EASTMINCOM: 3 CPP-NPA Terrorists die in a recent encounter in Surigao Del Sur

From the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Website (Nov 2, 2020): 3 CPP-NPA Terrorists die in a recent encounter in Surigao Del Sur

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – Three (3) CPP-NPA Terrorists died in a recent encounter with the Army’s 36th Infantry Battalion in Pangi, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur over the weekend, October 31, 2020.

According to Lt. Col. Jezreel Diagmel, Commanding Officer of 36IB, at around 1 P.M. on October 31, a platoon of soldiers responded to the report that more or less 40 CNTs were conducting extortion activity in the hinter areas of Barangay Pangi when they encounter the armed group.

“While proceeding to the reported location of the CNTs, our soldiers were able to locate their hideout at the mountainous areas of Barangay Pangi at around 1 PM. The firefight broke out when the enemy fired towards our operating troops prompting them to return fire. The encounter lasted for about 40 minutes since the enemy fought hard to hold their ground considering that they are superior in number during the incident. Fortunately, our forces outmaneuvered them which resulted in the death of three (3) terrorists”, Diagmel said.

The armed group belongs to the CPP-NPA’s Platoon 1, Guerilla Front 30 of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee under Joel Mahinay alias Nicko.

The soldiers seized three (3) M16 rifles two (2) of which are attached with M203 Grenade Launchers, one (1) AK47 rifle, and two cal. 22 rifles.

Twenty jungle hammock, 21 backpacks, and voluminous subversive documents, and several cellphones, sim cards, and memory cards were also seized by the government troops from the CPP-NPA Terrorists.



Meanwhile, Major General Andres C Centino, Commander of the 4th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Diamond, said that the communist terrorists in Caraga are now extorting money even from the farmers and small businesses because they can hardly sustain their forces due to the massive Focused Military Operations (FMOs) of the AFP in the region.

“Our forces will continue to pursue these bandits until they stop their extortion and atrocities or they surrender to the government. This is the only way to defeat them. Without resources they will not be able to survive”, said MGen Centino.

The cadavers of the three (3) terrorists were turned-over by 36IB to local police for proper disposition.

Source: Division Public Affairs Office, Joint Task Force Diamond, Philippine Army

https://www.eastmincomafp.com.ph/2020/11/3-cpp-npa-terrorists-die-in-recent.html

4 PH Navy ships available for 'Rolly' relief missions

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 3, 2020): 4 PH Navy ships available for 'Rolly' relief missions (By Priam Nepomuceno)

BRP Davao Del Sur. (File photo)

Four of the Philippine Navy (PN)'s largest ships are now earmarked for possible sealift and command-and-control missions in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Rolly.

PN public affairs office chief Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas made this remark Tuesday when asked about the Navy's contribution to the ongoing disaster response efforts for typhoon victims.

Ships now on standby are the PN's two landing docks, the BRP Tarlac and BRP Davao Del Sur, and two logistics support vessels, the BRP Bacolod City and BRP Dagupan City.

"(These ships could) basically serve as military sealift and transport vessel(s) and may act as floating command-and-control ship(s) during times of humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations (HADR)," Roxas said in a message to the Philippine News Agency.

She added that the four ships are considered the largest vessels in the PN inventory with the Tarlac-class dockings having a gross tonnage of 7,400 tons and an overall length of 120 meters, breadth of 21 meters, draft of five meters and can carry a payload of 2,800 tons.

Meanwhile, the Bacolod City-class logistic support vessels have a displacement of 4,265 tons at full load and 273 feet long.

As this developed, a Navy BN Islander aircraft on Monday conducted damage assessment flights over the coastal areas of San Andres and Virac in Catanduanes to assess the damage brought about by the super typhoon.

"All units of the PN in areas affected by Super Typhoon Rolly were put on heightened HADR stance and will continue to assist local government units and national agencies in responding to the needs of the Filipino people that were adversely affected by this calamity," Roxas said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1120513

PAF planes fly relief supplies to Albay, Catanduanes

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 3, 2020): PAF planes fly relief supplies to Albay, Catanduanes (By Priam Nepomuceno) 

RELIEF FOR 'ROLLY' VICTIMS. Philippine Air Force troops unload relief supplies for victims of Super Typhoon Rolly in the provinces of Albay and Catanduanes on Tuesday (Nov. 3, 2020). These include food packs, bottled water, communication van, generator set, beds, tents, and personal protective equipment sets. (Photo courtesy of the Air Force Public Affairs Office)

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Tuesday deployed transport aircraft to bring food packs and other relief supplies from Villamor Air Base in Pasay City to areas in Legazpi City, Albay, and Virac, Catanduanes that were affected by Super Typhoon Rolly.

Lt. Col. Aristides Galang, the PAF spokesperson, said the Air Force's C-130 heavy lift and C-295 medium transport aircraft were utilized for this mission.

"C-130 and C-295 (aircraft) both landed in Catanduanes. 'Yung (The) C-130, dumaan din ng (also landed in) Legazpi, Albay," he said in a message to the Philippine News Agency.

Both aircraft took off past 7:30 a.m. and arrived at their respective destinations around 9 a.m.

He added that the C-130 plane transported a total of 18,000 pounds of cargo consisting of one communication van, a generator set, 15 beds, 10 tents, and four boxes of personal protective equipment sets from the PAF.

Also airlifted were 150 boxes of bottled water donated by Asia Brewery coursed through the office of Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, which would be delivered to the most affected areas in the Bicol Region.

Meanwhile, the C-295 plane transported 235 boxes of food packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development to Virac, Catanduanes.

"The said relief operation is just one of the efforts being undertaken by the government to reduce the suffering of the affected communities during these trying times. Further, the PAF is always ready to support in any relief efforts in the country while protecting the Filipino people," Galang said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1120521

Makabayan solons no-show at Senate hearing on red-tagging

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 3, 2020): Makabayan solons no-show at Senate hearing on red-tagging (By Benjamin Pulta)

Senator Panfilo Lacson, chair of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification, and Reconciliation. (Screengrab from Senate hearing Facebook Live video)

Members of the Makabayan bloc at the House of Representatives were a no-show at the Senate hearing into the complaints of so-called "red tagging" of individuals and groups allied with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

Senator Panfilo Lacson, chair of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification, and Reconciliation, said aside from official notices delivered by the Committee Secretariat last Oct. 30 to the different militant groups – Bayan Muna, Alliance of Concerned Teachers, Kabataan, Gabriela, while properly received, did not confirm their attendance.

An open invitation was likewise sent last week to the representatives of the Makabayang Koalisyon ng Mamamayan (Makabayan) bloc of the House of Representatives to voluntarily attend this public hearing. The letter was coursed through the Speaker of the House, considering that the Committee cannot issue the said invitation directly to individual party-list representatives in view of the inter-parliamentary courtesy existing between the two chambers.

"Having said that, we received a letter from former Rep. Neri Colmenares requesting that another hearing be held so he may be given an opportunity to attend, but without the presence of the members of the security sector, particularly Lt. Gen. (Antonio) Parlade. The chair may have to discuss this with the members of the committee," Lacson said.

Only the bloc's representative, lawyer Maneeka Sarza was present during the hearing.

In a letter to the committee on Tuesday, Makabayan bloc members claimed that they are not able to attend the hearing as they are focusing on separate relief missions for victims of Super Typhoon Rolly.

Lacson convened the hearing to exercise its oversight authority over the defense sector on the issue of red-tagging or red-baiting pursuant to Senate Resolution No. 559.

"As I have repeatedly done in the recent past, let me be forthright by saying that as one of the authors and the principal sponsor of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, we ensure that the same is applied correctly and appropriately with utmost respect for the rule of law, and that the Bill of Rights under the 1987 Constitution will always be the backbone of this legislation," Lacson said in his opening statement.

Members of the defense sector who were physically present during the hearing outlined and presented proof of the radicalization and recruitment program targeting youths by communist terrorist groups using front organizations.

NPA youth recruitment must stop

During the hearing, Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa cited earlier findings on the deliberate recruitment by rebels of teenagers as their manpower and communist terrorist groups (CTG) "continue to spread terror even in the time of pandemic".

"It is about time we call spade a spade. This has to stop," dela Rosa said.

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said the CTGs "have stunted the growth and modernization not only of the countryside but the whole country".

The CTGs also resort to radicalization and recruitment of the youth to replenish their ranks, Esperon added.

Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the hearing is very timely.

"So we can expose once and for all the true color of these people who are trying to destroy our democracy," Lorenzana said.

No red-tagging by government

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año denied that red-tagging is a part of the government's policy.

"Let me emphasize that we are not the enemies here. We all know who the enemies are and they are the communist terrorist groups under the CPP-NPA-NDF and their allies who have been the country's bane for the last five decades," he said.

He added that red-tagging is not a mere product of their imagination or a tool to pin down the opposition "as the leftist groups would want it to appear".

"In fact, it was Communist Party of the Philippines (founding chairman) Joma Sison who red-tagged these left organizations such as Anakbayan, Bayan Muna, Gabriela, Kilusang Mayo Uno, and all other front organizations," he said.

Año, meanwhile, emphasized that the government is duty-bound to protect the people from the enemies of the state.

"It (government) will do everything within its authority to ensure that its people are safe and protected most especially from the enemies of the people who are like wolves in sheep's clothing who take advantage of people's weaknesses and vulnerabilities so that they would unwittingly join their cause. Sometimes, we wonder why these groups complain of red-tagging when they themselves admit to being (Reds)," he added.

While the CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by foreign jurisdictions such as the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, one supra-national jurisdiction – European Union -- is not in the list of the UN Security Council by virtue of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1373.

In the Philippines, there is a pending proscription case against the organization before the Manila Regional Trial Court.

Other key government officials present in the hearing were Interior Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff, Gen. Gilbert Gapay, Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr, Philippine National Police deputy chief for operations, Lt. Gen. Cesar Hawthorne Binag, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy and National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (Nica) Director General Alex Paul Monteagudo.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1120575

Año to submit shortlist of PNP chief candidates to PRRD

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 3, 2020): Año to submit shortlist of PNP chief candidates to PRRD (By Azer Parrocha and Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Tuesday said he will be submitting to President Rodrigo Duterte the shortlist of candidates to replace soon-to-retire Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Camilo Cascolan within the week.

Año made this clarification after Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said that Duterte already has a shortlist of candidates for the next PNP chief.

“Wala pa ako na-submit. Mag convene muna ang [National Police Commission] ASAP. Sa akin kasi manggagaling yan (I have yet to submit. The NPC will convene first as soon as possible. It will come from me),” Año said in a text message to Philippine News Agency.

He said he will submit the shortlist of PNP chief bets within the week but did not name the possible contenders.

In a Palace press briefing, Roque said while Duterte has yet to mention a possible PNP chief bet, he raised the possibility that he was already reviewing his shortlist.

“I’m sure he has a shortlist already but the final choice is up to the President when he will issue it,” he said.

Cascolan officially assumed as PNP chief on September 2, replacing Gen. Archie Gamboa who reached the mandatory retirement age.

He is set to retire on November 10 and he served at the helm for two months unless his term is extended by Duterte.

Cascolan is also a member of the Philippine Military Academy Sinagtala Class of 1986 along with Gamboa and former PNP chiefs Ronald dela Rosa and Oscar Albayalde.

Former PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac earlier said the PNP will follow the “rule of succession” of command if no announcement will be made on who will be appointed to succeed the current PNP chief.

If the rule of succession is followed, possible contenders for PNP chief are Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar as deputy chief for administration, the PNP's second highest official, who is also the Commander of Joint Task Force Covid Shield; Lt. Gen. Cesar Hawthorne Binag, deputy chief for operations; and Lt. Gen. Joselito Vera Cruz, the PNP number 4 man being the Chief Directorial Staff.

Eleazar and Binag, both from PMA Class of 1987, will retire in April and November 2021, respectively.

Cruz is a PMA classmate of Eleazar and Binag.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1120600

CPP-NPA 'plastic' for saying they have no legal fronts: Palace

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 3, 2020): CPP-NPA 'plastic' for saying they have no legal fronts: Palace (By Azer Parrocha)

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque (File photo)

Malacañang on Tuesday said that it cannot be denied that the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA) have “legal fronts”.

In a Palace press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made this remark after Amnesty International urged the government to end the alleged practice of red-tagging and to publicly instruct government officials to refrain from harassing and intimidating activists.

Citing Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Roque said military and police officials should refrain from tagging certain individuals as communists or terrorists without proper evidence.

Roque, however, explained that Lorenzana’s remark does not mean that the CPP-NPA does not have any legal fronts.

“Ang CPP-NPA po, talagang mayroon silang revolutionary armed struggle, iyan po iyong NPA; at mayroon silang political, kasama sa political ay iyong mga tinawag nilang mga organisasyon na di umano’y legal dahil hindi sila humahawak ng baril (The CPP-NPA really have a revolutionary armed struggle, that’s the NPA, and they have a political wing, and part of that political wing are alleged legal organizations because these don’t use arms),” he said.

He said it would be hipocrisy for the CPP-NPA to say they don’t have any legal fronts.

“Pero kabahagi pa rin po ng CPP-NPA at hindi po madi-deny iyan. Kaplastikan po ng CPP-NPA kung sasabihin nilang wala silang mga legal fronts na tinatawag (However, they are still part of the CPP-NPA. That cannot be denied. It is hypocrisy for the CPP-NPA to say that they don’t have what they call legal fronts),” he added.

Late last month, the Armed Forces of the Philippines Southern Luzon Command chief, Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade, was criticized for advising actress Liza Soberano to abdicate her ties with Gabriela Youth after she participated in a webinar with the group.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy was asked by opposition lawmakers to resign after tagging members of the Makabayan bloc as “high-ranking members” of the CPP.

However, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. expressed support for claims made by Parlade and Badoy that some groups were acting as legal fronts of the CPP-NPA.

“Hindi ko dedepensahan si Gen. Parlade at saka si Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy, kung hindi susuportahan. Ano bang sinasabi ni Gen. Parlade? Na ang CPP-NPA ay mayroong mga underground organizations na mayroong front, legal na front (I won’t defend Gen. Parlade and Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy, but I’ll support them. What is Gen. Parlade saying? That CPP-NPA has underground organizations with legal fronts),” Esperon said.

According to Esperon, some legal fronts are the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), League of Filipino Students, Anakbayan, College Editors Guild of the Philippines, and the National Union of Peoples' Lawyers.

The Senate committee on national defense earlier started an investigation on the alleged red-tagging activities of military officials against celebrities and groups.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1120612

Kalinaw News: 1 NPA killed in clash with Army troops in Misamis Oriental

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 3, 2020): 1 NPA killed in clash with Army troops in Misamis Oriental



CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental- A member of New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in a 10 minutes encounter with the government troops under 58th Infantry “Dimalulupig” Battalion and 42nd Division Reconnaissance Company (DRC) at Sitio Roa-roa, Brgy Umagos, Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental this morning, November 03, 2020.

The killed NPA rebel was later identified as Relly Sereño alias Ems/ H-Boy, a resident of Brgy Banglay, Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental and the platoon medic of ADA, Huawei, Sub-Regional Committee 1 (SRC 1), Northern Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC).

Also, he is a brother of Brenda Sereño alias Sayrel and it can be recalled that last August 13,2020, alias Sayrel was killed during an encounter with the government troops at Brgy Bal-ason, Gingoog City wherein her cadaver was left behind by her comrades following the encounter.

At around 11:28 a.m., the government troops while conducting focused military operation following the information given by the threatened civillians encountered more or less 15 members of NPA.

The enemy withdrew towards Southwest direction while the government troops recovered from the encounter site the following items: one (1) Cal.22 rifle, one (1) rifle grenade, one (1) hand grenade, five (5) M14 magazines loaded with ammo, one (1) cignus radio with 2 batteries, four (4) solar panels, five (5) backpacks, medical paraphernalia, personal belongings and subversive documents.

Currently, the government troops are still in pursuit and clearing the possible withdrawal routes of fleeing rebels.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Ricky L Canatoy, Commanding Officer of 58IB said, “We extend our deepest sympathies to the bereaved family. It is sad that another fellow Filipino who was deceived by the CTGs died for fighting the wrong ideology.”

“Though the lives of our soldiers are always at stake, we will continue our operation and we will not stop our mandate to protect and secure the communities from any threat posed by the CTGs. Moreover, we are still calling on the remaining terrorists to peacefully surrender to the government and embrace the peace initiatives under Enhanced Comprehensive and Local Integration Program (ECLIP). Rest assured that the Philippine Army will assist you in processing your ECLIP benefits as well as in returning to your families,” Lt. Col. Canatoy ended.

[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/1-npa-killed-in-clash-with-army-troops-in-misamis-oriental/

Kalinaw News: Philippine Navy recovers remnants of ASG-KFRG equipment

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 3, 2020): Philippine Navy recovers remnants of ASG-KFRG equipment



Sulare island, Sulu – With the direction of JTF Sulu, the Philippine Navy conducts retrieval operations at the Abu Sayyaf Kidnap for Ransom Group encounter site, November 03, 2020

Today, the 3rd Boat attack division composed of BA489 and BA491, led by Cdr Philip Edward Lamug, despite unfavorable weather conditions conducts intensified retrieval operations in search of the remnants of the vessel and equipment used by the Abu Sayyaf Kidnap For Ransom Group led by Madsmar Sawadjaan.

“We hope that the bodies will reappear maybe about after a day or so but rest assured we will do everything in our power to retrieve all the equipment of the Abu Sayyaf Group, kahit masama yung panahon tuloy-tuloy ang Philippine Navy sa paghahanap sa mga bangkay ng mga Abu Sayyaf” says Cdr Lamug.

So far, the Philippine Navy recovered two 4 rifles with M203 grenade launcher, one M4A1 rifle, Backpacks with M203 shells, ammunition and other paraphernalia used in kidnapping. The Navy also has the Jungkong speed boat of the terrorists in tow. The search continues despite the weather conditions which make it hard for the retrieval units to retrieve other equipment left by the terrorist group

“This is another win for the Armed Forces and another step towards the destruction of the Abu Sayyaf Group. We will continue to intensify our operations against these terrorists so that little by little we can dismantle the Abu Sayyaf Group and restore peace here in the province of Sulu” says MGen William N Gonzales.

[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/philippine-navy-recovers-remnants-of-asg-kfrg-equipment/

Kalinaw News: AFP warns public of CPP-NPA’s recruitment modus

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 3, 2020): AFP warns public of CPP-NPA’s recruitment modus



CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday took to the Senate its genuine concern for celebrities and vulnerable sectors that might be taken advantage of by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

The AFP Chief of Staff General Gilbert Gapay wanted to raise the public’s awareness about the CPP-NPA’s modus of capitalizing on and exploiting the idealism of youth, students and celebrities who have the capability to influence people. It is in line with the military’s peace and development campaign to shield and protect the people, institutions, and vulnerable sectors from the recruitment of communist terrorist groups (CTG).

Senate Resolution No. 559 directed the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification and Reconciliation to exercise its oversight authority over the defense sector on the issue of red-tagging/red-baiting of certain celebrities, personalities, institutions, and organizations.

General Gapay was one of the resource persons in the public hearing initiated by Senator Panfilo Lacson at the Senate of the Philippines in Pasay City. Also present were Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. and Commander of AFP Southern Luzon Command Lieutenant General Antonio Parlade Jr. Attorney Maneeka Asistol Sarza on the other hand represented the Makabayan Bloc.

The Defense and Security officials set the record that there was no red-tagging on their side and that the term was created by the CPP-NPA themselves who acknowledged that Gabriela and other legal front organizations are part of their party building.

In previous statements, General Gapay said that the military on many occasions, have encountered in combat operations students who are affiliated with front organizations of the CPP-NPA like Gabriela and others. They started as members of these organizations and eventually joined the armed formation of the NPA to become cadres. Many of them unfortunately died in operations.

One of the resource persons in the senate hearing was former communist rebel Jeffrey Celiz once called “Ka Eric” by his CPP comrades. He attested to the CPP-NPA’s recruitment of minors and also confirmed that there were incidents when the vulnerability of the minors was abused by members of the communist organization.

Other former rebels were virtually present to speak up about their experiences in the communist organization. They told the senate committee that they were recruited by the CPP-NPA at a young age through progressive student organizations. They eventually became key officers who led movements by the CPP’s front organizations before returning to the fold of the government.

Meanwhile, the AFP as part of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) continues to conduct peace and development projects in partnership with other government agencies to prevent recruitment and concentration of communist terrorists in vulnerable areas.

The AFP as the protector of the people and the state will continue its advocacy to put a stop to the deceitful ways of the CPP-NPA and their front organizations. Beyond its conduct of focused military operations, the military is proactively seeking solutions through continuous dialogues with local leaders, government agencies, and non-government organizations. This is to ensure that the rights of the Filipino people are protected from exploitation and violence perpetrated by the CPP-NPA and its front organizations.

[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/afp-warns-public-of-cpp-npas-recruitment-modus/

Kalinaw News: Joint Operations kill 7 ASG Kidnappers at Sulu Sea

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 3, 2020): Joint Operations kill 7 ASG Kidnappers at Sulu Sea



Camp Bautista, Jolo, Sulu – Months of monitoring efforts paid off as joint forces of Philippine Air Force (PAF), Philippine Navy (PN) and Philippine Army (PA)’s Rangers and Special Forces, and the PNP maritime group successfully neutralized seven (7) ASG kidnappers on board a boat in Parang, Sulu at around 2:15AM today, November 3, 2020,

Members of Joint Task Force (JTF) – Sulu have long been monitoring the activities of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members under Mundi Sawadjaan and Radulan Sahiron, who are set to execute a Kidnap for Ransom (KFR) plan in an undisclosed province in northern Mindanao. The joint military forces, led by JTF-Sulu Operations Officer and Medal of Valor awardee Ltc Herbert D Dilag, successfully thwarted the kidnapping plan of the Daesh-inspired terrorists group as the latter were sighted moving near Sulare Island in Parang, Sulu in preparation for their KFR activity.

According to Ltc Dilag, members of the Air Force’s Augusta Attack Helicopter (AW109), who are also closely monitoring the ASG’s’s movement, decided to fire upon the ASG’s boat direction with a .50 caliber machine gun. As this happens, the Navy’s assault watercraft, carrying the Special Forces Diver Team, Scout Ranger Sniper Team, the PNP-Maritime Group, and JTF-Sulu Command Group, rushed towards ASG-KFRG’S boat and launched a series of strafing. The firefight lasted for several minutes, which resulted to the neutralization of seven ASG kidnappers. Significantly, it is believed that the ASG-KFRG on board the sank boat were Madsmar Sawadjaan (brother of infamous bomber Mundi Sawadjaan), Mannul Sawadjaan @Abu Amara (declared to replace deceased ASG senior leader Hajan Sawadjaan as emir), and five (5) others yet to be identified.

“It was like in an action movie. Our Augusta and MPAC fired at them. They retaliated using some high powered firearm so a 30-minute firefight ensued. When they tried to escaped our MPAC rushed towards them a high speed boat chase took place. And finally we rammed the speed boat as it is firing grenade launchers towards us,” Ltc Dilag said.

For his part, 11th Infantry Division and JTF-Sulu Commander MGen William N Gonzales said the ASG is scrambling to finance their atrocities that they launched the KFR amidst the rainy weather. “They ran out of luck as all our forces in Sulu collaborated to neutralize them. And we are not stopping, troops are still at the area and retrieval operations are still ongoing” he added

[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/joint-operations-kill-7-asg-kidnappers-at-sulu-sea/

Kalinaw News: BIFF Leader returns to the fold of the law

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 3, 2020): BIFF Leader returns to the fold of the law



CAMP Siongco, Maguindanao – Saying he was tired of fighting for a lost cause, a deputy chief of staff of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF) under Karialan faction surrendered to the Army’s 33rd Infantry (MAKABAYAN) Battalion in Ampatuan, Maguindanao on Friday October 30, 2020.

“I am tired of hiding and I’m always on the run to evade the operating troops of the military in the hinterlands of Maguindanao. I decided to surrender because I want to live a normal life and to be with my family”, according to the former BIFF Leader.

The former rebel combatant was formally presented to Col. Ferdinand Lacadin of 1st Mechanized Brigade together with Shariff Aguak Mayor Marop Ampatuan at the Headquarters in Brgy Kamasi, Ampatuan town Maguindanao at 2:30 in the afternoon. He carried along with him his M14 rifle.

Major General Juvymax R. Uy, Commander of 6th Infantry (KAMPILAN) Division and Joint Task Force Central said “the relentless focused combat operations and Civil-military programs of the JTF Central to decimate the terrorist yielded numerous gains, thus, we will sustain the momentum to put an end to this problem of terrorism”.

Within the week, a total of 42 BIFF combatants had been surrendered and returned to the fold of the government.

“This massive surrender of the local terrorist group is attributed to the gallant soldiers of Joint Task Force Central, the effort of the local government unit and even the civilian community, who continue to support the effort of attainment of peace and sustainable development in Central Mindanao”, stressed by the Commander of JTF Central during his interview.

“My former companions who surrendered earlier are now peacefully living with their families, with livelihood assistance from the government”, the returnee said.

Maj. Gen. Uy added that the JTF Central troops will continue to open its arms to the local terrorist group and to all lawless elements who wanted to reform and live peacefully with their families.



[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/biff-leader-returns-to-the-fold-of-the-law/

WESTMINCOM: DI-MG member yields in Lanao del Sur

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Oct 29, 2020): DI-MG member yields in Lanao del Sur

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City- October 29, 2020

Based on the report submitted by the JTF ZamPeLan to WestMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., a member of the Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group submitted himself to the troops of the 82nd Infantry Battalion at 10 a.m. on October 29, 2020.

“Samad Macaampon Ali, a.k.a. Abu Samad, 40 years old, and a resident of Barangay Gacap, Piagapo, Lanao del Sur was received by Lt. Col. Raman Altre, the Commanding Officer of the 82IB at the Tactical Command Post located on the same barangay,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. said.

Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. further stated that the said personality handed over his M79 grenade launcher.

“Accordingly, Samad decided to come out after being on lie-low status since he left the group sometime in 2017 because he wants to be with his family, live a peaceful life, and be a productive citizen of this country,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. added.

“Rest assured that we will provide all sorts of assistance as he reintegrates into the mainstream society,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. ensured.

Samad was a known DI-MG member under a.k.a. Abu Sierra, a sub-leader of the Omar Maute Group.

“Through the implementation of our Community Support Programs, we gained the trust and support of the people including the relatives of the DI-MG remnants,” said Col. Jose Maria Cuerpo, the Commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade.

“Samad revealed that one of the factors that convinced him to surrender is his family. They are made aware that the government assists all those who lay down their arms and return to the fold of the law,” Col. Cuerpo added.

The surrendered personality was brought to the 82IB headquarters in Barangay Pawak, Saguiaran, the same province for custodial debriefing and proper disposition.

“This success is a result of the combined efforts of the 82IB troopers, the intelligence operatives, the local government units, and the people of Lanao del Sur,” said Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, JTF ZamPeLan Commander.

“I also encourage the others who are still hiding to just submit themselves to the government forces and avail of the programs of the government,” Maj. Gen. Ponio added.

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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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