10 BIFF rebels slain in Maguindanao clashes

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30, 2020): 10 BIFF rebels slain in Maguindanao clashes (By Edwin Fernandez)



Google map of Datu Salibo, Maguindanao.

Ten combatants of the Daesh-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were killed in ongoing clashes with military troops in Datu Salibo, Maguindanao, the Army here said Thursday.

“Military pursuit operations are ongoing but locals confirmed that the retreating BIFF radicals have carted away their dead comrades,” Lt. Col. Anhouvic Atilano, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) spokesperson, told reporters here.

Atilano said the clashes also left two soldiers killed and 13 other troopers of the Army’s 57th Infantry Battalion (57IB) wounded.

Several locals have offered information to pinpoint where some of the BIFF extremists were hurriedly buried near the encounter area, he added.

“We suffered two fatalities, and the BIFF also has 10 dead fighters,” Atilano said in a separate radio interview. He identified the fatalities as Privates 1st Class Jovit Sarno and Raymond Canlog, both of the Army's 57IB.

Soldiers under the 57IB were conducting law enforcement operations in Barangay Penditen, Datu Salibo, Maguindanao at 5:50 a.m. Wednesday when the skirmishes erupted.

“Our troops were verifying reports from villagers about the presence of gunmen in their community when an armed confrontation ensued that lasted for more than five hours,” Atilano said.

Sporadic clashes went on throughout the night, the Army official said, adding the soldiers clashed with the group of BIFF sub-commander Hassan Imbal under the BIFF Abu Toraife faction.

Citing village officials, Atilano said more than a dozen other BIFF guerrillas were also injured in the clashes.
Atilano said Imbal’s group was behind the series of bombings in Maguindanao, North Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat, including attacks against soldiers and police manning quarantine checkpoints.

The 13 soldiers wounded in the skirmishes were admitted at the 6ID’s station hospital, he added.

All Army units in Maguindanao have been placed on heightened alert, especially inside and around the adjoining towns of Shariff Aguak, Pagatin (Datu Saudi Ampatuan), Mamasapano and Salibo or known in the military jargon as “SPMS Box” -- the areas frequented by BIFF terrorists.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1110583

Leyte ex-rebels now high-value crops producers

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30, 2020): Leyte ex-rebels now high-value crops producers (By Sarwell Meniano)



HIGH-VALUE CROPS. Former rebels work on a farm in Daja Daku village in San Isidro, Leyte on Wednesday (July 29, 2020). The farm forms part of the Peace and Prosperity Village built by the government to help those who surrendered to become productive citizens. (PNA photo by Sarwell Meniano)

SAN ISIDRO, Leyte – From persuading villagers to fight against the government to leading farmers to produce high-value crops, a former rebel shared his transformation story on Wednesday.

Marcelino Solatorio, 47, the leader of a 68-member farmer’s group in this town's Daja Daku village said life has become more meaningful after he abandoned the ideology of the New People’s Army (NPA) two years ago.

“We are more productive now that we have been thinking of ways on how to cultivate high-value crops instead of waiting for the fulfillment of the NPA’s empty promises,” Solatorio told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

Solatorio was an active member of the NPA’s Militia ng Bayan (MB) from 2002 to 2018, leading the barangay (village) organizing party in remote communities of San Isidro town.

He used to gather villagers to join anti-government gatherings in their community and help secure NPA forces.

Poverty encouraged him to support the communist terrorist group who promised him of land ownership and a better life. “What really happened was the opposite. They never provided any financial support to us. Instead, they were the ones asking for food from us,” he recalled.

The former rebel is one of the more than 1,000 NPA fighters and MB members in San Isidro and Calubian towns who surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade on April 13, 2019.

MB refers to individuals who have been indoctrinated and may or may not be directly involved in violent armed struggle, but when organized, can provide mass support to the revolutionary movement of the communist terrorist group.

Solatorio is one of the 262 former rebels who received the multi-million financial aid when President Rodrigo Duterte visited the town on January 24, 2020.

During the event, Duterte handed over some PHP11.9 million in cash and livelihood assistance to rebel returnees during the mass awarding of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) benefits.

This is on top of the additional PHP5,000 cash assistance and mobile phones for each former rebel from the Office of the President.

Solatorio and thousand others have been formed into 11 groups, trained on high-value crop productions, engage in land preparation, and started farming in May this year.

“We are very happy that in the past few months we have been contributing to the government’s food security program. Just this month, our association earned PHP16,000 from selling cucumbers,” he said.

For Nathaniel Catandejan, 52, gone are the days when NPA terrorized their village in Casiongan, Calubian town.

He forms part of the mass-base that serves as revolutionary enforcement in their community.

“We were forced to support the NPA out of fear. For decades until 2016, we fed them and provided them shelter every time they come to our village,” recalled Catandejan, now a member of a farmer’s group cultivating a bell pepper farm in this town’s Daja Daku village.

The old man is happy that his grandchildren will not be going through the same ordeal now that their communities are peaceful and people are engaged in high-value crops production within the 600-hectare land of the Leyte provincial government.

The view of the farm within the Peace and Prosperity Village in Daja Daku village, San Isidro, Leyte. (PNA photo by Sarwell Meniano)

The farm in Daja Daku village forms part of the Peace and Prosperity Village with a budget requirement of PHP747.97 million.

The site is about 13 kilometers away from the center. The access road construction is still ongoing.

About 458 families from other areas will be relocated in the village provided with house and lot, farmland, livestock, poultry, livelihood, and skills training from Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and Department of Agriculture as part of mainstreaming and empowering them.

To rise in the new community are school buildings, community center, multi-purpose building, evacuation center, basketball court, manpower development center, chapel, children’s playground, daycare, and health center.

Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla, who visited the village on Wednesday, said they envisioned the village as one of the country’s models of the whole-of-nation approach in ending the insurgency.

“This is just the start of the area’s development. We will be meeting the livelihood to solicit support from various national government agencies. Livelihood is our priority since it was the first concern they have raised after they surrendered to the government,” Petilla told reporters.

The livelihood component is part of the provincial government’s Leyte Economics program, province’s main economic strategy that aims to reduce the 23.6 percent poverty incidence in 2015 to 9 percent in the next two years.

The program adopts a community-based approach to capacitate the poor and marginalized villages through packages of goods and services.

Petilla said the provision of livelihood opportunities to poor families in far-flung communities is one of the local government’s strategies to counter the campaign of the NPA.

The NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines 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/1110606

Army overruns NPA lair after Samar clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30, 2020): Army overruns NPA lair after Samar clash (By Sarwell Meniano)



REBEL-INFESTED. The community in San Nicolas village, San Jose de Buan near the location of the New People’s Army lair overran on Wednesday afternoon (July 30, 2020) by the Philippine Army. The firefight resulted in the discovery of a lair large enough to accommodate 50 to 100 rebels with 34 huts and a large kitchen. (Photo from FB page of Barangay San Nicolas)

The Philippine Army overran on Wednesday a lair of the New People's Army (NPA) after a four-hour gun battle on the outskirts of San Jose de Buan, Samar.

The firefight resulted in the discovery of a lair in San Nicolas village, large enough to accommodate 50 to 100 rebels with 34 huts and a large kitchen.

Lt. Col. Reynaldo Balido Jr., commander of the Philippine Army’s 87th Infantry Battalion (87IB) said in a statement on Thursday troops discovered the lair after several residents complained about the presence of armed NPA rebels extorting money and food supply.

“Residents told us that they can no longer bear the abuses of the NPA extorting food and money from indigent families,” Balido said.

Soldiers recovered five M-16 assault rifles, hundreds of assorted ammunition, a generator set, electronic gadgets, food, medicines, medical paraphernalia, and subversive documents.

No soldier was wounded in the clash with about 50 armed rebels, but authorities believe the NPA terrorists could have been wounded.

"The wounded must be treated. We call on the leadership of the NPA to let the wounded be treated adequately. Their lives are more important at this time than their passed ideology. There were many cases that their wounded end up dead and they just bury them in shallow graves or worse, they just leave them behind,” Balido added.

Balido said the series of surrenders and successful encounters in San Jose de Buan town came after Mayor Joaquin Elizalde withdrew his support to the communist terrorist group.

The mayor admitted supporting the NPA before as part of political survival, according to the military.

The town is known to be one of the strongholds of the NPA’s guerrilla front in Samar.

The NPA, which has been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government, 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/1110609

2 more local terror group members slain in SoCot

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30, 2020): 2 more local terror group members slain in SoCot (By Richelyn Gubalani)

Two more alleged members of an Islamic State-inspired local terrorist group were killed in separate operations in the last two days in Polomolok town, South Cotabato province.

Capt. Randy Apostol, deputy chief of Polomolok municipal police station, identified the slain suspects as Jomari Doma, 18, and Dimas Talib, 58, who were listed as members of the Nilong sub-group of the Dawlah Islamiyah-Hassan Group.

He said Doma, a resident Sitio Batotitik in Barangay Basag, Tboli town, was arrested around noon Tuesday due to a warrant of arrest over the ambush last month of former Barangay Rubber chairperson Moner Kinjiyo.
As the suspect was being brought to the police station aboard a patrol vehicle around 1:15 p.m., he reportedly attempted to grab the service firearm of one of his escorts.

As they grappled for control of the firearm, it went off and hit the suspect, who was eventually declared dead upon arrival at the municipal hospital.

Apostol, in a report released on Thursday, added that Talib was killed in a shootout with operatives during a buy-bust operation past 9 a.m. on Wednesday in Purok San Miguel, Barangay Klinan 6.

He said the suspect resisted arrest after selling a sachet of suspected shabu worth PHP500 to a police officer who posed as a buyer.

Talib reportedly drew a handgun and opened fire, prompting them to retaliate. The suspect was fatally wounded in the ensuing firefight and declared dead upon arrival at the municipal hospital.

Recovered from the suspect was a homemade handgun, PHP500 marked bill, a sling bag containing an M26 fragmentation grenade, two sachets of suspected shabu worth PHP6,800, and a motorcycle.

Citing their investigation, Apostol said Doma and Talib were active members of the Nilong sub-group, which had been tagged in a string of criminal and terror activities in the area.

“These are considered as hardened criminals and assigned to monitor the movements of the local police,” he said in a separate radio interview.

Apostol said Talib was reportedly involved in the killing last April 29 of two policemen in Barangay Koronadal Proper and a tricycle driver on June 13 in Poblacion.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1110615

Marawi cop shot dead on way to work (By Divina Suson

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30, 2020): Marawi cop shot dead on way to work (By Divina Suson



Google map of Marawi City

A policeman died when unidentified motorcycle-riding men shot him along the Narciso Highway in Barangay Ragayan, Marantao town, Lanao del Sur at past 7 a.m. on Thursday.
Col. Madzgani Mukaram, chief of the Lanao del Sur police, identified the victim as Staff Sgt. Alicman Sangcopan, 46, a member of the Kapai municipal police station who was detailed at the Marawi City police station.

Mukaram said Sangcopan was on a motorcycle and was on his way to work when attacked by two armed men, who were back riding on a motorcycle.

One of them shot him several times, hitting him on his head, causing his instant death.

His assailants immediately fled to an unknown direction.

An investigation to identify the suspects and the motive of the killing is ongoing, according to Mukaram.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1110610

3 ex-rebels in NegOcc get P200-K in cash benefits

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30, 2020): 3 ex-rebels in NegOcc get P200-K in cash benefits (By Nanette Guadalquiver)




CASH AID. A former rebel, who recently surrendered in Negros Occidental, receives a check from Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson (left), in the presence of Col. Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of the Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade, in rites held at the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City on Monday (July 27, 2020). Lacson encouraged the beneficiaries to use the cash benefits in living a new life with their respective families. (Photo courtesy of 303rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army)

Three former rebels (FRs) in Negros Occidental received a total of PHP200,000 in immediate and remuneration assistance from the government under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

In a report on Thursday, the Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde) said each of the FRs, previously cadres of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army -National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), was given a check of PHP30,000 as immediate assistance and PHP110,000 more for the firearms they turned over to the authorities.

Col. Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of the 303rd IBde, said he hopes that with the benefits provided, more communist rebels would be enticed to yield to the government.

“Lay down your arms, return to the fold of the law, and avail of the E-CLIP. You can live a normal and peaceful life. Do not be deceived by the CPP-NPA terrorists’ fake promises of a better future,” Pasaporte added.

The FRs went to the Governor’s Office on Monday to receive their checks, the Army said in the report.

The PHP30,000 immediate assistance, which is a subsidy for the mobilization expenses of the FR while his or her enrolment in the E-CLIP is being processed, was released by the Department of the Interior and Local Government - Negros Occidental.

The firearms remuneration is based on the corresponding assessed cash value of the surrendered weapons.

The amount of PHP110,000 was released by the Negros Occidental provincial government.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, who turned over the checks to the FRs, in the presence of Pasaporte, encouraged the beneficiaries to use the cash benefits in living a new life with their respective families.

“You will serve as a living testament of the government’s sincerity to its mission,” Lacson said.

Earlier this month, 18 FRs in Negros Occidental also received immediate and reintegration assistance amounting to PHP36,000 each as one of their benefits under the E-CLIP.

The NPA, which has been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government, 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/1110698

NoCot council to probe schools 'teaching' anti-gov’t doctrine

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30, 2020): NoCot council to probe schools 'teaching' anti-gov’t doctrine (By Edwin Fernandez)



PROBE ON SCHOOLS. North Cotabato Governor Nancy Catamco stresses a point during the joint Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) at the provincial capitol conference hall in Kidapawan City on Wednesday (July 29, 2020). The governor agrees with other PPOC members to look into the teaching program of schools operated by the Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation Incorporated (MISFI) in the province on the alleged anti-government teaching at the school system. (Photo courtesy of North Cotabato PIO)

North Cotabato Governor Nancy Catamco on Wednesday ordered the creation of an investigating body to verify reports that several private schools in the province are allegedly being used to promote anti-government ideologies.

Presiding over the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC), Catamco agreed to the proposal of M’lang Mayor Russel Abonado to look into the operation of schools under the Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation Incorporated (MISFI) in the province.

“I guess there is a need for the council to conduct an in-depth or thorough investigation to know whether or not there is indeed a violation on the part of the administration of these MISFI schools on the alleged teaching of insurgencies and ideologies against the government,” Abonado said during the meeting at the provincial Capitol.

Abonado said his proposal has the support of the military. “If indeed, after impartial investigation, there is a violation, we will recommend to the Department of Education the closure of these schools," he said.

The MISFI operates schools in Barangay Kisante, Makilala town; Barangay Batang in Tulunan; Barangay Celo in Magpet; and Barangay Manarapan in Carmen, all in North Cotabato province.

The areas have long been identified by the military as being influenced by the communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels.

Earlier, Colonel Pontenciano Camba, commander of the Army’s 1002nd Infantry Brigade, recommended to the PPOC to look into the operation of the school.

Citing intelligence information, Camba told PPOC members that children in these schools are indoctrinated to hate the government.

“The Army also wanted to find out whether these schools have the permit to operate from the Department of Education,” Camba said.

Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, the incoming Philippine Army chief who was also present during the meeting, said he supported the PPOC's decision to investigate MISFI.

Also during the meeting, Catamco approved the PHP44-million budget to intensify the fight against illegal drugs in the province to be implemented by the Provincial Anti-Illegal Drugs Abuse Council (PADAC).

The funds will be used to support the anti-drug enforcement operation, the provincial anti-drug council, the North Cotabato Kontra-Droga Community Development, education, and prevention program, the establishment of the Provincial Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (Balay Silangan), and development of a community treatment and rehabilitation program.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1110629

Scout Boat to boost Army combat, HADR capabilities

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30, 2020): Scout Boat to boost Army combat, HADR capabilities (By Priam Nepomuceno)



NEW SCOUT BOAT. The new "Scout Boat" was officially turned over on Tuesday to Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) commander, Brig. Gen. Lincoln Francisco Tagle by Army chief-of-staff Major Gen. Rowen Tolentino at the Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City. It is expected to boost the special forces regiment's counter-terrorism and HADR capabilities, especially in priority areas in Mindanao. (Philippine Army photo)

The so-called Scout Boat has been turned over to the Philippine Army, an added boost to the military's capability to counter terrorism threats and to conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations.

The boat was officially turned over Tuesday to Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) commander Brig. Gen. Lincoln Francisco Tagle by Army chief-of-staff Maj. Gen. Rowen Tolentino at the Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City.

"Our pursuit for modernization will ensure that the Army is capable of facing various threats in the security environment and when we perform our non-traditional military roles during disasters. We aim that through modernizing our command capabilities, the Philippine Army can better serve the people and protect the nation from whatever challenges there may be," Army chief Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay said in a statement.

The new Scout Boat is expected to boost the special forces regiment's counter-terrorism and HADR capabilities, especially in priority areas in Mindanao.

Army spokesperson Col. Ramon Zagala said Wednesday the boat can carry at least eight troopers in full battle gear and has a maximum speed of 25 knots.

He added that the project is under the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization program and about 51 units more are set to be procured.

The Scout Boat is manufactured by Stoneworks Specialist International Corporation in General Trias, Cavite. Acquisition of the boats was through public bidding, he added.

Zagala said there is no exact timeline yet on the delivery of the rest of the units.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1110584

DFA chief asserts PH Sabah claim; summons Malaysian envoy

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30, 2020): DFA chief asserts PH Sabah claim; summons Malaysian envoy (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)



Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. (DFA photo)

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on Thursday said he would summon the Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines following a Twitter spat with Foreign Minister Hishammuddin Hussein over Sabah.

In a series of tweets, the Filipino top diplomat stressed that Manila would never abandon its claim over the territory.

"No country can tell another what it can and cannot say about what the latter regards as rightfully its own. I don't insist China say only what we want to hear about the Arbitral Award. It is free to say what it wants while we say and do what needs doing. That holds for Sabah," he said.

The Twitter spat was sparked by a July 27 tweet posted at the United States Embassy in Manila page, which tagged Sabah as part of Malaysia.

Locsin berated the embassy and quote-retweeted the content, saying: "Sabah is not in Malaysia if you want to have anything to do with the Philippines."

On Wednesday night, Hussein responded by calling Locsin's remarks as "irresponsible" while underscoring that "Sabah is, and will always be, part of Malaysia" and that Philippine Ambassador to Kuala Lumpur Charles Jose will be summoned on Monday over the issue.

In a prior tweet, Locsin said Manila continues to assert its claims on Sabah as it does with its rights in the West Philippine Sea. "There have been repeated attempts to sell that claim but to no Philippine president has succumbed."

With the Philippines' firm position on Sabah, the top diplomat noted that Manila's envoy being summoned "was bound to happen".

"They are always trying to sneak in an attempt to implicitly abandon our claim. But I warned our diplomats. Never," he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1110596

Sobejana takes over PH Army helm

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30, 2020): Sobejana takes over PH Army helm (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Incumbent Western Mindanao Command chief and Medal of Valor awardee, Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, will take over the Philippine Army (PA) following the appointment of its head, Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, as next Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff effective August 3.

"Yes (he will be taking over the PA)," Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Thursday when asked for confirmation.
Sobejana, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1987, commanded the Joint Task Force Sulu, the Maguindanao-based 6th Infantry Division, and the Western Mindanao Command, to name a few.

He won his Medal of Valor in 1995 for continuing to fight an estimated 150 Abu Sayyaf terrorists in Isabela, Basilan with his platoon despite sustaining crippling wounds in the encounter.

Meanwhile, in a media interview, Sobejana said he was very happy to be selected to head the PA.

"Of course, I am very happy to be selected to lead the Philippine Army. I consider this as a new challenge and I am very thankful to our Almighty. God is so good and to God be the glory," he said.

When asked for his plans as Army chief, Sobejana said he intends to build up the capability of the organization in terms of equipment and human resources.

"Of course, you have to come up with the doctrine, techniques, tactics, and procedures that will ensure (the) victory of our troops as they are deployed to the front line," he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1110608

Kalinaw News: Army Trains Coast Guard in Jungle Warfare

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jul 30, 2020): Army Trains Coast Guard in Jungle Warfare

CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal — Eighty six Philippine Coast Guard neophytes started their Jungle Warfare and Mountain Operations Course Class here after a ceremony on Monday.

Rear Admiral Joseph Coyme, Commander of the PCG’s Human Resource Management Command, graced the event and subsequently welcomed the new recruits through the traditional reception rites.

In his speech, Rear Admiral Coyme expressed “the Coast Guard’s gratitude to the men and women of 2nd Infantry Division under Major General Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr for accommodating our request for our troops’ cross-training which will help us increase their readiness to accomplish our given mandate.”

He added that, “in times of war, PCG will be under the Department of National Defense, thus, there is an underlying need for us to capacitate our forces so that we will be able to live up to the expectations of our people and spirit behind that provision.”

“We believe that cross-training with the best training institution in the Army will help our men to become better Coast Guard Officers who can be effective not only in guarding our country’s shores but in combatting terrorism as well,” ended Rear Admiral Coyme.

According to the military, this is the first time that PCG personnel will cross-train with them in recent years.

Lieutenant Colonel Jose DR Del Rosario III, Commandant of the 2nd Infantry Division Training School, said that “55 males and 31 females comprise this batch of would-be Coast Guard Officers who will be under the school’s supervision for the next 45 days.”

2DTS is recognized as the best Army Training School across the country after receiving an excellent rating of 95% from the Philippine Army’s Quality Assurance Team which evaluated their student’s core competencies of marksmanship and land navigation in 2019.

Major General Arnulfo Marcelo B Burgos Jr, Commander, 2nd Infantry Division said that they are “planning to institutionalise this cross-training program and expand this with other agencies since, after all, we are serving under the same flag for the same God, country and people.

He assured the leadership of PCG that “their recruits are safe and well under the watchful eyes and able hands of the Philippine Army’s best mentors.”

Maj Gen Burgos directed the school to “provide the trainees with the quality and brand of training that the Jungle Fighter Division is known for.”

JWMOC is a military course that was first conceptualised and implemented by 2ID and has raised their soldiers’ survivability to endure the punishing realities and tests of combat environment.

Maj Gen Burgos ended his statement by assuring the public that health protocols set forth by the Department of Health will always be observed so that safety of the students from the contagious corona virus infection will be prevented throughout the duration of the course.

Per the military’s report, the PCG-trainee will undergo 45 days of rigid military training that includes familiarization of the Urban and Jungle Warfare, application of day and night land navigation and map reading among others.









[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/armys-jungle-fighter-division-trains-philippine-coast-guard-personnel-on-jungle-warfare-and-mountain-operations/

Kalinaw News: NPA Member Surrenders, Yields Firearms, Reunites with Family

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jul 30, 2020): NPA Member Surrenders, Yields Firearms, Reunites with Family

Monkayo, Davao de Oro- Troops of 25th Infantry Battalion led by 1LT Eddie Boy Jayona, Intel Operatives together with Revitalized Pulis sa Barangay (RPSB) Team of Barangay San Isidro led by PLT Richard Mara captured three (3) Hand Grenades M84, one (1) Hand grenade M17, and two thousand four hundred fifty (2450) rounds of 5.56mm cartridge at Sta. Monica, Brgy. San Isidro, Monkayo, Davao de Oro today, July 30, 2020.

The said accomplishment was the result of the comprehensive debriefing conducted by the Intel Operatives of this unit and Alias Dondon who surrendered to this unit yesterday, a member of WGF 33, SRC 4, SMRC.

“This was the result of our encounter in Montevista, Davao de Oro that put too much pressure to the enemy, and with the collaborating efforts of our troops and the PNP, there is no doubt that we could achieve our mission before its targeted timeline.” LTC ASNAWI P MUTI, 25IB Battalion Commander said. “We still continue to welcome rebels who have pure intention to surrender. There are programs from the government awaiting for them to help them bring back to their normal lives.” he added.

With the successive accomplishments this unit have gained, the troops remained motivated to end communist armed conflict with the unending support of the Local Government Unit of Davao de Oro.



[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/25ib-pnp-gains-consecutive-yields-of-ammunition-takes-another-step-to-success/

Kalinaw News: 17th Infantry Battalion responds to reports of CNTs in Brgy Masi, Rizal, Cagayan

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jul 30, 2020): 17th Infantry Battalion responds to reports of CNTs in Brgy Masi, Rizal, Cagayan
CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Gamu, Isabela – The 17th Infantry Battalion, 5th Infantry (Star) Division, Philippine Army encountered more or less ten (10) CNTs on July 29, 2020 at 12:20 PM when they responded to the report of extortion activities of the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) from a concern civilian in Brgy Masi and adjacent Barangays of Rizal, Cagayan.

Initial report of the incident disclosed that the firefight between the troops of 17IB and CNTs lasted for about ten minutes. There are no casualties on government troops while undetermined number of CNTs were seen withdrawing from the encounter site carrying wounded casualties with them. The troops recovered CNTs war materiel from the encounter site which includes One (1) Cal 22 colt MK IV series 80; Four (4) pcs of M203 live ammunition; Five (5) bullet for Caliber 357; Eight (8) pcs bullet for caliber 38; One (1) pc bullet for caliber 40; One (1) pc M14 ammunition; Ten (10) pcs improvise dynamite; Two (2) pcs Baofeng; One (1) pc talk about (T5720) Motorola; One (1) ICOM charger; One (1) Pc electrical blasting cup; One (1) pc butt for M16; Two (2) pcs hand guard; Medical supplies and paraphernalia; and Subversive documents.

LTC ANGELO C SAGUIGUIT (INF) PA, Commanding Officer of 17th Infantry Battalion, said that a hot pursuit operation is being conducted at the moment to capture these CNTs. He assured that they will exert all effort to destroy these terrorists to stop them from terrorizing the populace and protect the community against their extortion activities.

BGEN LAURENCE E MINA PA, Commander of 5th Infantry (Star) Division, expressed his sincere gratitude to the civilian populace who reported the presence of NPA extorting in their barangay. He also lauded the troops of 17IB who bravely faced the NPA terrorist in their desire to protect the community from NPA extortion.

“We are calling for the remaining NPAs to lay down their arms and give their families a chance to live with them in genuine peace. The government is more than willing to help those deceived NPAs thru E-CLIP. And for those who refuse to yield, the government forces are trained, equipped and motivated enough to stop them by all means necessary” BGEN MINA 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/army-cnt-encounter-in-cagayan-results-to-recovery-of-enemys-war-materiel/

Kalinaw News: Gov’t Troops seize NPA lair in Samar

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jul 30, 2020): Gov’t Troops seize NPA lair in Samar

Barangay Fatima, Hinabangan, Samar – A Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) lair was seized by soldiers in a four-hour long intermittent firefight in Sitio Salvacion, Brgy San Nicolas, San Jose de Buan in Samar province 1:30PM Wednesday, July 29, 2020.

Operating troops engaged about 50 NPA terrorists who put up stiff resistance before withdrawing away. Troops discoverd the lair after several residents complained about the presence of armed NPA terrorists who are extorting money and foodstuff as part of their Rebolusyonaryong Buwis sa Kaaway na Uri (RBKU).

The NPA terrorist lair can accomodate 50 to 100 individuals based on the structures found composed of 34 huts and a kitchen that can be used for huge food preparations

Soldiers recovered five M-16 assault rifles, hundreds of assorted ammunition, a generator set, electronic gadgets, food, medicines, medical paraphernalia and subversive documents.

No soldier was wounded in the skirmish but authorities believe the NPA terrorists could have suffered numerous wounded.

Residents who refused to be identified said they can no longer bear the abuses of the NPA. “We do not have enough to eat ourselves and yet they extort RBKU from us”, one resident said in the vernacular. People lament that RBKU is the extortion scheme of the CNT against their enemies yet they impose that against the masses.

The series of surrenders and successful encounters in San Jose de Buan is believed to be the result of the support of the local chief executive who few weeks ago admitted his participation in supporting the CPP-NPA-NDF as part of political survival.

Mayor Joaquin Elizalde, Municipal Mayor of San Jose de Buan, withdrew his support from the CPP-NPA-NDF a few weeks ago and publicly encouraged NPA members to surrender and embrace peace. Several NPA fighters and Militia ng Bayan members heed the call and several armed skirmishes ensued since the public declaration of the mayor.

Brigadier General Camilo Ligayo, the 801st Brigade Commander said, “While the NPA continue to harrass and abuse people, our soldiers will be more active in serving the masses. We thank the people and local officials of San Jose De Buan for renewing their support to our legitimate government and denying sanctuary to the NPA”.

Lieutenant Colonel Reynaldo B Balido Jr., the Battalion Commander of 87th Infantry Battalion encouraged NPA members who might be wounded to surrender so as to be treated appropriately. “The wounded must be treated. We call on the leadership of the NPA to let the wounded be treated adequately. Their lives is more important at this time than their passe ideology. There are many cases that their wounded end up dead and they just burry them in shallow graves or worse, they just leave them behind”, Lt. Col. Balido said.

In a similar encounter few days ago in Borongan, Eastern Samar, troops of 78th Infantry Battalion engaged NPA terrorists in a firefight after residents tipped them off on the presence of armed men extorting from households.

Few months ago in April and May during the height of community quarantine in Samar Island, series of incidents were recorded involving NPA terrorists extorting money and foodstuff from the poeple and some resulted to armed skirmishes after residents informed soldiers.

[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/govt-troops-seize-npa-lair-in-samar/

Kalinaw News: Army vows to support PTF-ELCAC PLEDS Cluster Peace and Development Programs

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jul 29, 2020): Army vows to support PTF-ELCAC PLEDS Cluster Peace and Development Programs

CAMP GERONA, MURCIA, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL – Colonel Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade Commander and the Co-Chairman of the Provincial Task Force on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) Peace, Law Enforcement and Development Support (PLEDS) attended the Cluster Meeting with Police Colonel Romy I Palgue, Provincial Director of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office together with other Provincial PLEDS Cluster members at NOCPPO, Camp Montelibano, Brgy Estefania, Bacolod City earlier today July 24, 2020 (Friday).
Representatives from the Department of Interior and Local Government, National Bureau of Investigation, National Commission on Indigenous People, Philippine Coast Guard, Public Information Agency, Legal Officer, Provincial Staff and Force Commanders of the 1st and 2nd Negros Occidental Police Mobile Force Company (NOCPMFC) were also present during the PTF ELCAC PLEDS Cluster Meeting.

The activity aims to synchronize the efforts of all agencies in facilitating and addressing the primary issues of the communities that were exploited by the communist terrorist NPA. The said meeting highlighted the updates on Anti-Terror Law, Review of EO 70, Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) and other matters.

Colonel Pasaporte vowed in a statement, “The Army in Negros will strongly support the PTF-ELCAC in its efforts to achieve lasting peace and end insurgency in Negros. PLEDS Cluster will continue to strengthen each member and agency to attain the objectives of the PTF-ELCAC. We will assist in the implementation of the Retooled Community Support Programs (RCSP) of the local government units in the area,” 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/army-vows-to-support-ptf-elcac-pleds-cluster-peace-and-development-programs/