Kalinaw News: NPA team leader surrenders, yields firearms to Army’s 44IB

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 4, 2020): NPA team leader surrenders, yields firearms to Army’s 44IB (By 1st Infantry Division)



ZDS – A Team Leader of the New People’s Army surrendered to 44th Infantry Battalion in Lower Baluran, Imelda, Zamboanga Sibugay, Monday afternoon, May 4, 2020.

The NPA was identified as Jonar Balase Penote alyas Jonas, of Team Abe, Squad 1, Guerilla Front Feleciano Alpha (GF Flex-A) , Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC).

Penote yielded his one AK47 assault rifle, one caliber .45 pistol and one magazine.

Penote decided to lay down his arms upon knowing that his former comrades who’ve
already surrendered to the unit are now living better lives together with their families.

“I’ve longed to be with my family again, live a simple and normal life, without fear and away from danger,” Penote said in local dialect.

“Inspite of our ongoing offensives to thwart the NPA terrorist and their extortion activities in hinterland communities, the unit has maintained its doors open for those who wish to return to the folds of law,” said Lt Col Don Templonuevo, Commanding Officer, 44IB.

Meanwhile, Col Leonel Nicolas, Commander, 102nd Infantry Brigade, pledged to facilitate his enrollment to the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

“The series of tactical advantages we have gained for the past month against these terrorist groups in Zamboanga Peninsula paved way for a demoralized members who seek help and refuge to our soldiers,” Col. Nicolas said.

Early morning today, combined troops of the 97 and 42IB engaged the NPAs in Siayan Zamboanga del Norte and recovered an M60 machine gun and other war materiel.

On his part, Maj General Generoso “Gene” Ponio, Commander, 1st Infantry Division was delighted and welcomed the return of Penote to the mainstream society.

“Penote will be part of the growing number of victims of NPA’s deception that once again chose to live a normal life” said Maj General Ponio.

“I urge the remaining NPA members to follow the path of your comrades who chose to surrender and be with their families in these challenging times. They need you more on this Covid-19 crisis”, added MGen Ponio.

[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-team-leader-surrenders-yields-firearms-to-armys-44ib/

Anti-Red group leader shot dead

From the Visayan Daily Star (May 4, 2020): Anti-Red group leader shot dead

A leader of an anti-communist group died after he was shot by an unidentified gunman in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, yesterday.

The victim identified by the police as Vivencio Aguilar, president of KADRE (Kilusan at Alyansa ng mga Dating Rebelde), an ant-communist group in Negros island, succumbed to a gunshot wound in the head.

Aguilar was sitting inside his tricycle in Brgy. 2, San Carlos City, when the gunman approached and shot him in the head, Maj. Mark Angelo Junco, San Carlos City police officer-in-charge, said.

The gunman casually walked away from the crime scene and boarded a waiting motorcycle, the San Carlos City police said.

Junco said witnesses heard two gunshots from the crime scene.

Police probers said Aguilar died on the spot. They are still trying to establish the motive of the killing.

The victim was also reported to be a confidential agent of the PNP.

Meanwhile, two motorcycle riding suspects were also tagged by the police as behind the killing on Saturday of Mariano Salazar, who was reported to be a bodyguard of prominent individuals, in Sitio Cabubuan, Brgy. Pilar, Hinigaran, Negros Occidental.

The Hinigaran police said Salazar, 60, was on his way home from Sitio Tanulo in Brgy. Pilar to Pantalan Daan in Brgy. 1 Poblacion, Hinigaran, when he was shot twice by an unidentified gunman, who was riding in a motorcycle.

Salazar died on the spot, the police said.

Recovered from the scene of incident were a .45 caliber STI International pistol with three magazines containing 23 ammunition, a folding knife, a cellular phone and two fired cartridges of a .45 caliber pistol.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2020/May/04/topstory3.htm

Troops clash with NPA rebels in Zambo Norte

From the Mindanao Examiner (May 4, 2020): Troops clash with NPA rebels in Zambo Norte

Troops clashed with communist rebels on Monday in Zamboanga del Norte’s Siayan town, but there were no reports of casualties, officials said.

Officials said the clash broke out in Pange village after members of the 97th and 42nd Infantry Battalions ran into a group of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the area.

The fighting lasted 45 minutes, according to Lt. Col. Manaros Boransing, commander of the 97th Infantry Battalion, who estimated the number of gunmen at around 40.

He said soldiers recovered one M60 machine gun, three improvised explosives, magazines, ammunition and medical supplies, including anti-government propaganda. (Zamboanga Post)

https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2020/05/troops-clash-with-npa-rebels-in-zambo.html

Pro-ISIS militants kill 2 soldiers in Maguindanao

From the Mindanao Examiner (May 4, 2020): Pro-ISIS militants kill 2 soldiers in Maguindanao

Two army soldiers were killed and another was wounded in fierce clashes with pro-ISIS militants in the town of Datu Hoffer in the restive province of Maguindanao in southern Philippines, officials said Monday.

Officials said the Sunday fighting erupted in the village called Talibadok after members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters attacked patrolling soldiers and sparking a firefight.

“An exchange of gunfire ensued which lasted for 45 minutes with the government incurring two killed and one wounded in action, while undetermined on the enemy side. Battle casualties were immediately extricated and evacuated to the nearest hospital,” said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, chief of the military’s Western Mindanao Command.

“We are deeply saddened by the report that two of our brave soldiers were killed in action while performing their duties for the good of humanity. We will make sure that these terrorists, who are obviously desperate to strike back during this time when we are all working to defeat the corona virus, will pay for their treacherous acts,” he added.

Sobejana ordered security forces to track down the gunmen, whose leaders have pledged allegiance with ISIS and is now fighting for the establishment of a caliphate in the troubled region. (Mindanao Examiner)

https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2020/05/pro-isis-militants-killed-2-soldiers-in.html

4ID honors fallen hero in Patikul, Sulu

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 4, 2020): 4ID honors fallen hero in Patikul, Sulu (By LTC Xerxes A Trinidad)

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City, May 4 – The 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, Philippine Army honors a fallen hero who paid the ultimate sacrifice during an encounter with the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Barangay Danag, Patikul, Sulu.

His remains were temporarily held at Headquarters, 4ID, Camp Evangelista, Patag, Cagayan de Oro City last April 27 prior to transport to Heroes’ Cemetery or known as “Libingan Ng Mga Bayani” in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Our young brave hero was a native of Kibawe, Bukidnon and the eldest son in his family.

Late Cpl Premark Vallecer was assigned with the 21st Infantry Battalion of the 11th Infantry Division, Philippine Army giving service to the Filipino people in Southern Mindanao area particularly in Patikul, Sulu. (4ID)

The late Cpl Premark Vallecer was assigned with the 21st Infantry Battalion of the 11th Infantry Division, Philippine Army giving service to the Filipino people in Southern Mindanao area particularly in Patikul, Sulu.

He was one of the 11 soldiers who offered their lives protecting the community against the ASG during a fierce firefight which lasted for an hour in the hinterlands of Sitio Lubong, Barangay Danag, Patikul, Sulu last April 17, 2020.

Mauro Vallecer, the father, said in his humble tone, “dako among pasalamat sa mga sundalo sa 4ID kay wala jud mi nila pasagdi. Gikan sa among balay paingun sa airport ila jud ming giatiman bisan ug dili sa 4ID na-assign akong anak (We are thankful to the soldiers of 4ID for taking care of us and for facilitating our safe travel from our home going to the airport. We truly appreciate their efforts considering that our son was not from the said division). We agreed to let his remains be buried in the Heroes’ Cemetery even though it will be hard for the family to visit him because it was his (Premark) wish even before he entered the military service.”

MGen Franco Nemesio Gacal, Commander of 4ID, expressed his sincerest condolences to the bereaved family and assured them that their son, late Cpl Premark Vallecer, is a hero for his selfless service to God, country, and the Filipino people.

"The diamond troopers mourn the loss of a young brother, a noble soldier, whose actions in the field serve as an inspiration to all of us. In a simple but meaningful way, we offer our final salute and honor his deeds," Gacal ended.

The cargo plane C-295 of the Philippine Air Force airlifted the remains of late Cpl Premark Vallecer from Laguindingan International Airport to Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, Manila. (LTC Xerxes Trinidad/4ID)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1040824

65 CTG members surrender in Caraga

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 4, 2020): 65 CTG members surrender in Caraga (By PNP Caraga)

Police Brigadier General Joselito T. Esquivel, Jr., regional director of Philippine National Police (PNP) Caraga, reported that for the period January 1 until April 30 of this year, a total of 65 members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) decided to abandon the armed struggle and returned to the fold of the law, seeking for a peaceful and meaningful life.

Of the total number of surrenderers, 26 have surrendered to the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) 13 while 39 others surrendered to the different Provincial Police Offices in the region.

The region’s top cop said that for the month of January 2020, a total of 16 former rebels surrendered, 22 in February, eight in March and another 19 in April.

PBGen. Esquivel welcomed the former rebels adding that they have made the right decision of taking the path towards real peace.

“Most of the surrenderers were on so much hunger and distress at the time of their surrender and claimed that they were enticed to join the armed struggle in exchange for helping their family, but realized that nothing they said was true,” said PBGen. Esquivel, Jr.

“The increasing number of CPP-NPA surrenderors is attributed to the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of Duterte administration which provides firearm remuneration, immediate cash assistance, and livelihood assistance to all former rebels and Militia ng Bayan members,” the region’s top cop added.

PBGen. Esquivel continues to urge all active members of the CTG to surrender to the government, join their family, and become a productive member of the society.

He added that a brighter future is ahead for all those who were once deceived by the extortionist and terrorist group but would decide to abandon the armed struggle. (PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)



https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1040891

Citizens’ info signals gunfight; explosives, high powered firearms seized in Pinabacdao

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 4, 2020): Citizens’ info signals gunfight; explosives, high powered firearms seized in Pinabacdao (By 46IB, 8ID PA)


CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City, May 4 -- Elements of the 46th Infantry (Peacemakers) Battalion, Philippine Army encountered more or less five CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) believed to be under the rebel group of certain alias PILO in Brgy. Magdawat, Pinabacdao, Samar on May 4, 2020 at 5:05 a.m.

In a report from Lt. Col. Rhomel R. Langcauon, commanding officer of the 46IB, the troops were conducting security operations while confirming the veracity of the information relayed by the locals on the presence of armed individuals harassing the community when they chanced upon the said rebels passing in the area.
A 5-minute firefight ensued that resulted to the recovery of two M16 rifles with one plastic short magazine with 20 ammunition; two backpacks and personal belongings; one bandolier with one long plastic magazine with 16 ammunition; four improvised hand grenades; one Improvised Explosive Device (IED) approximately weighing 10 kilograms; one unserviceable binocular; and subversive documents.



The seized war materiel were brought to H46IB for proper documentation and disposition.

No reported injured on the government side while an undetermined casualty on the enemy based on the bloodstains on their way of withdrawal.

In his message, Col. Camilo Z. Ligayo, 801st Brigade commander said, “The commitment of the people of Pinabacdao is a response to the serious campaign of the different government agencies in ending this local armed conflict through Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC) which serves as leading example to other communities.”

The plight of the security forces alongside the support of the community and agencies is in full drive for a better advancement of the peoples’ lives, Ligayo concluded. (46IB, 8ID PA)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1040885

Ex-NPA fighter leads Army to rebels’ buried guns in NoCot

From the Philippine News Agency (May 4, 2020): Ex-NPA fighter leads Army to rebels’ buried guns in NoCot (By Edwin Fernandez)



BURIED FIREARMS. Soldiers belonging to the Army’s 72IB dig up the firearms and anti-personnel mine concealed by communist New People’s Army rebels with the help of a former NPA fighter in Antipas, North Cotabato on Sunday (May 3, 2020). The war materiel (inset) were separately buried in the forests of far-flung Barangays Camutan and Magsaysay in the municipality. (Photo courtesy of 72IB)

A former communist rebel led military forces to separate locations where the New People’s Army (NPA) buried firearms and explosives in two agricultural villages in Antipas, North Cotabato, the military here said Monday.

Lt. Nikko Tarayao, civil-military operations chief of the Army’s 72nd Infantry Battalion (72IB), said the former NPA member under Guerrilla Front 53 who earlier surrendered to the military pinpointed the location of the rebels’ war materiel in remote Barangays Camutan and Magsaysay of Antipas.

The firearms recovered on Sunday include two M-16 rifles, an M-79 grenade launcher, an anti-personnel mine, magazines of ammunition, all in Barangay Camutan; and two other M-16 rifles in Barangay Magsaysay.

“The number of NPA rebels is dwindling as attested by the surrenderer due to the reduced number of locals supporting the movement,” Tarayao said.

Tarayao quoted the former rebel as saying that more communist guerillas who are tired of fighting the government and unfulfilled promises of a good life by NPA leaders, are expected to yield soon.

He said the recovered rifles and explosives are now in the custody of 72IB while the NPA surrenderer is still undergoing debriefing as he is being prepared for reintegration into the mainstream society.

The Army official urged other NPAs still in the mountains to come down, surrender their firearms and live normal lives with their families.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1101757

Westmincom fetes 4 officers, soldier for meritorious feat

From the Philippine News Agency (May 4, 2020): Westmincom fetes 4 officers, soldier for meritorious feat (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)



MERITORIOUS. Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command (center), leads the awarding of medal to four officers and an enlisted man for meritorious accomplishment on Saturday (May 2, 2020) at the headquarters of the Army's 102nd Infantry Brigade in Barangay Sanito, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. Looking on is Col. Leonel Nicolas, commander of the 102 Infantry Brigade (right). (Photo courtesy of the Westmincom Public Information Office)

The Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) has awarded medals to four officers and an enlisted man for their meritorious accomplishment and gallantry in the maintenance of law and order in the Zamboanga Peninsula area.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Westmincom, led the awarding of medals during his visit Saturday to the headquarters of the Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade in Barangay Sanito, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Conferred with Medal of Gawad sa Kaunlaran (Award in Development) were First Lieutenants Kevin Polon and Vincent June Pabonita of the Army’s 10th Infantry Battalion.

Awarded with Silver Cross Medal were Lt. Col. Don Templonuevo and 1Lt. Jestoni Labarosa of the 44th Infantry Battalion while Pfc. Rey Tenajeros of the 97th Infantry Battalion was conferred with a Military Merit Medal.

“Let me take this opportunity to congratulate the officers, men, and women of the 102nd Infantry Brigade for the series of successful combat operations,” Sobejana said during his visit in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.

The Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade has sustained its focused military operation against the New People’s Army (NPA) in its area of operation amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) crisis.

“We have to sustain our gains and our efforts. We should not limit only to combat operations, there are a lot of things to be done so that this area will become peaceful and tranquil, and conducive for business development,” Sobejana said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1101739

2 kidnappers killed in Tawi-Tawi clash

From the Philippine News Agency (May 4, 2020): 2 kidnappers killed in Tawi-Tawi clash (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)



Google map of Tandubas municipality, Tawi-Tawi province.

Two alleged kidnap-for-ransom-group (KFRG) members who had ties with the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) were killed in a firefight with joint military and police forces in Tawi-Tawi, officials said Monday.

Col. Arturo Rojas, Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi commander, said the firefight happened Sunday in Barangay Taruk, Tandubas, Tawi-Tawi.

Rojas said the troops were conducting law enforcement operation when they chanced upon a group of KFRG gunmen in Barangay Taruk, Tandubas.

Rojas said the firefight, which lasted for about 10 minutes, resulted in the death of two KFRG gunmen, after which their companions scampered in different directions.

Rojas said the two slain KFRG gunmen were identified as Jul Haber and Kamsel Ampang.

He said Haber, an ASG and KFRG member, has settled in May 2017 at Sitio Gigipan, Barangay Dungon, Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi.

He said Haber was also engaged in the illegal drug trade in Tandubas together with Odin Masihul, who was killed in an anti-drug operation on November 20 last year in Sitio Pahapatan, Barangay Baldatal Islam, Sapa-Sapa, Tawi-Tawi.

He said the troops have recovered one M-16 rifle with scope; 123 rounds of 5.56-mm live ammunition; six short alloy magazines of M-16 rifle; three long magazines of M-16 rifle; one rifle grenade; one suspender; one plastic sachet of shabu; and other drug paraphernalia.

The remains of Haber and Ampang were turned over to the Tandubas municipal police station for proper disposition.

“Let us continue to collaborate, fight terrorism and criminalities, and work for peace in the communities,” said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom).

“Congratulations to our Marine troopers and police counterparts for a job well done,” Sobejana added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1101783

North Cotabato assists families displaced by clan war

From the Philippine News Agency (May 4, 2020): North Cotabato assists families displaced by clan war (By Edwin Fernandez)



FRIGHTENING EXPERIENCE. An elderly Moro woman (right) narrates to North Cotabato Governor Nancy Catamco (left) on how she and her family fled to safety when the fighting ignited between the Ambel and Naga clans on April 29, 2020 that resulted to the evacuation of nearly 200 families in Barangays Kilada and Marbel of Matalam town in the province. The governor visited the evacuees on Sunday (May 3, 2020) and is scheduled to meet the elders of the warring clans to settle their decades-old quarrel. (Photo courtesy of North Cotabato PIO)

North Cotabato Governor Nancy Catamco on Sunday distributed relief goods to 910 families displaced by hostilities involving Moro clans locked in a family feud in the interiors of Matalam town.

After receiving briefings from police and military officials, Catamco proceeded on the same day to the villages of Marbel and Kidama in Matalam where the internally-displaced persons (IDPs) converged after they fled their homes when two Moro clans traded bullets in the periphery of Barangay Kilada, Matalam.

After listening to the stories of displaced families, Catamco asked officials of the Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade (Bde) and the North Cotabato police provincial office to ensure the safety of civilians. She also asked both military and police to assist the villagers' return to their communities once normalcy is restored.

Brigadier Gen. Roberto Capulong, 602Bde chief, assured Catamco and the people of Matalam that additional troops have been sent to ensure that conflict will not spill over to other areas.

“Once normalcy is restored, the Army will facilitate the return of affected civilians,” Capulong assured the governor during an interview by reporters.

Colonel Henry Villar, North Cotabato police director, said police peacekeepers have been deployed near the encounter site of the Ambel and Naga clans.

“The fighting area is about three kilometers away from civilian communities,” he told the governor.

Families of Datu Dima Ambel, chair of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in North Cotabato, and Naig Naga of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) had been at war even before the ambush-slay of Councilor Norodin Ambel on April 29 in Barangay Marbel.

Councilor Ambel of Barangay Kilada, who died on the spot in the ambush, is the son of MNLF-Cotabato chair Dima Ambel. With him was Barangay Kilada chairperson Rowena de Leon who was critically injured.

The Ambel-Naga family feud dates back to the early 1990s. As a result of the ongoing conflict, more than 900 families near the areas of the Ambels and the Nagas fled to safer grounds so as not to be caught in the crossfire.

Dayang Naga, a 69-year-old resident of Barangay Marbel, said she has been staying in the evacuation center for three days now together with her two grandchildren.

“Despite the prevailing threat of coronavirus disease 2019 that forced us to stay home, we have no choice but to flee,” she said in the vernacular. “We now have two enemies, bullets and the virus.”

She reminded the affected families in the evacuation sites on the importance of wearing face masks, physical distancing, and eating vegetables and other healthy food to boost their immune system.

The governor is expected to sit down with the elders of warring families for a diplomatic solution to the problem. Guns have been silent in the battlefront as a ceasefire has been in effect since Catamco's visit.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1101769

Pregnant ex-NPA worries on fate of husband left behind

From the Philippine News Agency (May 4, 2020): Pregnant ex-NPA worries on fate of husband left behind (By Alexander Lopez)



RESCUED. Former communist rebel 'Lina' was rescued by the Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion troopers on April 29, 2020 in Barangay Nongnong, Butuan City, after she was abandoned by the New People’s Army. Lina also expressed concern over the fate of her husband, who is still inside the movement. (Photo courtesy of23IB)

A former fighter of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) who was rescued by the Philippine Army expressed concerns over the fate of her husband inside the rebel movement.

“Lina"--not her real name--told the Philippine News Agency on Monday (May 4) that the last time she had a phone conversation with her husband was sometime in March this year.

“Before I was rescued by the Army, I had a phone conversation with one of the companions of my husband. When I asked him on my husband’s whereabouts, he said he did not saw him for more than two weeks,” Lina said.

Lina, who was rescued by the Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion troopers on April 29 in Barangay Nongnong here, said her husband--identified only as “Yao” for security reasons--had been under disciplinary action by the leaders of Guerrilla Front 4A (GF-4A) of the NPA's North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).

“He was accused of wrongdoing he did not commit. The fact was, Yao has been asking that he be allowed to go out to rest but several times he was refused by the leaders,” Lina said.

According to Lina, her husband used to be a team leader but was removed after NPA leaders expressed doubts about his loyalty following his repeated requests to take a break.

Lina said she and Yao were married by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on February 3, 2017. They have two children who were left under the care of Yao’s parents.

Lina was recruited by the NPA at 17 sometime in 2014 in Sta. Rita, San Luis, Agusan del Sur. She was assigned as squad medic for the Guerilla Front 88 (GF-88) until she was transferred to GF-4A before her marriage to Yao in 2017.
On February 5, 2020, Lina said she was brought to a house of a mass supporter in Sitio Bulihon, Barangay Sangay, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. She was six months pregnant then and was advised by the leaders of GF-4A to stay outside the movement.

She said the NPA gave her PHP2,500, half of which she used to pay for the long motorcycle drive to a residence of an NPA supporter.

“My money was not enough to sustain my food and vitamins. Oftentimes, I was ashamed of our mass supporter because he also experienced difficulties in providing food to his family,” Lina said.

On the eight-month of her pregnancy, Lina was transferred to Barangay Nongnong with the purpose of getting her nearer to Butuan City where she would give birth.

Lina said the NPA left no financial assistance for her when she was turned over to another "mass supporter" in Nongnong. Life in Nongnong was more difficult, Lina recalled, as there were times she would only eat cooked bananas.

Aside from the worries she had with her husband, she was also concerned about the situation of her children.

“I want to see and hug them. I have not seen them since 2018,” Lina said, as she broke down and cried.

While staying in Nongnong, her younger sister had been calling to convince her to go back to the fold of the law.

“I’m so tired now. All I want is to see my children. I want to be with them,” Lina said.

1Lt. Roel Maglalang, 23IB civil-military operations officer, said concerned civilians in Nongnong tipped them on the presence of a pregnant NPA rebel in the area.

“The civilians were so concerned about her situation, especially that the lockdown was still in effect and that securing food was difficult then,” Maglalang said in an interview with PNA Monday.

Maglalang added that residents wanted the military to take the pregnant NPA for her own good and for the health of her baby.

Lina said she "felt afraid at first. The NPA leaders said the military will torture us if we are caught. But I have already decided to end my miserable life with the NPA movement. So I went with the military who fetched me in Nongnong."

She said her stay at the “Happy House” inside the headquarters of 23IB is "very different" from what the NPA leaders had warned them about.

“The Army took care of me. They brought me to a doctor to check my condition being pregnant. They also provided me with healthy food, medicines, and vitamins. The NPA leaders are liars. Now I realize the true faces of the Army troopers. Their faces are completely different from what the NPA leaders had told us,” Lina said.

Lt. Col. Francisco Molina, 23IB commander, commended the efforts of the concerned citizens in Barangay Nongnong for ensuring the welfare of Lina and the baby she carries in her womb.

“It is indeed heartwarming that another victim of the CPP-NPA is saved. This pregnant woman, abandoned by her comrades, manifest how the NPA rebels disregard human rights, especially on pregnant women,” Molina said.

He also urged the remaining NPA rebels in Agusan del Norte to "think about their present situation. While you still have the time, please go back to the folds of the law. Go back and be with your family,” Molina said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1101813

PAF plane back in PH with 334 rolls of PPE fabrics from China

From the Philippine News Agency (May 4, 2020): PAF plane back in PH with 334 rolls of PPE fabrics from China (By Priam Nepomuceno)



FABRICS FOR PPE MANUFACTURE. Air Force troops unload rolls of fabric transported from the Xiamen International Airport in China at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Saturday (May 2, 2020). The fabrics were acquired by the Department of Trade and Industry and will be used in manufacturing personal protective equipment for medical front-liners. (Photo courtesy of Air Force Public Affairs Office)

A Philippine Air Force (PAF) Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" cargo plane picked up 334 rolls of fabrics from the Xiamen International Airport in China over the weekend.

In a statement Sunday night, PAF spokesperson Maj. Aristides Galang said the fabrics were procured by the Department of Trade and Industry and will be used in the local manufacture of personnel protective equipment (PPE) sets for medical front-liners engaged in containing the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) outbreak.

The cargo plane left and returned to the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City Saturday.

These fabric rolls weigh around 11,256 kilograms.

PAF medical teams and Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Explosives personnel from the 710th Special Operations Wing were present during the arrival of the C-130 ensuring that all cargoes and personnel aboard the aircraft were subjected to preventive disinfection and decontamination process.

"The PAF pilots and crew dedicated all their skills and efforts to ensure that the much needed medical supplies and other essential equipment are successfully transported. Undoubtedly, their sacrifices are a clear manifestation that the welfare of the Filipino people is their first priority in support of the 'Bayanihan to Heal as One Act'," Galang said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1101741

Navy ship carrying PPE from China to arrive in Davao May 8

From the Philippine News Agency (May 4, 2020): Navy ship carrying PPE from China to arrive in Davao May 8 (By Priam Nepomuceno)



PPE CARGO FROM CHINA. Cargo containers that contain PPE sets are being loaded into the Philippine Navy ship BRP Bacolod City at the Zhangzhou Harbor, Port of Xiamen in China on April 30, 2020. The ship is set to arrive in Davao City on May 8. (Photo courtesy of Naval Public Affairs Office)

Philippine Navy (PN) logistics ship, BRP Bacolod City (LS-550), is expected to arrive in Davao City on May 8 to deliver the first batch of personal protective equipment (PPE) sets acquired from China.

"ETA (estimated time of arrival of LS-550 (BRP Bacolod City) is still on May 8. The ship is now in Oriental Mindoro waters," Navy public affairs office chief Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas said in a message on Monday.

The ship left Zhangzhou Harbor, Port of Xiamen, China last April 30 with a cargo of 700,000 KN95 face masks and 200,000 sets of PPE, which consists of goggles, coverall suits, head cover, gloves, shoe covers, surgical masks, and surgical gowns.

These items were acquired by the Department of Budget Management last March for use of the Department of Health front-liners.

"BRP Bacolod City left China with no members exhibiting any symptoms of (the coronavirus disease 2019) Covid-19 as a result of its stringent measures on the safety and health of its personnel on board," Roxas said.

Upon arrival, BRP Bacolod City will unload the first batch of the PPE sets in Davao City, then set sail for Cebu City for the second batch, and finally, depart for Manila for its last delivery.

"The Philippine Navy continuously supports the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act by providing logistical support and assistance to ensure that essential medical supplies and other equipment needed by the national government are successfully transported. This undertaking highlights its crucial capability in the country’s fight against (the) Covid-19 pandemic," Roxas said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1101751

AFP, private group turn over 3 EQFs to Marikina hospital

From the Philippine News Agency (May 4, 2020): AFP, private group turn over 3 EQFs to Marikina hospital (By Priam Nepomuceno)



PATIENT CARE CENTER. A priest blesses the emergency quarantine facility at the Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center in Marikina City in a turnover ceremony on Monday (May 4, 2020). The facility was turned to the hospital by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the WTA Architecture+Design Studio. (Photo courtesy of AFP Public Affairs Office)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the WTA Architecture+Design Studio turned over three emergency quarantine facilities (EQFs) to the Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center (ARMMC) in Marikina City Monday.

These EQFs have a total bed capacity of 120 and were jointly funded by Marikina City and the United Architects of the Philippines-Manila Chapter.

The construction of the facilities was made possible by the Office of The Chief Engineer of AFP led by Maj. Gen. William Ilagan and volunteers Danny Ko and Leah Longalong.

AFP Inspector General, Lt. Gen. Ramon Ang Lim led the ceremony with Ilagan, Marikina Mayor Marcelino Teodoro, 51st Engineering Brigade commander, Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Anthony Ramos and WTA’s Architect William Ti Jr., project leader of the EQF team.

"I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to everyone who made this endeavor possible and for everyone who extended their support. The AFP deeply appreciates this assistance and partnership. We hope that this will continue to inspire everyone to contribute in winning this challenge," Lim said in a statement.

The EQF Team targets to build a total of 62 EQFs. As of May 3, the group of volunteer architects and firms has constructed 56 facilities with six others still being constructed.

Eight of these EQFs are built to augment military hospitals -- three at the Army General Hospital, two at the V. Luna Medical Center, one at the Philippine Air Force General Hospital, one at the Fernando Air Base Hospital and one at the Manila Naval Hospital.

The EQFs are designed to treat and isolate coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) patients with mild to no symptoms and should help decongest hospitals and increase the country’s capacity to contain the pandemic.

“All of us, from the people at the forefront to the people at home, has a role to play during this crisis. We may be physically apart but to win this war, we must stay united in spirit -- closer more than ever," Lim said.

Meanwhile, Teodoro said this will augment the hospital’s capability to accommodate more Covid-19 patients.

“What we are doing is an expansion of the Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center, a DOH sub-level 3 hospital, so that they could accommodate more, accept more and admit more Covid-19 patients and with Covid-19-like symptoms in their facility,” he said.

Aside from city residents, those coming from Pasig and Antipolo City and San Mateo in Rizal will benefit from the facility.

“We will open this to them because we see that health service is not just for the benefit of one town but for everyone. The safety of a town also means the safety of its neighboring areas,” he added.

Last week, Marikina’s Covid-19 testing laboratory received its accreditation from the Department of Health.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1101764