Kalinaw News: Pamilya ng Nasawing New Peoples army Member sa Bakbakan sa Camarines Sur, Nakatanggap ng Tulong Mula sa 9th Infantry Division

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 20, 2020): Pamilya ng Nasawing New Peoples army Member sa Bakbakan sa Camarines Sur, Nakatanggap ng Tulong Mula sa 9th Infantry Division

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur-Nakuha na ng pamilya ng communist NPA terrorist (CNT) na napaslang sa engkwentro sa bayan ng Lagonoy, Camarines Sur ang labi nito at naiuwi na rin sa kanilang tahanan sa bayan ng Calabanga.

Mismong ang 92nd Civil Military Operations Company na pinamumunuan ni Cpt. Bibot Rico at 83rd Infantry Battalion na nirepresenta ni 2Lt. Maricris Lovelove Ermita, Acting Civil Military Operations (CMO) Officer, ang sumama kay Myra Rose San Juan, anak ni Pedro San Juan Jr., para makuha ang labi ng kaniyang ama mula sa Mary Mar Funeral Service at maiuwi sa kanilang bahay.
Si San Juan ang myembro ng Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) na nasawi sa engkwentro noong Agosto 15 sa Barangay Olas ng naturang bayan.

Ayon sa kaniyang anak na si Myra Rose, isang maayos na tao ang kaniyang ama, kung kaya hindi nila lubos maisip na mapapabilang ito sa teroristang grupo.

“Bakit nila iniwan basta-basta si Papa? Nakapanlulumo. ‘Yon ‘yong parte na nakakaramdam ako ng galit. Nakapanlulumo kasi po kasamahan nila ‘yon. Ang daming ginawa o naiambag ng aking ama sa sinasabi nilang samahan o kilusan tapos sa ganoong paraan lang, parang hayop nilang iniwan at inabandona ang aking ama,” ani Myra Rose.



Ayon kay MGEN HENRY A ROBINSON JR PA, pinuno ng Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB), kinukuha ng mga CTG members ang loob ng mga inosenteng sibilyan sa pamamagitan ng pagpapanggap na sila ay kakampi ng masa ngunit sa mga labanan ay walang kaabog-abog nilang iniiwan ang kanilang mga kasamahang nasusugatan o namamatay.

Napag-alamang si San Juan ay dating empleyado ng LGU-Calabanga at naging Barangay Secretary din bago napasama sa CTG.

Sakaling hindi nalinlang ng mga komunistang terorista, nagamit pa sana ni San Juan ang kaniyang talino at abilidad upang makapagsilbi sa mga mamamayan at sa kaniyang pamilya.

Samantala, nagbigay naman ng tulong ang mga sundalo sa pamilya San Juan mula sa nalikom na halaga galing sa kanilang meal allowance.

Maliban sa tulong pinansyal ay nag-iwan din sila ng isang sakong bigas bilang ayuda at pakikiramay sa nangyari kay San Juan.

Ayon sa JTFB, ang sinapit ni San Juan ay isa na namang patunay sa kasamaan ng CTG na ang tanging pinahahalagahan ay ang kanilang maling ideolohiya habang binabalewala ang kaligtasan at kapakanan ng kanilang mga kasamahan.

“Dahil sa pagsama ni San Juan sa CTG, napasama at nasayang ang kaniyang buhay. Ito ang bunga ng isinusulong na maling pananaw at doktrina ng teroristang grupong ito. Wala silang ibang alam gawin kundi manlinlang ng mga inosenteng sibilyan, manakot ng mga residente sa iba’t ibang komunidad, magsagawa ng extortion activities sa mga negosyante na pawang hadlang sa mga peace and development efforts ng gobyerno,” ani MGen. Robinson.

Kaugnay nito, muli namang nanawagan si MGen Robinson sa mga natitirang myembro ng CTG na sumuko at magbalik-loob na sa pamahalaan upang mabigyan ng pagkakataong makapag-bagong buhay kasama ang kanilang pamilya sa tulong ng Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration program (E-CLIP) at ng iba pang programa sa ilalim ng Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC).

“Hindi lamang magandang kinabukasan ang ipinagkakait ng CTG sa mga myembro nito kundi maging ang karanasang magkakaroon ng masaya at buong pamilya. Saying no to this terrorist group is saying yes to a better future of your children and your family. Hangga’t hindi ninyo inaabandona ang teroristang grupong inyong kinabibilangan, marami pang mga anak ang mauulila at mga magulang na mawawalan ng anak. Let us stop this cycle. Let us work together to end this useless armed struggle,” dagdag pa ni MGen. Robinson.







[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/pamilya-ng-nasawing-new-peoples-army-member-sa-bakbakan-sa-camarines-sur-nakatanggap-ng-tulong-mula-sa-9th-infantry-division/

Kalinaw News: LGU, Army conduct Peace Building Seminar to former UGMO members

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 20, 2020): LGU, Army conduct Peace Building Seminar to former UGMO members

MAGPET, COTABATO – The Local Government Unit of Magpet, North Cotabato in collaboration with 72IB has conducted a 4-Day Peace Building Seminar to more less 220 residents who are former members of Underground Mass Organization (UGMOs) organized by GF53 and Community-based Legal Left Organizarions (LLOs) organized by KMP from the barangays of Noa, Bantac, Poblacion and Amabel respectively. The activity was held at Apostol Memorial Central Elementary School (AMCES) in Poblacion, Magpet with the permission of DepEd on August 15-18, 2020.

The said live-in seminar with a theme “Pagkakaisa Tungo sa Mapayapa at Masaganang Pamumuhay” was facilitated by various Local Government Agencies, LGUs, IP sector, PNP and the 72IB by giving the participants on social and political awareness on the different plans and programs of the government for them to avail. It was steered thru a series of lectures, discussions, group activities, and consultations; and some sort deradicalization for them to be re-oriented from CTG ideology.
Moreover, the activity was the culmination of the Community Support Program Immersion which will be sustained by the organized People’s Organization who were former UGMO members, supporters/sympathizers of the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) as component of the Barangay-based Institution and also be part of the Integrated Territorial Defense System of the barangay.

With the commitment and support of LGU-Magpet, they provided the necessary materials and finacial support needed for the snacks, meals and transportation during the whole duration of the seminar.

“This activity aims not only to bring the LGU and other sector’s of the society closer to the people but also a clear manifestation of our collaborative effort to help our constituents in achieving a lasting peace and development in their respective communities”, LTC Rey T Alvarado, Commander of 72IB said in his message.

The seminar ended with a Peace Rally at Magpet Terminal and Public Market and a closing program at the gymnasium. It was attended by Hon Rody Caoagdan, 2nd District Representarive; Hon Florenito Gonzaga, Magpet Mayor; representative of Vice Gov Lala Talinio- Mendoza; heads of different Local Gov’t Agencies; Sangguniang Bayan Members of Magpet; Col Potenciano Camba, 1002Bde Commander; Barangay Chairman of participating Barangays who officially declared Persona non Grata against the CTGs during the closing program, Brgy Tanods and BPATs; IP representatives from different barangays; Youth for Peace Movement of North Cotabato and troops of 72IB.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/lgu-army-conduct-peace-building-seminar-to-former-ugmo-members/

Kalinaw News: Locals stage indignation rally to condemn the CNT’s for kidnap-slay in Surigao del Norte

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 20, 2020): Locals stage indignation rally to condemn the CNT’s for kidnap-slay in Surigao del Norte

PLACER, Surigao del Norte— An indignation rally was held in front of the Municipal Hall of Sison, Surigao del Norte to condemn the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNT) for kidnapping and killing PSsg Restie Dandan, Wednesday afternoon, August 19.
Leading the said rally was Mayor Karissa R. Fetalvero-Paronia together with other local officials, government employees, religious leaders, uniformed personnel and ordinary folks from the said municipality.

It can be recalled that last August 18, the lifeless body of PSsg Dandan’s was recovered in the area of Barangay Matinao, Mainit town, 18 days after he was kidnapped by the members of Guerilla Front 16 under Rolando Leyson Jr also known as Jun-jun to local folks of Sison. It is also worth noting that the said terrorist leader was born and raised in Sison where the victim resides.

In the post mortem examination conducted, it was revealed that the victim suffered from several injuries indicating that he was possibly tortured before he was mercilessly killed by his abductors.

In the statement of P/Cpt Giovanni M Tindoy, Chief of Sison MPS, he said they are expressing strong disapproval and condemning the inhumane act committed by the Communist NPA Terrorists against one of his personnel, whom he said a good public servant and a responsible family man. He also expressed his profound gratitude to the local officials and civilians for giving them the utmost support in facing the said incident.

Talking before her constituents, Mayor Paronia expressed her condemnation to the highest degree saying that the said crime committed by the communist terrorists is unacceptable. She also said that it was a grave disrespect against human life and an act of terrorism.

“We want justice, the family needs justice”, she mentioned. As she calls for justice, the mayor encouraged her constituents to make a stand for what is right and draw lesson from the crisis so that they will be more resilient in facing this kind of challenges.

“Dili paulahi ang tanan, nalagasan man kita ng usa ka miembro san aton pamilya, I hope this will be the start na magmata kita, magpaka responsive para kita mahimong resilient sa tanan nato na mga problema na muabot pa saatong lungsod”, she said.

The mayor also added that the local government of Sison, together with the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army, are working together so that justice for the victim will be achieved and all those responsible for the crime will be punished.

Meanwhile, Col. George L Banzon, Commander of 901st Infantry Brigade, lauded the efforts of the LGU and civilians for condemning the atrocity made by the communist terrorists. He said that this is right time to be united and stand against the CNT’s abuses and violence.

“Surigaonons are peace-loving people. They do not deserve to be terrorized just to force them to support the CNT’s twisted ideology. Indeed, making a unified stand against the CNT’s atrocities is the right thing to do”, he said.

Following the said indignation rally, an ecumenical service was also conducted to offer prayers for the eternal repose of the victim and for the cessation of all forms of violence and abuses being perpetrated by the Communist NPA Terrorists.





[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/locals-stage-indignation-rally-to-condemn-the-cnts-for-kidnap-slay-in-surigao-del-norte/

Kalinaw News: More communist terrorists surrender to Army’s 5th SFBn

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 20, 2020): More communist terrorists surrender to Army’s 5th SFBn

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – A total of 9 former combatants of communist NPA terrorists (CNT) have surrendered to 5th Special Forces Battalion in South Cotabato.
Two members of Platoon Brigol of Guerilla Front Musa under Far South Mindanao Region (FSMR) yielded on Tuesday (August 11) at Sitio Suboy, Barangay Dlanag of T’Boli town.

They brought along with them 2 caliber 7.62mm AK47 with magazines and ammunition.

Yesterday (August 13), another 7 former rebels voluntarily surrendered at Sitio Bayabas, Brgy Tasiman of Lake Sebu town. They also turned in 2 M16A1 Bushmaster rifles, 1 caliber .30 Garrand rifle, 1 caliber .22 pistol, 1 caliber .357 pistol, 1 hand grenade, magazines and ammunition.

“The series of surrender under the jurisdiction of 5th SFBn is a clear manifestation that the campaign of National Task Force-Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) was an effective tool to address communist insurgency that lured the CNTs to return the government fold,” said Joint Task Force Central Commander Maj. Gen. Diosdado C. Carreon.

The former rebels are currently under the custody of 5th SFBn, who are undergoing custodial debriefing while the turned over firearms were deposited at the battalion headquarters for safekeeping.



[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/more-communist-terrorists-surrender-to-armys-5th-sfbn/

Kalinaw News: 2 armed lawless men killed in encounter with government troops

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 20, 2020): 2 armed lawless men killed in encounter with government troops

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Combined government forces of Buluan Municipal Police and 40th Infantry Battalion clashed with the armed lawless group (ALG) in Buluan, Maguindanao on Friday afternoon, August 14, 2020.
Two men were killed from the armed lawless group after more than 2 hours of firefight with the government troops who were about to serve a warrant of arrest in Barangay Siling of Buluan town while the leader of the group and his men managed to escape.

The ALG was led by a certain Taugan Mangudadatu, a fugitive and highly dangerous with around 35 followers armed with high powered firearms. Taugan has an existing warrants of arrest for murder where he is the primary suspect for the killings of Faisal Buisan, Mandy Bunsalagan, Diego Bunsalagan, Pongga Ibus, Sukarno Puden, and Peter Domrique.

After the firefight, troops from 40th IB searched the area and recovered M16 rifle, M653 rifle, magazines with ammunition, bandoliers, backpacks and subversive documents. Also a dead body of one of the member of the ALG was recovered.

The following day, troops discovered another body and found an M60 general purpose machine gun and an M16 rifle after a thorough search at the encounter site.

“The 40th Infantry Battalion will always be running after those ruthless armed groups in our area of operation. We will not stop until the people we have sworn to protect are living a good and peaceful lives.” said Lt. Col. Gabi, Commanding Officer of 40th Infantry Battalion.

Brig. Gen. Roy M. Galido, Commander of 601st Brigade, expressed his gratitude to the troops of 40IB and Buluan Municipal Police for their accomplishments as their hard work has paid off.

Further, the 6th Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen Diosdado C. Carreon commended the operating troops for maintaining law and order in their area of operation, which plays a big role in the overall peace and order in the region.







[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/2-armed-lawless-men-killed-in-encounter-with-government-troops/

2 injured soldiers get medals

From the Visayan Daily Star (Aug 20. 2020): 2 injured soldiers get medals

Two Army soldiers, who were recently injured in separate encounters with New People’s Army rebels in Brgy. Sandayao, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, received medals from the Philippine Army in recognition of their bravery.

Col. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said yesterday that he conferred the Wounded Personnel Medals to the two members of the 62nd Infantry Battalion, whose identities are being withheld,

Pasaporte said the medal symbolizes the bravery of two Army soldiers in facing the enemy of the state and their selfless dedication to their oath to protect the Negrenses.

The Aug. 14 simultaneous encounters led to the death of a member of the New People’s Army, capture of another rebel, and the rescue of two NPA recruits, who are minors.

Lt. Col. Melvin Flores, 62nd Infantry Battalion commander, said yesterday that the two injured Army soldiers have already been discharged from the hospital and are now eager to return to duty.

Meanwhile, Pasaporte acknowledged the immediate action of Air Force pilots in saving the lives of the two Army soldiers.

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.

https://www.visayandailystar.com/2020/August/21/topstory10.htm

Army denies extra judicial killings

From the Visayan Daily Star (Aug 20. 2020): Army denies extra judicial killings

Accusations from the New People’s Army blaming the Armed Forces of the Philippines or National Police for the death of human rights activist Zara Alvarez recently in Bacolod City is no longer a surprise for them, a ranking military official yesterday said.

“We are not resorting to extra-judicial means,” Col. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, stressed yesterday in response to accusations of Ka Juanito Magbanua, spokesman of the NPA Apolinario Gatmaitan Command, that the AFP and PNP were behind the killing of Alvarez.

It is not the job of the Philippine Army in Negros, he said.

Pasaporte said that the effort of the Brigade is focused more on the armed group, which is the New People’s Army.

The Rachelle Mae Palang Command–New People’s Army Southeast Negros Guerrilla Front also issued a statement condemning the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, the AFP and PNP, for the brutal assassination of Alvarez, a Negros-based human rights advocate, church activist, health worker, paralegal officer, and a former political prisoner.

The Commission on Human Rights yesterday said that the killing of Alvarez shows why red-tagging — labeling activists as enemies of the state -- is a serious concern.

"The killing of Zara Alvarez is another addition to the alarming string of attacks against human rights workers and advocates in the country. The Commission on Human Rights sees this as a cause for concern, especially that the number of cases is still growing and justice is nowhere in sight," CHR spokesperson Jacqueline De Guia said in a statement .

Alvarez was reportedly included in the list of more than 600 people that the Department of Justice wanted legally declared as terrorists in 2018.

Pasaporte said that the military is now a professional organization, and there is a big change in their attitude towards work.

It was the NPA that resorted to extra-judicial killings as they openly admitted the killing of so many innocent civilians in Negros, he added.

Pasaporte also revealed an organizational leadership problem in Negros Island, where ranking cadres from other areas are now occupying key positions.

During the Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting yesterday at the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City, that was presided over by Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, Pasaporte reported that they recorded 161 violent and non-violent activities of the NPA in the cities of Himamaylan, and Kabankalan, Sipalay as well as in Candoni.*

https://www.visayandailystar.com/2020/August/21/topstory7.htm

10th ID marks 14th anniversary; officer vows more collaborations

From the Mindanao Times (Aug 20. 2020): 10th ID marks 14th anniversary; officer vows more collaborations BY RHODA GRACE SARON ON AUGUST 20, 2020

A TOP Army officer vowed to put more effort into partnership with the community and private sector to establish conflict-resilient barangays to better prepare them for development.

In his speech during the 14th founding anniversary of the 10th Infantry Division (10ID), Maj. Gen. Reuben S. Basiao, the division commander, said that people’s empowerment is the key to establishing conflict- and disaster-resilient communities ready.

“The basis of the execution of the campaign is the collaboration continuum with the end state of creating an environment conducive to peace and development through convergence. As for the division, the objective is to create conflict and disaster-resilient communities with a sustainable livelihood through networking, cooperation, coordination, and collaboration with partners-stakeholders,” he said.

He also cited that the programs pioneered by the 10ID have also become a model of counter-insurgency campaign of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The programs went through a series of transformations and innovations that eventually designed the campaign to have more emphasis on community-based engagements in countering the communist terrorist group’s massive ideological, political, and organizational machinery.

“I am happy to report the division developed its own line of operations, which comprises 80 percent community-based engagement that involves community support program, peoples organizations, community development, and integrated territorial defense system,” he added.

Basiao also underscored that while the communist rebels continue to radicalize isolated communities where government services are seldom felt, the community support program proved to be an effective tool in winning back the hearts and minds of the people.

He recounted that in 2019, four guerilla fronts and five Pulang Bagani Company were dismantled within the area of responsibility of the division. They were given livelihood assistance like vegetable farming and chicken production, among others.

“These livelihood programs developments in former CTG’s stricken communities’ give economic opportunity and uplift living standard. These campaign innovations played a significant role in reducing armed violence by providing the community with resources, know-how, and life-skills to achieve a sustainable livelihood that creates an environment of shared-responsibility with partner-stakeholders in the promotion of peace and development,” Basiao added.

Apart from that, the division also engages in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in response to the series of earthquakes that devastated the areas of North Cotabato and Davao del Sur in 2019.

“In celebration of our 14th anniversary, allow us to express our sincerest gratitude for your untiring support and selfless sacrifices. But then again, there are still a lot of works to be done especially in hastening the defeat of the CTGs (NPA), rest assured that we will not rest on our laurels,” Basiao added.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2020/08/20/10th-id-marks-14th-anniversary-officer-vows-more-collaborations/

Government brings assistance to the families of 3 slain NPA rebels in Ilocos clash

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 20. 2020): Government brings assistance to the families of 3 slain NPA rebels in Ilocos clash (By Freddie G. Lazaro)

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Aug. 19 (PIA) - - The national government through the Provincial Task Force on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) of Ilocos Sur had brought the assistance to the families of the three slain New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in an encounter at Barangay Suagayan, Sta. Lucia, Ilocos Sur on August 8.

The task force also gave support to the family of the slain civilian, reportedly mistaken as a military informer, who was allegedly hit by the bullets from the NPAs during the clash.

Lieutenant Colonel Rodrigo A. Mariñas Jr., the commanding officer of the army’s 81st Infantry Battalion, said the giving of assistance by the government to the bereaved families of the killed NPAs and civilian is a gesture of sympathy to them.

He said that the government had always been prepared of assisting the Filipinos, who are victims of the ideology and ill-effect of communism.

On Tuesday, the task force visited the wake of Edgar Justo AKA Nardo and Rolando Marvil AKA Eugene, both in Barangay Bugnay, Candon City, Ilocos Sur; and Martin Capulas AKA Asiong of Sitio Linggawa, Barangay Pidpid, Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur and gave cash assistance and sacks of rice to the grieving families.

The group also handed-over an assistance to the family of slain civilian, Diosdado Valdez Jr., 36, of Barangay Parioc Primero, Candon City.

During their visit, Mariñas said the PTF-ELCAC member-agencies, and the city government of Candon conducted the consultations and interviews with the bereaved families to determine the appropriate livelihood skills training offered for free for them.

Mariñas said the task force members, who worked on the successful distribution of the assistance were representatives from the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur (PGIS) to include the provincial veterinarian, the agriculturist, and the provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer: City Government of Candon; the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Sta Cruz; the provincial directors from the DILG, TESDA, and DTI; the army and police.

Meanwhile, Floro Capulas, the brother of late Martin Capulas AKA Asiong, expressed his gratitude to the PTF-ELCAC member–agencies for the provision of assistance extended for them.

“With the continuing support and assistance from the government, I’m greatly hoping that there’s no more victim on the ideology of communism,” said Capulas.

Barangay Chairman Bernardo Valdez Jr. of Parioc Primero, Candon City said, “I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to all the members of the PTF-ELCAC who came to give support financially and morally to the bereaved family of the late Diosdado Valdez.”

For her part, Lucita Marvil Langas, the sister of late Rolando Marvil AKA Eugene, appealed to the remaining NPAs in the country to surrender and support the programs of the national government for lasting peace and development.

She thanked the PTF-ELCAC for the support and assistance given to them.

Earlier, the army’s 7th Infantry Division gave cash assistance to the families of the three slain NPAs and the slain civilian in Ilocos Sur. (JCR/FGL, PIA 1)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1050701

RTF-ELCAC cluster brings gov’t aid to eastern Pangasinan farmers

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 20. 2020): RTF-ELCAC cluster brings gov’t aid to eastern Pangasinan farmers (By Venus May H. Sarmiento)



UMINGAN,Pangasinan, Aug 20 (PIA) - The Poverty Reduction, Employment and Livelihood Cluster (PRLEC) of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) in Ilocos Region led on Tuesday the provision of government aid for farmers and irrigators in this eastern town.

The Capsing Irrigators Association in Barangay Diket which has 80 members was the first recipient of livelihood programs and leadership training skills as part of the government’s advocacy to bring help and services to the far-flung areas.

Provincial Director Jimmicio Daoaten of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-Pangasinan said, the coming together of different agencies is part of the government’s advocacy to help the residents and explain what the government is doing for them especially in this time of pandemic.

“This is a convergence. Tulong-tulong ang mga national government agencies para matulungan ang mga farmers at irrigators at mapaganda ang inyong produksyon,” Daoaten said during the ceremony launch held at the Diket Elementary School gym.

LIVELIHOOD. Some 1,500 tilapia fingerlings were distributed to farmers and irrigators of Brgy Diket in Umingan town as part of the program for Poverty Reduction, Employment and Livelihood Cluster (PRLEC) that brought government aid for farmers and irrigators in this eastern town. (VHS/PIA)

National Irrigation Administration Regional Manager Angelito Miguel encouraged the farmers and even their wives and sisters to join the trainings especially for soap and detergent making and backyard planting.

“Ito pong proyekto, napakaganda para bigyan kayo ng pangkabuhayan. May pagkakaabalahan tayo at pagkakakitaan,“ Engr. Miguel said.

The provincial government, through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, represented by Aurelia Cariaga, gave out 1,500 tilapia fingerlings that were dispersed in the river and will be ready for harvest in two months time.

Cariaga said trainings on organic fertilizer production, plant propagations and bio-pesticide propagation would also be given to the farmers.

Mayor Michael Corleone Cruz thanked the national agencies who travelled to Umingan to bring the good news to his town mates.

“Nararamdaman nating lahat ang tulong at ayuda ng gobyerno para sa mga magsasaka. Gamitin natin ng tama at huwag pabayaan,“ Mayor Cruz said in his native language addressing the farmers.

Capsing IA president Falcuneri Serdeniola thanked the government agencies and said, it is not only their association which will benefit from the help but the entire town of Umingan. (JCR/VHS/PIA-Pangasinan)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1050774

Army rescues 2 minors recruited by NPA in Guihulngan

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 20. 2020): Army rescues 2 minors recruited by NPA in Guihulngan (By Jennifer C. Tilos)



NEGROS ORIENTAL, Aug. 20 (PIA) –- Philippine Army troopers of the 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB) have rescued two female minors who were recruited by the Communist New People's Army (NPA) Terrorist during this week’s encounter at the hinterland barangay of Guihulngan City.

According to Community Military Officer Capt. Kelvin Bayaban of 303IB, the female minors, whose names are withheld for their security and safety, were rescued by troops of 62IB after a series of encounters with the armed NPA members at Sitio Maluy-a, Brgy. Sandayao in Guihulngan.

Bayaban said the two female minors together with Rennel Marosino aka Bikbik were cornered by the troops and abandoned by the withdrawing NPAs after their temporary hideout was overwhelmed by elements of 62IB.

In an interview, the two minors pointed to aka Bikbik and aka James as the ones who enticed and deceived them to join the NPAs.

The children are removed immediately from the encounter site by helicopters to keep them safe, said Bayaban.

After being airlifted out of the danger areas, the rescued minors were turned over to the local police and social welfare personnel of Guihulngan City to undergo trauma counselling.

The incident prompted the City Government of Guihulngan, headed by Mayor Jorge Joan Reyes, to strongly condemn the terroristic acts of the NPAs.

Reyes is deeply saddened to learn that children are being recruited to fight a battle that they do not even fully understand, families are being pushed to war, parents ending up in jail, brothers separated and fighting up in different places, and infants being orphaned.

It was noted that such unnecessary sacrifices are heavy burdens imposed on the people of Guihulngan City by the NPAs who do not even care whether they live or die.

Lt. Col. Melvin Flores, 62IB Commanding Officer, in his statement said “the rescued minors are clear proof that this is how the NPAs value the lives of people, as their sacrificial lambs, ruined the children’s future, lie to their advantage.”

He added that "opposite of their black propaganda against the government troops, the rescued minors who were deceived into joining the NPA terrorist group, are treated well by the soldiers and taken cared of by proper government agencies like the PNP and DSWD to undergo further counselling and stress orientation.”

Meanwhile, Col. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade Commander, said that "the incident is a clear proof that the LPC-NPA-Central Negros Guerilla Front is a top violator of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (HR-IHL) despite their claims of being pro-people.”

“It also show their adeptness in fabricating lies to deceive the people. However, the people of Negros is aware of their vicious lies and twisted propaganda stories to cover up their HR violations and terroristic evil doings especially the recruitment of minors. Protect your community, spare your children from these terrorist groups who continue to deceive and lead our youth in the armed struggle, eventually ruining their lives and their future,” Pasaporte cited.

The Philippine Army brigade urged the public to contact them for any information regarding the presence of armed groups or NPAs in their areas through its hotline numbers: (Globe) 09567414044 and (Smart) 09300072305. (jct/PIA7 Negros Oriental with reports from 303rd Infantry Brigade)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1050848

Three more armed NPA rebels surrender in Southern Bukidnon

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 20. 2020): Three more armed NPA rebels surrender in Southern Bukidnon (By Norven Jay Garcia, CMO, 4ID)



MARAMAG, Bukidnon, August 19—A day after their 12 counterparts yielded, another three New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, each with firearms, surrendered at around nine o’clock in the evening of Saturday, 15 August, to the 88th Infantry “Maringal” Battalion at 88IB Headquarters, South Poblacion, Maramag, Bukidnon.

They were identified as members of Malayag 1, Guerilla Front Malayag, SRC2, NCMRC under alias ‘Ricky’ operating in the areas of Cabanglasan, Bukidnon.

In an interview, one of them later revealed that they decided to surrender upon knowing that 12 of their comrades already submitted themselves to the government forces and laid down their 11 firearms on August 14.

The three armed surrendering NPAs were identified as alias ‘Kuyaw’ and alias ‘Dongkoy’—regular NPA members—and alias Micheal, a Militia ng Bayan member. They brought along with them one Carbine M1 rifle; two homemade shotguns; and one homemade pistol revolver.

“Grabe nga ka hadlok para sa among kinabuhi ang among nasinati samtang naa mi sa lasang. Nahadlok mi nga mangamatay sa way hinungdan nga pamaagi. Nakuyawan nasad ko kay daghan na nag-surender. Mas tsada manurender nalang sad mi. (We are so scared for our lives while we are in the hinterlands and forested area, we are afraid to die trivially. I was also worried because many of my comrades already surrendered. We thought of this as the best option we have),” alias Kuyaw said in his dialect.

Few months ago, the government troops engaged with the members of GF Malayag in the municipalities of San Fernando and Cabanglasan which resulted in the death and wounding of NPAs, seizure of their temporary hideouts, and the capture of numerous firearms, war materials, and subversive documents of the said communist terrorist group.

Lt Col. Franklin Fabic, Commanding Officer of 88IB warmly welcomed the surrender of the members of GF Malayag. “I am very happy to know that more and more members of GF Malayag chose to return to the folds of the law. We encourage other members to surrender and benefit from different government programs through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).” (CMO, 88IB, 4ID, PA/PIA Bukidnon)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1050770

Twelve NPA rebels surrender in Bukidnon

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 20. 2020): Twelve NPA rebels surrender in Bukidnon (By Norven Jay Garcia, CMO, 88IB, 4ID)

MARAMAG, Bukidnon, Aug. 18—Twelve New People’s Army (NPA) rebels surrendered at around ten o’clock in the evening on Thursday, August 14, to the 88th Infantry “Maringal” Battalion (88IB) Headquarters in South Poblacion, Maramag, Bukidnon.

The said Former Rebels (FRs) are members of Malayag 1, Guerilla Front Malayag, SRC2, NCMRC under alias ‘Ricky’ operating in the areas of Cabanglasan, Bukidnon.

They were identified as alias Joe, squad leader; alias Rolen (female), squad supply officer; alias Bayan, team leader; alias Gaw-ay, team leader; alias Rock, political guide, alias Tam-is, political guide; alias Banog, member; alias Jack, member; alias Dayrek, MB (Militia ng Bayan) member; alias Justin, MB member; alias Junel, MB member; and alias Opaw, MB member.
Lt. Col. Franklin Fabic, Commanding Officer of 88IB bared that in previous weeks, prior to the group’s surrender, these FRs were involved in the armed battle against the government forces in Cabanglasan municipality that caused a series of failures and defeats of the communist terrorists.

They also surrendered some firearms such as one M16A1, two Garand Rifles, three Carbine M1 Rifles, four Homemade Shotguns, and one caliber 45 pistol.

In a custodial debriefing, alias Rolen shared their hardships in the mountains especially the lack of food.

“Gutom lang ug kalisod among natagamtaman. Nahadlok sad ko sa among kauban nga nangamatay sa engkwentro, basin mapareho mi sa ila. Dili ko gusto mamatay, daghan pako gusto himuon sa akong kinabuhi kauban sa akong anak ug pamilya.” (We experienced hunger and misery. We were also scared when our comrades died in an encounter. We might have the same fate. I don’t want to die, I want to do better things with my child and my family),” Rolen said in dialect.

A few months ago, from May to July, the government troops figured in a series of encounters with the members of Guerilla Front Malayag in the municipalities of San Fernando and Cabanglasan that resulted in the death and wounding of NPAs, seizure of their temporary hideouts, and the capture of numerous firearms, war materials, and subversive documents.

LtCol. Fabic welcomed the voluntary surrender of the members of GF Malayag. He said each of the 12 former NPA rebels can receive their E-CLIP (Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program) benefits after some detailed debriefing.

“I hope that @Migs and his other members will do the same. For those who chose to remain a threat to our peaceful communities, we will not hesitate to exhaust all our capabilities to hunt and destroy you with all our might in order to protect our peace-loving citizens of Southern Bukidnon,” Fabic added. (CMO, 88IB, 4ID, PA/PIA Bukidnon)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1050729

Cebuano news: 38 ka mga 'FRs' sa Bukidnon nakadawat ug 'livelihood' nga hinabang pinaagi sa E-CLIP

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 20. 2020): Cebuano news: 38 ka mga 'FRs' sa Bukidnon nakadawat ug 'livelihood' nga hinabang pinaagi sa E-CLIP (By Bernadith G. Epan)



MALAYBALAY CITY, Agosto 17 (PIA)—Nakadawat ug hinabang gikan sa gobyerno ang 38 ka mga kanhing rebelde ubos sa programang Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integrated program kon E-CLIP.

Mikabat sa P1.7 million ang total sa gipang-apod-apod sa Bukidnon E-CLIP Committee niadtong Huwebes, Agosto 13, sa nasangpit nga 38 ka mga Former Rebels (FRs), diin 23 kanila ang ‘Regular’ nga NPA ug 15 ang ‘Militia ng Bayan.’

Ang 23 ka mga ‘Regular’ nakadawat ug tag P50,000 nga cash alang sa ‘livelihood assistance’ ug dugang P15,000 nga cash para sa ‘immediate assistance’ matag usa kanila; samtang nakadawat usab ug tag P15,000 matag usa ka FR nga miyembro sa ‘Militia ng Bayan’.

Nagpasalamat si Governor Jose Ma. Zubiri sa mga kanhing rebelde nga nibalik na sa sabakan sa gobyerno. Matud niya nga mas malipay pa siya kung ang tanang kauban nila nga nagpabilin pa sa kabukiran, mo-surrender na.

“Parehas ratang tanan Pilipino ug dili kita angayan makig-away sa parehas nato nga Pilipino,” dugang sa Gobernador.

Sa iyang pakigpulong, si Major General Andres Centino, ang Commanding Officer sa 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army miingon nga kini nga mga lakang gihimo sa gobyerno aron kadtong mga igsoo-on nato nga naa pa karon sa kalihukan, maaghat nato nga mo-surender na.

“Kini nagpamatuod nga sinsero ug tinud-anay ang gihimo sa atong gobyerno aron ma-angkon ang kalinaw nga atoong gitinguha,” matud ni MGen Centino.

Tungod ini, si Michael Lumawag, kanhi Political Instructor sa North Central Mindanao Regional Committee sa CPP-NPA nag-awhag sa uban pang mga rebelde nga mo-surender na aron makapanginabuhi sila nga malinawon.

“Nanawagan ko sa akong mga kauban nga nagpabilin pa sa pag suporta ug pag-uban sa kalihokan nga CPP-NPA nga unta mo-surender na kay ang gobyerno andam mosuporta ug motabang kanato aron mahapsay atong kinabuhi" (BGEpan/PIA-Bukidnon)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1050577

4ID vows to protect people from NPA harassment

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 20. 2020): 4ID vows to protect people from NPA harassment (By Jan Albert K. Araña)



CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Aug. 17 (PIA) - "It is the role of government to protect and provide security to people harrased by New People's Army (NPA). Although they instill fear so that they can extort money, they still cannot win if we unite and stand brave against them."

This was the statement of 4th Infantry Division (4ID) Commander MGen. Andres C. Centino during the recent Talakayan sa PIA, as he cited the campaigns being done by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to end local communist armed conflict in regions 10 and 13 despite the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

The NPA is the armed group of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). According to Centino, the movement began in the early 1970s and reached its peak around 1988 where 26,000 armed rebels were recorded. Since then, the AFP have been battling the NPA for 50 years.

"This group has spread all over the country, fighting the government and the AFP and staging violent activities like attacking our base camp and burning down pieces of equipment of various businesses that would not cooperate with them," MGen. Centino said.

4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army Commander Major General Andres Centino shares the thrust of the division under his leadership during Talakayan sa PIA. (VPSBautista/PIA10)

The military has its focused operations against this armed group that had been terrorizing the country for decades.

However, he admitted that the armed group continuously recruits members targetting the youth. "It is true, that they [NPAs] still have their recruitment; this sustains their activities. They are targeting the youth especially those in schools or the countrysides. They take advantage of their curiosity and idealism as part of the strategies in recruiting," Centino added.

Also, one factor that also sustains their activities is the extortion done to businessmen or politicians.

"CPP is using the NPA to instill fear and extort money to be used in their operations. They call this as revolutionary taxation but in reality this is extortion. This sustains their activities since they use the extorted money to buy their food and replace their firearms, ammunition, and explosives they lost during encounters or those confiscated during our focused military operations," he said.

Despite the armed group's effort to increase and recruit more, the AFP is conducting focused military operations successfully, thus weakening their strength.

"For the past 10 years, we have successfully decreased their strength. From their peak of 26,000 rebels, they are now down to 4,000 rebels and that they have already plateaued for the past 10 years," Centino maintained.

Both recruitment and extortion of the NPA are being addressed by the AFP aimed at eliminating the armed terrorists.

"We are addressing this by having engagements with various stakeholders, both the schools and business establishments. We explain to them their tactics in both recruitment and extortion. If we stop their source of funds and support together with the focused military operation to reduce the armed group, we believe that we can address this problem ... If they no longer have funds to buy their food, firearms, ammunition, and explosives, they will stop what they are doing," Centino explained.

"To our brothers and sisters who remain in the countrysides, you no longer have reasons to pursue your activities. The issues that you have been raising against the government had been addressed already. You cannot see any abuses committed by the security forces anymore. The government had reached out to the far-flung areas. We already have roads, infrastructure projects, and schools. Services had been delivered and we have seen the programs of other agencies that had reached all the deprived sectors," MGen. Centino concluded. (JAKAraña/PIA10)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1050580