Kalinaw News: 10ID Presents Former Rebels, guns to Mayor Sara

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 2, 2020): 10ID Presents Former Rebels, guns to Mayor Sara



The 10th Infantry “Agila” Division through its 1003rd Brigade presented to Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio high-powered firearms and former rebels in a short program in front of the Davao City Hall on Tuesday, December 1, 2020.

10ID Commander Major General Reuben Basiao together with 1003rd Brigade and former Task Force Davao Commander BGen Nolasco Mempin presented nine (9) former rebels either surrendered and captured from September to November this year including the two recently captured members of the New People’s Army and former Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation, Inc. MISFI scholars Gelejurain Alice Ngojo alias Mayo and Nashrea Bansil alias Ash.

Mayo and Ash also served as part-time teachers for the Lumads inside UCCP Haran in Bankerohan, Davao City before becoming the supply officer and medic under guerilla front 55 (GF55) until their capture last November 17, 2020, after an encounter with the troops of 27th Infantry Battalion in Paquibato, District, Davao City.

10ID also presented several former rebels under GF55 surrendered and captured through the combined efforts of the 1003rd Brigade, the local government of Davao City, and Indigenous People’s (IP) leaders namely; Bonifacio Gudin alias Boning, Masusung Babanag alias Joshua, former Giyang pan Politika, Sara and Jose Sausa, team leaders under GF55, Roel Manday-onan alias Jonas, former squad leader of GF55, Nelso Heferves alias Darokoy, former vice commanding officer of GF55, and Daniel Santos Castillo alias Steven, former political instructor of GF55, also a former UP-Diliman student affiliated with Anak Bayan and Kabataang Makabayan.

From the recorded twelve (12) encounters with the terrorist group, the 1003rd brigade recorded the neutralization of 19 rebels including the nine presented on Tuesday resulting in the seizure of thirty (30) high powered and four (4) low powered firearms, and four (4) improvised explosive devices.

Meanwhile, IPS Ancestral Domain Management Office Domain Defense and Security Committee Chair Bahani Edwin Libayao Omo, Sr. together with several IP leaders joined the event a sign of support towards the governments’ development efforts towards the IP communities in Davao City while playing a key role in the peace and order inside their ancestral domains.

In an interview with the media after the event, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio pleads to the former rebels to help the government in convincing their former comrades to return and work with the government.

“We ask for their help in convincing their former comrades that the real war is inside the government and not in the mountains. They can see change if they work with or for the government,” Mayor Sara said.

With the continuous efforts of the 10ID through its community support program and community development teams, focused military operations, stakeholders engagement and other line of operations- the dwindling forces of NPA particularly the GF55 in the hinterlands of Davao City continues to hit an all-time low with the shift of support of the NPA regulars and various underground mass organizations towards the government.

[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/10id-presents-former-rebels-guns-to-mayor-sara/

Kalinaw News: 17 Former Rebels receive cash assistance thru Agusan del Sur PTF-ELCAC

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 1, 2020): 17 Former Rebels receive cash assistance thru Agusan del Sur PTF-ELCAC



Seventeen Former Rebels who voluntarily surrendered to the forces of 26th Infantry (Ever Onward) Battalion received cash assistance amounting to ten thousand pesos each from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, today at PSWD Office, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, ADS.

The PSWD which form part of the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) headed by Hon. Santiago B. Cane Jr., Provincial Governor of ADS generously released the cash assistance as a part of the livelihood program under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program which is designed to provide livelihood benefits for the former members of the CPP-NPA-NDF and Militia ng Bayan to restore their allegiance to the Philippine government.

The 17 FRs were just few amongst our enlightened brothers and sisters who finally went back to the mainstream of the government and living a more peaceful life since their surrender. Aside from the cash assistance, they also received food packs and goods. “Dako kaayo akong pasalamat tungod sa sunod sunod nga benepisyo nga among nadawat gikan sa gobyerno. Kining maong kantidad daku na kaayo ug gikatabang sa among pamilya aron kami maka sukad sa among pag plastar sa among bag-o nga kinabuhi.”, AKA Jack said.

The 26IB under the command of Lt. Col. Reynald Romel A. Goce in collaboration with the PSWD led by Ms. Razel Montemor facilitated the enrollment of the FRs to the ECLIP which will cover their reintegration, immediate, livelihood, educational and housing benefits. “We are committed to help and assist the needs of our brothers and sisters who went back to the fold of law in their new beginning. The government will help you in providing what you need to start a new life.” Ms. Montemor said.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Goce praised and expressed his gratitude to the PTF-ELCAC in its active and unending support in implementing the EO70. “The PTF-ELCAC of ADS is exhibiting its good character by showing full commitment in implementing the EO70. As our peace partners, we are glad working with the Provincial Government of ADS in attaining lasting peace in our province.”, he said.

“The government is more than willing to assist those who want to come back in the folds of law. Once they surrender, we will be providing them the government programs and initiatives that would help them in re-building a more peaceful life together with their loved ones.”, Lt. Col. Goce ended.

[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/17-former-rebels-receive-cash-assistance-thru-agusan-del-sur-ptf-elcac/

Kalinaw News: Two Members Of ABU SAYYAF GROUP Yield, Surrender Firearms To The Army

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 1, 2020): Two Members Of ABU SAYYAF GROUP Yield, Surrender Firearms To The Army



Two enlightened members of the notorious Abu Sayyaf Group have recently yielded to the 14th Special Forces Company and 16th Special Forces Company, respectively, in separate events last 27 and 28 of November 2020, and surrendered two high-powered firearms as they were received here at the Headquarters of 4th Special Forces Battalion, Barangay Cabunbata.

The two personalities were identified as Majid Talaber alias Umig, 65 years old and a resident of Barangay Bagbagon, Lantawan, Basilan Provice; and Merhamin A. Faisal alias Abu Hamid, 39 years old and a resident of Tatalan Island, Tungkil, Sulu. They also surrendered with them two (2) Caliber 30 M1 US Garand Rifle with eight (8) clips and 53 rounds of Cal.30 ammunitions.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Alex Ampati, the Commanding Officer of 4SFBN, the two ASG members voluntarily surrendered to 14SFC and 16SFC, respectively, because for one, they have felt the improvement of peace and order as well as the development here in Basilan, and second, they are tired of fighting a wrong and irrelevant ideology.

“Dahil sa kapayapaan na natatamasa ng mga ASG na nag-lie low dito sa ating nasasakupan, sila na mismo ang boluntaryong lumalapit sa atin upang magpahayag ng kanilang intensyon na magbalik-loob sa gobyerno”, Lieut-Col. Ampati expressed.

The newly surrendered ASG members will be enrolled in the Program Against Violent Extremism (PAVE) for Peace where they will undergo a reformative process in order for them to reintegrate back in the mainstream society as responsible and productive citizens.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/two-members-of-abu-sayyaf-group-yield-surrender-firearms-to-the-army/

Kalinaw News: 48IB, NCIP nanguna sa Balik Eskwela Outreach Program para sa mga Batang Dumagat

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 1, 2020): 48IB, NCIP nanguna sa Balik Eskwela Outreach Program para sa mga Batang Dumagat



Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija–Nagsagawa ng Balik-Eskwela Outreach Program 2020 ang Lady Pipay (NGO) at ang National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) katuwang ang 48IB para sa mga Katutubong Dumagat ng Dike-Adwis Elementary School, Sitio Manalo, Barangay San Lorenzo, Norzagaray, Bulacan noong ika-28 ng Nobyembre 2020.

Ang Balik Eskwela Outreach Program 2020 na pinamagatang “Lady Pipay BALIK- ESKWELA” ay naglalayon na matulungan ang mga batang Dumagat sa kanilang pag-aaral sa gitna ng pandemyang dulot ng COVID 19. Hangad din ng mga sponsor na mabigyan ng tulong ang mga Katutubong Dumagat matapos masalanta at maapektuhan sila ng Bagyong Ulysses kamakailan lang.
Lulan ng dalawang (2) military trucks ng 48IB, kinuha ang mga relief items sa Timog Avenue, Quezon City patungo sa naturang paaralan.

Dumalo sa outreach program sina Sec. Allen A. Capuyan, Chairperson ng NCIP,
Protocol Officer Dra. Rodelene P. Tan at 48IB Charlie Company Commander 1LT Oscarito S. Tobias na nanguna sa pag turn-over ng mga relief items na naglalaman ng dalawang (2) kilong bigas, tatlong (3) pirasong noodless, dalawang (2) pirasong canned goods, apat na (4) pirasong gatas at kape, isang (1) pakete ng biskwit, bags, notebook, disposable cup at NCIP
Books Stories.

Tinatayang 150 na mga pamilyang Dumagat ang makikinabang sa mga naigawad na relief items.
Malugod namang tinanggap ng naturang paaralan sa pangunguna ni School Principal Ms. Jennifer A. Sacdal; Barangay Chairperson Josephina R. De Mesa at Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative-Panlalawigan, Vergel S. Cruz ang mga naturang items. Ang pagkakaisa ng NCIP,48IB,DepEd sa pakikipag-ugnayan sa Pamahalaang Barangay ng San Lorenzo para mabigyan ng tulong ang mga Katutubong Dumagat ay napapasailalim sa Sectoral Unification, Capacity Building and Empowerment (SUCBEM) Cluster ng National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict ng pamahalaan.” Ako po ay nagpapasalamat kay Sir Capuyan dahil sa tagal ng panahon ng paninirahan namin dito ay ninais po niyang pumunta dito sa pamayanan ng mga katutubo lalo na din po sa 48IB na patuloy na sumusubaybay sa amin dito sa Angat Dam” sambit ni
IPMR Cruz.

Pinuri naman ni Major General Alfredo V. Rosario Jr PA, Commander ng 7ID ang naturang hakbangin para sa ang mga katutubong Dumagat. Dagdag naman ni Lieutenant Colonel Felix Emeterio M. Valdez, Commanding Officer ng 48IB, palaging naka suporta ang kasundaluhan sa mga ganitong proyekto na nakakatulong lalo na sa mga kabataang katutubo.

[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/48ib-ncip-nanguna-sa-balik-eskwela-outreach-program-para-sa-mga-batang-dumagat/

Kalinaw News: 7 NPAs in Sultan Kudarat surrender to ‘Tapat’ Troops

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 1, 2020): 7 NPAs in Sultan Kudarat surrender to ‘Tapat’ Troops



CAMP Siongco, Maguindanao – Seven suspected members of communist guerrillas surrendered to the troops of 7th Infantry (TAPAT) Battalion under the Joint Task Force Central on November 28, 2020.

The four former rebels were members of the Platoon My phone of Sub-Regional Command of Daguma under Far South Mindanao Regional Committee and are residents of Barangay Kuden, Senator Ninoy Aquino and Sitio Tudi, Brgy Legodon, Esperanza all from Sultan Kudarat, while the three other combatants were members of guerilla unit 3 living in Brgy Lagubang and Brgy Midtungok of Senator Ninoy Aquino of the said province.

The surrenderees, whose names are being withheld for security reasons are now undergoing custodial debriefing after they have denounced their membership in the communist organization and have returned to the folds of law.

They yielded seven firearms including one M14 US Rifle, one Garand US Rifle, one Carbine, one Caliber .30, M1, one Carbine, Caliber .30mm Sniper Rifle, one Rifle, Caliber 30M1, Garand Converted to 7.62mm, one Caliber 45 Pistol and one Caliber .357 revolver.

“Donde” (not his real name) said that he decided to avail of the government’s offer of a new life for the sake of his family.

“Lalong humirap ang kalagayan namin ng pumasok ako sa Kilusan na akala ko ay tutulong sa amin. Aking iwinawaksi ang anumang armadong pakikibaka” Donde said.

Major General Juvymax R. Uy, Commamder of 6th Infantry (KAMPILAN) Division and JTF Central encouraged the former rebels to seriously consider the program being offered for them by the government as part of President Rodrigo Duterte’s EO 70 to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

“Bumaba na sila at mag balik loob sa gobyerno para makapiling nila ang kanilang mga anak at pamilya. Walang lugar dito sa Cental at South Central Mindanao ang mga Terroristang grupo na mga NPA” Major General Uy, 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/7-npas-in-sultan-kudarat-surrender-to-tapat-troops/

Kalinaw News: 11 High-powered Firearms Seized from Armed Lawless Group in Maguindanao

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 1, 2020): 11 High-powered Firearms Seized from Armed Lawless Group in Maguindanao



CAMP Siongco, Maguindanao – Eleven High-powered Firearms were seized from an armed lawless group by the operating troops of 40th Infantry “Magiting” Battalion in Barangay Bulod, General SK Pendatun, Maguindanao, today (December 1, 2020).

Operating Troops of 40th IB, conducted Focus Military Operation targeting a certain Commander Mac4 at Brgy. Bulod, GSKP town of Maguindanao, after an information from concerned civilians reported the presence of the Armed Lawless Group in the area.

Major General Juvymax R. Uy, Commander of Joint Task Force Central and 6th Infantry Division commended the decisive actions of troops led by Lt. Col. Rogelio Gabi, Commanding Officer, 40th IB that resulted in the recovery of 1 RPG, 1 Barret, 1 M79, 1 M14, 2 M16, 4 7.62mm AR16, 1 Sub machine-gun 9MM M10 and several war materials.

The Armed Lawless Group, led by Mac4, seek refuge in GSKP Municipality when they evaded the Focus Military Operation conducted at Sitio Balayman, Brgy Langapanen, Sultan Sabarongis, adjacent town of GSKP last Sunday November 29, 2020 in the afternoon that led to the arrest of two (2) ALG members and recovery of two (2) rocket propelled grenade launchers and one Uzi sub machine gun.

“I have directed all units under JTF Central to intensify Focus Military Operations against Terrorist and other Lawless elements in the whole Joint Area of Operations to ensure the safety of communities and security of the people” Major General Uy stated.

“With the level of cooperation of the communities and the Local Government Units to the Security sector, it will not be difficult to eliminate the Terrorist groups and Lawless elements here in Central and South Central Mindanao that will pave the way to peace and development” Major General Uy 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/11-high-powered-firearms-seized-from-armed-lawless-group-in-maguindanao/

Ranking NPA leader, 4 others slain in SoCot encounter

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 2, 2020): Ranking NPA leader, 4 others slain in SoCot encounter (By Allen Estabillo)

Map of Lake Sebu town, South Cotabato.

A ranking leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) and four other rebels were killed in a law enforcement operation Wednesday dawn in a hinterland village in Lake Sebu town, South Cotabato province.

Lt. Col. Randy Banaag, commanding officer of the Army’s 5th Special Forces Battalion, said the operation targeted NPA leader Romeo Libron, reportedly the regional ordnance head of the NPA Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) in the Davao Region.

Banaag said Libron, who had standing arrest warrants for murder and several other cases, was tracked down by intelligence operatives hiding in a house in Sitio Kibang, Barangay Ned.

As the arresting team composed of police and Army personnel were approaching, Banaag said they were fired upon by an undetermined number of gunmen positioned at Libron's hideout.

“It resulted in a fierce firefight that lasted about 20 minutes,” he said in a report.

The Army official said five suspects were fatally wounded in the encounter and later declared dead upon arrival at the Luntao Hospital in Sto. Niño town.

The fatalities were identified as Libron, Rogelio Magsaya, a platoon vice commander under the SMRC, Libron's wife Merly, and a certain Macoy of the rebels' Guerrilla Front 56, and a certain Megz.

Recovered from the house were a Carbine rifle with a defaced serial number, a .45-caliber pistol with serial number 128559, an Elisco M16 rifle with serial number 04363, a .40-caliber Glock 19 with serial number MHV646, two improvised explosives, two blasting caps, bomb-making components and documents, identification cards, cellphones, flash drives, blood pressure apparatus, and other subversive documents.

Lake Sebu Mayor Floro Gandam said the slain rebels reportedly hail from Compostela Valley province in the Davao Region.

“They were there to deceive and recruit my fellow Tbolis to join the NPA,” he said in a radio interview.

Gandam said he directed the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to prepare relief goods as they expect possible movements of residents living near the area.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123589

Sara calls for NPAs to surrender, work with gov’t

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 2, 2020): Sara calls for NPAs to surrender, work with gov’t (By Che Palicte)  

RETURNING TO THE LAW. Davao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte (2nd from right) speaks with former New People's Army rebels Tuesday afternoon (Dec. 1, 2020) and assures them of government assistance. The 11 surrenderers turned over 34 firearms and four improvised explosive devices. (PNA photo by Che Palicte)

DAVAO CITY–Mayor Sara Z. Duterte has asked the communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels anew to surrender and work for the government if they want to see the changes they wanted to achieve in their armed struggle.

During the presentation of rebel surrenderers and their firearms on Tuesday afternoon, Mayor Sara reiterated said she was inspired by the story of one of the surrenderers, "Marikit" (not her real name), one of the 11 former NPA fighters who were presented to the mayor by the Army's 1003rd Infantry Brigade (1003IB).

“I hope you, Marikit, and your former comrades, would help me tell the rebels that if they wanted real change, they have to work and be with the government,” Mayor Sara said.

Six of the surrenderers belong to the indigenous peoples (IP) group, who turned over 34 firearms and four improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

“The real struggle is not in the hills, but it is running the government. I realized in my nine years as a mayor when someone I knew died in the struggle. It was a great loss. They passed without experiencing real change,” Duterte said.

She also urged the surrenderers to help stop the NPA's recruitment of minors and young people.

“This is because the child should be learning inside the school which is run by the Department of Education (DepEd) and not in the institutions teaching them to become anti-government,” she said.

The mayor assured the former rebels would receive government assistance, such as the aid packages provided under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).

“Whatever gaps which the ECLIP cannot address, the city government will process and extend the assistance they further needed,” she said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123594

Soldier, militiaman hurt in Maguindanao grenade attack

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 2, 2020): Soldier, militiaman hurt in Maguindanao grenade attack (By Edwin Fernandez)

Lt. Col. Anhouvic Atilano, spokesperson of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

A soldier and militiaman survived a rifle grenade attack by suspected Daesh-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao on Wednesday dawn, the Army here said.

Lt. Colonel Anhouvic Atilano, speaking for the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said that Sgt. Randy Guleng of the Army’s 1st Mechanized Brigade and Marek Sangcopan, a member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit, were manning a checkpoint in Barangay Labu-Labu, Shariff Aguak, when two rifle grenades landed near them.

“One of the rifle grenades landed in one of the shanties inside the fenced para-military detachment,” Atilano said, adding that the explosive projectiles were fired from a distance.

Atilano said the two sustained minor injuries and are now in stable condition at the Camp Siongco Hospital in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

Atilano believed the attackers were members of BIFF out to avenge the death of their companions in recent military operations in Maguindanao and Region 12.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123616

AFP chief calls for end to youth radicalization

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 2, 2020): AFP chief calls for end to youth radicalization (By Priam Nepomuceno)

AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Gilbert Gapay. (File photo)

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Gilbert Gapay called for a stop to the "radicalization of dissent" among the youth, saying progressive groups recruiting them have become a "spawning pool" for New People's Army fighters.

Gapay said on Tuesday the three Senate hearings on "red-tagging", as claimed by the House of Representatives' so-called Makabayan bloc, have exposed the recruitment of activists into the NPA, the Communist Party of the Philippines' armed wing.

"We may disagree on the way this modus was presented in the past months, but we can no longer deny the role that these front organizations had in the destruction wrought upon families and communities by this decades-old violence," Gapay said.

"Now it is up to us as a nation to put all these deception and violence to an end," he added.

During the Senate's hybrid hearing, former rebels, through a pre-recorded video, testified how they were recruited into the NPA through front organizations such as Bayan Muna, Gabriela, Kabataan, and Anakpawis.

Gapay said the AFP would continue to support the National Task Force on Ending the Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC) by providing them with the information needed for national policy recommendation.

"Our efforts will not stop here. We expect more information to surface as more activist-turned NPA fighters end up dead as a result of our military operations," he added.

Gapay said the blood of fallen NPA members are in the hands of these front organizations and their enablers in the party-list groups.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123537

Suspected ASG member killed in Zamboanga del Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 2, 2020): Suspected ASG member killed in Zamboanga del Norte (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

A suspected member of the extremist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) involved in kidnapping activities since 2016 was killed in a police operation in Zamboanga del Norte, the Philippine National Police-Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) said on Wednesday.

Based on the report submitted to PNP chief Gen. Debold Sinas, the fatality was identified as Jupuri Dais who was killed in a police operation around 2 a.m. Wednesday in Barangay Poblacion, Sibuco town.

Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo, PNP-AKG chief, said Dais was armed with a .45-caliber pistol and fired at a composite police team that was sent by the court to serve him a warrant of arrest for kidnapping and serious illegal detention.

Based on police records, Dais was a member of an ASG sub-unit under Almujir Yadah, who was also a former member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front before his involvement in the operations of the ASG, Estomo said.

Dais is also being sought by AKG for his alleged involvement in a series of kidnapping incidents in Mindanao particularly in the case of Martina Yee in 2016 and several others in 2018.

Estomo said the police operation thwarted another possible kidnapping as Dais was tasked to an area in Sibuco to abduct an unidentified Zamboanga-based project engineer and contractor.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123579

Armed struggle not means to attain positive change, peace: Go

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 2, 2020): Armed struggle not means to attain positive change, peace: Go

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go (Contributed photo)

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go defended on Tuesday President Rodrigo Duterte’s statements denying the government is red-tagging Makabayan bloc organizations, saying the President is privy to information about Leftist groups given his experiences as a former mayor of Davao City.

“Maraming alam si Pangulong Duterte, dati siyang mayor ng Davao City. Kami po, magkasama kami for the past 22 years. Talagang alam namin kung sino ang talagang may linya — sa Left (President Duterte knows a lot; he’s a former mayor of Davao City. We have been together for the past 22 years. We really know who has a link to the Left.),” Go said during an ambush interview after leading the distribution of emergency assistance to fire victims in Quezon City.

He added that Duterte is telling the truth, saying, “kung ano po ang sinabi ni Pangulong Duterte, totoo po ‘yun. Witness po s’ya sa mga bagay na ‘yan. ‘Wag na po tayong magmaang-maangan pa (Whatever President Duterte says is the truth. He has witnessed those things. We should not pretend to be ignorant.)

During his weekly Talk to the People address on Monday, Duterte denied the government is red-tagging Makabayan bloc organizations but, instead, is identifying these groups and their dynamics with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

The President said he trusts the military’s assertion that the groups are mere fronts of the CPP.

"We are not red-tagging you. We are identifying you as members in a grand conspiracy comprising all the legal fronts that you have organized headed by NDF (National Democratic Front) and Communist Party of the Philippines," Duterte said

Denouncing their acts, Duterte added that the movement is only bent on destroying the country’s democratic institutions.

"May mga ilang tao na nanggaling sa inyong kampo na (There are some people who came from your camp who) openly attacked you, not only criticized, for your sheer brutality in this communal war," Duterte said.

The chief executive also warned the Lumads should they continue to pursue their ties with the rebel group.

Meanwhile, Go said that he personally does not want to see Filipinos killing each other, adding that an armed struggle is not the solution to achieving lasting peace.

“Ako naman, personally ayokong nagkakapatayan ang Pilipino laban sa kapwa Pilipino, nasasaktan po ako (I personally don’t want Filipinos killing each other),” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123615

Gov't open to resume peace talks with Reds but sincerity needed

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 2, 2020): Gov't open to resume peace talks with Reds but sincerity needed (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Wednesday said the government is ready to resume peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) but said the group needs to show sincerity.

He made this comment when asked if there is still a possibility of resuming peace talks with the CPP-NPA during an interview with CNN Philippines' "The Source" Wednesday.

"The government is ready, the President (Rodrigo Duterte) is ready, but what we want from them (insurgents) is (a) little bit of sincerity kasi napakinggan naman natin yung sinabi ni (because we heard what) (National Democratic Front chief negotiator Luis) Jalandoni (that) the peace talk is only a means to advance the revolutionary movement of the CPP-NPA," Lorenzana said.

The DND chief is also challenging the Makabayan Bloc to renounce the CPP-NPA or its armed struggle and work together with the government "if they really want this country to progress".

"Sabi ko nga kung itigil nila yung extortion nila (sa) mga (If they will just stop their extortion activities on) businesses all over the country, stop the attack on soldiers and civilians and policemen, stop sabotaging the infrastructure of the government, then come down and let us talk. Okay ang gobyerno dyan (the government is okay with that), but for as long as they are waging this war against the government, I myself will advise the President not (to) resume the peace talks," Lorenzana said.

As this developed, the DND chief said they are now coming up with directives along with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) general headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City regarding the publication or presentation of photos of fallen NPA fighters until the remains are turned over to their families or to anyone who would claim it.

This was after photos of soldiers posing with the remains of Jevilyn Cullamat circulated. But what was not seen was how the remains of Jevilyn were brought to the town and turned over to her family by the soldiers even without transportation, he noted.

"They carried the body because they don't have any transportation, they carried the body by lifting the body. Two soldiers brought the body to town and turned over the remains to the family and that has always been the practice of (our) soldiers ever since," Lorenzana said.

The DND chief said taking pictures of fallen NPA fighters has been standard procedure since the AFP started fighting with the CPP-NPA in the 1970s.

"The practice is that since we started fighting (the) CPP-NPA in 1970s, (whenever a) fighter is killed, kumukuha kami ng picture, kinukuhanan ng picture yan (We take pictures) and this picture is for our consumption only, (but) for some reasons the picture of Jevilyn Cullamat found itself with the media and yun ang nakita (and that was what was seen)," he added.

Lorenzana, however, said he does not approve of soldiers posing with the remains of fallen NPA fighters.

"I don't approve of that action, hindi dapat gawin yun (it should not have been done), maybe they could pose behind firearms or any other equipment, but not from behind bodies of fallen fighters," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123604

Amphibious, island defense phase of 'DAGIT-PA' successful

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 2, 2020): Amphibious, island defense phase of 'DAGIT-PA' successful (By Priam Nepomuceno)

The amphibious landing and island defense phase of this year's Armed Forces of the Philippines Joint Exercise (AJEX) "DAGIT PA" has been successfully completed in San Antonio, Zambales on Wednesday.

"Our joint forces were able to able successfully complete the amphibious landing and island defense exercises here in San Antonio, Zambales, this is part of the joint interoperability exercises being conducted (and) geared towards better performing our mandate to protect the people and the state," Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) head Lt. Gen. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr. during an online press conference on "DAGIT-PA” exercises.

The military drills started November 23 and will conclude on December 4.

"DAGIT-PA" or “Dagat-Langit-Lupa” is a unilateral exercise that aims to further enhance the joint force interoperability and cohesiveness of the AFP across defense mission areas.

"We were able to meet the objectives of this amphibious landing (and) the island defense exercises which seek to develop the military skills, techniques and capabilities during rapid deployment of troops, from ship-to-shore, whether or under hazardous circumstances or during natural disasters or hostile enemy actions," Burgos said.

The Nolcom chief said the AFP has gained more knowledge and further beefed up its proficiency in sea-to-land operations in these joint exercises.

"We will be sure to use these new skills and techniques in future operations from which no other than the Filipino people will benefit in times of need," Burgos said.

Meanwhile, "DAGIT-PA" exercise director and AFP spokesperson Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said the amphibious phase of the exercise highlights the capability of the military to launch operations from ship-to-shore using the amphibious capabilities of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC).

Formerly, such capabilities of the PMC were carried out using "LDCP" or small motorized vessels.

With the advent of the amphibious or armored assault vehicles (AAVs), which were delivered in 2019, Arevalo said it gives him "goosebumps" to see Marines going ashore aboard these AAVs which were launched from BRP Tarlac (LD-601) at a speed of five knots and proceeding towards their beachhead and launching their operation further inland.

Also demonstrated was the mine-clearing capability of Naval Special Operations Group in the water and "intelligence, surveillance and recon" (ISR) capabilities of Philippine military aircraft.

Arevalo said AFP demonstrated the capabilities to seize objectives inland while land forces, particularly the infantry, managed to show their ability to counter-attack against a group that invaded the island.

The capabilities of the Special Operation Command (SOCOM) personnel such as operations in urban terrain were shown while the 1st Brigade Combat Team (BCT) showed its ability to launch tank-infantry operations, among others.

"It is now a matter of us being able to make all these assets and personnel and work seamlessly to attain the AFP mission," Arevalo said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123628

Tagalog News: Pahayag ng NPA sa pagpatay sa opisyal ng Rizal, kinondena ng PTF-ELCAC

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 1, 2020): Tagalog News: Pahayag ng NPA sa pagpatay sa opisyal ng Rizal, kinondena ng PTF-ELCAC (By Leila B. Dagot)

PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan, Dis. 1 (PIA) -- Kinondena ng Palawan Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) ang inilabas na pahayag ng New People’s Army (NPA) sa pamamagitan ng Bienvenido Vallever Command (BVC) hinggil sa kaso ng pagpaslang sa Municipal Planning and Development Officer ng Rizal na si Engr. Gregorio Baluyot.

Sa inilabas na opisyal na pahayag ng PTF-ELCAC, sinasabing hindi ito katanggap-tanggap sapagkat nagdudulot lamang ito ng karagdagang hinagpis sa mga naiwang pamilya ni Baluyot na sa kasalukuyan ay naghahanap pa ng hustisya.

Ayon pa sa pahayag ng PTF-ELCAC, paraan lamang umano ito ng NPA upang mapaniwala ang mga mamamayan ng lalawigan na malakas pa ang kanilang puwersa sa kabila nang mahina na sapagkat karamihan sa mga dating miyembro nito ay bumaba na sa kabundukan at nagbalik-loob na sa pamahalaan.

Ayon pa dito, propaganda lamang ng makakaliwang grupo ang kanilang muling pagpaparamdam dahil naalarma na umano ang rebeldeng grupo sa sunod-sunod na pagsuko ng kanilang mga kasamahan.

Nilinaw ng PTF-ELCAC na nagpapatuloy ang imbestigasyon sa pagpaslang kay Baluyot, at tiniyak nitong mananagot sa batas ang sino mang may kagagawan sa pagpatay sa opisyal.

Ang pahayag na ito ng PTF-ELCAC ay kasunod ng kalatas na ipinalabas ng BVC, kung saan inaako nito ang ginawang pagpatay kay Baluyot dahil sa umano’y sumbong ng ilang nasa komunidad laban sa pinaslang na opisyal. (LBD/PIAMIMAROPA)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1060590