Viscom chief tells NPA: Stop terrorizing innocent civilians

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 1, 2023): Viscom chief tells NPA: Stop terrorizing innocent civilians (By John Rey Saavedra)

(PNA file photo)

CEBU CITY – An Army official on Wednesday urged members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army not to terrorize innocent civilians as he condemned the series of killings allegedly perpetrated by rebels in Negros Island over the past week.

“The CPP-NPA has once again displayed their murderous nature to terrorize and instill fear (in) the peace-loving communities in the region. These cold-blooded murders are manifestations of their complete disregard (for) the lives of our people just to advance their terroristic goal,” Lt. General Benedict Arevalo, chief of the Visayas Command (Viscom), said.

Arevalo said CPP-NPA, through its rebel units, has claimed responsibility for five deaths last month.

Leonardo Panaligan Command-New People’s Army (LPC-NPA) Central Negros Guerrilla Front had reportedly admitted behind the killing of councilman Cerilo Balasabas, 48, of Barangay Guba in the town of Vallehermoso in Negros Oriental on Jan. 14 for allegedly spying for the government.

A certain “JB Regalado” who claimed to be LPC-NPA spokesperson, said they murdered Balasabas when he acted as an intelligence asset of the Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB).

Accordingly, Balasabas was instrumental in the residents’ decision to withdraw their support to the communist movement but the rebels accused him of threatening and red-tagging people to force them to surrender to the government.

A 29-year-old civilian, Raffy Estorco, of Barangay Macagahay in Moises Padilla town in Negros Occidental, was shot dead by unidentified men on Jan. 19 while driving a motorcycle for his alleged work with the military.

The NPA’s Armando Sumayang Command also admitted responsibility for the death of a civilian identified as Silas Granada who was killed on Jan. 28 in Sitio Tugas, Barangay Pinggot, Ilog, Negros Occidental.

The other victims were Ramel Europa, who was gunned down at Sitio Sambag, Barangay Manghanoy, La Castellana in Negros Occidental on Jan. 23; Regie “Gang Gang” dela Cruz was killed on Jan. 25 at Sitio Maiti, Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City in Negros Occidental.

Arevalo assured the families of the victims that “the perpetrators of these horrible acts will be held accountable”.

“We will further intensify our efforts to achieve justice for our people and put an end to the CPP-NPA’s menace in the region,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194093

Army-NPA clashes force class suspension in 11 Quezon villages

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 1, 2023): Army-NPA clashes force class suspension in 11 Quezon villages (By Belinda Otordoz)

CLASSES SUSPENDED. Mayor Romulo Edaño of San Francisco town in Quezon province is shown in a meeting with military and village officials on Monday (Jan. 30, 2023). The mayor issued a memorandum on Wednesday canceling classes in all elementary and secondary schools in 11 villages of the town where soldiers are pursuing New People's Army rebels to ensure the safety of residents. (Photo from the Facebook page of Mayor Roming 'Erpat' Edaño)

SAN FRANCISCO, Quezon – Classes are suspended in all elementary and secondary schools in 11 remote barangays of this town until Feb. 3 due to ongoing hot pursuit operations of government forces against New People's Army (NPA) rebels.

Memorandum Circular No. 2023-03A issued by Mayor Romulo Edaño on Wednesday canceled classes in all elementary and secondary schools in the villages of Butanguiad, Casay, Don Juan Vercelos, Huyon-huyon, Inabuan, Mabunga, Nasalaan, Pagsangahan, Pugon, Silongin and Sto. Niño from Feb. 1-3.

Edaño, in his memorandum, said "this is to ensure the safety of residents after the rebel group had an encounter with the combined military and police forces, who conducted a hot pursuit operation in the said areas last Sunday."

Last Jan. 27, an encounter ensued between military and rebel groups in the adjacent town of San Andres where a soldier was hurt and three NPA rebels were killed.

In a report, the Police Regional Office 4A identified the fatalities as members of the Platon Reymark, Sub-Regional Military Area 4B of the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front.

The insurgents fled to different directions and the 11 barangays in San Francisco covered by the memorandum are included in the military’s areas of pursuit operations.

To mitigate the fear gripping the residents, the local government ordered the class suspension.

"This is what we decided to do to maintain the safety of the students and the citizens of the barangays based on the report and recommendation that the Philippine Army gave us regarding the ongoing encounter between the military and the rebels," Edaño said in a phone interview.

He added that the decisions and actions relative to the internal security situation shall be announced later in the week depending on the situation report given by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police.

The mayor also requested Department of Education (DepEd) officials to contact the local government through the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) and the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) for necessary assistance.

Byron Aloysius Cuerdo, Principal I, of Casay National High School in Barangay Casay, said he was glad that Edaño declared the class suspension to avoid further trauma among the schoolchildren and their families. Upon learning of the mayor's order, he immediately sent home his teachers who live in other places like Tayabas town and Lucena City.

"We don't want the teachers and students to experience further tension. There are sightings of the armed rebel groups and they may act unpredictably," Cuerdo told the PNA in a phone interview.

However, the school official said residents in the barangays were pacified by the visibility of soldiers. "Although some families are now evacuating to safer areas, like those who came from Sitio Panday where gunfire was heard," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194145

Viscom chief orders gov’t troops to step up anti-insurgency drive

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 2, 2023): Viscom chief orders gov’t troops to step up anti-insurgency drive (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

ANTI-INSURGENCY CAMPAIGN. Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, concurrent AFP Visayas Command chief and 3rd Infantry Division commander (left) has directed operating units to step up their counter-insurgency operations this year. He is photographed here with Brig. Gen. Leonardo Peña, 302nd Infantry Brigade commander during an activity in Mabinay, Negros Oriental on Wednesday (Feb. 1, 2023). (Photo by Judy Flores Partlow)

DUMAGUETE CITY – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Visayas Command (Viscom) chief has ordered government forces to step up their operations this year against the communist insurgency in Negros amid positive gains.

“We are actually gaining much ground (and) we have weakened the guerrilla fronts here,” Lt. Col. Benedict Arevalo, Viscom commander, said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency on Wednesday afternoon.

Arevalo noted a decline in violent incidents initiated by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) “and our campaign is practically on the upbeat”.

Army commanders in Negros have previously said the NPA’s South East Front has already been dismantled while another guerrilla front in Central Negros has dwindled in numbers.

The Viscom chief, who concurrently heads the 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army based in Jamindan, Capiz, said he had directed the different units to step up their operations to further weaken and neutralize the NPA forces and prevent them from “re-infiltrating the different barangays”.

Central Negros still has the biggest challenge in the counter-insurgency campaign, Arevalo said, adding that he has already directed his troops not to be complacent in going after the remnants of the guerrilla fronts.

Meanwhile, the directive to intensify the anti-insurgency operations is not just in Negros but in the entire Visayas region, focusing on Samar Island, he said.

He reiterated his call to the remaining NPA members to voluntarily surrender and live a peaceful lives with their families as their armed struggle is no match to the government’s sustained operations.

Arevalo was the guest of honor and speaker during the signing of a memorandum of agreement and groundbreaking of a multimillion pesos steel hanging bridge in Barangay Abis in Mabinay, Negros Oriental.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194200

US reaffirms commitment to support allies vs. terrorism

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 2, 2023): US reaffirms commitment to support allies vs. terrorism (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

SECURITY COMMITMENT. The United States government reaffirms its commitment to support its allies in the fight against terrorism and in sustaining peace. US Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III (2nd left) gives this assurance during his meeting Wednesday (Feb. 1, 2023) with top Philippine military officials led by Gen. Andres Centino, Armed Forces chief of staff (2nd from right) at the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) headquarters in Zamboanga City. (Photo courtesy of Westmincom)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The United States (US) government has reaffirmed its commitment to support its allies, including the Philippines, in their campaigns against terrorism and in sustaining peace.

This was relayed by US Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III in a meeting with the top Philippine military when he visited Wednesday the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) headquarters in this city.

The US has been providing training and technical assistance to Filipino troops in combating terrorism like the Islamic State for Iraq and Syria-linked Abu Sayyaf Group and Dawlah Islamiya as well as the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

In a statement Thursday, Westmincom said the meeting with Austin focused on strengthening cooperation and establishing a good relationship between the Philippine military and the newly deployed members of the United States of America’s Special Operations Task Force (SOTF) 511.2.

The Philippine military officials who met with Austin at the Westmincom headquarters here include Gen. Andres Centino, chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP); Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr., flag-officer-in-command of the Philippine Navy; Maj. Gen. Roy Galido, Westmincom chief; and Maj. Gen. Araus Musico, commander of the Air Combat Command of the Philippine Air Force.

Austin also visited the headquarters of SOTF 511.2 located inside Camp Navarro before he returned to Manila.

The new team of the SOTF 511.2 arrived here on Monday, replacing the team headed by Maj. Scott Cook.

Galido said they were grateful and fortunate to be visited by the US Defense secretary.

“This shows how strong our working relationship is and how committed our most powerful ally is to help us in addressing our security issues here in the southern part of the Philippines,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194198

High-powered firearms seized in Sorsogon clash with NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 2, 2023): High-powered firearms seized in Sorsogon clash with NPA (By Connie Calipay)

Camp Elias Angeles, headquarters of the Philippine Army in Pili, Camarines Sur (File photo)

LEGAZPI CITY – Several high-powered firearms of the New People's Army (NPA) were recovered after an encounter with government troops in Sorsogon province on Wednesday.

A social media post of the Philippine Army's 9th Infantry Division (9ID) on Thursday said the encounter occurred in the town of Pilar.

Among the weapons recovered were two M16 rifles, two anti-personnel mines, and a Molotov bomb, as well as 10 cellphones, subversive documents, and the personal belongings of the rebels.

Based on the report, the authorities received information on the alleged presence of armed men between Barangay San Vicente Grande in Daraga, Albay and the villages of Catamlangan and Pinagsalog in Pilar, which the soldiers immediately verified, resulting in a 15-minute exchange of fire.

"No injured or dead troops were recorded in the said incident while the terrorists' part is still being investigated due to traces of blood in the area," the post read.

Maj. Gen. Adonis Bajao, commander of the 9ID and Joint Task Force Bicolandia, once again called on the communist group members to surrender and lead new lives.

“Hinihikayat ko po ang mga miyembro ng CTG (communist terrorist group) na sumuko na lamang at maging bahagi ng pagbabago ng ating komunidad tungo sa tunay na kapayapaan. Katatapos lamang po ng ating paggunita sa National Bible Day nitong Lunes. Nawa’y sa pamamagitan nito ay mabuksan na rin ang inyong mga puso’t isipan upang baguhin na ang inyong mga pananaw sa buhay (I encourage the members of the CTG to just give up and be part of the transformation of our community towards real peace. We have just finished commemorating National Bible Day this Monday. Through this, may your hearts and minds be opened to change your views on life)," Bajao said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194217

Cops recover cache of explosives in Dinagat

 From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 2, 2023): Cops recover cache of explosives in Dinagat (By Alexander Lopez)

RECOVERED. Two hand grenades and 15 rifle grenade projectiles are retrieved by the Dinagat Islands Police Provincial Office (DIPPO) in Barangay Luna, San Jose, Dinagat Islands on Thursday (Feb. 2, 2022). An investigation is underway to determine those behind the concealment of the explosives. (Photo courtesy of DIPPO)

BUTUAN CITY – Police operatives in Dinagat Islands recovered a cache of explosives in San Jose town on Thursday.

Lt. Col. Renel Serrano, chief of Dinagat’s Provincial Investigation and Detection Management Unit, said a team from the Provincial Tactical Operation Center discovered two hand grenades and 15 rifle grenade projectiles near a racetrack in Barangay Luna.

“The explosives were buried at the end portion of the racetrack beside the river. The soil that covered the buried items was washed away during the recent rains and floods and exposed the explosives," Serrano said.

Dinagat Islands Police Provincial Office (DIPPO) Director Col. Ariel Red immediately ordered an investigation to identify those responsible for the concealment of the explosives.

“Based on our initial investigation, these explosives were deliberately hidden as the DIPPO intensified its campaigns against loose firearms in the province,” he said.

The recovered explosives are now under the custody of the DIPPO explosives and ordnance division.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194237

Army overruns NPA lair in Calbayog City; recovers firearms

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 2, 2023): Army overruns NPA lair in Calbayog City; recovers firearms (By Sarwell Meniano)

FIGHTING NPA. Soldiers of the Army's 43rd Infantry Battalion based in Lope de Vega, Northern Samar. Troopers from this unit clashed with rebels in Calbayog City on Wednesday (Feb. 1, 2023) and recovered high-powered firearms and explosive components. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Army has recovered high-powered firearms and explosives after a clash with suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in an upland village in Calbayog City, Samar on Wednesday.

Acting spokesperson of the Philippine Army's 43rd Infantry Battalion (IB), Lt. Roxane Valenciano, said troopers attacked a band of 20 rebels at the boundary of Cangomaod and Cagmanipis villages, Tinambacan District in Calbayog City, Samar at past 1 p.m. on Wednesday.

"The rebels were caught unprepared, and they scampered in different directions during the encounter. We are sure some of them were injured since there are many blood stains in the clash site," she said in a phone interview Thursday.

Recovered from the NPA lair were an M16A rifle, an M653 rifle, two improvised hand grenades, two anti-personnel mines, detonator switches, five backpacks, a bandolier with three magazines of M14 rifle, and personal belongings.

"Our troops found the location of the NPA hideout through the information of alias Webb, a finance officer and member of the executive committee of the NPA Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) who surrendered to 43rd IB on January 26," Valenciano added.

The rebels belong to the merged group of NPA front committee 2, sub-regional guerrilla unit, sub-regional committee emporium, and EVPRC, headed by Alex Capales alias Mantiw.

The NPA combatants, according to alias Webb, have been hiding near coconut plantations since they extort food from coconut farmers.

Commander of the Army's 43rd IB, Lt. Col. Manuel Degay Jr., has called on the remaining NPA members to surrender with the intensified focused military operations in Samar Island.

The rebels belong to the four remaining NPA guerrilla fronts in Eastern Visayas with a concentration in the mountains within the boundaries of Northern Samar, Eastern Samar and Samar provinces, according to the military.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194247

Another NPA rebel arrested for murder in Zambo Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 3, 2023): Another NPA rebel arrested for murder in Zambo Sur (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

Google map of Dumingag municipality, Zamboanga del Sur.

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Authorities have arrested another New People’s Army (NPA) rebel in manhunt operations in Zamboanga del Sur, according to a top police official on Friday.

Brig. Gen. Neil Alinsañgan, Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula (PRO-9) director, said suspect Cesar Daano Mariano was arrested around Thursday morning in Barangay Dilud in Dumingag town, Zamboanga del Sur province.

Alinsañgan said Mariano, 36, has a standing warrant for murder with no recommended bail way back in 2008.

Mariano belongs to the Baking Squad 1 of the Sectoral Command Kara of the NPA’s Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC), the police official said.

Mariano was the third NPA rebel that authorities arrested during the week in the region.

The first two were Dexter Buenaza, 26; and Redo Andata, 26, both members of the NPA Guerrilla Front Big Beautiful Country, WMRPC.

Buenaza and Andata were arrested by police and military operatives last Jan. 30 in Purok 3, Barangay Saad, also in Dumingag.

Both of them have standing warrants of arrest for murder with no recommended bail issued in 2018 by a court in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194359

Military to hold CPP-NPA accountable for Negros killings

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 3, 2023): Military to hold CPP-NPA accountable for Negros killings (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

CHANGE OF COMMAND. Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo (center), commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Visayas Command, during the turnover of command from Col. Michael Samson (left) to Col. Orlando Edralin at the Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade in Murcia, Negros Occidental on Jan. 31, 2023. Arevalo said he has instructed the brigade and battalion commanders to address the spate of killings perpetrated by the CPP-NPA in Negros Island. (Photo courtesy of 303rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army)

BACOLOD CITY – The top official of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the Visayas has vowed to seek justice for the series of killings recently perpetrated by the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army (CPP-NPA) in Negros Island.

Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, commander of the Visayas Command (Viscom), issued the statement after at least five persons died as of Friday due to summary executions.

“Rest assured the perpetrators of these horrible acts will be held accountable. We will further intensify our efforts to achieve justice for our people and put an end to the CPP-NPA’s menace in the region,” Arevalo said in a statement.

The Viscom chief, who was previously the commander of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division in Western and Central Visayas, denounced the “barbaric acts” of the CPP-NPA anew.

“They have once again displayed their murderous nature to terrorize and instill fear on the peace-loving communities in the region,” he added.

Arevalo, who was in Negros Occidental earlier this week for the turnover of command at the 303rd Infantry Brigade in Murcia town, said he instructed the brigade and battalion commanders to address these incidents.

“We have no reason not to solve these. I want to see the results of their operations in the coming period. I already told the battalion commanders to really check these kinds of atrocities,” he added.

The CPP-NPA in Negros Island had earlier claimed responsibility for the killings that all happened in January this year.

Records showed that Cerilo Balasabas, a village councilman, and Raffy Estorco, were found dead on Jan. 14 and 19 in Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental and Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental, respectively.

On Jan. 23, Ramel Europa was shot dead in Sitio Sambag, Barangay Manghanoy, La Castellana, and on Jan. 25, Regie “Gang Gang” de la Cruz was also killed in Sitio Maiti, Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City, both in Negros Occidental.

The latest victim, Silas Granada, was shot outside his house in Sitio Tugas, Barangay Pinggot in Ilog, Negros Occidental on Jan. 28.

“These cold-blooded murders are manifestations of the CPP-NPA’s complete disregard to the lives of our people just to advance their terroristic goal,” Arevalo said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194363

Kalinaw News: Hijab Troopers

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 2, 2023): Hijab Troopers

DID YOU KNOW, At the height of the Marawi Siege in 2017, the Hijab Troopers, an all-female contingent trained in conducting psycho-social activities, was organized to address cultural sensitivity during the implementation of Internally Displaced Persons Operations. Members of this contingent wore a hijab, a simple scarf that covers the head and neck which in Islamic tradition, denotes modesty and privacy. Wearing their hijabs, they conquered cultural barriers and made major contributions to the peace-building efforts of the government. Today, Hijab Troopers are still being utilized by the Civil-Military Operations Regiment in its initiatives on prevention and countering violent extremism.
The Philippine Army joins the commemoration of World Hijab Day by advocating for the battle to end discrimination against Muslim women who wear hijabs, not just in the Philippines but across the world.

#KapayapaanParaSaLahat

#PhilArmy
#ARMY125

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.facebook.com/kalinawnews/photos/a.449700745237950/2174238492784158/

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Kalinaw News: 95IB encountered more or less 15 remnants of the Komiteng Probinsya Cagayan and Isabela, Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley

Posted to Kalinaw News Facebook Page (Feb 2, 2023): 95IB encountered more or less 15 remnants of the Komiteng Probinsya Cagayan and Isabela, Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley

JUST IN| Troops from the Army's 95th Infantry Battalion encountered more or less 15 remnants of the Komiteng Probinsya Cagayan and Isabela, Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley in the vicinity of Barangay Hacienda Intal, Baggao, Cagayan today, February 2.

5ID Startroopers, Philippine Army
95th Infantry Salaknib Battalion
#KapayapaanParaSaLahat
#PhilArmy
#ARMY125

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.facebook.com/kalinawnews/

Kalinaw News: CTG supporters and members withdrew their support for the NPA in San Narcissus, Quezon

Posted to Kalinaw News Facebook Page (Feb 2, 2023): CTG supporters and members withdrew their support for the NPA in San Narcissus, Quezon

IN PHOTOS: One hundred forty-seven Communist Terrorist Group supporters and members withdrew their support for the New People's Army in San Narcissus, Quezon, on Tuesday, January 31.
Through the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) and the current Chairman of the Municipal Task Force To End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC), said individuals, led by the city's Vice Mayor, pledged to help the government's objective of attaining peace and development in communities.

#KapayapaanParaSaLahat
#PhilArmy
#ARMY125

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.facebook.com/kalinawnews/photos/pcb.2175252132682794/2175252009349473/

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Kalinaw News: NPA member bearing sniper rifle and ammunitions surrender to government forces in Sarangani Province

Posted to Kalinaw News Facebook Page (Feb 3, 2023): NPA member bearing sniper rifle and ammunitions surrender to government forces in Sarangani Province

Read: 

https://bit.ly/3jourCX
#KapayapaanParaSaLahat
#PhilArmy
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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.facebook.com/kalinawnews/photos/pcb.2176163049258369/2176163032591704/

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Kalinaw News: JTF Sulu – SULADS spearhead medical mission in Sulu

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jan 24, 2023): JTF Sulu – SULADS spearhead medical mission in Sulu (By 11ID)

Camp Teodulfo Bautista, Jolo, Sulu – January 24,2023

The Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu in collaboration with the Socio-economic Uplift Literacy and Development Services (SULADS) spearheaded a Medical Civic Action Program (MEDCAP) at Barangay Kagay in Indanan, Barangay Buhanginan in Patikul, and Barangay Kamuntayan in Talipao, Sulu on January 18 – 20, 2023.

According to Mr. Robert B. Dulay, SULADS volunteer and General Conference Assistant Adventist Word Radio Coordinator, a total of 2,080 residents benefited from the medical mission which includes medical consultation, minor operations, circumcision, dental check-up, haircut, optical check-up, distribution of eyeglasses, and goods.

“Our program intends to deliver medical services to the far flung communities in the country. We aim to reach out our services for them to benefit. We will continue to collaborate with the Local Government Unit and military to help the people of Sulu,” said Mr. Dulay.

Hon. Franzkhan M. Ibrahim the Chairperson of Barangay Kagay, Indanan expressed his gratitude for the services extended to their community. He noted that the activity clearly shows the collaborative efforts of the military and non government organization in bringing services needed by his constituents.

Meanwhile, Hon. Bakkal Ajibbon Hammidi of Barangay Kamuntayan said “Madami sa atin ang hindi nabigyan ng ganyang serbisyo at oportunidad na galing sa gobyerno kaya napakalaking tulong po ito para sa amin lalo na sa mga kabataan.”

Hon. Hammisa A. Anuddin of Barangay Buhanginan, Patikul said “Nagpapasalamat ako sa mga sundalo at SULADS sa kanilang programa at serbisyo nakatulong sa aming kumonidad na nangangailangan ng atensyong medikal.”

In a statement, Major General Ignatius N. Patrimonio the Commander of 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division and JTF Sulu lauded the convergence efforts with SULADS and the Local Government Unit of Sulu in bringing the medical services to the community.

“Maintaining peace and security is always a shared responsibility, we can create a resilient community through our combined efforts. Rest assured that your JTF Sulu will continually collaborate with partner stakeholders that will support the development in the province. Let us therefore continue to work together to sustain our gains on peace and security in the province of Sulu, ” Major General Patrimonio concluded.

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/jtf-sulu-sulads-spearhead-medical-mission-in-sulu/

Kalinaw News: Mga nakatagong gamit pandigma at sangkap sa paggawa ng Improvise Explosive Device (IED), isiniwalat ng isang mataas na lider ng NPA

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jan 25, 2023): Mga nakatagong gamit pandigma at sangkap sa paggawa ng Improvise Explosive Device (IED), isiniwalat ng isang mataas na lider ng NPA (Hidden weapons of war and ingredients for the manufacture of Improvised Explosive Device (IED), disclosed by a senior NPA leader)

Noong ika-20 ng January 2023, bilang pagpapatunay ng kanyang sinseridad sa kanyang pagbabalik-loob sa lipunan, kusang-loob na isiniwalat ng isang mataas na lider ng CPP-NPA ang mga nakatagong kagamitang pandigma o “arms cache” ng kanyang grupo at ilang sangkap sa paggawa ng bomba sa pagsisikap ng 4th Infantry (Scorpion) Battalion sa pamumuno ni Lieutenant Colonel Jeriko Roman Sasing.

Ang nasabing “arms cache” ay naglalaman ng isang (1) 2.2 pounds IED, tatlong (3) generator set, limang (5) empty box ng IED, isang (1) blasting cap, isang (1) electronic tester, dalawang (2) M14 magazines, isang (1) ICOM charger, tatlong (3) long detonating cord at tatlong (3) NPA T-shirt sa Sitio Buswak, Lisap, Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro.

Matatandaang mariing ipinagbabawal ng United Nations Organization (UNO) ang walang habas na paggamit ng anumang uri ng explosive weapons, kabilang dito ang IED, laban sa direktang military target o combatant. Ipinagbabawal din ang paggamit ang IED sa anumang uri ng operasyong militar sa ilalim ng International Humanitarian Law (IHL) dahil ang resulta nito ay hindi makatao at walang pinipiling casualty, maging sibilyan man o military.

Ang boluntaryong pagsuko ng nasabing rebelde ay batay sa tiwala at sinseridad na ipinapakita ng kasundaluhan sa mga nais magbalik-loob sa pamahalaan. Ang mapayapa at matagumpay na negosasyon sa pagitan ng nasabing NPA lider at mga alagad ng gobyerno ay patunay na ang programang pangkapayapaan ng ating pamahalaan ay epektibo. Ang AFP, PNP, LGU at iba pang ahensya ng gobyerno ay laging bukas para sa sino mang rebelde na gustong magbalik-loob sa ating pamahalaan.

Samantala, gustong ipaabot ni Brigadier General Jose Augusto V Villareal PA, Commander ng 203rd Infantry (Bantay Kapayapaan) Brigade sa mga natitirang kasapi ng NPA na magbalik loob na sa pamahalaan upang magkaroon ng mapayapang pamumuhay sa ilalim ng paggabay ng gobyerno gamit ang Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) kung saan ang isang miyembro ng rebeldeng grupo na nagbalik-loob ay may matatanggap na agarang tulong pinansyal, remuneration ng baril na ang halaga ay nakabatay sa kondisyon ng armas na isusuko at iba’t-ibang benepisyo mula sa gobyerno upang magsimulang muli ng isang maganda at marangal na buhay kapiling ang kanilang pamilya.

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