From the Manila Bulletin (Oct 24, 2020): Bicol’s NPA officer tagged in killing rebel returnee nabbed in Pasig (By Aaron Recuenco)
Police have arrested an alleged official of the New People’s Army (NPA), who was tagged in the killing of a rebel returnee in Bicol, during a raid on a residential area in Pasig City.
Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas, director of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), said the 59-year old Esteban Sergio Sales was collared in Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City in an operation on Thursday that stemmed from a confirmed tip that he was hiding in the area.
He is reportedly a member of the Executive Committee Kilusang Larangang Guerilla” (KLG 73), Bicol Region Party Committee (BRPC), and a member of “Komite sa Seksiyon sa Platon (KSPN 1), “Komite Seksiyon Sa Iskwad” (KSSI 1).
“He is included in the national government’s wanted list and is carrying a P700,000 reward,” said Sinas.
Sales was charged with murder after he was accused of shooting to death a rebel-turned government militiaman in Ragay, Camarines Sur in 2000. He is also facing a case of malicious mischief.
Sales is now detained at the Regional Special Operations Group detention facility of the NCRPO and is expected to be presented to the courts which had issued arrest warrants against him.
https://mb.com.ph/2020/10/24/bicols-npa-officer-tagged-in-killing-rebel-returnee-nabbed-in-pasig/
Saturday, October 24, 2020
451 Kadamay members surrender in Bulacan
From the Manila Times (Oct 25, 2020): 451 Kadamay members surrender in Bulacan (By Frederick Silverio)
IN support of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s “whole-of-nation approach” in ending local communist armed conflict, the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-Elcac) through the Provincial Government of Bulacan, headed by Gov. Daniel Fernando, led the 451 former members of the Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay) as they withdrew their support and membership from the communist terrorist group during presentation and oath taking of the mass-based activist returnees held last Thursday in Atlantica Pandi 2 Resettlement Area in Barangay Mapulang Lupa, Pandi, Bulacan.
The former Kadamay members, who inhabited the housing projects of the National Housing Authority in Pandi without authorization in 2017, recited the pledge of allegiance to the Philippine Flag before burning the flag of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army together with their IDs as a symbol of their surrender and support to the government. A community consultation and problem-solving session were also held for the surrenderees, spearheaded by the Situational Awareness and Knowledge Management and Local Peace Engagement cluster of RTF-Elcac.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/10/25/news/regions/451-kadamay-members-surrender-in-bulacan/785301/
NPA rebel arrested in Surigao del Norte
From the Philippine Star (Oct 25, 2020): NPA rebel arrested in Surigao del Norte (By Ben Serrano)
A New People’s Army rebel was arrested in San Francisco, Surigao del Norte on Friday.
Daniel Betita, 26, is a member of the Guerrilla Front 16-B of the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee, according to Caraga police director Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat.
Police said Betita is among those tagged in the killing of barangay kagawad Johnny Bernadez.
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2020/10/25/2052050/npa-rebel-arrested-surigao-del-norte
NPA leader in Cotabato killed in clash with Army soldiers
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 24, 2020): NPA leader in Cotabato killed in clash with Army soldiers (By: Julie S. Alipala)
One of the top leaders of the New Peoples’ Army (NPA) in Cotabato province was killed in a 20-minute encounter in Matalam town on Saturday morning, Oct. 24, the military said.
Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command, said troops of the Army’s 62nd Division Reconnaisance Company, were conducting a patrol in Matalam’s Arakan Village when they encountered around a dozen NPA armed fighters.The military identified the lone fatality as Zaldy Gulmatico Pulido, also known as Joel and Cobra.
Vinluan said Pulido was the secretary of the Guerilla Front 53, under the NPA’s Southern Mindanao Regional Committee.
Vinluan added that Pulido’s M16 rifle, three magazines, assorted ammunition, two cellular phones, and propaganda materials, were recovered after the firefight.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1352027/npa-leader-in-cotabato-killed-in-clash-with-army-soldiers
2 soldiers, 2 militias injured as landmine planted by local IS forces blasted in Maguindanao
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 24, 2020): 2 soldiers, 2 militias injured as landmine planted by local IS forces blasted in Maguindanao (By: Jeoffrey Maitem, Julie Alipala)
Suspected pro-Islamic State militants detonated a landmine in Ampatuan town, Maguindanao province on Friday, leaving four government troops wounded, a military official said.Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central, said soldiers were on a road and mine-clearing operations when an anti-personnel mine planted by suspected Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) exploded.
Uy said the incident left two soldiers and two members of the Civilian Active Auxiliary wounded.
“They were immediately evacuated by the responding team to the nearest hospital,” he said.
“I call on the peace-loving people to please pray for the safety of our soldiers as they continue to clear and secure the communities to thwart the hostile plans of the lawless group,” Uy appealed.
The BIFF is a breakaway faction of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), at one time the country’s leading separatist group, which signed a peace pact with the government in 2014.
The BIFF is also one of several groups in Mindanao that pledged allegiance to the Islamic State.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1352032/2-soldiers-2-militias-injured-as-landmine-planted-by-local-is-forces-blasted-in-maguindanao
Aide of Basilan Abu leader surrenders to Army
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 24, 2020): Aide of Basilan Abu leader surrenders to Army (By: Julie S. Alipala)
An aide of Basilan Abu Sayyaf leader Furuji Indama surrendered to the Army on Friday, the military said.Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command, said Kahar Hamid Muktar, 25, also known as Abu Krima, brought with him an M1 Garand rifle and a clip of eight bullets.
Vinluan said Muktar is among the trusted aides of Indama.
According to Col. Domingo Gobway, commander of Joint Task Force Basilan, Muktar is the 19th bandit to have surrendered this year.
More than 200 Abu Sayyaf gunmen have turned their backs from banditry from 2016 to 2018, under a joint program by the Army, Basilan provincial government and the then Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao led by now Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman.
They were offered opportunities to finish school, among others, so they can start peaceful and productive lives.
Gobway said that Muktar intimated that he had long wanted to be reunited with his family in Lamitan City.
“His longing to be with his family was actually the primary reasons why he wanted to abandon the group,” Gobway added.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1352061/aide-of-basilan-abu-leader-surrenders-to-army
Another rebel surrenders in Guihulngan
From the Daily Guardian (Oct 23, 2020): Another rebel surrenders in Guihulngan (By Glazyl Y. Masculino)
Another alleged member of the New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered to the Local Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental last Tuesday.A report from the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (Norppo) said that a 30-year-old resident of Barangay Humay-Humay admitted to the authorities that he’s a member of the SDG Platoon, Squad 1, under the NPA’s Leonardo Panaligan Command (LPC) operating in Central Negros 1.
The surrender was witnessed by Mayor Carlo Jorge Joan Reyes, a representative from the Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB), and police officers.
According to the police, the rebel decided to return to the folds of the law to change his life and be with his family.
He is now in the custody of the government troops for debriefing.
The police said that the local task force is actively formulating and implementing programs in cooperation with government agencies to address rebellion in Guihulngan City.
https://dailyguardian.com.ph/another-rebel-surrenders-in-guihulngan/?fbclid=IwAR2zlcVqA5-5pX0eeqrhXqRImOOfHdi2d9Lxw8BM9zh0T-QVDCpxDrcQlGs
WESTMINCOM: Kidnap-for-ransom group member yield in Tawi-Tawi
Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Oct 22, 2020): Kidnap-for-ransom group member yield in Tawi-Tawi
Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City- October 22, 2020A joint military and police operation resulted in the surrender of a local terrorist group/kidnap-for-ransom group member on October 22, 2020.
According to Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., a.k.a. Young Driver submitted himself to the troops of the 2nd Marine Brigade at Marine Barracks Domingo Deluana in Barangay Sanga- Sanga, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi at 9 a.m. of the same day.
“A.k..a. Young Driver handed over one Cal. 30 Garand rifle to Col. Arturo Rojas, the Commander of the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi. He was involved in the attempted abduction of the American-Nigerian Guest Professor of MSU-TCTO identified as Dr. Percival Showers in 2001. He was also involved in an encounter between the troops of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-9 and the LTG/KFRG under the late sub-leader Sakkam Pakam, a.k.a. Last Pangit at Sitio Siola, Barangay Montay-Montay, Bongao sometime on December 2017,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.
The surrendered personality underwent a medical check-up conducted by the Forward Support Medical Team (FSMT-21) after which he was turned-over to the local government unit and was received by Bongao Mayor Jimuel Que.
“The successful operation is attributed to the convergence of the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi, the Provincial Police Office, the intelligence operatives, the Ministry of Interior and Local Government, and the peace-loving people of Tawi-Tawi,” said Col. Rojas.
Col. Rojas further said that the troops of the JTF Tawi-Tawi will continue to strengthen collaboration with the different sectors of the government to sustain the peace and tranquility in the province.
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WESTMINCOM: Troops intensify operations to foil local terrorists' bomb ploys
Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Oct 23, 2020): Troops intensify operations to foil local terrorists' bomb ploys
Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City- October 23, 2020Military troops continue the conduct of security operations to deter the terroristic activities of the local terrorists group in Maguindanao.
In a report received by the Western Mindanao Command, on the morning of October 23, 2020, while the personnel of the Joint Task Force Central was conducting a road and mine-clearing operations in Barangay Salman, Ampatuan, Maguindanao an anti-personnel mine exploded.
Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., the Commander of the Western Mindanao Command stated that the incident resulted in the wounding of two soldiers and two members of the Civilian Active Auxillary.
“They were immediately evacuated by the responding team to Tamondong Hospital for medical treatment,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. added.
Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. stressed that the ground forces remain steadfast in the implementation of pre-emptive measures to prevent security lapse.
Meanwhile, Joint Task Force Central Commander Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy said, “I call on the peace-loving people to please pray for the safety of our soldiers as they continue to clear and secure the communities to thwart the hostile plans of the lawless group”.
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WESTMINCOM: Troops encounter communist terrorists amid intensified operations in Sultan Kudarat
Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Oct 23, 2020): Troops encounter communist terrorists amid intensified operations in Sultan Kudarat
Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City- October 23, 2020Troops of the Joint Task Force Central clashed with the communist terrorist group in Sultan Kudarat on October 23, 2020.
Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., the Commander of the Western Mindanao Command said that amid the intensified conduct of combat clearing operation, combined elements of the 7th Infantry Battalion and the 43rd Special Action Company of the PNP-Special Action Force encountered an undetermined number of communist terrorist group leader Felimon Agsim a.k.a. Buhawi of the East Daguma Front at Sitio Bagangbagang, Barangay Lagubang, Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat at 10:45 in the morning of the said date.
“Based on the initial report submitted by Maj. Gen. Uy, the exchange of fires lasted for about 15 minutes and our troops are currently in pursuit of the fleeing enemies,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. added.
Further, Brig. Gen. Roy Galido, the Commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade said that the unit immediately deployed supplemental teams to establish blockade on the possible withdrawal routes of the CTG.
Meanwhile, JTF Central Commander Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy stated that the unit continues to intensify its offensives against the threat groups in its area of operation to neutralize the remaining militants and ensure the safety of the people.
Likewise, in another statement, Lt. Gen. Vinluan said, “Terrorism remains to be a sickening problem that needs to be thoroughly addressed. But, with the convergent efforts of all the sectors of the society, this will soon be over”.
No casualty was reported on the government side while troops are yet to determine that of the enemy side.
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WESTMINCOM: ASG supporter yields in Basilan
Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Oct 24, 2020): ASG supporter yields in Basilan
Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City - October 24, 2020A local terrorist group supporter yielded to the government forces on October 23, 2020.
"Based on the report submitted by Col. Gobway, the Abu Sayyaf Group supporter identified as Kahar Hamid Muktar, a.k.a. Abu Krima yielded to the 4th Special Forces Battalion at 9 a.m. yesterday. A.k.a. Abu Krima was under ASG leader Furuji Indama group," said Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., WestMinCom Commander.
Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. also said that a.k.a. Abu Krima, 25, and a resident of Barangay Bohe Nangeh, Lamitan City, Basilan handed over one M1 garand rifle and one clip with eight ammunition.
Meanwhile, JTF Basilan Commander Col. Domingo Gobway said that the successful operation was a result of the joint special intelligence operations conducted by the operatives of the 4SFBn and PNP-Special Action Force.
"Our strong collaboration with our police counterpart is yielding positive results in our campaign against lawlessness in our area of operation," Col. Gobway added.
Subject personality and the turned over items were placed under the custody of 4SFB for proper disposition.
Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. commended the troops of the JTF Basilan for the unit's series of accomplishments this past few months.
"Continue doing your job well with passion and enthusiasm," Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. added.
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WESTMINCOM: One Communist Terrorist killed, HPFA recovered following a clash in North Cotabato
Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Oct 24, 2020): One Communist Terrorist killed, HPFA recovered following a clash in North Cotabato
Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – October 24, 2020A communist terrorist was killed during an encounter with the government forces on October 24, 2020.
“Our troops from the 62nd Division Reconnaisance Company under the 602nd Infantry Brigade encountered more or less 12 fully armed Communist Terrorist Group members at Sitio Rodson, Barangay Arakan, Matalam, North Cotabato at 8:30 in the morning today,” said Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.
“Based on the initial report submitted by Brig. Gen. Capulong, the exchange of fires resulted in the death of one CTG member and the recovery of one M16A1 rifle, three magazines, assorted ammunition, two cellular phones, and propaganda materials,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. added.
The firefight lasted for twenty minutes after which the enemy withdrew to different directions.
“Congratulations to the troops of the 62DRC for this significant gain,” said 602nd Infantry Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Roberto Capulong.
No casualty was reported on the government side.
Meanwhile, JTF Central Commander Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy said, “This successful operation bespeaks of our relentless efforts to end terrorism in our area of operation”.
Troops continue to scour the area.
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WESTMINCOM: 9 more BIFF members yield in Maguindanao
Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Oct 24, 2020): 9 more BIFF members yield in Maguindanao
Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – October 24, 2020The intensified military operations in Maguindanao led to the surrender of nine Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF) members on Saturday morning, October 24.
WestMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. said that a report from the ground revealed that the following personalities submitted themselves to the 57th Infantry Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Jonathan Pondanera: Rahib Baguindali Nawal, a.k.a. Rahib, a Field Commander; Abdulrahim Kinona Mariano, a.k.a. Junior, an IED Maker; Zed Baguindali Nawal, a.k.a.Jerome; Mamalinta Em Abdul, a.k.a. Alvin; Kasim Mujahid Abdul, a.k.a. Bots; Abdul Rafael Kanda, a.k.a.Pai; Jessie Abunawas Abdul, a.k.a. At; Surab Abdullah, a.k.a. Bhods; and Mentato Mesol, a.k.a. Palangan.
“The said personalities handed over high-powered firearms including one M4A1 Carbine Cal. 5.56mm, one Bushmaster Cal 5.56mm, one Heckler and Koch 416 Cal. 5.56mm, one Elisco M16 A1, one M14 rifle Cal. 7.56mm, two Homemade Cal. 50 Sniper rifles, and two Homemade RPGs with two ammunition,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. added.
Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. further said that the surrendered personalities participated in the series of armed engagements in Barangay Salman, Ampatuan, Maguindanao in March 2020. However, due to the continuous combat operations by the government forces, they were tired and nothing to eat.
Likewise, said group participated in different harassments and armed encounters in the area of Maguindanao and North Cotabato.
The nine were presented to JTF Central Commander Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy and 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Jesus Rico Atencio during the 33rd Founding Anniversary Celebration of the 6th Infantry Division at the unit’s headquarters in Camp Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao on the same day.
“This success is attributed to the collaborative efforts of the military, local government units, the traditional leaders, and the peace-loving people of Maguindanao,” said Brig. Gen. Atencio.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Uy vowed support to the surrendered personalities in their reintegration into mainstream society.
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AFP-CRS: Why should I apologize?
Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Oct 24, 2020): Why should I apologize?
READ MORE: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/…/fwd-parlade-on-controversia…#AFPyoucanTRUST l www.afpcrs.com
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AFP-CRS: AFP just giving Liza Soberano and Catriona Gray warning about left
Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Oct 24, 2020): AFP just giving Liza Soberano and Catriona Gray warning about left
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) was not red-tagging actress Liza Soberano and 2018 Miss Universe Catriona Gray but just giving them a warning that their advocacies might be used by the Left-leaning groups, Malacañang said on Thursday.“Well, tingin ko naman sa statement mismo ng AFP, sinabi naman niya walang ganoon (I think based on the AFP statement, he said there is no such thing),” Roque said in a virtual Palace briefing.
Roque was referring to the statement of Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. who advised Soberano to “abdicate” her ties to Gabriela Youth.
READ MORE: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1119466
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