EASTMINCOM: Another three (3) regular NPA members surrender in Agusan del Norte

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (May 26, 2023): Another three (3) regular NPA members surrender in Agusan del Norte

23rd Infantry "Masigasig" Battalion, Philippine Army
·
BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte – Another three (3) regular NPA members of the Platoon Sagay, Sub-Regional Sentro de Gravidad 3, Sub-Regional Command 3, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (SRSDG3, SRC3,NCMRC) voluntarily surrendered to the 23rd Infantry “Masigasig” Battalion, under the Operational Control of 402nd Infantry “Stingers” Brigade.

The said surrender of the three (3) regular members took place on May 23, 2023 at the unit's Headquarters at Jamboree Site, Purok 6, Barangay Alubihid, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.

This came about following the surrender of Communist Terrorist Group’s (CTG) Commander “Dahon”, a high-profile New People’s Army (NPA) personality, with nine (9) others last May 12, 2023.

The surrendered former rebels were identified as Nelson T Odayao @LAKAS, 27 years old, the Team Leader; Lea D Corilla @ROXAN, 21 years old, and Ruel G Montillano @PREX, 33 years old, both members of Pltn 1, SRSDG SAGAY, SRC 3, NCMRC which is led by Arnel Bahian @ANDRO.

They also surrendered two (2) M16 Rifles and one (1) Shotgun to the 23IB. The surrendered firearms and other items will be turned over to the authorities for proper disposition.

The surrender of the said three personalities, all members of the Higaonon Tribe, is seen as an effect of the peaceful resolution of conflict conducted recently, known as the “Tampuda” in Higaonon Tribe, between the family of Commander Dahon and the Mansulohay-Pinakitob Clan in Interim Barangay Bokbokon, Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte last May 12, 2023.

In addition, Nelson Odayao, one of those who surrendered, revealed that their NPA unit is now heavily weakened by the relentless combat operations conducted by the military which resulted to exhaustion, sleepless nights, unbearable hunger, and massive demoralization among their ranks. He further explained that they have come to realize and fully understood the futility of the armed struggle. Hence, they opted to surrender and take the opportunity to live a normal life with their families.

Moreover, said former rebels stated that they could no longer bear another week of walking without food especially at this point where they are all confused with the present leadership struggle within the group, leaving them too exhausted and hungry to continue further.

Also, they are already tired of running and hiding away from the government forces and that they have no more place to hide since the people in their former mass bases are already going against them by tipping off their presence or location to the authorities.

In his statement, Brigadier General Adonis Ariel G Orio, Commander, 402nd (Stingers) Brigade, said that the units under his Operational Control are serious in the performance of its duty of upholding peace and order in its Area of Operation.

“I urge those who were deceived by the NPA to come down and surrender. The government is ready to help you live a new and normal life with your family. Let us not engage in more bloodsheds," BGen Orio added.

The surrender of the rebels was a product of the government’s campaign to convince communist insurgents to give up armed conflict and return to mainstream society.

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EASTMINCOM: 10th Infantry “Agila” Division (10ID) has prevented the resurgence of insurgency in the Davao Region

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (May 26, 2023): 10th Infantry “Agila” Division (10ID) has prevented the resurgence of insurgency in the Davao Region

The 10th Infantry “Agila” Division (10ID) has prevented the resurgence of insurgency in the Davao Region since the area was declared insurgency-free on October 2022. Agila troopers facilitated the voluntary surrender of 89 CTG members and the recovery of 53 firearms during the first five months of 2023.

 
Moreover, the 4th Infantry "Diamond" Division (4ID) apprehended three ranking CTG leaders and seized seven high-powered firearms in Northern Mindanao.

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Ex-rebel bares arms cache location in Davao Oriental

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 26, 2023): Ex-rebel bares arms cache location in Davao Oriental (By Michael Uy)

MATI CITY, Davao Oriental (PIA) -- After returning to the folds of the law, Alias Juvanne, former vice political instructor of the dismantled Guerilla Front 2 (GF2), assisted the authorities in locating cache of high-powered firearms in Davao Oriental.

Juvanne, together with personnel from the 66th Infantry Battalion, 104th Military Intelligence Company, Banaybanay Police Station, and Davao Oriental Provincial Police Office, unearthed on May 21 high-powered firearms in Barangay Lower Causwagan in Banaybanay.



The firearms, believed to belong from GF2 of the Sub Regional Committee 2, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC), are two Caliber 5.56 M16 rifles, one Caliber 5.56 M16 riffle upper receiver, one Caliber 40mm M203 grenade launcher, one Caliber 7.62 M14 upper receiver, one Caliber 45 pistol 1911, and four anti-personnel claymore mines.

Brigadier General Oliver Maquiling, commander of the 701st Infantry Brigade, lauded the troops on their latest accomplishments.

“Our units will look after the recovery of all remaining war materials of the dismantled communist terrorist group (CTG) units to ensure that this will not be used again against Government troops and civilians,” BGen Maquiling said.

The firearms are now in the custody of the military for proper disposition, and will undergo cost valuation and evaluation to determine its enrollment in the remuneration program under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP), a government intervention program for former rebels.

Since the declaration of Davao Oriental and the entire Davao region as insurgency-free province and region, surrenders and recoveries of high-powered firearms were becoming prevalent. (MLU/PIA Davao Oriental)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/2023/05/26/ex-rebel-bares-arms-cache-location-in-davao-oriental?fbclid=IwAR0Yy-vYOe8UT172xA7_2EzM3PGYhA7WZQ6cYyzpeiBqlEjbKwFmNiLjgo8

WESTMINCOM: Communist terrorist yields to military in South Cotabato

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (May 25, 2023): Communist terrorist yields to military in South Cotabato

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – May 22, 2023

A communist terrorist group (CTG) member laid down his arm and returned to the fold of the law on May 21. He handed over his M16A1 rifle to the military in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato at 8 p.m. Sunday.

 
Surrendered personality was identified as a.k.a. Minyang, Medics of Platoon Dabu-Dabu, Sub-Regional Committee Daguma, Far South Mindanao Region operating in the mountainous area of Sitio Datal Kadi, Barangay Tasiman, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.

 
Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera, Commander of Joint Task Force Central, said that the successful surrender of the former rebel is a result of the collaborative efforts of the 12th Special Forces Company under the 5th Special Forces Battalion (5SFBn) and the intelligence units.

 
The 5SFBN conducted custodial debriefing and took documentary requirements from the surrendered personality, and facilitated the proper disposition of surrendered firearms.

Western Mindanao Command Chief, Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, commended the Joint Task Force Central for their numerous accomplishments and for their steadfast resolve to end terrorism in Central Mindanao. He also urged the remaining members of the CTG to follow in the footsteps of their former comrades who are now enjoying the benefits offered by the government after they decided to return to the fold of the law.

 
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6th Infantry "Kampilan" Division, Philippine Army
603rd Infantry - Persuader Brigade
602nd "Liberator" Brigade
Alakdan Division
1st Infantry "Tabak" Division, Philippine Army
Naval Forces Western Mindanao
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WESTMINCOM: 101st Infantry Brigade Commander Has New Commander

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (May 27, 2023): 101st Infantry Brigade Commander Has New Commander

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – May 26, 2023

The new commander of the 101st Infantry Brigade who will perform in acting capacity assumed office in a change of command ceremony held at the unit’s headquarters at Camp Luis R. Biel II, Barangay Tabiawan, Isabela City, Basilan on Wednesday, May 24, 2023.

Col. Frederick Sales replaced Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway who assumed as the commander of the Installation Management Command of the Philippine Army based at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on May 11.

In his valedictory address, Brig. Gen. Gobway expressed his gratitude to the Basileños for their untiring support to the military in Basilan. He also commended the troops for their dedication and hard work.
Meanwhile, Col. Sales assured that he will continue the efforts of his predecessor.

 
Prior to his designation, Col. Sales was the deputy commander of the same brigade. He is a proud member of the Philippine Military Academy “Bantay Laya” Class of 1994.

 
The change of command ceremony was presided by Maj. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, Commander of the 1st Infantry Division who has jurisdiction over the brigade. Gracing the event were Western Mindanao Command Chief, Lt. Gen. Roy Galido; Training and Doctrine Command Chief, Maj. Gen. Luis Rex Bergante; Air Combat Command Chief, Maj. Gen. Araus Robert Musico; Naval Forces Western Mindanao Commander, Rear Admiral Donn Anthony Miraflor; Tactical Operations Wing Western Mindanao Commander, Brig. Gen. Dennis Estrella; 103rd Infantry Brigade Commander, Brig. Gen. Yegor Rey Barroquillo, Jr.; 1st Infantry Division Assistant Division Commander, Brig. Gen. Jose Randolf Sino Cruz; 54th Engineer Brigade Commander, Brig. Gen. Randy Fajigalutan; other military officials; the local chief executives of Basilan led by Governor Hadjiman Salliman-Hataman; representatives from the Moro National Liberation Front and Moro Islamic Liberation Front; stakeholders; and other guests.

 
Maj. Gen. Nafarrete lauded the able leadership of Brig. Gen. Gobway. He also assured that with Col. Sales as their new commander, the 101st Infantry “Three Red Arrows” Brigade troopers will remain steadfast and selfless in serving the people of Basilan.

 
For his part, Lt. Gen. Galido commended the numerous accomplishments of the brigade and acknowledged the leadership prowess of both the outgoing and incoming commanders.
###

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6th Infantry "Kampilan" Division, Philippine Army
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Alakdan Division
Naval Forces Western Mindanao
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WESTMINCOM: Primary suspect in ambush of Gov. Adiong nabbed in South Cotabato

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (May 27, 2023): Primary suspect in ambush of Gov. Adiong nabbed in South Cotabato

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – May 27, 2023

Combined elements of the AFP and PNP successfully arrested on Thursday (May 25) the primary suspect in the ambush of Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong, Jr.

 
Government forces from the 103rd Infantry Brigade and 1st Mechanized Brigade of the Philippine Army, and the PNP’s 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company and 1st Lanao Provincial Mobile Force Company, conducted joint law enforcement operation along Central Surallah Highway, South Cotabato, which resulted in the apprehension of Saidamen Baratumo, a.k.a. Commander Lomala, the primary suspect in the February 17, 2023 ambush of Governor Adiong in Maguing, Lanao del Sur.

Operating troops executed the arrest through the non-bailable arrest warrant issued by Judge Samina Sampaco Macabando-Usman of Branch 8, 12th Judicial Region. The subject is the no. 1 Most Wanted Person (MWP) in Lanao del Sur and no. 5 PRO-BARMM’s list.

 
The subject is currently under the custody of the South Cotabato Provincial Police Office. He will then be turned over to Lanao del Sur Provincial Police Office for proper disposition.

 
Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, Commander of Western Mindanao Command, lauded the troops of Joint Task Force ZamPeLan under Maj. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete and Joint Task Force Central, led by Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera, and the police for the successful arrest of the notorious personality.

 
“Rest assured that we will continue to support our police counterparts in the conduct of law enforcement operations in the western and central parts of Mindanao. Your armed forces are always here to serve and protect the communities from the evildoers,” Lt. Gen. Galido said.

 
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6th Infantry "Kampilan" Division, Philippine Army
603rd Infantry - Persuader Brigade
602nd "Liberator" Brigade
Alakdan Division
Naval Forces Western Mindanao
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WESTMINCOM: 4 Daulah Islamiyah members apprehended in Lanao del Sur

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (May 27, 2023): 4 Daulah Islamiyah members apprehended in Lanao del Sur

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – May 27, 2023

Four young members of the Daulah Islamiyah-Lanao were apprehended in Lanao del Sur on Thursday evening, May 25.

 
According to Joint Task Force ZamPeLan Commander, Maj. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, troops of the 32nd Infantry Battalion acted on information from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front members under Esmail Cosain, a.k.a. Kumander Delta, regarding the presence of unidentified armed men in Barangay Pabrika, Marugong, Lanao del Sur.

 
While moving towards the target area, operating troops, composed of a platoon of soldiers and five MILF members, sighted a group of armed men. Sensing the presence of the government forces, the armed men scampered in different directions prompting the troops to execute a hasty raid.

 
The operation resulted in the apprehension of four young armed personalities identified as members of DI-Lanao under Juhari Sandab, a.k.a. Abu Morsid. Accordingly, they were waiting for supplies and foodstuffs coming from their supporters in the said area.

 

Among the apprehended personalities are: a.k.a. Abu Rasas, 18, the Amirol Media and one of the key leaders under Fajarudin Pumbaya Pangalian, a.k.a. Abu Zacariah, the Amir of DI-Philippines; Saidi, 18, brother of DI-Lanao sub-leader known as Abu Sham; and two minors age 16 and 14.

 
Seized from their possession were the following firearms, explosives, and ammunition: one 7.62mm M14 rifle, one 5.56mm M16A1 rifle, one 5.56mm R4 rifle, one 40mm M203 Grenade Launcher, one 7.62mm Springfield rifle, five improvised explosive devices, five 40mm Grenade Launcher ammunition, and assorted magazines and ammunition.

 
Troops immediately coordinated with PNP counterparts for the filing of appropriate charges against the apprehended personalities.

Western Mindanao Command Chief, Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, commended Joint Task Force ZamPeLan under Maj. Gen. Nafarrete for this accomplishment. He also lauded the good relationship between the MILF and the military in the area, which resulted in the successful operation.

 
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6th Infantry "Kampilan" Division, Philippine Army
603rd Infantry - Persuader Brigade
602nd "Liberator" Brigade
Alakdan Division
Naval Forces Western Mindanao
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Kalinaw News: Two top communist rebels arrested

 Posted to Kalinaw News Facebook Page (May 27, 2023): Two top communist rebels arrested 

JUST IN: On May 26, 2023, a joint operation between the AFP and PNP led to the arrest of two top communist terrorist (CT) leaders of the CPP/NPA/NDF. Rosita Solayao Taboy, @Laling, Secretary of the Regional Organisational Department, former (ROD) and member of EXECOM of Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, and a staff member of the National Finance Commission of the CPP-NPA-NDF.

Legaspi Pondang Antonio @Beto, partner of @Laling and a demolition expert from the National Operations Command. Troops confiscated two handguns, an Improvised Explosive Device, gadgets, and subversive documents.

 
The captured CTs had several arrest warrants for murder cases from the different Municipal Trial Courts in Northern Samar.

Source: https://bit.ly/4292uiD

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AFP: PRESS RELEASE | 12 NPAs neutralized in a series of encounters in two days

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Facebook Page (May 24, 2023): PRESS RELEASE | 12 NPAs neutralized in a series of encounters in two days

Camp Lapulapu, Cebu City – Visayas Command (VISCOM) sustains its momentum, as 12 NPA terrorists were neutralized in Negros Island in just two (2) days.

 
Ten (10) NPA terrorists died, one (1) apprehended, and one (1) surrendered following a series of encounters with the government troops from May 20 to 21.

 
The latest among these encounters transpired at Brgy Caliling, Cauayan, Negros Occidental with the members of 15th Infantry Battalion in the afternoon of May 21 where one (1) NPA terrorist died in the firefight and one (1) Cal. 45 pistol, two (2) magazine assemblies, one (1) Anti-Personnel Mine, and several NPA subversive documents were seized.

In an earlier report, five (5) NPA terrorists died and seven (7) firearms were recovered in three (3) clashes between the members of the 62nd Infantry Battalion and the NPA's weakened guerilla front Central Negros 1 (CN1) of the Komiteng Rehiyon Negros, Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor (KR NCBS) at the different sitios in Brgy Quintin Remo, Negros Occidental on May 20. This was followed by another encounter in the early morning of May 21, where four (4) NPA terrorists died, one (1) was apprehended and one (1) surrendered. Likewise, seven (7) firearms were also recovered along with several war materiel during the said encounter.

 
Lieutenant General Benedict M Arevalo PA, the Commander of VISCOM commended the troops for their unwavering commitment in bringing just and lasting peace in the region, saying "I commend our troops for their unrelenting efforts and firm determination in the fight towards ending the local communist armed conflict in the Visayas region."

 
He further stressed that, "Our sustained focused military operations are proving to be successful against the communist NPA terrorists, as we have sustained our momentum towards defeating these peace spoilers. With these series of major losses suffered by the communist NPA terrorist, we expect more of their comrades to surface and shed light among themselves before they suffer the same fate."

 
Lt Gen Arevalo concluded as he call upon the remnants of the CPP-NPA to yield and return to mainstream society, "We continue our mandate as advocates of peace, as we once again urge the few remaining members of the CPP-NPA in the region to lay down your arms and abandon the armed struggle. It's not too late for you to return to the folds of the law and embrace a peaceful life together with your respective families. Help and assistance from the government are awaiting upon your return."///

(Story and Photos by: Visayas Command, AFP)

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AFP: PRESS RELEASE | AFP welcomes South Korean Naval Operations Chief, looks forward to stronger relations

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Facebook Page (May 25, 2023): PRESS RELEASE | AFP welcomes South Korean Naval Operations Chief, looks forward to stronger relations

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City –The Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines (CSAFP), General Andres C Centino PA, welcomes the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), Republic of Korea (ROK), Admiral Lee Jong Ho during his visit to the AFP Headquarters on May 24.

The two military leaders discussed South Korea's and the Philippines’ diplomatic ties which was established in 1949. Both expressed their hopes of continuing and strengthening military cooperation and jointness, especially in terms of education, training, and interoperability between the two nations’ Armed Forces.

 
The CNO, ROK also extended his admiration of the Philippines’ devotion to keeping the West Philippine Sea safe and peaceful.

 
“I strongly hope that the cooperation and relationship that we share will continue and based on our strong partnership, may it transcend beyond the military cooperation but also to the government,” said the CNO, ROK.

 
The CSAFP then expressed his appreciation and emphasized the importance of working closely with the country’s friends and allies. “Thank you very much for visiting us here. I am looking forward to a stronger and more robust cooperation between our militaries,” the CSAFP said.//

(Photos by: TSg Obinque / PAOAFP)

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AFP: PRESS RELEASE | 8 ASG members surrender to JTF Sulu's Ganarul Brigade

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Facebook Page (May 25, 2023): PRESS RELEASE | 8 ASG members surrender to JTF Sulu's Ganarul Brigade

Camp Bautista, Jolo, Sulu - May 24, 2023

Eight ( 8 ) former Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members voluntarily surrender to Brig. Gen. Giovanni T. Franza, Commander of 1102nd Infantry "Ganarul" Brigade in Barangay Tandu Bato, Luuk, Sulu on May 23, 2023.

The former ASG members turned over five (5) garand rifles, one (1) thompson pistol, and one (1) Cal. 38 pistol. Thereafter, they took their oath of allegiance to the government and to support its peace and development efforts. They have also received grocery items and rice assistance from the military and local government units.

 
Mr. Noneyrie Asiri, Focal Person of the Sulu Provincial Task Force in Ending Local Armed Conflict (PTF-ELAC) said, " This activity is a testament of our collective vision of a united, prosperous, and peaceful Sulu. Your surrender symbolizes the relative peace we are now enjoying in our province. We are all therefore instrumental in this narrative of change. To our ASG returnees, we will support you and let us sustain the peace and prosperity in the province through your commitment and cooperation."

 
Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Franza said, "Thru the efforts of 21st Infantry Battalion and 101st Infantry Battalion, the following ASG members voluntarily surrendered: @Abdu and @Najar Sampang both under late ASG leader @Apoh Mike; @Asis, @Hji Ruden, and @Hadi all under late Alhabsy Misaya; Jerimar Ahmad under late ASG leader Latip Sape; @Aljim under ASG Subleader Hairulla Asbang; and @Pas under late ASG leader Isnilon Hapilon."

 
"Ang ating mithiin ay magkaroon tayo ng lugar na yayakapin ang kapayapaan at unti-unti na natin itong nakakamtan. Congratulations sa inyong lahat dahil inyong naisipan na magbalik-loob sa gobyerno dahil yan ang pinaka magandang desisyon para sa inyong mga sarili at kapakanan ng inyong pamilya. Ngayon napatunayan na natin na kaya nating magkaisa para sa kapayapaan dito sa Sulu," Brig. Gen. Franza concluded.

 
The event was witnessed by Col. Mario D. Jacinto the Deputy Brigade Commander of 1102Bde; Lt. Col. Homer A. Estolas, Commanding Officer of 21IB; Lt. Col. Michael T. Demafelix, Commanding Officer of 101IB; Mr. Nur-raez Omar, Tourism Officer of Luuk; and representatives of the local government units of Omar, Pata, and Luuk.///

(Photos and Story by: 11th Infantry Division)

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AFP: PRESS RELEASE | AFP Chief visits troops in Negros, lauds accomplishments

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Facebook Page (May 26, 2023): PRESS RELEASE | AFP Chief visits troops in Negros, lauds accomplishments

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – The Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines (CSAFP), General Andres C Centino PA visited the troops of the 94th Infantry Battalion and 62nd Infantry Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army in Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental on May 25.

The CSAFP first visited the Philippine Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion in Ayungon, Negros Oriental, and later proceeded to the Headquarters of the 62nd Infantry Battalion in Isabela, Negros Occidental where he recognized the troops’ accomplishments and good performance.

The 94th IB and 62nd IB’s efforts and commitment to neutralize members of Communist Terrorist Groups have resulted in the demise of insurgents and the capture of numerous firearms and ammunition.
In his talk to troops, the CSAFP reminded the troops to remain resolute in the campaign to reduce internal security threats. “I commend all of you for the good leadership resulting in remarkable accomplishments. I would like to direct the commanders to make sure that there’s a sense of urgency in what we do. I am very satisfied with our level of discipline, which gives us a high trust rating,” said the CSAFP.

Before his unit visit, the CSAFP met with Himamaylan City Mayor Rogelio Raymund Tongson, Kabankalan City Mayor Benjie Miranda, and Binalbagan Municipal Mayor Alejandro Mirasol. The CSAFP assured the Local Chief Executives of the AFP’s mission to maintain peace in the region. // (Photos by: TSg Obinque/PAOAFP)

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AFP: PRESS RELEASE | Government forces recover four explosives in Cotabato City bus terminal

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Facebook Page (May 26, 2023): PRESS RELEASE | Government forces recover four explosives in Cotabato City bus terminal

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – May 26, 2023

Combined elements from the AFP and PNP recovered four improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and two cellular phones at Husky Bus Terminal, Rosary Heights 10, Cotabato City, early morning Thursday, May 25, 2023.

Joint Task Force Central Commander, Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera said that the staff and security guard of the bus terminal heard a single fire allegedly from a pistol of an unknown caliber that caught their attention. The security guard proceeded to the gate and discovered a suspicious item. They immediately requested assistance from the nearest detachment, the Esteros Detachment of the 1404th Regional Mobile Force Battalion. Police forces then coordinated with the military’s Marine Battalion Landing Team 5, and the combined troops immediately responded to the report and cordoned the area.

Initial investigation revealed that the IEDs were encased in a box. The perpetrator and motive of the incident are yet to be determined. The was no monitored casualty though one of the IEDs was defused before it was recovered.

Personnel from Cotabato City Police Office – Explosive Ordnance Disposal K9 unit facilitated the immediate recovery and disposal of the IEDs.

Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, Commander of Western Mindanao Command, commended the troops for immediately responding to the area, implementing pre-emptive measures, and averting a major tragedy. He added that the investigation of the incident is underway.

(Photos and story by: @Western Mindanao Command, AFP)

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2 top NPA officials in Eastern Visayas nabbed in Bulacan

Manila Bulletin(May 26, 2023): 2 top NPA officials in Eastern Visayas nabbed in Bulacan (By MARIE TONETTE MARTICIO)

TACLOBAN CITY – Two top officials of the New People's Army in Eastern Visayas were arrested by the military and police in San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan on Friday, May 26.

Rosita Solayao Taboy, alias “Laling,” a former secretary of the Regional Organizational Department (ROD) and member of the Executive Committee (Execom) of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC), and her husband, alias “Beto,” a demolition expert of the National Operations Command of the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA-National Democratic Front, were apprehended after years of hiding.

Taboy is also a staff of the National Finance Commission of the CPP-NPA-NDF.



MAP of the Philippines with Eastern Visayas highlighted.

The couple yielded a caliber .45 pistol, a caliber. 38 pistol, one commercial C4 bomb, blasting caps, assorted cellphones, a laptop, and other subversive documents.

They are facing multiple criminal charges and have standing warrants of arrest for multiple murder issued by the Municipal Trial Court (MTC) of Basey, Samar on Oct. 8, 1990, multiple frustrated murder issued by the MTC of Paranas, Samar on July 11, 1995, and frustrated murder issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 21 in Laoang, Northern Samar.

They are also allegedly responsible for numerous atrocities committed in Eastern Visayas.

Some of these were the burning of the Smart Communications tower in Catbalogan City on Jan. 6, 2000; the assassination of Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit Active Auxillary (CAA) Danilo Nuguit on Sept. 27, 2006; and the ambush where 10 soldiers and a nine-year-old boy were killed on Dec. 14, 2010.

Major Gen. Camilo Ligayo, commander of the 8th Infantry Division, said that the EVRPC’s downfall is now more evident as its top leaders are either captured, surrendered, or killed.

“The arrest of the couple, alias Laling and alias Beto, is another victory for the combined efforts of PNP and AFP in pursuit of peace and security. This is a great development in attaining justice for the victims of violence perpetrated by the CPP-NPA in Eastern Visayas,” Ligayo said.

https://mb.com.ph/2023/5/27/2-top-npa-officials-in-eastern-visayas-nabbed-in-bulacan?fbclid=IwAR2EIGYo91YHPQo_Q4d28_F7slNjlNbuM3rmSnFtk2cscEWVoYOt539cyOg

Nine ex-NPA rebels surrender to authorities in Negros

From the Manila Bulletin (May 27, 2023): Nine ex-NPA rebels surrender to authorities in Negros (By GLAZYL MASCULINO)

BACOLOD CITY – The Philippine Army 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde) announced on Saturday, May 27, that nine former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to troops of the 94th Infantry Battalion (IB) based in Barangay Tambo, Ayungon, Negros Oriental on Thursday, May 25.

Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte, 94th IB commander, presented the returning rebels to Brig. Gen. Orlando Edralin, 303rd IBde commander, and Wendell John Vallejera, executive assistant of Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental on Friday, May 26.



Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte, 94th IB commander, presents the nine rebel returnees to Brig. Gen. Orlando Edralin (center), 303rd IBde commander, and Wendell John Vallejera (left), executive assistant of Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, at the 94th IB headquarters in Barangay Tambo, Ayungon, Negros Oriental on Friday, May 26. (Photo courtesy of 303rd IBde)

They were former members of Central Negros 2 Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor (CN2-KR NCBS), according to the Army.

The Army said that the former rebels allegedly served as informants, relaying information about the presence and movements of government forces in their respective barangays, and providing logistical support to the NPA, aside from being involved in the armed movement.

The former NPA members also turned over some war materiel to the 94th IB, including an M4 rifle, three homemade shotguns, and one .38 caliber revolver.

These weapons will be properly disposed of and the former rebels will receive remuneration through the
Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), according to the Army.

In a statement, Edralin said the continuous surrender of the NPA members and their supporters is a testament to the effectiveness of the government's campaign in ending local communist armed conflict.

“Through the concerted efforts of the people in Negros and the local government units (LGUs), we can observe that the end of communist terrorism is becoming inevitable,” said Edralin, adding that “this development is a positive step towards quelling insurgency.”

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