Kalinaw News: CSP, instrumento sa pagsuko ng Kumander ng NPA at anim pang kasamahan

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov11, 2020): CSP, instrumento sa pagsuko ng Kumander ng NPA at anim pang kasamahan

Malita, Davao Occidental – Malaking kawalan sa kilusan ng DGF 51 at WGF 71 ang pagsuko at pagbabalik-loob ng kumander, politikal instructor (PI), apat na miyembro ng New Peoples Army at isang Yumil sa pamamagitan ng 73rd Infantry Battalion.

Dahil sa presensiya ng Community Development Team sa kabundukan, sumuko ang pitong (7) miyembro ng Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) sa mga kasundaluhan. Dalawa (2) sa kanila ay residente ng Purok Mamaon, Brgy Sibulan, Toril District, Davao City. Tatlo (3) naman ang sumuko sa munisipyo ng Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental. Samantala, ang kumander at PoIitical instructor na nagbalik-loob ay residente ng Sarangani Province. Kasama naman sa ibinaba ng isang Yunit milisya (Yumil) na si alyas Ham ang isang Springfield Rifle.

Ibinahagi ni alyas Jary, isang kumander at alyas Angela sa isang panayam na isinagawa sa kanila, na walang katuturan ang kanilang pagsama sa mga teroristang NPA. “Dahil sa pagkabuwag ng Grupo namin at kawalan ng lakas na ipagpatuloy ang aming ginagawang panloloko sa mamamayan, kami ay nagdesisyon na sumuko na. Marami sa aming dating kasamahan ang sumuko na rin at nakakain pa nang maayos,” sabi ni alyas Jary.

Malugod namang tinanggap ni Lt. Col. Ronaldo G Valdez, Pinuno ng 73IB, ang mga nagsisukong miyembro ng CTG at nangakong tutulungan silang maisama sa programa ng pamahalaan pamahalaan sa pamamagitan ng Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program o E-CLIP.

“Ang mga kasundaluhan ng 73IB sa ilalim ng 10th Infantry Division ay kasalukuyang nasa kabundukan at kaisa ang mga ahensya ng gobyerno upang matulungan ang komunidad na magkaroon ng kabuhayan. Sa pamamagitan nito, hindi na mararanasan ng taumbayan ang hirap dahilan para sumapi sa teroristang grupo” kanyang dagdag.

Sa pagkabuwag ng CTG sa lugar, ang mga kasundaluhan ay buong-pwersang ipagpapatuloy ang nagawang tagumpay at asahang magkakaroon pa ng karagdagang susukong mga kasapi ng kilusan na gusto nang magbagumbuhay.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/csp-instrumento-sa-pagsuko-ng-kumander-ng-npa-at-anim-pang-kasamahan/

Kalinaw News: We will finish the communist-terrorsit problems by December 2020

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov10, 2020): We will finish the communist-terrorsit problems by December 2020

CAMP Siongco, Maguindanao – Iginiit ni Major General Juvymax R. Uy, Commander ng 6th Infantry (KAMPILAN) Division at ng Joint Task Force Central na tumatalima ito sa inilabas na direktiba ni Pangulong Rodrigo Roa Duterte na tapusin na ang problema sa insurhensiya sa bansa.

“We will finish the CTG problems by December 2020”, wika ni Maj. Gen. Uy sa harap ng mga opisyal at tropa ng militar sa isinagawang programa sa Headquarters ng 37th Infantry (Conqueror) Battalion sa Barangay Baranayan, Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat sa kanyang pagbisita nitong ika-3 ng Nobyembre 2020.

Sinabi ng opisyal na ang nasabing kampanya ay pinagsisikapan din ngayon ng kanyang pamunuan, lalo na ng JTF Central upang maabot ang layuning maresolba ang problema sa Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) at mapaganda ang komunidad.

Bukod dito, hinikayat din ni Maj. Gen. Uy ang tropa ng 37th IB at lahat ng hanay ng ‘KAMPILAN Troopers’ na panatilihin ang disiplina sa sarili dahil dinadala nila ang pangalan ng 6ID na tinaguriang ‘Best Division’ ng Philippine Army.

“Panatilihin natin ang ating disiplina at hindi dapat nasasangkot ang mga sundalo sa droga at sugal”, wika pa ni Maj. Gen. Uy.

Kaugnay nito, pinaalalahanan din nya ang lahat na huwag maging ahente sa paglaganap ng virus ngayong panahon ng pandemya. “Sundin ang mga ipinatutupad na health protocols bilang mga frontliners sa COVID 19”, dagdag na pahayag ng Commander.

Samantala, apat namang mga dating rebelde ang iprinisinta kay Maj. Gen. Uy nina Lt. Col. Allen Van Estrera, Commander ng 37th IB at Col. Eduardo Gubat, Commander ng 603rd Brigade sa naturang programa, matapos na magdesisyon ang mga ito na magbalik loob sa gobyerno. Kasama din nilang isinuko ang kanilang mga armas na KG9 9mm SMG, dalawang Caliber 38 Revolver at 9mm Pistol.

“Wala namang patutunguhan ang aming ipinaglalaban, lahat ng mga pangako ng kilusan sa amin ay hindi naman natutupad. Sabik na akong makapiling muli ang aking mga kapamilya”, ang wika ng isa sa mga sumukong rebelde.

Nananawagan ang pinuno ng JTF Central sa iba pang mga NPA na magbalik loob na sa pamahalaan dahil bukas ang gobyerno na tanggapin ang mga ito upang makabalik at makapamuhay ng tahimik.

“We will finish the CTG problems by December 2020”, wika ni Maj. Gen. Uy sa harap ng mga opisyal at tropa ng militar sa isinagawang programa sa Headquarters ng 37th Infantry (Conqueror) Battalion sa Barangay Baranayan, Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat sa kanyang pagbisita nitong ika-3 ng Nobyembre 2020.

Sinabi ng opisyal na ang nasabing kampanya ay pinagsisikapan din ngayon ng kanyang pamunuan, lalo na ng JTF Central upang maabot ang layuning maresolba ang problema sa Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) at mapaganda ang komunidad.

Bukod dito, hinikayat din ni Maj. Gen. Uy ang tropa ng 37th IB at lahat ng hanay ng ‘KAMPILAN Troopers’ na panatilihin ang disiplina sa sarili dahil dinadala nila ang pangalan ng 6ID na tinaguriang ‘Best Division’ ng Philippine Army.

“Panatilihin natin ang ating disiplina at hindi dapat nasasangkot ang mga sundalo sa droga at sugal”, wika pa ni Maj. Gen. Uy.

Kaugnay nito, pinaalalahanan din nya ang lahat na huwag maging ahente sa paglaganap ng virus ngayong panahon ng pandemya. “Sundin ang mga ipinatutupad na health protocols bilang mga frontliners sa COVID 19”, dagdag na pahayag ng Commander.

Samantala, apat namang mga dating rebelde ang iprinisinta kay Maj. Gen. Uy nina Lt. Col. Allen Van Estrera, Commander ng 37th IB at Col. Eduardo Gubat, Commander ng 603rd Brigade sa naturang programa, matapos na magdesisyon ang mga ito na magbalik loob sa gobyerno. Kasama din nilang isinuko ang kanilang mga armas na KG9 9mm SMG, dalawang Caliber 38 Revolver at 9mm Pistol.

“Wala namang patutunguhan ang aming ipinaglalaban, lahat ng mga pangako ng kilusan sa amin ay hindi naman natutupad. Sabik na akong makapiling muli ang aking mga kapamilya”, ang wika ng isa sa mga sumukong rebelde.

Nananawagan ang pinuno ng JTF Central sa iba pang mga NPA na magbalik loob na sa pamahalaan dahil bukas ang gobyerno na tanggapin ang mga ito upang makabalik at makapamuhay ng tahimik.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/we-will-finish-the-communist-terrorsit-problems-by-december-2020/

Kalinaw News: Country’s first legal action team against CPP-NPA Terrorist takes off

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov10, 2020): Country’s first legal action team against CPP-NPA Terrorist takes off

CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan, Capiz– The Regional Task Force in Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict 6 (RTF-ELCAC 6) through its Legal Cooperation and Peace, Law Enforcement and Development Support (PLEDS) Clusters organized the country’s first focused legal action team as part of its legal offensive against the CPP-NPA Terrorist.

Dubbed as “Joint Focused Legal Action Team (JFLAT)”, the project aims to strengthen the legal battle against the communist-terrorist groups (CTGs) in support of the goals and objectives of RTF-ELCAC 6.

The idea on creating JFLAT was borne out on the brainstorming activity of the member-agencies of both clusters. They formally launched and signed the project during the joint cluster meeting at Headquarters, Police Regional Office 6 (PRO6) on September 08, 2020 and was officially adopted by RTF-ELCAC 6 during its meeting on September 09.

During the presentation of the background of the project, Atty. Flosemer Chris Gonzales, Aklan Assistant Provincial Prosecutor and Chairman of Legal Cooperation Cluster, said, the CTGs have continuously make use of the country’s legal system to advance their goals much to the detriment of the government.

Atty. Gonzales likewise revealed that the allied groups of the CTGs have been very active in providing immediate legal assistance to the arrested communist-terrorists and in conducting fact finding mission to fabricate evidence and testimonies against government forces.

The rationales presented by LCC and PLEDS clusters made the RTF-ELCAC 6 adopt a legal shield that will not only weaken but put the decades-long insurgency to its end.

“This project will surely hasten our anti-insurgency efforts particularly on legal aspect. This will likewise help sustain our gains now that the law enforcement agencies together with the Legal Cooperation Cluster are in full force in defeating the CTGs,” MAJ Cenon Pancito III said.

Recently, the JFLAT Team was able to gather a total of 124 judicial affidavits of former rebels from all over the region. Of the 124 judicial affidavits, 53 are from Capiz; 21 from Antique; 5 from Iloilo; and 45 from Negros Occidental.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/countrys-first-legal-action-team-against-cpp-npa-terrorist-takes-off/

Kalinaw News: Pagsuko ng 6 na NPA kabilang ang 2 nilang Medics, malaking kawalan sa Kilusan

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov10, 2020): Pagsuko ng 6 na NPA kabilang ang 2 nilang Medics, malaking kawalan sa Kilusan

CAMP Siongco, Maguindanao – Malaking kawalan para sa humihinang kilusan ng teroristang grupo na Communist Party of the Philippines –New People’s Army– Terrorist ang patuloy na pagsuko at pagbalik loob sa pamahalaan ng kanilang mga kasapi. Ito ang sinabi ni Major General Juvymax R. Uy, ang Commander ng 6th Infantry Division at ng Joint Task Force Central kamakailan matapos ang sunod-sunod na pagsuko ng mga dating rebelde sa lugar na nasasakupan ng JTF Central.

Pinakahuli dito ay ang anim nilang kasamahan na sumuko sa 6th Infantry (Redskin) Battalion na iprinisinta kay Maj. Gen. Uy sa Barangay Mirab, Upi, Maguindanao nitong ika-6 ng Nobyembre 2020.

Ang anim ay kinabibilangan ng kanilang medic, assistant medic, isang team lider at tatlong miyembro kung saan kasama nilang isinuko ang bitbit nilang mga armas na isang M16 rifle, kalibre .30, isang Garand rifle, dalawang M79 rifle, isang kalibre .45. Lahat ng ito ay may mga magazine at mga bala.

Tatlo sa mga sumuko ay residente ng Lebak, Sultan Kudarat habang ang tatlong iba pa ay nakatira naman sa Upi, Maguindanao.

“Patunay lamang ito na patuloy ng humihina ang kanilang kilusan at hindi totoo ang mga ipinangako ng mga teroristang grupo”, ang naging pahayag ni Maj. Gen. Uy.

“Sobrang gutom at pagod ang aming nararanasan sa patuloy na pagtago sa mga kabundukan sa walang silbing pakikibaka. Dahil sa pandemya, mas lalo kaming naghihirap dahil limitado ang aming galaw, dahil sa mga quarantine checkpoints ng gobyerno”, ang madamdaming salaysay ng isa sa mga dating rebelde.

“There are infightings within the movement, among the leaders and the members of these CNTs which led to the surrender of the combatants. With these, we are delighted to note that a number of CNTs have accepted the offer of the government and return to the folds of law while restarting to live a normal life”, giit pa ng Commander ng 6ID.

Dahil dito, patuloy na nananawagan si Maj. Gen. Uy sa mga nagkamali ng landas na tinahak na iwaksi na ang kilusan at magbalik loob sa gobyerno para sa mas mapayapa at tahimik na pamumuhay.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/pagsuko-ng-6-na-npa-kabilang-ang-2-nilang-medics-malaking-kawalan-sa-kilusan/

Kalinaw News: Gov’t forces capture rifle in Quezon, facilitates NPA surrender in Mindoro

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov11, 2020): Gov’t forces capture rifle in Quezon, facilitates NPA surrender in Mindoro

CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal – Combined elements of AFP-PNP forces sustained their effective campaign against the communist NPA terrorists as soldiers recovered a high powered firearm in Quezon while facilitating the surrender of an NPA rebel in Oriental Mindoro on Saturday, November 7.

Per report, troops were able to recover an M14 rifle in General Nakar’s Brgy Lumutan after a former rebel revealed the rifle’s location that was entrusted to him by alias Luis of STRPC’s KLG Cesar.

BGen Alex Rillera, the Commander of the 202nd Brigade said that the influx of NPA surrenders and former cadres tipping-off their designated arms cache to the government’s security forces are all indicative of the enemy’s eventual collapse in the region.

Coincidentally, another NPA rebel yielded to the local peace negotiating team composed of local government units and elements of the AFP-PNP in Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro’s Brgy Nasucob.

Col Jose Augusto Villareal, Commander of the 203rd Brigade identified the former rebel as alias Brendo, a member of the SRMA 4D’s KLG MAV, the group threatening the hinterland communities of the island through extortion and other NPA terroristic activities.

It can be recalled that just a month ago, 11 rebels belonging to the Militia ng Bayan also yielded to the government in Bulalacao.

“The series of surrenders happening across our area of responsibility is clear proof that these former rebels are sincere in joining the government’s cause to end this five-decade insurgency. The information they can provide our troops and their willingness to encourage their former comrades to lay down their arms is vital to our success,” ended Villareal.

As the Senate hearing earlier this week continues on the issue of red-tagging linking the Makabayan Bloc’s connection to the CPP-NPA, more members of its underground organizations are now realizing its deplorable and unjust existence resulting to increasing feelers for surrender.

MGen Greg T Almerol, Commander, 2ID lauded the bravery of the former NPA allies for taking this fight against terrorism.

“This milestone will undeniably create an impact in our ongoing battle to finally end insurgency not only in this part of the country but in our nation as a whole. The former rebels’ and our citizens’ bravery and cooperation show that our soldiers’ effort to educate our fellowmen is not for naught,” added Almerol.

Since 2016, 2ID has facilitated the surrender of a total of 697 terrorists and 118 firearms across Southern Tagalog.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/govt-forces-capture-rifle-in-quezon-facilitates-npa-surrender-in-mindoro/

Kalinaw News: 1 NPA, 7 Yunit Militias yield in Central Negros

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 9, 2020): 1 NPA, 7 Yunit Militias yield in Central Negros

GUIHULNGAN CITY, NEGROS ORIENTAL – Guihulngan City Local Task Force – End Local Communist Armed Conflict (GCLTF-ELCAC) scores anew, as the one (1) New People’s Army (NPA) and seven (7) Yunit Militia (YM) members voluntarily surrendered to the PLEDS Cluster composed of 62nd Infantry Battalion, Guihulngan City Police Station (GCPS), 704th Mobile Company of 7th Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) headed by Hon. Carlo Jorge Joan L Reyes, City Mayor at GCTF-ELCAC Office, Brgy Poblacion, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental on November 08, 2020.

The eight (8) surrenderees were warmly welcome by the members of GCTF-ELCAC headed Hon. Reyes. The former NPA were identified as: “Ka RR”, Squad 1 member, Sentro De Grabidad (SDG) Platoon, Central Negros 1 (CN1) operating under Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, Cebu, Bohol and Siquijor (KR-NCBS) of Leonardo Panaligan Command-NPA (LPC-NPA), and seven (7) Yunit Militia (YM) members namely; ROMEO BARBAQUIL, alias “Ka SAMMY”, ALLAN ALPAS ESTRADA, MARLOU E ESTRADA, REYNALDO B DELANTES, MARIANO C LIBATON, alias “Ka Moloy”, ARLITA P JABALDE and BERNALDO V BESARIO, alias “Ka BOBBY”.

The following firearms and ammunitions were surrendered: One (1) Caliber .38 with six (6) rounds of live ammunitions from Ka RR; two (2) Caliber .357 with eleven (11) rounds of live ammunitions from Ka SAMMY, and one (1) Caliber .38 with six (6) rounds of live ammunitions from ALLAN ESTRADA.

Records shows that from August to November 2020, the number of surrenderees in Guihulngan City TF-ELCAC is increasing. As of now, there are 42 surrenderees, eight (8) of which are regular NPA members, nine (9) Yunit Militia (YM) and 25 mass supporters with seven (7) fire arms and assorted live ammunitions were surrendered and expected to ascend as the Guihulngan City TF-ELCAC continue its efforts in attaining the peace of the City.

Lieutenant Colonel Melvin N Flores, Acting Commanding Officer of 62IB appreciated the initiative of these former rebels and stated ‘’the return of the Communist Terrorist rebel to the folds of the law is the outcome of a right information provided to the populace and collaborative effort among the Guihulngan City TF-ELCAC. We will assure that the rebel returnees will be given financial assistance and livelihood package as part of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the national government and the programs being provided by Guihulngan City TF-ELCAC. What we have gained now is the gradual result of our Whole-of-Nation Approach to end the Local Communist Armed Conflict. Let us continue to work hand-in-hand to successfully end the insurgency and to achieve long and lasting peace here in Negros Island,” he ended.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/1-npa-7-yunit-militias-yield-in-central-negros/

Kalinaw News: CPP-NPA terrorist squad surrenders, 8 High Powered Firearms seized in Misamis Oriental

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 9, 2020): CPP-NPA terrorist squad surrenders, 8 High Powered Firearms seized in Misamis Oriental

CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental- A total of twelve (12) member of New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered and revealed arms cache to combined forces of 58th Infantry “Dimalulupig” Battalion (58IB) and 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion (2SRB) at Sitio Langusahan, Brgy Minalwang, Claveria, Misamis Oriental yesterday, November 08, 2020.

The surrenderers were members of 3rd Platoon, HQF Neo, North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC) under the leadership of alias Barman. Their surrender was made possible through the intervention of Hon. Rex Mansangcagan, Barangay Chairman of Brgy Minalwang, Claveria.

According to the surrenderers, they were recruited in the year 2016 in which 8 out of 12 are members of the youth sector. This clearly shows that they are still violating the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) which prohibits the recruitment and use of minors in armed struggle.

Acting on the revelations of said surrenderers, the troops were able to seize firearms cache at three different locations in the hinterlands of Barangay Minalwang. The seized items include eight (8) high powered firearms composed of two (2) AK47 with defaced Serial Number (SN), one (1) Garand with SN 4562112, one (1) M14 with SN 830630, one (1) Carbine with SN 3690679, one (1) M16 with SN 281523, one (1) M16 with SN 117311, and one (1) M653 with SN 409754.

Other seized items were nine (9) magazines of AK47, seven (7) Clip of Garand, four (4) magazines of carbine, five (5) magazines of M14, seven (7) long magazines for M16, three (3) short magazines for M16, two hundred seventy-three (273) rounds of 7.62mm for AK47, forty-eight (48) rounds of cal. 30, eighty (80) rounds of ammo of carbine, three hundred sixty-nine (369) rounds of 5.56mm, and One (1) Baofeng radio w/o battery.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Ricky L Canatoy, Commanding Officer of 58IB said, “The communist terrorist groups are dwindling in numbers and are under pressure with the loss of their forces and mass bases which urged them to surrender to the government authority. Furthermore, their surrender proves that they are fed up with the wrong ideologies of the NPA. Also, this indicates that their trust and support are now shifted from the CTG to the government. With this, rest assured that the army will assist them to avail the benefits under Enhanced Comprehensive and Local Integration Program (ECLIP).”

“I hope that the continued commitment of the Army and different stakeholders in implementing the ECLIP will motivate the remaining members of the NPA to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law. ”



https://www.kalinawnews.com/squad-size-regular-npas-surrendered-8-high-powered-firearms-seized-in-misamis-oriental/

Kalinaw News: Arms cache seized in North Cotabato

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 8, 2020): Arms cache seized in North Cotabato

CAMP Siongco, Maguindanao – Operating troops of the 90th Infantry (Bigkis Lahi) Battalion under 6th Infantry Division seized six various firearms in Matalam, North Cotabato on November 4, 2020. These weapons were discovered while the army troops are conducting focused military operations in the area.

The firearms found were one M16 with long magazine loaded with 28 ammo; two Caliber .45 Pistols with four magazines loaded with 31 ammo; two Garand Rifles with 6 clips ammo; one Carbine Rifle with two magazines loaded with 22 serviceable ammo. Two civilian backpacks and other personal belongings were also recovered.

“The operating troops of 6ID with the full support of the civilian populace and other stakeholders will continue to secure the communities and its people to sustain the peace and pave the way for development”, said Major General Juvymax R. Uy, Commander of 6ID and Joint Task Force Central.

Likewise, the Commander of JTF Central urged the people of South-Central Mindanao to continue supporting the government’s campaign against lawless elements and communist-terrorist threats. “Rest assured that your Kampilan troopers will continue to perform its mandate of protecting the people and securing our communities. I am calling everyone to remain vigilant and continue to support our security efforts”, Maj. Gen. Uy added.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/arms-cache-seized-in-north-cotabato/

Capiznon soldier killed in clash with Reds

From Panay News (Nov 10, 2020): Capiznon soldier killed in clash with Reds (By Glenda Tayona)

Corporal Arjun Guillermo of Mambusao, Capiz died of a gunshot on the chest during an encounter with some 10 armed men in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.

A soldier from this town was killed in action in Barangay Sandayao, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental Wednesday last week.

Corporal Arjun Guillermo was a resident of Barangay Pangpang Sur here. A member of the Philippine Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB), he was assigned to Negros Oriental.

He died of a gunshot on the chest during an encounter with some 10 armed men.

The men were believed to be members of the New People’s Army.

There were two clashes that day in Guihulngan – one started at 5 p.m. and the other just two hours after the first.

Guillermo was hit in the second encounter. Because of the bad weather condition, it was already dark when government troops pulled Guillermo’s body out of the encounter site.

http://www.panaynews.net/capiznon-soldier-killed-in-clash-with-reds/

Two NPA insurgents in Iloilo, Negros surrender

From Panay News (Nov 10, 2020): Two NPA insurgents in Iloilo, Negros surrender (By Ruby Silubrico)

The 29-year-old communist rebel Jun turns over his firearms to an official of the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion.

Two members of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered separately to the Philippine Army in the provinces of Iloilo and Negros Occidental.

On Nov. 4, a young Negrense woman, who became a Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) rebel when she was only 18, turned herself in to 15th Infantry Battalion (15IB) in Barangay Sangke in Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental.

Now 22, Jenny de la Cruz, also known as “Kim”, “Sweet”, “Ken” and “Kian”, also yielded a .357-caliber revolver and six live bullets – some six months after three of her former comrades, the ones who recruited her, surrendered also to the 15IB based in Cauayan, Negros Occidental.

Lieutenant Colonel Erwin Cariño (right), commanding officer of the Philippine Army’s 15th Infantry Battalion, with 22-year-old Jenny Montaño de la Cruz or alias “Kim”, who recently surrendered at their headquarters in Barangay Tiling, Cauayan, Negros Occidental. PHILIPPINE ARMY’S 15TH INFANTRY BATTALION

According to the 15IB, de la Cruz, who joined the communist-terrorist group in 2016, was a former leader of Squad 2, Sentro de Grabidad of CPP-NPA’s South West Front.

The group operates in the areas of Hinoba-an, part of towns of Ilog and Candoni in Negros Occidental as well as Basay town and part of Bayawan City in Negros Oriental.

Colonel Leonardo Peña, commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade, which supervises the 15IB, commended the troops for assisting de la Cruz in her surrender and for their commitment in deradicalizing the NPA-influenced far-flung communities in Negros.

On Nov. 7, a 29-year-old communist insurgent who was only identified as a certain “Jun” also surrendered to the 61st Infantry Battalion in Miag-ao, Iloilo.

He was a member of the NPA’s Igabon Platoon, Central Front, Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay.

June told the Army troops that he decided to leave the communist armed movement because he can no longer endure the extreme hunger and hardship inside the armed group.

Jun also surrendered his firearms with ammunition and magazines.

Lieutenant Colonel Joel Benedict Batara, commanding officer, 61IB was thankful that Jun returned to the folds of the law.

“We are winning and gaining peace in our area of responsibility. We thank Jun for going back to the folds of the law and eventually decided to be our partner for peace and development,” Batara said.

He also called on the remaining NPA members in the mountains live a normal life with their families, friends and be a productive member of the community.

According to Batara, Jun will be granted benefits under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

http://www.panaynews.net/two-npa-insurgents-in-iloilo-negros-surrender/

More NPA rebels surrender in central Negros

From Panay News (Nov 10, 2020): More NPA rebels surrender in central Negros (By BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL BAÑAGA)

These eight New People's Army (NPA) rebels surrendered to authorities in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental on Nov. 8. They also turned over their firearms and ammunitions. 2ND IB, PHILIPPINE ARMY

Eight New People’s Army (NPA) rebels surrendered to government forces in Barangay Poblacion, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental over the weekend.

The group consisted of a regular NPA member and seven belonging to the rebel movement’s “Yunit Militia.”

They were “Ka RR”, Squad 1 member, Sentro de Grabidad (SDG) Platoon, Central Negros 1 operating under the Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor of the Leonardo Panaligan Command-NPA; and Yunit Militia members Romeo Barbaquil alias “Ka Sammy”, Allan Alpas Estrada, Marlou E. Estrada, Reynaldo B. Delantes, Mariano Libaton alias “Ka Moloy”, Arlita Jabalde, and Bernaldo Besario, alias “Ka Bobby”.

According to the Philippine Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion (62IB), the rebels surrendered on Sunday to the Guihulngan City Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC).

They also turned over their firearms – two .38-caliber revolvers, two .357-caliber gun and assorted ammunition.

Mayor Carlo Jorge Joan Reyes of Guihulngan City said that since August 42 NPAs have surrendered.

Of the total number, eight were regular NPA members, nine belonging to the Yunit Militia and 25 supporters. At least seven firearms were also surrendered to the authorities.
Army officials believed the mass surrenders in Negros was due to the hardships encountered by the insurgents in the mountains brought by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Lieutenant Colonel Melvin Flores, 62IB acting commanding officer, said this was the outcome of proper information provided to the people and the collaboration among Guihulngan TF-ELCAC members.

http://www.panaynews.net/more-npa-rebels-surrender-in-central-negros/

27 TFD personnel trained on DQR

From the Mindanao Times (Nov 8, 2020): 27 TFD personnel trained on DQR (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

The Human Resource Management Office of the city government facilitated the training of 27 personnel of the Task Force Davao (TFD) who will be deployed for the enforcement of the Safe Davao Quick Response (DQR) code.

Done through teleconferencing on November 3 at the headquarters of the unit at Sta. Ana Wharf, the training was focused on how they could effectively monitor the movement of residents through the DQR, an electronic contact tracing and travel pass platform that the city government is creating to help eliminate the threat of coronavirus.

The city government has also issued to the military unit three sets of computer desktop with printer and 34 cellular phones that would be used to scan DQR codes at the checkpoints in Lasang, Lacson, and Sirawan, Davao Overland Transport Terminal, Sta. Ana Wharf, Sasa Wharf, Davao-Samal port and its headquarters.

The military unit will also set up a point where vehicles with passengers that do not have DQR codes would be made to leave the city.

TF Davao Commander, Col Consolito P Yecla urged the travelers to comply with the DQR requirement to avoid the hassle when entering the city as it will deny entry to those without DQR, unless there is an emergency situation, to avoid traffic congestion at the checkpoints.

“Stringent security inspections and support to anti-illegal drug operations will still be performed by TF personnel after scanning the individual DQR,” Yecla said.

Last week, the city government has announced that it is moving the start of the implementation of the system to November 23 after the website where applications are being filed, bugged down due to the influx of applications. Its implementation was initially scheduled on November 7.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2020/11/08/27-tfd-personnel-trained-on-dqr/

Army seizes arms cache in North Cotabato

From MindaNews (Nov 9, 2020): Army seizes arms cache in North Cotabato (By MALU CADELINA-MANAR)

KIDAPAWAN CITY (MindaNews / 9 November) — Troops recently seized six high-powered firearms during a raid at a remote village in Matalam, North Cotabato allegedly influenced by the New People’s Army (NPA), the military said Sunday.

A report from the 6th Infantry Division’s (ID) Public Affairs Office (PAO) said the weapons were confiscated last Wednesday, November 4, after troops from the 90th Infantry Battalion conducted a military operation in the area.

Seized were two Garand rifles with six clips of ammunition; an M-16 assault rifle with long magazine loaded with 28 ammunition; two Caliber .45 pistols with four magazines loaded with 31 ammunition; and, one Carbine rifle with two magazines loaded with 22 serviceable ammunition.

The PAO also reported that two backpacks and a few personal belongings were recovered from the raid.

Major General Juviemax Uy, 6th ID commanding officer, assured residents that the Philippine Army will continue to secure them from the terror groups operating in the area.

Remote areas in Matalam town, especially those situated in the mountain ranges of Mount Apo and Bukidnon, are believed influenced by the communist NPA rebels.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2020/11/army-seizes-arms-cache-in-north-cotabato/

Army cites FRs' role in govt’s anti-insurgency campaign

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 9, 2020): Army cites FRs' role in govt’s anti-insurgency campaign (By Gideon C. Corgue) 

GUIPOS, Zamboanga del Sur, 9 Nov (PIA) - The Philippine Army wholeheartedly thanked the former rebels for their significant contribution to the government's anti-insurgency campaign.

This was revealed by Brigadier General Leonel Nicolas, commander of the 102nd Brigade, Philippine Army in front of the army and former rebels during the 47th anniversary of the founding anniversary of the brigade held by the 53rd Infantry Battalion, Camp David Sabido in Guipos town recently.

Nicolas said that the implementation of the anti-insurgency campaign by the Philippine Army on August 19, 2019 has already shown good results because the number and strength of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) in Western Mindanao has decreased.

He also said that with the serious implementation of President Rodrigo Duterte's Executive Order No. 70 or “whole of the nation-approach”, the army conducted focused military operations in the mountains resulting in a decrease in its number where, of the 198 CPP-NPA members operating in the mountains, only 93 remained.

Nicolas also reported that of the 168 firearms owned by the CPP-NPAs in the mountains, only 82 are now left with 86 firearms already handed over by the FRs to the government as they avail of Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).



"We are very grateful to you FRs for helping the soldiers in contacting your brothers and relatives who want to get down and back into the folds of the law, and you also informed us of their location in the mountains," Nicolas said.

He said half of the CPP-NPA members have returned to the government and have already received assistance from the national and provincial governments and most of them have undergone training.

He added that in the past, it was reported that 35 barangays were controlled by the CPP-NPA, but now there are no barangays controlled by the group because it has been cleared by the troops.

He also thanked the 53rd IB led by LtCol. Jo-ar Herrera for the dedication of their work saying that a number of rebels have already surrendered to the government and it is expected that all rebels in the government will surrender before the end of the year 2022.

Meanwhile, Herrera informed the brigade commander that the battalion is boosting the morale and welfare of their men and women by giving recognition to deserving troops and improving facilities around headquarters including the construction of a circumferencial road, half-way house, multi-purpose covered court, and conducting trainings.

He also said that the men and women of the unit are being cared for and that they are continuing to develop the warfighting skills of the troops.

“We continue to develop the warfighting skills of the troops as part of their opportunity to build, train and motivate because I believe that a well motivated and trained soldier is the best weapon to defeat the enemy,” Herrera concluded.

The event was highlighted with giving of awards to deserving personnel and distribution of food packs to FRs. (RVC/GCC/PIA-Zamboanga del Sur)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1058402

Top officials in NegOr push to end armed conflict to achieve peace, development

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 9, 2020): Top officials in NegOr push to end armed conflict to achieve peace, development (By Jennifer C. Tilos) 

Rep. Josy Limkaichong (2nd from right) of the 1st district expressing her support to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC), saying that the government is serious in putting an end to armed conflict by allocating budget for ELCAC activities. (PIA Negros Oriental)

CANLAON CITY, Negros Oriental, Nov. 8 (PIA) -- “Kon walay kalinaw, walay kalambuan, kon walay kaugmaran, walay kalinaw (If there’s no peace, there’s no development, and vice versa)," emphasized Gov. Roel Degamo in his message for residents of insurgency-affected Brgy. Budlasan in a Dagyawan sa Barangay held Thursday in Canlaon City.

Degamo's message was through Provincial Information Officer Bimbo Miraflor who represented the governor during the Dagyawan.

The governor pledged to provide projects and livelihood assistance to Brgy. Budlasan with the support of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

“While we are confronted by the faceless enemy that is COVID 19 for the past eight months, moving forward, we should not forget that we have a very enterprising enemy for more than 50 years now under the name of the CPP- NPA-NDF,” stated Degamo in his message as read by Miraflor.

The governor also emphasized that governance is a shared responsibility as peace is a community effort.

For her part, Cong. Josy Limkaichong of the 1st district expressed her support to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC), saying that the government is serious in putting an end to armed conflict by allocating budget for ELCAC activities.

Limkaichong said with the support of Congress, a total of P16. 5-B for ELCAC has been approved for 2021.

“That is a big leap if we talk about helping the conflict affected areas. This is a general commitment of government and I hope the people of Budlasan will help spread the word na seryoso kaayo atong gobyerno sa pagtabang ug supporta sa atong gi tawag ug end of conflict (the government is serious in giving support to ending armed conflict),” said Limkaichong.

Provincial Director Johnjoan Mende of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) also shared that achieving peace and development is is the time to listen, talk, and cooperate or “pagtinabangay unsa man ang mga panginahanglan sa kumonidad, unsaon natu pagtabang ang matag usa (to help whatever are the needs in the community, and how we can assist each other)."

Mende urged the national and local government agencies to consider the concerns of Brgy. Budlasan for planning and budgeting.

The top officials concurred that development cannot happen without peace, and likewise there will be no peace without development.

Canlaon City Mayor Jose Cardenas expressed their commitment to help the affected barangays to provide programs and projects for the benefit of the people regardless of their political affiliation.

“We will compete for the betterment of our nation, we will compete for the betterment of our LGU, we will compete for the betterment of our ELCAC barangays,” said Cardenas. (jct/PIA7 Negros Oriental)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1058439