Resupply missions in West Philippine Sea to continue – AFP

From the Philippine Star (Mar 11, 2024): Resupply missions in West Philippine Sea to continue – AFP (By Pia Lee-Brago)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced a successful third Philippine-US Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) in Philippine territorial waters, involving the Philippine Navy’s BRP Gregorio del Pilar and US Navy’s USS Gabrielle Giffords. Gregorio del Pilar’s AW109 helicopter and Gabrielle Giffords’ MH-60S Sea Hawk were involved in the activity featuring advanced planning and maritime communication operations within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
Armed Forces of the Philippines / Facebook page

MANILA, Philippines — Amid continuing harassment by China, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the military will continue to carry out rotation and reprovisioning (RORE) missions to the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal.

AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla stressed that – since the AFP strongly asserts the legitimacy of its operations within the West Philippine Sea (WPS), and guided by international rules-based order and international law – “any challenges that we will be facing will be addressed with utmost professionalism.”

“However, let it be clear that the AFP is fully prepared to defend ourselves and the lives of our members if necessary. These RORE missions of ours are for morale and welfare,” Padilla said.

“We are there to support the troops that are deployed in these territorial waters, so we will not be deterred. The AFP will be continuing with these missions to see to the welfare of our troops in our territorial waters,” she added.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday summoned Chinese embassy deputy chief of mission Zhou Zhiyong to protest the aggressive actions by China Coast Guard (CCG) and maritime militia personnel against a routine resupply mission for Filipino troops in Ayungin Shoal that injured four Filipino crew members.

DFA Deputy Assistant Secretary Raphael Hermoso summoned the Chinese envoy and conveyed the Philippines’ protest.

During the meeting, the Philippines stressed, among others, that China’s interference with the Philippines’ routine and lawful activities in its own exclusive economic zone or EEZ is unacceptable.

The DFA said “China’s actions in Ayungin Shoal infringes upon the Philippines’ sovereign rights and jurisdiction.”

The Philippines demanded that Chinese vessels leave the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal immediately.

Ayungin Shoal is a low-tide elevation within the Philippines’ EEZ and continental shelf. In accordance with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the final and binding 2016 Arbitral Award, it cannot be appropriated for sovereignty claims.

CCG and maritime militia vessels harassed, blocked, deployed water cannons and executed dangerous maneuvers in another attempt to illegally impede or obstruct a routine RORE mission to BRP Sierra Madre.

One CCG vessel caused a collision with a Philippine vessel due to its dangerous blocking maneuvers. CCG vessels used water cannons that shattered the windshield and injured four personnel on board.
‘CADC ensures safety of troops in West Philippine Sea ’

The adoption and implementation of a Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC) will ensure the safety, security and well-being of Filipino troops deployed in the WPS, the AFP said yesterday.

Padilla said the policy is not aimed at a particular country.

“Our actions are not meant to escalate tensions, but rather we want to ensure the safety, security and well-being of our military forces in the West Philippine Sea. To our fisherfolk, the Coast Guard and BFAR (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources) are there for you; and we (AFP) are here supporting them in law enforcement operations,” she said in an interview on dzBB.

She explained that it is necessary for the Philippines, composed of several islands, to enhance its defense posture in terms of the territorial waters surrounding the archipelagic country.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said the Department of National Defense (DND) and AFP have embarked on the implementation of the CADC.

“In plain language, we are developing our capability to protect and secure our entire territory and Exclusive Economic Zone in order to ensure that our people and all the generations of Filipinos to come shall freely reap and enjoy the boundaries of the natural resources that are rightfully ours within our domain,” Teodoro said in a statement.

The secretary emphasized that the CADC is a strategic action and will not need constant directives to carry out. He urged AFP commanders and units to exert all efforts to operationalize it.

Padilla noted that the military exercise with the US and Australia are also not aimed at any country, but based on agreements.

DND, AFP budget hike sought

The Marcos administration needs to beef up its military might by allocating more funds to the DND and modernizing the AFP following the escalation of tensions with China over the WPS, a congressman said.

“It’s about time that the government recalibrates the allocation of funds to include the necessary resources to protect our WPS,” Rep. Neptali Gonzales II, chairman of the special House committee on the West Philippine Sea, said.

“It’s about time when we do the budget, the national government includes this as a major concern. Not only education, not only health, but also the protection of what is supposed to be ours,” the lone Mandaluyong City congressman added, noting the importance of more patrol boats and fighter jets.

Gonzales, a House deputy majority leader, underscored the importance of planning ahead for the upcoming budget cycle, noting the Department of Budget and Management will soon issue a budget call for 2025, which will be shortly after Marcos’ third State of the Nation Address on July 22. — Delon Porcalla

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/03/11/2339656/resupply-missions-west-philippine-sea-continue-afp

Shootout between army and rebels Southern Philippine kills two suspected militants

Posted to The Star (Mar 10, 2024): Shootout between army and rebels Southern Philippine kills two suspected militants (By  Xinhua)

MANILA (Xinhua): Philippine security forces have killed two suspected militants in a clash in the southern Philippines, the military said on Sunday.

In a report, the military said fighting broke out around 5 a.m. local time Saturday after troops chanced upon a group of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in a village in Maguindanao del Sur province.

The BIFF militants fled after the fighting, leaving behind an M16 assault rifle, a .50-caliber homemade barret and two improvised explosive devices, the report read.

The BIFF, a small armed group aligned with the Islamic State group, is blamed for bombings and other atrocities in the Central Mindanao region in the southern Philippines.

The group broke off from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front when the latter agreed to negotiate a peace pact with the government in 2014. 

https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/03/10/shootout-between-army-and-rebels-southern-philippine-kills-two-suspected-militants

2 extremists slain in Army offensives in Maguindanao del Sur

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 11, 2024): 2 extremists slain in Army offensives in Maguindanao del Sur

Maguindanao del Sur. INQUIRER FILES

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao del Norte — Two alleged members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were killed in a clash with government forces in Datu Saudi Ampatuan town early at the dawn hours of Saturday, March 9, the Army here said.

Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, said the Army’s First Brigade Combat Team were conducting a military operation at 5 a.m. in the area when the clash happened, leaving two BIFF members dead.

Brig. Gen. Jose Vladimir Caraga, 1BCT commander, said the remains of the two slain BIFF members were retrieved in the village of Kitango in Datu Saudi Ampatuan town, an area where the BIFF operates.

Also found in the clash site were an M16 rifle, caliber 50 homemade Barret rifle, ammunition and two improvised explosive devices, Caraga said in his report to Rillera.

At least 20 BIFF members were seen in the village by residents who alerted a military checkpoint nearby of the presence of the armed group.

READ: 2 gunmen in doctor’s ambush in Maguindanao surrender

Rillera said the Army had been prepared for possible retaliatory attacks from the extremists believed to belong to the Kagi Karialan faction of the BIFF.

Earlier on March 3, a BIFF member was killed and another one who turned out to be the father, was arrested in Mamasapano, Maguindanao del Sur, following a firefight that ensued at 1:30 a.m. Edwin Fernandez, Inquirer Mindanao.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1916802/2-extremists-slain-in-army-offensives-in-maguindanao-del-sur

Kin of slain soldiers in Lanao clash receive financial aid from gov’t (

 From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 10, 2024): Kin of slain soldiers in Lanao clash receive financial aid from gov’t (By: Zeus Legaspi)

Wounded soldier Cpl. Argie B Son-oc receives from Cagayan De Oro 1st. District Rep. a total of P280,000 of financial, educational, and livelihood assistance from Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez. The delivery of the assistance package was in compliance with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to extend aid to the families of soldiers killed and hurt during the February 18 clash with members of the terrorist group Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute.

MANILA, Philippines — The bereaved families of six soldiers who were killed following a clash with the extremist group Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute in Lanao del Norte have received financial assistance from several government officials and agencies, House Deputy Majority Leader for Communications Rep. Erwin Tulfo said on Sunday.

According to Tulfo, the families of slain soldiers, Corporal Rey Anthony Salvador, Corporal Reland Tapinit, Corporal Rodel Mobida, Private First Class (PFC) Arnel Tornito, Private Micharl John Lumingkit, and Private James Porras, have received an aid package worth at least P400,000 to P430,000.

READ: 6 soldiers killed in clash with terrorists in Lanao

Pagasa predicts rain in Bicol due to northeast monsoon or amihanPagasa predicts rain in Bicol due to northeast monsoon or amihan

Of this total, P300,000 came in cash, P30,000 came in schooling aid for each of the fallen soldiers’ children, and P100,000 in livelihood assistance.

Apart from the slain soldiers, six others were wounded in the clash with the extremist group on February 18, namely, Corporal Jaymark Remotigue, PFC Marvien Aguipo, Private Amiril Sakinal, Corporal Rey Mark Limare, Corporal Ernil G Quiñones and Private Nazareno Provido.

The wounded soldiers received P150,000 in cash aid, P30,000 in schooling aid for each of their children, and P100,000 in livelihood assistance.

According to Tulfo, the aid which was given to the 12 soldiers and their families totaled to P4.14 million which came from House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez’s personal calamity and emergency funds.

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

“The amount was released to them as per the instructions of President Bongbong Marcos Jr. This cannot compensate for the lives lost or the damage caused by the war, but hopefully, it can help the families of our brave soldiers,” Romualdez said in a statement.

On top of these, Tulfo said theDepartment of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Commission on Higher Education (Ched) will also provide livelihood and educational assistance to the victims and their dependents as instructed by the President.

Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute clashed with soldiers from the 44th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Ramain, Munai town in Lanao del Norte last Feb. 18.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1916756/rep-tulfo-on-govt-giving-assistance-to-dead-wounded-soldiers

Abu Sayyaf fighter surrenders in Zamboanga City

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 10, 2024): Abu Sayyaf fighter surrenders in Zamboanga City (By LIZA JOCSON)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – An Abu Sayyaf Group member designated as a Person with Significant Role (PSR) surrendered to the police here on Friday, March 8.



SAJIRIN (Photo via Liza Jocson)

Police identified the surrenderer as Wanhar A. Sajirin, alias Wanhar, an associate of ASG sub-leader Mujir U. Yadah.

Sajirin turned himself in to the Regional Intelligence-9 headquarters in Camp Batalla. He yielded a .45 caliber pistol.

Yadah is detained at the Sulu Provincial Jail in Jolo, Sulu following his arrest on June 17, 2022 for kidnapping in Davao del Norte.

Sajirin figured in an encounter with the military in Sitio Kan Alas, Patikul, Sulu in 2018 where 10 persons were killed. Four of them were members of the Abu Sayyaf, including Taha Sawadjaan, the younger brother of ASG sub-leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan.

Sajirin served as the errand boy of Mundi Sawadjaan in 2020 and was included in the PSR by end of the year.

https://mb.com.ph/2024/3/9/abu-sayyaf-fighter-surrenders-in-zamboanga-city#google_vignette

Military adopts defense concept to defend PH territory in WPS

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 8, 2024): Military adopts defense concept to defend PH territory in WPS (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. (PNA file photo)

MANILA – Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Friday said the military has adopted the new Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept to defend Philippine territory including its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

This, as Chinese President Xi Jinping called for coordination of military strategy at sea and prepare for potential maritime conflicts.

"In plain language, we are developing our capability to protect and secure our entire territory and EEZ in order to ensure that our people and all the generations of Filipinos to come shall freely reap and enjoy the bounties of the natural resources that are rightfully ours within our domain," he said in a statement.

"I emphasize that this a strategic action and will not need constant directives to carry out. I, thus, urge our commanders and units in the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) to exert all efforts to operationalize the CADC," he added.

In a forum in January, Teodoro said the defense concept would allow the military to protect and guarantee "Philippine nationals, Philippine corporations, and those authorized by the Philippine government the unimpeded and peaceful exploration and exploitation of all natural resources within our EEZ and other areas we have jurisdiction."

This will also allow the Philippines to project its military power into areas that must be protected and preserved according to the country's Constitution.

The Philippines and China are locked in a territorial dispute in the South China Sea, majority of which is being claimed by Beijing.

However, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in a 2016 arbitral ruling ruled in favor of the Philippines' claims in the area located within its 200-nautical mile EEZ or the West Philippine Sea.

Early this week, four Filipino personnel were injured when a Philippine Coast Guard ship collided with a Chinese Coast Guard when the latter performed dangerous maneuvers in the West Philippine Sea.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1220368

PH needs to bolster maritime, air capabilities, analysts say

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 9, 2024): PH needs to bolster maritime, air capabilities, analysts say (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

TERRITORIAL DISPUTE. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported on Tuesday (March 5, 2024) that one of their vessels sustained a minor damage after it figured in a collision with a Chinese Coast Guard vessel during a resupply mission for troops stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre at the Ayungin Shoal. Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said the collision was a result of what he described as dangerous maneuvers of Chinese vessels in an attempt to block Philippine vessels. (Screenshot from PCG video)

MANILA – The Philippines must strengthen its maritime and air capabilities to defend and protect its territory from the threat of foreign invasion, an analyst said on Saturday.

De La Salle University professor Renato de Castro even suggested that the Marcos administration should now focus on external threats, particularly China’s provocative actions towards the Philippines in the latter’s waters.

“Ang pinaka-essence nito is of course, develop our capability to project ‘yung comprehensive power natin sa ating exclusive economic zone (EEZ), hindi lang sa West Philippine Sea, hindi lang sa South China Sea, kundi sa kabuuan (The very essence of this, of course, is to develop our capability to protect our comprehensive power in our exclusive economic zone. Not just in the West Philippine Sea, not just in the South China Sea, but in the entirety of our territory),” he said in a weekly forum in Quezon City.

“Of course, this will entail a huge amount of money kasi talagang (because indeed), we literally have to start from scratch. But this is of course our effort to address what we call a quintessential security threat, which is, of course, China literally knocking on our door.”

University of the Philippines Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea Director Jay Batongbacal, meanwhile, said the government must take an unconventional approach to defend the country’s territory.

Batongbacal said the “big” challenge for the Marcos administration is the Philippine waters and maritime natural resources “are being taken actively” by China.

Agreeing with Batongbacal, de Castro added that the government must come up with “comprehensive” strategies and suggested that it may conduct a unilateral exploration of the country’s resources and develop the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) tri-service composed of the Army, Air Force, and Navy units.

Given that China “has the largest navy in the world,” de Castro proposed amending the AFP Modernization Law to allow the military to acquire its warships from local manufacturers.

De Castro made the recommendation, as he emphasized the need to improve the country’s port facilities and develop the shipbuilding industry.

“You cannot develop a credible navy kung wala tayong matibay na (if we do not have a strong) shipbuilding industry,” he said. “Dapat maghanda ho tayo (We have to get ready) and, of course, ang first noon (thing that we have to do) is we have to understand the issue.”

De Castro acknowledged that the current administration’s response to China’s recent actions is “very rigorous,” citing the efforts to heighten the Philippines’ presence in its maritime territory.

Batongbacal agreed with de Castro’s statement, saying the country is “leveling up” since most of the AFP personnel from its three units are getting involved in addressing the external threats, specifically China’s presence in Philippine waters.

“Sineseryoso talaga ng gobyerno yung challenges natin ng external defense kasi matagal na, ilang dekada na, maraming administrasyong nagdaan na parang masyado talagang naabsorb ang atensyon ng defense sa internal security operations (The government is really taking our external defense challenges seriously because for a long time, for several decades, the past administrations seem to have absorbed the attention of defense in internal security operations)," he said.

“‘Pag hindi sila (China) napigilan diyan, siguardong in the future, papasok talaga sila sa ating mga inter-island resources at water resources kaya kailangan talaga ito (If they are not stopped there, surely in the future, they will intrude into our inter-island resources and water resources so this is really necessary),” Batongbacal added.

China, he said, is “clearly violating international law and trying to force us to submit to it.”

“We are pursuing our interest. We are trying to defend our resources. We are asserting our rights and entitlements in accordance with international law,” he said.

On Friday, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. announced that the AFP has adopted the new Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept to defend the Philippine territory, including its EEZ.

The defense chttps://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1220430oncept would allow the Philippines to project its military power into areas that must be protected and preserved according to the country’s Constitution.

The move comes as Chinese President Xi Jinping called for coordination of military strategy at sea and to prepare for potential maritime conflicts. 

High trust rating reflects AFP commitment to nation’s security

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 10, 2024): High trust rating reflects AFP commitment to nation’s security (By Zaldy De Layola)

Philippine Army 102nd Division Reconnaissance Company (Photo courtesy of AFP Facebook)

MANILA – The high trust rating obtained by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in a recent survey was a reflection of the dedication, professionalism and commitment to the nation's security.

The OCTA Research survey “Tugon ng Masa” conducted Dec. 10 to 14, 2023 and released March 7 showed 86 percent of adult Filipinos are satisfied with the AFP and its overall accomplishments.

Twenty-three percent were "very satisfied" and 63 percent were "somewhat satisfied" with the military.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez, who praised the AFP in a news release on Sunday, said the survey result came at a time when the country is facing internal and external threats.

"I express my sincerest gratitude to the men and women of the AFP for their unwavering service and sacrifice. Thank you very much for your services and concern to our people. Your sacrifice to ensure the safety of our nation from any threat or danger is incomparable," he said.

He said the level of satisfaction is consistent with the previous rating posted in October 2023 (+83), demonstrating steady confidence and trust in the military institution.

He reaffirmed the House of Representatives’ commitment to supporting the AFP in its mission to defend the country by providing the military with necessary resources and legislation that would ensure that they can perform their duties effectively.

“We are grateful to the Filipino people for continuously trusting the Armed Forces of the Philippines!” the AFP posted on Facebook after the results were released.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1220461

Army, Samar gov’t step up dialogue with rebels’ kin

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 8, 2024): Army, Samar gov’t step up dialogue with rebels’ kin (By Sarwell Meniano)

PEACE FORUM. Family members of active New People’s Army combatants attend a peace forum organized by the Philippine Army and Samar provincial government during a gathering on March 5, 2024 in Basey, Samar. The military said they are strengthening the Friends Rescued Engagement through their Families program to completely wipe out insurgency in Samar province. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

TACLOBAN CITY – Military and local government officials in Samar will hold more peace forums and dialogue to convince the remaining members of the New People’s Army (NPA) through their families to return to the folds of the law and avail of the benefits offered by the government.

Philippine Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade commander Brig. General Noel Vestuir said Friday they are strengthening the Friends Rescued Engagement through their Families (FReE Families) project to completely wipe out insurgency in Samar province.

During the launch on March 5, the army and the local government gathered family members of active NPA members in upland Bacubac village in Basey, Samar, with 29 family members present. Their kin are among the 17 active rebels who are residents of Samar.

Vestuir said they would hold the same dialogue in other areas of Samar province next week.

“The familial influence held by the family and relatives of the remaining active NPA members under the NPA sub-regional committee plays an integral role in our aim to end the armed struggle in Samar through peaceful means,” Vestuir said.

The FReE Families program optimizes the local government’s efforts to link and convince the remaining NPA members through the active participation of the rebels’s families to work for the peaceful surrender of their loved ones and take advantage of the benefits through the Enhanced Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

E-CLIP is a government strategy to convince active rebels to return to the fold of the law by providing financial packages and assistance.

In a statement, Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan said she is optimistic that “the current efforts through the engaged families will work for the surrender of the remaining rebels who are still in the mountains.”

The governor said the identified families and relatives of NPA members are the principal actors for this program, with the end goal of having the NPA members, our target, leave the armed struggle and join them in living a peaceful life.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1220350

Military airstrikes cause class suspensions in parts of Quezon

From GMA News Online (Mar 6, 2024): Military airstrikes cause class suspensions in parts of Quezon


Quezon province map

Classes in some schools in mountain areas of Tagkawayan, Quezon were suspended on Tuesday amid the ongoing firefight between state forces and rebels.

“For security purposes, there is a necessity to declare that classes in the mountain zone areas and others affected be suspended until the fighting has ended and with the green light confirmation of the Military and PNP,” said Tagkawayan Mayor Luis Oscar Eleazar

“All students are suggested to stay indoors to mi\nimize the aggravation and to prevent more compromises to peace and security,” he added.

Among the affected schools were Mapulot, Maguibay, Tunton, and Munting Parang.

The military is conducting operations against supposed New People’s Army (NPA) members who are allegedly planning an attack ahead of it anniversary.

“Nagsagawa po tayo ng combat operation (We are conducting a combat operation),” Major Frank Roldan, the 9th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) chief, told Super Radyo dzBB in an interview on Wednesday.

“Kasama naman po yun sa capability ng ating nga kasundaluhan, yung tinatawag nating close air support sa tuwing engkwentro,” he added. (Close air support is included in the capability of our army in every encounter.)

So far, Roldan said there have been no reported casualties yet as the military operation is still ongoing. —Joviland Rita/ VAL, GMA Integrated News

https://www.msn.com/en-ph/news/national/military-airstrikes-cause-class-suspensions-in-parts-of-quezon/ar-BB1jpbCM

3ID: Visayas nears 'total victory' vs communist insurgency

From Sun Star-Iloilo (Mar 7, 2024): 3ID: Visayas nears 'total victory' vs communist insurgency (By Leo Solinap)

Contributed photo

GOVERNMENT forces in the Visayas region are nearing "total victory" against the communist New People's Army (NPA), paving the way for potential declarations of "stable internal peace and security" (Sips) in Negros and Panay Islands.

The 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division has conducted operations against the NPA, leading to 20 encounters initiated by the government.

They have engaged in two major and decisive battles, resulting in the neutralization of 16 NPA members, surrender of nine NPA members, capture of one NPA member, and seizure of 47 firearms.

The last guerilla front in Negros has been dismantled, leading to a recommendation for the province to be declared a Sips zone.

The Negros Occidental Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Committee has signed a resolution in support of this declaration.

On the other hand, a key leader of the NPA group in Bohol and his associates were neutralized, which led to a weakening of the group's influence in the province

Panay Island's Central and Southern Panay Fronts have experienced setbacks, leading to the possibility of the Sips project being implemented, which could benefit the island's residents.

"We will not be swayed by their fabricated stories. Instead, we will relentlessly pursue our shared goal of establishing Stable Internal Peace and Security for all Visayans. We anticipate achieving this target sooner than expected, given the support and trust the people have placed in the security forces. This is evident in the influx of quality and reliable information received, leading to encounters with significant results favorable to us," 3ID Commander Major General Marion Sison said.

Sison criticized the NPA in the Visayas and its affiliated organizations for creating false stories to discredit the security forces and regain public support.

"This black propaganda, however, is nothing new. This is done on purpose to keep alive the dying spirit of the remaining members of the communist terrorist group (CTG) in order to prevent them from abandoning their futile and senseless revolutionary cause," Sison said.

He said this tactic of spreading misinformation is a common strategy used by the NPA to maintain the morale of its members and prevent them from giving up on their cause.

“This accusation and allegation of violations of Human Rights and disproportionate use of military power are mere desperate propaganda and disinformation campaign thrown at us by the remnants of CTG," Sison said.

He said the NPA and its allies use deceptive propaganda to distort the public's view of military and police operations, aiming to undermine the credibility of security forces. This tactic is a known strategy employed by the NPA when they are facing defeat or are in a difficult situation.

"As protectors of peace and the communities, our government forces maintain a high level of professionalism and consistently observe, uphold and protect human rights, the International Humanitarian and the Rule of Law in all of our endeavors and operations, at all times," Sison added.

The commander said the whole-of-nation approach, localized peace engagements, and support to barangay development programs have been instrumental in improving peace and security and liberating communities from the NPA's influence.

“We are winning, and we are committed to sustaining our gains at all costs. With the people on our side, we will undoubtedly achieve "Total Victory" against the CTG. And all together, we will reap the rewarding benefits of a region with a Stable Internal Peace and Security,” Sison said.

General Romeo S. Brawner Jr., chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), visited the Visayas Command and the 301st Infantry (Bayanihan) Brigade. He directed the commanders to end the threat of insurgency during his visit.

"We are very hopeful and optimistic that by the end of the year 2024, we can really achieve "Total Victory" and we can defeat the communists,” Brawner said. (SunStar Philippines)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/iloilo/3id-visayas-nears-total-victory-vs-communist-insurgency?utm_source=website&utm_medium=related-stories

No recorded encounters since Davao declared insurgency-free

From the Sun Star-Davao (Mar 7, 2024): No recorded encounters since Davao declared insurgency-free (By David Ezra M. Francisquete)

AP Photo/File

THE Police Regional Office-Davao Region (PRO-Davao) has reiterated that they have not recorded any violent plots and encounters between the government and the Communist Terrorists Groups (CTGs) since the region was declared insurgency-free.

This means that the entire region has sustained its peace and stability following the implementation of strict security measures at every border.

“Since the declaration of Davao Region as insurgency-free, wala na tayong record for skirmishes or any encounter with the enemy” (Since the declaration of Davao Region as insurgency-free, we have no record for skirmishes or any encounter with the enemy) Dela Rey said in an AFP-PNP Press Corps Southern Mindanao Media Forum on Wednesday morning, March 6, 2024.

Dela Rey added that the police office and the Philippine Army (PA) have been continuously conducting grassroots and community-level activities regarding insurgency awareness and government efforts symposia for the youths.

“Ang pledge sa Police Regional Office 11 is dili i-pull out ang revitalized place sa barangay diha sa mga areas nga na reclaim na nato from the enemy. Maintain gihapon ang ilahang activities. Naga-tudlo pud sila sa kabatan-onan nga naa didto. Gina-enhance pud nato, gina-intensify nato ang activities anang mga lugara, para makita nila nga naay gobyerno nga motabang sa ilaha,” the police spokesperson said.

(The pledge of the Police Regional Office 11 is not to pull out the revitalized [Revitalized Pulis sa Barangay] placed in the barangay in the areas that we have reclaimed from the enemy. [It is] to maintain their activities. They also teach the youth in the communities. We are also enhancing the activities in those areas so that they will be enlightened that there is a government that will help them).

One of the latest encounters being reported was the death of the notorious political leader of the Regional Sentro De Grabidad, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (RSDG, NEMRC), Joedil Cayapos Virtudazo known as “Jerby” or “Janjalani” last December 26, 2023.

However, the brief encounter was operated by soldiers of the 67th Infantry Batallion (67IB) operating under the 701st Infantry Brigade and not the police.

It can be recalled that 10th Infantry (Agila) Division (10th ID), Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) spokesperson Major Mark Anthony Tito divulged that Virtudazo along with his comrades were killed while slowly moving to the Southern Mindanao area of responsibility (AOR).

The Regional Peace and Order Council Davao Region (RPOC Davao) officially declared Davao Region as insurgency-free on October 12, 2022.

After years of fighting 15 Guerilla Fronts (GFs) and six Pulang Bagani Command/Company (PBCs) that affected 190 barangays in the region, RPOC signed a statement declaring the Davao Region as insurgency-free. DEF

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/no-recorded-encounters-since-davao-declared-insurgency-free

Army’s 3rd ID predicts ‘total victory’ against insurgency

From the Daily Guardian (Mar 8, 2024): Army’s 3rd ID predicts ‘total victory’ against insurgency (By Jennifer P. Rendon)

Brigadier General Marion Sison

The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3rd ID) has expressed confidence in achieving “total victory” in the ongoing fight against the New People’s Army (NPA) insurgency.

This “optimism” is buoyed by the recent strategic advancements of government forces, particularly the disbandment of the remaining guerilla front in Negros Island.

According to Major General Marion Sison, commander of the 3rd ID, this significant progress has poised Negros Island to be designated as a zone of “Stable Internal Peace and Security” (SIPS), a status that signifies a considerable reduction in local terrorist threats.

The Negros Occidental Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Committee (JPSCC) has approved and signed a resolution recommending the declaration of SIPS status for the province as of March 1, 2024.

The JPSCC is composed of the 302ND and 303RD Infantry Brigades, Negros Occidental PNP, and the Philippine Coast Guard.

Moreover, Sison reported that attempts by the NPA to regain a foothold in the province of Bohol have been thwarted.

This was exemplified by the neutralization of a key group led by a certain Domingo Compoc, alias Silong, on February 23, 2024.

Panay Island has also seen a weakening of NPA fronts, evidenced by successive losses and setbacks which indicate a shift towards stable internal peace for the region.

The 3rd ID, through coordinated operations of its three Infantry Brigades—the 301st, 302nd, and 303rd—has been instrumental in confronting the NPA in the Visayas.

The engagements have resulted in the demise of 16 NPA members, with nine surrendering and one being captured, along with the confiscation of a substantial cache of firearms.

“These series of accomplishments have been an unassailable proof of the success not only of the government forces but also of the people in the Visayas in the fight against insurgency,” Major General Sison stated.

He emphasized that their success is more than just rhetoric but is substantiated by “facts and figures.”

The 3rd ID commander said they would not be stayed by their fabricated stories.

“Instead, we will relentlessly pursue our shared goal of establishing Stable Internal Peace and Security for all Visayans,” he said.

Sison said they anticipate achieving this target sooner than expected, given the support and trust the people have placed in the security forces.

The influx of information reaching the soldiers is evident that the government has the upper hand in the fight against local terrorism.

Further, he also attributed the improving peace and security landscape and success of the government’s campaign against terrorism in the Visayas Region to EO 70 or the Whole-of-Nation Approach in Ending the Local Communist Armed Conflict and the continued implementation of Localized Peace Engagements (LPEs) and Support to Barangay Development Programs (SBDPs).

This mechanism is implemented in full force and has proven effective in liberating conflict-ridden areas from the shackles of insurgency and converting them into more conflict-resilient communities.

“We are winning, and we are committed to sustaining our gains at all costs. With the people on our side, we will undoubtedly achieve total victory against the local terrorist group,” Sison said.

General Romeo Brawner Jr., AFP Chief of Staff, echoed this sentiment during his visit to Visayas Command and the 301st Infantry Brigade.

Brawner has instructed commanders to persist in their efforts, with the aim of decisively defeating the communists by the end of 2024.

“We are very hopeful and optimistic that by the end of the year 2024, we can really achieve total victory and we can defeat the communists,” he said.

Amid these successes, Sison criticized the NPA for their attempts to undermine the legitimacy of the military and police actions through the spread of false accusations.

He assured that the security forces adhere to the highest standards of professionalism, human rights, and international law.

https://dailyguardian.com.ph/armys-3rd-id-predicts-total-victory-against-insurgency/#google_vignette

Military aids wounded NPA amazon in Iloilo

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 8, 2024): Military aids wounded NPA amazon in Iloilo (By TARA YAP)

ILOILO CITY – The Philippine Army 3rd Infantry Division (ID), through the 301st Infantry Brigade (IB), provided medical and financial assistance to a lady New People’s Army (NPA) rebel wounded in an encounter with government forces in Iloilo recently.

THE family of wounded New People’s Army (NPA) rebel Rocel Nabua Esmediana reunites with her in a hospital in Iloilo. (Army 3ID)

The Army facilitated the transfer of Rocel Nabua Esmediana, alias Ka Michelle, to a hospital in Iloilo City for further treatment as she sustained injuries that caused deformity and hematoma in her right face.

Esmediana surrendered to authorities after she was wounded in an encounter between the 61st Infantry Battalion and the NPA Southern Front Committee in San Joaquin town, Iloilo province last February 28.

Under the leadership of Brig. Gen. Michael Samson, 301st IB has also facilitated assistance from partner government agencies and local government units to help pay for Esmediana’s medical treatment.

Lt. Luisita Clavecillas II, commander of the 3rd CMO Battalion under the 301st IB, was able to facilitate a reunion between Esmediana and her family.

https://mb.com.ph/2024/3/8/military-aids-wounded-npa-amazon-in-iloilo#google_vignette

2 alleged rebels in Caraga bare funds from construction firms

From GMA News Online (Mar 8, 2024): 2 alleged rebels in Caraga bare funds from construction firms (By GMA Integrated News)

Two alleged members of the New People's Army (NPA) surrendered to the police in the Caraga region, and divulged that some of their funds came from two construction companies.

The two rebels were among the 13 who yielded to authorities and turned over high-caliber firearms as they bid their life in the jungles farewell, according to a "24 Oras" report by John Consulta.

In an affidavit "Ka Ann" said she had been collecting 'revolutionary taxes' from several businesses as the finance officer.

From 2016 to 2018, she said the two construction firms were able to give at least P3 million every year to their group.

“Bilang isang finance officer, ako ang nakikipagusap sa mga kumpanya na totoong sumusuporta sa kilusan...salapi na pambili ng armas,” she said.

(As a finance officer, I am the one talking to the companies that support the movement. ...money to buy weapons.)

Although it is not clear whether they provided the funds voluntarily or under compulsion, the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) previously issued a warning against giving any financial and material support to the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People's Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDFP), which are considered terrorist groups by the Anti-Terrorism Council.

“Meron tayong mga ebidensya ng bank transaction at bank transfer na nakita po ng ating Anti-Money Laundering Council. Bukod pa rito ang salaysay ng mga nagsisukong rebelde kung saan isinasalaysay nila kung paano itong mga construction companies na ito ay nagbibigay ng pera sa kanila,” said Police Regional Director (PRO 13), Brigadier General Kirby John Kraft.

(We have evidence of bank transactions and bank transfers that our Anti-Money Laundering Council has seen. In addition, the surrendered rebels' narrative tells how these construction companies give them money.)

Along with the Department of Justice and AMLC, the PNP Caraga filed a complaint against two construction companies in Surigao, which did not respond to any calls and texts from the media.

"This is in violation of Republic Act 10168 or the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012," Kraft added.

According to PNP-PRO 13, this is the first time such a case has been filed against a private company. —Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/899957/2-alleged-rebels-in-caraga-bare-funds-from-construction-firms/story/