6 soldiers killed in pursuit of Dawla Islamiyah-Maute Group

From the Gold Star Daily (Feb 19, 2024): 6 soldiers killed in pursuit of Dawla Islamiyah-Maute Group (By Froilan Gallardo)

SIX Army soldiers were killed while four others were wounded last Sunday while pursuing the militant Dawla Islamiyah-Maute Group responsible for the December 3 bombing of Mindanao State University.

Armed Forces spokesperson Colonel Xerxes Trinidad said the military operations against the militants are still ongoing in the mountains between the two provinces of Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur as of press time Monday.

Trinidad said six soldiers were killed while four others were wounded in the clash in Barangay Ramain, Munai town in Lanao del Norte last Sunday.

He said two militants were killed while blood stains and two rifles were recovered at the encounter site.

Army 103rd Brigade spokesperson Lt. Colonel Miondas said a 15-man team from the 44th Infantry Battalion was pursuing the militants when they figured in a clash with 15 members of the armed group in Barangay Ramain.

Miondas said the firefight is still ongoing as nearby army units were ordered to reinforce the soldiers while the wounded were brought to Camp Evangelista in Cagayan de Oro for treatment.

AFP Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner Jr. said the soldiers were hunting the militants since they bombed a Catholic Mass in Mindanao State University leaving four dead and dozens wounded last December 3.

He said the soldiers hunting the militants have neutralized 18 suspects including alleged MSU bombing mastermind Khadafi Mimbesa alias “engineer” who was killed by the military along with eight others last January.

“However, six of our soldiers paid the ultimate sacrifice while four others were wounded,” Brawner said.

He said the Army troops hunting the militants are motivated to finish the job of hunting all the militants.

https://mindanaogoldstardaily.com/archives/143482#google_vignette

1st ID chief pays tribute to fallen soldiers in Lanao del Norte

 From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 19, 2024): 1st ID chief pays tribute to fallen soldiers in Lanao del Norte (By BONITA ERMAC)

ILIGAN CITY – The 1st Infantry Division condoled with the family of soldiers killed in a gun battle with the Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group in Barangay Ramain, Munai, Lanao del Norte on Sunday, February 18.

READ: https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/19/afp-pursuit-of-dawlah-islamiyah-ends-in-bloodbath-8-dead-4-hurt

Major Gen. Gabriel C. Viray III, 1st ID commander, thanked troops from for their bravery in the encounter.


VIRAY (FB)

“Their courage in the face of danger and their commitment to protecting our communities are truly commendable,” Viray said in a statement on Monday, February 19.

"On the other hand, I extend my deepest condolences to the families of our fallen heroes and wish a speedy recovery to those injured in the line of duty," he added.

“Let us honor the sacrifices of our brave soldiers by staying united and resolute in our commitment to defend our country and uphold the principles of freedom and democracy. Salute to our troops for their courage and commitment in the face of adversity," Viray said.

“Despite the challenges such as poor visibility due to thick fog, progress continues as troops remain mobile and pursuit operations are ongoing."

https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/19/1st-id-chief-pays-tribute-to-fallen-soldiers-in-lanao-del-norte

6 soldiers killed in clash with Maute terrorists in Lanao

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Feb 19, 2024): 6 soldiers killed in clash with Maute terrorists in Lanao (By Third Anne Peralta-Malonzo)

Image from Google Maps

SIX Army personnel were killed during an encounter with members of Daulah Islamiyah-Maute Group (DI-MG) in Munai, Lanao del Norte on February 18, 2024.

In a statement, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said four soldiers were also wounded during the operation, while three terrorists were confirmed dead and several others were hurt.

The wounded soldiers were brought to Camp Evangelista Station Hospital.

Various firearms, including an M16, one M14 rifle and one M203 grenade launcher, were recovered from the place of encounter, along with the remains of one of the three slain terrorists.

The 1st Infantry Division (ID) said the series of clashes happened Sunday, February 18, in Barangay Ramain, Munai, Lanao del Norte.

It added that the first clash broke out when the troops of the 44th Infantry Battalion (IB) launched an offensive against the DI-MG members in Barangay Ramain.

The second clash ensued when troops of the 7th Scout Ranger Company chanced upon another group of DI-MG members in Barangay Ramain but in another location.

The second clash lasted for about two hours and the DI-MG fighters withdrew toward southeast, prompting a third combat group from the 8th Scout Ranger Company to send reinforcement and extricate the casualties.

The 1ID did not identify the six slain soldiers and the other four wounded, but said they belong to the 44IB.

The AFP said the operation was part of relentless offensives against the group, which is behind the fatal Mindanao State University bombing in Marawi in December that resulted in the death of four persons.

“I extend my sincerest condolences to the families of our slain soldiers and offer the AFP's support in this very trying time. I will also make sure that our wounded soldiers receive the best treatment possible for their injuries,” AFP chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner said.

“I assure their families and every Filipino that justice will be meted and all efforts will be exhausted in pursuit of the enemy. Our troops are motivated to finish the job and accomplish our mission of defeating local terrorist groups once and for all,” he added.

Major General Gabriel Viray III, 1ID commander, also expressed his gratitude to the bravery and dedication of the troops for their swift and decisive actions during the clashes.

“Their courage in the face of danger and their commitment of protecting our communities are truly commendable despite the challenges such as poor visibility due to thick fog, progress continues as troops remain mobile and pursuit operations are ongoing,” he said as he extended on Sunday his condolences to the families of the slain soldiers.

“Let us honor the sacrifices of our brave soldiers by staying united and resolute in our commitment to defend our country and uphold the principles of democracy,” Viray added. (TPM/SunStar Zamboanga/SunStar Philippines)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/6-soldiers-killed-in-clash-with-maute-terrorists-in-lanao#google_vignette

6 soldiers dead in clash with Dawlah men in Lanao del Norte

Posted to the Notre Dame Broadcasting Corporation (NDBC) Website (Feb 19, 2024): 6 soldiers dead in clash with Dawlah men in Lanao del Norte (By: John M. Unson)

COTABATO CITY - Six members of the Army’s 44th Infantry Battalion and eight Dawlah Islamiya terrorists perished in heavy gunfights on Sunday in Barangay Ramain in Munai town in Lanao del Norte.

Four soldiers were wounded in the encounters, according to separate reports from the Lanao del Norte Provincial Police Office and the Army’s 1st Infantry Division based in Barangay Pulacan in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.

Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, commander of the Philippine Army, told reporters here via text message on Monday that the encounter erupted when soldiers were attacked while on their way to an interior area in Barangay Ramain to check on complaints by Muslim villagers about the presence of Dawlah Islamiya gunmen collecting food and money from them at gunpoint.

Muslim residents in Barangay Ramain, among them members of the local Islamic religious community, have actively been helping Army and police units locate Dawlah Islamiya terrorists in secluded barangays in Munai.

Traditional Maranaw community leaders in Munai had told reporters that eight dead Dawlah Islamiya members, six of them initially identified as Karim, Modih, Arip, Mansur, Saripada and Marham, were carried away by companions as they fled when they sensed that Army reinforcements were closing in.

Nine members of the Dawlah Islamiya were killed in clashes in late January with soldiers in Barangay Tapurog in Piagapo town in Lanao del Sur, a province also under the jurisdiction of the 1st ID.

One of the nine Dawlah Islamiya fatalities then is Khadafi Membisa, the mastermind of the deadly December 3 bombing of Catholic worshipers inside a gymnasium in the campus of the Mindanao State University in Marawi City.

Four Catholics were killed in the bombing that also hurt more than 40 others.

The Dawlah Islamiya, operating in the fashion of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, has a reputation for fomenting hatred for non-Muslims and for bombing buses and commercial establishments to intimidate and force owners to shell out "protection money."

https://ndbcnews.com.ph/news/6-soldiers-dead-clash-dawlah-men-lanao-del-norte

6 soldiers killed in clash with terrorists in Lanao

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 29, 2024): 6 soldiers killed in clash with terrorists in Lanao (By: Julie S. Alipala, Leah D. Agonoy, Richel V. Umel)

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

PAGADIAN CITY—In a major battlefield setback, six Army soldiers were slain in a series of encounters with Islamic State (IS)-linked gunmen on Sunday afternoon in the hinterlands of Lanao del Norte province.

Troops of the scout platoon of the 44th Infantry Battalion were on a military operation when they encountered Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group (DI-MG) militants in Barangay Ramain of Munai town, at past 2 p.m. on Sunday, according the Army’s 1st Infantry Division (1ID) in a news release on Monday.

The DI-MG is a local affiliate of the terrorist network IS.

The clash site was some 20 kilometers from the national highway in nearby Kauswagan town.

After a two-hour gunfight, the terrorists, who are under the command of a certain Masod, withdrew toward the direction of Lanao del Sur province. In the wake of battle, five soldiers were killed in action and another five were wounded.

A combat group from the 7th Scout Ranger Company also engaged another group of militants in a separate location.

A third combat group from the 8th Scout Ranger Company was deployed to the area to reinforce and to extricate the casualties. One of those wounded was eventually declared dead on arrival in a hospital.

The four other wounded soldiers were now recuperating at Camp Evangelista Station Hospital in Cagayan de Oro City.

The Army said three DI-MG gunmen were slain and several others were wounded in the clash, with one of the bodies having been recovered by soldiers. Various war materials were seized, including an M16 and an M14 rifle, and an M203 grenade launcher. The Army added that several terrorists were also wounded.

MSU bombing suspects

Col. Louie Dema-ala, the Army’s public affairs chief, said the government troops were pursuing perpetrators of the bombing of the Mindanao State University (MSU) gym in December last year.

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the operation was part of “continuing efforts” to go after the suspects from the MSU bombing in December that killed four people and left 50 others injured.

“However, six of our valiant soldiers paid the ultimate sacrifice while another four were wounded … I extend my sincerest condolences to the families of our slain soldiers and offer the AFP’s support in this very trying time,” Brawner said in a statement on Monday.

The recent setback in Munai came three weeks after soldiers successfully busted DI gunmen holed up in Piagapo, Lanao del Sur, on Jan. 25 and Jan. 26, resulting in the death of nine terrorists, three of whom were identified to have been responsible for the MSU bombing.

Brawner said their successful operations had resulted to the neutralization of 18 DI-MG members, including Khadafi Mimbesa or “Engineer,” the supposed mastermind of the December bombing.
Bravery hailed

“The Philippine Army deeply condoles with the families of our six fallen heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice in a series of encounter[s] against Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group terrorists … While it is an unfortunate day for us, the ultimate sacrifice made by our soldiers only strengthen[s] our determination to end the local terrorist groups once and for all,” said a statement from Army chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido.

Maj. Gen. Gabriel Viray III, 1ID commander, cited the “bravery and dedication of the troops” who figured in the Munai encounter.

READ: Six soldiers, three Maute fighters killed in Lanao del Norte clash

“Their courage in the face of danger and their commitment to protecting our communities are truly commendable despite the challenges … I extend my deepest condolences to the families of our fallen heroes and wish a speedy recovery to those injured in the line of duty,” Viray said.

Viray noted that the troops were experiencing “poor visibility due to thick fog” as they pursued the DI gunmen.

In light of the Munai encounters, Brig. Gen. Anthon Abrina, commander of the Army’s 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade, deployed troops in Kauswagan, Bacolod, Maigo and Tangcal towns of Lanao del Norte to augment the operating troops in Munai and to serve as blocking force.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1906829/6-soldiers-killed-in-clash-with-terrorists-in-lanao

AFP pursuit of Dawlah Islamiyah ends in bloodbath: 8 dead, 4 hurt

From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 18, 2024): AFP pursuit of Dawlah Islamiyah ends in bloodbath: 8 dead, 4 hurt (By MARTIN SADONGDONG)

The continuing pursuit operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) against members of the Islamic State (IS)-linked Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group who allegedly perpetrated a bomb attack at the Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City last year resulted in yet another bloodbath on Sunday, February 18.

AFP Chief, General Romeo Brawner Jr. said that six soldiers and two suspected Dawlah Islamiyah terrorists died while four other troops were injured in an encounter in Barangay Ramain, Munai, Lanao del Norte.

There were also an undetermined number of wounded terrorists, Brawner said, citing intelligence information.

A report from the Philippine Army (PA) said that the encounter occurred when elements of the 44th Infantry Battalion and 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion clashed with Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group terrorists who were allegedly behind the MSU bombing on Dec. 3, 2023. The Sunday mass attack claimed the lives of four people and injured 72 others, mostly Christian worshippers.

"[An] operation was launched last February 18, resulting to two more dead among the enemy and several others wounded based on intelligence information," Brawner said on Monday, February 19.

"However, six of our valiant soldiers paid the ultimate price while another four were wounded," he added.

The wounded troopers were evacuated to Camp Evangelista Station Hospital in Cagayan de Oro for immediate treatment.

"I extend my sincerest condolences to the families of our slain soldiers and offer the AFP's support in this very trying time. I will also make sure that our wounded soldiers receive the best treatment possible for their injuries," Brawner said.

The AFP has been running after the Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group to bring justice to the victims of the MSU bomb attack.

Prior to the encounter in Munai, a series of counter-terrorism operations by the AFP in different areas of Lanao del Norte since Jan. 25 resulted in the neutralization of 18 Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group terrorists, including Khadafi Mimbesa alias "Engineer," the pinpointed amir or commander of the group and alleged mastermind behind the MSU bombing.

Brawner assured the public that justice will be meted and all efforts will be exhausted in pursuit of the remaining members of the Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group that are on the run.

"Our troops are motivated to finish the job and accomplish our mission of defeating local terrorist groups once and for all," the AFP chief said.

https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/18/afp-pursuit-of-dawlah-islamiyah-ends-in-bloodbath-8-dead-4-hurt#google_vignette

'Peace center' to rise in Baguio City

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 19, 2024): 'Peace center' to rise in Baguio City (By Priam Nepomuceno)

PEACE CENTER. OPAPRU Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. (2nd from left) and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong (right) lead the groundbreaking rites for the first-ever "Peace Center" in Northern Luzon on Feb. 16, 2024. The facility worth PHP50 million will also serve as a peace knowledge and learning center in the city. (Photo courtesy of OPAPRU)

MANILA – The first-ever "Peace Center'' in Northern Luzon will soon rise in Baguio City, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) said on Monday.

OPAPRU chief Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. and Mayor Benjamin Magalong led the groundbreaking rites and signed the memorandum of agreement for the construction of the facility on Feb. 16, the peace body said in a news release.

The facility worth PHP50 million would be built at the Upper Session Road and would house Cordillera-based OPAPRU personnel.

It has a floor area of 3,775 square meters and would also serve as an avenue for the conduct of peace dialogues, capacity and skills training, women and youth peace and security seminars, and the practice of conflict resolution approaches that originated in the Cordillera.

The facility will also serve as a peace knowledge and learning center in the city, as well as a convention center where meetings and seminars can be held.

Magalong said the idea of establishing a peace center in the city started during a casual talk with Galvez at an event in the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in September last year.

“He was mentioning to me the different programs of OPAPRU and the fundings for the programs. He also mentioned the peacekeeping and reconciliation programs to which we both agreed to suggest that we can put up a peace and development center here in Baguio City,” Magalong recalled.

The proposed peace and development center was then included in the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) Program fund for fiscal year 2024. The successful inclusion of the project came after a site validation and assessment was made by OPAPRU personnel.

The PAMANA Program is the national government’s peace and development convergence program which forms an integral part of the Philippine comprehensive peace process.

To facilitate the implementation of fiscal year 2024 PAMANA projects and in recognition of the significant role of local government units in peacebuilding, the OPAPRU partnered with the city government of Baguio for the implementation of its project in its area jurisdiction.

“We are looking forward to a very strong partnership and collaboration with regards to this joint venture and that is, the construction of a peace and development center, the first of its kind in Northern Luzon. I also heard that there would be more peace and development centers that will be put up in other parts of this country,” Magalong said.

For his part, Galvez said the peace center shall serve as a concrete symbol of OPAPRU’s recognition of the Cordillera's “key role in peacebuilding that is deeply rooted in its rich culture and traditions such as the Bodong system, Pechen, Tung-Tong and Mediation.”

“This facility will not only house OPAPRU personnel, but more importantly, enable our office to make its presence more felt here in the region. Through the center, we will ensure that all local peace and development efforts will be well-monitored, well-coordinated and well-supported by OPAPRU through its close collaboration with other stakeholders in the region,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1219074

PH Air Force gets another C-130 aircraft from US

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 19, 2024): PH Air Force gets another C-130 aircraft from US (By Priam Nepomuceno)

NEW ASSET. The PAF's newest C-130H tactical transport aircraft at Clark Air Base, Mabalacat City, Pampanga on Feb. 16, 2024. The new C-130H, which has a tail number 5157, is the second of two C-130 aircraft given by the US to the Philippines through its Excess Defense Articles (EDA) Program.(Photo courtesy of the PAF)

MANILA – The Philippine Air Force (PAF) received another Lockheed C-130H "Hercules" cargo transport aircraft from the United States.

In a statement Monday, PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said the aircraft landed at the Clark Air Base, Mabalacat City, Pampanga on Feb. 16.

"The aircraft was ferried from Waco, Texas to the Philippines by (a) US aircrew," Castillo said.

The new C-130H, which has a tail number 5157, is the second of two C-130 aircraft given by the US to the Philippines through its Excess Defense Articles (EDA) Program.

The first unit was delivered on Jan. 29, 2021, and formally turned over to the PAF in February of the same year.

"The new addition will bolster the PAF's cargo airlift fleet and support humanitarian assistance, disaster relief operations, and various military missions," Castillo said.

A formal acceptance, turnover, and blessing ceremony for the aircraft is scheduled tentatively at the end of February or March.

The PAF is known to operate four older versions or models of the C-130 for its heavy lift missions.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1219113

PH conducts patrol anew with US Air Force in EEZ

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 19, 2024): PH conducts patrol anew with US Air Force in EEZ (By Priam Nepomuceno)

AIR PATROL. A Philippine Air Force (PAF) FA-50 (bottom) and US B-52Hs bomber aircraft (top) fly over the Philippine exclusive economic zone during the joint maritime cooperative activity (MCA) on Monday (Feb. 19, 2024). The air patrol covering areas 90 nautical miles west of Candon, Ilocos Sur, and 50 nautical miles northwest of Lubang, Mindoro was conducted under the third MCA that started on Feb. 9. (Photo courtesy of the PAF)

MANILA – The Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Monday said three of its FA-50PH light jet fighters launched an air patrol with a United States Pacific Air Force B-52H heavy bomber within the country's exclusive economic zone.

PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said the air patrol covered 90 nautical miles west of Candon, Ilocos Sur and 50 nautical miles northwest of Lubang, Occidental Mindoro.

"Three FA-50s of the PAF were utilized, along with one B-52Hs bomber aircraft from the US counterpart," she added.

This activity was conducted under the third maritime cooperative activity (MCA) between the Philippines and the US that started on Feb. 9.

The first MCA was held in November last year and the second in January.

Castillo said the MCA aims to bolster cooperation between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and their US counterparts, enhancing interoperability between the two Air Forces.

"With this activity, the PAF underscores its commitment and readiness to support the AFP's efforts in safeguarding the national territory and sovereign rights, and upholding regional peace and security," she added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1219143

Honors await 6 fallen soldiers in Lanao Norte; 3 DI-MG also killed

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 19, 2024): Honors await 6 fallen soldiers in Lanao Norte; 3 DI-MG also killed (By Nef Luczon and Leah Agonoy)

Google map of Munai, Lanao del Norte.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Army's 1st Infantry Division (1ID) will prepare full military honors for the six fallen troopers killed in action in Munai, Lanao del Norte over the weekend, a military official said Monday.

In an interview, Maj. Jairus Mark Mira, 1ID Public Affairs Office head, said families of the slain soldiers were informed of their fate following the encounter with Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group (DI-MG) at 4:23 p.m. Sunday.

At least three DI-MG rebels were also confirmed killed with one body recovered, Mira said.

Four other enlisted troops were injured.

"We are waiting for the (official commencement) plan of command for honors once we have prepared the cadavers for viewing (to families)," Mira said.

The six soldiers belonged to the Army's 44th Infantry Battalion (44IB) which, together with the 7th Scout Ranger Company (SRC) under the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion, engaged the DI-MG extremists in two areas in the town.

The DI gunmen eventually withdrew toward the southeast after a two-hour firefight. A third combat group from the 8th SRC reinforced the troops and extricated casualties, Mira said.

Government troops seized several pieces of war materiel, including M16, M14, and M203 rifles, the 1st Infantry Division said in a statement.

Maj. Gen. Gabriel Viray III, 1ID commander, extended condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and commended the 44IB and the Scout Ranger units for the "swift and decisive actions."

“Despite the challenges such as poor visibility due to thick fog, progress continues as troops remain mobile and pursuit operations are ongoing," he said.

No let up

Meanwhile, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the military’s relentless operations against DI-MG members would continue.

Brawner also paid tribute to the gallantry of the six fallen troops.

"Our operations have been successful so far and have resulted in the neutralization of 18 DI-MG members including alias 'Engineer' who masterminded the attack on innocent civilians. In continuation of this effort, an operation was launched last February 18 resulting (in) two more dead among the enemy and several others wounded based on intelligence information. However, six of our valiant soldiers paid the ultimate sacrifice while another four were wounded," he said in a statement.

Brawner also assured that the best care and treatment would be provided to the wounded troops, who are now recuperating at the Camp Evangelista Station Hospital.

"As the CSAFP (Chief of Staff of the AFP), I assure their families and every Filipino that justice will be meted and all efforts will be exhausted in pursuit of the enemy. Our troops are motivated to finish the job and accomplish our mission of defeating local terrorist groups once and for all," he added. (with report from Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1219076

Ex-rebels’ dependents in Sorsogon get educational aid from gov't

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 19, 2024): Ex-rebels’ dependents in Sorsogon get educational aid from gov't (By Connie Calipay)

GOV'T AID. A Department of Social Welfare and Development employee assists a former rebel's dependent as a beneficiary of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program in Castilla, Sorsogon on Feb. 9, 2024. A total of 96 dependents received PHP3,000 each as educational assistance from the government. (Photo courtesy of DSWD-Bicol)

LEGAZPI CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Bicol provided educational assistance to 96 dependents of former rebels in Sorsogon province through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program early this month.

In an interview on Monday, Jastine Joy Dichoso Escuro, DSWD-Bicol AICS focal person, said the beneficiaries were children or relatives of surrendered New People's Army (NPA) members who are currently under the care of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

"DSWD supports the reintegration of former rebels by providing educational assistance to their children and families. The assistance is given to meet their educational needs. All beneficiaries from Sorsogon received PHP3,000 each from the agency or PHP288,000 in total," she said.

Escuro said the initiative is part of the government’s collective efforts to strengthen communities affected by conflict and to continue promoting peace and development in conflict-affected areas.

AICS program is being implemented by the DSWD as a social safety net to support the recovery of individuals and families in cases of unforeseen crises, such as illness or death of a family member and other similar circumstances.

The DSWD is one of the lead agencies in the implementation of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP which provides financial and livelihood assistance, as well as other forms of support to former rebels who decide to abandon armed struggle and return to the fold of the law.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1219100

2 NPA rebels surrender in Quezon town

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 19, 2024): 2 NPA rebels surrender in Quezon town (By Zen Trinidad)

ENOUGH VIOLENCE. Two communist rebels based in General Nakar, Quezon surrender to authorities on Saturday (Feb. 17, 2024). The military said the returnees will be protected against possible reprisal from their former comrades. (Photo courtesy of 2nd Infantry Division Press Corps)

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna – Two communist rebels operating in forested areas around the town of General Nakar, Quezon abandoned their armed struggle and returned to the fold of the law over the weekend.

Brig. Gen. Cerilo Balauro Jr., commander of the Philippine Army’s 202 Brigade, and General Nakar Mayor Eliseo Ruzol announced on Monday that the two New People’s Army (NPA) rebels surrendered in Barangay Umiray on Saturday, and turned over a cache of firearms to authorities.

“This is the result of the collective efforts of the village officials, local government unit of General Nakar, Philippine National Police, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, in maintaining the peace and order in our country,” Balauro told reporters in Filipino.

He said the unnamed rebel returnees will be temporarily accommodated at an undisclosed halfway house and will be provided security to ensure that their former comrades cannot harm them over their change of heart.

Ruzol said they will try to address the supposed social inequities that led some people of his town to take up arms against the government.

“All the departments in our municipality will go to every barangay to bring services such as free birth certificates, free medicine and dental, distribution of crop seeds, and addressing problems in the real property taxes,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Noel Wamil, 1st Infantry Battalion commander, appealed to village folk not to be duped into joining the NPA because rebellion carries serious legal consequences and puts their lives in extreme danger.

He told Barangay Umiray residents that government troops will continue to patrol their environs to ensure that those using violence to perpetuate their ideology are kept from harming the town’s peace-loving citizens.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1219117

Mister patay sa 5 NPA

 Posted to Remate (Feb 15, 2024): Mister patay sa 5 NPA (Mister killed by 5 NPA)

TABOSO, Negros Occidental- GINAPOS ng mga kamay saka pinagbabaril ng limang kasapi ng New People’s Army (NPA) sa loob ng kanyang bahay nitong Martes sa bayang ito.

Kinilala ang biktimang si Allan Macasling Sr., 55 anyos, at residente ng Sitio Banquerohan, Barangay Salamanca, Toboso, Negros Occidental.

Ayon kay Police Major Jun Ray Batadlan, hepe ng Toboso Municipal Police Station, bigla na lamang nilapitan ng mga suspek ang biktima saka ito ginapos, dinala sa kanilang bahay at doon pinagbabaril sa iba’t ibang parte ng katawan na naging sanhi ng agaran nitong kamatayan.

Lumabas sa imbestigasyon ng pulisya, limang armadong kalalakihan ang nasaksihan ng ilang residente at sinabing abusado ang biktima kaya nila ito pinaslang.

Bago tumakas ang mga suspek nagpakilala pa ang mga ito na kasapi ng NPA at nagpaputok pa ng baril.
Nabatid, na isang barangay kagawad sa kanilang lugar ang misis ng biktima.

Nagpapatuloy naman ang hot pursuit operation ng pulisya laban sa suspek./Mary Anne Sapico

https://remate.ph/mister-patay-sa-5-npa/?fbclid=IwAR1qP-U2BlU4pZBoKIjRsy5oqRMLkJDbkADi7vQyApGU8ynXvkJJkOS7W1I

12th Inf Bn: 17 Former Insurgents Receive Assistance from the Province of Capiz

Posted to the Philippine Army 12th Infantry Battalion Facebook Page (Feb 13, 2024): 17 Former Insurgents Receive Assistance from the Province of Capiz

Calinog, Iloilo - On February 13, 2024, the Provincial Government of Capiz, led by Hon. Fredenil Castro, Governor of Capiz, handed over E-CLIP Assistance to individuals who have recently surrendered with the 12th Infantry Battalion (12IB), at the Governor’s Office in Roxas City. In attendance during the distribution were Ms. Cherryl V Tacda, CESO V PD DILG, Ms. Joerine Tan SWO IV, ECLIP Focal person, and other government officials.

A sum of P505,000.00 was distributed to our beloved Capiznon who have chosen to rejoin the lawful path. Among them, five former insurgents received P65,000 each for livelihood assistance, while an additional P15,000 each was granted to 12 former supporters as immediate financial aid.

Governor Castro, in his message, expressed gratitude to those who decided to contribute to the common goal of progress and well-being for their community. He acknowledged the challenges they faced and emphasized the government's unwavering support for their journey towards a law-abiding and productive life.

Governor Castro stated, “Naga pasalamat ako nga ari kamo diri nga naga buylog sa isa ka balatyagon nga para sa aton banwa kag balatyagon para sa aton pumuloyo. Waay gid ina pakadtuan ang upod-upod niyo sa NPA. Ari ang gobyerno nga naga ulikid sa inyo kag naga batyag para sa inyo.”

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) urges remaining CPP-NPA members to consider returning to the legal fold. In our pursuit of peace and development, our paramount concern remains the welfare of the people in Panay, emphasizing a collective effort towards lasting stability and prosperity.

Philippine Army
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Opapru gives livelihood program to 2 farmers’ groups

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Feb 16, 2024): Opapru gives livelihood program to 2 farmers’ groups

ZAMBOANGA. The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (Opapru) gives P2.4 million worth of livelihood projects to two farmers’ associations in Leon B. Postigo, Zamboanga del Norte. A photo handout shows Rene Glenn Paje, Opapru regional adviser of peace and security, talking about the importance of livelihood aid in a program attended by the recipients in Tinuyop village, Leon B. Postigo on Tuesday, February 13. (SunStar Zamboanga)

TWO farmers associations in the municipality of Leon B. Postigo, Zamboanga del Norte have received a total of P2.4 million worth of livelihood projects from the National Government.

The 97th Infantry Battalion (IB) said Friday, February 16, that the recipients of the livelihood projects are the farmers associations of Midatag headed by its village chief, Bon James Templo, and of Tinuyop led by Roel Aquino.

Each of the associations received P1.2 million worth of agricultural products for rice production during the launching of the project on Tuesday, February 13.

The 97IB said the initiative was made possible through the Community Peace Development Fund of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (Opapru).

Rene Glenn Paje, Opapru regional adviser of peace and security, said the livelihood program aims to provide sustainable opportunities for the farmers, contributing to their economic empowerment and overall development.

“The launching of the livelihood assistance project aims to provide livelihood support to conflict-affected municipalities, to improve the living standards of our fellow citizens in poverty,” Paje said.

“The Office of Opapru will continue to strive to gather additional funding and support for projects to address the needs of our community,” Paje added.

He said the program is just one of the government's projects as part of Executive Order No. 70 or the Whole of a Nation Approach in Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (Elcac) to put an end to the deception of the terrorist New People's Army in our country.

The 97IB participated in the launching of a livelihood assistance program for the farmers’ association of Midatag and Tinuyop, Leon B Postigo, which is within the area of operations of the battalion.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/opapru-gives-livelihood-program-to-2-farmers-groups