Duterte appeals to NPA for ‘little empathy’ to local bets

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 13, 2022): Duterte appeals to NPA for ‘little empathy’ to local bets (By Azer Parrocha)

File photo

President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Tuesday appealed to members of the New People’s Army (NPA) to empathize with local candidates seeking to campaign in rebel-held territories, noting that not all of them could afford to pay them.

In a speech during the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) campaign rally in Agusan del Norte, Duterte asked members of the Communist Party of the Philippines’ (CPP) armed wing to give candidates access to rebel strongholds despite being unable to pay.

“Pero ang mga NPA pud unta, ayaw pud ninyo’g sobrahi, unya kanang dili ninyo pakampanyahon kay way kwarta. Bahala'g mangayo mo'g kwarta, kanang naa gyud puy kwarta. Ang problema og maningkamot, making both ends meet para ingnon pa kulang. Ayaw ninyo kaayo'g --- sabta ninyo ba, sabta ninyo (But to the NPAs, don’t go too far, don’t disallow them to campaign if they can’t give you money. It’s fine if you ask money from those who have plenty, but the problem is when they are just struggling to make both ends meet. So don’t go too far, have a little empathy,” he said.

Last year, Duterte warned communist rebels to stay out of the May 9 elections, noting that he would not think twice about using the police and military to ensure orderly polls.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) earlier warned candidates against giving "permit-to-campaign" fees to communist rebels as they will be complicit in their illegal activities.

They said money collected by the communist rebels could be used in the purchase of more firearms and other logistics to sustain their armed struggle.

‘Either dead or old’

Meanwhile, Duterte said there are now fewer NPA activities taking place.

“The NPA is still here but I don’t know their status now that they no longer have an ideology. Wala (No more), all your leaders are either dead or old and all your fronts have been dismantled. Davao is now insurgency-free,” he said.

Last month, the Philippine Army's 10th Infantry "Agila" Division (10ID) said it has cleared Davao City of the presence of the NPA.

Duterte last year credited the creation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) and its regional task forces as having reduced NPA activities. NTF-ELCAC was formed on Dec. 4, 2018, pursuant to Executive Order No. 70.

Duterte, however, acknowledged that insurgency “is still a problem.”

In January, Duterte said the NPA remains a "top threat" aside from the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

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.

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 inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1172183

Groups remain relentless in unmasking Reds-linked groups

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 13, 2022): Groups remain relentless in unmasking Reds-linked groups (By Lade Jean Kabagani)

UNMASKING. Members of the League of Parents of the Philippines or the Liga ng mga Magulang, Liga Independencia Pilipinas, Sulong Maralita, and Yakap ng mga Magulang Movement, stage a protest rally in front of the Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Wednesday (April 13, 2022). The groups and other anti-communist organizations vowed anew to become more relentless in “unmasking” all legal front organizations of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army and the National Democratic Front. (Photo courtesy of League of Parents of the Philippines)

Groups of parents and other anti-communist organizations have again vowed to be more relentless in “unmasking” all legal front organizations of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army and the National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

Members of the League of Parents of the Philippines (LPP) or the Liga ng mga Magulang, Liga Independencia Pilipinas (LIPI), Sulong Maralita, and Yakap ng mga Magulang Movement, staged a protest rally in front of the Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Wednesday to denounce the deceptive schemes of the militant organizations that use of “red-tagging” issues to “strategically invite sympathizers.”

LPP chairperson Remy Rosadio said progressive organizations like Bayan Muna, Anakpawis, Kabataan, Act Teachers, and Gabriela were only busy overthrowing the government instead of providing solutions to the long-standing violence and atrocities of the CPP-NPA-NDF, mostly affecting the countryside.

Rosadio lamented many youths were still missing while others were found dead in the mountains, “but never did these progressive organizations have denounced it.”

In a joint statement, the LPP, LIPI, Sulong Maralita, and Yakap ng mga Magulang Movement, said they are determined to fight back against the “deceptive schemes” of the communist front organizations.

“Kasaysayan na ang nagsabi sa atin na may malawak n ugnayan ang militanteng grupo ng BAYAN MUNA, ACT, ANAKPAWIS,KABATAAN, GABRIELA, at ilan pang organisasyan sa TERORISTANG ORGANO NG CPP-NPA-NDF (The history speaks itself about the wide connection of the militant groups Bayan Muna, Act, Anakpawis, Kabataan, Gabriela and other organizations to the terrorist CPP-NPA-NDF),” they said, adding that the CPP Founder Jose Maria “Joma” Sison himself has described the crucial roles of these progressive organizations in pushing communist operations.

The groups said progressive organizations are only using the “red-tagging” issues to collect solaces “while moving the underground mass recruitment” to expand their memberships for the armed revolution.

LIPI spokesperson Nolan Tiongco said Sison himself has disclosed to the public everything about their allied sectoral organizations.

Tiongco said it is enough to say that “red-tagging” is not an issue.

“Nakakalungkot lang isipin na itong pondo ng gobyerno ay ginagamit ng mga organisasyon na ito sa recruitment ng mga kabataan at upang palakasin ang kanilang armadong grupo (The saddening part of this is that these organizations are using the government funds to recruit the youths and to strengthen their armed groups),” Tiongco said, pertaining to the incumbent party-lists belonging to the Makabayan bloc.

For a long-time seating in the government branch, Tiongco said "these party lists have done nothing but overthrow the government."

Tiongco said communists, through their legal fronts, have already infiltrated many sectoral organizations of the society.

During the rally, the groups also expressed support to several government officials of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) who are currently facing criminal charges over “red-tagging”—one of them is NTF-ELCAC spokesperson for sectoral concerns and Presidential Communications Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy.

Filed against Badoy were several criminal complaints on alleged red-tagging, and violation of the Anti-Graft Law and the code of conduct for public officials.

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.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1172191

Gov’t’s peace efforts in CAR continue to gain momentum

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 13, 2022): Gov’t’s peace efforts in CAR continue to gain momentum: Galvez (By Lade Jean Kabagani)

INTERVENTIONS FOR CBA-CPLA. Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unit Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. (left) and Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office-Cordillera Administrative Region Director Dr. Cameron Odsey sign memorandum of agreements on April 8, 2022. The agreements were signed for the implementation of the second phase of the Sustainable and Inclusive Peace and Transformation (SIPAT) Program for the former Cordillera Bodong Administration – Cordillera People's Liberation Army (CBA-CPLA) combatants. (Photo courtesy of OPAPRU)

Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr. on Wednesday said the peace process between the Philippine government and the Cordillera Bodong Administration – Cordillera People's Liberation Army (CBA-CPLA) continues to gain momentum.

“Through the government’s normalization program for the CBA-CPLA, we are now seeing the meaningful transformation of the organization’s membership, their families, and communities,” Galvez said in a social media post.

This, as the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) signed memoranda of agreements with the Department of Agriculture - Regional Field Office - Cordillera Administrative Region (DA-RFO-CAR) along with two premier educational institutions in the Cordillera Administrative Region, the Kalinga State University (KSU) and Abra State Institute of Sciences and Technology (ASIST), for the implementation of the second phase of the Sustainable and Inclusive Peace and Transformation (SIPAT) Program for the former combatants.

The SIPAT Program is aimed at creating livelihood opportunities for members of the CBA-CPLA and turning them into an "army of entrepreneurs."

It will be carried out in collaboration with accredited peoples’ organizations under the Department of Agriculture (DA) - CAR.

Launched last year with total funding of PHP28.5 million, the program has so far provided economic interventions in 21 communities across the Cordillera region.

DA-CAR Regional Executive Director Dr. Cameron Odsey vowed the region will responsibly implement the second phase of the program for this year.

“The benefits to the intended beneficiaries are immense and far outweigh the difficulties and challenges we face in the smooth implementation of this project," he added.

KSU President Dr. Eduardo Bagtang said the provision of livelihood interventions can help to further empower the former combatants.

"By providing livelihood to them, then we are strengthening them, we are empowering them, they will soon realize it's not only through armed struggle that we can provide solutions to the problem of Cordillera Administrative Region," Bagtang said.

The OPAPRU and KSU also signed a pact on the "Capability Building and Enterprise Enhancement Towards an Empowered CBA-CPLA Community" that will be implemented in identified communities in Kalinga province.

Through this deal, the KSU will provide a capacity-building package that will include product development, financial literacy training, and the provision of start-up kits for CBA-CPLA Community Enterprise Partners.

Meanwhile, the MOA with ASIST dubbed “Makipango Nan Panagdul-as Ji Masadiit A Napauli Ji Gobielno or Reaching Out to the former members of CPLA towards their Development during COVID-19” will ensure a continuous engagement with former CPLA members, to identify their needs and determine programs and projects that suit them.

ASIST president Dr. Gregorio Turqueza hoped the partnership will continue to uplift the lives of the former CBA-CPLA members.

“Hopefully we will be able to attain our objectives provided in our memorandum of agreement by committing ourselves to fulfill everything provided in our memorandum of agreement faithfully, religiously, and judiciously,” he added.

Galvez also emphasized that the recently signed agreements are part of the Duterte administration’s top priorities: “to implement programs that bring the dividends of peace closer to the people and their communities.”

He said similar interventions will be soon implemented in more conflict-cleared communities.

"We hope to further expand the coverage of the SIPAT program to more communities in the region, and consequently, create an army of entrepreneurs," he added.

“The CBA-CPLA is a shining example that good things come to those who walk the path of peace,” Galvez said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1172209

NTF-ELCAC ‘best thing that happened’ to PH

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 13, 2022): NTF-ELCAC ‘best thing that happened’ to PH (By Lade Jean Kabagani) April 13, 2022, 7:54 pm

Defense Undersecretary Cesar Yano (screengrabbed from RTVM)

The creation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) is “the best thing” that happened for the Philippines, Defense Undersecretary Cesar Yano said Wednesday.

Yano, who also heads the NTF-ELCAC’s peace, law enforcement and development support cluster, said fighting the communist terrorist groups (CTGs) and their impact was best done through the government’s whole-of-nation approach wherein all government agencies are working hand-in-hand to provide sustainable interventions to conflict-cleared areas and former combatants.

“We were in Caraga yesterday. The governors themselves have said: For the first in history, this NTF-ELCAC is the best thing that happen to our country,” Yano said.

Yano, a retired military general, said the biggest defense of the CTGs are their firearms as well as their capability to harass people to follow their steps and sowing fears to companies so that they can extort more.

He said communist terrorism has brought so much suffering to the country and its people for more than 53 years.

The continuity of development efforts pushed by the anti-insurgency is needed, he added.

“Tapusin na natin ito. Hayaan na natin na magreklamo ng magreklamo sila (Let’s end this. Don’t worry about them keep on complaining), anyway we have the support of the entire nation,” Yano added, pertaining to members of leftist militant organizations hitting the NTF-ELCAC over “red-tagging” issues.

The same left-leaning groups also called for the abolition and defunding of NTF-ELCAC.

Under his cluster, Yano said the government is determined to end the communist armed struggle and their recruitment schemes.

“Maganda ‘yung samahan namin. Bakit bubuwagin pa namin ito. Ituloy natin ito (We have a good team. Why would dismantle it. Let’s continue this),” Yano said.

The NTF-ELCAC pushed almost 24,000 members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) to return to the fold of the law.

A proof that the "whole-of-nation approach" of the Duterte administration to address communist insurgency “really works.”

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.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1172219

WESTMINCOM: 4 Communist Terrorists killed in a Law Enforcement Operation; Communist Terrorist Group’s Extortion Averted

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 11, 2022): 4 Communist Terrorists killed in a Law Enforcement Operation; Communist Terrorist Group’s Extortion Averted

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4th Civil Relations Group

4 Communist Terrorists killed in a Law Enforcement Operation; Communist Terrorist Group’s Extortion Averted

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao - Four (4) alleged members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) were killed during a law enforcement operation orchestrated by the 5th Special Forces Battalion and local police forces at Sitio Limite, Upper Maculan, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato on April 8, 2022.

 
Major General Juvymax Uy, JTF Central and 6ID Commander, disclosed that the 4 CTs were conducting extortion activities in the community and has been the target for monitoring by security forces.

 
The suspects were onboard two motorcycles when they were flagged-down by security forces from the 5th Special Forces Battalion while conducting a checkpoint.

 
The suspects however fired their firearms towards the security forces which led to a 10-minute firefight that resulted to the death of the 4 suspects identified as Ariel Moca Lasib alias Jenrose; a certain alias Hadi, the second Deputy Secretary of Guerilla Front MUSA, FSMR; Johndel Limosnero alias Butod, supply officer; and alias Rex and alias Nomer, members of Yunit Militia.

 
Recovered after the firefight were four (4) Caliber .45 Pistols; three (3) IEDs and several communication equipment.

 
MGen Uy lauded the efforts of the 5th Special Forces Battalion and local police forces, the Local Government Unit of Lake Sebu, and the populace of the said municipality for their continuing support to end any forms of extortion activities of the CTGs. "While we are confronting enemies, we also uphold peace, as much as possible, we don’t want lives to be wasted due to worthless idealism,” MGen Uy said.

 
The 6ID Commander appealed to the remnants of the CTGs in South and Central Mindanao to surrender and accept the programs being offered by the government and to start living a peaceful and sustainable life.

6th Infantry "Kampilan" Division, Philippine Army
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WESTMINCOM: CTG officers, Yunit Milisya members neutralized in Cotabato clash

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 11, 2022): CTG officers, Yunit Milisya members neutralized in Cotabato clash

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4th Civil Relations Group

CTG officers, Yunit Milisya members neutralized in Cotabato clash
Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – April 9, 2022

Four communist terrorist group personalities were neutralized during an armed confrontation in South Cotabato, Friday evening, April 8, 2022.

 
Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Commander of Joint Task Force Central said troops of the 5th Special Forces Battalion conducted a checkpoint operation at Sitio Limite, Upper Maculan, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato to possibly intercept the tax implementing group of the Guerilla Front Musa, Far South Mindanao Region.

“Our intelligence operatives were strictly monitoring the movements of the group. Due to the development of our intel operations, troops organized a checkpoint and successfully intercepted four CTG personalities onboard two motorcycles, however, one of the suspects immediately fired upon the government forces which led to an armed confrontation,” Maj. Gen. Uy said.

 
The firefight resulted in the deaths of four CTG personalities later identified as Ariel Moca Lasib, a.k.a. Jenrose/Hadi, 2nd Deputy Secretary of GF Musa; Johndel Limosnero, a.k.a. Butod, Supply Officer of GF Musa; and alias Rex and Nomer, both members of the Yunit Milisya.

 
Seized from their possession were four cal. 45 pistols, three improvised explosive devices, and several communication equipments.

 
“Amid the preparations for the upcoming national and local elections, your armed forces continue to conduct focused and civil-military operations to ensure the safety and security of the people,” Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command said.

“Rest assured that with the support from the local government and the populace, we will be able to sustain the peace and order here in Mindanao,” Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. added.

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WESTMINCOM: Daulah Islamiyah members, supporters receive immediate gov’t support

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 11, 2022): Daulah Islamiyah members, supporters receive immediate gov’t support

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – April 12, 2022

Two young combatants and 49 supporters and couriers of the Daulah Islamiyah-Maute Group (DI-MG) received immediate support following their surrender to the government forces in Lanao del Sur at about 11:30 in the morning Monday, April 11, 2022.

 
Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command said that the Daulah Islamiyah personalities submitted themselves to Brig. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, Commander of 103rd Infantry Brigade at Headquarters, Charlie Company, 51st Infantry Battalion in Barangay Gacap, Piagapo, Lanao del Sur.

 
Brig. Gen. Cuerpo revealed that the two former violent extremists, known as Paris and Akmad, are minors. “They are both 17 years of age and residents of Piagapo,” the Brigade Commander stated.
“The mass surrender of DI members, supporters, and couriers is a result of the military’s intensified operations and the unwavering support from the local government unit and the populace,” the one-star general further stated.

A.k.a. Paris and a.k.a. Akmad handed over one M1 Garand rifle and one cal. 45 pistol while two of the supporters also handed over two M1 Garand rifles to the military. Food packs were then distributed to the former members and supporters of the DI-MG.

 
“I am personally grateful for the decision of the two young men to abandon the group that lured them with false ideologies and almost destroyed their future. This is their chance to renew their lives and reshape their future. Rest assured that we will watch their back and guide them as they reintegrate into mainstream society,” Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. expressed.

 
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WESTMINCOM: US Congressional Delegation reinforces US support for AFP

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 11, 2022): US Congressional Delegation reinforces US support for AFP

 Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – April 12, 2022

The United States Congressional Delegation headed by Representative Ruben Gallego from the District of Arizona visited the Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City on April 11, 2022.

Representative Gallego said, “we are here to reinforce our country’s support to the counter-terrorism operations in the Philippines”.

 
Representative Gallego who is a member of the House Armed Services Committee together with four other members and the officers and staff of the Special Operations Task Force 511.2 met with the military officials of WestMinCom at the Laong Laan Hall at Camp Navarro, Calarian, this city at 10 in the morning.

 
Rear Admiral Toribio Adaci, Jr., Commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao who represented WestMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., expressed his gratitude to the United States of America through the delegation for all the support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The congressional delegation commended the Philippine military’s resolve to end terrorism and violent extremism which create worldwide peace crises. They also assured that the USA’s commitment to supporting the AFP is rock solid because according to them, the Philippines is a reliable partner.

 
Through the years, the USA and the Philippines remained good allies and leaders continue to establish stronger ties which led to numerous mission accomplishments.

Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. extended his appreciation to the US Congressional Delegation for their effort to come over the Philippines and strengthen their relationship with the armed forces. "We are deeply honored to have such supportive ally with us as we continue to journey toward peace and progress here in Mindanao," the WestMinCom Commander said.

 
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WESTMINCOM: A 14 year old child member of the Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group (DI-MG) operating in Lanao del Sur has surrendered

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 12, 2022): A 14 year old child member of the Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group (DI-MG) operating in Lanao del Sur has surrendered

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4th Civil Relations Group

A 14 year old child member of the Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group (DI-MG) operating in Lanao del Sur has surrendered to the folds of the government including his war weapons on Thursday, April 6.

The child identified as alias “Akki” turned-over his caliber 45 and caliber 7.62 home made barret as he pledged allegiance to the government at the headquarters of the Army’s 4th Mechanized Infantry “Kalasag” Battalion located in Balo-i, Lanao del Norte.

 
“Akki” has been with the local terrorist group for almost two years.

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WESTMINCOM: Task Force Balik-Loob

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 13, 2022): Task Force Balik-Loob (Task Force Back In)

"The best thing is to Live with a Family"

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WESTMINCOM: WestMinCom Deputy Commander graces activity in Sulu

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 13, 2022): WestMinCom Deputy Commander graces activity in Sulu

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – April 13, 2022

Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, Deputy Commander for External Defense Operations of the Western Mindanao Command, graced the joint Closing and Opening Ceremony of Pistol Marksmanship Training; Disaster Relief and Rescue Operations Training; Computer Literacy and Basic DataBase Training; and UHF and HF Radio Operations and Maintenance Training at the 1101Bde headquarters at Bud Bayug, Barangay Samak, Talipao, Sulu on April 11, 2022. Brig. Gen. Eugenio Boquio, Commander of the 1101Bde welcomed Brig. Gen. Rojas on his arrival at the brigade.

 
In his message, Brig. Gen. Rojas said, “Allow me to congratulate the selected enlisted personnel of 1101st Infantry Brigade for successfully completing the Pistol Marksmanship Training and Disaster Relief and Rescue Operations Training. What you learned from these trainings will enhance your skills as you continue to provide world-class service to our Tausug brothers and sisters.”

The WestMinCom deputy chief also advised the participants to take each training seriously. “In today’s changing world, it is essential for us to be well informed, trained, and equipped especially when it comes to preparedness measures,” Brig. Gen. Rojas added.

 
15 students participated in the Pistol Marksmanship Training while nine students participated in the Disaster Relief and Rescue Operations Training. Both trainings were conducted from March 13 to 16, 2022. The Computer Literacy and Basic DataBase Training and UHF and HF Radio Operations and Maintenance Training will be conducted from April 11 to 15, 2022 with seven participants each.

 
Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Rojas also took the time to visit the 4th Marine Brigade headquarters in Barangay Tandu Batu, Luuk, same province to boost the morale of marine troops. During his talk to the troops, Brig. Gen. Rojas said, “I thank you all for your sacrifices and efforts to sustain the peace in your area of operation”. He also commended the troops for their remarkable accomplishments and significant gains.

 
Col. Vincent Mark Anthony Blanco III, Commander of 4MBde, welcomed Brig. Gen. Rojas during his visit.

 
Before he visited the abovementioned brigades, Brig. Gen. Rojas paid a courtesy call on Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, Commander of the 11th Infantry Division at the unit headquarters in Busbus, Jolo, Sulu. A company-sized military honors was accorded to Brig. Gen. Rojas after which he was briefed with the updates on the security situation as well as the current campaigns of Joint Task Force Sulu/11ID.

 
During his visit to Sulu, Brig. Gen. Rojas was accompanied by the WestMinCom staff including Col. Wendell Basat, Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff for Civil-Military Operations; Lt. Col. Generoso Bautista, Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff for Logistics; and Maj. Leoncio Magpantay, Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff for Communications, Electronics, and Information Services.

 
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EASTMINCOM: Collaborative effort to end insurgency

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 11, 2022): Collaborative effort to end insurgency

72nd Infantry Battalion

Collaborative effort to end insurgency

DANGCAGAN, BUKIDNON- The 72nd Infantry "Gabay" Battalion, in collaboration with the Local Government Unit of Kibawe headed by Honorable Reynaldo S. Ang Rabanes, 2nd Bukidnon Provincial Mobile Force Company of Philippine National Police and Municipal Police Station of Kibawe, successfully conducted Peace Dialogue in Brgy Kisawa at 08:00 AM and Brgy Pinamula at 01:00 PM, today, April 11, 2022.

 
The peace dialogue was purposively conducted to remind and warn the residents with regard to recruitment schemes of the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) among youth. With this activity, we can monitor and subsequently, stop their recruitment.

It also aimed to raise awareness and inform the residents regarding the possible appearances of the remnants of CTGs in their community. The residents were encouraged to report to the authorities if there would be appearances of CTG members in their community.

The Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or ECLIP was one of the topics discussed. ECLIP is one of the government's program to help the members of CTGs and Militia ng Bayan to restore their allegiance to the government and for them to be reintegrated back to their community.

Aside from the dialogue, tarpaulins containing information and pictures of wanted members of CTGs were displayed. The purpose of which is for them to familiarize the members of the said group. Contact details were also included so that residents can easily report for possible appearances of CTG members in their area.

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EASTMINCOM: A Militiang Bayan member surrenders to 48IB in Davao De Oro

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 11, 2022): A Militiang Bayan member surrenders to 48IB in Davao De Oro

5th Civil Relations Group

A Militiang Bayan member surrenders to 48IB in Davao De Oro

A member of Militiang Bayan (MB) alias “Andoy/Lado/Doy” surrendered to the troops of the 48th Infantry Battalion of the 701st Infantry Brigade at their headquarters in Barangay Magnaga, Pantukan, Davao De Oro on April 8, 2022.

 
Alias Andoy is a former MB of Guerilla Front 53, Sub-Regional Committee 3, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee of the Communist Terrorist Group. According to 48IB, the surrender was made possible through the effort of their Community Support Program (CSP) Team previously deployed in the area of the 1002nd Infantry Brigade in North Cotabato.

 
During his surrender, Alias Andoy brought along with him one (1) Cal 7.62 mm Homemade Sniper Rifle with bipod, one (1) Cal 7.62 mm M14 rifle, one (1) Homemade KG9 rifle, one (1) Cal .45 pistol and magazines.

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EASTMINCOM: NPA member demoralized, surrendered to 72IB

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 11, 2022): NPA member demoralized, surrendered to 72IB

72nd Infantry Battalion

NPA member demoralized, surrendered to 72IB

Thru the relentless effort and sincere commitment of the troops of 72nd Infantry Battalion led by LTC Jose C Regonay Jr to end insurgency, one (1) NPA member surrendered on April 10, 2022 at Headquarters Alpha Company, 72IB, Barangay Pangao-an, Magpet, North Cotabato.

The surrenderee was identified as certain Edmar Jon Anggat alias Dodong, 31 years old and a resident of Purok 1, Barangay Doles, Magpet, North Cotabato. During his interview, he revealed that in January 2022, some of his comrades visited him, gave him Cal 45 pistol with ammunition and convinced him to go back to the mountains but he refused to and chose to surrender to the folds of the law carrying within him the said fire arm.

He also revelead that he left the armed group due to hunger, fear and stress caused by the hardships and sustained combat operations of 72IB. These experiences and realizations caused him to denounce the false ideologies and principles of the Communist Groups and live peacefully with only the real Government to serve.

Further, the surrender was also facilitated by Hon Rudy S Caoagdan, 2nd District Representative of North Cotabato. The former rebel is now undergoing custodial debriefing and will be assisted for the ECLIP.

LTC Jose C Regonay Jr, Commanding Officer 72IB expressed his gratitude to the former rebel who was once a victim of lies and deceit of the CPP-NPA-NDF. He said, “We are still calling all the remaining members of the CTGs to surrender and embrace the peace initiative program of the Government intended for all of you.”

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EASTMINCOM: 2FAB supports the conduct of the 4th Regional Youth Leaders Congress

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 13, 2022): 2FAB supports the conduct of the 4th Regional Youth Leaders Congress

2nd Field Artillery "First Round Accuracy" Battalion, AAR, PA 

2FAB supports the conduct of the 4th Regional Youth Leaders Congress

 
Mawab, Davao De Oro – The 2nd Field Artillery (First Round Accuracy) Battalion is one of the major partners in the conduct of the 4th Regional Youth Congress (4RYLC) on 08-10 April 2022, held at the Agila Hall, Camp General Manuel T Yan Sr., 10ID, Brgy. Tuboran, Mawab, Davao De Oro.

 
The 4RYLC was participated by 43 selected youth leaders of Youth For Peace Movement – TaLBoS (Tanan Lihok Batan-on og Sundalo) from 10 different provinces within Region 11 and Region 12. This year’s congress is capped with the theme “ROAD TO TRANSFORMATION: Establishing a New Path of Development for Peacebuilding and Social Inclusion amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic”. Various topics were discussed and given emphasis to support the four thematic advocacies of the organization; Organizational Development, Youth Development, Community Development and Peace Communication.

 
The organization is an extended partner of the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division for more than a decade in empowering the youth sector to be an active catalyst in promoting peace for all. Their four thematic advocacies which promote the cultivation of communities, peacebuilding, empower youth leaders and innovate their organization are pivotal in the Philippine Army, in general, to effectively clear the armed conflict areas, keep the youth away from deceitful recruitment of the CPP-NPA-NDF and empower the youth to be an advocate of peace.

 
Major General Nolasco A Mempin, Commander of 10ID acknowledge the significant contribution of the youth sector in winning against the insurgency, during his message in the closing ceremony of the activity. He added, “In order to empower them (referring to the youth), there is a need to acknowledge the youth’s vast potentials in nurturing them with the opportunities to participate and express themselves as one of the society’s most valuable assets, thereby contributing to peacebuilding.”

 
Meanwhile, DILG Secretary Eduardo Año, former 10th ID Commander and an avid supporter of YFPM TALBOS sent his video recorded congratulatory message and appreciation for the initiatives that made 4RYLC possible. He further motivates the youth and quoted, “As an activist, youth leaders, students, and peace-loving citizens help us ensure advocating the right approaches and policies for engaging young people, like you, and in turn, trust the national government including the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), will continue to strive, protect, engage, and empower the youth in the governance peacefully. We bow to help bring out the best in you; so, you can lead our motherland to a thriving and inclusive future.”

 
The 3-day activity was successfully conducted with the major support of the 2nd Field Artillery Battalion, 10th Infantry Division, JCI-Duwaling, and Kiwanis. Likewise, the YFPM-Talbos organization headed by Ms.Evadyne Dela Cerna, outgoing President, and Mr. Ian Mayaki, newly elected President, together with the other officers and members extended their warmest thanks to Lt Col Rosa Ma Cristina Rosete-Manuel, their adviser and mentor since 2011, for pushing them to materialize the activity.

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