AFP: PRESS RELEASE | AFP discusses its current and future vital role in the Indo-Pacific Region with US Generals

From the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Facebook Page (Jul 28, 2023): PRESS RELEASE | AFP discusses its current and future vital role in the Indo-Pacific Region with US Generals

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City—General Romeo Brawner Jr, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (CSAFP), met with United States generals and flag officers comprising its US CAPSTONE Pacific 23-4 program and discussed about the vital role of the AFP in the Indo-Pacific Region during their courtesy visit to the AFP General Headquarters here on July 28.

“The interaction was vital in giving the delegates first-hand insights to national defense and security objectives of the AFP and its position in the promotion of a free and open Indo-Pacific region,” said LtCol Enrico Gil C Ileto, Chief of the AFP Public Affairs Office. (Photos by TSg Obinque/PAO, AFP)

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Sayyaf in kidnap-slay of Filipino man captured

 Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Jul 29, 2023): Sayyaf in kidnap-slay of Filipino man captured

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Police are holding a suspected Abu Sayyaf man linked to the kidnap-slay of a farmer here in April 2009 with officials saying the suspect is a relative of an Abu Sayyaf commander in the southern Philippine province of Basilan.

Maj. Shellamie Chang, a regional police spokeswoman, confirmed Saturday the capture of Muhamad Akbar Bakil in the village of Buenavista. She said the 63-year old Bakil is a relative of Wahab Bakil, an Abu Sayyaf sub-leader in Basilan's Sumisip town; and Ben Mungkay, also an Abu Sayyaf member whose group is operating in Zamboanga City.

She said joint Zamboanga and Basilan police forces armed with warrants swooped down Friday, July 28, on Bakil's hideout and arrested him. Policemen also seized a .45-caliber pistol and ammunition from Bakil.

"The search warrant was served in the presence of two village officials from Buenavista. The subject person is allegedly involved in a kidnapping incident that transpired on April 25, 2009 in Buenavista," Chang said, referring to the kidnapping of Doroteo Gonzales, then 61.

Gonzales' captors spirited him to Basilan where he was beheaded a month after his kidnapping in the town of Akbar when his family failed to pay P25 million ransom. Since then, several of Bakil's cohorts had been captured separately in Zamboanga and Basilan. There was no immediate statement from Gonzales' family over this latest development. (Mindanao Examiner)

https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2023/07/sayyaf-in-kidnap-slay-of-filipino-man.html

Remote villages in Caraga get P1.4-B road projects thru PAMANA

 From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 29, 2023): Remote villages in Caraga get P1.4-B road projects thru PAMANA (By Alexander Lopez)

ROAD PROJECTS. Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., Agusan del Norte Governor Maria Angelica Rosedell Amante, and Department of Public Works and Highways 13 (Caraga) Assistant Regional Director Alex Ramos (seated from left) lead the turnover of 10 road projects worth PHP1.4 billion in a ceremony held in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte on Friday (July 28, 2023). The road projects will benefit residents of 10 remote villages in four provinces in Caraga. (Photo courtesy of OPAPRU)

BUTUAN CITY – The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) on Friday formally turned over PHP1.44 billion worth of road projects to various towns in four provinces of the Caraga Region.

The completed projects, which were funded under the national government’s PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) Program in 2017 and 2018, consisted of two farm-to-market (FMR) roads, five roads with bridges, two roads, and one road rehabilitation.

Five of the projects are in Agusan del Sur – the PHP135-million FMR in Barangay Tagabase, Esperanza; the PHP207-million road in Binucayan and PHP197-million road in Sto. Tomas, both in Loreto; and a road project with a bridge worth PHP147.75 million in Agdawan, and PHP147.75 million worth of road rehabilitation in Binicalan, both in San Luis.

Two of the completed projects are in Surigao del Sur – a PHP177.30-million road in Marihatag, and an FMR in Maitum, Tandag City worth PHP78.80 million.

One project is situated in Puting Bato, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte worth PHP130 million, and the road in Bugsukan, Taligaman, Butuan City worth PHP50 million.

Another road project with a bridge was completed in Mahan-ub, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte worth PHP220 million.

The formal turnover was facilitated in a ceremony in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, led by Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., along with Director J. Anthony Peña of the PAMANA National Program, and Director Elisa Evangelista-Lapiña of the Area Management Unit of OPAPRU in Eastern Mindanao.

“Residents in the Caraga Region will reap the benefits of the completed infrastructure projects, especially those living in hard-to-reach areas,” Galvez said in the OPAPRU statement issued on Saturday.

The enhanced connectivity through the new projects, he added, would also improve the quality of life of the residents by providing them better access to much-needed basic services and ensuring the timely delivery of goods.

Meanwhile, Lapiña said the completion of the projects was made possible with the support of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 13 (Caraga).

“By enhancing accessible roads and accelerating mobility in critical sectors like health, education, agriculture, and economic activity, this endeavor significantly enhances public safety, ensuring a sustainable and peaceful environment for all. Together, we are building pathways to progress and prosperity, leaving a lasting positive impact on the lives of the communities we serve,” she said.

The turnover of the projects was also witnessed by Agusan del Norte Governor Maria Angelica Rosedell Amante, Cabadbaran City Mayor Judy Amante, and DPWH-13 Assistant Regional Director Alex Ramos.

[Retired Analyst Note: Taken from the Website of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity

What is PAMANA? 

The PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) Program was launched in 2011 as a priority program of the Government that supports the Peace Negotiation Track and contributes to the goal of attaining Just and Lasting Peace. It was embodied in Chapter 9 on Peace and Security of the Philippine Development Plan for 2011-2016 and Chapter 8 on Peace and Security of the updated Philippine Development Plan for 2011-2016 which indicated PAMANA as the Government’s development program for isolated, hard-to-reach, and conflict-affected communities.

At present, PAMANA is embodied in Chapter 17 on Attaining Just and Lasting Peace of the Philippine Development Plan for 2017-2022 as the Government’s peace and development convergence program to communities in isolated, hard-to-reach, and conflict-affected and vulnerable communities. It is also affirmed to support the Six-Point Peace and Development Agenda particularly on the implementation of peace-promoting, catch-up socio-economic development in conflict-affected and conflict-vulnerable areas.

What are the objectives of PAMANA? 

PAMANA aims to contribute to (a) addressing issues of injustices and improve community access to socio-economic interventions; (b) improving governance by building the capacity of national government agencies and local government units for a conflict-sensitive, peace-promoting, culture-sensitive and gender-sensitive approach to human rights promotion and development; and, (c) empowering communities and strengthening their capacities to address issues of conflict and peace.

What are the strategic pillars of PAMANA?

The PAMANA framework is anchored on three (3) complementary strategic pillars that define core interventions to achieve just and lasting peace:

Pillar 1
Policy reform and governance interventions addressing issues of injustices relative to land security, natural resources, identity, and human rights

Pillar 2
Capacity-building interventions relative to strengthening government institutions and empowering communities

Pillar 3
Peace-promoting socio-economic interventions

Partnerships for the implementation of these interventions were forged over the years.

What areas are covered by PAMANA?

PAMANA has seven (7) geographical zones which have been selected and prioritized to complement peace process lines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206721

CPP/NPA-Southern Tagalog ROC: Walang NPA sa TK na tatanggap sa amnestiyang alok ni Marcos Jr

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jul 28, 2023): Walang NPA sa TK na tatanggap sa amnestiyang alok ni Marcos Jr (No NPA in TK will accept Marcos Jr.'s amnesty offer)

 


Armando Cienfuego

Spokesperson

Southern Tagalog Regional Operational Command (Melito Glor Command)

New People's Army

July 28, 2023

Nangangarap nang gising ang ilehitimong rehimeng US-Marcos-Duterte na papatulan ng mga yunit ng NPA ang alok nitong amnestiya. Binanggit ito ni Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sa ikalawa niyang State of the Nation Address (SONA) noong Hulyo 24.

Walang kasapi ng NPA-ST na tatanggap sa alok na amnestiya at titigil sa pagrerebolusyon. Mahigpit ang hawak ng mga Pulang mandirigma sa disiplinang bakal ng NPA at marubdob na naniniwala sa kawastuhan ng rebolusyon. Ang mga buhay ng bawat Pulang mandirigma ay laan sa malawak na hanay ng mamamayan, hindi sa kapritso ng iilang naghaharing-uri. Handa ang mga NPA na magsakripisyo, buhay man ay ialay upang isulong ang digmang bayan hanggang tagumpay.

Sinasalaula ng rehimeng US-Marcos II ang dakilang rebolusyonaryong simulain ng NPA. Isinusulong nito ang demokratikong interes ng lahat ng uring inaapi at pinagsasamantalahan at ang pambansang kalayaan sa pamamagitan ng digmang bayan. Ang pagkamakatarungan ng digmang ito ay kinilala, hindi lang sa bansa kundi sa buong daigdig. Nakamit nito ang status of belligerency kung saan kinilala bilang kapantay na pwersang katunggali ng reaksyunaryong estado sa nagaganap na digmang sibil sa Pilipinas. Kabaligtaran nito ang di-makatarungan, para sa iilan at dayuhan na gerang kontra-mamamayan ng naghaharing estadong pinamumunuan ngayon ng papet na si Marcos Jr sa direksyon ng imperyalismong US.

Ipokrito rin ang rehimeng US-Marcos II sa pag-aalok ng amnestiya habang walang habas ang militarisasyon sa kanayunan. Walang awang tinatarget ng pinaka-brutal na tipo ng paglabag sa karapatang-tao ang mga mandirigma, laluna ang mga tukoy na kadre at yunit ng NPA at walang pakundangang idinadamay ang mga sibilyan.

Malinaw na parte lamang ang “paggawad ng amnestiya” ni Marcos Jr. ng kampanyang pagpapasuko sa rebolusyonaryong mamamayan. Katulad ng inaalok na lokalisadong peace talks, inasukalang bala ito na naglalayong wasakin ang armadong paglaban ng bayan. Isa itong anyo ng saywar para linlangin ang masa at bigyan ng dagdag hangin ang bigong kontra-rebolusyonaryong gera.

Sa kabilang banda, pinatutunayan ng pag-alok ni Marcos Jr ng amnestiya sa NPA na natatakot ito sa kapangyarihan ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan na nananatili at tumatatag sa gitna ng papalalang krisis ng malakolonyal at malapyudal na estado. Hibang na hinahangad ng reaksyunaryong estado at imperyalismo na lagutin ang rebolusyonaryong pakikibaka ng mamamayang Pilipino. Patuloy pang susulong at lalakas ang pambansa demokratikong rebolusyon hangga’t hindi napapawi ang imperyalismo, pyudalismo at burukrata kapitalismo.###

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/walang-npa-sa-tk-na-tatanggap-sa-amnestiyang-alok-ni-marcos-jr/

Kalinaw News: 303rd Infantry Brigade holds information awareness drive on deceptive recruitment of CPP-NPA to parish youth ministries of Kabankalan and Hinobaan in Negros Oriental

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jul 27, 2023): 303rd Infantry Brigade holds information awareness drive on deceptive recruitment of CPP-NPA to parish youth ministries of Kabankalan and Hinobaan in Negros Oriental

303rd Infantry Brigade holds information awareness drive on deceptive recruitment of CPP-NPA to thousands of parish youth ministries of Kabankalan and Hinobaan in Negros Oriental

Read: https://bit.ly/3OwzRIw

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Kalinaw News: 4ID Troops Neutralize NPA Leader "Muling" in Ginoog City. Misamis Oriental

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jul 28, 2023): 4ID Troops Neutralize NPA Leader "Muling" in Ginoog City. Misamis Oriental

BREAKING NEWS: Troops of 58th Infantry Battalion neutralize top NPA leader in an encounter with communist rebels in Brgy. Libertad, Ginoog City, Misamis Oriental, on July 26, 2023. Also recovered from the casualty were one (1) AK Rifle, one (1) Cal .22 Rifle, assorted war materiel and personal belongings.

Read: https://bit.ly/3DyNeBW

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4ID TROOPS NEUTRALIZE NPA LEADER ‘Muling’

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro – The 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, through the 58th Infantry Battalion under the operational control of the 402nd Infantry Brigade, neutralized the top NPA leader of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) in an encounter on July 26, 2023, in Brgy. Libertad, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental.

 
The troops of 58IB under Lt. Col. Christian C Uy figured in a 10-minute encounter against more or less 10 CPP-NPA terrorists (CNTs) under Sentro De Gravidad (SDG) MTJ Eagles of the Sub Regional Committee 1 (SRC1) of NCMRC resulting in the death of the CTG leader and capture of one (1) AK Rifle, one (1) Cal .22 Rifle and assorted war materiel and personal belongings.

402nd Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Adonis Ariel Orio identified the lone fatality during the said encounter as Dionisio Micabalo alias Muling, the Secretary of the NCMRC, whose group was responsible for the numerous atrocities and criminal activities in most parts of Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental and parts of Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur.

BGen. Orio further stated that Micabalo, 61 yrs old, and a resident of Dancagan, Bukidnon, was a notorious fugitive for rebellion, double murder with frustrated murder, multiple frustrated murder and arson, and murder and violation of RA 9851. He was one of the top two NPA leaders in the area, with Myrna Sularte alias Iyay/Imang, as the Secretary of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) operating in most parts of Caraga region.

In a statement, Major General Jose Maria R Cuerpo II, Commander of 4ID, said that the demise of Micabalo will make the whole NCRMC headless that could lead to further weakening and crumbling of this criminals in Northern Mindanao region. He lauded the tireless efforts of 58IB and 402nd Brigade.

 
“After the dismantling of all seven (7) guerilla fronts under NCMRC since 2020, Micabalo is on the run, continuously evading and highly mobile to avoid capture and engagements with our troops. With his death, his criminal acts are stopped and justice is served to the hundreds of innocent victims of their crimes. This is high time and an opportunity for those remaining members to lay down their weapons and embrace the path of peace specially that our President recently issued a pronouncement to issue a proclamation granting amnesty to former rebels. With this, there is no other way but to yield and cooperate so that we can fully support the government’s effort to achieve peaceful and developed communities.”

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DIVISION PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE
4TH INFANTRY (DIAMOND) DIVISION, PHILIPPINE ARMY
Camp Edilberto T Evangelista, Patag, Cagayan de Oro City

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Kalinaw News: Troops of Joint Task Force Diamond neutralize notorious Mindanao NPA leader

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jul 28, 2023): Troops of Joint Task Force Diamond neutralize notorious Mindanao NPA leader

Troops of Joint Task Force Diamond neutralize notorious NPA leader responsible for numerous atrocities and criminal activities in Mindanao
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AFP: Sulu now Abu Sayyaf-free

From the Philippine Star (Jul 28, 2023): AFP: Sulu now Abu Sayyaf-free (By Roel Pareño)

The Municipal Task Force to end Local Armed Conflict declared the Omar town Abu Sayyaf-free last week, Col. Alaric delos Santos, 11th Alakdan Division civil-military chief, said.  STAR / File

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – After more than two decades, Sulu has been cleared of Abu Sayyaf bandits, according to the military.

The Municipal Task Force to end Local Armed Conflict declared the Omar town Abu Sayyaf-free last week, Col. Alaric delos Santos, 11th Alakdan Division civil-military chief, said.

The declaration followed the surrender of the followers of slain Abu Sayyaf leader Alhabsy Misaya, who was tagged in cross-border kidnappings.

The surrenderees turned over their guns and pledged commitment to the government during a ceremony held at the town’s gymnasium in Barangay Lahing-Lahing.

Delos Santos said the towns of Maimbung, Indanan, Talipao and Patikul had earlier been declared Abu Sayyaf-free.

“Sulu is technically cleared of Abu Sayyaf bandits. To make it official, all municipalities which were previously considered as affected and influenced... each have to make their official declaration,” Delos Santos said.

The military said the surrender of the 21 followers of Radullan Sahiron in June signaled the fall of the terror group.

Delos Santos said the military is still trying to confirm reports that Sahiron had died of a lingering illness.

Seven other Abu Sayyaf bandits, including suicide bomber Mudzrimar Mundi Sawadjaan, are in the military’s order of battle.

“We can declare total victory against the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu once we have neutralized Mundi Sawadjaan,” Delos Santos said.

Sawadjaan was last monitored in Basilan after escaping from Sulu.

“We are optimistic that ground troops will be able to get him because he is on unfamiliar ground,” Delos Santos said.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2023/07/28/2284394/afp-sulu-now-abu-sayyaf-free-?fbclid=IwAR0zYOHfLH8mNwj0a6dqc_-37_YYwmZSikIJTRYp4GDTMTIMm7-BaCj6yw8

NPA rebel slain in Sultan Kudarat clash

From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 28, 2023): NPA rebel slain in Sultan Kudarat clash (By BONITA ERMAC & PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao del Norte – Troops killed a New People’s Army rebel and recovered two assault rifles during an encounter in Kalamansig town, Sultan Kudarat province on Thursday, July 27.

In a statement on Friday, July 28, Lt. Col. John Paul Baldomar, commander of the 37th Infantry Battalion (IB), said the gun battle erupted after his troops chanced upon 20 NPA guerillas at about 3 p.m. in Barangay Limulan.

“A dead rebel was abandoned by his comrades who fled at the height of the 20-minute firefight,” Baldomar said, noting that there were no casualties on the government side.

He said hours earlier, the troops found an abandoned NPA lair in Barangay Limulan that could accommodate about 30 persons.

Brig. Gen. Michael Santos, commander of the 603rd Infantry Brigade, lauded the 37th IB for their relentless campaign against those who still fight a lost cause using violence.

Santos said two M14 rifles were found after the firefight.

“We will continue to hunt the remaining NPA (rebels) in the mountains of Kalamansig,” he said.

Major Gen. Alex Rillera, commander of the 6th Infantry Division (ID), has reiterated his appeal for the remaining guerillas to avail of the government’s offer for reconciliation and the opportunity to lead peaceful lives.

Since January, the 6th ID has neutralized 40 communist rebels, five of whom were arrested, 11 were killed, and 24 voluntarily surrendered.

https://mb.com.ph/2023/7/28/npa-rebel-slain-in-sultan-kudarat-clash

NPA rebel yields in Cotabato

From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 28, 2023): NPA rebel yields in Cotabato (By BONITA ERMAC)

ILIGAN CITY – A New People’s Army rebel yielded to the 34th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Guiling, Alamada, Cotabato on Wednesday, July 26.

Lt. Col. Rey Rico, 34th IB commander, welcomed the surrender of alias “Joko,” a member of Squad 3, Platoon Fury, Sub-Regional Committee 5, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

Joko was presented to Brig. Gen. Donald Gumiran, commander of the 602nd Infantry Brigade.

Gumiran attributed Joko’s surrender to the collaborative efforts of the 602nd IBde and the 11th Brigade of the Bangsamoro Armed Forces-Moro National Liberation Front (BAF-MNLF).

Joko told the military that he surrendered because he was starving and having a hard time evading the military.

Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, Western Mindanao Command chief, urged Joko’s comrades to surrender.

“It is always best to end conflicts without firing a single bullet. It is high time for them to lay down their arms and surrender for the chance of living a peaceful life with their family and loved ones."

https://mb.com.ph/2023/7/28/npa-rebel-yields-in-cotabato

DOJ chief favors localized peace talks with Reds

From the Manila Standard (Jul 28, 2023): DOJ chief favors localized peace talks with Reds

LOCALIZED peace talks would be one of the best ways to deal with communist insurgency, according to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.

Meanwhile, newly appointed Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the death of a ranking New People’s Army (NPA) leader in an encounter with troops in Northern Mindanao would speed up the defeat of the communist insurgency.

Remulla stressed that in holding localized peace talks, the government can also “focus on what’s happening in the area so that development can also be concentrated.”

“Many of these rebel pockets are there because of underdevelopment also and lack of government attention,” he said.

“That’s why the localized peace talks can be more focused in addressing the complaints of the people who are rebelling in the areas,” Remulla pointed out.

The Justice Secretary noted that the government has named Samar, Bicol, parts of Negros, and parts of Mindanao where localized peace talks would be held.

Remulla said the communist organization is “a fractured group already.”

“Going on national talks is not what we want to do because many of them have many localized complaints about their society, about what they are fighting for in the beginning, and many of these issues have disappeared,” he explained.

He cautioned that “any attempt to an organized peace talks would just serve as a “theater for the insurgents to start raising funds again in the European Union.”

“That’s what they do and we won’t allow them to do that,” he stressed.

Earlier, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. disclosed plans to grant amnesty to persons who violated laws in the pursuit of their political beliefs.

Brawner commended the Army’s 4th Infantry Division for the successful military operation in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental that resulted in the death of Northern Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) secretary Dionisio Micabalo, also known as “Muling,” last July 26.

“As the AFP has attained strategic victory against local and communist terrorist groups with most of their armed members neutralized, those who remain are in survival mode,” Brawner said in a statement.

“This presents an opportunity for us to dismantle and defeat all remaining armed components to end insurgency and prevent their resurgence,” he added.

The military has tagged Micabalo’s group as notorious, having perpetrated atrocities criminal activities in such areas as Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental and parts of Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur.

In the July 26 encounter, the troops captured one “AK rifle” along with a .22-caliber rifle and various war materiel and personal belongings.

Micabalo, 61, who hails from Dancagan, Bukidnon, was facing a string of criminal charges including rebellion, double murder with frustrated murder, multiple frustrated murder and arson, as well as violation of Republic Act 9851 or Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity.

He was considered one of the top two NPA leaders in the region, with Myrna Sularte, also known as “Iyay/Imang,” operating in most parts of Caraga Region.

Meanwhile, 4th ID commander Maj. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II commended the efforts of the 58th Infantry Battalion and the 402nd Infantry Brigade.

He viewed Micabalo’s death as a significant blow to the NPA and might lead to the weakening and disintegration of criminal groups in Northern Mindanao.

He also cited the positive impact of the government’s amnesty proclamation for former rebels, encouraging hold out NPA members to abandon violence and contribute to the region’s peaceful and prosperous development.

https://www.manilastandard.net/news/314354667/doj-chief-favors-localized-peace-talks-with-reds.html

NPA rebel killed, another surrenders

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Jul 29, 2023): NPA rebel killed, another surrenders

ZAMBOANGA. A New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was killed while another surrendered to authorities in Central Mindanao region. The troops recover two M-14 rifles and other personal belongings of the NPA rebels as shown in this photo handout. (SunStar Zamboanga)

A NEW People’s Army (NPA) rebel was killed while another NPA rebel surrendered to authorities in Central Mindanao area, the military reported Friday, July 28.

Major General Alex Rillera, Joint Task Force (JTF)-Central commander, said the NPA rebel was killed while two high-powered firearms were recovered following a clash with the troops in Limulan village, Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat.

“The Joint Task Force Central continues to employ more pressure on the remaining CTG members to gain more enemy strongholds and dismantle their groups,” JTF Central Commander Major General Alex Rillera said.

Rillera said the clash broke out when the troops of the 37th Infantry Battalion chanced upon a group of NPA rebels while they were conducting combat operation in Limulan village, Kalamansig.

Rillera said the firefight lasted for about 20 minutes that resulted in the death of one NPA rebel and the recovery of two M14 rifles, a grenade and a backpack of personal belongings.

Rillera said the rest of the NPA rebels have scampered to different directions.

The identity of the slain NPA was not immediately identified except that the rebels who figured in the clash belong to the Sub-Regional Committee Daguma of the NPA’s Far South Mindanao Region.

“The Joint Task Force Central continues to employ more pressure on the remaining CTG (Communist Terrorist Group) members to gain more enemy strongholds and dismantle their groups,” Rillera said.

He said the remains of the slain NPA rebel were turned over to Kalamansig Municipal Police Station for proper identification and disposition.

Lieutenant General Roy Galido, commander of Western Mindanao Command, said they will intensify the conduct of combat operations against the remaining members of the NPA.

“We still encourage the remaining members of the CTG and other threat groups to lay down their arms and start a peaceful life with their families,” Galido said.

Meanwhile, an NPA rebel identified only as Ka Joko has surrendered to the 34th Infantry Battalion in Guiling village, Alamada, North Cotabato on Wednesday, July 26.

Joko is a member of Squad 3, Platoon Fury, Sub-Regional Committee 5, of the NPA’s North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

Brigadier General Donald Gumiran, 602nd Infantry Brigade commander, attributed the surrender of Ka Joko to the collaborative efforts of the military units under his command and the 11th Brigade of the Bangsamoro Armed Forces-Moro National Liberation Front.

Ka Joko revealed during the initial debriefing that he was starving and having a hard time evading the military forces.

“Feeling tired and weary, he decided to surrender to the government forces,” Gumiran said. (SunStar Zamboanga)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1968190/zamboanga/local-news/npa-rebel-killed-another-surrenders

Troops, Dawlah Islamiya clash in Maguindanao

Posted to the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Jul 29, 2023): Troops, Dawlah Islamiya clash in Maguindanao

ZAMBOANGA. Government troops recover high-powered firearms and other war materials after a clash during a law enforcement operation against Dawlah Islamiya (DI) terrorists in Tabungao village, Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao del Sur. A photo handout shows the firearms and other war materials the troops have recovered during the clash. (SunStar Zamboanga)

GOVERNMENT troops have recovered high-powered firearms and other war materials after a clash during a law enforcement operation against Dawlah Islamiya (DI) terrorists in Maguindanao del Sur, the military reported Friday, July 28, 2023.

The Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) said the clash ensued while the 33rd Infantry Battalion (IB) troops and policemen were on joint operation to serve arrest warrants against DI members in Tabungao village, Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao del Sur on Wednesday, July 26.

“While operating troops were approaching the targets’ location, they encountered more or less ten fully-armed personalities,” the Westmincom said.

“A short firefight ensued, after which the enemies scampered in different directions, bringing their casualties with them,” the Westmincom added.

The Westmincom identified the subject of the joint warrant of arrest operation Jaffer Mariano and Solaiman Nilong of the DI-Hassan group for murder; Russel Mamo and Zaidee Jade Nilong of the DI-Maguid group for direct assault with attempted murder; Tonto Akmad, Katendeg Mustapha, Candao Illa, and Amir Aparudo for robbery with homicide; and, Banjo Tanto and Candao Tantong Kabalo for frustrated murder.

The troops scoured the clash site and recovered high-powered firearms and other war materials.

The firearms include two caliber 7.62- millimeter (MM) rifles, one M-60 machine gun, one 5.56-mm M16A1 rifle, one 40-mm grenade launcher, one caliber .50 sniper rifle, three short and one long magazines for M16 rifle, three commercial radios, one bandolier, and assorted ammunition.

Meanwhile, the government troops have also rescued 10 civilians at the clash site. Of the 10, seven were children, while the three others were women, believed to be relatives of the DI group members.

They were turned over to the village officials of Tabungao for identification and proper disposition.

Lieutenant General Roy Galido, commander of Westmincom, said this operation is a result of the excellent cooperation between the military and police.

“We are one with our partners in preventing lawless elements from wreaking serious violence or other criminality in the communities,” he added. (SunStar Zamboanga)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1968191/zamboanga/local-news/troops-dawlah-islamiya-clash-in-maguindanao

AFP: PRESS RELEASE | Brawner to Rangers: Bring Laudable Success in Countless Operations in ending Fight Against CTGs

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Facebook Page (Jul 27, 2023): PRESS RELEASE | Brawner to Rangers: Bring Laudable Success in Countless Operations in ending Fight Against CTGs

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City—General Romeo Brawner Jr, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (CSAFP), reiterated to the officers and enlisted personnel of the First Scout Ranger Regiment (FSRR) the order of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr to end communist armed conflict in the country this year.

In his speech as Guest of Honor and Speaker in the Change of Command Ceremony of the FSRR in Bulacan on Wednesday, July 26, the CSAFP also cited the contributions of the AFP scout rangers in strategic and tactical victories, including the defeat of high-value individuals of the communist terrorist group (CTG).

"We’ve been given an urgent mission to defeat the horizontal and vertical units of the CTG this year. This is a tall task for all of us, because they are much harder to find as their numbers go small. But let us give our everything and our best so we will be able to accomplish this task,” he added, saying that the AFP intends to go “full blast” in its efforts to shift to territorial defense next year.

Read more: https://www.afp.mil.ph/.../brawner-to-rangers-bring...
(Photos by SSg Lopez/OACPA)

#AFPyoucanTRUST

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=651527160343031&set=pcb.651528297009584

https://www.facebook.com/armedforcesofthephilippines

Soldiers kill top NPA leader in Northern Mindanao in Gingoog encounter

From Rappler (Jul 28, 2023): Soldiers kill top NPA leader in Northern Mindanao in Gingoog encounter (By FROILAN GALLARDO)

With the death of Dionisio Micabalo, the military says the widow of the late NPA operations chief Jorge Madlos becomes the last known remaining communist guerrilla leader still at large in Northern Mindanao

CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines – Army troops killed the top leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Northern Mindanao as he and his companions were about to settle for the night in Gingoog, a small city in eastern Misamis Oriental near the Caraga region, the military said on Thursday, July 27.

Major General Jose Maria Cuerpo, commander of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, said Dionisio Micabalo, alias Muling, was killed immediately when soldiers of the 58th Infantry Battalion surprised the rebels in Barangay Libertad in Gingoog City at around 5:50 pm on Wednesday, July 26.

Cuerpo said Micabalo was the only casualty in the firefight that lasted 20 minutes. He said troops were able to recover his firearm, an AK-47 selective-fire assault rifle, several magazines, and a .22 caliber rifle.

The remains of Micabalo were brought to a mortuary in Gingoog City where an autopsy was done by the PNP Scene of the Crime Operatives on Thursday.

“Micabalo was identified by his former comrades who had already surrendered. That confirmation is enough for us,” Cuerpo said.

The 61-year-old Micabalo was the secretary-general of the NPA’s North Central Mindanao Regional Committee, the highest-ranking communist rebel leader known in the region.

He also served as a spokesperson of the NPA in Northern Mindanao, the military said.

Colonel Christian Uy, commander of the Army’s 58th Infantry Battalion, said his troops had been on the trail of Micabalo for three months after they learned the rebel leader had moved to Gingoog City in Misamis Oriental from neighboring Bukidnon province where he used to lead NPA operations.

Uy said two sections of soldiers caught up with the rebels as they set up camp in the village of Libertad, some 600 meters from a highway.

“The soldiers told me they first saw two armed women and then spotted a lone rebel leaning on a coconut tree. Subsequently, my soldiers unleashed volleys of fire, prompting the rebels to return fire, resulting in a 20-minute gun battle,” Uy said.

With Micabalo’s dead, Cuerpo said Myrna Sularte, known as alias Ka Maria Malaya and the widow of the late NPA operations chief Jorge Madlos, is the last known remaining NPA leader still at large in Northern Mindanao. Jorge, who served as the NPA’s leader, was killed by Army troops in Bukidnon on October 29, 2021.

“After the dismantling of all seven guerrilla fronts under NCMRC since 2020, it is high time and an opportunity for those remaining NPA members to lay down their weapons,” Cuerpo said.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/mindanao/soldiers-kill-new-peoples-army-leader-encounter-gingoog-misamis-oriental-july-2023/