Kalinaw News: Army clash with NPA in Surigao Sur, two NPA killed.

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 22, 2021): Army clash with NPA in Surigao Sur, two NPA killed.



Carmen, Surigao del Sur – members of the Communist NPA terrorist were killed again
in an encounter with the Army’s 36th Infantry (Valor) Battalion at the hinterland’s vicinity of Sitio Agsam, Brgy Cabas-an, Cantilan, Surigao del Sur on September 21, 2021 at around 5:15pm in the afternoon.

With the reports tipped off by locals and nearby communities, the CNTs who were
conducting extortion and posing threat on the said area were encountered by troops of 36IB. The unit immediately responded to the said reports and conducted combat
operation in the said area.

A 10-mins gun battle ensued between the elements of the Army’s 36th Infantry (Valor) Battalion and more or less 10-armed group believed to be members of the Pltn 2, Guerilla Front (GF30) under Noel Tumarlas Alacre @Megan. Afterward, the enemy scampered and withdrew to different directions leaving their comrades behind.

The gun battle resulted in the recovery of two cadavers of unidentified NPA fighters and seized one (1) M16A1 rifle, one (1) AR18 rifle, one (1) carbine, one (1) bandolier loaded with two (2) long magazines and one (1) short magazine of M16, four (4) backpacks, two (2) Nokia Cell phones, medical paraphernalia, personal belongings, and other subversive documents.

Lt Col Michael Rey S. Reuyan, the Acting Commanding Officer of 36IB reiterated that it is the result of the relentless combat operations and the support of the communities in the 36IB area of operation.

“With the support of the locals and communities, we could easily track down the enemy. It is a manifestation that the growing support of the communities is a response that they don’t want the CPP-NPA in their area,” Ltc Reuyan said.
He further added that the 36IB unit grieves with the slain NPAs as they are also victims of futile arm struggle and failed ideology.

“I call on the remaining CPP-NPA terrorist to surrender now and return to the folds of the law. Lay down your arms and return to your families. Avail the Enhanced Comprehensive

Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), the government intervention package for former
rebels” he added.

The cadavers of the killed NPA were turned over to the PNP and local government units for identification and post-mortem examination.

[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/army-clash-with-npa-in-surigao-sur-two-npa-killed/\

Kalinaw News: Disgruntled Rebels Surrender Bringing Along 4 Firearms

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 22, 2021): Disgruntled Rebels Surrender Bringing Along 4 Firearms



MAWAB, Davao De Oro – Developmental efforts in communities and their observed treatment of earlier rebels who already surrendered since 60IB’s deployment in Agusan Del Sur prompted seven CPP-NPA terrorists to finally surrender last September 20,2021, bringing along four high powered firearms.

All members of Weakened Guerilla Front 3, Sub Regional Committee 4, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC), they voluntarily surrendered to LtCol Ronaldo P Sarmiento, commanding officer of 60th Infantry (Mediator) Battalion based at Sitio Tawinian, Brgy Gupitan, Kapalong, Davao del Norte.

The surrenderors are:

1) Toto Morgades Tumagsa alias “JIBOY” and “Rafael”, team leader, Abe, Segunda, Basil Platoon, WGF 3, SRC 4, SMRC, 21 years old, single, Ata-Manobo Tribe member and resident of Sitio Muling, Brgy Gupitan, Kapalong, Davao Del Norte;

2) Rene Tumagsa Tiklonay alias “John/Alex, team leader, Abe, Primera, Basil Platoon, WGF 3, SRC 4, SMRC, 19 y/o, single, a former student of MISFI Academy, Ata-Manobo tribe member and a resident of Sitio Muling, Brgy Gupitan, Kapalong, Davao Del Norte;

3) Jeboy Manlahag Lahindao alias Oto/Echo/Paul, Supply Officer, Segunda, Andoy Platoon, WGF 3, SRC 4, SMRC, 16 years old, single, an Umayamnon-Manobo tribe member and a resident of Brgy Kasapa 2, La Paz, Agusan Del Sur;

4) Lyka Casal Velis alias Marian/Mary Ann/Yawe, Team Medic, Abe, Primera, Andoy Platoon, WGF 3, SRC 4, SMRC, 23 y/o, single, Agusanon-Manobo tribe member from Sitio Macopa, Brgy San Vicente, Loreto, Agusan Del Sur;

5) Myrna Langgaron Mantog, alias Marga/Amihan/Kazumi, Team Medic, Baking, Primera, Andoy, WGF 3, SRC 4, SMRC, 15 y/o, single, a member of the Ata-Manobo Tribe, Sitio Bagtok, Brgy Gupitan, Kapalong, Davao Del Norte;

6) Ronafe Catarata Adregado alias Chacha/Ritchie/Gareb, Platoon Medic, Andoy, WGF 3, SRC 4, SMRC, 19 y/o, single, Bicolana/Cebuana, Purok 1-Lucita, Brgy Cebulano, Carmen, Davao Del Norte; and

7) Monding Tilocan Balanban alias Bato/Lubas, Abe, Primera, Basil Platoon, WGF 3, SRC 4, SMRC, 48 years old, Umayamnon-Manobo tribe member and a resident of Sitio Kalampayan, Brgy Kasapa 2, La Paz, ADS.

According to the them, they left the WGF 3, SRC 4, SMRC under the leadership of Alfie Olbis Trabado alias Coco/Cardo/Sulay, Secretary at Dinakot River, Brgy Kasapa 1, Loreto, Agusan del Sur last 16 September 2021 due to hunger, fear and stress brought about by the relentless focused military operations of the 60IB in the boundary of Brgy Kasapa 2 and Brgy Angeles both of La Paz, Agusan del Sur. Likewise, Datu Muloy Malasag of Sitio Bagtok, Brgy Gupitan, Kapalong helped them in the facilitation of their surrenders.

In addition, the 60th Infantry battalion facilitated the medical examination and coordinated with the Kapalong Municipal Police for the Police Blotter Report. Coordination with MSWDO Kapalong was made also for the proper disposition of the two minor-aged surrenderees. As of this writing, the Intel operatives of 60IB is currently conducting custodial debriefing in requirement for the enrollment to the Enhanced Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). The said battalion also coordinated with the Philippine National Police counterparts for the filing of appropriate charges against the Weakened Guerilla Front 3 personalities for their recruitment of minors – a clear violation under Violence Against Women and Children.

Meanwhile, the Commander of 10th Infantry (Agila) Division, Major General Ernesto C Torres Jr congratulated the troops of their accomplishment, “without firing a single bullet, we were able to persuade our enemies to lay down their arms and return to the folds of law. Truly, developmental effort is one of the contributors for a just and lasting peace in our community” he 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/disgruntled-rebels-surrender-bringing-along-4-firearms/

Kalinaw News: Government troops score anew against NPAs in Cagayan

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 22, 2021): Government troops score anew against NPAs in Cagayan



CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela- Operating troops of the 501st Infantry Brigade (501IBde) under the 5th Infantry “Star” Division (5ID) clashed against CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNT) early morning of Sept 21, 2021 at the mountainous part of Brgy Dungeg, Sta Teresita, Cagayan.

Responding to the information on CNT hideouts in the said area, the operating troops of the Joint Task Force Tala encountered more or less 40 CNTs belonging to the Komiteng Probinsiya Cagayan, Komiteng Rehiyon – Cagayan Valley (KR-CV). Intermitent firefight ensued which lasted for about two hours. Close air and fire supports were immediately delivered to support the ground troops from enemy counter fires and anti-personnel mines (APM). After the firefight, the CNTs scampered to different directions leaving their dead comrades and their firearms behind.

Pursuit operation is still ongoing as of this time. The operating troops were able to recover five (5) cadavers of CNTs, three (3) high powered firearms, five (5) Anti-personnel Mines (APM), five (5) handheld radios, four (4) cellphones, assorted medical supplies and equipment, subversive documents and other CNT belongings.

The accurate information provided by the locals and the timely, precise and well-coordinated actions of the ground troops and the Philippine Air Force led to this decisive engagement against the terrorist NPAs without any casualties on the government forces and the civilians.

The recovered APMs clearly shows the CNTs’ continuous violation and complete disregard of the International Humanitarian Law particularly the Ottawa Treaty which prohibits the production and use of anti-personnel mines.

Early on, the 5ID has been calling the remaining CNTs to surrender and rebuild their future through the livelihood programs offered by the different government agencies and other benefits from ECLIP. Many of their mass supporters have also withdrawn their support from the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) and are now cooperating with the government.

Prior to the encounter, there were alarming reports of extortion activities perpetrated by the CNTs in the area.

MGen Laurence E Mina, Commander of 5th Infantry “STAR” Division said that 5id remains steadfast in working with the people and the Local Government Units in ensuring peace and development in its Area of Responsibility. “I am once again calling the remaining communist rebels to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law. The government is always ready to help you live a new life,” he concluded.

[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/government-troops-score-anew-against-cnts-in-cagayan/

NPA rebel slain in Surigao Sur clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 22, 2021): NPA rebel slain in Surigao Sur clash (By Alexander Lopez)

Google map of Tago, Surigao del Sur

A New People's Army (NPA) rebel was killed in an encounter with military forces in Tago, Surigao del Sur on Tuesday.

In a report on Wednesday, the Army’s 75th Infantry Battalion said military forces engaged five rebels in a five-minute firefight in Km. 22, Barangay Caras-an at about noon.

One of the rebels, whose identity has yet to be identified, was killed in the encounter, but the other four fled, leaving their slain comrade behind.

No casualties were reported in the military who recovered several high-powered firearms, anti-personnel mine, and ammunition.

READ: 6 NPA rebels slain in Bukidnon, Agusan Norte clashes

The rebels belonged to the NPA's Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda Platoon of Guerrilla Front 19, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee, the report said.

The military forces were dispatched to the area after receiving reports about the presence of fully-armed insurgents.

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/1154257

MSU prof wounded, 2 attackers killed in ambush try

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 22, 2021): MSU prof wounded, 2 attackers killed in ambush try (By Noel Punzalan)

Google map of Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao

A faculty member of the Mindanao State University (MSU) escaped death after a botched ambush try but his two attackers got killed in the encounter in Datu Odin Sinsuat (DOS) town, police said Wednesday.

Lt. Col. Rommel de la Vega, DOS police chief, said the wounded victim, identified as MSU-Maguindanao professor Daud Kadon, sustained a gunshot wound on the left side of his abdomen after engaging in a brief shootout with his assailants along the highway in Barangay Kurintem at 5 p.m. Tuesday.

“The victim was hit but was able to draw his firearm and fired back at the suspects, also hitting them in the process,” de la Vega said in a statement.

Through their recovered identification cards, the slain suspects were identified as Montanao Silungan Usman and Abdul Ambel Mama of the towns of Talitay and DOS, respectively.

Initial investigation showed that Kadon was driving his Toyota Fortuner on his way home when tailed and fired upon at close range by the suspects who were on board a motorcycle.

Police brought Kadon and his assailants to the hospital but the attackers were declared dead on arrival.

De la Vega said investigation on the incident is ongoing.

“We have yet to determine the motive behind the attack but the victim is still undergoing medication at the hospital,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1154258

245 new soldiers undergo Infantry Orientation Course in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 22, 2021): 245 new soldiers undergo Infantry Orientation Course in Sulu (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

NEW SOLDIERS. Some 245 new soldiers stand in formation at the grounds of the 11th Division Training School in this undated photo. They are currently undergoing a 60-day Infantry Orientation Course, a prerequisite before their deployment to the different line units of the 11th Infantry Division. (Photo courtesy of the 11th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office)

Some 245 new soldiers are currently undergoing a 60-day Infantry Orientation Course at the 11th Division “Mastal” Training School (11DTS) at Camp Bud Datu, Barangay Tagbak in Indanan, Sulu.

Col. Leomar Jose Doctolero, 11DTS commandant, said Wednesday that the orientation course is a prerequisite before the newly-graduate soldiers will be deployed to the different line units of the 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division (11ID).

Doctolero said those who are undergoing the infantry orientation course belong to the Candidate Soldier Course “Makagilas” (Muslim At Kristiyano Alakdan Galing Isip Liksi Aming Sandata) Class 656-2021, and just graduated Monday from a four-month enlistment training.

“They will be deployed to the line units of the 11ID after completion of the Infantry Orientation Course,” Doctolero said.

He said that the Class 656-2021 comprised of 234 males and 11 females. Nine are from Luzon, four are from Visayas, 66 are from mainland Mindanao, and 166 are from the province of Sulu.

“The members of the class were individuals who came from different backgrounds,” he added.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. William Gonzales, 11ID commander, commended the members of Candidate Soldier Course “Makagilas” Class 656-2021 for hurdling the rigorous and tremendous military training for four months.

Gonzales challenged them to perform their task in accordance to their oath to protect and serve.

“The completion of your training doesn’t mean that the difficulties you encountered are also over. Power comes with big responsibility. Our responsibility is our duty to protect our country, the people and the place we serve particularly the province of Sulu,” Gonzales told the members of the “Makagilas” class.

Private Nerna T. Arip, a 23-year-old female Tausug from Barangay Kaha, Parang, Sulu, graduated on top of their class with a general average of 95. 50 percent.

The second and third-highest ranking graduates are also Tausugs, namely, Private Salip Nadir C. Sawadjaan and Private Nuriza S. Mohammad with a general average of 95.38 percent and 94.88 percent, respectively.

Private Awie J. Mohammad, who is also a Tausug, got the highest rating in the Physical Fitness Test (Tarzan) with a general average of 97.78 percent.

Gonzales also extended his gratitude to the staff, training directorate, family and the new members of the 11ID.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1154306

5 bodies of alleged NPA rebels found in Cagayan clearing ops

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 22, 2021): 5 bodies of alleged NPA rebels found in Cagayan clearing ops (By Villamor Visaya, Jr.)

Infographic courtesy of 5ID, Philippine Army

Army soldiers on Wednesday found five bodies of suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, who were believed killed in a gunfight on Tuesday, during the clearing operations in Barangay Dungeg, Sta. Teresita, Cagayan.

Army Maj. Jekyll Dulawan, 5th Infantry Division (5ID) spokesperson, said aside from the bodies, the soldiers also found and recovered three high-powered firearms, three anti-personnel mines, five handheld radios, four mobile phones, assorted medical supplies and equipment, anti-government documents and personal belongings.

He recalled that soldiers uncovered a rebel hideout where anti-personnel mines were manufactured by the NPA-Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley after Tuesday's firefight.

The Army did not suffer any casualties in the firefight against some 40 communist rebels.

“The accurate information provided by the locals and the timely, precise and well-coordinated actions of the ground troops and the Philippine Air Force led to this decisive engagement against the NPAs without any casualties on the government forces and the civilians,” Dulawan told the Philippine News Agency in a phone interview.

The recovered explosives “clearly shows the NPA's continuous violation and complete disregard of the International Humanitarian Law particularly the Ottawa Treaty which prohibits the production and use of anti-personnel mines,” he noted.

Maj. Gen. Laurence Mina, 5ID commander, on the other hand, said the division remains steadfast in working with the people and the local government units in ensuring peace and development in its area of responsibility.

"I am once again calling on the remaining communist rebels to lay down their arms and return to the fold of the law. The government is always ready to help you live a new life," he said.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-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/1154303

5 more rebels surrender, yield firearms in Northern Samar

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 22, 2021): 5 more rebels surrender, yield firearms in Northern Samar (By Sarwell Meniano)

LEAVING NPA. The five fighters of the New People's Army with military, police, and local government officials during their surrender in Lope de Vega, Northern Samar on Tuesday (Sept. 21, 2021). The rebels also turned over several firearms. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army’s 43rd Infantry Battalion)

Five members of the New People’s Army (NPA) have surrendered to the military in Lope de Vega, Northern Samar, turning over several firearms.

Reports reaching the Philippine National Police (PNP) regional office here on Wednesday said these rebels surrendered at the headquarters of the Army’s 43rd Infantry Battalion (43IB) in Lope de Vega town on Sept. 21.

The surrenderers were identified as alias Perlito, alias Duwaring, alias Jomary, alias Rico, and alias Ungal. They all belong to the same squad which was not identified but operating in Northern Samar.

They handed over a caliber 7.62mm M14 rifle, two magazines and 75 rounds of ammunition for 7.62mm and bandolier, three .45 caliber firearms with four magazines and 25 rounds of ammunition, two .38 caliber revolvers with 10 rounds of ammunition, two anti-personnel mines, an anti-tank mine, and 15 meters of firing cable with firing device.

Lope de Vega Mayor Anna Palloc and town councilor Anita Jaca, chairperson of the committee on peace and order, witnessed their surrender.

“Based on the result of the initial tactical interview, the surrenderers decided to surface from hiding because of the diminishing mass base support due to relentless Community Support Program (CSP) operations at their former stronghold village and the series of encounters from government forces. The use of advanced military technology made them believe that they have no more place to hide,” the Army’s 43IB said in a statement.

CSP is the Army's people-centered program which aims to bring peace and development in conflict-affected barangays and an initiative to bring the government closer to the people through an immediate delivery of basic services especially to grassroots communities.

PNP Eastern Visayas regional director Rommel Bernardo Cabagnot, in a separate statement, said convincing the NPA to abandon the communist ideology is a result of joint efforts of the police, military, and the local government.

“I commend all the hard work exerted by the police personnel and that of the Philippine Army in the successful surrender of these NPA members who were once blinded by wrong ideologies. I hope to have more brothers and sisters who will turn their backs from their armed struggle,” Cabagnot added.

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 Communist Party of the Philippines (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/1154322

7 NPA rebels in Davao Norte yield, turn over firearms

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 22, 2021): 7 NPA rebels in Davao Norte yield, turn over firearms (By Che Palicte)

REBELS YIELD. Seven members of the New People’s Army surrender to the 60th Infantry Battalion in Davao del Norte on Monday. The seven, including two minors, also turned over high-powered firearms. (Photo courtesy of 10th Infantry Division)

Some seven guerrillas of the communist terrorist New People’s Army, including two minors, surrendered to the 60th Infantry Battalion (60IB) in Davao del Norte, bringing with them four high-powered firearms, the 10th Infantry Division (10ID) said in a statement Wednesday.

All are members of the Weakened Guerilla Front (WGF) 3, Sub Regional Committee (SRC) 4, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC).

They were identified as Toto Morgades Tumagsa alias Jiboy, 21, team leader; Rene Tumagsa Tiklonay alias John/Alex, 19, team leader; Lyka Casal Velis alias Marian/Mary Ann/Yawe, 23, team medic; Ronafe Catarata Adregado alias Chacha/Ritchie/Gareb, 19, platoon medic; Monding Tilocan Balanban alias Bato/Lubas, 48; a 16-year-old member who served as a supply officer; and a 15-year-old member who served as a team medic.

The 10ID said the seven voluntarily surrendered to Lt. Col Ronaldo Sarmiento, 60IB commanding officer based at Sitio Tawinian, Brgy Gupitan, Kapalong, Davao del Norte on September 20.

Capt. Mark Anthony Tito, 10ID spokesperson, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Wednesday that three M16 rifles and one M653 rifle were also turned over by the group.

According to the surrenderers, they left the WGF 3, SRC 4, SMRC under the leadership of Alfie Olbis Trabado alias Coco/Cardo/Sulay in Loreto, Agusan del Sur last September 16, 2021, due to hunger, fear, and stress brought about by the relentless focused military operations of the 60IB in the area.

The 60IB is currently facilitating a medical examination and coordinating with the Kapalong Municipal Police and the Municipal Social Welfare Development Office (MSWDO) for the proper disposition of the two minor surrenderers.

“The Intel operatives of 60IB is currently conducting custodial debriefing as their requirement for the enrollment to the Enhanced Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). The said battalion also coordinated with the Philippine National Police counterparts for the filing of appropriate charges against the WGF 3 personalities for their recruitment of minors – a clear violation under Violence Against Women and Children,” the 10ID added.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Ernesto Torres Jr., commander of the 10ID, lauded the troops for their accomplishment.

“Without firing a single bullet, we were able to persuade our enemies to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law. Truly, the developmental effort is one of the contributors for a just and lasting peace in our community," he said.

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/1154320

Clash kills 2 NPA rebels in Surigao Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 22, 2021): Clash kills 2 NPA rebels in Surigao Sur (By Alexander Lopez)

DEAD REBELS. Two unidentified NPA rebels were killed in an encounter with the troopers of the 36th Infantry Battalion on Tuesday in Sitio Agsam, Barangay Cabas-an, Cantilan, Surigao del Sur. The dead rebels belonged to Guerrilla Front 30, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee of the NPA. (Photo courtesy of Cantilan Municipal Police Station)

Some two New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in an encounter in Surigao del Sur on Tuesday, the Cantilan Municipal Police Station reported Wednesday.

The clash took place in the mountainous area of Sitio Agsam, Barangay Cabas-an in Cantilan past 5 p.m.

“The 36th Infantry Battalion (36IB) of the Army informed this police station that their troops were conducting combat operations in the area when they encountered around 10 members of Communist Terrorist Group,” the local police said.

It added that the rebels belong to Guerrilla Front 30, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee of the NPA led by a certain Alias Mega.

After the 10-minute skirmish, the rebels scampered and abandoned their position leaving behind two of their wounded comrades.

The 36IB troopers brought the wounded rebels to Madrid District Hospital in the town of Madrid but were declared dead by the attending physician.

Authorities, with the help of the local officials in the area, are still determining the identities of the slain rebels.

The clash happened just hours after a separate encounter took place in Tago, Surigao del Sur Tuesday noon that resulted in the death of an NPA rebel and the confiscation of high-powered firearms, ammunition, and explosives.

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/1154337

Former RPA-ABB rebels in NegOcc receive more livelihood aid

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 22, 2021): Former RPA-ABB rebels in NegOcc receive more livelihood aid (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

MORE PROGRAMS. The Kapatiran para sa Progresong Panlipunan Inc. based in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental received a sugarcane juicer machine worth PHP500,000 from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority as part of the package under the Sustainable and Resilient Livelihood Program. The equipment was turned over by TESDA officials during an activity that also launched a training program for its members under the Poverty Reduction Livelihood and Employment Cluster of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, held at the peace and development community site in Sitio Mambinay, Barangay Locotan on Sept. 17, 2021. (Photo courtesy of TESDA-Negros Occidental)

Members of the Kapatiran para sa Progresong Panlipunan Inc. (Kapatiran) based in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental continue to receive more livelihood assistance from the government through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

The beneficiaries are former rebels under the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Bongcayao Brigade (RPM-P/RPA-ABB) Tabara-Paduano Group (TPG), which assumed the name Kapatiran as part of its institutional transformation.

As of Wednesday, some 25 members and their families, living in the peace and development community (PDC) site in Sitio Mambinay, Barangay Locotan, have been identified to undergo the Shielded Metal Arc Welding National Certification I training set to start soon.

In a statement, TESDA-Western Visayas regional director Jerry Tizon assured the Kapatiran of continuing support by providing them with technical and other relevant skills.

“Our aim is to provide enhancement and capability training to create sustainable livelihood for the likes of you,” he said.

The training will be funded under the Special Training for Employment Program allocation of 6th District Rep. Genaro Alvarez Jr., wherein the participants will be trained for free, and will also be provided free competency assessment and entrepreneurship training, one-year accident insurance, internet allowance, health/personal protective equipment allowance, training support fund/allowance of PHP160 per day, and starter tool kits.

It was launched by the TESDA under the Poverty Reduction Livelihood and Employment Cluster of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) during an activity held on September 17 at the PDC site.

In the same event, the agency turned over a sugarcane juicer machine worth PHP500,000 to the Kapatiran as part of the package under the Sustainable and Resilient Livelihood Program implemented since last year.

Romelia Nuezca, acting provincial director of TESDA-Negros Occidental, said the equipment will be used for production of home-based natural muscovado to provide additional source of income.

Previously, the TESDA partnered with the Central Philippines State University, which served as the training provider, for the four sets of training for 25 Kapatiran members from November 2020 to January this year.

The skills training sessions included Organic Sugarcane Production, Organic Vegetable Production, Raising Organic Chicken, and Installation of Solar Irrigation System, all funded under the agency’s Training for Work Scholarship Program.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1154345

Bill institutionalizing UP-DND accord gets final House nod

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 22, 2021): Bill institutionalizing UP-DND accord gets final House nod (By Filane Mikee Cervantes)

UP campus in Diliman, Quezon City (Photo courtesy of UP Diliman Facebook page)

A bill institutionalizing the 1989 University of the Philippines (UP) - Department of National Defense (DND) accord into the UP Charter hurdled third reading approval at the House of Representatives.

During Tuesday's plenary session, the chamber overwhelmingly approved with 179 affirmative votes House Bill 10171, which seeks to amend Section 11 of Republic Act 9500 or the University of the Philippines Charter of 2008.

The bill seeks to prevent state security forces, such as the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), from entering and enforcing its operations in all UP campuses without prior notice to “the President or the Chancellor of the constituent university or the dean of the regional unit concerned” except “in cases of hot pursuit and similar occasions or emergencies.”

It mandates university officials, whenever requested by law enforcers, to extend the necessary assistance in law enforcement within the premises of the UP campuses.

House Deputy Speaker Eddie Villanueva, a principal author of the bill, expressed hope that its enactment would foster “more youth idealism” in the country.

“In these dark times of the pandemic, what the country needs is an abundance of the youth’s ideas for national recovery. Young people, especially mga iskolar ng bayan, must be encouraged, not discouraged, to be more vocal, more visible, and more vigorously participative in the national discourse. An ailing nation needs more of the youth’s ideas and idealism, not less. More young people are speaking out, not less,” Villanueva said, noting that UP is a model of academic freedom to all educational institutions in the country.

“Its being one of the world’s best universities is owed to its culture of openness to diversity of beliefs, debate of opinions, and discussion of viewpoints," he said.

The bill shall prohibit subjecting any student, faculty member, or employee to custodial investigation without prior notice to the university president or chancellor of the constituent university or dean of the regional unit concerned.

Members of law enforcement agencies shall be prohibited from interfering with peaceful protest actions by individuals or groups within university premises.

The DND-UP Agreement, signed on June 30, 1989, prohibits the military and the police from entering all UP campuses without prior notice to its administration.

The agency decided to terminate the agreement effective Jan. 15, 2021, with Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana calling the arrangement "obsolete".

Lorenzana said the agreement was used by the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) to turn UP into the breeding ground of "intransigent individuals and groups whose extremist beliefs have inveigled students to join their ranks to fight against the government."

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1154254

Gov’t peace initiative gains ground: Palace exec

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 22, 2021): Gov’t peace initiative gains ground: Palace exec

NTF-ELCAC spokesperson Undersecretary Severo Catura (File photo)

The government’s peace initiative has been gaining ground as more former leaders and members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) returned to the fold of the law, an official of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) said.

“Our campaign for peace that is free of armed conflict is gaining ground. And we thank former leaders and members of the CPP-NPA-NDF for heeding the government’s call and for claiming their right to peace as well,” said Undersecretary Severo Catura, spokesperson of the NTF-ELCAC on human rights, peace process and international engagements, said in a recent virtual dialogue with non-government organizations and civil society groups that sought clarification on the status of the country’s peace process.

Catura, also executive director of the Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat, said stories must be told behind the thousands of former members of the CPP-NPA-NPA who have surfaced and availed of projects under the Philippine government’s reintegration program.

“This is not just about people who, for various reasons, once fought the government and have decided to come back to the fold of the law, it is about people who want peace for themselves, their families and their communities, and seeing that this peace can be achieved at this time by ways of peace,“ Catura said. “They are people who are claiming their right to live in peace.”

Recent records of the NTF-ELCAC’s Task Force Balik-Loob revealed that more than 18,000 confirmed CPP-NPA-NDF members have surfaced and turned themselves in.

Executive agencies concerned have provided housing assistance, social welfare grants, livelihood and skills training, employment, bank credit assistance for crop and livestock production, and medical assistance under a consolidated reintegration program.

“Let’s give credence to these former CPP-NPA-NDF members for their courageous decision to get back into society’s mainstream,” Catura said. “Let us acknowledge their wish to give the government’s reintegration program and its community development components a fair chance to work.”

The NTF-ELCAC’s Barangay Development Program (BDP) has successfully rolled out development projects in 822 former village strongholds of the CPP-NPA-NDF that have been cleared.

Each of these villages is provided with the BDP’s five core projects, namely farm-to-market roads, school buildings, water and sanitation, health stations, and livelihood programs, of which more than 2,000 of these projects have been implemented by Executive offices concerned.

“While the peace process allows for sustained armed response to threats to national security, the option to address these threats by peaceful means remains always open,” Catura said. “And that peaceful option where we welcome back our fellow Filipinos with open arms is what we will always prefer.”

“All members of our armed forces and police are more than willing to give their lives in defense of our country and our people, but how they would wish it would not mean taking the lives of fellow Filipinos.” “Our people serving in our armed forces and police – they who have seen the horrors of conflict – are the ones who want peace more than anyone else,” he added.

Catura, a career service executive, was one of the pioneering junior officials of the Office of the Peace Commissioner in the first Aquino administration and the National Unification Commission in the Ramos Administration. After a brief stint as director of the Commission on Human Rights in the Estrada administration, he later served as executive director of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process in the Arroyo administration.

“In my 32 years in government, my work has always been anchored on the peace process, and anyone who has worked that long and even longer – as many of NTF-ELCAC colleagues have – could only pray that peace can indeed be realized in our lifetime,” Catura said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1154329

HB 10171 abusive, undemocratic: groups

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 22, 2021): HB 10171 abusive, undemocratic: groups (By Christine Cudis)

UNDEMOCRATIC. Groups League of Parents of the Philippines (LPP) and Liga Independencia Pilipinas (LIP) are adamant to stop the passage into law of House Bill 10171. The bill institutionalizes the abrogated University of the Philippines (UP)-Department of National Defense (DND) Accord. (Photo courtesy of the Liga Independencia Pilipinas)

Terrorist groups will have a safe haven for recruitment and propaganda scheme in the University of the Philippines (UP) once House Bill 10171 or the UP Security Act is institutionalized, independent groups League of Parents of the Philippines (LPP) and Liga Independencia Pilipinas said on Wednesday.

“With the passage of HB 10171, we are putting the country especially the prime learning institution of this country, University of the Philippines, together with its students, faculties and employees in danger of being manipulated and influence by terrorist group CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front),” Remy Rosadio, the LPP founder, said as they rallied in front of the House of Representatives in Quezon City.

Rosadio said the proposed measure is "abusive and undemocratic to the interest of the entire nation" as she explained that no members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) or Philippine National Police (PNP) will be prohibited from entry to the UP campus without prior notice and approval from UP officials even in cases of hot pursuit of a criminal or offender of law.

The military or police shall not interfere in any mass actions inside the UP campus done by its constituents, the bill states.

On top of this, the issuance of search warrants or warrants of arrest cannot be served unless there is proper notification and approval from the officials.

There will also be no warrants of arrest that can be served without the presence of two faculties designated by the UP Chancellor.

It also said no UP constituents will be subjected to custodial proceedings without prior notifications from UP officials.

“These measures are removing the right of our State and security forces over UP and powers are being transferred and exercise by school officials not duty-bound to constitutionally exercise it. Aside from that, terror elements will abuse such powers in UP to further advance their communist cause,” Rosadio said.

“Since you cannot apprehend anyone without the concurrence of the powerful school officials, they will definitely and easily evade arrest. They will have unhampered access to the school while our security forces should abide with the scrutinous process,” she added.

In January 2021, the Duterte administration scrapped the accord due to allegations of in-campus communist recruitment. The accord was signed in June 1989 to protect UP students and faculty members from possible abuses from the military and police.

To be enacted into law, the bill also needs to be passed by the Senate, then proceeds to the Office of the President, who would either sign or veto the proposed measure.

In August 2021, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the accord would not be restored under the Duterte administration after "much scrutiny and study" of defense officials.

He said the accord only covers the Philippine Constabulary, and not the entire military and police.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1154312

Dialogues can deter people from insurgency: Dar

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 22, 2021): Dialogues can deter people from insurgency: Dar (By Christine Cudis) 

Agriculture Secretary William Dar (File photo)

Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar on Wednesday urged the local government units (LGUs) to establish mechanism where people in the community can air their grievances against the government through dialogues to dissuade them from insurgency.

“There should be a mechanism with which regularly the LGUs at various levels should have dialogues particularly on grievances in the community against government and other things,” Dar said. “We need to understand all these grievances and give proper consideration, to let them know that there is good governance at the LGU level.”

Dar is the head of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) tasked to address insurgency in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

The RTF-ELCAC also provides updates on relevant programs implemented and engages with the universities, colleges, and schools to prevent Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) from recruiting students.

He urged the Task Force members to encourage the active participation of LGUs, particularly in insurgency-infected barangays, in meaningful dialogues with the community members.

“We have to strengthen the role of the local governments as the main mechanism to handle all these grievances and encouragement for people to stay with the Republic, in general,” said Dar, also the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) for CAR.

Cabinet members of the Duterte administration are each given their respective region to lead the RTF-ELCAC in line with the government effort for the whole-of-nation approach to put an end to local communist armed conflicts in the country.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1154314