WESTMINCOM: Military foils ASG IED attack

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Oct 31, 2020): Military foils ASG IED attack

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City- October 31, 2020

The WestMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. reported that the troops of the Joint Task Force Sulu recovered an Improvised Explosive Device made by the notorious Abu Sayyaf Group bomb maker Mundi Sawadjaan on October 30, 2020.

“It can be recalled that Sawadjaan was behind the 2019 Jolo Cathedral Bombing,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan said.

Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. further said that at 4:30 p.m., Friday, the troops of the 1101st Infantry Brigade and the 100th Infantry Battalion acted on a report received from a concerned citizen of the presence of a suspicious object in their vicinity.

“The troops proceeded to the area in Barangay Timbangan, Indanan, Sulu to verify the report and upon confirmation, they immediately coordinated to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team for the proper disposal of the IED,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. added.

Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. stated that based on the report from the ground, the IED was wrapped with coconut leaves and it is composed of a mortar cartridge, 90RR projectile heat, five liters of Ammonium-Nitrate/Fuel-oil (ANFO), battery, and an improvised blasting cap.

Said IED was emplaced along the barangay road, which if exploded could hurt people within a 20-meter radius.

In a statement, JTF Sulu Commander Maj. Gen. William Gonzales said, "The Abu Sayyaf Group is frustrated by the series of their losses that they resort to the most hideous form of violent extremism - bombing. They want to instill fear, but the bravery and courage of our troops are unsurpassable".

Meanwhile, 1101Bde Commander Col. Antonio Bautista said that on October 29, the 5th Special Forces Company mobilized the 7th CAA Company and the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team to pursue around ten ASG members of the group under sub-leader Ellam Nasirin, an affiliate of Mundi Sawajaan.

A 30-minute firefight transpired that ended with the ASG members scampering away in different directions. Bloodstains were found on the encounter site, strongly indicating that some of the bandits got wounded during the encounter.

"We are continuously tracking the ASG, with the consolidated efforts of all units and the full support from the civilian populace who provide timely and accurate information of ASG's whereabouts and activities," Col. Bautista said.

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WESTMINCOM: Disgruntled Abu Sayyaf Group members surrender in Sulu

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Oct 31, 2020): Disgruntled Abu Sayyaf Group members surrender in Sulu

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City- October 31, 2020

A known ASG/kidnap-for-ransom group member and two others yielded in Sulu on Friday, October 30, Lt. Gen Corleto Vinluan, the WestMinCom Commander said.

Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. said that a.k.a. Dexter who was involved in the kidnapping of Indonesian seafarers submitted himself to the 6th Special Forces Battalion, along with Albasir Salim, a.k.a., Abu Sadad, a group member of late ASG Sub-leader Sibih Pisih and Edwin Panduga Abdulmain, a.k.a. Splakang, a group member of ASG Subleader Ekoh Udjaman.

According to a.k.a. Dexter, he was not aware that the group he was in was set to conduct a kidnapping activity. He felt that he was lied to because he treated his comrades as friends but it turned out that he was just used. He was forced to execute kidnap-for-ransom activities for fear of being killed if he will not do so.

Lt. Col. Rafael Caido, the Acting Commanding Officer of the 6SFBN said that the most recent involvement of a.k.a. Dexter was the abduction of the five Indonesian seafarers fishing in the Malaysian waters on January 16, 2020.

“He was also present during the group’s encounter with the troops of the on 3rd Light Reaction Company, 4th Special Forces Company, and the Navy and Air Force troops in Sulare Island, Parang, Sulu on January 18.

The surrendered personalities were subsequently presented to 1102nd Infantry Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio at the unit’s headquarters in Camp Bud Datu, Barangay Tagbak, Indanan Sulu.

“I would like to commend the troops of the 6th Special Forces Battalion for a job well done. Your humanitarian projects have paid off,” Brig. Gen. Patrimonio said.

The trio handed over one M1 Carbine, one G1 battle rifle, one M1 Garand rifle, and assorted ammunition.

JTF Sulu Commander Maj. Gen. William Gonzales enjoined the remaining members of the ASG to peacefully surrender to authorities.

“The Western Mindanao Command is tightening its security that's why the ASG opted to kidnap outside Philippine borders. On the other hand, all military battalions are focused on neutralizing the ASG and their logistics to include KFR activities. Either members surrender or get killed in the armed engagement. I hope others can also come to their senses and give value to theirs and their families’ life,” he said.

The surrendered personalities are undergoing custodial debriefing at 6SFBn headquarters in Barangay Buhanginan, Patikul, Sulu.

“We welcome the surrender of the ASG members and acknowledge the support of the local government and the people in our efforts to defeat the terrorists,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. said.

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WESTMINCOM: BIFF top officer surrenders in Maguindanao

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Oct 31, 2020): BIFF top officer surrenders in Maguindanao

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City- October 31, 2020

Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., the Western Mindanao Command Chief said that the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters-Karialan Faction yielded to the military in the afternoon of October 30, 2020.

“Abdulgani Dimalen submitted himself to the 33rd Infantry Battalion Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Elmer Boongaling at around 2:30 p.m. yesterday,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan said.

According to Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr., Dimalen heard about the livelihood assistance that he may receive once he surface and this convinced him to lay down his weapon.

In local dialect, Dimalen said, “I realized that the soldiers are not our enemies, they are just doing their job”.

Dimalen brought along with him his M14 rifle and was subsequently presented to Col. Ferdinand Lacadin, the Officer-In-Charge of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade.

“The said activity held at the 1Mech Bde headquarters in Barangay Kamasi, Ampatuan, Maguindanao was witnessed by Shariff Aguak Mayor Marop Ampatuan and some relatives of Dimalen,” said Lt. Col. Boongaling.

In his message, Col. Lacadin praised Dimalen for his decision to come out and return to the fold of the law.

Col. Lacadin further addressed Dimalen by saying, “You made the right decision. There are better ways to live than to fight with the government and be with the outlawed group”.

The BIFF-Karialan Faction is involved in numerous atrocities in Central Mindanao.

“The influx of surrenders reflects the positive response of the people and the adversaries in our peaceful mechanisms,” said Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, JTF Central Commander.

Likewise, Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. lauded the troops of the Joint Task Force Central and the intelligence units for sustaining the efforts to end terrorism and to bring about peace and progress in Central Mindanao.

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WESTMINCOM: Malaysian General vows to support the peace efforts of the AFP

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Nov 1, 2020): Malaysian General vows to support the peace efforts of the AFP

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City- October 31, 2020

Maj. Gen. Dato’ Hj Muhammad Anwar bin Abdullah vowed to support the peace efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines during his visit to the WestMinCom on October 30, 2020.


“I wish to thank the officers, men, and women of the Western Mindanao Command for the hospitality. Let us continue to work together for the attainment of peace here in Mindanao,” the Malaysian General said.

Maj. Gen. Muhammad Anwar of the Royal Malaysian Armed Forces is the present Head of Mission of the International Monitoring Team-15 (IMT-15).

During his visit, Maj. Gen. Muhammad Anwar was accorded with full military honors by the officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian human resource at the Parade Ground of the command.

He was then welcomed by Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., the Commander of the WestMinCom, and the Command Staff at the command’s Bautista Lounge.

“We gladly thank Maj. Gen. Muhammad Anwar for taking the time to visit the command. Rest assured that we will sustain our strong cooperation to address security challenges in our areas of common concerns,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.

The IMT oversees the peace implementation between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. It is responsible to monitor the security, humanitarian, rehabilitation and development aspects, socio-economic assistance, and civilian protection.

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WESTMINCOM: Troops seize CTG’s war materials following a clash in Zambo Sur

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Nov 2, 2020): Troops seize CTG’s war materials following a clash in Zambo Sur

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City- November 2, 2020

WestMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. said, “The military troops seized war materials of the Communist Terrorist Group following a gunfight in Zamboanga del Sur at 11:10 in the morning on November 1, 2020.”

Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. stated that while conducting combat operations, troops of the 53rd Infantry Battalion engaged more or less 15 communist terrorist group members in the tri-boundaries of Barangays Buenasuerte and Laperian of the municipality of Tukuran, and Dipaya of Labangan.

“The group belongs to the Main Regional Guerilla Unit (MRGU) of the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC),” the commander added.

The gunfight lasted for 21 minutes after which the enemies withdrew bringing along their casualties with them.

“While scouring the clash site, our troops recovered two poncho tent, one sack charcoal, empty shells of AK47 and M16, one green sweatshirt marked 8H8, and assorted foodstuff,” said Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, 102nd Infantry Brigade Commander.

“There was no casualty from our side while pursuit operation is being conducted to neutralize the fleeing enemies and determine their casualties,” Brig. Gen. Nicolas added.

“We believe that several militants were wounded and probably could have died due to loss of blood especially that hot pursuit is vigorously undertaken,” he further said.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio said that the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan continues to employ more pressure on the remaining members of the threat groups in Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao provinces.

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WESTMINCOM: LGU, military commit to sustain peace and development in Tawi-Tawi

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Nov 3, 2020): LGU, military commit to sustain peace and development in Tawi-Tawi

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City- November 3, 2020

Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command, during his talk to the officers, men, and women of the 2nd Marine Brigade, on October 26, 2020, lauded the significant accomplishments of the marine troops.

“With enormous pride, I commend all of you for a job well done. The successful implementation of the campaign against the proliferation of loose firearms and the COVID-19 health protocols are just among your numerous successes,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan said.

Col. Arturo Rojas, the Brigade Commander then presented a total of ninety assorted loose firearms to Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. at the headquarters of the 2MBde in Marine Barracks Domingo Deluna, Sanga-Sanga, Bongao Tawi-Tawi.

“The said firearms were handed over to the Marine Battalion Landing Team-6 under Lt. Col. Noel Calendatas as a result of the effective campaign against loose firearms in the province,” said Col. Rojas.

Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. acknowledged the efforts of the local government to support the military in maintaining peace and order in the province.

“With the support and commitment of the local officials and the people, our troops sustained the peace paving the way for development in Tawi-Tawi,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.

“We work as one, we work as a team,” the commander added.

Further, Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. dropped round and checked on the security situation on the island municipalities of Tawi-Tawi on October 27-29, 2020.

The WestMinCom chief together with JTF Tawi-Tawi Commander Col. Arturo Rojas and other local government and military officials, visited the island municipality of Simunul and dropped by the Sheik Karimol Makhdum Mosque.

It is the first mosque in the Philippines which was established by an Arab trader and missionary Makhdum Karim in 1380.

Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. also visited the Turtle Islands, a viable tourism site which is known for its various species of sea turtles. He was welcomed by Hadji Mohammad Faizal Salam Jamalul, the municipal mayor.

The commander then joined in the ceremonial release of newly-hatched turtles in the seashore of the said municipality.

During the short briefing, Mayor Jamalul said, “We aspire to transform Turtle Islands into an ecotourism destination with its beautiful beaches, rich biodiversity, and coastal and marine resources”.

“We hope for your support to this endeavor,” the mayor added.
Col. Rojas replied by saying, “The Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi always supports the local government units while we continue to safeguard the province and the people.”

Likewise, Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. said that he will bring this concern to the BARMM officials.

Tawi-Tawi is the southernmost island province of the Philippines and it is considered as the “front door of the south”.

“With the stronger security measures imposed by the Western Mindanao Command through the JTF Tawi-Tawi and our counterparts, and the cooperation of the local government units, the province is now ready for economic activities and development,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. concluded.

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WESTMINCOM: Military thwarted ASG plans, capsized ASG boat in Sulu

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Nov 3, 2020): Military thwarted ASG plans, capsized ASG boat in Sulu

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City- November 3, 2020

WestMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., on the morning of November 3, 2020, revealed that an all-out offensives against the Abu Sayyaf Group are continuously being conducted by the elements of the Joint Task Force Sulu to contain the terrorists and thwart their ruthless plans.

“Past 1:42 at dawn today, our troops conducted air and sea interdiction targeting members of the ASG/kidnap-for-ransom group under Mundi Sawadjaan and Radullan Sahiron. Exchanges of fires transpired which lasted for 25 minutes and resulted in the sinking of the boat utilized by more or less seven ASG members," said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.

According to Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr., the said ASG members are planning to conduct kidnapping activities in mainland Mindanao.

“Search and retrieval operations is currently being conducted utilizing our air and naval assets in the area of engagement,” said Maj. Gen William Gonzales, Commamder , Joint Task Force Sulu.

"We will use all our available air, naval, and ground assets to neutralize these local terrorist. This particular achievement is a result of our united efforts with the people of Sulu particularly our Tausug brothers in bringing lasting peace and development in the province of Sulu," Maj. Gen. Gonzales added.

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WESTMINCOM: 7 abus killed, war materials recovered in Sulu

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Nov 3, 2020): 7 abus killed, war materials recovered in Sulu

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City- November 3, 2020

Based on the report submitted by the acting commander of the 3rd Boat Attack Division to WestMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., while conducting a search and retrieval operation at 11:40 a.m. today (Nov. 3), the navy troops aboard BA491 spotted the Jungkong boat used by the ASG/KFRG members off Sulare Island.

“The boat was cut in half with only the front portion remaining afloat while the rear must have sunk during the ramming by the navy ship-BA493,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.

Lt. Gen. Vinluan said that the navy troops searched the remaining half of the boat and recovered the following: M4 rifles with m203, one M4A1 rifle, five backpacks with assorted items inside, two M14 long magazines, two M14 short magazines, four bandoliers, two jungle bolo, two sledgehammers, two boat paddle, two empty containers (plastic gallons), one power bank, two empty shells of m203 ammunition, and one Go Pro camera with a memory card.

Meanwhile, JTF Sulu Commander Maj. Gen. William Gonzales stated that the operation at dawn resulted in the deaths of the seven ASG members onboard the Jungkong including Madsmar Sawadjaan, the brother of notorious bomber Mundi Sawadjaan and Mannul Sawadjaan, a.k.a. Abu Amara, believed to be the successor of Hajan Sawadjaan as the emir of the group.

“Our air, naval, and ground troops are continuously conducting retrieval operation in the area,” Maj. Gen. Gonzales said.

Likewise, Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. said, “We will continue to conduct military operations, maximize intelligence monitoring, and exhaust all means to preempt the terroristic activities to the Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu”.

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WESTMINCOM: 2 communist terrorist yield, hand over firearms in South Cotabato

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Nov 3, 2020): 2 communist terrorist yield, hand over firearms in South Cotabato

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City- November 3, 2020

Two communist terrorists laid down their arms in South Cotabato early morning today, November 3, Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., the WestMinCom Commander said.

Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. further said that the communist terrorists were identified as Rey Mayan Eding, a.k.a. Max/Mah Tomboy and Boy Tamanggong Wayan, a.k.a. Jing/Lagunsan, all members of the Guerilla Front Musa, Far South Mindanao Regional Committee.

“They surrendered to the composite elements of the intelligence units and the 5th Special Forces Battalion at Sitio Traan Kini, Barangay Lamlahak, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. added.

The duo handed over one Colt M16A1 5.56mm rifle and one Bushmaster M16A1 5.56mm rifle.

“We want to go home, be with our families, and live a peaceful life,” the duo said during the debriefing.

The surrendered personalities were brought to 5SFBn headquarters in Barangay Kablon Tupi, South Cotabato for documentation.

“Since January of this year, a total of 69 members and supporters of the GF-Musa surrendered to the units under the jurisdiction of JTF Central and rejoined the mainstream society,” said Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, JTF Central Commander.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. ensured that “we will assist them in their reintegration.”

“Nonetheless, the Western Mindanao Command will continue to pressure the remaining terrorists to return to the fold of the law as we sustain the momentum and gain support from our stakeholders and the peace-loving people of Mindanao,” the commander added.

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Caraga RTF-ELCAC AgSur locals benefit from Serbisyo Caravan

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 3, 2020): Caraga RTF-ELCAC AgSur locals benefit from Serbisyo Caravan (By Jennifer P. Gaitano)

BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 3 (PIA) -- Amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the residents of Sitio Cogonon of Barangay Salvacion and Sitio New Israel of Barangay Sta. Maria in the municipality of Trento, Agusan del Sur were thankful for the programs and services they have received and availed from the government’s Serbisyo Caravan.

The two barangays are among the conflict-affected areas of Trento and the conduct of Serbisyo Caravan is most beneficial for the locals especially during this time of crisis brought about by the COVID-19 wherein community quarantine is strictly observed.

Among the services provided include the general consultation, circumcision, vaccination of pregnant, persons with disability, senior citizens, and Indigenous Peoples, blood screening, urinalysis, sputum examination, prenatal consultation, family planning, dengue/schistosomiasis treatment, and distribution of medicines and multivitamins.

“Thank you to all the government agencies that took time in bringing us here their respective programs and services. Thank you for this opportunity,” said Carmelina Guay, day care worker.

Punong Barangay Allan Lintapan also revealed that they were surprised that their barangay was chosen among others despite being in a far-flung area. “We were not expecting that our barangay will be chosen as the venue for this serbisyo caravan as there are puroks near the highway, yet we were chosen to be the recipients,” he said.

Milled rice and food packs were also given to some 500 families of the two barangays, while seedlings and plastic drums were also handed-over to select beneficiaries.

The locals in Barangay Manat of Trento, Agusan del Sur are the next target for the Serbisyo Caravan.

This forms part of the activities of the regional task force to end local communist armed conflict (RTF-ELCAC) in the municipality of Trento.

Meanwhile, Mayor William Calvez also urged the Trentohanons to live a peaceful life with their family and prevent themselves from becoming victims of deceits of the New People’s Army (NPA) terrorists.

“We are also assuring that the government will be more visible and the services will be more accessible,” said Mayor Calvez. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1057880

Former rebels find new home in Agusan del Norte

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 3, 2020): Former rebels find new home in Agusan del Norte (By Nora C. Lanuza)

BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 3 (PIA) -- More than 100 former rebels (FRs) will now have their own home after mining firm, San Roque Metals, Incorporated (SRMI), donated a 1.4-hectare lot to the provincial government of Agusan del Norte for the construction of the housing project.

The FRs under the custody of the 29th, 23rd, and 65th Infantry Battalions will be prioritized, it was learned.

Alyas Kris, one of the more than 100 FRs to benefit the housing project of the province, was emotional upon knowing that her family will soon own a house. Alyas Kris thanked the government, especially to Agusan del Norte 2nd District Rep. Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba for personally making follow-ups and for providing their needs. "I see the sincerity of the government in helping us start a new life away from insurgency and chaos," she said.

Alyas Kris also thanked Governor Dale B. Corvera for prioritizing the construction of their homes.

According to 29th IB commanding officer Ltc Isagani O. Criste, the increasing number of NPA surrenderers in the province prompted the Philippine Army officials operating in the area to raise the concern to the provincial officials.

Governor Corvera thanked SRMI chairman Francis Enrico Gutierrez for providing the province the 1.4-hectare lot. "The province is now preparing for the construction of the houses where the FRs can stay and start a new life with their families," he said.

The FRs will have their houses built in Barangay Del Pilar in Cabadbaran City to be funded by the provincial government worth to P450,000 each, as announced by Gov. Corvera during the turn-over and ground breaking ceremony of the housing site to the FRs.

In her message, Rep. Matba called on the remaining members of the NPAs to surrender and have a peaceful life with their families. She said that the government is sincere in providing assistance to those who will go back to the government and will exert all possible means to help them start a new life.

Ryan B. Culima, representing SRMI chairman Francis Enrico Gutierrez, said that the SRMI supports the endeavor of the government to attain the lasting peace and development of the province and the whole nation as well.

Culima also said that SRMI will extend livelihood assistance to the former rebels' community once established.

Also, Cabadbaran City mayor Judy Amante said the housing project of the government to former rebels (FRs) is a testament that the government is sincere in helping the FRs in solving the insurgency problem of the country. (NCLM/PIA Agusan del Norte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1057927

Tagalog News: 6ID, GMA Kapuso Foundation namahagi ng tulong sa mga naapektuhan ng baha sa Maguindanao

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 3, 2020): Tagalog News: 6ID, GMA Kapuso Foundation namahagi ng tulong sa mga naapektuhan ng baha sa Maguindanao (By PIA Cotabato City)

LUNGSOD NG COTABATO, Nob. 3 (PIA)--- Namahagi kamakailan ng relief packs ang 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division sa mga pamilyang naapektuhan ng baha sa mga barangay ng Reina Regente at Damabalas sa Datu Piang, Maguindanao.

Katuwang ang GMA Kapuso Foundation, ang pamamahagi ng tulong sa 600 benepisyaryong pamilya na naapektuhan ng kalamidad bunsod ng bagyong tumama sa bansa ay bahagi din ng pagdiriwang ng ika-33 taong pagkakatatag ng 6th ID.

Partikular na nanguna sa distribusyon ang mga kawani ng 57th Infantry Battalion at 6th Civil Military Operations Battalion (6CMOBn).

Samantala, nagpaabot naman ng kanyang pasasalamat sa GMA Kapuso Foundation si Major General Juvymax Uy, commander ng 6th ID at Joint Task Force Central sa pagmalasakit nito sa mga nangangailangan. Pinasalamatan din ni Uy ang mga sundalo ng 57th IB at 6CMOBn sa pagtulong.

Siniguro naman ng opisyal na nakahanda ang 6ID, kasama ang iba’t-ibang opisina ng pamahalaan at mga pribadong tanggapan, na tumulong sa mga nangangailangang pamilya. (With reports from DPAO-6ID)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1057885

Troops overrun NPA hideout in Zambo Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 3, 2020): Troops overrun NPA hideout in Zambo Sur (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)  November 3, 2020, 7:46 pm

Government troops have overrun a hideout of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) terrorists following a clash in the hinterlands of Zamboanga del Sur, officials said Tuesday.

Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said Sunday's firefight took place at around 11:10 a.m. in an area bordering Barangays Buenasuerte and Laperian in Tukuran town and Barangay Dipaya, Labangan, both in Zamboanga del Sur.

Vinluan said the 21-minute clash broke out when government troops under the Army's 53rd Infantry Battalion (IB) chanced upon a hideout of the NPAs while on security operation.

Vinluan said the rebels belonging to the NPA's Main Regional Guerrilla Unit (MRGU) of Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC) fled to different directions.

Government troops recovered from the NPA hideout two tents, empty shells of AK-47 assault rifle and M-16 Armalite rifle, and assorted food items, he said.

Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, 102nd Infantry Brigade commander, said no casualty was recorded among the troops while a pursuit operation had been launched against the fleeing NPA rebels.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1120528

Military foils Abu Sayyaf kidnap plot

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 3, 2020): Military foils Abu Sayyaf kidnap plot (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

KILLED. Seven Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits were killed in a clash Tuesday (Nov. 3, 2020) near Sulare Island, Parang, Sulu, as the troops thwart another kidnapping attempt by the ASG. A photo taken from a helicopter at dawn shows the multi-purpose attack craft of the Navy intercepting a twin-engine speed boat used by the ASG bandits. (Photo courtesy of the Joint Task Force Sulu)

Seven Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits were killed in a clash at sea as government troops thwarted another kidnapping attempt by the ASG, military officials said Tuesday.

Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said Tuesday's predawn firefight near Sulare Island in Parang town, Sulu province, ensued after the Army's Special Forces aboard a helicopter gunship and a multi-purpose attack craft (MPAC) intercepted a twin-engine speed boat with seven ASG bandits aboard.

“Our troops conducted air and sea interdiction targeting members of the ASG/kidnap-for-ransom group under (ASG leaders) Mundi Sawadjaan and Radullan Sahiron. Exchanges of fires transpired, which lasted for 25 minutes and resulted in the sinking of the boat utilized by more or less seven ASG members,” Vinluan said.

Vinluan did not say who and where the ASG bandits were set to abduct anew except to say that “they were planning to conduct kidnapping activities in mainland Mindanao”.

Lt. Col. Alaric Avelino Delos Santos said the troops received reliable information about the planned kidnapping.

“They were monitored, when they left the island (of Sulare), the troops followed them, and a firefight ensued,” Delos Santos said, adding Sulare Island serves as a staging point of the ASG in the conduct of kidnapping.

When the ASG abducted the five Indonesian fishermen in the Philippine border with Malaysia, Delos Santos said the hostages were taken first to Sulare Island before they were herded to mainland Sulu.

Maj. Gen. William Gonzales, commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu, said two of the seven slain ASG bandits were identified as Madsmar Sawadjaan and Mannul Sawadjaan.

Gonzales said Madsmar was the brother of ASG leader and infamous bomber Mundi Sawadjaan, while Mannul was designated to replace the slain ASG senior leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, as emir of the bandit group.

He said the other five slain ASG bandits are yet to be identified.

“Search and retrieval operations are currently being conducted utilizing our air and naval assets in the area of engagement,” Gonzales said.

The ASG bandits are still holding captive four of the five Indonesian fishermen they seized on January 16, this year, in the waters between Tambisan and Kuala Meruap, Lahad Datu, Sabah, close to the Philippine sea border.

Government troops recovered the remains of one of the five Indonesians while pursuing a group of Abu Sayyaf bandits on September 29 this year in Barangay Maligay in Patikul, Sulu.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1120569

Education to save IP youth in Caraga from NPA: Army exec

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 3, 2020): Education to save IP youth in Caraga from NPA: Army exec (By Alexander Lopez)

COMPUTER LITERACY. At least 21 indigenous people youths in Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, undergo a 30-day computer literacy training starting Oct. 28, 2020. The initiative is led by the government's different line agencies, the local government unit, and the Army. (Photo courtesy of 403Bde)

A top military official in Caraga Region said education remains a key factor in saving indigenous people (IP) children and youth from the influence and recruitment of the communist New People’s Army (NPA).

Brig. Gen. Maurito L. Licudine, commander of the Army's 402nd Infantry Brigade (402Bde), lauded on Tuesday the collaborative efforts of various government agencies and the local government units (LGUs) in Agusan del Sur for facilitating the Mobile Computer Literacy (MCL) training of the IP youths in the area.

A total of 21 IP youths from Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, who belong to the Higaonon tribe, are now undergoing the 30-day MCL training that started on Oct. 28 this year.

The 402Bde provided a mobile computer laboratory in Esperanza town where the 21 IP youths can have hands-on experience on computers during the training's 30-day duration.

The mobile computer laboratory is a 40-footer, fully air-conditioned container van with 21 sets of computers stationed inside Esperanza National High School's premises.

“The IP youths in Caraga are considered most vulnerable from the manipulation and deception of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG),” Licudine said.

He added that the government is engaged in various interventions in IP communities to prevent the NPA from exploiting the vulnerabilities of the tribal communities.

“The government, through the whole-of-nation approach, has been filling the gaps and the lack of opportunities and access of the IPs to basic services, including their children and the youth,” Licudine said.

He said the computer literacy program would further strengthen the government's efforts, particularly the LGU, in shielding the IP youth from the recruitment of the communist rebel movement.

“This computer literacy program will allow our IP youth to find decent jobs in the future and help them become productive members of their communities,” Licudine said.

The ongoing computer literacy program is also being supported by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Department of Education (DepEd), and the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP), he said.

“The convergence of our efforts and resources will help defeat insurgency and turn IP communities in Agusan del Sur free from communist armed conflicts,” Licudine said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1120609