Sustained services to conflict-affected areas, a quest for the gov't

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 6, 2021): Sustained services to conflict-affected areas, a quest for the gov't (By Jeanevive Abangan) 

Remote Sitio Tapayanon in Kapalong, a previously unserved area.

DAVAO DEL NORTE, April 4 (PIA) - Providing sustained government services to conflict-affected and previously unserved areas stands as a crucial challenge for the government.

Office of the Presidential Assistant on Peace Process (OPAPP) Area Management Head Oliver “Ollie” Binancilan pointed this out saying current efforts towards peace and progress can hardly be realized if community folks would still support the cause of communist-terrorist group (CTG) which capitalizes on failures of the government.

“Dili nato hikalimtan nga kasagaran sa mga unserved areas, naay mga hinanakit nga kung dili siya ma-address ug masakyan sa mga communist terrorist group posibli na, madani sila ug makuha, ug ma-recruit ug mosalmot sa ilang kalihukan. (We have to remember that most of the unserved areas have grievances when left unaddressed, would be taken advantaged by the communist terrorist group. It would be possible they [community folks] would be recruited and then mobilized to take part in their [CTG] movement),” he said in one of the recent episodes of One Davao Presser.

Binancilan had taken note that peace and development usually remained elusive without addressing the root-causes of community grievances.

“…nanghinaut ko, ug dako kaayo ni nga hagit sa atong mga local officials ug sa panggobyerno, nga unta dili nato undangon ning atong program, plano nga paghatag ug serbisyo labi na sa mga areas nga conflict-affected areas. (I am hoping and this is a great challenge to local officials and the government, that we continue our program, plan to provide services especially in conflict-affected areas),” he said.

Binancilan cited this challenge as the discussed the operational framework of Local Peace Engagement (LPE) under E.O. 70 , that bridges the gap between local and national governments, and the CTG identified as the main target to finally put an end to local communist armed conflict.

Among the 12 clusters created under E.O. 70, LPE was cited by Binancilan as “unique” as it uses various ways for government officials and CTG members to meet and discuss agreements resulting in desired peace and understanding.

“We are following the principles of human rights: inclusive participation , accountability and transparency,” Binancilan while citing focus group discussion (FGD) among the strategies to engage key community stakeholders.

FGD is productively used in LPE to determine crucial needs and primary issues why community members are joining or supporting the communist insurgency movement, Binancilan said.

LPE implementation is anchored on the objective to “strengthen capacities of local and national governments to collective address socio-economic divides resulting in local folks’ capacities of to resist violence,” Binancilan explained.

Another objective of LPE is to trigger community participation in peace-building and development efforts to achieve resiliency and cultural harmony, Binancilan added.

LPE is also geared towards institutionalizing platform to change public mindsets towards attaining good governance resulting in improving the lives of disadvantaged folks. (PIA XI/ Jeanevive Duron-Abangan)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1071476

Army's community sharing highlights Easter celebration in Selinog Island

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 6, 2021): Army's community sharing highlights Easter celebration in Selinog Island (By Emmanuel D. Taghoy with reports from 97th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)

DAPITAN CITY, Zamboanga del Norte, April 6 (PIA) – Easter Sunday is best celebrated when shared with others.

True to this, the 97th Infantry "Kalasaglahi" Battalion (97IB) and the 1st Civil Military Operations Battalion (1CMOBn) of the Philippine Army in partnership with the Kiwanis International, React Philippines and Local Government Unit (LGU) of Dapitan City made the event extra special with its community sharing to the residents of the Island Barangay of Selinog in Dapitan City.

The activity started with teams from Kiwanis International represented by Ms. Merlyn Maños, REACT Philippines represented by Dra. Rashmilla M. Cosain and the Army’s 97IB and 1CMOBn conducting psycho-social activities and feeding.

A total of 180 children received school supplies, hygiene kits, sanitization kits, pairs of slippers, face shields, face masks and toys.

LGU-Dapitan, represented by City Councilor Angelica J. Carreon, and the Army distributed packs of rice for 172 households of the Island.

Barangay Captain Felix B. Tuballa of Selinog, expressed his gratitude to the volunteers who came from the different parts of Mindanao for the initiative to reach-out and share during the Holy Week.

"Nakita man sad ninyo ang dakong kalipay nga gibati sa akong katawhan diri sa amoang barangay nga inyong nahatag, hilabi na sa amoang mga kabataan. Nakasiguro ko nga dili ug dili jud ni nila makalimtan nga bisag lisod ang kinabuhi namo diri sa isla, naa ra gihapo'y mga tawo nga andam mo-sakripisyo para mohatag og dakong tabang dinhi kanamo,” he said. (Your efforts have brought happiness to the residents of Selinog especially to the children. This will always be a beautiful reminder that despite the hard life here in the island, there will always be people who are willing to help.)



Lieutenant Colonel Manaros Boransing II, commanding officer of 97th IB, thanked the volunteers and donors from Kiwanis International, REACT Philippines, friends of 97IB, LGU- Dapitan City and Selinog Island for the successful conduct of the community sharing activity.

He emphasized the Christian’s Holy Week is a time for reflection and hope amidst the challenges brought about by the pandemic.

He noted help can come from different faiths and background just like the volunteers who are Christians, Muslims and other religions; Subanens, Bisaya, Tagalog, Ilocanos and others; teachers, media, government workers, private and business sector – all have collaborated and gathered to share with the community of Selinog Island. (NBE/EDT/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte/with reports from the 97th IB, Philippine Army)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1071500

20 former rebels in Cam Norte take oath of allegiance to the government

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 6, 2021): 20 former rebels in Cam Norte take oath of allegiance to the government (By Rosalita B. Manlangit)

DAET, Camarines Norte, April 6 (PIA) - Twenty (20) Former Rebels (FRs) or Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) members took their oath of allegiance to the government during a ceremony coinciding with the National Day of Solidarity, Condemnation and Outrage Against the CPP-NPA-NDF at Camp Wenceslao Q. Vinzons, Daet here, March 29.

The activity was highlighted with the presentation of FRs and firearms, signing of manifesto, burning of effigy and NPA flags, releasing of doves and waving of Philippine flaglets along with the distribution of cash assistance from the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Former Rebels (FRs) surrendering their firearms to the government officials in Camarines Norte coinciding with the National Day of Solidarity, Condemnation and Outrage Against the CPP-NPA-NDF, Camp Wenceslao Q. Vinzons, Daet, Camarines Norte, March 29. (PIA5/Camarines Norte)

The oath of allegiance was led by Governor Edgardo Tallado, Chairperson, Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC).

Gov. Tallado assured the former rebels of the help from the national government like the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Technical Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) and the provincial government, among others.

He said that FRs will not regret their decision to return to the government after years of senseless fighting.

PNP Region 5 Regional Director PBGen. Bartolome R. Bustamante said that the activity on March 29 was significant because all of the Task Forces-ELCAC nationwide joined the National Day of Solidarity, Condemnation and Outrage Against the CPP-NPA-NDF.

“This is also significant because of the 20 FRs who took their oath of allegiance following the recent attack of their comrades that resulted to the death of five policemen”, he said.

But he clarified during the press conference that the 20 FRs have earlier signified to surrender before the attack of other CTGs.

Regional Director PBGen. Bartolome R. Bustamante of PNP Region 5 discusses the atrocities brought by CTGs coinciding with the National Day of Solidarity, Condemnation and Outrage Against the CPP-NPA-NDF held at Camp Wenceslao Q. Vinzons, Daet, Camarines Norte, March 29. (PIA5/Camarines Norte)

"The CTGs in Camarines Norte are fewer in numbers now, that is why on the recent attack, they called for augmentation force from Quezon and Camarines Sur," said Bustamante, adding that "the authorities have already identified names and will soon file complaints".

Bustamante also lauded the message of one former rebel “Ka Mimoy”, who did not cover his face while rendering his speech. Ka Mimoy cited all the bad influence and violence brought by his former comrades.

It has been more than five decades or 52 years that the CPP-NPA sowed violence and deceived people especially the youth. This violence resulted to destroy families and cause deaths according to Brigade Commander Col. Jaime A. Abawag Jr., 902nd Brigade, 9ID Philippine Army (PA).

Abawag appealed to the CPP-NPA-NDF to stop violence, contemplate to lay down their arms and realize that their fight for more than 5 decades did not win.

The government is open to help. There are many programs like the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), a convergence of national and local government units assistance, to those who surrendered and who will surrender.

The said activity was spearheaded by the Camarines Norte Police Provincial Office (CNPPO) through Provincial Director PCol. Julius D. Guadamor and also attended by the members of the PTF-ELCAC in Camarines Norte, Chief of Police (COPs), policemen and members of the quad media.

It was followed by the Indignation Rally and Candle Lighting at the Elevated Plaza, Daet and was attended by the municipal and barangay officials and civic groups in the province. (PIA5/Camarines Norte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1071526

9 rebel returnees in Sultan Kudarat vow never to join NPA again

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 6, 2021): 9 rebel returnees in Sultan Kudarat vow never to join NPA again (By Edwin Fernandez)

SURRENDERED FIREARMS. A soldier arranges the rifles surrendered by nine communist rebels on Monday (April 5, 2021) in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat. The surrenderers will be enrolled under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program as part of their reintegration into mainstream society. (Photo courtesy of 603rd IBde)

Some nine combatants of the New People’s Army (NPA) operating in the mountains of Sultan Kudarat province have surrendered to the military and vowed never to be duped again by the communist terrorist group.

Col. Eduardo Gubat, commander of the Philippine Army’s 603rd Infantry Brigade, said Tuesday the rebels were convinced to return to the fold of the law following weeks of negotiations.

Combined Community Support Program (CSP) teams of 37th Infantry Battalion and 57th Infantry Battalion have successfully convinced the rebels of the benefits of yielding to the government.

The rebels surrendered on Monday afternoon in Sitio Tinapakan, Barangay Datu Ito Andong, and Sitio Nursery, Barangay Sta. Clara, both of Kalamansig town.

Gubat said the former rebels were under the NPA West Daguma Front, Far South Mindanao Region operating in the mountains of Sultan Kudarat, and parts of Maguindanao and Sarangani provinces.

“These personalities revealed that they are members of ‘Militia ng Bayan’ and were brainwashed by a certain Edgar Kandi in joining the communist terrorist group,” Gubat said. “They surrendered to clear their names from any involvement in the unlawful activities of the CTG and to start living again a peaceful life with their families.”

The surrenderers turned over 10 shotguns and one homemade .38 caliber revolver.

“We have learned our lesson and we will never join the NPA again,” Ka Omeng, one of the surrenderers, told reporters in the vernacular during a phone interview.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander, said the surrenderers would be enrolled under the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. Under this program, former rebels who reintegrate themselves into mainstream society are given support and livelihood packages.

The Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing 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/1135840

Ugale assumes as new BARMM top cop

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 6, 2021): Ugale assumes as new BARMM top cop (By Edwin Fernandez)

Newly-appointed PRO-BARMM Director, Brig. Gen. Eden T. Ugale (Photo courtesy of PRO-BARMM)

Brig. Gen. Eden Ugale assumed on Tuesday as the new director of Police Regional Office in the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (PRO-BARMM).

Ugale replaced Brig. Gen. Samuel Rodriguez who will bow out of the service upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56 on April 28.

Rodriguez thanked the men and women of PRO-BARMM whom he worked with during his stint as the region's top cop since last year.

The BARMM is composed of the cities of Cotabato, Lamitan, and Marawi; the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi; and the 63 villages in six towns of North Cotabato.

“I thank all of you for supporting my thrust programs, kindly extend the same vigor to Brig. Gen. Ugale,” Rodriguez said during the turnover ceremony held Tuesday at the PRO-BARMM headquarters in Parang, Maguindanao.

Ugale is not new to the region having served as PRO-BARMM deputy regional director in 2018.

From BARMM, Ugale was transferred to Camp Crame to head the Philippine National Police Peace Process and Development Center.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1135894

NPA squad leader yields in Agusan Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 6, 2021): NPA squad leader yields in Agusan Norte (By Alexander Lopez)

NEW LIFE AHEAD. The squad leader of the weakened Guerrilla Front 19, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee of the New People’s Army in Agusan del Norte, surrenders to the local police station in Kitcharao town, Agusan del Norte, Monday afternoon (April 5, 2021). Identified only as 'Saski' by the police, the surrenderer says he wants to renew his life and avail of the government's reintegration program for former rebels. (Photo courtesy of PRO-13 Information Office)

A squad leader of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) has surrendered to the Philippine National Police (PNP) Monday afternoon in the Agusan del Norte town of Santiago.

In a statement Tuesday, the Police Regional Office in Caraga (PRO-13) identified the rebel only as “Saski,” 30, a resident of Santiago.

Brig. Gen. Romeo M. Caramat Jr., PRO-13 director, said the rebel surrendered to the neighboring municipal police station in Kitcharao town and handed over a caliber .45 pistol and ammunition.

“He served as the squad leader of weakened Guerrilla Front (GF) 19, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) of the NPA,” Caramat said.

“Saski” had been in the NPA movement for more than three years, he added.

“He is also listed in the Periodic Status Report of the Joint AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines)-PNP Intelligence Committee Area for the 1st Quarter of 2021,” Caramat said.

He said the surrenderer "wished to renew his life" through the programs and services under the Enhanced Comprehensive Localized Integration Program (ECLIP).

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1135860

Cop hurt in Maguindanao ambush

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 6, 2021): Cop hurt in Maguindanao ambush (By Noel Punzalan)

Google map of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

Police checkpoints have been doubled in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, following the ambush that wounded a police officer on Monday evening.

Col. Donald Madamba, Maguindanao police director, identified the victim as Patrolman An-Nur Diocolano Haron, 30, currently assigned at the Police Regional Office – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PRO-BARMM) and a resident of this city.

"No one gets in and out of the municipality without being fully inspected,” Madamba told reporters Tuesday.

Madamba said Haron was riding a motorbike on his way home to this city past 6 p.m. when tailed and fired upon by motorcycle-riding suspects along the national highway in Barangay Rebuken, Sultan Kudarat town.

Witnesses said the gunmen left the policeman slumped by the roadside after the shooting.

Responding cops, with the help of concerned villagers, brought the wounded victim to the hospital.

Madamba believes the attackers were still inside the municipality, adding that cops manning the entry and exit checkpoints on Monday night were immediately informed of the incident and implemented strict inspection.

Madamba said closed-circuit television footage from a nearby establishment is also currently being reviewed by police investigators to determine the plate number or other markings on the motorbike used by the attackers.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1135854

DFA denounces Chinese embassy statement vs. Lorenzana

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5, 2021): DFA denounces Chinese embassy statement vs. Lorenzana (By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz)

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday “strongly” denounced the Chinese embassy in Manila for calling “unprofessional” the statement of Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on the presence of Chinese ships off the Juan Felipe Reef in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

“The DFA strongly denounces the Embassy’s attempt to impugn the Secretary of National Defense -- a Cabinet Official of the Republic of the Philippines -- by calling his statement ‘unprofessional,’” the DFA said in a statement.

The DFA reminded Chinese embassy officials that as guests of the country, they must “observe protocol and accord respect” to Philippine government officials.

It reiterated Lorenzana’s demand for China to “immediately withdraw” its remaining ships in the vicinity of the Julian Felipe Reef and other adjacent features In the Kalayaan Island Group in the WPS.

“For every day of delay, the Republic of the Philippines will lodge a diplomatic protest,” the DFA said.

The Chinese embassy’s statement, the DFA said, contained “blatant falsehoods” when it claimed that the Chinese vessels stay in the area due to poor weather and that there are no “maritime militia vessels” in Philippine waters.

“The statement also attempted to promote the clearly false narrative of China’s expansive and illegitimate claims in the West Philippine Sea,” the DFA said.

It noted that the Juan Felipe Reef is part of the Kalayaan Island Group and lies within the country’s exclusive economic zone.

“It is located 175 nautical miles west of Bataraza town in Palawan and 638.229 nautical miles from Hainan Island,” the DFA said.

The DFA rejected the embassy’s assertion that the area is part of China’s “traditional fishing grounds,” noting that “tradition yields to law.”

“The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) -- to which both the Republic of the Philippines and China are parties -- and the final and binding 12 July 2016 Award in the South China Sea Arbitration are clearly the only norms applicable to this situation,” the DFA said.

The arbitration ruling, it added, conclusively settled that claims to historic or other sovereign rights or jurisdiction that go past those stated in the UNCLOS are “without lawful effect.”

It said the continued presence of Chinese vessels in the WPS “blatantly” infringe on the Philippines’ “sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction.”

“These are contrary to China’s commitments under international law and the ASEAN-China Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and demonstrate lack of good faith in the ongoing negotiations on a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea between Asean and China,” the DFA said.

On Saturday, the China Embassy called Lorenzana’s statement on the presence of Chinese ships “unprofessional,” adding that it may “further fan irrational emotions” and that it has “taken note of the perplexing statement.”

Lorenzana earlier repeated the demand for Chinese ships to leave the Julian Felipe Reef, noting that they have no more reason to take shelter amid good weather.

He said the latest maritime and aerial surveillance showed that “there are still 44 Chinese vessels that are in Julian Felipe Reef.” (

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1135787

DND sets another maritime patrol in WPS this week

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 6, 2021): DND sets another maritime patrol in WPS this week (By Priam Nepomuceno)

File photo

A maritime patrol will be carried out again this week to determine whether there are still Chinese militia vessels remaining off Julian Felipe Reef in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Monday night.

"We’ll see when our maritime patrol goes again this week," Lorenzana said in a message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

Earlier, Lorenzana said there are still 44 Chinese vessels off Julian Felipe Reef even if there is no good reason for them to stay there as the weather in the area has improved.

The defense chief also declined to comment on reports that there are Chinese missile boats spotted off Panganiban Reef which is also in the WPS.

"I can’t comment as we have no confirmation (yet)," he said.

The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea earlier expressed concern over a Philippine Coast Guard report about 200 Chinese fishing vessels, believed to be manned by Chinese maritime militia personnel, sighted in line formation at the Julian Felipe Reef on March 7.

The reef is located approximately 175 nautical miles west of Bataraza, Palawan.

"We have already lodged our diplomatic protest stating unequivocally our stand on the issue. We, again, reiterate our demand for the Chinese to leave our sovereign territories and abide by international law," Lorenzana said.

On Monday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) denounced the remarks of the Chinese embassy in Manila calling “unprofessional” the statement of Lorenzana regarding the issue.

It also reiterated Lorenzana’s demand for Beijing to “immediately withdraw” its remaining ships in the vicinity of the Julian Felipe Reef and other adjacent features in the Kalayaan Island Group in the WPS.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1135842

Navy to deploy missile boats in Mindanao next year

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 6, 2021): Navy to deploy missile boats in Mindanao next year (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Philippine Navy chief, Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo (File photo)

The Philippine Navy (PN) will deploy next year its fast attack interdiction craft-missile (FAIC-Ms) off the waters of Mindanao to help in operations against communist terrorist groups.

"The FAIC-M will be deployed initially in the Mindanao AORs (area-of-responsibility) where there is continuous operations against LTGs (local terrorist groups) and CTGs (communist terrorist groups) These platforms are best suited operating in these environments to act as effective deterrent not only against the terrorist groups but also against other lawless elements operating in the littoral areas," PN chief Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo said in response to the Philippine News Agency's on Monday night when asked where these naval craft will be deployed once delivered next year.

The FAIC-M project (also known as the Shaldag Mark 5) was already issued a Notice of Award (NOA) by the Department of National Defense (DND) last January 4.

"These individuals involved in piracy, smuggling, and human trafficking, among others, use fast boats and go from island to island in order to evade our maritime law enforcers. With the FAIC-Ms, the Navy can ensure that these criminal elements will be effectively neutralized and in the process provide a safe and secure maritime environment to our countrymen," Bacordo added.

The NOA was signed by DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana as head of the procuring entity. The project, which consists of two lots, is worth around PHP10 billion.

Lot 1 consists of the acquisition of the naval platforms and the upgrade of the Cavite Naval Shipyard while Lot 2 is focused on the acquisition of the weapons system of these FAIC-Ms which include remotely-controlled gun and missile systems.

"Another milestone was achieved just recently which includes the successful negotiations for the Lot 1 (Platforms) & Lot 2 (Combat Systems and Missiles) of the Fast Attack Interdiction Craft-Missile (FAIC-M) Acquisition Project. This resulted in the provisions for an additional one unit with one set of remote combat weapon systems (on top of the programmed eight units FAIC-M) for the PN and an upgrade of the Naval Ship Yard - without additional cost to the government. Hence, the PN expects to obtain a total of nine missile-equipped FAIC(-Ms) in the coming years," Bacordo earlier said.

The FAIC-Ms is the replacement of the force of patrol killer medium (PKM) or medium-sized patrol craft, with deliveries expected to start in 2022.

Four of the FAIC-Ms will be armed with non-line-of-sight (NLOS) missiles with pinpoint accuracy and a range of 25 kilometers while the other four will be armed with machine guns and light automatic cannons.

With the FAIC-Ms, the PN shall have the capability to defend the key sea lines of communications (SLOCs), such as Mindoro, Balabac, Sibutu, and Basilan Straits against conventional threats.

While operating in restricted waters, the FAIC-Ms can interdict surface threats and launch NLOS missiles safely using the surrounding littoral areas as maneuver space and cover.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1135843

Lorenzana tests positive for Covid-19, now in isolation

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 6, 2021): Lorenzana tests positive for Covid-19, now in isolation (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (File photo)

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said he will undergo isolation after being tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) Tuesday.

"The result of my RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) test today, 06 April 2021, came up positive. I will be undergoing isolation, following the quarantine guidelines to avoid infecting others. Those who have been exposed to me have been informed. They have been advised to isolate and get tested for Covid-19 as well," he said in a statement.

Lorenzana said the DND will continue to operate with a skeleton workforce to ensure continuity of service, with the prescribed health protocols strictly enforced.

"I would like to remind everyone that the threat of the virus is as real as ever, more so now due to the new variants. Let us all cooperate and abide by the prescribed health protocols to help in curbing the spread of Covid-19," Lorenzana said.

Last year, the DND chief tested negative for Covid-19 in March and April after coming into close contact with people infected with the virus.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1135966

CPP-NPA leaders yield in Isabela

From the Manila Times (Apr 6, 2021): CPP-NPA leaders yield in Isabela (By Leander C. Domingo)

GAMU, Isabela: Leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in this province have voluntarily surrendered to the Army’s 86th and 95th Infantry Battalion (IB) of the 5th Infantry Division (5th ID) over the weekend.

Major Jekyll Julian Dulawan, 5th ID public affairs officer, said Alias Popoy of NPA’s Squad Uno, Regional Sentro De Gravidad (RSDG), Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley (KR-CV) was the first one to surrender to the 86th IB in Sitio Jet in Barangay San Guillermo in Isabela province.

Dulawan said Alias Popoy was recruited to the CPP-NPA in October 2020 by a certain Alias Andong.

Intelligence records show that Alias Popoy was among the CPP-NPA members and whose group had an encounter with the 86th IB in San Guillermo town in Isabela on March 15 where a certain Alias Yuni, a high ranking CPP-NPA official in Cagayan Valley, was killed.

Alias Popoy said he was able to sneak out, leaving his former comrades who threatened him if he left their organization.

“I am too tired having to hide from government authorities, experiencing starvation, moving from one place to another for food and shelter,” he said.

Alias Popoy said that while he felt bad fighting government troops, he was pressured and intimidated by his CPP-NPA cadres.

“With these, I decided to leave the terrorist movement and I was grateful that I was accepted by the government despite my affiliation with the terrorist group,” he said.

In San Mariano town, Isabela, Alias Kalahati/Rocket/Rudy also surrendered to authorities.

Alias Rudy, a leader of the Squad Dos of RSDG, KR-CV, was recruited in 2017 by a certain Alias Bang and Alias Kevin/Ron-Ron/Benjamin, a supply officer of Squad Tres of RSDG, KR-CV and who were recruited by Aliases Mandy, Rona, Zaldy and Lopez in 2016.

These NPA surrenderers said they have suffered enough since they joined the CPP-NPA movement which did not do them good and as promised by their recruiters.

Dulawan said the surrenderers are now under the custody of the authorities for their security while they are processing the benefits from the government under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/04/06/news/regions/cpp-npa-leaders-yield-in-isabela/860426/

36 NPA rebels in Aurora yield

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 5, 2021): 36 NPA rebels in Aurora yield (By: Tonette Orejas)

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO –– At least 36 people presented as New People’s Army fighters in Aurora province surrendered to authorities at the Central Luzon regional headquarters in Camp Olivas here.

They yielded after a “series of negotiations” with military and police officers, according to Brig. Gen. Valeriano de Leon, regional police director, said in a statement.

He called the surrender part of the local peace engagement activities.

The rebels’ photographs released by Camp Olivas were pixelated, while their names or aliases were not mentioned in the statement.

The surrender made the 36 persons “eligible” to avail of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (e-clip) for rebel returnees.

De Leon said they would be provided with benefits such as livelihood, medical, education, housing, and legal assistance.

“Our government has several programs to retool you so that you could all become even more productive members of our society,” he said.

The military’s Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) reported the surrender of 364 rebels in four regions in the first three months of 2021.

The surrenderers in the Cordillera Autonomous Region, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, and Central Luzon regions gave up 34 firearms, according to Nolcom chief Lt. Gen. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr.

He said the 396 rebels who surrendered in 2020 yielded 191 firearms

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1415083/36-npa-rebels-in-aurora-yield

2 soldiers killed in ambush on Black Saturday

From the Visayan Daily Star (Apr 5, 2021): 2 soldiers killed in ambush on Black Saturday (BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Army soldiers provide traditional military honors to their two fallen comrades at the Bacolod-Silay Airport, before the flag-draped coffins with their remains were returned to their families in Mindanao* Philippine Army photo

Two Army soldiers died on Black Saturday in an ambush staged by suspected New People’s Army rebels in Sitio Cambaga, Brgy. Yaoyao, Cauayan, Negros Occidental, a day after police troopers also rescued an injured communist rebel, following an encounter in Brgy. Nagbinlod, Santa Catalina, Negros Oriental.

Maj. Cenon Pancito, spokesperson of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, confirmed yesterday the death of the soldiers who belonged to the 15th Infantry Battalion and had been tasked to visit their Community Support Team unit stationed in the barangay.

The two slain soldiers were identified by the Philippine Army as Sgt. Jhoem Meguillo of Zamboanga City, and Cpl. Alaster Balboa of Midsayap, North Cotabato.

Pancito strongly condemned the ambush of the two soldiers, who, he said, were not on combat mode and in civilian attire, and travelling on board a motorcycle.

“These NPAs had just proven, once again, what cowards they are in waging a fight against the government troops,” he said. “Since they cannot face us in gunbattle, they resorted to staging an ambush even of soldiers in civilian attire, which is a clear violation of human rights and accepted rules of engagement,” he added.

While the 3ID mourns the soldiers’ death, “We vow to bring justice to these terrorists. The ultimate justice paid by our soldiers in bringing peace to Negros Island makes our resolve to hunt them down to be stronger than ever. They will pay the price,” he added.

Barangay Yaoyao in Cauayan is one of the areas in Negros where the NPA thrives, and was greatly affected by the CSP operations of the 15IB, its commander, Lt. Col. Erwin Cariño, said.

“We honor the heroism and sacrifices of our fallen comrades and we will ensure that justice will be served,” Cariño said.

A day earlier, troopers of the PNP Special Action Force and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 7 rescued an injured NPA member, who was abandoned by his fleeing comrades, following an encounter in Sitio Hulway, Brgy. Nagbinlod, Santa Catalina, Negros Oriental.

The gunbattle, that lasted for about eight minutes, prompted the suspected NPA members to scamper to various directions and leave behind their injured comrade, as well as war materials, including a .45 caliber pistol and a 12 gauge shotgun with ammunition, two rifle grenades, a fragmentation grenade, a first aid kit, and personal belongings.

The injured NPA member, whose identity had not been established as of this time, was immediately treated, before he was brought to a medical facility in Negros Oriental.

It was also not established if the injured NPA member was among those who figured in an encounter on March 29 with SAF and RMFB 7 troopers in the same area where two suspected communist rebels died.

Ten communist rebels also died in an encounter with Army soldiers in Brgy. Trinidad, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental on March 23.*

https://news.visayandailystar.com/2-soldiers-killed-in-ambush-on-black-saturday/

PNP leads indignation rally vs CPP-NPA-NDF

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 5, 2021): PNP leads indignation rally vs CPP-NPA-NDF (By Edna A. Bagadiong) 

VIRAC, Catanduanes (PIA)- The Philippine National Police (PNP) Catanduanes Police Provincial Office (CATPPO) spearheaded the simultaneous Indignation Rally against the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) on March 29, 2021 at Virac Town Plaza.

The activity aims to denounce the activities of the NPA and Communism and instill awareness to the community of the motives and intensions of this group.

A motorcade was held prior to the brief program where participants carried placards and tarpaulins denouncing the deception and continuing recruitment of minors and indigenous peoples by the CPP, NPA, and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDF). A candle lighting was also done.



In his message, PMaj Antonio I. Perez of Virac Municipal Station expressed his gladness that the public are already awakened against the lies and deceptions of the terrorist groups. He also urge the public to continue supporting the government to ensure the nation’s peace and security.

Present during the event were elements of PNP-CATPPO, Virac Municipal Police Station, Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terorismo (KKDAT) officers and members from to towns of Bato, San Andres, San Miguel and Virac, BJMP and BFP Virac, Philippine Army and Municipal Mayor Sinforoso M. Sarmiento, Jr. (PIA5/Catanduanes)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1071250