Philippine Military Kills Communist Guerrilla Leader in Mindanao

From BenarNews (Jan 6, 2022): Philippine Military Kills Communist Guerrilla Leader in Mindanao (Richel V. Umel and Froilan Gallardo)

Communist New People’s Army fighters stand in formation in Lagonglong, a town in Misamis Oriental province, southern Philippines, May 2, 2016.  Froilan Gallardo/BenarNews

Government troops killed a senior commander of the communist New People’s Army during a gunfight in the southern Philippines, a military chief in the Mindanao region said Thursday.

The suspect slain on Wednesday night was identified as Menandro Villanueva (also known as Bok), a member of the NPA’s high command and longtime veteran of the Philippine communist insurgency, one of Asia’s longest-running armed conflicts.

Officials said he headed the guerrillas’ national operations command and controlled rebel units operating in the northeastern parts of Mindanao, the main island in the south.

“It will take the communist terrorist group some time to replace a seasoned leader as Villanueva. As a result of this, we expect more communist terrorists to either yield to the troops or continue to suffer defeats under an inexperienced leader in the coming days,” said Lt. Gen. Greg Almerol, head of the Eastern Mindanao Command.

Villanueva was the second member of the NPA’s high command to be killed in recent months. In October, government troops killed Jorge Madlos, 72, the guerrilla force’s spokesman and its most wanted commander.

Villanueva, 69, also was a member of the politburo of the outlawed Communist Party of the Philippines. The New People’s Army is the CPP’s military wing.

“Mindanao’s most wanted terrorist is now finally neutralized by your Agila troopers,” said Ernesto Torres, commander of the 10th Division, referring to troops from his division.

“They [NPA rebels] have nowhere to hide because the masses are already fed up with the abuses and extortion they perpetrated for more than five decades. The death of Menandro Villanueva signals that the end of the communist insurgency in Mindanao is already at hand.”

The gunfight that ended Villanueva’s life began as soldiers were patrolling a remote village in Mabini, a town in Davao de Oro province, after receiving information that Villanueva’s group was in the area, according to Capt. Mark Anthony Tito, spokesman for the Army’s 10th Infantry Division.

“Bok was hit in several parts of his body resulting in his demise. Troops are still conducting pursuit operations on the fleeing CNTs [CPP-NPA-Terrorists],” Tito told reporters.

Military officials did not say if any other NPA members or troops involved in the gunfight were injured.

Founding member

Villanueva was a founding member of the NPA in Mindanao in the 1970s with Edgar Jopson, who died after a military raid in Davao City in 1982, officials said.

As a young man, Villanueva was an activist with the reformist youth organization Kabataang Makabaya who opposed the brutal rule of then-dictator Ferdinand Marcos. In 1972, while a student at the Jesuit-run Ateneo de Manila University, Villanueva went underground after the Philippine president declared martial law, according to the military.

The communist insurgency in the Philippines dates back to 1969. From a peak of at least 20,000 guerrillas in the 1980s, the number of NPA fighters has fallen to about 5,000 in mostly remote areas of the Philippines.

CPP and NPA leaders could not immediately be reached for comment on Thursday.

https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/philippine/leader-killed-01062022123256.html

MILF: ‘We have a government ready to listen to us’ - League of Bangsamoro Organizations

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Jan 5, 2022): ‘We have a government ready to listen to us’ - League of Bangsamoro Organizations (By Muhammad Musa, Luwaran)

In photo- Prof. Hashim B. Manticayan, President of the League of Bangsamoro Organizations

COTABATO CITY — Prof. Hashim B. Manticayan, President of the League of Bangsamoro Organizations said it boosts their morale having a government (Bangsamoro Government) that is ready to listen to them during the 34th episode of Kaunlaran sa Bangsamoro hosted by Bangsamoro Multimedia Network (BMN) Inc. on Tuesday, December 28, 2021.

“Even personally, it boosts the morale in which we have a government ready to listen to us, the Bangsamoro government. No matter what our concerns they listen, and do what they can do. This could be a push factor to different Civil Society Organizations and I think not only the LBO, but even other Civil Society Organizations to make steps that could help our government,” Manticayan said.

Manticayan guested the show to talk about the LBO 6th General Assembly.

“Organization of the organizations. It’s a conglomeration of 343 member organizations and there are more than 200 about to approved by the Supreme Council so a total of more than 500. It is from different sectors such as professionals, women, youth, transport group, communication, and so on and so forth,” the LBO head disclosed.

He also shared the organizations’ current status in terms of roadmap and disclosed, “Why we organize LBO is to promote this unity in support to the promotion of peace so when it comes to where we are then we’ve come quite far already. The vision of the LBO is to have this single society of Bangsamoro organizations.”

Discussing about the 6th General Assembly, he explained, “This is an annual program as stated in the by-laws of the LBO that there should be a general assembly every year.”

“The Day 1 or the kickoff part of the assembly started last Saturday, December 25, 2021 where the twenty nine (29) key officers, officers of the special organ of the LBO, and partners were invited. Day 2 also happened last Sunday, December 26, 2021 where every organizations has three (3) representatives. Day 3 and the final day of the General Assembly was scheduled on Thursday, December 30, 2021,” he said.

Prof. Manticayan said that the LBO leadership is transparent, consultative, and collective.

“The objectives of the assembly are to update the member organizations about the current status of the LBO, make revision, amendments, or addendum in the Constitution and By-laws then the assembly is the perfect time to discuss such and third is the election of officers,” he said.

“In day one and two, ways forward will be discussed on how the CSOs will be useful to the government and to our community which is why the highlight of the event is the presence of the government key officials,” Manticayan said.

“The General Assembly of the LBO is the highest governing body of the LBO no matter what the officials of the organization wants if the general assembly disagree then they can’t do anything about it,” he said.

Manticayan has expressed the expected results from the 6th General Assembly is, “We hope that it could further push the interest of our members to cooperate, attend, and actively participate to all the promotions of the League of Bangsamoro Organizations because they could already witness that the government is listening to them, in fact they’re attending and welcoming us.”

[Luwaran is the official online publication of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Committee on Information, MILF Central Committee]

https://www.luwaran.com/news/article/2422/----we-have-a-government-ready-to-listen-to-us------league-of-bangsamoro-organizations

Kalinaw News: Tired and Weary, BIFF member surrenders in Cotabato

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jan 6, 2022): Tired and Weary, BIFF member surrenders in Cotabato



Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – January 6, 2022

A member of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters laid down his arm and returned to the folds of the law in Cotabato on the 5th of January, 2022. According to WestMinCom Commander, Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., the surrendered personality was identified as alias Seck Panday, a member of the BIFF-Karialan Faction.

“He submitted himself and handed over his M16A1 rifle to Col. Jovencio Gonzales, Commander of the 602nd Infantry Brigade and Lt. Col. Edgardo Vilchez, Jr., Commanding Officer of the 34th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Salunayan, Midsayap, Cotabato,” Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. added.

According to Col. Gonzales, Panday was subsequently presented to Midsayap Mayor Romeo Arana. “He will be included in the list of beneficiaries of livelihood packages to help him start anew so that he will not be lured to join the group again,” the brigade commander further stated.

The surrender was made possible through the joint efforts of the 34IB, PNP Midsayap, and the intelligence units. The 34IB is currently facilitating the custodial debriefing to the surrendered personality. Based on the report, the former violent extremist grew tired of hiding and running for his life as the military intensifies its operations in the area, hence his surrender.

Joint Task Force Central Commander, Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy lauded the 602nd Infantry Brigade and its subordinate units for the numerous accomplishments particularly in convincing several BIFF personalities to end their armed struggle. In 2021, JTF Central reported a total of 189 BIFF surrenders in Central Mindanao.

“This is a good start for the new year. Rest assured that the Western Mindanao Command will continue to accomplish its mandates until we achieve sustained peace and development in Western Mindanao.” Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. emphasized.

[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/tired-and-weary-biff-member-surrenders-in-cotabato/

Kalinaw News: Midsayap Community Embodies Peace as a BIFF Rebel Surrendered To Government Forc

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jan 6, 2022): Midsayap Community Embodies Peace as a BIFF Rebel Surrendered To Government Forces



CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – The Municipality of Midsayap continues to embrace peace as a Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF) combatant voluntarily surrendered to government forces under the 34th Infantry Battalion on January 5, 2021 at Brgy Salunayan, Midsayap, Cotabato.

Lieutenant Colonel Edgardo L. Vilchez Jr., Commanding Officer of 34IB, disclosed that the former rebel under the Karialan Faction, brought along with him one (1) M16A1 Rifle. During his surrender, he was accompanied by barangay officials of Barangay Ulandang, Midsayap, North Cotabato.

“The surrender was made possible through the joint efforts of 34IB, 602Bde and PNP Midsayap under P/LTC Rolly C. Oranza,” stressed by Col. Jovencio F. Gonzales, 602nd Infantry Brigade Commander.

Further, the surrenderee was presented to Hon. Romeo D. Arana, Municipal Mayor of Midsayap.

Major General Juvymax Uy emphasized the importance of the LGU and the role of the community in helping former extremists in the area to return to the folds of the law. “With the unwavering support of our Local Government Units and the strong cooperation of our communities, we can easily identify and help these former extremists live peaceful and normal lives”, Maj. Gen. Uy said.

The Commander further reiterated his call to the remaining members of the BIFF to surrender. Several government programs are offered to those who surrendered to help them start a new and peaceful lives in the mainstream society.

The former rebel is now under the custody of 34IB for debriefing prior to being enrolled for livelihood and financial assistance of 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/midsayap-community-embodies-peace-as-a-biff-rebel-surrendered-to-government-forces/

Kalinaw News: TO LIGHT, NOT TO FIGHT: Soldiers deliver solar streetlights to Mt. Province

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jan 6, 2022): TO LIGHT, NOT TO FIGHT: Soldiers deliver solar streetlights to Mt. Province



Camp Aquino, Tarlac City – January 6, 2022

Absence of light is a powerful trigger of a both real and imagined type of fear. For the people of Barangay Sacasacan, Sadanga, Mountain Province, they just simply learned to live in a world petrified in darkness when night time comes. Until the long wait is over and finally, a glimpse of light.

Troops from the 54th Infantry Battalion under the Joint Task Force (JTF) Tala delivered seven (7) units of solar streetlights with integrated solar power generator system in Barangay Sacasacan, Sadanga, Mountain Province on December 19, 2021.

According to Maj. Gen. Andrew D. Costelo, Acting Commander of the Northern Luzon Command (NoLCom), the solar streetlights were donated by the Women Institute for Social Entrepreneurship, Inc. and SUNSMART Solar Power Technology, Inc. The stakeholders formally turned-over the solar streetlights from SUNSMART Solar Power Technology, Inc. in Mabalacat, Pampanga to Headquarters NoLCom in Camp Aquino, Tarlac City on December 14, 2021.

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines in partnership with stakeholders, are embarking on a project that will literally bring light to communities across the nation. The said donation was made possible through the project of the National Task Force to End the Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) under the National Security Council wherein they will provide solar power to barangays cleared from Communist terrorist groups,” Maj. Gen. Costelo added.

In a statement from Brig. Gen. Santiago Enginco, Commander of 503rd Infantry Brigade which covers the area of Mt. Province, said that the troops of the 54th Infantry Battalion led by Liet.Col. Franz Josef Diamante ensured that the donations safely arrived at their destination. “Five of the solar streetlights are installed and are already being used by the community,” Brig. Gen. Enginco stated.

The locals of Brgy Sacasacan expressed their immense gratitude to the donors for bringing light to their communities, and the military for freeing them from the threats posed by the Communist terrorists, and ensuring that lasting peace, security, and development is attainable.

“The provision of solar streetlights lessened the hardships of the people in our barangay during night time especially the farmers who are always coming home late at night. These newly-installed streetlights provided additional safety by putting visual assistance at night to easily spot issues, or identify individuals roaming around the vicinity especially to our barangay tanods who are just using flash lights before in patrolling the area. Thus, making it more convenient to maintain peace and order in our barangay” said Mr. Thomas Pang-ay, the Barangay Captain of Sacasacan, Sadanga, Mt. Province.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Laurence Mina, Commander of the JTF Tala said that the project is part of the government’s efforts to improve the facilities and living conditions of the communities that were once disturbed by the threats of the Communist terrorists.

Maj. Gen. Costelo thanked the stakeholders for their ardent desire to extend assistance to the people of Brgy. Sacasacan.

“We are grateful for the overwhelming support of the Women Institute for Social Entrepreneurship, Inc. and SUNSMART Solar Power Technology, Inc. The generous donation signifies our shared aspirations to help the Filipino people realize our vision of a peaceful and progressive region,” said Maj. Gen. Costelo.

“Our positive ties with other peace-builders have come a long way. May we continue to solidify our bond as we move towards reaching our common goal of sustaining progress and prosperity in our community. This kind of project is geared towards the creation of healthy and peaceful communities. Maj. Gen. Costelo 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/to-light-not-to-fight-soldiers-deliver-solar-streetlights-to-mt-province/

Kalinaw News: Number 1 Most Wanted CPP/NPA/NDF Leader in Mindanao killed

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jan 6, 2022): Number 1 Most Wanted CPP/NPA/NDF Leader in Mindanao killed



MAWAB, Davao de Oro – Menandro Villanueva alias BOK, the longest-serving Secretary of Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC), currently the Secretary of Komisyong Mindanao (KOMMID), Commanding Officer of the NPA’s National Operations Command (NOC), and member of the POLITBURO of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) was killed in an encounter against the troops under 1001st Infantry Brigade at Brgy Libudon, Mabini, Davao de Oro on Wednesday evening, January 5, 2022.

A concerned citizen reported the presence of the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) disrupting the peace in said area. Immediately, 1001st Brigade under the leadership of Brigadier General Jesus P Durante III, who is still in Focused Military Operations (FMO) deployed its troops to verify the veracity of the report which resulted in an armed engagement with the Regional Headquarters, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (RHQ-SMRC) where alias BOK was co-located. Alias BOK was hit in several parts of his body resulting in his demise. Troops are still conducting pursuit operations to the fleeing CNTs.

In his statement, BGen Durante commended the troops’ prompt and deliberate actions which further contributed to the peace efforts of the whole Davao Region.

Villanueva is one of the founding members of the NPA in Mindanao during the 1970s together with Edgar Jopson. During his student years in Ateneo de Manila, he was an activist under the Kabataang Makabayan (KM) and went underground when Martial Law was declared. Alias BOK supervised the operations of the CPP/NPA in the whole of Mindanao and directly controlled the operations of the New People’s Army (NPA) as head of the National Operations Command of the NPA.

“The 51 years reign of terror of Menandro Villanueva is finally over. His victims were finally given justice. Alias Bok has several warrants of arrests to include multiple murder, double frustrated murder, arson, robbery with intimidation, rebellion, among others,” said Durante.

He further renewed his call to the fleeing NPAs, “Surrender now while you still can. Don’t wait to suffer the same fate as Menandro Villanueva. The government is always willing to accept you if you decide to return to the folds of the law.” Durante added.

Meanwhile, MGen Ernesto C Torres Jr, Commander 10ID commended all Agila Troopers especially the 1001st Infantry Brigade for their outstanding performance in pursuing the top leadership of the SMRC and KOMMID.

“This is a clear manifestation that the CPP/NPA in the whole Mindanao is losing ground. Mindanao’s most wanted terrorist is now finally neutralized by your Agila Troopers. They have nowhere to hide because the masses are already fed up with the abuses and extortion they perpetrated for more than five decades. The death of Menandro Villanueva signals that the end of the Communist insurgency in Mindanao is already at hand.” MGen Torres added.

It can be recalled that troops of the 1001st Brigade also figured in an armed engagement with the same group last December 24, 2021, that resulted in the death of Anna Sandra Reyes alias Kaye, the Secretary of Regional White Area Committee (RWAC), SMRC.

The death of the two top personalities of the Central Committee of the CPP/NPA is a colossal blow that makes its downfall irreversible. 10ID is still in pursuit against known NPA personalities namely Eric Casilao alias WALLY/ELIAN, and his party wife May Casilao alias GAB, both high ranking members of SMRC.

[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/number-1-most-wanted-cpp-npa-ndf-leader-in-mindanao-killed/

Army distributes 47 tons of relief goods to VizMin

From the Mindanao Times (Jan 6, 2022): Army distributes 47 tons of relief goods to VizMin (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

Personnel of 4CMOBn unload the relief goods for repacking. Photos courtesy of 4th Civil-Military Operations battalion

ARMY soldiers distributed 47 tons of relief goods that were transported from the headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila to Visayas and Mindanao.

Vice Governor Christopher M Yap of Southern Leyte received nine military truckloads of relief goods and other essential supplies for his province on Jan. 2.

In collaboration with the Army’s 802nd Brigade, the relief goods will be distributed to the affected residents of the province.

This was made possible following three-day travel on 21 military trucks to deliver the needed supplies to Odette-hit areas.

Meanwhile, the remaining relief goods arrived at the headquarters of the 4th Civil-Military Operations Battalion (4CMOBn) under the 4th Infantry Division in Butuan City on Jan. 3 before it will be distributed to affected residents of Surigao del Norte and Dinagat provinces in Eastern Mindanao.

The 4CMOBn and 901st Infantry Brigade will assist the local government units in the distribution of the relief goods in the said areas.

Army units, in coordination with national government agencies, local government units, and private sector partners, are working “round the clock to provide relief and rehabilitation assistance for typhoon-afflicted communities.”

Army Commanding General Romeo S. Brawner, Jr. lauded the Army’s role in the multi-agency humanitarian assistance missions for typhoon-stricken communities.

“I encourage our troops to continue their selfless service in easing the burden of our typhoon-stricken countrymen and helping them get back on their feet. Our troops’ steadfast dedication and sacrifices enable our organization to accomplish tasks beyond excellence for the Filipino people and our country,” he remarked.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2022/01/06/army-distributes-47-tons-of-relief-goods-to-vizmin/

Senior communist leader slain in South

 From the Mindanao Examiner (Jan 6, 2022): Senior communist leader slain in South

DAVAO CITY – Government troops killed a senior communist rebel leader in a firefight ending his reign of terror and violent campaign in the southern Philippines, officials announced on Thursday.

Brig. Gen. Jesus Durante III, commander of the 1001st Infantry Brigade, said the 69-year old Menandro Villanueva, the longest-serving Secretary of Southern Mindanao Regional Committee, was slain late Wednesday in the village of Libudon in Dala de Oro’s Mabini town.

There was no report of military casualties.

Durante said civilian intelligence led soldiers in the village and caught up with the armed band of Villanueva and fighting ensued between the two groups and killing the rebel leader who was also a senior member of the politburo of the Communist Party of the Philippines and commander of the New People’s Army National Operations Command.

Durante, quoting a military report, said Villanueva, whose nom de guerre was Bok, died instantly after being hit in several parts of his body. “Troops are still conducting pursuit operations to the fleeing CNTs,” he said, referring to the communist rebels.

He lauded security forces in killing Villanueva, who was on top of the military’s order of battle, saying “the prompt and deliberate actions of the soldiers further contributed to the peace efforts of the whole Davao region.”

A military dossier on Villanueva said he and Edgard Jopson founded the New People’s Army in Mindanao in the 1970s. He was also an activist and member of the Kabataang Makabayan during his college years at the Ateneo de Manila. Villanueva went underground when President Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law in September 23, 1972 and he supervised the operations of the rebel forces in Mindanao and directly controlled its operations and violent campaign in the South for 51 years.

“The 51 years reign of terror of Menandro Villanueva is finally over. His victims were finally given justice. Bok had several warrants of arrests to include multiple murders, double frustrated murders, arson, robbery with intimidation, rebellion, among others,” Durante said as he urged rebels to surrender peacefully. “Surrender now while you still can. Don’t wait to suffer the same fate as Menandro Villanueva. The government is always willing to accept you if you decide to return to the folds of the law.”

Last December 24, government soldiers also killed Anna Sandra Reyes, the Secretary of Regional White Area Committee under Villanueva, in a clash in Davao de Oro’s Mawab town.

Maj. Gen. Ernesto Torres, chief of the 10th Infantry Division, branded as “colossal” the killing of Villanueva and Reyes. “The death of the two top personalities of the Central Committee of the CPP-NPA is a colossal blow that makes its downfall irreversible,” he said.

The rebels have been fighting for many decades now to overthrow the democratic government and install a communist state in the country.

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2022/01/senior-communist-leader-slain-in-south.html

Navy's reactivated corvette helps in Dinagat Islands relief ops

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 6, 2022): Navy's reactivated corvette helps in Dinagat Islands relief ops (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of Philippine Navy

The Philippine Navy (PN) on Thursday said its recently decommissioned World War II corvette, the BRP Magat Salamat (PS-20), arrived with relief goods for communities in Dinagat Islands Wednesday.

"PS-20 departed Eva Macapagal Wharf in Surigao del Norte early Wednesday, carrying a total of 30 tons of assorted relief goods for typhoon-hit Dinagat Islands. On the same day, Ex-PS-20 arrived in the province," Navy spokesperson, Commander Benjo Negranza said in a statement.

The ship was reactivated to help in the ongoing Typhoon Odette relief operations.

He added that the corvette, which recently arrived in the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao area of operations, serves as a jump-off point for various humanitarian assistance and disaster response units, as well as other relief efforts for the people of Dinagat Islands and surrounding communities devastated by "Odette".

Negranza earlier said the ship will be serving as a "mother-ship" for smaller naval craft now helping in the relief efforts.

"As a floating command post, PS-20 will once again play a critical role as a jumping-off point for various humanitarian assistance and disaster response units and other relief efforts for the people of Dinagat Island(s). She will act as a 'mother-ship' for smaller PN boats and crafts that are operating in the area," he added.

The BRP Magat Salamat, along with BRP Miguel Malvar (PS-19) were formally retired last December 10. Both ships served the PN for 44 years.

BRP Magat Salamat was acquired by the PN in April 1976 and was originally commissioned in the US Navy as USS Gayety (AM-239) in 1945.

Meanwhile, patrol craft BRP Hilario Ruiz (PC-378) has arrived at the Port of Dapa, Siargao Island on Wednesday for another sealift and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission.

Negranza said the naval craft came from Eva Macapagal Wharf, Surigao. The ship's mission is part of the HADR efforts of Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao, he added.

Photo courtesy of Philippine Navy

"PC-378 accommodated 13 passengers and transported 3,000 kilograms of cargo consisting of 43 sacks of rice, 60 corrugated and plain roof sheets, 25 boxes of assorted relief goods, and 10 boxes of medicines," Negranza said.

Earlier, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the PN has committed 27 ships for the government's relief operations "for Odette".

He also added that PN ships have so far transported 1,225 people and 3 million kilograms of supplies from Manila going to Cebu, Bacolod, Bohol, and Siargao, and Surigao.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1164656

PH Army gets 12 new Israeli self-propelled howitzers

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 6, 2022): PH Army gets 12 new Israeli self-propelled howitzers (By Priam Nepomuceno)

The Army Artillery Regiment (AAR) will get a much-needed boost with the recent delivery of 12 units of Soltam 155mm/52 caliber self-propelled howitzers from Israeli firm Elbit Systems.

The weapons that arrived in the country last December 28 are now scheduled for technical inspection this month prior to formal acceptance of the AAR, Philippine Army spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said Thursday.

"The 12 units are already delivered to the AAR and scheduled for technical inspection by the TIAC (Technical Inspection Acceptance Committee) within this month prior (to) its formal acceptance. Once inspected in accordance with the specifications and accepted by the committee, training of personnel will be required then deployment of the new asset of the Army. As of now, the Army still waits for the formal acceptance of the new assets," he added in a message to the Philippine News Agency.

Trinidad also said the 12 self-propelled howitzers were acquired to provide the AAR with "mobility with firepower".

It was acquired under a government-to-government setup under Horizon Two of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program and is worth PHP2.4 billion.

He added that the weapons will augment the existing 155mm towed-howitzers being operated by the AAR.

"It is in addition to the existing fire support artillery guns, the 155mm-towed howitzers," Trinidad said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1164655

15 PSG personnel test positive for Covid-19

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 6, 2022): 15 PSG personnel test positive for Covid-19 (By Azer Parrocha)

Presidential photo

A total of 15 personnel of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) have tested positive for Covid-19, PSG commander Colonel Randolph Cabangbang said on Thursday.

Cabangbang said they found out they were infected after undergoing mandatory seven-day quarantine and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests upon returning from their holiday break.

“All personnel were fully vaccinated and are asymptomatic. This Command, through PSG Task Force Covid-19 is attending to the personnel in accordance with IATF/DOH [Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases/Department of Health] protocols,” he said in a press statement.

He also assured that the personnel “are not in any way” detailed to President Rodrigo Duterte.

“PSG is strictly adhering to the highest standards of performing its primary mandate, that is, to protect the Commander-in-Chief, our beloved President Rodrigo Roa Duterte,” he added.

Cabangbang also assured that the rest of the PSG personnel remain fit and able to protect the President.

On December 30, Malacañang announced that visitors who wish to meet with the President have to present a negative RT-PCR test result before they are allowed inside the Palace.

Nograles said visitors and guests must undergo antigen testing inside the Palace as part of their second screening.

“This forms part of the Palace health and safety protocol,” he said.

The PSG earlier said that visitors who failed to show a negative RT-PCR test or have acquired or are exposed to Covid-19 may instead opt to hold virtual meetings with the President.

On Wednesday, the Department of Health (DOH) recorded 10,775 new Covid-19 cases--the highest single-day tally since Oct. 10, 2021.

The positivity rate was at 31.7 percent out of 44,643 tests, which is way above the five percent threshold of the World Health Organization (WHO).

This figure brings the country’s total caseload to 2,871,745.

Fifty-eight more deaths brought the death toll due to Covid up to 51,662 while 605 more people getting better increased recoveries to 2,780,109.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1164675

PRRD signs PH Veterans Bank Act to include post-WWII soldiers

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 6, 2022): PRRD signs PH Veterans Bank Act to include post-WWII soldiers (By Azer Parrocha)

President Rodrigo R. Duterte (File photo)

President Rodrigo R. Duterte has signed a law instituting a revised charter for the Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) to include post-World War II veterans and soldiers.

Republic Act (RA) 11597, also known as the Philippine Veterans Bank Act, increases the bank's authorized capital stock from PHP100 million to PHP10 billion to align its capitalization with the minimum level prescribed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) for private commercial banks.

"The capital stock of the Veterans Bank shall be PHP10 billion divided into PHP75,000 common shares and PHP25,000 preferred shares with a par value of PHP100 each," the law read. “This is from the previous capital of PHP100 million, with 510,000 common shares, and 490,000 preferred shares.”

In signing the law on Dec. 10, 2021, Duterte recognizes the policy of the State to execute a viable plan that will promote the welfare of all Filipino war veterans and retired military personnel.

“In line with this policy, the State shall foster their socioeconomic security and general well-being by extending to them substantial support for their livelihood and income-generating projects through the efficient and effective revitalization of the Philippine Veterans Bank, hereinafter known as Veterans Bank, which is deeply imbued with public interest,” RA 11597 read.

Under RA 11597, shares will also be made open to post-World War II (WW II) veterans and soldiers, so long as veterans still make up the majority of shareholders.

"The term 'veteran or veterans' shall include primarily any person or persons who served in the regularly constituted air, land, or naval services or arms, or in such non-regularly organized military units in the Philippines during World War II, and whose services such units duly recognized by the Republic of the Philippines or by the government of the United States of America," it read.

“Veteran or veterans” also includes the widow, orphan, or a compulsory heir of a deceased veteran, as determined by existing laws.

"Post-World War II veterans and AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) retirees shall enjoy the benefits and privileges provided under this Act after they have invested in the Philippine Veterans Bank," the law read.

RA 11597 also reorganizes the Board of Trustees of the Veterans of World War II (BTVWW II) as Board of Trustees of Veterans once the shareholdings of post-WW II veterans and AFP retirees surpass that of the WWII veterans and their compulsory heirs.

"When the shareholdings of the post-World War II veterans and AFP retirees have surpassed the shareholdings of the veterans of the World War II and their compulsory heirs, then the BTVWW II shall be reorganized into the Board of Trustees of Veterans," the law read.

The Act, which is a consolidation of House of Representatives Bill 8164 and Senate Bill 2368, was passed by the House and Senate on September 28 and 29 last year, respectively.

The PVB was created in 1963 under RA 3518 and rehabilitated in 1992 under RA 7169.

Its central office is located on 101 V.A. Rufino corner Dela Rosa Streets, Legaspi Village, Makati City.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1164723

Most wanted NPA leader in Mindanao killed in Davao de Oro

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 6, 2022): Most wanted NPA leader in Mindanao killed in Davao de Oro (By Che Palicte)

MOST WANTED. The most wanted commander of the New People’s Army (NPA), Menandro Villanueva, alias Bok, is killed by government troops in an encounter at Barangay Libudon in Mabini, Davao de Oro on Wednesday evening (Jan. 5, 2022). Villanueva was one of the founding members of the NPA in Mindanao during the 1970s together with Edgar Jopson and was considered one of the recognized high leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines hiding in the strongholds of its armed wing, NPA. (Photo courtesy of 10ID)

The most wanted commander of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Mindanao was killed by government troops in an encounter at Barangay Libudon, Mabini, Davao de Oro on Wednesday evening (January 5), the 10th Infantry Division (10ID) said in a statement.

Menandro Villanueva alias "Bok," the longest-serving secretary of the NPA's Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) and currently the secretary of Komisyong Mindanao (KOMMID), commanding officer of the NPA’s National Operations Command (NOC), and member of the POLITBURO of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), was killed in the encounter.

In December last year, the Department of National Defense (DND) and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) offered a PHP5.6-million cash reward to any individual who could provide information that would lead to Villanueva's arrest.

The 10ID added that a concerned citizen reported the presence of the NPA disrupting peace in the area.

Troops from the 1001st Brigade immediately responded to verify the report which resulted in an armed engagement with the NPA Regional Headquarters-SMRC where alias Bok was co-located.

“Alias Bok was hit in several parts of his body resulting in his death. Troops are still conducting pursuit operations to the fleeing members of the NPA,” the 10ID added.

Founding member

Villanueva is considered as one of the recognized high leaders of the CPP hiding in the strongholds of its armed wing, the NPA.

Villanueva is one of the founding members of the NPA in Mindanao during the 1970s together with Edgar Jopson.

During his student years in Ateneo de Manila, he was an activist under the Kabataang Makabayan (KM) and went underground when Martial Law was declared.

He supervised the operations of the CPP-NPA in the whole of Mindanao and directly controlled the operations of the communist group as head of the NOC.

Alias Bok has several warrants of arrests for multiple murder, double frustrated murder, arson, robbery with intimidation, and rebellion, among others.

Victory

Brig. Gen. Jesus Durante III, commander of the 1001st Brigade, lauded the troops’ prompt and deliberate actions which further contributed to the peace efforts of the whole Davao Region.

“The 51-year reign of terror of Menandro Villanueva is finally over. His victims were finally given justice,” he added.

He further renewed his call to the fleeing NPAs to surrender and avail of the government's program to achieve real peace.

"Surrender now while you still can. Don't wait to suffer the same fate as Menandro Villanueva. The government is always willing to accept you if you decide to return to the folds of the law." Durante added.

Meanwhile, MGen Ernesto Torres Jr., commander of the 10ID, thanked the troops for their outstanding performance in pursuing the top leadership of the SMRC and KOMMID.

“This is a clear manifestation that the CPP-NPA in the whole Mindanao is losing ground. Mindanao's most wanted terrorist is now finally neutralized by your Agila Troopers. They have nowhere to hide because the masses are already fed up with the abuses and extortion they perpetrated for more than five decades,” he said.

Torres added that the death of Villanueva was an indication that the end of the communist insurgency in Mindanao is already within reach.

Last December 24, troops of the 1001st Brigade also figured in an armed engagement with the same group that resulted in the death of Anna Sandra Reyes alias Kaye, the secretary of Regional White Area Committee (RWAC), SMRC.

Torres said the death of the two top personalities of the Central Committee of the CPP-NPA was a colossal blow that makes its downfall irreversible.

“10ID is still in pursuit against known NPA personalities namely Eric Casilao alias Wally/Elian and his party, wife May Casilao alias Gab, both high ranking members of SMRC,” he added.

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

The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the National Democratic Front as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and separate part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1164657

Editorial: Breach of protocol

Editorial posted to the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 6, 2022): Breach of protocol

The ink has barely dried on the executive order creating a new office that will “heal the wounds caused by armed conflict and foster genuine peace, reconciliation, and unity” in the country, when a deadly clash erupted in Pikit, Cotabato that has created fresh tensions in a delicate part of Mindanao.

In the early hours of Dec. 29, 2021 — two days after President Duterte signed Executive Order No. 158 replacing the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity — a joint police and military contingent swooped down on Gokotan village in Pikit, Cotabato, killing six and wounding three policemen and a civilian.

Per the official account of regional police commander Brig. Gen. Alexander Tagum, the police and military were deep into the territory of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to serve an arrest warrant on Maula Manampan, the suspected leader of a car theft syndicate who was on the police’s list of most wanted persons. But they were allegedly fired upon by unidentified gunmen using high-powered firearms, leading to the hourlong firefight and the casualties.

Manampan was able to escape from his hideout under cover of darkness, Tagum said, but when they were clearing the area, the joint police-Army team discovered more than 440 assorted motorcycles in a makeshift warehouse, as well as bomb-making components and high-powered firearms including anti-tank rocket B-40 launchers.



“The presence of high-powered [unlicensed] firearms makes the area a suspected lair of a lawless group,” declared Lt. Col. Maria Joyce Birrey, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office in Soccsksargen.

A human rights group, however, raised a different scenario: Based on the accounts of some of the village residents, what transpired was not a legitimate operation but a “rubout.” Drieza Lininding, chair of the Moro Consensus Group that monitors the human rights situation of Muslims in the area, called for an investigation into the bloody incident by an independent rights body. “We condemn this barbaric act, and we demand justice,” he said, adding that the motorcycles were not stolen as claimed by the military but pawned items with proper documentation.

The fatalities included Badrudin Masulot Dalid, 65, owner of SMZ Marketing that buys and sells motorcycles; Badrudin’s daughter, Arbaya Dalid Panisares, 42, the store cashier; Sharif Kabunto, 18, son of MILF commander Satar Kabunto; and MILF members Saligan Hamsa, Asraf Dalid Masulot, and Harris “Piraw” Macagba.

The police report described those killed in the raid as motorcycle “thieves,” but residents disputed that characterization, as well as the allegation that the MILF community harbored members of the separatist armed group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

Aside from the differing accounts of what transpired, the raid was a breach of the ceasefire protocols painstakingly agreed upon in 2014 by the government and the MILF, which currently heads a transitional government in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

“The operation is legitimate, but it failed to adhere to the ceasefire protocols of the peace process,” MILF spokesperson Von Al Haq said.

Under the protocols, government forces must first inform and coordinate with the MILF before any military operation is conducted so that their troops can be pulled away from the target areas, thus avoiding a repeat of the infamous January 2015 Mamasapano massacre in Maguindanao that left 44 government troops dead.

Anwar Alamada, chair of the MILF committee in the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (Ahjag), a cooperative mechanism between the MILF and the Armed Forces of the Philippines that monitors violations of the truce under the peace deal, lamented the disregard for the ceasefire protocols, and expressed his intention to file a protest with the Ahjag.

MILF forces so far have not retaliated in kind. The bodies of the dead have been retrieved and members of the ad hoc group have “pacified the tension” in the restive village, according to the MILF. But that fragile peace may not hold for long if the killings of residents and the violation of ceasefire protocols are not addressed, and more such breaches are allowed to continue in MILF-designated areas.

Uncoordinated operations on either side will hamper efforts of the fledgling autonomous region to keep the peace, bring in investments, and fulfill its promise to provide the Bangsamoro a better life. Peace remains fragile in the area, and utmost goodwill and trust are needed from both the government and the MILF to ensure that the hard-fought gains of the accord now governing these communities, only lately recovering from decades of strife, do not go to waste.

https://opinion.inquirer.net/148373/breach-of-protocol

CPP/North Central Mindanao RC: Determinadong isulong ang demokratikong rebolusyong bayan! Pagpugayan ang Partido sa pamumuno sa digmang bayan!

Propaganda statement posted to the PRWC Newsroom (Jan 5, 2022): Determinadong isulong ang demokratikong rebolusyong bayan! Pagpugayan ang Partido sa pamumuno sa digmang bayan!

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

NORTH CENTRAL MINDANAO REGIONAL COMMITTEE

January 5, 2022

Ngayong araw, buong galak at sigla nating ipagdiwang ang ika-53 anibersaryo ng muling pagkakatatag ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas. Nararapat lamang na maging makulay ang paggunita sa ating rehiyon sa okasyong ito dahil higit tayong napanday sa buhay at kamatayang pakikibaka ngayong taon. Kasabay nito, ibigay din natin ang pinakamataas na pagpupugay sa Partido dahil patuloy nitong napamunuan ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa rehiyon. Gawin nating tuntungan ang natipong mga aral mula sa mga karanasan upang humakbang tayo pasulong mula sa ating mga kahinaan at kahirapan at ibayong isulong ang digmang bayan sa mas mataas na antas.

Sa okasyong ito, ibinibigay din natin ang pinakamataas na pagpupugay para sa 20 rebolusyonaryong martir na nag-alay ng kanilang buhay ngayong taon. Sinasaluduhan ng PKP-NCMR sina Ka Jorge “Oris” Madlos, Ka Pika, Ka Remix, Ka Dagol, Ka Smart, Ka Sansoy, Ka Jayse, Ka Dems, Ka Agreb, Ka Kiblar, Ka MK at iba pang martir sa rehiyon. Ang huwaran at magiting nilang pagsasakripisyo ay nagbibigay ng dagdag na tatag at alab sa mga rebolusyonaryo upang ipagpatuloy ang kanilang mga nasimulan.

Mabuwal man ang pinakamalaking puno sa kagubatan, magbibigay ito ng puwang para sa pag-usbong ng mas marami pa—ito ang pinanghahawakan ng mga rebolusyonaryo sa rehiyon nang dinakip at walang-awang pinatay ng pasistang Armed Forces of the Philippines si Ka Oris kasama ang kanyang medik na si Ka Pika. Mananatiling buhay ang ambag at alaala ni Ka Oris at ang kanyang kamatayan ay higit pang nagpaalab sa makauring pagkamuhi ng mga rebolusyonaryo.

Pinagpupugayan din ng Partido ang lahat ng Pulang kumander at mandirigma ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan sa rehiyon na matiyagang sumuong sa lahat ng sakripisyo upang ipagpatuloy at paigtingin ang armadong paglaban. Alinsunod sa absolutong pamumuno ng Partido, patuloy na nagpupunyagi ang ating mga Pulang mandirigma na palalimin at palawakin ang baseng masa upang mas lumawak pa ang saklaw at maniobrahan nito at epektibong mabigo ang atake ng kaaway. Sa gitna ng labis na kalupitan ng kaaway, mapangahas pa ring nakikipaggitgitan ang BHB upang pukawin, organisahin at pakilusin ang masang magsasaka. Dahil dito, nananatiling mahigpit ang ugnayan ng BHB sa masa at nagbibigay ito ng malaking suportang moral at materyal sa armadong rebolusyon.

Mataas din ang pagsisikap ng mga yunit ng BHB na mapanatili at mapatibay pa ang kanilang lakas sa pamamagitan ng tuluy-tuloy na pagtatasa at paglalagom ng kanilang mga rebolusyonaryong tungkulin. Patuloy na nakatindig ang karamihan sa mga larangang gerilya ng BHB sa rehiyon dahil sa mahigpit na pagtangan sa gerilyang taktika ng paglilipat, dispersal at konsentrasyon.

Nitong taon, naranasan ng ating mga Pulang mandirigma ang iba’t ibang tipo ng malupit na bigwas ng estado at ng berdugong AFP. Brutal at walang-pakundangang ginamit ng AFP ang kanilang abanteng mga kagamitan, tulad ng FA-50 jet fighters, at tusong binomba ang mga kampo ng BHB. Subalit pinatunayan ng BHB sa rehiyon na hindi nito magagapi ang rebolusyonaryong armadong paglaban at, sa katunayan, pinag-aralan at ginawan nila ito ng epektibong mga hakbang upang iwasan ang malaking pinsala na dulot nito. Laging pinanghahawakan ng BHB ang prinsipyong itinuro ni Kasamang Mao Zedong na “ang mamamayan, hindi ang mga bagay, ang mapagpasya.” Samakatwid, kahit pa nasa kaaway ang abanteng sandata at mga bomba, nasa BHB naman ang umaapaw na suporta ng mamamayan.

Sa harap ng nakapokus na mga operasyong militar, nakapaglunsad pa rin ngayong taon ang BHB-NCMR ng 55 aksyong opensiba laban sa mga pasistang tropa ng AFP, PNP, CAFGU, mga tropang paramilitar at laban sa mga mapangwasak na multinasyunal na plantasyon. Sa mga aksyong ito, umabot sa 120 ang kaswalti ng kaaway kung saan 70 ang napatay at 50 ang nasugatan sa mga labanan.

Dagdag pa, matikas din ang pagsaludo ng PKP-NCMR sa lahat ng masang api at pinagsasamantalahan sa rehiyon. Kayo ang nagsisilbing bukal ng sigla at katatagan ng buong rebolusyonaryong pwersa. Nararapat lamang na ipagpatuloy ang inyong walang-takot na paglantad at paglaban sa kalupitan ng rehimeng US-Duterte. Kailangan ring tuluy-tuloy ninyong igiit ang inyong batayang interes, laluna ang interes sa lupa, disenteng buhay at hanapbuhay, sahod, at iba pang kahalintulad. Walang anumang kalupitan ng estado ang makakahadlang sa inyong nagkakaisang lakas.

Kasabay nito, masaya ang lahat ng rebolusyonaryong pwersa na palaging makasalamuha at makasama ang masang kanilang pinaglilingkuran laluna kung maririnig namin mula sa inyo ang mga katagang: “matagal na namin kayong hinihintay.” Maraming salamat sa inyong walang-sawang pagsuporta at pagsagawa ng mga inisyatiba upang ipagpatuloy at paigtingin ang demokratikong rebolusyong bayan.

Sa gayon, nananatiling mataas ang determinasyon at kasiglahan ng lahat ng rebolusyonaryong pwersa sa rehiyon para isulong ang digmang bayan. Sa gabay ng Marxismo-Leninismo-Maoismo, higit na kailangan natin ngayon ang matalas at wastong paglapat sa unibersal na teorya sa ating rebolusyonaryong pagkilos. Dapat seryoso nating pag-aralan ang lahat ng karanasan at paunlarin ito sa pamamagitan ng mas mataas na antas ng rebolusyonaryong praktika. Lagi’t lagi nating ipinapaalala sa lahat ng kadre at rebolusyonaryo na magsikhay sa pag-aaral at iwaksi ang empirisismo.

Sa darating na mga buwan, inaasahan nating ibubuhos na ng malupit na rehimeng US-Duterte ang “huling tulak” nito upang kamtin ang hangal na hangaring puksain ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa rehiyon. Sa gayon, dapat ihanda ng lahat ng rebolusyonaryo ang kanilang mga sarili sa lahat ng haharaping sakripisyo at hirap upang biguin ito. Mabigat man ang mga sakripisyo,sigurado tayong panandalian lamang ito sapagkat inamin mismo ng reaksyunaryong gubyerno na bigo ito sa kanilang todo-gera laban sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan.

Kailangang iangat ang diwang mapanlaban at determinasyon ng lahat ng kadre at myembro ng Partido, mga Pulang kumander at mandirigma, at aktibistang masa upang biguin ang paninibasib ng kaaway. Laging nariyan ang masa na ating masasandalan at handang umanib sa ating paglaban.

Mula 2018 hanggang sa kasalukuyan, bagaman wala nang malalaki, hayag at makulay na mga pagdaraos sa anibersaryo ng Partido, tuloy ang mga sikreto, maliitan at lihim na pagdaraos nito. Ito ay dahil sa lupit ng hambalos at tuluy-tuloy na atake ng kaaway kahit sa panahong may deklaradong tigil-putukan. Gayunpaman, sa gitna nito, hindi ito naging balakid sa masaya at maalab nating pagdaraos sa anibersaryo ng Partido. Batid natin hanggang ngayon, na ang tunay na pagdiriwang sa espesyal na araw ng Partido ay ang pagdiriwang sa ating mga tagumpay at pagbati sa napangibabawang mga hirap. Kasabay nito ay ang higit pang pagpapayabong sa ating makasaysayang paglaban para sa pambansang paglaya at demokrasya at kamtin ang pantay-pantay at sosyalistang lipunan na hahawan ng landas tungong komunismo.

Mabuhay ang ika-53 anibersaryo ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas!
Mabuhay ang Bagong Hukbong Bayan!
Mabuhay ang nakikibakang mamamayan!
Isulong ang digmang bayan sa mas mataas na antas!

https://prwcinfo.wordpress.com/2022/01/05/determinadong-isulong-ang-demokratikong-rebolusyong-bayan-pagpugayan-ang-partido-sa-pamumuno-sa-digmang-bayan/