4 high-risk ASG inmates transferred to Metro Manila from Zamboanga City after rescue plot uncovered

From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 17, 2023): 4 high-risk ASG inmates transferred to Metro Manila from Zamboanga City after rescue plot uncovered (By Liza Abubakar-Jocson)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Four high-risk prisoners were transferred to Metro Manila after authorities uncovered a plot by the Abu Sayyaf Group to rescued their comrades incarcerated at the San Ramon Penal Colony here.

Bureau of Corrections officials immediately secured all the prisoners after receiving an intelligence report about the ASG plot.

SAN Ramon Penal Colony. (PNA photo)

Two of these high-risk prisoners were transferred on Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 15, followed by two others on Thursday, Feb. 16.

They were airlifted to Manila after being transported to the Zamboanga City International Airport from the San Ramon Penal Colony.

This was the second rescue plot uncovered by authorities here. In January 2015, authorities uncovered a plan by Basilan-based ASG members to rescue their comrades from the Zamboanga City Reformatory Center.

https://mb.com.ph/2023/02/17/4-high-risk-asg-inmates-transferred-to-metro-manila-from-zamboanga-city-after-rescue-plot-uncovered/

Kalinaw News: Wanted NPA rebel surrenders, tips off government forces on arms cache location in Quezon

From Kalinaw News (Feb 17. 2023): Wanted NPA rebel surrenders, tips off government forces on arms cache location in Quezon

CAMP CAPINPIN, Rizal – A wanted NPA rebel surrendered to the government forces and revealed the location of an arms cache in Macalelon, Quezon on February 15, 2023.

On February 13, the Lopez Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict headed by Hon. Mayor Rachel A. Ubana and Sam Francisco B Barangay Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict headed by Barangay Chairperson Leonito R. Delmo facilitated the voluntary surrender of alias Sario, a member of Platun Reymark from the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee’s Sub-Regional Military Area 4B. Alias Sario has three existing warrants of arrest for attempted murder, attempted homicide, and violation of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 or RA 11479.

Subsequently, on February 15, troops from the 85th Infantry Battalion and Quezon PNP conducted combat operations at Barangay Vista Hermosa in Macalelon after alias Sario revealed an arms cache was hidden in the area. Among the items recovered by the troops at the house of alias Oli were two M16 rifles, one M1 caliber 30 carbine, two caliber 38 revolvers, one Improvised Explosive Device, one blasting cap, five magazines, 100 rounds of 5.56mm live ammunition, 80 meters wire, and three 9-volts batteries.

“We are grateful for the support of our kababayans and the former rebels who continuously work with us to achieve genuine peace and progress in this part of the country. Together with our key stakeholders in the NTF-ELCAC, we are urging the remaining terrorists to yield to the folds of the law and avail the government programs and benefits to help them start their lives anew,” 2ID Commander Maj. Gen. Roberto S. Capulong said in a statement.

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/wanted-npa-rebel-surrenders-tips-off-government-forces-on-arms-cache-location-in-quezon/

PH steps up West Philippine Sea patrols as tensions flare

From Rappler (Feb 17, 2023): PH steps up West Philippine Sea patrols as tensions flare (By SOFIA TOMACRUZ)

'The Philippines wants to make sure that China knows the Philippines has not given up on its rights,' says Ray Powell, a national security innovator at the Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation in Stanford

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines has continued to step up its presence in the West Philippine Sea, deploying Navy and Coast Guard ships as it faces persistent incursions by Chinese vessels in its waters.

An analysis by Ray Powell, a retired United States Air Force officer who tracked activities of ships in the South China Sea, showed this, with increased Philippine patrols in the month of February captured by maritime tracking data and satellite images.

Powell, who now leads Project Myoushu (South China Sea) at the Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation in Stanford University, had earlier tracked the Philippine Coast Guard and China Coast Guard’s movements in the West Philippine Sea this month. The project seeks to track China’s gray zone activities in the South China Sea.

Based on data analyzed by Powell, the PCG and Philippine Navy displayed a noticeable increase in patrols in February compared to the months of January and December. 

Other Stories: China aims laser at Philippine Coast Guard ship in West PH Sea

The incident takes place in waters near Ayungin Shoal as the Philippine Coast Guard vessel was out supporting a Philippine resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre

Among Philippine ships known to be deployed were the BRP Andres Bonifacio, BRP Teresa Magbanua, and BRP Malapascua. Areas it patrolled included the Spratlys.

“What you see in this case is the Philippines saying, ‘Look, we’re still showing the flag,’” Powell told Rappler in an interview.

“China is in that place in the Philippines’ EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone) and the Philippines wants to make sure that China knows the Philippines has not given up on its rights,” he added.
Why it matters

Increased Philippine patrols in the West Philippine Sea comes as China has established a near-daily presence around five key features in the South China Sea. Three of these features – Ayungin Shoal, Scarborough Shoal, and Pag-asa Island – are in the West Philippine Sea.

Ayungin Shoal or Second Thomas Shoal is near the area where the China Coast Guard deployed a military-grade laser against the BRP Malapascua last February 6. The incident was the latest to flare tensions in the volatile area, prompting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to summon Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian to Malacañang.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) had also protested Beijing’s moves, calling it “acts of aggression.”


MUST READ: China laser incident vs PH fuels international support for 2016 Hague ruling

Powell said that recent patrols in the West Philippine Sea saw the BRP Bonifacio pass by Ayungin Shoal both on its way to and returning from Pag-asa Island, where it stayed for six days in early February.

“It’s important every once in a while to just go out and sail by with your navy ship. The Philippines is not trying to escalate; they’re not sending the frigates. They’re sending a comparable ship to go and make a simple statement that the Philippine has not given up on their rights to this,” he said.

Data from Ray Powell, Project Myoushu (South China Sea) at the Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation in Stanford University

The Philippine military’s Western Command (Wescom) in Palawan said that despite the recent incident near Ayungin Shoal, where the BRP Malapascua had been supporting a navy resupply mission, the Philippine Navy continued to maintain its presence in the area.

“Our Philippine Navy vessels are still carrying out our maritime and sovereignty patrols round the clock as part of the AFP’s mandate,” said Wescom spokesperson Commander Ariel Coloma.

On Friday, February 17, the PCG said it strengthened and increased its presence and operations in the West Philippine Sea, deploying the BRP Magbanua to the Kalayaan Island Group for patrols last January 28.

During this rotation, the BRP Magbanua offered assistance to Filipino fishermen out in the high seas. On February 9, it also directed a Vietnamese-flagged fishing vessel found in Recto Bank to leave the Philippines’ EEZ.

“The foreign fishing vessel, upon seeing the deployment of RHIBs, secured its lines and immediately departed Recto Bank escorted by MRRV-9701,” the PCG said in a statement.

It added: “As the PCG steadily strengthens and increases its Maritime Patrol, Search and Rescue, and Law Enforcement operations in the WPS, it remains firmly committed to safeguarding Philippine interests and rights within the bounds of international law and conventions.”

https://www.rappler.com/nation/navy-coast-guard-step-up-patrols-west-philippine-sea-tensions-flare-february-2023/

Lanao del Sur governor hurt, 4 others killed in ambush

From Rappler (Feb 17, 2023): Lanao del Sur governor hurt, 4 others killed in ambush (By FROILAN GALLARDO, MERLYN MANOS)

(1st UPDATE) Ambush comes a day after police raise alert level in 3 Bangsamoro provinces and Cotabato City

ILIGAN, Philippines – Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. and one of his aides were hurt and four of their companions were killed in an ambush on Friday afternoon, February 17.

The ambush was staged a day after police placed three Bangsamoro provinces and Cotabato City under a heightened alert status.

A memorandum sent to police company commanders by the Regional Mobile Force Battalion of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the Bangsamoro region showed the upgraded alert status in Lanao del Sur, the Maguindanao provinces, and Cotabato City effective Thursday, February 16.

RIDDLED. One of the vehicles in Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong’s convoy after the ambush on Friday. February 17. – PNP-Bukidnon

It came just a day before a still unidentified group ambushed Adiong and his companions in the village of Dilimbayan, Maguing town in Lanao del Sur.

READ: OIC police chief of Lanao del Sur town, driver killed in ambush
(UPDATED) Police Executive Master Sergeant Amen Lucman Macalangan led the confiscation of smuggled cigarettes and illegal logs, among other aggressive law enforcement operations

Adiong and his office aide, Ali Macapado Tabao, were hurt in the ambush carried out at around 4 pm near the boundary of Lanao del Sur and Bukidnon.

Four men in the Adiong-led convoy were killed. Police identified them as the following: Juraij Adiong; Aga Sumandar; ; Jalil Cosain; a driver identified only as Kobi

Police said Governor Adiong and Tabao sustained gunshot wounds, and were rushed to the nearest hospital in Kalilangan town in Bukidnon province.

Another police report said Adiong suffered a hip wound. He is being rushed to another hospital in Cagayan de Oro as of posting time.

Initial investigation showed that Adiong’s group was traversing from Maguing to Wao towns in Lanao del Sur when the ambush was staged by heavily armed men.

Police could not say what the motive was.

In a statement, the governor’s brother, Lanao del Sur 1st District Representative Zia Adiong, said the provincial chief executive “is in very stable condition.”

“The worst has passed. He’s out of danger,” Zia said.

He added, “We are heartbroken over the deaths of his security details, all of whom [were] family members who were with my brother during the violent attack. We offer our deepest sympathies to all of our bereaved loved ones.”

The congressman called on authorities to act with urgency and use all legal means available to pursue and bring the perpetrators to justice.

“This condemnable act must not be taken lightly. May peace prevail in our beloved Lanao del Sur,” he said.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/mindanao/ambush-lanao-del-sur-february-17-2023/

Maj. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo is new 4ID commander

From MindaNews (Feb 17, 2023): Maj. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo is new 4ID commander (By FROILAN GALLARDO)

Maj. General Jose Maria Cuerpo with the war materiel seized from the Dawlah Islamiya in Maguing town, Lanao del Sur during his time as commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade in March 2022. MindaNews file photo by FROILAN GALLARDO

CAGAYAN DE ORO (MindaNews / 17 February) — A veteran in the fight against the Dawlah Islamiyah, a group linked to the ISIS has assumed command of the 4th Infantry Division which covers the entire northern and northeastern Mindanao regions.

Maj. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo will replace Maj. Gen. Wilbur Mamawag who will be retiring from military service next month.

Army Chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the turnover of command at the division is scheduled sometime in March before Mamawag’s retirement.

The mandatory retirement age for military personnel is 56.

Cuerpo, a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Bigkis-Lahi” Class of 1990 and who hails from Iligan City, is the current deputy chief of staff for personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Prior to that, he served as the commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade in Marawi City where he spent five years hunting the remnants of the Dawlah Islamiyah.

In March 2022, troops led by Cuerpo overran a Dawlah Islamiyah camp in Maguing, Lanao del Sur reportedly killing at least 40 rebels and seizing a sizable amount of war material.

Cuerpo also was the deputy commander of the 103rd Brigade during the five-month fighting between the government and the Maute-led Dawlah Islamiyah that seized Marawi City.

He will assume command of an Army division whose achievements included the killing of National Democratic Front spokesperson Jorge Madlos alias “Ka Oris” and NDF consultant Pedro Cudaste.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2023/02/maj-gen-jose-maria-cuerpo-is-new-4id-commander/

Chief Minister Ebrahim belies Pikit killings due to Muslim-Christian war

From MindaNews (Feb 17, 2023): Chief Minister Ebrahim belies Pikit killings due to Muslim-Christian war (By BONG S. SARMIENTO)

Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim, also chair of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. MindaNews photo by GREGORIO C. BUENO

KORONADAL CITY (MindaNews / 17 February) — The spate of killings in Pikit, North Cotabato was not due to a “religious conflict” between Muslims and Christians,” Bangsamoro Interim Chief Minister Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim said.

This developed as more security forces were deployed to the troubled town with the local government unit (LGU) offering a bounty for information leading to the arrest of the suspects.

Ebrahim belied that there is a war of retaliation between Christians and Muslim in Pikit, a first class municipality with a population of around 165,000 (2020 census).

“Ang nangyayari diyan, parang pinapalabas na it is (a war) between Muslim and Christians,” Ebrahim, also the chair of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), said in a press briefing on Wednesday in Cotabato City.

He noted that they wanted to avoid what happened in the late 1960s where Muslims and Christians were involved in deadly retaliations.

Ebrahim said he already met the LGUs and the security sector to avert the situation from going out of bounds or return to the late 1960s where Christians and Muslims killed each other in apparent retaliation.

He recalled the violence in the area during the 1960s “was triggered by the Manili Massacre,” where some 70 Muslim Moros, including women and children, were killed inside a mosque in Carmen, North Cotabato by Christian militiamen.

While he noted the conflict between Muslims and Christians in the 1960s stuck to the public mind, he asserted that it was not a religious war.

Ebrahim said they are now in the process of “finally addressing the problem in Pikit.”

On Thursday, Justine Abalon, 15, was shot by still unknown suspects while tending their store in Barangay Fort Pikit. He was rushed to the hospital but did not survive.

Shortly after, farmer Lopez Guiama, 42, a resident of Barangay Balongis, Pikit, was also shot in Barangay Fort Pikit. He was brought to a local hospital and reportedly in critical condition.

On Tuesday, Fahad Dilabuan Guiamalon, 13, a junior high school student, was also killed while his two other minor companions were injured during a gun attack in Pikit.

Since September last year, the local media reported at least 30 killings in Pikit, all of them remain unresolved.

Pikit Mayor Sumulong Sultan said they traced a video of the suspects riding in motorcycles in Thursday’s two gun attacks.

Sultan said the LGU would give an unspecified monetary reward to information leading to the suspects’ arrest.

Citing information from barangay officials, Sultan also disputed claims that there is a religious war between Muslims and Christians in his town.

Col. Harold Ramos, North Cotabato provincial police commander, said Friday that additional police and military forces have been deployed to Pikit to beef up security in the area.

He added that they are already preparing the criminal cases against the suspects traced through security cameras.

Pikit officially belongs to North Cotabato. However, it lost 22 of its 42 villages after they voted for inclusion to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao during the plebiscite in 2019.

The villages that opted for inclusion are now part of the so-called Bangsamoro Special Geographic Area (SGA), where many of the killings reportedly happened.

A total of 63 villages from six towns in North Cotabato are part of the SGA.

Last November, the Bangsamoro government created Task Force Reconciliation to address the spate of killings in Pikit town.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2023/02/chief-minister-ebrahim-belies-pikit-killings-due-to-muslim-christian-war/

Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr. hurt in ambush

From MindaNews (Feb 17, 2023): Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr. hurt in ambush (By FROILAN GALLARDO)

Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr.. MindaNews photo by MARIVIC OMANDAM DAVIS

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews / 17 February) — Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. and his security escorts were ambushed in Maguing town in Lanao de Sur at around 4 p.m. on Friday, February 17.

A report from the OIC of the Municipal Police Station in Kalilangan, Bukidnon to the Provincial Police Director of Bukidnon said Adiong and his convoy were traversing Maguing, Lanao del Sur en route to Wao, also in Lanao del Sur, when ambushed by still unidentified armed men.

Four of Adiong’s security escorts were killed. The Kalilangan police identified the casualties as Juraij Adiong, Aga Sumandar, Jalil Cosain and a certain Kobi.

Adiong and Ali Macapado Tabao, a member of the governor’s staff, were injured. His convoy stopped at the Amai Manabilang Municipal Hall, a town before Wao, where he was transferred to an ambulance and rushed to the Bukidnon Provincial Hospital in Kalilangan town.

Kalilangan shares boundary with Wao.

The police in Kalilangan said the governor was hit in the right hip but was stable and able to talk.

From Kalilangan, he was transported to Cagayan de Oro City, the police added.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2023/02/lanao-del-sur-gov-mamintal-adiong-jr-hurt-in-ambush/

Government troops apprehend prison escapee turned NPA member in Oriental Mindoro

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 13, 2023): Government troops apprehend prison escapee turned NPA member in Oriental Mindoro CAMP (By DPAO)

A prison escapee turned NPA member was apprehended by joint forces of the Philippine Army and Philippine National Police on Wednesday, February 8, 2023.

Joint elements of the 4th Infantry Battalion, Oriental Mindoro PNP, and Mansalay PNP at Barangay Panaytayan were conducting combat operations when they apprehended Orlando G Fesarit alias Manong, member of KLG MAV's Platun Serna from the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee's Sub-Regional Military Area 4D. Fesarit became a member of the NPA after he escaped from the Sablayan Penal Colony. During his debriefing, he admitted that he was among the CTGs who ambushed PNP personnel of 403rd RMFB in Sitio Mabaho, Brgy Cabalwa, Mansalay, OrMin and 1st OCC PMFC, Occidental Mindoro in Barangay Nicolas, Magsaysay in 2021.

The troops also seized from Fesarit one M1 Carbine, one magazine, seven rounds of caliber .30 carbine ammunition, and one improvised grenade.

"We are relentlessly working together with our security partners, LGUs and key stakeholders to secure our communities from the atrocities of the CPP-NPA-NDF. With this, we are urging the remaining rebels to surrender and be part of the peace and progress in Southern Tagalog" 2ID Commander Maj. Gen. Roberto S. Capulong said in a statement. (DPAO)

https://pia.gov.ph/press-releases/2023/02/13/government-troops-apprehend-prison-escapee-turned-npa-member-in-oriental-mindoro-camp

13 artillery platoons certified ready for howitzer ops: PH Army

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 17, 2023): 13 artillery platoons certified ready for howitzer ops: PH Army (By Priam Nepomuceno)

(Photo courtesy of Army Artillery Regiment)

MANILA – The Philippine Army (PA) on Friday announced that 13 artillery platoons have been certified and declared as highly capable for howitzer operations.

PA spokesperson, Col. Xerxes Trinidad, said this was made possible by the Army Artillery Regiment (AAR)'s ongoing certification program.

These 13 artillery platoons are based in the Zamboanga Peninsula and the provinces of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur.

"A total of 13 firing platoons from the 1st Field Artillery Battalion and the 8th Field Artillery Battalion have passed the certification standards and have been declared highly-capable howitzer platoons for performing artillery operations as of February 15, 2023, according to the regiment. The certification is a vital step towards enhancing the combat readiness of artillery units, ensuring that they are highly proficient in performing their duties," Trinidad said in a statement.

He added the AAR certification committees are conducting on-site proficiency tests for artillery units in these provinces.

"The certification process is being conducted in two phases with the first phase focusing on evaluating the individual skills of personnel and the second phase on evaluating the collective performance of personnel as a firing section and firing platoon," Trinidad said.

Honoring Hunters-ROTC Guerrillas

Meanwhile, the PA unveiled a monument in honor of the Hunters-Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) Guerrillas during the 78th-anniversary commemoration of the retaking of Fort Bonifacio (then called Fort McKinley) on Thursday.

The bronze sculpture of a Hunters-ROTC rifleman depicts the Philippine Military Academy and ROTC cadets who bravely fought and defended the country from foreign invaders.

The sculpture stands on a defensive stance atop a 1.8-meter-high granite pedestal.

The sculpture’s pedestal has a dedication for the Hunters-ROTC Guerrillas who liberated the then-Fort McKinley from Japanese Imperial forces.

Trinidad said the sculpture features the original logo of the Hunters-ROTC Guerrillas who came from the cadet corps of the Philippine Military Academy and the Reserve Officers Training Corps of the University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila, La Salle College, Far Eastern University, Jose Rizal College, Mapua Institute of Technology, Letran College, Philippine School of Arts and Trade, and San Beda College.

These young men formed the Hunters-ROTC Guerrillas, banding together to repel Japanese invaders during the Battle of Nichols Airfield and Fort McKinley in February 1945.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1195460

Beijing seeks direct line between PH, China defense agencies

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 17, 2023): Beijing seeks direct line between PH, China defense agencies (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian (File photo)

MANILA – Chinese Ambassador to Manila Huang Xilian is hoping to have a separate direct line between Beijing and Manila's defense establishments amid growing tensions after the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) lased Philippine Coast Guard vessel BRP Malapascua last Feb. 6.

The statement was made Friday days after Beijing activated the communication line established between the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Chinese Foreign Ministry as a result of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s state visit to China.

“[W]e are also exploring some new… more communication mechanisms and I do believe that we also need to have some mechanisms between either the Navies (or) defense establishments of our two countries,” he said in a media briefing.

Huang then called for “friendly consultations” saying parties should refrain from “hyping up” an issue, referring to the BRP Malapascua lasing incident.

READ: DFA tells China to engage PH based on facts after laser-use row

Meanwhile, he maintained that the equipment used in the incident was “not a military-grade laser, which does not inflict damage on any either personnel or goods.”

He said the CCG already reached out to the PCG regarding the incident.

“Both sides have shown the good intention to avoid such incident from happening again,” he said.

“At the end of the day, that water is a disputed area so in order to avoid such incidents I think that both sides need to exercise restraint and refrain from taking any unilateral actions,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1195507

ASG bombing suspect arrested in Zamboanga City

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 17, 2023): ASG bombing suspect arrested in Zamboanga City (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

NABBED. Authorities arrest suspected Abu Sayyaf Group bomber Omar Mabanza, 27, during an operation in Sitio Sapa Dulian, Barangay Calabasa, Zamboanga City on Friday (Feb. 17, 2023). Police intelligence reports indicated that Mabanza and his cohorts were on a bombing mission in the city. (Photo courtesy of Jerry Amaga)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – A suspected Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bomber found in possession of an improvised explosive device (IED) and other materials was arrested in a law enforcement operation in this city on Friday, police officials said.

Col. Richard Verceles, operations chief of the Area Police Command-Western Mindanao, said Omar Mabanza, 27, was nabbed in an operation in Sitio Sapa Dulian, Barangay Calabasa at about 5:10 a.m.

Recovered from the suspect were an IED and bomb-making components, such as blasting caps and time fuses.

Col. Alexander Lorenzo, city police director, said the suspect was arrested while they were serving an arrest warrant for the latter’s cohort, identified as Jomar Mohammad, for multiple murder charges.

“Mohammad eluded arrest but (his accomplice) Mabanza was arrested and in possession of an IED,” Lorenzo said.

He added that Mohammad and Mabanza are cousins.

Mabanza is the nephew of slain Alex Alvarez, whose real name is Amil Hamja Ajijul, when Task Force Zamboanga troopers raided his hideout in Barangay Calabasa in April 2006.

Verceles said Mohammad’s group, which is linked to the Basilan-based ASG, was monitored to have arrived in Barangay Calabasa for a bombing mission in this city.

He added that Mohammad’s group was supposed to launch bombings to divert the attention of the authorities while another group of ASG bandits would rescue Abu Sari and Sahid Alip, both high-profile convicts serving a prison term at the San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm in Barangay Talisayan.

However, the Bureau of Corrections earlier transferred four high-risk prisoners, including Sari and Alip, from the San Ramon prison to a detention facility in Metro Manila.

Two of the four were transported by plane on Wednesday afternoon and the other two on Thursday morning.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1195470

Service caravan resumes for insurgency-affected areas in Negros

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 17, 2023): Service caravan resumes for insurgency-affected areas in Negros (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

CONFLICT-AFFECTED VILLAGES. The Negros Oriental Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict has identified seven new barangays in the province to be listed as priority areas for the whole-of-nation approach to ending the insurgency. A series of Dagyawan sa Barangay/Serbisyo Caravan will be held in these villages starting next month. (Photo courtesy of PIA-Negros Oriental)

DUMAGUETE CITY – The Negros Oriental Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NOTF-ELCAC) will resume holding the "Dagyawan Sa Barangay: Talakayan sa Mamamayan" and Caravan on Basic Services (Serbisyo Caravan) in seven villages in Negros Oriental tagged as still affected by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Provincial Director Farah Diba Gentuya said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency that the Dagyawan/Serbisyo Caravan will bring together all government agencies in a whole-of-nation approach to listen to and address the needs of these barangays.

“This is part of government’s efforts to sustain programs and projects to alleviate the plight of villagers who are still confronted with the communist insurgency problem and this year, we will be going to the barangays instead of the usual town hall meetings,” Gentuya said.

During a coordinating meeting of the NOTF-ELCAC here on Friday, member agencies were apprised of the recently included barangays as well as interventions undertaken, such as the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) of the DILG.

The first of a series of Dagyawan activities will be held on March 14 in Barangay Pula, Canlaon City.

The succeeding dialogues and service caravans will be held in the villages of Mantiquil and Apoloy, Siaton town; Nagbalaye, Milagrosa, Nagbinlod, and Talalak in the municipality of Sta. Catalina.

Last year and in the previous years, the Dagyawan was held usually in the town’s gymnasium but the provincial TF-ELCAC wants to hold it this time right in the insurgency-affected barangay, Gentuya said.

The Philippine Army has cleared these new barangays for inclusion in the RCSP, one of the government’s mechanisms in the national TF-ELCAC program implementation in conflict-affected areas.

Negros Oriental now has a total of 46 barangays listed under the ELCAC program.

Gov. Roel Degamo, who chairs the provincial task force, said he will also bring his "MagDegamo" medical mission to complement the Dagyawan and Serbisyo Caravan activities.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1195493

Occidental Mindoro town donates skills training area for soldiers

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 17, 2023): Occidental Mindoro town donates skills training area for soldiers (By Maria Tividad)

PLACE FOR PROTECTORS. Mayor Michael Lim Orayani, of Lubang town, Occidental Mindoro province; Senator Robin Padilla and Maj. Gen Charlton Sean Gaerlan, commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps, sign the deed of donation for a 10-hectare land donated by the local government to the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Lubang Municipal Administrator Wilfredo Bleza said the donation will boost economic activities in the island municipality. (Photo courtesy of Lubang LGU)

CITY OF CALAPAN, Oriental Mindoro – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) through the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) on Thursday accepted a parcel of land donated by the local government unit (LGU) of Lubang town in Occidental Mindoro province.

The 10-hectare lot donation is strategically important and will boost economic activities in the town, said Lubang Municipal Administrator Wilfredo Bleza in an interview on Friday.

He said the land is located at Sitio Pulipuli in Barangay Araw at Bituin and donated to the military through the effort of Mayor Michael Lim Orayani with the concurrence of the Sangguniang Bayan.

“This donation will boost the economic activities of the island municipality, thru investment opportunities, tourism promotions, livelihood assistance, peace and security, and infrastructure development from the national government,” said Bleza.

“If realized, the Philippine Marine Corp will host all the skills training of the soldiers and will be the Island Training Center of Marines,” he added.

In the live-streamed signing ceremony of the deed of donation held at the municipal gymnasium, Orayani said “it is also a historic moment for the needs of the people in Lubang.. when they open doors to new friends who believe in their dreams of becoming progressive and to also benefit succeeding generations.”

He said it is their duty as elected officials to look for opportunities for their area's growth and development.

Representing the PMC was its commandant, Maj. Gen. Charlton Sean Gaerlan. He said that historically, Lubang has been a very important place in the country because it is a passageway to Manila Bay.

“Thank you, Lubang. This is not only about peace and order and assistance but also development so we are excited to be deployed here,” he said.

The event's keynote speaker, Senator Robin Padilla, expressed appreciation for the chorale of Stella Maris School, the "Pandanggo sa ilaw" dancers, and all sectors present - senior citizens, LGU and village officials and workers, police personnel, members of civic society organizations and rural health unit, Bureau of Fire Protection and Philippine Marine Corps personnel.

Citing the importance of love for one's country, Padilla also led the singing of the "Ang Bayan Ko".

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1195480

Soldiers foil rebels extort try in Capiz with villagers’ help

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 17, 2023): Soldiers foil rebels extort try in Capiz with villagers’ help (By Perla Lena)

RECOVERIES. Government troops recover assorted firearms, ammunitions and subversive documents following a firefight with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army rebels in Barangay Duran in Dumalag, Capiz on Friday (Feb. 17, 2023). The Philippine Army cited the vigilance of residents in providing them with information about the presence of the armed group. (Photo courtesy of 3rd Division Public Affairs Office)

ILOILO CITY – The timely information provided by concerned citizens from the municipality of Dumalag in Capiz has prevented the alleged extortion activities of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in the mountainous barangay of Duran on Friday.

Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, commander of the Philippine Army’s Visayas Command, said the vigilance exercised by residents in providing information was very helpful in their anti-insurgency efforts.

“Their fervent desire for a CPP-NPA-free community drives us to employ legitimate military force against these communist-terrorists to stop them from threatening our people's safety and well-being," he said in a statement released by the 3rd Division Public Affairs Office of the 3rd Infantry Division.

The Division Public Affairs Office, in the same statement, showed the 12th Infantry Battalion has received information about the presence of the armed group in the area prompting them to conduct a security patrol together with the Philippine National Police.

“Upon reaching the area, the troops encountered more or less five fully-armed members of the CPP-NPA terrorist believed to be members of Central Front,” it said.

A five-minute firefight ensued before the rebels fled toward the southeast. No one was hurt in the brief gun battle among the government troopers but bloodstains were found along the NPAs' withdrawal route.

A homemade 12-gauge shotgun, one .45-caliber pistol, two anti-personnel mines with detonator switches, one hand grenade, five magazines for M16 rifle, two magazines for .45 caliber, assorted live ammunition, personal belongings, assorted medicine and subversive documents were recovered in the encounter site after the estimated five-minute exchange of fire.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1195509

Gunmen wounds Lanao Sur guv, kill 4 others in ambush

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 17, 2023): Gunmen wounds Lanao Sur guv, kill 4 others in ambush (By Nef Luczon)

Google map of Maguing, Lanao del Sur

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Unidentified gunmen on Friday fired on a convoy that wounded Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Alonto-Adiong Jr. and killed four of his companions.

An initial report from the Kalilangan municipal police station in Bukidnon province said the incident took place in Maguing town, Lanao del Sur around 4 p.m.

Adiong's convoy was traversing the area going to Wao town, also in Lanao del Sur, when they were waylaid.

Three of the four fatalities were identified as Juraij Adiong, Aga Sumandar, and Jalil Cosain.

Adiong and another wounded staff, Ali Macapado Tabao, were rushed to the nearest provincial hospital in Kalilangan town.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1195511