Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 17, 2020): Makatao Battalion turned-over a Day Care Center to IP Community in Prk. Napus-ukan, So. Panaga, Brgy Colosas, PD, DC
The 89th Infantry (Makatao) Battalion under the leadership of LTC DONALD P GAFFUD INF (GSC) PA with 1LT JOHN JAY L LARA (QMS) PA, CMO officer and Hon Antonio B Bellera, Brgy Captain, Brgy Colosas, PD, DC facilitated the Turn-over Ceremony of a Day Care Center in Purok Napus-ukan, So Panaga, Brgy Colosas, PD, DC on 14 November 2020.
Present also during the activity were PLT KIM VIANEY POMERADA, Team Leader, RPSB in Brgy Colosas; Mrs Daisy Auditor, Social Work Associate of Brgy Colosas; Mrs Chona Panggo, Napus-ukan Day Care Teacher; Datu Gilbert Sagoksok, IPMR and Tribal Leaders of Prk Napus-ukan.
The unit has deployed its Modified Community Support Program (MCSP) team in the area to engage the community which was a former conflict-affected area and safe haven of Communist Terrorist Group under @JINGGOy. During the need assessment survey of the MCSP team, the availability of a Day Care Center was raised by the IP community as their concern.
Subsequently, the MCSP team under 1LT MICHAEL ANGELO ASUNCION (INF) PA, CO, CCo, 89IB collaborated with concern stakeholders for the construction of the center which was made possible and successful through the “Bayanihan” concept with the residents of Prk Napus-ukan, Bgry Officials of Colosas and personnel of the unit working hand in hand.
The IP community truly appreciated the efforts of the local government and the unit in addressing their needs.This is only one of the manifestations of how EO70 or the whole of nation approach works in ending communist armed conflict in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
https://www.kalinawnews.com/makatao-battalion-turned-over-a-day-care-center-to-ip-community-in-prk-napus-ukan-so-panaga-brgy-colosas-pd-dc/
Tuesday, November 17, 2020
Kalinaw News: Makatao Battalion turned-over a Day Care Center to IP Community in Prk. Napus-ukan, So. Panaga, Brgy Colosas, PD, DC
Kalinaw News: 63 Militia ng Bayan and NPA supporters yield in Sultan Kudarat
Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 17, 2020): 63 Militia ng Bayan and NPA supporters yield in Sultan Kudarat
Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City- November 15, 2020A total of sixty-three Militia ng Bayan and NPA Supporters yielded to the 7th Infantry (Tapat) Battalion on Saturday, November 14, 2020, the WestMinCom Commander said.
“Thirty of the surrendered personalities are members of the Underground Mass Organization (UGMO) of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), twelve are members of Pambansang Katipunan ng Magbubukid (PKM), eleven are Malayang Kilusan ng Bagong Kababaihan (MAKIBAKA), and ten are Kabataang Makabayan (KM), all from Barangay Midtungok, Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat,” said Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.
The 63 handed over 38 firearms including twenty-two Homemade 12-gauge Shotguns, seven 5.56mm Pistolized Forty Lights, three Homemade 22 Caliber rifles, four cal. 38 and one Cal. 45 pistols, and one homemade 12-Gauge Pistolized, and several magazines and ammunition to the Community Support Program Teams of 7IB in the same barangay.
“This exemplifies our sincere commitment to sustain the internal security here in Mindanao. Our troops on the ground will continue to work with the local governments and the Mindanaoans in ending terrorism without the use of arms,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. added.
During the custodial debriefing, one of the surrendered personalities revealed how deceptive the organization was. He said that their recruiter taught them to lie, extort, and even deny their tribe.
“Sa una, maguuma kame sa adlaw, NPA sa gabii. Karon tungod sa program ng Army, nalamdagan na kame sa kamatuoran (Before we were farmers during the day and NPA at night. Because of the program of the Army, we are now enlightened with the truth),” he added.Brig. Gen. Roy Galido, Commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade said, “This gain reflects the visible and sincere effort of the government in the implementation of Executive Order No. 70 or the Whole-of-Nation approach to end local communist armed conflict in the country.”
“Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, we will keep our momentum to decimate insurgency in our area in partnership with other government agencies, and ensure to protect and welcome those who surface,” Brig. Gen. Galido added. Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Romel Valencia, Commanding Officer of the 7IB said, “This mass surrender is a manifestation of a good working system against the terrorist organization, the New People’s Army.
Our Community Support Program (CSP) bridges the gap between vulnerable communities and the government and serves as an avenue for the delivery of basic social services.”
“Currently, we have nine CSP Teams deployed in Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat and we will be deploying more in other municipalities. Also, we continually support the implementation of the Retooled Community Support Program which is spearheaded by the Local Chief Executives within our AOR,” Lt. Col. Valencia added.
JTF Central Commander Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy stated that the 63 will subsequently be enrolled in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Progam (E-CLIP) in which they will receive Reintegration Assistance amounting to PHP 21,000.00 each, Firearms Remuneration, and Immediate Assistance amounting to PHP 15,000.00 each. “They will be assisted by the different government agencies as they start a new life and reintegrate into the mainstream society,” Maj. Gen. Uy added.
https://www.kalinawnews.com/63-militia-ng-bayan-and-npa-supporters-yield-in-sultan-kudarat/
Kalinaw News: Former MISFI Scholars and Teachers in HARAN capture in armed encounter in Paquibato District
Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 16, 2020): Former MISFI Scholars and Teachers in HARAN capture in armed encounter in Paquibato District
Tactical Command Post, 27IB, Brgy Malabog, PDDC –Armed engagement between elements of 27IB Modified Community Support Program (MCSP) Team against Communist Terrorist Group belonging to GF55, SRC5, SMRC ensues at around 10:20 AM, November 14, 2020 at Sitio Quibilog, Brgy Mapula, Paquibato District, Davao City. The said armed engagement yields to the capture of two (2) CPP-NPA Terrorists who are scholars of Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation Incorporated (MISFI) and part time teachers in HARAN.
Capitalizing the recent encounter last November 11, 2020 in Sitio Calanutan Brgy Malabog, PDDC, the MCSP Team led by Sgt Rodnel Dela Torre (Inf) PA conducts pursuit operation triggering another encounter at Sitio Quibilog, Brgy Mapula, PDDC. The brief firefight results to the capture of two (2) NPA terrorists identified as Nasria Bansil @ ASH, Squad Medic, Tresera, GF55, SRC5, SMRC, female, 22 years old and Geliejorain Ngojo @ MAYO, Supply Officer of GF55, male, 21 years old both scholars of MISFI and part time teachers in HARAN.
Based on the revelation of the duo, three (3) members of the GF55 were wounded during the armed encounter at Sitio Calanutan namely @KINGKONG, @LIAN and @OK-OK. The duo further reveals that they are experiencing serious crisis due to the continuous military operations and armed engagements and the continuous recovery of their war materiel and personal belongings.
Since second week of August 2020, the 27th Infantry “ACTION” Battalion Troopers engage the elements GF55, 5SRC, SMRC under ARIAN JANE OCHETA RAMOS @MARIKIT for six (6) times resulting to several members neutralized, captured a number of high powered firearms and improvised explosive devices (IED). Moreover, @MAYO also narrates that while evading government forces, @ASH even fell on the ground unconscious due to hardship and hunger.
While expressing his congratulations to the troops for another success, LTC VICTORINO SEÑO INF (GSC) PA, Commander of 27IB, emphasizes that while the different agencies of the government push its programs and services and persistently reaching out to the communities in far flung areas, we must never tire of locating and hitting the NPA terrorist to ensure that the military is in parallel efforts with the LGU in establishing peaceful, developed, and conflict resilient community.
Meanwhile, BGEN NOLASCO A MEMPIN PA also conveys his appreciation to the troops for continuously demonstrating bravery and dedication in sustaining the pressure against the elements of GF55. He further expresses that while there will be no let-up for military operations, the Army is always open for those who intend to surrender to the folds of the law and live a normal and peaceful life.
https://www.kalinawnews.com/former-misfi-scholars-and-teachers-in-haran-capture-in-armed-encounter-in-paquibato-district/
Kalinaw News: 50 CAFGU members in AgNor complete refresher course
Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 16, 2020): 50 CAFGU members in AgNor complete refresher course
BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte – A total of fifty (50) Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) members have completed a two-week CAFGU Refresher Training Course held at Barangay Lawan-Lawan, Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte from 23 October to 07 November 2020.
The said training was successfully conducted through the support of the barangay officials of Lawan-lawan and Kinamaybay headed by Barangay Capt. More H. Migduyan and Barangay Capt. Larry Mansinugdan respectively. It was also supported by the IP leaders in the area headed by Datu Bawang Eddie S. Ampiyawan, the Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of Agusan del Norte.
The refresher training allows CAFGU members to review the knowledge and principles they have learned during their previous basic training. The CAFGU members also had the opportunity to further hone their knowledge and skills by acquiring new and additional learnings during the course. The fifty ( 50) CAFGU members are expected to become more proficient in applying Techniques, Tactics and Procedures (TTPs), and the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) upon doing their tasks without being compromised by the enemy. They will also help the 23rd IB in its intensified efforts in conducting focused military operations to end the local communist armed conflicts in Agusan del Norte.
The fifty (50 ) participants are residents of Las Nieves town who voluntarily joined the CAFGU with the aim of helping maintain the peace and order situation in the town, especially in conflict-affected barangays. They have actively joined the conduct of security patrol, checkpoint operations and other activities to thwart the plans of the Communist New People’s Army (NPA) Terrorists (CNTs) in Las Nieves and the rest of Agusan del Norte.
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, the Acting Commander of 23IB lauded the CAFGUs for their bravery in helping the unit solve the insurgency problem in the area.
“I believe that the CAFGUs are our unsung heroes. They offer their lives to protect our nation and sometimes, their efforts are not seen by most people. Since they are familiar with the terrain and the language in their communities, they really helped the unit a lot in countering the threats from the CNTs,” Paulo said.
Paulo also emphasized: “With that, I am glad that these CAFGU members never get tired of protecting their community against the lawless CNTs. They bravely protect the constituents and secure the communities from the threats brought by the armed group.”
He also emphasized that Barangay Lawan-lawan was once a guerilla base of the CNTs but was won over by the government and became peaceful after the residents openly denounced and withdrew their support to the communist movement.
Their withdrawal of support was supported by the local government unit (LGU) of Las Nieves, the IP leaders, and other stakeholders in the province, he added.
“I salute all the CAFGUs for their great contribution to our country. They really deserve the most respect,” Paulo said.
Kalinaw News: Pursuit operation sparks another armed encounter in Paquibato District, 2 NPA Terrorists killed and high-powered firearms recovered
Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 16, 2020): Pursuit operation sparks another armed encounter in Paquibato District, 2 NPA Terrorists killed and high-powered firearms recovered
Tactical Command Post, 27IB, Brgy Malabog, PDDC – Government forces pursuit operations spark another armed clash against Communist Terrorist Group belonging to GF55, SRC5, SMRC under ARIAN JANE OCHETA RAMOS @MARIKIT at around 9:40 AM, November 15, 2020 at Sitio Lower Mapula, Brgy Mapula, Paquibato District, Davao City.
After the encounter on November 14, 2020 at Sitio Quibilog, Brgy Mapula, Paquibato District, Davao City, pursuing troops of 89th Infantry “MAKATAO” Battalion led by LT MAVERICK J SACAY PA under operational control of 27th Infantry “ACTION” Battalion again encountered the fleeing NPA terrorists belonging to GF55, 5SRC, SMRC under @MARIKIT. The firefight lasts for about 15 minutes forcing the bewildered NPA terrorists to scamper in different directions leaving behind two (2) NPA terrorists killed, two (2) M16 rifles, two (2) magazines for M16 rifle, two (2) handheld radios, two (2) hammocks and a backpack containing personal belongings. The duo was later identified by former comrades as Archie Sagan-a alias BOGARD, male, Team Leader, Baking Squad, Tersera and a resident of Sitio Saluruyan, Barangay Sto. Domingo, San Fernando, Bukidnon and Ryan Ligkat alias RYAN, male, Squad Leader, Tersera from Sitio Peroy, Barangay Palma Gil, Talaingod, Davao Del Norte, both member of GF55, SRC5, SMRC.
After presenting the killed NPA terrorists to the barangay officials of Brgy Mapula headed by Brgy Chairperson Honorable Flora Manyawron, the cadaver of the two (2) NPA terrorists were brought by the responding government troops to Panabo City for appropriate funeral service.
Saddened by the untimely death of the duo, LTC VICTORINO M SEÑO INF (GSC) PA, Commander, 27IB, 10ID, PA expresses his condolences to the bereaved family of the killed NPA terrorists. He assures that the cadaver of the duo will be escorted to their respective families and will be given appropriate funeral service and decent burial. Meanwhile, LTC SEÑO again appeal to the remaining members of GF55 to surrender in order to prevent similar fate to happen. “While the government forces will extend its might to those who will attempt to terrorize the community and insist in armed revolution, we also extend our helping hands to those who intend to surrender”, he added.
BGEN NOLASCO A MEMPIN PA, 1003rd Brigade Commander also conveys his condolences to the families of @BOGARD and @RYAN. It is disheartening that lives were loss out of the deceptive propaganda by the CPP-NPA terrorists. Thus, I am again appealing to the remaining NPAs to lay down your arms and reunite with your family. Take advantage of the offer of the government through the Enhanced Comprehensive Livelihood Program (ECLIP) and be with your loved ones. It is the best gift that you can give to your family waiting for you and longing for your presence particularly this coming holiday season, he said.
Kalinaw News: Several High-powered Firearms recovered during a running gun battle between government troops and NPA in Davao Oriental
Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 16, 2020): Several High-powered Firearms recovered during a running gun battle between government troops and NPA in Davao Oriental
November 15, 2020, LUPON, Davao Oriental – A 30-minute gun battle transpired between government troops and a group of armed NPA terrorists believed to be members of NPA’s South Front near a populated community in Barangay Marayag early this morning.
After receiving reports from concerned residents about the presence of armed men near their place, the Commander of the 28th Infantry (KAMAGONG) Battalion, LT COL ALEXANDER D BANATAO, immediately and deliberately planned out a strike security operation in order to safeguard the community from the presence of the terrorists that poses fear and danger in the lives of the residents.
At around 8 o’clock in the morning, Kamagong troopers were able to encounter more or less twenty (20) NPA terrorists in the vicinity of Sitio Polia, Barangay Marayag, Lupon, Davao Oriental. With dedication and commitment in protecting the communities, troops were able to overrun the enemy encampment and recovered Three (3) M16 rifles, one (1) M653 rifle, one (1) Caliber. 45 pistol, ammunitions of different calibers to include Eleven (11) 40mm High Explosive Ammunitions, several medicines and medical paraphernalia, Solar Panels, Two-way commercial radio, subversive documents and other personal belongings believed to be from the fleeing NPA terrorists who scampered into different directions.
On the other hand, members of the 11th Tactical Operations Group of the Philippine Airforce provided close air support to the encountered troops that greatly helped in demoralizing the NPAs that led to their withdrawal. It can be noted that last November 1, 2020, a high powered firearm was also recovered by the troops of 28IB in the same barangay after one NPA member surrendered and revealed the presence of an arms cache in the barangay.
Meanwhile, Lt Col Banatao lauded the sacrifices and commitment of the troops in securing the communities from the harm of the NPA Bandits.
“Una po sa lahat, mariin po naming kinukondina, kasama ang lokal na pamahalaan ng Davao Oriental na pinamumunuan ng ating butihing Gobernador, Hon Nelson L Dayanghirang, ang presensya ng anumang teroristang grupo dto sa Probinsya ng Davao Oriental. Ito po ay kailanman hindi makakatulong sa ating bayan at sa mga mamamayan, bagkos ay makakadulot pa ng pinsala sa ating mga kababayan.
Nagpapasalamat naman po kami sa ating mga kababayan lalong lalo na sa mga residente ng Barangay Marayag sa tulong at suporta sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng mga impormasyon patungkol sa presensya ng armadong grupo sa inyong lugar.
Patunay po ito na ayaw nang magpagamit at magpaloko ng ating mga kababayan sa panlilinlang ng mga teroristang NPA sa kanilang Komunidad. Makakaasa naman po kayo na lagi ninyong maaasahan ang presensya at tulong ng inyong kasundaluhan sa 28IB sa pananatili ng kaayusan at kapayapaan sa probinsya ng Davao Oriental.”, he added. The 28IB seeks for any information about the presence and activities of any armed group in your areas, please call / text the 28IB kamagong hotline numbers: 09173033107 or visit the 28th Infantry Battalion Facebook account.
Together we can help End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) in the Province of Davao Oriental. ELCAC Now!
Kalinaw News: Government forces clash with NPAs thrice, recover firearm in Quezon
Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 16, 2020): Government forces clash with NPAs thrice, recover firearm in Quezon
CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal – The government’s security forces recovered a rifle and war materials after three encounters in Macalelon, Quezon on Sunday, November 15.
This came after civilians tipped off information which led to a simultaneous encounter between elements of 85IB against 20 NPAs at Sitio Tugos, Brgy Olongtao Ilaya, and Sitio Tugos, Brgy San Nicolas of the said municipality, resulting in the recovery of one M653 with bandolier after a 5-minute and 15-minute intense firefight, respectively around 11:10 in the morning.
Four hours after, soldiers conducting pursuit operations encountered the fleeing rebels in Brgy San Nicolas, which resulted in a 30-minute firefight and the recovery of one hand grenade, a cellphone, and five backpacks left by the terrorists.
BGen Norwyn Romeo Tolentino, Commander of the 201Bde, confirmed that there was no casualty on the government forces.
“We are certain that these CNTs are now conducting more operations because they are also affected by the recent typhoons. Our fellowmen are more vulnerable now, but more than ever, we are committed in our oath to be of service to the people while we protect them from the harms of terrorism,” added Tolentino.
Per reports, the rebels are believed to be members of STRPC’s Platun Sol headed by alias Mitch, the same NPA unit that soldiers had previously encountered in Brgy Lahing of the same municipality four days ago.
MGen Greg T Almerol, Commander of 2ID, lauded the civilians for having the courage to stand up against terrorism.
“I condemn these terrorists for inducing warfare while people are suffering – that if not for them posturing threat to typhoon-hit victims amid calamities – our soldiers would have been focused on relief operations.”
“These NPA rebels claim that they are the soldiers of the poor, and yet here they are creating chaos to our people. These encounters prove that the terrorists do not think of anyone and anything else but their evil goals to end whatever unity we have in our country.”
He assured the citizens of Southern Tagalog that in close coordination with the local government units, troops are steadfast in our mandate to keep them safe and secure during these incredibly tough times.
All available military resources have been placed on high alert, and joint AFP-PNP checkpoints have been established in the area to support the ongoing pursuit operations.
https://www.kalinawnews.com/government-forces-clash-with-npas-thrice-recover-firearm-in-quezon/
Kalinaw News: Soldiers discover war materials from a house near NPA camp and rescue minors
Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 15, 2020): Soldiers discover war materials from a house near NPA camp and rescue minors
Camp Jorge Downes, Ormoc City– Operating troops of the Army’s 93rd Infantry Battalion, 802nd Infantry (Peerless) Brigade, 8ID found weapons, explosive, underground revolutionary text books and other war materials from the house of a suspected member of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) located near an encampment at Sitio Utap, Barangay Canlampay, Carigara, Leyte about noon Friday, Nov.13.
Soldiers discovered from the house of a certain Edencio Dionaldo alias Bernie Bates the following illegal items:one unit of caliber .38 revolver, one unit of improvised shotgun with six rounds of live ammunition, one unit of fragmentation hand grenade, two pieces of long magazine for M16 rifle, 16 rounds of caliber 7.62mm ammunition, five rounds of caliber 5.56mm ammunition, some 50 meters of black electrical flat cord used as detonation wire, improvised dry cell-powered detonator, one unit of binocular, one unit of sphygmomanometer, four units of textbook on revolutionary underground mass movement and bomb-making manual, and Identification card of KABATAAN Partylist Group.
The Carigara Municipal Police Station, PNP under PMaj Jimmy Boy C. Balsanos, Chief-of-Police, processed the crime scene, recovered and took custody of the evidence, and formally arrested Nora and her 21-year old son Ernie about Saturday noon.
On Monday, police are expected to file charges for illegal possession of firearms, ammunition and explosive against the couple and Ernie, who was at the house together with his six minor siblings at the time the contrabands were found.
According to Brig. Gen. Zosimo A. Oliveros, Commander of 802nd Infantry Brigade, a platoon minus of the Alpha Company, 93IB led by 1Lt Julieto C. Degorio, Commanding Officer, was pursuing an undetermined number of suspected CPP-NPA terrorists who recently abandoned a nearby encampment when they were led to the house of Dionaldo early Friday afternoon.
The couple Edencio and Nora Dionaldo were not around but seven of their children including a 14-year old girl who is suffering from meningitis were in the house and allowed the soldiers to come inside, BGen Oliveros said, adding that once inside the house, the soldiers saw in plain view the revolutionary books, sphygmomanometer and binocular lying around. A closer examination of the house exposed the weapons and explosives in a corner.
Sometime later, Nora arrived while the soldiers were preserving the evidence and waiting for the arrival of the police which they requested to investigate the crime.
A short while before sunset, two groups of mostly young men appeared in the area-six coming from the direction of the abandoned camp and five from the opposite direction-prompting the troops to hold them overnight for verification and interview.
While police were probing the Diolano’s house, personnel of 93IB and 802nd Brigade were also investigating the 11 men who turned out to be related to the Narbonita family of Barangay Libo, Carigara.
Some of them though admitted that they were misled to support Anak Pawis Partylist in the 2019 national and local elections.
Despite the many faulty alibis offered by the men, Brig. Gen. Oliveros decided to turn the men over to the local government unit of Carigara under Mayor Eduardo C. Ong in good health condition as the military continue to probe their link to the local CPP-NPA terrorists.
Lt. Col. Robert Beatisula, Commander of 93IB, turned over the 11 men and the five minor children of the Dionaldo couple, saved the 17-year old Rodney who was left behind the house to tend their domesticated animals, to lawyer Wenceslao Narido, Carigara municipal administrator, thru the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) and Carigara MPS Women and Children’s Desk which profiled them all.
The Barangay Captains of Canlampay, Libo and Upper Hiraan subsequently received the men, while an uncle of the Dionaldo kids from Barangay Hiluctogan temporarily assumed custody of his nephews.
“Once again, this incident proves the evil practice of the CPP-NPA of destroying families as in the case of the Dionaldo children who bore witness to the illegal practices of their father including the bomb-making instruction. Edencio Dionaldo alias Bernie Bates abandoned her 10 children, prompting three of them to work for a living. He stored weapons and explosive in the house without regard of the young kids’ safety,” said Brig. Gen. Oliveros.
“On the other hand, local officials seemed to be playing deaf to the ongoing illegal activities of the Communist Terrorist Group in their respective places. We therefore challenge local officials in Carigara to be more active in countering the inroads of communist terrorism in the locality,” concluded Brig. Gen. Oliveros.
https://www.kalinawnews.com/soldiers-discover-war-materials-from-a-house-near-npa-camp-and-rescue-minors/
Monday, November 16, 2020
6ID hails 'persona non grata' declaration vs. terror groups
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 16, 2020): 6ID hails 'persona non grata' declaration vs. terror groups (By Noel Punzalan)
The Regional Peace and Order Council -12 during a recent meeting. (File photo courtesy of 6ID)
COTABATO CITY – The military here has lauded members of the Regional Peace and Order Council-12 (Soccsksargen) for declaring all local terrorist groups (LTGs) operating in Central Mindanao "persona non grata" or unwelcome.
This came after RPOC-12 released on Sunday a resolution urging all local government units in the region to support the government’s campaign against loose firearms that is seen as a great help in the reduction of crime and violence in the communities.
“Saboteurs of peace are not welcome here,” Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID) and member of the RPOC-12, told reporters here on Monday.
In particular, Uy was referring to the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, the Dawlah Islamiya, and the communist New People’s Army that have all been involved in various atrocities in the region, especially in remote areas.
Last week, a combined unit of police and military troopers neutralized a Dawlah Islamiya sub-leader and five of his followers in Polomolok, South Cotabato.
In a statement, RPOC-12 head Sultan Kudarat Governor Suharto Mangudadatu lauded the government troops for a job well done on the particular operation.
“We are in support of this program because we shun violence and extremism,” Mangudadatu said.
Uy said the military, as part of the regional security sector, also urged all barangay officials to issue village-level resolutions unwelcoming the LTGs in their respective areas.
The 6ID covers the provinces of Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, and parts of Sarangani and Lanao del Sur in its area of operation.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1121918
Mindanao journos refresh skills in conflict-sensitive reporting
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 16, 2020): Mindanao journos refresh skills in conflict-sensitive reporting (By Divina Suson)
PEACE JOURNALISM. Seven journalists and a peace worker in Iligan City and Cagayan de Oro City complete a three-day training on Conflict Sensitive Journalism course organized by the Nonviolent Peaceforce and DW Akademie on Saturday (Nov. 14, 2020) in Libertad town, Misamis Oriental. The participants are (seated, L-R) Bonita Ermac of Manila Bulletin, Roxanne Arevalo of ABS-CBN News, Rigine Clyr Arraz of NewsLine.ph, Divina Suson of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Merlyn Manos of GMA 7, (standing, R-L) Ghiner Cabanday of DXIC RMN Iligan, Nef Luczon of the Philippine News Agency, Elnathan Brant Ermac of Pakigdait, Inc., and resource person Ryan Rosauro of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. (Photo courtesy of Nonviolent Peaceforce/DW Akademie)
Saturday's training, organized by the non-government organization (NGO) Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) and supported by the DW Akademie, aims to further expand the proficiency of the media practitioners in writing and handling conflict-sensitive stories, especially in covering conflicts inside the Bangsamoro regions, NP Communications Officer Marlon Dedumo said Monday.
Dedumo said another group of journalists will undergo the same training this week in Cotabato City.
“The workshop also wants to help the journalists to positively influence the outcome of the conflict, through understanding its nature and dynamics, and learn the various ways to analyze it,” Dedumo said.
He said the NP has been following the peace process in Mindanao for 13 years and was the first international NGO invited to become a member of the civilian protection component, tasked with monitoring and reporting the situation of civilians and assets in conflict-affected communities in the Bangsamoro.
According to Dedumo, the CSJ course introduces participants to the concept of conflict-sensitive journalism as a pathway for media to positively influence the outcome of conflicts in society.
He said the course also provided an in-depth view of the Bangsamoro transition, which resulted from the landmark peace deal between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in 2014.
“I’m grateful to the NP for organizing this event. As a peace worker and content writer of Pakigdait, learning to properly cover an event in the lens of a conflict-sensitive perspective would prove beneficial because how news and stories about conflict are written directly and indirectly affects the peace situation in Mindanao”, said Brant Ermac, a content writer for peace advocacy group Pakigdait. (
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1121930
Army’s 91st IB donates food packs to Aurora typhoon victims
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 16, 2020): Army’s 91st IB donates food packs to Aurora typhoon victims (By Jason De Asis)
FOOD DONATION. The Army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion (91st IB) celebrates its third founding anniversary by distributing 200 food packs to Typhoon Ulysses victims in Baler, Aurora on Monday (Nov. 16, 2020). Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, commanding officer of 91st IB, said they decided to celebrate the occasion by serving the people. (Photo by Jason de Asis)
BALER, Aurora – The Army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion (91st IB) on Monday celebrated its third founding anniversary by distributing 200 food packs for Typhoon Ulysses victims in this capital town.
Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, commanding officer of 91st IB, said that instead of formally celebrating the occasion, the troops initiated the giving of relief aid to 200 individuals affected by the typhoon in Purok 5, Barangay Sabang, here.
“This is one way of helping our constituents and the local government units (LGUs) amid the onslaught brought by typhoon Ulysses. We would like to celebrate our anniversary with our families, friends, stakeholders, other friendly forces, among others in order for us to let the public know our organizations and to give a simple thank you for their overwhelming support to us. However, we decided to celebrate it by serving the people,” Rubio said in an interview.
He said that what the people need most during this time of calamity is the outpouring of the "bayanihan" spirit.
“Thus, in response, it is gratifying experience for us in the battalion to extend our hands to the community through act of kindness such as provision of foods and other relief good to less fortunate individuals in the locality,” Rubio said.
He also said the move is part of the Army’s message of hope to the typhoon victims that soldiers are always there for the people’s welfare and safety aside from being the guardians of peace.
Major Alexander I. Dawa, 7th Infantry “Kaugnay” Division command chaplain, recited a short prayer in the presence of the residents prior to the distribution of food packs.
The Sinagtala troopers and personnel of 307th Community Defense Group of the Aurora Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion also participated in a clean-up drive activity at Sabang Beach, Barangay Sabang here.
The 91st IB was activated on Dec. 4, 2017 and was deployed at Camp Jaime Bitong, Barangay Calabuanan, this town.
The troops are currently conducting internal security within the whole province of Aurora and three municipalities of Nueva Ecija particularly Gabaldon, Bongabon and Laur.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1121989
Reelected MNLF chair vows for peace collaboration in BARMM
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 16, 2020): Reelected MNLF chair vows for peace collaboration in BARMM (By Edwin Fernandez)
Reelected Moro National Liberation Front Central Committee Chairman Muslimin Sema. (Photo from Sema FB page)
Sema was reelected and positioned anew as chair of the MNLF–CC, one of the two factions of the MNLF, after his predecessor, Yusoph Jikiri, died of cancer last month.
The other faction of the MNLF is headed by Prof. Nur Misuari, its founding chair. Sema is a Maguindanaon, while Jikiri, like Misuari, was a Tausug.
The MNLF-CC meeting was held on Sunday at a hotel in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.
"We assure of our dedication to work, along with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, in the spirit of convergence and collaboration, in establishing a genuine, lasting peace in the Bangsamoro homeland,” Sema said in a statement Monday.
Sema played major roles, along with Misuari, in the peace negotiation with the Philippine government that led to the signing of the 1996 GPH-MNLF peace accord.
Sema, who also served as Cotabato City mayor for nine years, said his group will continue to support all the peace initiatives of Malacañang in the Southern Philippines.
During Sunday’s election, his younger brother Romeo Sema, labor minister of the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), was also elected as MNLF-CC’s vice chairman for political affairs.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1121920
63 NPA rebels yield to Army in Sultan Kudarat
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 16, 2020): 63 NPA rebels yield to Army in Sultan Kudarat (By Edwin Fernandez)
SURRENDERED FIREARMS. Some of the firearms turned in by 63 New People’s Army rebels in Sen. Ninoy Aquino, an upland town in Sultan Kudarat. The surrenderers, who are currently undergoing tactical debriefing at the Army’s 6th Infantry Division headquarters in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, will be sent back to Senator Ninoy Aquino town to be reunited with their families. (Photo courtesy of 7IB)
CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Saying they want to live normal lives with their loved ones, 63 communist rebels surrendered to the military and pledged allegiance to the government over the weekend, the Army here said Monday.
“The 63 NPAs are from Senator Ninoy Aquino town in Sultan Kudarat,” said Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID).
The former rebels also turned in 32 assorted firearms and explosives on Sunday afternoon to officials of the 7th Infantry Battalion (7IB) under the 601st Infantry Brigade (601st IBde).
Brig. Gen. Roy Galido, Army’s 601st IBde commander, lauded the local officials of Sen. Ninoy Aquino for helping the Army convince the rebels to surrender.
Galido said the rebels claimed they were tired of running away from government forces and decided to surrender to be with their families this Christmas.
“We were duped, and we just want to go home and be with our families again,” Ka Rex, one of the surrenderers, said in a short interview by reporters in this camp Monday.
Uy had earlier urged local officials in the Soccsksargen Region to declare communist New Peoples’ Army (NPA) and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF) persona non grata or unwelcome in their communities.
The 6ID commander also vowed to eradicate the communist movement in Central Mindanao before yearend.
“While we are ready to use force, that is our last option when all diplomatic means shall fail,” Uy said, adding that he ordered all Army camps to open their doors for NPA members and supporters who wish to live normal lives.
The former rebels will be enrolled under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program of Sultan Kudarat province, the Army official said.
The NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1121951
More AFP, PNP equipment sent to Cagayan for disaster response
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 16, 2020): More AFP, PNP equipment sent to Cagayan for disaster response (By Priam Nepomuceno and Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)
MILITARY EQUIPMENT. The communications van is capable of air-to-ground, ground-to-ground, sea-to-ground, and long-range communications. It is now deployed at the Cagayan Provincial Capitol. (Photo courtesy of PAF)
In a statement Sunday night, Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesperson, Lt. Col. Aristides Galang, said a communications van and an air traffic controller are now deployed at the Cagayan Provincial Capitol.
The communications van is capable of air-to-ground, ground-to-ground, sea-to-ground, and long-range communications while the air traffic controller is responsible for coordinating with inbound and outbound PAF aircraft conducting aerial search-and-rescue operations over the affected areas.
"The deployment of the communications van and air traffic controller will further capacitate the SAR teams and other ground troops to expedite rescue operations to those affected by the heavy floods caused by Typhoon Ulysses," he said.
Meanwhile, two UH-IH helicopters from the PAF's Tactical Operations Group 2 are transporting relief goods and other essential items to thousands of families affected by the typhoon, he added.
As of Sunday, 3,500 pounds of cargoes had been transported from Cagayan Provincial Capitol to the inaccessible areas in the towns of Alcala, Amulung, Lal-lo, Solana, and Enrile in Cagayan.
Also, 11 rubber boats and two fiberglass rescue boats arrived in Tuguegarao City Saturday night and used for rescue operations on Sunday morning.
The rubber boats came from the Philippine National Police's National Capital Region Police Office, Police Regional Office 1, Police Regional Office 3, Maritime Group and Baguio City.
Some three PNP ambulances with a complement of doctors and nurses also arrived d in Cagayan Valley and deployed to evacuation centers. Two platoons of search-and-rescue personnel from PNP-Special Action Force were also deployed to Cagayan Valley to assist in the operations.
Some 400 police disaster response personnel were deployed to Cagayan Valley to join the rescue and relief efforts. Two PNP helicopters are also in Cagayan Valley to assist and direct ground operations and possible medical evacuation.
Heavy-lift troop carriers also transported assorted medical supplies, rice, water, and food packs to the affected areas.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1121915
Rescue chopper flies septuagenarian in need of dialysis
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 16, 2020): Rescue chopper flies septuagenarian in need of dialysis (By Priam Nepomuceno)
MED EVAC. Cleofina Abad, 78, was airlifted on board a military rescue chopper Monday morning to get to a hospital in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan for her dialysis. (PAF photo)
Philippine Air Force spokesperson, Lt. Col. Aristides Galang said the patient, Cleofina Abad from Gonzaga town in Cagayan, was airlifted to the Divine Mercy Medical Center in Tuguegarao City on board a Sikorsky S-76.
Galang said Abad's request for a medical evacuation was forwarded to Joint Task Force Tala as several areas are still inaccessible for land transport.
Many areas in Cagayan province are submerged in floodwater due to the spilling of dams following weeks of rains from a number of typhoons that hit the country.
"And since our helicopters are also tasked for medical evacuation missions, the PAF responded," he said in Filipino.
The patient was accompanied by her husband, Rosendo, 82, in the flight to the hospital.
Meanwhile, a UH-IH helicopter of the PAF also conducted relief operations on Monday from the Cagayan Capitol grounds in Tuguegarao City to Alcala, Amulung, and Solana towns.
A total of 1,587.3 pounds of assorted relief goods were distributed to most affected areas in Alcala town, Galang said.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1121953