No politicians paid extortion fees vs. Reds: DILG

From the Philippine News Agency (May 12, 2022): No politicians paid extortion fees vs. Reds: DILG (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

PNA file photo

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año said there are no reports of politicians or local government unit (LGU) officials paying permits to campaign fees or any form of aid to terrorist groups such as the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) in this elections.

“Marereport po natin Mr. President na sa mga permit to campaign na inilabas ng NPA ay wala tayong namonitor na mga politicians na pumatol dito, nagbigay ng pera o resources sa CPP-NPA (We report Mr. President that we have not monitored any politician giving money or resources as permit to campaign against the CPP-NPA),” Año told President Rodrigo Duterte in a pre-recorded Talk to the People on Thursday.

He said the DILG will file the appropriate charges against personalities violating Republic Act 10168, otherwise known as the "Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012", which is also a violation of Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code and Article 137 of the Revised Penal Code or the Disloyalty of Public Officers.

Section 4 of Republic Act 10168 states that any person who finances terrorist groups to carry out or facilitate the commission of any terrorist act, by a terrorist organization, association or group, or by an individual terrorist, shall be guilty of the crime of financing terrorism.

Meanwhile, Año maintained that the conduct of the May 9, 2022 polls was generally peaceful in comparison with the 2010 and 2016 national and local elections.

In the chart presented to the President, it showed that there were 166 validated election-related incidents (ERIs) in 2010, 133 (ERIs) in 2016, and only 16 ERIs in 2022.

To sum it up from Jan. 9 to May 9, 2022, Año said the reported ERIs happened in Regions 1 (Ilocos Region), 5 (Bicol region), 3 (Central Luzon), 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula), 10 (Northern Mindanao) and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

As of May 9, Año reported seven deaths and 33 injured persons in 27 violent election-related incidents.

He added that on the day of the election, authorities registered 27 incidents including 11 shooting/mauling incidents, three explosions, two ballot snatchings, four commotions, three assaults, two strafings, and two destructions of vote-counting machines.

The DILG chief noted that the shooting incidents occurred in Albay, Negros Oriental, Basilan, Zamboanga del Norte and Cotabato City, Maguindanao, and in Lanao del Sur.

Grenade explosions also happened twice in Maguindanao and once in Cotabato, while ballot snatching incidents occurred in Lanao del Sur and Basilan, according to Año.

He also disclosed that instances of commotion transpired in Maguindanao, Camarines Sur, Lanao and Tawi-Tawi, while physical assault inside the polling precincts were reported in Batangas, Maguindanao and Abra with strafing incidents occurring twice in Basilan.

Año also noted that the destruction of vote counting machines were reported in Lanao del Sur.

However, he maintained that only six of these violent incidents were election-related after validation.

In the same briefing, Año also reported that a total of 41 violators were involved in vote-buying incidents recorded from Jan. 1 to May 9, 2022.

He said cases of the four vote-buying suspects were referred to the Prosecutors’ Office while one was subjected to direct filing.

Short of saying that no violators are off-the-hook with the conclusion of the elections, Año warned that the DILG, together with other authorities, will continue to run after the vote-buying suspects with 20 other similar election violation complaints are currently being thoroughly investigated.

Among those allegedly involved in the vote-buying incidents include 32 civilians, one government employee, one barangay kagawad, three barangay captains, one political candidate, and three unidentified violators.

He noted that 28 vote-buying violators were nabbed while 13 others remain at large.

Meanwhile, Año reminded the public that enforcement of the gun ban is still in effect until June 8.

He said authorities arrested 3,191 violators in the recorded 3,004 gun ban violations while 2,475 firearms and 1,151 deadly weapons were confiscated.

With regards to the community health protocols, the DILG chief said a 5.52 percent increase in the number of face mask violators with the number reaching 31,819, while 2,098 physical distancing offenders were recorded for a 24.21 percent rise from Jan. 1 to May 9.

There were no recorded mass gathering incident during the period.

On the other hand, Año said that even during the election campaign period, authorities continue its anti-illegal drug campaign with 795 suspects arrested in 566 conducted drug operations, 397 of which were buy-busts from May 1 to 9.

During the said period, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and other anti-narcotics authorities confiscated some 10.52 kilograms of shabu and 43.74 kilograms of marijuana worth PHP76,830,836.40. There were also 14 drug suspects who surrendered while one fatality was recorded.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1174297

Biden call to Marcos reflects US regard for alliance: DFA

From the Philippine News Agency (May 13, 2022): Biden call to Marcos reflects US regard for alliance: DFA (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

Presumptive President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and US President Joe Biden

 President Joe Biden's phone call with presumptive president Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. shows that the United States holds in "high regard" its alliance with the Philippines, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

The US president, who called Marcos on Thursday, seemed to be the first world leader to make a personal call to congratulate the latter on his presumptive win after the just-concluded polls.

"We welcome the congratulatory messages coming from US President Joseph R. Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. These reflect a very high regard for the alliance and an affirmation of the Philippines’ vibrant democracy as embodied by our recent national elections, which their embassy and some visiting US government officials observed first hand," the DFA said in a statement dated May 12.

Marcos and Biden both committed to working together to further strengthen the Philippine-US alliance and broaden their cooperation on issues of mutual interest and concern, the DFA said.

Among the areas of cooperation the US wants to focus on are post-pandemic recovery, addressing the climate crisis, promoting broad-based economic growth, and human rights.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1174364

AFP capable of countering Reds attack in countryside

From the Philippine News Agency (May 13, 2022): AFP capable of countering Reds attack in countryside (By Priam Nepomuceno)

PNA file photo

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is more than ready to counter attacks or violent activities that might be conducted by the New People's Army (NPA) in the countryside following reports that militant groups will stage protest actions on Friday.

"If there are violent activities to be conducted by (the) CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines)-NPA outside of Metro Manila, we are also prepared for them. As you know, we are in two modes, election mode and combat mode. Combat mode is continuous. We are going against all CPP-NPA in the countryside. (They) have lost a lot already, and soon enough we will be able to defeat them," said AFP spokesperson, Army Col. Ramon Zagala, during the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) special press conference.

He also assured the public that the AFP is in "control of order" especially against the NPA".

"And to those here in the urban areas, we will support the PNP (Philippine National Police) for operations against any untoward incident," Zagala said.

Also, the AFP spokesperson maintained that they respect the decision of some groups to gather and conduct protest actions in Metro Manila in connection with the just concluded elections.

"Like I said earlier, we have freedom of expression. They wish to assemble, we respect that. Our info really is there will be a rally. We see in the AFP no problem," Zagala said, noting that the Philippines is a free country and a democracy.

But, he said that those participating in these actions, especially their leaders, must be aware of the identities of people or groups joining them to prevent infiltration from CPP-NPA members and their allies.

"However, we wish them to be discerning. Study well sino ang kasama mo (who your companions are). The freedom of expression goes both ways. You can say what you want, that is your freedom, we respect that," the AFP spokesperson said.

Also, Zagala urged others to respect the opinion of individuals who do not agree with their point of view. "Our freedom of expression is for everyone, it's not selective. So for everyone, we'd like to assure you that (the) AFP will follow the rule of law, support our democratic institutions, and protect our Constitution," he said.

Zagala also stressed that the AFP believes in the rallyists' rights to expression and assembly as this highlights the democratic process.

"We believe in the AFP that rallyists' (right to) expression, the right to assemble, manifests our healthy democratic processes and institutions and our rights, which is not present in other forms of government. So we will be prepared to support the PNP, we have enough forces to support the PNP to secure these areas," he said.

For his part, PNP officer-in-charge, Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr., who was also present at the briefing, maintained that the recently concluded national and local elections were “very, very peaceful and normal.”

“We can proudly say the results of the national and local elections comparing it to the last national election, the conduct is very peaceful and normal compared to 2016,” he said.

Danao earlier said the public must be vigilant especially when doing public gatherings where safety and health protocols must still be achieved.

“Now is another opportunity to show goodwill by being responsible citizens of this country. The essence of real democracy is grounded on respect and discipline fostering the general welfare of the Filipinos,” he added.

PNP spokesperson, Col. Jean Fajardo, said the police will always exercise maximum tolerance.

“Nagbigay na po ng instruction 'yung ating OIC si Police Lieutenant General Vicente Danao na ang mga magbabantay po para po dito sa gagawing protesta ay to exercise maximum restraint and tolerance nga (PNP OIC Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao already gave instruction to policemen assigned in protest rally to exercise maximum restraint and tolerance),” she said at a recent Laging Handa briefing.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-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 National Democratic Front (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/1174378

PAF aircraft tire blows while landing in Laoag

From the Philippine News Agency (May 13, 2022): PAF aircraft tire blows while landing in Laoag (By Priam Nepomuceno)

PAF file photo

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) said its PTDI NC-212i light transport aircraft's right main tire wheel busted while landing at the Laoag International Airport in Ilocos Norte Friday morning.

"On or about 10:32 a.m. 13 May 2022, a NC-212i with tail (number) 2119 experienced a blown tire during landing roll at Laoag Airport. The pilots performed an emergency procedure and shut down the engine at the runway. All aircrew are safe and no injury was reported," PAF spokesperson Col. Maynard Mariano said in a statement.

The NC-212i had a crew of five and no other damage other than the blown right main tire-wheel was reported.

"No damages were reported to the airframe," Mariano said. He added that the incident is now being investigated.

"The PAF will continue to adhere to strict safety protocols to ensure the safe operation of its aircraft and equipment," Mariano said.

The PAF has two NC-212i in service and both were delivered in 2018.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1174390

ASG member tagged in 2001 Lamitan siege nabbed at NAIA

From the Philippine News Agency (May 13, 2022): ASG member tagged in 2001 Lamitan siege nabbed at NAIA (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

Omar Bin Harun, alias Airola-Adjustable (Photo courtesy of SPD)

Operatives of the Southern Police District (SPD) have arrested an Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) member involved in the 2001 Lamitan siege at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 in Pasay City.

In a statement sent to reporters on Friday, SPD Director, Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg, said the suspect, Omar Bin Harun, alias Airola-Adjustable, 52, currently residing at Barangay Kasanyangan, Zamboanga City, arrived Tuesday afternoon from Malaysia using a Malaysian passport under the name of Omar Bin Harun.

Airola-Adjustable was held up upon arrival for verification at the Office of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) Port Operation Center. During the custodial debriefing, it was revealed that the accused is a Filipino citizen and is using a Malaysian passport as a way to hide his real identity.

According to the records of BI, Omar Bin Harun aka Ariola-Adjustable is listed in the Terrorism Screening Center (TSC) of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), thus the service of a warrant of arrest has been delayed, needing the lifting of exclusion from the Office of the BI Commissioner.

The SPD requested the Department of Justice (DOJ) through Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Peter Ong, the identification of Airola-Adjustable by one of his victims who is under the custody of the Witness Protection Program.

Macaraeg said the victim-witness positively identified Airola-Adjustable through a photograph and issued a sworn statement that indeed he is one of her abductors when they were with other Jehovah’s Witness in August 2002.

Harun was the fourth member of the ASG under the leadership of Radullan Sahiron arrested by SPD aside from Taupik Galbun alias Pa Wahid, Saik Galbun alias Pa Tanda, and Dumayag Alih alias Abu Cola, who were all arrested in Taguig City in July 2021 and February of this year.

"SPD, in coordination with other law enforcement agencies, is conducting a thorough investigation and intelligence gathering to determine the reason for his (Harun) return to the country considering he is a fugitive wanted by law", Macaraeg said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1174421

OPAPRU peace roadmap to guide next admin

From the Philippine News Agency (May 14, 2022): OPAPRU peace roadmap to guide next admin (By Lade Jean Kabagani)

Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. (File photo)

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) will hand its peace roadmap to the next administration once the new officials assume office.

OPAPRU Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. cited the significant milestone of President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration “to strengthen the foundations where a just and long-lasting peace can take root and flourish”.

"We will turn over to the new administration once it assumes office a proposed peace policy agenda and refreshed three-year roadmap of the peace tables and support programs that build upon the gains of the peace process," Galvez said in a statement.

He hopes that the roadmap will help the incoming administration in formulating its own peace and development agenda as well as “pushing forward the comprehensive Philippine peace process”.

“Key milestones have been realized during the term of President Rodrigo Duterte. It is our hope and prayer that the incoming administration will continue to protect, sustain, and build upon the gains of the country's peace processes,” Galvez said.

“I am very confident that the next administration will lead in our collective quest for a just and lasting peace in the country,” he added.

The Duterte administration is implementing the Six-point Peace and Development agenda that serves as a guide for the government's peace process initiatives; peace agreements; and protection and development of conflict-affected and vulnerable communities in support of the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 dubbed Malasakit, Pagbabago at Patuloy na Pag-unlad (Compassion, Change, and Continuous Change).

Galvez likewise called on the public to set aside differences and help the next government in pushing for a better nation.

"We are rallying all the Filipino people to come together. The election is over. Let us work together in tearing down the walls of divisiveness, bitterness, and animosity of partisan politics as we move toward national healing and reconciliation,” he said.

Galvez also told opposing camps to “respect the decision of the majority and support the new administration as it takes over the reins of nation-building”.

“I call on our peace partners and former rebel groups to continue to work for peace, especially in Mindanao since the spokesperson of the presumptive President has earlier said that the peace and progress in Mindanao is one of their priorities under its unifying vision,” Galvez said.

The Duterte administration is “leaving behind a legacy of peace”, Galvez said.

“May this legacy of peace be sustained by the next administration so that we can create a better, brighter, and peaceful future for the next generations,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1174429

Graduating cadets urged to live by PMA virtues

From the Philippine News Agency (May 14, 2022): Graduating cadets urged to live by PMA virtues (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner, Jr., and the Army top brass pose for a token photo during the reception dinner for graduating PMA cadets at the Forest Lodge, Camp John Hay, Baguio City on May 12, 2022. (Photo courtesy of PA)

Army commander, Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., has called on the 104 graduating members of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 2022 to always live up to the virtues of courage, integrity, and loyalty once they formally join the Philippine Army (PA).

"As you transition later to serving our Army and our communities, always live up to the virtues of courage, integrity, and loyalty. As the former Commandant of Cadets, I know that you will not fail our alma mater," Brawner said during the reception dinner on Thursday held at the Forest Lodge, Camp John Hay, Baguio City and was only forwarded to reporters Saturday.

He also urged the graduating cadets, who will be joining the PA as its new officers, to always live with patriotism, passion, and perseverance.

"Allow me to share with you three virtues that will prepare, equip and hone you to become the best-fitted Army servant-soldiers, which are patriotism, passion, and perseverance,” Brawner said.

The PA chief also led the ceremonial handover of Glock pistols and initial clothing and equipment package to the cadets who will soon serve as platoon leaders of the Army.

The 214-strong graduating PMA Class of 2022 is composed of 165 men and 49 women who are set to be commissioned as second lieutenants in the Army, Air Force, and ensigns in the Navy.

Of the number, 104 will join the PA, 57 will go to the Philippine Navy, and another 53 will enter the Philippine Air Force.

Four of the top 10 graduating cadets are set to join the Army -- Cadet 1st Class Ian Joseph V. Bragancia (Rank 3); Cadet 1st Class Faithe H. Turiano (Rank 4); Cadet 1st Class Jesie Mar L Frias (Rank 7); and Cadet 1st Class Elvin John Oyo-a (Rank 8).

“Welcome to the snappiest major branch of service, the Philippine Army!” Brawner said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1174450

NPA rebel's wife nabbed for illegal possession of firearms

From the Philippine News Agency (May 10, 2022): NPA rebel's wife nabbed for illegal possession of firearms (By Perla Lena)

SEIZED. Government law enforcement agencies recover firearms in the house of Ricky and Victoria Tumabiao on Monday (May 9, 2022) in Leon, Iloilo province. Police provincial director, Col. Adrian Acollador, said on Tuesday (May 10), that the suspect who eluded arrest serves as vice secretary of District Committee II, Southern Front of Komite Rehiyon – Panay of the NPA. (Photo courtesy of IPPO)

A Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) rebel eluded arrest but his wife was apprehended for illegal possession of firearms when a joint team of policemen and soldiers served a search warrant on Monday.

Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) Director Col. Adrian Acollador, in a phone interview on Tuesday, said the subjects of the search warrant for illegal possession of firearms were Ricky Tumabiao and his wife Victoria of Barangay Jamog-Gines, Leon, Iloilo.

“Ricky Tumabiao is a member of the NPA. But only his wife Victoria was there when the search warrant was served,” he said.

Tumabiao is reportedly the vice secretary of District Committee II, Southern Front of Komite Rehiyon–Panay of the NPA while his wife is an active supporter.

The search warrant was jointly served by the IPPO Intelligence Unit, Leon Municipal Police Station (MPS), Regional Intelligence Division, and 601st Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion and the 61st Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army.

Acollador said the operation led to the recovery of one homemade shotgun, a carbine, an improvised explosive device, and ribbons bearing the 53rd anniversary celebration of the NPA.

The wife is under the custody of the Leon MPS and charges are being readied against her, while the firearms will be subjected to verification for any previous license, he added.

“This will have an impact on their organization. At least we were able to disrupt any plans they have, especially that today we have information that they were calling for protests on the result of the presidential election,” Acollador said.

He said the municipality of Leon was among those included in the election areas of concern due to the presence of the CPP-NPA-NDF.

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 NDF has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the ATC 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/1174102

MILF-backed candidates proclaimed in Cotabato City

From the Philippine News Agency (May 11, 2022): MILF-backed candidates proclaimed in Cotabato City (By Edwin Fernandez)

MILF-BACKED WINNERS. Lawyer Mustapha Nasroding (center), the Cotabato City acting election officer and city board of canvassers chairperson, proclaims Tuesday night (May 10, 2022) mayor-elect Bruce Matabalao (in green shirt) and vice mayor-elect Butch Abu (in white) as winners in the May 9 polls. Both elected officials ran under the United Bangsamoro Justice Party, the political arm of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. (Photo lifted from Bruce Matabalao Facebook Page)

The Commission on Elections Board of Canvassers (Comelec-BOC) proclaimed Tuesday night the winners for the mayoral and vice mayoral positions in this city.

Lawyer Mustapha Nasroding, acting city election officer and board of canvassers’ chairperson, proclaimed former city councilor Bruce Matabalao as mayor-elect and Butch Abu as vice mayor-elect at about 11 p.m.

Both Matabalao and Abu belong to the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), the political arm of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Matabalao garnered a total of 36,151 votes to prevail over reelectionist Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi in 172 of 175 clustered precincts.

The BOC said Wednesday the remaining three voting precincts, whose votes have yet to be tallied, will not affect the overall standing of the winning candidates.

On Wednesday morning, the BOC also proclaimed the elected councilors here.

The councilors-elect are Florante Formento (UBJP), Hunyn Abu (UBJP), Maroup Pasawiran (UBJP), Jay Jay Guiani (Team Guiani), Abdulrakim Usman (UBJP), Guiadzuri Midtimbang (UBJP), Kusin Taha (UBJP), Henjie Ali (UBJP), Dr. Danda Juanday (Team Guiani), and Abdilla Lim (Team Guiani).

Speaking in the vernacular, Matabalao appealed for unity among Cotabateños who, he said, have already spoken.

“To all candidates, I hope we continue to work together for the sake of our city,” he added.

He also thanked UBJP president and MILF chair Ahod “Murad” Ebrahim, lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, UBJP secretary-general, and all who supported him and the party candidates.

“This victory is for all of us Cotabateños,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1174163

Police, Army intercept firearms, ammo in Lanao Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (May 11, 2022): Police, Army intercept firearms, ammo in Lanao Norte (By Divina Suson)

SEIZED FIREARMS. A police and military team manning a checkpoint in Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte, confiscates several firearms and ammunition from six men on board a pick-up truck Tuesday afternoon (May 10, 2022). All suspects were charged with the violation of the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition, and the election gun ban. (Photo courtesy of Lanao del Norte PPO)

Government security forces manning a checkpoint in the Lanao del Norte town of Sultan Naga Dimaporo (SND) intercepted a pickup truck loaded with firearms and ammunition, police said Wednesday.

Maj. Moamar Solog, SND police chief, said police and Army personnel saw inside the flagged down Toyota Hi-lux pickup what appeared as firearms wrapped in sacks.

Solog said the vehicle bore the logo of the "Municipality of Midsalip," indicating that it is owned by the local government unit of Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur.

Upon checking, authorities discovered four M16 rifles, an M14 rifle, an improvised .50-caliber rifle, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, launcher, a rifle grenade, three .45-caliber pistols, a 9mm pistol, a .38-caliber revolver, and ammunition.

The three .45-caliber pistols were recovered from the sling bags of three of six men on board the vehicle.

Solog said all the suspects, including the driver, were arrested and charged with violation of the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition, and the election gun ban.

They were identified as Esmail Wali, 42; Adam Tando, 58; Fausto Guinita, 40; Sangbaan Acut, 58, all of SND; and Resil Revillas and Tristan Baguio, both of Midsalip.

"Allegedly, Baguio was the official driver of the vehicle. He is an employee of the local government (of Midsalip)," Solog said in a phone interview.

The suspects claimed they went to Midsalip to vote, but refused to answer queries on why they were carrying firearms.

"One of these men is identified to be a member of the now-defunct criminal group in Lanao del Norte that is engaged in abduction, gun-running, and gun-for-hire activities," Solog said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1174157

Army condemns NPA shooting of soldier in N. Samar

From the Philippine News Agency (May 12, 2022): Army condemns NPA shooting of soldier in N. Samar (By Sarwell Meniano)

The map of Las Navas, Northern Samar where the communist rebels killed a soldier. (Google map)

The Philippine Army has condemned the communist terrorist group for fatally shooting a soldier delivering a message to villagers in Las Navas, Northern Samar.

Lt. Col. Joemar Buban, commander of the Philippine Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion, said late Wednesday the New People’s Army (NPA) shot Sgt. Marlon Baysa to death in front of the residents of San Francisco village in Las Navas town Tuesday night.

A bullet hit the back of Baysa’s head, causing his instant death.

The fatality was the designated team leader of the community support program (CSP) team deployed in the remote village infiltrated by the NPA.

“Our soldiers have been working to transform the community from being an NPA-highly influenced village into a peaceful and conflict resilient one, but they were attacked,” Buban said in a statement.

The community invited the CSP team members to join the Flores de Mayo celebration, a popular religious festival in the country every May.

The attack is believed to be a retaliation since most of the NPA’s underground mass organization members in the area have voluntarily surrendered, according to the official.

Col. Perfecto Peñaredondo, commander of the Army’s 803rd Infantry Brigade (803rd IB), honored the victim for his “heroism and gallantry in action in support of the attainment of lasting peace and development.”

“Despite this attack, we express our renewed vigor to continue the focused military operation and community support program operation in order to preserve the gains of the government in its peace and development efforts in Northern Samar," Penaredondo said.

The military earlier said the NPA returned to some communities in the province in their attempt to recover their lost mass base.

Northern Samar is considered the hotbed of the communist terrorist group due to its thick forest and poor road networks.

The high incidence of poverty makes people in upland communities vulnerable to the persuasion of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

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 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/1174259

NPA rebel murdered, buried by comrade in Davao Oro town

From the Philippine News Agency (May 12, 2022): NPA rebel murdered, buried by comrade in Davao Oro town (By Che Palicte)

KILLED, BURIED. A former communist rebel reveals to the military that Eric Jun Casilao, a New People's Army leader (facial composite on the left), killed and buried late last month a comrade Crispin Rollon because the latter was slowing down their escape from government forces. Rollon’s cadaver was exhumed Wednesday (May 11, 2022) in Barangay Andap, New Bataan, Davao de Oro. (Photo courtesy of 10ID)

An exhausted communist New People's Army (NPA) rebel was choked to death and ordered buried by his leader as he was a burden to their fleeing group, the military said Thursday.

In a report, the Army's 10th Infantry Division (10ID) said a former NPA fighter bared that top-ranking NPA leader Eric Jun Casilao killed and buried his comrade, Crispin Rollon, in a hinterland village in New Bataan town, Davao de Oro, last month.

The incident was revealed to them by "Vina”, a squad supply officer of NPA's Regional Operations Command (ROC) who surrendered to government forces on April 27.

Vina said Casilao killed Rollon because the latter was slowing the group's escape from the pursuing 10ID forces.

"Due to extreme starvation, Jeffrey was exhausted and could no longer walk. He became a burden to us, that is why he was beaten and choked to death by Casilao and buried in Andap," Vina was quoted in the military report.

Following her revelation, a joint operation was immediately launched by the 66th Infantry Battalion (66IB) together with personnel from New Bataan Municipal Police Station and Municipal Disaster Response Team on Wednesday to exhume the remains of Rollon.

Maj. Gen. Nolasco Mempin, 10ID commander, condemned the “murderous exploit” of the NPA.

“The barbaric act of NPA leaders is unacceptable. If only they chose to surrender, this would not have happened that they need to kill each other just for them to survive," Mempin said.

Casilao, 43, is currently the secretary of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) and the brother of former Anakpawis Rep. Ariel Baring Casilao.

The military said Casilao has been with the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA (CPP-NPA) for some 20 years along with his party wife, May Casilao.

He is facing multiple criminal cases that include two counts of murder, kidnapping, and serious illegal detention.

Groomed to be the successor of slain Menandro Villanueva Casilao, Eric has a PHP5.4-million reward on his head.

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 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/1174286

2 NPA leaders killed in Zambo Norte clash

From the Philippine News Agency (May 13, 2022): 2 NPA leaders killed in Zambo Norte clash (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

Google map of Leon Postigo municipality, Zamboanga del Norte.

Some two leaders of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in a firefight with government troops in the hinterlands of Zamboanga del Norte, the military said Friday.

Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade (102Bde) commander, said NPA leaders Loreto Dagpin and Rolando Maglasang were killed in a 30-minute clash with government forces around 3:40 p.m. Thursday in Barangay Midatag, Leon Postigo, Zamboanga del Norte.

Dagpin was a commanding officer of the defunct Main Regional Guerrilla Unit (MRGU) while Maglasang was a leader of the defunct Guerrilla Front-Big Beautiful Country.

Both were executive members of the NPA’s Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee, Nicolas said.

He said troops recovered an AK-47 assault rifle, two M653 Carbine rifles, an M16 rifle, backpacks, and personal belongings at the site of the clash.

“This is a result of the pursuit operations launched following the encounter with the same group in Barangay Tinuyop of the same municipality last May 9 during the national and local election,” Nicolas said.

Major Gen. Gene Ponio, 1st Infantry Division commander, extended his sympathies to the families of the slain NPA leaders.

“We have not failed to convince them to lay down their arms and surrender to the government while they can,” Ponio said. “The Army will continue to fight for peace and is always ready to use its force against peace spoilers."

The Communist Party of the Philippines-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/1174367

NPA propaganda leader yields in Agusan Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (May 13, 2022): NPA propaganda leader yields in Agusan Sur (By Alexander Lopez)

Graphics provided by PRO-13 Information Office.

A high-ranking leader of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) has surrendered in Agusan del Sur, police said Friday.

Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr., Police Regional Office-Caraga director, identified the surrenderer only as “Jasper”, the vice team leader of the Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda of Platoon 1, NPA Guerrilla Front 88, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

Jasper, 25, surrendered to the intelligence units of the Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office (ADSPPO) and San Luis Municipal Police Station Thursday.

He also handed over his .38- caliber revolver upon surrender.

“The lies and broken promises of the rebels prompted him to surrender to the government,” Caramat said in a statement Friday.

He added that Jasper has been in the communist movement for more than eight years and gained nothing, especially his family.

"Since the assumption of President Rodrigo Duterte, a total of 1,433 communist rebels have surrendered to the Caraga police,” Caramat said, adding he remains optimistic that more NPA insurgents will continue to surrender before the President’s term ends next month.

Jasper is currently undergoing debriefing, interview, and processing at the ADSPPO for him to avail of the benefits from the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-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 has 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/1174396

Not feeling well for past week

I have not been well this past week or so and as a result have not been able to maintain this blog on a daily basis. I'm starting to feel a little better but still not back to normal.

Retired Analyst