Certification program to fully capacitate Army gunners

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 23, 2022): Certification program to fully capacitate Army gunners (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of Army Artillery Regiment

The Army Artillery Regiment (AAR) announced the implementation of a comprehensive training program to mold rookie soldiers into becoming competent and professional field artillery personnel.

This is in line with the celebration of the AAR's 15th founding anniversary on Wednesday.

AAR chief Col. Anthony Coronel said the training will capacitate these personnel for field deployment.

“Upon field assignment, they won’t be worried. They will have confidence because we trained them well,” the AAR chief said in an exclusive documentary that premiered on YouTube.

He added that the AAR is implementing a certification program for gunners and assistant gunners prior to deployment at firing lines.

Coronel said that field artillerymen will undergo re-certification before handling actual operations.

As this developed, the AAR is also gearing up for the delivery of additional modern assets that will bolster the Army's territorial defense capabilities.

”The Regiment has constantly excelled at the frontlines in attaining the Philippine Army (PA)'s mission of defeating the remaining local armed groups,” said Army inspector general, Maj. Gen. Roy Galido, in his speech on behalf of PA chief, Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr.

Galido also commended AAR troops, known for their moniker “Rex Belli” or “Kings of Battle,” for conducting a total of 608 live-fire missions and fire-support operations that bolstered ground forces’ focused military operations and internal security efforts.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1177356

Centino vows all-out support to beef up PH Air Force

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 23, 2022): Centino vows all-out support to beef up PH Air Force (By Priam Nepomuceno)

AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Andres Centino (Photo courtesy of AFP)

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Andres Centino has reaffirmed his support for all efforts aimed at strengthening the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

This came ahead of the force's 75th founding anniversary on July 1.

"As Chief-of-Staff, I reaffirm my support to further strengthen the Philippine Air Force and enjoin all airmen to sustain the strong teamwork, competence, and dedication to duty as we journey all together to become world-class armed forces that are a source of national pride," he said in his speech during the Air Force Symposium 2022 at the Marriott Hotel, Pasay City Wednesday.

The symposium echoes PAF's anniversary theme: "Leading an Innovative, Progressive, Adaptive and Dependable Air Force for Peace, Security, and Development."

"We shall soon fully shift our focus to external defense operations to secure our territory and sovereignty. This necessitates a more capable PAF that can effectively address all present and emerging security threats that may challenge our resolve as a sovereign nation," Centino said.

PAF commander, Lt. Gen. Connor Anthony D. Canlas Sr., said the symposium was an ideal opportunity for PAF to assess its current air power capabilities and formulate plans for its advancement.

"We are focused on continuing to give excellent service to our nation. Our decisions that will emanate from this symposium are aimed at improving the air power of the PAF," he added.

The one-day symposium consisted of a two-part session. In the morning, world leaders in the aviation industry were given the chance to present their companies to military and civilian guests.

Among them were Airbus Defence, Diehl Defence, Korea Aerospace Industries LTD (KAI), Saab Philippines, Lockheed Martin, Jet Aviation Asia Pacific PTE LTD, and Textron Aviation Defense LLC.

Booths were also set up showcasing civil and defense aviation products and services that centered on the development of airpower technology.

The series of lectures and panel discussions during the afternoon session was the highlight of the symposium.

Presentations included the history of PAF and Philippine aviation in general, contemporary and emerging security challenges in the aviation industry both local and in the Asia-Pacific region, the Philippine space program, US Air Force Space Force, and cyber warfare.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1177365

2 suspected members of NPA killed in Agusan del Norte clash

From GMA News Online (Jun 23, 2022): 2 suspected members of NPA killed in Agusan del Norte clash

Brigadier General Adonis Ariel Orio, 402nd Infantry Brigade commander, said the encounter with some 15 NPA members happened at So Little Baguio, Barangay Consorcia Las Nieves town in Agusan del Norte. FILE PHOTO

Two suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) died following an armed encounter with government forces Tuesday in Las Nieves town in Agusan del Norte, the Army’s 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion (23IB) said.
advertisement

Brigadier General Adonis Ariel Orio, 402nd Infantry Brigade commander, said the encounter with some 15 NPA members happened at So Little Baguio, Barangay Consorcia.

Orio identified the casualties as 24-year-old Rey Torregosa and 41-year-old Juliven Badbaran.

Seized from the operation were of one RPK LMG, one AK47 Rifle, one M16 Rifle; one Anti-Personnel Mine, 11 AK47 magazines; three M14 magazines, NPA flags, subversive documents and assorted personal belongings.

“I would like to commend the troops of 23rd Infantry Battalion for your recent accomplishment,” Orio said in a statement.

Other Stories
4 wounded in suspected NPA attack in Oriental Mindoro
Lorenzana backs DQ vs candidates paying Reds for campaign permits
Meta takes down 'dangerous, malicious' Facebook accounts, pages ahead of Eleksyon 2022

“Indeed, the successful conduct of your combat operation was a result of careful planning, excellent intelligence and strategy with flawless execution of our capable leaders and soldiers, he added.

Orio, meanwhile, appealed to the remaining members of communist rebels to surrender and live peacefully with their families.

“As we have vowed to protect our people, we will continue to hunt the enemies down and remain true to our mandate of sustaining the peace and development in the area of Agusan del Norte,” the official said. 

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/835784/2-suspected-members-of-npa-killed-in-agusan-del-norte-clash/story/

Palace backs order to block 'terror' websites

 From the Manila Times (Jun 23, 2022): Palace backs order to block 'terror' websites (By Catherine S. Valente, Francis Earl Cueto and Moises Cruz)

Acting Palace spokesman Martin Andanar. File Photo

MALACAÑANG on Wednesday justified the order of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to block websites linked to terrorist organizations.

"The recent move of the NTC to block certain websites is upon the request of the National Security Council in performance of its mandate," Acting Palace spokesman Martin Andanar said in a statement.

"Legal remedies are available to any party, including online media outfit Bulatlat, affected by this action," he added.

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. earlier asked the NTC to prohibit access to websites of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), progressive groups National Federation of Peasant Women and Pamalakaya-Pilipinas, as well as independent media Bulatlat and Pinoy Weekly.

The CPP-NPA-NDF was classified as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council.

"They have established a pervasive online presence through their website that they continually use to publish propaganda and misinformation campaigns in order to malign the Philippine government, recruit new members, and solicit funds from local and international sources," Esperon said in his letter to the NTC.

Meanwhile, militant groups denounced the NTC's action, alleging it was an attempt to silence government's critics in online media.

"We ask the Senate and House of Representatives' human rights committees, as well as the Commission on Human Rights, to look into this violation of these marginalized groups' right to free expression," said Ariel Casilao, national president of Anakpawis party-list, a member of the Makabayan Coalition.

"The move to block the websites of legitimate mass organizations and alternative media is yet another move to dilute the truth," Bayan Muna Chairman Neri Colmenares said.

Outgoing Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate said the NTC's move should prompt legal experts to review the anti-terrorism law.

"This heavy-handed move will hopefully give the court another look at the broad anti-democratic provisions of the terror law."

The other websites blocked by the NTC were Hiyaw, PRWC Newsroom, Revolutionary Council of Trade Unions, Compatriots-Revolutionary Organization of Overseas Filipinos and their Families, UMA Pilipinas, Arkibong Bayan, International League of People Struggle, Counter Punch, International Action Center, Monthly Review, People's March, Taga-Ilog News, Partisa-News, and People Resist News.

The NTC instructed internet providers to strictly follow its directive.

"You are hereby directed to effect the immediate blocking of the reported websites found to be affiliated to and are supporting terrorists and terrorist organizations," NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba said in a memorandum to internet service providers.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/06/23/news/national/palace-backs-order-to-block-terror-websites/1848410

NPA camp seized in Negros Occidental

 From the Philippine Star (Jun 23, 2022): NPA camp seized in Negros Occidental (Gilbert Bayoran) 

Soldiers overran a camp of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels following an encounter in Sitio Tinibyangan, Barangay Minapasok in Calatrava, Negros Occidental yesterday.

Lt. Col. Jay-Jay Javines, 79th Infantry Battalion commander, said government troopers responded to reports from villagers on the presence of armed men in the area when the clash occurred.

There was no reported casualty on the side of the government.

Jayvines said the rebels are remnants of the NPA’s dismantled Northern Negros Front.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2022/06/23/2190216/npa-camp-seized-negros-occidental

NPA rebels kill forest ranger in Bulacan, cops say

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 22, 2022): NPA rebels kill forest ranger in Bulacan, cops say (By: Carmela Reyes-Estrope)

New People’s Army (NPA) | INQUIRER.net file photo

NORZAGARAY, Bulacan—A forest ranger, who was a former Dumagat leader in this town, was killed by suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) on Monday, June 20, the police said Wednesday.

Colonel Charlie Cabradilla, Bulacan police director, identified the victim as Mauro Mudlong, 54, chief forest ranger at Sitio (sub-village) Ipo, Barangay San Mateo in this town.

At least 10 rebels from the Kilusang Narciso Command dragged Mudlong out of his house at 7:30 p.m. and took him to the Consultant Area near the Ipo Dam, where he was killed, investigators said.

Cabradilla said some residents near the dam heard gunshots from the Consultant Area at that time.

Mudlong’s relatives rushed to the Consultant Area, where they found his body.

Police recovered eight empty shells for a.45-caliber pistol, three empty cartridges for a .9mm-caliber, and two deformed slugs of an unknown caliber.

The victim’s relatives identified four suspects through a lineup of photos of wanted rebels in the area.

Mudlong was also a former Indigenous Person Mandatory Representative in Sitio Ipo.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1614820/npa-rebels-kill-forest-ranger-in-bulacan-cops-say

Donor-embassies introduce new projects for ex-MILF troops’ societal reintegration

From the Business Mirror (Jun 22, 2022): Donor-embassies introduce new projects for ex-MILF troops’ societal reintegration (By MANUEL CAYON)

The United Nations (UN), European Union (EU) and Australia have pooled new resources to fund major social projects for former Mindanao-based combatants, including their families and communities.

Ambassadors Luc Véron of the EU Delegation in the Philippines and Steven Robinson of Australia, together with UN Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez launched on June 15 two projects designed in partnership with the Office of Presidential Adviser of Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) and the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA). These, they averred, will aid former combatants’ reintegration process into mainstream society.

Said initiatives would cover the communities in and around the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s (MILF) Camp Bilal in the two Lanao provinces, Camp Bushra in Lanao del Sur, Camp Rajamuda in North Cotabato, as well as Camp Badre, Camp Omar, Camp Abubakar all in Maguindanao.

The Access to Legal Identity and Social Services for Decommissioned Combatants (ALIAS-DC) project will support former combatants as they revert into civilian life by giving them legal identities. It will provide birth registration for 31,000 former combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, their families, the Bangsamoro Islamic Women’s Brigade, and members of communities around MILF camps from marginalized sectors such as internally displaced persons and indigenous people.

Legal identity will accord individuals with certificates of live births, as former MILF combatants and their families will be able to cross checkpoints freely. They will also be able to access basic services and social protection. Nongovernment organization IDEALS will carry out this initiative forward to 2023 with funding of P62.41 million from the EU, and P18.1 million from Australia.

On the other hand, the Programme on Assistance for Camp Transformation through Inclusion, Violence Prevention and Economic Empowerment (PROACTIVE), will promote economic income and sustainable livelihoods, community resilience and security for two years.

PROACTIVE will work with commanders to create viable livelihoods in previously armed camps by supporting the formation of social enterprises, offering individual agricultural and nonagricultural livelihood training sessions, assistance packages, as well as improving access to basic services and social infrastructure.

The project will also work to transform conflict and create a culture of peace by enhancing the capacities and participation of local stakeholders such as women, youth, and faith-based leaders in community development and peacebuilding. Implemented by the UN Development Programme or UNDP, the project is jointly funded by the EU for P221 million.

After decades of conflict, obtaining a legal identity through birth certificate is a first step for former combatants in their re-engagement into society. As affirmed by the EU delegation, access to peace dividends also involves recreating viable livelihoods in previously armed camps. Achieving these goals of normalization requires strong ties among all stakeholders.

“Peace and development must walk hand-in-hand… Today we celebrate another milestone in this complex but rewarding journey,” said Gonzalez. “[The UN is] proud of being part of this collective investment jointly with the BTA, OPAPRU and our…development partners Australia and the EU.”

“The EU is here to support the work of the Bangsamoro Transitional Government and the OPAPRU to further consolidate the peace process,” confirmed Véron. “[We have] been a staunch and long-standing supporter of the peace efforts in Mindanao: with the projects we [launched since 2020, we have invested over €105 million, or some P9 billion] in projects covering…development and capacity-building for the transition.”

The EU envoy added: “We are happy to be partnering with Australia and the UN on normalization, since enhancing the normalization track—allowing for all the people engaged in the conflict to lead peaceful and productive lives without leaving anyone behind—is crucial to build lasting peace.”

Robinson remarked that Australia is a long-time supporter of Mindanao’s peace process, particularly in normalization. “I’m glad…we are helping provide… foundational assistance to former combatants. Identity documents are something that many of us take for granted; but if you lack these, you can find yourself locked out of education, health, work, and wider opportunities to participate in society. I hope these documents will help kick-start the process to transform these camps into peaceful communities.”

In his more than three-and-a-half years in the Philippines, the Australian ambassador shared that he has been fortunate to work closely with the government of the Philippines on the peace process, particularly Presidential Advisor on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Carlito Galvez Jr.: “I believe [the global community’s support is essential to the peace process here, as] no country can do this all on its own. I’m also proud that we are working on this together with the EU and the UN… I look forward to seeing more work that our collaboration will support in the future.”

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2022/06/22/donor-embassies-introduce-new-projects-for-ex-milf-troops-societal-reintegration/

7 killed, 6 hurt in latest Maguindanao clash

From Rappler (Jun 22, 2022): 7 killed, 6 hurt in latest Maguindanao clash (By ROMMEL REBOLLIDO)

Wednesday's encounter is the latest in a series of bloody incidents in various towns in Maguindanao this June that include clashes and ambuscades

Seven people, including a commander of a Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) group, were killed while six others were wounded when an armed group engaged authorities in a firefight in Maguindanao province on Wednesday, June 22.

Police also arrested four suspects after the exchange of firepower in the village of Mileb in Rajah Buaya town, said Lieutenant Colonel Ernor Melgarejo, assistant director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).


Melgarejo said the police went to the village to arrest a fugitive identified as Torque Utto Latip, long wanted for murder and a string of other crimes.

Instead, the authorities were greeted with firepower, prompting them to fire back.

Police said Latip was killed during the fierce encounter.

Police said one of the seven killed was Haron Akmad, an MILF field commander under the Front’s 105th Base Command.

One of the wounded was a policeman from the Philippine National Police’s Regional Mobile Force Battalion.

Melgarejo said authorities seized several high-powered guns and ammunition that included two caliber .50 Barrett rifles, Garand rifles, a grenade launcher, an M16 and M14 rifles, an M203 rifle, and a 9-millimeter submachine gun.

Wednesday’s encounter was the latest in a series of bloody incidents in various towns in Maguindanao this June that included clashes and ambuscades.

The escalating tensions and violence have already resulted in bloodshed and evacuations, prompting the police in the BARMM and the MILF to step up security along sections of a highway.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/maguindanao-clash-june-22-2022/

Army lieutenant wounded in Sultan Kudarat clash feted

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 22, 2022): Army lieutenant wounded in Sultan Kudarat clash feted (By Edwin Fernandez)

HONORED. Maj. Gen. Robert Capulong, the Army’s acting 6th Infantry Division commander, pins a medal on 1Lt. Jomar C. Binay-an in a ceremony held inside the Camp Siongco Hospital in Maguindanao Tuesday (June 21, 2022). The young officer was wounded in a clash between his unit and communist rebels in Sultan Kudarat’s town of Palimbang. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – A young Army lieutenant injured in an encounter with communist rebels in Sultan Kudarat received recognition Tuesday afternoon from the Philippine Army’s (PA) 6th Infantry Division (ID) here.

In a statement Wednesday, the 6ID said 1st Lt. Jomar C Binay-an received the Wounded Personnel Medal from Maj. Gen. Roberto Capulong, acting 6ID commander, at the Camp Siongco Station Hospital, in recognition of his bravery.

Binay-an, executive officer of Bravo Company of the 7th Infantry Battalion, was wounded during an encounter against communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Barangay Baluan, Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat on June 15.

An NPA rebel was killed while another surrendered with his rifle following the clash.

Aside from the medal, Capulong also gave cash assistance and groceries to Binay-an.

“This is in recognition of his heroic acts by putting his life in grave danger while pursuing terrorist groups in the hinterlands of Palimbang,” Capulong 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 NDF has been formally identified 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/1177253

Army engineers build shelter for Leyte landslide survivors

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 22, 2022): Army engineers build shelter for Leyte landslide survivors (By Roel Amazona)

SHELTER. Army engineers start building temporary shelters for landslide survivors in Baybay City, Leyte province. Families displaced by the April 10, 2022 landslides are expected to stay in the shelter while waiting for the completion of permanent houses. (Photo courtesy of 546th Engineering Construction Battalion)

The Philippine Army's 546th Engineering Construction Battalion has started building temporary shelters for families displaced by recent killer landslides in Baybay City, Leyte.

Temporary shelters are being constructed within the two-hectare property in Maganhan village. The Department of Public Works and Highways recently completed the site development.

Army engineers are being assisted by personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Army, and the Philippine National Police.

“This is not enough, and we need more volunteers to help fast track the construction of the temporary shelters,” said Philippine Army’s 802nd Brigade Commander Col. Noel Vestuir in a phone interview Wednesday.

Volunteers will be supervised by the Department of Social Welfare and Development under the cash for work program.

They will be assigned to do masonry and carpentry works, or prepare food for the workers, Vestuir said.

At least 18 units of temporary houses will rise in the site for landslide survivors in Kantagnos village. These families have been staying in evacuation centers since April 12.

The massive landslide last April 10 killed 67 residents in Kantagnos while 50 others remained missing.

The village has been declared by the city government as danger zone and residents are no longer allowed to return to their old settlement.

At least 145 families or 524 individuals from Kantagnos village currently stay at the classrooms of Baybay City Senior High School while waiting for the completion of temporary shelters.

Aside from Kantagnos, other evacuees are from the villages of Mailhi (877 individuals), Bunga (12 individuals), Hipusngo (17 individuals), Bubon (five persons), Maypatag (106 residents), and Villa Mag-aso (38 individuals).

Residents from Mailhi stay at the Baybay City National High School and the rest have been taking shelter in their respective village halls.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1177277

NPA loses food source, fund with dev’t projects in N. Samar

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 22, 2022): NPA loses food source, fund with dev’t projects in N. Samar (By Sarwell Meniano)

ROAD FOR PEACE. The ongoing construction of access road to the remote village of San Miguel in Las Navas, Northern Samar. This is one of the projects under the Barangay Development Program designed to end insurgency. (Photo courtesy of Northern Samar provincial engineering office)

The New People’s Army (NPA) in Northern Samar has lost its source of food and funds with the initial implementation of Barangay Development Program (BDP) in six remote communities, a top official of the Philippine Army said.

In the past five months, the communist terrorists have stopped receiving financial support and food supplies from communities with the rollout of development initiatives, Maj. Gen. Edgardo de Leon, commander of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division said in an interview Wednesday.

“The much-improved accessibility to these villages due to ongoing farm-to-market road projects has driven the NPA away from communities. The people have stopped giving support to the NPA,” de Leon said.

He said a NPA platoon in Northern Samar used to solicit PHP175,000 monthly contributions from residents, village officials, and small businesses. A platoon used to receive 64 sacks of rice from local farmers.

“Losing these donations since we implemented the BDP in the past five months prompted hungry NPA members to surrender,” de Leon added.

De Leon said there are only two remaining NPA guerrilla fronts in Eastern Visayas and one of them is in Northern Samar

Locals, including village officials, were willing to give cash and rice to the NPA who promised that they would facilitate the processing of their land titles, the army official said.

Members of the NPA-linked front organizations assume the tedious task of processing documents in government offices.

“With the BDP, that system has stopped. Members of the regional and local task force to end local communist armed conflict have been visiting these communities to address the concerns of villagers,” he said.

Six villages in the province are recipients of PHP120 million BDP under the 2021 allocation. As of June 8, PHP14.44 million have been spent for some of the 35 identified projects.

These projects include PHP31.93 million farm-to-market roads, PHP17.49 million water and sanitation system, PHP18.5 million health stations, PHP24.8 million for school buildings, PHP11 million electrification, PHP10.05 million assistance to poor families, and PHP6.22 million agricultural and livelihood training assistance.

Recipient villages are Quezon in Catarman; Calantiao in Bobon; Hitopian, Nagoocan, and Osang villages in Catubig; and San Miguel village in Las Navas town.

The BDP is a flagship program of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, which was conceptualized to address insurgency by bringing sustainable solutions and basic services to communities in need.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1177282

Antique town seeks NTF-ELCAC funding for collapsed hanging bridge

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 22, 2022): Antique town seeks NTF-ELCAC funding for collapsed hanging bridge (By Annabel Consuelo Petinglay)

COLLAPSED. Part of the Latazon hanging bridge that collapsed and injured three persons on June 15, 2022. Laua-an Mayor-elect Aser Baladjay said in an interview Wednesday (June 22, 2022) that he will be seeking fund to construct a concrete bridge in Barangay Latazon in his municipality. (Photo courtesy of Arlene Pedro)

SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – The mayor-elect of the Municipality of Laua-an is seeking funding for the construction of a new concrete bridge to replace the old hanging bridge that collapsed on June 15, 2022 and injured three persons.

Mayor-elect Aser Baladjay said in an interview Wednesday that he will ask the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) if the proposed concrete bridge will be provided with funding since Barangay Latazon was once a rebel infested area.

"We had presence of the New People’s Army (NPA) as well as sympathizers before in Barangay Latazon and in about 14 more barangays in the municipality," he said.

He added that the bridge was identified on the list of priority projects that was endorsed to the office of Antique solon and now senator-elect Loren Legarda and the provincial government.

Antique Governor Rhodora J. Cadiao has already directed Provincial Engineer Inocencio Dajao to inspect the collapsed hanging bridge and make a report about it.

"If it would be found out that the bridge is substandard and had been constructed by the Provincial Government through a contractor, I will have the contractor banned from joining future biddings of the province," Cadiao said in a separate interview.

Cadiao further said that the Antique Provincial Board is also conducting its own investigation in aid of legislation.

Meanwhile, the provincial government will be extending PHP15,000 Aid to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) to the staff of the Department of Trade and Industry, one of the three injured persons who happened to be passing on the bridge when it collapsed.

The injured staff, John Michael Villavert, obtained facial and cranial injuries when pinned by the steel mat of the hanging bridge and had to undergo surgery at the Western Visayas Medical Center in Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

The two others, who are on-the-job trainees of the DTI will be subjected to assessment by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) to determine the amount of assistance that will be given to them.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1177275

Ex-NPA rebels in NegOr receive business kits from gov't

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 22, 2022): Ex-NPA rebels in NegOr receive business kits from gov't (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

GOAT DISPERSAL. The Department of Trade and Industry in Negros Oriental hands over goats to former rebels of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental on Tuesday (June 21, 2022). This is part of the two-day activity held by the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) in Central Visayas under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). (Photo courtesy of DTI-Negros Oriental)

Twenty-seven former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) have each received PHP8,000 worth of business kits during a two-day consultative meeting initiated by the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) in Central Visayas under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

The activity was held on Monday and Tuesday at the Guihulngan Satellite Skills and Development Center, Guihulngan City in Negros Oriental, where different agencies, such as the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) presented and committed their programs, projects, and training to the village chairs of the city’s 16 barangays.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Negros Oriental provincial director Nimfa Virtucio on Wednesday told the Philippine News Agency that the first day was dedicated to consultations and program briefings but the distribution of the livelihood kits was held on the second day.

The former rebels, who were endorsed by the 62nd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army to receive the business kits under the DTI’s Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay Program, are from Guihulngan City (19) and Canlaon City (8), Virtucio said.

“Of the number, 20 of them chose to engage in the goat breeding while the rest opted for 'sari-sari' or retail stores, E-load for cellphones, high-value vegetable production, and pig fattening,” she said.

The DTI distributed to the beneficiaries a pair of goats each (one male and one female) while vouchers were also given to the other former rebels as “we are not allowed to give the business kits in cash,” she added.

The goats have been insured by the local agriculture office in case they do not survive due to disease or calamities, the DTI official said.

Meanwhile, 10 other former rebels have been profiled and will soon also receive the same business assistance from DTI.

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 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/1177313

Another NPA courier yields in Agusan Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 22, 2022): Another NPA courier yields in Agusan Norte (By Alexander Lopez)

Google map Kitcharao town, Agusan del Norte.

A communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebel in charge of transporting food and other logistics for insurgent units in Agusan del Norte surrendered to the police in Kitcharao town Wednesday.

The surrenderer, identified only as “Buchoy,” is the logistics officer of the Samahang Yunit Pampropaganda 16A, NPA Guerilla Front Committee 16.

“After a year of serving the NPA rebels, ‘Buchoy’ decided to return to the folds of the law to renew his life and live peacefully with his family,” said Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr., the Police Regional Office in Caraga (PRO-13) director, said in a statement Wednesday.

Buchoy, 43, also handed over a smoke grenade upon his surrender, Caramat added.

“The surrenderer realized he was deceived by the NPA as none of their promises were fulfilled,” the police official said.

“Buchoy” was also convinced by the experiences of other former rebels who surrendered and are now living peacefully with support from the government, Caramat said.

“We hope that more NPA members will voluntarily surrender and no longer be imprisoned by deceptions, as well as be victims of tragic consequences,” he added.

Buchoy is the fourth NPA courier who voluntarily surrendered to police authorities during the past two days.

On Monday, three NPA supply couriers also yielded to the Agusan del Sur provincial police office.

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 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/1177309

Soldiers foil NPA rebels’ attempt to recover area in north Negros

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 22, 2022): Soldiers foil NPA rebels’ attempt to recover area in north Negros (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

Soldiers of the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry (Masaligan) Battalion (IB) thwarted the attempt of remnants of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) to recover their lost ground in the remote area of northern Negros Occidental on Wednesday.

At around 6 a.m., the troops encountered some 10 communist rebels and eventually raided their hideout in Sitio Tinibyangan of Barangay Minapasuk, Calatrava town.

1Lt. Dansan Camua, civil-military operations officer of the 79IB, said residents informed the troops about sightings of armed men, who were also trying to ask for food.

Government forces conducted security operations after receiving the reports, he added.

No casualty has been reported on the government side but heavy bloodstains were seen on the withdrawal route of the rebels, according to the 79IB report.

As of press time, troops were still conducting clearing and pursuit operations.

In a radio interview, Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, said the remaining NPA rebels in the area are trying to regain their lost territory in northern Negros.

The NPA’s Northern Negros Front, which is part of the Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, Cebu, Bohol and Siquijor, has already been declared dismantled by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police in April last year.

Those who figured and died in clashes with government troops in Manapla town and Silay City late last year and the latest in Calatrava are considered remnants of the dismantled front.

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/1177332