CPP/NPA-Western Samar: Desperadong modus sa pagpapasuko ng 87th IB, inaayawan ng masa sa Western Samar

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Mar 23, 2023): Desperadong modus sa pagpapasuko ng 87th IB, inaayawan ng masa sa Western Samar (Desperate modus operandi in surrendering to the 87th IB, the masses in Western Samar hate it)

HUMAN RIGHTS
NPA-Western Samar (Arnulfo Ortiz Command) | Eastern Visayas Regional Operational Command (Efren Martires Command) | New People's Army
March 23, 2023

Mariing tinanggihan at tinutulan ng masang magsasaka ng Western Samar ang kriminal na modus operandi ng 87th IB ng Armed Forces of the Philippines sa pangunguna ni Lt. Col. Betinol na pagpapasuko ng diumano’y mga “former rebel” sa iba’t-ibang barangay sa prubinsya.

Makailang ulit na ipinatawag ni Betinol ang mga upisyal ng mga barangay upang ipilit ang hungkag na pakikipagtulungan para sa “kapayapaan at kaunlaran.” Mapanlinlang na inengganyo ni Betinol ang mga barangay official na magpasuko ng mga myembro ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan at mga dating kasapi nito sa kani-kanilang nasasakupang baryo kapalit ng halagang 10,000 sa bawat mapapasuko.

Sa isang baryo, inatasan ng 87th IB ang mga upisyal ng barangay na maglista ng 30 residente na siyang ipipresintang “NPA surrenderee” para makakuha ng halagang P300,000 sa ilaim ng programang ECLIP. Inalmahan ito ng mga upisyal at masa dahil labag ito sa karapatan ng mga taong malilista na di naman myembro ng BHB.

“Pagpapakita lamang ito na palabigasan ng mga upisyal ng AFP ang NTF-ELCAC at programang ECLIP. Desperadong hakbang ito ng 87th IB para ipakita na nagtatagumpay sa Samar ang kanilang kampanya ng pagpapasurender at kalaunan ay maedeklara na insurgency-free ang prubinsya para makakuha pa ng mas maraming proyekto na mapagkukurakutan nila sa ilalim ng BDP at ECLIP. Walang kabusugan at walang sawa na dinadambong nila ang pondo ng mamamayan sa tabing ng hungkag na programang pangkaunlaran kung saan sila rin lamang ang nagtatakda kung ano ang gusto nilang proyekto. Ginagawa nila ang lahat ng mga mapanlinlang na paraan para maisakatuparan ang kanilang pagkagahaman sa salapi nang walang pagsasaalang-alang sa kapakanan at karapatan ng mamamayan. Ito ang kulturang umiiral sa loob ng pasista’t mersenaryong AFP na dapat ilantad at tutulan ng sambayanang Pilipino,” ani Tirado Dagohoy, tagapagsalita ng NPA-Western Samar.

Bistado ng mga masang magsasaka ang mapanlinlang at kurap na mga taktika ng militar lalo na ang mga upisyal nito upang makapagbulsa ng pera ng taumbayan. Batid ng masa ang mahabang listahan ng mga paglabag ng AFP sa karapatan ng mamamayan hindi lamang sa isla ng Samar kundi sa buong bansa kaya wala silang tiwala sa anumang ipinapangako ng militar at mabulaklak nitong mga salita tungkol sa kaunlaran at kapayapaan. Alam ng masa na pawang makasariling interes lamang ang layunin ng AFP at ng pinagsisilbihan nitong mga naghaharing uri. Wala ngang naisagot si Lt.Col. sa tanong ng isang kapitan kung bakit wala siyang natanggap na P10,000 matapos na ipresenta niya ang isang nagsurender noong nakaraang taon.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/desperadong-modus-sa-pagpapasuko-ng-87th-ib-inaayawan-ng-masa-sa-western-samar/

CPP/NPA-Agusan del Sur: Sulat-pasalamat ngadto sa mga masa sa BHB-Agusan Sur

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Mar 23, 2023): Sulat-pasalamat ngadto sa mga masa sa BHB-Agusan Sur (Letter of thanks to the masses in NPA-Agusan Sur)

 


Amihan Guerrero

Spokesperson

NPA-Agusan del Sur

Northeast Mindanao Regional Operational Command

New People's Army

March 23, 2023

Mga gimahal namong masa sa rebolusyon,

Mapulang pagtimbaya kaninyong tanan!

Karong Marso 29, 2023 mao ang pagsaulog sa ika-54 nga anibersaryo sa pagkatukod sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan. Ang BHB ang nag-unang nagpatumaan sa armadong pakigbisog uban sa katungdanang lumpagon ang nagharing hut-ong ug sakmiton ang gahum pangpulitika. Ginalunsad niini ang malungtarong gubat sa katawhan pinaagi sa gerilyang pakiggubat. Kining tanan nahimong posible tungod sa lalom ug lapad nga pagsalmot ug pagsuporta sa masa.

Ang BHB-Agusan Sur atol sa ika-54 niini nga anibersaryo buot mopadangat sa among kinasingkasing nga pagpasalamat ug pagsaludo ngadto sa tanang masa ilabina sa masang Agusanon nga wala mihunong sa paningkamot nga padayong suportahan ug pakusgon ang armadong pakigbisog sa probinsya.

Taliwala sa kaylap nga pagpamig-ot ug kabangis sa kaaway sa tibuok probinsya pinaagi sa berdugong AFP/PNP, CAFGU ug inarmasan nga mga indibidwal ug armadong grupo, wala kamo motraydor o motalikod sa inyong rebolusyunaryong baruganan. Maisugon kamong misagubang sa mga kalisdanan ug sakripisyo ug bisan gamay, wala magduda sa kahusto sa atong gisubay nga rebolusyunaryong dalan. Nagpabilin ang inyong determinasyon nga ipadayon ang atong armadong pagsukol.

Isip kasundaluhan sa kabus, dili malikayan sa BHB nga masakitan, mabalaka ug mobati sa kayugot ngadto sa kaaway sa matag panahong adunay mga masa nga ipailalom sa pugos nga pagpasurender, tinumo-tumong kaso, ilegal nga pagdakop ug pagbilanggo, pisikal ug mental nga pagturtyur ug pagpatay uban pang porma sa kabangis ngadto sa masa. Apan taliwala sa kabalaka nga gibati, nagpatigbabaw sa among dughan ang dakung pagsalig nga dili ninyo talikdan ug isalikway ang atong rebolusyunaryong baruganan alang sa masa ug mga kauban.

Salamat kaninyo mga kaubang masa,
Kay ang inyong panumpa wala ninyo pakyasa.
Gipuy-an man sa kaaway ang inyong mga baryo,
Apan sa inyong dughan ug hunahuna usab nagpuyo ang rebolusyonaryong hukbo.
Ang matag adlaw ninyo nga lihok gimonitor sa kaaway
Aron kamo sa pagsuporta sa BHB ilikay,
Apan kini ang pangutana ug hisgutanang tinud-anay
Pagpuyo ba nila mosulbad sa inyong ekonomikanhong problemang lahutay?

Daghang salamat sa mga masang padayung nanalipod ug wala makalimot sa mga kadaugang bunga sa atong rebolusyunaryong panaghiusa ug pakigbisog, ug gipasampa ang ilang mga buotang anak. Pinakadaku niini ang pakigbisog alang sa tinuod nga reporma sa yuta ug pagpalayas sa mga agalong yutaan. Usa na niini ang kadaugan sa pagsilot ug pagpalayas batuk sa kumpanyang Pagkor nga gipanag-iya sa pamilyang Cojuangco nga nangilog sa halapad nga kayutaan sa mga mag-uuma sa Prosperidad erya aron himoong plantasyon sa kakaw. Nakab-ot natu ang mga kadaugan sa pagsilot ug pagdis-arma sa mga armadong indibidwal ug grupo nga utok sa tulis ug patay. Ang mga nakab-ot nga reporma sa yuta sa mga mag-uuma ug pagtaas sa suhulan sa mga mamumuo ug uban pang susama, kining tanan nakab-ot bunga sa rebolusyunaryong panaghiusa sa masa ug BHB.

Daghang salamat usab ug saludo kami sa mga masa nga maisugong miharong sa pagpanghadlok ug pagpamig-ot sa kaaway. Taliwala sa inyong nasinating kabangis sa kamot sa kaaway, gipakita ninyo ang pagbarug sa husto. Wala ninyo gibaylo ang inyong baruganan sa pila ka libong kwarta ug saad nga hinabang. Wala ninyo gidawat ang pagpanghaylo sa kaaway nga motarydor kamo sa mga kaubang masa ug hukbo. Giantus ninyo ang pisikal ug mental nga mga tortyur ug gitanum sa dughan ang mas lalom nga kayugot sa kaaway. Wala napalong ang inyong determinasyong padayung mosukol sa bisan unsang porma ug pamaaging makaya. Nagsilbi kamong ehemplo ug nakatabang sa pagpukaw sa kaisog ug kadasig ngadto sa mga masang mibati sa kahadlok ug pag-atras. Kamu ang hugot nga katimbang sa BHB sa dugang pagpukaw ug pagdani sa mga masang mihinay ug nagduhaduha sa pag-abante.

Salamat usab sa mga masa sa padayung paghatag sa tanang suportang moral, materyal ug pinansyal. Bisan ang simpleng “pag-amping ug dugang kadasig” gikan kaninyo makagaan na kini sa kabug-at nga among gibati ug makadasig sa pagpatuman sa among mga tahas sa natad sa pulitika ug armadong pakigbisog , ekonomiya ug kultura. Salamat sa inyong pagsiguro sa seguridad sa BHB ug paghatag ug impormasyun sa lihok sa kaaway, sa pagsigiro nga modaug ang mga banatan, sa paggiya sa safety nga agihan, sa pagtabang sa pagdala sa mga pasyente ug pag-atiman niini, sa pag-atiman sa mga kaubang babaeng buntis, sa pag-atiman sa anak sa BHB, ug daghan pang uban.

Mga kaubang masa, sa pikas bahin, kanunay natung timan-an nga ang kaatrasado sa inyong kahimtang ang kanunay nga tinguha sa atong kaaway nga hut-ong. Sa ingon, dali kamo nilang mapailalom sa ilang mga pangilad aron mosilbi sa ilang makikaugalingong interes. Wala moundang ang nagharing hut-ong ug anaa ang makanunayong hulga aron ilugan sa yuta ang mga mag-uuma ug ilansang sa di makabuhing suhulan ang mga mamumuo aron hataga’g dalan ang pagsulod sa mga plantasyon sa oil palm, kakaw, saging, rubber, palkata ug uban pa; minahan ug logging nga nagaguba usab sa atong kinaiyahan. Ang pagkaguba sa atong kinaiyahan mao ang nag-unang hinungdan sa mga kalamidad diin lapad nga midaot sa panginabuhian ug mikutlo sa kinabuhi sa mga tawong biktima.

Sa kinatibuk-an, ang BHB-Agusan Sur moingon: ang rebolusyonaryong panaghiusa mohimugso sa kalamboan ug kaayuhan sa halapad nga masa, apan ang pakighiusa sa kaaway magpabor lamang kaayuhan sa pipila ug magadaut sa interes sa masa.

Tanang kalisdanan kaya natung labangan basta ang hukbo ug masa maghiusa.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/sulat-pasalamat-ngadto-sa-mga-masa-sa-bhb-agusan-sur/

Kalinaw News: Pregnant communist rebel thanks military for medical care after her capture in Sultan Kudarat

From Kalinaw News Facebook Page (Mar 22, 2023): Pregnant communist rebel thanks military for medical care after her capture in Sultan Kudarat

LOOK: A pregnant member of the communist terrorist group thanked the troops of the 37th Infantry "Conqueror" Battalion and the police for giving her proper treatment. Alyas Dayang was caught and arrested by government troops in Sitio Biao, Barangay Napnapon, Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat, on March 16, 2023.

 
She was abandoned by her fellow CTG members while fleeing after their hiding place was discovered. Due to her condition, "Dayang" was immediately brought to the nearest hospital through military ambulance and given appropriate medical attention.

 
#StrongUnitedReliable
#PhilArmy
#ARMY126

https://www.facebook.com/kalinawnews/photos/pcb.2208989812642359/2208989762642364/

https://www.facebook.com/kalinawnews/

Kalinaw News: 19th Special Forces “Magnitude” Company helped conduct a Medical and Dental Mission in Basilan

From Kalinaw News Facebook Page (Mar 24, 2023): 19th Special Forces “Magnitude” Company helped conduct a Medical and Dental Mission in Basilan

LOOK: Zian Gaming Recreation Inc., in partnership with the 19th Special Forces “Magnitude” Company and other government agencies, conducted a Medical and Dental Mission in Barangay Tabuk, Isabela City, Basilan, on 18 March 2023.

The Medical Outreach Program included free medical consultation and check-up, dental services, giving of medicines, circumcision, feeding program, haircut, magician entertainment, and parlor games which catered the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit members and their families.

#StrongUnitedReliable
#PhilArmy
#ARMY126

https://www.facebook.com/kalinawnews/photos/pcb.2209762752565065/2209762565898417

https://www.facebook.com/kalinawnews/

Kalinaw News: Seven members of the Yakal Platoon, Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Browser, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) surrendered in Samar

From Kalinaw News Facebook Page (Mar 24, 2023): Seven members of the Yakal Platoon, Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Browser, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) surrendered in Samar

Seven members of the Yakal Platoon, Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Browser, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) of the Communist Terrorist Group surrendered to the 87th Infantry "Hinirang" Battalion, 8th Infantry "Stormtroopers" Division, Philippine Army at Barangay Poblacion 2, San Jose De Buan, Samar last March 22, 2023.

The surrenderers brought various firearms and assorted ammunition and stated that fear, hunger, and dismay were the main reasons for returning to the folds of the law.

Stormtroopers Division
#StrongUnitedReliable
#PhilArmy
#ARMY12625

https://www.facebook.com/kalinawnews/photos/pcb.2210250149182992/2210250085849665/

https://www.facebook.com/kalinawnews/

Kalinaw News: A Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) member killed, two (2) high-powered firearms and assorted war materials captured in Talakag, Bukidnon

From Kalinaw News (Mar 22, 2023): A Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) member killed, two (2) high-powered firearms and assorted war materials captured in Talakag, Bukidnon

TALAKAG, BUKIDNON – A member of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) was neutralized and two (2) high powered firearms and assorted war materials were captured by the operating troops of 1ST Special Forces “Hunter Killer” Battalion while two (2) soldiers sustained minor gunshot wounds in an encounter in the hinterland of Sitio Maambong, Brgy Tikalaan, Talakag, Bukidnon at around noon on March 19, 2023.

The 1ST Special Forces “Hunter Killer” Battalion launched a combat operation to prevent the CTG recruitment, extortion and atrocities in response to a report from concerned citizens regarding the presence of CTGs in the area. A forty-five (45)- minute firefight transpired against thirty (30) fully armed combined elements of Pltun Ipad and Platun Huawei of SRC-5, NCMRC resulting in the neutralization of a member of CTG and the capture of two (2) high powered firearms, assorted ammunition magazines, medicines and paraphernalia, cellphones, backpack, bandolier and personal belongings.

The engaging troops together with the two (2) slightly wounded soldiers continue to press the fight in pursuit of the withdrawing enemies. The cadaver of slain CTG identified as Rebodin Talha Binongkasan @JEG/LONGGAD/LONGGUN, Assistant Team Leader of Squad 1 of Platun Ipad, SRC-5, NCMRC was then brought to St. Bernard Funeral Homes, Brgy 3, Talakag, Bukidnon for proper disposition.

LTC ROGER ANTHONY E NUYLAN JR, Battalion Commander of 1SFB, SFR(A), PA said “An unfortunate event resulted in the death of another CTG member. As much as possible, we would like them to surrender and given them a chance to change their lives for the better, but if they refuse to heed the government’s call to lay down their arms and abandon their twisted and violent communist ideology and avail the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), we will continue the relentless and aggressive fight to hunt them down and neutralize every single communist terrorist. We will make sure that they will have no chance to conduct atrocities and hamper the peace and the progressive development in the province of Bukidnon.”

COL MICHELLE B ANAYRON JR, Commander of 403rd Brigade, 4ID, PA said “We will not allow the communist terrorists to stage atrocities and extortion activities in the province of Bukidnon. As I direct our troops to conduct relentless military operations against these terrorists, I encourage the populace to join our fight by providing us information about CTG plans and activities. Based on helpful intelligence, we can prevent these terrorists from spreading terror. To the remaining CTG members in Bukidnon, heed our call, surrender peacefully, and avail of E-CLIP of the government. We will help you and together we will end this senseless conflict and achieve long-lasting peace.”

[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/a-communist-terrorist-group-ctg-member-killed-two-2-high-powered-firearms-and-assorted-war-materials-captured-in-talakag-bukidnon/

Kalinaw News: ASG members yield to JTF Sulu's Gagandilan Brigade

From Kalinaw News (Mar 22, 2023): ASG members yield to JTF Sulu's Gagandilan Brigade

Camp Bautista, Jolo, Sulu – March 22, 2023

The Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu, through the 1101st Infantry “Gagandilan” Brigade, in collaboration with the Talipao Municipal Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict (MTF-ELAC), facilitated the return to the folds of the law of three (3) Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members at Barangay Kagay, Talipao, Sulu on March 21, 2023.

According to Brig. Gen. Eugenio Boquio, Commander of the 1101st Brigade, “The ASG returnees were identified as Rizal A. Kari under ASG Leader Basarun Aruk, a resident of Barangay Lumbayao, Talipao; Edimar S. Lakibul under ASG leader Mujib Susukan, who resides at Sito Akung, Lower Laus, Talipao; and Alhallil A. Abdulla under ASG leader Abbu Sabaya, a resident of Barangay Bagsak Talipao Sulu. Upon their surrender, they bring along with them two 9mm Caliber and one Carbine Rifle.”

The ASG returnees were presented to Hji Abejar I. Sahimarri, Municipal Administrator of Talipao and Maj. Gen. Ignatius N. Patrimonio, Commander of JTF Sulu and 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division. Moreso, the ASG returnees received cash and rice assistance from the military and local government unit of Talipao.

Mr. Sahimarri conveyed the message of Mayor Nivokadnezar Tulawie saying, “The surrender of the ASG members is a result of our collaboration in achieving peace and development in our municipality. We will assure to facilitate their needs as they return to their respective communities to live peacefully.”

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Patrimonio extended his gratitude and recognized the efforts of the Talipao MTF-ELAC saying, “I thank the local government unit of Talipao through the Municipal Task Force to End Locak Armed Conflict (MTF-ELAC) for your efforts in convincing the ASG members to return to the mainstream of society and start a new and peaceful life.”

“We will assure that the former ASG members will benefit from the program of the government. I urged the remaining members to lay down their arms and choose the path of peace to enjoy a decent life with their families,” Maj. Gen. Patrimonio concluded.

It can be recalled that as of the first quarter of 2023, a total of 62 ASG members yield to the government forces while 36 firearms were recovered.

[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/asg-members-yield-to-jtf-sulus-gagandilan-brigade/

Kalinaw News: Balik Barangay Program facilitates return of 287 displaced families

From Kalinaw News (Mar 22, 2023): Balik Barangay Program facilitates return of 287 displaced families

Camp Bautista, Jolo, Sulu – March 22, 2023 287 families were able to return at their homes after being displaced for 16 years through the Balik Barangay Program in Barangay Tumantangis, Indanan, Sulu on March 21, 2023.

In his remarks, Hon. Hermot D. Jikiri, Municipal Mayor of Indanan said, “I am grateful to the support of the provincial government and the initiative of the military in ensuring the success of the Balik Barangay Program of Barangay Tumatangis. Indeed, this program contributes to the peace and development in the municipality of Indanan.” 

Major. Gen. Ignatius N. Patrimonio, Commander of Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu and 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division said, “Binabati ko kayo sa inyong pagbabalik barangay matapos ang ilang taong sakripisyo. Alam ko na hindi naging madali ang inyong pinagdaanan, kaya itong Balik Barangay Program ay magiging daan upang mamuhay kayo ng mapayapa at maunlad.” 

“I assure the people of Sulu that our campaign using the whole-of-nation approach to achieve sustainable peace and development is very effective and on-track,” Maj. Gen. Patrimonio added. 

Meanwhile, Mr. Noenayrie H. Asiri, Focal Person of Provincial Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict conveyed the message of Gov. Abdusakur Tan, Provincial Governor of Sulu, “Ang Balik Barangay Program ay isang pagkakataon para mabigyan kayo ng bagong pag asa at mamuhay ng normal. Makakaasa kayo sa suporta at tulong ng ating gobyerno para muli kayong makapag simula.”

Among the highlights of the program were the ground breaking ceremony of the water system, inauguration and ribbon cutting of Langpas- Sitio Agahon Road, cash assistance, relief distribution, medical check up and Covid-19 vaccination, feeding activity, and peace covenant signing declaring the Abu Sayyaf Group as “Persona non Grata” in their barangay. 

The program was spearheaded by the Indanan Municipal Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict (MTF-ELAC), JTF Sulu, and active collaboration of the different local government agencies of Sulu, security sector, and the residents of Barangay Tumantangis, Indanan. 

The Balik Barangay Program is joint collaboration of the military and local government unit through the Sulu Provincial Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict (PTF-ELAC). The said program started since 2020 and was able to facilitate the return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in 16 barangays of Sulu which benefited a total of 7,143 families.

[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/%f0%9d%90%81%f0%9d%90%9a%f0%9d%90%a5%f0%9d%90%a2%f0%9d%90%a4-%f0%9d%90%81%f0%9d%90%9a%f0%9d%90%ab%f0%9d%90%9a%f0%9d%90%a7%f0%9d%90%a0%f0%9d%90%9a%f0%9d%90%b2-%f0%9d%90%8f%f0%9d%90%ab%f0%9d%90%a8/

Kalinaw News: 901st IB, TESDA and KMDCI Entrepreneurship and Financial Management training to ex-rebels, supporters in Aurora

From Kalinaw News (Mar 22, 2023): 901st IB, TESDA and KMDCI Entrepreneurship and Financial Management training to ex-rebels, supporters in Aurora

BALER, Aurora-The Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry (Sinagtala) Battalion, Kaugnay Media Defense Corps Inc. (KMDCI)-Aurora Chapter and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) facilitated the Entrepreneurship and Financial Management Training held at its headquarters Laang-Sibol Hall, Camp Jaime Bitong, Barangay Calabuanan, here on Saturday, March 18, 2023.

Lt. Col. Julito B. Recto, Jr., commander of 91st IB said that 50 participants composed of Former Rebels (FR) and People Organization (PO’s) attended in the whole day activity.

He said that they worked together to encourage the participants to engage in profitable entrepreneurial activities wherein the livelihood given to them by the government will be supervised soundly and effectively.

Recto said that the project is in our partnership with TESDA-Aurora headed by Edgardo D. Suarez, and KMDCI-Aurora Chapter President Rommel Espinosa-Station Manager of Radyo TV Baler 92.1 FM purposely to provide interventions through skills development uplift the economic status of the participants.

On the other hand, TESDA officer-in-charge Suarez said that the training is one of their mandates to provides scholarship under Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP).

“This training is one of our interventions provided by the TESDA-led Poverty Reduction Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) as part of the national government’s efforts to curb insurgency in the country through provision of livelihood and employment. We go to the community at the far-flung areas to reach people like rebel returnees as part of our guiding principle “TESDA Abot Lahat.” We are doing everything to the fullest level to make sure that our programs and services will be felt by all sectors of society,” Suarez said.

One of the resource speakers, a Licensed financial consultant Lotus Espinosa shared her expertise on how to spend money wisely in the business and how to be successful in business arena.

She pointed out the importance of financial aid coming from the government on how to grow a simple business into sustainable livelihood program.

Edgardo Baldonade, a former rebel in this province expressed his sincerest thanks to 91st IB, TESDA and media practitioners for the training that was given to them in order to be successful.

“We are now armed with the technical knowledge coming from the government to implement what we have learned in our existing livelihood projects,” he 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/91st-ib-tesda-and-kmdci-entrepreneurship-and-financial-management-training-to-ex-rebels-supporters-pos-in-aurora/

Kalinaw News: 34 loose firearms handed over to military in Basilan

From Kalinaw News (Mar 22, 2023): 34 loose firearms handed over to military in Basilan



Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – March 20, 2023

Lantawan Mayor Nursiya Ismael handed over 34 loose firearms to the military in a ceremonial turn-over held at the 19th Special Forces Company Headquarters in Barangay Tabuk, Isabela City, Basilan, on Monday, March 20, 2023.

According to Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway, Commander of Joint Task Force Basilan, the loose firearms were surrendered by the residents from the different barangays of Lantawan town. Turned-over firearms include two M16 rifles, one grenade launcher, four Garand rifles, one Carbine, five shotguns, two cal. 45 pistols, 14 cal. 38 pistols, one Osi cal. 9mm, one KG9, one cal. 357 pistol, and two cal. 22 pistols.

The ceremonial turn-over of loose firearms was witnessed by Mr. Manny Muarip, the Provincial Administrator who represented the Provincial Governor Jim Haraman-Salliman; Col. Frederick Sales, the Deputy Brigade Commander of the 101st Infantry Brigade who represented Brig. Gen. Gobway; and Police Col. Carlos Madronio, the Provincial Director of Basilan Provincial Office. Also present were the barangay chairpersons and municipal councilors of Lantawan.

Col. Sales attributed this accomplishment to the collaborative efforts of the 4th Special Forces Battalion under Lt. Col. Bernard Samin and the municipal local government unit of Lantawan headed by Mayor Ismael. It is also a result of the military’s implementation of the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) program in the province of Basilan.

The turned-over firearms were deposited at H19SFC for safekeeping. JTF Basilan reported 370 loose firearms surrendered and 4,323 stenciled through the SALW program.

Western Mindanao Command Chief, Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, commended the Joint Task Force Basilan troopers for this accomplishment and for continuously earning the local officials’ and communities’ trust and support for the AFP’s campaigns.

“We commit to continue our efforts to free the communities from the cradle of violence and sustain peace in Basilan and its nearby provinces,” Lt. Gen. Galido added.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/34-loose-firearms-handed-over-to-military-in-basilan/

Marcos says new military bases with US to be ‘scattered’ around PH

Posted to Rappler (Mar 22, 2023): Marcos says new military bases with US to be ‘scattered’ around PH (By REUTERS)

(3rd UPDATE) 'There are some in the north, there are some around Palawan, there are some further south,' Marcos tells the media on the sidelines of the Philippine army's founding anniversary

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Wednesday, March 22, that four new military bases under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the United States would be located in various parts of the Philippines, including in a province facing the South China Sea.

Marcos last month granted the United States access to four sites, on top of five existing locations under the 2014 EDCA, which comes amid China’s increasing assertiveness towards the South China Sea and self-ruled Taiwan.

“There are four extra sites scattered around the Philippines. There are some in the north, there are some around Palawan, there are some further south,” Marcos told reporters on the sidelines of the Philippine army’s founding anniversary.

EDCA allows US access to Philippine bases for joint training, pre-positioning of equipment and building of facilities such as runways, fuel storage and military housing, but it is not a permanent presence.

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The Philippines and the United States would announce the locations of the bases soon, Marcos said, adding the sites would boost the country’s ability to defend the “eastern side” of its largest island, Luzon. Luzon is the closest main Philippine island to Taiwan.

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China’s foreign ministry on Wednesday reiterated its stance that the U.S. side was increasing tensions by strengthening its military deployments in the region, adding countries should be “vigilant” and avoid being used by the U.S..

“We generally believe that defense cooperation between countries should be conducive to regional peace and stability, and should not be aimed at third parties or harm the interests of third parties,” spokesperson Wang Wenbin told reporters at a regular news briefing.

A former Philippine military chief has publicly said the United States had asked for access to bases in Isabela, Zambales and Cagayan, all on the island of Luzon, facing north towards Taiwan, and on Palawan in the southwest, near the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.

Some leaders of local governments at the potential EDCA sites have opposed Marcos’ decision, worried they would be dragged into a conflict if one arose between the United States and China over Taiwan.

But Marcos said his government has discussed with them the importance of the expanded US access and “why it will actually be good for their provinces.”

Washington has committed $80 million worth of infrastructure investments at the five existing sites – the Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan, Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu and Lumbia Air Base in Mindanao.

Speaking before Philippine troops, Marcos told them to be vigilant as he said that the external threat to his country’s security was becoming more “complex” and “unpredictable.”

“Be vigilant against elements that will undermine our hard earned peace, our hard earned stability, continue to improve relations with your counterparts overseas,” Marcos said.

Marcos said he was aware of an “emerging threat” to his country’s territory, which he said would require “adjustments in our strategy.”

The Philippine leader did not give specifics, but he has previously cited the need to look beyond internal threats to security.

“The external security environment is becoming more complex. It is becoming more unpredictable,” Marcos said.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/marcos-jr-new-military-bases-united-states-edca-scattered-philippines/

Navy chief visits Pagasa Island, other PH outposts in WPS

From Palawan News (Mar 22, 2023): Navy chief visits Pagasa Island, other PH outposts in WPS (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Philippine Navy (PN) flag officer in command, Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr., recently visited Pagasa Island and other outposts in the Kalayaan Island Group to reach out to personnel deployed there.

“On March 19, Vice Admiral Adaci Jr. flew to the Kalayaan Island Group and reached out to the personnel stationed at Pagasa, Parola, and Likas Islands,” Naval Forces West public affairs office chief, Navy Lt. Joseph M. Ison, said in a statement late Tuesday.

He also visited the Naval Forces West (NFW) and 3rd Marine Brigade headquarters in Puerto Princesa, Palawan on March 17.

“The FOIC (Flag Officer in Command) PN also inspected the naval stations located at Macarascas and Ulugan Bay of the same city on March 18,” Ison said.

Adaci also led the ribbon cutting and blessing of the newly constructed administrative and research building at Parola and Likas islands.

https://palawan-news.com/navy-chief-visits-pagasa-island-other-ph-outposts-in-wps/

2nd SOU-MG hailed as ‘Best Special Operations Unit of the Year’

From Palawan News (Mar 22, 2023): 2nd SOU-MG hailed as ‘Best Special Operations Unit of the Year’

P/Lt. Col. Rae Charles DR Enrile, commander of the 2nd SOU-MG, personally receives the award and recognition on March 21 from P/Maj. Gen. Jonnel Cabrillos Estomo and other officials of the maritime police during the 32nd founding anniversary of the PNP Maritime Group. | Photo from 2nd SOU-MG FB page

The 2nd Special Operations Unit-Maritime Group (2nd SOU-MG) in Palawan was adjudged as the “Best Special Operations Unit of the Year” for its achievements in 2022.

Unit commander P/Lt. Col. Rae Charles DR Enrile personally received the award and recognition on March 21 from P/Maj. Gen. Jonnel Cabrillos Estomo during the 32nd founding anniversary of the PNP Maritime Group held at the PNP Multi-Purpose Center in Camp Brigadier General Rafael T. Crame in Quezon City.

“I am earnestly grateful and dedicate this award to the whole 2nd SOU-MG personnel. This award will not be possible without your persistent efforts, hard work, cooperation, and dedication to our service. Again, congratulations!” Enrile said in a post.

In connection with the event, the Maritime Group recognizes meritorious personnel based on their exceptional accomplishments over the calendar year 2022.

The theme of the anniversary was “Yaman ng Inang Kalikasan Ating Alagaan, Malasakit ng Kapulisan, Simbahan, at Pamayanan ang Kailangan Tungo sa Kaunlaran.” (R. Rodriguez)

https://palawan-news.com/2nd-sou-mg-hailed-as-best-special-operations-unit-of-the-year/

Army battalion returns to Negros

From the Visayan Daily Star (Mar 22, 2023): Army battalion returns to Negros (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The Army’s 47th Infantry Battalion is back in Negros Island.

This is because Bohol, where the 47IB and 302nd Infantry Brigade used to be assigned, has been declared as insurgency-free, disclosed last night by Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, the commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Visayas Command.

The remaining troopers of 47IB and its equipment arrived on Monday night at the Dumaguete port in Negros Oriental, on board Navy ship BRP Bacolod.

Maj. Cenon Pancito, spokesman of the Special Joint Task Force Negros (SJTFN), yesterday said that the 47IB, which forms part of the task force, will have its temporary headquarters in the boundary of Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, and Mabinay, Negros Oriental.

The SJTFN has been tasked to account the suspects in the assassination of Gov. Roel Degamo, dismantle private armed groups, and to help return normalcy in Negros Oriental.

The return of 47IB to Negros Island brings to six, the number of Army battalions assigned in Negros Island, which are under the supervision of 302nd and 303rd Infantry Brigades.

A battalion sized unit is composed of about 500 men.

Pancito believes that the SJTFN contributed to the surrender of the remaining suspects in the armed attack and killing of Gov. Degamo and eight others on March 4, inside his residential compound in Pamplona, Negros Oriental, where 17 others were also injured.

Following the return of 47IB to Negros, Task Group Bohol was organized by VISCOM, which is composed of a mixture of Army’s Special Forces troopers and Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit, to maintain the gains of the AFP in Bohol island.

Prior to its deployment in Bohol several years ago, the 47IB headquarters were in Brgy. Tiling, Cauayan, Negros Occidental, which is currently occupied by the 15th Infantry Battalion.

https://visayandailystar.com/army-battalion-returns-to-negros/

Slain rebel from Himamaylan encounter identified

From the Visayan Daily Star (Mar 22, 2023): Slain rebel from Himamaylan encounter identified (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Andre Cose* 94IB photo

One of the four suspected New People’s Army rebels who died on March 1, in a gun battle with Army soldiers in Brgy. Carabalan, Himamaylan City, was identified by the Philippine Army as a resident of Brgy. Sicaba, Cadiz City.

In a statement issued by the 94th Infantry Battalion, the slain rebel was identified as Andre Cose, 43, whose cadaver was positively identified by his sister, in coordination with the Himamaylan City Social Welfare and Development Office.

Four cadavers, including that of Cose, who were left behind by their fleeing comrades at the encounter site, were buried by the 94IB and CSWDO of Himamaylan, after they were left unclaimed several days after the gun battle.

The encounter also yielded two M16 rifles attached to M203 grenade launchers, two AK47 assault rifles, a hand grenade, four rounds of M203 grenade launcher ammunition, four M16 magazines, seven AK47 magazines, and assorted ammunition.

Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte, 94IB commander, extended his sympathies to the family of Cose, and said he is hoping that the death of four NPA members will serve a reminder to rebel remnants that their choice to join the armed struggle is a “dead end”.

https://visayandailystar.com/slain-rebel-from-himamaylan-encounter-identified/