CPP/News: After preying on civilians, fascist soldiers ambushed by NPA

Propaganda news story posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 17, 2020): After preying on civilians, fascist soldiers ambushed by NPA

NEWS STORIES
AUGUST 17, 2020

At least ten soldiers of the 62nd IB were killed in an ambush by the New People’s Army (NPA) in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental hours after preying on five civilians in the same village.

In the morning of August 14, in Sityo Maluy-a of Barangay Sandayao, operating troopers of the 62nd IB encircled the residence of Delia Tenianu, ransacked her belongings and destroyed her corn harvest. The military also aimed their rifles at the victim and fired next to her ear.

Also, three minors who were using their cellphones at Tenianu’s residence were roughed up and accosted. The victims were merely taking advantage of the strong signal in the area. They were later detained in the military camp nearby.

On top of this, 24-year old Reken Remasog had both legs broken before being shot and killed by the soldiers. The victim left behind a 9-month old child.

The 62nd IB is under the command of Lt. Col Melvin Flores.

Later at 11:30 a.m. in Sityo Tabago of the same barangay, the same military unit was met with blasts of command-detonated explosives and gunfire from the NPA.

In a statement by Ka JB Regalado of the NPA-Central Negros, the spokesperson said that the 33 soldiers were unaware that they were advancing towards an NPA encampment. Ten troopers were killed in the firefight. Regalado added that two helicopters were dispatched to the area to transport the casualties.

The NPA slammed the Philippine Army’s 303rd Brigade, which directs the 62nd IB, for attacking civilians and fabricating encounters to hide their crimes. Ka Juanito Magbanua of the NPA-Negros Island meanwhile assailed brigade commander Col. Inocencio Pasaporte for hiding their true number of casualties. According to Magbanua, this would later on result to trauma and disgust among the rank-and-file.

https://cpp.ph/statements/after-preying-on-civilians-fascist-soldiers-ambushed-by-npa/

CPP/NPA-Southeast Negros: Notorious Army Intel, Land-grabber and Extortionist Meted Revolutionary Justice

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 17, 2020): Notorious Army Intel, Land-grabber and Extortionist Meted Revolutionary Justice

ESTRELLA BANAGBANAG

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-SOUTHEAST NEGROS

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

AUGUST 17, 2020

A partisan unit of the NPA in Southeast Negros under the Rachelle Mae Palang Command (RMPC) successfully carried out the death verdict issued by the People’s Court against a prominent local military intel agent last Friday in Sitio Tamlang, Barangay Talalac, Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental.

Elmo Cardinas, in his late 40s, was convicted in an impartial and democratic judicial proceeding by a local People’s Court last March for espionage, land-grabbing and extortion. Thereafter, his case was reviewed by the higher judicial authority in the guerilla front and the verdict promulgated by the local court confirmed.

Cardinas served as guide in military operations especially in the last 5 focused military operations conducted by the 11th IB since last quarter of 2019 to July this year. He was also engaged in the surveillance and monitoring of civilians and leaders of progressive legal organizations targeted by military death squads for assassination.

Numerous cases of land-grabbing and farm encroachment were filed by the masses against him. Cardinas used his military connections and issued-weapon to threaten and coerce the masses.

He also amassed thousands by misrepresenting the NPA in collecting “revolutionary tax” to business enterprises in Pamplona and Sta. Catalina in which all the proceeds went to his pocket and his cohorts in the military.

RMPC calls on all military/police intel assets or agents to cease and desist from their counter-revolutionary and anti-people activities. Or face the full extend and long hand of the uncompromising and incorruptible revolutionary justice. ###

Released by:
Ka Estrella Banagbanag
Spokesperson, RMPC-NPA Southeast Negros
https://cpp.ph/statements/notorious-army-intel-land-grabber-and-extortionist-meted-revolutionary-justice/

CPP/NPA-Central Negros: Pagharas sang NPA sa Brgy. T-hill Detatchment, pagpangandam sa mga masupog nga pasistang tropa

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 17, 2020): Pagharas sang NPA sa Brgy. T-hill Detatchment, pagpangandam sa mga masupog nga pasistang tropa

JB REGALADO

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-CENTRAL NEGROS

LEONARDO PANALIGAN COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

AUGUST 17, 2020

Agosto 15, alas 8:30 sang gab-e gintigayon sang isa ka yunit sang NPA ang pagharas sa Brgy. T-hill CAFGU detachment sakop sa Guihulngan City nga naga boundary sa mga baryo sakop sa banwa sang Lalibertad, Negros Oriental. Ini nga aksyon, bilang pagpaandam sa mga masupog nga tropa sang 62nd IBPA kag CAFGU nga nagahimo sang mga kalapasan sa mga sibilyan sa palibot nga mga baryo. Sadtong katapusan nga bulan sang Hulyo tub-tub sa una nga semana sang Agosto Ang CAFGU sa T-hill detachment upod sa 62nd IBPA may ara sang 2 ka kaso sang pagpangkastigo kag isa ka kaso sang pagpangransak sang pamalay kag 7 ka kaso sang pagpamahog sa pumuluyo ang nakarecord base sa pagmonitor sang LPC-NPA sa palibot nga mga baryo sini.

Sabat man ini sa pagtago sang kamatuoran sang eksperto sa kabutigon nga propagandista sang militar kag sa ila mga disperado nga panawagan sa pagpasurender sa NPA. Ang matuod ang ila lamang masarangan nga pasurenderon amo ang mga madugay na nga nagpahuway sa hublag, mga sibilyan kag ila mismo mga aset para mapangkwartan kag mahimo nga rason sa pagrelease sang pundo sa E-CLIP pakadto sa korapsyon. Sa ila paglaway sa daku nga pundo sang E-CLIP ang mga sibilyan nga indi magpasugot nga mahimo nga surenderes ila ginainitan paagi sa pagplanted sang armas, iligal nga pagpang-aresto kag ginapasakaan sang mga hinimo-himo nga mga kaso kag ginabansagan nga NPA.

Makita sa ila pagka disperado ang ila ginhimo kay Forperio Landesa nga isa ka mangunguma nga iligal nga gin aresto kag ginkastigo nga saksi mismo ang mga pumuluyo sang Brgy. Trinidad. Gintudluan sang iya ipahayag sa ila programa sa isa FM station sa Negros Oriental. Ginpaako sya nga myembro sang NPA kag nagapahayag sang pagpanawagan sa iya mga kaupdanan nga mga serender kay bisan kusi wala sya nakaagi sa kamot sang militar kag ang iya ginpang mensyonar nga pangalan amo ang iya mga kasilingan nga pareho man niya nga mga mangunguma. Sa mga tawo nga mag-analisa sang maayo, bisan sin-o man nga ordinaryo nga tawo nga ara sa kamot sang mapintas nga militar kag kapulisan wala sang mahimo kundi magsunod-sunod sa ila gusto kabaylo sa seguridad sang iya kabuhi kag sang iya pamilya.

Ang ining mga kalakasan sang pasistang militar kag paggapos sang hustisya magatulod sa pila ka libo mga pumuluyo kag pamatan-on nga magasubay sa banas sang pagbag-o sang sosyedad paagi sa rebolusyonaryo nga paghimakas sa armado man kag dili armado nga porma. Wala sang paglaum sa sosyedad nga ginaharian sang pasismo, tiraniko kag terorismo sang estado.

Mabuhay ang Sahing anakbalhas!
Ipakig-away ang matuod nga kalinong nga naka bae sa hustisya Sosyal!

https://cpp.ph/statements/pagharas-sang-npa-sa-brgy-t-hill-detatchment-pagpangandam-sa-mga-masupog-nga-pasistang-tropa/

CPP/NPA-Cerntral Negros: 62nd IBPA Terorista sa Kaumahan, Perwesyo sa Pumuluyo!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 17, 2020): 62nd IBPA Terorista sa Kaumahan, Perwesyo sa Pumuluyo!

APO MABINI

SPOKESPERSON

KM-CENTRAL NEGROS

KABATAANG MAKABAYAN

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

AUGUST 17, 2020

Ginakondina sang Kabataang Makabayan Central Negros ang sobra-sobra na nga paglapak sa tawhanon nga kinamatarung sang pumuluyo. Ang ila pagpatay sa wala sang ikasarang magbato nga si Requem Remasog paagi sa pagpaantus kag pagbali-bali sang iya mga tiil antes sya ginpatay nga wala sang ikasarang magbato kag pag dakop sang tatlo ka mga menor de edad nga hasta subong wala nahibaluan sang pamilya kon diin ini nila gindala.

Ang KM-CN upod sa bug-os nga rebolusyonaryong pamatan-on sa Central Negros nagakangil-ad sa kabutigon ni Col. Pasaporte kag sang 62nd IBPA nga ila ginpagwa nga engkwentro ang natabo sa Sitio Maluy-a nga ang matuod sadto isa ka terorista nga buhat ang ila pagpangransak sang puluy-an sang isa ka mangunguma, wala kaluoy nga pagkastigo kag pagpatay, pagdala sang mga menor de edad nga gintago pa sa pamilya. Sa pandemya nga ginaatubang subong sang pumuluyo, masobra pa sa virus ang ginhatag nga perwesyo sang 62nd IBPA sa pumuluyo kag nagatublag sa mga paminsaron sang mga kabataan nga nagatalang-talang kon diin sila padulong sa pagbalhin-balhin tungod sang kahadlok sa presensya sang militar sa komunidad sang mga mangunguma.

Ang indi na maisip nga mga paglapas sa tawhanon nga kinamatarung sang pumuluyo magatulod sa brigada nga pamatan-on sa Central Negros nga mag-intra sa NPA para depensahan ang komunidad batok sa mga terorista nga pagpang-atake sang militar sa sibilyan. Ang ginahimo nga kapintas sang militar magatudlo sa mga pamatan-on sang banas padulong sa armadong rebolusyon kag uyatan ang makasaysayanon nga papel sini nga mangin matuod nga paglaum sang pungsod.

Sa tanan nga myembro sang Kabataang Makabayan, maghanda para sa pagdepensa sa masang anakbalhas kag sa tanan nga nag edad deseotso (18) anyos magparehistro na sa NPA. Kita ang paglaum sang pungsod, kita ang buasdamlag kag magpanday sang palaabuton. Tipunon ang rebolusyonaryo nga kusog batok sa pasismo kag terorismo sang estado.

Dampigan ang tawhanon nga kinamatarung!
Ipakig-away ang hustisya kag matuod nga kalinong!
Sukton ang gin-utang nga dugo sang mga berdugong militar!

https://cpp.ph/statements/62nd-ibpa-terorista-sa-kaumahan-perwesyo-sa-pumuluyo/

Kalinaw News: Army, LGU send off CSP Team in SurSur Town

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 16, 2020): Army, LGU send off CSP Team in SurSur Town

SAN MIGUEL, Surigao del Sur — A military Community Support Program (CSP) team was sent to radicalized areas in San Miguel last 13 August 2020.
The Local Government Unit of San Miguel and the 75th Infantry “Marauder” Battalion (75IB) deployed the CSP Team to stop New People’s Army from exploiting, radicalizing, and extorting Indigenous People’s (IP) communities in the area.

“This will greatly assist the LGU to identify the concerns of the community, to help deliver the government services in the far-flung areas, and stop the exploitation of IP by preventing NPA recruitment in the community,” said San Miguel Municipal Mayor Hazel H Elizalde.

Meanwhile, 75IB Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Villarosa said, “Your Philippine Army will be working on your areas to address peace and security concerns. They will also help facilitate the safe delivery of local government agencies’ services in distant and conflict-affected sitios. Our aim is to bring the government closer to the people.”



The CSP Team’s Send-Off Ceremony was attended by San Miguel Indigenous People Mandatory Representative Hawudon Rico Maca, local government agencies, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection and Barangay Captains of the municipality.

“This Send-Off Ceremony of our CSP Team is our way of showing our noble intention and respect to the local government units, and tribal leaders of San Miguel,” said Lt Col Villarosa.

The deployment of the CSP Team will bridge the gap of government services to far-flung communities in order to foster the foundation for economic and human development in the area.

[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-lgu-send-off-csp-team-in-sursur-town/

Kalinaw News: Another batch of Former Rebels Receive PhP 1.7M worth of E-CLIP Benefits in Bukidnon

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 16, 2020): Another batch of Former Rebels Receive PhP 1.7M worth of E-CLIP Benefits in Bukidnon

IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon ⁠— PhP 1.7M worth of financial aid were given to 38 former rebels at Kaamulan Folk Theater, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon last August 13, 2020.
Each Former Rebel received an immediate financial assistance worth PhP 15,000.00 and livelihood assistance worth PhP 50,000.00. Ten of the 38 FRs voluntarily surrendered to the 8th Infantry “Dependable” Battalion (8IB). Of the 10, seven are members of the New People’s Army (NPA) while three are members of the Militia ng Bayan.

One of the FRs identified as “Jer,” is now a part of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit Active Auxilliary (CAA).



He said, “Sobra akong kalipay ug pasalamat sa gobyerno sa ilang kinasingkasing nga pagdawat ug paghatag og daghang suporta. Kani-adto nga ako anaa sa armado nga nagatuo sa sayop nga idolohiya, sa sayop nga pamunuan, karon, usa na ako ka hingpit nga CAA nga naga serbisyo sa among komunidad sa atong nag inusarang gobyerno, ang gobyerno sa Pilipinas.”

[I am very happy and thankful to the government for providing me utmost support. I was struggling when I was part of the armed group. I believed in the wrong ideology and the wrong leadership. Now, I am proud to be part of the CAA. I am proud to serve our community and the only true government; the Philippine government]



Hon. Jose Ma Zubiri Jr, Provincial Chairman of E-CLIP Committee and Provincial Governor of Bukidnon said, “Malipayon ako nga kamo nakadawat na sa pinansyal na tabang nga inyong magamit para mag sugod sa bag-ong kinabuhi. Kini nga probinsya padayon nga maghatag sa mga interbensyon nga kinahanglan nimo aron masuportahan ang imong pamilya.”

[I am glad that you’ve received the assistance that you will use to start a new life. This province will continue to provide interventions that you need to support your families.]

8th Infantry Battalion Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Edgardo V Talaroc Jr said, “Ug sa makausa pa, kami nagahangyo sa mga nahibilin nga mga membro sa Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) nga mu surender na, buhii na ang inyong mga armas ug magpuyo nga malinawon kauban ang inyong pamilya. Ang gobyerno adunay E-CLIP nga maghatag og kumpleto na tabang para sa mga rebelde ug ilang mga pamilya nga gusto na mobiya sa armadong pakigbisog ug mobalik na sa sabakan sa balaod.”

[Once again, we urge all remaining CNT members to surrender. Lay down your arms, and live peacefully with your families. The government has E-CLIP for those who decide to abandon the armed struggle and return to the folds of the law. This program provides a complete package for rebels and their families to start a new life.

Last July 20, 2020, a total of 67 FRs received a total of PhP 2.5 M worth of financial aid in Bukidnon. Twenty-two of the 67 FRs surrendered to the 8IB.

[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/another-batch-of-former-rebels-receive-php-1-7m-worth-of-e-clip-benefits-in-bukidnon/

Randy Echanis laid to rest as tension escalates in probe

From Rappler (Aug 17, 2020): Randy Echanis laid to rest as tension escalates in probe (By RAMBO TALABONG)

The funeral march is imbued with protest as mourners wear shirts demanding justice for slain Anakpawis chair Randy Echanis

Slain Anakpawis chair Randall "Randy" Echanis has been laid to rest on Monday morning, August 17, at the Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina City.

A mass was held in La Funeraria Paz, Quezon City, then a funeral procession brought him to his final resting place.

The walk was imbued with protest as mourners wore shirts and carried banners that called for justice for Echanis amid rising tensions between the police and Echanis' colleagues and family members.

Echanis was killed with former prisoner Louie Tagapia early Monday morning, August 10, inside his rented apartment in Novaliches, Quezon City.

Echanis is known for leading causes for agrarian reform. He is credited for his work in helping craft the the Genuine Agrarian Reform Bill (GARB).

Echanis also served as political consultant for the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). He is the 4th NDF political consultant to be killed, after Sotero Llamas, Randy Malayao, and Julius Giron.

Why the conflict in the probe?

From the beginning of the probe into his death, Echanis' colleagues and the police have had escalating tensions.

It began with the tug of war over the custody of Echanis' body. After his widow, Erlinda, claimed it, police took it again, claiming that Echanis needed to be identified with a laboratory test because the identification card found with him after death was named "Manuel Santiago."

The police's own fingerprint test confirmed the body was Echanis. The police released his remains for autopsy and burial on August 12.

On August 10, police claimed there was no forcible entry into Echanis' residence, suggesting that Echanis knew his killers or he left his front door unlocked.

Echanis' colleagues from Anakpawis disputed the claim, after dispatching a team that saw the door of his apartment with missing parts.

Anakpawis and the National Union of Peoples Lawyers have called for the PNP to stay out of the investigation and pass it instead to other agencies for a independent probe.
Law enforcers and family members are currently waiting for autopsy results to push the investigation forward.

https://rappler.com/nation/randy-echanis-burial-as-tension-escalates-probe

Human rights activist shot dead in Bacolod City

From Rappler (Aug 17, 2020): Human rights activist shot dead in Bacolod City (By MARCHEL P. ESPINA)

Police say Zara Alvarez, 39, was shot dead by unidentified perpetrators

Human rights activist Zara Alvarez was gunned down along Sta Maria Street in Eroreco, Barangay Mandalagan, Bacolod City on Monday night, August 17.

Police identified the victim as a certain Sarah Rebuton of Cadiz City, Negros Occidental.

Julius Dagatan, media liaison of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan)-Negros, confirmed that the fatality was Zara Alvarez.

The police report said that Alvarez was shot dead by unidentified perpetrators.

Karapatan, in a statement, said they are in "deep grief and indignation."

"Today, we laid to rest Ka Randy Echanis, one of those who helped [establish] Karapatan and staunch peace-builder and land rights defender. Tonight, we learned of the sad news that our former campaign and education director and paralegal in Negros, Zara Alvarez, was killed in Bacolod City," the group said.

Alvarez, 39, was imprisoned for nearly two years. After her release, she continued to work as Karapatan's paralegal and as research and advocacy officer of the Negros Island Health Integrated Program, the group said.

Alvarez was among the more than 600 people that the Department of Justice wanted to declare as terrorists in a proscription case filed in February 2018.

The list has been trimmed down to only two – exiled Communist Party of the Philippines founding chairman Jose Maria Sison and alleged Mindanao Commission Secretary Antonio Cabanatan – in a still pending case.

"We extend our condolences to Zara's family and friends, as we and many other colleagues mourn the killing of a beloved human rights and health worker. We will never relent in pursuing justice for Zara, Ka Randy, and all victims of extrajudicial killings," Karapatan said.

They added, "we will honor Zara’s legacy as a passionate, selfless and dedicated human rights worker, by continuing the struggle for the realization of people's rights." –

https://rappler.com/nation/activist-zara-alvarez-shot-dead-august-17-2020

2 NPA minor recruits rescued

From the Visayan Daily Star (Aug 17, 2020): 2 NPA minor recruits rescued

The Philippine Army reported yesterday the rescue of two New People’s Army female recruits, who are minors, while a suspected NPA red fighter facing attempted murder charges was apprehended, following two encounters in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.

Lt. Col. Melvin Flores, 62nd Infantry Battalion commander, yesterday identified the captured NPA member as Rennel Remasog, 20, resident of Sitio Compound, Brgy Luz, Guihulngan City. Remasog belongs to the SYP Platoon of the Leonardo Panaligan Command, the report said.

Flores, however, withheld the identities of the two female NPA recruits, who are minors, for security reasons.

Remasog is facing attempted murder charges, he added.

Guihulngan City Mayor Jorge Joan Reyes said he was saddened by the continued recruitment of minors by the NPA, stressing that they are being recruited to fight a battle that they do not even fully understand.

“They (NPA) have ruined our children’s future,” Reyes said, as he also strongly condemned the terroristic activities and fabricated lies of the NPA.

Their sanctioned use of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) just proves that this is how they value the lives of their people whom they use as sacrificial lambs, he added.

Ka JB Regalado, spokesman of the Leonardo Panaligan Command, issued a statement dismissing the encounter in Sitio Maluy-a, Brgy. Sandayao, Guihulngan City. He denied that they have a casualty among their ranks.

He claimed that the alleged recovery of war material was fake news, despite identification of the slain rebel by the military.

Regalado even further claimed that they have inflicted 10 casualties on the AFP side as a result of their staged ambush in Sitio Tabago of the same barangay, with no casualty on their side.

Prior to the two encounters, 62IB soldiers also figured in a clash with about 15 NPA rebels in Sitio Uway-uway, Brgy Quintin Remo, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental.

The encounters in Sitios Maluy-a and Tabago in Brgy, Sandayao, Guihulngan City,on Aug. 13 and 14, led to the death of Rikkim Marosino,21, and the recovery of two 45 caliber pistols, a 12 gauge shotgun, a caliber 22 Carbine rifle, 140 live ammunition of M-60 machinegun, three 40mm high explosives, a commercial radio, a magazine of M16 rifle with 22 ammunition, five back packs with personal belongings, a solar panel, 20 meters of electrical wire for IEDC (Improvised Explosive Device) and half a sack of rice, Flores said.

Despite the propaganda and denials of the NPA, Flores said that the recruitment of minors and the use of landmines by the LPC-NPA just prove that they are clear violators of human rights and the International Humanitarian Law.

“These terrorists are experts in deceiving innocent civilians for their selfish purpose and nonsense ideology,” he added.

https://www.visayandailystar.com/2020/August/17/topstory5.htm

Top Army, ex-MILF commanders trained on disaster response

From MindaNews(Aug 17, 2020): Top Army, ex-MILF commanders trained on disaster response (By FERDINANDH B. CABRERA)

They used to be enemies, the brains behind the attacks and the counter attacks and the grand plan to defeat each other.

But now things are different, over a year after the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has been created with the ratification of Republic Act No. 11054 or the Bangsamoro Organic Law during a plebiscite last year.

To sustain the gains of the peace process, elements of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division and field commanders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) completed a two-day executive course and simulation training on Incident Command System (ICS) on Sunday.

The program, dubbed as “Sindaw nu Kalilintad” (Light of Peace), aims to build a stronger partnership, management and cooperation in the Bangsamoro region and capacitate the participants to save lives and properties during man-made and natural calamities.

The former archenemies ate and slept together inside the military camp, sharing notes and experiences — the exact opposite for decades before BARMM was created last year as an offshoot of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, which was forged in 2014.

During the training, the participants were given tasks and underwent simulation exercises on what to do during terror attacks, floods, earthquakes, tsunamis and pandemic like the COVID-19.

Lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, BARMM interior minister, said they can use the members of both sides to enhance disaster response in the region.

“They showed good cooperation and if we can build and sustain their rapport, we can be more effective in responding to natural and man-made disasters, including COVID-19 and our perennial flooding problem,” he said in Filipino.

Providing training support were members of the BARMM Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence or BARMM READi and the BARMM’s Ministry of the Interior and Local Government.

Major General Diosdado Carreon, 6th ID chief, said that with the training, he sees “a well-equipped disaster responders.”

“We have seen how you worked shoulder to shoulder during our joint peace and security training and deployment, this is a testament of how the Bangsamoro peace agreement has become,” Carreon said.

Abdulraof Macacua, BARMM executive secretary and the MILF’s Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) chief, said that before the training was materialized, BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, popularly known as Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, had envisioned that one day the government forces and MILF members will be working together for the common good.

Toks Ebrahim, MILF Joint Normalization Committee secretariat head, said he learned a lot from the training, aside from the camaraderie they established with the top military officials in the region.

“Because of the training, we can coordinate with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the local government units, no matter the magnitude of the incident,” he said in Filipino.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2020/08/top-army-ex-milf-commanders-trained-on-disaster-response/

NPA’s high-powered guns, war materials recovered in Ilocos clashes

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 17, 2020): NPA’s high-powered guns, war materials recovered in Ilocos clashes (By Freddie G. Lazaro)



SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Aug. 17 (PIA) - Operating troops of the army’s 702nd Infantry Brigade have recovered at least 10 high-powered guns and other paraphernalia from the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels during the two clashes in Ilocos Sur on August 8 and 14.

During the latest encounter between government troops and communist rebels that happened along the boundaries of Gregorio del Pilar and San Emilio, both in Ilocos Sur, on Friday, August 14, assorted medicines, an AM/FM transistor radio, a magazine assembly of an AK47 rifle, and personal belongings were recovered.

A platoon of soldiers from the army’s 702nd Infantry Brigade encountered more or less 7 communist rebels from the Komiteng Larangang Gerilya - Southern Ilocos Sur (KLG - SIS) under rebel leader “Ka Nero” that resulted to the recovery of one M16 rifle.

The said NPA rebels were remnants of the KLG-SIS encountered by the soldiers on August 8 in Barangay Suagayan, Santa Lucia, Ilocos Sur.

During the clearing operation after the encounter in Santa Lucia town on August 8, the government troopers recovered the cadavers of the five killed NPA rebels and nine high-powered guns and other war materials. These include four M16 Armalite rifles, two M14 rifles, one caliber .45 pistol, one 9mm pistol, and one shotgun. Other items seized from the site were six Improvised Explosive Devices, 15 blasting caps, five detonating switches, two rolls of 25 meters wire, three hand grenades, 15 cellphones, subversive documents, personal belongings, and assorted medicines.

Army Brigadier General Audrey L. Pasia, the commander of the army’s 702nd Infantry Brigade, said the recovery of the firearms and other war materials had caused a big blow on the capability of the NPA bandits.

He said that pursuit operation against the fleeing remnants of the KLG- SIS headed by AKA Nero is continuing.

“It is only a matter of time before we can corner them (NPA rebels) again, and deliver the final blow for their complete decimation. Before that happened, I was encouraging the remaining members of the KLG-SIS to surrender to the authorities for safety and to avoid casualty and injury,” he said.

As part of the initiative of the Duterte administration for the whole of the nation's approach to end the local communist’s armed conflict, each rebel surrenderee will get a package of livelihood benefits through the Enhanced Comprehensive Livelihood Integration Program (E-CLIP). (JCR/FGL, PIA1)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1050477

Ex-NPA supporters get livelihood aid from Candon City

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 17, 2020): Ex-NPA supporters get livelihood aid from Candon City (By Freddie G. Lazaro)



SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Aug. 17 (PIA) - - At least 96 former supporters of the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels received livelihood assistance from the city government of Candon City, Ilocos Sur.

Lieutenant Colonel Rodrigo A. Mariñas Jr., the commander of the army’s 81st Infantry Battalion (IB), said on Monday that these former NPA supporters, who renounced their support for the rebels, were residents of Barangays Tablac and Bugnay, both in Candon City.

Each supporter received P8,500.00 livelihood assistance from the Candon City Task Force in Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (CTF-ELCAC), in coordination with the army’s 81st IB and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Candon City Mayor Ericson G. Singson, together with the police and the army officers distributed the assistance at the city’s multi-purpose hall on July 17.

"This endeavor is one of the initiatives of the government to help the former NPA supporters, who pledged their loyalty to the government, through giving a small amount to start with income-generating activities," said Mariñas.

Mayor Singson expressed optimism that the aid given to the beneficiaries will be used for a venture that will help them earn more income.

Singson challenged the beneficiaries to propagate the livelihood assistance they received and be an epitome for the others who are still supporting the NPA bandits.

He said that the assistance given to the former NPA supporters was the city government’s continuing commitment to the whole of nation’s approach to end the local communist armed conflict.

“I am appealing to each and everyone to cooperate in ending the problem of local insurgency in order to achieve a lasting peace and development, as we can do it for Candon,” said Mayor Singson.

Army Brigadier General Audrey L. Pasia PA, the commander of the army’s 702nd Infantry Brigade, lauded the leadership of Candon City in contributing to the efforts of the national government and the security sector in coming up with a positive action to end the local armed conflict.

“I am confident that this endeavor will encourage other NPA supporters to return to the folds of the government,” said Pasia. (JCR/FGL, PIA 1)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1050478

Army gives assistance to the families of slain NPA rebels

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 17, 2020): Army gives assistance to the families of slain NPA rebels (By Freddie G. Lazaro)

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Aug. 17 (PIA) - - The army’s 7th Infantry Division headed by Major General Alfredo V. Rosario Jr. extended financial assistance to the bereaved families of the slain New People’s Army (NPA) and civilian during the encounter in Barangay Santa Lucia, Ilocos Sur on August 8.

Army Brigadier General Audrey L. Pasia, the commander of the 702nd Infantry Brigade, said that Lieutenant Colonel Rodrigo A. Mariñas Jr., the commander of the 81st Infantry Battalion (IB), visited the wake of the three slain NPAs, who are residents in Ilocos Sur to hand-over the cash aid to the grieving families.

The three killed NPAs were identified as Edgar Justo AKA Nardo and Rolando Marvil AKA Eugene, both residents of Barangay Bugnay, Candon City; and Rogelio Capulas AKA Asiong and Witiwit, a resident of Sitio Linggawa, Barangay Pidpid, Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur. All of them were members of the Komiteng Larangang Guerilya – Southern Ilocos Sur (KLG-SIS).

The two other slain NPAs were residents in Cordillera Administrative Region. They were identified as Pamela Peralta AKA Maymay from Asin Road, Baguio City, the alleged political officer of the KLG-SIS and Marxes M. Dazon, 22, of Barangay Kayan, Tadian, Mountain Province.

“They may be on the other side but still they are Filipinos who fell victims to the deception of the communists led by Jose Maria Sison who is leading its way from home and in the comforts of Europe,” said Pasia.

“We set aside a small amount from the army fund to extend help to the bereaved family of the slain NPAs,” he added.

The army also visited the wake of Diosdado Valdez Jr., 36, in Barangay Parioc 1st, Candon City and provided also assistance to the mourning family. Valdez, a businessman who was engaged in buy and sale of vegetables, was allegedly hit by a bullet from the NPAs during the encounter.

Meanwhile, the slain soldier during the encounter was identified as Private First Class Wilfredo N. Doctor Jr., a member of the army’s 91st Brigade Reconnaissance Company and a resident of Pangasinan.

“The army is mourning the death of the seven Filipinos whose precious lives were taken by the evils of communism,” he said.

Pasia said that the army sympathizes and feels the pains inflicted on the wounded individuals and commiserate with those who were displaced from the encounter site.

“Once again, I’m reiterating that security is a concern of everybody; that we should all work together, the security forces and the community, to put an end to the local communist armed conflict, Pasia said.

For his part, Ilocos Sur Governor Ryan Luis V. Singson also expressed his deepest sympathy to the families of the slain NPAs and a civilian during the encounter.

“To my dear province mates, the encounter happened between our soldiers and the NPA is a manifestation of obstacles that we should overcome to achieve our lasting peace. I ask you to pray for our troops, and, we pray for the anti-government side to raise their arms and return to the folds of our government,” said Singson.

“We are all Filipinos. Let us join hands and pray that in the shortest possible time this will be over. Let us stay alert, cooperate and follow our authorities and we offer our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of all the casualties,” Singson added. (JCR/FGL,PIA 1)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1050483

Government welcomes 72 rebel returnees in Pangasinan

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 17, 2020): Government welcomes 72 rebel returnees in Pangasinan (By Venus May H. Sarmiento)

SAN QUINTIN, Pangasinan, Aug. 17 (PIA) - The government welcomed 72 rebel returnees and supporters from the eastern town of San Quintin in a simple ceremony during the launch of "Oplan Panagsubli" 2.0 on Wednesday.

"Oplan Panagsubli," is one of the programs of the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) which aims to convince rebels to support and take side with the government and to sustain Pangasinan’s present situation as insurgency-free.

Said rebel returnees and supporters were affiliated into two groups: the Carayungan South Farmers Association led by their President Mr. Eddie Lacasandile and the South Farmers Association led by Mrs. Leticia Aban.

During the event, Police Brigadier General Rodolfo Azurin Jr., regional director for Police Regional Office 1, extended his appreciation to the rebel returnees and supporters who returned to the government side.

“Bilang mga makabayang mamamayang Pilipino, ating pakatandaan na ang pagkakaisa at kapayapaan ng sambayanan ang daan tungo sa maunlad na kinabukasan ng bayan. Naniniwala ako na mananatili ang kapayapaan kung tayo ay magkakaisa at makikipagtulungan sa pamahalaan. Gamitin ninyo ang pagkakataong ito upang magbagong-buhay, magtrabaho ng malinis at sumunod sa batas,” he said.

OPLAN PANAGSUBLI. The government welcomes 72 rebel returnees and supporters from the eastern town of San Quintin, Pangasinan in a simple ceremony during the launch of ‘Oplan Panagsubli’ 2.0 on Wednesday. (photos courtesy of San Quintin PMS)

Governor Amado Espino III, who was represented by Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) Chief Rhodyn Luchinvar Oro, said the program is the start of the inclusive integration for the former rebels to live normal lives in the community.

“Nais ipabatid ng ating Gobernador na taos puso ang kanyang suporta sa ating mga kababayan na nagsusulong ng mga program upang maging produktibong mamamayan ng Pangasinan,” said Col. Oro

The activity was highlighted by the granting of benefits and commitment of local government units and national government agencies to the rebel returnees and supporters which include: agricultural equipment (two units hand tractors, water pumps, 20 backpacks of farm liquid sprayer); 20 trays of assorted vegetables; pasteurized milk; 30 sacks of rice; livelihood provisions such as fertilizers, tilapia fingerlings, hybrid seeds, fruit-bearing trees; and personal protective equipment against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

They also received financial assistance on top of the scholarship grants on livelihood programs, PhilHealth membership and the privileges of free men.

Former rebel and now Carayungan South Farmers Association President Lacasandile expressed his gratitude and support to the government.

“Kami ay nangangako na kami ay tutulong sa lahat ng programa para sa kaayusan at kapayapaan sa Pangasinan,” said Lacasandile.

Also present during the event were 6th District Rep. Tyrone Agabas, several mayors, and regional and provincial directors of various government agencies.

"Panagsubli" is an Ilocano term which means "return."

The first "Oplan Panagsubli" was held in November 2019 where 26 former rebels from western Pangasinan returned to the government. (JCR/AMB/ VHS/PIA Pangasinan with reports from Philippine Army and provincial government)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1050496

83rd IB subdues CTGs in Lagonoy town, high powered firearms seized

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 17, 2020): 83rd IB subdues CTGs in Lagonoy town, high powered firearms seized  (By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay)

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur, Aug. 16 (PIA) -- Joint elements of 83rd Infantry Battalion (83IB) and members of the Philippine National Police (PNP)-Lagonoy subdued members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) and killed two Communist NPA terrorists (CNTs) in a firefight at Brgy. Olas, Lagonoy, Camarines Sur, Aug. 15, Saturday.

The encounter took place at 8:20 in the morning after the government troopers responded to a tip from a barangay resident informing them of the presence of an armed group.

Seized high-powered guns from the encounter site at Brgy. Olas, Lagonoy, Camarines Sur, Aug. 15, 2020, Saturday. (Photo courtesy of 9ID DPAO/PA. 

The troops immediately conducted security operations in the said area and chanced upon 15 CTGs. A firefight ensued resulting to the killing of two CNTs. The enemies fled to an unknown direction while the troopers were able to seize high-powered firearms which include two M16 rifles, one M653 rifle, one AK47 and propaganda materials from the fleeing CNTs.

In a press statement issued by the Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) Spokesperson, CPT John Paul Belleza, he stated that this is another triumph on the part of the government, citing the cooperation being extended by the community.

“It can be recalled that last week of July, a CNT member was also killed and one M60 machine gun, M16 rifle, anti-personnel mine, cellphone, assorted ammunitions, roll of electric wire, propaganda materials and other personal belongings were seized in an armed clash in Sorsogon. This triumph will not be possible without our community helping us,” Belleza added.

Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB) under MGEN HENRY A ROBINSON JR PA stressed that the operation foiled the attempt of the CTG to carry out their terroristic acts in the fourth district of the province.

"Our top priority is to safeguard the civilians and their communities by preventing the CTG from hampering the peace efforts of the government. Our string of accomplishments is a proof of how sincere your Army in Bicol to attain genuine peace and sustainable development,” the 9ID Commander said.

He then called on the Bicolanos to be part of the solution to end decades of insurgency in the region.

“To all the Bicolanos, we are in this together. Tulong-tulong tayong tapusin ang armadong tunggalian," MGen Robinson stressed. (LSMacatangay, with reports from 9ID DPAO JPBelleza- PIAV/Camarines Sur)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1050461