China warns US, others in South China Sea: 'Stop stirring trouble'

From the Philippine Star (Apr 12, 2019): China warns US, others in South China Sea: 'Stop stirring trouble'



Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang on Wednesday said the presence of the US and other “non-regional forces” could stir up the South China Sea, which he said is already calm.

China warned the United States and other nations against stirring up trouble in the “calm” South China Sea.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang on Wednesday said the presence of the US and other “non-regional forces” could stir up the South China Sea, which he said is already calm.

Lu made the statement when asked to comment on the presence of USS Wasp in the disputed waters near the Philippines and the shoals.

“I may need to check on the specific situation. I can tell you that the principled position of the Chinese side is that we hope non-regional forces will refrain from stirring up troubles in the calm South China Sea,” Lu said.

The USS Wasp, a helicopter carrier of the US Marines with F35B Lightning II stealth fighter jets, was spotted near Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal that China has occupied since 2012.

Officials said the ship was participating in this year’s joint Balikatan exercises with the Philippine military.

Reports said fishermen from Zambales on their way to fish in Chinese-controlled Panatag Shoal saw fighter jets taking off and landing on the aircraft carrier.

Officials said the USS Wasp was only around 35 to 40 nautical miles off Zambales. Panatag is farther away at around 160 nautical miles from the mainland.

Malacañang said on Wednesday it would consider Chinese presence near islands occupied by Filipinos an assault on Philippine sovereignty.

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo emphasized the Chinese have “no business being there.”

Panelo was reacting to the reported presence of Chinese vessels off Kota Island and Panatag last March 28.

Chinese fishing boats, Coast Guard vessels and maritime militia ships also “swarmed” the areas surrounding Pag-asa Island, the largest of nine Philippine-controlled islets in the disputed Spratlys region.

Officials said the swarming was an effort by the Chinese to stymie the further development of the island.

President Duterte told China to “lay off” Pag-asa Island because he has soldiers there.

Duterte warned he will order the soldiers to prepare for a “suicide mission” to defend the island.

Department of National Defense (DND) spokesman Arsenio Andolong said the military is just awaiting the green light from Malacañang to deploy forces and defend the country’s sovereignty.

“We are ready to go into action if we are ordered to do so, not really in the context that we are ready to go to war but to defend our sovereignty and territory. That’s what we’re going to do,” Andolong said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs earlier said the presence of Chinese ships around Pag-asa is illegal as the Philippines has sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the island, which China calls Thitu.

The Philippine government filed a diplomatic protest over the presence of the Chinese swarm.

Panelo said China is expected to respond to the Philippines’ protest within days.
Non-negotiable

Malacañang said the Philippine government would continue to be “diplomatically kind” to China but matters of national sovereignty remain “non-negotiable.”

Panelo said the Duterte administration’s policy of seeking friendship with China has been effective despite the presence of Chinese ships in Philippine-claimed areas.

The spokesman noted China provided firearms to the Philippines when Islamic State-linked terrorists occupied Marawi City. He also cited the China-funded rehabilitation center in Agusan del Sur.

“We’re returning the courtesy... We need a studied response. We are not reckless. We don’t just claim ‘There are vessels there’,” Panelo said.

Asked how the Philippines is reciprocating China’s “kindness,” Panelo replied: “By being diplomatically kind to them with respect to whatever action they are doing, at the same time asserting our sovereignty and our determination not for any foreign country to intrude into our sovereignty.”

Panelo said China should reciprocate the Philippines’ kindness by leaving the areas that belong to the Philippines.

“You know, we’re supposed to be friends. And as to the President, he says ‘friends don’t do that.’ If we are friends, we should be friendly in terms of our actions,” Panelo said.

“We are kind in the sense that we are courteous to them but with respect to sovereignty issue, that’s a different story. We have to assert our sovereignty... It’s non-negotiable,” he added.

Panelo said the issue may be discussed during the bilateral meeting between Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Belt and Road forum in Beijing later this month.

“My educated guess is since we have already raised that, they may respond during the bilateral talk,” Panelo said.

  https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/04/12/1909425/china-warns-us-others-south-china-sea-stop-stirring-trouble

WESTMINCOM: 12 more Abus killed in recent Sulu clashes

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Apr 12, 2019): 12 more Abus killed in recent Sulu clashes



Rangers neutralized 12 Abu Sayyaf militants in four consecutive clashes in Sulu yesterday (April 11).

At about 10:37am yesterday, troops of the 32nd Infantry Battalion engaged about 120 ASG terrorists led by Radullan Sahiron and Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan in Sitio Bud Taming, Barangay Panglayahan, Patikul, Sulu.

The firefight lasted for 45 minutes after which the enemy withdrew towards southwest direction.

Moreover, while conducting focused military operation, operating troops of the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion under Major John Reysanti Aling engaged 80 Abu Sayyaf members under Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan and Almujer Yadah in Sitio Kan-isnain, Barangay Kabbon Takas, Patikul, Sulu at 3:43 pm yesterday.

Enemies immediately scampered to different direction while they are being pursued by the government troops.

Then, while establishing blockade at 5:13pm yesterday, troops of the 3rd Scout Ranger Company, 1st Scout Ranger Battalion encountered 10 bandits in Sitio Tambang of same barangay.

The gunfight lasted for 2 hours and 30 minutes, after which enemies withdrew, bringing along with them other casualties.

Also, amid hot pursuit operation on fleeing enemies previously encountered by the troops, soldiers from the 32nd Infantry Battalion engaged with another group of Abu Sayyaf bandits still in Sitio Tambang, Barangay Kabbon Takas at 5:26pm of the same day.

The enemies were previously encountered by the 1SRB troops.

Reports from the ground disclosed that 10 of the engaged militants died in the series of offensives and many others were severely wounded.

Operating troops further retrieved two cadavers of Abu Sayyaf militants in the area of encounter.

Also recovered in the area were a pair of Night Vision Goggles, 40 makeshift tents, 50 water gallons, and five sacks of rice.

Meanwhile, five wounded rangers were immediately evacuated by the troops to the nearest hospital for medical attention.

Brigadier General Divino Rey Pabayo Jr, the Joint Task Force Sulu Commander, said the support and cooperation of the local community led to the successful conduct of operations and that troop morale is also high due to the people’s continuous support.

“I commend the troops of the JTF Sulu for the recent accomplishments,” said Western Mindanao Command Chief Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega.

“The merging of the enemy groups from different sub-leaders only shows that we are gaining grounds and they are getting weaker,” he added.

“Rest assured that our operations will be further intensified so as to eliminate the enemies and to establish peaceful and progressive communities in Sulu,” he concluded.

Troops continue to scour the area of engagement.

http://www.westmincom.com/12-more-abus-killed-in-recent-sulu-clashes/

WESTMINCOM: CPP-NPA declared as persona non grata in Cotabato

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Apr 12, 2019): CPP-NPA declared as persona non grata in Cotabato



Members of the Cotabato Provincial Peace and Order Council have joined forces in declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army persona non grata on April 11.

This unified movement of support aims to condemn the actions of the CPP-NPA and its blatant disregard for the country’s search for peace.

The terrorist NPA is no longer welcome in Cotabato. Do not allow them to settle in our lands. They should be alienated for the cruelty they commit to our people and the poison they feed to our youth.



Lieutenant General Arnel Dela, Western Mindanao Command chief, said the declaration against the communist group is a welcoming development in the multi-sector campaign against insurgency in Central Mindanao.

“We fully support the unified declaration made by the peace council in condemnation of communist rebel fronts in Central Mindanao. We assure you that our anti-insurgency campaign is bolstered in cooperation with local governments in the area.”

http://www.westmincom.com/cpp-npa-declared-as-persona-non-grata-in-cotabato/

EASTMINCOM: AFP and PNP in Eastern Mindanao inks joint directive

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Website (Apr 12, 2019): AFP and PNP in Eastern Mindanao inks joint directive



NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - The Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) and the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations -Eastern Mindanao (DIPO-EM) sealed a new directive to continue strengthening the cooperation and interoperability of both organizations in the fields of Law Enforcement and Internal Security Operations in Eastern Mindanao.

This happened after the two organizations jointly signed two Joint Letter Directives (JLD) during the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center Conference on April 12, 2019, here.

Signing the JLD were Lt. Gen Felimon T. Santos Jr. and DIPO-EM Director Police MGen Alfredo Valdez.

The first of the two signed AFP-PNP JLD will update the existing coordinating mechanism between the two organizations and aims to synchronize and converge their efforts relative to the peace and security of different communities in Eastern Mindanao. Meanwhile, the second JLD delineates the role of AFP and PNP in securing the conduct of the upcoming election in Eastern Mindanao.

It can be recalled that EMC and DIPO-EM has a standing Inter-Agency and Joint Security Plan for Eastern Mindanao which was signed on October 25, 2018.

Lt. Gen. Felimon T. Santos Jr., Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command emphasized that the JLD will institutionalize the collaboration and convergence of AFP and PNP in Eastern Mindanao.

"The collaboration and interoperability of the two organizations are important in order to optimize the government security capability in carrying out the primary mandate of securing the people. With the institutionalization of the 'Whole of Nation Approach,' the two organizations can complement each other and other agencies in their respective function," Lt. Gen. Santos said.

Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command

http://www.eastmincomafp.com.ph/2019/04/afp-and-pnp-in-eastern-mindanao-inks_12.html

4 officials linked to NPA monitored

From the Visayan Daily Star (Apr 12, 2019): 4 officials linked to NPA monitored

A ranking military official yesterday revealed that they are closely monitoring four local government officials in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, who are allies of the New People’s Army.

Without mentioning names, Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said yesterday that those government officials are not just supporting the NPA, but are allies of the rebel group.

“We have to see to it that they do not use the NPA rebels as their private armed group,” Arevalo said, as he reminded them of their pledge to support the government as elected officials.

Arevalo, who had revealed earlier that more than 30 officials in Negros Occidental are allegedly supporting the CPP-NPA, maintained that he will not release their names in public, stressing that he does not have immunity like President Rodrigo Duterte.

He said Himamaylan City has the most number of government officials supporting the CPP-NPA in Negros Occidental.

“They know who they are, we know who you are”, Arevalo said, as he urged those government officials to stop supporting the NPA.

The DILG recently exposed a watchlist containing names of 346 government executives who are allegedly providing financial support to the NPA through extortion money.

Himamaylan, Toboso, Hinobaan, Isabela and Kabankalan have been placed under the “orange category”, or election areas of immediate concern, in line with the May 13 elections.

But Arevalo said that while Himamaylan City is an area of immediate concern, he will treat it like those in the red category, or an election area of grave concern.

Armed skirmishes between suspected NPA rebels and Philippine Army soldiers ensued on Tuesday in Sitio Asaran, Brgy. Buenavista, Himamaylan City, that resulted in injuries to seven government troopers.

The 303rd Infantry Brigade also recorded several atrocities of the CPP-NPA, including assassination of former rebels, suspected military informants and civilians, in the hinterlands of Brgys. Buenavista and To-oy, and neighboring barangays, all in Himamaylan City, in the past months.

“That is why I want to put more focus, forces and resources on that area, without elevating its category to red. If we can have an analogy - the color is red-orange, Arevalo said.

Moises Padilla town has been also categorized by the Provincial Joint Security Coordinating Center as an election area of grave concern, due to violent activities by the CPP-NPA and intense political rivalries.

Arevalo also vowed to make the election in Himamaylan City “fair and clean”.




http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/April/12/topstory5.htm

PH, U.S. forces play up friendship amid calls for defense treaty review

From Rappler (Apr 12, 2019): PH, U.S. forces play up friendship amid calls for defense treaty review

'Balikatan is not just a fulfilment of our obligations under the Mutual Defense Treaty, but a commitment to solidify and strengthen the friendship of our nations,' says Defense Undersecretary Cardozo Luna

BALIKATAN. Balikatan 2019 closes with US Ambassador Sung Kim, Philippine Defense Undersecretary Cardozo Luna, and both countries' military officials with linked arms. Photo by Naoki Mengua/Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – Mission complete.

On Friday, April 12, the 35th Balikatan exercises of the Philippines and the United States officially closed with military officials highlighting the friendship between the two forces amid renewed calls to review their Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT).

In a speech, Armed Forces chief Lieutenant General Benjamin Madrigal Jr credited the 2019 Balikatan’s success to the US and Philippines' “unwavering commitment” to learn the best from one another.

“All these accomplishment were made possible through our unwavering commitment to our aspirations and through our willingness to learn from each other, to become better each time. Our differences were never a hindrance…. It became the bridge that connected us to become one, to work and think as one,” Madrigal said.

“This has also bolstered the strong bond between our countries as we plan, work, and operate side by side and shoulder to shoulder in our joint undertakings,” he added.

Balikatan, which means shoulder-to-shoulder in Filipino, is the annual military training exercises aimed at making sure Philippine and US militaries can work jointly in the event the two countries need to invoke the MDT, which binds them to come to each another's defense if theirs sovereignty is threatened.



COMBINED EXERCISE. Philippine and American soldier unite as they conducts the amphibious exercises during the at Naval Education Training Command in Zambales on 11 April 2019. Photo by Lito Borras/Rappler

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In the exercise’s opening ceremony Monday, April 1, the Philippines' Department of National Defense (DND) renewed its call for the review of the MDT between the long-allied countries. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana earlier said he saw it fit to review the defense treaty because of its "vagueness."

Despite this, DND Undersecretary Cardozo Luna earlier said the trust remained between the two partners. He echoed this once more as the year’s exercises came to a close. He said it was proof the Philippines and United States were committed to their alliance.

“Our troops have demonstrated yet again that the Philippines and the Unites States will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder in response to the evolving security challenges…. Indeed, the Balikatan is not just a fulfilment of our obligations under the Mutual Defense Treaty, but a commitment to solidify and strengthen the friendship of our nations,” Luna said.

The 12-day military exercises saw over 7,500 soldiers take part in training meant to prepare them for possible future conflict. It consisted of humanitarian activities and military exercises such as counterterrorism training, live-fire training, amphibious operations, and bilateral planning, among others.



ASSAULT. PH and US simulate an attack during their live-fire exercise at the Colonel Ernesto Ravina Air Base in Tarlac. Photo by Rambo Talabong/Rappler

The exercises focused on improving interoperability between US and Philippine forces so both forces would grow familiar with the way each one moves and communicates on the battle field.

But for Lieutenant General Eric Smith, US Commanding General of the III Marine Expeditionary Force, American troops come not just to train and improve in combat.

American forces also come, Smith said, “because we like you [and] we hope you like us right back.”

Meanwhile, US Ambassador Kim Sung likewise aimed the spotlight on the decades-old friendship between the two countries, saying while the exercises were now over, the US would continue to work towards ensuring a “free and open” region.

“Even as we celebrate the closing of Balikatan 2019, we remember that throughout the year, our forces will continue to work side by side, reinforcing our enduring commitment to mutual defense in a free and open Indo-Pacific,” he said.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/228021-philiipines-united-states-play-up-friendship-amid-defense-treaty-review

U.S. says display of warship, jets in West PH Sea not for China

From Rappler (Apr 12, 2019): U.S. says display of warship, jets in West PH Sea not for China

'People can interpret the [warship's] presence as they wish, but the Wasp came here to be part of Balikatan,' says Lieutenant General Eric Smith, US Commanding General of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force

PARTNERSHIP. Philippine Balikatan Exercise Director Lt.Gen Gilbert Gapay and US Marine Commanding General Lt.Gen Eric Smith talk to reporters in a press conference. Photo by Sofia Tomacruz/Rappler

After the presence United States warship USS Wasp in the West Philippine Sea caught the attention of China, US Commanding General of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force Lieutenant General Eric Smith said on Friday, April 12, the display of military might was for no one else but the Philippines.

“People can interpret the Wasp's presence as they wish, but the Wasp came here to be part of Balikatan and it's highly successful…. The only person the Wasp is about is the Philippines,” Smith said in a press conference on the sidelines of the 2019 Balikatan exercise closing.

(READ: PH, U.S. forces play up friendship amid calls for defense treaty review)

Philippine Balikatan Exercise director Lieutenant Gilbert Gapay echoed this, saying the presence of US forces in the West Philippine Sea was part of the planned exercises.

“The presence is not really to agitate or anything else but purely for training. So nobody should be alarmed by the presence of all these forces during the Balikatan,” Gapay said.

A PhilStar.com report quoted Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang saying China “hoped non-regional forces will not stir trouble in the South China Sea” after the USS Wasp supposedly sailed near Scarborough Shoal – an area claimed by both the Philippines and China.

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ADVANCED AIRCRAFT. F-35B Lightining II jets make their debut in the Balikatan exercises during the amphibious exercise at Naval Education Training Command in Zambales. Photo by Lito Boras/Rappler

Sign of friendship: Meanwhile, aboard the USS Wasp were 10 of the world’s most advanced multi-role stealth aircraft, the F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Force. Smith said the debut of the jets in this year’s exercises were a sign of deep friendship between the Philippines and US.

“I believe the CO [commanding officer] of the Wasp said it best – nothing says ‘I love you’ better than bringing a ship with 10 F35s on it because that's all I have to offer. We brought everything we could bring because the partnership with the Philippines is so good,” he said.

Beyond the yearly joint exercises between the US and the Philippines, the presence of the F-35s made headlines in several news outlets across the region. ([ANALYSIS] Balikatan: U.S. shifts gears from counterterrorism to great power competition)

The US military earlier said F-35s took part in the exercise to understand how to “best employ” their capabilities in the region.

Both the USS Wasp and F-35Bs were part of amphibious exercises, which took place on a naval base in San Antonio, Zambales, facing the West Philippine Sea. It is also over 200 kilometers from Scarborough Shoal.

The quiet show of force brought by the presence of the F-35s during the exercise comes amid rising tensions brought about by China’s incursion in the West Philippines Sea.

Despite this, both the US and Philippines repeatedly maintained the exercises were not aimed at anyone. Its main purpose, they said, was to strengthen cooperation between the two forces. 

(READ: Balikatan vs China? Drills not aimed at any country, says U.S.)

https://www.rappler.com/nation/228029-us-says-warship-jets-for-no-one-but-philippines-balikatan-2019

Spratlys part of China territory? Malacañang reminds Beijing of Hague ruling

From Rappler (Apr 12, 2019): Spratlys part of China territory? Malacañang reminds Beijing of Hague ruling

'China should avoid performing acts that will place at risk the Filipino fishermen fishing in the disputed areas,' says Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo

STANDING UP FOR PAG-ASA. Here is an image of Pag-asa Island, the seat of power in the Kalayaan Group of Islands (Spratlys). Image from CSIS/AMTI

Malacañang reminded China of the Philippines' 2016 international court victory against Beijing's claim to the West Philippine Sea in response to its government's claim that the Spratlys or Kalayaan Group of Islands is part of China's territory.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, in the latest of a series of strongly-worded statements, mentioned the historic Hague ruling in his response to the claim of China's foreign ministry that the Kalayaan Group of Islands, also known as the Spratlys, are within Chinese territory.


"The arbitral ruling however has already been rendered and we remain steadfast in maintaining our claims with respect to our territory and exclusive economic zones pursuant, not only to the said arbitral judgment based on accepted principles of public international law, but consistent with the directives of our Constitution and the aspirations of the Filipino people," Panelo said on Friday, April 12.

He prefaced this declaration, however, with the Philippines' concurrence that the maritime dispute will "be best threshed out through peaceful negotiation and consultation between the two countries."

On Thursday, April 11, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lu Kang saidthe Spratlys, which the Chinese call Nansha Islands "are China's territory" and that Beijing's claim "is backed by sufficient historical and jurisprudential evidence."

He was responding to assertions by Filipino officials, led by President Rodrigo Duterte himself, that Pag-asa Island, part of the Kalayaan Group of Islands, belongs to Filipinos.

Don't endanger Filipino fishermen

The Palace told China not to endanger the lives of Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea.

"Irritants," Panelo said, could also derail progress being made in bilateral talks between the two countries in the sea row.

"China should avoid performing acts that will place at risk the Filipino fishermen fishing in the disputed areas," the Duterte spokesperson said.

Duterte himself has made clear that his red line is if China kills or arrests Filipinos in the West Philippine Sea, part of the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

The Philippine President, who flaunts his "friendship" with Chinese President Xi Jinping, had previously told China to "lay off" Pag-asa Island and promised to never allow the Chinese to occupy the island.

The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has also said the presence of Chinese militia vessels near the island is "illegal." The Philippines has filed a diplomatic protest which Panelo expects Beijing to respond to "soon."

Panelo began making strong statements against China's claims after the DFA filed its protest.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/228049-malacanang-reminds-china-hague-ruling-spratlys

Fighting erupts in Sulu

From the Mindanao Examiner (Apr 12, 2019): Fighting erupts in Sulu

Three more soldiers were wounded in fierce clashes with Abu Sayyaf militants in the southern Filipino province of Sulu and bringing the casualties to 5 as fighting continues Friday, the military said.

The Western Mindanao Command said soldiers also recovered 2 bodies of slain militants in Panglayahan village in Patikul town where troops clashed Thursday with some 120 Abu Sayyaf gunmen under Radulan Sahiron and Hajan Sawadjaan.

Security forces also battled about 80 more militants in Kabbon Takas village, also in Patikul, later in the day. And the military claimed that 10 more militants were killed and many more wounded, but no cadavers were recovered by soldiers, except for 2 bodies.

On Thursday, the military said 2 soldiers were also wounded in the fighting. And early this week, soldiers also clashed in Patikul and killed 2 militants, one of them Barak Ingog, helped facilitate twin suicide attacks by an Indonesian ISIS couple on a Catholic church in the capital town of Jolo in January.

The bombings killed and wounded dozens of people, mostly civilians and soldiers. The other slain gunman, Nasser Sawadjaan, was a nephew of Sawadajaan.

Security forces mounted massive operations in Sulu since early this year as part of President Duterte’s order to the military to destroy the Abu Sayyaf, whose leaders pledged allegiance with ISIS.

The operations had resulted in the recovery of 2 Indonesian and a Malaysian fisherman held by the Abu Sayyaf on Simisa Island off Sulu. However, two of the hostages, Malaysian Jari Abdullah, eventually died in hospital in Zamboanga City from a gunshot wound, and Hariadin drowned while escaping the fighting between troops and militants.

https://mindanaoexaminer.com/fighting-erupts-in-sulu/

NPA leader surrenders to Army in SurSur

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 12, 2019): NPA leader surrenders to Army in SurSur

TAGO, Surigao del Sur – A Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-New People’s Army (NPA) Terrorist (CNT) leader identified as Jomar Martinez Mapando voluntarily surrendered to 36th Infantry “Valor” Battalion Headquarters based in Barangay Dayoan, Tago around 5:00 PM, April 6, 2019, 36IB Civil Military Operations (CMO) officer said.

Lt. Jonald Romorosa, CMO officer of 36IB, said that Mapando also known as “Peter” is a resident of Sitio San Isidro, Barangay Anilong, Rosario, Agusan del Sur. He brought with him a homemade shotgun, and a .357 pistol with ammunition and other documents with high intelligence value.

Based on the report, Mapando joined the terrorist organization when he was 17 years old out of his curiosity, aggressiveness, and adventurism. Mapando further said that he joined the NPA because of promises for monetary support and alleviation from poverty.

But when he reached 25 years old, Mapando has decided to surrender because the promise he longed for never happened.

According to Romorosa, Mapando is currently under the custody of the 36IB while he is undergoing the process of enrolling the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), the government intervention package intended for former rebels who decided to return to the government folds.

Since January 2019 up to present, a total of 75 CNT active members and supporters including Mapando have voluntarily surrendered to 36IB, it was learned. 

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1020736

Sayyaf bandit killed, 2 soldiers hurt in Sulu clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 11, 2019): Sayyaf bandit killed, 2 soldiers hurt in Sulu clash

An Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandit was killed while two soldiers were wounded in a firefight as the military continued its offensive against the ASG in Sulu, a military official said Thursday.

Col. Gerry Besana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, said the firefight broke out in Sitio Bud Taming, Barangay Panglayahan, Patikul, Sulu at about 10:37 a.m. Thursday.

Besana said firefight broke out when troops under the Army’s 32nd Infantry Battalion chanced upon some 100 bandits under ASG leader, Radullan Sahiron.

Sahiron, also known as the one-armed bandit leader, is the oldest among the existing ASG leaders in the province of Sulu.

Besana said the 40-minute firefight resulted in the death of an ASG bandit and injured two soldiers. The ASG bandits withdrew towards the southwest direction.

The troops “are on hot pursuit of the fleeing enemy,” he said, adding that military offensives are ongoing in a bid to rescue the hostages from the hands of the ASG bandits in Sulu.

The Sulu-based ASG bandits are still holding more than five captives, including foreigners.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1067071

Mt. Province town residents denounce NPA presence

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 12, 2019): Mt. Province town residents denounce NPA presence

Around 5,000 residents of Tadian town in Mountain Province join the peace rally condemning the atrocities by the terrorist group, New Peoples Army. The town was recently rocked by the encounter between government security forces and NPA members at the boundary of Bauko and Tadian. (Photo courtesy of PROCOR-PIO)

More than 5,000 local residents of Tadian town in Mountain Province staged an indignation rally, denouncing the presence of the terrorist group, New People’s Army, and asking the group to leave the town.

Tadian mayor Anthony Wooden said the peace rally staged on April 9 coincided with the observance of Araw ng Kagitingan (day of valor).

The indignation and peace rally, themed “Unity for a Peaceful Community, Condemn Insurgency”, was led by residents who carried their placards denouncing the presence of NPA in the province and use of anti-personnel mines that victimized government troops and traumatized the towns folk.

“They should leave Tadian alone as a peaceful town. They should not disturb us and our community which is just starting to progress,” Wooden said on Friday.

Wooden said it was the community’s decision to hold the peace rally to condemn the NPA’s presence and for disturbing the town's peace.

Members of the local government unit, religious sector, non-government organizations, students and national line agencies who joined the rally marched from the town proper to the Tadian Central School open gymnasium, where they held a brief program.

Last March 29, an encounter ensued between government troops and NPA members at the boundary of Tadian and Bauko towns, traumatizing residents. A police officer was killed and nine others were injured when an anti-personnel mine (APM) planted by the fleeing NPA terrorists exploded during a pursuit operation by government troops following the March 29 clash.

Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (PROCOR) regional director, Brig. Gen. Israel Ephraim Dickson, said the residents aired their concerns for their safety and security after the March 29 encounter.

“This only proves that they are not pro-people because in employing landmines, not only uniformed forces are exposed to danger but the civilians too,” Dickson said, quoting one of the residents who spoke during the program.

Dickson said the rally aims to appeal for a genuine and lasting peace within the community.

“This is a clear manifestation that the community of Tadian and Bauko are volunteering themselves to denounce the NPAs’ presence, activities and atrocities of the bandits”, he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1067128

New Army-led task force assures 24/7 security for Tacurong

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 12, 2019): New Army-led task force assures 24/7 security for Tacurong



SECURITY TASK FORCE. Tacurong City Mayor Lina Montilla puts a Task Force Talakudong (Tacurong) put a patch on Colonel Pedro Balisi Jr.’s military uniform as 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade Commander Colonel Efren Baluyot looks on at the mayor's office on Thursday. (1st MIB photo)

TACURONG CITY -- The chief of a newly-created military-led task force has assured local residents that the Army will always uphold the Philippine Constitution and respect human rights.

Army Col. Pedro Balisi Jr., the newly designated commander of Joint Task Force “Talakudong” (old name of Tacurong), issued the assurance as he paid a courtesy visit to Tacurong City Mayor Lina Montilla at the latter’s office on Thursday.

Accompanied by Col. Efren Baluyot, commander of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade (MIB), Balisi assured the mayor and other local officials that the task force will do its best to ensure that the people of Tacurong could sleep soundly.

“I told the mayor that the task force will be serving the people of Tacurong 24/7,” he told reporters here in an interview.

In the same meeting, Balisi also assured Montilla and the people of Tacurong that the military will always uphold the law and recognize the rights of every citizen of the city.

Furthermore, he sought the public’s support and cooperation in helping provide the task force with information to avert violence and terrorism.

Task Force “Talakudong” is an Army-led composite security unit assigned to ensure the safety of the people of Tacurong City and surrounding areas.

Balisi is also concurrent deputy brigade commander of 1st MIB.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1067113

12 Sayyaf men killed, 5 soldiers hurt in Sulu clashes

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 12, 2019): 12 Sayyaf men killed, 5 soldiers hurt in Sulu clashes

Government troops killed 12 Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits while five soldiers were wounded in four separate clashes as offensives against the ASG continue in the hinterlands of Sulu, military officials said Friday.

Col. Gerry Besana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, said the first firefight broke out around 10:37 a.m. Thursday in Sitio Bud Taming, Barangay Panglayahan, Patikul, Sulu.

Besana said the 45-minute firefight erupted when the troops from the Army’s 32nd Infantry Battalion encountered some 120 bandits led by ASG leader Radullan Sahiron and ASG sub-leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan while on a combat operation in Sitio Bud Taming, Barangay Panglayahan.

Besana said the second firefight broke out around 3:43 p.m. Thursday in Sitio Kan-Isnain, Barangay Kabbon Takas, Patikul, when the troops belonging to the Army’s 1st Scout Ranger Battalion engaged some 80 ASG bandits who are followers of Sawadjaan and Almujer Yadah.

He said the bandits scampered toward different directions as the troops outmaneuvered them.

The third firefight occurred around 5:13 p.m. Thursday involving the Army’s 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion and some 10 ASG bandits in Sitio Tambang, also in Barangay Kabbon Takas.Besana said the ASG withdrew after two hours and 30 minutes, bringing along their casualties.

Besana said that while the military was on a pursuit operation against fleeing ASG members previously encountered by the troops, soldiers from the 32nd Infantry Battalion engaged with another group of the ASG bandits, also in Sitio Tambang, Barangay Kabbon, on Thursday.

He said the troops gathered “reports from the ground” that 10 ASG bandits died while several others were wounded in the series of clashes.

Aside from the 10, Besana said the troops retrieved two remains of ASG bandits at the clash site in Barangay Kabbon Takas.

He said the troops have also recovered in the area a pair of Night Vision Goggles, 40 makeshift tents, 50 water containers, and five sacks of rice.

Besana said five wounded soldiers were taken hospital for medical attention.

Brig. Gen. Divino Rey Pabayo Jr., Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said the support and cooperation of the local community led to the successful conduct of operations and “that troops’ morale is also high due to the people’s continuous support”.

“I commend the troops of the Joint Task Force Sulu for the recent accomplishments,” added Lt. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, Westmincom chief.

“The merging of the enemy groups from different sub-leaders only shows that we are gaining grounds and they are getting weaker,” dela Vega said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1067208

Zambo Sibugay, MisOcc declare CPP-NPA 'persona non grata'

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 12, 2019): Zambo Sibugay, MisOcc declare CPP-NPA 'persona non grata'

The respective Provincial Peace and Order Councils of (PPOC) of this province and Misamis Occidental have declared the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the National Democratic Front (NDF), and the New People’s Army (NPA) as persona non grata.

Governor Wilter Yap Palma of Zamboanga Sibugay on Friday said the persona non grata declaration against the NPA is the first step to institutionalize the "whole nation approach" to end the communist insurgency and to attain inclusive and sustainable peace.

Palma said the PPOC resolution declaring the communist rebels unacceptable in the province was adopted during the joint PPOC and Provincial Anti-Drugs Council (PADAC) meeting held on Monday and was attended by the heads and representatives of all sectors.

Brig. Gen. Bagnus Gaerlan, the Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade commander, said the declaration would help undermine the influence of the NPA and its affiliated organizations.

Meanwhile, Col. Gerry Besana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, said Friday the Misamis Occidental PPOC also declared the CPP-NPA as persona non grata through an approved resolution last week.

“The people of Misamis Occidental must make a stand against the presence of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in their respective localities in order to show its sincerity and support on the call of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to end the insurgency in our country,” Besana said, quoting the PPOC resolution.

Besana said the people of Misamis Occidental are already "fed-up with the 50 years of lies and atrocities of these bandits against our people for their criminal acts and violations of the International Humanitarian Law."

For Gaerlan, the move of Misamis Occidental was a "bold move is a great help in our effort to protect the communities from the atrocities of the communist terrorist group."

“The local chief executives (LCEs) in Misamis Occidental have stressed that their constituents want to live in a peaceful, prosperous and happy community that is insulated from the brutal war that the communist terrorists have waged for decades,” he said.

“We are expecting enhanced cooperation between and among the people in giving information on the whereabouts of these terrorist group,” the military official added.

NPA is the CPP's armed wing, while the NDF is its political arm. The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1067177