Kalinaw News: Firearm and Anti-Personnel Mines captured from Communist NPA Terrorists in Leyte

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 14, 2022): Firearm and Anti-Personnel Mines captured from Communist NPA Terrorists in Leyte (By Jonathan Blanco)

Camp Jorge Downes, Ormoc City, Leyte–On December 13, 2022, at 1:00 o’clock in the afternoon, troops of the 14th Infantry (Avenger) Battalion, while responding to a report from concerned civilians regarding the presence of Communist NPA terrorists (CNTs) under Platoon 1, SRC-LEVOX, in Brgy. Luneta, Lapaz, Leyte, encountered more or less three (3) CNTs.

Recovered in he encounter site are one (1) loaded Shotgun, two (2) Anti-Personnel Mines, estimated 50-meters electric wire with switch, Battery Pack with 5 pcs size D batteries, two (2) Backpacks, one (1) Hammock and one (1) Medical Kit with acupuncture needle set, assorted antibiotics, cotton balls, alcohol, betadine and scissors.

“This security operations conducted is aimed to secure the communities and ensure a peaceful Christmas celebrations of the constituents of the Province of Leyte and Southern Leyte”. Lieutenant Colonel Ernesto R Dela Rosa, Battalion Commander, 14th Infantry Battalion said.

“Likewise, this is in anticipation of the celebration of the 54th Anniversary of the Communist Party of Philippines on December 26, 2022 where notably prior the celebration, the CNTs would conduct attack against AFP and PNP. The recovery of anti-personnel mines and its components is a clear indication of their terroristic plans not only against the security forces but also against innocent civilians in the area.” Lieutenant Colonel Dela Rosa added.

According to Colonel Noel A. Vestuir, Commander, 802nd Infantry (Peerless) Brigade, 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army, “The timely information provided by the residents in the area foiled the CPP-NPA-NDF terroristic plans against our people and the communities. It is a notable manifestation that the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) are no longer welcome and/or acceptable to communities”. “The use of Anti-Personnel Mines is a violation of the Ottawa Convention, the International Humanitarian Law (IHL), and Republic Act 9851, An Act on Crimes Against IHL, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity”, Colonel Vestuir added.

Col Vestuir reiterated his call to the remaining NPA terrorists in the island of Leyte to lay down their arms. “The people in the area are no longer supporting you, they are now telling your presence in the communities and the locations of your hideouts even in the hinterlands.

You could not hide and evade forever, and as we celebrate Christmas season, we welcome you to the mainstream of our society, we will treat you as victims that should be helped and rescued. The government has a program intended for you, the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). Grab this opportunity and join your families, friends and loved one this Christmas Season.” Colonel Vestuir ended.

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/firearm-and-anti-personnel-mines-captured-from-communist-npa-terrorists-in-leyte/

Kalinaw News: Ex-NPA rebels receive cash, hygiene kit in Aurora

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 14, 2022): Ex-NPA rebels receive cash, hygiene kit in Aurora (By Jonathan Blanco)



BALER, Aurora—Two former Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) terrorists in Aurora province have received at least PHP5K each and hygiene kits from the local government unit (LGU) of Dingalan on Monday, December 12, 2022.

Lt. Col. Julito B. Recto, Jr., commander of the Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion said on Tuesday in an interview that one (1) Squad of Alpha Company led by 1st Lieutenant Jevie J. Sagragao together with PNP, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Mayor Shierwin H. Taay facilitated the awarding of financial assistance and hygiene kit to Ka Yoga and Ka Lando held at Maedup Hall Building, Dingalan, Aurora.

The two surrendered to Sagragao in Gabaldon town in Nueva Ecija and retrieved the two M16 in a hiding place in General Nakar, Quezon.

Mayor Taay expressed his sincerest thanks to the 91st IB for bringing peace and order in the province.

He said that the LGU Dingalan is doing its best efforts to deliver the basic services in the remote areas together with the Sinagtala troopers.

“We work together towards our common goal in ending local communist armed conflict, to maintain peace and harmony in our villagers,” Taay said.

Ka Yoga and Ka Lando expressed their happiness for the continuous assistance that they are receiving from the government.

“We are very much thankful to Mayor Taay and 91st IB for the assistance they have given us as we return to the folds of the law. To our sinagtala troopers, thank you for taking care of us since our surrender. We are now sure that our dream of living a better and peaceful life with our family will come true specially that Christmas is fast approaching,” the surrenderers said.

Back to Recto, he said that the government and other concerned agencies will work hard in order to finally end insurgency problem.

“Rest assured that more assistance will be given to the former rebels. We also urged the remaining dismantled Komiteng Larangang Guerilla Sierra Madre (KLG-SM) to surrender and embrace peace because there’s no future in continuing the armed struggle,” Recto said.

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/ex-npa-rebels-receive-cash-hygiene-kit-in-aurora/

'Balikatan' 2023 to include live-fire drills in urban terrain

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 14, 2022): 'Balikatan' 2023 to include live-fire drills in urban terrain (By Priam Nepomuceno) 

BALIKATAN 2023. Planners from the Armed Forces of the Philippines finalize details of the 2023 iteration of Balikatan Exercises during the planning conference held at the AFP Education, Training and Doctrine Command, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Dec. 12, 2022. (Photo from PA)

MANILA – The 2023 iteration of the annual "Balikatan" joint exercises between American and Filipino troops will have a segment dedicated to operations in urban terrain.

"The 2023 iteration of 'Balikatan' is projected to include field training exercises composed of combined and live-fire exercises and military operations in urban terrain," Philippine Army (PA) spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement Tuesday night.

No other details were provided for security reasons. Urban terrain refers to heavily populated areas like towns or cities or locations densely packed with buildings and other infrastructure.

Trinidad made the statement after the PA joined the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and US Armed Forces’ Indo-Pacific Command (Indopacom) planners in threshing out the final details of next year's "Balikatan".

"The final planning conference (was held) at the AFP Education, Training and Doctrine Command, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on December 12, 2022," he added.

"Balikatan" is an annual exercise between the AFP and Indopacom geared at enhancing both forces' interoperability. "The annual bilateral activity is also aimed at strengthening the capacity and competencies of both forces in a spectrum of military operations such as counter-terrorism and humanitarian assistance and disaster response," Trinidad said.

In this year's "Balikatan" exercises, around 3,800 members of the AFP and 5,100 US military personnel -- the largest number of combined personnel of the two militaries in the annual exercise since the start of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic in 2020.

The Philippines and US exercise forces employed more than 50 aircraft, four ships, 10 amphibious craft, four high mobility artillery rocket system launchers, and four Patriot missile systems during "Balikatan" 2022.

This year’s exercise also included approximately 40 personnel from the Australian Defense Force.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1190718

No security threats detected for Yuletide: AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 14, 2022): No security threats detected for Yuletide: AFP (By Priam Nepomuceno)

PNA file photo

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) does not see any security threats for the Yuletide Season as insurgent rebels have been greatly weakened.

"We have not seen any threat yet so far and I think even the capability of the CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines), a local terrorist group, (has) weakened that they are incapable of mounting large scale or shall we say a terrorist act that will disturb the peace," AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar said when asked during an interview with CNN Philippines on Wednesday.

Aguilar said the AFP will just provide support to the Philippine National Police (PNP) as it is the lead agency when it comes to security operations and preparations for the Yuletide Season.

"Now, in the conduct of security operations, what we will do is to provide our support to PNP because they are the lead effort when it comes to security operation and preparation during Yuletide Season," he said.

He also said a ceasefire with insurgents is out of the question as the government does not know on whom to talk to as there is now a leadership vacuum existing in the rebel ranks.

"The ceasefire is out of question now because we do not know who to talk to, their leaders are, have gone into hiding, some are neutralized and number two is that there is a leadership vacuum, a leadership crisis within the underground organization so how can they enforce a ceasefire to make sure the compliance of all its force," he said.

What the AFP can offer for now is the "suspension of military operation" which will allow them to shift to active defense, he added.

Aguilar said this measure will allow troops to be with their families and hopefully, the CPP will also do the same for its New People's Army (NPA) fighters or members.

"Hopefully the CPP will allow its members, its fighters, the NPA members to visit their families, to go home and by the time that they are supposed to go back, they will realize that armed struggle is no longer relevant, it will be a futile exercise because reforms can be achieved without resorting to violence," he added.

Aguilar also reiterated that the AFP has been successful in internal security operations as out of the 89 guerilla fronts reported in 2016, only 24 are left with only five active to date.

"So what we are trying to do now is to intensify more, double up our (efforts), so that we can give the people the gift that they've been longing for so long and that is to have a free and democratic country," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1190728

Army advisory board cited for transparency initiatives

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 15, 2022): Army advisory board cited for transparency initiatives (By Priam Nepomuceno)

MANILA – Members of the Philippine Army Multi-Sector Advisory Board (PA MSAB) were lauded for their efforts in promoting and ensuring transparency in the military organization during their last meeting for the year Wednesday at the PA headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Army spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement Thursday.

The final PA MSAB meeting held Wednesday via virtual and face-to-face was presided by PA acting vice commander Brig. Gen. Yegor Rey P. Barroquillo where different committees reported their latest updates and accomplishments for the year.

"Brig. Gen. Barroquillo, during the meeting, expressed his appreciation to the MSAB members who advocated for good governance and promoted transparency and accountability in the organization. He also expressed his anticipation for future projects and partnerships for Army transformation," Trinidad said.

The PA MSAB was established with the goal of promoting the continuity and sustainability of the Army Transformation Roadmap and to encourage responsibility in its success.

AFP congratulates 54 senior officers confirmed by CA

Also on Thursday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) congratulated the 54 senior officers whose ad-interim appointments were approved by the Commission on Appointments (CA) at the Senate Hall in Pasay City.

Philippine Military Academy superintendent Lt. Gen. Rowen Tolentino, led the contingent of AFP officers whom Rep. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo, the chairperson of the Committee on National Defense, recommended for confirmation.

The CA also okayed the appointments of Brig. Gen. Jovencio Gonzales, commander of the 602nd Infantry Brigade; Brig. Gen. Dennis Estrella, commander of Tactical Operations Wing Western Mindanao; Brig. Gen. Fatima Claire Navarro, the AFP Surgeon General; and Brig.Gen. Moises Nayve Jr., commander of the Army Headquarters and Headquarters Support Group.

Also confirmed by the CA were 16 colonels from the Philippine Army, 10 colonels from the Philippine Air Force, eight captains from the Philippine Navy, two colonels from the Philippine Navy-Marines, and 13 colonels from the Technical and Administrative Service of the AFP.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1190830

Troops arrest 2 ASG bandits, seize firearms in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 15, 2022): Troops arrest 2 ASG bandits, seize firearms in Sulu (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Two Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits allegedly involved in kidnappings and killings were arrested while five others escaped in an operation by police and military forces in Sulu, a police official said Thursday.

Col. Richard Verceles, operations chief of the Area Police Command-Western Mindanao, said Musaram Muharam Amil, 70, and Aljabir Musaram, 30, were arrested in an operation around 1:30 a.m. Thursday in Barangay Tayungan, Panamao, Sulu.

Those who escaped were identified as Warkin Ukoh Adu, Bakri Ukoh Adu, Osminya Ukoh Adu, Alnadzmer Ukoh Adu and Jesmer Ukoh Adu.

Verceles said the troops recovered firearms that included an M16 rifle, a Garand rifle, magazines, ammunition and a bandolier.

He said the subjects of the search warrant were members of the ASG and relatives of slain ASG leader Jennor Lahab, formerly based in Basilan province.

Lahab transferred to the second district of Sulu and was affiliated with the group of the late ASG sub-leader Alhabsy Misaya, who is involved in kidnapping for ransom, the beheading of a Malaysian engineer in 2015 and kidnapping of 10 Indonesian sailors in 2016.

They were also involved in armed encounters with government forces and killings of civilians in Basilan and Sulu.

The ASG members were placed under the custody of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group for proper filing of charges in court.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1190818

73 ex-rebels get P1.4-M livelihood aid in Surigao Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 15, 2022): 73 ex-rebels get P1.4-M livelihood aid in Surigao Sur (By Alexander Lopez)

SUPPORT TO EX-REBELS. The Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Caraga Region releases a total of PHP1.4 million in livelihood assistance to 73 former New People’s Army rebels on Dec. 14, 2022 in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur. Each beneficiary received PHP20,000 cash. (Photo courtesy of DSWD-13)

BUTUAN CITY – At least 73 former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Surigao del Sur received livelihood assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Caraga Region (DSWD-13).

In a statement Thursday, DSWD-13 said the PHP1.4 million aid was released through the Livelihood Settlement Grant of the agency’s Sustainable Livelihood Program.

“The distribution of the livelihood assistance to the 73 former rebels was facilitated in Tandag City on Wednesday,” DSWD-13 said, adding that each beneficiary received PHP20,000 cash.

“The former rebels can utilize the assistance as seed capital fund to start a livelihood activity in their respective communities,” it said.

Among those who benefited from the livelihood distribution on Wednesday was “Ardo,” who spent more than five years in the communist movement.

“I decided to surrender after seeing the lives of those who returned to mainstream society. I realized that there’s no future in the armed struggle, only hardships not only on my part but also to the people in communities,” Ardo said in a local dialect during a phone interview on Thursday.

He said he would use the assistance in developing his farm.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1190868

7 NPA rebels yield in Zambo Peninsula

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 15, 2022): 7 NPA rebels yield in Zambo Peninsula (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

Google map of the Zamboanga Peninsula.

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Seven New People’s Army (NPA) rebels have pledged allegiance to the government as they withdrew support to the NPA and surrendered to authorities here in Zamboanga Peninsula, a police official said Thursday.

The police identified the NPA surrenderers as Bebet Tigib, 25; George Tinaypan, 30; Jovin Randis, 22; Julito Bolagao, 37; Rolando Rule, 55; Nicanor Tumindog, 41; and Pilamer Hernando Sr., 61.

Col. Richard Verceles, operations chief of the Area Police Command-Western Mindanao, said Tigib surrendered around 1:40 p.m. Thursday in Sergio Osmeña town, Zamboanga del Norte.

Tigib was a member of the Section Committee of the Guerrilla Front Big Beautiful Country of the NPA’s Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC).

Verceles said Tinaypan, Randis, Bolagao and Rule surrendered around 2 p.m. in Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay.

The four were recruited into the NPA in 2017 and served as couriers of food and medical supplies of the NPA’s WMRPC in Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga del Norte.

Tumindog, meanwhile, surrendered in San Miguel, Zamboanga del Sur.

Verceles said Tumindog served as spy and courier of the NPA in San Miguel town and was released to the custody of Janito Tomino, village chief of Concepcion, San Miguel for community reintegration.

He said Hernando surrendered to the police in Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay. He was recruited in 2003 and served as the food and medical courier of the NPA’s WMRPC in Zamboanga Sibugay.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1190882

DND alarmed with swarming reports in WPS, patrols to continue

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 14, 2022): DND alarmed with swarming reports in WPS, patrols to continue (By Priam Nepomuceno)

MANILA – While expressing alarm over the reported swarming of Chinese ships off Iroquois Reef and Sabina Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the Department of National Defense (DND) maintained that it will not give up any part of the country's territory and will continue with its regular maritime and air patrols.

"The DND views with great concern the reported swarming of Chinese vessels in Iroquois Reef and Sabina Shoal in the WPS," DND officer-in-charge Undersecretary Jose Faustino Jr. said in a statement Wednesday.

He added that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to the DND is clear and that is not to give up any part, regardless of size, of the country's territory.

"The President’s directive to the Department is clear -- we will not give up a single square inch of Philippine territory. We continue to conduct routine maritime and aerial patrols in the WPS. Information gathered in these patrols are submitted to relevant authorities for appropriate action," Faustino said.

The DND chief also stressed that their lines remain open to dialogue.

"However, we maintain that activities which violate our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction, and undermine the peace and stability of the region, are unacceptable," he added.

Faustino also said the Philippines remains committed to maintaining a rules-based order in the West Philippine Sea and the larger South China Sea.

However, he added that the country reserves the right to deal with any situation that violates or threatens its territorial integrity and sovereignty.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1190766

Closer defense cooperation with Netherlands, Czechia eyed

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 15, 2022): Closer defense cooperation with Netherlands, Czechia eyed (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (Photo courtesy of the Office of the Press Secretary)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has expressed intent to step up the Philippines’ ties with the Netherlands and Czechia (Czech Republic) by seeking closer cooperation in the defense sector, Malacañang said on Thursday.

This developed after Marcos on Wednesday (Brussels time) held a bilateral meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Czechia Prime Minister Petr Fiala on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-European Union (Asean-EU) Commemorative Summit in Brussels, Belgium.

During Marcos’ meeting with Rutte, the two leaders agreed to bolster Manila and Amsterdam’s relations, particularly in defense and water management, Undersecretary Cheloy Garafil, officer-in-charge of the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS) said in a statement.

Rutte, Garafil said, invited Marcos to participate in two conferences on artificial intelligence and water management in the Netherlands in 2023.

This, as the Netherlands is set to gather foreign ministers, defense ministers and heads of state in a conference on the role of artificial intelligence in the military domain in February next year.

The Netherlands is also set to host another conference on water management and climate change adaptation in March 2023.

Marcos told Rutte that cybersecurity is crucial for the Philippines’ armed forces, particularly in protecting military networks against cyberattacks.

“The cybersecurity part of our military is growing everyday,” Marcos, as quoted by the OPS, said.


Defense technology transfer

Marcos also sought the assistance of the Czechia in the transfer of technology in the defense sector, in line with his administration's commitment to support the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) modernization program.

“It’s something that has been very helpful to the program of modernization that we are undergoing for defense forces in the Philippines especially now that we are trying to strengthen the capabilities of our Coast Guard,” Marcos said during his bilateral meeting with Fiala.

Technology transfer, Marcos said, is vital in beefing up the AFP's defense production abilities.

“But what would be even more interesting is besides just the equipment, would be the transfer of technology from your country to mine so that you are able to produce [in our own country] some of the material[s] that [are] now being provided by other countries and perhaps used… Make the Philippines a center for all that, the logistics,” he said.


Responses to climate change

Marcos said the March 2023 conference on water management and climate change adaptation in the Netherlands would be “very useful” for the Philippines, one of the countries most affected by extreme climate events.

This, as he agreed with Rutte that the Philippines and the Netherlands are vulnerable to the impacts of rising sea levels and climate change.

“We are actually trying to decide whether or not to form a new agency just for water management. That seems to be right exactly within the area of concern of the Philippines, Marcos said. “I tell our locals, [the] local executives, every urban and large municipality in the Philippines has a water problem whether they know it or not."

Marcos earlier backed the creation of a government body that will manage water resources, saying the problem in the country's water supply needs the most urgent solution.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1190812

PH, Indon, Malaysian must sustain presence in MCCs: DND

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 15, 2022): PH, Indon, Malaysian must sustain presence in MCCs: DND (By Priam Nepomuceno)

MANILA – The Philippines and its next-door neighbors, Indonesia and Malaysia, must sustain security cooperation in the Sulu and Celebes Seas to ensure that lawless elements responsible for kidnapping and piracy will not make a comeback in the maritime areas of common concerns (MCCs), the Department of National Defense (DND) has said.

In a statement released Wednesday, Defense spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said this was stressed by the Philippine contingent during the back-to-back bilateral and trilateral security engagements at the 20th Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines (INDOMALPHI) Joint Working Group (JWG) Meeting on the Trilateral Cooperative Arrangement (TCA) held in Bandung last Dec. 6.

DND Office for Strategic Assessments and International Affairs director Marita I. Yoro, who headed the contingent, said in the meeting that while there was a significant decline and zero-incidence of kidnap-for-ransom incidents instigated by the Abu Sayyaf Group since January 2020, efforts must continue to ensure the presence of Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines in their MCCs.

"Director Yoro emphasized that the three countries must not be complacent and continue to work with one another to sustain their presence in the maritime areas of common concern as a deterrence for lawless elements. The JWG agreed to further assess and consider initiatives that will bolster the trilateral cooperation between the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia," Andolong said.

He added that the two sub-working groups under the JWG - the Trilateral Maritime Patrol (TMP) Sub-Working Group (TMP SWG), and Intelligence Sub-Working Group (ISWG) - also met to discuss the status of trilateral activities in their respective MCCs.

These include proposals or means to advance information sharing on real-time, and updates on security developments in the area of maritime interest (AMI).

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1190815

Peace efforts, infra projects help diminish NPA threat: Army exec

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 13, 2022): Peace efforts, infra projects help diminish NPA threat: Army exec (By Mary Judaline Partlow) 

APPRECIATION. Lt. Col. William Pesase, commanding officer of the 62nd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, hands over a token of appreciation to Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte during the battalion's anniversary celebration on Monday (Dec. 13, 2022). The Army official said the Communist insurgency in Negros island is now dwindling as government efforts, such as infrastructure projects, have helped to improve the peace and order in the area. (PNA photo by Judy Flores Partlow)

DUMAGUETE CITY – A key official of the Philippine Army in Negros Island on Tuesday said the threat posed by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) is diminishing as peace and development efforts continue to bring in progress in affected areas.

Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, told the Philippine News Agency that there is a significant improvement in peace and development over the years since he was first assigned in 2017 in the island of Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental provinces.

“I was still the deputy brigade commander in 2017 and what I have seen then is a far cry from the current situation now, considering that we only had two Army battalions on the island,” Pasaporte said in mixed English and Filipino.

“The 62nd Infantry Battalion was deployed in the north and the 79th Infantry Battalion in the south of Negros because the other units were pulled out to help address the terrorism problem in Mindanao, specifically in Marawi,” he noted.

Pasaporte said the threat slowly diminished upon the return of the other units from Mindanao a couple of years later. Massive deployment of troops followed in organized areas where the NPA had concentrated its primary strength and support.

The brigade commander also noted the huge contribution provided by the local government units (LGUs), agencies, and other stakeholders to improve the peace and security on the island.

“The synergy with stakeholders has ushered in relative peace and is now cascading developments at several levels including those in the barangays,” he said.

As an example, he cited the road projects in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, which have paved the way for development compared to back then when it was known as a hotbed for insurgency and which many considered as a “hopeless” case.

“Dati pag sinabi na Guihulngan, i-equate kaagad nila na magulo iyan (back then, when we talk of Guihulngan, it would be immediately equated to disorder),” he said.

Massive road networks in Guihulngan that lead to other parts of the province and in nearby Negros Occidental have a big impact on the “collective and collaborative efforts” in the area that have helped change the people’s perception of the city, he added.

Pasaporte said there is a need to sustain these efforts to prevent the insurgents from regaining their strongholds amidst their constant recruitment activities.

Also, through the End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) campaign of the government, this can be achieved provided all stakeholders will be united and going in the same direction, he said.

“The LGUs, political leaders, and chief executives have realized that this is what we all need for Guihulngan to progress,” he said. “We cannot do that without the efforts of the LGU that is why we are also thankful for their partnership as we await more projects so that peace will finally be achieved on the island”.

During the 34th anniversary of the 62nd Infantry Battalion on Monday, Pasaporte lauded the troops for their gains over the past year in sustaining the efforts to crush the communist insurgency in the unit's area of responsibility, including Guihulngan City and some areas in central Negros Oriental.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1190663

6 BIFF men yield in Maguindanao Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 14, 2022): 6 BIFF men yield in Maguindanao Norte (By Edwin Fernandez)

FOOD AID. Jaber Macacua of the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government -Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (2nd from left) hands over a food package to one of six Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) during surrender rites in Maguindanao del Norte on Tuesday (Dec. 13, 2022). Macacua said 187 former BIFF rebels from Maguindanao are being assisted by the BARMM government to start new lives. (Photo courtesy of MILG-BARMM)

COTABATO CITY – Six local terrorist group members have decided to lay down their arms "and pursue the path to peace" in Maguindanao del Norte, an official said Wednesday.

“They were members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) who surrendered and chose to reintegrate into the mainstream society,” said Jaber Macacua, project officer of TuGon Project under the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MILG-BARMM).

TuGon is the acronym of Project Tulong ng Gobyernong Nagmamalasakit, which assists surrenderers as they begin a new life with their families.

The surrenderers were presented to local government officials and military authorities during the surrender rites at the headquarters of the Army’s 57th Infantry Battalion in Upi municipality on Tuesday afternoon.

Macacua, who represented MILG Minister Naguib Sinarimbo in the activity, also distributed food packs to the surrenderers.

The BIFF batch turned over to the Army assorted high-powered firearms, including a .50-caliber Barrett sniper rifle, explosives, and ammunition.

He said 187 former BIFF members in Maguindanao are receiving interventions from Project TuGon in collaboration with other BARMM ministries.

A batch of 44 BIFF extremists yielded in Maguindanao, seven of them bomb-making experts, in Kabacan, North Cotabato on December 9.

Four BIFF field commanders led the Kabacan surrender facilitated by the Army’s 90th Infantry Battalion of the 602nd Infantry Brigade.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1190716

Hunt on for killers of mayor’s son in Sultan Kudarat

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 15, 2022): Hunt on for killers of mayor’s son in Sultan Kudarat (By Edwin Fernandez)

Datu Naga Mangudadatu. (Photo from Datu Naga’s Facebook Page)

TACURONG CITY – Police authorities in Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat, have launched a manhunt against gunmen who shot dead the son of Mayor Datu Pax Mangudadatu on Tuesday night.

Lt. Col. Lino Capellan, Sultan Kudarat deputy police director for operations, said police forces in Lutayan and nearby areas were also placed on heightened alert to prevent the escalation of hostilities.

This came after Datu Naga Mangudadatu, son of Datu Pax, former congressman and governor of Sultan Kudarat and now mayor of Lutayan, was killed by still unidentified gunmen.

Datu Naga, who ran and lost in his vice mayoralty bid in nearby Mangudadatu town in Maguindanao del Sur in last May’s local elections, was in front of his business establishment at the Lutayan town market when the armed men arrived on a pickup truck.

His employee, Dennis Hadji Daup, 25, a resident of Barangay Paitan, Mangudadatu town, was also killed.

Datu Naga was declared dead on arrival at a hospital in Koronadal City, while Daup expired while undergoing medication.

Capt. Leonel Delasan, Lutayan town police chief, said two others, including an 11-year-old boy, were injured in the 6:30 p.m. gun attack.

Datu Naga is the younger brother of former Sultan Kudarat Governor Suharto “Teng” Mangudadatu.

Capellan said police investigators found empty shells for M16 and M14 rifles at the crime scene.

“We are still investigating, we have no specific lead yet whether this is politically or business-related,” Capellan said.

The Mangudadatu family is yet to issue a statement on the incident.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1190817

Firearm, anti-personnel mines seized in Leyte clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 15, 2022): Firearm, anti-personnel mines seized in Leyte clash (By Sarwell Meniano)

SEIZED. A shotgun, anti-personnel mines and medical kit were recovered by soldiers after a brief clash with three New People's Army rebels in Luneta village in Lapaz, Leyte on Tuesday (Dec. 13, 2022).(Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Army (PA) has recovered a firearm and anti-personnel mines after a brief clash with three members of New People’s Army (NPA) in Luneta village in Lapaz, Leyte.

The PA reported on Thursday that soldiers recovered on Dec. 13 a shotgun loaded with bullets, two anti-personnel mines, 50-meters electric wire with switch, a battery pack with five size D batteries, two backpacks, a hammock and a medical kit.

Col. Noel Vestuir, commander of the Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade, said troops were in the forested areas of Luneta village responding to tips from civilians of the presence of armed men.

The troops had a brief gun battle with three NPA fighters belonging to platoon 1 of the NPA sub-regional committee.

No one was killed in the incident.

“The timely information provided by the residents in the area foiled the NPA’s terroristic plans against our people and the communities. It is a notable manifestation that the NPA are no longer welcome or acceptable to communities,” Vestuir said in a statement.

The use of anti-personnel mines, Vestuir said, is a violation of the Ottawa Convention, the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and Republic Act 9851, An Act on Crimes Against IHL, Genocide and Other Crimes Against Humanity.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1190824