30IB: Mga tag-as nga Dekalibreng Armas ug Anti-personnel Mine nakalutan sa Surigao del Norte

Posted to the 30th Infantry "Fight On" Battalion, Philippine Army Facebook Page (Aug 16, 2023): Mga tag-as nga Dekalibreng Armas ug Anti-personnel Mine nakalutan sa Surigao del Norte (High caliber weapons and anti-personnel mines were discovered in Surigao del Norte)

30th Infantry "Fight On" Battalion, Philippine Army

Mga tag-as nga Dekalibreng Armas ug Anti-personnel Mine nakalutan sa
Surigao del Norte

GIGAQUIT, SURIGAO DEL NORTE – Nakuha sa mga kasundaluhan sa 30IB ang duha (2) ka tag-as nga dekalibreng mga armas nga mao ang Usa (1) ka Colt M16 Rifle, 12 Gauge Homemade Shotgun ug usa ka Anti-personnel Mines (APM) didto sa kabukiran nga bahin sa Sitio Tumay-as, Brgy Ferlda, lungsod sa Alegria, Surigao del Norte petsa 15 ning bulan sa Agosto tuig 2023.

Ang maong pagka diskubre sa nahisgutang mga armas ug APM resulta sa pakig-kooperar ug rebelasyon ni Nicholas M Francisco Jr aka Chong, ang kanhing Kumander sa Sentro de Gravidad kun (SDG) sa Weakened Guerilla Front 16 (WGF16) nga naglihuk sa Surigao del Norte ug uban pang mga kasikbit nga probinsya sa Caraga nga mi surrender sa kasundaluhan sa 30IB niadtong milabay nga petsa 23 sa bulan sa Mayo kasamtangang tuig. Ang maong mga armas gitouhan nga gilubong sa mga Komunista ug Terroristang New Peoples Army kun (NPA) para maka ikyas tungod sa sub-sub nga operasyon sa mga kasundaluhan hangtod sa kasamtangan para pukanon ang maong grupo.

Sumala pa ni LTC JEROLD H JALE ang Commanding Officer sa 30IB “Ang pagka diskobre sa maong mga gamit panggubatan samot nga naka pahinay sa pwersa sa mga NPA sa Caraga ug ang pagkarekober sa usa ka APM nga iya sa mga NPA usa ka paglapas sa International Humanitarian Law kun (IHL) ug Human Rights (HR) tungod kay kung mobosikad kini walay direksyon ug posibleng madamay niini ang mga inosenteng sibilyan”.

“Sa mga pipila na lang nga myembro sa NPA nga nagpabilin, karon na ang insakto nga panahon aron mubalik sa inyung mga pamilya, aron usab makadawat sa mga benipisyo gikan sa Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program kun (E-CLIP)”. Dugang pa niya.

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=668129482011957&set=a.628351569323082

https://www.facebook.com/30thinfantrybattalion

AFP: ‘Pacific Partnership’ returns to boost HADR readiness

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Facebook Page (Aug 21, 2023): ‘Pacific Partnership’ returns to boost HADR readiness

‘Pacific Partnership’ returns to boost HADR readiness

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City—The annual humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) exercise, Pacific Partnership, returns to the country, in San Fernando, La Union.

Now on its 18th iteration, Pacific Partnership 2023 (PP23) is the US’ largest annual multinational HADR exercise aimed at enhancing preparedness and interoperability with seven host partner nations in the Indo-Pacific.

 
From 22-31 August, PP23 will feature HADR; medical, dental, and veterinary; and engineering activities.

Read more:
https://www.afp.mil.ph/.../pacific-partnership-returns-to...

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https://www.facebook.com/armedforcesofthephilippines

AFP: PH-Aus Air Assault Exercise Takes Place in Palawan

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Facebook Page (Aug 22, 2023): PH-Aus Air Assault Exercise Takes Place in Palawan

PH-Aus Air Assault Exercise Takes Place in Palawan

 
RIZAL, Palawan - The Philippines-Australia (PH-Aus) Exercise Alon 2023 conducted an Air Assault Exercise at Punta Baja in Rizal, Palawan on August 21, 2023.

This marked the first major training serial as part of the bilateral cooperation between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Australian Defence Force (ADF) as part of the latter’s Indo-Pacific Endeavour (IPE) activities for 2023.

The exercise involved coordinated air, land and sea actions to simulate realistic combat scenarios, enhancing the forces’ preparedness and operational readiness.

Read more:
https://www.afp.mil.ph/.../ph-aus-air-assault-exercise...

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https://www.facebook.com/armedforcesofthephilippines

AFP: ADF’s operations chief extends invitation to Exercise Talisman Sabre

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Facebook Page (Aug 22, 2023): ADF’s operations chief extends invitation to Exercise Talisman Sabre

ADF’s operations chief extends invitation to Exercise Talisman Sabre

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City--LtGen Greg Bilton, Chief of Joint Operations of the Australian Defence Forces, extended an invitation for the Armed Forces of the Philippines to participate in the Exercise Talisman Sabre in 2025 during his visit to the AFP General Headquarters on August 2022 here.

In his meeting with LtGen Charlton Sean Gaerlan, The Deputy Chief of Staff AFP (TDCSAFP), the two discussed the possibility of the AFP joining the biennial exercise with Australia and the United States in order to achieve the common training goals with other like-minded partners in the Indo-Pacific region. (Photos by PFC Carmelotes/PAOAFP)

Read more: https://www.afp.mil.ph/.../adf-s-operations-chief-extends...

#AFPyoucanTRUST

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AFP: PH-AUS Exercise Alon

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Facebook Page (Aug 23, 2023): PH-AUS Exercise Alon

PH-AUS EXERCISE ALON | The Armed Forces of the Philippines and Australian Defence Forces conducted a captivating static display of military assets as part of the ongoing Exercise Alon in Antonio Bautista Naval Base, Palawan.

The activity was attended by distinguished guests including Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Her Excellency, HK Yu, PSM; Chief of Joint Operations Lieutenant General Greg Bilton, AO,CSC; and Commander, WESCOM Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos.

Exercise Alon, is a bilateral amphibious training activity which includes air, maritime amphibious and follow-on land operations exercises. It aims to improve both countries’ ability to work seamlessly together, enhancing interoperability and preparedness to effectively address mutual security challenges.

(Photos and Story by: ADF)

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=665774042251676&set=pcb.665775718918175

https://www.facebook.com/armedforcesofthephilippines

Philippines says it successfully completes resupply mission to maritime outpost

 Posted to Radio Free Asia (Aug 22, 2023): Philippines says it successfully completes resupply mission to maritime outpost (By BenarNews staff)

China Coast Guard again attempted to block and harass Filipino boats, officials said.

Philippine Marines aboard the BRP Sierra Madre, a dilapidated Philippine Navy ship that has been aground since 1999 and has became a Philippine military detachment on the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, part of the Spratly Islands, in the South China Sea, March 29, 2014. Credit: Erik De Castro/Reuters file photo

The Philippines successfully delivered supplies to its troops at a military outpost in the South China Sea despite attempts by Chinese vessels to block its ships from the disputed waters, officials said Tuesday.

Manila carried out the mission two weeks after the China Coast Guard fired water cannons at a Philippine coast guard ship that was escorting a convoy of boats bringing supplies to marines stationed aboard a rusty old navy ship in Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal).

The mission on Tuesday “was able to deliver fresh provisions to our military personnel stationed on board BRP Sierra Madre,” the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea said in a statement.

Manila calls waters of the South China Sea that lie within its exclusive economic zone the West Philippine Sea. The Philippines deliberately ran the World War II era Sierra Madre aground to serve as its outpost there.

The mission was completed “notwithstanding attempts by China Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) vessels to block, harass, and interfere with the supply mission,” the task force said, adding that Philippine Navy vessels were “on standby during the mission.”

Ahead of the Philippine mission, China deployed at least 11 militia ships to Ayungin Shoal starting Monday, according to Ray Powell, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel who is now a private security analyst focusing on the South China Sea.

“[The] extent of dangerous [People’s Republic of China] maneuvers is hard to assess due to China Coast Guard ships running AIS-dark,” he said on X, the social media site formerly known as Twitter. He was referring to the ships turning off their Automatic Identification System that displays their position.

Code of conduct

As of Tuesday evening, the Chinese Embassy in Manila had not issued a statement.

But Chinese Communist Party newspaper China Daily quoted a China Coast Guard spokesman as saying that the agency had made “temporary special arrangements” allowing the Philippines to carry out the supply mission because its ships were not carrying building materials.

Earlier this month, Chinese media reports quoted the coast guard as confirming it had fired water cannons and alleging that the Philippine supply boats were transporting “illegal building materials.”

Back then Manila “strongly condemned” what it called China Coast Guard illegal actions, saying they disregarded the safety of Filipino sailors and violated international law.

The Philippines in 2016 won a landmark ruling in the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which threw out China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea.

Beijing, however, has ignored the ruling and carried on with its military expansionism in the strategic waterway, including building artificial islands.

China claims nearly the entire South China Sea, including waters within the exclusive economic zones of Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan.

Meanwhile, Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo has been trying to engage with China diplomatically to calm tensions.

On Tuesday, the Philippines hosted diplomats from China and other South China Sea claimant nations for another round of negotiations for a “code of conduct” that seeks to prevent conflict in the disputed maritime region.

It was the third meeting on the code this year, with the first two having been held in Indonesia in March and Vietnam in May.

“We are negotiating a Code of Conduct precisely because we would like to prevent incidents such as the last one at the Ayungin Shoal from happening,” foreign affairs spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said.

The Philippines, she said, remains committed to an “early conclusion of an effective and substantive” code of conduct.

Soldiers participate in a combat exercise as a part of the Indo-Pacific Endeavor 2023 between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Australian Defense Force in Tarampitao Airfield in Rizal, Palawan, Philippines, Aug. 21, 2023. Credit: Jam Sta Rosa/AFP

Separately, U.S., Australian and Filipino troops held an air assault drill on Monday in Rizal town, in the western island province of Palawan, about 108 nautical miles from Ayungin Shoal.

The exercise, held at Punta Baja Airfield, involved Australia’s helicopter landing dock the HMAS Canberra; frigate HMAS Anzac and multi-role F-35A Lightning II aircraft; U.S. MV-22B Osprey aircraft; and hundreds of troops from the three armed forces.

Exercise Alon 2023 is the first amphibious exercise between Filipino and Australian troops, officials said. It opened in Darwin, Australia on Aug. 14 and will run until Aug. 31.

The exercise involved 700 Filipino and 1,200 Australian troops. About 150 troops from the United Marines Corps are participating but are playing a “support” role only, officials said.

The drills were part of Australia’s Indo-Pacific Endeavor (IPE) for this year. The IPE seeks to strengthen Canberra’s engagement and partnerships in Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean.

An amphibious landing and live-fire exercises are scheduled to be held in the northern Philippine provinces of Zambales and Tarlac, respectively, in the next few days.

“The scenario is assault from a ship, from sea towards land,” said Armed Forces chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr.

“It’s not directed at China,” said Brawner, adding that the three armed forces are honing their skills in Rizal.

He added, though, that Manila had a “right and obligation to bring supplies to our soldiers” anywhere in Philippine territories.

Still, Filipino troops had been directed to strictly observe rules of engagement, Brawner said on Monday.

“We are going to avoid them to prevent an escalation of the situation,” he said.

“We are not going to engage them in a water cannon battle.”

Gerard Carreon and Noel Celis in Manila contributed to this report by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news organization.

https://www.rfa.org/english/news/southchinasea/philippines-southchinasea-08222023150752.html

Pacific Partnership Returns to the Philippines

Posted to the US Pacific Fleet Website (Aug 22, 2023): Pacific Partnership Returns to the Philippines

From Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific

LA UNION, Philippines - Pacific Partnership has arrived in the Philippines to conduct the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific, Aug. 22.

Returning to the Philippines since last year’s stop in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Pacific Partnership enables participants to work together to enhance disaster response capabilities and foster new and enduring friendships in the Philippines.

LA UNION, Philippines (Aug. 22. 2023) Pacific Partnership 2023, Armed Forces of the Philippines and Republic of Korea Cheon Ja Bong (LST-687) service members and Mr. Hermenegildo A. Gualberto, Mayor of San Fernando City, pose for a photo after an opening ceremony at Town Plaza San Fernando City, Aug. 22. Now in its 18th year, Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kegan E. Kay)

At the invitation of the Philippines, Pacific Partnership’s mission is to conduct tailored humanitarian and civic preparedness activities in areas such as engineering, disaster response, public health, and Philippine outreach events. This year’s mission, featuring nearly 1500 personnel, was a joint effort on behalf of Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.

“The U.S. Navy and our allies and partners value our growing cooperation with the Philippines,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Claudine Caluori, mission commander. "I am confident that the planning and hard work we’ve invested thus far with our partners will have a long-lasting impact here in the Philippines.”

While in San Fernando City, La Union, Philippines, Pacific Partnership 2023 will provide tailored medical care focusing on subject-matter exchanges and community education; constructing and reconstruction of multiple schoolhouses and knowledge exchanges with exercises covering disaster response and humanitarian assistance. Additionally, the U.S. Pacific Fleet Band will perform in a variety of community engagements.

“We welcome our allies and partners as we embark in another opportunity to build strong, stable and resilient communities, “ said Lt. Col. Enrico Gil Ileto, Chief of the Public Affairs Office. “This exercise underscores our commitment to regional stability, disaster response readiness, and the well-being of every Filipino and our neighbors. With our partners, this will help us hurdle challenges by fostering goodwill and fostering safer, more resilient communities for generations to come.”

As part of PP23, the mission team will conduct missions throughout Southeast Asia and the South Pacific Islands.

https://www.cpf.navy.mil/Newsroom/News/Article/3501131/pacific-partnership-returns-to-the-philippines/

Gunfights displace Moro, Teduray villagers in Maguindanao del Sur

From the Notre Dame Broadcasting Corporation (NDBC) Website (Aug 22, 2023): Gunfights displace Moro, Teduray villagers in Maguindanao del Sur (By: John Felix Unson)

The most affected by the armed conflict in South Upi, Maguindanao del Sur are Teduray children. (Photo by Fred Lorenzo)

COTABATO CITY --- Recurring gunfights among rival Moro groups in two towns in Maguindanao del Sur forced some 500 families to relocate to safe areas, leaving their livestock and harvestable crops behind.

Army Brig. Gen. Oriel L. Pangcog, commander of the Army’s 601st Brigade, said Tuesday at least 40 families in Barangay Sapakan in Mamasapano, Maguindanao del Sur were displaced by a spate of gunfights between two factions in the Moro Islamic Liberation Front that started last weekend.

Pangcog said local officials are helping them settle the conflict between members of the MILF’s 118th and 106th Base Commands, still locked in a showdown in Barangay Sapakan.

Pangcog said the hostilities in Barangay Sapakan erupted after suspected members of the 106th BC had shot dead someone from the 108th BC, sparking clashes that caused the displacement of a number of Moro families.

Heavy exchanges of gunfire between both groups marred Monday’s peace dialogue between commanders from the two groups that Pangcog and municipal officials presided over to put closure to the animosity between them.

“We are trying our best to settle the dispute,” Pangcog said.

Hundreds of Moro and ethnic Teduray villagers in Barangays Lamod and Biarong in South Upi, a hinterland town in Maguindanao del Sur, also fled over the weekend to villages near the municipal capital due to clashes between two groups squabbling for control of both barangays.

Mayor Reynalbert Insular, chairman of the multi-sector South Upi Municipal Peace and Order Council, and the Army’s 6th Infantry Division had sent emissaries to the leaders of the feuding groups, one under Datu Kuno and the other led by a certain Mael Omar, to convince them to reconcile.

A tribal chieftain, Timuay Labi Letecio Datuwata, told reporters Tuesday displaced Tedurays will not return to their villages without any formal settlement yet of the “rido,” meaning clan war in most Moro dialects, involving the Moro families in the two barangays.

“What is painful is that many of the evacuees left their farm animals and crops behind. They need help while in makeshift evacuation centers and in the houses of their relatives in faraway barangays,” Datuwata said.

https://ndbcnews.com.ph/news/gunfights-displace-moro-teduray-villagers-maguindanao-del-sur

Moro clashes displace thousands

From the Business World (Aug 22, 2023): Moro clashes displace thousands

COTABATO CITY — Recurring gunfights among rival Moro groups in two towns of Maguindanao del Sur have forced some 500 families fleeing to safer areas, the army reported on Tuesday.

Brig. Gen. Oriel L. Pangcog, commander of the Army’s 601st Brigade, said armed clashes between two factions of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) started last weekend, initially forcing at least 40 families in Barangay Sapakan, Mamasapano town to relocate.

Mr. Pangcog said the hostilities erupted in Barangay Sapakan after suspected members of the MILF 106th Base Command (BC) fatally shot a member of the 108th BC.

“We are trying our best to settle the dispute,” he said of efforts by local government and army officials to mediate between MILF commanders while their fighters are in a stalemate in the village.

However, heavy exchanges of gunfire between the two fronts marred Monday’s peace dialogue, forcing about 440 Moro and ethnic Teduray 440 families in Barangays Lamod and Biarong in South Upi to evacuate and leave their livestock and harvestable crops behind.

https://www.bworldonline.com/the-nation/2023/08/22/541055/moro-clashes-displace-thousands/

2 island towns of Sulu now Abu Sayyaf-free

From the Manila Standard (Aug 22, 2023): 2 island towns of Sulu now Abu Sayyaf-free (By Vince Lopez)

The Municipal Task Force in Ending Local Armed Conflict (MTF-ELAC) of the island municipalities of Siasi and Pandami in Sulu were declared Abu Sayaf Group (ASG)-free on August 19.

Both local government units (LGUs) issued their respective resolutions that declared their municipalities as ASG-free.

The event was celebrated as a milestone as the two towns, making them ready for further development.

Pandami Mayor Nurhan Berto expresssed gratitude for the Army soldiers in his community.

“Sulu is different now, not like before. Our soldiers know that and we thank them for their continued service especially in peace and order. That’s why we are so grateful,” Berto said.

Among the highlights of the event were the ceremonial signing of resolution as ASG-free municipalities and the People’s Peace Covenant.

Meanwhile, Siasi Mayor Ben-Sayeed Muksan was likewise grateful for the development.

“This is the day we are waiting for our area to be declared ASG free. With the help of our men in uniform and the cooperation of the people of Siasi, we have achieved what we have long dreamed of,” Muksan said.

Army Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, commander of Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu and 11th Infantry Division congratulated the officials of the two municipalities for being free from ASG influence.

“We have witnessed a momentous event today. The declarations of municipalities as ASG free is the result of our collective efforts to fully attain our goal in fostering peace and usher us the opportunity to boost our eco-tourism. Our peace and security campaign in Sulu is effective and on-track.” Patrimonio said.

https://manilastandard.net/news/national/314363283/2-island-towns-of-sulu-now-abu-sayyaf-free.html

‘Sulu can be declared Abu Sayyaf-free’

From the Philippine Star (Aug 23, 2023): ‘Sulu can be declared Abu Sayyaf-free’ (Roel Pareño)

This was the recommendation of an area clearing validation board (ACVB), which Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan Sr. approved on Monday, noting that the remaining four barangays in Indanan as well as the island towns of Pandami and Siasi have been freed of Abu Sayyaf presence and influence.
STAR / File

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — The entire province of Sulu can now be declared free of Abu Sayyaf bandits.

This was the recommendation of an area clearing validation board (ACVB), which Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan Sr. approved on Monday, noting that the remaining four barangays in Indanan as well as the island towns of Pandami and Siasi have been freed of Abu Sayyaf presence and influence.

The ACVB is a monitoring body chaired by Tan and co-chaired by 11th Infantry Division (ID) commander Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, with representatives from the Philippine National Police, Ministry of the Interior and Local Government of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and Provincial Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict as members.

Last month, the military declared Omar town as Abu Sayyaf-free. This was after the followers of slain Abu Sayyaf leader Alhabsy Misaya, who was tagged in cross-border kidnappings, surrendered.

Tan commended the military for its campaign against violent extremism in Sulu, said to be the last bastion of Abu Sayyaf bandits in Mindanao.

He said Sulu has experienced security stability in the past two years.

Security forces recorded 52 barangays that had been influenced by Abu Sayyaf bandits as of 2021.

Col. Alaric Avelino delos Santos, 11th ID civil-military operations chief, said 17 towns on the main island and two island towns in Sulu have been cleared of the influence of Abu Sayyaf bandits.

Delos Santos said Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro is expected to formally declare Sulu as Abu Sayyaf-free during his visit next month.

Patrimonio said the declaration is an indication that the military’s peace and security campaign has been effective and is on the right track.

“We are hopeful that our efforts and commitment will pave the way for the inclusive peace and development in the province of Sulu,” he said in a statement.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2023/08/23/2290616/sulu-can-be-declared-abu-sayyaf-free

Samar cops tapped for ‘peace’ missions in red-free villages

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Aug 22, 2023): Samar cops tapped for ‘peace’ missions in red-free villages (By: Joey Gabieta)

SENDOFF Police Brig. Gen. Vincent Calanoga, director of the Eastern Visayas police, gives his men final instructions before they are deployed for a “peace and development” mission in Northern Samar, considered the last bastion of insurgency in Eastern Visayas, on Aug. 18. —PHOTO COURTESY OF POLICE REGIONAL OFFICE IN EASTERN VISAYAS

TACLOBAN CITY—At least 325 police personnel were deployed to the towns of Mapanas and Palapag, both in Northern Samar province, as part of the peace and development campaign of the government. The police personnel, who came from the Eastern Visayas regional office of the Philippine National Police, were to be assigned in the interior villages of Mapanas and Palapag which have been earlier declared as insurgency-free, according to Police Brig. Gen. Vincent Calanoga, chief of the region’s police office.

The policemen were sent starting last Thursday to Barangays Naparasan and Quezon, both in Mapanas; Barangays Osmeña, Bagacay, Capacujan, Sangay and Cabatuan, all in Palapag.

Their primary task is to make villagers feel the presence of police authorities in their midst ready to respond to and address their concerns.

Last bastion

During their six-month assignment, the policemen were tasked to enhance community engagement, counter the propaganda of the communist rebels, assist the delivery of government services and secure the ongoing implementation of barangay development projects, said Calanoga.

They will also employ approaches that will bring government services closer to isolated and disadvantaged areas, and in turn, encourage the communities to totally abandon armed conflict and embrace a duly established democratic government.

Both the PNP and the military have considered Northern Samar as the “last bastion” of the insurgency problem in Eastern Visayas, where, they said, one guerilla front remains to be active.

On Friday, military officials in the region presided over a ceremony involving two members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and 12 militia members based in Eastern Samar who have returned to the fold of the law, which they considered as a sign of the weakening of the communist armed group in the province.

The NPA rebels and their militia members also turned over several firearms consisting of two M16 rifles, one .30-caliber Ml carbine, two .45-caliber pistols, one .38-caliber revolver and two antipersonnel mines to the Philippine Army’s 78th Infantry Battalion based in Borongan City.

Joining them in their decision to return to the folds of the law were 61 of their civilian sympathizers, all from Barangay San Andres, Borongan City.

As a sign of their decision to leave the communist armed group, they took an oath of allegiance to the government in the presence of top Army officials led by Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, the commanding officer of the 802nd Infantry Brigade (IB), and Col. Allan Tria, the commanding officer of the 78th IB.

Borongan City Mayor Jose Dayan Ivan Agda was also present during the event.

Vestuir said that the “mass surrender” of the former rebels and their sympathizers will result in more surrender and in the process, help end the insurgency problem in Eastern Samar and other parts of Samar Island, areas under the control of his brigade.
Not mere talk

He urged the remaining active NPA rebels to yield their arms and return to the folds of the law.

“Your withdrawal of support and oath of allegiance to the government were not just a mere talk nor a piece, written on paper. We should be truthful in ending our support to the communist terrorist group, we should cut the connection of the barangay to the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front). Let us make our community inhospitable to the CPP-NPA-NDF,” Vestuir said during the ceremony.

He stressed that the people in the communities “no longer welcome” the presence of NPA rebels in their villages, as these residents had been active in alerting authorities of the presence of armed men in their areas as well as where they hide their firearms.

Agda also expressed his gratitude to the former rebels and their sympathizers for “finally decid[ing] to return your trust and support to the government.”

“Expect that the city government has programs intended for you,” the mayor added. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1819770/samar-cops-tapped-for-peace-missions-in-red-free-villages

2 NPA, 12 militias surrender in Eastern Samar

From the Manila Bulletin (Aug 21, 2023): 2 NPA, 12 militias surrender in Eastern Samar (By MARIE TONETTE MARTICIO)

TACLOBAN CITY – Two New People's Army rebels and 12 Yunit Militia members and supporters have surrendered in Eastern Samar.

Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, 802nd Infantry Brigade commander, expressed optimism that it will result in more surrenderers from the armed terrorist group.

They yielded two M-16 rifles, a caliber .30 M1 carbine, two caliber .45 pistols, a caliber .38 revolver, and two anti-personnel mines.

Five members of the Batakang Organo sa Partido (BOP) and 56 Underground Mass Organization (UGMO) members from Barangay Lower San Andres, Borongan City, Eastern Samar also withdrew support to the NPA.

"The surrender, withdrawal of support, and declaration of the oath of allegiance to the Philippine government by the NPA members, militias, and supporters are their way of showing that they have given back their support and loyalty to the government," Vestuir said.

He called on the remaining supporters to discontinue their support to the NPA.

“Your withdrawal of support and oath of allegiance to the government were not just a mere talk nor a piece written on paper. We should be truthful in ending our support to the Communists Terrorist Group, we should cut the connection of the barangay to the CPP-NPA-NDF."

Vestuir reiterated his call to remaining NPA who continue to hide in the mountains of Samar and Eastern Samar provinces to surface, lay down their arms, and rejoin their families.

"They are now giving us the information on your whereabouts, the locations of your arms cache, and even the food that you hide and prepositioned in the area. You could not hide from us forever. You cannot survive by evading us without food and support from the people whom you consider as your mass base," he added.

https://mb.com.ph/2023/8/22/2-npa-12-militias-surrender-in-eastern-samar

39IB receives CGPA’s Bayanihan Streamer Award

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Aug 22, 2023): 39IB receives CGPA’s Bayanihan Streamer Award

ZAMBOANGA. The 39th Infantry Battalion (IB) receives the Commanding General of the Philippine Army’s (CGPA’s) Bayanihan Streamer award for its notable accomplishment in dismantling the two guerrilla fronts of the New People’s Army in its area of operations. A photo handout shows Lieutenant General Roy Galido, Philippine Army commander (center) pinned the Bayanihan Streamer to the 39IB command flag during the 17th Activation Anniversary of the 1002nd Infantry Brigade at Camo Herminigildo Agaab at Sitio Pulatana in Malandang village, Malungon, Sarangani province on Monday, August 21, 2023. (SunStar Zamboanga)

THE 39th Infantry Battalion (IB) has been awarded the Commanding General of the Philippine Army’s (CGPA’s) Bayanihan Streamer for its notable accomplishment in dismantling the two guerrilla fronts of the New People’s Army in its area of operations.

Lieutenant General Roy Galido, Philippine Army commander, awarded the Bayanihan Streamer to the 39IB during the 17th Activation Anniversary of the 1002nd Infantry Brigade at Camo Herminigildo Agaab at Sitio Pulatana in Malandang village, Malungon, Sarangani province on Monday, August 21, 2023.

The 39IB has successfully dismantled the NPA’s Guerilla Front Alip and the Pulang Bagani Command in its anti-insurgency campaign with its area of operations.

During the activation anniversary of the 1002nd Infantry Brigade, Galido has acknowledged the unending support of different stakeholders as well as reminded the troops in their performance of duty.

“Soldiery is a choice, we volunteered for it and sacrifice is mandatory…that indeed it wasn't firearm, it wasn't the strength of our weaponry that put down this communist movement. It was the good relationship with our stakeholders, leaders, and people just wanted to receive government services,” Galido said.

The 39IB's relentless quest for peace has now come into view manifested by the progress and continuous development that the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas in its area of operations are receiving following the Whole-of-Nation Approach.

These initiatives have transformed the security environment and further brought inclusive development, services and sustainability to the far-flung communities formerly controlled by the NPA's.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1970537/zamboanga/local-news/39ib-receives-cgpas-bayanihan-streamer-award

Gov’t amnesty body waits for Marcos’ proclamation to fulfill its mandate

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Aug 22, 2023): Gov’t amnesty body waits for Marcos’ proclamation to fulfill its mandate (By: Jerome Aning - Reporter)

A rally of the New People’s Army in 2019. (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)

MANILA, Philippines — The National Amnesty Commission (NAC) said it was preparing for the crafting of application protocols and other rules while awaiting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s issuance of an amnesty proclamation for rebels that he promised during his State of the Nation Address (Sona) in July.

Speaking at the Laging Handa public briefing on Monday, NAC Executive Director Maria Victoria Cardona said there was no confirmation yet on when the amnesty proclamation would be issued.

“We are hopeful with the pronouncement of our president during the Sona that he will issue a proclamation to grant amnesty to former rebels so we are hopeful he would issue it soon so that the commission can already fulfill its main mandate, that is, to receive and process applications,” Cardona said.

In his Sona, Marcos said his administration was dedicated to implementing reintegration programs for former combatants, which include capacity building and social protection. The President’s offer was backed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

In the meantime, the NAC has been establishing local amnesty boards and is preparing the implementing regulations and rules of procedure for the application, processing, and grant of amnesty. These will be finalized and adopted as soon as Marcos issues the proclamation, she added.

Cardona said the NAC was also in touch with other member agencies such as the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity and the Department of Justice.

Communist groups

She said she was “hopeful” that the amnesty proclamation would cover members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDFP).

The amnesty proclamations issued in 2021 by then President Rodrigo Duterte, she recalled, covered the CPP-NPA-NDFP, Revolutionary Proletarian Army, and Moro rebel groups but the Senate did not agree with the amnesty for CPP-NPA-NDFP members.

Cardona, who hails from the City of Borongan in Eastern Samar province, said the Eastern Visayas region had been described by the military as a “bastion” of the communist insurgency.

“Amnesty is just one of the core components of the peace process. It’s a bridge that will give a second chance, another opportunity for those former combatants or rebels who, probably because of injustice, poverty or whatever reason, fought or took up arms against the government,” she said.

Under the 1987 Constitution, the president shall have the power to grant amnesty with the concurrence of a majority of all members of Congress.

Cardona said the amnesty proclamations concurred in by Congress took effect in January 2022 so the one-year deadline for the application expired in January this year, the same month current NAC Chair Leah Tanodra-Armamento assumed office.

The CPP, however, had “firmly” rejected the offer of amnesty made by the President.

CPP spokesperson Marco Valbuena earlier said Mr. Marcos was “seriously mistaken” to think that the NPA would “line up to gain a few individual concessions in exchange for giving up the much bigger people’s cause which they have committed themselves to.”

Members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority also expressed their wish that former members of Moro rebel groups, who signed peace deals with the government, be given blanket amnesty.

Some members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Moro National Liberation Front did not make it to the Jan. 24 deadline for amnesty application.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1819785/govt-amnesty-body-waits-for-marcos-proclamation-to-fulfill-its-mandate