CPP-NPA exploits labor unions to agitate workers: ex-rebel

From the Philippine News Agency (May 1, 2022): CPP-NPA exploits labor unions to agitate workers: ex-rebel (By Christine Cudis)

Labor Day press conference (Screengrab)

Former rebels who operated in Davao de Oro (formerly Compostela Valley) admitted they aimed to agitate workers of big corporations and lure them into the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA).

Arman Blase, former spokesperson of Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) in Southern Mindanao, said in a Labor Day press conference on Sunday organized by the local government of Davao de Oro that one of their first goals was to establish labor unions.

"We will observe and ask what their issues are as workers and soon they will be radicalized. When they are angry enough, they can now be mobilized for strikes or protests," he said.

Blase said he started as a full-time member of the KMU in 2008 but the CPP-NPA's activities were already active as early as 1997.

"Agitating workers is the fastest way to increase our recruitment. When there are many members joining the protests, then we can start to extort from the companies," he said.

He also said that the recruited members of labor unions participate in extortion activities in other areas.

He said one of the big corporations in the province that received extortion demands was Lapanday Foods Corporation, a grower, supplier, and exporter of farm-fresh bananas and pineapples to international markets.

History of attacks

Brig. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr., acting commander of the 10th Infantry Division, said extortion activities only show that rebels abhor peace.

"The NPA rebels do not just conduct terror attacks but threaten the livelihood of workers," Madrigal said.

A recent extortion try by CPP-NPA rebels was foiled on March 27 in Barangay Tupas Maragusan, Davao de Oro.

Lt Gen. Greg Almerol said the rebels were planning to mark the 53rd anniversary of the NPA, but it was preempted after concerned citizens reported the plan to authorities.

“Our troops who have been conducting focused military operations since last year to sustain our crackdown against the remaining [communist rebels] were alerted by concerned citizens on the presence of armed groups attempting to plant an IED (improvised explosive device) along the road. This was immediately responded to by the 1001st Brigade’s troops, which led to a series of armed encounters and resulted in the death of Daguman (Ezekiel), a central committee member of the CPP, and his comrades,” he narrated.

One of the slain NPA rebels during the gunfight, according to the military, was involved in the attack on Lapanday in 2015 and the Macondray Plastic Plant in Panabo City in 2017 and in the 2015 murder of Datu Ruben Labawan, a tribal leader in Paquibato, Davao City.

Addressing the situation

The Philippine Amy said it has strengthened efforts to secure the investments that generate employment for locals and sustain government programs.

Capt. Mark Tito, the 10th Infantry Division spokesperson, shared that they conduct Community Support Programs as well as intelligence operations and massive information dissemination to spread awareness on terrorist activities.

"This is to create an awareness among the public that giving in to the demands of communist terrorist groups is against the law. The extortion money can be utilized for the advancement of the armed struggle," he said.

Dialogues, forums, and awareness drives with the business sector especially with mining companies or personnel, politicians, banana plantation companies, and workers are the common efforts, Tito added.

"Our intelligence team can also offer identification of these CPP-NPA collectors as well as other personalities that intend to extort from corporations or private individuals," he 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.

The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the National Democratic Front 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/1173416

Army recovers IEDs, ammo in Surigao Norte clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 29, 2022): Army recovers IEDs, ammo in Surigao Norte clash (By Alexander Lopez)

WAR MATERIEL. The homemade bombs, ammunition, and other war matériel recovered by government troops following a firefight against communist New People’s Army rebels in Bacuag, Surigao del Norte Thursday (April 28, 2022). The Philippine Army’s 30th Infantry Battalion says the rebels withdrew after the 15-minute gun battle. (Photo courtesy of 30IB)

Army troopers from the 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB) have recovered two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ammunition following an encounter with the communists New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Surigao del Norte, the military said Friday.

In a statement, the Army’s 30th Infantry Battalion (IB) said troops were sent to Barangay Payapag in Bacuag town Thursday after residents reported the presence of around 10 armed NPA rebels.

While on patrol heading to the area, government troopers were fired upon by the NPA rebels, resulting in a 15-minute gun battle.

The insurgents, identified as belonging to the NPA's North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee led by Alberto Castañeda and Roel Neniel, immediately retreated during the gunfight.

Recovered from the encounter site were two IEDs, five magazines for the AK-47 rifle, 150 pieces of various types of ammunition, personal belongings, and subversive documents.

Lt. Col. Charles Callanta, 30IB commander, said the encounter "stopped the NPA rebels from executing their plans against the community, particularly intimidation and extortion."

Peace and development, Callanta said, can only be attained if people in different communities will work hand-in-hand with the government.

Pursuit operations in the area are still ongoing, he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173321

Teen NPA fighters yield in Davao Oro

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 29, 2022): Teen NPA fighters yield in Davao Oro (By Che Palicte)

RESCUED YOUNG REBELS. Four teenaged New People's Army rebels surrender to the Army's 66th Infantry Battalion in Maragusan, Davao de Oro, Wednesday (April 27, 2022). Since 2016, the Army's 10th Infantry Division recorded at least 121 rescued minors from the NPA. (Photo courtesy of 10ID)

Some four teenaged New People's Army (NPA) rebels have surrendered to government forces in Davao de Oro, a military official said Friday.

Capt. Mark Anthony Tito, the Army’s 10th Infantry Division spokesperson, said the surrenderers were members of NPA’s Regional Operations Command Southern Mindanao Regional Committee.

The four yielded to the Army’s 66th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Barangay Coronobe, Maragusan, Davao de Oro, Wednesday, Tito said in a statement.

Tito identified only two of the four through their aliases: Jomari,18, a squad political guide, and Vina, 19, a squad supply officer.

Following their surrender, the group assisted 66IB soldiers in locating two M16 rifles they themselves hid in Barangay Andap, New Bataan town.

Tito said the two minors were already reported to the New Bataan Municipal Social Welfare Development Office (MSWDO) for appropriate action.

Maj. Gen. Nolasco Mempin, the 10ID commander, welcomed the surrender and rescue of the minors.

"To the members of the NPA, stop exploiting the Filipino youth. Surrender now and abandon the armed struggle that victimized thousands of lives," Mempin said.

Since 2016, the 10ID recorded around 121 rescued minors being exploited by the NPA in its armed struggle.

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 separate part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173306

NPA rebels yield in Sultan Kudarat

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 29, 2022): NPA rebels yield in Sultan Kudarat (By Edwin Fernandez)

NPA SURRENDERERS. Nine former New People’s Army (NPA) communist rebels pose with soldiers who convinced them to surrender in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, on Thursday (April 28, 2022). The Army’s 37th Infantry Battalion says the rebels surrendered due to hunger and exhaustion. (Photo courtesy of 37IB)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Some nine combatants of the New People’s Army (NPA) have surrendered to state troopers in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, the military here announced Friday.

Lt. Col. Allen Van Estrera, Army’s 37th Infantry Battalion commander, said the surrenderers used to operate under the NPAs Far South Mindanao Region. They turned over two AK-47 rifles, an M16 rifle, a Carbine, a 9mm submachine gun, two .345-caliber pistols, and an MK2 hand grenade.

Estrera attributed the success of the surrender program to the intensified intelligence operations of the 37IB.

He said the rebels cited hunger and exhaustion as the primary reasons for their return to mainstream society.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander, said the surrenderers have "made the right decision."

Since January this year, a total of 61 communist rebels were neutralized in Central Mindanao, five of whom were killed in encounters, 53 surrendered, and three apprehended.

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 separate part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173315

Hunt on for gunmen in Maguindanao ambush

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 28, 2022): Hunt on for gunmen in Maguindanao ambush (By Edwin Fernandez)

Google map of Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

DATU ODIN SINSUAT, Maguindanao – Police launched a manhunt for the motorcycle riding-in-tandem gunmen who ambushed and killed a man Thursday afternoon.

Lt. Col. Assir Balindong, Datu Odin Sinsuat municipal police chief, said the victim Aquino Datucan was driving a black Toyota Hi-Lux pick-up truck when ambushed at 3 p.m. in Barangay Makir.

Datucan was rushed by his companion to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. His companion who was seated in the front seat was unharmed.

A female public commuter van passenger, identified as Sapia Mokamad, 58, of Koronadal City, collapsed when she saw the shooting and was also declared dead on arrival in the hospital.
Police said she died of apparent cardiac arrest.

Police found empty shells of an M16 rifle at the crime scene.

A possible motive for the attack could be a personal grudge or “rido” or clan war, police said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173316

5 terrorists, soldier killed in Lanao Sur clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 28, 2022): 5 terrorists, soldier killed in Lanao Sur clash (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

FOILED TERROR PLAN. Government troops recover high-powered firearms during a combat operation against the terror Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group (DI-MG) Wednesday (April 27, 2022) in Butig, Lanao del Sur. Five DI-MG members and a soldier were killed during the encounter. (Photo courtesy of the 5IB)

Five members of the Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group (DI-MG) and a soldier were killed while another trooper was injured during an encounter in the hinterlands of Lanao del Sur, a military official said Thursday.

Lt. Col. Romulus Rabara, the Army’s 5th Infantry Battalion (IB) commander, said “intense fighting” broke out during an operation against 40 members of DI-MG, led by a certain Abdullah in Barangay Ragayan, Butig, Lanao del Sur, Wednesday afternoon.

“The troops engaged the enemy in a four-hour gun battle which started at 8:30 a.m. until noon on Wednesday,” Rabara said in a statement.

He said the 5IB’s 1st Field Artillery Battalion and two AW-109 attack helicopters of the Philippine Air Force’s Tactical Operations Group provided support to the advancing ground troops.

The encounter resulted in the death of five DI-MG members and the recovery of four high-powered firearms, a rocket-propelled grenade, various ammunition, an improvised landmine, and other war matériel.

Rabara said a soldier, Corporal Rutevic Jaralve of Zamboanga del Norte, died while another trooper was slightly injured in the encounter.

He said they initiated the military operation based on information provided by the locals who noticed the presence of armed men in the mountainous part of Barangay Ragayan.

He said the residents' information coincided with intelligence reports that an armed group had been stockpiling construction materials and food supplies in the village.

“The encounter is proof that the terrorists are out to disrupt the peace whenever they are capable. It is for this reason that the Army is aggressive in its counter-terrorism operations,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173244

Ex-rebels' book seeks to ‘unmask’ CPP-NPA, communism myths

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 28, 2022): Ex-rebels' book seeks to ‘unmask’ CPP-NPA, communism myths (By Christine Cudis)

REDEMPTION. A group of former New People’s Army rebels launches the book “Unmasking: The Myth of Communism in the Philippines” in Davao City Thursday (April 28, 2022). The book is a compendium of firsthand accounts and analyses from former cadres of the communist rebel organization. (Photo by Robinson Niñal)

DAVAO CITY – A group of former New People's Army (NPA) rebels launched a book Thursday that seeks to expose the inner workings of the rebel group and its front organizations.

The authors said the book, “Unmasking: The Myth of Communism in the Philippines,” is their way of redeeming themselves for their involvement with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), whose ideology espouses the violent overthrow of the government.

Launched at the Sunny Point Hotel here, the book is a compendium of firsthand accounts and analysis of their experience as former cadres of the rebel organization. The book is free.

Joy James Saguino, one of the authors, was the former secretary of the NPA Guerrilla Front 20 that operates in Southern Mindanao.

Saguino was studying accountancy at the University of the Philippines in the Visayas when she was recruited and became a student organizer of Anakbayan and the Kabataan party-lists in 2007.

After a year, she joined one of the NPA guerrilla fronts operating in the towns of Igbaras, Miag-ao, and San Joaquin in Iloilo province.

Saguino, who earned the alias of “Ka Amihan”, revealed that as she assumed positions in various cause-oriented groups, she was also tasked to campaign for the NPA-allied party-lists in the 2016 elections.

Dark truths

She left the organization in 2017 when martial law was declared in Mindanao following the five-month siege of Marawi City by the Maute Group-led terror groups.

Saguino said she took the chance to flee the organization because she already “realized its dark truths”.

“(Making) this book is our way of redeeming ourselves for all the things and for all the people that we let suffer as a result of our participation in the so-called people's war” she said.

Saguino said the psychological debriefing she received from authorities guided her and her colleagues to heal and better themselves to rejoin society.

“Our exposé is not based on vengeance or anger towards our former comrades nor of our former organization, but borne of our love to who we are once, the Filipino youth, where we all started," she explained.

The authors said the book tells the story of the CPP and the robust network base that they have built over the decades.

According to the authors, the book extensively describes the CPP-NPA as an organization and the way it infiltrates the various layers of society to achieve its ends.

Political discourse

A contributing author, Noel Legaspi or Ka Efren, said the book aims to heighten the knowledge of every Filipino about the sociopolitical issues plaguing the country.

“This will also supplement social science subjects for college students, training schools, and those who wish to understand the perspectives of the CPP-NPA-NDF. We wish to explain why insurgency persists all over the Philippines,” he said.

Legaspi was a former political science student at Mindanao State University in General Santos City. He was a former NPA cadre and a spokesperson of the NDF.

He said the book was made convenient to read even by those who are “uninitiated” on political discourse.

“The publication aims to convey clear discussions regarding the subject. Unfamiliar concepts and events are supported with additional research to achieve a deep appreciation for the written material,” he said.

The authors said the book can also serve as reference material in the academe.

“College students, training schools, and other educational institutions can use the publication to understand the perspective of how and why the CPP-NPA-NDF continues to persist all over the Philippines,” Legaspi said.

The three other authors are former youth leader Jake Lanes or Ka Elmo, former secretary-general of Lakas ng Kabataan; former secretary of the East Front Committee and Henry Abraham Command Ivy Lyn Corpin; former operator of NPA’s intelligence unit Eric Celiz; former cadre Rey Christian Sabado.

Celiz is vying for a seat in Congress as the first nominee of the Sambayanan Party-list, while Sabado is now a non-commissioned officer from the Philippine Army's Class 677.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173210

Manhunt on vs. suspects in ambush of off-duty cop

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 28, 2022): Manhunt on vs. suspects in ambush of off-duty cop (By Edwin Fernandez)

Google map of Pikit, North Cotabato.

Police have launched a manhunt against two riding-in-tandem gunmen who ambushed and seriously injured an off-duty police officer in the North Cotabato town of Pikit.

“We have persons of interest in this case, and we're continuing our investigation,” Maj. Maxim Peralta, Pikit town police chief, said in a phone interview Thursday.

Peralta identified the victim as Pat. Santhy Ben Marcelo Buagas, 25, of Alamada, North Cotabato.

Buagas was alone and in civilian clothes on board his motorcycle when two men on a motorbike opened fire along the national highway in Barangay Batulawan, Pikit at about 1 p.m. Wednesday.

Responding police officers rushed Buagas to the Pikit hospital and later transferred him to Kidapawan City.

The off-duty police officer belongs to the 3rd Regional Mobile Force Battalion of the Police Regional Office–Soccsksargen (PRO-12).

It was unclear if Buagas was armed with his service firearm at the time of the incident.

Crime scene investigators found empty shells of .45 caliber pistol at the site of the ambush.

In a statement, Brig. Gen. Alexander Tagum, police regional director for the Soccsksargen Region, condemned the attack against Buagas.

Tagum said the police officer was “shot treacherously” while driving to report for his afternoon duty.

“We are praying for the fast recovery of Patrolman Buagas. This blatant act of violence will be resolved and the perpetrators will be held accountable by the law,” Tagum said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173164

Army’s 91IB to continue security ops aside from poll duties

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 27, 2022): Army’s 91IB to continue security ops aside from poll duties (By Jason De Asis)

DEPLOYMENT. Troops of the Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry Battalion (91IB) are shown during the simultaneous logistical readiness test and dispatch ceremony for the national and local elections in Baler, Aurora on Wednesday (April 27, 2022). Some 350 personnel of the 91IB will be deployed to help ensure the safe, accurate and fair conduct of the May 9 polls. (Photo courtesy of the Army's 91IB)

BALER, Aurora – The Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry Battalion (91IB) will deploy some 350 personnel to help ensure safe, accurate, and fair conduct of the May 9 national and local elections.

Lt. Col. Julito B. Recto Jr., acting commanding officer of the 91IB, said on Wednesday his unit is always ready for combat and non-combat missions such as election duties, prior to, during, and after the polls.

“We are ready at all times in our primary mission to end local communist armed conflict and other threats to ensure that the coming May 9 national and local elections are safe and peaceful, together with the Philippine National Police and other security forces,” he said in an interview.

Recto attended the simultaneous logistical readiness test and dispatch ceremony that was conducted on Wednesday at the Aurora Police Provincial Office, Camp Victor Ravina in Barangay Sabang here.

“We are one of the deputized agencies and instrumentalities of the government that was tasked to ensure free, orderly, honest, peaceful, and credible elections. Aside from this task, we will continue with the conduct of all internal security operations in this province,” he said.

Recto said the primary task of the 91IB in the elections is to help secure the polling places, voting centers, canvassing centers, and election paraphernalia.

“Our mobility assets and water-craft, communication systems, and other equipment to support the logistical requirements of Commission on Elections (Comelec) are ready. Our soldiers, who will be assigned on election duties, may also assist in the law enforcement support operations, including the implementation of election laws,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173097

Don't vote for NPA-linked party-lists, ex-NPA cadre to youths

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 27, 2022): Don't vote for NPA-linked party-lists, ex-NPA cadre to youths (By Che Palicte)

Ariane Jane Ramos alias Marikit, former secretary of the NPA Guerrilla Front 55, SRC 5 – Southern Mindanao Regional Command. (PNA file photo)

A former cadre of the New People’s Army (NPA) has warned the youth not to fall prey to communist legal front organizations that are aiming for a House seat through the party-list system in the May 9 elections.

Ariane Jane Ramos, former secretary of the NPA Guerrilla Front 55 of the Southern Mindanao Regional Command, said various legal front organizations of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA—such as the Anakbayan, League of Filipino Students, and the Gabriela Youth—are running for seats in the House of Representatives.

“We already know them and we know what the destiny awaits the young people who participated in their group. If you can't become a full-time activist, you will eventually become a full-time NPA member,” Ramos said.

While there is nothing wrong with being an activist, the former rebel said joining an armed group espousing the violent overthrow of the government is wrong.

“It is true that they are touting legitimate issues of the poor and the minority. However, these issues do not serve the interest of the people per se, but rather serve the interest of the CPP-NPA to overthrow the current government,” she said.

As the election approaches, Ramos warned the youth about "the real goal" of the leftist Makabayan bloc, which she said, "pretends to be the ones who carry the grievances and interests of the people."

In reality, she said the bloc uses and exploits the vulnerable sectors of the society to get themselves into the government and influence its policies for the NPA's advantage.

“One of our main duties today is to save the lives of our fellow youth on the brink of death caused by the twisted ideology of the CPP-NPA-NDF. So let us not join and vote on all the legal fronts of the CPP-NPA, and all we have to do is reveal all the real facts and intentions of the leftist group,” Ramos said.

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 separate part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173127

Terror groups weakened as numbers drop: Westmincom

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 27, 2022): Terror groups weakened as numbers drop: Westmincom (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

The Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) recorded 288 members of terror groups neutralized during the first quarter of this year, a top military official said Wednesday.

Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said 66 of the 288 were New People’s Army (NPA) combatants, 49 Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits, 64 Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group (DI-MG) extremists, and 109 Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) radicals.

Rosario said of the 66 NPA rebels, one was killed, three were arrested and the remaining 62 surrendered. A total of 63 assorted firearms were also recovered.

Of the 49 ASG bandits neutralized, five were killed, two got arrested, and 49 surrendered, Rosario said, adding that 38 firearms were seized.

“The series of neutralization to include the influx of surrender weakened the firepower and capability of the ASG terrorists,” he said.

He said the armed capabilities of the DI-MG also weakened due to the neutralization of its remaining members.

The military official noted that 64 DI-MG personalities were killed while 61 firearms were recovered from January to March this year.

DI-MG is composed of the combined remnants of the Maute, Toraife, and Hassan factions, he said.

Meanwhile, Rosario noted a decrease in the violent activities of the BIFF due to the series of surrenders among its ranks.

Rosario said at least 109 BIFF members yielded to the government forces and 107 firearms were also handed over in the first quarter of the year.

“We are gaining ground because of the cooperation and support of the local government units and the different sectors of society and the swift reaction of troops to reports from civilians as to the whereabouts of our adversaries,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173095

NPA 'permit to campaign' payment is support for rebels: Army exec

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 27, 2022): NPA 'permit to campaign' payment is support for rebels: Army exec (By Alexander Lopez)

A top Philippine Army commander in Surigao del Norte has strongly urged local candidates not to pay the permit to campaign being collected by communist rebels.

Brig. Gen. George Banzon, the commander of the 901st Infantry Brigade (901Bde), pointed out Wednesday that payment of permits to campaign to the New People’s Army (NPA) is tantamount to supporting the rebels' cause.

“Do not give in to the demands of the NPA, such as the permit to campaign and permit to win, or anything that will support their cause,” Banzon said in a statement.

Banzon's call came after the military, police, and the Commission on Elections in Surigao del Norte signed Monday a "pledge of integrity" among the local candidates in the Surigao del Norte town of Placer.

He said the Army will continue to run after NPA rebels in the area and will give the guerrillas no room to interfere and disrupt the elections.

“To the lawless elements who will resort to violence that might disrupt the peace and order prior, during, and after the election, we will use the full force of the law to go after you,” the Army official said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173086

MNLF faction declares support for BBM-Sara tandem

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 27, 2022): MNLF faction declares support for BBM-Sara tandem (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF)–Jikiri faction has expressed support for the candidacies of former senator and presidential aspirant Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and vice presidential aspirant Davao City Vice Mayor Sara Duterte.

Albakil Jikiri, MNLF national vice chairman for military affairs, said the MNLF under the late Yusop Jikiri has decided to support the UniTeam or the BBM-Duterte tandem after "careful assessment of the prevailing political situation in the country."

“The MNLF under Yusop Jikiri, who is now represented by Albakil ‘Thong’ Jikiri, the MNLF vice chairman for military affairs, has decided to support the candidacies of (former) Senator Bong-Bong Marcos as president and Mayor Inday Sara Duterte as vice president of the country come May 9, 2022 elections,” Wednesday's MNLF statement said.

Jikiri said they believe in the "wisdom and sincerity" of the two candidates, especially Marcos, whose late father, then President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. was responsible for the conclusion and the signing of the 1975 Tripoli Agreement.

Marcos and Duterte are in the best position to work and finish the remaining unimplemented modalities of the peace process between the government and the MNLF, he said.

“We unanimously agreed that our undivided and total support will be given to the candidacies of Marcos and Duterte as president and vice president, respectively,” Jikiri said.

He also urged all MNLF members is Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi (BaSulTa) as well as Zamboanga Peninsula to support Marcos, Duterte and the senatorial candidates of the UniTeam.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173078

P50-K reward offered for arrest of Maguindanao bus bomber

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 27, 2022): P50-K reward offered for arrest of Maguindanao bus bomber (By Edwin Fernandez)

BOMB BLAST. A glass window at the rear section of the ill-fated Rural Tours Bus is shattered after a powerful improvised bomb exploded on April 24, 2022 in Parang, Maguindanao. The town government has offered a PHP500,000 reward for information that could lead to the arrest of the bomber. (Photo courtesy of Army’s 6th Infantry Division)

The local government of Parang town in Maguindanao province has offered a PHP50,000 reward for any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspect in Sunday’s bus bombing that injured six passengers.

Parang Mayor Cahar Ibay said Wednesday the reward will immediately be released “without question” to anyone who can identify and help arrest the bomber, whose facial composite and a closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage were earlier released by the police.

“Hopefully, the bounty will help hasten the identification and eventual arrest of the suspect,” Ibay told reporters in a phone interview.

Lt. Colonel Cristio Lagyop, speaking for police in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), said one of two improvised bombs ripped through the rear portion of the bus. A mobile phone was used as a triggering device.

The bus carrying 27 passengers was heading for Dipolog City from General Santos City when the explosion occurred at past 7 a.m. while on stopover in Parang.

No one has claimed responsibility for the incident, but police are looking at business rivalry as a possible motive for the bombing.

Some groups are reportedly against the operation of the Rural Tours in the Cotabato-Pagadian route since it alienated passenger vans plying the same route.

Passenger vans collect P1,000 to P1,500 per passenger on the Cotabato-Pagadian route while the Rural Tours only charges P800 per person.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173069

2 NPA rebels killed, arms cache recovered in Masbate

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 27, 2022): 2 NPA rebels killed, arms cache recovered in Masbate (By Connie Calipay and Mar Serrano)

Police and military troops clashed with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in a remote village in Palanas, Masbate on Monday, leaving two rebels dead, the Philippine Army (PA) said.

In an interview on Wednesday, Maj. John Paul Belleza, 9th Infantry Division (ID) public affairs office chief, said support troops from the PA and Philippine National Police have so far spent more than 48 hours tracking down the 20-man NPA group.

The firefight lasted for 15 minutes, which resulted in the recovery of two bodies that were left by their comrades who fled in different directions.

No casualty was reported on the side of the government troops.

"As long as there are still indications of the presence of NPAs, the hot pursuit will continue. The joint military-police tracker group was scouring possible neighboring villages of the town where the rebels could have hidden," Belleza said.

He also said the bodies of the two rebels were brought to the town police station for identity and disposition.

Authorities also recovered an M16 assault rifle, a grenade, five anti-personnel mines, two claymore mines, 12 rifle magazines, 320 rounds of assorted ammunition, explosive and communication equipment, and personal belongings.

Belleza said the rebels on the run were reportedly involved in extortion, bombing, and the killing of police, military, and civilians in the province.

Meanwhile, in a statement, Maj. Gen. Alex Luna, commander of Joint Task Force Bicolandia, condemned the plans of communist terrorist group (CTG) to use of anti-personnel mines in Masbate.

“Kinokondena po ng pamunuan ng JTF Bicolandia ang mga tangkang panggugulo at pagsasamantala ng mga miyembro ng CTG sa lalawigan ng Masbate lalo na ang patuloy na paggawa at paggamit ng mga teroristang ito ng mga pampasabog na hindi lamang nakakasira ng mga pribadong ari-arian ng mga tao kundi nakakadagdag rin sa patuloy na banta sa mismong buhay ng mga Masbateño. Gaya ng nangyari noon sa mga Absalon at iba pang mga sibilyan na namatay at nasugatan dahil sa paggamit ng anti-personnel mines ng mga NPA (The JTF Bicolandia condemns the attempts of CTGs to destroy and exploit the province of Masbate by doing and using explosives that destroy private properties and threaten the lives of Masbateños. Like what happened with the Absalons and other civilians that were killed because of the NPAs' use of anti-personnel mines)," Luna added.

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/1173046