assistance to communities affected by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.



Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco / MANILA BULLETIN)

In an address to the public on Monday night that was aired on Tuesday morning, President Duterte tasked DSWD Secretary Rolando Bautista — a retired Philippine Army chief himself — to seek help from the AFP in relaying government assistance to Filipino families amid the reported harassment of communist insurgents.

While the AFP has been assisting the Philippine National Police (PNP) in maintaining order in quarantine checkpoints (QCPs), Lorenzana expressed confidence that the military has enough personnel to respond to the Commander-in-Chief’s orders.

“The military will field sufficient force to defend the convoy from attack or the distribution center,” Lorenzana said.

“These distribution of aids are one day or two days at most. The assistance is needed especially in remote areas,” he added.

In response, General Felimon Santos, AFP Chief of Staff, told field commanders to institute “necessary adjustments” in the deployment of troops to adhere to Duterte’s orders.

“We feel the express desire of the President to provide immediate intervention measures to address the need to bring amelioration assistance to the people forthwith. The AFP will comply,” said Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesperson.

According to Lorenzana, the new directive was in response to the killing of two Army escorts who were providing security to social workers in Maria Aurora, Aurora province last month.

On April 21, the Army’s 7th Infantry Division (7 ID) said elements of the 91st Infantry Battalion (91 IB) were conducting security operations in Barangay Diaat while DSWD personnel were distributing cash assistance under the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) when they were fired upon by an undetermined number of suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels.

It prompted the soldiers to retaliate and the exchange of fire lasted for an hour, resulting in the death of two soldiers.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/05/12/defense-chief-tells-military-to-help-in-cash-aid-distribution/

China Expected to Ignore Philippine Protest over Upgrade of a Disputed Islet

From Voice of America (May 11, 2020): China Expected to Ignore Philippine Protest over Upgrade of a Disputed Islet (By Ralph Jennings)

FILE - Chinese dredging vessels are purportedly seen around Fiery Cross Reef in the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea in this image from video taken by a P-8A Poseidon surveillance aircraft provided by the U.S. Navy, May 21, 2015.

China is expected to ignore a Philippine protest against creation of an "administrative center" on a disputed islet because Manila has few means to follow up, but the outcry could throttle Beijing’s eventual pursuit of more legal control over Asia’s most hotly disputed sea.

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs on April 30 rejected China’s “illegal designation” of Fiery Cross Reef as an administrative center, according to the department’s website. Chinese officials point to historical usage records as support for their claims to numerous features in the South China Sea where the reef in question is located.

China will ignore the April 30 protest because the Philippines lacks the military might or diplomatic clout to force its hand, South China Sea watchers say.

“China will do what it wants to do, the Philippines will protest, and these incidents will continue again,” said Eduardo Araral, associate professor at the National University of Singapore’s public policy school. “But the only thing the Philippines can do at this moment is just protest.”

Fiery Cross Reef, a human-built islet of 274 hectares, supports a runway and has received flights from the Chinese mainland. It’s one of three major islets that Beijing controls in the Spratly archipelago, a group of tiny features in the South China Sea. The Philippines controls 10 islets in the same chain, which is valued for fisheries and energy reserves.

The Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam all contest at least part of China's claims to about 90% of the surrounding 3.5 million-square-kilometer sea. China landfilled Fiery Cross Reef among other features before 2017 to step up its military and civilian presence.

China has the region’s strongest armed forces plus the budget to overtake other maritime claimants in building disputed islets for human use.

Since Rodrigo Duterte became Philippine president in 2016, the Philippine government seldom protests openly to Beijing over sovereignty disputes as the two presidents tried to improve relations.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte delivers a speech during the 11th Biennial National Convention and 22nd founding anniversary of the Chinese Filipino Business Club, Inc. in Manila, Philippines, Feb. 10, 2020.

His predecessor filed a landmark world arbitration case in 2013, and three years later a court in The Hague ruled against the legal basis of Beijing’s South China Sea claims. China rejected the ruling.

Protests are especially unlikely now as the Philippines accepts Chinese medical aid to fight COVID-19, said Ramon Casiple, executive director of the Metro Manila-based advocacy group Institute for Political and Electoral Reform. “People are really preoccupied with the pandemic,” he said.

The latest protest is seen as a record of opposition against China’s move in case Beijing uses it to seek more legal authority in the Spratly Islands. International courts sometimes admit demonstration of effective use to prove a county’s rights to land or sea.

“Legally you need to register your displeasure, your protest and so on officially,” said Oh Ei Sun, senior fellow with the Singapore Institute of International Affairs. “If you don’t, you will be seen to acquiesce to whatever the other claimants are doing.”

Two Chinese government ministries have already renamed 25 islets and 55 submerged features in the contested sea that stretches from Hong Kong to Borneo, the country’s Civil Affairs Ministry said on its website last month.

China Updates Disputed Sea Maps to Get Back at Vietnam

Analysts believe the Chinese government hopes to solidify its claims to the South China Sea by renaming 25 islets and 55 submerged features

Manila’s protest calls Fiery Cross Reef “an integral part of Philippine territory” that belongs to a chain of the Philippine-controlled Kalayaan Island Group. It urged China to “adhere to international law.”

China probably called Fiery Cross Reef an administrative region to consecrate its actual control of the islet, said Stephen Nagy, a senior associate professor of politics and international studies at International Christian University in Tokyo. Chinese officials might eventually redraw their own maps to reflect the new status they just gave it, he said.

“For the Filipinos, they’re in a process of trying to delegitimate the Chinese physical control through trying to create a legal argument or a legal case for their administrative control, which means sovereignty,” Nagy said. 

https://www.voanews.com/east-asia-pacific/voa-news-china/china-expected-ignore-philippine-protest-over-upgrade-disputed

NoCot town attends to 1K families displaced by clan war

From the Philippine News Agency (May 12, 2020): NoCot town attends to 1K families displaced by clan war (By Edwin Fernandez)



AIDING THE EVACUEES. Social workers conduct assessment on the situation of some 1,000 families affected by the clan war in the borders of Pikit, North Cotabato, and Pagalungan, Maguindanao that sparked on Sunday (May 10, 2020). The evacuees (inset), all Muslims observing the fasting month of Ramadan, are provided with safe drinking water, among others. (Photo courtesy of DSWD-Pikit) 

The municipal social welfare office of Pikit in North Cotabato has started distributing relief aid to more than 1,000 families affected by the armed hostilities involving Moro clans in the area.

“There appeared to be silence in the conflict area so we started to come in to help the families who are fasting now,” said Mayor Sumulong Sultan of Pikit on Tuesday.

He directed the municipal social welfare office, headed by Imelda Balios, to start distributing food aid and water to affected families from Barangays Balongis, Balatican and Nuangan, all of Pikit.

Balios reported that a total of 1,032 families or 4,574 individuals have been displaced by the conflict. They are now housed in various evacuation sites in Barangay Batulawan, Kalakakan, Dalengaoen and Fort Pikit.

Sultan said all displaced families are Muslims who are observing the fasting month of Ramadan.

Meanwhile, efforts are underway to put an end to the clan war that has affected hundreds of Moro families in the border of Maguindanao and North Cotabato,.

Lt. Col. Edgardo Vilchez Jr, spokesperson of the military’s Joint Task Force Central, said the Army is following a peace mechanism through the Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities of the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (GPH-MILF CCCH).

Involved in the “rido” (family feud) were members of the MILF and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) who have been at odds over control of vast tracts of agricultural lands in the borders of Pikit, North Cotabato and Pagalungan in Maguindanao.

Military reports identified the warring factions as those belonging to MNLF sub-commanders Jainudin Butuan and Kuwat, and the group of MILF 110th base command sub-commanders Abdul Hamid Sansawi, Sambutuan and Ekot.

The local government units of Pikit and Pagalungan, led by Mayors Sultan and Salik Mamasabulod, respectively, had been meeting to ensure the safety of families affected by the hostilities that erupted full-scale on Sunday.

Vilchez told reporters that the fighting had slowed down and that no major skirmishes involving the warring families.

“The parties have been at odds since 2013 but the military came up with a local peace agreement. Sporadic skirmishes, however, occur now and then,” he said.

He said the GPH-MILF CCCH is working, as well as the Ad hoc Joint Action Group, are pushing for the peaceful settlement of the conflict.

Elements of the Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade have been sent to the peripheries of the affected villages.

Vilchez said hostilities has been confined in the village of Balongis and that fighting has stopped since Monday.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1102558

2 NPAs killed in Zamboanga del Sur clash with military

From the Manila Bulletin (May 12, 2020): 2 NPAs killed in Zamboanga del Sur clash with military (By Bonita Ermac)

Two members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in an encounter with the Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion in Barangay Balonai, Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur at around 11 a.m. Monday, May 11.

The bodies of the two unidentified insurgents were recovered with their AK47 assault rifles, two bandoliers with magazines and ammunitions and a backpack by the government troops after the 15-minute firefight.

There was no reported casualty on the government side.

53rd Infantry Battalion commander Lt Col Jo-ar Herrera disclosed that they were able to engage the Communist rebels in the gun battle after receiving information from local residents who were alarmed by the NPAs’ presence in their communities.

“The people are already proactive in their roles in denouncing the terroristic acts of the NPAs in their barangays,” said Herrera.

Troops were still conducting a pursuit operation to take out the fleeing members of the terrorist group.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/05/12/2-npas-killed-in-zamboanga-del-sur-clash-with-military/

Gov't, tribal leaders, condemn attack in DavNor village

From the Philippine News Agency (May 12, 2020): Gov't, tribal leaders, condemn attack in DavNor village (By Che Palicte)



DAVAO CITY – Tribal leaders, the people of Kapalong, Davao del Norte, and the military condemned the atrocities committed by communist rebels in Sitio Tapayanon, Barangay Gupitan on Monday.

In a statement on Tuesday, Mayor Maria Theresa Timbol scored the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) for its “total disregard of human life” and performed “traitorous act of cowardice and treason.”

She also assured the public that the government will continue to “safeguard all Kapalongians against the desperate attempt of the CPP-NPA to terrorize innocent lives.”

Meanwhile, the Tribal Council of Sitio Tapayanon, via the Office of the Municipal Tribal Affairs of Kapalong, also condemned the CPP-NPA’s attack while calling for “legal action and justice for the innocent inhabitants of the sitio.”

1Lt. Amadeuz Celestial, 60th Infantry Batallion (60IB) civil-military operations officer, said barely two months after the NPA attack, it has launched another attack on the isolated Ata Manobo tribal community where troops are doing their Community Support Program (CSP).

“The 60IB’s CSP Team and members of the tribal community were going about their daily routine which includes village meetings, tending to individual and communal gardens, and the repair and rehabilitation of some houses and village facilities along with other community-building initiatives,” he said.

He added that the 60IB troops were able to immediately counter the communist-terrorists’ attack and protected the community during the 10-minute firefight.

Celestial also said that 60IB’s position was made even more advantageous by the close air support provided by the Philippine Air Force’s Tactical Operations Group (TOG) 11 based in this city.

“Since the last attack in Tapayanon, the military and the villagers have become more vigilant, and 60IB has since leveled-up the village’s defense system,” he noted.

Celestial also said that no government troop or civilian was hurt during the incident.

Lt. Col. Ronaldo Sarmiento, 60IB Commander, reported that since the “discovery” of Sitio Tapayanon, several interventions — such as the initiation of sustainable food production and farming, health/medical and hygiene and sanitation activities, among others, have already been initiated by various agencies and benefactors.

“We are doing good and this is certainly hurting them (CPP-NPA). Because as we ‘slowly but surely’ rid of Tapayanon’s social, cultural, and economic poverty we are also ripping the CPP-NPA off an entire community and some generations of potential communist-terrorist recruits who they hope would continue to advance their evil intentions and ideologies. We shall persist in this fight and ensure that it will be our communities who will emerge the victors in the end,” Sarmiento said.

The CPP-NPA-NDF (National Democratic Front) is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1102560

Running gun battle kills 10 rebels in Agusan Norte-MisOr border

From the Philippine News Agency (May 12, 2020): Running gun battle kills 10 rebels in Agusan Norte-MisOr border (By Alexander Lopez)



NPA CASUALTIES. The bodies of the 10 communist New People’s Army rebels are brought to two funeral parlors in Gingoog City early morning Tuesday (May 12), following an encounter Sunday in Sitio Likudon, Barangay Kamanikan in Gingoog City, at the Misamis Oriental-Agusan del Norte border. Pursuit operations and sporadic skirmishes continue as of Tuesday, military officials say. (Photo courtesy of 23IB)

A running gun battle that erupted at dawn last May 10 at the Agusan del Norte and Misamis Oriental border has already killed at least 10 communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, Army officials said Tuesday.

Lt. Col. Francisco Molina, Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion commander, said the first encounter took place in Sitio Likudon, Barangay Kamanikan in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental.

Molina said Sitio Likudon is at the border of Las Nieves town in Agusan del Norte and under the operational jurisdiction of the 23IB, a unit under the 402nd Infantry Brigade (402Bde).

“As of early morning Tuesday (May 12), we already recovered 10 dead bodies of NPA combatants and brought them to two funeral parlors in Gingoog City,” Molina said.

Pursuit operations

He said pursuit operations are still ongoing and sporadic encounters continue since Sunday in the area as the remaining NPA members scampered in different directions after the first armed engagement.

“It’s still dangerous in the area. The NPAs planted landmines and our troopers are very careful while conducting pursuit operations,” Molina said.

He said government troops also recovered five high-power firearms, ammunition, landmines, cellphones, and subversive documents.

Molina said the military operation was launched Sunday after residents reported the presence of around 70 armed men who later turned to be NPA rebels under its Guerrilla Front 4A (GF-4A).

Upon reaching the area at around 4 a.m. on Sunday, Molina said the armed men fired on approaching troopers that resulted in a 10- to 15-minute firefight.

Running gun battle

The Philippine Air Force (PAF), he added, immediately dropped in more Army troopers in the area.

DEAD NPA COMBATANTS. Several cadavers belonging to communist New People’s Army combatants are wrapped before being transported Tuesday, May 12, from the encounter site to the funeral parlors. Ten NPA fighters are killed following an encounter Sunday in Sitio Likudon, Barangay Kamanikan in Gingoog City, at Misamis Oriental-Agusan del Norte border on Sunday. (Photo courtesy of 23IB)
In an interview Tuesday, Brig. Gen. Maurito L. Licudine, 402Bde commander, commended the 23IB troopers for the "success of the military operations in the area."

“This is a running gun battle as gun fires can still be heard in the area,” said Licudine, who was in Gingoog City with Molina to personally monitor the continuing pursuit operations.

Licudine said they are expecting more NPA casualties as government troops continued to scour the Agusan del Norte and Misamis Oriental border to pursue the remaining NPA combatants.

Licudine said the rebels harassed, extorted, and collected food from civilians who recently received their relief assistance from the government.

The rebels, he said, were short on food supplies following the lockdowns enforced to contain the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

Hunger, exhaustion

"The NPA rebels have suffered hunger and exhaustion as their emissaries encountered difficulties in finding supplies of foods and other basic needs," the Army official added.

He said the NPA is also constrained in obtaining supplies after most barangays in Gingoog City and parts of Agusan del Norte had declared the NPA as persona non grata last year.

“Despite the declaration, civilians continue to fear the presence of the NPA. I commend the courage of some civilians who, despite the danger, managed to provide us accurate information on the area where the NPA were gathering. The information resulted in this successful military operation,” Molina said.

Molina said no casualties were reported on the side of the government.

Persona non grata

1Lt. Roel Maglalang, 23IB civil-military operations officer, said the unit has conducted a series of information drives in the area since last year that resulted in the declaration of persona non grata of communities against the NPA.

Since the declaration, Maglalang said the civilians have been providing vital information on the movements of the NPA.

“The support of the civilians is vital to our effective operations. The recent military operation was a success due to their support and cooperation,” Maglalang said.

Meanwhile, military officials have called on the remaining NPA combatants to surrender and return to their families and communities peacefully.

“The government is always ready to accept them and to provide assistance to start their lives again,” Licudine said.

The NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1102547

Duterte offers ₱2-million bounty for arrest of top New People's Army leaders

From CNN Philippines (May 12, 2020): Duterte offers ₱2-million bounty for arrest of top New People's Army leaders (By CNN Philippines Staff)



President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday offered up to P2 million reward for anyone who can provide information that would lead to the arrest of top communist leaders.

“Kapag ikaw ang nakaturo at nahuli ang commander na mabigat, may hati ka diyan sa pera,” Duterte said in a taped address. [Translation: If you gave the tip and a commander is arrested, you will get your share of the bounty.]

The President said informants will have to move houses and get a new identity to protect them from the New People’s Army, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

“‘Yung mga (the) squealers, you will be given a new identity,” Duterte promised. “I order that you be taken as a witness [under] the protection program.”

Duterte made the announcement after two soldiers escorting aid workers in Aurora province were killed by NPA guerillas in April. The President said the incident was a sign of ‘lawlessness,’ and if these attacks continued, he would declare martial law.

He earlier vowed to ‘finish’ all communist rebels before his terms ends in 2022.

The NPA declared a unilateral ceasefire in response to the call of the United Nations for a global truce so all states can focus on the fight against COVID-19 pandemic. The ceasefire lasted until April 30, two weeks after the government's own suspension of hostilities ended.

The CPP has been waging an insurgency in the country for over five decades.

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2020/5/12/Duterte-reward-for-NPA-leaders-arrest.html

CPP/Ang Bayan: Monitor and analysis of AFP counterinsurgency operations during Covid-19 ceasefire

Ang Bayan analysis posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (May 10, 2020): Monitor and analysis of AFP counterinsurgency operations during Covid-19 ceasefire



In 45 days, the AFP deployed its troops in at least 446 villages, 43% of whom were deployed in Visayas and Mindanao, 31% in the Southern Tagalog region, 19% in Bicol, and 7% in provinces north of the National Capital Region (NCR).


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Summary information

Since the Duterte regime declared a lockdown on March 16 over the Covid-19 pandemic, the AFP mounted counterinsurgency operations in over 161 towns and cities in 42 provinces across the country.

In 45 days, the AFP deployed its troops in at least 446 villages, 43% of whom were deployed in Visayas and Mindanao, 31% in the Southern Tagalog region, 19% in Bicol, and 7% in provinces north of the National Capital Region (NCR).

Armed troops roam around communities, enter homes and accuse residents of being members or supporters of the NPA, set up checkpoints, occupy civilian structures and impose curfews and other oppressive policies. There are mounting complaints against soldiers going around and confronting people without wearing face masks raising fears over the probability of spreading Covid-19.

The AFP has conducted at least six aerial bombardment operations in Bukidnon (three rounds), Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte and Sarangani provinces, all in Mindanao, as well as aerial surveillance operations using drones or planes. Helicopters were also used to drop propaganda leaflets in the Mt. Province and Masbate. There have been several attacks on civilians including mass arrests of peasants.

From March 17 to April 30, there were at least 46 armed clashes between various units of the New People’s Army and operating troops of the AFP. From March 16 to April 15, there were 19 such encounters or almost five a week. From April 16 to 30, the number of armed clashes increased to 27 or nearly two a day. Of the 46 clashes, at least 26 were raids against NPA encampments, while others were encounters with NPA units.

In line with the orders of the CPP-CC, NPA units have ceased from mounting tactical offensives against the AFP, the PNP and other armed organizations of the GRP since March 25. Following international humanitarian law, the NPA was also reminded not to prevent, on the contrary, facilitate the work of organizations or agencies delivering relief or assistance to the people. The Central Committee has commended the NPA for strictly observing the ceasefire order, and for training its efforts at addressing the health and economic concerns and problems of the people. While on ceasefire, the NPA was instructed to maintain strict secrecy to avoid detection, and remain vigilant and ready to carry out active defense actions in the face of an armed attack by the AFP. Some units of the NPA have successfully thwarted the offensives of the AFP.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2020/05/12/monitor-and-analysis-of-afp-counterinsurgency-operations-during-covid-19-ceasefire/

CPP/NPA-Southern Panay: Pag-atake sang NPA sa Bag-ong Tukod nga Detatsment sa Igbaras, Iloilo, Panugod nga Pagpanukot sa Pasistang AFP kag Inutil nga Gubyernong Duterte

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (May 10, 2020): Pag-atake sang NPA sa Bag-ong Tukod nga Detatsment sa Igbaras, Iloilo, Panugod nga Pagpanukot sa Pasistang AFP kag Inutil nga Gubyernong Duterte

ILAYA KANAWAY

NPA-SOUTHERN PANAY

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

MAY 10, 2020

Ginharas sang isa ka tim sang New People’s Army ang CAFGU detatsment sa Brgy. Barasan, Igbaras, Iloilo sang Mayo 3, 2020. Matapos ang istrikto nga pagpatuman sang untat lupok nga direktiba sang Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas tubtob Abril 30, 2020, gilayon nga ginsabat sang Mt. Napulak Command ang panawagan nga maglunsar na sang opensiba militar batuk sa nagapakuno-kuno kag butigon nga Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Sa sulod sang panahon nga may untat lupok ang NPA bilang pagpakigbuylog sa ululupod nga pag-atubang sa COVID-19, ginhingalitan ini sang AFP para manugsog kag mag-atake sa mga lugar nga ginahukmungan sang mga yunit sang NPA. Sa pagsuma sang PKP, indi mahimutig ang 36 ka inaway nga nagluntad nga ang kadam-an pagpanurong sa mga kampo.

Ang pagpang-atake sa detatment nga natabu sining damlag lang, panugod pa lamang nga pagpanukot sa pasistang AFP kag gubyernong Duterte sa gindulot nga inhustisya, kapigusan, kapalpakan, pagka-inutil kag ala Martial Law nga pagdomina sa nagaantus nga pumuluyo sa kaumhan kag kasyudaran sa panahon sang COVID-19.

Ginamanduan sang Mt. Napulak Command ang tanan nga yunit sa idalum sini nga indi pagpabay-an nga maglinagaw, sa baylo sukton ang kaaway nga tropa nga nagasulod sa erya batuk sa ginatuga sini nga kalakasan kag agud pangapinan ang ikaayong lawas sang pumuluyo batuk sa COVID-19 nga dala nila. Ginapanawagan man sini sa malapad nga pumuluyo nga ipakigbato ang ila kaayuhan kag kinamatarung sa seguridad sa pagkaon, ikaayong lawas kag pangabuhian kag pamatukan ang naga-operasyon nga tropa, intelligence assets sang AFP, PNP, CAFGU kag RPA nga nagapalapta sang COVID-19 sa ila lugar. Ginapanawagan man ang tanan nga pamatan-on nga naga-edad 18-anyos pataas nga mag-upod sa pagbato batuk sa mapiguson, mapintas, inutil kag pahamak nga gubyernong Duterte paagi sa pagkapot sang armas kag pag-entra sa NPA.

Hustisya para kay John Farochilin, Jory Porquia, 11 ka inosenteng sibilyan nga ginpangdakop sang pasista nga tropa kag iban pa nga biktima sang inhustisya kag kapabayaan sang gubyernong Duterte!

Mabuhay ang nagabato nga pumuluyong nagaantus, ginapigos kag ginahimuslan!
Pumuluyo kag NPA, ululupod nga batuan ang COVID-19!

https://cpp.ph/statement/pag-atake-sang-npa-sa-bag-ong-tukod-nga-detatsment-sa-igbaras-iloilo-panugod-nga-pagpanukot-sa-pasistang-afp-kag-inutil-nga-gubyernong-duterte/

WESTMINCOM: Soldiers, communist terrorists clash in ZDS

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (May 11, 2020):  Soldiers, communist terrorists clash in ZDS

Military troops clashed with undetermined number of communist terrorists on Monday morning, May 11, 2020.

While conducting combat patrol, troops of the 53rd Infantry Battalion encountered the members of the Communist Terrorist Group in Sitio Pisyo, Barangay Balonai, Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur at 11:05am.

Firefight ensued that lasted for 25 minutes after which enemy withdrew to unknown direction.

"Pursuit and blockade are being conducted by our troops to track down the fleeing terrorists," said Col. Leonel Nicolas, 102nd Brigade Commander.

While scouring the area of engagement, troops recovered two enemy cadavers, two AK47, and one backpack.

"We call on the people to remain vigilant and report to the government forces the presence of suspicious looking people in their communities," said Maj. Gen. Gene Ponio, Joint Task Force ZamPeLan Commander.

Recovered cadavers were extricated from the area for proper disposition.

"I commend the troops of the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan for their remarkable accomplishments amid the health crisis," said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, WestMinCom Commander.

"Rest assured that we will disallow these terror groups to thrive in the communities by exhausting all our capabilities," Lt. Gen. Sobejana added.

#afpyoucantrust
#teamwmc
#teamkapayapaan
#wmcyourprotector
#wmcyourpartner

6th Infantry Division - Kampilan 601 Infantry - Unifier Brigade 602nd "Liberator" Brigade 603 Persuader Brigade 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade Unang Marinong Brigada Team Tabak Joint Task Force Basilan HARIBON TEAM Magbalantay Cmo 11 Infantry Division "Alakdan Troopers" 2MBde Red Shield Gagandilan Siete 1102 Infantry "ganarul" Brigade 1st BCT Aegis Kwatromarinobrigada Sulu Jtf Tawi Tawi Indomalphi Joint Task Force Zamboanga Joint Task Force Zamboanga Virtual Center Unbeatable Ranger Battalion Matatag Battalion Tow Westmin Cmo Tow Westmin Pio Naval Forces Western Mindanao Cmou Western Mindanao Katapatan Pangkatihan-Dagatan 33rd Infantry Makabayan Battalion 57th Infantry Masikap Battalion 1st Mechanized Lakan Battalion 90th Infantry Bigkis Lahi Battalion Seventh Infantry Tapat Battalion Reliablecmo R Section 6IB Redskin 37IB - Conqueror Battalion 40 Infantry "Magiting" Battalion 2nd Mechanized Infantry-MAKASAGBattalion OnlyOurBest MbltFive 38th Infantry We Clear Battalion Arvin John Gullos Encinas Breathe Heart Ruel Casanes Ar-ar Galvez Afman Rosales Jr. Antriosanjh Espenida Nenea Sancus Princy Necessitas La Independencia Filipinas



https://www.facebook.com/afpwestmincom/photos/pcb.1731441690331213/1731441530331229/?type=3&theater



https://www.facebook.com/afpwestmincom/photos/pcb.1731441690331213/1731441493664566/?type=3&theater



https://www.facebook.com/afpwestmincom/photos/pcb.1731441690331213/1731441466997902/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/afpwestmincom

Kalinaw News: LGU, tribal leaders, military condemns attack on ‘extremely isolated’ tribal village

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 11, 2020): LGU, tribal leaders, military condemns attack on ‘extremely isolated’ tribal village (By 60th Infantry Battalion)



ASUNCION, DDN – Barely two (2) months after the CPP-NPA attacked Sitio Tapayanon in Barangay Gupitan, Kapalong, Davao del Norte, the same communist-terrorist group launched yet another attack on the extremely isolated Ata Manobo tribal community where troops of the Philippine Army’s 60th Infantry Battalion are currently conducting their Community Support Program (CSP).

The attack transpired yesterday morning while the 60IB’s CSP Team and members of the tribal community were going about their daily routine which includes village meetings, tending to individual and communal gardens, and the repair and rehabilitation of some houses and village facilities along other community-building initiatives.

As before, the 60IB troops were able to immediately counter the communist-terrorists’ attack and protected the community during the ten-minute firefight that ensued. 60IB’s position was made even more advantageous by the close air support provided by the Philippine Air Force’s Tactical Operations Group 11 based in Davao City.

Since the last attack in Tapayanon, the military and the villagers have become more vigilant; and 60IB has since levelled-up the village’s defense system.

No government troop or civilian was hurt during the incident.

Kapalong Mayor Maria Theresa Timbol recently released the LGU’s official statement condemning the CPP-NPA’s “total disregard [for] human life” and “traitorous act of cowardice and treason.” Timbol, through the statement, also reassured the public that the government will continue to “safeguard […] all Kapalongians against the desperate attempt of the CPP-NPA to terrorize innocent lives. [And] strongly enforce President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s Executive Order No. 70 […] with bravery and patriotism.”

In a similar tone, the Tribal Council of Sitio Tapayanon thru the Office of the Municipal Tribal Affairs of Kapalong released Resolution 01-2020 which also condemned the CPP-NPA’s terroristic act while calling for a deserved “legal action and justice … for the innocent inhabitants of the sitio.”

Per 60IB’s assessment, the attack may have been a simple “nuisance harassment” meant only to scare the villagers and dissuade them from continuously supporting the government.

It may also be the retaliation of some splinter group of the CPP-NPA who has been taking blow after blow of defeats in these very boundaries where 60IB and other AFP units continue to relentlessly conduct their operations.

Recent government reports imply the serious degradation of the CPP-NPA’s forces with some whole Guerilla Fronts being categorized “weakened” or totally declared “dismantled” by the different AFP units.

“WE SHALL PERSIST IN THIS FIGHT.”

Meanwhile, 60IB together with the Local Government Units of Kapalong and Davao del Norte and their partner National Government Agencies continue to implement their respective development plans and programs for the village.

60IB Commander, Lt. Col. Ronaldo Sarmiento reports that since the “discovery” of Sitio Tapayanon, several interventions—such as the initiation of sustainable food production and farming, conduct of health/medical and hygiene and sanitation activities, enrolment to social welfare programs and emergency employment schemes, the establishment of a DepEd Extension (Annex) School, and the continuing opening of access/farm-to-market roads thru both local and national agency funding; have already been initiated by various agencies and benefactors.

“We are doing good and this is certainly hurting them [CPP-NPA]. Because as we ‘slowly but surely’ rid of Tapayanon’s social, cultural, and economic poverty we are also ripping the CPP-NPA off an entire community and some generations of potential communist-terrorist recruits who they hope would continue to advance their evil intentions and ideologies. We shall persist in this fight and ensure that it will be our communities who will emerge the victors in the end,” Sarmiento 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/lgu-tribal-leaders-military-condemns-attack-on-extremely-isolated-tribal-village/

Kalinaw News: Two NPA killed, yields firearms in Zamboanga del Sur clash (Graphic Photos)

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 11, 2020): Two NPA killed, yields firearms in Zamboanga del Sur clash (By 1st Infantry Division)



Zamboanga Del Sur – Two members of the Communist NPA Terrorist were killed and yielded firearms after the encounter with the Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion in Barangay Balonai, Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur 11:05 a.m. today, May 11, 2020.

Two cadavers of still unidentified NPAs, two AK47 assault rifles, two bandoliers with magazines and ammunitions and a backpack were recovered by the government troops after the 15-minute firefight.

There were no reported casualties on the government side.

In his statement, Lt Col Jo-ar Herrera said that, “This would not have been possible without the information provided by concerned citizens of the enemy presence in their communities.”

“The people are already proactive in their roles in denouncing the terroristic acts of the NPAs in their barangays,” Lt Col Herrera added.

As of this posting, troops are still conducting pursuit operation against fleeing members of the terrorist group.

Meanwhile, Col Leonel Nicolas, Commander, 102nd Infantry Brigade, who has operational jurisdiction of Zamboanga del Sur assured the public that the army is on top of the situation.

“We will continue the relentless operations against these terrorist groups until their cause and presence become insignificant in our society today,” Col Nicolas said.

Maj General Generoso “Gene” Ponio, Commander, 1st Infantry Division commended the troops for this accomplishment.

“The Tabak Division in partnership with the Local Government Units and other stakeholders through the Local Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (LTF-ELCAC) is committed to put an end to this decades-long insurgency problem in Zamboanga Peninsula,” Maj. Gen. Ponio said.

“Through the Whole-of-Nation Approach, we are positive that we can finally achieve our end goal, to create an environment conducive for sustainable peace and development in the region,” Maj. Gen. Ponio added.

The cadavers are now being transported for immediate identification and decent burial.

[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/two-npa-killed-yields-firearms-in-zamboanga-del-sur-clash/