Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events

Thursday, December 9, 2021

Kalinaw News: Army reservist 2Lt Ronnie Liang reaches new heights, sees traditional culture, and tastes traditional dishes in Sulu

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 9, 2021): Army reservist 2Lt Ronnie Liang reaches new heights, sees traditional culture, and tastes traditional dishes in Sulu

Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila – On September 17-20, 2021 Army Reservist, 2Lt Ronnie Liang continued his adventures in the continuation of “Sa Sulu Peacesible ang Kapayapaan.” Now on its third episode, he explored the fascinating Bud Tukay and the indigenous dance culture of Sulu.

Bud Tukay, located in Parang, said to be the home of the fierce Tausug fighters who shed their blood to defend their land from both Japanese and American soldiers. “It was a thrilling experience to climb the mountain and marvel at the view from the top of Bud Tukay of the homeland they loved,” said Liang. “Also known as Mt. Talipao, the mountain believed to be the House of Martyrs.”

Liang also marveled at the traditional dances that has been inherited from their ancestors and passed down from generations as performed by the Mindanao State University-Sulu Performing Artists. Male and female dancers showcased the “Pangalay”, a folk dance of the Tausugs that features spectacular movements of the fingers, hands, arms, head, hips to mimic flying birds, fishermen, weaving, and other activities of the community. Other traditional dances from Sulu are the “Linggisan,” a courtship dance, and “Kuntaw,” a martial arts dance performed by a group of men.

Liang also enjoyed Lupah Sug cuisine. Lupah Sug, a predecessor state that came before the establishment of Sultanate of Sulu and he found the delicacies truly appetizing and delicious. Lupah Sug dishes have been hailed as some of the best of Halal Muslim Filipino dishes.

Behind the festivities, Liang acknowledged the sacrifice of the soldiers of the 45th Infantry Battalion in constructing an important road for the people of Brgy Sandah in Patikul. The formerly rough, muddy, uneven paths to the village are now well traversed by the people who have happily returned to their homes after being internally displaced due to conflicts and fighting in the past. This road was named Gallant Road in recognition of the service rendered by soldiers.

“Through unity, it is hoped that this kind of peaceful environment will continue to flourish and move towards peace and development here in Sulu,” Liang said.

The third episode of Troppa’s “Sa Sulu Peacesible ang Kapayapaan” is now streaming at Kalinaw News YouTube Channel. The Troppa Series of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Kalinaw News in partnership with the 15th Civil- Military Operations Battalion of the 11th Infantry Division, Philippine Army and the Sulu LGU.

[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-reservist-2lt-ronnie-liang-reaches-new-heights-sees-traditional-culture-and-tastes-traditional-dishes-in-sulu/

Kalinaw News: Former Rebels, CAAs and Women’s Sector Undergo Livelihood Seminar in Nueva Ecija

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 9, 2021): Former Rebels, CAAs and Women’s Sector Undergo Livelihood Seminar in Nueva Ecija

Nueva Ecija – A total of 29 participants composed of 12 former rebels (FRs), 5 Cafgu Active Auxiliary (CAA), and 9 from the Women’s Sector underwent a livelihood seminar that was launched by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Nueva Ecija in collaboration with the 84th Infantry (Victorious) Battalion at Headquarters, 84IB, Brgy Sto Nino 2nd, San Jose City, Nueva Ecija on December 8, 2021.

The seminar is part of the Negosyo Serbisyo Sa Barangay (LSP-NSB) program of DTI that allows a wider reach of business development assistance and aims to support the governments’ Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) for the Former Rebels (FRs) that aims to provide technical skills as their livelihood to source income for their families.

Making of All-Purpose Liquid Detergent, Handwash, and Alcohol was among the skills provided by the DTI to the participants during the seminar.

According to Mrs. Marilou Santos, Senior Training Specialist of DTI San Jose City, “Ang pagsasanay na ito ay patungkol sa entrepreneurship kung saan binibigyan natin ng sapat na kaalaman kung paanu magsimula ng negosyo kasama din po dito ang paghahanda at pagpaplano”. She added that, “Ang skills training na ito ay napapanahon upang makatulong sa pangkabuhayan ng ating mga Former Rebels lalo na sa panahong may pandemya”.

One of the Former Rebels (FR) expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the government’s initiative. “Kami ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa walang humpay na tulong ng DTI at 84IB sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng mga kalaaman para sa dagdag na pangkabuhayan at pagkakakitaan lalo na sa panahong ating nararanasan ngayon”.

Lieutenant Colonel Enrico Gil C Ileto, Commanding Officer of the 84th Infantry (Victorious) Battalion is thankful to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Nueva Ecija for their untiring support in providing Former Rebels, CAAs and Women Sector an opportunity to learn skills they need to have economic opportunities.

“providing skills training for the former rebels, CAAs and the women sector for them to have an additional source of income is our commitment to serve the people. This initiative should also inspire our brothers and sisters on the other side of the law to lay down their arms and benefit from this kind of trainings for themselves and their families” Ltc Ileto 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/former-rebels-caas-and-womens-sector-undergo-livelihood-seminar-in-nueva-ecija/

Kalinaw News: Army’s 71IB Welcomes Withdrawal of Support of 48 CTG affiliated Personalities in Abra

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 9, 2021): Army’s 71IB Welcomes Withdrawal of Support of 48 CTG affiliated Personalities in Abra

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija — The troops of the 71st Infantry (KAIBIGAN) Battalion, Philippine Army led by Lieutenant Colonel Sonny E. Gonzales, welcomed the withdrawal of support of six (6) members of Sangay Partido Lokalidad (SPL), five (5) CNT in the Barrio, and 37 Mass Supporters of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Brgy. Sal-lapadan Barrio, Sal-lapadan, Abra on December 07, 2021

The activity was facilitated by Sal-lapadan TF-ELCAC, Army’s Community Support Program (CSP) team led by 2Lt Roldan S. Cadiente and 1Lt Glean B. Arambala.

Part of the activity was the signing of the Oath of Allegiance to the government and the burning of CPP-NPA-NDF’s flags as a manifestation of their firm rejection of the CTG’s ideology.

Said event was witnessed by Sal-lapadan Mayor, Honorable Garde H. Cardenas; Major Evelmente G. Malano, 71IB Executive Officer; Police Major Dwight Fagyan, Chief of Police, Sal-lapadan MPS; and Brgy. Chairman Benjamin G. Sagdaan; Sangguniang Barangay Member Lonelyn B. Tabaco and the rest of the local officials.

Meanwhile, the Commander of the 7th Infantry (KAUGNAY) Division, Philippine Army Brigadier General Andrew D. Costelo PA commended the courage displayed by the 48 CTG – affiliated personalities who stand firm in their decision to abandon their support to the terrorist organization.

“The influx of withdrawal of support of the CTG – affiliated personalities in Abra is a result of the intensive implementation of the Army’s CSP in the community supported by the Local Government Unit of Sal-lapadan. We expect more of these sa mga susunod na mga linggo, kaya we remain steadfast in our campaign to end the communist insurgency sa timeline na meron tayo,” said BGen Costelo.

[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/armys-71ib-welcomes-withdrawal-of-support-of-48-ctg-affiliated-personalities-in-abra/

Kalinaw News: Army tests its reserve forces in Regions 1 and 3

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 8, 2021): Army tests its reserve forces in Regions 1 and 3

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija — Army reserve forces in Central and Northern Luzon participated in a 7-event military challenge on Dec. 5 designed to upgrade its capability as a fighting force.

A total of 15 infantry squads from Regions 1 and 3 participated in the 3rd Squad Challenge for Army Reserve Forces in the 7th Infantry Division (SCARF 7) held simultaneously in two different venues, at Camp Abat in Manaoag, Pangasinan and at Camp Aquino in Tarlac City.

“SCARF 7 is a complementary program of 7ID in developing our Army reserve forces,” said Brig. Gen. Andrew D. Costelo, the newly appointed commander of 7ID. “This is our way of developing the interoperability of the regular and reserve ground forces in our area.”

The seven events of SCARF 7 include a series of tests on the individual’s basic Army leadership attributes of character, presence, and intellect; a squad capability test on disaster response operations; immediate action drills on different battlefield scenarios; a problem solving on radio communication; building terrain models as part of the modified map reading test; mastery on the disassembly and assembly of weapons; and a combat shooting event using the issued rifle and pistol firearms of an infantry soldier.

“The main idea of SCARF 7 is to make sure that the capability of the smallest unit in our regular forces is equal to the capability of their counterpart in the reserve forces,” said Col. Benjamin L. Hao, the Assistant Division Commander on Reservist and Retiree Affairs of 7ID.

In 2019, 7ID introduced SCARF 7 designed to assess the basic capabilities of the Army reservists, particularly at the infantry squad level. As a result, 13 Army reserve units from Regions 1 and 3 successfully finished the challenge.

Despite the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, 7ID conducted SCARF 7 separately but simultaneously in 13 provinces of Regions 1 and 3. Its objective was to develop the standard squad capabilities of the Army reserve forces aligned with the 7ID standards.

This year, SCARF 7 was aimed to upgrade the squad capabilities of the Army reservists. Aside from improving all events, two regular infantry squads from 7ID were included as part of the competing units.

7ID also used SCARF 7 to engage different stakeholders in the development of the Army reserve forces by informing all provincial governors to support their respective reserve units in the challenge. Per regulation, every province in the country must have at least a battalion-size reserve force.

“Our ground reserve forces in Central and Northern Luzon are getting stronger every year,” said Col Hao. “All squads passed the standard battlefield tests of SCARF 7.”

Kalinaw News: Former Rebels, POs get 150 Box of Food-packs from DSWD

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 8, 2021): Former Rebels, POs get 150 Box of Food-packs from DSWD

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija — At least 150 individuals composed of Former Rebels and members of selected People’s Organizations in Aurora received assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on December 07, 2021.

Lieutenant Colonel Reandrew P. Rubio, Commanding Officer of 91st Infantry (SINAGTALA) Battalion, Philippine Army said that the distribution of assistance is in line with the implementation of the programs under Executive Order No. 70 through the Task Force to End the Communist Armed Conflict.

The distribution took place in different communities under the Area of Operations of the unit.

He added that the support from the DSWD will help to sustain the needs of the FRs while the livelihood assistance intended for them is still being processed including the PO’s being organized by his unit.

Meanwhile, the Commander of the 7th Infantry (KAUGNAY) Division, Philippine Army Brigadier General Andrew D. Costelo PA said that the outpouring assistance of the government to the FRs and the POs in Aurora is a manifestation of its commitment to uplifting the lives of the former and prepare them for their reintegration to the society.

“We hope that these assistance extended to you by the DSWD would at least put a smile in your faces. Natutuwa ang inyong kasundaluhan na kayo ay nakatanggap ng maagang pamasko,” said BGen Costelo.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/former-rebels-pos-get-150-box-of-food-packs-from-dswd/

Kalinaw News: 17 Mass Supporters Withdraw Support to CTG in Aurora

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 8, 2021): 17 Mass Supporters Withdraw Support to CTG in Aurora

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – Former members of Nagkakaisang Maralita ng Dicaluyongan (NAGSAMAD) withdrew their support to Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) and its front organizations in a simple ceremony held at 91IB Headquarters Laang-Sibol Hall, Barangay Calabuanan, Baler, Aurora on December 07, 2021.

Part of the activity was the burning of CPP-NPA-NDF’s flags signifying their abandonment of the dismantled communist organization in Aurora. The personalities also re-affirm their allegiance to the government during the event.

Roy Espiritu, one of the 17 Mass Supporters expressed his gratitude to the government for its continued support.

The said activity was also attended and witnessed by personnel of Baler Municipal Police Station; 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Aurora Police Provincial Office (APPO); Department of Agriculture (DAR); Public Attorney Office (PAO) Baler; and a representative from Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Aurora.

After the activity, the concerned agencies facilitated the awarding of livelihood assistance, and the 91IB in coordination with DSWD and DOLE will facilitate the registration of the group as a Peoples Organization.

Meanwhile, the Commander of the 7th Infantry (KAUGNAY) Division, Philippine Army, Brigadier General Andrew D. Costelo PA cited the success of the withdrawal of support of the CTG’s mass supporters with the intensive implementation of the Community Support Program of the Army supported by the MTF-ELCAC.

“We are gaining momentum sa ating campaign that is why our programs under the CSP will continue to reach OUT more communities. Still, our call remains to the remaining members of the KLG-Sierra Madre na sumuko na dahil nandito na ang inyong mas pinalakas na pwersa ng gobyerno na laging handang tanggapin at tulungan ang sinumang magnanais na magbabalik-loob at tanggapin ang bagong pag-asa,” said BGen Costelo.

[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/17-mass-supporters-withdraw-support-to-ctg-in-aurora/

Kalinaw News: 73 Former Rebels Receive Assistance in Aurora

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 8, 2021): 73 Former Rebels Receive Assistance in Aurora

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – In a bid to assist the 73 Former Rebels in starting their lives together with their families especially this Christmas, the 91st Infantry (SINAGTALA) Battalion, Philippine Army has coordinated with the Department of Social Welfare and Development and Department of Trade and Industry to give assistance to FRs in Aurora.

Lieutenant Colonel Reandrew P. Rubio, Commanding Officer of 91IB said that in response to its request, the DSWD distributed a total of Php 210,000 worth of financial assistance to 70 FRs while the DTI gave livelihood assistance worth Php 24,000 to 3 FRs in a simple ceremony held on December 07, 2021.

The DTI-Aurora kits provided grocery items for sari-sari store, Bigasan and poultry raising to three beneficiaries under its “Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa Program”.

The said cash aid was provided to support the families of the former rebels and their supporters who are back in their communities while currently undergoing the reintegration process in mainstream society.

LTC Rubio cited the full support of the LGU through the Whole-of-The-Nation approach to assist the FRs as it is vital in attaining inclusive, sustainable peace and development.

Meanwhile, the Commander of the 7th Infantry (KAUGNAY) Division, Philippine Army, Brigadier General Andrew D. Costelo PA said that through the immediate response of the NGAs in Aurora, these 73 FRs will have the chance to change their course of life.

“Malaking bagay ang assistance na ito para makapagsimula sila sa kanilang bagong buhay. Hindi madali ang mag re-integrate sa society pero dahil meron silang magagamit na puhunan para sa kanilang hanap-buhay, hindi sila masyadong mahihirapan,” said BGen Costelo.

Kalinaw News: Army Secures return of 7 dead NPA to Families

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 8, 2021): Army Secures return of 7 dead NPA to Families

CAMP GENERAL HERNANDEZ, Dingle, Iloilo – First they deceive them, then they leave them for dead. This has been the modus of the deceptive Communist Terrorist Group, who, for more than five decades, have preyed on our hapless youth to take up arms against fellow Filipinos for a senseless armed struggle. What’s worse, they do not even give their victims the honor of a proper burial; with their kin never seeing them again.

The irony of this senseless struggle is that the CTG’s own perceived enemy, is the one who gives their dead the decency of returning home — alive when they return to the government fold, and even in death, their loved ones are assured to be given a chance to pay their last respects.

December 07, 2021, was a sad reunion for the families of the seven Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) who died in the Miag-ao encounter of December 1 of this year. The remains of the 7 CNTs were claimed by their grieving loved ones from the Moleta Funeral Homes in Miag ao, Iloilo.

It can be recalled that last December 01, 2021, government security forces under the joint task group of the 301st Infantry “Bayanihan” Brigade clashed with the members of the CNTs under Suyak, Sentro de Grabedad (SDG) Platoon, Southern Front (SF)-Panay at Sitio Burak, Barangay Alomidias, Miag ao, Iloilo which left nine enemies dead, with zero casualty from the government side.

The 61st Infantry Battalion, Miag-ao PNP with the support of the Local Government Unit of Miag ao, Iloilo have turned over the seven remains of the CNTs that were retrieved by troops from the encounter site in Sitio Burak, Brgy Alomidias, Maig ao. Iloilo after being abandoned by their fleeing NPA comrades.

Meanwhile, the parents of the dead NPA expressed their grief and resentment to the CPP-NPA terrorists for recruiting their children. “I was saddened because we didn’t know that our children were a member of NPA, we didn’t know that they were already recruited. We hope that the leaders of the NPA will stop recruiting and deceiving innocent civilians for their personal interest,” said one grieving parent in their native dialect. On the other hand, the parents expressed their gratitude to the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police for bringing the dead bodies of their loved ones to be given a decent burial.

Brigadier General Marion R Sison, the 301st Brigade Commander extends his deepest sympathy to the bereaved family of the dead CNTs. “Nakakalungkot isipin na walang dinulot kung hindi matinding hinagpis sa mga naulilang pamilya ng mga kabataang ito, na nalinlang na sumama sa armadong pakikibaka. Isang malungkot na Pasko ang dulot sa mga magulang at iba-pang mahal sa buhay. These terrorists are cowards who left their comrades for dead. Hindi ito ang samahan na kanilang binabandila. Sila ay mga duwag pagdating ng oras ng kagipitan. Hinding hindi niyo sila maasahan,” Sison said.

“This could have been avoided if they had listened to our call to lay down their arms, leave the armed movement, go back to the folds of the law and to their families and avail the programs, projects, and assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP),” Sison added.

Kalinaw News: Army conducts CTG’s info drive to Association of Barangay Captains in Calatrava

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 8, 2021): Army conducts CTG’s info drive to Association of Barangay Captains in Calatrava

SAGAY CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL —The Army’s 79th Infantry (Masaligan) Battalion conducted an information drive to the Association of Barangay Captains of Calatrava, Negros Occidental on December 7, 2021.

The meeting was attended by village chiefs and representatives from the 40 barangays of Calatrava headed by ABC President, Hon. Rogelio Y Salumar. This was initiated days after an encounter broke out in Sitio Ania Dos, Brgy Winaswasan, Calatrava, Negros Occidental.

First Lieutenant Dansan Camua, 79IB Civil-Military Operations Officer discussed about the Government programs, the Barangay Development Program (BDP), the Executive Order No. 70 which calls for a whole-of-nation approach in addressing the insurgency problem and unlawful activities of the NPAs, the creation of Task Force ELCAC and the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

This was followed by a lecture by Private Mary Joy Acak about the insurgency situation in Northern Negros. She discussed the infiltration efforts of the CPP-NPA-NDF and its recruitment schemes as well as the various strategies of the NPA in luring local residents into the terrorist organization.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel J-jay Javines, Commanding Officer of 79IB, appealed to the Local Chief Executives of Calatrava not to fall on the deceptive tactics and propaganda of the Communist NPA Terrorists.

“The common tactic of the rebels was to ‘poison the minds’ of the residents to develop hatred against the government. Let us not allow this to happen. Let us unite and work together to win over any threat that hinders peace and progress in our communities, and achieve an insurgency-free and peaceful society,” said Lt. Col. Javines.

[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-conducts-ctgs-info-drive-to-association-of-barangay-captains-in-calatrava/

Kalinaw News: More ASG members surrender to Gov’t Forces

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 8, 2021): More ASG members surrender to Gov’t Forces

December 08, 2021, Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista, Jolo, Sulu – Last December 06, 2021, two Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members formally returned to the folds of the law at 45th Infantry Battalion (45IB) Headquarters in Brgy Tugas, Patikul Sulu.

45IB Acting Commanding Officer Ltc Vicente B Mabborang Jr identified the former bandits as 31 year-old alias Adzmil and 18 year-old alias Raj who were both residents of Patikul.

“They were previously under ASG leader Radullan Sahiron. Adzmil joined the group back when he was 18 years old while Raj when he was still 12 years old. At first, sabi nila natatakot silang magbalik-loob pero napanatag sila nung nakita nila na buong Task Force ELAC ang tatanggap at mag-aasist sa kanila,” Ltc Maborrang said.

The returnees voluntarily handed over their firearms, an M79 and an M16 rifle, to 11th Infantry Division Commander MGen William N Gonzales.

Per MGen Gonzales, ASG members are also continuously pressured by the relentless military operations. “45IB and our Special Forces recently had an encounter with the group of Sahiron. Our intelligence officers tell us that two bandits were killed during the firefight but unfortunately one of our soldiers gave the ultimate sacrifice. His name is Cpl Jonald S Casing.”

“Although this loss deeply hurt us, we honor Jonald by accepting ASG members who are ready to start anew. We forgive so that we can end the cycle of violence. As for those who are insisting on this senseless violent extremism, we will continue to do our job until our mission is fully realized,” MGen Gonzales added.