Return to fold of law, DILG urges remaining rebels in W. Visayas

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 1, 2024): Return to fold of law, DILG urges remaining rebels in W. Visayas (By Perla Lena)

RETURN TO THE FOLD. Department of the Interior and Local Government Western Visayas Regional Director Juan Jovian Ingeniero on Thursday (August 1, 2024) appeals to the remaining rebels to surrender and avail of benefits provided by the government. He said more benefits await those who surrender, especially under the enhanced comprehensive local integration program. (PNA file photo by Perla G. Lena)

ILOILO CITY – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Western Visayas on Thursday urged remaining rebels to return to the fold of the law and avail of benefits provided under the enhanced comprehensive local integration program (E-CLIP).

“I am appealing for you (rebels) to return to the government, which is ready to help you go back to your normal or even better lives,” DILG Regional Director Juan Jovian Ingeniero said during an interview, adding that the government is ready to guide and help them.

He said under the whole-of-government approach, more benefits await those who return to the fold, especially under the E-CLIP.

Before, he said the government only extended cash aid and remuneration for the firearms that the rebels surrendered.

Under the E-CLIP, in addition to cash aid and remuneration for firearms, government agencies identify their needs that should be addressed.

These include housing under the National Housing Authority when available, employment through the Department of Labor and Employment, skills and livelihood training from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and financial aid from the local government, among others.

“All concerned agencies will have a project under the E-CLIP because that is what we have agreed in the Peace and Order Council,” Ingeniero said.

The DILG, which serves as the secretariat of the council, monitors the provision of assistance.

To date, DILG data showed that 475 former rebels operating in the region have surrendered since 2019: 101 in 2019; 45 in 2020; 78 in 2021; 54 in 2022; 107 in 2023; and 90 as of the first semester of this year.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1230257

Elderly NPA combatant killed in southern Negros clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 31, 2024): Elderly NPA combatant killed in southern Negros clash (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

RECOVERED. The weapons, gadgets and personal items recovered by troops of the Philippine Army’s 15th Infantry after an encounter with remnants of the New People’s Army South West Front in Barangay Basak, Cauayan, Negros Occidental on Monday (July 29, 2024). A 64-year-old rebel died during the encounter, the military said in a report. (Photo courtesy of 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army)

BACOLOD CITY – A 64-year-old combatant of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed during an encounter with troops of the Philippine Army’s 15th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Barangay Basak, Cauayan, Negros Occidental on Monday.

The 3rd Infantry Division (ID) said in a report on Wednesday that Ramon Moico Enseniales, with aliases Art and Bugtong, was considered a remnant of the dismantled South West Front (SWF). He was killed during a two-minute encounter between the soldiers and about five NPA rebels Monday noon, according to Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, commander of the 3ID.

He said the collaboration between the 15IB troops and the community led to the neutralization of Enseniales.

“To those who remain in hiding, I urge you to choose the path of peace to avoid the fate of your comrades in previous encounters,” he added.

The body of the slain combatant was found after other rebels fled the encounter site.

Enseniales’ identity was confirmed by his wife, Epeania, the report said, adding that their family resides in Purok 1, Barangay Tambad, also in Cauayan.

During the clearing operation, the troops also recovered an improvised 12-gauge shotgun, two hand grenades, three keypad mobile phones, personal belongings, and subversive documents with high intelligence value.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1230151

Foreign soldiers in Legazpi City for humanitarian mission

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30, 2024): Foreign soldiers in Legazpi City for humanitarian mission (By Emmanuel Solis)

HUMANITARIAN MISSION. The United States Naval Ship City of Bismarck arrives at the Legazpi City Port from the United States of America on Tuesday (July 30, 2024). The ship carried some 220 foreign soldiers who will conduct a two-week humanitarian mission dubbed Pacific Partnership 2024. (PNA photo by Emmanuel Solis)

LEGAZPI CITY – The United States Naval Ship, City of Bismarck, arrived at the port here on Tuesday from the United States of America, carrying around 220 foreign soldiers who will conduct a two-week humanitarian mission under the Pacific Partnership 2024.

“It’s wonderful to return to the Philippines, where we look forward to training alongside the citizens of Legazpi City’s medical and disaster relief personnel,” said Captain Daniel J. Keeler, Pacific Partnership 24-2 mission commander.

Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific.

It was first conducted in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan province, in 2022 and San Fernando City, La Union in 2023. The mission team will be in this city from July 30 - Aug. 14, 2024.

The Pacific Partnership fosters multilateral cooperation and emphasizes a multinational and whole-of-government approach by planning and executing operations with partner nation militaries, host nation civilian agencies, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, the US State Department, US interagency and the US military service branches.

Keeler said their nation will share a rich history of collaboration and look forward to strengthening that mutual cooperation and friendship in the days and years ahead.

“Combining the expertise of professional mariners with the skills of our Pacific Partnership forces makes the USNS City of Bismarck a ready and versatile asset to respond to any humanitarian assistance or disaster relief scenario,” Ship Master Chris Jackson said.

Legazpi City Mayor Geraldine Rosal, in an interview, said that at least 220 soldiers from the USA, Japan, and Korea will conduct the humanitarian activities here, particularly the rehabilitation of some school buildings constructed during the American era.

She noted that there would be no joint military exercise between the foreign soldiers and Filipino troops alongside the mission.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1230112

2 dead, war materiel seized in Sultan Kudarat clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30, 2024): 2 dead, war materiel seized in Sultan Kudarat clash (By Edwin Fernandez)

WAR MATERIEL. Authorities seize assorted high-powered and unlicensed firearms following a brief firefight between government troops and a lawless armed group in Barangay Lagandang in Isulan town, Sultan Kudarat province on Monday afternoon (July 29, 2024). Two members of the armed band, who remain unidentified, were killed in the clash. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao del Norte – Two armed men were killed when they attempted to prevent police and military authorities from entering a village in Isulan town, Sultan Kudarat province, where a “rido” (clan war) is brewing, the Army here reported on Wednesday.

Lt. Colonel Tristan Rey Vallescas, commander of the Army’s 7th Infantry Battalion, said soldiers and police officers were responding to reports from civilians about a dispute involving armed Moro families locked in a family feud on Monday afternoon.

Involved in the hostilities that sent civilians fleeing were gunmen belonging to the armed factions of Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Barangay Lagandang, according to Vallescas.

“These escalating tensions and violence resulted in the displacement of civilians within the community,” Vallescas said, lamenting that the armed groups involved in the ‘rido’ had targeted the responding Army and police personnel.

Police are still determining the identities of the two slain armed men and whose side they belonged.

Government forces recovered two Barrett rifles, two M16 rifles, an M60 machine gun, a 60 mm mortar tube and launchpad, a .22-caliber rifle, an M79 grenade launcher, and hundreds of ammunition.

Maj. Gen. Antonio Navarrete, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the law enforcement operation aims to disarm and arrest armed groups who have constantly harassed civilians in Barangay Lagandang due to clan war.

“We have emphasized that no one is above the law, and we will enforce that to all armed groups,” Navarrete said in a statement, referring to groups such as the MNLF and Moro Islamic Liberation Front forces, reminding them of the existing comprehensive ceasefire agreements with the government.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1230161

Northern Samar town condemns NPA's recruitment of minors

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30, 2024): Northern Samar town condemns NPA's recruitment of minors (By Roel Amazona)

RESCUED. Some of the young recruits of the New People's Army (NPA), including three minors after their rescue on June 3, 2024 in Palapag, Northern Samar. The local government of Palapag urged parents not to allow their children to be recruited by the NPA. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army’s 74th Infantry Battalion)

TACLOBAN CITY – The local government unit of Palapag, Northern Samar, has urged parents not to allow their children to be recruited by the New People’s Army (NPA).

Palapag Mayor Florence Batula made the appeal a few days after the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) turned over three minors to their families after being recruited by the NPA.

Soldiers of the Philippine Army’s 74th Infantry Battalion rescued the minors after a clash with rebels in Osmeña village in Palapag town on June 3.

The two 14-year-old boys and one 13-year-old boy were brought by the military to the personnel of the Palapag municipal police station and municipal social welfare and development office after their rescue.

When interviewed, the three minors admitted that their parents and some of their relatives are NPA members and supporters. Their task is to deliver food and other essentials to the communist group.

“As parents, let's not allow our minor children to be used as instruments to deceive the government. It is not a good role model for children that we include (them) in the activities of rebel groups,” Batula said in a phone interview Tuesday.

She said the practice of using children as food couriers or any task that is linked with insurgency operations should not be tolerated, but should rather be discouraged.

“This should be stopped, and if people know that there are parents who are engaging in these practices, they should be reported because we have a law that protects children,” Batula added.

The local government also appealed to residents of Palapag who are still active members of the communist group to surrender and grab the opportunity to avail themselves of support and programs implemented by the government intended for former rebels.

The rescued minors will also receive educational support. Alias “Mike” will be enrolled in Grade 7, while alias “Julian” and "Justin,” who were in Grades 1 and 2, respectively, will be enrolled in the Alternative Learning System program.

The family of the three minors will also receive assistance from the social welfare agency, such as Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, and other financial assistance.

Personnel from the local social welfare and development office also clarified that the minors were brought to Balay Darangpan, located in Catarman town due to the absence of facilities in Palapag to cater to the needs of the rescued children.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1230040

Army sustains operation to locate NPA weapons in northern Negros

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30, 2024): Army sustains operation to locate NPA weapons in northern Negros (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

RECOVERED WEAPONS. The firearms unearthed by troops of the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Pinowayan, Don Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental, on Monday (July 29, 2024). These are believed to have been hidden by remnants of the dismantled Northern Negros Front of the New People's Army. (Photo courtesy of 79th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army )

BACOLOD CITY – The Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) continues to conduct operations to locate more weapons hidden by the New People’s Army (NPA) after the discovery of firearms in two areas in northern Negros in the past two weeks.

“The intention is to recover the loose firearms of the dismantled Northern Negros Front (NNF) to prevent further use of these weapons to harass the community or create violence,” First Lt. Dan Carlo Samoza, 79IB civil-military operations officer, said in an interview on Tuesday.

On Monday, troops found high-powered firearms buried in a secluded area in Barangay Pinowayan, Don Salvador Benedicto, bordering Calatrava and San Carlos City in Negros Occidental.

Recovered were two M14 rifles, one M1 Garand rifle, one 12-gauge shotgun, three Garand clips with 24 ammunition, 100 rounds of live ammunition for M14, and five shotgun ammunition.

Samoza said they received information from a concerned individual regarding the buried weapons that corroborated the revelation of a recently surrendered NNF combatant who was involved in the encounter with 79IB troops in Barangay Pinapugasan, Escalante City last February.

In a statement, Lt. Col. Arnel Calaoagan, commander of 79IB, said the latest recovery of various firearms and ammunition is a testament to their unit’s commitment to end the atrocities, intimidation, and abuses carried out by the remnants of the dismantled NNF.

“We are honored by the bravery of concerned individuals in helping the troops and the government, and we give our solemn pledge to the people of Negros that your 79IB will untiringly sustain all our efforts to maintain the peace and order in our area of operation in accordance to the law and our mandate,” he added.

Calaoagan said units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police will coordinate the proper documentation and disposition of the recovered firearms.

On July 16, troops of 79IB also found weapons and personal items in a rebel hideout in the hinterlands of Cadiz City.

Recovered were a magazine and 30 rounds of live ammunition for an M16 rifle, two hammocks, two keypad mobile phones, two military backpacks, three subscriber identity module cards, three flash drives, a flashlight, utility ropes, medical items, personal belongings, and subversive documents.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1230095

NTF-ELCAC provides over P1-B to insurgency-cleared areas in W. Visayas

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30, 2024): NTF-ELCAC provides over P1-B to insurgency-cleared areas in W. Visayas (By Perla Lena)

INSURGENCY-CLEARED. Engineer Juan Jovian Ingeniero (center), regional director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Western Visayas, says over PHP1 billion has been made available for 238 projects in barangays cleared from insurgency during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas on Tuesday (July 30, 2024). He said among the projects were farm-to-market road, installation of rural electrification, sanitary water systems, health stations, and school buildings, among others. (PNA photo by Perla G. Lena)

ILOILO CITY – Over PHP1.07 billion have been made available for 238 projects under the Local Government Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP) for barangays cleared from insurgency in Western Visayas from 2022 until 2024.

SBDP is a flagship program of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

“These projects are focused on poverty alleviation and development and geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs). These are formerly communist conflict-affected areas and have been cleared,” said engineer Juan Jovian Ingeniero, regional director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Western Visayas, during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas on Tuesday.

He said among the projects are farm-to-market roads, the installation of rural electrification, sanitary water systems, health stations, and school buildings, among others.

He added the number of recipients is getting smaller since the number of conflict areas is fast declining.

“From the start, we targeted 170 conflict areas, but the number is declining. The number of sightings of rebels is also declining,” he said, adding that, together with the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, they hope to make Western Visayas cleared area by 2028.

Other than the cleared conflict-affected areas, the SBDP also funded projects in GIDAs to let the residents feel the services of the government, he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1230114

2 gunrunners arrested, 3 high-powered guns seized in Cotabato City

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 29, 2024): 2 gunrunners arrested, 3 high-powered guns seized in Cotabato City (By Edwin Fernandez)

COTABATO CITY – Police authorities arrested on Sunday afternoon two men suspected to be involved in gunrunning activities and seized from them illegal high-powered firearms.

Major Christopher Cabugwang, chief of the city police intelligence division, said the law enforcement operation was conducted after the police secured a search warrant against the suspects identified only as “Omar” and “Bobong.”

“The suspects had been placed under surveillance for a month before the 3 p.m. operation,” he said in a radio interview Monday.

The duo did not resist arrest when law enforcement officers showed up in their safe house in Barangay Poblacion 8, Cotabato City.

Cabugwang said Omar was arrested in 2022 for violation of the gun ban and again arrested in 2023 for violation of the illegal drugs law.

Police seized two rifles, including a Bushmaster rifle variant, a .45-caliber pistol, and hundreds of various ammunition.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1229961

Eastern Samar NPA fighter yields after leader’s death

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 29, 2024): Eastern Samar NPA fighter yields after leader’s death (By Sarwell Meniano)

LEAVING NPA. New People's Army fighter Lando Yape turns over his firearms to Lt. Col. Joseph Bugaoan, commander of the Army's 78th Infantry Battalion, during his surrender on July 27, 2024. The death of a squad leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Eastern Samar has encouraged him to voluntarily turn himself in to the Philippine Army. (Photo courtesy of Army's 78th Infantry Battalion)

TACLOBAN CITY – The death of a squad leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Eastern Samar has persuaded a fighter to voluntarily surrender and turn over firearms to the authorities, the Philippine Army reported on Monday.

The Army’s 78th Infantry Battalion (78IB) said that Lando Yape, alias Rose, a combatant of the recently dismantled Apoy platoon, turned himself in to soldiers on Saturday after learning about the death of their leader.

He also surrendered his firearms and other war materiel in Barangay Domrog, General MacArthur town in the province of Eastern Samar.

Yape turned over two M16 rifles, 10 magazines, 284 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition, other significant war materiel, and his personal belongings.

His surrender came two days after the death of their squad leader, Joel Gaurino, alias Duran, in a clash on July 25 in Osmeña village, also in General MacArthur town.

Lt. Col. Joseph Bugaoan, commander of the Army's 78th Infantry Battalion, said in a statement that Yape belonged to the group of Gaurino, but he managed to escape the firefight. He eventually made contact with members of his family, who arranged his surrender.

“Yape’s surrender is attributed to the relentless conduct of follow-on and pursuit operations coupled with peace and development activities to continuously build a connection with the communities and further gain the trust of the people,” Bugaoan said in a statement on Monday.

He said this was also made possible by the E-FReE Families program, or the enhanced friend-rescued engagement program of the Army's 802nd Infantry Brigade, which enabled Yape’s family to immediately seek military help.

To recall, the FReE Families program was launched in late 2023 in Borongan City, Eastern Samar, with the aim to counteract the hate spread by NPA propagandists and address the danger and anxiety faced by the families of NPA members.

The initiative uses the power of the familial love of active NPA members to encourage them to abandon the armed struggle and live a normal and peaceful life.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, commended the troops for the follow-through.

He anticipates that more NPA members will soon give up the armed struggle as their will to fight has been destroyed.

“This is only the beginning and expect more to come out in the open and surrender to government forces; they have been demoralized after the successive encounters and deaths of their leaders and members. We won’t stop until it is done,” Vestuir added.

The neutralization of NPA leaders and members left the remnants of the newly dismantled platoon leaderless and without direction. The Apoy platoon has only 14 remaining members as of this week.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1230001

PH conducts first resupply to Ayungin after deal with China

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27, 2024: PH conducts first resupply to Ayungin after deal with China (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

SUCCESSFUL RESUPPLY MISSION. The BRP Sierra Madre is resupplied by civilian vessels Unaizah May 1 and Unaizah May 3 at Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea in this Nov. 23, 2021 photo. The Department of Foreign Affairs said the Philippines successfully conducted a resupply mission to troops manning the BRP Sierra Madre on Saturday (July 27, 2024) without any Chinese interference. (Photo courtesy of DND)

MANILA – The Philippines successfully conducted a resupply mission to troops manning the BRP Sierra Madre on Saturday without any untoward incident, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

This is the first rotation and reprovisioning (RORE) mission since Manila and Beijing reached a critical deal after months of heightened tensions over the Ayungin Shoal, a feature situated within the country’s 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) that is also being claimed by Beijing as part of its territory.

The successful mission used the civilian vessel MV Lapu-Lapu, escorted by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel BRP Cape Engaño.

“No untoward incidents were reported,” the DFA said in a statement.

“The lawful and routine RORE mission within the Philippines’ EEZ is a credit to the professionalism of the men and women of the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Coast Guard, and the close coordination among the National Security Council, Department of National Defense, and the Department of Foreign Affairs.”

The arrangement agreed by the two states covers the “principles and approaches for the conduct of RORE missions in Ayungin Shoal for the purpose of avoiding misunderstandings and miscalculations, without prejudice to national positions.”

The DFA has yet to release the full content of the understanding.

In a post-State of the Nation Address forum, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said the two states must give consent before either side could publicize the arrangement.

The deal was reached after a series of consultations with the Chinese side, following constructive discussions at the 9th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism meeting on the South China Sea on July 2.

It also follows the violent June 17 incident near Ayungin Shoal, where the Chinese Coast Guard blocked and boarded Filipino vessels en route to resupply the marooned BRP Sierra Madre, resulting in one Filipino soldier getting injured.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1229905

Ungkaya Pukan declared as ASG-free

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Jul 22, 2024): Ungkaya Pukan declared as ASG-free

ZAMBOANGA. Local officials of Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan province led by Mayor Jomar Maturan (left) turnover a 60-millimeter mortar to Brigadier General Alvin Luzon, 101st Infantry Brigade (101Bde) commander, during the ceremonial declaration of the town as Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG)-free. The ceremony was held at the municipal hall grounds of Ungkaya Pukan in Bohe Pahu village on Saturday, July 20. (SunStar Zamboanga)

LOCAL officials of Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan province have turned over a 60-millimeter mortar to Brigadier General Alvin Luzon, 101st Infantry Brigade (101Bde) commander, during the ceremonial declaration of the town as Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG)-free, the military said Monday, July 22, 2024.

The Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) said the ceremony was held at the municipal hall grounds of Ungkaya Pukan in Bohe Pahu village on Saturday, July 20.

The ceremony was attended by the village chiefs of the town’s 12 villages and municipal councilor of Ungkaya Pukan headed by Mayor Jomar Maturan.

The Westmincom said the surrender of the crew-served weapon was facilitated by Lieutenant Colonel Michael Colanta, commanding officer of the Army’s 45th Infantry Battalion (45IB).

“We celebrate this momentous occasion, marking a new chapter of peace and development for Ungkaya Pukan. This achievement reflects the unwavering commitment of our security forces and the invaluable support of the local community,” Luzon said during the ceremonial declaration.

“Together, we have transformed challenges into opportunities for growth and stability,” Luzon added.

He said the declaration of Ungkaya Pukan as an ASG-Free municipality is a result of persistent and coordinated efforts by the security forces and the local government.

“It is a testament to the power of collaboration,” Luzon said.

The municipality of Ungkaya Pukan was formerly known as a haven of the ASG bandits.

Currently, the Westmincom said surrendered mortar was placed under the custody of 45IB for safekeeping and will be processed under the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Management Program and the Assistance of the Security, Peace, Integration and Recovery for Advancing Human Security in Barmm (Aspire) project.

Lieutenant General William Gonzales, commander of Westmincom, has commended everyone involved in the fruitful collaboration that led to the momentous event.

“My appreciation goes to 101Bde and the local government unit of Ungkaya Pukan for their relentless and collaborative efforts. May we all continue to purvey the message of peace and patriotism that is forever engraved in the hearts of public servants,” Gonzales said. (SunStar Zamboanga)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/ungkaya-pukan-declared-as-asg-free

Australian defense attache visits Westmincom

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Jul 23, 2024): Australian defense attache visits Westmincom

ZAMBOANGA. Captain Emma McDonald-Kerr, the Austrlian Defense Attache, reiterates Australia’s commitment to support the Philippine military, particularly the Westmincom Mindanao Command (Westmincom), in its campaign to sustain peace and protect national integrity and sovereignty. McDonald-Kerr issued the statement during her visit to Camp Navarro that houses the Westmincom headquarters in Calarian, Zamboanga City, on Monday, July 22, 2024. (SunStar Zamboanga)

CAPTAIN Emma McDonald-Kerr, the Australian Defense Attache, reiterated Australia’s commitment to support the Philippine military, particularly the Westmincom Mindanao Command (Westmincom) in its campaign to sustain peace and protect national integrity and sovereignty.

Westmincom said in a statement Tuesday, July 23, McDonald-Kerr issued the statement during her visit to Camp Navarro that houses the Westmincom headquarters in Calarian, Zamboanga City, on Monday, July 22.

Personnel from the Australia Defence Force Task Force 12 accompanied McDonald-Kerr during her visit to Westmincom headquarters.

Brigadier General Taharudin Ampatuan, Westmincom’s deputy commander for internal defense operations and the staff officers of the command, warmly welcomed the McDonald-Kerr and her party.

The Westmincom said the purpose of McDonald-Kerr’s visit is to engage with their US counterparts based at Camp Navarro and the Westmincom leadership.

The meeting focused on information-sharing on matters of mutual interest, according to Westmincom.

During the meeting, Ampatuan conveyed Lieutenant General William Gonzales, commander of Westmincom’s gratitude and support to the Australian Defense Force and the Australian government.

“This is a good venue to strengthen our relationship as we continue to work for peace, stability, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region,” Ampatuan said. (SunStar Zamboanga)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/australian-defense-attache-visits-westmincom

6ID gets news commander

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Jul 24, 2024): 6ID gets news commander

ZAMBOANGA. The Philippine Army designates a seasoned officer as the new commander of the 6th Infantry Division (6ID), which has jurisdiction over Central and South-Central Mindanao. A photo handout shows Major General Alex Rillera, outgoing 6ID commander (center), relinquished his post to Major General Antonio Nafarrete (left) in a turnover of command ceremony presided by Lieutenant General Roy Galido, Philippine Army chief (right). (SunStar Zamboanga)

THE Philippine Army has designated a seasoned officer as the new commander of the 6th Infantry Division (6ID), which has jurisdiction over Central and South-Central Mindanao, the military said Wednesday, July 24, 2024.

Installed as the acting 6ID commander is Major General Antonio Nafarrete, who replaced Major General Alex Rillera, who served as the 41stcommander of the division.

Rillera, who ended his 38 years of dedicated military service, has served for one year and nearly six months as the 6ID commander.

Lieutenant General Roy Galido, Philippine Army commander, presided over the turnover of command held at Camp Siongco, in Awang village, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte on Tuesday, July 23.

Rillera extended his gratitude to the Armed Forces of the Philippines(AFP), particularly the Philippine Army, for the trust and confidence given him.

Under the leadership of Rillera, the 6ID has achieved significant milestones in neutralizing threats and ensuring regional safety and stability.

The 6ID said that from 2023 to mid-2024, the division successfully neutralized approximately 689 members of various threat groups, including high-value targets within communist and local terrorist groups.

“These operations resulted in the capture, confiscation, surrender, and recovery of 737 war materials, including various types of weaponry and 262 explosive devices,” the 6ID said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Nafarrete, a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1990, brings a wealth of experience to his new role.

Nafarrete has previously served as the commander of the 1st Infantry Division and was the Deputy Chief for Internal Defense Operations of the Western Mindanao Command.

Galido expressed his gratitude to Rillera for his exemplary leadership of the 6ID and his relentless efforts to maintain peace and order in Central and South-Central Mindanao.(SunStar Zamboanga)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/6id-gets-news-commander

Westmincom confers medals to SOTF 511.2 personnel

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Jul 25, 2024): Westmincom confers medals to SOTF 511.2 personnel

ZAMBOANGA. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), through the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), confers medals to the outgoing personnel of the US Special Operations Task Force 511.2 (SOTF 511.2) after serving for a period of six months at Westmincom headquarters in Zamboanga City. A photo handout shows Brigadier General Taharudin Ampatuan, Westmincom deputy commander for internal defense operations (right), pinning the award of Military Civic Action Medal (MCAM) to Major Wesley Dyson, SOTF 511.2 commander, and other officers and personnel of the team on Wednesday, July 24. (SunStar Zamboanga)

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), through the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), has conferred medals to the outgoing personnel of the US Special Operations Task Force 511.2 (SOTF 511.2) who served for six months at Westmincom for six months.

The awarding ceremony was held Wednesday, July 24, at the conference room of Westmincom headquarters at Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City.

During the ceremony, Brigadier General Taharudin Ampatuan, Westmincom deputy commander for internal defense operations, presented the award of Military Civic Action Medal (MCAM) to Major Wesley Dyson, SOTF 511.2 commander, and other officers and personnel of the team.

The Westmincom said the award was conferred to the US forces in recognition of their valuable contributions to the mission accomplishment of the command during their assignment at the Westmincom headquarters from February 1 to July 31, 2024.

The Westmincom leadership also presented a Command Plaque to Dyson in recognition of his meritorious and valuable services rendered to the command.

Dyson expressed his gratitude to Lieutenant General William Gonzales, commander of Westmincom, and the entire Westmincom family for the hospitality and rewarding experiences he and his teammates acquired during their assignment at the elite unified command of the AFP.

Meanwhile, Ampatuan has conveyed Gonzales’ gratitude to the outgoing personnel of SOTF 511.2.

“Congratulations and best of luck on your future endeavors,” Ampatuan said.

Present during the awarding ceremony are the members of the Unified Command Staff led by Colonel Emmanuel Cabasan and the incoming personnel of the SOTF 511.2 led by the new Commanding Officer, Major Alexander Grubbs. (SunStar Zamboanga)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/westmincom-confers-medals-to-sotf-5112-personnel

6 BIFF members surrender

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Jul 27, 2024): 6 BIFF members surrender

ZAMBOANGA. Six members of the local terrorist group embrace peace and surrender their firearms to the 92nd Infantry Battalion in Salbu village, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur. A photo handout shows the firearms the surrenderers have turned over when they surrendered on Thursday, July 25, 2024. (SunStar Zamboanga)

SIX members of the local terrorist group have embraced peace and surrendered their firearms to authorities in the province of Maguindanao del Sur, the military said Saturday, July 27, 2024.

The 6th Infantry Division (6ID) said the local terrorist group members have surrendered to the 92nd Infantry Battalion in Salbu village, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur on Thursday, July 25.

Major General Antonio Nafarrete, 6ID acting division and Joint Task Force (JTF)-Central commander, said the surrenderers were remnants of the Karialan and Bungos factions of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

The firearms the surrenderers have turned over include M-79 grenade launcher, two M-14 rifles, rocket-propelled grenade launcher and a sniper rifle.

“We are able to sustain the momentum as more local terrorist group members are benefitting the fruits of peace by denouncing their affiliations,” Nafarrete said.

“Your army will always welcome you once you decide to live peacefully. The government will provide you with services, including financial and livelihood assistance to start your new life,” he added. (SunStar Zamboanga)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/6-biff-members-surrender-2