Soldier, militiaman hurt in Maguindanao grenade attack

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 2, 2020): Soldier, militiaman hurt in Maguindanao grenade attack (By Edwin Fernandez)

Lt. Col. Anhouvic Atilano, spokesperson of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

A soldier and militiaman survived a rifle grenade attack by suspected Daesh-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao on Wednesday dawn, the Army here said.

Lt. Colonel Anhouvic Atilano, speaking for the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said that Sgt. Randy Guleng of the Army’s 1st Mechanized Brigade and Marek Sangcopan, a member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit, were manning a checkpoint in Barangay Labu-Labu, Shariff Aguak, when two rifle grenades landed near them.

“One of the rifle grenades landed in one of the shanties inside the fenced para-military detachment,” Atilano said, adding that the explosive projectiles were fired from a distance.

Atilano said the two sustained minor injuries and are now in stable condition at the Camp Siongco Hospital in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

Atilano believed the attackers were members of BIFF out to avenge the death of their companions in recent military operations in Maguindanao and Region 12.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123616

AFP chief calls for end to youth radicalization

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 2, 2020): AFP chief calls for end to youth radicalization (By Priam Nepomuceno)

AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Gilbert Gapay. (File photo)

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Gilbert Gapay called for a stop to the "radicalization of dissent" among the youth, saying progressive groups recruiting them have become a "spawning pool" for New People's Army fighters.

Gapay said on Tuesday the three Senate hearings on "red-tagging", as claimed by the House of Representatives' so-called Makabayan bloc, have exposed the recruitment of activists into the NPA, the Communist Party of the Philippines' armed wing.

"We may disagree on the way this modus was presented in the past months, but we can no longer deny the role that these front organizations had in the destruction wrought upon families and communities by this decades-old violence," Gapay said.

"Now it is up to us as a nation to put all these deception and violence to an end," he added.

During the Senate's hybrid hearing, former rebels, through a pre-recorded video, testified how they were recruited into the NPA through front organizations such as Bayan Muna, Gabriela, Kabataan, and Anakpawis.

Gapay said the AFP would continue to support the National Task Force on Ending the Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC) by providing them with the information needed for national policy recommendation.

"Our efforts will not stop here. We expect more information to surface as more activist-turned NPA fighters end up dead as a result of our military operations," he added.

Gapay said the blood of fallen NPA members are in the hands of these front organizations and their enablers in the party-list groups.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123537

Suspected ASG member killed in Zamboanga del Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 2, 2020): Suspected ASG member killed in Zamboanga del Norte (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

A suspected member of the extremist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) involved in kidnapping activities since 2016 was killed in a police operation in Zamboanga del Norte, the Philippine National Police-Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) said on Wednesday.

Based on the report submitted to PNP chief Gen. Debold Sinas, the fatality was identified as Jupuri Dais who was killed in a police operation around 2 a.m. Wednesday in Barangay Poblacion, Sibuco town.

Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo, PNP-AKG chief, said Dais was armed with a .45-caliber pistol and fired at a composite police team that was sent by the court to serve him a warrant of arrest for kidnapping and serious illegal detention.

Based on police records, Dais was a member of an ASG sub-unit under Almujir Yadah, who was also a former member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front before his involvement in the operations of the ASG, Estomo said.

Dais is also being sought by AKG for his alleged involvement in a series of kidnapping incidents in Mindanao particularly in the case of Martina Yee in 2016 and several others in 2018.

Estomo said the police operation thwarted another possible kidnapping as Dais was tasked to an area in Sibuco to abduct an unidentified Zamboanga-based project engineer and contractor.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123579

Armed struggle not means to attain positive change, peace: Go

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 2, 2020): Armed struggle not means to attain positive change, peace: Go

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go (Contributed photo)

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go defended on Tuesday President Rodrigo Duterte’s statements denying the government is red-tagging Makabayan bloc organizations, saying the President is privy to information about Leftist groups given his experiences as a former mayor of Davao City.

“Maraming alam si Pangulong Duterte, dati siyang mayor ng Davao City. Kami po, magkasama kami for the past 22 years. Talagang alam namin kung sino ang talagang may linya — sa Left (President Duterte knows a lot; he’s a former mayor of Davao City. We have been together for the past 22 years. We really know who has a link to the Left.),” Go said during an ambush interview after leading the distribution of emergency assistance to fire victims in Quezon City.

He added that Duterte is telling the truth, saying, “kung ano po ang sinabi ni Pangulong Duterte, totoo po ‘yun. Witness po s’ya sa mga bagay na ‘yan. ‘Wag na po tayong magmaang-maangan pa (Whatever President Duterte says is the truth. He has witnessed those things. We should not pretend to be ignorant.)

During his weekly Talk to the People address on Monday, Duterte denied the government is red-tagging Makabayan bloc organizations but, instead, is identifying these groups and their dynamics with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

The President said he trusts the military’s assertion that the groups are mere fronts of the CPP.

"We are not red-tagging you. We are identifying you as members in a grand conspiracy comprising all the legal fronts that you have organized headed by NDF (National Democratic Front) and Communist Party of the Philippines," Duterte said

Denouncing their acts, Duterte added that the movement is only bent on destroying the country’s democratic institutions.

"May mga ilang tao na nanggaling sa inyong kampo na (There are some people who came from your camp who) openly attacked you, not only criticized, for your sheer brutality in this communal war," Duterte said.

The chief executive also warned the Lumads should they continue to pursue their ties with the rebel group.

Meanwhile, Go said that he personally does not want to see Filipinos killing each other, adding that an armed struggle is not the solution to achieving lasting peace.

“Ako naman, personally ayokong nagkakapatayan ang Pilipino laban sa kapwa Pilipino, nasasaktan po ako (I personally don’t want Filipinos killing each other),” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123615

Gov't open to resume peace talks with Reds but sincerity needed

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 2, 2020): Gov't open to resume peace talks with Reds but sincerity needed (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Wednesday said the government is ready to resume peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) but said the group needs to show sincerity.

He made this comment when asked if there is still a possibility of resuming peace talks with the CPP-NPA during an interview with CNN Philippines' "The Source" Wednesday.

"The government is ready, the President (Rodrigo Duterte) is ready, but what we want from them (insurgents) is (a) little bit of sincerity kasi napakinggan naman natin yung sinabi ni (because we heard what) (National Democratic Front chief negotiator Luis) Jalandoni (that) the peace talk is only a means to advance the revolutionary movement of the CPP-NPA," Lorenzana said.

The DND chief is also challenging the Makabayan Bloc to renounce the CPP-NPA or its armed struggle and work together with the government "if they really want this country to progress".

"Sabi ko nga kung itigil nila yung extortion nila (sa) mga (If they will just stop their extortion activities on) businesses all over the country, stop the attack on soldiers and civilians and policemen, stop sabotaging the infrastructure of the government, then come down and let us talk. Okay ang gobyerno dyan (the government is okay with that), but for as long as they are waging this war against the government, I myself will advise the President not (to) resume the peace talks," Lorenzana said.

As this developed, the DND chief said they are now coming up with directives along with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) general headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City regarding the publication or presentation of photos of fallen NPA fighters until the remains are turned over to their families or to anyone who would claim it.

This was after photos of soldiers posing with the remains of Jevilyn Cullamat circulated. But what was not seen was how the remains of Jevilyn were brought to the town and turned over to her family by the soldiers even without transportation, he noted.

"They carried the body because they don't have any transportation, they carried the body by lifting the body. Two soldiers brought the body to town and turned over the remains to the family and that has always been the practice of (our) soldiers ever since," Lorenzana said.

The DND chief said taking pictures of fallen NPA fighters has been standard procedure since the AFP started fighting with the CPP-NPA in the 1970s.

"The practice is that since we started fighting (the) CPP-NPA in 1970s, (whenever a) fighter is killed, kumukuha kami ng picture, kinukuhanan ng picture yan (We take pictures) and this picture is for our consumption only, (but) for some reasons the picture of Jevilyn Cullamat found itself with the media and yun ang nakita (and that was what was seen)," he added.

Lorenzana, however, said he does not approve of soldiers posing with the remains of fallen NPA fighters.

"I don't approve of that action, hindi dapat gawin yun (it should not have been done), maybe they could pose behind firearms or any other equipment, but not from behind bodies of fallen fighters," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123604

Amphibious, island defense phase of 'DAGIT-PA' successful

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 2, 2020): Amphibious, island defense phase of 'DAGIT-PA' successful (By Priam Nepomuceno)

The amphibious landing and island defense phase of this year's Armed Forces of the Philippines Joint Exercise (AJEX) "DAGIT PA" has been successfully completed in San Antonio, Zambales on Wednesday.

"Our joint forces were able to able successfully complete the amphibious landing and island defense exercises here in San Antonio, Zambales, this is part of the joint interoperability exercises being conducted (and) geared towards better performing our mandate to protect the people and the state," Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) head Lt. Gen. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr. during an online press conference on "DAGIT-PA” exercises.

The military drills started November 23 and will conclude on December 4.

"DAGIT-PA" or “Dagat-Langit-Lupa” is a unilateral exercise that aims to further enhance the joint force interoperability and cohesiveness of the AFP across defense mission areas.

"We were able to meet the objectives of this amphibious landing (and) the island defense exercises which seek to develop the military skills, techniques and capabilities during rapid deployment of troops, from ship-to-shore, whether or under hazardous circumstances or during natural disasters or hostile enemy actions," Burgos said.

The Nolcom chief said the AFP has gained more knowledge and further beefed up its proficiency in sea-to-land operations in these joint exercises.

"We will be sure to use these new skills and techniques in future operations from which no other than the Filipino people will benefit in times of need," Burgos said.

Meanwhile, "DAGIT-PA" exercise director and AFP spokesperson Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said the amphibious phase of the exercise highlights the capability of the military to launch operations from ship-to-shore using the amphibious capabilities of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC).

Formerly, such capabilities of the PMC were carried out using "LDCP" or small motorized vessels.

With the advent of the amphibious or armored assault vehicles (AAVs), which were delivered in 2019, Arevalo said it gives him "goosebumps" to see Marines going ashore aboard these AAVs which were launched from BRP Tarlac (LD-601) at a speed of five knots and proceeding towards their beachhead and launching their operation further inland.

Also demonstrated was the mine-clearing capability of Naval Special Operations Group in the water and "intelligence, surveillance and recon" (ISR) capabilities of Philippine military aircraft.

Arevalo said AFP demonstrated the capabilities to seize objectives inland while land forces, particularly the infantry, managed to show their ability to counter-attack against a group that invaded the island.

The capabilities of the Special Operation Command (SOCOM) personnel such as operations in urban terrain were shown while the 1st Brigade Combat Team (BCT) showed its ability to launch tank-infantry operations, among others.

"It is now a matter of us being able to make all these assets and personnel and work seamlessly to attain the AFP mission," Arevalo said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123628

Tagalog News: Pahayag ng NPA sa pagpatay sa opisyal ng Rizal, kinondena ng PTF-ELCAC

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 1, 2020): Tagalog News: Pahayag ng NPA sa pagpatay sa opisyal ng Rizal, kinondena ng PTF-ELCAC (By Leila B. Dagot)

PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan, Dis. 1 (PIA) -- Kinondena ng Palawan Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) ang inilabas na pahayag ng New People’s Army (NPA) sa pamamagitan ng Bienvenido Vallever Command (BVC) hinggil sa kaso ng pagpaslang sa Municipal Planning and Development Officer ng Rizal na si Engr. Gregorio Baluyot.

Sa inilabas na opisyal na pahayag ng PTF-ELCAC, sinasabing hindi ito katanggap-tanggap sapagkat nagdudulot lamang ito ng karagdagang hinagpis sa mga naiwang pamilya ni Baluyot na sa kasalukuyan ay naghahanap pa ng hustisya.

Ayon pa sa pahayag ng PTF-ELCAC, paraan lamang umano ito ng NPA upang mapaniwala ang mga mamamayan ng lalawigan na malakas pa ang kanilang puwersa sa kabila nang mahina na sapagkat karamihan sa mga dating miyembro nito ay bumaba na sa kabundukan at nagbalik-loob na sa pamahalaan.

Ayon pa dito, propaganda lamang ng makakaliwang grupo ang kanilang muling pagpaparamdam dahil naalarma na umano ang rebeldeng grupo sa sunod-sunod na pagsuko ng kanilang mga kasamahan.

Nilinaw ng PTF-ELCAC na nagpapatuloy ang imbestigasyon sa pagpaslang kay Baluyot, at tiniyak nitong mananagot sa batas ang sino mang may kagagawan sa pagpatay sa opisyal.

Ang pahayag na ito ng PTF-ELCAC ay kasunod ng kalatas na ipinalabas ng BVC, kung saan inaako nito ang ginawang pagpatay kay Baluyot dahil sa umano’y sumbong ng ilang nasa komunidad laban sa pinaslang na opisyal. (LBD/PIAMIMAROPA)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1060590

AFP mobile kitchen rolls out in Rizal

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 1, 2020): AFP mobile kitchen rolls out in Rizal (By Patricia Bermudez)

TAYTAY, Rizal, PIA (Dec. 1) – Personalities from various organizations, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines, prepared hot meals as part of the feeding program for the victims of the recent typhoons.

Together with Hands Off Our Children, the Armed Forces of the Philippines – 7th Civil Relations Group led by their commander, Maj. Celeste Frank Sayson, Miss Philippines 2020 first runner-up Bella Ysmael and actress Kris Bernal, the AFP Mobile Kitchen has officially rolled out in Sitio Tapayan Elementary School, Lupang Arenda in Brgy. Sta. Ana.

Previously deployed during the Marawi siege to sustain government troops, the AFP Mobile Kitchen was stationed right after the onslaught typhoon Ulyses.

Designed to cook for 1,500 individuals per meal, the Mobile Kitchen currently stationed in Taytay is furnished with state of the art cooking technology that can supply hot meals to the recuperating communities who suffered due to the two typhoons.

“Bilang isa sa mga adbokasiya ng Armed Forces of the Philippines, dito sa paglulunsad ng AFP Mobile Kitchen gumagana ang whole of nation approach dahil bukod sa pamahalaan sa pangunguna ng AFP, nandito rin ang pribadong sektor,” said Sayson.

[As one of the advocacies of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the launching of the AFP shows the whole nation approach because aside from the government [through the AFP], the private sector is also here.]

The AFP has also called for optimism and unity as the nation recovers from the aftermath of the recent disasters.

As part of the national government’s Whole of Nation Approach in solving societal problems, such as hunger, the AFP mobile kitchen boasts a state-of-the-art technology that can feed up to 1,500 individuals per meal and has already served during the Marawi Siege to feed the stationed troops.

Right after the ceremony, Bernal and Ysmael led the distribution of packed food to the residents and encouraged everyone to use their platforms in helping various causes.

They emphasized that helping our fellow Filipinos may not always come in monetary assistance, but also through promoting important causes.

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1060612

Youth group calls on reds to end communist terrorism (

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 30, 2020): Youth group calls on reds to end communist terrorism (By Oliver T. Baccay) 

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan, Nov. 30 (PIA) - - The Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terrosimo (KKDAT) Cagayan Chapter has called on rebels to end local communist armed conflict and spare youth from their black propaganda.

During the symbolic candle lighting spearheaded by the provincial police department, Hervilord Escobar, KKDAT president, said there have been a lot of young individuals who were persuaded by the New People's Army to believe in their ideologies and join their arm battle against the government.

He said the Communist Party of the Philippines- New People’s Army- National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) continuously recruit young people that lead to the destruction of their future and their lives.

"They destroy the dreams, aspirations and goals of the youth. They destroy the family and the life of the young recruits," Escobar said.

He also urged the authorities to exert more efforts to end the armed conflict with the rebels to enable a peaceful and progressive society.

Escobar also expressed his gratitude to the police officers and the soldiers whom he considered the shield of the civilians against terrorism.

On the other hand, Escobar rendered his salutation and expressed his gratitude to the police and the soldiers for their services and sacrifices during the height of health crisis as well as during the series of calamities in the province. (MDCT/OTB/PIA 2-Cagayan)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1060698

AFP sends off military team carrying 6,000 relief packs to Cagayan

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 1, 2020): AFP sends off military team carrying 6,000 relief packs to Cagayan (By Jimmyley E. Guzman) 

PASIG CITY, Dec. 1 (PIA) -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday morning held a send-off ceremony for military personnel transporting 6,000 relief packs to victims of the recent flooding in Cagayan Valley.

The relief goods, which include canned food, instant noodles, and water were donated by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) through the AFP Civil-Military Coordinating Center (AFPCMCC).

These were being transported via 10 military trucks and 13 trucks from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The team composed of 13 security personnel from the AFP General Headquarters and 20 from the Northern Luzon Command departed from the AFP Grandstand in Camp Aguinalo and are expected to arrive in Isabela and Cagayan on Tuesday, December 1.

“The AFP extends its gratitude to the Asian Development Bank for their generosity in helping our people who are still in need. The leadership likewise salutes our personnel for their tireless work in ensuring that help will come to the people of Cagayan,” AFP Chief of Staff, General Gilbert Gapay said.

Present in the ceremony were Major General Benedict M. Arevalo, Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations; Brigadier General Gabriel C. Viray III, Director of the AFPCMCC; Mr. Joven Balbosa, Advisor to the South East Asia Department for ADB; and Director Emmanuel P. Privaldo from the DSWD.

Since the start of its relief operations for victims of Typhoon Ulysses, the AFP has distributed a total of 55,250 food packs in Northern Luzon, Southern Luzon and National Capital Region as of November 28. Collection of food and non-food donations is still ongoing through the AFPCMCC in all military camps nationwide.

The civil-military operations initiative was launched early November turning military units into donation drop-off centers for those who wish to donate and send help to affected individuals. The collected items will then be delivered to communities as part of the AFP’s relief operations service.

In Northern Luzon Command, 1,135 family food packs consolidated by the Naval Forces Northern Luzon through the AFPCMCC, were transported and distributed in Alcala, Cagayan on Saturday. In the same day, the Tactical Operations Group 1 also transported relief items that weigh 895 kg from Baguio City to Tuguegarao City.

Meanwhile the Joint Task Force – NCR is continuing its provision of manpower assistance in the transfer of donated relief goods, repacking of items, and clean-up operations in Marikina City and Rodriguez, Rizal.

“The AFP remains committed in the conduct of relief operations to alleviate the distress of our people who are still experiencing hardship caused by the recent calamities. The AFP will continue to assist them and the local government units in providing manpower, mobility and equipment to help affected communities rise stronger,” Gapay said. (PIA NCR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1060636

6ID chief lauds Maguindanao’s new roadmap for peace and development

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 1, 2020): 6ID chief lauds Maguindanao’s new roadmap for peace and development (By Aida Agad)

BULUAN, Maguindanao, Dec. 1 (PIA) – The LGU-newly-launched roadmap for peace and development earned accolades from a high ranking army official in Central Mindanao, during the simple launching rites held this morning at the Provincial Capitol in Buluan town in Maguindanao.

6ID commander MGen Juvymax R. Uy and Governor Bai Mariam Mangudadatu show to visitors and partners the blueprint of the First Provincial Action Plan for peace and development.

Philippine Army MGen Juvymax R. Uy, commander of the 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division commended the efforts of the local government of Maguindanao under the stewardship of Governor Bai Mariam S. Mangudadatu for the boldness and hardwork in realizing the crafting of a real blueprint for peace contained in the Provincial Action Plan on Preventing and Transforming Violent Extremism (PAP-PTVE).

The Maguindanao PAP-PTVE roadmap, the "first" in the whole Philippines, is a comprehensive and responsive local plan that would address problems and threats on violent extremism. Maguindanao province has been noted for intercultural clashes, conflict in ideologies, political differences, warring clans which foster and aggravate violent extremism.

The 6ID commander said, “yung ginawa po ng ating local government ng Maguindanao ay napakaganda po ng kanilang ginawa, gaya ng aming mga experiences sa counter terrorism, pabalik-balik na kami dito sa Mindanao for so many times, but terrorist still exist, and they are now called extremist.”

“For the past 30 years ang counter-terrorism program ng ating government ay anchored on punishment. All offenses ng ating mga Muslim brothers are anchored on punishment.”

In previous meetings with the lady governor, MGen Uy said “if we craft our own strategy, it should be localized, that we own the program, lahat tayo mag-i-implement, and second, we must follow our own model, which would mean following the leadership of our governor, anchored on the national action plan.”

Uy lauded the efforts of LGU Maguindanao saying, “ito pong ginawa ninyo ay napakaganda, as a theoretical guide, and a doable and purposive plan ang ginawa po ng ating governor,” referring to the Malasakit ng Agila Program espoused by Governor Bai Mariam.

“Yun ay doable blueprint kung bakit gumaganda ang image ng Maguindanao and all of us are on one roof to change the image of the famous SPMS Box and the whole Armed Forces ay nasa likod niya para makamit ang tagumpay nitong programa na ito by the yearend of 2022.”

As a support to the provincial government’s initiative in ending violent extremism, the MGen Uy commits the help of the armed forces under the 6th ID and the Joint Task Force Central in an all-out support for Governor Mangudadatu's effort in ending the violent extremism in the whole of Maguindanao.

In her message, Governor Mangudadatu said the “PAP-PTVE goes beyond textbook definition of change. It is the grasp of change that every Maguindanaon is longing for. From workshops to tangible pages, I am pleased that we now have the First Provincial Action Plan in the country, to aid us in understanding the needs and concerns of our communities and take them under the wings of the Makabagong Maguindanao.”

Maguindanao governor Bai Mariam S. Mangudadatu stressing the urgent need to adopt and realize a comprehensive and responsive plan to address violent extremism.

Both public and private multi-sectoral stakeholders help in the crafting of the Maguindanao PAP-PTVE as well as partners like the Asia Foundation, UNDP and Balay Mindanaw.

After the unveiling of the peace and development blueprint, Governor Mangudadatu together with the officials of the 6th ID Philippine Army, PNP and PDEA awarded livelihood grants and farm machineries to 20 drug surrenderers and 15 returnees from various threat groups. (AC Agad PIA 12)

Farm implements given to drug surrenderers and rebel returnees.

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1060664

7 NPA members yield to Army in Sultan Kudarat

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 30, 2020): 7 NPA members yield to Army in Sultan Kudarat (By Noel Punzalan)

SURRENDER. Four of the seven members of the New People’s Army who gave up to the military in two towns of Sultan Kudarat province on Sunday (Nov. 29, 2020). The surrenderers vowed never to return to rebel life and be duped again by the false promises of the communist terrorist group. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Seven combatants of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) have surrendered to the military here on Sunday, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) said Monday.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, 6ID commander, said the guerillas decided to yield after experiencing hardship in the mountains due to persistent military pursuit operations.

“They could not withstand the pressure of being always on the run,” Uy told reporters here.

Four of the surrenderers were identified as Bryan Berallo Bransuela and Julito Blag, both of Barangay Kuden, Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat; and Joseph Manguda and Justie Mayao, both of Sitio Tudi, Barangay Legodon, Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat.

They were members of the NPA’s East Daguma Front - Far South Mindanao Region (EDF-FSMR).

The three other surrenderers, identified as Joselito Kantem, and Bebeng Dimaog, both of Barangay Lagubang, Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat; and Daniel Policia, of Barangay Midtungok of the same municipality were members of the Larangan Guerilla Unit 3, also of the EDF-FMSR.

The former rebels handed over one M-14 rifle, Garand rifle, M1 Carbine rifle, two M1 Carbine sniper rifles, Garand rifle, a .45-caliber pistol, and .357-magnum revolver.

“We just got tired from being hunted by military troops and decided to give up just to be with our families again,” Bransuela, an NPA team leader, said.

Uy, for his part, said that NPAs who wish to return to the mainstream society are always welcome to come down from the mountains to be with their families once more.

The 6ID chief thanked the Sultan Kudarat provincial government and its local government units for partnering with them in the peace and development efforts of the national government.

“We continue to gain grounds and sustain the momentum because of the unwavering support of the local government and the peace-loving people of Sultan Kudarat," Uy said.

He said the surrenderers would all be enrolled under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government to give them a chance to recover from lost times and opportunities.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123346

Tight security up in C. Mindanao after BIFF bomber’s killing

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 30, 2020): Tight security up in C. Mindanao after BIFF bomber’s killing (By Edwin Fernandez)

SHOOTOUT SITE. Police officers check the site where suspected terror bomber Abdul Rashid Lamalan was killed following a shootout with pursuing lawmen along the Isulan-Tacurong City section of the highway in Sultan Kudarat province on Nov. 26, 2020. Recovered at the scene were two improvised bombs, a fragmentation grenade, a .45-caliber pistol, and Lamalan’s motorbike. (Photo courtesy of Max FM 91.1 Tacurong)

COTABATO CITY – Police and military authorities in Region 12 (Soccsksargen) and Maguindanao are closely watching Dawlah Islamiya extremists involved in the Marawi siege and Jolo Cathedral bombing for possible retaliatory attacks in the region, security officials said Monday.

This came after state forces killed a suspected bomber during a running gun battle along the Isulan-Tacurong City highway in Sultan Kudarat province last week (Nov. 26), resulting in the death of Abdul Rashid Lamalan, allegedly a bomb expert of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

Police found beside the slain body of Lamalan a .45-caliber pistol, a laminated sack with rice to conceal two rifle grenades and a fragmentation grenade.

The Dawlah Islamiya, also known as the BIFF, operates in the 220,000-hectare Liguasan marshland situated in the borders of North Cotabato, Maguindanao, and Sultan Kudarat provinces.

Col. Roy Galido, Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade commander, said all Army units in the region are on high alert status following the death of Lamalan, who was linked to the 2019 Jolo Cathedral bombing.

Lt. Col. Romeo Galgo, police chief of Isulan, the capital of Sultan Kudarat, said all police units and quarantine checkpoints have also been placed on double red alert status.

“Army intelligence reports showed that Lamalan was linked to the Marawi siege and managed to escape along with other Abu Sayyaf terrorists,” Galido said.

Lamalan allegedly guided the Jolo Cathedral bombing perpetrators in January 2019 that left 28 people dead, including the two alleged Indonesian bombers, and more than 100 churchgoers and soldiers were injured.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123334

'Abused' female NPA yields in Agusan Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 30, 2020): 'Abused' female NPA yields in Agusan Sur (By Alexander Lopez)

ABUSED. Eighteen-year-old "Banjie" (not her real name), a communist New People's Army regular, yields to the military on Nov. 26, 2020 in Talacogon town, Agusan del Sur. She said she was abused inside the movement, with one colleague impregnating her while she was with the guerilla group for seven months. (Photo courtesy of 26IB)

Claiming she was abused, an 18-year-old member of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) who served as a medic of its Guerrilla Front (GF) has recently surrendered to the Army’s 26th Infantry Battalion.

2Lt. Cecille Tappa, 26Ib civil-military operations officer, told Philippine News Agency Monday that “Banjie” (not her real name) had only stayed in the communist rebel movement when another rebel sexually abused her.

“She was impregnated by her colleague inside the movement. Now she is pregnant,” Tappa said.

Banjie and another female NPA member, “Denden,” 40, voluntarily surrendered on November 26 to the 26IB headquarters in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur.

Denden, who served at GF 88 as a Militia ng Bayan (MB) for seven years, is a mother of eight children, Trappa said, adding that she handed over a .45-caliber pistol with a magazine and ammunition.

In a statement issued by 26IB on Monday, Denden was quoted as saying that the hardships she experienced inside the NPA pushed her to surrender.

“I could no longer endure the hardships inside the movement. My eight children need me now. There’s no use fighting with the communist movement. We also have the right to live peacefully with our family, especially with my children,” Denden said.

Lt. Col. Reynald Romel A. Goce, 26IB commanding officer, noted that Denden and Banjie's surrender coincided with the “18 Day Campaign to End Violence against Women, “under Presidential Proclamation 1172.

Goce said the observance seeks to protect women's rights and address all forms of gender-based violence.

“The deceptive recruitment of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) on women to be fighters for the communist cause and even become sex slaves where they are physically and sexually abused is a grave violation of women’s rights and fundamental freedoms,” Goce said.

"You don't have the right to abuse these women, many have spoken out about your violations against women, and it must be stopped now,” the Army official added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123356
He also called on the other female NPA rebels to abandon the revolutionary group and return to their families.

“Surrender now, just like what Denden and Banjie did. Your children and your families are waiting for you. Be a mother to your children and a child to your mother," Goce said.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123356

Army aids families of NPA rebels killed in Sorsogon

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 1, 2020): Army aids families of NPA rebels killed in Sorsogon (By Connie Calipay)

ASSISTANCE. A member of the 9th Infantry Division (9ID) of the Philippine Army in Bicol extends aid to Alex Mapula's family on Nov. 23, 2020. Mapula was a New People's Army member killed in an encounter with soldiers in Sorsogon province. (Photo courtesy of 9ID)

Immediate cash assistance, sacks of rice, and grocery items from the 9th Infantry Division (9ID) were given to the families of three New People’s Army (NPA) rebels killed during recent encounters in Sorsogon province.

Capt. John Paul Belleza, 9ID spokesperson, on Tuesday said assistance was given to Alex Mapula’s family last Nov. 23 and to Reynaldo Palmiano’s family on Nov. 28.

“The families of Alex Mapula and Reynaldo Palmiano gratefully received the said assistance from the Spear Division and implored the communist NPA terrorists (CNTs) to return to the folds of the law,” he said in an interview.

Belleza said tears streamed down the face of Alex’s father as he begged other communist terrorist group (CTG) members to come down from the mountains and avail of the various programs the government has for them instead of suffering the same fate as his son's.

"Sa mga NPA, dapat magbagong-buhay na sila dahil naririnig ko sa balita na tinutulungan sila ng gobyerno upang maka pagsimula muli ng bagong buhay,” (To the NPAs, you need to come down and surrender because I hear news reports that the government is helping them start a new life)," the Army official said, quoting the elder Mapula.

Alex's mother was at a loss for words to describe the heartbreak of burying her 42-year-old son. "Sa mga NPA, sana po wag na silang magrecruit para hindi na maulit kasi mahirap kung may mangyayari [gaya nito]. Mabuti na lang kung tutulong sila eh hindi naman,” (To the NPA, I hope they will not recruit anymore so that this will not be repeated. It would be good if they help. But they don't)," she said.

“Malaking pasasalamat ko sa mga kasundaluhan sa mga tulong na naibigay ninyo sa amin," (I’m truly grateful for the help you are extending for us) she added.

The slain rebel's parents said they had no idea that Alex, who was a construction worker in Marikina City, joined the CTG.

A few days ago, Alex’s daughter gave birth to her first child and the new grandfather did not have the chance to see his grandchild.

Affected by the pandemic and the calamities that hit Bicol, his family had to borrow money just to give him a decent burial as the CTG did not even bother to assist them.

It also angered Alex's parents that his supposed comrades simply left him to die alone as they scampered off in retreat.

Isidro and Tania Palmiano, Reynaldo's siblings, shared the same sentiments after he was brought home lifeless.

"Talagang masama ang loob ko sa nangyari sa kapatid ko tapos wala namang naitulong ang NPA. Walang magandang naidulot ang pagrecruit sa kaniya. Tiisin na lang namin ang nangyari na namatay siya kasi wala na kaming magagawa (Truly we are angry about what happened to our brother. Nothing good happened when they recruited him. We just have to bear with his death because there is nothing more we can do)," they said.

Aside from them, the family of another CTG member who was also killed in an encounter with government soldiers received assistance from the Philippine Army.

Maj. Gen. Henry Robinson Jr., Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB) chief and 9ID commander, in a statement said "Sinong matinong tao ang kayang iwan ang kaniyang naghihingalong kasamahan? (Could a person in sound mind just leave a comrade who is dying?) This only proves the real face of the CTG — manggagamit (user)! Thus, we are once again warning the Bicolanos, not to allow this terrorist group to deceive any of you. Joining their useless cause will only ruin your life and the future of your family".

Robinson also appealed to NPAs' family members to convince their relatives to return to the fold of the law.

“Huwag ninyo silang konsentihin. Mas masayang uuwi sila sainyo ng buhay kaysa patay (Don’t give them your consent. It would be happier if they will come home alive than dead)," he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123439