29 BIFF fighters yield to Army in Maguindanao

From the  Philippine News Agency (Apr 2, 2020): 29 BIFF fighters yield to Army in Maguindanao (By Edwin Fernandez)



SURRENDER. Lt. Colonel Elmer Boongaling (right), Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion commander, views the surrendered firearms and talks with several of the 29 surrenderers from the Daesh-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao on Tuesday (March 31, 2020). The former radicals opted to surrender to the government to live normal lives once more with their families. (Photo courtesy of 33IB)

CAMPO SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Twenty-nine Islamic State-inspired members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) surrendered in this province on Tuesday.

The surrenderers, who are former followers of wanted BIFF leader Imam Karialan, surrendered and have pledged allegiance to the Philippine flag during simple ceremonies held in Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao where the headquarters of 33rd Infantry Battalion (IB) is located.

“The 29 BIFF combatants decided to surrender with the help of Raja Buayan local officials,” Lt. Colonel Elmer Boongaling, the 33IB commander, said.

Boongaling said Karialan and his remaining band of followers are continuously being hunted by government troopers in the marshlands of Maguindanao.

Karialan, a radical leader of one of the three factions of the BIFF operating in the borders of Maguindanao and North Cotabato provinces, lost 15 of his followers during military air and ground assaults in the bordering towns of Ampatuan, Shariff Aguak and Datu Hoffer last month.

“Four soldiers were also killed and nine others were injured during that series of law enforcement operations,” Boongaling said.

Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander, has lauded both the leadership of 33IB and the local officials of Rajah Buayan for their joint effort to sustain the government’s peace initiatives in the southern Philippines, especially in Maguindanao.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1098509

Soldiers help ex-NPA supporter's stranded relatives return home

From the  Philippine News Agency (Apr 2, 2020): Soldiers help ex-NPA supporter's stranded relatives return home (By Jason De Asis)



STRANDED WORKERS. Military troopers belonging to the Army's 703rd Infantry Brigade, fetch relatives of a former rebel supporter who got stranded in Mariveles, Bataan and brought safely to Nueva Ecija on April 1, 2020. The assistance was extended upon the request of Aquilino Lopez, former chairman of the militant group Alyansa ng Mambubukid sa Gitnang Luzon (AMGL). (Photo courtesy of the Army’s 703rd Infantry Brigade)

BALER, Aurora – Soldiers from the Army’s 703rd Infantry (Agila) Brigade have fetched 13 relatives of a former supporter of the New People's Army (NPA) who got stranded in Mariveles, Bataan and brought them home safely to Nueva Ecija.

Col. Andrew D. Costelo, commander of the 703rd Infantry Brigade (703IB), said the 13 persons who were working as construction and factory workers in Mariveles could not go home due to the strict implementation of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

He said Aquilino Lopez, former chairman of the Alyansa ng Mambubukid sa Gitnang Luzon (AMGL), a militant group supporting the NPA communist terrorist group, and now a resident of Barangay Manggang Marikit, Guimba, Nueva Ecija, requested for assistance to fetch his stranded relatives.

Costelo said that troops from the 703IB based in Calaanan, Bongabon, Nueva Ecija, using two military vehicles, left at 5 a.m. on Wednesday and successfully returned on the same day, after completing their mission and eight hours of travel.

“The government has clear vision and programs in health, education, livelihood and other fields intended for rebels who are willing to surrender. In spite of the fact that the request for help came from a former leader of an organization supportive of the underground movement CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front), the Agila troopers did not hesitate to respond swiftly,” Costelo said.

He said that Agila troopers are always ready to lend a helping hand whenever and wherever needed.

Brig. Gen. Alfredo V. Rosario Jr., newly-installed commander of the Army's 7th Infantry Division, commended the efforts exerted by the soldiers, which he said, strengthened the government’s commitment to helping anyone, regardless of political affiliations and or belief, especially in times of crisis.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1098621

26 Samar ex-rebels get P1.85-M cash aid

From the  Philippine News Agency (Apr 2, 2020): 26 Samar ex-rebels get P1.85-M cash aid (By Gerico Sabalza)



AID FOR EX-REBELS. Former rebels receive cash assistance from the government in a ceremony in Calbiga, Samar on Wednesday (April 1, 2020). A total of 26 former New People’s Army fighters in Samar province received PHP1.85 million in cash incentives. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

A total of 26 former fighters of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Samar province received PHP1.85 million in cash incentives on Wednesday.

The turnover activity, dubbed “Peace towards Prosperity Initiative”, was conducted in separate ceremonies in the towns of Matuguinao, Paranas, and Calbiga.

This is part of the national government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which provides a financial package to former rebels as they return to the mainstream society and live a normal life, the Philippine Army said in a statement issued on Thursday.

“We are happy whenever (a) rebel surrenders and returns (in)to the fold of the law. The Communist Terrorist Groups (CTG) deceive and agitate members by injecting ideologies against the government. You are just victims of such deception.” said Maj. Gen. Pio Diñoso, commander of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division.

Diñoso said the enforcement of Executive Order 70 or the whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict amid the health crisis is a reaffirmation of its commitment to provide peaceful, resilient, sustainable, and an economically developed Eastern Visayas.

One of the beneficiaries who requested anonymity said they were grateful to the government for helping them realize that the NPA’s claims of helping the people were all lies.

“The truth to the matter is – the soldiers are the true ones who help us. Let us then help our brothers who were led astray by the NPA to return to the government so that they too may experience prosperity and return to the mainstream society,” he said.

Diñoso said additional financial aid under the E-CLIP program would be granted to the former rebels once they have completed the requirements.

The Communist Party of the Philippines - 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/1098631

Police vows justice for slain farmer leader in Surigao Sur

From the  Philippine News Agency (Apr 2, 2020): Police vows justice for slain farmer leader in Surigao Sur (By Alexander Lopez)



SLAIN FARMER LEADER. The police in Caraga region vows justice for Nora Apique, 66, a farmer leader, who was allegedly killed by members of the New People’s Army on in Barangay Patong, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur on March 31, 2020. The killing was condemned by top military officials, line agencies, and the local government. (Photo courtesy of Datu Rico Maca)

The Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 (Caraga) on Wednesday vowed to conduct a thorough investigation to bring to justice those responsible for the killing of a farmer leader in San Miguel town, Surigao del Sur.

PRO-13 director, Brig. Gen. Joselito T. Esquivel Jr. said Nora Apique, 66, leader of the Kahugpungan sa mga Mag-uuma ng Surigao del Sur (KAMASS), an affiliate organization of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), was reportedly gunned down by members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Patong on the evening of March 31.

Esquivel condemned the killing, noting that the NPA in Surigao del Sur has already killed three innocent civilians since the ceasefire was declared.

The NPA has admitted the killing of Datu Bernandino Astudillo and Zaldy Ibanez in Sitio Idanan, Barangay Magroyong, also in San Miguel, last March 19.

“The government’s security forces and the Caraganons slammed this atrocity, which claimed the life of a farmer-leader. Despite the pandemic we are facing nowadays, the enemies of the state continue to commit crimes and instill fear to our people,” Esquivel said.

The killing of the three civilians in Surigao del Sur is "unacceptable, considering that both sides, the government and the NPA, had declared ceasefires," he added.

Esquivel also labeled the NPA as "terrorists as they continue to violate the ceasefire and kill innocent civilians who refuse to follow their orders."

“We will give our best shot to give justice for the victim and her bereaved family,” he said.

In an interview on Wednesday, Datu Rico Maca, the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of San Miguel and chairman of the Peace and Order Committee of the Sangguniang Bayan, said Apique had been supportive of the programs and services of the local government.

“Though she belonged to an organization that has known links to the communist movement, in the past two years, Apique had been helping the local government in facilitating programs and projects to farmers in barangays,” Maca told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
He said in recent years, Apique had stopped supporting the mass actions and other activities of left-leaning groups linked to the communist rebel movement.

Maca’s observation was shared by Surigao del Sur Provincial Police Office (SDSPPO) director, Col. James Goforth.

“As per our investigation, Apique was already on a lie-low status and no longer active with the activities of the group KAMASS,” Goforth told PNA.

He said the SDSPPO and the San Miguel police had been instructed to investigate the killing.

Condemned

San Miguel Mayor Hazel H. Elizalde also condemned the killing of Apique, promising the local government's support for the latter’s family.

Director Leomides R. Villareal of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) 13 also condemned the killing of the farmer leader and called on authorities to conduct an in-depth investigation that would lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.

“Ms. Apique is an active chairperson of the Barangay Agrarian Reform Council in Barangay Patong, San Miguel and a member of the Provincial Agrarian Reform Coordinating Council Committee in the province of Surigao del Sur,” Villareal told PNA on Thursday.

He added that Apique had contributed to the accomplishments of the DAR in Surigao del Sur in the past two years by helping facilitate the implementation of the support services of the agency to the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries.

Col. Allan D. Hambala, commander of the Army's 401st Infantry Brigade, also criticized the NPA for playing “the blame game” in the killing of Apique.

“They kill innocent civilians, then blame it to the military and other law enforcement units to discredit the government. They are the masters of deceit,” Hambala said.

Brig. Gen. Maurito Licudine, commander of the Army's 402nd Brigade, said Apique had been supportive of the development efforts of the local governments and line agencies.

“I strongly condemn the killing of Lola Nora, a KMP lie-low who went back (in)to the fold of the government. She was already doing government work and I believe it’s the reason why the NPA wanted her killed,” Licudine said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1098583

Over 500 soldiers securing quarantine checkpoints in Caraga

From the  Philippine News Agency (Apr 2, 2020): Over 500 soldiers securing quarantine checkpoints in Caraga (By Alexander Lopez)



SECURING FRONT-LINERS. The Army's 402nd brigade commander, Brig. Gen. Maurito L. Licudine (left), inspects quarantine checkpoints in different points in Caraga Region. The Army has provided more than 500 soldiers to augment the security of front-liners in the fight against coronavirus disease in the region. (Photo courtesy of the Army's 402nd Brigade)

More than 500 Army troopers are now part of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) in the Caraga Region working round the clock in quarantine checkpoints to prevent the entry and contain the spread of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in the area.

“Our Army troopers are now securing the more than 50 control points and quarantine checkpoints in our areas of responsibility joining the other front-liners in the fight against Covid-19,” said Brig. Gen. Maurito L. Licudine, commander of the Army's 402nd Brigade (402Bde), in a statement on Thursday.

The brigade covers the areas of Surigao del Norte, Province of Dinagat Islands, Agusan del Norte, the first district of Surigao del Sur, the town of Sibagat in Agusan del Sur, and the town of Magsaysay and the eastern portion of Gingoog City in Misamis Oriental.

Licudine said the Army is providing support roles and security to the personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Department of Health (DOH), the local government units (LGUs) and other agencies in manning the established quarantine points.

“Other troops are on standby and ready for deployment in case of any eventualities that may arise in line with the implementation of guidelines and protocols to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the Caraga Region,” Licudine said.

In the same statement, Major Francisco Garello, Jr., 402Bde civil-military operation officer, said Licudine is regularly conducting inspection of troops in different quarantine checkpoints in Caraga Region, beginning on March 30.

Garello said the visit and inspection aims to ensure the proper and strict implementation of the protocols and guidelines in quarantine checkpoints.

“He also distributed personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face shields, face masks, and surgical gloves to the AFP and PNP personnel to guarantee their protection as front-liners,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1098676

Navy gets Covid-19 emergency quarantine facility

From the  Philippine News Agency (Apr 2, 2020): Navy gets Covid-19 emergency quarantine facility (By Priam Nepomuceno)



QUARANTINE FACILITY. Navy officials lead the blessing of the emergency quarantine facility turned over by the WTA Architecture and Design at the Naval Combat Engineering Brigade in Taguig City on Wednesday (April 1, 2020). The facility will house persons under monitoring (PUMs) and patients under investigation (PUIs) for the coronavirus disease 2019. (Photo courtesy of Naval Public Affairs Office)

The Philippine Navy (PN) formally accepted on Wednesday one of the first coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) emergency quarantine facilities (EQFs) in the country.

The facility is now installed at the compound of the Naval Combat Engineering Brigade, Naval Station Jose Francisco in Taguig City.

PN public affairs office chief, Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas, said in a statement that this facility was created in collaboration with a group of architects and engineers headed by Architect William Ti, Jr.

It is an easy-to-set up structure made of readily available materials such as wood and plastic that can accommodate up to 17 patients.

Roxas said the EQF is the brainchild of Ti's group and designed to house those categorized as persons under monitoring (PUMs) and patients under investigation (PUIs), which the hospitals can no longer accommodate due to overwhelming cases.

Roxas said the EQF was formally received by Fleet-Marine Ready Force head, Commodore Toribio Adaci, Jr. from Ti and the WTA Architecture and Design.

"The operation and the needed medical requirements of this facility will be supervised by the PN’s Chief Surgeon," she added.

Meanwhile, Adaci hopes more EQFs will be constructed as these facilities of this kind can be used by front-liners and communities under threat from Covid-19.

"We hope that we will continue to build more of this kind of facility, not only for us, not just for the Armed Forces, but for our communities,” he added. Roxas said the EQF is a tangible manifestation of the outstanding partnership between the military and the civilian sector especially in this time of crisis.

"This pilot project will help validate the efficacy and usefulness of the concept and shall serve as inspiration for other institutions to adopt the same scheme amid the increasing number of PUIs and PUMs," she added.

Meanwhile, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Felimon T. Santos, Jr., expressed his appreciation to Ti and his group for their assistance in building the EQFs.

"On behalf of every soldier, airmen, sailor, marine, and the medical personnel of the AFP, I would like to express our profound gratitude to the WTA Architecture and Design Studio led by Architect William Ti for coming up with and helping us build the Emergency Quarantine Facilities," he said in a statement.

He added that the EQFs will further enhance our capability to care for patients and certainly ease the burden of many hospitals dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic.

"In these trying times, it makes us proud to see Filipinos step up with ingenious means of helping our government and our front-line personnel," he added.

While stressing that the battle against Covid-19 will be "long and hard", Santos said this is the time for others to step up, use their creativity and expertise, and unite with the one unifying purpose of winning this fight.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1098560

Army troops in Covid-19 info campaign repel Reds in Quezon

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 2, 2020): Army troops in Covid-19 info campaign repel Reds in Quezon (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Philippine Army commander, Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay. (File photo)

Philippine Army (PA) commander, Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay on Thursday lauded government troops for an operation against the communist rebels while doing an information campaign on the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in Mulanay, Quezon last Wednesday.

“Congratulations to the troops of the 85th Infantry Battalion of fulfilling their duty of protecting the people from the CNTs’ (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-Terrorists) atrocities. Remain alert and vigilant for at this time we are combating two enemies - the Covid-19 and terrorists that challenge the security of the people,” Gapay said in a statement.

Reports said the 85th Infantry Battalion, a field unit of the 2nd Infantry Division, was doing an information dissemination drive on Covid-19 in Sitio Acaciahan, Barangay Ilayang Yuni, Mulanay, Quezon when concerned residents reported the presence of NPA rebels engaged in extortion activities in the area.
Shortly after the campaign, troops encountered 20 communist rebels, triggering a firefight which resulted in the death of a rebel and the recovery of an M-16 rifle and a .45 caliber pistol.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier declared a unilateral ceasefire with the CPP-NPA from March 19 to April 15.

A few days later, the communist movement declared its own truce with government from March 26 to April 15 in response to the call of United Nations for an immediate global ceasefire to help countries focus on efforts to contain Covid-19.

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/1098612

2 'teen rebels' surrender

From the Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (Apr 2, 2020): 2 'teen rebels' surrender (By ALWEN SALIRING)

TWO alleged young fighters of the New People's Army (NPA) have laid down their arms and surrendered to the government in Misamis Oriental through the negotiation effort of a former rebel over the weekend.

The Army's 58th Infantry Battalion (58IB) facilitated the surrender of alias Jeffrey, 21, and alias Jea, 18, both residents of Sitio Lakbangan, Minalwang, Claveria, Misamis Oriental.

Alias Jeffry was believed to be a team leader Bravo of Squad 2, while Jea was said to be the squad medic of Squad 3, both were from Platoon Ryan, Guerilla Front Toto, Sub-Regional Committee 1 (SRC 1), North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC).

The military said the two were recruited in the armed struggle when they were still minors.

"According to the law, such act shows clear violation of the Children's Right and International Humanitarian Law. This strongly indicates that the communist terrorist group does not respect the law and continued to destroy the future of the youth," the military said in a statement.

The two former rebels will be enrolled to the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (Eclip) to help them go back to the mainstream society.

Lieutenant Colonel Ricky Canatoy, 58IB commander, urged all parents to monitor their children regularly and protect them from NPA's recruitment activity.

"The youth is the hope of our nation and yet the communist terrorist group is destroying their future. They should be liable and should be punished for violating such law to end this continuous recruitment of minors," Canatoy said.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1851031

Alleged NPA killed, soldier wounded in Quezon encounter

From GMA News (Apr 2, 2020): Alleged NPA killed, soldier wounded in Quezon encounter (By ANNA FELICIA BAJO)

A suspected member of the New People's Army (NPA) was killed in a firefight between government troops and communist rebels in Mulanay, Quezon Wednesday afternoon.
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Lieutenant Colonel Emmanuel Cabahug, commanding officer of the 85th Infantry Battalion, said one of the soldiers was injured but is already in stable condition.

He said the troops were in Barangay Ilayang Yuni performing mission in relation to preventing the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) when they obtained information that more or less 20 NPA members were extorting money from residents in the area.

He said troops then responded and a firefight took place. The military was able to recover two firearms.

The military said this was the third encounter between government troops and communists in Southern Tagalog since Saturday incident in which a soldier and an NPA gunman were killed when a Philippine Army Community Support Program (CSP) Team and communist insurgents had an encounter in Rodriguez, Rizal.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/732327/alleged-npa-killed-soldier-wounded-in-quezon-encounter/story/

Assassination of Communist Party of Philippines official, comrades condemned

Posted to Fight Back! News (News and Views from the People's Struggle) (Apr 1, 2020): Assassination of Communist Party of Philippines official, comrades condemned

Statement by National Democratic Front of the Philippines |
April 1, 2020


Julius Giron.

Fight Back News Service is circulating the following statement from the National Democratic Front of the Philippines.

Revolutionary forces in the Philippines and abroad vehemently denounced the cold-blooded murder of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) official Julius Giron and his companions Dr. Ma. Lourdes Denero Tango and Arvie Alarcon Reyes, by Duterte security agents in the early morning hours of 13 March in Baguio City north of Manila. The three were sleeping and unarmed when they were gunned down by combined elements of the Northern Luzon Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP). Giron and Dr. Tangco suffered up to seven gunshot wounds each, including several to the head. Reyes got four bullets to his chest.

In condemning the murders, the Communist Party of the Philippines said, “Giron’s blood is on Duterte’s hands. His assassination was carried out under Duterte’s war of suppression... his key security and military officials have long wanted to eliminate Giron who served as one of the Party’s leading cadres and principal peace consultant to the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).”

NDFP allied organizations described the killing as a war crime. The Christians for National Liberation said, “these (killings) concretely prove the insincerity of autocrat Duterte in the peaceful resolution to the armed conflict.” Condemnations of the cold-blooded murders, as well as Red salutes for Giron, were also expressed abroad, including from the Marxist-Leninist Party of Germany, Communist Party of Turkey – Marxist-Leninist and the Freedom Road Socialist Organization.

Giron was 70 years old, suffering from infirmities of old age and already had difficulty keeping his balance. “Despite his advanced age,” the CPP said, “he remained ever the active revolutionary communist and one of the key leading cadres of the CPP. He was forever a student and teacher of Marxism-Leninism-Maoism.” Giron was a member of the Party’s Central Committee, its Political Bureau and Executive Committee. He was also a senior consultant of the NDFP in peace talks with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP), entitling him to protection under the GRP-NDFP Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees.CPP

Founding Chairman Prof. Jose Maria Sison, in paying tribute to Giron said, “The greatness of Comrade Julius as a revolutionary patriot and communist fighter will be amplified and will shine even brighter to inspire the current generation of the revolutionary cadres and masses and future generations to achieve the total victory of the people’s democratic revolution and proceed to the socialist revolution.”

http://www.fightbacknews.org/2020/4/1/assassination-communist-party-philippines-official-comrades-condemned

Kalinaw News: Army’s 44IB discovers abandoned dead NPA, recovers high powered firearms (Graphic photo)

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 2, 2020): Army’s 44IB discovers abandoned dead NPA, recovers high powered firearms (By 1st Infantry Division)



Ipil, ZSP – The 44th Infantry Battalion discovered an abandoned dead member of a Communist New People’s Army Terrorist (CNT) and recovered two (2) M16A1 Assault Rifles in Barangay Balagon, Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay Province, Thursday morning, April 2, 2020, the day after their foiled attack against the government forces.

The engaged troops scoured the immediate vicinity after the attempted harassment by the CNT wherein they’ve discovered the cadaver of Elmar Sumasay alyas Junmar, a member of Guerilla Front – Feleciano A, Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC), as identified by the former rebels who previously surrendered to the unit.

According to Lt. Col. Don Templonuevo, Commanding Officer, 44th Infantry Battalion, “The troops were able to prepare after receiving an information from a concerned civilian of the presence of the CNT in the community, which enabled them to efficiently repulse the attack”.

The 20-minute firefight incurred no casualties on the government side.

“This is the reality in the organization of the CNT, they will abandon their wounded or dead comrades to preserve their force and neglect the inherent human rights of its members,” said Col Leonel Nicolas, Commander, 102nd Infantry Brigade, who has operational jurisdiction of Zamboanga Sibugay.

“The unit will try to reach out to the family of the deceased CNT and will provide necessary assistance in partnership with the local government units for a decent burial,” he added.

Major General Gene Ponio, Commander, 1st Infantry Division commended the troops for their heroic deeds as warriors in fight against COVID-19 and in defending the communities against terror groups.

“Our troops in Zamboanga Peninsula in collaboration with the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies are continuously exerting extra efforts in stopping the spread of COVID-19 in the region. They were deployed and on duty round-the-clock to ensure that policies and regulations are in place and being observed, which reflects to the significant decline on the numbers of Persons Under Monitoring (PUMs) and Persons Under Investigation (PUIs) in the area of responsibility,” Ponio said.

“These efforts will be disrupted if the CNT continue with their attacks in the communities and against the government forces. I again urge the CNT to stop the attacks, return to the folds of law and be with their families in these trying times,” he added.



[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/armys-44ib-discovers-abandoned-dead-npa-recovers-high-powered-firearms/

Kalinaw News: 44IB foils second NPA attack in Sibugay amidst ceasefire

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 2, 2020): 44IB foils second NPA attack in Sibugay amidst ceasefire (By 1st Infantry Division)



CAMP SANG-AN, ZDS– The 44th Infantry Battalion foiled another attack of Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Brgy Balagon, Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay, Wednesday evening, April 1, 2020.

“The troops were already resting after conducting community visitation and information dissemination on COVID-19 crisis in far-flung areas when they were harassed by the armed CTG,” said LtCol Don Templonuevo, Commanding Officer, 44th Infantry Battalion.

It can be recalled that last March 21, the 44IB was also attacked by the CTG in Brgy Penaranda, Kabasalan, Sibugay.

Col Leonel Nicolas, Commander, 102nd Infantry Brigade who has operational jurisdiction of Zamboanga Sibugay said that, “This is a clear manifestation of the duplicitous tactics and insincerity of the CTG on the declaration of ceasefire.”

“Our troops on the ground will continue to observe the ceasefire during this COVID-19 crisis but rest assured that all units remains alert and vigilant in protecting the communities from any atrocities by the CTG,” he added.

Last March 19, President Rodrigo Roa Durterte appealed to the Communist Party of the Philippines to order its armed wing the New People’s Army to observe the ceasefire from March 26 to April 15 due to crisis on Covid-19.

Meanwhile, Major General Gene Ponio, Commander, 1st Infantry Division, strongly condemned the CTG’s atrocities against government troops.

“The people of Zamboanga Peninsula is already suffering on the effects of the COVID-19 crisis, and yet these terror groups continue with their attacks to sow fear to the people,” Ponio said.

“We urge the CTG to stop the attacks and enjoin the government in its efforts of stopping the spread of COVID-19. Our doors will always be open for those who wish to surrender and avail the benefits of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP),” MGen Ponio added.



[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/44ib-foils-second-npa-attack-in-sibugay-amidst-ceasefire/

Kalinaw News: BIFF militants yield, hand-over firearms to armed forces

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 2, 2020): BIFF militants yield, hand-over firearms to armed forces (By 6th Infantry Division)



Twenty-nine members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters-Karialan Faction yielded on March 30, 2020.

The surrenderors submitted themselves and handed over assorted high-powered firearms and war materiel to the troops of the 33rd Infantry Battalion at the unit’s headquarters in Barangay Zapakan, Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao.

“A holistic approach, applying military and non-military actions will be sustained, and hoping that the other various militant factions in the region will be laying down their arms,” said Col Jose Narciso, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade.

“This feat inspires us to intensify our offensives even more,” said Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, Joint Task Force Central Commander.

Among the surrenderors were: Mack Mangulamas, a.k.a. Midz/Macre, the company commander; Sarabi Abdulgapor, a.k.a. Norodin, IED Maker; Anwar Sulay, a.k.a. Manun, IED Maker; Jore Abusama/Jhorie Indo; Jeffrey Panalandang, a.k.a. Salik; Mario Melang Samama, a.k.a. Kiz; Hassirin Angkaw Kalulong, a.k.a. Nash; Mark Muncel Mao, a.k.a Meggy; Dandi Mao Unaw, a.k.a. Juner; Arnel Muncel Mao; Ariel Muncel Mao; Rey Muncel Mao; Janny Muncel Mao; Juanito Bongon Mao; Darel Muncel Mao; Putao Maliga Utto, a.k.a. Potrez, Platoon Leader; Noah Edzaman Utto, a.k.a. Narex; Asraf Utto; Jerry Utto; Salman Utto; Mama Patikay Angas; Sambutuan Moadz Mohamad, a.k.a. Ads/Usim; Said Amal; Nasrodin Samal Talembo, a.k.a. Madji; Abdulrahman Abe Demalen, a.k.a. Abecks; Rasty Lucas Sambolawan; Jauries Usain Hansa, a.k.a. Tono; Mohamad Pendulat; and Norhasim Sapalon Pangilamen.

“This massive surrender of the BIFF militants is attributed to the gallant soldiers of Joint Task Force Central, the local government units, BARMM officials, traditional and religious leaders, and the civilian community, who continue to converge for the attainment of peace and sustainable development in Central Mindanao,” said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, WestMinCom commander.

Subject surrenderors handed over the following: one M14 rifle; one Ultimax rifle; two 50 caliber Sniper rifle; two rocket-propelled grenade; one M79 Grenade Launcher; four sniper rifle, caliber 50 barrel; one grenade launcher, 40mm M79; two rifle caliber 30 M1 Garand; one 5.56mm, Ultimax 100 Mark III; one 9mm, Submachine Gun Ingram; one Sniper rifle, caliber 30; two sniper rifle, caliber 50 Barret; two rifle caliber 30 M1 Garand; one Grenade Launcher 40mm M79; one Grenade Launcher, 40mm M203 Tube; one 9mm, Submachine Gun Uzi; Subversive documents; one ISIS Flag; one BIFF Flag; and one RPG ammunition.

“This achievement is a breakthrough for the JTF Central. With the weakening of their group, we are confident that more fighters will be compelled to cross the line,” Lt. Gen. Sobejana added.

Subject personalities are currently undergoing custodial debriefing while their firearms are temporarily placed under the custody of 33IB for documentation.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/biff-militants-yield-hand-over-firearms-to-armed-forces/

Kalinaw News: Former rebel couple reunited with their son

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 1, 2020): Former rebel couple reunited with their son (By 73rd Infantry Battalion)



Malita, Davao Occidental – April fool’s Day, but it is the happiest day for the former rebel couple @Bruno and @Clara who were reunited with their nine-month-old son.

It was during March 11, 2020, when the couple surrendered to the 73rd Infantry Battalion, where they brought with them two (2) M16 rifle, one cal .45, and one commercial radio. Accordingly, they were tired of hiding from the government troops conducting combat operations in their area. They also decided to return to the folds of the law so that they will be able to see and take care of their son.

Due to this security reason and dictate of the communist terrorist leadership, the couple was forced to leave their newborn child to @Cheche, who then gave the child to the communist terrorist contact in the low lands.

Immediately after their surrender, the 73IB under Lt. Col. Ronaldo G. Valdez, the commanding officer, and CMO Section under 1st Lt. Jessie P. Hinampas arranged for the reunification of the family. Negotiations were made to finally convince the family who took care of the child to let go so that the latter will be reunited with his birth parents.

According to @Bruno and @Clara, they will never allow any other person to get their child away from them. They denounce the communist terrorist for their deceptive scheme in convincing them to let go of their child so that they can perform their task and fight for a failed communist ideology. @Bruno further added that he knows other communist terrorist couples who were also deceived into giving away their children for the terrorist cause. He vowed to help other couples to get their children back by convincing them to surrender and to return to the folds of the law.

Lt. Col. Valdez said that the 73IB is fortunate to serve as a bridge to reunite a family that the communist terrorists have been destroying. @Bruno and @Clara was the third couple who surrendered to the 73IB since January this year. The two other couples are staying at the battalion’s Bahay Kalinga.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/former-rebel-couple-reunited-with-their-son/

Kalinaw News: NPA killed as soldiers respond to terrorist extortion

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 1, 2020): NPA killed as soldiers respond to terrorist extortion (By 2nd Infantry Division)



CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal — One NPA terrorist was killed after an encounter at Brgy Bungahan of Gumaca, Quezon at around 4 p.m. Tuesday.

The troops also recovered a grenade, an IED and a backpack containing enemy documents with high intelligence value.

The team of soldiers were in the area distributing leaflets as part of their intensified information dissemination to support the government’s efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19.

According to Lt Col Edward Canlas, Commanding Officer of 59th Infantry Battalion where the engaged troops are assigned, one of the soldiers were approached by a resident “who seem to have a very urgent tip.”

That information turned out to be “about the presence of around 30 NPA terrorists in a location not more than a kilometer from the village”, added Lt Col Canlas.

According to the military, the troops were forced to act on the report considering the close location of the NPA terrorists to the village which is considered as an unacceptable action due to the imminent threat towards the community.

Brigadier General Norwyn Romeo Tolentino, Commander of the 201st Infantry Brigade which has operational jurisdiction over southern Quezon, said that “the NPA’s proximity to the soldiers’ location posed a clear and present danger not only to our forces but also to the people whom they are extorting from”.

“The NPA terrorists’ act of asking for food and money from the community, particularly during this time of COVID-19 crisis wherein people are deprived of their means of living, is not only insensitive but also despicable and hideous that no form of explanation will ever be acceptable”, added BGen Tolentino.

Due to the corona virus pandemic, all municipalities under Quezon Province is under enhanced community quarantine, a government policy that has severely affected the local’s means of living which is primarily agriculture-based livelihood and businesses.

Major General Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr, Commander of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division which covers Southern Tagalog, said that they “believe that the NPA terrorists suffered considerable losses, something that they never expected considering that, obviously, they are planning for a tactical offensive against our soldiers who were merely on a peaceful mission” in response to the Filipino people’s aspiration “to stop the spread of the deadly virus”.

He described the terrorists’ action in Gumaca as a desperate attempt to save face after their actions backfired and gained widespread criticism from the Filipinos who realized that their so-called solidarity with the entire nation during these challenging times is nothing but mere lip-service.

He reiterated his “condemnation of the NPA terrorists’ provocative actions which is tantamount to violation of their ‘reciprocal declaration of ceasefire’ last March 26 and a manifestation of their insincerity and callousness to the plight of our nation as a whole.”

“Similar to the NPA’s initial violation of ceasefire provisions in Rodriguez, Rizal last Saturday, our soldiers would have failed to defend themselves as well as the community and the people whom we have sworn to protect if not for the timely information given by the concerned citizen” to whom, according to Maj Gen Burgos, “the soldiers shall forever be grateful.”

He ended his statement by assuring the people of Southern Tagalog that “the soldiers will remain steadfast in performing our mandate to serve our people and secure this part of our land while committing ourselves to the urgent task of containing the spread of COVID-19. We will adhere to the provisions of the unilateral ceasefire without prejudice to the safety and security of the people in our communities.”

According to the military, the outpouring of information against the enemies-of-the-state supports their assessment that insurgency in Southern Tagalog is already on the verge of collapse brought about by the fast-eroding mass base support toward the underground movement.

The engaged troops have been on the frontlines of raising awareness about COVID-19 to far-flung communities in southern Quezon. Similar activities are being conducted in the municipalities of Atimonan, Unisan and Pitogo.

Distributing informative leaflets is one of the soldiers’ efforts to complement the loudspeaker operations in areas which are not accessible to their vehicle-mounted speakers.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/npa-killed-as-soldiers-respond-to-terrorist-extortion/