Recall of VFA abrogation reinforces PH-US ties: solons

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30, 2021): Recall of VFA abrogation reinforces PH-US ties: solons (By Filane Mikee Cervantes)

ALLIES. Defense chiefs Lloyd Austin III of the US (left) and Delfin Lorenzana of the Philippines meet on Friday (July 30, 2021), the day after the American official paid a courtesy call on President Rodrigo Duterte in Malacañang. Austin said in his Twitter post that he discussed with Lorenzana a range of defense topics, including the decision by Duterte to fully restore the Visiting Forces Agreement. (Photo courtesy of US Secretary Austin Twitter)

President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to recall the abrogation of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States will be beneficial to all parties, given the current "uncertain and challenging" international political environment that is aggravated by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, in a statement on Friday, welcomed the continuation of the VFA and emphasized the need to maintain strong ties with the US.

"We hope this development will be the start of a closer and more cordial relationship between the Philippines and its long-time ally," Velasco said.

House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez said retracting the VFA termination would definitely help strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

"We should welcome all efforts to shore up relations with other countries, especially with our allies, as only through global cooperation can we survive from this world-wide crisis," Romualdez said.

"More than ever, we need partnership and collaboration with our brother-nations so that we may be able to withstand all threats that our country face right now and in the future," the Leyte solon added.

Muntinlupa Representative Ruffy Biazon, vice chair of the Committee on National Defense, likewise hailed President Duterte's decision following the visit of US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III.

"It is assumed that Secretary Austin conveyed the Biden administration’s commitment to standing by the Philippines for mutual interest and benefit, particularly on security issues, hence the President’s redirection of his policy on the PH-US defense agreement," Biazon said.

Mutual interests

Biazon noted that Philippine defense and security interests will surely benefit in the continuing cooperation with the US.

"This bilateral cooperation between the Philippines and the US brings with it the strength of the Americans’ alliance with other nations that have upheld the free and open Indo-Pacific strategy as well as their support for the Arbitral Tribunal’s ruling favoring the sovereign rights of the Philippines in its Exclusive Economic Zone in the West Philippine Sea," he said in another statement.

Biazon said the VFA would also mean that the anti-terrorism drive, especially in the Southern Philippines, will continue to be bolstered by the US through operational and technical assistance as well as intelligence sharing.

"The resumption of joint exercises will be a boost in the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ capability, readiness, and inter-operational efficiency in meeting the security challenges the country may face," he said.

Malacañang said on Friday that Duterte decided to recall the termination of the Philippines’ VFA on the ground of the two nations’ respect for their partnership, being “sovereign equals".

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque issued the statement, the same day when Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana announced Duterte’s move to retract the abrogation of VFA.

“PRRD’s (President Rodrigo Roa Duterte) decision to recall the abrogation of VFA is based on upholding PH strategic core interests, the clear definition of PH-US alliance as one between sovereign equals, and clarity of US position on its obligations and commitments under MDT (Mutual Defense Treaty),” Roque said in a statement.

The 1951 MDT aims to step up the defense and security cooperation between US and Philippine troops.

Since last year

Duterte ordered the VFA’s revocation in February 2020. It was supposed to be officially scrapped in August last year but the termination was suspended for three six-month periods.

The latest was in June this year when Duterte decided anew to extend the VFA’s validity for six more months.

Lorenzana said the Philippines would continue to hold negotiations with the US to revisit the VFA.

The VFA, a 1998 defense deal between Manila and Washington, allows American forces to enter the Philippines sans passport and visa to allow them to participate in joint military drills.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1148844

Outgoing military chief bids farewell to trusty weapon

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30, 2021): Outgoing military chief bids farewell to trusty weapon (By Ben Cal)

M-653 rifle (Contributed photo)

When Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, retires after 34 years in service on Saturday, he will also turn over his government-issued M-653 rifle, which he used for nearly three decades.

Sobejana said he was a young lieutenant when the weapon was issued to him.

“It was this weapon I used in 27 gun battles against rebels and terrorists, particularly the Abu Sayyaf Group on that fateful day of Friday the 13th 1995 in Matarling, Basilan where I was seriously wounded,” he told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) in an exclusive interview on Friday, a day before he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56.

As an Army Scout Ranger who specialized in jungle fighting, Sobejana saw action in various parts of the country, fighting insurgents and terrorists, even after he recovered from the 1995 Basilan incident where he almost lost his right arm.

For his bravery in leading 15 men against at least 150 bandits, he was awarded the Medal of Valor.

After undergoing a number of surgical procedures in the United States, he got used to firing the M-653 with his more able left hand, which he also uses to salute.

Sobejana thanked his Commander in Chief, President Rodrigo Duterte, for giving him the opportunity to serve as military chief.

He also thanked soldiers for their heroism and sacrifice in protecting the country, especially amid the pandemic.

A fitting ceremony, spiced with an honor parade, at Camp Aguinaldo will send off Sobejana.

He will be succeeded by Lt. Gen. Jose Faustino Jr., the incumbent commander of the Joint Task Force Mindanao and former acting commanding general of the Philippine Army.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1148836

Hunt on vs. Reds behind attack on Samar cops, health workers

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 29, 2021): Hunt on vs. Reds behind attack on Samar cops, health workers (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered pursuit operations against communist terrorist group (CTG) rebels who ambushed a convoy of police and local health workers in Samar while on their way to fetch coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines.

In a statement, PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar also directed Police Regional Office (PRO 8) director, Brig. Gen. Ronaldo de Jesus, to hunt the perpetrators and also start the legal offensive against the leaders of the CPP-NPA-NDF in the area.

“To condemn this another attack is not enough dahil hindi na tinatablan ng hiya at masasakit na salita ang mga taong ito (because these people are shameless and are unfazed by harsh words). What is needed is a decisive action to stop them from doing the same kind of terrorism activities,” Eleazar said.

Based on the report from the PRO 8, personnel of the Calbayog City Police Station and health workers from the Calbayog City Health Office were on their way to the Department of Health Regional Office in Tacloban City to get the Covid-19 vaccines when their vehicle was repeatedly shot at last July 27, in Barangay Lale, Pinabacdao, Samar.

After an initial burst of gunfire, an improvised explosive device was used by the still unidentified CTG rebels. Fortunately, the Calbayog City police personnel were able to protect themselves and the health workers from the attackers.

No one was reported hurt during the incident.

The CTG members, on the other hand, immediately fled after the Calbayog City Police personnel started to maneuver to engage the attackers.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-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/1148628

Shame on you, religious leader tells pro-Reds solon

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 29, 2021): Shame on you, religious leader tells pro-Reds solon (By Marita Moaje)

OUST REDS. Groups, composed of parents whose children were recruited by communist terrorist groups, march around the University Belt in Manila on Monday (July 26, 2021). They also called for the delisting of party-list lawmakers in Congress. (PNA photo by Ben Pulta)

A party-list lawmaker with ties to communist terrorist groups (CTGs) and with no known contribution to the country should feel “even a bit of shame” for criticizing Monday’s State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Bayan Muna Rep. Ferdinand Gaite should instead examine himself and what he has done for the country, Pastor Apollo Quiboloy said in his online program Powerline aired on Thursday.

“Sabi mo napagod ka, nakakadismaya, napagod ka sa narinig mo na dalawang oras na SONA ng Pangulo, pero hindi ka napagod sa 52 years na pananalasa ng komunista (You said that you got tired, you were disappointed, you got tired of the two hours of the SONA of the President, but you never get tired of the 52 years of violence brought by the communists),” Quiboloy said.

He said Gaite, who has connections with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), could not even denounce the violence of CTGs.

“Sa pagpatay dito, pagpatay doon, pagsunog dito, pagsunog doon, hindi ka nasuya, hindi ka napagod. Kami pagod na pagod na (For killings left and right, arson here and there, you never get tired, but we are already very tired),” he said.

CPP-NPA-NDF violence

Quiboloy also shared the personal experiences of the members of his church, Davao-based Kingdom of Jesus Christ, at the hands of CTGs.

One of his coordinators saw his father killed right in front of him when he was just 11 years old.

Quiboloy’s church raised the child.

“Mga ministro ko, nangangaral sa kalsada, hinarap ninyo, binigyan ng .45 sa harap. ‘Wag na kayong mangaral dito, makapangyarihan itong .45 namin kesa Bibliya nyo (You showed a .45 caliber pistol to my ministers who were preaching on the streets, telling them that your pistol is more powerful than the Bible),” Quiboloy said.

CTGs also took away peace and order from indigenous peoples who were silently residing in the mountains.

Even in the cities, he said the CPP-NPA -NDF sends their Special Partisan Unit (Sparu) to commit murder and flee to the mountains without remorse and accountability.

“Mag-eextortion kayo kahit na sa mga maliliit na tindahan, tapos wala naman kayong tax accountability o accountability sa mga perang kinukurakot ninyo. Pinapadala ninyo lahat kay (CPP founder Jose Ma.) Sison (You extort even from the small stores, and you have no tax accountability for the money that you have taken. You send them all to Sison),” Quiboloy said, labeling members of the CPP-NPA-NDF as traitors.

The communists sow hatred toward the government and for the people who go against their so-called ideology and disrespect both military or civilians, he added.

52 years of violence

For 52 years, he said the CPP-NPA-NDF never ceased to criticize and try to overthrow the government.

“Kahit sino pa maging presidente, ibagsak, ibagsak. Hindi kayo nahihiya at hindi kayo napapagod sa ginagawa ninyo. ‘Yan ba ang na-itutulong ninyo sa ating bansa (You try to overthrow whoever becomes the president. You do not have shame and you never get tired of what you are doing. Is that all that you do to help the country)?” Quiboloy said.

He said the CPP-NPA-NDF’s lone mission is to overthrow the government and take over.

“Ganyan palagi, oust Duterte, oust kung sino ang nandyan kasi walang masaya sa inyo kundi kayo ang maka-upo (That is what you repeatedly do, oust Duterte. Oust whoever is the President because nothing will give you happiness except to get the position),” he added.

For 52 years, that is what the CTG has been doing, Quiboloy said.

“Anong naitulong mo sa ating bansa para sa kapayapaan? Nakapagbigay ka ba ng kahit isang vaccine? Nakapagpagawa ka ba ng isang daan na madadaanan namin (What have you done for the country to achieve peace? Have you even contributed even a single vaccine? Have you built even a single road where we can pass)?” he told Gaite.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1148748

High-powered guns bound for Mindanao seized in N. Samar port

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 29, 2021): High-powered guns bound for Mindanao seized in N. Samar port (By Sarwell Meniano)

SEIZED GUNS. Police officers and Philippine Coast Guard personnel seize high-powered firearms at the Port of Allen in Northern Samar on Wednesday (July 28, 2021). The Police Regional Office 8 said the seizure of several firearms and ammunition at the port should serve as a warning against those planning to illegally transport firearms through ports in Eastern Visayas. (Photo courtesy of PNP)

The seizure of several firearms and ammunition in Northern Samar should serve as a warning against those planning to illegally transport firearms through ports in Eastern Visayas, the Police Regional Office 8 said on Thursday.

Col. Ma. Bella Rentuaya, PRO-8 spokesperson, said policemen in the region have been ordered to step up their check against illegal possession of firearms to ensure peaceful and orderly elections next year.

This came after the arrest of four men on Wednesday for alleged possession of several high-powered firearms at the Port of Allen town in Northern Samar.

Initial investigation disclosed that these firearms are allegedly intended for members of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and local terrorist groups in Mindanao.

“We commend our police in Northern Samar for enforcing the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunitions Regulatory Act. This is to show that the PNP is serious in running after gunrunners,” Rentuaya said in a text message sent to the Philippine News Agency.

The suspects were identified as Daud Kumamang Ludungan, 43; Roger Daud Baguindali, 33; Wahid Esmael Yusop, 23; and Abdulgapor Buday Singh, 65, all residents of Maguindanao.

Police operatives and Philippine Coast Guard personnel flagged down the four suspects on board two vehicles around 1:40 p.m. at the town’s port. The pier is part of the nautical highway that connects Eastern Visayas and Luzon.

Rentuaya said government forces received a report on Wednesday morning that two vehicles heading to Maguindanao from Taguig City loaded with firearms would pass by the Port of Allen.

The suspects failed to produce documents to prove that the cargoes are not loose firearms. The cars were heading to Datu Piang, Maguindanao from Taguig City.

Seized from the suspects were 30 M-16 rifles, three .45 caliber pistols, and several magazines and ammunition.

The guns were hidden inside the tire compartment and side doors of the vehicles, according to authorities.

The four suspects are now detained at the Allen town police station and will be charged with illegal possession of firearms.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1148636

Leyte villages take part in wiping out NPA: Army

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 29, 2021): Leyte villages take part in wiping out NPA: Army (By Sarwell Meniano)

LINKING VS. NPA. Army officials meet with village officials in Mahaplag, Leyte in this undated photo. The provincial task force to end local communist armed conflict has been raising the capability of village officials in Leyte for them to help completely rid communities from the influence of the New People’s Army. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

The provincial task force to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC) has been raising the capability of village officials in Leyte for them to help completely rid communities from the influence of the New People’s Army (NPA).

The communist terrorist group’s effort to regain their former strongholds in the province prompted the task force to step up the information drive among village officials who are members of the barangay (village) task force ELCAC.

“The barangay ELCAC is proven effective with the community officials are now addressing issues being exploited by the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA-National Democratic Front. They are now equipped with the right information regarding deception being employed by the communist terrorist group,” said Capt. Kaharudin Cadil, Philippine Army 802nd Infantry Brigade spokesperson, in a phone interview Thursday.

Through the local task force, concerns of communities are now properly addressed since the task force is chaired by village chief, the most trusted person in a community, Cadil said.

With village officials taking an active role, Cadil said it is now easier to convince NPA fighters and supporters in villages to abandon the communist ideology.

On July 23, seven young NPA recruits in Mahaplag, Leyte surrendered to members of barangay task force ELCAC after doing errands for the rebels for one year.

The official said all the 1,393 villages in Leyte have formed task force ELCAC through resolutions issued by their respective local peace and order committee and local development council.

The village task force is primarily tasked to take an active role in the implementation of retooled community support program (RCSP), ensure active participation of villagers in RCSP, ensure the delivery of basic services, provide intelligence information, and guarantee the sustainability of RCSP.

RCSP is a strategy that deploys teams to identify issues and concerns in remote communities threatened by the NPA. These issues will be raised to the concerned government agencies and local government units to be addressed accordingly.

The weakening of NPA in Leyte is a result of a whole-of-nation approach by linking arms between basic service providers from the central government, community participation groups from the local governments, and the security sector from the military and police.

In support of the fight against NPA, several local government units have formed their task force ELCAC operationalizing Executive Order 70 issued by President Rodrigo Duterte on Dec. 4, 2018.

The directive also institutionalizes a “whole-of-nation approach” in attaining an inclusive and sustainable peace.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA, which has been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government 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/1148637

Ex-MILF combatants turn to fish farming

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 29, 2021): Ex-MILF combatants turn to fish farming (By Edwin Fernandez)  July 29, 2021, 4:58 pm

LIVELIHOOD. Officials of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform of the Bangsamoro government release tilapia fingerlings to a fishpond in Sultan Mastura, Maguindanao on Wednesday (July 28, 2021). The livelihood project will benefit former Moro Islamic Liberation Front combatants who have abandoned the armed struggle. (Photo courtesy of MAFAR)

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has boosted the livelihood productivity of a group of former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants in Sultan Mastura, Maguindanao on Wednesday.

The former members of the MILF’s Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) are now fish farmers after they laid down their guns in exchange for income-generating projects as part of the peace process.

Pendatun Patarasa, Assistant to the Minister for Special Concerns of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR), said Thursday that the former MILF combatants received some 36,000 tilapia fingerlings.

The project is part of the support to Agriculture and Agribusiness Enterprise in Mindanao for Sustainable Development that aims to increase productivity of agriculture and fisheries-based livelihood, funded by the Korean government through the Korea International Cooperation Agency.

About 36,000 tilapia fingerlings were each given to the Compra Farmers and Fisherfolks Association of Barangay Bulod, Datu Montawal; Liguasan Inhabitants Consumers Cooperative; Barangay Bagoenged in Pagalungan, Maguindanao; and Tireken Aquaculture Producers Cooperative of Barangay Tambo in Sultan Mastura, Maguindanao.

Patarasa said the fingerlings were donated by the United Nations-Food and Agriculture Organization, through the initiative of MAFAR that targets to support indigent barangays by giving them the opportunity to earn additional income.

“I encouraged our fish farmers to manage well the assistance given to them from the government to increase their production of tilapia and their income, which could also contribute to the growth of the aquaculture industry in the province,” Patarasa said in a statement.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1148704

Reds torch P32-M heavy equipment in N. Samar

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 29, 2021): Reds torch P32-M heavy equipment in N. Samar (By Sarwell Meniano)

TERRORIST ACT. Some of the heavy equipment torched by the New People's Army early Thursday (July 29, 2021) in Las Navas, Northern Samar. A private contractor used the equipment to upgrade a road leading to the town's rebel-infested communities. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine National Police)

Members of the New People’s Army (NPA) burned early Thursday 10 heavy equipment used by a private contractor to upgrade a road leading to rebel-infested communities in Las Navas, Northern Samar.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) regional office here reported that some 20 members of the communist terrorist group burned the equipment in San Francisco village around 4 a.m.

“The workers were called by rebels outside their barracks. They were asked why the government has to widen the road if it’s already passable to motorcycles,” the police said, citing accounts of Ian Adaraya Acebuche of CDU Construction.

Acebuche told the police that the rebels are against the upgrading project since they do not want military trucks to use the road.

The private contractor based in Catarman, Northern Samar is tasked to build and widen the road network leading to communities threatened by the NPA.

The PHP32-million worth of equipment torched by rebels include two backhoes, a bulldozer, loader, dump truck, self-loading truck prime mover, crane, grader, welding generator set, and road roller.

Las Navas, a fourth-class town in Northern Samar with a population of 36,621, has been the center of propaganda by several organizations linked to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA.

Northern Samar is considered an NPA lair in Eastern Visayas due to its poor road network, thick forests, high poverty incidence, and low level of education among residents.

The CPP-NPA, which has been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government, 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/1148697

Kalinaw News: 72IB successfully conducts “Gabay Padayon Program” in Barangay Kabalantian.

Posted to the Kalinaw News Website (Jul 29, 2021): 72IB successfully conducts “Gabay Padayon Program” in Barangay Kabalantian.



ARAKAN, COTABATO – The strong collaboration and sincere commitment of the Local Government Unit of Arakan and 72nd Infantry “Gabay” Battalion to facilitate the delivery of services and maintain peace and order in Barangay Kabalantian made into reality thru the “Gabay Padayon Program” that commenced on July 19, 2021 and culminated earlier today, July 29, 2021.

As part of the unit’s sustainment efforts in ending the insurgency and attaining a peaceful and conflict-resilient community in the Municipality of Arakan, its objectives are to address the issues and concerns of the people and bring the Government closer to them. Thru these objectives, the unit initiated a 10-Day “Gabay Padayon Program” purposely to conduct community organizing and sectoral engagements in partnership with the Local Government Unit and stakeholders for the span of ten (10) days. This program aims to strengthen the ITDS, empowerment of BTF-ELCAC and IP Bagani Forces; To continue the good relationship between the unit, stakeholders and local populace; and to develop long term project for People’s Organization in partnership with the Local Governement Unit of Arakan.

The 10-Day program was steered thru series of lectures/discussion from the various Government Agencies, PNP and Army to educate the populace with the current issues used by the CTGs in their schemes/methods of recruitment operations especially to the youth sector and available programs and projects of the Government offered to them. One of the highlights of the said program was the “Barangay Serbisyo Caravan” on the last day where various Government Agencies came to distribute slippers, schools supplies, groceries and subsequently conduct food feeding activity. It brought hope and happiness to everyone especially to the youth of Barangay Kabalantian.

Present during the culmination program were Hon. Charlie Secugal, Barangay Captain of Kabalantian; Ms. Jessica Gokotano, MSWDO; Hon. Bon Jovy Sorilla, SK Chairman; PCpt. Edgar Allan Espadera, COP-Arakan; Maj. Elesio Marcolino Jr, Bn Executive Officer; staff from the LGU; troops and officer of 72IB; and residents of Barangay Kabalantian.

“Our barangay is really thankful for the Gabay Padayon Program of 72IB. We are grateful for the time you have shared to us especially the knowledge, laughter, happiness and hope you have painted in our hearts. ” Hon. Secugal said in his message.

In behalf of LTC Jose C Regonay Jr, Commanding Officer of 72IB, Maj Elesio Marcolino expressed his utmost appreciation for the initiative and dedication of the Barangay Officials in conducting the said program. “This is just the start of 72IB’s Gabay Padayon Program. We will reach out to different barangays especially in GIDAs to educate them with the services of our Government. We are just asking for all of us to be one in our fight against our 52-year struggle against insurgency. Let us embrace the peace initiatives of our Government.” He 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/72ib-successfully-conducts-gabay-padayon-program-in-barangay-kabalantian/

Kalinaw News: 97 Loose Firearms Surrendered as JTF Central Intensifies Campaign Against Loose Firearms in Sarangani

Posted to the Kalinaw News Website (Jul 29, 2021): 97 Loose Firearms Surrendered as JTF Central Intensifies Campaign Against Loose Firearms in Sarangani



CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – A total of 97 surrendered loose firearms were presented by the 603rd Infantry Brigade and 38th Infantry Battalion to the Local Chief Executives of Maitum, Sarangani Province in a simple ceremony held at the Municipal Gym, Maitum, Sarangani on July 24, 2021.

Colonel Eduardo Gubat, Commanding Officer of 603rd Infantry Brigade disclosed that the surrendered loose firearms includes 94 homemade shotguns with ammunition, two (2) M79 grenade launchers and one (1) homemade pistol. “These loose firearms came from various personalities wherein some of them are believed to be members of ‘Militiang Bayan’ under Platoon West Musa of Far South Mindanao Region,” Col. Gubat explained.

“The confiscated firearms were the results of the community support program and the sustained focus military operations conducted by the ‘We Clear Troops’ since June 9, 2021 in the barangays of Zion, Batian, Upo, and New La Union, all of Maitum, Sarangani”, said Lieutenant Colonel Anhouvic Atilano, Commanding Officer of 38IB, adding that the surrender of loose firearms is a clear manifestation that the NPA rebels is weakening in Sarangani Province as 38IB intensified its campaign against loose firearms and continues to pursue the remnants of the communist terrorists in Sarangani. The turn-over ceremony was witnessed by Maitum Mayor, Hon. Alexander Bryan Reganit, together with local Philippine National Police forces and other local officials of the said municipality. Col. Gubat on the other hand said, “the ‘Persuader Troops’ are steadfast in hunting down communist terrorists and in securing the communities from their atrocities.”

Major General Juvymax R. Uy, Commander of 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central applauded the efforts of the 38IB and 603rd Brigade to continuously protect the residents of Sarangani Province and create an environment conducive for sustainable development and lasting peace. “Every loose firearm surrendered paved the way to save innocent lives and to secure a better future for the next generations”, Major General Uy, stated.

[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/97-loose-firearms-surrendered-as-jtf-central-intensifies-campaign-against-loose-firearms-in-sarangani/

Four BIFF Fighters Surrenders Anew to Government Security Forces

Posted to the Kalinaw News Website (Jul 29, 2021): Four BIFF Fighters Surrenders Anew to Government Security Forces



Camp Siongco, Maguindanao – Four members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters had surrendered anew and laid down their firearms to 1st Mechanized Battalion under Lieutenant Colonel Cresencio Sanchez Jr, on July 27, 2021.

The surrender came a day after their field commander and six other extremists surrendered to 1st Mechanized Brigade.

The new set of surrenderers brought with them one (1) Cal .50 machine gun, one (1) R4A3 Carbine with M203 grenade launcher, one (1) Cal .30 M1 Carbine, and a locally made 7.62mm Sniper Rifle.

The surrenderers were presented to Col. Pedro Balisi, Commander of the 1st Mechanized Brigade and to Honorable Marop Ampatuan, Municipal Mayor of Shariff Aguak at the Headquarters of the 1st Mechanized Brigade in Brgy. Kamasi, Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

“The said former extremists were pressured by the relentless pursuit operation of the government security forces. Their breathing space is becoming tighter forcing them to abandon the terror group”, said Col. Balisi.

Major General Juvymax Uy, Commander of 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central, lauded the tireless efforts of JTF Central forces in maintaining peace and stability in Central Mindanao.

“The series of surrenders are clear manifestation that the soft approach of the government through the AGILA-HAVEN program of the Province of Maguindanao and the hard approach through the sustained military operation is effective in dealing with the extremist groups”, MGen. Uy said.



[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/four-biff-fighters-surrenders-anew-to-government-security-forces/

Kalinaw News: AFP Chief and Valor Awardee General Sobejana goes back to Encounter Site, Honors living and fallen Comrades

Posted to the Kalinaw News Website (Jul 29, 2021): AFP Chief and Valor Awardee General Sobejana goes back to Encounter Site, Honors living and fallen Comrades



ISABELA CITY, Basilan – After twenty-six (26) years, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines General Cirilito E Sobejana goes back to the encounter site at Sitio Caro, Brgy Lower Kapayawan, Isabela City, Basilan where he was awarded the highest military award in the country – the Medal of Valor.

General Sobejana reminisced their daring encounter against an estimated one-hundred fifty (150) members of the Al Qaeda-inspired Abu Sayyaf Group way back January 13, 1995 where he was severely wounded to the point that his right arm was barely attached to the rest of his body. Though in pain and with a shattered rifle after it was hit by enemy fire, he never lost composure and continued leading his men maneuvering and even exposing himself alone to enemy fire in order to divert attention from his other troops. After almost five (5) hours of intense fighting, military reinforcements arrived to aid then Captain Sobejana and his team killing thirty (30) of the terrorists and leaving several wounded.

He met with surviving CAFGUs who are now under the administrative control and operational supervision of the 4th Special Forces Battalion who were with him at the time of the operation and honored his fallen comrades through an in-memoriam landmark at the very site of the encounter delivering an emotional filled and humble prayer to remember their honorable and faithful service to the nation.

Brigadier General Gobway, and Battalion Commanders under Joint Task Force Basilan and 101st Brigade with Lieutenant Colonel Ampati, 4SFB, Manny Muarip of Basilan Provincial Office, and Father Julius Boado of Claret School of Maluso accompanied General Sobejana during the said event.





[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-chief-and-valor-awardee-general-sobejana-goes-back-to-encounter-site-honors-living-and-fallen-comrades/

Kalinaw News: 14 former Rebels, 14 former exploited local Populace formally withdrew their support to NPA and its Sectoral Front Organizations.

Posted to the Kalinaw News Website (Jul 29, 2021): 14 former Rebels, 14 former exploited local Populace formally withdrew their support to NPA and its Sectoral Front Organizations.



BALER, Aurora-The Government troops on Tuesday, July 27, 2021 declared another victory against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) with the surrender of 14, ex-rebels and 14 former exploited populace in Barangay Decoliat hall in the town of Maria Aurora, this province.

Lieutenant Colonel Reandrew P. Rubio, commander of Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion, 7th Infantry “Kaugnay” Division Philippine Army said that the NPA rebels conducted withdrawal of support to terrorist group and its sectoral front organizations.

During the rites, Ltc Rubio cited that the former CTGs publicly burned the communist terrorists’ flags as a sign of their disgust and rejection of the communist rebels’ ideology and it followed by signing of the peace covenant.

Ltc Rubio attended the withdrawal of support spearheaded by National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) Maria Luisa De Guzman-Master in National Security Administration (MNSA) together with Brigadier General Abraham Claro M. Casis-Office of the presidential adviser on the peace process (OPAPP), Police Colonel Julio Lizardo-Provincial Director of Aurora Police Provincial Office (APPO), Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terorismo (KKDAT) National Spokesperson/National youth commission France Arabia and Barangay Officials headed by Zenaida Busaing-Chairwoman of Barangay Decoliat, Maria Aurora, Aurora.

Other present during the activity were representative from department of labor and employment (DOLE), department of trade and industry (DTI), department of agriculture (DA), department of social welfare and development region 3 (DSWD-3), department of interior and local government (DILG) Aurora, National commission on indigenous people (NCIP), among others.

Said government agencies presented their programs for the former rebels, explaining that the government has prepared a program for them such as the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) wherein they will receive cash and livelihood assistance, housing, and employment assistance, among others.

According to Ltc Rubio, the activity is an initiative of NICA-3, aiming to welcome with open arms those returnees to the folds of the law who will live a life peacefully in the mainstream society.

He also personally thanks the surrenderers for the right decision to give up armed struggle and embrace the opportunity of living a peaceful and meaningful life with their family and loved ones.

Meanwhile, Police Colonel Lizardo distributed relief packs to families of former rebels and CTG supporters through BARANGAYanihan of the APPO.

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.

[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/14-former-rebels-14-former-exploited-local-populace-formally-withdrew-their-support-to-npa-and-its-sectoral-front-organizations/

Kalinaw News: NPA downfall nears as series of surrenders, firefights favor Government Forces

Posted to the Kalinaw News Website (Jul 29, 2021): NPA downfall nears as series of surrenders, firefights favor Government Forces



CAMP EVANGELISTA, Patag, Cagayan de Oro City – The downfall of the CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) nears after a series of surrenders and firefights in the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division (4ID) AOR continue in favor of the government forces over the week.

During his assumption as 4ID Commander last July 5, 2021, Major General Romeo S Brawner Jr underscored the call to the remaining CTG members to abandon the armed struggle and return to a peaceful life with their families. He also vowed to give a good fight to those who will advocate violence and continue perpetrating atrocities towards the people.

Since July 19, 2021, fourteen (14) NPA members voluntarily surrendered to the different units of 4ID bringing with them eleven (11) firearms of different calibers. Said personalities were key NPA leaders and members of the Sub-Regional Committee 1 (SRC1) and from the dismantled Guerilla Front 4A of North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) and Guerilla Front 8 (FGF8) of North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).

Most recent is the successful negotiation made by 58IB troops under Lt Col Ricky Canatoy for the voluntary surrender this morning, July 28, 2021, with seven (7) regular NPAs who also surrendered along with them one (1) M16 Rifle, one (1) AK47, one (1) KG9, and one (1) Homemade Shotgun. The following are the NPA rebels personalities who surrendered to 58IB:

Alias ABA/G.Y Squad Leader, Squad 1, Platoon RYAN, of Sub-Regional Committee 1 (SRC1), NCMRC, 23 years old.
Alias DOUGLAS/MAXX, Political Guide, Squad 2, SR SDG EAGLES, SRC1, NCMRC, 24 years old.
Alias KIMYAN/IRISH, Member, Squad 3, SR SDG EAGLES (MTJ), SRC 1, NCMRC, 17 years old.
Alias ANGIE, Squad Medic, Squad 1, Platoon RYAN, SRC1, NCMRC, 23 years old.
Alias MAMAN/DANIEL, Squad Leader, Squad 2, Platoon RYAN, SRC1, NCMRC, 27 years old.
Alias MARGA/LENYEL (PSRL), Squad Medic, Sqd 2, Platoon RYAN, SRC1, NCMRC, 24 years old, resident of Brgy Balit, San Luis, Agusan del Sur.
Alias KERWIN/UNDER, Vice Commanding Officer 1 (VCO1), Platoon MADAR, HQF NEO, NCMRC, 24 years old.

Per their revelations, said rebels members decided to surrender due to hardship, hunger, continued reduction of their ranks and the desire to start their own family which the NPA prohibits. Alias Kimyan/Irish added that the NPA rebels continuously recruit minors and turn them as child warriors with her as a living evidence.

Meanwhile, last July 20, 2021, four (4) members of the remnants of GF4A, NCMRC, one (1) SPL (Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad) and one (1) MB (Milisya ng Bayan) voluntarily surrendered to Lt Col Julius Cesar C Paulo, the Commanding Officer of 23rd Infantry Battalion, bringing along five (5) firearms and one (1) hand grenade at Jamboree Site, P-6, Brgy Alubihid, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.

Likewise, a certain Edgar Dagpin y Dobrea alias Adel, Vice Commander of the dismantled GF8, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) voluntarily abandoned his 21 years of futile struggle last July 19, 2021 bringing three (3) AK47 rifles and 11 pieces of magazines. He revealed that the physical exhaustion, weakened party leadership, and dwindling mass bases contributed to his decision to yield to the government and be with his son.

MGen Brawner Jr also disclosed that the troops continuously gained headway against the NPA in the AOR since his assumption as 4ID Commander with a total of sixteen (16) encounters resulting in the capture of seven (7) firearms and killing of three (3) CNTs while a total of twenty-seven (27) NPA members also surrendered bringing along with them fifteen (15) firearms.

He said that the number of encounters and the continuous flow of CTG members returning to the folds of the law indicate that the implementation of the campaign to address insurgency is on the right track. The Army, the LGUs, the LGAs and the civilian populace are working together to easily track the terrorist group.

“The NPA rebels is continuously disintegrating. We will relentlessly pursue them until they fully realize that the armed struggle that caused misery to our people is futile. We shall sustain and strengthen our focused military operations while we stay committed and supportive to the Task Force ELCAC implementing peace and development projects. Once again, I urge the remaining NPA members, avail of the E-CLIP now or face the consequences”, Major General Brawner Jr 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/downfall-of-the-npa-rebels-nears-after-a-series-of-surrenders-and-firefights-in-the-4th-infantry-diamond-division/

Kalinaw News: High-ranking NPA official along with 3 NPA couples surrender with their firearms citing miserable conditions within the group

Posted to the Kalinaw News Website (Jul 29, 2021): High-ranking NPA official along with 3 NPA couples surrender with their firearms citing miserable conditions within the group

CLAVERIA, MISAMIS ORIENTAL – Six members and one high-ranking official of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered with four firearms to the 58th Infantry Dimalulupig Battalion’s headquarters at Sitio Migbanday, Brgy. Poblacion, Claveria, Misamis Oriental July 26, 2021.

According to the accounts of the surrenderers, they had wanted to quit the organization for a long time due to the hardships and hunger they endured, but they were always stopped by their leaders. When the opportunity to flee presented itself, they took it without hesitation. The surrenderers were identified as alias Aba, a squad leader of Platoon Ryan, 23 years old; his wife alias Angie, 23 years old, Squad Medic of same Platoon, both are residents of Purok – 3B, Brgy Mat-I, Claveria, Misamis Oriental. Alias Douglas, Political Guide, Squad Dos, Platoon Eagles, 24 years old and a resident of Sitio Aligodon, Brgy Mat-i, Claveria, Misamis Oriental; with his wife, alias Kimyan, a member of Squad tres, 17 years old, and a resident of Sitio Kamansi, Brgy Banglay, Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental.

Alias Maman, squad leader of Squad dos, Platoon Ryan, 27 years old, a resident of Sitio Sabangaan, Brgy San Luis, Malitbog, Bukidnon; and his wife, alias Marga, squad medic of Squad Dos, Platoon Ryan, 24 years old, a resident of Brgy Balit, San Luis, Agusan del Sur all from Sub-regional Committee 1 (SRC 1) of North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC). Lastly, alias Kerwin, Vice-commander of Platoon Madar, Headquarters Force NEO of NCMRC, 24 years old, a resident of Barangay Kalabuan, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur. Alias Aba brought along with him one M16 rifle; alias Douglas, one homemade shotgun; alias Maman, one AK47; and alias Kerwin, one KG9. Now that their wives are all pregnant, they are very eager and convinced to begin a fresh start with their own families.

On the other hand, alias Abay states why they chose to surrender. “Wala pa ni sya maburos sir, nagplano na gyud ko na mubaba na. Nananghid na ko muoli. Sa upat katuig nakong pag uban sa armado, wala gyud ko gitugtan na makauli or bisan pa maistorya akong pamilya. Duha ka tuig bag-o nako matawagan ang akong pamilya, ayha na dayon ko kaistorya sa ila gi-aghat ko sa akong mama na uli na lagi diri. Unya nakahuna-huna na gyud ko kay naa naman ko anak pud unya magpadulong na sa duha. Sa bag-o pa pagpanganak sa akong unang anak, naghatag pa na sila ug dos mil. Pero sa kadugayan ang ilang saad na suportahan ang among anak, Nawala na. May na lang sa isa ka-tuig mahatagan ug isa ka-libo. Nakahuna huna na dayon ko.. unsa kahay kaugmaon sa akong mga anak no? kami unsa kahay kaugmaon namo kung magpadayon mi ani? Na ing-ani kadako ang sakripisyo unya mamatay ra sa gutom ang akong pamilya ug ako pud way kasiguruan ang kinabuhi? Nakaamgo ko na dili na gyud siguro ta ani. Nakadungog pud ko na ang mga kauban nakong nagsurender, wala man sila giunsa nakauli naman gani sa ilang mga pamilya. Sige pud kog ingnan sa akong mama ug papa na bakak nang ilang istorya. Tinuod gyud diay ilang ingon nga wala gyuy kaugmaon didto. Sakto gyud diay. Pasalamat kaayo ko karon na naa mi sa maayong panglawas ug makauli na mi ug makabalik na sa dati nakong panginabuhi.” (We were preparing to go down even before my wife became pregnant. I yearned to return home. I was never allowed to travel home or even speak to my family during my four years in the armed group. It took two years for me to be able to call and speak with my family, and during that time, my mother begged me to return home. I then gave it some serious thinking because I already have a child and my wife is expecting another. They had given me two thousand pesos shortly after the birth of my first child. However, their commitment to help our child faded over time. If you get Php1,000 per year for child support, consider yourself lucky. Then it occurred to me… what could my children’s future hold? What would our future look like if we continued to participate in this armed conflict? We made huge sacrifices, and yet our lives are on the line, from starving to death, with no guarantee of survival? I knew we were no longer certain about this. I also learned that my surrendered colleagues were safe and able to reunite with their families and begin their new lives. That is something I would like for my family as well. My parents were correct in their assessment. Everything our leaders told us, everything they promised us, was a lie. It is true that in the armed group, one has no future. I’m very grateful that we’re all safe now and that we can go home and resume our old lives.)

Lieutenant Colonel Ricky L Canatoy, Commanding Officer, 58IB, lauded alias Aba and alias Angie, alias Douglas and alias Kimyan, alias Maman and alias Marga, and alias Kerwin, for their decision to surrender, praising their bravery and courage in leaving the revolutionary movement. He also hopes that the remaining NPA members in MisOr would do the same.

“Come down right now and take advantage of the government’s programs and services. This is for your own welfare as well as the future of your family. Return to the folds of the law and begin living in peace within your communities.” Lt. Col. Canatoy ended. The seven surrenderers are presently in the custody of 58IB until their enrollment to E-CLIP is processed.

[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/high-ranking-npa-official-along-with-3-npa-couples-surrender-with-their-firearms-citing-miserable-conditions-within-the-group/