Kalinaw News: Astrayed NPA Couple yields to government authorities in Misamis Oriental

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jul 2, 2020): Astrayed NPA Couple yields to government authorities in Misamis Oriental (By 58th Infantry (Dimalulupig)



CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental – Two New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the government authorities thru the negotiation effort of 58th Infantry (Dimalulupig) Battalion (IB) and Salay Municipal Police Station bringing along One AK47 rifle last June 30, 2020.

The surrenderees were identified as certain alias Santos, a member of Platoon Cherry Mobile, Guerilla Front (GF) Huawei, Subregional Committee 1 (SRC1), who seeks help and hand over his issued AK47 rifle. Alias Minda, the wife of alias Santos and also a member of the same unit sought help from the Barangay Local Government Unit of Salay.

The surrender of the two was the result of the relentless Focused Military Operations done by the 58IB to degrade the remaining force of threat groups who continued to spoil peace in Misamis Oriental. They turned themselves to authorities after reportedly “getting tired” of life on-the-run with the Communist New People’s Army (NPA).

Alias Santos said that they decided to leave the communist rebel movement after many of their fellow NPA had surrendered to the government while others went to hiding because of the hardship experienced in the mountains. He also said that he could no longer see any reason to continue to fight for the communist.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Ricky L Canatoy Acting Commanding Officer, 58 IB said, “We are happy that you have decided to abandon the armed struggle. We will continue to do our mandated task to ensure that we bring the government closer to the people thru the Whole of the Nation approach. We are hoping that the remaining members of the NPA will see the opportunity that the government is offering. However, the Army will not hesitate and is always ready to use its force against threat groups who will continue to go against the government,” Lt. Col. Canatoy said.

Moreover, the two will be enrolled in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government, as they will be receiving immediate cash and livelihood assistance as well as remuneration for their surrendered firearms.

[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/astrayed-npa-couple-yields-to-government-authorities-in-misamis-oriental/

Kalinaw News: Army slams NPA Terrorists after murder of farmer in Quezon

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jul 2, 2020): Army slams NPA Terrorists after murder of farmer in Quezon (By 2nd Infantry Division)



CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal – A farmer was brutally murdered on Friday after the NPA terrorists suspected him as military informant.

The victim, identified as Nicanor Salva, was known to be a responsible and law-abiding resident of Brgy San Rafael of Atimonan, Quezon.

Per the PNP’s report, the victim died of stab wound in the neck and was found with his hands tied. A handwritten note was also found indicating that the victim was “punished” by the NPAs for cooperating with the government’s security forces and that similar fate will fall upon those who will go against the underground movement.

“We condemn in the strongest possible terms this terroristic act of the NPAs which is designed to instill fear upon our people whose diminishing and eroding support they desperately want to avert”, said Brigadier General Norwyn Romeo Tolentino who leads the 201st infantry Brigade which has operational jurisdiction over the area.

According to witnesses, four armed men who introduced themselves as NPAs forcibly entered Salva’s residence at around 7 p.m. and accused him of being a government spy who provides information which led to armed encounters as well as discovery of hideouts and arms cache in some parts of Quezon Province.

The victim’s family and the military said that Salva is not and was never a military agent or informant.

BGen Tolentino explained that “this is a clear indicator that the NPAs are once again resorting to internal purging brought about by their paranoia due to the series of apprehensions, mass surrenders and numerous defeat that they suffered from our forces.”

He ended his statement by assuring the family of Salva that “we will seek justice from the court” while calling on the Commission on Human Rights to “condemn this barbaric act of the NPA terrorists who have once again proven that they are human rights violators who do not value human lives particularly those whom they cannot coerce for support.”

Major General Arnulfo Marcelo B Burgos Jr, Commander of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division, expressed his deepest sympathies to the bereaved family and called on various groups to join the people in condemning this act of terror.

He said that the incident shows that “the NPAs have deteriorated into a ragtag band of criminals whose desperation for relevancy and projection of power have driven them to commit crimes against innocent and peace-loving civilians.”

According to him, such is a blatant attempt to cover up the series of debacles, particularly surrenders, which the terrorists have suffered recently.

Per military records, for the month of June alone, 39 former rebels turned over 10 high-powered firearms after they decided to return to the folds of the law and avail of the government grants under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program as a result of the Localized Peace Engagements which the security forces are advocating.

This figure raised the number of surrenders in Southern Tagalog to 604 and the recovery of firearms to 114 since E-CLIP was first implemented in 2016.

Because of this, the military’s assessment indicate that the NPA terrorists in this part of the country no longer enjoy the mass base support which they used to have in the region and are now on the verge of irreversible collapse.

“Your soldiers together with other law enforcement agencies will never waver and will be relentless in pursuit of these terrorists until justice is served”, ended Maj Gen Burgos while expressing optimism that “the CHR will not look the other way this time and investigate this despicable act of terrorising unarmed and helpless peace-loving citizens whose only fault is not supporting the communists’ armed struggle.”

[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/army-slams-npa-terrorists-after-murder-of-farmer-in-quezon/

Kalinaw News: 61IB and NPA clash anew in Iloilo, CTG suffers another blow

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jul 1, 2020): 61IB and NPA clash anew in Iloilo, CTG suffers another blow (By 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division)



CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan, Capiz – The Southern Front of the CPP-NPA Terrorist in Panay suffered another setback in an encounter with the Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion at Sitio Lay, Barangay Dalije, in Miagao town, Iloilo at about 11: 10 a.m on June 29, 2020. This, after one of the members of the communist-terrorist group, was killed in a firefight with the 61IB troops.

The firefight erupted while the troops were conducting combat operation in response to the ‘tip-off’ from the civilian populace on the presence of armed NPAs in the area. Aside from a body count, the troops also recovered an M16 rifle, three backpacks, and subversive documents with high intelligence value from the encounter site.

Major General Eric Vinoya, the Commander of the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division commended the troops for another successful operation as he attributed the vigilance of the local populace in giving accurate information to the Army troops on the movement and location of the communist-terrorists.

“As I commend the 61IB troops for the exemplary performance of their duty in protecting the people from the menace of the communist-terrorists, I would like also to recognize the persistent support of Miagaonons to our soldiers by giving accurate information that always led to the successful combat operation.

The result of the encounter is concrete proof that government and people’s unity always yield a better result,” MGen Vinoya said.While Vinoya lauded the strong partnership of the Army troops and the people in the area in solving the decades-long insurgency problem, he also extended sympathy to the bereaved family of the slain NPA member.

“May his death will serve as a reflection to all the remaining members and victims of fake promises and false ideology of the communist-terrorist group who are still waging senseless armed struggle.

His death is also a strong reminder that armed struggle will only bring sorrows and miseries, thus, I am encouraging other members of the group to surrender while they still have time to avoid the same fate,” he emphasized.

Last April 18, 2020, the Southern Front of the CPP-NPA Terrorist also incurred a loss in an encounter with the 61IB in an uninhabited area near Sitio Anoy, Barangay Cabalaunan in the said town.

The said encounter resulted to the death of an NPA member identified as John Farochilin and the capture of several others.

[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/61ib-and-npa-clash-anew-in-iloilo-ctg-suffers-another-blow/

Kalinaw News: Tausug female soldiers on security operations in Sulu

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jul 1, 2020): Tausug female soldiers on security operations in Sulu (By 11 Infantry Division "Alakdan Troopers")



Jolo, Sulu – Female Tausug soldiers of the Joint Task Force Sulu (JTFS) and 11th Infantry Division (11ID), PA were called as part of the security operations duty at the town of Jolo, Sulu which started on June 26, 2020.

Their deployment in checkpoints and other posts are in line with the strategic implementation of the 11ID’s campaign as well as imposing gender equality in the service.

Private Fatima Mynirsa R. Muksan, a local resident and one of the dedicated soldiers arrayed for the duties and responsibilities, subjected herself for the commitment in doing the task of serving her fellow people.

“Natutuwa po ako dahil natutulungan ko at napagsisilbihan ang aking mga kababayan dito Sulu na mapanatiling maayos at mapayapa,” she said.

This implementation will continue based on the needs of the people especially during the pandemic crisis and other security situations in the area.

Major General Corleto S. Vinluan Jr., Commander of 11ID and JTFS on the Division’s Campaign assured that security and developmental needs in the Province of Sulu will be maintained and addressed. “Let us carry on the duties and responsibilities to serve the people and be part of the development here in the Province. Let no threat and issues be reasoned to impede our cause to give the Tausugs a peaceful and liveable place they deserved,” he said.

[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/tausug-female-soldiers-on-security-operations-in-sulu/

Kalinaw News: AFP, GMA Kapuso Foundation inaugurate classrooms in Marawi City

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jul 1, 2020): AFP, GMA Kapuso Foundation inaugurate classrooms in Marawi City (By Armed Forces of the Philippines)



CAMP GENERAL EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City – The Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff (AFP) General Felimon Santos Jr joins the GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF) in the inauguration of classrooms in Marawi City on June 29, 2020.

The two-storey two classrooms reinforced concrete school building and steel and concrete roofed stage of Patani Elementary School in Marawi City were constructed by the 551st Engineering Battalion led by Lieutenant Colonel Raymundo Rosario under the 55th Engineering Brigade of the Philippine Army led by Brigadier General Nestor Abando.

“Kami sa Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas ay kaisa ninyo sa mga layuning magsusulong ng kapakanan ng ating kapwa Pilipino, lalo na kung ito ay para sa mga kabataan ng Marawi na higit na naapektuhan ng nagdaang giyera,” General Santos said.

The construction of the classrooms and school stage were made possible through the cooperation of the Local Government of Marawi City and Lanao Del Sur and as well as of the private sector, the GMAKF and the Caring Cup, the corporate social responsibility arm of the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf.

“Naniniwala ako na sa mga silid na ito uusbong ang bagong pag-asa. Sa mga silid na ito magsisimula ang pagtupad nila sa kani-kanilang mga pangarap. At sa hinaharap, natitiyak kong maasahan natin na ang mga kabataang ito mismo ang ating magiging katuwang sa pagpapanatili ng kaayusan at kapayapaan dito sa kanilang pinakamamahal na Marawi,” General Santos added.

The opening and ribbon cutting ceremony of the classrooms were also graced by Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command Commander; Major General Generoso Ponio, 1st Infantry Division Commander; Assistant Secretary Felix Castro Jr, Task Force Bangon Marawi Field Office Manager, Mayor Majul Gandamra, Marawi City; Governor Mamintal Adiong, Lanao Del Sur; Ms Pharida Sansarona, Marawi City Schools Division Superintendent; and Ms Rikki Escudero-Catibog, GMAKF Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer.

[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/afp-gma-kapuso-foundation-inaugurate-classrooms-in-marawi-city/

Kalinaw News: Security forces seize massive quantity of CTG’s explosives in Camarines Norte

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jul 1, 2020): Security forces seize massive quantity of CTG’s explosives in Camarines Norte (By 9th Infantry Division)



CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur- A massive number of explosives and its components believed to be owned by the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) were seized in Labo, Camarines Norte at around 12:30 in the afternoon, Monday, June 29.

After receiving a tip-off from concerned citizens, combined forces from 96th Infantry Battalion (96IB) and Camarines Norte Police Provincial Office conducted joint law enforcement operations that led to the recovery of CTG’s stockpile of explosives and its components and several terrorists’ propaganda materials.

Seized in the area are 761 TNT tubes, 400 meters detonating cords and several materials used by the CTG for their propaganda dissemination.

Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB) under MGEN. HENRY A ROBINSON JR PA extends its gratitude to the concerned citizens who provided the information and commends the government troops for the immediate action that led to the subsequent seizure of the aforesaid CTG’s explosives and propaganda materials.

“Kung hindi dahil sa sumbong ng mga tao at sa agad-agarang pagresponde ng ating mga kasamahan; ang mga explosives at detonating cords na kasangkapan para gumawa ng anti-personnel mines ay hindi sana nakuha mula sa kamay ng mga terroristang NPA. Pwede pa sana nilang magamit ang mga ‘to sa paghahasik ng mga terroristic acts sa Camarines Norte at sa buong Bicol region,” MGen. Robinson said.

It can be recalled that last June 27, a stash of arms was also recovered by government troops in Sorsogon.

JTFB assures the Bicolanos that its campaign against the CTG will never stop until such time that these terrorist group become irrelevant and will cease to exist. MGen Robinson also reminded peace-loving Bicolanos to press on with the fight in the furtherance of peace and development in the region.

“Wala pong imposible basta magtutulungan tayo. Let us fight insurgency together and help those victims of NPA atrocities in the dispensation of justice. Subalit hindi pa rin po natin ipagdadamot sa ating mga kapatid na NPA ang pagkakataong mabuhay ng mapayapa kasama ng kani-kanilang mahal sa buhay,” MGen. Robinson 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/security-forces-seize-massive-quantity-of-ctgs-explosives-in-camarines-norte/

NPA couple, 3 children yield to Butuan cops

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Jul 2, 2020): NPA couple, 3 children yield to Butuan cops

A FAMILY of five who were all active members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) on Wednesday afternoon (July 1).

BCPO chief, Col. Canilo Fuentes, said on Thursday that the family turned over four revolvers with live ammunition and an improvised shotgun.

Fuentes identified the surrenderers as alias “Tabol” and his wife, “Rosa”, and their adult children “Leo Corilla”, “Queen” and, “Jiho”. Their ages were not immediately known.

“The five are all members of the Milisya ng Bayan (MB) under the Guerrilla Front (GF) 4A of North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) of the NPA operating in the hinterlands of Butuan City and Agusan del Norte,” Fuentes said.

He said siblings Queen and Jiho served as NPA's supply officer and medic, respectively.

“Upon initial validation and investigation, BCPO has determined their involvement in previous terroristic acts of the NPA in the area of Agusan del Norte such as conducting roadblocks, ambush operations, and the burning of various heavy equipment,” Fuentes said.

Based on the interviews with the family, Fuentes said the couple and their children decided to surrender after realizing "how the NPA exploited their situation and enticed them to join the communist rebel movement".

Fuentes said the family narrated the difficulties they experienced under the NPA's GF-4A, including the lack of food supplies and other basic necessities following the lockdowns imposed by the government to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

“At the moment, we are preparing pertinent requirements for the reintegration of these former rebels back into mainstream society through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) of the government,” Fuentes said. (By Alexander Lopez)

https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2020/07/npa-couple-3-children-yield-to-butuan.html

Sayyafs on the hunt in Sabah

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Jul 2, 2020): Sayyafs on the hunt in Sabah

THE PHILIPPINE Coast Guard warned seafarers in the southern Filipino region to stay alert and vigilant after it received intelligence reports that the pro-ISIS group Abu Sayyaf has dispatch a team to carry out kidnapping in Sabah.

A fishing boat in southern Philippines. (Photo courtesy of Al Jacinto)

This was also reported by the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against ships in Asia (ReCAAP) Information Sharing Centre (ISC), saying that 5 Abu Sayyaf militants on a speed boat with yellow and orange stripes were sighted off Sitangkai Island in Tawi-Tawi province near the Sabah border.

In May 23, ReCAAP also issued the same warning.

“The Philippine Coast Guard added that as of 30 June 2020, the plan to carry out kidnapping in Sabah and Semporna, Malaysia targeting foreigners and the abduction of crew from ships passing by the Tawi-Tawi and Sabah waters still stands. Ship masters and crew are strongly urged to exercise extra vigilance when transiting the waters off Eastern Sabah and in the Sulu-Celebes Seas,” ReCAAP said in its latest warning.

There was no immediate report from security forces deployed in Tawi-Tawi or Sulu province about the warning. (Mindanao Examiner)

https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2020/07/sayyafs-on-hunt-in-sabah.html

Anti-terror bill now under final review

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Jul 2, 2020): Anti-terror bill now under final review
MALACAÑANG ON Thursday said the proposed Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 is now under final review at the Office of Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs has forwarded its feedback to the Executive Secretary for final review.

Roque said the feedback provided by the Deputy Executive Secretary contains the “recommended course of action” to President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Meron na pong memorandum na (There is now a memorandum) recommending a course of action to the President, subject to final approval lang po siguro ‘yan ni (of the) Executive Secretary at dadalhin na po sa lamesa ni Presidente (and it will be brought to the President’s desk),” he said in a virtual briefing on Thursday.

The Department of Justice and the Office of the Presidential Legal Counsel have already finished their review of the measure.

If the President does not sign or veto the bill by July 9, it will automatically lapse into law.

On Wednesday, Roque said Duterte may either sign or allow the measure to lapse into law.

“Let’s just say that there’s a possibility that the President will take steps for the bill to become a law, either by signing it or letting it lapse into law,” he said in an interview over ABS-CBN News Channel’s Headstart.

The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 aims to repeal the country’s current Human Security Act of 2007 or Republic Act 9372.

Under the measure, suspected terrorists can be detained for up to 24 days sans a warrant of arrest.
It also allows a 60-day surveillance with an allowable 30-day extension that can be conducted by the police or the military against suspected terrorists.

The bill also imposes a 12-year jail term on a person who voluntarily or knowingly joins a terrorist organization.

Whether it is signed or vetoed, lawyers who have opposed the measure said they would challenge the constitutionality of the law before the Supreme Court.

EJK not a gov’t policy

Roque rejected the claim made by former senator Antonio Trillanes IV that the death of four soldiers allegedly in the hands of police officers in an alleged “misencounter” was a result of “tolerating the EJKs the past four years.”

“Hindi po natin kinukunsinti ang patayan kaya nga po masinsinang imbestigasyon ang ginagawa natin dito sa naging pagpatay sa apat na sundalo mula po sa hukbong sandatahan (We do not tolerate killing. That is why a thorough investigation is being done on the killing of four soldiers from the Armed Forces),” he said.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, who was also present in the briefing via Skype, echoed Roque, saying extrajudicial killing is not a government policy.

“We will exact justice and we will make sure that those responsible shall be accountable,” Año said.
On Wednesday, Roque said Duterte has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to hasten its investigation into the shooting incident in Jolo, Sulu involving cops and soldiers.

Killed were Maj. Marvin Indammog, 39; Capt. Irwin Managuelod, 33; Sgt. Jaime Velasco, 38; and Cpl. Abdal Asula, 33.

The four were tailing four terrorist suicide bombers when the shooting happened. (By Azer Parrocha)

https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2020/07/anti-terror-bill-now-under-final-review.html

ReCAAP ISC issues Piracy Warning in Tawi-Tawi and Sabah Waters

Posted to Sea News (Jul 2, 2020): ReCAAP ISC issues Piracy Warning in Tawi-Tawi and Sabah Waters (By Baibhav Mishra)

Image Courtesy: ReCAAP ISC

The ReCAAP ISC had disseminated a warning about a group of five Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members planning to conduct kidnapping activities in undisclosed areas in Sabah, Malaysia.

On 2 July 2020, ReCAAP ISC has received information from the Philippine Coast Guard (ReCAAP Focal Point) that on 21 June 2020, five members of the Abu Sayyaf Group/Kidnap-for-Ransom Group (ASG/KFRG) were sighted in Barangay Sipangkot, Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi on board a white with yellow and orange stripes speedboat powered by 250HP Yamaha engine.

The Philippine Coast Guard added that as of 30 June 2020, the plan to carry out kidnapping in Sabah and Semporna, Malaysia targeting foreigners and the abduction of crew from ships passing by the Tawi-Tawi and Sabah waters still stands.

Ship masters and crew are strongly urged to exercise extra vigilance when transiting the waters off Eastern Sabah and in the Sulu-Celebes Seas.

“This information is to provide maritime situational awareness for mariners operating in the area,” ReCAAP ISC stated.

Source: Philippine Coast Guard

https://seanews.co.uk/security/piracy/recaap-isc-issues-piracy-warning-in-tawi-tawi-and-sabah-waters/

Parañaque Raid Against Abu Sayyaf: Countering Terrorism In The City Amidst The Pandemic – Analysis

Posted to the Eurasia Review (Jul 1, 2020): Parañaque Raid Against Abu Sayyaf: Countering Terrorism In The City Amidst The Pandemic – Analysis (By Mary Ysabelle Samantha A. Chikiamco, PIPVTR)

On 26 June 2020, four alleged Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members were killed in a police raid at Don Bosco district in Parañaque City. Slained suspects were identified as: 1) Merhama Abdul Sawari, female; 2) Bensaudi Sali, male; 3) Rasmin Hussin, male; and, 4) Jamal Kalimming, male.

Based on police investigations, the four suspects were connected with Mundi Sawadjaan, a bomb expert who helped mastermind the January 2019 Jolo Cathedral suicide bombing that led to the death of twenty persons and wounding of more than 100 others.

In fact, the Philippine police identified Merhama Abdul Sawari and Bensaudi Sali as members of the Daulah Islamiyah (Islamic State). The couple allegedly served as financial conduits of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in the Philippines.

During the raid, the police found .45 pistols, wires, hand grenades, M16 rifle, and explosive materials, and firing devices with ISIS black flags. These material evidences strengthened police suspicions that the four suspects were working for ISIS.

Investigators also suspected that those killed ASG members were planning to conduct a terrorist attack in the country, particularly in Metro Manila, to wreak havoc during the COVID-19 pandemic as strongly encouraged worldwide by ISIS virtual central office. But, investigations are still ongoing to confirm this suspicion.

Philippine law enforcement authorities raided the house at Better Living Subdivision, Barangay Don Bosco in Parañaque City based on information that the four suspects were acquiring illegal firearms. Judge Noemi Balitaan of Parañaque Regional Trial Court Branch 258 issued a search warrant to the Parañaque police office to investigate the four suspects for violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

At around 12:26 AM of 26 June 2020, operatives from the police and the military were about to search the suspects’ residence. But before the operatives even entered the house, one of the suspects fired his gun towards the law enforcers triggering an unintended shootout operation. When suspects attempted to throw hand grenades to the police and military, the explosives mistakenly blew off. The enforcers then fired their guns to break into the residence.

At the end of the shootout operation, one police officer was wounded while the four suspects were declared Dead on Arrival at the Parañaque Hospital.

The killing of the four suspects strongly indicated that pro-ISIS elements in the Philippines still regarded Metro Manila as one of their main targets of terror. It is also evident how terrorism remains a huge threat to the country and the whole world even when there is a deadly pandemic preoccupying our political, economic, and social lives.

It is indeed very alarming that the aforementioned ASG members associated with ISIS were able to enter Metro Manila with their dangerous firearms and ammunitions along with ISIS flags.

But thanks to the diligence of Philippine law enforcement authorities involved in the Parañaque incident, their decisive actions prevented a major terrorist attack in Metro Manila still suffering from the scourge of COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the neutralization of four terrorists in Parañaque City stressed the need for President Rodrigo Duterte to sign and expedite the implementation of the proposed Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020. The Philippines is truly in dire need to strengthen and develop its counterterrorism policies and laws in order to prevent such dangerous threats that can kill innocent lives.

There is no doubt that the Parañaque City incident highlighted the need for enhanced protection of public security and general welfare as terrorists operate throughout the Philippines with the intentions and capabilities to mount deadly attacks at any time and any place, particularly in the cities of Metro Manila.

The urgent task of Philippine law enforcement authorities is to deny these terrorists to find opportunities to carry out their plans. A new anti-terrorism law is a lawful approach towards this end.

[Mary Ysabelle Samantha A. Chikiamco, is a senior student taking up BA International Studies at Miriam College, the Philippines. She is currently undergoing internship at the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research (PIPVTR).]

[The Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research (PIPVTR) aims to promote the principle of non-violence by conducting rigorous investigative studies and peace research to understand the pathologies of terrorism in the Philippines.]

https://www.eurasiareview.com/01072020-paranaque-raid-against-abu-sayyaf-countering-terrorism-in-the-city-amidst-the-pandemic-analysis/

'Disgruntled' Moro rebels yield to Army in NoCot

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 30, 2020): 'Disgruntled' Moro rebels yield to Army in NoCot (By Edwin Fernandez)



SURRENDER. Military officials led by Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon (3rd from right), commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central, inspect the firearms that three rebels (left) turned over after they surrendered to government forces in North Cotabato on Monday (June 29, 2020). The surrenderers said they were tired of being on the run and vowed never to return to rebel life again. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

Saying they are disgruntled and tired, three members of Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) surrendered to military authorities in North Cotabato, the Army here said Tuesday.

The BIFF combatants under the Kagui Karialan faction yielded to the Army in Barangay Paidu Pulangi, Pikit, North Cotabato on Monday morning and were subsequently brought to the 602nd Infantry Brigade (IB) headquarters in Carmen, North Cotabato.

Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander, identified the returnees as Gaga Abdul, 25, a BIFF platoon leader; Jeremy Abdul, 18; and a 17-year-old minor, all of Sitio Tatak, Barangay Dalgan, Pagalungan, Maguindanao.

“We are tired of running away from military forces and were duped by empty promises of our (rebel) leaders,” the elder Abdul told reporters in an interview during the surrender rites.

The trio turned over a homemade Barret sniper rifle, a homemade KG9 rifle, and a homemade Uzi sub-machinegun.

"The increasing number of BIFF coming out to surrender is a manifestation that they choose to live peaceful lives and join the mainstream community," Carreon said.

He also lauded the 90th IB led by Lt. Col. Michael Maquilan for their continuous effort to convince the BIFF group to surrender and contribute to the campaign against terrorism and violent extremism in Central Mindanao.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1107453

Lawmaker files complaint vs AFP official for alleged black propaganda in 2019 campaign

From CNN Philippines (Jun 30, 2020): Lawmaker files complaint vs AFP official for alleged black propaganda in 2019 campaign (By CNN Philippines Staff)



Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 1) — A Party-list representative has filed a complaint against an official of the Armed Forces of the Philippines for allegedly participating in black propaganda during the 2019 campaign period

Bayan Muna Party List Representative Carlos Isagani Zarate filed the case against MGen Antonio Parlade Jr. at the Office of the Ombudsman, saying the AFP official "publicly attacked" his character and "engaged in black propaganda and negative campaigning."

Zarate said he and the rest of the Makabayan representatives filed a separate complaint against the AFP on April 17, 2019 at the Commission on Elections because of their actions.

However, despite the complaint, Zarate said Parlade went on with the negative campaign.

According to Zarate, Parlade has accused Bayan Muna as an organization fronting for the Communist Party of the Philippines as noted in articles published in newspapers.

In his complaint sent to the Ombudsman. Zarate said Parlade violated Section 3 (e) of Republic Act 3019, regarding corrupt practices of public officers, particularly "causing any undue injury to any party”. Zarate also maintains Parlade committed a prohibited act under Section 55 of the Administrative Code of 1987, which states "no officer or employee in the Civil Service including members of the Armed Forces, shall engage directly or indirectly in any partisan political activity."

He added the 1987 Constitution expressly prohibits any officer from the military from directly or indirectly engaging in any act of electioneering or partisan political campaign.

Parlade’s actions, Zarate said, showed he acted with "manifest partiality," as well as threatened his personal safety together with other people involved in the campaign.

Zarate's complaint seeks Parlade's suspension from office pending investigation. Parlade is being charged with violating the The Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and grave misconduct that may result to his dismissal from public office.

It was Parlade who made public pronouncements against communist rebels for supposedly plotting to unseat President Rodrigo Duterte through a plan known as “Red October” back in 2018. He named some progressive organizations who were allegedly sympathizing with the communist rebellion — accusations these groups later denied. Parlade also made rounds claiming rebels were recruiting students from Manila schools.

https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2020/7/1/zarate-parlade-ombudsman-complaint-black-propaganda.html

55 ex-NPAs in Agusan Norte get cash aid

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 30, 2020): 55 ex-NPAs in Agusan Norte get cash aid (By Alexander Lopez)

BUTUAN CITY – At least 55 former communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels received cash assistance from the provincial government of Agusan del Norte to help them start new lives with their families.

Maj. Renel E. Serrano, Police Regional Office-13 information officer, told the Philippine News Agency Tuesday (June 30) that the distribution of cash assistance was facilitated on Monday (June 29) at the headquarters of PRO-13 here.

“Forty-eight of these former rebels joined the pledge of allegiance to the government that was held last week here while the seven were former rebels who previously surrendered to PRO-13 and are being processed for their benefits from the government,” Serrano said.

Each surrenderer received PHP10,000 from Governor Dale B. Corvera and Agusan del Norte 2nd District Rep. Ma. Angelica Amante-Matba.

In addition, Serrano said PRO-13 is also working to process the documents of the 55 former rebels for them to avail of the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) for rebel returnees.

In a statement Tuesday, Brig. Gen. Joselito T. Esquivel, PRO-13 director expressed gratitude for the support provided by the provincial government of Agusan del Norte and the congressional office to former rebels.

“The recipients were grateful to the government for attending to their needs on their new life,” Esquivel said, even as he expressed optimism that more NPA rebels will surrender and return to the mainstream society

“Hopefully in the coming days, more NPA members will lay down their arms taking into account the government’s efforts in giving support to the former rebels,” Esquivel said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1107461

9 IPs linked with NPA indicted for illegal firearms, explosives

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 30, 2020): 9 IPs linked with NPA indicted for illegal firearms, explosives (By Jigger Jerusalem)



Google map of Misamis Oriental province.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Nine members of the indigenous peoples (IP) group suspected of having links with the communist New People’s Army (NPA) were indicted by state prosecutors on Tuesday, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-10 (CIDG-10) said.

Lt. Noel Oclarit, CIDG-10 in Misamis Oriental deputy team leader, said the suspects were charged with violating Republic Act 10591 for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition while others were charged with Republic Act 9516 for illegal possession of explosives.

The accused were identified as Pilutong Langka, Pablita Hilogon, Reynaldo Ayuma, Dandi Hilogon, Bambi Hilogon, Padod Ayuma, and Glenn Hilogon, while the other--Junrey Boy Hilogon and Berni Gandino-- remain at-large.

CIDG-10 led the filing of the charges against the suspects after their arrest last week in Balingasag town, Misamis Oriental.

A team of police and military personnel found assorted firearms, ammunition, and explosives in the houses of the suspects.

Oclarit said the provincial prosecutor has issued the information and resolution of the complaint on June 30 and endorsed them to a regional court.

He said a commitment order has also been issued by the court to transfer the custody of the suspects from the CIDG to the provincial jail.

The accused were expected to turn over to the provincial jail Tuesday afternoon, he added.

Oclarit said CIDG raided the houses of the suspects based on the search warrants issued by a court in Misamis Oriental.

Seized from the suspects’ houses were assorted firearms including three homemade shotguns, two .38 caliber pistols, and various magazine clips and ammunition, and printed materials that police described as “subversive documents.”

Oclarit said prior to the raid, they received information that some of the suspects belonged to an armed group and believed affiliated with the NPA.

Based on an intelligence report, Oclarit said one of the suspects, Langka, was an NPA rebel.

The CIDG-10 official also said many of those arrested were part of a group of IP members who had camped out at the Misamis Oriental provincial capitol in 2018, claiming they were displaced by the fighting between government forces and communist rebels.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1107549