NPA terrorists attack Villagers in hinterland barangay in MisOr

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 30, 2020): NPA terrorists attack Villagers in hinterland barangay in MisOr (By 65IB)



The Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army Terrorists (CNT) attack and burn one Christian Church and four residential houses in Zone 2, Brgy Limonda, Opol, Misamis Oriental, around 3:50 a.m., May 28. (65IB/PA)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 30 – The Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army Terrorists (CNT) attacked and burned one Christian Church and four residential houses in Zone 2, Brgy Limonda, Opol, Misamis Oriental, around 3:50 a.m., May 28.

Based on the field reports, Edward Villarias, Kicy Tingcan, Edmar Burlat and Ambilino Sambuhay owned the residential houses burned by terrorist leader alias "Decoy" and several members of ACE Company, Sub-Regional Committee 5 (SRC 5), North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

On the statement of one of the Barangay council member, he said, "Dako amo kahiubos sa ilaha kay nganu ila man hilabtan ang amo balay. Pobre kaayu amo pamuyo, naa pay COVID, dili mi ka panginabuhi ug normal, tapos karun in ani pa nahitabo."

(We feel very oppressed by what they've done to our houses. With poor life, then there's COVID, we can't work and earn for sustenance, now this happened).

P

hilippine Army talks to residents after the incident. (65IB/PA)

He added, “Duha ka tao ang nakita namo nga nag sunog sa balay gamit ang gasolina ug naa clay dala nga armas."

(We saw two men burning the houses using gasoline and they have firearms.)

Barangay Chairman Michael Sambulay said, "Amo na ge safety daan amo mga tao para ma protektahan laban sa mga NPA. Andam me makig away kung ila me hilabtan. Ila na gikuha mga pagkaon sa mga bahay pati mga binuhi nga manok."

(We already assured the safety of the residents to protect them against the NPA. We are ready to fight against them if they continue their oppressive acts. They already took foods from the households as well as the raised chickens).

As the 65IB and PNP personnel responded to the crime scene, GMA Kapuso bags with can goods , biscuits, jelly ace and toys for children were distributed to the affected residents.

According to their statements, they will file complaints for the violations of Article 320 of the Revised Penal Code known as Article 320 Destructive Arson and Violation Against IHL that caused severe damages to properties of non-combatants, the civilian residents.

Lt. Col. Benjamin Pajarito Jr, Commanding Officer of 65IB said, “Your army will support and assist the affected residents in filing criminal charges against the NPA Terrorists. On incidents like this, we are now working with the PNP and Local Government Units in tracking down these terrorists. We call on the people to help us in tracking these criminals. Let us help one another prevent such terrorists’ acts because they do not care nor respect Human Rights and the International Humanitarian Law. As of press time, our unit continues to conduct our operations against the terrorists.”

These actions of the Communist NPA terrorists, as a non-state armed group, violates the privisions of Additional Protocol 2 of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) which is being enforced by Philippine’s Republic Act 9851, otherwise known as an “Act Defining and Penalizing Crimes against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and other Crimes against Humanities” by attacking civilian population intentionally causing great suffering to the people especially in these times of the CoViD-19 pandemic.

The innocent people of Limonda are non-combatants, who should not be attacked and are, therefore, protected under existing laws. (65IB/PA)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1043349

15 NPA supporters yield to gov't troops in Aurora

From the Philippine News Agency (May 30, 2020): 15 NPA supporters yield to gov't troops in Aurora (By Jason De Asis)



SURRENDERED. Fifteen supporters of the Komiteng Larangang Guerilla (KLG) Sierra Madre of the Communist Party of the Philippine-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) pledge their loyalty to the government in Barangay Dianawan, Maria Aurora, Aurora on Saturday (May 30, 2020). The rebel supporters surrendered to government troops in Barangay Dianawan, Maria Aurora. (Photo courtesy of the Army's 91st Infantry Battalion) 

BALER, Aurora – At least 15 supporters of the Komiteng Larangang Guerilla (KLG) Sierra Madre of the Communist Party of the Philippine-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) surrendered on Saturday to government troops in Barangay Dianawan, Maria Aurora here.

The surrenderers are categorized as underground mass organization (UGMO) members and also members of the Panlalawigang Alyansang Magbubukid ng Aurora (Pamana).
Lt. Col. Reandrew Rubio, acting commanding officer of 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion Philippine Army, said the surrender was the result of the retooled community support program (RCSP) operation efforts by the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC) with the special participation of local officials, other stakeholders, and the communities.

Rubio said the surrenderers disclosed they are dissatisfied with the false promises of their leaders and the pattern of deception being done by the communist terrorists.

“I am hoping that they are here honestly seeking for peace, that they are doing this by heart, mind, and soul,” he said.

“I am encouraging you (surrenderers) to inform other Pamana members about the government’s efforts toward peace and development and explained to them that our government is open for dialogue to end the local communist armed conflict in this province,” Rubio added.

During the simple ceremony, the 15 surrenderers pledged to withdraw their support to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDF) and took their oath of allegiance to the government.

Maj. Rhoderick Bagunu, chief of police of the Aurora Police Station, said he is thankful that the surrenderers are now on the side of the government.

“Makikita sa tinagal-tagal ngayon lang nangyari ang maraming nagbabalik-loob. Sana ay iparating din sa iba pang tao ang mabuting ginagawa ng gobyerno para sa ating bayan (We can see that for a longer period, it is only now that many returned to the fold of the law. I hope the good things that the government is doing to our town would be conveyed to other people),” Bagunu said.

Dianawan barangay chair Cresencio Mico also appreciated the immediate response of his constituents to end the local communist armed conflict.

“I am happy for their response and support to the government. Rest assured that we will continue to provide livelihood training and other development programs with the help of concerned government agencies and other stakeholders,” Mico said.

After the activity, the military troops distributed rice to the surrenderers and leaflets on the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) from UP Baler extension campus.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1104440

ICRC vehicles ferrying injured ‘NPAs’ stopped in Surigao Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (May 30, 2020): ICRC vehicles ferrying injured ‘NPAs’ stopped in Surigao Sur (By Alexander Lopez)



STOPPED. Two vehicles belonging to the International Committee on Red Cross and one from the local Red Cross are intercepted in a quarantine checkpoint in Barangay Payasan, Lianga in Surigao del Sur around 10 a.m. Friday (May 29) by the police and the military. Authorities say they received reports that the said vehicles are ferrying alleged members of the communist New People’s Army, who were wounded in recent skirmishes with government troopers in the province. (Photo courtesy of SDSPPO)

Three vehicles carrying wounded individuals, who are suspected members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA), were intercepted by authorities in a quarantine checkpoint in the Surigao del Sur town of Lianga around 10 a.m. Friday (May 29).

Col. James T. Goforth, Surigao del Sur Provincial Police Office (SDSPPO) director, said two of the vehicles are registered with the International Committee on Red Cross (ICRC) and one with the local Red Cross.

“We received information that wounded NPA members are being transported using ICRC vehicles. These NPA combatants were wounded during the series of encounters that took place in the province in the past weeks,” Goforth told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) Saturday (May 30).
Goforth said the quarantine checkpoints in the province manned by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the military were immediately alerted after they received the information.

Goforth said the vehicles stopped at a quarantine checkpoint in Barangay Payasan, Lianga, included a white Toyota Hi-Ace van ambulance with Red Cross logo bearing plate number WOG 769 driven by Ian Dominguez Adlawan, 38, a resident of Nabunturan, Davao de Oro.

The white ambulance was carrying a wounded person identified as Noel Dadang, 30, with a gunshot wound on his left rib and parietal area.

Dadang, who refused to declare his address, was escorted in the said ambulance by Marjun G. Tagalog and Leo Haniff C. Ko, all residents of Zamboanga del Norte, police said.

Goforth said the second vehicle is a white Toyota Land Cruiser with ICRC logo and plate number 30613 driven by Marjun Velez Gabia, 46, a resident of Purok 4, Agro Compound, Barangay 76-A, Davao City.

The second vehicle was carrying Jea Angeles Perez, 22, a resident of Purok 4, Barangay Puyat, Carmen, Surigao del Sur.

Perez, who was accompanied inside the vehicle by Rogelio Idul, Jr. and Reynaline Esguerra, both residents of Davao City, has a bullet wound on her right leg.

The third vehicle was a Toyota Land Cruiser with ICRC logo bearing plate number 30614 driven by Jose Junrie Quisquis Lomoljo, 40, a resident of Tukananes, Cotabato City.

Goforth identified the passengers of the third vehicle as Tara Feodora Montgomery, 35, a British national, and Jaymore Rala. Both passengers of the third vehicle refused to provide their address to authorities.

“The wounded NPA members were from Janipaan, San Agustin, Surigao del Sur. Both were wounded during the series of encounters with government forces,” Goforth said.

He added that the Red Cross and ICRC vehicles were heading to Davao Region for the treatment of the wounded individuals in a medical facility in the area.

Goforth said the Red Cross and ICRC vehicles and the wounded individuals were turned over to Col. Ringo C. Zarzoso, the director of the Agusan del Sur Provincial Police Office (ADSPPO).

In turn, Zarzoso handed over the vehicles with the wounded individuals to proper authorities in Davao Region, particularly in the province of Davao de Oro.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1104401

DILG to Reds: Free AJ Lucena, youth from communist terrorism

From the Philippine News Agency (May 30, 2020): DILG to Reds: Free AJ Lucena, youth from communist terrorism



Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año 

The battle against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) has further strengthened the government’s resolve against communist terrorist groups (CTGs) as the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) calls on leftist groups to free Alice Jasper "AJ" Lucena and other recruited youth “from the virus of communist terrorism.”
DILG Secretary Eduardo Año renewed this call on Saturday as the Supreme Court (SC) en banc directed leftist leaders to respond to the Show Cause Order issued on May 19 against respondents Kabataan Party-list Rep. Sarah Elago, Anakbayan spokesperson Alex Danday, Anakbayan recruiters and members Chary delos Reyes, Bianca Gacos, and Jayroven Ballais Villafuerte, and lawyer Maria Kristina Conti.
The Show Cause Order was issued after the May 8 filing of petitions for the issuance of the writ of habeas corpus and amparo by Francis and Relissa Lucena, the parents of AJ, against the respondents.

AJ, now 18 years old, was a minor two years ago when she was recruited by leftist youth organizations and had been missing since July 2019. In August 2019, AJ spoke in a press conference held by leftist lawmakers in Congress, saying she voluntarily joined the CTGs.

“These CTGs cannot justify their recruitment of minors and child warriors which is a clear violation of international law. They cannot wash their hands of the brainwashing activities they do to mislead the youth towards communist terrorism,” Año said.

“Kayong CTGs ang limang dekada nang peste sa lipunan. Mas matindi pa kayo sa Covid-19. Pinapatay niyo ang kinabukasan ng kabataan at dinudurog ninyo ang puso ng mga magulang na nawawalan ng mga anak,” he said.

( You CTGs are pestering society for five decades. You are worse than Covid-19. You are killing the future of the youth and you're crushing the hears of the parents who lost their children.)

“You infect and contaminate our youth with your pretentious and false notion of nationalism. Kaya kayo hindi nagtatagumpay ay dahil hindi totoong para sa bayan ang inyong adhikain (You are not succeeding because you have a bogus cause). Stop spreading the virus of communist terrorism,” he added.

He also called on the youth to "maintain distancing, physically and online, from these leftist groups. Sanitize yourself of their polluted beliefs.”

He said that the DILG, a member of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), lauds the Lucena couple for filing the petitions before the Supreme Court.

“The DILG, together with the Philippine National Police (PNP), supports the Lucena couple in their unceasing efforts to get back their daughter from the custody of CTGs. As the law says, the family, being the foundation of the nation, is a basic social institution that public policy cherishes and protects. To the Lucena couple, we are behind you in our common fight against the recruitment of minors by the communist terrorist groups,” he said.

The lawyer of the Lucena couple contends that AJ’s life, liberty, and security were violated when she was a minor and is aggravated by the occurrence of the Covid-19 pandemic because she has no proper support, has become an out-of-school youth, and has no gainful employment.

The suit also sought a court order directing and ordering the immediate transfer of AJ to the care and custody of her parents in compliance with the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, compelling everyone to stay at home with their families.

Año assured them that the DILG will help in getting AJ back to her parents in compliance with the law and Constitution which states that the natural and primary right and duty of parents in the rearing of the youth for civic efficiency and the development of moral character shall receive the support of the government.

The Constitution also mandates the State to promote and protect the youth’s physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1104400

DND chief hails Congress for approving new measure vs. terrorism

From the Philippine News Agency (May 30, 2020): DND chief hails Congress for approving new measure vs. terrorism (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Saturday lauded two committees of the House of Representatives for approving a measure that will boost the law against terrorism and effectively repealing Human Security Act of 2007.

"The DND welcomes the approval by the House Committees on Public Order and Safety, and National Defense and Security of a proposed bill which will strengthen the government's response against terrorism," he said in a message to reporters.

Lorenzana noted a new and stronger law against terrorism is needed as the Human Security Act of 2007 is no longer capable of meeting the evolving terror threats.

"The Human Security Act of 2007 is no longer responsive to the evolving nature of the threats we face, hence the need for a new law," he said.

On Friday, the House Committee on Public Order and Safety and Committee on National Defense and Security, chaired by Masbate Rep. Narciso Bravo Jr. and Iloilo Rep. Raul Tupas, respectively, approved the still-unnumbered substitute bill, which seeks to prevent, prohibit, and penalize terrorism.

Bravo said the House bill is similar to the Senate version that was approved in February to fast-track its passage and avoid convening a bicameral conference.

“We have to approve today a bill that is similar to the Senate bill to avoid the necessity to convene a bicameral conference committee," he said.

The proposed Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 would provide a strong legal backbone to support the country's criminal justice response to terrorism, provide the law enforcers the much-needed tools to protect the people from the threat of terrorism and, at the same time, safeguard the rights of those accused of the crime.

The Senate version introduced provisions imposing life imprisonment without parole on those who will propose, incite, conspire, and participate in the planning, training, preparation, and facilitation of a terrorist act; as well as those who will provide material support to terrorists, and recruit anyone to be a member of a terrorist organization.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1104403

BRP Davao del Sur fetches 12 more stranded Pinoys in Sri Lanka

From the Philippine News Agency (May 30, 2020): BRP Davao del Sur fetches 12 more stranded Pinoys in Sri Lanka (By Priam Nepomuceno)  May 30, 2020, 1:55 pm



Photo courtesy of PN Public Affairs Office

The Philippine Navy's Naval Task Force 82, which consists BRP Davao del Sur (LD-602) and BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16), on Friday made a brief stop in Colombo, Sri Lanka to pick up 12 more Filipino tourists and overseas workers stranded there due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

In a statement Saturday, Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas, Philippine Navy (PN) public affairs office chief, said the 12 repatriates are certified and tested negative for Covid-19 before being allowed to board the BRP Davao del Sur.

"The onboarding process was similar to the protocols observed during the earlier repatriation of 18 Filipinos in India. They are placed in an isolated room separate from the first batch with strict and round-the-clock monitoring by a medical team," she said.

Roxas said the voyage from Cochin, India to Sri Lanka was also a validation for newly-repaired BRP Ramon Alcaraz engine room that caught fire shortly after leaving the Indian port on May 7.

Repairs to the ship were completed on May 27. Following this, Alcaraz and the Davao del Sur, which initially proceeded alone on May 9 but was forced to seek shelter anew in Cochin due to heavy weather caused by Cyclone "Amphan" that battered eastern India and Bangladesh.

"All its (BRP Ramon Alcaraz) systems are up and running and can sustain longer travel. The two PN vessels will immediately set sail directly to South Harbor, Manila upon completion of water and fuel replenishment," she said.

The two ships were deployed to Oman last February as a contingency measure should a large evacuation of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) be needed following tensions between the United States and Iran.

They sailed from Sultan Qaboos, Oman last April 21 and arrived in India on April 29 to fetch a donation of 200,000 pieces of face masks from a Filipino businessman based in the country, as well as Filipino tourists who were stranded due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1104407

Centino is new 4th ID Chief

From the Manila Bulletin (May 30, 2020): Centino is new 4th ID Chief (By Mike Crismundo)

CAMP BANCASI, Butuan City – A seasoned senior Army officer, who has led successful anti-insurgency campaigns in Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur provinces, has been appointed as the new commanding general of the Army’s Fourth Infantry Division (4th ID) effective Friday (May 29).



Army Chief Lt. Gen. Gilbert I Gapay (right) presided over the turnover of leadership from Maj. Gen. Franco Nemesio M. Gacal (center) to the incoming 4th ID Chief Maj. Gen. Andres C. Centino (left)
(Philippine Army / MANILA BULLETIN)

The 4th ID, the largest Army maneuvering division of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) station in Southern Philippines, covers the provinces and cities in Northeastern Mindanao or Caraga Region 13 and Northern Mindanao (Region 10).

Army Chief Lt. Gen. Gilbert I Gapay presided over the turnover of leadership from Maj. Gen. Franco Nemesio M. Gacal to the incoming 4th ID Chief Maj. Gen. Andres C. Centino.

Centino, who graduated at the top of the Philippine Military Academy “Maringal” Class of 1988, has been serving in the Army for 32 years.

Prior to his appointment as the 44th 4ID Commander, he was assigned as the Chief of Staff for Operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and was then the former Brigade commander of the Army’s 401st Infantry Brigade based in Camp Datu Lipus Makapandong in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

“Let us brace the challenges ahead of the fight in front of us and be more focused on the tasks before us,” he said.

“Considering the limited time, we must be relentless on our pursuit. I enjoined also our partners to continue our elaborative efforts in harnessing our skills and capabilities,” said Centino in his remarks.

Centino also aims to put a premium on the improvement of training systems, leaders development program, non-commissioned officers’ empowerment, reserve force development, and civilian human resource component strengthening.

“I will sustain your gains and ensure that what you have set out to do shall come into fruitition,” Centino told his predecessor.

Gacal was also credited with the neutralization of top New People’s Army (NPA) leaders and the mass surrender of Communist-fighters and supporters in Northeastern Mindanao.

Gacal, who was also a member of the PMA “Maringal” Class of 1988 is set to assume position as the Inspector General of the AFP based in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, received the Distinguished Conduct Star award.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/05/30/centino-is-new-4th-id-chief/

Air Force pilot Erickson Gloria is new military commander guarding West PH Sea

From Rappler (May 30, 2020): Air Force pilot Erickson Gloria is new military commander guarding West PH Sea (By JC Gotinga)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines announces changes in key positions as Lieutenant General Erickson Gloria takes over the Western Command based in Palawan



NEW WESCOM CHIEF. Lieutenant General Erickson Gloria is appointed commander of the AFP Western Command. Photo from the Armed Forces of the Philippines

A decorated tactical and rescue pilot from the Air Force is the new military commander in Palawan, whose primary mission includes safeguarding the West Philippine Sea.

Lieutenant General Erickson Gloria, previously The Deputy Chief of Staff (TDCS) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), took the helm of the AFP Western Command (Wescom) on Thursday, May 28.
Gloria took over from the Navy’s Vice Admiral Rene Medina, who retired after leading Wescom for almost 14 months. A change-of-command ceremony was held at Camp General Artemio Ricarte in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

A member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Maringal” Class of 1988, Gloria holds a command pilot rating in the Philippine Air Force. Early in his military career, he was awarded different aircrew qualifications ranging from pilot, element lead, flight commander, test pilot, and instructor pilot for the UH-1H and Bell 205 helicopters.

Gloria also qualified as a pilot of the Sikorsky S-76A, logging more than 2,500 accident-free flight hours. For this, he was awarded the Command Pilot Badge.

His other earlier posts include Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, J1, Wing Commander of the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing, Deputy Commander of the Air Mobility Command, and Deputy Commander of the Air Logistics Command.

Gloria also previously commanded Search and Rescue air squadrons in Palawan and General Santos City.

Other new appointments
Replacing Gloria as AFP TDCS is Lieutenant General Antonio Ramon Lim, previously the AFP Inspector General.

Taking over as AFP Inspector General is Major General Franco Nemecio Gacal, previously the Commander of the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division (PA 4ID) in based in Eastern Mindanao.

Gacal is Gloria’s classmate from the PMA Maringal Class of 1988.

Replacing Gacal as commander of the PA 4ID is Major General Andres Centino, also from PMA Class ’88. He was previously the AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, J3.

The new Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, J3, is Major General Edgardo de Leon, erstwhile Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations, J7.

Taking De Leon’s place as J7 chief is Brigadier General Benedict Arevalo, the former Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Education and Training, AJ8.

“The reliefs and designations [of officers] are integral to and part of the dynamism of the uniformed services. The AFP ensures that it puts the right person on the right job who will carry out our mandate no matter what assignment is put upon their shoulders,” AFP chief General Felimon Santos Jr said in a statement.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/262412-air-force-pilot-erickson-gloria-new-military-commander-west-philippine-sea

4 ‘Reds’ get tired of armed struggle, surrender in Ecija

From the Journal Online (May 29, 2020); 4 ‘Reds’ get tired of armed struggle, surrender in Ecija (By Steve A. Gosuico)

After getting tired of the armed struggle, four alleged active members of the communist New People's Army rebels gave themselves up to authorities in separate areas in Nueva Ecija on Wednesday.

In Gabaldon, Lt. Col. Alexander C. Aurelio, former chief of the provincial intelligence branch said two NPA rebels surrendered without their firearms to the police and military in Bgy. Malinao following negotiations being jointly facilitated by the 1st provincial mobile force company, the local police, the regional mobile force battalion 3, and the Army's 703rd Brigade and the 91st Infantry Battalion.

The two rebel surrenderees are identified as alias Jex/Lei/Mali/Carding/Supremo, 19, of Bgy. 28, Caloocan City, and alias Jerome, 23, of Malinao, Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija.

"Pagod na sila sa kanilang maling pakikibaka kaya nagbalik-loob na sila sa ating pamahalaan," said Lt. Col. Aurelio, who now heads the 1ST PMFC after its erstwhile chief was transferred to the Police Regional Office 3 in Camp Olivas, Pampanga.

Aurelio described alias Jex/Lei/Mali/Carding/Supremo as a former youth organizer of the leftist group Anakbayan while alias Jerome was formerly designated as medic/assistant gunner of Platoon dos, Kumiteng Larangang Gerilya-Sierra Madre under codename Conan.

In San Jose City, Lt. Col. Marco A. Dadez, company commander of the 2nd PMFC based here said two NPA rebels yielded to them and the military at 1 p.m.
Dadez identified the two rebels as Ka Robert, 34, a municipal employee, of Bgy. Alalay-Grande, and Ka Ramon/Ka Bengson, 52, municipal driver, of Bgy. San Isidro, both of Lupao, Nueva Ecija.

Dadez said they were former members of the Arcadio Peralta command operating in the area of Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan, and Aurora or KLG Caraballo.

Col. Leon Victor Z. Rosete, provincial police director said the four rebel surrenderees are now under police custody for proper documentation and for tactical debriefing.

https://journal.com.ph/news/provincial/4-reds-get-tired-armed-struggle-surrender-ecija

Tesda-12 to train ex-NPA rebels

From the Manila Times (May 30, 2020): Tesda-12 to train ex-NPA rebels (ByJulmunir I. Jannaral)

Some 45 former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in South Cotabato are set to undergo skills training under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) programs as part of the national government’s enhanced reintegration program.

As members of Militia ng Bayan (MB) and members of the Under Ground Mass Organization have already rejected communist ideology and returned to the fold of the law as the government continues its efforts to end the insurgency in the country amid the coronavirus pandemic in a program held recently in Barangay Ned, Lake Sebu municipality of South Cotabato.

Rafael Abrogar II, Tesda-12 regional director, on Friday said preparations are ongoing for the training of the rebel returnees under I-PEACE –the Indigenous Peoples Empowered as Agripreneurs towards a Collective End.

“We will assure you that Tesda will guide them every step of the way to change lives through TechVoc,” Abrogar said during the program.

One of the Tesda programs is for food security in the area through an agriculture program that would provide proper training not only to the rebel-returnees but for their families as well.

Ronnie, an NPA supporter for six years, said because of the continued efforts of the government to reach out to them, they have agreed to surrender and promised to support government efforts to curb the insurgency in the province.

“I have my family and there is a need to protect them and it has been a long time that I wanted live with them, but I could not because we had to keep on hiding from the government military. I’m tired of that life,” Ronnie said in the local dialect.

Together with representatives from government agencies, South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. extended cash assistance to the returnees.

Lake Sebu Mayor Floro Gandam assured his support for members of the Indigenous Peoples, who were former members of the rebel groups.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/05/30/news/regions/tesda-12-to-train-ex-npa-rebels/728142/

13 former rebels in Zamboanga del Sur to receive cash assistance

From the Manila Bulletin (May 30, 2020): 13 former rebels in Zamboanga del Sur to receive cash assistance (By Bonita Ermac)

ILIGAN CITY – At least 13 former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, who have surrendered to the Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion unit, received livelihood and immediate cash assistance during the culmination of their Values Formation and Psycho-Social Activity at the Executive Function Hall, Provincial Capitol Compound, Pagadian City in Zamboanga del Sur, on Friday, May 29.



53rd Infantry Battalion, PA / MANILA BULLETIN

The cash assistance amounted to a total of P845,000 — with P50,000 livelihood assistance and P15,000 immediate cash assistance given to each former rebel.

The assistance was part of their benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) given after the Values Formation and Psycho-Social Activity spearheaded by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) of the province.

Present at the turnover of assistance were DILG Provincial Director Moh Taga Arakama and Provincial Board Member Dang Mariano, representing Gov. Victor J. Yu, the Chairperson of E-CLIP Committee.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/05/30/13-former-rebels-in-zamboanga-del-sur-to-receive-cash-assistance/

2 wounded NPA members found onboard Red Cross ambulances

From Tempo (May 30, 2020): 2 wounded NPA members found onboard Red Cross ambulances



FRONTLINERS check on three vehicles of International Committee of the Red Cross which were found carrying two wounded New People’s Army (NPA) members at a provincial quarantine checkpoint in Purok 3, Barangay Payasan, Lianga, Surigao del Sur on Friday. (Photo courtesy of PRO 13-RPIO)

Frontliners manning a provincial quarantine checkpoint intercepted three Red Cross ambulances transporting two wounded New People’s Army (NPA) rebels on Friday in Purok 3, Barangay Payasan, Lianga, Surigao del Sur, the Caraga Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13) reported.

Nine other individuals, including a British national, were also found onboard the ambulances.

PRO 13 identified the two wounded persons as Jea Angeles Perez, 22, who sustained a gunshot wound in the right leg; and Noel Dadang, 32, who suffered bullet wounds in the chest and head.

Prior to the interception, police and military personnel were alerted after receiving information about the transport of alleged wounded NPA rebels using International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) vehicles.

PRO 13 reported that around 10:55 a.m. on Friday, Caraga cops and 9th Special Force Company troopers flagged down the three Red Cross vehicles.

During inspection, they found inside the vehicles 11 persons, including two alleged wounded NPA rebels and one British national.

In coordination with the officials of Agusan del Sur and Davao police officials, the wounded persons were referred to Davao Regional Medical Center for medical treatment.

Upon reaching the regional quarantine checkpoint in Barangay Pasian, Monkayo, Davao de Oro, Philippine Army personnel received the convoy and escorted them to Davao Regional Medical Center in Tagum City, Davao del Norte. (Mike Crismundo)

http://tempo.com.ph/2020/05/30/2-wounded-npa-members-found-onboard-red-cross-ambulances/

COVID-19 crisis forces 50 NPAs to surrender in Sarangani

From the Manila Bulletin (May 29, 2020): COVID-19 crisis forces 50 NPAs to surrender in Sarangani (By Joseph Jubelag)

Some fifty members of the New People’s Army (NPA) yielded Thursday to police authorities in Kiamba, Sarangani.

Police Regional Office 12 Director Brig. Gen. Michael John Dubria said the NPA surrenderers belonged to the NPA Guerilla Front 73 operating in Sarangani and South Cotabato, and were presented to Saragani Gov. Steve Solon and Kiamba Mayor Danny Martinez.

Dubria said the surrenderers also yielded 10 assorted high-powered firearms, including a rifle grenade and fragmentation grenade.

Solon said the former rebels will be provided with livelihood assistance under the Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the provincial government.

Martinez said the municipal government will provide housing units for the surrenderers.

One of the surrenderers, alias Commander Tiger, said they opted to surrender due to the hardship and difficulties they were experiencing amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis which had adversely displaced them from their communities.

He said he and other colleagues have given up their allegiance to the NPA, armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), as they promised to rejoin mainstream society and live a peaceful life.

As a gesture of withdrawing their support from the NPA, the surrenderers set on fire an NPA flag after the program.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/05/29/covid-19-crisis-forces-50-npas-to-surrender-in-sarangani/

NDF/Sison: Killing of social activists is high priority of state terrorism under Duterte regime

Jose Maria Sison propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (May 30, 2020): Killing of social activists is high priority of state terrorism under Duterte regime



By Jose Maria Sison, NDFP Chief Political Consultant

It is clear that the Duterte regime is engaged in the killing of leading social activists as a high priority of state terrorism. The people are outraged and are demanding justice. The honor list of martyred social activists is rapidly growing.

The social activists can fight back by multiplying their ranks through perseverance in arousing, organizing and mobilizing the masses openly and yet letting the revolutionary forces accumulate strength that is not exposed to their enemy.

They should be guided by the lesson that when the fascist scheme of Marcos became clear from 1969 to 1971 the revolutionaries waged mass struggles and at the same time developed the urban underground and sent more activists to the countryside for people’s war.

I have noted that there are those who demand that justice be obtained by the armed revolutionary movement with lightning strikes against the human rights violators and plunderers to counter the rampage of state terrorism.

They point out that the Duterte regime is hell-bent on launching a campaign of mass arrests and mass murder in urban areas in a vicious scheme to suppress the legal democratic forces and the broad opposition and impose fascist dictatorship on the people.

According to insiders in the Duterte regime, the butcher-in-chief and his minions in the National Task Force-ELCAC and the so-called Anti-Terrorism Council have a consensus that they can wipe out the cause-oriented organizations and the entire opposition by murdering Tokhang-style 100,000 social activists in the name of anti-communism.

The decision to carry out punitive actions against the urban-based human rights violators and plunderers belongs to the revolutionary forces of the people. Such actions can also compel more armed minions of the tyrannical regime to do guard duty in urban areas and trunk lines and lessen the number of enemy troops in the countryside.

The Duterte regime is escalating the oppression and exploitation of the people as the domestic ruling system and the world capitalist system are debilitated by the rapidly worsening economic and political crisis. The people are being forced to fight back under conditions favorable to armed revolution.###

https://ndfp.org/killing-of-social-activists-is-high-priority-of-state-terrorism-under-duterte-regime/

CPP/News Story: BHB-Northern Samar, sunod-sunod na hinaras ang RCSP tim ng 20th IB

Propaganda news story posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (May 27, 2020): BHB-Northern Samar, sunod-sunod na hinaras ang RCSP tim ng 20th IB

NEWS STORIES
MAY 27, 2020

Sunod-sunod na hinaras ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan-Northern Samar (Rodante Urtal Command o RUC) ang mga elemento ng 20th Infantry Battalion-Philippine Army na naglulunsad ng operasyong Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) sa Barangay San Miguel, Las Navas.

Noong Mayo 8, hinaras ng mga Pulang mandirigma kasama ang milisyang bayan ng BHB-RUC ang mga elemento ng 20th IB sa pangunguna ng isang Sgt. Agosto na nakakampo ilang metro ang layo sa eskwelahan. Dalawang sundalo ang malubhang nasugatan.

Noong tanghali ng Mayo 9, isang sundalo ang namatay matapos iisnayp ng BHB-RUC. Sa galit ng mga sundalo, pinaputukan nila ang dalawang bahay ng mga magsasaka sa Zone 7 ng nasabing barangay. Nakuha ng mga upisyal ng barangay ang mga bala sa mga sako ng bigas at dingding ng bahay. Pinagbakwit na ang mga residente ng nasabing purok. Kinagabihan, muling hinaras ng BHB-RUC ang mga sundalo.

Mula pa Marso 9 nagsasagawa ng operasyong RCSP ang 20th IB sa San Miguel gayundin sa mga kalapit nitong baryo ng Perez, Quirino at San Francisco. Hindi pa ito umaalis kahit noong epektibo ang tigil-putukan ng GRP. Tuloy-tuloy rin ang kanilang pananakot at sapilitang pagpapasurender sa mga residente at upisyal ng barangay. Bagamat labas-pasok sa mga baryo, wala silang ginagawang pag-iingat laban sa pagkalat ng coronavirus gaya ng pagsuot ng face mask o social distancing habang nakikihalubilo sa mga residente. Nangunguna pa ito sa mga pagtitipon gaya ng pagsasabong.

Matagal nang pinag-iinitan ng 20th IB ang Brgy. San Miguel. Mga elemento ng 20th IB ang itinuturo ng mga residente na pumatay sa kanilang kapitan na si Apolinario “Kap Pening” Lebico noong Mayo 2019, halos isang taon na ang nakalilipas. Aktibong tagasuporta ng kampanya laban sa militarisasyon ng kanilang baryo si Lebico. (Koresponsal)#

https://cpp.ph/statement/bhb-northern-samar-sunod-sunod-na-hinaras-ang-rcsp-tim-ng-20th-ib/