CPP/NPA-Laguna: UP Sierra Madre Land Grant, kinakamkam para sa mga proyektong enerhiya

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 14, 2021): UP Sierra Madre Land Grant, kinakamkam para sa mga proyektong enerhiya

MAGDALENA KALAYAAN

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-LAGUNA (CESAR BATRALO COMMAND)

SOUTHERN TAGALOG REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND (MELITO GLOR COMMAND) NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

SEPTEMBER 14, 2021

Araw-araw nangangamba ang mga magsasaka sa saklaw ng UP Land Grant sa Sierra Madre para sa kanilang hanapbuhay. Malaon nang ipinagkakait ng estado sa mamamayan ang malalawak na lupaing sana’y pinagyayaman para sa kanilang ikabubuhay. Sa halip ay ibinubukas nito ang mga lupain upang dambungin ng mga burgesya kumprador gaya nina Lucio Tan, Atong Ang at kumpanyang Aboitiz.

Ipinangasiwa sa Unibersidad ng Pilipinas ang mga bahagi ng lupang publiko sa hangganan ng mga lalawigan ng Quezon at Laguna noong 1930 at 1964 sa ilalim ng RA 3608 at RA 3990. Ang 3,435 ektarya sa Paete, Laguna ay tinaguriang Laguna Land Grant (LLG), habang ang 6,765 ektarya sa Siniloan, Laguna at Real, Quezon ay naging bahagi ng Laguna-Quezon Land Grant (LQLG). Layunin diumano nitong magsilbing biodiversity reserve at central experiment station ng mga kolehiyo sa unibersidad.

Sa aktwal, ginagamit ang UP Sierra Madre Land Grant bilang reserbang lupa na inilalako sa mga korporasyon. Isa sa nakinabang ang Sierra Madre Water Corporation na may kaugnayan sa kumpanyang Aboitiz at siyang nasa likod ng pagtatayo ng Sierra Madre Dam noong 2014. Taon ding ito nang simulan ng kumpanya ang pagpapasabog at pagbubutas sa mga bundok ng Pangil at Pakil, Laguna para sa konstruksyon ng daan patungo sa dam. Itatayo rin dito ang 35 MW multi-river hydropower cum bulk water project na nakakontrata sa Repower Energy Development Corporation. Kabaligtaran ito ng mga nakasaad na layunin ng land grant na ipreserba ang mga kagubatan ng Sierra Madre.

Ang mga proyektong ito ang dahilan sa likod ng mahigpit na pagbabantay at pandarahas ng mga security guard ng UP Land Grant, PNP Regional Public Safety Battalion at 1st IBPA. Habang hinahayaan ang malalaking korporasyon na butasin ang mga bundok, kinukumpiskahan ng kagamitan at hinuhuli ng mga guwardiya ang mga sibilyang naghahawan para makapagtanim. Sinisira rin nila ang mga halaman at pananim ng mga magsasaka, at sinusunog ang kanilang mga bahay. Pinoprotektahan ng mga armadong pwersa ng estado ang mga lupaing ito para sa interes ng mga naglalaway na burukrata kapitalista at malalaking burgesya komprador, samantalang pinagkakaitan at pinarurusahan ang mga magsasakang ilang henerasyon nang nanirahan doon, mapayapang naghahanapbuhay at tunay na mga nangangalaga sa malalawak na lupain.

Ang UP Sierra Madre Land Grant ay bahagi ng public domain na dapat na pakinabangan ng mamamayan at hindi ng ilang naghaharing uri. Dapat buuin ang pagkakaisa ng mamamayan at labanan ang pangigipit at kawalan ng tunay na reporma sa lupa at papanagutin ang mga mersenaryo at pasistang pwersang nandarahas sa mamamayan sa lugar. Samantala, laging handa ang Cesar Batralo Command na itaguyod at ipagtanggol ang mga magsasaka at kanilang lehitimong interes sa lupa at hanapbuhay.###

https://cpp.ph/statements/up-sierra-madre-land-grant-kinakamkam-para-sa-mga-proyektong-enerhiya/

Kalinaw News: Four CTGs surrendered war materiel to Provincial Government in Nueva Ecija

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 14, 2021): Four CTGs surrendered war materiel to Provincial Government in Nueva Ecija



BALER, Aurora-In response to the call of the local government unit (LGU) of Bongabon in Nueva Ecija, four ex-members of the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) surrendered their war materiel to government authorities in Barangay Tugatog, Bongabon, Nueva Ecija on Monday, September 13, 2021.

Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, Commander of the Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” that the call of Mayor Allan Xystus Gamilla to put an end to the local communist armed conflict are proven effective and directly contribute to the overall impact of the campaign of the security forces in Nueva Ecija (NE).

With the full support of the LGU a combined element of Alpha Company of 91st IB, 7th Infantry “Kaugnay” Division led by 1st Lieutenant Jun Niño O. Espora and Delta Company led by 1st Lieutenant Carlo T. Omayon together with 1st Provincial Mobil Force Company of Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office (1st PMFC-NEPPO) led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Alexander C. Aurelio with the other security forces in Nueva Ecija facilitated the voluntary surrender of three (3) former milisyang bayan (MB) members and one (1) former NPA with firearms and explosive at the said place.

Rubio identified the CTGs as Ariel Tumenez alias Ka Smith (Ex-NPA) who surrendered his improvised cal 45 rifles, one (1) improvised 12 guige shotgun pistolized, and one (1) hand grenade; Meraljane Vigilia Alias ka Vincent (former MB KLG Sierra Madre); Dianne Cruz alias ka Leslie (former MB KLG Sierra Madre) with one improvised long barrel 12 gauge shotgun and Adrian Salcedo Alias Ka Jomar (former MB Sandatahang Yunit Sierra Madre).

Rubio together with other security forces received the surrenderees at the said place wherein their war materials are now in the custody of 1PMFC, NEPPO for Tactical Interrogation and proper disposition.

The surrender of the said individuals is a result of the continuous program of Mayor Gamilla in support to EO 70 NTF ELCAC and the series of retooled community support program (RCSP) activities as well as the dissemination of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integrated Program (E-CLIP).

Rubio urged the public to support the implementation of EO 70 and encouraged the continuous coordination with Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) counterparts, other PNP units and partner agencies to once and for all address the problem of insurgency in the province.

“Surely we will process the ECLIP benefits for them and other services offered by the government. Again, we urged the remnants of CNTs to surrender peacefully and be reunited with their families. Their surrender is also a result of good collaboration and partnership between our unit and the PNP in an effort to end local Communist armed conflict,” Rubio 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-ctgs-surrendered-war-materiel-to-provincial-government-in-nueva-ecija/

Kalinaw News: Former ASG members surrender to JTF Sulu; to begin reintegration program

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 14, 2021): Former ASG members surrender to JTF Sulu; to begin reintegration program



September 14, 2021- Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista, Jolo, Sulu – Today, a father and son who was an Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) member formally surrendered to unit under 11th Infantry Division led by MGen William N Gonzales at Municipal Hall, Brgy Bilaan, Talipao, Sulu.

2nd Special Forces Battalion Commanding Officer Ltc Benito Ramos Jr presented another two (2) surrenderors to MGen Gonzales during a simple ceremony for the ASG Returnee Reintegration Program. The former bandits were identified as @Isniruddin Haliluddin, 65yrs old and @Bennajar Isniruddin, 39 yrs old both a resident of So Bud Sampul, Bgry Kulambo, Talipao Sulu.

1101st Bde Commander Col Eugenio C Boquio said through the collaborative efforts of Talipao Municipal Task Force in Ending Local Armed Conflict (MTF-ELAC), Talipao Local Government Unit and Joint Task Force Sulu (JTF-Sulu) made possible that the former ASG members returned to the folds of the law. The former bandits were under ASG sub-leader Radullan Sahiron and also turnover M79 grenade launcher and a garand rifle.

In an interview, @Isniruddin Haliluddin and @Bennajar Isniruddin who were father and son revealed how they were recruited in the group. “Napasama po ako sa grupo nang dahil sa Rido, napasama rin po sa mga encounter ngunit di nagtagal nagkaayos ay tumiwalag din po ako sa grupo.” Isniruddin said. “Napasama po ako sa grupo sa kadahilanang ang ilang kasamahan ay humingi po ng tulong sa pamamagitan ng pagdadala ng pagkain. Dahil sa hindi po maganda ang buhay ay pinagpasyahan ko pong sumuko.” Bennajar added.

In his speech, Joint Task Force Sulu and 11th Infantry Division Commander MGen William N Gonzales extended his gratitude to all unit and local government units. “We have this program with local government unit that gives a lot of opportunities for you to start anew. With our sustained efforts, the downfall of the ASG is inevitable. We will continue our concerted efforts to achieve our short and long term goals. I hope that other members would also come forward and free themselves from fear that they may be reported to government forces or they might be tracked down by their former comrades. I commend all units and Municipal Task Force in Ending Local Armed Conflict (MTF – ELAC) for actively reaching out to our brothers who now wants to start a new life,’’ MGen said

Present during the ceremony were 21st Infantry Battalion Commanding Officer Ltc Eddie R Abolencia, Talipao Municipal Mayor, Hon Nivocadnezar I Tulawie, other military officers and Local Government Unit officials.

[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/former-asg-members-surrender-to-jtf-sulu-to-begin-reintegration-program/

U.S. Marine Corps commandant visits the Philippines

From Palawan News (Sep 14, 2021): U.S. Marine Corps commandant visits the Philippines (By Aira Genesa Magdayao)

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. David Berger, the commandant of the Marine Corps, meets with Maj. Gen. Ariel Caculitan, commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC), after arriving in Manila on September 10. (Photo by the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines)

General David Berger, commandant of the United States Marine Corps (USMC), visited the Philippines on September 10 and 11 to meet with top Philippine military officials and U.S. Embassy leadership to discuss the significance of the US-Philippine relationship and future engagement possibilities.

The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines said in an issued statement that during Berger’s visit, he met with Vice Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Lt. Gen. Erickson Gloria, Philippine Navy (PN) flag-officer-in-command (FOIC), Rear Adm. Adeluis Bordado, and commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) Maj. Gen. Ariel Caculitan.

General Berger also visited the U.S. Marines assigned to the Embassy.

This is the first visit to the Philippines by a commandant of the USMC since August 2017. Berger used the occasion to remind his Philippine colleagues of the significance of the US-Philippine alliance in preserving regional peace and stability, as well as enhancing interoperability in response to crises and emergencies, the statement said.

“This is a very important trip for me to visit leaders of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in person,” Berger said. “Our defense cooperation has been the cornerstone of 70 years of close and strengthening partnership.”

Berger discussed the importance of realistic training between the U.S. and Philippine Marine Corps during his meeting with Caculitan, highlighting future bilateral exercises such as Kamandag and Balikatan.

https://palawan-news.com/u-s-marine-corps-commandant-visits-the-philippines/

Mayor Sara meets former NPA leader

From the Mindanao Times (Sep 14, 2021): Mayor Sara meets former NPA leader (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

Mayor Sara Duterte  Photo: BING GONZALES

MAYOR Sara Duterte has met the former secretary of Guerilla Front 55 of the New People’s Army as she discussed the peace initiatives to end insurgency and bring peace in Paquibato District and the whole city.

Duterte visited Arian Jane O. Ramos known as alias Marikit at the headquarters of the 1003rd Brigade, on Friday morning of Sept. 10.

Maj. Jerry Lamosao, the 10th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office chief, said the meeting was arranged by the 1003rd Brigade to maximize the potential of Ka Marikit in the Paquibato area as she started giving vital information and suggestions in making lasting peace in the area of responsibility.

Ka Marikit was a scholar of the UP-Mindanao who took up BA Communication Arts. Lamosao said she was indoctrinated with educational discussions about women and later immersed in the IP communities.

In 2012, Ramos joined the legal organization Gabriela Youth as the voice of the youth to facilitate mass rallies condemning the government.

A year after she had been exposed to Guerrilla Front 53 in White Kulaman, Kitaotao, Bukidnon.

She became a full-time member of the Sandatahang Yunit Propaganda (SYP) of GF55, appointed as Giyang Pampulitika (political guide) and at the same time, a member of Platoon Committee in 2014.

Then, she became an active leader of the NPA who had been sowing terror in the hinterlands of Paquibato, together with her late husband, Ka Rommel.

In 2020, for three months, she claimed to have been part of nine skirmishes with the different units of the 1003 Infantry Brigade. She decided to surrender after experiencing hunger and sleepless nights.

Ka Marikit promised to continue her advocacy in serving the IP communities by extending a hand to the government for a better and bigger purpose. She also encouraged her combat-in-arms to step down and avail government programs through E-CLIP and be reunited with their families and loved ones.

“For the students, let us continue to be critical and focus on our studies. I encouraged activism but let us not come to the point that we are at the brink of thinking about life or death,” she said.

“For the businessmen, let us continue to extend our investment towards the development. Do not give to the demands of the extortion of any groups or organizations particularly using my name. Because I have no consent, I am already at the right track under the 1003rd Brigade and City Government of Davao for sustaining peace, security, and development,” she added.

 
https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2021/09/14/mayor-sara-meets-former-npa-leader/

Armed men burn heavy equipment

From the Visayan Daily Star (Sep 14, 2021): Armed men burn heavy equipment (BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Seven unidentified suspects burned a heavy equipment in Sitio Bulod, Brgy. Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental on Sept. 11.

PLt. Col. Romeo Vargas, Himamaylan City police chief, however, said that the suspects spared the heavy equipment operator, a barangay tanod, and two other civilians from harm after burning the backhoe.

Initial police investigations showed that the suspects poured gasoline and set on fire the heavy equipment owned by Erwin Javelosa, a contractor of a road concreting project linking Brgy. Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, to Tayasan, Negros Oriental.

Lt. Col. Angelo Guzman, 94th Infantry Battalion commander, said they are still investigating if the suspects are indeed members of the New People’s Army, in coordination with the Himamaylan City police.

Vargas said the estimated damage has yet to be established, although the price of the backhoe was reported to be P3.5 million.

However, the other heavy equipment in the area was mysteriously spared from destruction.

Vargas said they are also pursuing other angles of the arson incident, aside from insurgency-related issues.

https://news.visayandailystar.com/armed-men-burn-heavy-equipment/

More of captured NPA rebels in Bukidnon found positive of COVID-19

From MindaNews (Sep 14, 2021): More of captured NPA rebels in Bukidnon found positive of COVID-19 (By FROILAN GALLARDO)

RT-PCR swabs and antigen tests conducted on the 11 New People’s Army rebels captured by Army soldiers following a series of encounters in Bukidnon province last week showed that seven of them are sick with the highly infectious coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Maj. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., commander of the 4th Infantry Division, checks firearms seized from NPA rebels after clashes in San Fernando, Bukidnon. MindaNews file photo by FROILAN GALLARDO

Brig. Gen. Ferdinand Barandon, commanding general of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, said they also have conducted antigen tests on the soldiers involved in the Sept. 10 clash in Valencia City and have placed them in isolation for the meantime.

Maj. Francisco Garello Jr., spokesperson of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, said the Valencia City health office informed them on Monday that three of the four rebels who were arrested have been found positive of COVID-19 based on the RT-PCR tests they made on the suspects. Two of those found positive, he added, were minors.

“The Valencia City health office conducted RT-PCR swab tests especially after the two minors were turned over to the City Social Welfare Development Office,” Garello said.

The military said the four were captured during a clash in Purok 10, Sitio Nanulang, Barangay Laligan, Valencia City last September 10.

A military report said the soldiers also captured three M16 rifles and three AR15 rifles from the rebels.

Garello, meanwhile, said three of the nine rebels earlier captured in San Fernando town, Bukidnon, have been found positive of antigen tests. The three, he added, are now under the custody of San Fernando municipal health office.

Earlier, the military placed under isolation an entire squad of soldiers involved in the close quarter fighting with the NPA rebels in San Fernando town, Bukidnon last Sept. 10.

The military also placed under observation an entire platoon of soldiers that were also involved in another firefight in the same town.

Barandon said the medical findings on the rebels have raised a new dimension in their counter-insurgency campaign.

“We are buying antigen tests for our soldiers and training our medical teams on how to use them,” Barandon said.

He said antigen tests are easier to use and portable compared to RT-PCR swabs, which can be spoiled in the field, “making [the former] an ideal first line of defense against COVID-19.”

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2021/09/more-of-captured-npa-rebels-in-bukidnon-found-positive-of-covid-19/

4 NPA rebels surrender in Nueva Ecija

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 14, 2021): 4 NPA rebels surrender in Nueva Ecija (By Jason De Asis) 

NEW BEGINNINGS. Four former members of communist terrorist groups surrender to the military in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija on Monday (Sept. 13, 2021). The government continues to encourage insurgents to avail of government assistance and go back to their families. (Photo courtesy of Army 91IB)

Some four communist New People's Army (NPA) rebels surrendered along with their firearms to authorities in Barangay Tugatog, Bongabon, Nueva Ecija on Sept. 13.

Lt. Col. Reandrew Rubio, commander of the Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry Battalion, confirmed the surrender on Tuesday, saying it is the result of the continuous encouragement of the local government unit and security forces for rebels to start anew with government assistance.

The surrenderers were identified as Ariel Tumenez, alias Ka Smith, a former member of the New People’s Army (NPA) who yielded his improvised .45-caliber rifle, improvised 12-gauge shotgun, and a hand grenade; Meraljane Vigilia, alias Ka Vincent, a former member of Militia ng Bayan - Komiteng Larangang Guerilla Sierra Madre (MB KLG Sierra Madre); Dianne Cruz, alias ka Leslie, also a Sierra Madre unit member who gave up her 12-gauge shotgun; and Adrian Salcedo, alias Ka Joma, of the MB Sandatahang Yunit Sierra Madre.

Rubio said the former rebels will reap the benefits under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, retooled community support program activities, and the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integrated Program (E-CLIP).

The E-CLIP reintegrates ex-rebels back to the community and takes them to their families with financial benefits that include but are not limited to reintegration assistance (PHP21,000); firearms, explosives, and ammunitions remuneration; immediate assistance (PHP15,000); livelihood assistance (PHP50,000); livelihood materials and implements or employment assistance (PHP100,000); access to government services; medical, psychosocial, and legal assistance; housing; modified conditional cash transfer; loan and market access; alternative learning system; college tuition and stipend; and conditional transitional grant (PHP5,000).

Rubio urged the public to support and coordinate with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, and partner agencies to solve the province’s insurgency problem.

“Surely, we will process the ECLIP benefits for them and other services being offered by the government. Again, we urge the remnants of communist terrorists to surrender peacefully and be reunited with their families,” he said in an interview.

The CPP-NPA is also listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines while the National Democratic Front was designated as one by the country's Anti-Terrorism Council in July.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1153493

8 halfway houses for ex-rebels completed in Northern Luzon

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 14, 2021): 8 halfway houses for ex-rebels completed in Northern Luzon (By Zorayda Tecson)

TEMPORARY SHELTER. The halfway house for former rebels that has been completed in Cabaruguis, Quirino. Seven others were likewise finished in other areas of Northern Luzon that will serve as temporary shelter for former rebels and their families while their enrollment to the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program is being processed. (Photo courtesy of Nolcom)

CAMP AQUINO, Tarlac City – The Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) said eight halfway houses for former rebels have been completed in as many provinces and are now ready for operations.

These are located in Bantay, Ilocos Sur; Laoag City, Ilocos Norte; Burgos, Pangasinan; Lallo, Cagayan; Cabaruguis, Quirino; Lagangilang, Abra; Bontoc, Mountain Province; and Tabuk City, Kalinga.

These halfway houses can accommodate a total of 271 individuals. Each has complete amenities and furniture and is just waiting for electricity and water connection to be fully operational.

Nolcom chief Lt. Gen. Arnulfo Marcelo B. Burgos Jr., in a social media post on Tuesday, thanked the local government units (LGUs) responsible for fast-tracking the completion of the facilities.

“The timely completion of the halfway houses is a welcome development in the government’s fight against the communist terrorists. I commend the local government units and partner agencies responsible for the speedy completion of the projects, as it manifests their strong desire and unwavering commitment to end local communist armed conflict in their respective locality,” Burgos said.

He added that the completion of the hubs exhibits the government’s sincerity to address the plight of the people who have been deceived by the New People's Army (NPA) to support its false cause.

The construction of halfway houses is part of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

It aims to provide temporary shelter to former rebels and their families while their enrollment to E-CLIP is being processed.

The halfway house also serves as a venue for livelihood training and psycho-socio debriefing of the former rebels prior to their reintegration into mainstream society.

“True to its promise of hope and reconciliation, the government continues to deliver programs and projects that address the causes of grievances of our people. It is in this context, that the Defenders of North reiterate our call to the remnants of the communist terrorists, to lay down your arms and abandon the armed violence. Think of your family and your future. You deserve a much better life together with your family in a peaceful and progressive community,” Burgos said.

A total of 11 halfway houses are programmed to be built in Northern Luzon. The construction of the remaining three is still ongoing.

Based on Nolcom’s report, a total of 602 former rebels in Northern and Central Luzon have returned to the fold of law from Jan. 1 to Sept. 5, this year.

Burgos earlier said that with the continuous rise in the number of rebels voluntarily surrendering to the authorities, the end of NPA’s reign of terror in Northern and Central Luzon is in sight.

“It’s only a matter of time that the NPAs will be totally eradicated in this part of the country,” he 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/1153485

Surrender of 18 rebels foils NPA's bid to retake Leyte villages

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 14, 2021): Surrender of 18 rebels foils NPA's bid to retake Leyte villages (By Sarwell Meniano)

LEAVING NPA. Some of the 18 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) on lie-low status in Ormoc City who voluntarily surrendered to the Philippine Army on Sunday (Sept. 12, 2021). Their surrender has stalled efforts to retake control of their formerly influenced communities, according to the military in a statement issued Tuesday (Sept. 14, 2021). (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

The formal surrender of 18 New People's Army (NPA) rebels in the upland village in Ormoc City has blocked attempts of the communist terrorist group to recover their formerly-influenced communities.

The Philippine Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade has commended the Ormoc Integrated Peace and Development Association (OIPDWA) for convincing rebels on lie-low status to formally yield to the government on Sept. 12.

“With the efforts of the Ormoc Integrated Peace and Development Association (OIPDWA), being a government-registered and accredited organization of former rebels in the city, the surfacing lie-low NPA members sought the help of Quezon Jr. village chief Federico Manigao Jr., who in turn coordinated with the military,” the Army said in a statement on Tuesday.

Of the 18 surrenderers, three of them are Yunit Militia (YM) members of the communist terrorist group, nine former full-time NPA members, four former YM members, one former full-time organizer, and one former runner-liaison officer, according to the military.

At least 15 of the surfacing NPA lie-low members are residents of Quezon Jr. village in Ormoc City.

Others are residents of Hugpa, San Antonio, and Can-untog villages.

One of the surrenderers is Manigao’s brother, according to the Army’s report.

During separate interviews with soldiers and local authorities, the 18 inactive NPA members said they decided to officially turn themselves in rather than be reconnected with the communist terrorist group.

They admitted that the NPA platoon led by a certain Juanito Sellesa Jr. alias Tibor or Jay, a native of Luneta village in Lapaz, Leyte, attempted to recruit them back to armed rebellion.

“As they promised to help convince their former comrades to totally cut off any remaining link with the NPA, more rebel members and supporters on lie-low status from different villages of Ormoc are expected to surface in the next few weeks in order to live a normal life,” the army added.

Army 802nd Brigade commander Brig. General Zosimo Oliveros thanked the OIPDWA for its effort in facilitating the return to the folds of the law of their former comrades.

“The efforts of the OIPDWA have a great impact in preventing the communist terrorist group from reconnecting with their former comrades and reestablishing a foothold in the village,” Oliveros said.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1153376

PH Fleet holds series of warfighting exercises

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 14, 2021): PH Fleet holds series of warfighting exercises (By Priam Nepomuceno)

ENHANCING CAPABILITIES. Officers of the Philippine Fleet lead the launch of the "Exercise Pagbubuklod" at Sangley Point in Cavite on Monday (Sept. 13, 2021). The exercise aims to further enhance the interoperability and readiness of Philippine Navy units in order to address traditional and non-traditional threats. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Fleet)

The Philippine Fleet, the primary unit of the Philippine Navy (PN), will hold a series of exercises aimed at boosting its warfighting capabilities.

In a statement Monday night, Lt. Commander Ryan Luna, Philippine Fleet spokesperson, said the "Exercise Pagbubuklod" officially opened on Monday and will be held at the Sangley Point and Ternate, Cavite and the approaches of Manila Bay until Sept. 17.

"These forces will conduct joint Amphibious Planning and Field Training exercises (FTX) on land and at sea. 'Exercise Pagbubuklod' focuses on the Command's thrust of validating organizational structure, concepts of operations, and published doctrines to address the current and future scenario in the operational areas," he added.

"Exercise Pagbubuklod" is an annual maritime exercise conducted by the Philippine Fleet aimed at further enhancing the interoperability and readiness of PN units in order to address traditional and non-traditional threats.

Among the major exercises which will be conducted are the maritime interdiction operation with high angle sniping, amphibious air support, maritime air surveillance/intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance, maritime search and rescue, and high-risk visit, board, search and seizure.

Also included are amphibious assault/raid, insertion/extraction, amphibious sealift, tactical sealift, force protection capability, support and sustainment, afloat command and control, gunnery exercise, shipboard helicopter operations (HELOPS), and casualty evacuation operation (CASEVAC).

He added that all face-to-face activities during the "Exercise Pagbubuklod" will be carried out with strict adherence to health protocols set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Luna said participants were also tested and certified as free from Covid-19 by authorized medical professionals and units prior to the start of all activities.

He added that all medical interventions and health protocols will be implemented during the conduct of the exercise.

"Medical services will also be provided to all personnel of the different component forces. Those who will manifest Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) symptoms will be immediately pulled out from the exercise to be evacuated to the nearest military treatment facility for evaluation," Luna said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1153436

5 officials get new assignments in latest PNP reshuffle

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 14, 2021): 5 officials get new assignments in latest PNP reshuffle (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

Five ranking police officials were included in the latest reorganization in the Philippine National Police (PNP).

In an order dated Sept. 13 and released Tuesday, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar reassigned Maj. Gen. Bartolome Bustamante, current head of the Directorate for Human Resource Doctrine and Development (DHRDD), to lead the Directorate for Police Community Relations (DPCR).

Bustamante will replace Maj. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia, who will now head the Directorate for Operations (DO).

Meanwhile, Headquarters Support Service (HSS) chief Brig. Gen. Arthur Bisnar will replace Bustamante as the DHRDD chief.

Brig. Gen. Harold Tuzon, acting secretary to the PNP Directorial Staff, will take over the helm of the HSS while Col. Joaquin Alva will take over Tuzon's post.

The revamp will take effect on Sept. 15.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1153449

No report of terror threats amid Japan's warning: AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 14, 2021): No report of terror threats amid Japan's warning: AFP (By Priam Nepomuceno)

AFP spokesperson, Col. Ramon Zagala (File photo)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday said it is taking seriously all received or disseminated reports of possible terrorism-related activities.

This came after Japan's Foreign Ministry on Monday issued an alert cautioning its citizens in Southeast Asia, particularly in the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Myanmar, against possible terror attacks.

"As of now, we have not received any report. We constantly validate all reports on security matters and it is a continuous process. As per last review our threat level is moderate," AFP spokesperson, Col. Ramon Zagala said in a statement.

Zagala said the AFP is continuing with the fight against all forms of terrorism and violence in the country through intensified internal security operations aimed at preserving peace and order.

"We ensure that all citizens, Filipinos or not, as long as they are within our territory, are protected and kept safe from terrorists' threats. This is also to underscore the importance of the active participation of the populace in defeating terrorism since security is, after all, everyone's concern," he added.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it has not received any report of possible terror attacks linked to Tokyo's warning.

"However, this does not mean we will lower our guard on this matter. Our intelligence monitoring is stronger than ever, especially after the 9/11 attacks in the United States and the Marawi siege. We continue to work with other countries against terrorism through information sharing and partnership in dealing with terrorists," PNP chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said in a statement.

He added that they are also working with the community and other stakeholders to thwart any possible terror attacks in the country.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1153497

Relatives not spared from NPA recruitment

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 14, 2021): Relatives not spared from NPA recruitment (By Marita Moaje)

ANTI-REBELS. Residents of Barangay Minapasuk in Calatrava, Negros Occidental burn communist flags and denounce their atrocities in this November 2020 photo. The military revealed that insurgents recruit even minor family members. (Photo courtesy of 79IB Facebook)

Ruthless members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) conduct recruitment within their families, luring even children as their membership continues to decrease.

The health crisis has suspended face-to-face classes since last year, thus depriving the CPP-NPA of the chance to entice students to leave schools and join them.

The insurgents have since turned to relatives and indigenous peoples communities, not sparing even minors, according to Maj. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., commander of the 4th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army.

“So ang nangyayari is that pati na rin iyong mga kamag-anak nilang mga bata, hinihikayat nila na maging miyembro ng New People’s Army. So that’s one very sad fact na nalaman po namin dito ‘no recently doon sa mga nag-surrender po sa atin (What happens is they persuade their younger relatives, even children, to be NPA members. That’s what we learned recently from those who have surrendered to us),” Brawner bared during the “Tagged” virtual media briefing of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on Monday.

But Brawner said the CPP-NPA has lost the trust and support of the masses.

“Wala na rin silang mga suporta doon sa taumbayan. Even iyong mga mass bases nila, wala na rin po silang masyadong suporta. So ang nagsusuporta na lang po sa kanila ay iyong mga kamag-anak din nila (They also do not have the support of the people anymore, even from their mass bases, so the only ones left supporting them are their relatives),” he said.

Brawner said the military is communicating with and reaching out to relatives of NPA members to enlighten them on why they should not join the armed struggle.

Between Sept. 8 and 10, five NPA members aged 11 to 17 were rescued during a series of clashes between government troops and rebels in Bukidnon.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-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/1153509

Embassy confirms receipt of terror attack warning in PH, 5 others

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 14, 2021): Embassy confirms receipt of terror attack warning in PH, 5 others (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

The Japanese Embassy in Manila on Tuesday confirmed that Tokyo has received an intelligence report about a possible terror attack in six countries, including the Philippines.

In a statement sent via email, the Embassy said it cannot disclose details, but the advisory is addressed to its citizens.

"We confirm that the Japanese government has received information about a possible terror attack, but we cannot give you any detailed background at the moment. In relation to this, we issued a warning to alert Japanese people residing in some Southeast Asian countries, but we cannot disclose the source," it said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, on the other hand, said they have not received any official report about the threat.

"The DFA has not been officially informed about this matter. Travel alerts for a country’s citizens are usually not officially notified to other countries, however, this type of information may have been shared among intelligence agencies," DFA Assistant Secretary Eduardo Meñez told reporters.

AFP spokesperson, Col. Ramon Zagala also assured that the Philippine government takes seriously all received reports of possible terrorism-related activities.

"We constantly validate all reports on security matters and it is a continuous process. As per last review our threat level is moderate," he said.

"We ensure that all citizens, Filipinos or not, as long as they are within our territory, are protected and kept safe from terrorists' threats. This is also to underscore the importance of the active participation of the populace in defeating terrorism since security is, after all, everyone's concern," he added.

Japan's Foreign Ministry, cited by reports on Monday, warned its citizens in Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Myanmar to stay away from religious facilities and crowds after obtaining information that "there are increased risks such as suicide bombing."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1153531