Victims get justice with deaths of NPA leaders in N. Samar clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 5, 2022): Victims get justice with deaths of NPA leaders in N. Samar clash (By Sarwell Meniano)

JUSTICE SERVED. The wake of top leaders of the New People's Army in Eastern Visayas outside the municipal hall of Las Navas, Northern Samar province in this Nov. 27, 2022 photo. The recent deaths of six top leaders of the New People’s Army in Eastern Visayas have given justice to the victims of the communist group’s treacherous attacks in the region, an official of the Philippine Army said. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

TACLOBAN CITY – The recent deaths of six top leaders of the New People’s Army in Eastern Visayas have given justice to the victims of the communist group’s treacherous attacks in the region, an official of the Philippine Army said on Monday.

Maj. Gen. Camilo Ligayo, commander of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division, said the NPA leaders slain during the Nov. 23 clash in Imelda village in Las Navas, Northern Samar have been identified as behind several attacks that killed and hurt government troops and civilians.

"The death of these terrorist means justice to the people of Samar and Leyte they have terrorized for years. Remote communities in the region should have been developed long ago if not for the NPA’s violent activities," Ligayo said in a statement.

These rebels were killed when government forces launched an attack destroying a major lair of NPA with 30 huts and a big cottage for meetings.

The military earlier said that among those who died during the clash was Helenita Pardales, the top leader holding the position of secretary of the NPA’s Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC).

“The leader defines the direction of EVRPC and sets recruitment quotas both for combatants from farmer's children and cadre from universities and colleges. She enforces the order of the central committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines and gives the go signal on tactical offensives within the region,” Ligayo added.

Also killed was alias Orlan who heads the EVRPC regional operations command. He plans and supervises to ensure the successful implementation of a tactical offensive of all NPA units in the region.

Other casualties after the Nov. 23 fierce gun battle were members of the regional security force tasked to provide security to EVRPC's leadership led by Alias Mamoy; alias Caridad, finance officer; alias Joshua, team leader; and alias Boy, team member.

Ligayo said EVRPC can be best remembered through their attacks that killed and wounded soldiers and civilians.

On Aug. 10, 2018, they attacked the Lapinig Police Station in Northern Samar leaving two policemen wounded and carted away low and high-powered firearms.

A soldier was also killed during their attack in Palapag, Northern Samar last May 21, 2019.

On Oct. 7, 2022, two soldiers were killed and another two were wounded including a 10-year-old civilian.

They were also responsible for the series of ambushes on trails used by civilians using the banned anti-personnel mines (APMs).

On April 23, 2019, they used APMs to attack the community support program teams in Calbiga, Samar that killed six soldiers and injured six others.

A roadside blast on Dec. 13, 2019 killed a policeman and wounded 11 civilians in Borongan City, Eastern Samar.

The same group also detonated mines along the Marabut-Basey Road in Samar, killing a policeman and injuring two more on Dec. 10, 2020.

In Jipapad, Eastern Samar, there were a series of mine explosions that killed a soldier, two militiamen, and injured eight soldiers and six militiamen.

The attack in Dorillo village in Jipapad town last Oct. 7 killed two soldiers and wounded a 10-year old child and two soldiers. The attack also pierced hundreds of bullets hitting 15 houses and barangay facilities.

EVRPC also gave go signal to many more attacks in villages and government projects.

It burned several construction equipment on July 29, 2021, in San Francisco village, Las Navas town, Northern Samar delaying the construction of a road linking the province to Eastern Samar.

The Nov. 23 encounter not only left six NPA leaders dead, but also led to the recovery of 18 high-powered firearms, anti-personnel mines, grenades, laptops, cellphones, medicines, and notes.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1190077

Slain NPA leader, 2 others had arrest order for attempted murder

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 5, 2022): Slain NPA leader, 2 others had arrest order for attempted murder (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

ARREST ORDER. A copy of the warrant of arrest for attempted murder issued by Acting Presiding Judge Walter Zorilla of the Regional Trial Court Branch 56 based in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental to the late New People’s Army leader Ericson Acosta and two of his comrades on Dec. 1, 2022. The order came a day after Acosta died in an encounter with government troops in Sitio Makilo, Barangay Camansi of the neighboring Kabankalan City on Nov. 30. (Image courtesy of RTF-ELCAC Western Visayas)

BACOLOD CITY – The late New People’s Army (NPA) leader Ericson Acosta had been issued an arrest warrant by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) for his involvement in the series of encounters that injured several soldiers in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental in October this year.

He was among the three accused, aside from comrades Christian Job Joaquin Vargas and Mylene Malasabas Delgado, listed in the order issued by RTC Branch 56 Acting Presiding Judge Walter Zorilla on Dec. 1, a day after he was killed during a clash with troops of the Philippine Army’s 94th and 47th Infantry Battalions (IB) in the neighboring Kabankalan City.

Lt. Judesses Catalogo, public information officer of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, said Monday that with Acosta’s death, his criminal liability has been extinguished.

He noted that procedures are being followed in the filing of the case until it reaches the court, and it so happened that the warrant of arrest came out only after the NPA leader had already died.

Capt. Eduardo Rarugal, civil military operations officer of 94IB, who also confirmed that Acosta had an arrest order, said the late NPA leader was involved during the armed encounters in October in the hinterlands of Barangay Carabalan.

“He orchestrated the movements of the NPA in the entire Negros being the top leader of the Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, Cebu, Bohol and Siquijor (KR-NCBS),” he added.

Six soldiers of the 94IB were wounded during the Carabalan encounters.

In the case of the two other accused, the military hoped that they would surrender rather suffer the same fate as their leader, Rarugal said.

“But while we are enticing them to surrender, we are conducting relentless operations. There’s that dual effort. If they refuse to surrender, they might be hit during our operations like what happened to Acosta,” he added.

The bodies of Acosta, 50, also known as “ Ka Raffy”, and Joseph Jimenez, 52, staff of KR-NCBS Regional Organizing Division, were found after their group engaged government troops in Sitio Makilo, Barangay Camansi, Kabankalan City early morning of Nov. 30.

Meanwhile, the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict-Western Visayas (RTF-ELCAC 6) dismissed the claim of the National Democratic Front (NDF)-Negros that Acosta, whom they identified as a consultant, and his comrade did not just die in an encounter, but were murdered instead.

In a statement, Prosecutor Flosemer Chris Gonzales, spokesperson of legal Cooperation Cluster of RTF-ELCAC 6, said such is part of the hate narrative being propagated by the propaganda machinery of the Communist Party of the Philippines-NDF-NPA, which is designated as a terrorist organization in the Philippines and in several other countries.

“Romanticizing Ericson Acosta's death will not change the fact that he chose to take a path of violence when he took up arms against the state and against the Filipino people,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1190090

Peace council OKs P1.7-B fund for peace, order programs

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 5, 2022): Peace council OKs P1.7-B fund for peace, order programs (By Che Palicte)

DAVAO CITY – The Davao del Norte Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) has approved the PHP1.77-billion Peace and Order and Public Safety (POPS) plan fund for the year 2023-2025.

In a statement Monday, Governor Edwin Jubahib said at least PHP1.3 billion is allocated for the Peace and Order Program while the PHP451 million is for the Public Safety Program.

The POPS Plan budget was approved during the PPOC meeting on Dec. 2, he said.

Jubahib said the PHP1.11 billion funding came from the provincial government, while the PHP661.77 million came from the national government's official development assistance (ODA).

"For 2023, the POPS programs and projects have a budget of PHP709.4 million. The biggest chunk of the three-year POPS plan is the Serbisyo Caravan done in the far-flung areas," Jubahib said.

He noted that the three-year POPS plan contains comprehensive programs which aim at achieving a safe, orderly, peaceful and progressive community.

Jubahib said the plan also serves as a requirement for the approval of the allocation of the confidential fund (CF) of the local chief executive, which will be subjected to review by the Department of the Interior and Local Government for endorsement to the Department of Budget and Management.

"The PPOC will immediately forward the resolution of the POPS plan to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan subject to approval by the provincial government for the provision of sufficient funds," he added.

Aside from using his CF for "surveillance activities" to support his operations and fulfill his mandate as governor, Jubahib said he will also use the funds in situations that require immediate action.

"Even though the province has been declared as an insurgency-free province, it is still necessary to strengthen the programs of peace and order and public safety to ensure that the New People's Army rebels do not return to disturb the province," he said.

Davao del Norte was declared insurgency-free in June this year.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1190088

14 ex-Zambo Sur rebels, militiamen undergo carpentry training

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 5, 2022): 14 ex-Zambo Sur rebels, militiamen undergo carpentry training (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Fourteen former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels and six militiamen are undergoing a 41-day carpentry training in Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur, the 53rd Infantry Battalion (IB) said Monday.

The training, which kicked-off last Friday at Camp Major David Sabido, is a joint undertaking of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and 53IB.

“The training intends to capacitate the FRs (former rebels) and CAFGU (Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit) members with skills in carpentry to expand their livelihood potential and become more productive members of society,” Lt. Col. Terence Ylanan, 53IB commander, said in a statement.

Caril Ann Ong, TESDA-Zamboanga del Sur head, said the agency is ready to extend basic services for the reintegration of former NPA rebels to the mainstream society.

Ylanan, meanwhile, thanked TESDA for providing livelihood training “for the benefit of our FRs and our CAFGU Active Auxiliaries.”

The participants will receive Carpentry National Certificate 2 upon completion of the training.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1190129

Army reserve command to establish platoons in Antique

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 6, 2022): Army reserve command to establish platoons in Antique (By Annabel Consuelo Petinglay)

COURTESY CALL. Philippine Army Reserve Command 602nd Community Defense Center Director, Lt. Col. Danny Bustamante (second from left), with the other reserve officers during their courtesy call with Antique Governor Rhodora Cadiao at the capitol on Dec. 5, 2022. Bustamante said in an interview Tuesday (Dec. 6, 2022) they are now maximizing the enlistment of reservists to establish a platoon-size reserve force throughout the province. (PNA photo courtesy of Antique PIO)

SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – The Philippine Army Reserve Command 602nd Community Defense Center (CDC) will establish reservist platoons in all 18 municipalities of Antique province.

Lt. Col. Danny Bustamante, 602nd CDC director in Antique, said on Tuesday they are in the process of enlisting interested individuals, including elected officials and other professionals, to become reservists in the province upon the direction of their Regional Community Defense Group Commander, Col. Crisanto Calit.

“We need to be able to enlist and train a platoon size or 20 reservists in each of the 18 municipalities of the province,” he said in an interview.

He added that they are maximizing the enlistment due to lessons learned during the Severe Tropical Storm Paeng where they had to deploy reserve forces due to the massive damage in the province.

Antique currently has 446 enlisted reservists with 16 officers although some are inactive or no longer in Antique.

“If we have platoon size reservists in every municipality, we could easily mobilize them whenever needed,” he said.

Bustamante also said those interested can just go to the CDC here to be included in the training in June next year.

In a separate interview, Vice Governor Edgar Denosta, who is a reserve officer himself, said the reservists are important because they not only help in the relief operation of the local government units (LGUs) but also in the internal security and intelligence network.

“The reservists also render community service in the barangays,” Denosta said.

Other elected officials who have enlisted in the reserve force are Governor Rhodora J. Cadiao and Board Members Karmila Dimamay, Alfie Jay Niquia, and Pio Jessielito Sumande.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1190179

Ex-Basilan town official killed, husband wounded

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 6, 2022): Ex-Basilan town official killed, husband wounded (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

Google map of Isabela City, Basilan Island province.

ZAMBOANGA CITY – A former town official was killed while her husband was wounded in a predawn drive-by shooting incident in Isabela City of Basilan province on Tuesday.

Col. Richard Verceles, operations chief of the Area Police Command-Western Mindanao, said Melissa Alih, 30, died while her husband, Jack, 30, was hospitalized following the 12:10 a.m. attack.

Melissa was the former assistant municipal secretary in the island town of Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan.

Verceles said investigation showed the couple was aboard a motorcycle on the way home to Barangay Tabuk, Isabela City, when repeatedly shot at closed range by one of two men riding tandem on another motorcycle that tailed them in Barangay Doña Ramona T. Alano.

He said the attending physician declared that Melissa expired around 12:45 a.m.

Police investigators recovered four empty shells from a .45-caliber pistol at the crime scene.

A thorough probe is underway to determine the motive as well as identities of the perpetrators behind the incident, police said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1190178

Gov’t taps ex-ASG members in anti-terror campaign

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 6, 2022): Gov’t taps ex-ASG members in anti-terror campaign (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

DERADICALIZED. The government has tapped the assistance of former members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in the campaign against terrorism in Basilan province. Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway, the Joint Task Force (JTF)-Basilan commander, says Tuesday (Dec. 6, 2022) that 15 former ASG members completed on Dec. 4 the three-day deradicalization training program for the initiative. (Photo courtesy of JTF-Basilan)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The government is tapping former members of the Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) to assist in its campaign against terrorism and serve as peace advocates in the island province.

Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway, the Joint Task Force (JTF)-Basilan commander, said in a statement Tuesday that the ex-ASGs will be tapped to encourage remaining ASG members to surrender “because the government will always help them give a brighter future.”

Gobway said 15 former ASG members initially completed on Sunday a three-day deradicalization training program held at the headquarters JTF-Basilan in Isabela City.

Gobway said the program intends to capacitate the former ASG members in their role as peace advocates in the community.

The program also aims to educate the ex-ASGs on the fundamentals of public speaking to enlighten the minds of Basileños as living testimonies of how miserable their lives would be if they join the extremist group.

The deradicalization program was a joint undertaking of the Philippine Army, through the 1st Infantry Division civil-military operations office, in partnership with JTF-Basilan, the Basilan provincial government, and the Ministry of Public Order and Safety in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MPOS-BARMM).

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1190217

RTF-ELCAC lauds convictions of NPA leader, comrades in Negros

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 7, 2022): RTF-ELCAC lauds convictions of NPA leader, comrades in Negros (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

GUILTY. A copy of the list of cases where New People’s Army leader Abraham Villanueva and his three comrades have been convicted during the promulgation before the Regional Trial Court Branch 61 in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental on Tuesday (Dec. 6, 2022). The team of the Office of the City Prosecutor of Kabankalan secured nine convictions out of the 10 cases filed against the accused, who are members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front and the NPA operating in Negros Island. (Image from RTF-ELCAC Western Visayas)

BACOLOD CITY – The Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict-Western Visayas (RTF-ELCAC 6) has lauded the convictions of New People’s Army (NPA) leader Abraham Villanueva and his three comrades for various criminal cases before the Regional Trial Court Branch 61 in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental on Tuesday.

Prosecutor Flosemer Chris Gonzales, spokesperson of legal Cooperation Cluster of RTF-ELCAC 6, said in a statement the team of the Office of the City Prosecutor of Kabankalan secured nine convictions out of the 10 cases filed against the accused, who are members of the Communist Party of the Philippines, and its political wing, National Democratic Front, and the NPA operating in Negros Island.

Based on the list provided by the RTF-ELCAC 6, Villanueva, known by the alias “Tikboy,” was convicted of violation of Section 28 (a) in relation to Section 28 (e) Republic Act (RA) 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act and of the Commission on Elections Resolution 10446 or the Comelec gun ban in relation to Section 261 (q) of Batas Pambansa 881 or the Omnibus Election Code.

Villanueva was also found guilty of illegal possession of explosives.

His companion, Joemar Villarojo Reyes, with aliases “Tiny/Joe”, and a third accused, Rona Magbanua Degoso, with alias “Chichi”, were convicted of illegal possession of explosives and violation of the election gun ban.

In a separate promulgation, Renan Hoyohoy Manlanat, also known as “July”, was convicted of attempted murder and also of violation of RA 10591, but has been cleared of illegal possession of explosives.

All the accused have been detained at the Negros Occidental District Jail in Bago City.

“We commend the men and women of the Office of the City Prosecutor of Kabankalan City under the leadership of OIC City Prosecutor Noreen A. Pillado-Gambito,” Gonzales said.

He said “these convictions are victories that would bring the people of Negros Island and the entire country one step closer to winning the peace by ending the local communist armed conflict”.

Villanueva, the secretary of the NPA South West Front, was arrested by government forces in Sitio Amian Ilawod, Barangay Tampalon in Kabankalan City on the night of April 1, 2019.

Arrested with him were Reyes, identified initially as Jomar Villarojo, of Barangay Camansi, Kabankalan City, and an 18-year-old from Barangay Asia, Hinoba-an.

According to the Philippine Army, Villanueva led the NPA cadres in the province’s sixth district comprised of the municipalities of Candoni, Hinoba-an, Ilog, Cauayan, and the cities of Kabankalan and Sipalay.

During their arrest, Villanueva and his two comrades were wearing black sweatshirts with the print PKP or Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas @50 and black jogging pants.

They yielded a .45-caliber pistol, a magazine with five pieces of ammunition and three hand grenades, based on the report of the Philippine Army.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1190272

Caraga cops nab wanted NPA leaders with 33 arrest warrants

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 8, 2022): Caraga cops nab wanted NPA leaders with 33 arrest warrants (By Alexander Lopez)

ARRESTED NPA LEADER. The Police Regional Office 13 (Caraga) reported the arrest of Kim Mapoy, 28, the former secretary of the Dismantled Guerrilla Front 4A (GF-4A), North Center Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) of the New People’s Army in an operation in Alubijid, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte on Dec. 6, 2022. Authorities also nabbed in a separate operation on the same day the suspect’s brother Loreto Mapoy, the former commanding officer of Platoon Joker, GF4A, NCMRC. (Photo courtesy of PRO-13 Information Office)

BUTUAN CITY – Two leaders of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) who are wanted for various criminal offenses were arrested by police units under the Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 (Caraga).

In a statement Thursday, PRO-13 Director, Brig. Gen. Pablo Labra II, identified the arrested NPA leaders as siblings Kim Mapoy, alias Patrick, 28, and Loreto Mapoy, alias Arvin, 35, both residents of Barangay Lower Olave in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.

Kim Mapoy was arrested in Barangay Alubijid, Buenavista on Tuesday while Loreto Mapoy was arrested later on the same day in Purok 7, Barangay 7, Buenavista.

“Kim Mapoy is listed as the No. 1 Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) Priority Target and listed in the Periodic Status Report (PSR) of PRO-13,” Labra said.

He added that Kim Mapoy is the former secretary of the Dismantled Guerrilla Front 4A (GF-4A), North Center Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) of the NPA.

The NPA leader, Labra said, is wanted for the crimes of murder, arson, multiple attempted murder, attempted murder, and multiple frustrated murder with 19 arrest warrants issued by the local courts in Butuan City.

Loreto Mapoy, on the other hand, was the former commanding officer of Platoon Joker, GF4A, NCMRC, and was also classified as the No. 2 in the CTG Priority Target of PRO-13 and PSR.

“He has 14 standing arrest warrants issued by the local courts in Butuan for murder, arson, multiple attempted murder, attempted murder, and multiple frustrated murder,” Labra said.

Reports gathered by PRO-13 indicated that the Mapoy brothers were involved in multiple attempted murder cases that transpired on July 12, 2019, in Guinabsan, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte; on August 18, 2016, in Sitio, Bulok, Upper Olave, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte; on April 9, 2016, in Sitio, Tagbulacao, Lower, Olave, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte; on May 11, 2019, in Purok 3, Sitio Matina, Nongnong, Butuan City; and on March 14, 2016, in Upper Olave, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte by conspiring in the ambush of troops of the 23rd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army.

Both suspects were also involved in the attack on the members of the Butuan City Mobile Force Company while conducting combat operations in Sitio Mabuhay, Barangay MJ Santos, Butuan City on March 14, 2020.

They are the prime suspects in murder cases that took place in Barangay Nongnong, Butuan City on April 13, 2016 that victimized a certain Rodrigo P. Domoso and in Lower Olave, Buenavista on April 21, 2020 that killed a resident.

The NPA leaders were arrested by the combined forces of the intelligence unit of PRO-13, the Buenavista municipal police, the Agusan del Norte police, and the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company of Agusan del Norte.

“The arrest of these two topmost wanted CTG personalities only proves the dedication and commitment of Caraga cops to free the region from the threats posed by the terrorist group,” Labra said.

Meanwhile, in a separate statement on Thursday, the Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office (SDNPPO) also reported the arrest of two NPA members on Wednesday.

Isagani Hubasan, alias Sado, 53, a resident of Cantugas, Mainit, Surigao del Norte, and a member of the Milisya ng Bayan under the Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda (SYP) 16B of Guerrilla Front 16 (GF-16), North Eastern Mindanao Regional Command (NEMRC) was arrested while being confined in a hospital in Surigao City.

Hublasan has a standing arrest warrant for attempted murder issued by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 32 in Surigao del Norte issued on Nov. 16, 2022.

The SDNPPO also reported the arrest of Johnny Parcia, 41, the active Vice Team leader of SYP section C of GF 16, NEMRC in Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte on Tuesday.

Parcia has a standing arrest warrant for multiple frustrated murder issued by RTC Branch 32 on May 17, 2022.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1190343

'Tired' Moro extremists yield to Army in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 8, 2022): 'Tired' Moro extremists yield to Army in Maguindanao (By Edwin Fernandez)

SURRENDER. Four Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) surrender Wednesday afternoon (Dec. 7, 2022) to the Army's 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade (1MIB) in Barangay Kalandagan, Tacurong City. Brig. Gen. Pedro Balisi, 1MIB chief (3rd from left), welcomed the surrenderers, who belonged to the BIFF's Kagi Karialan faction. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Amid the intensified military operations against local terrorist groups in Maguindanao del Sur, four Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) decided to lay down their firearms Wednesday afternoon.

In a statement Thursday. Brig. Gen. Pedro Balisi Jr., 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade commander said the four BIFF surrenderers belonged to the group's Kagi Karialan Faction.

Balisi said the provincial government has committed to provide livelihood support to former violent extremists, as well as their enrollment in the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

“Exhaustion, hunger and continuously evading military forces running after them forced them to surrender. They also realized that their struggle was senseless and opted to live normal lives with their families,” Balisi said.

“Basically, our focused military operations made them decide to yield with their firearms,” he said, adding that they turned over a mortar launcher and various firearms.

Maj. Gen. Roy Galido, 6th Infantry Division (ID) chief, lauded the former BIFF members for choosing to return to mainstream society.

“I know you were victims of deception and misinformation, thank you for laying down your guns and let us all help each other in building peace in this promised land,” said Galido, who is the Joint Task Force Central head.

Since January this year, 201 BIFF have surrendered within the 6ID area of operations.

Some 239 assorted firearms and explosives were either confiscated or surrendered to the 6ID.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1190357

NPA rebel tagged as ‘urban operator’ yields in Zambo Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 8, 2022): NPA rebel tagged as ‘urban operator’ yields in Zambo Norte (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

‘URBAN OPERATOR’. Ruel Boralo, 44, an alleged urban operator of the New People's Army (right), surrenders to police authorities Thursday (Dec. 8, 2022) in Leon Postigo, Zamboanga del Norte. Personnel of the Zamboanga del Norte Police Provincial Office and the Army's 5th Special Forces Battalion facilitated his surrender. (Photo courtesy of Area Police Command-Western Mindanao)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – A New People’s Army (NPA) rebel allegedly involved in urban operations in Zamboanga del Norte turned himself in to reunite with his family, a top police official said Thursday.

Col. Richard Verceles, operations chief of the Area Police Command-Western Mindanao, described Ruel Boralo, 44, as an "NPA urban operator."

Boralo surrendered to policemen around 10 a.m. Thursday in the Zamboanga del Norte town of Leon Postigo.

Verceles said Boralo's surrender was facilitated by personnel of the Zamboanga del Norte Police Provincial office and Army's 5th Special Force Battalion.

According to Verceles, Boralo is a council member under Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas-Western Mindanao Region, Regional Urban Committee of the NPA’s Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee.

Boralo is the brother-in-law of the late Loreto Dagpin, former vice commanding officer of the dismantled Main Regional Guerrilla Unit of the NPA’s WMRPC.

Dagpin and another NPA leader, Rolando Maglasang, were killed in a clash with government forces in May year.

Verceles said Boralo received an initial aid package after being released to the custody of village leaders in Barangay Santa Maria, Leon Postigo.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1190379

Naval Forces Western Mindanao gets missile-capable gunboat

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 9, 2022): Naval Forces Western Mindanao gets missile-capable gunboat (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

MISSILE CAPABLE. The Philippine Navy deploys one of its two newly acquired missile-capable patrol gunboats to the area of responsibility of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM), boosting the capability of the NFWM in its campaign against cross-border terrorism and kidnapping. The new gunboat, BRP-Nestor Acero, arrived Thursday (Dec. 8, 2022) at the Naval Station Romulo Espaldon which houses the NFWM headquarters in Zamboanga City. (Photo courtesy of NFWM)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) got a boost in its capability against terrorism and kidnapping with the deployment of a missile-capable gunboat on the country’s southern border.

In a statement Friday, Lt. Senior Grade Chester Ross Cabaltera, NFWM information officer, said the Philippine Navy (PN) has deployed one of the two newly-acquired missile capable gunboats, BRP-Nestor Acero (PG901), to the NFWM area of responsibility.

Capt. Dwight Steven Dulnoan, NFWM acting commander, rendered an arrival ceremony for PG901 and its crew Thursday at Ensign Majini Pier of the Naval Station Romulo Espaldon, which houses the NFWM headquarters here.

PG901, one of two PN’s Acero-class patrol gunboats, is a missile-capable Shaldag Mk. V Fast Attack Interdiction Craft Missile (FAIC-M).

Cabaltera said the 32-meter high-speed vessel is equipped with quick intercept ability, remote stabilized weapons, and short-range missiles that are capable to deliver precision strikes against larger hostiles and high-value targets on land or sea.

BRP-Nestor Acero will augment the existing NFWM fleet guarding cross-border terrorism, kidnapping, and other crimes in the southern seas.

The PN’s two Acero-class gunboats are named after Philippine Marine Corps heroes and Medal for Valor recipients, the late Pfc. Nestor F. Acero, and the late 1Lt. Lolinato G. To-ong.

The two gunboats are part of the nine FAICS-M acquired by the Philippines from Israel for PHP10 billion.

The acquisition of the FAICS-M are among the 2019 projects approved by former President Rodrigo Duterte under the Horizon 2 List of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1190412

Surigao Sur cops nab wanted NPA officer in Bulacan

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 9, 2022): Surigao Sur cops nab wanted NPA officer in Bulacan (By Alexander Lopez)

ARRESTED NPA LEADER. The Surigao del Sur Police reports the arrest of Ronald Galdiano, alias Rolando Enriquez, the commanding officer of the Weakened New People’s Army Guerrilla Front 19, Sub-Regional Committee Southland, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee, during a police operation in Barangay Guinhawa, Malolos City, Bulacan on Thursday (Dec. 8, 2022). The suspect has arrest warrants for three counts of murder issued by the local court in Lianga, Surigao del Sur. (Photo courtesy of SDSPPO)

BUTUAN CITY – Police operatives have arrested a top communist New People’s Army commanding officer (CO) wanted in Surigao del Sur in the city of Malolos, Bulacan province, an official said Friday.

In a statement, Col. Dennis Siruno, the Surigao del Sur provincial police director, identified the arrested NPA leader as Ronald Galdiano, alias Rolando Enriquez, a native of Lianga, Surigao del Sur.

Galdiasno, 39, was arrested in Barangay Guinhawa, Malolos City on Thursday. He was found to be residing in Barangay Sta. Cruz, Sta. Maria, Bulacan at the time of his arrest.

A joint operation conducted by police personnel from Lianga and the Malolos City police station led to his arrest.

Galdiano is allegedly the CO of the Weakened NPA Guerrilla Front 19, Sub-Regional Committee Southland, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee.

The suspect has standing arrest warrants for three counts of murder issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 28 in Lianga town on Feb. 23, 2021.

“Galdiano is listed as an NPA priority target, and as the sixth most wanted person in the Caraga region,” Siruno said.

He commended the Lianga and Malolos City police personnel for the successful mission.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1190436

9 killed, 5 wounded in North Cotabato clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 10, 2022): 9 killed, 5 wounded in North Cotabato clash (By Edwin Fernandez)

Aleosan, North Cotabato (Wikimap)

ALEOSAN, North Cotabato – A militiaman was killed in an ambush while eight others also died in the succeeding firefight in Barangay Tapudoc here on Friday afternoon.

Maj. Jennefer Amotan, the police chief of this town, said Saturday that prior to the firefight, lawless elements killed in an ambush Ramel Santillan, a member of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU), around 2:30 p.m.

Santillan, 22, was driving his motorcycle on his way to the Tapudoc CAFGU detachment when ambushed.

The militiamen on duty, upon hearing the gunfire, rushed to the scene and found Santillan on a dirt road.

The militiamen clashed against some 50 gunmen as they pursued Santillan’s attackers that resulted in the death of five CAFGU members and three lawless elements.

Four militiamen and one on the enemy side were also wounded in the firefight that lasted for more than two hours.

The police identified the slain CAFGU members as Jomar Roben, Jesry Galo, Melvin Cabrerra, Moises Galo, and Johnrey Cabrerra, while Ariel Wacan, Gibel Galo, Harison Galo, and Dante Boboy were wounded.

On the other side, the fatalities were Pikal Taya, Taher Odin, and Sammy Ayunan. A certain Tikoy Piang sustained injuries.

Col. Donald Gumiran, commander of the Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade, said in a statement that troops from the 90th Infantry Battalion are backing up the police for a manhunt operation against the other members of the lawless group said to be operating in the mountains of this town and nearby Pikit.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1190473

Kalinaw News: CPP/NPA suffers huge debacle anew

From Kalinaw News (Dec 6, 2022): CPP/NPA suffers huge debacle anew

Camp Lapulapu, Cebu City – The CPP – NPA terrorists in the Visayas continue to weaken, as they suffer another huge debacle due to the sustained focused military operation of the government troops in the region.

This after members of the 62nd Infantry Battalion encountered a group of CPP – NPA terrorists under Komiteng Rehiyon – Negros, Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor (KR NCBS) on November 28 at Brgy Quintin Remo, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental.

The firefight lasted for about 40 minutes and resulted to the death of two (2) NPA terrorists and the recovery of six (6) firearms and another war materiel, which include two (2) M16 rifles; one (1) M203 grenade launcher; one (1) AK47 assault rifle; one (1) M14 rifle; one (1) Cal. 357 revolver pistol; assorted live ammunition; personal belongings, and several subversive documents.

The two (2) NPA fatalities were identified as Johnhilll Sarsa alias Mark, the Political Officer of Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda (SYP) Platoon Lenovo, Central Negros Front 1 (CN1), Komiteng Rehiyon – Negros Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor (KR-NCBS) and Dalmacio Dela Torre alias Delmar, a member of CN1, KR-NCBS.

This huge setback extends the series of debacles suffered by the CPP – NPA terrorists in the region. It can be recalled that from November 16 – 24, a total of 14 CPP – NPA terrorists were neutralized by the government forces, nine (9) of whom died in a series of encounters, two (2) surrendered, while three (3) were apprehended. Apart from these, a total of 60 firearms were also seized by the government troops along with several war materiel during the said period.

Major General Benedict M Arevalo PA, the Acting Commander of Visayas Command lauded the troops for their unwavering commitment in answering the call of the people for genuine and lasting peace in the region.

“The CPP – NPA terrorists in the Visayas continue to weaken with these series of setbacks. We will sustain our campaign until such time that this menace is totally eradicated. Thus, we appeal to the few remaining members of the CPP – NPA terrorists. Lay down your arms and return to the folds of the law before the long arms of justice will catch up with you,” MGen Arevalo added.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/cpp-npa-suffers-huge-debacle-anew/