Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events

Thursday, June 22, 2023

Cooperation among nations ‘antidote’ vs. emerging, future threats

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 22, 2023): Cooperation among nations ‘antidote’ vs. emerging, future threats (By Priam Nepomuceno)

MEMENTO. PAF chief Lt. Gen. Stephen P. Parreño (center), assisted by PAF vice commander Maj. Gen. Ramon J. Guiang (left), present a memento to DND Assistant Secretary for Logistics, Acquisitions and Self- Reliant Defense Posture Joselito B. Ramos (right), who is representing the Secretary of the Department of National Defense as guest of honor. (Photo courtesy of the PAF)

MANILA – Only through partnership and cooperation between like-minded states can today's evolving security threats can be handled.

This was stressed by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. in his message for the Philippine Air Force (PAF) Symposium, which was read by Joselito Ramos, Defense Assistant Secretary for Logistics, Acquisitions, and Self-Reliant Defense Posture, during the forum held Wednesday at the Marriott Hotel in Pasay City.

"The security environment in which we operate is besieged by constantly evolving and complex challenges such as asymmetric warfare, cyber attacks, terrorism and geopolitical tensions," Teodoro's message read.

"These are realities that no nation can successfully control alone and pointing to the undeniable truth that we need each other and that it is through partnership, cooperation, and a sheer commitment that nations can effectively address emerging and future threats in national and regional security," the DND chief added.

This year's Air Force Symposium was part of the PAF's pre-76th anniversary activities.

The PAF was formally established on July 1, 1947.

Teodoro said the country must adapt to the current trends and evolving technologies as rapid advancements especially in unmanned aerial systems, artificial intelligence and space capabilities present both opportunities and challenges.

"By fostering innovation and cultivating partnerships with nations at the forefront of these constantly evolving technologies, we position ourselves as key players in the Indo-Pacific region as it bolsters our defense capabilities and maintains regional stability," he said.

And since the Philippines is an archipelagic nation facing unique security challenges requiring a comprehensive approach, Teodoro said this is being done by partnering with the country's allies.

"To this end, joint exercises, capacity building programs and intelligence sharing are pivotal in enhancing our maritime domain awareness, countering transnational crimes and ensuring the safety and security of our territorial waters and skies. It is therefore a source of pride that our PAF has a rich history of cooperation with other Air Forces," he said.

This includes the trilateral air patrol with Indonesia and Malaysia and exemplifies Philippine commitment in addressing shared concerns over common areas of maritime interests.

"Meanwhile, the largest 'Balikatan' exercise this year and the revival of Cope Thunder in our country after 33 years highlight the US and Philippine commitment to enhancing interoperability and responsiveness thru joint exercises, hence we must continue to nurture and expand our relations while actively seeking new avenues for cooperation," the DND chief said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1204042

ASG member listed 5th most wanted in Zamboanga nabbed in QC

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 22, 2023): ASG member listed 5th most wanted in Zamboanga nabbed in QC (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

ARRESTED. Authorities arrest Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) member Janhar Abdulhari, 37, also known as Janjan or Julpikar Pendiwata, and the 5th most wanted in Zamboanga Sibugay, on Wednesday (June 21, 2023) at Tierra Pura Homes, Tandang Sora, Quezon City. The police say Abdulhari has a pending arrest warrant for murder. (Photo courtesy of Southern Police District)

MANILA – An Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) member listed among the most wanted persons in Zamboanga was arrested by authorities in Quezon City, the Southern Police District (SPD) said Thursday.

In a statement, SPD director Brig. Gen. Kirby John Kraft said Janhar Abdulhari, 37, also known as Janjan or Julpikar Pendiwata, and the No. 7 Most Wanted Person (Municipal Level) and No. 5 (Provincial Level) of Zamboanga was arrested Wednesday afternoon at Tierra Pura Homes, Tandang Sora, Quezon City.

The operation was conducted based on intelligence reports and aimed to execute the warrant of arrest against Abdulhari issued on May 24, 2022 by Honorable Anthony Dela Torre Isaw of the Regional Trial Court Branch 24 in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay in connection with a murder case under Criminal Case number 1-8776.

Following his arrest, Abdulhari was immediately taken to the District Special Operations Unit (DSOU) office of the SPD office for booking and mugshot.

The bandit’s arrest was carried out through the coordination between operating teams composed of joint personnel of the District Special Operations Unit (DSOU) and District Mobile Force Battalion (DMFB) of the SPD, along with the National Intelligence Support Group-NCR, Quezon City Police District-DSOU, 3rd Special Operations Unit of the Philippine National Police Maritime Group, and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).

In a separate statement, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Maj. Gen. Edgar Alan Okubo lauded the efforts of the operating units for their “professionalism and dedication to eradicating terrorism” in Metro Manila.

111 Reds surrender in Mimaropa since January

Meanwhile, at least 111 members of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army (CPP-NPA) have surrendered to different police units in the Mimaropa Region from January to June 19 this year, according to Brig. Gen. Joel Doria, director of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 4B.

Mimaropa is comprised of the provinces of Oriental and Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan.

Records reveal that of the 111 surrenderers, eight are listed in the periodic status report (PSR), while 53 have turned themselves in since the assumption of Doria on March 21 this year.

In a statement on Thursday, Doria said the latest surrenderer was "Ka Carlo," a former member of Milisyang Bayan of Kilusang Larangang Gerilya.

He voluntarily surrendered to the personnel of 1st Platoon, 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) at 1st PMFC Headquarters in Brgy. San Isidro, Victoria, Oriental Mindoro last June 19.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1204040

‘Facts’ show NPA behind Himamaylan family massacre - PNP

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 22, 2023): ‘Facts’ show NPA behind Himamaylan family massacre - PNP (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

BACOLOD CITY – The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Western Visayas (Region 6) has dismissed the “baseless and malicious accusations” on its objectivity in the conduct of the investigation on the Himamaylan City massacre in Negros Occidental, saying that “facts indicate categorically” that the New People’s Army (NPA) is behind the killing.

In a statement on Thursday, the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO-6) headed by Brig. Gen. Sidney Villaflor responded to the claims of Unyon ng Manggagawa sa Agrikultura spokesperson Butch Lozande in a television interview, where he asserted the “perceived inability of the police to objectively investigate.”

“His baseless accusations and hearsay statements during his interview clearly undermine the effort and the hard work of our police in Negros Occidental,” the PRO-6 said.

On June 14, couple Rolly and Emilda Fausto and their two minor sons were gunned down in their house in the remote Sitio Kangkiling, Barangay Buenavista, considered an NPA-influenced village in central Negros.

The elder Fausto was believed to have been the target of communist-terrorists for facilitating the surrender of his relatives, who are members of the NPA.

About 15 armed men were suspected to have perpetrated the killing and more than 50 bullet shells were recovered from the scene of the crime, police investigation showed.

In the statement, the PRO-6 called out Lozande for “his malicious imputation of alleged double standards in the delivery of justice. (He) is very much mistaken on his perception of PRO-6”.

“Ka Butch should know by now that the investigation has uncovered that NPA terrorists killed the four members of the Fausto family,” it added.

Responding to the claim that the PNP “readily threw the ball at the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA," the PRO-6 said, “the investigation on the incident is based on the accounts of witnesses and on facts”.

“The facts indicate categorically that members of the NPA terrorist group committed the killings,” it said, adding that “PRO-6 will utilize all its efforts and resources to bring the perpetrators to justice”.

According to the PRO-6, it is “the ploy of the CPP-NPA to discredit the government forces and create fear among peace advocates”.

“The people are now wide awake of the evils of communism – clothed in empty promises, ideology, and principle that no longer breathe, but rather, only exist in the subconscious of those deceived disciples of communism,” it added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1204058

4 Reds yield days after Butuan clash that left 5 NPA rebels dead

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 22, 2023): 4 Reds yield days after Butuan clash that left 5 NPA rebels dead (By Alexander Lopez)

BACK TO NORMAL. Lt. Col. Cresencio Gargar (center), Philippine Army’s 29th Infantry Battalion (29IB) commander, welcomes the surrender of four New People’s Army (NPA) rebels on Wednesday (June 21, 2023), at the unit’s headquarters in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte. The four turned themselves in five days after an encounter in the vicinity of Barangay Anticala, Butuan City on June 16 that left five NPA insurgents dead and the capture of 16 high-powered firearms. (Photo courtesy of 29IB)

BUTUAN CITY – Four communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels surrendered to authorities five days after an encounter in Barangay Anticala here that killed five insurgents and seizure of 16 high-powered firearms.

The surrenderers turned themselves in to the Philippine Army’s 29th Infantry Battalion (29IB) headquarters on Wednesday in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte.

They were identified only as Juday, Bords, Gabriel, and JR, who all belonged to the "Weakened Guerilla Front 21" of the NPA.

In a statement Thursday, the 29IB said the surrender was the result of the intensified military and police operations in the cities of Butuan and Cabadbaran.

“They feared for their lives after the June 16 encounter which killed five of their comrades, including their leaders. Most of their firearms were also recovered by the government forces,” the 29IB said.

Among the rebels killed during the encounter were Adonis Maglasang Arellano, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) executive officer and vice squad commander of the NPA Regional Operational Command, and his wife, Raylin Zubiri, a finance staff of the NEMRC.

Lt. Col. Cresencio Gargar, the 29IB commander, lauded the decision of the surrenderers to abandon the armed struggle.

“I am glad of your returning to the folds of the government so that you can have a chance to change your lives with your family,” he said.

Gargar also called on the fleeing NPA guerrillas to consider the government's reconciliation offers.

“Our camp is wide open, ready to receive you at any time,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1204069

5 more NPA rebels surrender in Iloilo town

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 22, 2023): 5 more NPA rebels surrender in Iloilo town (By Perla Lena)

RETURN TO THE FOLD. Five members of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army from the municipality of Calinog, with their assorted firearms, surrender to law enforcement authorities in the municipality of Calinog in Iloilo on Wednesday (June 21, 2023). Police Regional Office 6 spokesperson Maj. Mary Grace Borio said on Thursday (June 22, 2023) attributed the surrender to the successful implementation of the Philippine National Police retooled community support program. (Photo courtesy of Regional Mobile Force Battalion 6)

ILOILO CITY – Five members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) brought with them assorted firearms when they surrendered to law enforcement authorities in the municipality of Calinog in Iloilo on Wednesday.

Maj. Mary Grace Borio, spokesperson for the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) said the surrenderers, whose names were withheld for security reasons, were residents of Calinog’s Barangay Binolusan.

They voluntarily yielded through Maj. Romwill D. Miras, company commander of the 606th Company at the headquarters of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 6 (RMFB6) based in the municipality, and also turned over three long-barrel 12-gauge homemade shotguns, a short barrel 12-gauge shotgun, a .38-caliber pistol without a serial number and four pieces of live 12-gauge ammunition.

“We were able to encourage them to surrender through our retooled community support program. They became aware of our concern on terrorism and communism and as a result, they have decided to surrender,” Borio said in dialect in an interview on Thursday.

Under the program, members of the Philippine National Police visit far-flung barangays, stay in the area, and serve as liaisons in bringing government services closer to the community.

They also conduct lectures on the “evils of communism” to make the residents realize and understand the efforts of the government to better their conditions.

“They live with the people there, look into their needs, and facilitate how they will be addressed,” she added.

The surrenderers will have to undergo validation and will be evaluated for the remuneration of their yielded firearms and to determine the program they can avail of under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Borio said since January this year, 11 members of the CPP-NPA from the municipality of Calinog have surrendered to the PNP while one was arrested.

Early this month 102 residents of the town’s Barangay Binolusan Pequeño, who are members of the mass base under the Komiteng Rehiyon Panay (KRP), pledged allegiance to the government and withdrew their support to the CPP-NPA in a simple ceremony conducted together with the local government of Calinog.

They also gave up 13 assorted firearms under the PRO-6 “Armas Baylo Bugas” program.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1204097

PNP secures affidavits from 2 witnesses in Negros family slay

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 23, 2023): PNP secures affidavits from 2 witnesses in Negros family slay (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

UPDATE. Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson (2nd from right), chairperson of Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, leads the presentation of updates on the Himamaylan City family massacre in a press briefing held at Nature's Village Resort in Talisay City on Thursday afternoon (June 22, 2023). He is joined by (from left) Lt. Col. Reynante Jomocan, Himamaylan city police chief; Himamaylan City Mayor Rogelio Raymund Tongson Jr.; and Prosecutor Flosemer Chris Gonzales, chairperson of Joint Focus Legal Action Team for Western Visayas and spokesperson of Regional TF-ELCAC. (PNA photo by Nanette L. Guadalquiver)

TALISAY CITY – The Philippine National Police (PNP) has secured the judicial affidavits of two witnesses as investigators continue to expedite the filing of charges against the perpetrators in the brutal killing of the Fausto family in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.

The update was presented by the Himamaylan City Police Station during a press briefing organized by the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) in this city Thursday afternoon.

Lt. Col. Reynante Jomocan, city police chief, said through the first witness, they were able to identify the suspects.

"More or less 15 armed men executed the shooting of the victims," he said. Police investigation showed they were led by Fernando Hermino, squad leader of New People's Army (NPA) Central Negros Front 2.

Jomocan said the second witness heard the conversation between a suspect and one of the victims.

The two witnesses are secured in police custody, he added.

On the night of June 14, couple Rolly and Emilda Fausto and their two minor sons were gunned down by perpetrators believed to be members of the NPA in their house in the remote Sitio Kangkiling, Barangay Buenavista.

Jomocan said they are waiting for the results of the ballistic and other examinations conducted in the course of the investigation, but the pieces of evidence are almost complete for the filing of the case.

"We are also waiting for the decision of the family to issue their affidavits," he said.

Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte, commander of the Philippine Army's 94th Infantry Battalion, said they have deployed troops in the sitio (zone) to assure residents that they are protected.

"We also provide security to the policemen conducting the investigation," he added.

The press briefing was also attended by Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, chairperson of PTF-ELCAC; Himamaylan City Mayor Rogelio Raymund Tongson Jr.; Col. Leo Pamittan, director of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office; Col. Nhel Richard Patricio, officer in charge of 303rd Infantry Brigade; Barangay Buenavista councilman Remegio Tuazon; and Prosecutor Flosemer Chris Gonzales, chairperson of Joint Focus Legal Action Team for Western Visayas and spokesperson of Regional TF-ELCAC.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1204125

2 NPA rebels killed in Albay clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 23, 2023): 2 NPA rebels killed in Albay clash (By Connie Calipay)

RECOVERED. Two New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in a clash with military troops in Barangay Bololo, Guinobatan town in Albay province on Wednesday (June 21, 2023). Soldiers also recovered from the site one M16 assault rifle, one M635 rifle, two anti-personnel mines, several propaganda materials, and five backpacks belonging to the rebels. (Photo courtesy of 9ID)

LEGAZPI CITY – Two New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in a clash with military troops in Barangay Bololo, Guinobatan town, the Philippine Army (PA) reported on Thursday.

In an interview, Maj. Frank Roldan, 9th Infantry Division (9ID) Public Affairs Office chief, said the troops encountered at least 12 rebels on Wednesday.

"Troops were sent to the specified area to conduct a security patrol after receiving information from worried citizens about the purported presence of armed individuals. After a brief firefight, the rebels fled in different directions, leaving two of their slain comrades," he said.

Roldan identified the slain rebels as Santos Seminiano alias Santi and alias Ilay/Elian. No casualty was reported on the side of the troops.

Authorities also recovered from the site one M16 assault rifle, one M635 rifle, two anti-personnel mines, several propaganda materials, and five backpacks belonging to the rebels.

Roldan said troops are still scouring the encounter site and follow-up operations will be immediately conducted.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1204116

5 MILF men detained for illegal possession of firearms

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 23, 2023): 5 Moro Islamic Liberation Front men detained for illegal possession of firearms (By Edwin Fernandez)

Google map of Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur

DATU PIANG, Maguindanao del Sur – Authorities here disarmed and detained five members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for possession of unlicensed firearms Thursday.

“We saw men with firearms,” Lt. Col. Armando Liwan, municipal police chief, told reporters in an interview Friday.

When asked for documents legalizing their possession of firearms, Liwan said the five men on board a pickup truck said they have none and that they were MILF members.

He added that the MILF members claimed they were told at past noon Thursday to report to the house of Mayor Solaiman Sandigan in the adjacent Datu Salibo town who maintains a house in this area.

Under the GPH-MILF ceasefire agreement, MILF movement should be coordinated with law enforcers via a peace mechanism to prevent misencounter and misunderstandings.

According to Liwan, the MILF men did not resist arrest. They were identified as Mohammad Abbas Gundalangan Kudanding, an MILF field commander, and his followers as Bhadz Salik, Norhamin Nasa, Abdullazis Kendatun and Ali Buday.

Troops from the Army’s 6th Infantry Battalion seized an M4 Bushmaster rifle, an M16 rifle, a .45-caliber pistol and ammunition from the group.

Charges are being prepared against the MILF members, Liwan said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1204142

Kalinaw News: 11th Infantry (Alakdan) Division facilitates surrender of right-hand of ASG subleader, Idang Susukan

Posted to the Kalinaw News Facebook Page (Jun 21, 2023): 11th Infantry (Alakdan) Division facilitates surrender of right-hand of ASG subleader, Idang Susukan

11th Infantry (Alakdan) Division facilitates surrender of right-hand of ASG subleader, Idang Susukan

Read: https://bit.ly/3CFm5wD

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Kalinaw News: 22IB, residents in Juban Town, Sorsogon, conducted Indignation Rally against NPA

Posted to the Kalinaw News Facebook Page (Jun 21, 2023): 22IB, residents in Juban Town, Sorsogon, conducted Indignation Rally against NPA

22IB, residents of two barangays in Juban Town, Sorsogon, conducted Indignation Rally against NPA and take Oath of Allegiance to the government

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Kalinaw News: Pinagsanib na puwersa ng kasundaluhan ng 22IB at kapulisan, sumagupa sa mga rebeldeng NPA at nagsamsam ng matataas na kalibre ng baril at pampasabog sa Brgy. Marilab, Bulan, Sorsogon

Posted to the Kalinaw News Facebook Page (Jun 21, 2023): Pinagsanib na puwersa ng kasundaluhan ng 22IB at kapulisan, sumagupa sa mga rebeldeng NPA at nagsamsam ng matataas na kalibre ng baril at pampasabog sa Brgy. Marilab, Bulan, Sorsogon

Pinagsanib na puwersa ng kasundaluhan ng 22IB at kapulisan, sumagupa sa mga rebeldeng NPA at nagsamsam ng matataas na kalibre ng baril at pampasabog sa Brgy. Marilab, Bulan, Sorsogon

Read: https://bit.ly/3qWbg6Q

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ENGLISH TRANSLATION: Combined forces of 22IB army and police encountered NPA rebels and confiscated high caliber guns and explosives in Brgy. Lightning , Moon , Sorsogon

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Kalinaw News: Mondragon-Silvino Lubos Road project of OPAPRU-PAMANA inaugurated and turned-over to local government in Northern Samar

Posted to the Kalinaw News Facebook Page (Jun 21, 2023): Mondragon-Silvino Lubos Road project of OPAPRU-PAMANA inaugurated and turned-over to local government in Northern Samar

Mondragon-Silvino Lubos Road project of OPAPRU-PAMANA inaugurated and turned-over to local government in Northern Samar

Read: https://bit.ly/3pe5lJR

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Kalinaw News: 57IB recovers arms cache

Posted to the Kalinaw News Facebook Page (Jun 21, 2023): 57IB recovers arms cache

57IB recovers arms cache following the revelation of former Armed Lawless Group leader of its location in Upi, Maguindanao del Norte

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Kalinaw News: Walk for Peace

Posted to the Kalinaw News Facebook Page (Jun 22, 2023): Walk for Peace

Walk for Peace joined by former leaders and members of ANAKPAWIS and BAYAN Sorsogon members in Sorsogon to commemorate Independence Day

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AFP: ARRIVAL HONORS | The Armed Forces of the Philippines renders military honors to the 40 newly promoted generals and flag officers

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Facebook Page (Jun 21, 2023): ARRIVAL HONORS | The Armed Forces of the Philippines renders military honors to the 40 newly promoted generals and flag officers

ARRIVAL HONORS | The Armed Forces of the Philippines renders military honors to the 40 newly promoted generals and flag officers at the AFP General Headquarters on June 20.

Said officers were sworn to their respective duties by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr on June 19 in the Malacañan Palace, a rite signifying the supremacy of civilian authority over the military as enshrined in the Constitution.

The ceremony was witnessed by the Executive Secretary, Secretary Lucas Bersamin; National Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro; the Special Assistant to the President, Secretary Anton Lagdameo; the Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Garafil; Presidential Adviser on Military and Police Affairs Secretary Roman Felix; AFP Chief of Staff General Andres Centino; and Major Service commanders. The said officers also rendered a courtesy call to the AFP Chief of Staff. (Photos by SN1 Viluan Ret/Sgt Ambay)

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