Kalinaw News: Separated for seven (7) years, mother and son reunited

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 30, 2021): Separated for seven (7) years, mother and son reunited



PANACAN, DAVAO CITY – A heartwarming reunion transpired at Camp Panacan Station Hospital Friday morning, October 29, 2021, between a former rebel and his mother who were separated for at least seven (7) years since the former joined the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) when he was still 15 years old.

Alias Ram shed his tears after seeing his mother who brought along with her food from a well-known food chain bought by the troops of 89th Infantry Battalion.

“Nakuhuna-huna ko na wala na jud koy ginikanan kay nagtuo ko na wala na jud moduaw sa akoa,” (I thought that I don’t have parents anymore because I believed that no one is going to visit me), said Ram who is now on his 4th day inside Camp Panacan Station Hospital.

They encountered the troops of 89IB on Sunday evening, October 24, 2021 at Brgy. Sto. Domingo, San Fernando, Bukidnon where Ram, Platoon Vice Commander, Andoy Platoon; and his companion, alias Sander, Platoon Commander, Basil Pltn both under Sub-Regional Guerilla Unit (SRGU), Sub-Regional Committee 5 (SRC5), Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) were wounded and were left behind by their fleeing comrades.

“Mga hapit bulan ang among gikaon na ubod ra sa uway unya sagulan ug usa ka salmon nga bugas.” (For almost a month we only ate rattan shoots mixed with one cup of rice), added Ram.

Nora, the mother of Ram, also expressed her joy as she finally held her long lost son. “Gaan na akong paminaw na nakita na akong anak, kay katong naa pa sya sa Langilan pirminti nako ginapasugo na paulion na sya kay dili jud ko mahimutang sa pag trabaho. Mao na akong gikabalak-an kay basig mamatay ilubong na diretso, dili na namo makita,” (I felt relieved when I saw my son, since when we were at Langilan I always ask other people to send message to Ram to go home already because I always feel restless at work. What I worry about is when he’ll get killed, he’ll be buried immediately without us seeing him) Nora said.

Meanwhile, MGen Ernesto C Torres Jr, the Division Commander of 10ID congratulated the 89th Infantry Battalion under the direct supervision of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade for a job well done.

“Once again, our troops saved lives, Ram and Sander. Truly, if we give peace a chance, there will be more parents, siblings and children who will be spared from grief.” MGen Torres said.

On the other hand, Sander is currently being treated at Southern Philippines Medical Center, Davao City. His parents cannot visit him yet due to the COVID-19 restriction of the said hospital.

[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/separated-for-seven-7-years-mother-and-son-reunited/

Kalinaw News: GenSan mayor vows continued support to WestMinCom

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 30, 2021): GenSan mayor vows continued support to WestMinCom



Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – October 30, 2021

In their first meeting, General Santos City Mayor Ronnel Rivera expressed his gratitude to Western Mindanao Command Chief Maj. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr. for the big improvement in the peace and order situation of the city. The mayor also vowed continued support to the military troops operating in his area of jurisdiction.

Maj. Gen. Rosario, Jr. paid a courtesy call on Mayor Rivera at the GenSan City Hall in the afternoon of October 28, 2021. He was accompanied by Joint Task Force GenSan Commander, Col. Galileo Goyena, Jr., and the WestMinCom Command Staff.

The two leaders discussed the security preparations for the upcoming elections. Mayor Rivera said, “Wala naman pong gaanong problema dito sa GenSan regarding sa elections (There is not much problem here in GenSan regarding the elections)”.

They also talked about the current situation in the city and its neighboring municipalities. “Dati, hindi namin mapuntahan ang Palimbang, ngayon ang ganda na (Before we could hardly visit Palimbang, now it is already a beautiful place)”.

Maj. Gen. Rosario replied, “Wala nang dahilan para manatili sa bundok ang mga armed groups ngayon dahil sa development ngayon dito, nagkakaroon sila ng pagkakataon makahanap ng hanapbuhay (There is no reason for armed groups to stay in the mountains now because with today’s development here, they are having the opportunity to find employment).

He also made mention of the operational accomplishments of the military units in GenSan and attributed it to the strong collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, local government units, the traditional and religious leaders, and the communities.

[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/gensan-mayor-vows-continued-support-to-westmincom/

Kalinaw News: WestMinCom Commander boosts morale of troops in Sultan Kudarat

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 30, 2021): WestMinCom Commander boosts morale of troops in Sultan Kudarat



Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – October 30, 2021

Western Mindanao Command Chief Maj. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr. visited the 603rd Infantry Brigade headquarters in Barangay Baranayan, Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat on Thursday morning, October 28, 2021, to personally engage with the troops and boost further their morale. He also checked on the existing assets and determined the operational requirements of the unit.

During his talk to the troops, Maj. Gen. Rosario, Jr. expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the efforts exerted by the men and women of the 603rd Infantry Brigade that contributed to the accomplishment of WestMinCom’s mission. He also commended the troops for their numerous accomplishments and significant breakthroughs that demonstrate their hard work and dedicated service.

Maj. Gen. Rosario, Jr. stressed that the armed forces can never be successful in the quest for lasting peace and sustainable development without the support of the local government officials, stakeholders, and the peace-loving people of Mindanao. He urged the troops to maintain a good relationship with the civil society.

He ended by encouraging the troops to always be guided by the concept of 5Ps (Plan, Prepare, Perform, Play, and Pray). “It is applicable in everything that we do, every day of our life,” Maj. Gen. Rosario, Jr. stated.

In his visit to the 603Bde, Maj. Gen. Rosario, Jr. was welcomed with Foyer Honors and was received by Col. Eduardo Gubat, the Brigade Commander who presented a unit briefing to update the former of their remarkable accomplishments and current thrusts.

[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-commander-boosts-morale-of-troops-in-sultan-kudarat/

NPA combatant who died without family’s knowledge given decent burial

From Palawan News (Oct 30, 2021): NPA combatant who died without family’s knowledge given decent burial (By Gerald Ticke)

(Left photo) A relative of Nelyn Dabdab Emon looks at her photo. (Right photo) Government troops place Emon's remains in a coffin for proper burial on October 25. They were exhumed in a shallow grave in Barangay Iraan, Rizal, southern Palawan. (Contributed photos)

A decent burial has been provided to the young female New People’s Army (NPA) combatant whose remains were exhumed over the weekend in a shallow grave in an abandoned rebel hideout in Barangay Iraan in the southern Palawan town of Rizal.

Col. Jimmy Larida, commander of the 3rd Marine Brigade (3MBde), said in an issued statement that the remains of Nelyn Dabdab Emon, alias Ka Aldin, who were retrieved on October 25 in Sitio Tandanum in Iraan, were turned over to her mother and eventually buried in Sitio Manggahan in the same barangay.

“Hindi man lang binigyan si Aldin ng desenteng libing. Ang malala pa ay hindi man lamang ipinarating sa kanyang pamilya na matagal nang nangungulilala sa kanya ang kanyang sinapit,” Larida said.

Soldiers from the 18th Special Forces Company (SFC) were conducting military operations in Tandanum on October 24 when they came upon a gravesite where she was buried.

On October 25, operating troops of the Joint Task Group-South, together with 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), exhumed her remains and turned them over to her family.

The refuge was thought to be a temporary shelter for insurgents led by Jomar Masong, alias Ka Degret. Emon was reportedly a member of his group that escaped the raid that the Philippine Marines carried out in Brgy. Mainit in Brooke’s Point on September 3, 2020.

Two members and three rebel leaders — Bonifacio Magramo (alias Boywan and Salvador Luminoso), Andrea Rosal (alias Naya, Ram, and Inlay; daughter of rebel leader Roger Rosal), Noel Siasico (alias Silnon or Celnon), Ren Manalo (alias Pandan, Lemon, Jona, and Amir), and a certain Ka Rj — were killed in the encounter that day.

According to the 3MBde, Emon died of an illness. It was the result of Ka Degret’s refusal to allow her to seek medical assistance in the lowlands.

“Nawa ay magsilbing paalala ang pangyayaring ito sa mga mamamayan lalung-lalo na sa mga kabataan na kadalasang nire-recruit ng teroristang grupo — na ang pagsapi sa armadong pakikibaka kailanman ay walang maidudulot na mabuti sa inyong buhay,” Larida added.

https://palawan-news.com/young-npa-combatant-who-died-without-familys-knowledge-given-decent-burial/

Military claims Mindanao rebel leader Jorge Madlos is dead

From MindaNews (Oct 31, 2021): Military claims Mindanao rebel leader Jorge Madlos is dead

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 30 October) – The military on Saturday claimed that Mindanao rebel leader Jorge Madlos aka “Ka Oris” is dead, allegedly killed in an encounter in Bukidnon.

No photograph of the body or of the encounter site has been released to the media by the military which is calling for a press conference in Cagayan de Oro on Sunday.

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the National Demcoratic Front (NDF) have yet to issue a statement on the military report.

(UPDATE as of 10 a.m., 31 October 2021: In a notice e-mailed to the media at 9:56 a.m. on Sunday, Marco Valbuena, Chief Information Officer of the Communist Party of the Philippines said they are “still verifying reports concerning the death of Ka Oris as declared by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.” He said a statement “will be issued later today.”)

This is not the first time the military reported the 72-year old Madlos, who had been suffering from a debilitating illness since 1987, died in an encounter.

Impasug-ong town in Bukidnon. Map courtesy of Google Maps

In a press release issued on Saturday, the 4th Infantry Division’s Public Affairs Office under Maj. Francisco Garello said Madlos was killed along with a member of the New People’s Army in an encounter in the “mountainous area” of Sitio Gabunan, Barangay Dumalaguing in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon.

It said the 403rd Infantry Brigade launched a joint and combined combat operations at around 12:30 a.m. Saturday in response to information provided by the community about the presence of communist rebels in their area followed by air strikes at daytime and that shortly before noon, the final assault was done.

“After 30 minutes of firefight, assaulting troops scoured and cleared the area and discovered two abandoned cadavers, captured one M14 Rifle, one KG9 Rifle and recovered ammunitions of different caliber, other war materiel and assorted personal belongings,” it said.

It also said 4th ID chief Maj. Gen. Romeo Brawner had confirmed that one of the two rebels killed was Madlos whom the 4th ID’s Public Affairs Office described as “Commander and spokesperson of the National Operations Command (NOC) of the New People’s Army nationwide; Member, Central Committee – EXECOM/Politburo; Spokesperson of the National Democratic Front – Mindanao, and the husband of Myrna Sularte alias Maria Malaya, the Secretary of North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).” The other victim was identified as Eighfel Dela Pena alias Pika/Maui, Comms Staff and Medical Staff of the NOC.

The press release was accompanied by two file photos of Madlos, apparently taken during the anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2021/10/military-claims-mindanao-rebel-leader-jorge-madlos-is-dead/

Naval exercises end; Spike ER missile launched off Basilan

From MindaNews (Oct 31, 2021): Naval exercises end; Spike ER missile launched off Basilan (By FRENCIE CARREON)

The four-day naval Exercises Pagsisikap 2021 initiated by the Philippine Navy’s Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) ended with an evaluation on Saturday on what the participants learned.

Lt. Senior Grade Chester Ross Cabaltera, NFWM Public Affairs Officer, said the final evaluation took place in a hotwash, where officers present their performance in conducting serials and showing their assets’ capability. The officers also demonstrate what they can do such as mounting a rescue mission in a burning ship at sea. An evaluation determines if proper naval procedures were followed and if anyone got hurt during the rescue mission.

Exercises Pagsisikap 2021 formally closed in Sulu on Thursday with Task Force Sulu Commander Army Maj. Gen. William Gonzales as guest.

The Spike-extended range missile launched by the Multi-Purpose Attack Craft (MPAC) BA489 commanded by Lt. Junior Grade Alex Camillo Capistrano hit simulated target at 4 km distance off Salkulakit Island in Basilan sea waters on 28 October 2021. Photo courtesy of NFWM PAO

“Since the Joint Task Force Sulu had experienced challenges and eventually achieved tactical victories, sea assets and its capabilities had brought us the edge we need to win the peace,” Gonzales said as he pointed out that the event “identified the capability gaps” of the naval forces.

The naval forces on October 28 launched its Spike-extended range missile as among the highlights of its Exercise Pagsisikap 2021.

The launch was done from one of the Multi-Purpose Attack Crafts (MPAC) of the 3rd Boat Attack Division during Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS) events at vicinity 17.8 nautical miles southwest off Salkulakit Island, Basilan on October 28.

“The missile was fired from MPAC BA489 and hit its target dead center from a distance of four kilometers,” Cabaltera said, adding that for the live firing exercise, floating targets were constructed.

Aside from the missile firing, participating warships also fired and tested their naval guns at sea, Cabaltera said.

The missile launch, according to NFWM commander Rear Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr. was a test on the naval forces’ capability and its wartime and peacetime doctrines in the conduct of amphibious operations, maritime interdiction operations, surveillance and reconnaissance of the maritime areas, civil-military operations, and a host of other traditional and non-traditional naval operations.

The NFWM Civil Military Operations Officer explained that the Spike ER Missile is the “navy’s first missile capable of penetrating 1,000-mm (39 inches) of rolled homogeneous armor. It is a flexible missile system proven by its dual guidance system, that is the command and homing guidance, capable of hitting targets at a maximum distance of 8 km.”

This is the second time the Spike ER Missile was successfully launched and tested after its delivery to the Philippine Navy in 2018. However, this is the first time that the missile was operationally tested during a live firing exercise.

Exercise Director and concurrent Task Force 62 Commander Alan Javier said that apart from validating techniques, tactics and procedures during the past four days, the naval Exercises also serves as a venue for the training of sailors and marines deployed in western Mindanao.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2021/10/naval-exercises-end-spike-er-missile-launched-off-basilan/

Military declares “Jorge Madlos is dead;” NDF confirms death but claims it was ambush, not encounter

From MindaNews (Oct 31, 2021): Military declares “Jorge Madlos is dead;” NDF confirms death but claims it was ambush, not encounter (By FROILAN GALLARDO)

“Jorge Madlos also known as Ka Oris is dead. Patay na po si Jorge Madlos,” Maj. General Romeo Brawner, Jr., commander of the 4thInfantry Division declared during a press conference at Camp Osito Bahian here early Sunday afternoon.

Brawner said Madlos, longtime spokesperson of the National Democratic Front (NDF) in Mindanao and spokesperson of the National Operational Command of the New People’s Army, was killed, along with another rebel in an encounter with the Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion, the 1st Special Forces Battalion and a Scout Ranger company in Sitio Gabunan, Barangay Dumalaguing in Impasug-ong town in Bukidon province Saturday noon.

Late Sunday afternoon, the National Democratic Front’s North Eastern Midnanao Region (NDF-NEMR) confirmed Madlos was, indeed, killed by the military but claimed he and his medic were ambushed while on board a motorcycle Friday night as they headed towards the national highway from the poblacion of Impasug-ong town in Bukidnon.

CLENCHED FIST. Jorge “Ka Oris” Madlos, spokesperson of the National Democratic Front in Mindanao raises a clenched fist during the celebration of the 46th anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines in Marihatag, Surigao del Sur last Friday, Dec. 26. 2014. Madlos has been reported to have been killed several times but each time appeared to dispute the reports. The military declared him dead over the weekend , allegedly killed in an encounter. The NDF in Northeastern Mindanao has confirmed his death but claimed it was ambush, not an encounter. MindaNews photo by FROILAN GALLARDO

The Public Affairs Office of the 4th Infantry Division described the 72-year old Madlos as “commander and spokesperson of the National Operations Command (NOC) of the New People’s Army nationwide, member, Central Committee – EXECOM/Politburo; Spokesperson of the National Democratic Front – Mindanao, and the husband of Myrna Sularte alias Maria Malaya, the Secretary of North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).” The other slain rebel was identified as Eighfel Dela Pena alias Pika/Maui, “Comms Staff and Medical Staff of the NOC.”

The NDF-NEMR statement confirming Madlos’ death was signed by “Ka Maria Malaya,” NDF-NEMR spokesperson and wife of Madlos.

In Surigao City, retired engineer Vicente Madlos, the rebel leader’s elder brother, said mid-afternoon Sunday that they were still “waiting for the official confirmation on the positive identity of my brother.”

Identifying Madlos

Vicente told MindaNews in a telephone interview that one of their siblings will proceed to Bukidnon to identify, if, indeed the slain rebel is their brother and to undergo DNA testing. Jorge is 7th among nine siblings.

Brawner in the press conference said Madlos was positively identified by former rebels, but added they will still go for DNA testing and look into Madlos’ dental records.

Madlos had been reported killed by the military several times.

Brawner said soldiers found the bodies of Madlos and his medical aide in the forested encounter site in Sitio Gabunan at around 11:30 a.m. on Saturday.

The military did not present the body of Madlos to reporters but showed reporters two photographs – both showing only the head part – the slain rebel being swabbed on the left nostril for RT-PCR testing to determine if he is COVID-19 positive or negative, and the other a closer look of a shaven face with a mole or birthmark on the right cheek, near the ear. Madlos always had a goatee.

There were no photographs of the slain rebels in the encounter site.

Brig. Gen. Ferdinand Barandon, commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, could not provide information if the alleged cadaver of Madlos had a colostomy bag.

Barandon said he has to direct soldiers to check if the body had a colostomy bag.

Barandon said the RT-PCR swab test was necessary to ensure that the body was not COVID-19 positive.

He said most of the NPA they killed or arrested were suspected or infected with COVID-19.

He said the bodies would be brought down to Impasug-ong town to be turned over to the Philippine National Police.

“If they are found to be positive, they will be buried right there in the encounter site,” Barandon said.

Ambush, not encounter

The NDF-NEMR’s Malaya claimed her husband was on board a motorcycle with his female medic from the poblacion of Impasug-ong town in Bukidnon towards the national highway at around 8 p.m. on Friday, October 29 but they never reached the highway. It is believed, Malaya said, that on their way towards the highway, “they were ambushed and killed.”

“According to reports, there was no gunfight, there was no airstrike in the mountainous area of Impasug-ong, and most especially, there was no gunfight in the provincial highway during that time,” Malaya said.

Malaya alleged that the military “just waited by the provincial highway and attacked Ka Oris and his companion female medic who were on board a single motorcycle. There was no exchange of gunfire because Ka Oris was unarmed when he left the area for his regular medical check-up and treatment.”

Reacting to the NDF’s statement, Brawner told MindaNews: “It is not the AFP’s tactics to ambush unarmed combatants especially if they are on board a motorcycle. Also, on the allegation that there was no actual encounter, the people in the communities around can attest that they heard the sound of gunfire and the sound of airplanes and helicopters on October 30, 2021.”

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2021/10/military-declares-jorge-madlos-is-dead-ndf-confirms-death-but-claims-it-was-ambush-not-encounter/

Senior NPA leader slain in Bukinon clash

 From the Mindanao Examiner (Oct 30, 2021): Senior NPA leader slain in Bukinon clash

A senior leader of the communist rebel group New People’s Army was killed alongside a foot soldier following fierce clashes Saturday in the southern Philippine province of Bukidnon, reports said.

(CTTO)

Reports said Jeorge Madlos, also known as Ka Oris, was slain in the village of Dumalaguing in Impasugong town. The second casualty remains unidentified and it was not immediately known if there were soldiers killed or wounded in the battle.

The killing of ageing Madlos, who was also a spokesman for the rebel group, had been confirmed by the 4th Infantry Division but it has not issued any official statement and so was the NPA.

Madlos previously accused President Rodrigo Duterte as “China’s most reliable minion” and the Philippines’ “biggest traitor” for admitting defeat even before putting up a fight in defense to the country’s maritime claims in the disputed West Philippine Sea.

“The bully and macho Duterte has surrendered and conceded to China the sovereign and maritime rights of the country over the West Philippine Sea. Despite negative public reactions, he continues to take a treasonous stance on China’s blatant military incursion and economic plunder of our natural resources within the Philippines’ EEZ,” Madlos said in May, referring to the country’s exclusive economic zone.

“President Rodrigo Duterte is a coward and traitor to the Filipino people as he is sickeningly subservient and loyal to his Chinese imperialist boss. While Duterte is rough, profane and the No.1 Bully of his fellow Filipinos, he is generously kind, considerate and hospitable to the Chinese imperialist bully. Napakabastos at pinagmumumura niya ang kapwa Pilipino pero para sa Tsina napakagalang at nag-uumapaw ang respeto.”

“He ordered the murder of more than 33,000 poor people indiscriminately listed as drug suspects. He now employs the same tokhang-style assassinations, illegal arrests and detention on activists, members of the opposition and those red-tagged as communists or communist supporters,” he said.

The NPA has been waging a violent campaign for many decades now in an effort to overthrow the democratic government and put up a communist state. Peace talks between the Duterte administration and the communist group had failed after rebel leaders insisted on sharing power in running the government and the release of all rebels jailed across the country.

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2021/10/senior-npa-leader-slain-in-bukinon-clash.html

Navy test fires Israeli missile off Basilan

From the Mindanao Examiner (Oct 30, 2021): Navy test fires Israeli missile off Basilan

The Philippine Navy on Saturday said it has successfully tested the Israeli-made Spike ER (Extended Range) surface-to-surface missile during a test off Basilan province in southern Philippines.

Philippine Navy photos show the Spike ER (Extended Range) surface-to-surface missile made by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems of Israel.

The missile is made by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.

In a statement released late Saturday afternoon, the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) said the missile was launched from one of its Multi-Purpose Attack Crafts (MPAC) and hit its target four kilometers away. It said other warships also conducted a live fire exercise off Salkulakit Island on Thursday.

“The missile was fired from MPAC BA489 and hit its target dead center from a distance of 4 kilometers. For the exercise, floating targets were constructed for the live firing exercise. Aside from the missile firing, participating warships also fired and tested their naval guns,” the navy said.

The event was part of the 5-day live fire “Exercise Pagsisikap 2021” which aims to test wartime and peacetime doctrines in the conduct of amphibious operations, maritime interdiction operations, surveillance and reconnaissance of the maritime areas, civil-military operations, and a host of other traditional and non-traditional naval operations.

The navy said the Spike ER missile is the navy’s first missile capable of penetrating 1,000-mm (39 inches) of rolled homogeneous armor. It is a flexible missile system proven by its dual guidance system that is the command and homing guidance, capable of hitting targets at a maximum distance of 8 km.

It was the second time the Spike ER missile was successfully launched and tested after its delivery to the Philippine Navy in 2018 and the first time that the missile was operationally tested during a live firing exercise.

“Aside from validating techniques, tactics and procedures during the exercise, Exercise Pagsisikap 2021 also serves as a venue for the training of sailors and marines deployed in western Mindanao. The successful firing of the missile and its accurate hitting of the target also highlights the much-enhanced capability of the Navy to protect the seas and littoral areas of our maritime environment,” the statement said.

The missile system is now being used in three MPACs which were activated on September 23, 2019, bringing the number of these attack boats in the Navy's service to 12. The MPACs are 16.5-meter-long vessels carrying a remote-controlled .50-caliber machine guns which are also delivered by Rafael. These MPACs are capable of running at speeds of 30 to 45 knots.

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2021/10/navy-test-fires-israeli-missile-off.html

AFP receives ICU beds, Covid-19 cold storage units

From the Mindanao Examiner (Oct 31, 2021): AFP receives ICU beds, Covid-19 cold storage units

THE US military has donated intensive care unit beds and Covid-19 vaccine cold storage units to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The donation of the medical equipment and supplies was received by AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Jose Faustino Jr. The ceremony, held at the AFP General Headquarters, was attended by US Embassy Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, David Gamble, who said the donation is intended to support AFP Health Service Command under Brig. Gen. Edgar Cardinoza.

Representatives from the Joint US Military Assistance Group-Philippines joined Gamble during a tour of the Victoriano Luna General Hospital following the ceremony that provided a firsthand look at how past and future donations will be used to support the AFP’s Covid-19 care facilities.

“The AFP is grateful to the United States government for the donations, which will surely enhance our capacity to afford our military personnel and their dependents the best healthcare services that we can provide,” Faustino said.

“We will ensure that these equipment and supplies will be fully utilized to fulfill not only our COVID-19 response efforts, but also other medical needs of our personnel who incessantly render faithful and dedicated service to the Filipino people,” he added.

To date, the US has provided more than P1.9 billion ($37.47 million) to support the Philippines’ Covid-19 response. “This is just another step in our long partnership as treaty allies that has been going strong for 70 years. We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Philippines and the AFP in this fight against Covid-19,” Gamble said.

The Philippines is the United States’ oldest treaty ally in Asia. This joint US-Philippine partnership builds on decades of bilateral military cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster response, counterterrorism, maritime security, and many other fields.

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2021/10/afp-receives-icu-beds-covid-19-cold.html

19 NPA-exploited IPs surrender in Bukidnon

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 31. 2021): 19 NPA-exploited IPs surrender in Bukidnon

FAMILY REUNITED. Some 19 CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) surrender with 12 firearms at Sitio Mahayag, Barangay St. Peter in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on Oct. 27, 2021. The former Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) said years of chaos and hardships inside the terrorist organization have prompted them to surrender and be reunited with their respective families. (Contributed photo)

After years of being exploited, some 19 CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) surrendered at Sitio Mahayag, Barangay St. Peter in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on Oct. 27.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) rebels, who are indigenous people (IPs) from the Higaonon and Talaandig tribes, also surrendered 12 firearms to the authorities.

Three of the former rebels (FRs) are high-value individuals, while others are mostly residents of Sitio Mahayag.

Among the rebel returnees are the Landasan and Han-ayan families who were reunited and are now living peacefully after years of chaos and hardships inside the terrorist organization.

Ludy Han-ayan alias Dian, 19 years old and a former medic of Regional Sentro De Grabedad, Compaq, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee, said she cannot explain how hard her life was when she was still a CNT.

“Nibalik ko sa sabakan sa gobyerno tungod sa kalisod nga dili nako makaya ilabi na sa nahitabo sa amoa sa bukid. Daghan ang namatay sa amoa ug naa koy kuyog nga babaeng samdan apan tungod sa kasakit sa samad nga akong gibati wala nako siya madala bisan paman nga buot nako siya nga makabalik sab sa sabakan sa gobyerno (I returned to the government because of the hardships that I can no longer endure especially after what happened to us in the mountains. Many of our comrades died. I was with a wounded female comrade but due to the pain I felt after also being wounded, I wasn’t able to carry her even though I wanted her also to return to the fold of the law),” Ludy said.

Contributed photo

Lt. Col. Edgardo Talaroc Jr., commander of the 8th Infantry Battalion, said he is hoping to help more CNTs return to their respective families.

“Ang mga CNT ang dugay na nga gabungkag sa daghang pamilya, kung diin dad-on ang inahan, amahan o ang anak sa iyang kamatayon sa bukid. Sama sa mabasa nato sa ilang mga tshirt nga ang kahulogan sa FR dili lamang Former Rebel kun dili “Family Reunited”. Buot namo nga daghang pamilya pa ang matabangan nato aron sila mabuhing malinawon ug malipayon layo sa armadong pakigbisog.” (The CNTs have already broken too many families where they have brought the father, the mother or the child to their death in the mountains. As what you can read in their shirts, the other meaning of FR, aside from Former Rebel, is “Family Reunited”. We hope to save many families and help them live a peaceful and happy life away from the armed struggle,” Talaroc 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/1158351

Eastmincom troops lauded for ‘successful’ ops vs. ‘Ka Oris’

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 31. 2021): Eastmincom troops lauded for ‘successful’ ops vs. ‘Ka Oris’

Jorge Madlos alias “Ka Oris” (Contributed photo)

PThe Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) commended all the combat and support units under commander Lt. Gen. Greg T. Almerol for their successful operations that resulted in the death of New People’s Army (NPA) National Operations Command spokesperson Jorge Madlos alias “Ka Oris” in an encounter in a mountainous area in Impasugong, Bukidnon on Oct. 30.

“The collective efforts of the different operating troops, primarily composed of the 403rd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, PA (Philippine Army), and intelligence units and as well as the timely use of the Philippine Air Force capability made the operation successful leading to the death of Ka Oris,” the Eastmincom said in a statement on Sunday.

The successful operations against the 71-year-old Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) executive committee member were carried out based on the guidance set by Almerol when he assumed the Eastmincom in March 2021.

“Since then, intelligence fusion, and careful and progressive planning to ensure a better focus military operations were undertaken. Evidently, the hard-work and cooperation among the Eastmincom’s units has paved the way to the neutralization of the high-ranking CTG (Communis Terrorist Group) leaders including Ka Oris,” the statement read.

Madlos’ death, it added, serves as a main deterrence against communist terrorists’ atrocities in Eastern Mindanao and his loss is bound to cause the CTG forces into splinters.

Major loss

The death of Ka Oris is also a major loss to the CTG as his influence had been a unifying force for its followers and supporters in Northern Mindanao.

“With him out of the picture, the CTG’s operational balance could easily cave in like a house of cards. His demise signals a new era for the people of Eastern Mindanao who had long been living in the shadows of terror sowed by the CTG under his reign,” the Eastmincom said.

With Madlos’ followers shattered into the smaller groups due to relentless focused military operations, the EastMinCom said Ka Oris’ death is also a major victory not only for the military but as well as the peace-loving communities of Eastern Mindanao who finally enjoy an unhampered peace and development.

“May Ka Oris’ death serves as an awakening for the remaining CTG forces that continued resistance against the government will only results in tragic endings,” it added.

It also called upon Ka Oris’ fellow leaders and followers to embrace the government’s sincere offer to help them start a new life under the fold of the law through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).

“We reiterate our call for peace to the remaining CTG members. May you follow the steps of your former comrades who are now living a peaceful and comfortable life under the care of the government. All you need to do is make that decisive action to peacefully surrender and we will ensure your safety and protection,” it said.

The Eastmincom also applauded the people living in the communities for their proactive sharing of information to the military “which has been instrumental in the success of its operations in Eastern Mindanao.”

“The people’s eagerness to help only manifests their desire to put an end to the menace and anti-development sentiments of the CTG in their communities,” it said. “The voluntary acts of ordinary citizens in sharing vital information to the military speak volumes about the dissipating support for the CTG. It is clear that we have been able to win their complete trust and we will never smear this relationship with them.”

Almerol’s command assured it will never stop working day and night to bring lasting peace and development in Eastern Mindanao by 2022.

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/1158355

AFP sets sights on ‘Maria Malaya’ after ‘Ka Oris’

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 31. 2021): AFP sets sights on ‘Maria Malaya’ after ‘Ka Oris’ (By Jigger Jerusalem and Nef Luczon)

BRIEFING. Officials of the 4th Infantry Division and Bukidnon Provincial Police conduct a press conference on the death of Jorge "Ka Oris" Madlos in Malaybalay, Bukidnon on Sunday (Oct. 31, 2021). Maj. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. (center), the 4ID commander, led the briefing. (PNA photo by Nef Luczon)

Following the death of Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) leader Jorge “Ka Oris” Madlos, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is setting its sights on his wife, also a ranking official of the communist terrorist group.

Maj. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., commander of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID), appealed to Myrna Sularte, alias Maria Malaya, to surrender or suffer the same fate as his 72-year-old husband who was killed during an operation in Bukidnon on Saturday.

“There are still other (NPA) commanders, especially Malaya who is now operating in Caraga. She is the highest officer in Caraga,” Brawner told reporters during a news conference Sunday afternoon.

Brawner said Sularte wields control over the Northeastern Mindanao Committee in Caraga and conducts extortion activities.

Madlos was killed along with an NPA medic, Eighfel Dela Pena (alias Pika/Maui), in Sitio Gabunan, Barangay Dumalaguing, Impasugong town by combined troops from the 8th and 88th Infantry Battalions and 1st Special Forces Battalion.

As standard operating procedure, the cadavers were tested for Covid-19 and will be turned over to relatives.

The identities of the deceased were confirmed through physical identification by former NPA fighters, DNA tracing, and dental records.

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.

On the other hand, the National Democratic Front has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and separate part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1158359

Death of 'Ka Oris' in Bukidnon major blow to NPA in Mindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 31. 2021): Death of 'Ka Oris' in Bukidnon major blow to NPA in Mindanao (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Jorge 'Ka Oris' Madlos (Contributed photo)

The death of ranking New People's Army (NPA) leader Jorge Madlos alias "Ka Oris" in an encounter with government troops in Bukidnon last Saturday will greatly affect plans of the communist terrorists to plot violence against peace-loving Filipinos.

"His death will deter the activities and plans by the NPA for he can no longer direct the communist terrorists' violent action against our people," Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Col. Ramon Zagala said in a statement on Sunday.

Madlos was the commander and spokesperson of the NPA’s national operations command and spokesperson of the National Democratic Front (NDF) in Mindanao.

He was wanted for criminal cases such as murder, multiple murders with double frustrated murder, and robbery with double homicide and damage to properties.

"Ka Oris was directly and indirectly responsible for the death of soldiers and civilians for decades as he perpetuated a violent armed struggle that struck terror to our people who only desire peace in solving our country’s problems," Zagala said.

He added that Madlos' death is a major blow to the communist terrorists in Mindanao and will usher in eventual peace in the region.

"The AFP calls on the remaining leaders and members of the communist armed movement, who have been misled to this senseless cause, to surrender and return to the fold of law and eventually join the path towards peace and development in our country," Zagala said.

He also said the AFP leadership applauds the operating troops of the 403rd Infantry Brigade under Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) for the successful combat operations that led to the death of the NPA leader on Oct. 30.

‘Reign of terror’ ends

In a news release on Saturday, 4ID commander Brig. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the reign of Madlos has finally ended following his death.

“Ka Oris’ reign of terror has finally ended. Unfortunately, the consequences of his atrocities led to a tragic ending. Now, justice has been served for those innocent civilians and their communities he terrorized for several decades. His death could be the final blow for the eventual collapse of the communist terrorist group here,” Brawner said.

He also said the death of Madlos will hopefully make the insurgents realize that the downfall of the NPA in Mindanao is inevitable and the only option left is for them to surrender.

“I am reiterating our call for peace. Magbalik loob na kayo sa mapayapang pamumuhay (Go back to a peaceful life) and avail of the E-CLIP [Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program]),” he said.

E-CLIP is a program designed to help Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA-NDF and Militia ng Bayan members restore their allegiance to the government and provides access to medical, financial, legal and livelihood assistance.

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.

The NDF has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and separate part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1158348

Army ends reign of terror of CPP leader 'Ka Oris'

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 30, 2021): Army ends reign of terror of CPP leader 'Ka Oris'

George 'Ka Oris' Madlos (Contributed photo)

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – The Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) ended the reign of terror of Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) leader George Madlos (alias Ka Oris) after he was killed, together with a fellow rebel, in an encounter in a mountainous area in Impasugong, Bukidnon on Saturday.

According to a news release, the 403rd Infantry Brigade (IB) of the 4ID launched operations at around 12:30 a.m. in response to information provided by residents of Sitio Gabunan in Barangay Dumalaguing that armed groups believed to be members of the National Operations Command (NOC) of the CPP-NPA Komiteng Mindanao, Regional Operations Command, and Guerilla Front 89 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Command were conducting indoctrination in the area.

Brig. Gen. Ferdinand Barandon, commander of the 403 IB, said assaulting troops, composed of the 8IB, 1 Special Forces Battalion, and 88IB, detected anti-personnel mines (APM).

“The CNTs’ (CPP-NPA terrorists) positions were fortified with APMs, hence, we can assume at that time that they were protecting their top leadership. In order to protect our troops, we called for close air support and delivered air strikes towards the CNT positions,” Barandon said.

At around 11:30 a.m., ground forces conducted the final assault and encountered more or less 30 CNTs.

After a 30-minute firefight, assaulting troops cleared the area, discovered two bodies, and recovered one M14 rifle, one KG9 rifle, ammunition of different calibers, materiel, and assorted personal belongings.

In another statement, Maj. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., commander of the 4ID, confirmed that one of the fatalities was Madlos, also the NOC and National Democratic Front (NDF) – Mindanao spokesperson, and Eighfel Dela Pena (alias Pika/Maui), a medic of the NOC.

Madlos’ wife, Myrna Sularte (alias Maria Malaya), is the secretary of North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee.

The most wanted NPA commander, Madlos was facing multiple criminal cases such as robbery with homicide, damage to properties, murder, and double frustrated murder.

Brawner lauded the combined forces for the neutralization of the two rebels and the courage of the civilians who provided information that led to the twin deaths.

“Ka Oris’ reign of terror has finally ended. Unfortunately, the consequences of his atrocities led to a tragic ending. Now, justice has been served for those innocent civilians and their communities he terrorized for several decades. His death could be the final blow for the eventual collapse of the communist terrorist group here,” Brawner stated.

He said the death of Madlos will hopefully make the insurgents realize that the downfall of the NPA in Mindanao is inevitable and the only option left is for them to surrender.

“I am reiterating our call for peace. Magbalik loob na kayo sa mapayapang pamumuhay (Go back to a peaceful life) and avail of the E-CLIP (Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program). We will ensure your safety and we will guide you towards a peaceful life so that you will not suffer the same fate as Ka Oris. Our success is brought about by the convergence of the local government agencies, local government units, and local populace. Indeed, civilian participation is the key ingredient in ending the local communist armed conflict in our country,” Brawner said.

E-CLIP is a program designed to help CPP-NPA-NDF and Militia ng Bayan members restore their allegiance to the government and provides access to medical, financial, legal and livelihood assistance.

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.

The NDF has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and separate part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1158327