Military denies red-tagging CDO journalists

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 5, 2019): Military denies red-tagging CDO journalists



CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The 4th Infantry Division (4ID) of Philippine Army denied involvement in red-tagging of Cagayan de Oro-based journalists.

"Red tagging is not part of our policy and campaign. We have nothing to gain from it. This is a cheap propaganda to create a divide between us," said Major General Franco Nemesio M. Gacal, 4ID commander, during a dialogue between 4ID and the Cagayan de Oro chapter of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), Wednesday, September. 4.

Gacal also gave assurance that the military is not against media who are interviewing commanders of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Major General Franco Nemesio M. Gacal, 4ID commander, gives assurance that the military is not involved in the recent red tagging of CDO-based journalists. (ZRD/PIA Cagayan de Oro)

"We are not taking it against you. Through your articles, their statement na sinusulat niyo, nababasa namin ang intention ng kalaban (their statement that you are writing, we are able to determine the intention of the enemy). That is advantageous sa amin(to us) so why should we prevent you from talking to those NPA to get their side? It is like opening them in public, without your reports and articles mahihirapan din kaming e-assess ang kabilang side (we will find it hard to assess their side)," he added.

To resolve the issue, Gacal urges members of the NUJP to share information with the security forces.

We need to cooperate, share information so we can connect the dots to identify who is behind the red-tagging. Let us show them that we are not afraid of their tactics, he further said.

Meanwhile, Pamela Jay Orias, chairperson of NUJP Cagayan de Oro Chapter, expressed appreciation to the 4ID for reaching out to them. “Thanks to the military for clarifying things. This dialogue gave us assurance on what we should do,” she said.

Major Michelle Olaivar of the Police Regional Office 10, on the other hand, said the red-tagging incidents are still under investigation and they looking for more evidences to identify who is behind these incidents. (APB/PIA10)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1026935

First-ever culture, peace colloquium to be staged at CDO

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 5, 2019): First-ever culture, peace colloquium to be staged at CDO



CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) is set to hold the first-ever Culture and Peace Colloquium with the theme, "Kultura at Kapayapaan Tungo sa Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Buhay," September 9 at the Ricardo E. Rotoras Memorial Hall (Gymnasium), University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP), here.

In partnership with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)-10, Regional Development Council (RDC)-10, Office of the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) Region X, USTP, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-10, the activity will highlight the critical role of culture and peace in socio-economic development.

About 500 participants are expected from RDC-X members and accredited private sector organizations, members of the Regional Peace and Order (RPOC)-X, academe, particularly cultural studies students and instructors of higher education institutions, local civil society, particularly those from the culture and arts groups, media, and peace advocates.

The colloquium aims to promote culture, peace and conflict sensitivity in the development processes to positively impact inclusive and sustainable development in Northern Mindanao as well as to promote cultural awareness and strengthen linkages between and among the various stakeholders in the region through cultural education and peace advocacy. (PIA10)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1026896

Bukidnon students urge NPA to return to the fold of law

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 5, 2019): Bukidnon students urge NPA to return to the fold of law

First-year students of the Bukidnon State University (BukSU) have written open letters urging communist rebels to surrender and return to mainstream society.

Cpt. Ryan Layug, spokesperson of the 403rdInfantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, said most of the letters are appealing to the New People’s Army (NPA) to return to the fold of the law and grab the opportunity to live peacefully with their families and loved ones.

“BukSU invited me to talk about national security during the National Training Service Program Symposium. I shared to the students how the NPA are recruiting the youth. At the end of the forum, I asked them what will they say to communist rebels if they were given a chance to communicate to them,” he said

Layug said he was overwhelmed to read all the letters as he was not expecting many students to write.

“I was happy to see that the students, themselves, want the local communist armed conflict to end,” he added.

One of the letters said it is not yet too late to surrender.

“It is not yet over. You still have a time to be reborn. You are given a chance to change by the government so please take the opportunity.”

The 403rd Infantry Brigade plans to read all the letters in radio programs in Bukidnon so that the messages will reach the communist rebels and their families. (APB/PIA10)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1026937

Comelec brings voter registration to PMA cadets, soldiers

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 5, 2019): Comelec brings voter registration to PMA cadets, soldiers



OFFSITE REGISTRATION. Cadets and soldiers at the Philippine Military Academy take advantage of the off-site registration on Thursday of the Comelec in the academy. The off-site registration is to bring the Comelec closer to its partners. It is also held in the villages to ensure that eligible voters are able to register and vote during the election. (PNA photo by Liza T. Agoot)
FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) brought on Thursday its off-site voter registration to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) here to accommodate the cadets and soldiers of the top military school.

"First we went to the BCPO [Baguio City Police Office] to register our policemen, now we are here in PMA to give service to our partners from the AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines] through the PMA,” said lawyer John Paul Martin, Baguio city election officer.

“We are inviting all employees of PMA, the officials, cadets to come and register as a voter,” Martin said who also urged residents in nearby communities to avail of ongoing registration and avoid the inconvenience of queuing.

He said for the whole month of September, the last month of registration for the 2020 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) election, they have several on-site registrations to include more people to be voters.

“We try as inclusive as possible by going out and encouraging all organizations, all groups- the students, officers, cadets to join in the process, making themselves count in the democratic process,” Martin said.

For August alone, more than 4,000 voters have been registered.

However, this is not expected to increase the number of voters because, in Baguio alone, there have been around 30,000 voters who were delisted for failure to cast their votes in the last two elections.

“From 164,000, our list was trimmed to 130,000,” Martin said.

Those who prefer to proceed to the Comelec office can do so from Monday to Saturday starting at 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Comelec official said.

Registrants must bring with them an identification document like birth, baptismal or marriage certificate and valid ID, if possible.

PMA information officer Maj. Reynan Afan said the academy has about 2,000 personnel, including the cadets.

He said they always have the cadets register as voters in Baguio considering that they will stay in the academy for four years.

To date, there are 1,100 cadets in the PMA.

“We also want to pursue the interest of PMA, we would like to have a greater voice in the governance of the local government and national government through our right of suffrage,” Afan said.

First-time voter

Seaman 2nd Class Han Jerrick Javier, 25, who was among the more 2,000 expected to register at the PMA off-site registration, said he looks forward to casting his vote for the first time.

“Ngayon pa lang ako nagparehistro at sana maka-boto rin (This is my first time to register as a voter and hopefully to cast my vote during an election),” he said.

The native of Cavite, who entered the Phillippine Navy at age 21, was never enticed to register because of the difficult and tedious process. But the off-site registration will afford him the chance to exercise his right to suffrage.

Javier said he decided to avail of the off-site registration for a change.

“For a change, para mapabilang din ang boto ko sayang naman (so that my vote will be counted),” he said.

Aside from registering voters, the Comelec is also simultaneously doing an information campaign and lectures to encourage the public to participate in the elections.

The lectures also include the Comelec's anti-vote-buying drive.

“We need to let the people know that we are serious in conducting an election. It will generate awareness in them that they need to register and be able to choose the right leader. For them to know the importance of choosing the right leader and receive the best service from the government,” Martin said.

"This is just a small step to achieve a greater goal to inform one person who will inform the others, his peers, the community and achieve the goal of having educated voters,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079656

New Leyte road seen to help curb insurgency

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 5, 2019): New Leyte road seen to help curb insurgency



NEW ROAD. The newly-opened section of Mahaplag-Hilongos Road in the southern part of Leyte province. The ongoing construction of the road project that connects the towns of Mahaplag and Hilongos is seen as a big boost in the government’s drive against New People’s Army, Baybay City Mayor Jose Carlos Cari said on Thursday (September 5, 2019). (Photo courtesy of Emmanuel Saligue)

BAYBAY CITY, Leyte -- The ongoing construction of a road project that connects the towns of Mahaplag and Hilongos is seen as a big boost in the government’s drive against New People’s Army (NPA).

Baybay City Mayor Jose Carlos Cari, the proponent of the project during his stint as Leyte 5th district representative from 2010 to 2019, said in an interview Thursday the road, once completed, will drive away all NPA fighters in Leyte.

The Philippine Army confirmed that the remaining 15 armed rebels in Leyte have been hiding in the mountain areas between Mahaplag and Hilongos towns.

“The road will not just be providing better accessibility, but it will also help our Philippine Army completely address the insurgency problem since villages covered by the road project are critical areas,” Cari said in an interview.

The ongoing road project traverse upland communities of Mahaplag, Hindang, and Hilongos towns. Construction started in 2017 under the central government’s "Build, Build, Build" program and is up for completion in 2022.

Once fully completed, the 48.22-kilometer road, stretching from San Isidro village in Mahaplag town to San Roque in Hilongos town, will serve as an alternate route from Tacloban City to Hilongos town and Maasin City in Southern Leyte.

It is expected to reduce travel time from three hours and 22 minutes to just two hours and 50 minutes, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The DPWH regional offices reported that about PHP400 million have been released for the project from 2017 to 2018. For this year, the DPWH has included in its regular funds the PHP300-million requirement for the new road.

Among the project’s recipients are residents of San Antonio village in Hilongos town where a village chief was brutally killed by NPA members two weeks ago. They accused the village chief as “an active member of the Barangay (village) Intelligence Network" and an organized military asset.

“Hopefully, once this is completed, these villages will no longer be called as critical areas,” Cari added.

According to the military, there are only 15 remaining NPA fighters who have been hiding in the upland areas of the 5th district of Leyte following intensified combat operations in central Leyte and northwestern side of the island.

The NPA, which has been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079650

33K applicants take PMA entrance exam

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 5, 2019): 33K applicants take PMA entrance exam



MILITARY'S CREME DE LA CREME. More young people are desiring to join the Armed Forces of the Philippines as cadets of the Philippine Military Academy. Proof of this is the record-breaking number of 33,000 examinees who took the annual entrance examination on August 25, 2019 at the 41 examination centers nationwide. (File photo by Liza T. Agoot)

FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City-- The number of examinees who took the annual entrance examination of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) on August 25 has breached the 2018 record, reaching 33,000, an officer said on Thursday.

PMA information officer, Maj. Reynan Afan thanked the public's continuous trust in the institution as the number of examinees has surpassed that of last year's 28,000.

“We attribute not just to the people’s trust in the PMA but also their trust to the AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines]. We all know that the AFP has a high rate of approval rating. The youth now also have a strong desire to serve the country,” he said.

He said the examinees, aged 17 and those who will turn 22 by June 1, 2020, trooped to the 41 examination centers nationwide.

The AFP is expected to release in the next two to three weeks the top 1,500 passers, Afan said.

The successful applicants will then proceed to the next stage of screening- medical and physical examination at the AFP Medical Center in V. Luna, Quezon City to determine their physical and mental fitness to undergo a four-years rigid military training inside the country’s premier military institution.

From 1,500, the top 400 will be chosen to join PMA Class 2024.

Cadets' benefits

Afan said PMA cadets receive benefits and support from the government from the time they wake up in the morning until they close the lights at night.

“They have regular allowances, they are given different pieces of training and state-of-the-art facilities and the opportunity to have a career in serving the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” he said.

On the day they take their oath as members of the Cadet Corps Armed Forces of the Philippines (CCAFP), they are already members of the AFP.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079662

Troops seize food supplies of Reds in Lanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 5, 2019): Troops seize food supplies of Reds in Lanao

Government forces have seized food supplies of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the hinterlands of Lanao del Sur, military officials said Thursday.

Lt. Col. Rafman Altre, Army’s 82nd Infantry Battalion commander, said the food supply, consisting of 160 kilos rice placed in 20-liter containers, was discovered Wednesday in Tagoloan II, Lanao del Sur.

“Reported by a concerned civilian, eight 20-Liter black containers buried and filled with 160 kilograms of rice were discovered and seized by our troops,” Altre said.

It was the second time the troops have seized food supplies of the NPA rebels in the town of Tagoloan II, Lanao del Sur.

The first was April this year where the troops discovered 21 black containers also filled with rice in Barangay Sigayan, Tagoloan II.

Brig. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade commander, said the discovery of the food reserves “will make them hungry in the hinterlands.”

Brawner said the command’s focused military operation will be relentless against the NPA rebels in the hinterlands of Lanao del Sur.

“We will not allow these NPAs to sow terror in the hinterland communities,” Brawner said.

“We urged them to surrender and return to mainstream society. The discovery of the food reserves will make them hungry in the hinterlands,” Brawner added.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Roberto Ancan, Army’s 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) commander, commended the efforts of the troops and the resident who reported the NPA’s food caches.

“We recognized the courageous action of the resident. We are just one text away, your Army is ready to respond and quell all threat groups in our area of responsibility,” Ancan said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079660

Village exec killed in Basilan ambush

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 5, 2019): Village exec killed in Basilan ambush

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- A village official was killed in an ambush while a former barangay executive was injured in another incident here in the region, a police official said Thursday.

Maj. Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) information officer, identified the victims as Mario Japal, a councilor in Barangay Maligue, Isabela City, Basilan; and Tuayong Salam Laudin, 68, former barangay chairperson of Suhaile Arabi, Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte.

Galvez said Japal was killed in an ambush around 6 a.m. Thursday in Barangay Maligue, Isabela City, the capital of Basilan province.

Galvez said investigation showed Japal was driving his motorcycle on his way to report for work in Barangay Cabunbata in the same city when ambushed by an unidentified gunman.

Galvez, meanwhile, said Laudin was shot and wounded around 10:15 a.m. Wednesday in Sitio Kalayaan Island, Barangay Suhaile Arabi, Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte.

She said Laudin was walking home from his fishpond when repeatedly shot by an unidentified person.

She added that Laudin, who suffered three gunshot wounds, was rushed to the Siocon District Hospital for treatment.

Authorities are still investigating both incidents.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079670

Gov't agencies to provide free services in conflict areas

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 5, 2019): Gov't agencies to provide free services in conflict areas



FREE GOV'T SERVICES. The Magdegamo Medical Mission team of the provincial government of Negros Oriental will be providing free dental, medical and other services along with national government agencies during the "Gobyernong Serbisyo Para sa Bayan" Caravan in Barangay Trinidad, Guihulngan City on Sept. 11, 2019. A total of 16 agencies have initially signified their intent to join the caravan that will benefit villagers in conflict-affected areas. (File photo by Juancho Gallarde)

At least 16 national government agencies (NGAs) will participate in the “Gobyernong Serbisyo Para sa Bayan” caravan next week to deliver their respective basic services to residents of Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.

The caravan is part of a two-day activity of the Negros Oriental Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NOTF-ELCAC) with Guihulngan City as the pilot area in the province to be served by the 12-cluster task force.

The first activity is slated on Sept. 10 at the Guihulngan City gymnasium where the “Dagyawan sa Barangay” will be held.

The following day, the NOTF-ELCAC will be in Barangay Trinidad for the "Gobyernong Serbisyo" caravan where the different NGAs are expected to offer their respective services to some 150 beneficiaries, said Jennifer Catan Tilos, Information Center manager of the Philippine Information Agency here, who heads the Strategic Communication Cluster of the NOTF-ELCAC, on Thursday.

Tilos said the number of NGAs could still change as Task Force chair, Governor Roel Degamo, is calling for a meeting on Sept. 9 to finalize which agencies are participating and what services are to be provided.

Initially, the list of NGAs and their services include the Department of Agriculture (livestock, seedlings, farm materials distribution); National Food Authority (selling of NFA rice); Department of Education (dental services/dental van); Department of Health (Libreng Gamot/medical and dental mission/dental van); Department of Labor and Employment (job fair); Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (free haircut, massage, manicure and pedicure, scholarship program); Philippine Statistics Authority (live birth/certificate of no marriage registration); Philippine National Police (medical/dental services, License To Own and Possess Firearm or LTOPF);

Armed Forces of the Philippines (medical and dental services/dental van/free haircut); Philippine Navy (free hair cut/massage/medical and dental services); Social Security System (issuance of SSS number, verification of SSS contributions, filing of funeral death claim, retirement, sickness, disability, maternity leave, employer’s registration, member data change request, salary loan, and loan verification); Land Transportation Office (mobile registration/renewal of license); PhilPost (Postal I.D.); Department of Trade and Industry (Diskwento Caravan); PhilHealth (new member registration); and Provincial Attorney’s Office (legal advice).

Other agencies listed but whose services have yet to be identified are the Philippine Coconut Authority, Department of Agrarian Reform, Land Bank of the Philippines, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

On the same day, Degamo will lead the groundbreaking of the province-funded PHP380-million farm-to-market road linking Barangay Hilaitan to Barangay Trinidad also in Guihulngan.

Trinidad is among the 16 barangays in the province’s seven cities and municipalities that the military has identified as conflict areas being affected by the insurgency problem due to the presence of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) rebels.

The NOTF-ELCAC was created last month in response to President Rodrigo Duterte’s Whole of Nation approach in ending armed conflict and attaining peace and sustainable development.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079686

'Military informant', companion shot dead in Dumaguete

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 5, 2019): 'Military informant', companion shot dead in Dumaguete

DUMAGUETE CITY – Unidentified suspects shot dead a “military informant” and his companion Wednesday night in Purok Hayahay, Barangay Calindagan here.

A report from the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO) identified the victims as Lori Ralloma de Jesus, male, of Capitol Area, Barangay Daro; and Mark Anthony Entoria Booc, 39, of Lower Luke Wright, Poblacion 1.
De Jesus was initially identified as an “informant” of the Military Intelligence Group 7 or MIG7, the NOPPO report said.

Initial police investigation disclosed that at around 9:30 p.m., four unidentified men barged inside the house of Lope Guinsan in Purok Hayahay, Barangay Calindagan, and shot the victims using a cal. 45 pistol.

The two were rushed to a local hospital through the ONE Rescue Unit but were declared dead-on-the scene by Dr. Kenneth T. Coo.

Police recovered two fired cartridges and one fired slug of cal. 45, sachets containing suspected shabu, and drug paraphernalia from the crime scene.

NOPPO spokesperson Police Chief, Master Sgt. Edilberto Euraoba III said Dumaguete police personnel are still determining the motive of the crime and verify the supposed connection of the “MIG7 informant” to the military.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079610

Spanish Navy ship in PH for goodwill visit

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 5, 2019): Spanish Navy ship in PH for goodwill visit



GOODWILL VISIT. Members of the Philippine Navy band welcome the arrival of Spanish Navy (Armada Española) ship Mendez Nuñez (F-104) for a goodwill visit at the Pier 15, Manila South Harbor on Thursday (September 5, 2019). This is the first visit of a Spanish Navy ship in the country in over a century since the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War, that marked the end of Spain's colonial rule over the Philippines in 1898. (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)

The air defense frigate Méndez Núñez (F-104) of the Armada Española (Spanish Navy) arrived in Pier 15 of the Manila South Harbor on Thursday for a goodwill visit to the Philippines.

Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas, Philippine Navy (PN) acting public affairs office director, said the Spanish frigate was provided with the customary meeting point procedure off Corregidor Island and was later escorted to its berthing area.

This marks the first time a Spanish Navy warship has sailed off Cavite and Manila after the post-independence period.

The F-104 is an Alvaro de Bazan-class frigate, manned by more than 200 sailors and led by Commander Antonio Gonzalez del Tanago de la Lastra.

The PN delegates, headed by the Navy Chief’s representative Commander Kenneth Lozañes, then accorded the visiting ship and its personnel a welcome ceremony, followed by a port briefing related to security health aboard the Spanish vessel.

Roxas said the Méndez Núñez's commanding officer and his party are scheduled to call on the PN Flag Officer in Command, Vice Adm. Robert A. Empedrad, at the Navy headquarters along Roxas Boulevard, Manila.

This goodwill visit will also involve confidence-building engagements between the PN and Spanish Navy personnel, such as a shipboard tour, reciprocal receptions, and friendly games.

A send-off ceremony with customary Passing Exercise (PASSEX) will cap off the visit. Their interaction with the PN will conclude on September 7 and they will proceed to Baler Bay in Quezon Province for the V Centenary commemoration of the first circumnavigation of the globe by Ferdinand Magellan and Juan Sebastian Elcano and the arrival of Spain to the Philippines.

This goodwill visit aims to develop and enhance the PN’s cooperation with the Spanish Navy geared toward capability development.

It further celebrates the two countries’ deep historical ties and reaffirms diplomatic relations established in September 1947, which opened opportunities for economic, cultural and educational agreements.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079640

Court orders arrest of Joma, wife, 36 others over NPA ‘purging’

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 5, 2019): Court orders arrest of Joma, wife, 36 others over NPA ‘purging’



Communist Party of the Philippines founding chair Jose Maria Sison

Exactly five days before the commemoration of the Inopacan massacre in Leyte by surviving families whose loved ones were among the hundreds of victims killed in a mass execution perpetrated by the New People’s Army (NPA) in the 1980s, a Manila court has ordered the arrest of Communist Party of the Philippines founding chairperson Jose Maria “Joma” Sison and 37 others including rebel group leaders and members.

Presiding Judge Thelma Bunyi-Medina, of the Regional Trial Court Branch 32 in Manila, issued the Warrant of Arrest dated August 28, 2019, against Sison with aliases Joma, Armando Guerrero, Armando Liwanag, and his wife Juliet, former National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) peace negotiator, among others.

Also included in the arrest warrant are those charged with 15 counts of murder in connection with the Inopacan massacre, namely:

Rodolfo Salas alias Ka Bilog -- former CPP chair who was arrested in 1886 and granted an amnesty in 1992 by former Pres. Fidel V. Ramos;
Leo Velasco – NDFP consultant for the peace process;
Jose Luneta -- co-founder of Kabataang Makabayan and former CPP secretary general secretary; passed away in Germany on May 1, 2018;
Geronimo Pasetes;
Prudencio Calubid – NDFP peace consultant;
Luis Jalandoni -- NDFP senior adviser;
Sarmiento Eduardo – NDFP consultant;
Francisco Pascual, Jr.;
Mil Lominion;
Fortunato Felicilda;
Benjamin Beringel;
Quirino Quinawayan;
Fernando Rachel;
Pecario Sonana;
Jesus Solayao;
Lino Salazar;
Alfredo Taladro;
Tito Gabar;
Muco Lubong;
Felix Dumali;
Ciriaca Malimot;
Luzviminda Orillo;
Anselmo Balduhesa;
Alfredo Mabingay;
Bertino Oroza;
Bonifacio Padoc;
Rodrigo Paplona;
Prescillono Beringel;
Anastacio Dorias;
Nick Ruiz;
Sammy Labarda;
Charlie Fortaliza;
Luis Villena;
Rolando Caballera;
Donata Lumbrento; and
Luz Abejo.

The Court’s arrest warrant came following an order issued by Judge Medina on August 22, 2019, after finding probable cause that the “accused committed the offense as charged in the amended information”.

No bail was recommended for the 38 accused.

Based on estimates of former rebels and the victims’ relatives, the Inopacan massacre or mass purging, dubbed by the NPA as “Oplan Venereal Disease”, claimed the lives of about 300 residents in Leyte province.

Families of purging victims, during the 12th commemoration of the massacre on September 2, continue to cry for justice for their loved ones who were summarily executed by communist rebels on the suspicion of their ties with the military.

Charges were filed in 2006 after the skeletal remains of 67 victims were exhumed from shallow graves in Subang Daku village, Inopacan town, Leyte on August 28, 2006.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079704

Alleged BIFF leader nabbed in Cotabato City

From MindaNews (Sep 5, 2019): Alleged BIFF leader nabbed in Cotabato City

An alleged leader of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters was arrested Wednesday while recuperating at the Cotabato City Hospital for wounds he reportedly suffered during a military operation against the armed group.

The arrest came after a tip from the Naval Intelligence Security Group-Western Mindanao on the whereabouts of Samad K. Masgal alias Madrox, who is also accused of involvement in illegal drug trade.

Samad Masgal on his hospital bed during his arrest on Wednesday, 4 September 2019. MindaNews photo by FERDINANDH CABRERA
Operatives from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Authority in Region 12 and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao made the arrest in coordination with the city government and police office of Cotabato, police from Midsayap, North Cotabato and the 602nd Infantry Brigade.

Masgal, whose left arm was amputated, did not resist as the PDEA operatives read in front of him his arrest warrant.

He is tagged as a leader of the BIFF, which had reportedly pledged allegiance to the ISIS.

He was allegedly responsible for the killing of two soldiers and a policeman during a joint anti-drugs operation in August 14, 2016 by the PDEA, PNP, Army and Navy.

Eight soldiers were wounded that day. This was followed by an offensive against the BIFF in Nabalawag, Midsayap, North Cotabato.

The operation resulted in the confiscation of 600,000 pesos worth of illegal drugs and paraphernalia.

Madrox is facing illegal possession of explosives, murder, five counts of attempted murder and drug-related cases.

Madrox, 43, has residences in Nabalawag and Bonggo Island in Parang, Maguindanao where he managed to hide from authorities.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2019/09/alleged-biff-leader-nabbed-in-cotabato-city/

MILF Chairman: Representatives from Department of Science and Technology (DOST) XII made a courtesy visit at the Office of the Chief Minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Posted to the MILF Chairman Official Facebook Page (Sep 4, 2019): BARMM COMPOUND (September 5, 2019): The Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB) meets with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister, Ahod "Al Haj Murad" Ebrahim today

The IDB representatives commended the current leadership for its coordination and cooperation all throughout the peace process.

The parties discussed the upcoming decommissioning of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which is scheduled on the 7th of this month.

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CPP/NPA-Western Samar: 63rd IB commanding officer lying; 5 soldiers dead after NPA counter-offensive

NPA-Western Samar propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 5, 2019): 63rd IB commanding officer lying; 5 soldiers dead after NPA counter-offensive

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

NPA-WESTERN SAMAR

ARNULFO ORTIZ COMMAND

SEPTEMBER 05, 2019

The commanding officer of the 63rd Infantry Battalion-Philippine Army, Lt. Col. Rizaldo Laurena, is lying when he claims no soldiers were hurt after a successful counter-offensive by the Arnulfo Ortiz Command (AOC or NPA-Western Samar) against the said AFP troops last September 2.

Five soldiers were killed in the first clash between a unit of the AOC and elements of the 63rd IB at Sitio Rizal, Brgy. Bulao, Basey, Samar at around 7:50AM. According to civilian witnesses, the bodies were brought away on two ambulances.

The actual firefight lasted only lasted for four minutes. The Red fighters had already retreated to safe distance but the mercenary soldiers of the AFP continued to indiscriminately fire their machine gun and grenade launcher for more than 15 minutes.

The AOC condems the costly, anti-people, and destructive military operations of the AFP, the funds of which are better off spent for more productive expenses the poor masses can benefit from. The people are the ones spending for these military operations through the regressive taxation of the reactionary government.

Later that day, at around 2PM, Red fighters of the AOC again encountered a column of AFP troops at Sitio Guinpondoan, Brgy. Cogon.

In both military actions, they were able to immediately regroup and safely retreat without suffering any casualty.

The reactionary soldiers are conducting hot pursuit operations against the AOC after the latter’s victorious harassment (“haras-bomba”) against elements of the 46th IB last August 30 at Purok 1, Brgy. Mabini, Basey, Samar. Two AFP troops were killed in the NPA offensive. According to recent reports, of the four soldiers initially reported wounded, only one is left alive.

Meanwhile, a number of families from Sitio Guinpondoan evacuated to the nearby Sitio Rizal for fear that the fascist AFP troops will retaliate against them, recalling their experience during the reign of the butcher Palparan in 2004-2005.

It can be recalled that after the successful NPA ambush in Brgy. Beri, Calbiga last April against a peace and development team (PDT) of 46th IB, the military killed the captain of the said barangay.

Last August 25, armed men in bonnets believed to be soldiers searched through the house of the barangay captain of Sitio Guinpondoan and of one other resident, without carrying a warrant.#

https://cpp.ph/statement/63rd-ib-commanding-officer-lying-5-soldiers-dead-after-npa-counter-offensive/