Death of rebel leader in Nueva Vizcaya ‘big blow’ to NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 14, 2021): Death of rebel leader in Nueva Vizcaya ‘big blow’ to NPA (By Jason De Asis)

BALER, Aurora – A top Philippine Army (PA) official on Sunday said the neutralization of a rebel front official in Nueva Vizcaya is a big blow to the New People's Army (NPA).

Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, commander of the Army’s 91st Infantry Battalion under the 7th Infantry Division, said Rommel Tucay, a secretary of the communist terrorist group (CTG) Komiteng Larangang Guerrilla Sierra Madre (KLG-SM), died during an exchange of gunfire with government troops in Barangay Kimbutan, Dupax Del Sur town on Saturday.

The NPA front operates in the provinces of Aurora, Nueva Ecija and parts of Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino.

Rubio said the remaining units of active guerilla fronts in these areas continue to weaken due to sustained and intensified efforts of the government to end local communist armed conflict.

The rebel forces are almost decimated due to the intensified focused military operations, he added.

“The CTG has been substantially weakened because of the sustained and intensified government efforts to end local communist armed conflict that resulted to significant losses of their key leaders, seasoned fighters, and mass supporters,” Rubio said in an interview.

Likewise, he cited the successful arrest of Delfin Pimentel, 62, a former secretary of the Aurora Provincial Committee under the CTG's Central Luzon Regional Committee last March 3.

“Our intensified efforts against insurgency are successful because of the troops’ dedication, hard work and sacrifices to win the campaign,” he said.

“This was also a result of the implementation of the community support program in remote villages, the full support from various government agencies and the delivery of services and programs to the people,” Rubio added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1133549

BIFF bombmaker yields to Army in NoCo

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 15, 2021): BIFF bombmaker yields to Army in NoCot (By Edwin Fernandez)

SURRENDER. BIFF bombmaker and sniper Tong Dubpalig yields his .50 caliber Barrett sniper rifle following his surrender Sunday (March 14, 2021) to Lt. Col. Edgardo Vilchez Jr., Army’s 34IB chief, in Midsayap, North Cotabato. Dubpalig belonged to the BIFF-Karialan faction that is believed responsible for the string of bombing incidents in Central Mindanao the past several years. (Photo courtesy of 34IB)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – A bomb maker of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao has surrendered to the Army’s 34th Infantry Battalion (34IB) in Midsayap, North Cotabato, the military announced Monday.

Lt. Col. Edgardo Vilchez Jr., commanding officer of the 34IB, said Tong Dubpalig, a bomb expert under the Kagi Karialan faction, voluntarily surrendered to them Sunday afternoon with his .50 caliber Barrett sniper rifle.

“Aside from being a bombmaker, Dubpalig also works as a sniper for the terror group,” Vilchez told reporters here in an interview Monday.

In a separate interview, Brig. Gen. Roberto Capulong, the 602nd Infantry Brigade commander, said Dubpalig was involved in a series of bombing incidents in Maguindanao and North Cotabato provinces in recent years.

“The surrenderer was a former follower of the late Mando Mamalumpong, the spokesperson of the BIFF-Karialan faction who was neutralized by government forces in a clash at Midsayap, North Cotabato in 2019,” Capulong said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1133583

Gov’t troops seize war materiel after clash with rebels in Apayao

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 15, 2021): Gov’t troops seize war materiel after clash with rebels in Apayao (By Villamor Visaya, Jr.)

WAR MATERIEL. The firearms, medical supplies and anti-government documents recovered by government soldiers and policemen from an encounter site in Flora, Apayao on Sunday (March 14, 2021). The firefight occurred days after town officials declared communist rebels as persona non grata. (Photo courtesy of 17IB, Philippine Army)

A joint team of soldiers and police operatives seized four high-powered guns and assorted war materiel from New People’s Army (NPA) rebels during a running gun battle in Flora, Apayao on Sunday.

Army soldiers from the 17th Infantry Battalion (17IB) and Marine Battalion Landing Team 10 (MBLT10), and personnel from the Apayao Police Provincial Office, were conducting combat patrols when they encountered some 20 NPA rebels belonging to the West Front Committee-Komiteng Probinsya Cagayan, Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley in Mallig village.

A 15-minute firefight ensued, forcing the rebels to withdraw to Sitio Tawini in Barangay Upper Atok where the government forces caught up with them, resulting in another 15-minute gun battle.

During the clearing operation after the communist fighters fled, Army soldiers recovered four rifles, medical supplies, anti-government documents, backpacks and other personal items at the encounter site.

The firefight occurred days after town officials declared communist rebels as persona non grata.

Lt. Col. Angelo C. Saguiguit, 17IB commander, told the Philippine News Agency they are thankful to the community for providing them information that led to the encounter and the recovery of firearms and war items.

The NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1133599

Army seizes NPA arms cache in NoCot

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 15, 2021): Army seizes NPA arms cache in NoCot (By Noel Punzalan)

Google map of Makilala, North Cotabato

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Army troopers seized an arms cache belonging to the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in Makilala, North Cotabato, the military here said Tuesday.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) commander, said the NPA weapons were found Monday by government forces in Sitio Lacube, Barangay Malabuan.

Uy said former NPA members who surrendered to the government pinpointed to where the firearms were hidden.

“Residents also provided information to the members of the Community Support Program Team of 90IB on the location of the arms cache," Uy said.

The seized armaments comprised of one M16 rifle, two gun barrels for Garand rifle, two barrels for M1 Carbine rifle, one barrel for M14 rifle, and ammunition.

Combined troopers from the 90IB and 602nd Infantry Brigade of the 6ID and the 39 Infantry Battalion and 1002nd Infantry Brigade -- operating units under the10 Infantry Division -- worked together in completing the mission of finding the war materiel.

Uy expressed appreciation to former NPA members who cooperated with government forces to locate the arms cache.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1133712

WESTMINCOM: 102nd Infantry Brigade Organizes a Task Unit to Defeat the WMRPC

From the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Aug 14, 2021): 102nd Infantry Brigade Organizes a Task Unit to Defeat the WMRPC (Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee)

Team Igsoon

102ND INFANTRY BRIGADE ORGANIZES A TASK UNIT TO DEFEAT THE WMRPC

 
IPIL, ZSP - The Army's 102nd Infantry (IGSOON) Brigade organized a Task Unit to defeat the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, Sunday morning, March 14, 2021.
The Task Unit Jaguar is composed of 115 Officers and personnel from 42nd Infantry Battalion, 44th Infantry Battalion and 53rd Infantry Battalion.

 
Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, Commander, 102Bde, discussed his intent and the purpose of the organization of Task Unit Jaguar.

 
"For a very long time, our goal, our mission, and our objectives remained the same, and that is to defeat the WMRPC," said Brig. Gen. Nicolas.

 
"As your commander, I would like to report to you that we are close to winning with the dismantling of five (5) guerilla units, two (2) vertical forces and one (1) regional urban committee during our previous campaigns, with the strong support from our stakeholders through the different levels of Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC)," Brig. Gen. Nicolas added.

 
The newly organized Task Unit Jaguar will function as the Brigade's Ready Deployable Force that will hunt down the remaining Communist NPA Terrorists of the WMRPC anywhere in Zamboanga Peninsula and Misamis Occidental.

 
"I am confident that with your reinvigorated passion and commitment, you will be able to deliver and contribute to the dismantling of the WMRPC," Brig. Gen. Nicolas in one of his remarks.

 
In closing, Brig. Gen. Nicolas inpired the junior officers and personnel to give their best in their future tasks and mission.

 
"Give your 100% and your contributions will be written in the history of freeing the victims and people of Zamboanga Peninsula and Misamis Occidental from Communist's Propaganda and Influence," Brig. Gen. Nicolas ended.

 
The troops will undergo a short-course reorganization training to enhance their tactical and technical profeciency in accomplishing their mission.

https://www.facebook.com/TeamIGSOON/photos/pcb.2166170706850078/2166169726850176/

https://www.facebook.com/afpwestmincom/

WESTMINCOM: Night Loudspeaker Operation

From the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Aug 14, 2021): Night Loudspeaker Operation

Six Cmo Battalion

"NIGHT LOUDSPEAKER OPERATION"

#6thInfantryKampilanDivision
#6CMOKasanggaBattalion
#ArmyTransformationRoadmap
#AFPyoucanTRUST

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=4463192010364790&set=a.1013504615333564

https://www.facebook.com/afpwestmincom/

5 more Sayyafs yield in Sulu

From the Mindanao Examiner (Mar 13, 2021): 5 more Sayyafs yield in Sulu

Five Abu Sayyaf terrorists, two of them teenagers, surrendered to the military in Sulu province in southern Philippines after their family and ulama convinced them to abandon their violent campaign and return to the fold of the law.

A military photo shows the 5 Abu Sayyaf terrorists who surrendered in Suli province on March 12, 2021.

Maj. Gen. William Gonzales, commander of the 11th Infantry Division, said the terrorists, who surrendered Friday to the municipal government of Maimbung and 41st Infantry Battalion, also yielded a grenade launcher and two rifles.

“Based on their initial debriefing, they were recruited because of the twisted narratives by the Abu Sayyaf,” Gonzales said, adding, of the men claimed to have joined the Abu Sayyaf at a very young age because some of his relatives, who are also members of the terrorist group told him that they are fighting a jihad or holy war.

He said one of those who surrendered told this to military interrogators: “I am part of the group of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Yasser Igasan, who encouraged violence towards non-believers. I was thankful that my wife and in-laws urged me to leave the Abu Sayyaf group. They asked me to attend madrasah, where I finally learned the real essence of being a Muslim. True Islam is really all about peace.”

Those recruited by the Abu Sayyaf had not any formal education and were indoctrinated by the extremist group in fighting the government. This was confirmed by Lt. Col. James Erasmus Gani, commander of the 41st Infantry Battalion, who said: “The Abu Sayyaf is targeting the youth who are still at their formative years and are exploiting their lack of education to indoctrinate them on their false narrative.”

Just early this week, over a dozen Abu Sayyaf fighters also surrendered in Sulu, one of 5 provinces under the Muslim autonomous region.

The terrorists also yielded assorted weapons, mostly old firearms, in Talipao town. Two of those who surrendered were notorious Abu Sayyaf fighters, Almudar Muhajiri and Warsib Hamja, under terrorist leader Radulan Sahiron.

The Abu Sayyaf group, whose leaders pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, was behind numerous deadly bombings in Sulu, Basilan, Zamboanga City and other parts of Mindanao. It is also involved in ransom kidnappings and brutal slayings of their Filipino and foreign hostages over the past decades. (Mindanao Examiner)

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2021/03/5-more-sayyafs-yield-in-sulu.html

Iloilo attacks reinforce CPP-NPA’s terroristic nature: TF

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 13, 2921): Iloilo attacks reinforce CPP-NPA’s terroristic nature: TF (By Perla Lena)

DESPICABLE ACT. The Lambunao municipal police station patrol car is damaged after being hit by an improvised explosive device in Barangay Pughanan, Lambunao, Iloilo, on Friday (March 12, 2021). In a statement, the Western Visayas Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict condemned the attacks, blamed on CPP-NPA rebels. (Contributed photo)

The Western Visayas Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC 6) condemned the recent attacks committed by the terrorist Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) against the 603rd Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB-6) and the Lambunao municipal police in Iloilo.

In a statement released on Saturday, Associate Provincial Prosecutor Flosemer Chris Gonzales, who is also task force spokesperson, said the “atrocities committed by the CPP-NPA showed their true colors.”

“They are simply terrorists. No amount of sugarcoating by their propaganda machinery can change that fact,” Gonzales said.

On Friday, two personnel of the Lambunao municipal police station were wounded when their vehicle was ambushed by suspected NPA members using an improvised explosive device (IED) placed by the roadside of a sloping area in Barangay Pughanan.

The team of nine policemen was supposed to investigate the previous day’s incident, where the 12th Infantry Battalion deployed under the community support program and tasked to secure construction equipment in Barangay Panuran were fired upon by about seven members of the Samahang Yunit Propaganda, Baloy Platoon of the NPA.

On March 3, an IED was detonated by the terrorist group just after the patrol car of the 603rd RMFB-6 passed by.

The vehicle was traversing the boundary of barangays Pangilihan and Canauili in Janiuay town on its way to Barangay Agcarope to conduct a clearing operation for the groundbreaking of the Aglobong and Panuran Pipeline System project in adjacent Barangay Panuran.

“The CPP-NPA is nothing more than just a bunch of terrorists, extortionists, and criminals trying to be relevant and cause-oriented,” Gonzales said.

He said judicial affidavits executed by several CPP-NPA surrenderers confirmed that their “recruits undergo training in making bombs and improvised explosive devices in their camps in the mountains of Miagao.”

Recruits are taught how to emplace, arm, and detonate IEDs, which are prepositioned and deployed to their Milisya ng Bayan to attack the police, Army personnel, and civilians, the affidavits stated.

Gonzales called on Ilonggos to be vigilant against the terrorist organization.

“Let us stand united in our fight against terrorism and in our quest for a genuine and lasting peace,” he said.

The European Union, through Council Decision 2011/70/CFSP dated Jan. 11, 2011, designated the CPP-NPA as a terrorist organization.

The CPP-NPA is also listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1133495

5 Abu Sayyaf bandits surrender in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 13, 2021): 5 Abu Sayyaf bandits surrender in Sulu (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

5 MORE SURRENDERERS. An Abu Sayyaf Group surrenderer hands over a Garand rifle to Brig. Gen. Antonio Bautista Jr., the Army's 1101st Infantry Brigade commander, during a ceremony on Friday (March 12, 2021). Four other bandits surrendered to the Army's 41st Infantry Battalion, headed by Lt. Col. James Erasmus Gagni (right) in Barangay Matatal, Maimbung, Sulu. (Photo courtesy of the 11th infantry Division Public Information Office)

Five Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits, including a minor, surrendered to government authorities in Sulu with the help of their relatives, military officials said Saturday.

Maj. Gen. William Gonzales, 11th Infantry Division commander, said the five surrendered to the 41st Infantry Battalion (IB) in Sitio Bato Habah, Barangay Matatal, Maimbung, Sulu on Friday.

Gonzales identified them as Rostom Tadjiron Jany, 19, a follower of ASG sub-leader Apoh Mike; Mannan Hajan Illah, 26, under the slain ASG sub-leader Albader Parrad; Asad Jalali, 64, under the slain ASG sub-leader Doctor Abuh; Abduhail Indanan Marajul, 34, a follower of ASG sub-leader Yasser Igasan; and a 16-year-old follower of slain ASG leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan.

Gonzales said the surrenderers believe they were misled by the "twisted narratives of the ASG.”

“Now, they are enlightened after listening to the religious teachings of the Ulama Council," he said.

Lt. Col. James Erasmus Gagni, 41IB commander, said Marajul joined the ASG "at a very young age because some of his relatives, who were also members of the ASG, claimed that what they are doing is for Jihad."

He quoted Marajul as saying in the vernacular, “I am part of the group of sub-leader Yasser Igasan, who encouraged violence towards non-believers. I am thankful that my wife and in-laws urged me to leave the ASG. They asked me to attend a Madrasah, where I finally learned the real essence of being a Muslim."

Gagni, who facilitated the surrender, said the other former ASG members also joined the group for the same reasons.

He said the ASG targets youths, who are still in their formative years, and exploits the children’s lack of education to "indoctrinate them on their false narrative."

The five ASG surrenderers yielded one grenade launcher and two Garand rifles.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Antonio Bautista Jr., the Army's 1101st Infantry Brigade commander, said the surrenderers would receive financial and other livelihood assistance from the Municipal Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict (TF-ELAC).

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1133514

2 high-ranking NPA leaders, 5 members yield over failed promises

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 14, 2021): 2 high-ranking NPA leaders, 5 members yield over failed promises

SURRENDERED. The high-powered firearms – four M16 rifles, three AK47 rifles, two M653 rifles, one M230 grenade launcher, and one M14 rifle – surrendered by two high-ranking New People’s Army leaders and 5 members in Malabalay, Bukidnon on March 9. Armando Daluniag alias Ambo/Satur/Pegan/Dario, commanding officer of the Headquarters Force (HQF) Neo, Northern Central Mindanao Regional Committee, said they grew tired of the communist movement because of failed promises and regret that even their families' welfare were neglected. (Photo from Army’s 403rd Brigade)

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – A few days after President Rodrigo Duterte’s call for remaining communist terrorists to surrender, two high-ranking leaders and five members of the New People’s Army (NPA) on March 9 laid down their weapons to the 403rd Infantry Brigade in Barangay Manalog, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

Brigadier General Ferdinand T Barandon, commander of the Army’s 403rd Brigade, identified the two high-ranking NPA leaders as Armando Daluniag alias Ambo/Satur/Pegan/Dario, Roland Lagunday alias Ben, and five other group members.

Daluniag , who is former deputy secretary of NPA’s Guerilla Front 89, is the commanding officer of the Headquarters Force (HQF) Neo, Northern Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC), while Lagunday is the leader of Squad 2, Platoon 2, HQF Neo, NCMRC.

The rebels surrendered 11 high-powered firearms composed of four M16 rifles, three AK47 rifles, two M653 rifles, one M230 grenade launcher, and one M14 rifle.

Daluniag said they grew tired of the communist movement because of failed promises and regret that even their families' welfare was neglected.

"Ang hinungdan nganong nibalik ko kay ang kalihukan ang pasalig nila sa una dili na mao karon. Walay natabang nga maayo sa akong pamilya. Ang panawagan nako sa mga kauban nga gibiyaan namo, kadtong mga naa may mga panghuna-huna muhawa na pud diha. (I surrendered due to the unfulfilled promises of the movement and it did not do good to my family. I call on our fellow rebels to leave the armed group. Daluniag said.

He said it is not true that the military will torture communists who return to the fold of the law.

“Dili mana tinuod nga i-torture ta kung munaog ta, kay sa karon gi-ayo man mi og entertain sa kasundalohan, wala man mi hilabti (It is not true that we will be tortured once we surrender. In our case, we were entertained properly by the soldiers),” he added.

Barandon said the surrender of the seven NPA guerillas is the result of government agencies’ cooperation in achieving the goals of Executive Order No. 70 that created the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

Meanwhile, Major General Andres Centino, 4th Infantry Division commander, said the NPA leaders’ surrender is a response to the call of President Duterte for the remnants of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) – NPA to surrender.

“We expect that more NPAs will follow their leaders by heeding the call of the President to return to the fold of the government. Parang magkakaroon ng domino effect yan kung makita ng mga kasamahan nila na nagsibabaan na yung mga ilang members of the group, it would definitely have an effect dun din sa moral nung naiiwan pa (The surrender will have a domino effect on the remaining members)," he added.

Duterte, in his March 5 visit to Cagayan de Oro City communists that the government will provide all the necessary assistance such as livelihood, skills training, and housing, to those who will return to the government fold.

Centino assured that the surrenderers, who are now under the custody of the 403rd Brigade, will be provided with all the benefits promised by the President under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) for a better future with their families.

The CPP- NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1133542

Death of rebel leader in Nueva Vizcaya ‘big blow’ to NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 14, 2021): Death of rebel leader in Nueva Vizcaya ‘big blow’ to NPA (By Jason De Asis)

A top Philippine Army (PA) official on Sunday said the neutralization of a rebel front official in Nueva Vizcaya is a big blow to the New People's Army (NPA).

Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, commander of the Army’s 91st Infantry Battalion under the 7th Infantry Division, said Rommel Tucay, a secretary of the communist terrorist group (CTG) Komiteng Larangang Guerrilla Sierra Madre (KLG-SM), died during an exchange of gunfire with government troops in Barangay Kimbutan, Dupax Del Sur town on Saturday.

The NPA front operates in the provinces of Aurora, Nueva Ecija and parts of Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino.

Rubio said the remaining units of active guerilla fronts in these areas continue to weaken due to sustained and intensified efforts of the government to end local communist armed conflict.

The rebel forces are almost decimated due to the intensified focused military operations, he added.

“The CTG has been substantially weakened because of the sustained and intensified government efforts to end local communist armed conflict that resulted to significant losses of their key leaders, seasoned fighters, and mass supporters,” Rubio said in an interview.

Likewise, he cited the successful arrest of Delfin Pimentel, 62, a former secretary of the Aurora Provincial Committee under the CTG's Central Luzon Regional Committee last March 3.

“Our intensified efforts against insurgency are successful because of the troops’ dedication, hard work and sacrifices to win the campaign,” he said.

“This was also a result of the implementation of the community support program in remote villages, the full support from various government agencies and the delivery of services and programs to the people,” Rubio added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1133549

Calls louder to extend Bangsamoro transition phase

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 13, 2021): Calls louder to extend Bangsamoro transition phase (By Lade Jean Kabagani)

BARMM TRANSITION. Officials and members of the Bangsamoro People's Coalition from various Bangsamoro communities in Metro Manila hold a peace rally at the Manila Golden Mosque and Cultural Center in Quiapo, Manila on Friday (March 12, 2021). They urged the government to extend the Bangsamoro Transition Authority and expedite the amendment of laws postponing the BARMM elections to 2025. (PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler)

Extending the transition phase of the Bangsamoro government for at least three more years will ensure a stable normalization process among former combatants in Mindanao.

On Friday, members of the Bangsamoro People’s Coalition staged a rally in front of the Mendiola Peace Arch in Manila, urging the government to extend the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA).

The multisectoral groups also called on Congress to expedite the amendment of laws postponing the elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The transition plan for the region is set to be completed in 2022. However, due to disruptions brought by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, regional leaders are pushing to extend the Bangsamoro transition phase until 2025.

Lawyer Maisara Dandamun-Latiph, a BTA parliament member, said the uncertainties posed by the public health crisis have affected the operations of the Bangsamoro government to fully establish the provisions of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

Three more years will be enough for the BTA to cope with the challenges and those posed by the pandemic as it is currently polishing the BOL which requires the passage of several legal codes for the region, she said.

The transition body is focusing on the BOL codes covering the administrative, civil service, education, local government, revenue, elections, and laws for non-Moro residents or the indigenous peoples.

Latiph said the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) must be given a chance to finish what it started as a partner of the government for pushing long-lasting peace.

"Those that have been started by the MILF will continue until all the laws mentioned in the Bangsamoro Organic Law for the operation of the regular government will be established so that in the regular election, all the laws are already there and they can operate in the Bangsamoro government smoothly because the laws are already there," she added in an interview.

Provision of quality services, legislation

Diamila Disiban-Ramos, also a BTA parliament member, said there's no time to rush at the expense of quality legislations and public service.

"We should also be reminded that ours is a new form of government, still in its infancy. We cannot rush everything at the expense of quality legislations and public service," she said in a statement.

Ramos noted that Bangsamoro people deserve to be assured of better and polished services.

"The future and success of BARMM starts from this transition, it starts from here, from us. We should always put the interest of the general public above our own personal interest. Rather, we should work together and see what’s best for our people," she said.

Ramos said the prevailing health crisis has affected the decommissioning process which is a vital part of normalization phase in the region, particularly among former combatants.

"As much as we want to finish our mandate within the given timeline as provided in the BOL, this pandemic has shifted our priorities as we have to put premium consideration on the well-being of the general public — especially the health and safety of our constituents in the BARMM," she said.

During the peace rally, the Bangsamoro People's Coalition urged lawmakers to amend the Bangsamoro Organic Law, based on Resolution No. 93 issued by the BTA on November 17, 2020, to extend the three-year transition period to June 30, 2025.

"The BTA's extension to at least three more years will allow continuity of harmonious and productive partnership of the Philippine government and MILF in the implementation of the provisions of the peace agreement," they said.

The groups urged President Rodrigo Duterte to certify the passage of the measure as urgent.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1133470

AFP, CHR ink pact on human rights training, education

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 13, 2021): AFP, CHR ink pact on human rights training, education (By Priam Nepomuceno)

ADVANCING HUMAN RIGHTS. AFP Chief-of-Staff, Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana (3rd from right), and CHR chairperson Jose Luis Martin Gascon (3rd from left) exchange copies of the MOU on human rights education, training, and advocacy collaboration, in a ceremony in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Friday (March 12, 2021). Under the MOU, the AFP and CHR will work together in creating monitoring mechanisms and data sharing of incidents and cases of human rights violations. (Photo courtesy of AFP Public Affairs)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Friday vowed to work together in advancing human rights education, training, and advocacy.

AFP Chief-of-Staff, Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, and CHR chairperson Jose Luis Martin Gascon signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on their collaboration to create monitoring mechanisms and data sharing of incidents and cases of human rights violations, during a ceremony in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

“We in the AFP will always endeavor to seek the most effective ways to address the gaps, in particular on the observance of Human Rights of our organization. I am certain that by fostering close coordination, which involves a mutual exchange of knowledge on the intricacies and the proper interpretation of human rights and the best ways to promote them, there is surely much to learn from our counterparts from the CHR,” Sobejana said in a statement.

Also present in the signing ceremony were AFP Human Rights Office (HRO) chief Col. Joel Alejandro Nacnac and CHR executive director Jacqueline Anne de Guia.

“It is with deep appreciation and renewed hope that we welcome the signing of the memorandum of agreement with the AFP. Indeed, as duty bearers, we have the obligation to our citizens to uphold and protect human rights and International Humanitarian Law. This MOU will strengthen our respective institutions’ efforts in providing protection for the rights of all people in our country,” Gascon said.

Both parties shall participate in dialogues, focus group discussions, and other forms of engagements or cooperation affecting human rights issues. They will also assist each other in clearance processes.

The AFP and CHR shall be committed to the agreement and its provisions will remain in full effect for three years from the time of signing, subject to renewal and approval of the defense secretary.

“The MOU will foster increased education and training, information sharing and referral of cases, improved monitoring and reporting of incidents, and will further solidify the coordination over reports of alleged human rights violations. The cooperation between the AFP and the CHR on the latter’s clearance system will surely benefit military officers who will undergo confirmation before the Commission on Appointments,” Nacnac said.

The MOU will reinforce and complement the La Breza Declaration on Human Rights Cooperation issued by the AFP through its HRO and major service commanders in 2012, which confirmed the continuing commitment of the military to protect human rights.

Before the MOU signing, both parties have worked together in numerous activities, such as the joint conduct of human rights seminars, periodic reviews of the AFP Curriculum, and top-level policy dialogues to clarify military operations.

These activities emphasized the need to strengthen documentation, verification, and cross-validation of complaints of human rights violations.

“As we take pride in carrying our mandate as defenders of our country and people, we welcome with open arms any form of a collaborative partnership that would be beneficial in the fulfillment of the AFP’s mission of protecting the people and securing the state,” Sobejana said.

The ceremony was also witnessed by UN Resident Coordinator in the Philippines Gustavo Gonzales, CHR Commissioner Karen Dumpit, AFP vice chief-of-staff, Lt. Gen. Erickson Gloria and deputy chief-of-staff, Vice Adm. Erick Kagaoan.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1133489

Kalinaw News: No More Escape This Time for Bernie

From Kalinaw News (Mar 14, 2021): No More Escape This Time for Bernie



Camp Downes, Ormoc City, March 14, 2021 – Soldiers of 93rd Infantry Battalion, acting on a tip off from local residents, conducted operations and netted a member of the Communist Terrorist Group (NPA) identified as Edencio Dionaldo @ Bernie Bates who has in his possession a Caliber .45 pistol, at Brgy Hiluctogan, Carigara, Leyte.

His capture led to the seizure of two (2) M16 rifles and the discovery of a cache in the backyard of his own house containing the following: one (1) M16 rifle, eight (8) Caliber .38 revolvers, one (1) rifle grenade, one (1) improvised anti-personnel landmine, one (1) magazine of M16 rifle, assorted rounds of ammunition for AK47, Garand rifle, Caliber .45, 5.56mm Ball, 7.62mm Ball, and empty shells of 12 – gauge shotgun. It can be recalled that last November 14, 2020, soldiers rescued the children of Bernie Bates in that same house where weapons, explosive, underground revolutionary textbooks, bomb-making manual, and other war materiel and illegal items were found. The said house was also used as the venue for the repair of arms and manufacture of improvised explosive device; and the conduct of Diakonie – sponsored agricultural training on organic and diverse farming.

Diakonie is a local farmers’ organization in Carigara, Leyte named after Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe, one of the foreign benefactors and sponsors of Leyte Center for Development (LCDe). LCDe used to provide funds to the Municipal Upland Farmers of Carigara or MUFAC which was discovered to be a front organization of the armed communist terrorists group (CPP-NPA-NDF), as revealed by many of its former officers and members. Accordingly, issues on corruption and mismanagement of donated funds from local and foreign donors due to lack of transparency on the part of LCDe discouraged MUFAC members and led to their realization that their organization is only being utilized for fund generation scheme. Currently, MUFAC is no longer an active organization.

Edencio Dionaldo, who has a standing order of arrest for the crime of Attempted Homicide issued by Judge Lauro Andres P. Castillo Jr. of RTC Branch 36, Carigara, Leyte, was already a member of the NPA terrorist group at age 14. Since the discovery of war materiel inside his house and the rescue of his children, the government has been actively calling for his peaceful surrender, especially that one of his minor children, Cyril is suffering from meningitis. In fact, the 802nd Infantry Brigade, in coordination with the staff of Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa facilitated the treatment of Cyril at the Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center (EVRMC).

Si Brig. Gen. Zosimo A. Oliveros ay nanawagan sa mga natitirang kasapi ng teroristang CPP – NPA sa mga lalawigan ng Leyte, Southern Leyte at Biliran na magbalik-loob sa ating gobyerno upang hindi sapitin ang nangyari kay Edencio Dionaldo at nang sa gayon ay makatanggap ng mga magagandang benepisyo na inaalok sa ilalim ng Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) ng pamahalaan.

[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/no-more-escape-this-time-for-bernie/

Kalinaw News: Engkwentro sa pagitan ng kasundaluhan at rebeldeng NPA sumiklab; mga residente nakipagtulungan kontra sa mga rebelde

From Kalinaw News (Mar 14, 2021): Engkwentro sa pagitan ng kasundaluhan at rebeldeng NPA sumiklab; mga residente nakipagtulungan kontra sa mga rebelde



CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela- Sumiklab ang dalawang magkasunod na engkwentro sa pagitan ng hanay ng 17th Infantry Battalion (17IB) at ng teroristang Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) sa Barangay Mallig at Sitio Tawini, Brgy Upper Atok, Flora, Apayao, ngayong araw, ika-14 ng Marso taong kasalukuyan.

Una rito ng nagkasa ng security operations ang mga tropa ng 17IB sa Barangay Mallig, matapos makatanggap ng impormasyon mula sa mga residente ukol sa presensya ng mga teroristang CPP-NPA sa kanilang lugar. Nagsagawa ng aksyon ang nasabing tropa ng pamahalaan na kung saan, kasalukuyan ang kanilang security operations nang paulanan sila ng bala ng nasa 20 na mga miyembro ng teroristang CPP-NPA mula sa West Front Committee, Komiteng Probinsya Cagayan, Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley. Tumagal nang halos labinlimang minuto ang nangyaring palitan ng putok mula sa hanay ng 17IB at teroristang CPP-NPA. Matapos ang engkwentro, agad umatras ang mga rebeldeng CPP-NPA na sanhi na rin ng kanilang pagkakawatak-watak.

Sa isinagawang clearing operations ng mga otoridad, mayroong mga dugo ang nakita na kung saan pinaniniwalaang marami ang naging sugatan sa panig ng mga teroristang CPP-NPA. Narekober din ang apat na M16 rifles at mga Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) o mga pampasabog na gamit ng mga teroristang NPA.

Sa mga narekober na gamit, muling napatunayan ang nagpapatuloy na paglabag ng mga teroristang CPP-NPA sa International Humanitarian Law na mariing nagbabawal sa paggamit ng mga IEDs.

Ilang oras pagkatapos ng engkwentro sa Barangay Mallig, Flora, muling naengkwentro ng tropa ng 17IB ang hindi mabatid na bilang ng mga teroristang CPP-NPA sa bahagi naman ng Barangay Upper Atok na tumagal ng mahigit kumulang ng 30 minuto. Muling nagkawatak-watak ang grupo ng mga CPP-NPA habang patuloy ang pagsuyod ng mga kasundaluhan sa nasabing mga lugar.

Samantala, bago pa man ang nangyaring mga engkwentro, una na ring idineklarang Persona Non Grata ng mga residente sa nasabing barangay ang mga Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs). Patunay rito ang naging aksyon ng mga residente sa kanilang mabilisang pagbibigay ng impormasyon sa mga kasundaluhan patungkol sa mga rebeldeng NPA na gumagalaw sa kanilang lugar.

Ipinagpasalamat naman ni MGen Laurence E Mina PA, Commander ng 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army ang ginawang pagbabahagi ng impormasyon ng mga residente sa kasundaluhan. Aniya, mandato ng kasundaluhan na protektahan ang mga mamamayan at magagawa ito ng epektibo sa pamamagitan ng pakikipagtulungan ng mga residente. Habang kanyang hinikayat ang mga miyembro ng rebeldeng CPP-NPA na ibaba na ang kanilang armas at magbalik-loob na sa pamahalaan. Aniya, wala ng mapupuntahan pa ang mga teroristang CPP-NPA dahil sa mas pinaigting na pakikipagtulungan at koordinasyon ng mga residente sa kasundaluhan.

“Sa mga sugatang miyembro ng teroristang CPP-NPA dahil sa nangyaring engkwentro, bukas ang mga pagamutan ng pamahalaan upang kayo ay mabigyan ng maayos na atensyong medikal. Makakaasa kayong tutulungan namin kayong magkaroon ng karampatang medisina upang mapabilis ang inyong paggaling at mapabuti ang inyong kalagayan.”

[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/engkwentro-sa-pagitan-ng-kasundaluhan-at-rebeldeng-npa-sumiklab-mga-residente-nakipagtulungan-kontra-sa-mga-rebelde/