Nur Misuari, ipinag-tanggol ng Palasyo

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Aug 22, 2020): Nur Misuari, ipinag-tanggol ng Palasyo

INABSWELTO AGAD ng Malakanyang si Moro National Liberation Front chairman Nur Misuari sa anumang kaso matapos nitong isuko ng mapayapa ang wanted na Abu Sayyaf leader na si Idang Susukan sa Davao City.

Makikita sa larawan ng PNP si Abduljihad Susukan (kaliwa) at litrao mula sa KM Image via Tribune bago ito maputulan ng braso sa pakikipaglaban sa mga sundalo sa Sulu province.

Matatandaang inaresto ng pulisya si Susukan sa bahay ni Misuari matapos nitong dalhin ang terorista sakay ng isang pribadong jet upang mabigyan ng prosthetic arm dahil naputulan ng braso sa pakikipagsagupaan sa mga sundalo noong nakaraang taon sa lalawigan ng Sulu.

Sinasabing sumuko si Susukan kay Misuari noong nakaraang Abril sa Sulu sa pangakong mabibigyan ito ng amnestiya ng pamahalaang Duterte.

Naunang sinabi ni Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, General Archie Gamboa na isinuko ni Misuari si Susukan matapos ng isang negosasyon. Natiktikan umano ng pulisya sa Davao City ang pagdating ni Misuari kasama si Susukan na wanted ng mga awtoridad dahil sa napakaraming kaso ng pagpatay at ransom kidnappings sa Sabah.

“We thank Chairman Nur Misuari for facilitating the negotiation between the PNP headed by Colonel Kirby John Kraft, (the) Davao City (Police) Director and Edang Susukan,” ani Gamboa.

“The PNP immediately advised (Davao) Mayor Inday Sara Duterte who assured us of her full cooperation and assistance, to ensure the peaceful handover and orderly transfer of custody to proper authorities,” dagdag pa nito.

Sinabi naman ni Presidential spokesman Harry Roque na “highly unlikely” na makasuhan si Misuari dahil sa pagkupkop nito kay Susukan. Sinigundahan rin nito si Gamboa na talagang isinuko ni Misuari ang terorista sa pulisya.

“What I know is he arranged for the surrender. So, in terms of criminal liability, it seems highly unlikely because he arranged for Susukan’s surrender. Susukan was not arrested while he was being harbored by Nur Misuari. That’s not the case. It appears that he arranged for authorities to come to apprehend Susukan in his residence on that day,” paliwanag pa ni Roque.

Nais naman ng militar na ipaliwanag ni Misuari kung bakit nasa kanyang pangangalaga si Susukan. Maging ang Western Mindanao Command sa Zamboanga City ay nagsabing wala itong official report ng pagsuko ni Susukan.

“We have no confirmation of Susukan’s surrender to Misuari or his reported trip to Davao City. We consider Susukan a wanted man,” ani Major Arvin Encinas, ang spokesman ng Western Mindanao Command.

Si Susukan ay nahaharap sa patong-patong na kasong kriminal at kabilang sa mga biktimang dayuhan nito ay sina Chinese national Gao Huayun at Pinay na si Filipina Marcy Darawan, na dinukot sa Singamata Reef Resort sa Semporna sa Sabah noong Abril 2, 2014. At Malaysian Chan Sai Chun, na hinila sa kanyang fish farm sa Kampung Sapang sa Kunak, Sabah noong Hunyo 16, 2014, at Sabah restaurateur Thien Nyuk Fan, na dinukot rin mula sa Ocean King Seafood Restaurant sa Sandakan sa Sabah noong Mayo 14, 2015.

Dinukot at pinugutan rin nito ng ulo ang 39-antos na Malaysian engineer Bernard Then noong Nobyembre 2015 matapos na mabigong magbayad ng ransom ang pamilya nito. Maraming sundalo at sibilyan rin ang pinatay at pinugutan ng grupo ni Susukan.

Sa kasalukuyan ay nasa PNP Camp Crame si Susukan, ngunit nais ng Armed Forces of the Philippines na ilipat sa kanilang kustodiya ang terorista. (Mindanao Examiner)

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2020/08/nur-misuari-ipinag-tanggol-ng-palasyo.html

Road network to farthest village to solve insurgency problem in San Roque

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 22, 2020): Road network to farthest village to solve insurgency problem in San Roque (By Ailene N. Diaz)



CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Aug. 22 (PIA) -- A road network to Barangay Hinagdanan, the farthest barangay of the municipality of San Roque, this province, is a solution to the insurgency problem in this town.

This was expressed by Mayor Don Abalon during the Laging Handa Network Briefing when asked by PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar on the presence of New People's Army (NPA) in San Roque.

“The town used to have this problem way back, but in 2015 the municipality was declared insurgency-free, however, during this time of pandemic, NPA targets barangays particularly those with problem on accessibility,” said Mayor Abalon.

“Almost all barangays of the town have already roads except Barangay Hinagdanan. That is why, NPA went there convincing barangay people to support them, give them foods and other things. If the barangay is accessible to the town proper, this problem will be solved,” Mayor Abalon added.

During the interview, Mayor Abalon requested the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) for the approval of the proposed program requested as early as 2014, the Mondragon-San Roque-Pambujan-Silvino Lubos road to connect the interior barangays which are the mobility corridor of the New People’s Army.

“If we put roads in, we can hamper their mobility and we can protect our people in these areas,” Abalon said. (ldl/and/PIA-N. Samar)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1051014

Maguindanao mayor surrenders 4 high-powered guns

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 22, 2020): Maguindanao mayor surrenders 4 high-powered guns (By Edwin Fernandez)



TURNED OVER GUNS. The four high-powered firearms turned over by the local officials of Datu Piang, Maguindanao to the Army’s 57th Infantry Battalion in support of the government’s disarmament campaign on Friday (Aug. 21, 2020). The guns included a .50-caliber Barrett sniper rifle, a Carbine rifle, and two US-made .30-caliber M1 Garand rifles. (Photo courtesy of 57IB)

A town mayor in Maguindanao on Friday showed his support to the disarmament program of the government by turning over four high-powered firearms to the military.

Mayor Victor Samama of Datu Piang, Maguindanao, personally handed over a .50-caliber Barrett sniper rifle, a Carbine rifle, and two US-made .30-caliber M1 Garand rifles to Lt. Col Jonathan Pondanera, commander of the Army’s 57th Infantry Battalion (IB).

Pondanera lauded the gesture of the mayor in helping the Army recover firearms in the hands of unauthorized persons.

He urged other local government executives in his area of operation to follow the move of Samama who wished peace and development to prevail in his town.

“Only the police, the Army, and government security agents are allowed to possess and carry guns, other than them, those who have unlicensed guns will be subjected to law enforcement operations,” Samama later told reporters at the event.

Samama said he has also tasked village officials in his town to collect unlicensed firearms from residents in their respective areas or face the military and police later on.

Pondanera said the surrender of guns will help improve the peace and order situation of Datu Piang and its nearby areas.

Since 2017, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, the mother unit of the 7IB, was able to gather more than 1,500 assorted firearms from those unauthorized to possess guns with the help of local government executives.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1113056

NPA medic surrenders; yields firearm to gov't troops in Aurora

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 22, 2020): NPA medic surrenders; yields firearm to gov't troops in Aurora (By Jason De Asis)



SURRENDERED. A youth organizer of Kabataang Makabayan (KM) and a medic of Kilusang Larangang Guerilla (KLG) Sierra Madre of the New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered to the government troops in Barangay Diaat, Maria Aurora, Aurora on Friday (Aug. 21, 2020). She also yielded a defaced M14 rifle with a magazine loaded with 10 rounds of live ammunition. (Photo by Army's 91st Infantry Battalion)
BALER, Aurora – A youth organizer of Kabataang Makabayan (KM) and a medic of the Kilusang Larangang Guerilla (KLG) Sierra Madre of the New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered to government troops in the province on Friday.

Lt. Col. Reandrew Rubio, commanding officer of the Army’s 91st Infantry (Sinagtala) Battalion, identified the surrenderer as ‘Ka Katrina’.
Rubio said the 21-year-old NPA medic sought refuge to the government troops with the help of the community.

“Ka Katrina surrendered in Barangay Diaat, Maria Aurora, Aurora armed with one defaced M14 rifle with one magazine loaded with 10 rounds of live ammunition,” he said in a statement.

He said the surrender of the NPA medic is a manifestation that the KLG Sierra Madre is now losing and on the run due to series of neutralization of its members, including its supporters.

“We will continue to intensify our operations, in collaboration with Philippine National Police (PNP), to pressure the NPA bandits and force them to abandon the armed struggle,” Rubio said.

‘Ka Katrina’ is now under the custody of 91IB at Barangay Calabuanan here for proper documentation and custodial debriefing.

“Krisis sa sarili sa paghahanap ng nakasanayang buhay sa labas ng pagiging sibilyan. Hirap ng gawain sa bundok at napagtimbang-timbang kung ano ang mangyayari kung mananatili sa maling pag-armas kaya po ako nagbalik-loob sa pamahalaan (Self-crisis in finding a habitual life outside of being a civilian. The work in the mountains is hard and I weighed in what would happen if I remained in the wrong armed struggle that is why I decided to surrender to the government),” she said.

Brig. Gen. Andrew Costelo, commander of the 703rd Infantry (Agila) Brigade, said the brigade remains steadfast in its commitment to attaining peace in contested areas.

“Though risky and hard, we extend our hand to rebels and their supporters so as to enable the commencement of progress for the many. Rest assured that we shall be with those who chose to return to government side every step of the way,” Costelo said.

Maj. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr., commander of 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, said now is the best time to surrender.

“The government readied benefits in favor of former government enemies and their supporters. We encourage those still in hiding to track the right path not only for themselves but for their loved ones as well,” Rosario said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1113060

NPA 'finance officer' nabbed in Surigao Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 22, 2020): NPA 'finance officer' nabbed in Surigao Sur (By Alexander Lopez)



FINANCE OFFICER. Joint forces of the Philippine Army and Philippine National Police arrest Thursday (Aug. 20, 2020) at a checkpoint along Marihatag-Cagwait Highway in Surigao del Sur Sarvina Rivas Quijano, who is identified by a former rebel as the finance staff of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee of the communist New People’s Army. The military says Quijano is the party wife of Marcelino Tampos Navarro, the NEMRC deputy secretary-general who was killed during an encounter with government forces on July 7 this year. (Photo courtesy of 3SFBn)

A team of police and Army personnel arrested a ranking leader of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) at a checkpoint in Surigao del Sur, a military official said Saturday.

1st Lt. Krisjuper Andreo Punsalan, civil-military operations officer of the Army's 3rd Special Forces Battalion (3SFBn), said Sarvina Rivas Quijano was nabbed at a checkpoint along Marihatag-Cagwait Highway on Thursday while onboard in a multi-cab (YCZ-583) driven by a certain Jovencito Lozada.

Punsalan said Quijano was identified by a former rebel as the finance staff of the NPA's North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) and the "party wife" of Marcelino Tampos Navarro, the NEMRC deputy secretary-general killed on July 7 this year during an encounter with government forces in Brgy. Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur.

“Government troopers manning the checkpoint noticed in plain view protruding rifle grenades in the multi-cab which prompted them to search the vehicle,” Punsalan said.

Recovered from the vehicle were two improvised explosive devices (IEDs), a blasting cap with detonating cord, three rifle grenades, five analog cellular phones, a Lenovo tablet, subversive documents, numerous SIM cards, an external drive, and a memory card allegedly owned by the suspect, Punsalan said.

SEIZED EXPLOSIVES. Government forces seize two improvised explosive devices, a blasting cap with detonating cord, three rifle grenades, gadgets, and subversive documents from the vehicle carrying Sarvina Rivas Quijano, an alleged finance staff of the New People's Army's North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee in Surigao del Sur. Quijano was arrested along the Marihatag-Cagwait Highway in Surigao del Sur on Thursday (Aug. 20, 2020). (Photo courtesy of 3SFBn)

“Quijano's arrest is a big boost in the Army's campaign to disrupt the Communist Terrorist Group’s (CTGs) fund generation scheme which is key to end local communist armed conflict in the region,” the Army official said.

He also noted that Maj. Gen. Andres Centino, commander of Joint Task Force Diamond and of the Army's 4th Infantry Division (4ID), previously urged the business sector in Northern Mindanao and Caraga Region to help end insurgency by not giving in to the extortion demands of the NPA.

Punsalan said the insurgency in Surigao del Sur and Caraga would not be solved if money, through extortion, continues to flow into the hands of the NPA rebels.

Quijano is now in the custody of the police for documentation and filing of appropriate criminal charges.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1113059

Explosion rocks Maguindanao town

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 22, 2020): Explosion rocks Maguindanao town (By Noel Punzalan)



SEALED OFF. Police cordoned the area at the back of the town hall of Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao where an explosion took place on Friday night (Aug. 21, 2020). The explosion, which created a small crater on the ground (inset), but hurt no one during the blast. (Photo courtesy of Shariff Aguak LGU)

A powerful explosion rocked the town of Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao on Friday night, creating panic among its residents.

Mayor Marop Ampatuan said the explosion took place around 8 p.m. at the back portion of the town hall near the local police station. No one was hurt in the blast but damaged some structures nearby.

“Members of the police’s explosive ordnance disposal team are still trying to determine as to what type of bomb caused the explosion,” Ampatuan told the Philippine News Agency.

The mayor said he earlier received information that Daesh-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) are out to “rescue” a cohort, identified only as a certain alias “Koreano”, who is detained at the municipal police lock-up facility.

“This ‘Koreano’, a high-profile criminal, ought to be transferred to the Maguindanao provincial jail as his BIFF accomplices seemed determined to bolt him out,” Ampatuan said.

“The local government remains on top of the situation,” he said, adding that town residents should remain calm and vigilant.

He urged residents to report to authorities whatever they see suspicious in their respective barangays.

“Suspicious-looking characters roaming around villages should immediately be reported to the police,” he said.

Checkpoints along strategic sections of the town have been set up since Friday night following the blast.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1113077

Sulu-based Army unit gets new commander

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Aug 21, 2020): Sulu-based Army unit gets new commander

ZAMBOANGA. The Philippine Army installs Brigadier General William Gonzales (left) as the new commander of the 11th Infantry Division based in Jolo, Sulu, replacing Major General Corleto Vinluan Sr. (center). A photo handout shows Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, Philippine Army chief (right), presides the turnover of command Tuesday, August 18, at Camp Don Basilio Navarro that houses the Western Mindanao Command headquarters in Zamboanga City. (SunStar Zamboanga)

THE Philippine Army has installed a Scout Ranger officer as the new commander of its 11th Infantry Division (ID) based on Jolo, Sulu.

Installed as the new 11ID commander is Brigadier General William Gonzales, who replaced Major General Corleto Vinluan.

The change of command ceremony was held Tuesday, August 18, at Camp Don Basilio Navarro with Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana as the presiding officer.

Camp Don Basilio Navarro houses the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) headquarters in Zamboanga City.

Gonzales served as commander of the First Scout Ranger Regiment prior to his assumption as the 11ID commander.

At the same time, Gonzales will also serve as the Joint Task Force Sulu commander.

He also served as assistant chief-of-staff for Education and Training (G8) of the Philippine Army and as Commandant of the Officer Candidate School, Training and Doctrine Command.

A member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) "Makatao" Class of 1989, Gonzales holds a Masters in Management in Public Administration.

Meanwhile, the 11ID under Vinluan's stewardship has neutralized 169 Abu Sayyaf Group personalities, including foreign terrorists, recovered 212 firearms, and prevented the detonation of a suicide bomber last 2019.

Vinluan belongs to the PMA "Maringal" Class of 1988.

Sobejana has called on the officers and men of the 11ID to continue the enthusiasm in accomplishing their mission together with their new commander.

"Sa ating pagtugon na tapusin ang terorismo sa lalong madaling panahon, mas paigtingin pa ninyo ang kakayahang hanapin, ipitin, at ubusin ang kalaban, at ipagpatuloy ang panalo habang pinatutupad natin ang mabuting pamamahala ng ating hanay," Sobejana said. (SunStar Zamboanga)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1867710/Zamboanga/Local-News/Sulu-based-Army-unit-gets-new-commander

NPA losing strongholds in Caraga: Army

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 21, 2020): NPA losing strongholds in Caraga: Army (By Alexander Lopez)



END OF SUPPORT. Flags of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) are burned during the mass surrender of 150 members and supporters of the rebel movement in Carmen, Agusan del Norte, on Thursday (Aug. 20, 2020). Similar mass surrender ceremonies were also held in the provinces of Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur recently. (Photo courtesy of 23IB)

BUTUAN CITY – The number of areas considered as "strongholds" of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in the Caraga Region continues to plunge due to the surrender of the hundreds of its members and supporters, an Army official said.

Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, commander of the Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion, cited the mass surrender of NPA supporters from August 19 to 20 this year in the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, and Surigao del Sur, which are under the area of operations (AORs) of the 23IB, 26IB, and 36IB.

“Our brothers and sisters who are already exasperated and riled while languishing from miserable lives inside the CNT (Communist NPA Terrorist) movement deserve to live peacefully. The government is giving them the chance to experience new lives with their families,” Paulo said in a statement Friday (Aug. 21).

Paulo said NPA combatants have realized "the wrong path they chose while suffering from the hardships they encounter inside the movement.

The NPA's mass supporters, he added, have grown tired of the presence of the communist rebels in their communities.

On Thursday, Paulo was joined by local and regional officials in welcoming 150 NPA members and mass supporters who pledged allegiance to the government in a ceremony held in Sitio Macopa, Barangay Poblacion, Carmen town.

Of the 150 who surrendered, 30 were members of the NPA's Militia ng Bayan (MB), while 120 were mass supporters of the movement residing in barangays Poblacion and Rojales, Carmen town.

The former NPA supporters, he said, were part of the underground affiliates of the NPA, particularly the Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad, Yunit Milisyang Bayan, Pambansang Katipunan ng Magbubukid sa Pilipinas, Malayang Kilusan ng Bagong Kababaihan, and Kabataang Makabayan.

In a separate activity on Thursday, 24 NPA members and supporters also pledged their allegiance to the government in a ceremony spearheaded by the Army's 26th Infantry Battalion in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur.

On Wednesday (August 19), 17 NPA fighters and supporters also returned to the fold of the law in a ceremony led by the 36IB in the town of Madrid, Surigao del Sur.

“The CNT movement in Agusan del Norte is watering down as their mass base continues to weaken due to the series of surrenders of the regular members and supporters. People now realize the evils that the communist movement brought to their lives and communities for years,” Paulo said.

He added that residents in far-flung villages "have now become conscious of what they actually gained" after years of supporting the communist rebel movement.

“They got nothing but miseries in life, hardships and underdevelopment in their communities. The only option left, is for these mass supporters to turn their backs from the ideology that nailed their lives down to extreme poverty and return to the government that espouses the true essence of democracy that facilitates development initiatives and works for genuine peace,” Paulo said.

He also urged the remaining NPA rebels in Agusan provinces to lay down their arms and avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) and help the government achieve peace.

“If we are united, we can be a huge force to bring big changes in our communities, changes that will uplift us economically, politically and socially, so that in the future, our children and the next generation will have something to reap, not only on the development initiatives that we planted together but also dignity and pride,” Paulo said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1113013

15 ex-NPA militiamen in Negros get P15-K each

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 21, 2020): 15 ex-NPA militiamen in Negros get P15-K each (By Nanette Guadalquiver)



CASH AID. Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson (right) turns over a check of PHP15,000 to a former New People’s Army Yunit Militia member, in the presence of Third District Board Member Andrew Montelibano (left) at the provincial capitol grounds in Bacolod City on Thursday afternoon (Aug. 20, 2020). A total of 15 recipients were granted immediate assistance under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP. (Photo courtesy of PIO Negros Occidental)

BACOLOD CITY – Some 15 former Yunit Militia members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Negros Occidental received a total of PHP225,000 or PHP15,000 each in immediate assistance from the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

The recipients included 14 who surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion based in northern Negros and one with the 62IB in central Negros.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson led the turn-over of the checks to the recipients in rites held at the provincial capitol grounds in this city on Thursday afternoon.

“I am thankful that you have decided to return to the fold of the law. I hope that you will serve as an example to your former comrades and you can convince them to surrender. We in the government will help you in the best way we can. The checks you received will help you start over,” he told the former militia members.

The turn-over rites were witnessed by Third District Board Member Andrew Montelibano; Col. Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of 303rd Infantry Brigade; Lt. Col. Gerard Alvaran, commander of 79IB; Col. Romy Palgue, director of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office; and Local Government Operations Officer VII Fatima Diaz of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the lead implementing agency of the E-CLIP.

Alvaran said the distribution of cash assistance to former Yunit Militia members clearly shows the government’s sincerity in its call for CPP-NPA members to return to mainstream society and reunite with their families.

“E-CLIP is solid evidence that the government is sincere in reintegrating former rebels in the mainstream society and in ending local communist armed conflict. I commend these former rebels for choosing the right path and becoming part of building a better community instead of fighting against government authorities,” he added.

On July 27, three former rebels (FRs) in Negros Occidental received a total of PHP200,000 in immediate and remuneration assistance under the E-CLIP.

Each of the FRs, previously CPP-NPA combatants, was given a check of PHP30,000 as immediate assistance and PHP110,000 more for the firearms they turned over to the authorities.

On July 16, some 18 ex-NPA rebels also received immediate and reintegration assistance amounting to about PHP36,000 each as benefits under the E-CLIP.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1112990

'Terror group backer' slain, bomb materials seized in SoCot raids

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 21, 2020): 'Terror group backer' slain, bomb materials seized in SoCot raids (By Richelyn Gubalani)



BOMB-MAKING MATERIALS. Photo shows the rifle grenades, blasting cap, and electrical wires recovered from the house of an alleged bomb-maker affiliated with the Dawlah Islamiyah’s Hassan group in a raid on Friday (Aug. 21, 2020) in Polomolok town, South Cotabato province. A village councilor who was tagged as a drug pusher and supporter of the Islamic State-inspired group was also killed in a separate operation in the area. (PNA photo by Richelyn Gubalani)

A barangay councilor who was tagged as a supporter of an Islamic State-inspired local terrorist group was killed while several bomb-making materials were recovered in separate raids in Polomolok town, South Cotabato, on Friday.

Lt. Col. Alex Joe Orcjada, chief of the Polomolok municipal police station, said suspect Basit Piang Canapia was killed in a shootout with joint operatives past 5 a.m. in Purok 1, Barangay Rubber.

Canapia, an incumbent councilor of Barangay Rubber, resisted arrest during a search operation at his home for possession of illegal drugs or violation of Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, Orcjada said.

Orcjada said the suspect suddenly drew a handgun and opened fire, triggering a brief shootout with the operating team composed of elements from intelligence and operation units of the Police Regional Office-12, South Cotabato police, and the Army Special Forces.

Canapia was fatally wounded in the encounter and declared dead upon arrival at the Polomolok municipal hospital, the police official said.

“He was included in our drug watchlist and came out in our investigation as a supporter of the Nilong sub-group of the Dawlah Islamiyah-Hassan group,” Orcajada said in an interview.

He said the group was engaged in drug trafficking and other criminal activities in Polomolok and the neighboring areas.

Around 5:30 a.m., the police official said the operating team stormed the house of an alleged bomb-maker of the Nilong sub-group in Sitio Vio, Barangay Lapu but the suspect, identified as Jorhan Utap Palalisan, managed to escape.

Recovered at the house were two live rifle grenades, three packs of suspected shabu, blasting cap, and electrical wires, he said.

Orcjada said pursuit operations are ongoing against Palalisan, who had been also linked to gun-running activities in the area.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1113034

Milisyang Bayan member surrenders

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 21, 2020): Milisyang Bayan member surrenders (By Jason De Asis)



GAVE UP. A member of Milisyang Bayan (MB) surrendered and yielded his firearm to the government in Barangay Bantug, Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija on Friday (Aug. 21, 2020). Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, commanding officer of 91st Infantry (Sinagtala) Battalion, Philippine Army, said the surrender was made possible through the efforts of continuous dialogue and negotiation of the 91IB, 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company of Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office, and Gabaldon Municipal Police Station. (Photo by 91st Infantry Battalion)

BALER, Aurora – A member of the New People's Army's (NPA) Milisyang Bayan (MB) on Friday voluntarily surrendered and yielded his firearm to the government in Barangay Bantug, Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija.

Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, commanding officer of 91st Infantry (Sinagtala) Battalion, Philippine Army, said the surrender was made possible through the efforts of continuous dialogue and negotiation of the 91IB, 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company of Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office, and Gabaldon Municipal Police Station.

The surrenderer was identified as Virgilio F. Perez, alias Bert, 41, a member of MB Platoon Timog Sierra Madre (TSM).

He likewise surrendered his defaced M16 rifle with two short magazines loaded with 26 rounds of ammunition.

Perez is now under the custody of 91st IB at Barangay Calabuanan, Baler, Aurora for proper documentation and custodial debriefing.

“Ako ay lumantad at sumuko na dahil hindi ko nagustuhan ang pamamalakad sa loob ng kilusan at pilit akong dinadalaw ng armado para akoy muling pabalikin at para maging full time na NPA (I surfaced and surrendered because I no longer like the way the movement was operating and the armed group keeps on visiting me to convince me to come back and to become a full-time NPA),” he said in his statement to 91st IB.

Rubio said that the surrender of the MB member manifested the effective implementation of National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC).

“Our doors are open to those who wanted to return to the mainstream and we are willing to facilitate the Enhanced - Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and other benefits intended for the surfacing NPA bandits,” he added.

Brig. General Andrew D. Costelo, commander,703rd Infantry (AGILA) Brigade said in compliance with the provisions of Executive Order No. 70 (created NTF ELCAC that institutionalized a whole-of-nation approach in obtaining exclusive and sustainable peace), the 703BDE vigilantly continues its commitment to put an end to local armed conflict.

“We call on all concerned to surrender and take another chance in life. The Agila troopers shall help any and all who will choose to return to the folds of the law. As we combat Covid-19 and other government enemies, let everyone be reminded that we intend to include all, no one shall be left behind,” Costelo said.

Major General Alfredo V. Rosario Jr., commander of 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, Major General Alfredo V. Rosario Jr., lauded the initiative of the concerned government authorities to facilitate the surrender of a member of the communist terrorist group in their area of responsibility.

He said the government readied benefits to all former rebels as they return to the folds of the law.

He encouraged everyone else to give peace a chance, as support to the government is a support to the majority of the people.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1113036

AFP SolCom units help in Masbate quake relief efforts

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 21, 2020): AFP SolCom units help in Masbate quake relief efforts (By Priam Nepomuceno)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), through its Southern Luzon Command (Solcom), is now supporting government humanitarian assistance and disaster response efforts following the magnitude 6.6 earthquake that hit Cataingan, Masbate on Tuesday.

"SolCom has provided aircraft for rapid damage and needs assessment operations. HADR and medical teams from the 9th Infantry Division and Headquarters SolCom were also alerted and ready to be deployed for possible search-and-rescue operation," AFP public affairs office chief Navy Capt. Jonathan Zata said in a message to the Philippine News Agency on Thursday.

He added that the military is constantly coordinating with the affected local government units and the Office of Civil Defense regarding the aid the AFP can provide.

"The AFP through the SolCom is in constant coordination with the local government units and the Office of Civil Defense to provide necessary equipment and manpower," Zata said.

He added that the assistance aims to ensure the safety of all residents in the affected areas, as well as assist in relief and rehabilitation efforts.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1112980

Air Force transports over 1-M pounds of PPE sets, med supplies

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 21, 2020): Air Force transports over 1-M pounds of PPE sets, med supplies (By Priam Nepomuceno)


File photo

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has so far flown 1,010,313.11 pounds of cargo, which were used in ongoing efforts to contain the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak.

Lt. Col. Aristides Galang, PAF spokesperson, in a message to the Philippine News Agency on Thursday, said these cargoes were flown from March until August 20 based on latest data.

These can be broken down into 390,548.44 pounds of personal protective equipment (PPE) sets and 619,764.67 pounds of medical supplies.

Galang said during the same period, PAF has also transported some 1,227 individuals.

The PAF has allocated seven of its aircraft for its Covid-19 support missions.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1112986

CPP/NPA-Mountain Province: NPA Mt. Province pays the highest tribute to Marxes “Ka Jigs” Dazon

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 21, 2020): NPA Mt. Province pays the highest tribute to Marxes “Ka Jigs” Dazon

MAGNO UDYAW

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-MOUNTAIN PROVINCE

LEONARDO PACSI COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

AUGUST 21, 2020

The Leonardo Pacsi Command – NPA Mt. Province pays the highest tribute to Marxes “Ka Jigs” Dazon, and the four other martyrs of the August 8 encounter in Sta. Lucia, Ilocos Sur. The LPC and all revolutionary forces in the Mt. Province send the warmest condolences to Ka Jigs’ family, friends and community.

Ka Jigs was an Igorot youth from Tadian and Besao Mt. Province. He was responsible and hardworking as he aspired for a bright future for his family and ili (community). Despite the opportunities available to him to pursue individual dreams, he set his foot on the ground, eagerly analyzed the Philippine society and took seriously the valuable lessons and inspiration of our ancestors and martyrs. At the age of 19, he decided to join the New People’s Army.

In the span of two years, he quickly developed as a red fighter and a dedicated member of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Ka Jigs has become a military cadre, leading a squad while contributing to the unity and integrity of the entire unit. Ka Jigs was equally active in the political and cultural work within the unit and among the masses. He emphasized on the need to raise consciousness about the history, situation, struggle of the people and their strength to change the rotten system. Ka Jigs also had a renewed hope and inspiration from his child, and became more determined to serve the interest of the majority towards the establishment of a socialist society for the next generations.

As a national minority youth, Ka Jigs held tight on the communal responsibility to defend ti daga a nagtaudan (the ancestral land), even as he went to different provinces and region, tirelessly performing the tasks of the NPA – advance the agrarian revolution, establish the people’s government, and wage the people’s war. Ka Jigs was resolved that only the victory of the national democratic revolution and the construction of a socialist society will ensure the right to ancestral land and self-determination of the Cordillera people and all national minorities. Across boundaries, the masses embraced Ka Jigs who was an example of the willingness of the ordinary people to tend to each other and advance the revolution.

Ka Jigs bravely took the continuing challenge posed to the youth – to achieve the bright future free from oppression and exploitation. He did not wish for his comfort, wealth, fame nor any personal interests. He chose not to be cowed, deceived nor used by the puppet state and its fascist armed forces to terrorize and pacify the people demanding for land, jobs, just wages and other democratic rights. He wholeheartedly strived for the liberation of the Filipino people from the chains of the imperialists, landlords, compradors and bureaucrat capitalists. Ka Jigs offered his strength and skills to serve the masses until his last breath.

The Leonardo Pacsi Command renders a red salute to Ka Jigs – an examplary cadre of the Cordillera, a true hero of the Filipino people and the oppressed people advancing liberation struggles wordlwide. With the worsening socio-economic crisis and as the US-Duterte regime intensifies its fascism and dictatorial rule, the LPC enjoins the youth of the Montanosa and Ilocos to selflessly serve the people, take the arms left by Ka Jigs, and join the NPA. Fetad!

https://cpp.ph/statements/npa-mt-province-pays-the-highest-tribute-to-marxes-ka-jigs-dazon/

Kalinaw News: JTFC and 6ID Commander attends blessing and turnover of halfway house for Former Rebels

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 21, 2020): JTFC and 6ID Commander attends blessing and turnover of halfway house for Former Rebels

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Joint Task Force Central and 6th Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Diosdado C. Carreon with his Staff attended and witnessed the Blessing and Turn-over of Halfway House for former Rebels at Animal Production & Processing Center Compound, Brgy. Tinongcop, Tantangan, South Cotabato yesterday, August 18, 2020.

The ceremonial turnover was presided by Hon. Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Governor and Hon. Vicente De Jesus, Vice Governor of South Cotabato. It was likewise attended by Heads of different line agencies; Ms. Josephine C. Leysa, CESO IV-DILG Regional Director, Ms. Haide D. Agustin, RSW-PSWDO, Col. Jemuel F. Siason, Provincial Director, SCPPO and the Provincial Local Officials of South Cotabato.




Said endeavor is a part of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) of the government for the former rebels. The Halfway House will be utilized for the training and reorientation of the former rebels prior to their reintegration to the mainstream society.

In this program, the former rebels will receive various interventions such as psychosocial, spiritual, family forum and counseling and skills enhancement seminars while staying at the facility. Various agencies will also be tapped to facilitate livelihood assistance and other basic services. They are also constantly monitored by the Monitoring and Evaluation Committee composed of the Halfway House Personnel, PSWDOs, LGUs, DILG, PNP, and Philippine Army.

“In behalf of the provincial government of South Cotabato, my office is open and wholeheartedly entraining all those surrenderers who are in need of assistance and I will provide government services to all former rebels who are willing to lay down their firearms and surrender to the government,” Governor Tamayo said.

The JTFC and 6ID Commander thanked all participants in their sincere effort to help the AFP in its mission to end insurgency in Mindanao.

“We are extending our sincere gratitude for the convergence of efforts of all Government agencies necessary to end local armed conflict in different vulnerable communities in the entire province of South Cotabato,” Maj. Gen. Carreon said.





[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/jtfc-and-6id-commander-attends-blessing-and-turnover-of-halfway-house-for-former-rebels/