Tagalog News: Mga katutubong agta nagpatulong sa CHR, NCIP at 17IB laban sa pang-aabuso ng NPA

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 22, 2021): Tagalog News: Mga katutubong agta nagpatulong sa CHR, NCIP at 17IB laban sa pang-aabuso ng NPA (By 17th Infantry Battalion)

LAL-LO, Cagayan, Marso 22 (PIA) – Humingi ng tulong sa pamahalaan ang mga katutubong agta mula sa Barangay Calassitan, Sto. Niño, Cagayan laban sa pang-aabuso ng mga teroristang Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

Sa isinagawang dayalogo at konsultasyon sa Barangay Alannay, Lasam, Cagayan, sa tulong ng Commission on Human Rights (CHR), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) at ng 17th Infantry Battalion, naglabas ng kanilang hinanaing ang mga katutubong agta mula sa sa nasabing barangay dahil sa paglabag ng mga rebeldeng CPP-NPA sa kanilang mga karapatang pantao.

Sa ibinahaging impormasyon ng mga katutubong agta, bukod sa sapilitan silang inaarmasan ng teroristang CPP-NPA upang mapilitang sumampa sa rebeldeng kilusan, pwersahan ding kinuha ng mga rebelde ang mga kabataang agta sa kanilang lugar.

Sa kanilang pagbabahagi, sa kasalukuyan ay walong katao ang nananatiling nawawala matapos na sapilitang pinasampa ng mga rebelde sa kanilang kilusan kung saan apat dito ay pawang mga menor de edad.

Patunay dito ang pagbabalik ni Alyas James na isang katutubong agta mula sa Barangay Calassitan. Kung maaalala sa kanyang pagkukwento, tinanggihan niya ng paulit-ulit ang panghihikayat ng mga rebeldeng CPP-NPA na sumampa siya sa rebeldeng kilusan ngunit sapilitan pa rin siyang kinuha ng mga ito.

Ikinaalarma ni Josephine C. Patagguan ng NCIP Cagayan ang ulat na patuloy pa rin ang mga rebeldeng CPP-NPA sa paggamit sa mga katutubong agta.

Malaki ang naging pasasalamat ni Patagguan sa hanay ng 17IB at ng CHR sa tulong na ipinagkaloob para sa mga katutubong agta.

Sinabi ng kinatawan ng CHR na agad nilang aaksyunan ang idinulog na suliranin sa kanila ng mga katutubong agta. Ayon sa kanial, pinahahalagahan ng kanilang tanggapan ang karapatang pantao ng bawat isa at pananagutin ang mga lumalabag sa karapatang pantao ninuman.

Hindi rin umano papalampasin ng CHR ang mga ginagawang pang-aabuso ng mga NPA sa karapatang pantao lalo na ng ating mga katutubo. Ayon sa kinatawan ng CHR, ang paggamit sa mga kabataan upang maging panangga sa mga engkwentro at magamit sila sa mga krimen ay maliwanag na hindi lamang paglabag sa ating batas kundi paglabag din sa kanilang karapatan.

Samantala, sinabi naman ni Lt. Col Angelo C. Saguiguit, commanding officer ng 17IB na kaisa ang kasundaluhan sa pagprotekta sa karapatang pantao ng bawat isa.

"Magbalik-loob na sila sa pamahalaan na bukas ang pinto para sa inyong pagbabagong buhay. Wala ng mapupuntahan at matataguan pa ang mga rebeldeng CPP-NPA dahil mismong ang residente na ang nakikipagtulungan sa pwersa ng pamahalaan upang masugpo ang insurhenisya sa kani-kanilang mga lugar," ani Saguiguit. (MDCT/PIA-2)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1070202

Tagalog News: Dalawang kabataang mandirigma ng teroristang CPP-NPA sumuko sa bayan ng San Mariano

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 22, 2021): Tagalog News: Dalawang kabataang mandirigma ng teroristang CPP-NPA sumuko sa bayan ng San Mariano (By 5th Infantry Division)

GAMU, Isabela, Marso 22 (PIA) -- Demoralisado at paralisado na ang rebeldeng Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) sa Cagayan Valley kung kaya boluntaryong sumuko sa hanay ng 95th Infantry Battalion at ng kapulisan ang dalawang kabataang mandirigma ng rebeldeng grupo noong ika-19 ng Marso taong kasalukuyan sa bayan ng San Mariano, Isabela.

Kinilala ang mga nagbalik-loob na sina Alyas Gina/Iyan, 18 taong gulang, medical officer, na sumampa sa rebeldeng kilusan noong taong 2017 matapos marekrut ni alyas Bunso na sumuko na rin sa pamahalaan at Alyas Mar/Jero, 19 taong gulang, supplyofficer, na narekrut noong taong 2018 ni Alyas Dennis na isa ring dating rebelde.Kapwa sila mga residente sa bayan ng San Mariano at dating miyembro ng Regional Sentro De Grabidad, Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley ng teroristang CPP-NPA.

Ayon sa kanila, dahil sa sunod-sunod na pag-aklas ng suporta ng kanilang mga masa sa kilusan at sa pagkakamatay ng kanilang lider na si alyas Yuni, tuluyang naging demoralisado ang rebeldeng grupo.

Ayon sa mga sumukong dating rebelde, hindi na makagalaw ang teroristang CPP-NPA dahil sa pagkamatay ng kanilang lider. Wala na rin silang makuhang tulong at suportang galing sa masa.

Nakakaranas ang rebeldeng kilusan ng matinding gutom, pagod at takot at ito ang nagtulak sa dalawa na magbalik-loob at makipagtulungan sa pamahalaan laban sa mga teroristang CPP-NPA. Ninanais din ng dalawa na masagip din ang iba pa nilang kasamahan na matagal ng gustong bumaba.

Pinuri naman ni MGen Laurence E. Mina, commander ng 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army ang naging desisyon nina Alyas Gina/Iyan at Alyas Mar/Jero.

“Paralisado na ang rebeldeng CPP-NPA. Wala na rin silang matatakbuhan pa, dahil mismong mga residente na ang umaayaw sa kanila. Sa katunayan, ang mga mamamayan ang nagbibigay ng tumpak at napapanahong impormasyon sa kinaroroonan ng mga rebelde, kung kaya’t sunod-sunod ang mga naging engkwentro laban sa rebeldeng grupo sa Apayao, Cagayan, Isabela at Kalinga,” ani Mina

Mariin ding kinondena ng heneral ang patuloy na paggamit ng mga rebeldeng CPP-NPA ng mga batang mandirigma.

“Ito ay tahasang paglabag sa International Human Rights at Humanitarian Law na mahigpit na nagbabawal sa pagrekrut at paggamit ng mga batang mandirigma. Nanawagan ang pamunuan ng 5ID sa Commission on Human Rights upang imbestigahan ang paglabag na ito ng teroristang CPP-NPA,” dagdag niya. (MDCT/PIA-2)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1070203

Luzon tribal leaders vow support for gov't peace initiatives

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 21, 2021): Luzon tribal leaders vow support for gov't peace initiatives (By Zorayda Tecson)

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – Tribal leaders and Indigenous People’s Mandatory Representatives (IPMR) from Northern and Central Luzon have vowed to support the government in promoting peace and development to the native cultural communities.

During the Tribal Chieftains’ Summit held at the headquarters of the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) in Tarlac on Saturday, the tribal leaders said they are ready to cooperate with the government in its peace and development efforts.

“Kaming mga tribal leaders ay kaakibat po ng ating pamahalaan at handang makipagtulungan upang tuluyang wakasan ang problema sa New People's Army (NPA), para magbigay daan sa kapayapaan at kaunlaran ng aming komunidad (We, tribal leaders are partners of our government and are ready to work together to finally end the New People’s Army (NPA) problem that would pave the way for peace and development in our communities),” Liza Balario, the IPMR of Barangay Duhawen, San Marcelino, Zambales, said in a social media post.

Balario is one of the 20 IPMRs and 15 tribal chieftains who attended the two-day Tribal Chieftains’ Summit jointly facilitated by the Nolcom and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) in Region 3 (Central Luzon).

The summit was conducted to capacitate the participants in coping with various issues besetting the country which include the threat of local communist terrorists and coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, while empowering them to become proactive leaders in their respective communities.

Balario thanked the organizers of the event for giving them the opportunity to acquire new knowledge that they can share with their respective constituents.

“Kami po ay nagpapasalamat sa Nolcom at sa NCIP sa pagbuo ng mga ganitong programa, kung saan kaming mga tribal leaders at mga IPMR ay nakakakuha ng mga bagong kaalaman na maaari naming ipamahagi sa aming kanya-kanyang komunidad (We are thankful to Nolcom and NCIP for developing such programs, where we tribal leaders and IPMR gain new knowledge that we can share with our respective communities),” she said.

Meanwhile, tribal governor Rolando Manuel Rivera, NCIP Commissioner for Luzon, said sustainable development cannot be realized without peace.

“Kung walang kapayapaan, walang development. Kaya unahin natin ang kapayapaan at hangarin natin ito ng buong puso. Huwag natin kalabanin ang ating pamahalaan (Without peace, there is no development. So let us prioritize peace and seek it with all our heart. Let us not oppose our government),” Rivera said.

He encouraged the participants to be proactive in their respective communities.

“Ang pagsisilbi ay isang pagsasakripisyo. Dapat ang isang lider ay nakahandang magsakripisyo at pangunahan ang kanyang mga nasasakupan patungo sa tamang landas at patungo sa kapayapaan at kaunlaran (To serve is a sacrifice. A leader must be willing to sacrifice and lead his constituents towards the right path and towards peace and prosperity),” he added.

Lt. Gen. Arnulfo Marcelo B. Burgos Jr., Nolcom commander, said the summit was held following the command’s activation of the Indigenous People Affairs Desk with deputy commander Brig. Gen. Henry Doyaoen as its general officer in charge, being an IP community member himself.

“Through the activity, we are sending a strong message to the members of the IP communities in Northern and Central Luzon that the government is here for them, contrary to the propaganda of the communist terrorists whose only objective is to prey upon the vulnerabilities of our indigenous people and sow terror in their communities,” Burgos said.

The 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/1134345

Last Indon captive rescued in Tawi-Tawi; ASG leader killed

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 22, 2021): Last Indon captive rescued in Tawi-Tawi; ASG leader killed (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

Government troops have rescued the last Indonesian kidnap victim and killed an Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) leader in the province of Tawi-Tawi.

Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said Mohd Khairuldin, 15, was rescued around 6:30 a.m. Sunday in Kalupag Island, Languyan, Tawi-Tawi.

RESCUED. Government troops rescue on Sunday (March 21, 2021) Mohd Khairuldin, 15 (center), the last Indonesian captive of the Abu Sayyaf Group in the province of Tawi-Tawi. Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief-of-staff (fifth from right), fetches Khairuldin to Zamboanga City where the last Indonesian captive reunites with his three other countrymen rescued earlier, also in Tawi-Tawi. (Photo courtesy of Western Mindanao Command Public Information Office)

Khairuldin is among the five Indonesian fishermen the ASG bandits abducted from a Sabah-registered trawler on Jan. 16, 2020 in the waters between Tambisan and Kuala Meruap, Lahad Datu, Sabah, close to the Philippine sea border.

Vinluan identified the slain ASG leader as Majan Sahidjuan alias Apo Mike, who died due to loss of blood following a clash with Marine troops Saturday evening in Kalupag Island, Languyan.

“We are happy that all the hostages are safe now and we are also able to neutralize the notorious 'Apo Mike' and two of his comrades,” Vinluan said.

“He (Apo Mike) was severely wounded during the encounter, we tried to save him but his gunshot wounds were fatal,” said Lt. Col. Venjie Pendon, Marine Battalion Landing Team-6 (MBLT-6) commander.

“We are glad that we are able to lead the hostages to safety through the support of the people and also through our collaborative efforts with the military,” said Lt. Col. Gaylord Tamayo of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Special Operations Group-1.

The other three Indonesians, Riswanto Hayano, 27; Arizal Kastamiran, 29; and, Arsyad Dahalan, 41, the fishing boat skipper, were earlier rescued around 10:30 p.m. Thursday off Pasigan Island, South Ubian.

The ASG bandits killed one of the five Indonesians, La Baa, 32, who tried to escape, at the height of a clash with government troops on Sept. 29, 2020 in Barangay Maligay, Patikul, Sulu.

Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, 2nd Marine Brigade commander, said that the ASG bandits sailed to Tawi-Tawi bringing along the captives while evading the ongoing intensive military operations in Sulu.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Armed Forces’ Chief-of-Staff, fetched Khairuldin on Sunday from Tawi-Tawi to this city where he reunited with the other three rescued Indonesians.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1134396

Caraga's top ‘underground’ youth leader arrested

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 22, 2021): Caraga's top ‘underground’ youth leader arrested (By Alexander Lopez)

Renalyn Tejero

The alleged secretary of the Kabataang Makabayan, an underground youth organization of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) wanted for murder was arrested in Cagayan de Oro City on Sunday.

In a statement Monday, Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr., director of Police Regional Office in Caraga (PRO-13), the suspect, Renalyn Tejero, alias Tiray/Teray/Lyn, 25, resident of Barangay Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur, was arrested in New People’s Army (NPA) was arrested in Barangay Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City by joint operatives of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Army.

“She is also a member of the Executive Committee of the Regional United Front (RUF), Regional White Area Committee of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) of the NPA,” Caramat said.

Tejero, who is reportedly a full-time member of the Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad Southland of the NEMRC, is classified one of the most wanted NPA members in the Regional Priority Target (RPT) of PRO-13 with an arrest warrant against her issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 34 in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte for murder and multiple attempted murder.

Tejero is said to be one of the primary suspects in the killing of former rebels, Zaldy Acidillo Ybañez and Datu Bernandino Astudillo, in Sitio Inadan, Barangay Magroyong, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur on March 19, 2020.

Caramat said the suspect is involved in the organizing and recruitment of the youths and students into the NPA and implicated in various NPA-initiated atrocities in Surigao del Sur and other parts of the Caraga Region.

“We affirm that her apprehension was based on the strength of warrants of arrest issued by the local court,” Caramat said.

Caramat credited the local residents and communities for the success of the operation leading to Tejero's arrest.

“With the support of communities, I believe that the days are numbered against those NPA members with warrants of arrest,” Caramat said.

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/1134397

28 Ex-BIFF rebels get aid, livelihood package from gov’t

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 22, 2021): 28 Ex-BIFF rebels get aid, livelihood package from gov’t (By Edwin Fernandez)

AID RECIPIENTS. Nor-eimman K. Balayman (center) of the Maguindanao provincial government, accompanied by soldiers of the 40th Infantry Battalion, flashes the thumbs-up sign with the 28 former BIFF fighters after the distribution of government aid held at the headquarters of the 40IB in President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat on Sunday (March 21, 2021). The former rebels once operated in the towns of General Salipada K. Pendatun, Sultan Sa Barongis, Paglat, and Pagalungan, all in Maguindanao. (Photo courtesy of 40IB, Philippine Army)

The Army’s 40th Infantry Battalion (40IB) and the provincial government of Maguindanao jointly facilitated the distribution on Sunday afternoon of livelihood assistance to 28 former Moro rebels who opted to surrender to live normal lives.

Lt. Col. Edwin Alburo, the 40IB commander, and Nor-eimman K. Balayman, secretary of Maguindanao Governor Bai Mariam Sangki Mangudadatu, led the program held at the battalion headquarters in neighboring Barangay Tual of President Quirino town in Sultan Kudarat province.

Balayman lauded the former members of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) for choosing the right path so they can live peacefully with their families.

“In the past years you have experienced sorrowful circumstances and hardships while fighting against the government forces and now, this is your good opportunity to return to your respective families,” Balayman told the 28 former BIFF members.

Balayman said they are fortunate because the province of Maguindanao has always been committed to providing government services to its constituents, particularly in facilitating livelihood assistance suitable to the needs of former rebels.

Alburo also lauded the provincial government for its commitment to bring about peace in conflict-afflicted communities.

“With this kind of program, I am expecting that more extremist fighters will lay down their firearms and surrender to the government,” he said.

Of the 28 former combatants, 12 surrendered to the 40IB and 16 to the 7IB during the past two weeks. The former BIFF members operated in the towns of General Salipada K. Pendatun, Sultan Sa Barongis, Paglat, and Pagalungan, all in Maguindanao.

Each received one sack of rice and a livelihood package to make them productive citizens in their respective communities.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1134398

3 NPA rebels surrender in Zambo Sur town

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 22, 2021): 3 NPA rebels surrender in Zambo Sur town (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

Map of Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur (Google image)

Three members of the New People’s Army (NPA) have surrendered to authorities in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, a top police official announced Monday.

Brig. Gen. Ronaldo Genaro Ylagan, Police Region Office-9 (PRO-9) director, identified the NPA surrenderers as Roel Indus Bienes alias Ka Rex, 20; Michael Andayon Indus alias Ka Soysoy, 25; and Felix Mapula Bienes, 60.

Ylagan said the three, who are members of the NPA’s Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC), surrendered Saturday in Barangay Sinunoc, Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur.

Ylagan said they surrendered to a joint police and military team that was conducting an internal security operation in the village.

He added that a carbine rifle with 26 rounds of ammunition was turned over by one of the rebels to the authorities.

The three surrenderers, according to Ylagan, are currently undergoing custodial debriefing at the headquarters of the 53rd Infantry Battalion in Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur.

The 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/1134425

NICA-9 says child abuse raps vs. NPA leaders ‘airtight’

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 22, 2021): NICA-9 says child abuse raps vs. NPA leaders ‘airtight’ (By Leah Agonoy)

AIRTIGHT CASE. Henrico Gumibao, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples' Zamboanga del Sur provincial director (left), interviews a former New People's Army child warrior whose parents filed cases of child exploitation and kidnapping against several communist rebel leaders under the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee. The National Intelligence Coordination Agency-9 says it has an airtight case against the NPA leaders. (PNA photo by Leah D. Agonoy)

The National Intelligence Coordinating Agency in the Zamboanga Peninsula (NICA-9) said it has an "airtight case" against several leaders of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) for child exploitation and other crimes.

NICA-9 Assistant Director Bonifacio Pulgo cited Monday the case against Rowil Muñasque, one of the identified NPA leaders under the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC), who is facing child exploitation charges lodged by the parents of a former child warrior.

Pulgo said the case against Muñasque is a classic example of child exploitation by using the victim "as a child warrior in fighting against the government.”

A regional court based in the nearby town of Aurora was supposed to start the hearing of the case on March 16 but was postponed after the court was placed on a lockdown following a reported coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infection involving one of the staff.

Provincial Prosecutor Fernando Cagoco Jr. said that aside from violation of Republic Act 1118, also known as the Special Protection of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict, Muñasque, and several WMRPC leaders are also facing attempted murder and arson charges.

“Some cases are set for first trial while the others were on the trial stages already,” Cagoco said Monday.

Cagoco described the cases against the NPA leaders as “very strong,” especially the child exploitation case filed by the parents of the unnamed former child warrior.

Pulgo said the government is now looking into the recruitment of the youths by the NPA, accusing the communist rebel movement of deceiving minors of "wrong ideologies" and "destroying the future of the children."

“We should put a stop on the treachery and lies they use to lure the minors into joining their armed struggle,” Pulgo said.

He vowed that NICA's community engagements will continue "not only to the youth sector but also to the local government units by making them understand the current situation of the problem with the NPA."

The 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/1134462

8 NPA rebels slain, 18 firearms seized in 1Q in Caraga

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 22, 2021): 8 NPA rebels slain, 18 firearms seized in 1Q in Caraga (By Alexander Lopez)

ACCOMPLISHMENTS VS. NPA. Government forces in Caraga Region and parts of Northern Mindanao killed at least eight communist New People’s Army rebels in various armed encounters in the first two months of 2021, says Brig. Gen. Maurito L. Licudine, commander of the Army's 402 Infantry Brigade, on Monday (March 22, 2021). Government forces also managed to recover 18 firearms from January to early March this year. (PNA file photo by Alexander Lopez)

Government forces in Caraga Region and parts of Northern Mindanao have killed eight communist rebels and seized 18 firearms in armed encounters in the last two months of the year, the Army’s 402 Infantry Brigade (402Bde) said Monday.

In a statement, 402Bde said government forces also seized three improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and dismantled 12 communist New People’s Army (NPA) hideouts in January, February, and early part of the month.

“We will show the NPA the futility of their armed struggle. If they will not heed our call to voluntary surrender and lay down their firearms, we will use all available resources to stop their atrocities for wanton disregard of human rights,” Brig. Gen. Maurito L. Licudine, 402Bde commander, was quoted as saying.

Licudine said the brigade's success can be attributed to the support of the community and through the convergence of various government agencies following the implementation of President Rodrigo R. Duterte's Executive Order No. 70 (EO 70).

Since 2016, Licudine said 567 NPA members have already surrendered to the government, 356 of whom have already benefited from the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).

“These efforts are the fruits of the sacrifices of our soldiers in the frontlines. They endure hardships and even sometimes offer the supreme sacrifice to give our people, whom we have sworn to protect, a comfortable and peaceful life,” he said.

The 402Bde covers the provinces of Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte and parts of Butuan City in Caraga Region, and portions of Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, and Camiguin in Northern Mindanao.

Three Army battalions are under the operational control of the 402Bde, including the 23rd, 26th, and 58th Infantry Battalions.

“Lay down your arms and stop the violence. Let us give peace a chance. After all, we are all Filipinos,” Licudine told the NPA combatants.

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/1134445

Disgruntled NPA members yield to Army in S. Kudarat

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 23, 2021): Disgruntled NPA members yield to Army in S. Kudarat (By Edwin Fernandez)

DISGRUNTLED REBELS. A father and son member of the New People's Army surrendered to authorities and laid down their arms on Monday (March 22, 2021). after realizing they were duped to believe the movement will bring them good. Also shown is the .38 caliber pistol (inset) of Ka Jose who also surrendered on March 20, 2021. (Photo courtesy of 38IB)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Three disgruntled members of the communist New Peoples’ Army (NPA) in Sultan Kudarat have surrendered to military authorities and vowed to convince comrades to return to the fold.

Lt. Col. Anhouvic Atilano, 38th Infantry Battalion (38IB) commander, said Tuesday the rebels, including a father-and-son tandem, have decided to surrender because the movement was not doing them any good.

The father-and-son, known only as alias "Dennis" and "Kalbo", were members of Platoon Cherrymobile of the NPA Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Daguma in Sultan Kudarat.

The two laid down their arms Monday to the Community Support Program (CSP) teams of the 38IB deployed at Barangay Napnapon in Palimbang, bringing along a shotgun and a .45 caliber pistol with ammunition.

Another member identified as alias Jose, 37, a squad leader of SRC Daguma, surrendered in the same barangay last March 20 and brought with him a .38 caliber pistol with five rounds of ammunition.

The surrenderers revealed that more of their companions are soon to go down and go back to the folds of the government.

“The promise of good life tuned out to be like a prison cell for us, we experienced hunger, pain, and loneliness for our loved ones,” Ka Dennis said.

Atilano said the series of surrenders were possible because of the support of the local government unit of Palimbang.

“In close partnership with the LGU, these former rebels are now being processed for the E-CLIP (Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program) so they may receive aid from the government and start a new and peaceful life,” Atilano said.

The NPA, together with the Communist Party of the Philippines and National Democratic Front, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1134535

Stop incursion into PH sovereign territory, Lorenzana to Chinese

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 21, 2021): Stop incursion into PH sovereign territory, Lorenzana to Chinese (By Priam Nepomuceno) 

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (PNA File photo)

The Department of National Defense (DND) on Sunday expressed its concern on reports regarding the presence of 220 Chinese militia boats off the Julian Felipe Reef (Union Reefs) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) as he called to stop incursion into Philippine territory.

DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, in a statement, said this is a "clear provocative action of militarizing the area", noting that these territories are well within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and Continental Shelf (CS) where Filipinos have the sole right to resources under international law and the 2016 arbitral ruling.

“We call on the Chinese to stop this incursion and immediately recall these boats violating our maritime rights and encroaching into our sovereign territory. We are committed to upholding our sovereign rights over the WPS," he added.

Earlier, the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF WPS) expressed concern about a Philippine Coast Guard report that around 220 Chinese fishing vessels, believed to be manned by Chinese maritime militia personnel, were sighted moored in line formation at the Julian Felipe Reef on March 7.

“The NTF WPS notes this circumstance as a concern due to the possible overfishing and destruction of the marine environment, as well as risks to the safety of navigation,” the NTF WPS said.

The reef is a large boomerang-shaped shallow coral reef at the northeast of Pagkakaisa Banks and Reefs (Union Reefs), located approximately 175 nautical miles west of Bataraza, Palawan.

Lorenzana said the DND is now coordinating with the Philippine Coast Guard, the NTF WPS, and the Department of Foreign Affairs for appropriate action on how to protect the welfare of Filipino fishermen, the country's marine resources in the area, and how to maintain peace and stability in the WPS.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1134385

AFP locks down Camp Aguinaldo

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 21, 2021): AFP locks down Camp Aguinaldo (By Priam Nepomuceno) 

RESTRICTIVE MEASURE. Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo told reporters on Sunday (March 21, 2021) that Camp Aguinaldo has been locked down. He said it is one way of helping curb the spread of Covid-19. (PNA File photo)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City has been locked down since 8 a.m. Sunday as part of efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

"I confirm that Camp Aguinaldo has been locked down since 8 o’clock in the morning today, 21 March 2021," AFP spokesperson Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said in a message to reporters.

The preemptive measure, as ordered by Chief of Staff Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, seeks to arrest the alarming and fast-growing number of Covid-19 infections, he added.

"Details and updates to follow," Arevalo added.

The AFP has yet to release the number of Covid-19 infections in the camp.

On Sunday, the Department of Health reported 7,757 new confirmed cases and 39 new deaths while 15,288 more patients recovered from Covid-19.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1134384

Intensify police community works to defeat Reds: PNP

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 21, 2021): Intensify police community works to defeat Reds: PNP (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

JUSTICE VOWED. Lt. Gen Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar, PNP officer-in-charge, comforts Herlyn Azanon (left) and Roger Estoy Sr. (right), partner and father, respectively of Staff Sgt. Roger Alay Estoy, Jr., who was among the five members of the Camarines Norte Police Provincial Mobile Force Company killed in an ambush by the communist rebels while securing a government road project in Labo, Camarines Norte evening of March 19. Eleazar personally assured all the assistance to the families of slain/wounded policemen and vowed to serve justice against the perpetrators during his visit on March 21. (PNP photo)

Philippine National Police (PNP) officer-in-charge, Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, on Sunday has ordered all police units based in areas heavily infiltrated by the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army (CPP-NPA) to beef up their police-community works as part of the efforts to defeat the violence being perpetrated by the communist terrorists.

Eleazar, in a statement, said the order was reached after discussions with PNP chief, Gen. Debold Sinas.

Earlier, Eleazar visited Daet, Camarines Norte to personally check on the medical condition of the two wounded policemen and pay his last respects to the five other members of the 2nd Camarines Norte Police Provincial Mobile Force Company who were killed in an NPA ambush in Labo town on Friday night.

He handed over the PNP's financial assistance to the wounded personnel and the families of the policemen who died in the ambush.

He said Friday’s ambush was planned and this means that the local residents either aided the planned attacks as supporters or out of fear, or they have knowledge of the presence of the communist rebels before the attack.

Eleazar's order is in support of the objective of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC) to put an end to the 52-year old communist insurgency problem in the country through a "whole-of-government" approach by encouraging NPA rebels to surrender and enlisting the support of the people in the community through peace and development programs.

The NTF ELCAC, which is chaired by President Rodrigo R. Duterte himself, is implementing the Barangay Development Program that allocates funds to the barangays previously infested but already cleared of the influence of the communist terrorists.

The program, which is being spearheaded by National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., include livelihood opportunity, road construction and improvement, water, health and sanitation, and projects related to education. The local community has been deprived of those projects due to the presence of the communists.

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/1134387

AFP monitors Chinese incursion off Julian Felipe Reef

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 22, 2021): AFP monitors Chinese incursion off Julian Felipe Reef (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) continues to monitor the situation off Julian Felipe Reef (Union Reefs) in the West Philippine Sea which is within the country's exclusive economic zone, due to the presence of Chinese militia boats, its chief said Sunday night.

"The reef is within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone therefore we oppose any move of encroachment in this sovereign territory," AFP chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said in a statement.

He said the military continues to monitor the situation "in abidance to international laws and the preservation of the status quo in the West Philippine Sea", adding that their priority is the protection of Filipino citizens, especially fishermen in the area, through increased maritime patrols.

He said the AFP would continue to pursue a "peaceful, principled, and rules-based approach" in resolving issues in the West Philippine Sea.

"We will defer to the decision of the Department of National Defense and Department of Foreign Affairs regarding the matter," Sobejana said.

Diplomatic protest

Following the latest incursion, the Philippines filed a diplomatic protest against China, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said Sunday night.

“Diplomatic protest fired off tonight; can’t wait for first light,” Locsin said in a tweet.

“So recommended by General Esperon this noon by Whats App. I got the coordinates, so to speak. And relayed to my legal artillery, ‘Fire at will.’ Shell should be flying at first light. I don’t usually announce maneuvers but it seems everybody is baring his chest,” he added in another tweet.

Earlier, the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF WPS) expressed concern about a Philippine Coast Guard report that around 220 Chinese fishing vessels, believed to be manned by Chinese maritime militia personnel, were sighted moored in line formation at the Julian Felipe Reef on March 7.

“The NTF WPS notes this circumstance as a concern due to the possible overfishing and destruction of the marine environment, as well as risks to the safety of navigation,” the NTF WPS said.

The reef is a large boomerang-shaped shallow coral reef at the northeast of Pagkakaisa Banks and Reefs (Union Reefs), located approximately 175 nautical miles west of Bataraza, Palawan.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1134395

AFP HQ lockdown remains until Covid-19 situation improves

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 22, 2021): AFP HQ lockdown remains until Covid-19 situation improves (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Lockdown of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City will remain until the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) situation improves.

"The lockdown of Camp Aguinaldo that took effect 8 o'clock in the morning of 21 March 2021 will be in force until the rise of Covid-19 infection has been contained and the health situation improves," AFP spokesperson Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said in a statement Monday.

He added that a string of 83 fresh Covid-19 cases from March 17 to 21 has prompted AFP chief, Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, to order the lockdown.

"This measure will restrict entry and exit of all AFP personnel and workers in concessionaires inside the General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo," Arevalo said.

He added military personnel will be confined inside the camp and may leave only with proper authority.

Relatedly, Arevalo said that only those with official transactions inside the camp will be allowed to enter.

"Families and dependents of military personnel residing inside (the) camp are also covered by the lockdown," he added.

Only those between ages 21-59 who are essential workers may be allowed to leave their military-provided housing facilities provided they present relevant office and work identification cards.

"However, operations and delivery of services by military units and offices inside camp will continue unhampered. At least 50 percent of the workforce will personally man their offices. All civilian personnel, except those who by nature of their job requires personal presence, are to work from home," Arevalo said.

He added that as of March 21, Covid-19 infection in the AFP was placed at 7,342 with 870 active cases, 6,424 recoveries, and 48 deaths.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1134454