Kalinaw News: 10 NPAs surrender in Caraga on Holy Week

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 12, 2020): 10 NPAs surrender in Caraga on Holy Week (By 4th Infantry Division)

Bancasi, Butuan City – Ten (10) CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) belonging to the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) and North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) yielded to government troops under the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade in a series of surrender in Caraga Region during the Holy Week.

Said surrenders composed of five (5) regular CNTs and three (3) Milisya ng Bayan (MB) under Guerilla Front (GF) 4A, NCMRC and two (2) regular CNTs under GF30 and Sentro De Gravidad (SDG), Sub Regional Command (SRC) 2130 under NEMRC surrendered to the elements of 23rd Infantry Battalion in Agusan del Norte and 36th Infantry Battalion in Surigao del Sur under the operation control of the 402nd Infantry Brigade.

The CNTs yielded one (1) M16 Rifle, one (1) M1 Carbine Rifle, one (1) M653 Rifle attached with M203 Grenade Launcher, three (3) caliber .45 Pistols, three (3) caliber .38 Pistols, and one (1) Anti-Personnel Mine (APM).

Alias Jack, Squad Leader, Squad Baking of Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda (SYP) KINGDOM of GF4A, NCMRC, and alias Jelan, MB of SYP KINGDOM, GF4A, NCMRC surrendered last April 6, 2020. They revealed that as they approached the communities for food, they took the opportunity to desert and decided to return to the folds of the law because they didn’t see any reason anymore to continue fighting as corruption and abuse became rampant in their organization.

In an effort to help his comrades who also wanted out of the CNT organization, Alias Jack facilitated the negotiation and surrender of alias Brando, Team Leader of Team Abe, Squad Uno, SYP KINGDOM, GF4A, NCMRC on April 8, 2020 and alias Windel, Political Instructor (PI) of SYP SIKOP, GF 4A, NCMRC on April 9, 2020 to 23IB under Lt Col Francisco L Molina, Battalion Commander.

Meanwhile, on April 07, 2020, four (4) female CNTs surrendered again to 23IB namely: alias Russel, 31 years old, former platoon medic, SDG CAOCAO, GF4A, NCMRC; alias Minchie, 31 years old, former squad medic, SYP SIKOP, GF4A, NCMRC; alias Darlyn, and alias Langlang, 24 years old, both members of Milisya ng Bayan (MB).

In Surigao del Sur, two (2) CNT leaders surrendered to the 36IB troopers led by Lt Col Jeezrel Diagmel, Battalion Commander. They were identified as alias EJ, Team Leader, TM 2, Squad 2, Platoon 2, GF 30, NEMRC, 25 y/o and alias Rex, PG, Sqd 1, SDG, SRC 2130, NEMRC, 23 y/o. They disclosed that their stay in the CNT organization became more miserable when the COVID19 struck the province since their supporters were quarantined.

Since January 2020, there are already a total of forty-eight (48) CNTs who surrendered to the government bringing along with their 21 assorted firearms.

In his statement, Brigadier General Maurito L Licudine, Commander of the 402nd Brigade said, “We are elated that these former CNTs have realized the futility of their armed struggle as we continuously confront the COVID19 pandemic. The continuous surrender of the ranking CNTs and its members proved that the rotten ideology that the CNT is desperately insisting to the Caraganons are irrelevant and unwelcome. These developments manifest the steady weakening and downfall of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) organization”.

Said surrenderers will be validated and enrolled under the government’s reintegration program, the E-CLIP, to give them the opportunity to go back to their normal lives.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/10-npas-surrender-in-caraga-on-holy-week/

Kalinaw News: Army conducts loudspeaker operations and leaflets distribution in Surigao Sur

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 12, 2020): Army conducts loudspeaker operations and leaflets distribution in Surigao Sur (By 4th Infantry Division)



BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur-Camp Jaime N Ferrer Sr., Brgy Maharlika, Bislig City (Stn) – The 75th Infantry “Marauder” Battalion conducted mobile loudspeaker operation and leaflets distribution in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur on April 09, 2020.

In line with the declaration of ceasefire, the government focused its efforts and resources in addressing the pandemic crisis caused by the Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19). The unit conducted loudspeaker operations to exploit the situation in favor of the government and advance the campaign against the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) within the unit Area of Responsibility (AOR). Likewise, the troops distributed fifty (50) pieces of leaflets on Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government and 50 pcs leaflets information on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Army’s loudspeaker operation is instrumental as it conveys factual information reminding the people and the community regarding the importance of taking precautionary measures such as social distancing, staying at home, eating healthy foods, and proper hygiene and sanitation to avoid the spread of COVID-19.

The loudspeaker operation was first employed during the Zamboanga siege and Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, and Marawi siege in 2017 aimed at providing correct information to the people, particularly during the time of crisis.

Further, the loudspeaker operations with the recorded voice message of the former rebel, expressed out that we should all unite and cooperate with the government to overcome the global health crisis that we are facing right now, and to condemn the brutal activities perpetrated by the CNT’s despite of the ceasefire.

Lieutenant Colonel Warren C Munda, Commanding Officer of 75IB, assured the security and safety of the populace in the AOR and strictly implement the mandate of the local Inter-Agency Task Force to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our AOR.

Informing the community of the correct information on how to avoid getting infected from COVID-19 will lessen their worries and fear. Thus, everyone can contribute in preventing the spread of COVID-19 by just staying at home with their families until such time the government will lift the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in the country.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/army-conducts-loudspeaker-operations-and-leaflets-distribution-in-surigao-sur/

Kalinaw News: Ex-NPA couple welcomed their firstborn child

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 12, 2020): Ex-NPA couple welcomed their firstborn child (By 10th Infantry Division)



MALITA, Davao Occidental – Rebel returnee couple @Bornic and @Ing-ing welcomed their firstborn child in the Delivery Section of Malita District Hospital during the celebration of Araw ng Kagitingan last April 09, 2020.

The couple surrendered last February 6, 2020, due to hardship and uncertainty they were facing with the pregnancy of @Ing-ing. They were also wary of the common practice of their communist terrorist organization that the newborn child of NPA couple will be taken away so that they will remain “functional” in the organization. The child will then be given to their contacts to be raised as a future combatant.

According to @Bornick, he will never let his daughter join the communist terrorist. He will teach her to be a god-fearing and a productive citizen of the community. He also added that he would help the government by encouraging his comrades, who were deceived by the communist terrorist, to surrender and to return to the folds of the law.

In her statement, the new mother @Ing-Ing gave her utmost gratitude to the government, especially the 73IB and LGU of Malita and Davao Occidental for their sincere service in taking good care of them. “The government helped us to have a new and brighter life,” she remarked. As my husband said, we will not let the terroristic ideology of the CPP-NPA deceive our daughter. We will pay back the excellent services of our government troops to us by allowing our daughter to grow as a law-abiding citizen of this land, @IngIng promised.

Lt. Col. Ronaldo G. Valdez, 73rd Infantry Battalion Commander, was grateful for the safe delivery of the baby amidst the infectious disease COVID-19.” We hope that the couple, together with their baby, will live their lives peacefully outside of the clutches of the communist terrorist group. The 73rd IB will always be here to assist them in any capacity that we can, Lt. Col. Valdez, ended.





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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/ex-npa-couple-welcomed-their-firstborn-child/

Kalinaw News: NPA disrupts and violates ceasefire agreement

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 12, 2020): NPA disrupts and violates ceasefire agreement
(By 10TH INFANTRY DIVISION)



BAGANGA, DAVAO ORIENTAL – Five (5)members of the New People’s Army (NPA) fired at 67IB troopswhile conducting security patrol and information drive in relation to COVID-19 activities on April 11, 2020, 10:20 in the morning at SitioTagtigbao, Brgy Mahan-ub, Baganga,Davao Oriental persuading the troops to retaliate.

Prior to the encounter, the 67IB troops were having dialogue with the populace of SitioTagtigbaoand SitioCasunugan when one NPA member @RONRON voluntarily surrendered with high-powered firearm to the patrol base Commander of Delta Company, 67IB.Likewise, one of the resident of SitioTagtigbao spilled information that there were presence of NPA who were forcing the civilians to give them a portion of the distributed relief goods from the government. Relatively, @RONRONcorroborated that there were still other members meandering around the area.

Acting on the said information, 2LT JOSEPH S DE LEON (INF) PA, Platoon Leader Alpha Company together with two (2) squads conducted security patrol to validate the said report. After which, the troopswere fired upon by five (5) NPA membersat vicinity SitioTagtigbao, Brgy Mahan-ub, Baganga, DOR. The firefight lasted ten (10) minutes with no casualty on the government side, whereas, the NPAs were unsuccessful and scamperedin southwest direction.

Furthermore, the declaration of the unilateral ceasefire by the government started on March 26, 2020 to address the call of U.N Secretary General Antonio Guterres to focus our efforts and resources in fighting the Pandemic COVID-19. It was clear that what happened was a violation of the said agreement.

“Taliwalasaatongpag-obserbasaSemana Santa, anggibuhatsa NPA nagpamatu-odngadilisilamatinud-anon sakasabutanugwalanilagihataganugbiliangpagpaningkamotsaatonggobyernobatoksapagsugposakrisisngaatonggiatubang. Ilanggipakitaang way ayongaprinsipyougkatuohan, ug mas nagpatigbabawangilangpolitical agenda nagubaonangatonggobyerno. Sadugang pa,angnakapasubopag-ayokay nag-antosnaangkatawhanugnagsaligsaayudasagobyerno, gusto pa ilugonsamgaNPA. Rest assured that despite of concentrating our efforts to combat this Pandemic COVID-19, the 67IB will remain steadfast in fighting the insurgency in the Province of Davao Oriental.”LTC DEMA-ALA, 67IB Commanding Officer.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/npa-disrupts-and-violates-ceasefire-agreement/

Ex-MILF fighters harvest, donate 100 sacks of calamansi for COVID-19 fight in Isulan

From MindaNews (Apr 12, 2020): Ex-MILF fighters harvest, donate 100 sacks of calamansi for COVID-19 fight in Isulan (By BONG S. SARMIENTO)

KORONADAL CITY (MindaNews / 12 April) — The family of a former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighter gave up a chance to earn at least a hundred thousand pesos in this time of COVID-19 pandemic by donating a hundred sacks of calamansi to boost the immune system of people in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat province against the highly contagious novel coronavirus disease.

Patrick Ibrahim Mama, a decommissioned MILF combatant now engaged in farming in Barangay Lagandang, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, said his family could have earned 120,000 pesos from the volume of calamansi that they gave to their municipal and village governments for distribution to their townmates.

Calamansi as additional food aid to boost the immunity system. Photo courtesy of Mr. Patrick Ibrahim Mama’s FB page

“Some buyers called me to buy our calamansi harvest but I turned them down due to the lack of available commercial vitamin C in the local market. Our family decided to donate our produce to help boost the immune system, especially of the people who lost their income due to the COVID-19 health crisis,” the father of two children told MindaNews by phone.

Calamansi, a citrus fruit endemic to the Philippines, is a rich natural source of vitamin C.

Due to the high demand for vitamin C, prices of calamansi soared to P1,000 to P1,200 per sack from P400 to P500 before the coronavirus pandemic became a household name for Filipinos, Mama said.

A sack of calamansi usually weighs from 28 to 30 kilograms, he said.

The 36-year-old Mama said the calamansi was harvested by MILF members and civilians affected by the COVID-19 lockdown in the area.

“They were paid 70 pesos per sack by our family,” he added.

Harvest time took only a day last week because of the availability of workers idled by the lockdown.

Mama said he went out to work with the harvesters.

As MILF members, Mama stressed that the donated calamansi is “also our contribution to the health crisis that we should altogether address as one no matter our status in life.”

Patrick Ibrahim Mama (left) delivers donation of calamansi to one of the villages in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat. Photo courtesy of Mr. Mama’s FB page

Mama revealed that his elder sister, Bai Ali Mama Guerra, instructed him to harvest the calamansi in their 10.7 hectare farm.

Bai Ali is the wife of Engr. Eduard, Guerra, the Minister of Public Works and Highways of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The minister donated another 91 sacks of calamansi for distribution to various localities in the Bangsamoro region – Maguindanao, Cotabato City and North Cotabato villages that have joined the BARMM.

Lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, BARMM spokesperson and also Minister of the Interior and Local Government, said the calamansi donation was repacked by volunteers at the operation center of the Bangsamoro Inter-Agency Task Force for COVID-19 in Cotabato City.

“The calamansi is our substitute for commercial vitamin C to boost the immunity of our constituents,” he said.

Mama said the 100 sacks donated for Isulan town, which is outside BARMM, were his family’s share for being the caretaker of the Guerra couple’s calamansi farm.

“Bahala ka na anong gagawin mo sa parte nyo (It’s up to you what will you do to your share),” he quoted his older sister as telling him.

Before he was deactivated as an MILF fighter, Mama belonged to the First Brigade of the MILF 105th Base Command, which is headed by his brother Nasrullah Mama alias Kumander Stallion.

Nasrullah has also distributed relief goods to some poor families in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao affected by the COVID-19 crisis, Mama said.

According to the Soccsksaragen Region COVID-19 tracker as of 5 p.m. on April 11, Sultan Kudarat has three confirmed COVID-19 cases, including one who died; 27 persons under investigation, with seven currently admitted and 12 on home quarantine and four persons under monitoring presently undergoing home quarantine. (Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2020/04/ex-milf-fighters-harvest-donate-100-sacks-of-calamansi-for-covid-19-fight-in-isulan/

Former rebel shot to death in Calbiga, Samar

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 11, 2020): Former rebel shot to death in Calbiga, Samar (By PIA-8)

TACLOBAN CITY, April 11 (PIA) -- A 30-year-old surrenderee who used to be a member of the Sqd 2, SYP Pltn, FC-SS1, SRC Sesame, EVRPC, and a resident of Brgy, Daligan, Calbiga, Samar, was shot to death on April 9 about 12:23 p.m., by two unidentified perpetrators wearing bonnet mask, at his farm lot about 1.5 kilometers away from the barangay proper.

An incident report coming from the 8th Infantry Division and Police Regional Office 8, stated that the victim, a certain @MARWAN (TN: Ildefonso T Nablo Jr (PSRL) who surrendered to the 46th Infantry Battalion of the 8ID on October 11, 2019 , suffered gunshot wounds on the right portion of his ear, one on his back and right portion of his thigh using suspected cal .45 pistol that resulted to his instantaneous death.

Suspects fled away towards east direction bringing along one cal .45 pistol and a bag with cash inside owned by the victim.

The PRO-8 said the remains of the victim was brought to the Calbiga Rural Health Unit for post mortem examinations.

RCSP Team from 46th IB, 8ID deployed in Brgy. Daligan immediately responded to the place of the incident.

The Calbiga Municipal Police together with Intel operatives of 46th IB, 8ID are now conducting investigation to identify the perpetrators and the possible motives for the crime. (PIA8)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1038690

Ilokano News: Soldado, tumulong a mangipatungpal ti annuroten iti ECQ

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 12, 2020): Ilokano News: Soldado, tumulong a mangipatungpal ti annuroten iti ECQ (By Freddie G. Lazaro)

SAN FERNANDO CITY, Abril 12 (PIA) - - Umabot ti 195 a grupo dagiti kameng iti 7th Infantry Division (7ID) iti Philippine Army ti naideploy kadagiti naaramid nga Enhanced Quarantine Assistance Stations (EQAS) iti akin-amianan a paset ti Luzon tapno adda katulongan dagiti polis ken frontliners a mangipatungpal kadagiti annuroten iti Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).

Kinuna ni Major Amado Gutierrez, agdama a pannakangiwat ti 7ID iti army, a dagiti tropada a naideploy ket buklen dagiti regular a kameng ti soldado, reservists ken dagiti kameng iti Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Units (CAFGUs).

Nainget ti pannakaipatungpal ti ECQ iti intero a Luzon babaen iti pammilin ni President Rodrigo Roa Duterte kadagiti kameng iti nabuangay nga Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF-EID) tapno malapdan iti panagwaras ti sakit a Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19).

“Nakadeploy dagiti tropami kadagiti EQAS nga adda iti probinsia ti Rehion 1, ken 3; iti probinsia ti Abra; iti ili ti Besao ken Tadian iti Mountain Province; ken iti ili ti Alfonso Castañeda iti Nueva Viscaya, kuna ni Gutierrez.

Tumultulong daytoy maysa a reservist a mangkita ti passes ti umili a sumrek ti tiendaan iti siudad ti San Fernando, La Union kabayatan ti nainget a pannakaipatungpal iti Enhanced Community Quarantine tapno malapdan ti panagwaras ti sakit a Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). (Ladawan ni FGL,PIA1)

Tumulong met dagiti nabati a soldado kadagiti amin a unit ti 7ID nga agideliber ti relief packs para kadagiti naka-ECQ iti probinsia ti Bulacan, Nueva Ecija ken Pangasinan. Dagitoy tallo a probinsia a masakupan ti 7ID ti maibilang a kadduan ti kaso iti COVID-19.

Kalaksidan ti itutulongda iti EQAS, tumulong pay dagiti soldado a mangipaay ti seguridad kadagiti mapan agiwaras ti Social Amelioration Program (SAP) kadagiti nasulinek barangay a masakupan ti 7ID.

Kinuna met ni Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya iti Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) iti interbiuna, kabayatan ti ‘Laging Handa Network Briefing’ idi Sabado, a dakkel ti tulong dagiti soldado iti kapolisan para iti naanayas a pannakaipatungal ti ECQ.

Inyuswat ti Philippine Information Agency (PIA) ti ‘Laging Handa Network Briefing,’ a pagserbian a kas host ni Secretary Ruperto Martin Andanar iti Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), tapno direkta a maammuan ken masungbatan ti amin a problema dagiti opisial ti lokal a gobierno iti pagilian kabayatan ti ECQ.

Mabuya ti ‘Laging Handa Network Briefing’ iti inaldaw iti PTV 4, ken iti selpon wenno kompuiter babaen iti facebook live manipud alas-8 aginggana iti alas-9 iti bigat; ken mangngegan iti Radyo Pilipinas ken kadagiti naduma-duma nga estasion ti radio iti intero a Pilipinas. (JCR/FGL,PIA-1)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1038774

Gov't soldiers teach ex-rebels farming methods

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 12, 2020): Gov't soldiers teach ex-rebels farming methods (By Eldie Aguirre)



FARMING SKILLS. Soldiers belonging to the 73rd Infantry Battalion tend to the crops being raised in a demo farm in Davao Occidental where former rebels are taught farming and animal-raising methods. The training program dubbed by the military as “Bagong Buhay, Bagong Pag-asa" aims to help surrenderers earn a living to sustain their family's needs. (Photo courtesy of 73IB)

DIGOS CITY – Military troops belonging to the Army’s 73rd Infantry Battalion (73IB) have started teaching former rebels the various methods of farming and animal raising so that they could earn a living without depending much on financial assistance coming from the government.

Lt. Col. Ronaldo Valdez, 73IB commanding officer, on Saturday said the hands-on training for the rebel returnees aims to enhance their skills in farming and other forms of economic activities.

The training is given under the “Balik-Loob Program” of the government as part of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and through Executive Order 70 of President Rodrigo Duterte which institutionalized a whole-of-nation approach in ending armed conflict in the country.

The farming and animal-raising program dubbed by the military as “Bagong Buhay, Bagong Pag-asa” helps former rebels who have opted to abandon their armed struggle to sustain the needs of their family.

The returnees are taught how to raise their own vegetable farm, chickens, ducks, and even goats inside the “Neutralizer Demo Farm” that serves as their Laboratory Training Center.

The program also involves the active participation of the Provincial Agriculture Office in Davao Occidental and military personnel who know various farming methods.

Aside from the livelihood training, the returnees are also given the opportunity to mingle with villagers and familiarize with their surroundings in order to polish their social skills.

These trainings are specifically directed towards equipping the rebel returnees with enough abilities to make a sustainable living in preparation for their reintegration to the mainstream society.

https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4004111469161356591#editor/target=post;postID=252008743791588972

Army unit produces face shields for front-liners

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 12, 2020): Army unit produces face shields for front-liners (By Ercel Maandig)



FACE SHIELDS. Soldiers under the 10th Forward Service Support Unit (10FSSU) of the Army Support Command of the 4th Infantry Division work to finish the remaining pieces of face shields to be donated to different front-liners in the communities. This is part of their efforts to help contain the spread of Covid-19. (Photo courtesy 10FSSU)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Due to lack of personal protection equipment (PPE) gear for public health front-liners, the 10th Forward Service Support Unit (10FSSU) of the Army Support Command (Ascom) of the 4th Infantry Division (4thID) has sped up its production of PPE such as improvised face shields to help Northern Mindanao in its fight against the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

Lt. Col. Lawrence Aninag, commanding officer of 10FSSU, on Saturday said they were able to manufacture 3,070 face shields as of Thursday (April 9) which were distributed to different communities and organizations in Cagayan de Oro City and its neighboring municipalities.

Among the recipients of the face shields were Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams (BHERTs), Oro Banker Association in Cagayan de Oro, various police units and offices, the Philippine Ports Authority, Philippine Coast Guard-Northern Mindanao District, Camp Evangelista Station Hospital, and various units of 4ID.

Aninag said aside from this, they also plan to distribute around 1,300 additional face shields to front-liners in different areas particularly health workers and security forces.

Soldiers were also working double time to fast track another batch of 1,500 shields to cater to the needs of Army units and civilian health facilities in the 4ID's area of responsibility, which include the Caraga region.

The 10FSSU, which is headquartered in Camp Evangelista in the village of Patag in this city, also produced 200 face masks that were distributed to troops manning quarantine checkpoints.

Maj. Gen. Franco Nemesio Gacal, commander of 4ID, lauded 10FSSU for its initiative.

“What 10FSSU is doing is another proof of the Filipino soldiers' ingenuity, dedication, and intense desire to help our countrymen especially in times of crisis. I hope this will inspire other groups and sectors of our society to contribute whatever they can to our fight against a common enemy, the Covid-19," Gacal said.

Elsewhere in the region, 4ID units are actively assisting local government units and national and local government agencies in the distribution of food packs, implementation of quarantine measures, and information dissemination among others.

Gacal serves as co- chairman of Northern Mindanao Regional Task Force on Covid-19.

He also commended health workers, volunteers, and other front-liners for their selfless services as the nation scrambles to stop the spread of the pandemic.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1099539

Soldiers give livelihood aid to ex-rebels in Aurora

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 12, 2020): Soldiers give livelihood aid to ex-rebels in Aurora (By Jason De Asis)



BALER, Aurora — The Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry Battalion (91IB) provided livelihood assistance to eight rebel surrenderers in Barangay Calabuanan in this capital town on Saturday.

The livelihood assistance is part of the 91IB’s Enhanced Adopt-a-Barangay Program (Kapwa Ko, Sagot Ko) program.

Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, acting commanding officer of the 91IB, led the distribution of 40 broiler chicks and other poultry supplies to the former rebels as aid amid the health crisis brought by the threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

“In times of crisis, the act of giving we call 'bayanihan' is innate to us all Filipinos. Being able to extend even a little out of whatever we have to our less fortunate 'kababayans' give a feeling of joy in our hearts,” Rubio said.

Col. Andrew D. Costelo, commander of the 703rd Infantry Brigade, said the effort of the 91IB is not just finding a way to provide food for the needy people, including the former rebels, but to let them engage in livelihood activities that will open opportunities in the future.

“As we commemorate Black Saturday, let the undertaking be a reminder that it is our responsibility not just to give fish to the least of our brethren but to teach everyone as well how to fish,” Costelo said.

Brig. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, commander of the 7th Infantry "Kaugnay" Division, lauded the initiative of the 91IB in giving hope to people in dire need to make both ends meet.

He said that although small, the livelihood starter package lights the way for brighter days ahead “as we often hear and say that it is always better to light one small candle than to stumble in the dark,” Rosario said.

The 91IB launched the enhanced Adopt-a-Barangay program last April 4 by distributing 120 food packs to the indigents in Barangay Calabuanan here.

Rubio said the other company under the 91IB will also conduct the same activity at the soonest time to help the communities most affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1099556

Militant farmers' group leader nabbed in Butuan

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 12, 2020): Militant farmers' group leader nabbed in Butuan (By Alexander Lopez)



BAGGED. Joint operatives of the Philippine National Police in Caraga Region and the Armed Forces of the Philippines arrested on Saturday (April 11, 2020) in Bobon, Butuan City, Proceso Torralba, the chair of Unyon sa mga Mag-uuma sa Agusan del Norte or UMAN. The group is tagged as having links to the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New People’s Army. (Photo courtesy of PRO-13 Information Office)

The leader of a farmers’ organization tagged as having links with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), was arrested in a joint operation conducted by the Police Regional Office (PRO)-13 (Caraga) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Saturday.

In a statement, PRO-13 director, Brig. Gen. Joselito T. Esquivel Jr. identified the suspect as Proceso Torralba, the chair of Unyon sa mga Mag-uuma sa Agusan del Norte (UMAN).
Torralba was arrested in the manhunt operation conducted by the elements of PRO-13 Regional Intelligence Unit, Agusan del Norte Police Provincial Office Intelligence Branch, Butuan City Police Station 4, the Mobile Force Company, and operatives from the 42nd Military Intelligence Company of the AFP in Purok 3, Barangay Bobon here.

Esquivel said Torralba was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Fernando R. Fudalan Jr. of the Regional Trial Court Branch 7 in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur last January 30, 2020 for the crime of kidnapping and serious illegal detention.

UMAN, according to the military official, has links with the communist movement under the White Area Committee (Wacom).

“Torralba was among the NPA members who raided the New Tubigon 8th Special Force Company Patrol Base in Purok 1, Barangay New Tubigon, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur last December 19, 2018 and carted away assorted firearms and kidnapped the two AFP cadres,” Esquivel said in the statement.

He commended all the personnel involved in the successful law enforcement operation, saying the arrest was the result of the good relationship between the AFP and Philippine National Police (PNP) with the active support of the community.

Esquivel also urged the remaining NPA rebels in the area to surrender, avail of the programs being offered by the government and start renewed lives.

“Together, let us put an end to this local communist armed conflict to attain long and lasting peace in Caraga Region,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1099568

Army lauds private groups’ support to front-liners in Butuan

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 12, 2020): Army lauds private groups’ support to front-liners in Butuan (By Alexander Lopez)



PARTNERSHIP AMID CRISIS. A staff from fast-food chain Chowking in Butuan City turns over lunch packs to Army personnel for distribution to front-liners at quarantine checkpoints in Butuan City. 402nd Infantry Brigade commander, Brig. Gen. Maurito L. Licudine thanked various business establishments for their all-out support to the front-liners. (Photo courtesy of CMO, 402nd Infantry Brigade)

BUTUAN CITY – The Philippine Army lauded the efforts of private groups and establishments in providing support to the front-liners who risk their lives in the fight against the spread of 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in the city.

In a statement on Friday (April 10), 402nd Infantry Brigade (402nd IBde) commander, Brig. Gen. Maurito L. Licudine expressed gladness over the all-out support given by various business establishments to the front-liners in the area.

“We are in awe of the support that our front-liners are receiving right now. We express gratitude to them especially on their trust in forging a partnership with the Army to deliver support to our front-liners. Indeed, in unity there is strength,” Licudine said.

He added that such an act of kindness and unconditional support has made the front-liners’ jobs lighter and boosted their morale to continue performing their tasks to help stop the spread of Covid-19 pandemic.

On Thursday (April 9), the fast-food chain Chowking in Butuan City partnered with the 402nd IBde in the distribution of meals to the front-liners manning the quarantine checkpoints in the city.

A total of 120 lunch-time meals were distributed specifically in the control points in Barangays Pigdaulan, Bit-os and Bancasi in Butuan City.

“Private business groups are recognizing the heroism and sacrifices of our front-liners. We thank them for the support,” Licudine said.

In the same statement on Friday, the 402nd IBde quoted Jenn Hyacint Claro, area manager of Chowking in Butuan City as saying that the move is part of the restaurant’s corporate social responsibility amid the crisis that the people of Butuan is facing.

Claro also recognized the sacrifices and dedication of the front-liners, especially in their efforts to contain the spread of the dreaded Covid-19.

She added that Chowking, through the Jollibee Group Foundation’s Food Aid Program, has been coordinating with public and private organizations for the efficient distribution system of food for the front-liners.

“The Jollibee Group is one with them in this fight and we hope that through our food support, we can fuel their heroic efforts. We are more than grateful for what they are doing for our countrymen. We thank our Covid-19 front-liners from the bottom of our hearts,” Claro said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1099521

NPA attack on Army troops clear violation of truce deal: guv

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 12, 2020): NPA attack on Army troops clear violation of truce deal: guv



Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang (PNA Fiie photo)

DAVAO ORIENTAL – Governor Nelson Dayanghirang on Sunday said the recent attack of New People’s Army (NPA) on Army soldiers in Baganga town here is a clear manifestation of their reputation as terrorists and anti-people amid the coronavirus 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

"What they did was a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement. While the government is at the thick of implementing measures to combat COVID-19, they still manage to do such acts,” Dayanghirang said.

He added that the violent attack on of five NPA members who open fired at soldiers belonging to the 67th Infantry Battalion while conducting security patrol at Barangay Mahan-ub on April 11 is a lesson learned that the government must no longer talk or make arrangements with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and NPA.

He said putting an end to the negotiations with communist terrorists has been the stand of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) that he chairs.

Regardless of what transpired, he said the government, especially the local government, will continue to ensure the welfare of the people of Davao Oriental.

“The government will not be stopped in its efforts to protect the people from these terrorists and even from the invisible enemy – the dreaded Covid-19,” he said.

The military troops were reportedly in the barangay to respond to residents’ reports that they were being forced by the armed communists to give them some of the relief goods given to them by the government.

A 10-minute firefight ensued between the soldiers led by 2nd Lieutenant Joseph de Leon and the NPA group There was no casualty on the government side while the NPA rebels scampered and managed to escape.

Earlier, an NPA member identified only as Ron Ron voluntarily surrendered and yielded his high-powered firearms to the military. He confirmed the presence of his comrades in the sitios Tagtigbai and Casunugan.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Louie Dema-ala, commanding officer of the Army’s 67 Infantry Battalion, urged everyone to work together in fighting Covid-19.

"We should all cooperate and give all our support to help end this pandemic. Rest assured that we will remain steadfast in fighting insurgency in the province while battling Covid-19," he added. (Davao Oriental PIO)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1099588

Defense chief offers message of hope amid these trying times

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 12, 2020): Defense chief offers message of hope amid these trying times (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Sunday thanked all Filipinos for cooperating and working hard to contain the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) and expressed confidence that the pandemic will be beaten soon.

Lorenzana issued the statement as the Catholic faithful celebrate Easter Sunday, hoping the message of the resurrection of Jesus Christ will continue to give hope even in the most trying times.

"As Easter Sunday culminates the Lenten season, we join our Catholic faithful in remembering Christ's triumph over death,” he said in his Easter Sunday message. “His resurrection and ascension to glory reminds us of the dawning of a new day brimming with hope, especially amid the suffering and challenges brought on by the pandemic we are now facing.”

He said Easter Sunday is as good a time as any “to deepen our faith and become bearers of light for our fellowmen”.

"May the Easter Gospel also inspire us to reach out to those in need, remember to be compassionate as Christ had been, and take heart that we shall triumph against this disease," he added.

Promise of hope

Meanwhile, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff, Gen. Felimon T. Santos Jr. said the celebration of Easter Sunday "is a promise of hope".

"Christ is risen! This is the promise of hope throughout mankind as we celebrate Easter Sunday. I join the entire Christian faithful in celebrating this glorious day ever mindful of the promise of our risen Savior that we will all conquer whatever crisis and troubles that befall us. This is especially true as we continue the fight against Covid-19, and with this promise, we will prevail," he said.

While admitting that the country is now in a difficult battle, Santos said resurrection and faith bring message to every Filipino that nothing is impossible.

"Now is the time to renew our strengths and share it with the afflicted and the uncertain, for we are all in this together and we will heal as one," he added.

Santos said the AFP will continue to stand side by side with the country's medical personnel, adding that some 250 military doctors, nurses and medical aides are now also deployed in the patient care centers.

Aside from medical personnel, the AFP also deployed 16,000 troops to support the National Task Force Covid-19's enforcement of community quarantine measures.

"As we are again reminded of our collective sacrifices, we continue to ask for the public's cooperation, support, and patience in our fight and triumph against this pandemic. If the risen Christ be for us, then who or what can be against us? We are assured by His promise and we will prevail," Santos said.

Covid-19 like crown of thorns

For his part, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Archie Gamboa said Covid-19 pandemic is like a crown of thorns that the world has to bear as the global coronavirus death toll has reportedly surpassed 101,000 mark.

“Our nation and world’s fight against Covid-19 this Holy Week made us suffer with God, made the world feel the Crown of Thorns and made us admit our weaknesses, ask for forgiveness and forgive our fellow men,” Gamboa said in a statement.

Gamboa urged the Filipinos to strengthen their faith that God will protect the nation and the whole world from the deadly coronavirus.

“Let us have faith that like Jesus, we are all experiencing His passion, pain and death,” he said.
“Let us help the marginalized who struggle to survive the heat inside their shanties while parting the assistance given to them throughout this quarantine period; let us share the pain of being hungry, the pain of not being able to work or being laid-off from work, the pain of losing businesses, the pain of losing loved-ones from Covid-19 and the pain of its impact in our livelihood, our economy and our physical and mental health.”

He also called for support and prayer for the front-liners, especially the health workers and law enforcers.

“Let us take part in our own 40 days of passion by staying at home while praying and supporting our last line of defense -- the medical health workers together with all the front-liners including the men and women of the PNP and AFP who are all heroes in this battle, who risk their lives, being away from their families -- to save lives. Let us heed the call of government to stop fomenting panic, hatred and confusion by propagating disinformation,” he said. (with reports from Christopher Lloyd T. Caliwan/PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1099533

No Red territories thus, no AFP incursion into ‘guerrilla zones'

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 12, 2020): No Red territories thus, no AFP incursion into ‘guerrilla zones' (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Southern Luzon Command chief, Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade, Jr. (PNA File photo)

Given that communist rebels do not control any territory in the country, there is no truth to their claims that military units conducted a series of operations in so-called "guerilla zones" in violation of the unilateral truce declared in the wake of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) outbreak.

Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) chief, Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade, Jr., was reacting to Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA)'s publication of an infographic and database in their website, www.cpp.ph, on alleged counter-insurgency operations conducted by government troops from March 17 to April 6.

The report posted on April 10 listed 146 barangays, 81 municipalities or cities, and 24 provinces that were purportedly subjected to various types of military operations including aerial surveillance, bombings, raids, military presence, and attack on civilians.

"We deny that AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) forces have been operating in guerilla zones. The CPP-NPA cannot claim any territory in the Philippines, much less assume that the barangays mentioned are within their control," Parlade said Sunday.

He said government troops have been doing Community Support Programs in these barangays and the encounters occurred because the people would not want the NPA terrorists in their communities.

“We heeded the people's clamor to defend them from terrorist attacks,” he said, adding that instructions to AFP personnel are clear and that is to respect the ceasefire but in the same vein they will not allow these communist terrorists to harm and attack peaceful communities.

He added that even as the military is performing our mandate to help contain Covid-19, instructions are clear not to be complacent of treacherous bandits.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte earlier declared a unilateral ceasefire effective March 19 to April 15 to focus on Covid-19 containment efforts. The CPP-NPA reciprocated by declaring its own truce starting March 26 to April 15.

"NPA-Quezon’s so-called Apolonio Mendoza Command spokesperson Cleo Del Mundo, in a statement posted on www.cpp.ph on April 7, criticized the AFP’s alleged unilateral ceasefire violations in Quezon. According to Del Mundo, the alleged attacks by the Army’s 85th and 59th IB (Infantry Battalion) in Quezon have been long ongoing even before the unilateral ceasefire declaration. She further alleged that the AFP has intensified operations in the guerilla zones instead of using its resources in assisting those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic," he said.

Parlade, who is also a member of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, said the CPP-NPA does not have any territory and cannot fault the military for doing its mandate of defending communities that do not want communist terrorists in their midst.

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

"How will they explain the foiled attacks in Rodriguez, Rizal; Gumaca; and Mulanay, Quezon; and the attack of soldiers in Iloilo? At a time when the entire nation and our economy is barely coping with this dreaded virus, you attack our front-liners, during the Holy Week? Where is your heart? What kind of savages are you?" he added.

He challenged communist rebels to explain their use of "improvised explosive devices" (IEDs) in Llavac, Real, Quezon and Calbiga, Samar saying it does not support their claims that it was done "to help the people from Covid-19 thru alternative medicine."

"Tell you what, Ms. Cleo Del Mundo and your cohorts in Samar? If your NPAs are hungry because food cannot reach you due to the ECQ (enhanced community quarantine), you don't have to extort rice as you did with relief goods intended for the people of Balangiga, Eastern Samar. Your NPAs attacked JTF CV (Joint Task Force Covid-19 Shield personnel distributing relief in Aroroy, Masbate on Good Friday," Parlade said.

He said they can just ask nicely and starving NPA regulars and their allies will be given food as Filipino soldiers are not mindless and heartless beasts.

"Just ask and you shall be given. Remember the rescue of three people buried for nine days in Repador, Real, during Typhoon 'Winnie' in November 2004? My SF(Special Forces) Battalion tasked to rescue those people and bring relief, (even) gave relief (goods) to your own NPA fighters who survived in Real and Infanta, Quezon. That's not propaganda. That's reality (is) well written in the annals of Quezon's history. The point is that we are not beasts who will attack you when you are vulnerable. We are human beings," Parlade said.

With the entire country suffering from the effects of Covid-19, he said now is not the time for the CPP-NPA to come out with their "cheap propaganda and tactical maneuvers.

Such actions will only alienate them further from the Filipino people, he added.

"So, my only hope is for all stooges of (CPP founder) Jose Maria Sison to wait until this crisis is over before conducting your attacks. Meantime, spare us these critical moments to concentrate on fighting this Covid-19. As we speak, your AFP with the local government units are already crafting an Economic Recovery Strategy to help poor farmers, peasants, and fisherfolks recover from the hit we’re getting from this Covid-19-induced economic slump,” he said.

He urged communists to sit down with the government for solutions.

“Let us all work together to cushion the impact of this pandemic," Parlade said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1099586