Kalinaw News: Firearms seized during security operations in Cotabato

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 7, 2021): Firearms seized during security operations in Cotabato



One low-powered and four high-powered firearms were seized by army troops who were conducting security operations in Pikit, Cotabato on October 5, 2021.

Western Mindanao Command Chief, Maj. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr. said combined elements of the 90th Infantry Battalion and 3rd Cavalry Company were providing area security assistance to the Commission on Elections Office at Pikit Municipal Hall when they noticed two firearms displayed in plain view at the back of a Toyota pick-up bearing plate number DAD 9596 that was approaching the location. Said firearms were later covered partially with a blanket with the barrels still visible.

The troops immediately flagged down the said vehicle and seized the two visible firearms in violation of the COMELEC Gun Ban in connection with the filing of the Certificate of Candidacy from October 1 to 8, 2021. When they inspected the car, three more firearms were recovered at the front passenger’s seat.

Seized were four M16 A1 rifles, 27 long magazines, one short magazine, 850 rounds of 5.56 ammunition, three bandoleers, and one cal. 45 pistol with six magazines and 45 rounds of ammunition. Said firearms and ammunition were brought to 90IB ACP in Barangay Ladtingan, same municipality for documentation and safekeeping.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Commander of Joint Task Force Central said the driver and owner of the Toyota pick-up was identified as Mr. Benjamin Mantol a.k.a. Datu Mama, the Punong Barangay of Talitay, Pikit, Cotabato. He and his three companions were interrogated and were subsequently released by the Chief of Police of Pikit Municipal Police Station in coordination with the operating troops.

“We will continue to assist the police in enforcing security during the period of the national and local elections to ensure that no election-related crimes will be perpetrated,” said Maj. Gen. Rosario, Jr.

[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/firearms-seized-during-security-operations-in-cotabato/

Kalinaw News: WestMinCom Chief visits Navy troops in Zamboanga City

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 6, 2021): WestMinCom Chief visits Navy troops in Zamboanga City



Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – October 6, 2021, Maj. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command, made his first official visit to the headquarters of Naval Forces Western Mindanao in Naval Station Romulo Espaldon, Bagong Calarian, this city on October 04, 2021. He was received by NFWM Commander Rear Admiral Toribio Adaci, Jr. together with the officers and personnel of the said unit.

A briefing was presented to the WestMinCom Commander after which, he delivered his message to the troops at the Tangan Gym. Maj. Gen. Rosario, Jr. commended the NFWM’s Fleet-Marine officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian human resources for performing well, for maintaining the fervor to serve, and for aiding in the accomplishment of the Western Mindanao Command’s and the AFP’s missions. He also cited the very important role that the Navy plays in securing the western Mindanao whose operating environment is comprised mostly of water.

“I am confident enough that I have the full support of the very able and capable Team NFWM who is always ready to support the mission accomplishment of WestMinCom,” said Maj. Gen. Rosario, Jr.

In his visit to the NFWM, Maj. Gen. Rosario, Jr. was accompanied by WestMinCom Deputy Commander for External Defense, Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas; Chief of Unified Command Staff, Col. Elmer Suderio; Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff for Personnel, U1, Cdr. Edwin Ello; and other officers.

The activity was conducted following existing health protocols to avoid the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

[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/westmincom-chief-visits-navy-troops-in-zamboanga-city/

Kalinaw News: Army, PLGU Capiz turnover Rice Combine Harvester to Nine (9) Farmers’ Association

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 6, 2021): Army, PLGU Capiz turnover Rice Combine Harvester to Nine (9) Farmers’ Association



CAMP HERNANDEZ, Dingle Iloilo – The Provincial Local Government Unit of Capiz thru
the Office of the Provincial Agriculture in partnership with 12th Infantry (Lick’em)
Battalion, turn-over four (4) units of Rice Combine Harvester to nine (9) Farmers
Association of Cuartero, Capiz.

The turn—over ceremony of Rice Combine Harvester was conducted on October 04,
2021, at Agdahanay Park, Poblacion, Cuartero, Capiz. The ceremony was facilitated by the Provincial Agriculturist Ms. Sylvia V. Dela Cruz to support the Barangay Development Program (BDP) of Barangays Mahunod-hunod, San Antonio, Carataya, and Puti-an, all of Cuartero, Capiz. The Provincial Agriculture Office aims to help increase labour productivity and boost the farmers’ income by providing rice combine harvester to improve farming mechanization and technologies from planting and post-harvest to nine (9) farmers organizations without spending the time for hand cutting, collecting, sun-drying in the field and carrying palay straws to a threshing service.

The Provincial Governor of Capiz, Hon. Esteban Evan B. Contreras II, graced the ceremony. Hon. Tito L. Mayo, Mayor, Municipality of Cuartero, Regional Director Juan Jovian E. Ingeniero, CESO IV, DILG 6, Provincial Director John Ace A. Azarcon, CSEE, DILG Capiz, Police Colonel Laudemer N Llaneta, Acting Provincial Director, CPPO, Major Florante T Mabalot, Executive Officer, 12IB are also present during the said event.

Governor Esteban Evan B. Contreras II lauded the efforts of Provincial Agriculture
Office and 12th Infantry Battalion for the success of the activity. “The government is always ready and exerting efforts to provide necessities to uplift the farmer’s lifestyle. The government is seriously providing support to our people who can earn a living to become productive and resilient members of their communities to sustain the needs of their families. Your government focuses on addressing the root cause of insurgency which is poverty, but it is so hard to address it without your cooperation and willingness to help the government. That is why you must also show the government your support by living peacefully away from trouble because our country cannot prosper without peace,” Contreras said.

For his part, Brigadier General Marion Sison, 301Bde Commander, acknowledged the untiring efforts of Provincial Agriculture, Capiz in helping the nine (9) Farmers’ Association. The peace and development efforts of the Government to communities particularly to the identified conflict-affected Barangay help to strengthen the barangay-based institutions and sectoral organizations by engaging in participatory issue resolution and by providing different peace and order interventions.

The national government mechanisms in implementing the Executive Order No. 70, Institutionalizing the Whole-of-Nation Approach to peacefully end the local communist armed conflict, plays a vital role in the Entrepreneurship and Marketing, Employment, Training, Financing, Institutional Development and Food Production to enhance the livelihood and employment of the communities.

He added that the efforts of soldiers with the collaboration and support of different government and non-government agencies also helped the constituents in the far-flung communities to sustain their livelihoods.

He also asked the members of 9 farmers’ associations to support the government and its programs and services for the people.

“I urge you to support all government programs, projects and services in your communities. Let us work together to win the war against insurgency because the absence of cooperation and unity among us has worsened the problem of insurgency,” Brigadier General Sison 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/army-plgu-capiz-turnover-rice-combine-harvester-to-nine-9-farmers-association/

Kalinaw News: CTG continues to recruit minors and Exploit Indigenous People in Bukidnon

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 6, 2021): CTG continues to recruit minors and Exploit Indigenous People in Bukidnon



Maramag Bukidnon – Three (3) NPA regular members including one (1) child-soldier of HQ Loader Sub-Regional Committee 2 (SRC2) of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) voluntarily surrendered to the elements of Alfa Company of 88th Infantry Battalion bringing along with them one (1) Carbine Rifle with One (1) magazine and nine (9) live ammunition at Sitio Malantao, Barangay Halapitan, San Fernando Bukidnon on October 04, 2021. The said surrender came as a result of the unit’s continued campaign against the said terrorist group in the mountainous areas of Pantaron Mountain Ranges, covering Malaybalay City, San Fernando, and Cabanglasan Bukidnon.

Man Oloron alias BRIGHT, 56 years old a Political Guide, and his party wife Nili Salobo alias AYA, 55 years old together with their 11-year-old son alias POWER became CTG members because of the promises that their living conditions will be uplifted and that they will have a prosperous life if they become members of the CTG.

Over fatigue, hunger, lack of sleep, and realizing that everything is just a deception are among the reasons why they finally decided to return to the folds of the law and abandon the armed struggle. They further disclosed that continuous focused military operation by the Philippine Army in their known guerilla bases had caused them to be always on the run which prevented them from doing organizing works in their target barangays.

The 11-year-old minor was turned over to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office of San Fernando, Bukidnon to undergo interview and stress debriefing. The continuous recruitment of our youth to be child-soldier and exploiting IP communities is proof of CTG’s disrespect to Human Rights and a clear violation of International Humanitarian Law.

Lieutenant Colonel Christian James P Vingno, Commanding Officer of 88IB in his statement said, “The comprehensive conduct of Community Support Program (CSP) and the focused military operation of government troops have been instrumental in the rapid disintegration of the NPA formation. This is a clear indicator that we are near in ending this 52-year of local communist armed conflict. I strongly deplore the NPA’s act of recruiting minors to be combatants and exploiting our IPs. This is a clear violation of International Humanitarian Law (IHL). The unit in close coordination with the PNP, will be filing IHL case against the CTG for recruiting minors. I am also calling the attention of all the parents, let us monitor our children from being recruited by the NPAs,” Vingno added.

It can be recalled that the government troops figured in a series of encounters with the members of GF Malayag, SRC2, NCMRC in the municipality of San Fernando and Valencia City on 08 September and 10 September 2021, which resulted in four (4) CNTs Killed and 12 Captured including four (4) minors that had been rescued. Since 2018 on the data gathered of 88IB, a total of twenty-one (21) minors had been rescued by government troops from the CTG.

[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/ctg-continues-to-recruit-minors-and-exploit-indigenous-people-in-bukidnon/

Kalinaw News: More and more NPA active supporters turn their back on terror

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 6, 2021): More and more NPA active supporters turn their back on terror



Camp Downes, Ormoc City – As Army troops continue to conduct ‘Operation Barangayan’ and ‘Kumustahan sa Barangay’ in the province of Leyte, 12 active supporters, couriers and candidate members of the terrorist CPP-NPA-NDF presented themselves to the Barangay Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (BTF-ELCAC) chaired by Barangay Captain Eufronio S. Damas of Barangay Balocawehay in Abuyog, Leyte with the assistance of the troops of 14IB on Saturday, October 2, 2021.

Operation Barangayan and Kumustahan sa Barangay are people-centric activities that were conducted in Barangay Balocawehay due to prior information about enemy presence in the area given by former rebels who are now members of the Integrated Peace and Development Workers Association (IPDWA).

The personalities who surrendered are identified by their aliases, for security reasons, as Lucy, candidate party member; Linda, supporter; Roger, courier; Marites, candidate party member; Pidyo, courier; Eduardo, courier; Victor, supporter; Roberto, supporter; Bibi, supporter; Larry, supporter; Cesar, supporter; and, Renato, supporter. All of them are residents of Sitio Quarry, Brgy. Balocawehay, Abuyog, Leyte. Their surrender also brings to 33 total active CPP-NPA-NDF supporters, couriers, candidate party members and contacts who surfaced since the IPDWA started participating in the efforts of the TF-ELCAC in the provinces of Leyte and Southern Leyte in the third quarter of this year.

Based on their revelations, they were recruited by CPP-NPA terrorist leader Fermin Guzon aka Jaguar/Isyot/Dakpal who upon introducing himself as “Renato”, promised to help them in their farms through the so called “agrarian revolution”. In exchange of that promise, they attended series of meetings and teach-ins and allowed themselves to be used either as contacts, active couriers and supporters in the Barangay.

In addition, Lucy confided that some of them have no recourse but to be recruited due to intimidation and fear of being killed. Marites likewise mentioned that their surrender have actually aborted Fermin Guzon’s plan of establishing a politico-military organ in the barangay with the 12 of them composing the core group, considering that they already have undergone lectures on Maikling Kurso sa Lipunan ng Rebolusyonaryong Pilipino or MKLRP.

“I enjoin all the residents in the area to actively support the campaign and the TF-ELCAC by providing timely information on the whereabouts of the terrorist CPP-NPA-NDF. In this way we can prevent them from spreading lies, deceiving people and conducting atrocities,” Lieutenant Colonel Ernesto Dela Rosa, Commanding Officer 14IB, said.

Brigadier General Zosimo Oliveros, Commander of 802nd Brigade, expressed his appreciation to the BTF ELCAC of Balocawehay, Abuyog, Leyte chaired by Brgy Captain Eufronio S Damas and the members of IPDWA of Mahaplag, Leyte for their untiring effort and timely information that prevented the activities of the CPP-NPA-NDF terrorists in the area. He also commended the troops of 14IB for the successful conduct of Operation Barangayan and Kumustahan sa Barangay in the area.

Commander 802nd Brigade said, “The timely information given by the former rebels/CPP-NPA-NDF supporters who are now our partners as IPDWA members is very important in our campaign in preventing recruitment activities and recovery efforts of the CPP-NPA-NDF terrorists. Through the timely action of the BTF ELCAC and our troops, we have also saved the precious lives of 12 of our fellow Filipinos by preventing them to become CPP-NPA-NDF terrorists.”

[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/more-and-more-npa-active-supporters-turn-their-back-on-terror/

Gov’t troops seize NPA arms cache

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 7, 2021): Gov’t troops seize NPA arms cache (By JEANNETTE I. ANDRADE)

Indiscriminate firing by the New People’s Army (NPA) caused irate Sorsogon locals to tip off government forces about the communist rebels’ weapons cache, including land mines.

Army personnel and Bicol police officers found on Tuesday at Barangay San Bartolome in Sta. Magdalena, Sorsogon, an M16 rifle; antipersonnel mines; three sacks containing 212 magazines for M16 rifles; some 5,000 rounds of 5.56-mm ammunition; and 34 blasting caps.

Army 22nd Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. Nelson Mico said the tip from locals showed “their utter disgust with the nuisance caused by communist rebels.”

For 903rd Infantry Brigade commander Col. Aldwine Almase, the seizure of the arms cache thwarted atrocities the NPA rebels would have committed.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1498245/govt-troops-seize-npa-arms-cache

Eleazar to police: Stop NPA’s permit-to-campaign taxes

From Panay News (Oct 7, 2021): Eleazar to police: Stop NPA’s permit-to-campaign taxes

“May I also remind candidates to not yield to these illegal activities of the communist rebels. We must band together to ensure that the upcoming elections would be clean and orderly,” says Police General Guillermo Eleazar.

Police General Guillermo Eleazar has ordered the 220,000-strong Philippine National Police (PNP) to stop the New People’s Army (NPA) from collecting permit-to-campaign taxes or allegedly extort money from local candidates in the 2022 elections.

“I am directing our police force to make sure to thwart NPA’s extortion activities. We are expecting that they would take advantage of the election season to extort money from candidates,” he said.

The PNP chief also urged candidates to not yield to the demands of the communist group.

“May I also remind candidates to not yield to these illegal activities of the communist rebels. We must band together to ensure that the upcoming elections would be clean and orderly,” Eleazar added.

INQUIRER.net has sought the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) for their reaction to Eleazar’s remarks but has yet to receive a reply from the group as of posting time.

Election season has officially kicked off in the country last October 1 when the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) by aspirants started. The COC filing would end on October 8.

“We will strictly be on guard from the filing of COCs, campaign period, actual voting, up to the proclamation of winning candidates,” Eleazar said.

He then cited the recent police and military joint operation that resulted in a raid of alleged war materials supposedly belonging to the CPP-NPA as proof of their commitment to a safe and orderly election.

“I commend our police and military personnel in Bicol region for the successful operation in Sorsogon that resulted in the confiscation of war materials from the CPP-NPA-NDF as part of our intensified campaign not only to end communist insurgency but also in ensuring the peaceful conduct of elections in May next year,” Eleazar said.

The CPP-NPA-NDF remains a big threat to the election so I ordered our area commanders to further intensify the campaign against them because we anticipate them to lead extortion activities against candidates. . (©Philippine Daily Inquirer 2021)

https://www.panaynews.net/eleazar-to-police-stop-npas-permit-to-campaign-taxes/

NPA rebel surrenders in Hamtic

From Panay News (Oct 7, 2021): NPA rebel surrenders in Hamtic

A 29-year-old self-confessed member of the New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered to the combined police-military force in Hamtic, Antique.

“Ka Ondoy” was the vice squad leader of Team 2, Squad 2 of Front 11, Southern Front Committee (SFC), Komiteng Rehiyon Panay, (KR-P) operating in Miag-ao, Igbaras and San Joaquin, Iloilo and Sibalom, San Remigio and Hamtic of Antique.

He joined the NPA on Aug. 12, 2018, according to Ondoy.

Hardship, starvation and sleepless nights were some of the reasons why he decided to surrender at about 6:30 p.m. just this Sept. 24.

According to Ka Ondoy, he was recruited by alias “Ka Lian” sometime on August 2018. He was convinced by the promised benefits and returns that supposedly awaited him if he entered the communist organization.

He also disclosed that he underwent communism indoctrination and briefed on counter-government propaganda.

Last month, Ka Ondoy took the chance to escape while his comrades were busy. He left his firearm in their makeshift hut.

Ka Ondoy is now set to undergo debriefing and processing for various government programs for surrenderees.

Police Brigadier General Rolando Miranda, Western Visayas top cop, congratulated the police and military for their commitment in the campaign on ending local communist armed conflict.

“For those remaining communist terrorists, the government is waiting and ready to provide you a peaceful and progressive life once you return to the fold of law,” said Miranda./PN

https://www.panaynews.net/npa-rebel-surrenders-in-hamtic/

Commo Aguilar, new chief of PVAO Transition Office for the integration of pension systems

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 6, 2021): Commo Aguilar, new chief of PVAO Transition Office for the integration of pension systems

 


The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) welcomed Commo Elson K. Aguilar as its Chief of PVAO Transition Office for the Integration of Pension Systems on 26 July 2021.

The appointment of Commo Aguilar was in consonance with the DND Department Order No. 317 dated 11 August 2021, entitled “Creation of PVAO Transition Office for the Integration of Pension Systems, Commo Aguilar is further designated as the Chief, PVAO Transition Office for the Integration of Pension Systems.”

Prior to his reassignment, Commo Aguilar was the Special Presidential Representative of the Office of Veterans Affairs (OVA) in Washington DC, USA for more than four years. He also served as the Philippine Defense and Armed Forces Attaché to the United States from 2012-2015.

He also held office as the Chief of the Management and Fiscal Office of the Intelligence Service, Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) in 2004; Chief of the Foreign Training Branch of the N8 Headquarters Philippine Navy; and Chief of the Administrative Branch of N2.

Apart from overseeing the formulation and implementation of the Transition Plan for the Integrated Pension System, Commo Aguilar shall also supervise the AFP counterpart units/offices in generating the necessary data or information in the integration of the pension systems. He shall also facilitate the development of the Organizational Structure and Staffing Pattern (OSSP) for PVAO’s takeover of the payment of AFP retirement pension benefits and management of AFP retirement pensioners.

The DND Integrated Pension System under PVAO was established to oversee the smooth and seamless integration of PVAO Veterans and AFP Retirement Pension Systems, and preside over the implementation of the transition plan. Its creation was deemed necessary given the growing interface and commonality in the clientele base of PVAO and AFP PGMC. The new pension system will result to huge savings in the DND budget apart from the operational efficiency that would be attained in managing and administering the AFP retirement and PVAO veterans pension and benefits systems. (PVAO)

https://piagov.wordpress.com/2021/10/06/commo-aguilar-new-chief-of-pvao-transition-office-for-the-integration-of-pension-systems/

161 new JPST peacekeepers deployed in BARMM

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 6, 2021): 161 new JPST peacekeepers deployed in BARMM (By Edwin Fernandez)

NEW PEACEKEEPERS. Photo shows the third batch of the 161-strong Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST) who just completed their three-month training inside Camp SK Pendatun in Parang, Maguindanao on Tuesday (Oct. 5, 2021). BARMM Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal (inset), also former chief peace negotiator of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), was the guest of honor and speaker at the graduation rites. (Photo courtesy of PRO-BARMM)

CAMP S.K. PENDATUN, Maguindanao – Peace and security measures in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) are expected to further improve with the deployment on Wednesday of another 161-strong Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST) in conflict-affected communities.

Brig. Gen. Eden Ugale, BARMM police director, said the latest JPST graduates that are up for deployment belong to the third batch to have completed a three-month training inside this camp for this year.

“They are trained to safeguard the communities from saboteurs of peace,” he said.

Ugale hosted here Tuesday the graduation ceremony for the 3rd JPST batch with Minister Mohagher Iqbal, the BARMM’s education minister and former chief peace negotiator of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), in attendance.

The 161 JPST members are composed of Army, police, and former MILF fighters who were trained to become peacekeepers in Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.

The graduates will now form part of the targeted 6,000-strong JPST contingent that will be composed of 3,000 MILF, 1,600 police officers, and 1,400 Army troopers.

“The JPST will be divided into several teams whose main task is to maintain peace and security in the MILF communities that will undergo the normalization process within and outside the BARMM,” Ugale said.

The Normalization Track is part of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro which the government and the MILF signed in 2014.

At the heart of the Normalization Track is the decommissioning of 40,000 MILF combatants wherein their weapons will be put beyond use. The MILF camps will also be transformed into peaceful, progressive, and resilient communities.

The entire process is expected to be completed within three years, starting between this year and 2022 in time for the signing of the Exit Agreement between the government and the MILF.

The normalization track is expected to run until 2025.

Aside from peacekeeping job, the JPST who will be deployed in the areas mutually agreed upon between the GPH and the MILF is also tasked to track and document private armed groups, and help in the reduction and control of weapons; support the observance of the existing ceasefire agreement to address and prevent hostilities.

They will also work on security arrangements for activities and personalities involved in the peace process and support dispute resolution initiatives on the ground.

Iqbal, for his part, urged the JPST members to maintain discipline and prioritize the interest of the Bangsamoro above all by working for peace with utmost dedication.

“Your role is very vital in sustaining the gains of the GPH-MILF peace agreement,” Iqbal told the JPST members.

Ugale said more series of training are scheduled in the coming months until the 6,000-strong JPST goal is reached.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1155758

NPA IP family of 3 surrender to Army in Bukidnon

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 6, 2021): NPA IP family of 3 surrender to Army in Bukidnon (By Nef Luczon)

FAMILY SURRENDER. Man Oloron (right), 56, a "political guide" of the New People's Army, and his wife Nili Salobo, 55, together with their 11-year-old son, surrender to the Army's 88th Infantry Battalion (88IB) at Sitio Malantao, Barangay Halapitan, San Fernando, Bukidnon on Oct. 4, 2021. Turned over to the 88IB's Alpha Company were one carbine rifle with a magazine and ammunition. (Photo courtesy of 88IB)

A family of three belonging to an indigenous peoples (IP) group who joined the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the Army's 88th Infantry Battalion (88IB) in Bukidnon on Oct. 4.

The report was released by the Army on Tuesday afternoon identified the surrenderers as Man Oloron, 56, an NPA "political guide," and his wife Nili Salobo, 55, together with their 11-year-old son.

The 88IB's Alfa Company confiscated from them one carbine rifle, with one magazine, and nine live ammunition in Sitio Malantao, Barangay Halapitan, San Fernando Bukidnon, during their surrender.

Their surrender was the result of the unit’s continued campaign against communist armed groups in the mountainous areas of Pantaron Mountain Ranges, covering Malaybalay City, San Fernando, and Cabanglasan towns in Bukidnon.

Oloron said they joined the NPA after the communist group promised them a better life.

The couple's son was turned over to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office of San Fernando, Bukidnon to undergo an interview and stress debriefing.

Lt. Col. Christian James P. Vingno, 88IB's commander, said the continuous recruitment of children-soldiers and exploitation of IP communities are a clear violation of International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

“The comprehensive conduct of Community Support Program (CSP) and the focused military operation of government troops have been instrumental in the rapid disintegration of the NPA formation. This is a clear indicator that we are near to ending this 52-year of local communist armed conflict," he said.

The 88IB has already coordinated with the police as it plans to file an IHL violation case against the NPA for recruiting minors.

"I am also calling the attention of all the parents, let us monitor our children from being recruited by the NPAs," Vigno said.

The 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/1155736

NPA child combatant yields in central Negros

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 6, 2021): NPA child combatant yields in central Negros (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

YOUNG COMBATANT. Troops of the Philippine Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion and Himamaylan City Police Station endorse CPP-NPA child warrior alias “RR” (seated left) to the City Social Welfare Department after his surrender on Oct. 4, 2021. The 15-year-old boy has been temporarily placed under the care and protection of the 94IB troops upon the consent of his mother. (Photo courtesy of 94th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)

A 15-year-old boy, who recently became a child warrior of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), surrendered to the military and the police in central Negros on Oct. 4 .

According to reports of the Philippine Army released on Wednesday, the teen is among the combatants who clashed with troops of the 94th Infantry Battalion (94IB) in Sitio Cunalom, Barangay Carabalan in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental on Oct. 1.

Capt. Kim Apitong, officer-in-charge of the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) Public Affairs Office, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that alias “RR” was recruited about two months ago by communist terrorists.

“They frequently visited the child and convinced him to join them, without his parents knowing it. They used deceptive propaganda to recruit him,” he said.

The minor then became a member of the NPA’s Squad 1, Sentro de Grabidad Platoon, Central Negros 2.

Three days after the encounter, the boy, accompanied by his mother, surrendered to the joint personnel of 94IB and Himamaylan City Police Station.

In its report, the 94IB said his claim of being an NPA member was backed by a former rebel, who positively identified him as one of the estimated 10 minors recruited by one alias “Carding”.

“RR” has been endorsed by the government forces to the City Social Welfare Department (CSWD), which classified him as a child-at-risk.

He is then temporarily placed under the care and protection of the 94IB troops upon the consent of his mother, the report added.

In a statement, Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, commander of the 3ID, assailed the CPP-NPA in Negros Island for continuing to exploit minors by recruiting them as child warriors, which is a blatant violation of International Humanitarian Law (IHL), which is a set of rules that seek to limit the effects of armed conflict and protects people who are not or are no longer participating in hostilities and restricts the means and methods of warfare.

“Don’t allow these CPP-NPA terrorists to enter your communities. Be vigilant and report any suspicious movement in your area for us to spoil their recruitment activities. Let us save our children by putting communist terrorism to an end,” he said.

Lt. Col. Angelo de Guzman, commanding officer of the 94IB, said he is grateful to the local Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict of Himamaylan City for its commitment of support to the former child warrior and their unit’s pursuit of peace and progress in Negros.

“Recruitment of minors as combatants is a clear violation of the IHL. For decades, they have ruined the lives and future of many children with their deceptions. This devious tactic should be stopped,” he added.

During the two clashes in Sitio Cunalom last Friday, the 94IB troops seized an M16 rifle with a long magazine and ammunition as well as an M14 rifle, a backpack, a solar panel, a power bank, and subversive documents with high intelligence value.

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/1155773

Repair of damaged Navy chopper to 'take time': Lorenzana

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 6, 2021): Repair of damaged Navy chopper to 'take time': Lorenzana (By Priam Nepomuceno)

PNA file photo by Priam Nepomuceno

The repair of the Philippine Navy’s (PN) AgustaWestland AW-109E helicopter that was involved in a mishap in Lal-lo, Cagayan last month, will take time due to the extensive damage it sustained, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Tuesday night.

"Tinitingnan pa (It is still being checked). Medyo extensive ang damage (The damage is quite extensive). It will take time for it to become operational with the damage it sustained," Lorenzana said in a message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA) when asked whether the naval helicopter could be repaired and commissioned into service again.

He declined to comment on the exact damage sustained by the aircraft.

"I'll ask the PN (about it)," he said.

Earlier reports said the helicopter's rotors were among those damaged in the incident.

The PN's AW-109E, with tail number NH-435, figured in a mishap at about 2 a.m. on September 26 as it was attempting to land on its designated station after returning from a mission in support of the Northern Luzon Command’s internal security operations.

The pilots and crew members sustained minor injuries and only stayed in the medical facility as a matter of medical procedure.

All four remaining AW-109E helicopters were later ordered grounded, pending the result of the investigation.

The PN has five AW-109s in its inventory, which were delivered from 2013 to 2016.

The Navy’s AW-109E contract for these five helicopters, including two armed units, is worth PHP1.33 billion.

The AW-109 "Power" helicopter is a three-ton class eight-seater helicopter powered by two Pratt and Whitney PW206C engines. The spacious cabin is designed to be fitted with modular equipment packages for quick and easy conversion between roles.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1155728

Cops to intensify crackdown vs. Reds' poll extortion

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 6, 2021): Cops to intensify crackdown vs. Reds' poll extortion (By Priam Nepomuceno)

PNP chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar (File photo)

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, on Wednesday has ordered all units to spare no effort in stopping extortion activities by the New People's Army (NPA) during the election season.

Eleazar's order came after President Rodrigo Duterte warned communist rebels and political warlords to stay out of the national and local elections next year and that the NPA must be prevented from collecting "permit-to-campaign" fees from politicians.

"Nagpapaalala rin ako sa mga kakandidato na huwag patulan itong ilegal na gawain ng mga rebeldeng komunista. Sama-sama nating siguraduhin na maging malinis at maayos ang eleksyon sa susunod na taon (I would also like to remind candidates not to give in to these illegal activities of communist rebels. Let us do everything to ensure that next year's elections will be clean and orderly)," Eleazar said in a statement.

He also assured the public that the PNP would be vigilant against communist terrorists and other local threat groups before, during, and even after the elections.

Eleazar, meanwhile, lauded the police and the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines who conducted a joint operation that led to the confiscation of war materials in Sorsogon on Tuesday.

“I commend our police and military personnel in Bicol region for the successful operation in Sorsogon that resulted in the confiscation of war materials from the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front) as part of our intensified campaign not only to end communist insurgency but also in ensuring the peaceful conduct of elections in May next year,” Eleazar said.

He also asked for the public’s cooperation and urged them to immediately report the presence of suspected NPA rebels or other lawless elements in their areas.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1155743

AFP submits list of 1.6K Reds' atrocities to CIDG

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 6, 2021): AFP submits list of 1.6K Reds' atrocities to CIDG (By Priam Nepomuceno)

REDS' ATROCITIES. AFP Center for Law of Armed Conflict chief, Brig. Gen. Joel Alejandro Nacnac (left), submits a total of 1,672 incidents of IHL violations of the communist terrorist group to CIDG chief, Maj. Gen. Albert Ignatius Ferro (right). in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Wednesday (Oct. 6, 2021). The AFPCLOAC also submitted the list to the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict’s Legal Cooperation Cluster. (Photo courtesy of AFP)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines Center for Law of Armed Conflict (AFPCLOAC) on Wednesday submitted to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) a total of 1,672 cases and incidents of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) violations committed by the communist terrorist group (CTG) from 2010 up to the first semester of this year.

“During the first semester of CY (Calendar Year) 2021, a total of 166 IHL atrocities of CTGs were recorded by the AFP. These numbers are expected to rise as AFP units continue to monitor and submit reports on the IHL violations of the CTGs,” AFPCLOAC director Brig. Gen. Alejandro Joel Nacnac said in a letter addressed to CIDG chief, Maj. Gen. Albert Ignatius Ferro.

The AFPCLOAC also submitted the list to the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict’s Legal Cooperation Cluster (NTF-ELCAC LCC) Head and Assistant Solicitor General Angelita Villanueva-Miranda on October 5.

He added that these CTG atrocities should not go unpunished.

The list includes incidents of the CTG’s use of child soldiers, destruction of civilian properties, usage of anti-personnel mines, willful killings, and other IHL violations that were monitored by AFP units in the field.

The submission complies with the request of the NTF-ELCAC for further details on these cases and incidents which was presented during the NTF-ELCAC LCC Conference last September 8.

"With your assistance and support, we may be able to put a stop to the CTGs violations of HR (human rights) and IHL as contained in Republic Act 9851. The AFP, through the AFPCLOAC, will continuously coordinate with you on this matter,” Nacnac said.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army is listed as a terrorist organization by the European Union, United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1155811