CPP/NPA-Rizal: Isiwalat ang katotohanan ng terorismo ng 80th IBPA sa Rizal!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Feb 15, 2024): Isiwalat ang katotohanan ng terorismo ng 80th IBPA sa Rizal! (Reveal the truth of the terrorism of the 80th IBPA in Rizal!)

 


Macario 'Ka Karyo' Liwanag

Spokesperson

NPA-Rizal (Narciso Antazo Aramil Command)

Southern Tagalog Regional Operational Command (Melito Glor Command)

New People's Army

February 15, 2024

Mariing kinukundena ng NAAC-NPA-Rizal ang mga kasinungalingan ng 80th IBPA. Pilit pa rin nitong pinagtatakpan ang katotohanan sa naganap na labanan sa Sityo Balagbag, Barangay San Isidro, Rodriguez noong Enero 31, 2024, pati ang mga krimen nila sa mamamayang Rizaleño.

Sa pinakahuling pahayag ng pasistang tropang pinamumunuan ni Lt. Col. Mark Anthony U. Ruby, pilit na itinanggi at tinawag pang kathang-isip ang pagkakasawi ng kanilang kasundaluhan sa naganap na labanan. Nakita mismo ng mga Pulang Mandirigma ang tinamaan at hindi na bumangong katawan ng kanilang kasama at mismong mga sibilyan ang nakakita na may mga inilabas na bangkay ng mga sundalo matapos ang labanan.

Walang ni katiting na respeto man lamang ang pamunuan ng 80th IBPA sa kanyang kasundaluhan at sa mga pamilya ng mga ito para ilitaw ang mga pangalan ng mga nasawi sa kanilang hanay. Mas pipiliin nito na pangalagaan at linisin ang nabubulok nitong reputasyon kaysa ipauna ang kapakanan ng kanyang mga sundalo.

Pambabaluktot din sa katotohanan ang binubuladas ng 80th IBPA hinggil sa pagsasara ng ilang mga resort matapos ang labanan dahil diumano sa takot at pangamaba sa mga NPA. Subalit sa katunayan ay sila mismo ang nagpasara ng ilang mga resort. Dagdag pa may rekord na ang mga berdugo noong nakaraang taon na pagbawalan ang lahat ng mga turista na umahon sa Balagbag at ipasara ang mga resort.

Makapal ang mukha ng 80th IBPA na itanggi ang mga karumal-dumal at walang-tigil nilang krimen sa mamamayang Rizaleño. Sa unang hati pa lamang ng 2023 ay sunod-sunod na tahasang karahasan at akto ng terorismo ang ginawa nito sa Rizal.

Matapos ang labanan noong Abril 1, 2023 sa Sityo Kislatan, Barangay Mascap, Rodriguez, Rizal, kumalat ang balitang nagbanta ng pambobomba ang nasabing yunit sa ilang mga barangay ng Rizal. Ang totoo’y hindi ito nanatiling banta, sadyang pinasabugan nito ng mortar ang bahagi ng Payaran habang pinagbabaril naman ang isang lalaking residente ng sityo na nagsusuga lamang ng kaniyang kalabaw.

Dahil din sa pagmomortar na ito, inatake sa puso hanggang mamatay ang isang edad 70 na babae dahil sa takot nang sumabog ang mortar ng 80th IBPA. May matinding trauma ito mula sa martial law na nanumbalik sa kanyang alaala dahil sa nasaksihan niyang pambobomba. Ang ilan naman ay inaabot na ang mapraning sa lahat ng pagpapasabog na kanilang naririnig dahil sa presensya ng militar.

Pinagbantaan din ang isang kapamilya ng diumanong NPA na kapag hindi sinabi kung nasaan ang mga NPA ay dadalhan sila ng warrant of arrest. Marami sa Sityo Malasya at Uyungan ng Barangay Puray, Rodriguez ay hindi na umuuwi sa kanilang mga tahanan dahil sa takot sa mga militar at hindi sila tinatantanan sa pagtatanong at panghaharas. Iilan na lamang ang mga tao roon at napilitan silang lumipat sa Sityo Amusin na malapit sa kampo para hindi na sila puntahan lagi ng mga militar kahit pa nasa Malasya ang kanilang mga taniman.

Matapos ang pambobomba, dumagsa ang militar sa mga barangay ng Mascap, Puray at San Rafael at pwersahang pinalikas ang 250 pamilya. Mahigpit ding kinontrol ang paggalaw ng mga residente, kung kaya’t naobliga silang patagong pumunta sa kanilang bukid para mag-ani ng kanilang tanim. Mistula silang magnanakaw sa sarili nilang taniman dahil sa paghihigpit ng militar.

Bukod pa rito, ginawa ng garison ng 80th IBPA ang paparaming mga sityo sa Rizal tulad ng Sityo San Josef, San Ysiro at Sityo Kaysacat sa Barangay San Jose sa Antipolo City; Sityo Kabuhuan at Sityo Ilas ng Barangay Puray; Sityo Dambana ng Barangay Mascap at Sityo Balagbag ng Barangay San Isidro sa Rodriguez. Halos 2 taong nanatili ang kaaangat lang na tropa sa bahayan sa Sityo San Josef. Habang halos 1 taon na ang nasa Sityo San Ysiro at Sityo Ilas.

Nakakabulahaw din sa mga residente ang ingay na dulot ng awayan ng mga sundalong nagiinuman sa gabi sa Barangay Mascap at Barangay Puray.

Ito ang malaon nang nagdudulot ng pangamba at takot sa hanay ng mamamayan, na maganap muli ang pagbabarilan ng mga ito tulad ng nangyari noong 2012 dahil sa pagkalango ng mga ito sa alak. Kung tutuusin ay labag sa Geneva Conventions at Protocol II ang kanilang pagkakampo malapit sa sibilyang populasyon.

Malinaw kung sino ang tunay na naghahasik ng terorismo sa Rizal. Naghuhugas-kamay lang ang 80th IBPA dahil desperado itong pagtakpan ang mga kasalanan nito sa mamamayan. Sa katunayan, hindi rin naman malalaman ng NPA ang mga kasong ito kung hindi galing sa pagdudulog ng masa ng kaapihang nararanasan nila sa kamay ng 80th IBPA. Anupaman ang sabihin ng pasistang tropang ito ay alam ng mamamayan ang totoong mga kaganapan sa kanilang mga baryo.

Dapat tuloy-tuloy na ilantad ang paghuhugas-kamay ng 80th IBPA. Dapat silang panagutin sa mahabang listahan ng mga krimen nila sa mga Rizaleño. Nag-uumapaw ang dahilan para palayasin ng mamamayan ang pasistang 80th IBPA mula sa kanilang mga baryo.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/isiwalat-ang-katotohanan-ng-terorismo-ng-80th-ibpa-sa-rizal/

CPP/NPA-Northern Negros: Armas, narekober sa operasyon silot sang NPA

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Feb 15, 2024): Armas, narekober sa operasyon silot sang NPA (Arms, recovered in the NPA's punishment operation)

 


Cecil Estrella

Spokesperson

NPA-Northern Negros (Roselyn Pelle Command)

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

February 15, 2024

Isa ka riple sang .22 nga armas nga may 44 ka mga bala sini, isa ka .357 nga pistola kag mga bala sini, duha ka smartphone kag nagkalain-lain nga mga ID ang nakuha sang mga operatiba sang Roselyn Jean Pelle Command-Northern Negros Guerrilla Front sang New People’s Army (RJPC-NPA) sa operasyon silot batok kay Allan Macasling sa Sitio Bangkirohan, Barangay Salamanca sa banwa sang Toboso, Negros Occidental sadtong Pebrero 13, 2024, mga alas otso sang aga.

Daku ang bulig sang pumuluyo sa pagpatuman sini nga operasyon sa eksteryor nga bahin sang larangan gerilya, nga lapit sa national hi-way, lapit baybay kag lapit sa sentro sang banwa.

Ang operasyon silot ang ginhimo sang NPA kontra kay Macasling sandig sa madugay na nga mga reklamo sang pumuluyo, ilabi na sa mga nangin biktima sang iya kapintas, nga nabaton sang NPA. Patong-patong ang reklamo kontra kay Macasling kaangot sa iya pagpang-agaw duta, pagpamahog gamit ang armas paagi sang pagpanaya kag/ukon pagpalupok sini, lakip ang iya pagkakontra-rebolusyon. Ang mga hinimoan ni Macasling sa iya mga kaingod nagtuga sang kakugmat sa pumuluyo kag nagbunga sang kabalaka para sa ila pagpuyo kag pagpangabuhi.

Ginapaathag nga wala sang anuman nga kaangtanan ang rebolusyonaryong buhis sa pagsilot kay Macasling.

Panugyan sang RJPC-NPA sa tanan nga may kaso kontra sa pumuluyo nga untaton na ang inyo malain nga mga hinimoan kag bag-uhon ang kontra-rebolusyon nga gawi. Magsurender man kamo sa pinakalapit nga yunit sang CPP, NPA ukon sa mga rebolusyonaryo nga organisasyon sang masa, dala ang inyo mga armas sa pagpangabusar, agud mahatagan kamo sang kahigayunan nga magbag-o.

Indi magduha-duha ang NPA sa paghatag sang nagakadapat nga hustisya sa mga biktima sang mga kontra-rebolusyon kag malain nga mga elemento. Ang rebolusyonaryo nga kahublagan naga-alagad sa pumuluyo kag nagapangapin sa ila pagpuyo kag pagpangabuhi sa tunga sang grabe nga kapigaduhon.###

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/armas-narekober-sa-operasyon-silot-sang-npa/

CPP/NPA-Rizal: MALAYA KA Program ng 80th IB, lumang istilo ng panlilinlang at panggigipit sa mamamayan, paglabag sa internasyunal na makataong batas!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Feb 15, 2024): MALAYA KA Program ng 80th IB, lumang istilo ng panlilinlang at panggigipit sa mamamayan, paglabag sa internasyunal na makataong batas! (YOU ARE FREE//Program of the 80th IB, old style of deception and pressure on the people, violation of international humanitarian law!)

 


Macario 'Ka Karyo' Liwanag

Spokesperson

NPA-Rizal (Narciso Antazo Aramil Command)

Southern Tagalog Regional Operational Command (Melito Glor Command)

New People's Army

February 15, 2024

Buong pagyayabang na ibinibida ng 80th IBPA ang kasinungalingan sa kanilang MALAYA KA Program, na diumano’y makabagong pamamaraan upang wakasan ang terorismo. Kaisa at katuwang diumano ang mga pamilya ng mga miyembro ng NAAC-NPA-Rizal sa pagpapasuko sa kanilang mga anak at kamag-anak sa pagdurog sa CPP-NPA-NDFP. Tusong iskema nila ang propagandang ito sa social media upang pagmukhaing kaisa nila ang mga pamilya ng mga pinaghihinalaang kasapi ng NPA at diumano’y labag sa kagustuhan ng mga ito ang pananatili ng kanilang mga kaanak sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan.

Inilunsad ng 80th IBPA ang mga papulong sa Brgy. Puray, sa Rodriguez, Brgy. San Jose at Brgy. Calawis sa Antipolo City, at Brgy. Punta sa Jala-Jala sa ilalim ng programang MALAYA KA. Mga serye ng talakayan, pakikipagpulong at imbestigasyon sa mga pamilya ng mga pinaghihinalaang kasapi ng New People’s Army upang kumbinsihin at sa bandang huli ay obligahin na makipagtulungan ang mga ito sa pagpapasuko sa kanilang mga anak o kapamilya na diumano’y aktibo sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan.

Taliwas sa nais nilang palabasin na pakikipagkaisa at pakikipagtulungan ng mga pamilya, hindi boluntaryo at sa halip ay napipilitan lamang ang mga ito na dumalo sa mga papulong. Habang sinasamantala nito ang pagdalo ng mga kapamilya ng pinaghihinalaang NPA upang gamitin sa kanilang itim na propaganda. Ginagamit ang mga litrato ng mga diumanong kapamilya, upang likhain ang isang imahe ng pakikipagtulungan sa kanila.

Sa katunayan, pahayag ng ilang nakadalo, inip na inip na silang matapos ang bawat pulong na kanilang ipinatatawag. Nasusuklam din silang pakinggan ang alam nilang hinahabi na kasinungalingan at panlilinlang ng pasistang AFP-PNP at NTF-ELCAC, na pawang nilalagyan ng katumbas na pera ang buhay at dangal ng kanilang mga kamag-anak. Banggit pa ng ibang kapamilya, hirap na hirap na sila sa paulit-ulit na pagpapatawag sa kanila ng 80th IB na humantong na sa kanilang paglikas at paglipat ng tirahan para umiwas sa pambubuliglig ng mga militar.

Bukod sa papulong ay isinasailalim din ang mga pamilya ng NPA sa mahigpit na pagmamanman at mga imbestigasyon. Ang iba pa nga ay sinusundan sa kanilang mga pinupuntahan—sa kaingin, bukid, gulayan, at kahit sa mga bahay ng iba pang kakilala at kamag-anak. Nakakapang-insulto na napili pa nila ang katawagang MALAYA KA para sa kanilang programa na sa aktwal ay nagkakait sa mamamayan sa kanilang malayang pagkilos.

Malinaw na panlilinlang ang programang ito na sa tabing ng MALAYA KA at diumano’y para sa kapayapaan subalit ang totoo’y nagdudulot ito ng ligalig sa mamamayan at mga pinaghihinalaang kapamilya ng NPA. Malinaw na nagsisilbing psywar ang programang ito para sa kanilang imbing pakana na durugin ang CPP/NPA.

Malinaw din na ito ay paglabag sa internasyunal na makataong batas alinsunod sa prinsipyo nito ng pagtatangi/pag-iiba sa pagitan ng mga sibilyan at kombatant (distinction) na nagsasabing hindi dapat atakehin ang mga sibilyan at lahat ng kanilang pag-aari. Mayor na nilalaman ito ng Comprehensive Agreement for the Respect of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) na pinagkasunduan ng GRP at ng NDFP at nasa puso ng Geneva Conventions of 1949 at ang karugtong nitong Additional Protocols of 1977. Mabibigo ang MALAYA KA Program sa kanilang iskema, kung saan nagpapatuloy ang kahirapan, karahasan , panlilinlang at terror sa mamamayan. Kailanman, ay hindi makakamit ang kapayapaan ng hindi inuugat ang puno’t dulo ng problema ng mamamayan na siyang laging tinatanggihang lutasin ng reaksyunaryong gobyerno. Ang kapayapaan ay dapat nakabatay sa katarungang panlipunan at hindi sa pambubusal sa bibig at paggapos sa kamay ng mamamayan. Hangga’t walang katarungang panlipunan ay hindi magkakaroon ng tunay na kapayapaan. Ganundin hindi titigil ang New People’s Army sa pamumuno ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas na tupdin ang kanyang sentral na tungkulin na ibagsak ang mapang-aping naghaharing sistema.###

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/malaya-ka-program-ng-80th-ib-lumang-istilo-ng-panlilinlang-at-panggigipit-sa-mamamayan-paglabag-sa-internasyunal-na-makataong-batas/

Chinese vessels block BFAR ship off Bajo de Masinloc

From Palawan News (Feb 18, 2024): Chinese vessels block BFAR ship off Bajo de Masinloc (By Andrew Atienza)

Photo by Philippine Coast Guard

China persists in its aggressive conduct in the West Philippine Sea, demonstrating no signs of easing its actions, and persistently harasses Philippine vessels.

Commodore Jay Tarriela, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS), disclosed on Saturday that Chinese vessels had recently obstructed a BFAR boat by executing dangerous maneuvers near the Bajo de Masinloc.

“These are the four Chinese maritime militias that we also documented [that] actively participated in blocking and carrying out dangerous maneuvers to prevent the BFAR vessel from getting close to the Bajo de Masinloc,” Tarriela said.

He stated that the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) did not stop with the deployment of its coast guard and militia boats, even in the presence of Philippine maritime assets.

Tarriela said they monitored four CCG vessels and a People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy vessel.

He also said that the vessels identified as CCG 3063 and 3064 had been deployed in the area to ensure the southeast entrance of Bajo de Masinloc was well-guarded. They achieved this by setting up floating barriers whenever they detected Philippine vessels nearby.

“We experienced, of course, dangerous maneuvers… and then shadowing, not just from the PLA Navy but even from the Chinese Coast Guard and also the Chinese maritime militia. There is also participation from the Chinese maritime militia,” Tarriela said.

Tarriela said that they monitored CCG 3302 and 3105, carrying out “dangerous maneuvers” to prevent the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and PCG vessels from getting near Bajo de Masinloc.

Earlier, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. gave standing orders to the PCG and the BFAR to maintain their presence in the West Philippine Sea.

https://palawan-news.com/chinese-vessels-block-bfar-ship-off-bajo-de-masinloc/

Wescom naval ship arrives in Davao to deliver help to flood victims

From Palawan News (Feb 18, 2024): Wescom naval ship arrives in Davao to deliver help to flood victims (By Gerald Ticke)

BRP Davao del Sur (LD 602), a Philippine Navy vessel assigned to the Western Command, arrived in Davao City on Sunday, February 18, to bring relief goods to aid victims of a flash flood.

The navy ship sailed to Mindanao last week, carrying more than 40,000 boxes of family food packs from the DSWD and troops from the Marine Battalion Landing Team 9 (MBLT 9), which is also assigned in Palawan, to assist in relief operations in the disaster-hit region.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region XI Regional Director Atty. Vanessa Gocong, Global Port Davao City Operations Manager Mark Lester Tan, and Naval Task Force 71 commander, Captain Constancio Arturo Reyes, welcomed the vessel, extending appreciation for the much-needed help to the affected communities.

“We are glad to be of service to the Dabaweños. Once our mission here is accomplished, LD602 and the rest of my crew will return to WESCOM’s joint operational area in Palawan to resume our vital mission in support of external defense operations in the West Philippine Sea (WPS),” LD 602 commanding officer Commander Marco Sandalo said.

https://palawan-news.com/wescom-naval-ship-arrives-in-davao-to-deliver-help-to-flood-victims/#google_vignette

NPA claims 5 Negros guerilla fronts still intact

From the Visayan Daily Star (Feb 17, 2024): NPA claims 5 Negros guerilla fronts still intact (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The New People’s Army Apolinario Gatmaitan Command has issued a statement claiming that its five guerilla fronts remain intact, as it also dismissed the imminent declaration of placing Negros Island under a state of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) as a “sham.”

In a statement, rebel spokesperson Ka Maoche Legislador claimed that all five guerrilla fronts under the AGC-NPA continues to perform as the Communist Party of the Philippines’ (CPP) primary weapon in waging a protracted people’s war through extensive and intensive guerrilla warfare in Negros Island.

Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, 3rd Infantry Division commander, earlier said that the state of SIPS in Negros Island may now be formally declared by the concerned Local Chief Executives, after its conditions have been met, including dismantling of all guerilla fronts.

Sison, who supervises the internal security operations of six Army battalions in Negros Island, said the SIPS declaration in a locality will attract new investments, generate more jobs, and provide opportunities to Negrenses.

Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, chair of the Regional Peace and Order Council of Western Visayas, said that the RPOC will convene on March 13 to discuss the SIPS declaration in Negros Island.

It is no surprise that reactionary state troops will not be pulled-out from Negros Island after the 3ID pretentiously claimed guerrilla fronts on Negros were already dismantled, Legislador said.

Lacson said on Wednesday that the Philippine Army will not pull out it forces in Negros, despite the dismantling of NPA guerilla fronts.

“They will see to it (that the dismantling of guerilla fronts) is really more of a permanent situation,” he added.

Legislador further alleged that “it is also natural for Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Lacson to parrot such talk as he represents the exploiters and oppressors of Negros Island whom the mercenary 3ID serves.”*

https://visayandailystar.com/npa-claims-5-negros-guerilla-fronts-still-intact/

5 NPAs, including high-ranking leader, surrender

From the Mindanao Times (Feb 16, 2024): 5 NPAs, including high-ranking leader, surrender (By RHODA GRACE SARON

THE 4TH Infantry Division said the communist terrorist group (CTG) once again suffered a major setback after another high-ranking leader and four other regular members surrendered on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, in Agusan del Norte.

Lt. Col. Jeffrey Balingao, 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion commanding officer, identified them as Arnel Bahian, the deputy secretary of Sub-Regional Committee 3 (SRC-3) of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC), Analyn Mondas, Jaquelyn Caube Egtub, Charilyn C Rebita, and Glen F Antigua, members of Platoon 2, SRSDG SAGAY, SRC-3.

They surrendered to the soldiers of the 23IB at its headquarters at Jamboree Site, P-6, Barangay Alubihid, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.

The surrenderees claimed they could no longer take the hunger, desire for safety, and extreme exhaustion from the relentless military offensives. They also wanted to reunite with their families.

In the first two months of this year, a series of focus military offensives were launched by the 23IB to hunt down the remnants of SRSDG Sagay. As a result, four CPP-NPA terrorists (CNTs) were killed, two arrested, and nine surrendered, summing up to 15 neutralized CNTs from Jan. 8 to date.

Major General Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II, 4ID commander, commended the surrenderees for their decision and committed to providing the necessary assistance to help them get back on their feet.

“The end of this criminal group in the provinces of Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur in the Caraga region is near at hand. The continuous neutralization of its members during the recent encounters and the snowball of surrender thereafter is a clear manifestation of this development,” he said.

“While we acknowledge this series of surrenders as a positive step toward peace, we want to make it clear that our troops remain resolute in their mission to eliminate the threat posed by NPA criminals through the continuous conduct of military operations to hunt down its remaining members,” Cuerpo added.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/5-npas-including-high-ranking-leader-surrender/

301st IB vows to crush 2 NPA fronts in Panay Island

From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 17, 2024): 301st IB vows to crush 2 NPA fronts in Panay Island (By TARA YAP)

ILOILO CITY – The 301st Infantry Brigade aims to dismantle the two remaining New People’s Army fronts in Panay Island.

“While we have reduced the strength of the NPA, the two remaining NPA fronts still pose a challenge,” said Brig. Gen. Michael Samson on the sidelights of the 301st IB’s 41st founding anniversary this week in Camp Hernandez in Dingle, Iloilo.

BRIG. Gen. Michael Samson speaks at the 41st founding anniversary of the 301st Infantry Brigade in Camp Hernandez, Dingle town, Iloilo province. (Tara Yap)

“In our assessment for the past few months, these two fronts are gaining grounds in the mountain areas,” he said, referring to the Southern Front and Central Front Committees.

“What we have to do is pursue them more in those areas,” said Samson who marked his first anniversary as commander of the 301st IB which covers Aklan, Antique, Capiz, and Iloilo.

Samson’s units have engaged the NPA in 31 encounters, 21 in Iloilo province, last year, the most notable of which was in Leon town in September where the 61st Infantry Battalion killed three NPA rebels.

Among the slain rebels were Rebecca Alfaro, alias “Jing,” secretary of the Southern Front Committee.

They also engaged in five encounters in Capiz, two in Aklan, and one in Antique.

Thirty-one NPA firearms were seized. Seventeen NPA rebels surrendered in Panay and the 301st IB facilitated government aid for more than 112 former communist guerrillas.

Samson urged remaining NPA rebels to surrender and avail of government livelihood programs through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. “They should live peaceful lives with their families,” Samson said.

https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/17/301st-ib-vows-to-crush-2-npa-fronts-in-panay-island#google_vignette

Suspected terror fund facilitator caught using remittance centers

From Rappler (Feb 16, 2024): Suspected terror fund facilitator caught using remittance centers (By JOHN SITCHON)

Emmett Manantan of the Anti-Money Laundering Council confirmed that the suspect Myrna Mabanza used money service businesses to transfer funds to members of the Abu Sayyaf Group

CEBU, Philippines – Law enforcers said Friday, February 16, that Myrna Mabanza, the suspected fund facilitator of Islamic State (IS) forces in the Philippines who was arrested Thursday, used several remittance agencies to finance terrorist activities.

“The amounts involved were from money service businesses. These are the remittance agencies that we identified through intelligence and investigation conducted,” lawyer Emmett Manantan of the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) said in a press conference Friday.

Based on reports from law enforcers, Mabanza received money overseas from sources in Malaysia, Turkey, Jordan, Indonesia, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

“Other than receiving money from foreign terrorist sources, Myrna Mabanza is also instrumental in collating these money and then, remitting them to local members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Basilan,” said Department of Justice (DOJ) Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Rex Gingoyon.

Authorities said that Mabanza worked with other facilitators for the movement of the funds.

Gingoyon cited a report that detailed how Mabanza had allegedly remitted money to a certain Norkisa Omar Asnanul, a respondent to the case filed against Mabanza. Asnanul was arrested in December 2023.

“She (Mabanza)m sent P8,000, P8,000, and P50,000 on three occasions and this was through money remittances… when the money remittances were used, it is then where the AMLC was able to flag her down,” Gingoyon said.

DOJ undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty said that the funds were used to purchase weapons, combat trainers, and to bankroll the travel of fighters from foreign countries.

Besides Asnanul, a suspected terrorist combatant Marsan Ahaddin Ajijul currently detained in Malaysia, was also named as a respondent in Mabanza’s case.

After she was arrested on Thursday, in Sulu, Mabanza was detained at the Regional Criminal Investigation and Detection Group headquarters in Zamboanga City.

As of this writing, the DOJ is conducting an evaluation of the security conditions prior to conducting a trial in Zamboanga City.

“Myrna Mabanza is a high-profile person. The facilities in Zamboanga might not be enough to contain her considering that she has numerous relatives in the Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi (ZamBaSulTa) area,” Gingoyon said.

“Transferring it to Manila, to the facilities in Taguig would ensure that she would be properly guarded under the strictest security protocols and we do have the regional trial courts in Manila and the anti-terrorism courts in Taguig,” said Gingoyon.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/mindanao/suspected-terror-fund-facilitator-used-remittance-centers/

Sulu residents led cops to lair of woman tagged as 'terrorist'

From the Philippine Star (Feb 16, 2024): Sulu residents led cops to lair of woman tagged as 'terrorist' (John Unson)

Myrna Ajilul Mabanza did not resist arrest when policemen and soldiers arrived at her hideout and served her the warrants for her arrest.  Photo courtesy of Philstar.com / John Unson


COTABATO CITY — The support of Muslim clerics in Sulu helped government operatives arrest the most wanted terrorist in the Bangsamoro region, linked to transnational terror groups.

The director of the Bangsamoro regional police, Brig. Gen. Allan Nobleza, and Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, commander of the Philippine Army, separately told reporters on Friday that they are grateful to Sulu’s Islamic religious community and local executives for leading state security operatives to the hideout of the 32-year-old Myrna Ajilul Mabanza in Barangay Pasil in Indanan. She was arrested Barangay Pasil in Indanan town in the province on Thursday.

Nobleza said the administration of Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan also helped locate Mabanza in Indanan, now a markedly peaceful town, long cleared from presence of Abu Sayyaf terrorists via joint peace initiatives of PRO-BAR, municipal and provincial officials and the military’s Western Mindanao Command.

Police officials in Sulu reported to PRO-BAR late Thursday that Tausug community elders and religious leaders had confirmed that Mabanza, a former teacher, had functioned years before as a conduit for funds from abroad for the now virtually inactive Abu Sayyaf group in Sulu.

More than 500 Abu Sayyaf members in Sulu had surrendered in batches via local government units in the province since 2016, all reintegrated into mainstream society.

“To all the civilians who helped work out the arrest of Mabanza, we are thankful,” Galido told reporters on Friday morning via text message.

Mabanza is an elder sister of Omar, implicated in deadly bombings in Sulu and was arrested on Feb. 17, 2023 by a combined police and Army team in Sitio Sapa Dulian in Barangay Calabasa in Zamboanga City.

Nobleza said they have tightened security in areas in the Bangsamoro region where there are few remaining members of the Dawlah Islamiya in anticipation of possible “sympathy attacks” for the arrest of Mabanza in Sulu.

Mabanza was charged for the violation of the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012 and the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 in a court in Zamboanga City that issued warrants for her arrest that Army and police officials served her in Barangay Pasil last Thursday.

Mabanza voluntarily yielded when agents of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, personnel of intelligence units from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and officials of different PRO-BAR units arrived at her hideout and showed her copies of the warrants for her arrest.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2024/02/16/2333853/sulu-residents-led-cops-lair-woman-tagged-terrorist

US Marine Corps planes complete delivery of relief packs to Davao Oro

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 16, 2024): US Marine Corps planes complete delivery of relief packs to Davao Oro (By Priam Nepomuceno)

HELP ON THE WAY. A US Marine Corps KC-130J "Super Hercules" cargo aircraft unloads family food packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development at the Davao Air Station in Davao City on Thursday (Feb. 15, 2024). The AFP said the two KC-130J "Super Hercules" cargo aircraft of the USMC have transported 15,400 family food packs for landslide-affected areas in Davao de Oro province. (Photo courtesy of the AFP)

MANILA – Two KC-130J " Super Hercules" cargo aircraft of the United States Marine Corps (USMC) have completed their mission of delivering more than 15,000 family food packs to landslide-affected areas in Davao de Oro province, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Friday.

"As of Feb. 15, a total of 15,400 family food packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development were transported using two USMC KC-130J Hercules aircraft, which ensured the prompt delivery of aid to communities in need," AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement.

The two USMC KC-130Js began their mission on Feb. 12.

Trinidad said the presence of allied forces offered hope and support to people affected by the calamity and manifested the enduring bond between the US and the Philippines in times of need.

Meanwhile, AFP Chief, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., thanked the US for its assistance in relief operations in calamity-hit areas in Mindanao.

Brawner noted that these instances highlight the importance of prepositioning humanitarian assistance and disaster relief equipment, supplies, and relief goods in Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites in similar situations in the future.

"Through EDCA, the improvements in our bases and the prepositioned US assets will allow us to respond quickly and more efficiently in the future. Together with our ally and fellow Filipinos, we will strive to ensure that no one is left behind in our journey toward recovery and resilience," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1218966

PCG, BFAR start rotational deployment of ships in Bajo de Masinloc

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 16, 2024): PCG, BFAR start rotational deployment of ships in Bajo de Masinloc (By Priam Nepomuceno)

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año (PNA file photo)

MANILA – A regular rotational deployment of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) ships in Bajo de Masinloc (also known as Scarborough Shoal) will take place starting this month, National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo Año said on Friday.

In a statement, Año said the move is part of efforts to secure Filipino fisherfolk in these waters and to help achieve the government's vision of food security, which is a pivotal element in national development under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s "Bagong Pilipinas" governance brand.

"The Philippine government has taken decisive action to protect the rights and safety of Filipino fishermen in the waters of Bajo De Masinloc (BDM)," Año said.

Earlier, the PCG multi-role response vessel, BRP Magbanua (MRRV-9701) completed a successful nine-day patrol in Bajo de Masinloc from Feb. 1 to 9, while the BFAR multi-role offshore patrol ship, BRP Tamblot (MRROV-3005) has also been patrolling since Feb. 14.

Año said these efforts were to ensure the safety and security of our Filipino fishermen in their traditional fishing grounds.

"Further, both PCG and BFAR were also directed to distribute food packs, groceries, and even fuel to support the fishermen in sustaining their activities in the vicinity of BDM," he added.

Año, meanwhile, dismissed reports of the China Coast Guard's claims that it "expelled a BFAR vessel and PCG vessel that allegedly intruded into their waters."

"The National Security Council (NSC) reaffirms the Philippines' sovereign rights and jurisdiction over Bajo de Masinloc and its surrounding waters within the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ). These rights are recognized under international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award," said Año, also the head of the NSC.

He added that the activities of the Filipino fishermen and the PCG and BFAR vessels in the Bajo de Masinloc were fully compliant with national laws and consistent with the Philippines' position on the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Any attempts by state actors to intimidate or drive away our fishermen are clear violations of international law and disregard the decision of the arbitral award, Año said.

"Despite these challenges, the PCG and BFAR vessels will maintain professionalism in dealing with any unlawful and provocative behavior exhibited by China Coast Guard and the Chinese Maritime Militia vessels. This includes responding to dangerous and blocking maneuvers that blatantly disregard the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972," he noted.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1218994

DOJ mulls Manila trial for suspected terrorist nabbed in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 16, 2024): DOJ mulls Manila trial for suspected terrorist nabbed in Sulu (By Benjamin Pulta)

Myrna Mabanza (Photo courtesy of PNP Public Information Office)

MANILA – State prosecutors on Friday said they may opt to ask for a change of venue of the trial of suspected terrorist Myrna Mabanza to Manila due to “security concerns.”

In a press briefing, Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Rassendell Gingoyon of the Department of Justice Anti-Terrorist Unit noted that following the arrest of the Mabanza, who is accused of facilitating the transfer of funds to international terrorist groups, the next step would be her arraignment in Zamboanga.

"As to the security concerns of Myrna Mabanza, we are currently conducting an evaluation if it would be better to maintain that trial in Zamboanga or to transfer it to Manila considering that Myrna Mabanza is a high-profile person. The facilities in Zamboanga might not be able to be enough to contain her considering she has numerous relatives in the Zambasulta (Zamboanga, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi) area," Gingoyon said.

He said transferring her to Manila to a facility in Taguig City would ensure that she would be properly guarded under the security protocols, including access to the Regional Trial Courts in Manila, and the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) courts in Taguig and Quezon City that are equipped to handle her case.

"At the moment we are still evaluating what is the best option for the government if it would be in Zamboanga or in Manila because we have to consider the transportation cost of the panel of prosecutors and the witnesses going to Zamboanga or the cost of transferring Myrna one time from Zamboanga to Manila,” Gingoyon said.

“What we can assure you is that the Anti Money Laundering Council (AMLC), the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) and the DOJ are fully prepared to handle the case whether it is in Zamboanga RTC or Manila RTC," he added.

Gingoyon said Mabanza’s arrest is an indication that although her crimes happened several years ago, the efforts of the government in going after terrorist financiers or organizations are relentless.

“The government does not forget whether this took place in 2012, 2018. The government is fully prepared to go after these individuals and prosecute them until we can get a conviction," he said.

Meanwhile, Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) Undersecretary Gilberto DC Cruz said the Marcos administration is committed to ensuring peace in Mindanao as typified by the arrest of Mabanza.

Cruz said learning from previous experiences, the Philippine National Police is now keeping a closer watch on the registration of high-powered firearms following an incident a few years back when privately purchased AK-47s ended up with rebel groups.

Some of the money which Mabanza allegedly facilitated to terror groups were used to buy firearms locally, officials said.

"We have improved on the system in keeping records on where these guns go," Cruz said.

Mabanza was arrested in Brgy. Pasil, Indanan, Sulu on February 15 in a law enforcement operation by elements of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines, NICA, and AMLC, and supported by the PAOCC.

She has standing arrest warrants for five counts of violation of Republic Act (RA) No. 10168 (The Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012) and RA No. 11479 (The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020), all issued on Dec. 20, 2023 in Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur with no bail recommended.

Mabanza was declared by the United States Defense Department as a specially designated global terrorist along with the Islamic State (ISIS) founder Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi and the late Abu Sayyaf Group leader and ISIS emir in the Philippines Isnilon Hapilon.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1218996

India markets defense equipment in PH; offers soft loan

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 16, 2024): India markets defense equipment in PH; offers soft loan (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

DEFENSE EQUIPMENT. Filipino and Indian delegates interact during the first-ever India-Philippines defense industry seminar at the Shangri-La The Fort on Friday (Feb. 16, 2024). The Indian Embassy-led event also featured a B2B component where attendees discussed business opportunities in the sector. (PNA photo by Robert Alfiler)

MANILA – The Indian government has brought to Manila a business delegation to showcase its homegrown military technologies and equipment and scope out possible defense industry tie-ups with the Philippines.

At the Indian Embassy-led defense industry seminar in Makati City on Friday, at least 18 Indian companies presented to Filipino stakeholders and officials of the Department of National Defense a number of possible defense exports, ranging from aircrafts, drones, helicopters down to artificial intelligence-based technologies.

“Like India, Philippines has to devote the bulk of its resources to development programs. So our share for national security, which is also a pressing requirement, is always constrained,” Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Shambhu Kumaran said.

“So within that constraint framework, if you're looking at a realistic option, then I would suggest that India is a very good option,” he added, citing the cutting-edge technology and competitive prices Indian defense equipment can offer.

Among the companies present were DCM Shriram Industries Ltd, Bharat Dynamics Limited, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Mahindra Emirates Vehicle Armouring FZ LLC, MKU Limited, and Adani Defence Systems and Technologies Limited.

In the same event, Kumaran expressed hope that New Delhi could be part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ third phase of modernization, citing its successful deal on the BrahMos cruise missile system that he said would be delivered "soon".

“We obviously had a successful conclusion of contract on missile systems. We hope that this could be considered,” he said.

“We have naval systems, we have fighter aircraft, we have a broad range of capabilities on the Indian side — helicopters, attack helicopters, land systems, artillery systems — and some of those would match with the capabilities you are looking to acquire in the Horizon 3,” he added.

Horizon 3 was initially scheduled from 2023 to 2028 while Horizon 2 was from 2018 to 2022.

The business-to-business component of the event also opened up possible opportunities for partnerships on capacity building, especially as the Philippines seeks to create a self-reliant defense posture.

On this aspect, Kumaran said India is committed to “walk the talk” and help the Philippines enhance its capabilities.

“As two democracies, India and the Philippines have to work together to ensure that we create a regional and global environment that will allow us to address the fundamental requirements of our two nations — that is to create the enabling environment for our countries to grow,” he said.

“We are both peaceful nations. We do not crave other people's territory, other people's waters, but we will not see efforts that try to limit our access to our territory and our resources either. So we have to go beyond the talk,” he added.

‘On the table’

Kumaran also reaffirmed that India’s loan offer to help the country fund its defense modernization is still on the table.

“Our offer is very much on the table. We have announced our intent to offer a soft loan for defense procurements and this could also cover activities that would eventually extend to some sort of joint industrial activity,” he said.

The line of credit being offered by India is a soft loan provided on concessional interest rates to developing countries based on the national priorities of the borrowing countries.

The broad terms of the Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank) line credits are 1.75 percent, with a 20-year tenor and five-year moratorium.

Over the past years, interactions on defense and security between India and the Philippines have been on the upswing.

In a bilateral meeting in 2023, the two nations sought to further upgrade official level interaction among defense agencies and expand training and joint exercises on maritime security and disaster response.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1219005

PBBM to gov’t troops: Be ‘peacemakers’ while serving as ‘war fighters’

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 16, 2024): PBBM to gov’t troops: Be ‘peacemakers’ while serving as ‘war fighters’ (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

(File photo)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday called on the military to take a new approach in addressing internal conflict, encouraging them to become “peacemakers” while fighting rebel groups.

Speaking to troops during his visit to Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, Marcos cited the need for the government forces to seek peace, as much as possible, to avoid possible armed conflict with insurgents.

“Iba ang ating approach sa ating (We have different approach in our) internal conflicts that we have within the Philippines at hinihingi natin sa ating mga sundalo ay kailangan maging (and we are asking our soldiers to be) war fighter and we still need war fighters and we still need the courage and the bravery and the sacrifice that you have shown,” Marcos said in a speech delivered at the of the headquarters of 401st Infantry Brigade (IB).

“But now there is an additional dimension to the job that you have. ‘Yung mission ninyo ay hindi lang ‘yung giyera kung hindi (is not just about waging a war, but) you have to be also peacemakers at (and) they must remember that kahit papaano, ang kaharap natin, Pilipino din yan (somehow, we are fighting against our fellow Filipinos),” he added.

Marcos also urged the military to support government programs providing livelihood, land, shelter assistance to rebels wanting to return to the fold of the law.

This, as he lauded the soldiers for their efforts to improve the security situation in the Caraga Region.

“Congratulations for the good work that you have done. Kagaya nga nang sinulat ko doon sa (Just like what I write in the) guestbook, keep up the good work. Congratulations sa inyong (to your) successes,” he said.

Joint Task Force (JTF) Diamond (4th Infantry Division), composed of the Army’s 401st, 402nd, 403rd, and 901st IB, covers most parts of Caraga and Northern Mindanao.

The JTF Diamond’s accomplishments included the neutralization of 200 communist rebels or terrorists and seizure of 311 firearms.

About 144 of the 200 rebels surrendered, 44 were killed, and 12 were captured.

From 2021 to present, the troops under the 4th ID helped facilitate the surrender of 2,596 former rebels, with 2,167 or 83 percent of them already awarded with benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

The E-CLIP grants financial assistance, livelihood training and grants, firearm remuneration, and housing and education assistance to former rebels.

There is a reported downtrend in the presence of insurgents in the JTF Diamond’s area of responsibility, from 437 rebels in the first quarter of 2023, showing a decline by 28.6 percent to 312, as of Feb. 15, 2024.

Amid the military’s anti-insurgency campaign, two regional insurgent groups with a total of 312 members and 306 firearms have retreated to the mountains and no longer influence nearby villages.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1219014