CPP/CIO: Congratulations to NPA for seizing 17 firearms in Bicol

Posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 21, 2021): Congratulations to NPA for seizing 17 firearms in Bicol

MARCO VALBUENA

CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

MARCH 21, 2021

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) applauds the New People’s Army for its successful tactical offensives in Bicol against the Duterte regime’s fascist-terrorist troops over the past few weeks in which Red fighters seized 17 firearms, including a machine-gun and ten high-powered rifles.

In Labo, Camarines Norte, the NPA seized eight high-powered rifles including an R4 carbine, 6 Galil and a baby M60 machinegun in a raid against PNP combat troops last March 19. Six Glock short firearms were also taken from the police. Last February 1, an NPA unit seized a baby M16 rifle and 2 carbine from the compount of a despotic landlord in Sipocot, Camarines Sur.

The successful tactical offensives of the NPA are joyously welcomed by the broad masses of the Filipino people who have suffered long enough the oppression and state terrorist rule of the US-Duterte regime. With more firearms, they are emboldened to more vigorously carry forward their armed resistance.

The seized weapons form only a small part of the gigantic cache of armaments of the AFP and PNP. However, it is an important victory as the fascist have now less weapons to use in their campaign of murder and suppression against the people.

Other units of the NPA are inspired to carry out more tactical offensives to seize more weapons from the enemy.

The tactical offensives of the NPA in Bicol are a resounding slap against Duterte and his NTF-ELCAC. These show that the NPA continues to grow in strength and are determined to defend the people against the Duterte regime’s fascist terrorism.

The tactical offensives are an additional cause to celebrate the 52nd anniversary on March 29.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/statements/congratulations-to-npa-for-seizing-17-firearms-in-bicol/

CPP/CIO: AFP and PNP forces have option to surrender to avoid loss of lives

Posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 24, 2021): AFP and PNP forces have option to surrender to avoid loss of lives

MARCO VALBUENA

CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

MARCH 23, 2021

The NPA raid in Barangay Dumagmang, Labo, Camarines Norte last Friday was a legitimate military action consistent with international rules on the conduct of war. The target, a counterinsurgency outpost of highly-trained police special action forces, was a legitimate military target.

The five police combat troops died during battle. They were fully armed and defended themselves.

Overwhelmed by the NPA, the three other police troops chose to surrender. They were treated well by the NPA. Medics of the NPA unit gave the injured troops of the PNP first aid before leaving the battle zone.

The three who survived the NPA raid wisely chose to surrender, especially after it became clear to them that the combat troops of the 96th IB encamped in the same barangay were not set to send reinforcements.

We urge the foot soldiers of the AFP and PNP who find themselves in battle with the NPA, especially a superior NPA force, to choose to surrender and submit their firearms in order to avoid the loss of lives.

The NPA assures enemy troops who surrender that no harm will befall them and that their rights under Geneva Conventions governing the conduct of war will be respected.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/statements/afp-and-pnp-forces-have-option-to-surrender-to-avoid-loss-of-lives/

Kalinaw News: Terrorist NPA in Northern Luzon crumbles as the Philippine Army celebrates 124th Anniversary

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 25, 2021): Terrorist NPA in Northern Luzon crumbles as the Philippine Army celebrates 124th Anniversary



CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela- The intensified campaign of the 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army against insurgency resulted in the downfall of the terrorist Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in the Cagayan Valley and Cordillera Region.

Through the implementation of Executive Order No. 70 or the Whole-of-Nation Approach, the people unite in Ending the Local Communist Armed Conflict in their communities. The residents in Region 02 and Cordillera denounced the existence and atrocities of the terrorist CPP-NPA-NDF and declared them as Persona Non Grata.

On March 14, 2021, the residents of Barangay Mallig, Flora tipped-off the presence of the terrorist CPP-NPA in their barangay wherein the troops of the 17th Infantry Battalion under 501st Infantry Brigade immediately conducted security operations that led to a 15-minute firefight against the members of West Front Committee, Komiteng Probinsya Cagayan (KOMPROB CAG), Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley (KR-CV). The terrorist group dispersed into small groups after the said armed engagement. An hour later, another encounter ensued that lasted for about 30 minutes when the troops responded to the information shared by the residents about the presence of the armed group at Sitio Tawini, Barangay Upper Atok in the same town. This also made the members of the terrorist group to scatter and jumped off the ravines. Through the cooperation of the citizens, the operating troops were able to engage the fleeing terrorist CPP-NPA at Sitio Bulo, Barangay Aurora, Pudtol, Apayao, forcing them to swiftly escape from the pursuing government troops on March 17, 2021. The series of encounters in the province of Apayao resulted in the recovery of three M16A1 rifles, one 5.56mm M653 rifle, medical kits, foodpacks, subversive documents, and backpacks containing personal belongings. This also led to the surrender of a CPP-NPA Child Warrior identified as Alias James, 17 years old, to the government forces after the encounter.

In Isabela, Rosalio V Canubas alias Yuni, Commander of the Regional Operations Command (ROC) and the Regional Sentro De Gravidad (RSDG), KR-CV of the terrorist CPP-NPA was killed during an encounter between the troops of 86th Infantry Battalion under 502nd Infantry Brigade and the terrorist group in San Mariano Sur, San Guillermo on March 15, 2021. During the encounter, the NPA leader was fatally hit and his comrades brought him to Barangay Dingading of same municipality in an attempt to hide him from the pursuing government troops. The fleeing NPAs buried him in a shallow grave in the hinterlands of the said barangay. The pursuing troops were able to locate where they buried the NPA leader through the continuous information shared by the locals. In coordination with the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) and PNP San Guillermo, the government troops exhumed the cadaver on March 17, 2021. This also resulted in the confiscation of two long magazines with 23 ammunitions of 5.56 mm firearm, one anti-personnel mine, 70 meters wire, one blasting cap, one detonating cord, and one motorcycle battery.

Additionally, a top-ranking terrorist NPA couple died in an encounter between the troops of 50th Infantry Battalion under 503rd Infantry Brigade and the terrorist CPP-NPA on March 15, 2021, in Sitio Babacong, Barangay Gawa-an, Balbalan, Kalinga. After the encounter, the members of terrorist CPP-NPA dispersed leaving the cadaver of Rudy Daguitan alias Pinpin, Political Officer/Instructor of Komiteng Larangang Guerilla (KLG) Baggas of the Ilocos Cordillera Regional Committee. Due to the information provided by the residents regarding the alleged death of one of the NPA members after the encounter, the troops searched the vicinity of Barangay Gawa-an where they found the cadaver of Nora Miguel alias Gemay, Medical Officer of KLG Baggas and the wife of alias Pinpin on March 17, 2021. Aside from the recovery of the cadaver, Defender troops also seized the encampment of the terrorist CPP-NPA and one firearm.

After the series of encounters, the members of the terrorist CPP-NPA were confused and demoralized. 13 members and supporters of the terrorist CPP-NPA surrendered in Baggao, Cagayan on March 18 wherein they surrendered one M11 9mm Ingram firearm. Two teenage warriors of the rebel group also yielded to the government forces on March 19, 2021, in San Mariano, Isabela. According to them, the withdrawal of support of the masses made it even harder for them to seek safe refuge from the pursuing Startroopers.

Meanwhile, ₱5 million pesos worth of Enhance Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) was granted to 77 former rebels of Isabela through the Department of Interior and Local Government Region 2 on March 16, 2021.

MGen Laurence E Mina PA, Commander of 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army said that the Startroopers will press on the fight to finish off the CPP-NPA in Cagayan Valley and Cordillera. “We will not stop until we achieve lasting peace and progress in the area. With the strong partnership of the different government agencies, Local Government Units and the support of the people, we have come closer to realize our common goal of ending the local communist armed conflict. We are again calling the remaining members of the rebel group to return to the folds of the law and choose to live a better life.

[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/terrorist-npa-in-northern-luzon-crumbles-as-the-philippine-army-celebrates-124th-anniversary/

Kalinaw News: Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and Dawlah-Islamia casualties rises as series of skirmishes erupts in Maguindanao

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 24, 2021): Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and Dawlah-Islamia casualties rises as series of skirmishes erupts in Maguindanao

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – More than a dozen terrorists belonging to Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and Dawlah-Islamiya (DI) has been killed after series of clashes against Joint Task Force Central (JTF Central) forces in several areas of Maguindanao Province.

Local government officials of Barangay Kitango town of Datu Saudi Ampatuan reported incidents of mass evacuations from the said locality after the presence of armed men, believed to members of BIFF-Karialan Faction and DI-Turaife Group, threatens to attack the community and the Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST) outpost that is jointly manned by personnel from the MILF, Philippine Army, and the Philippine National Police.

Armed encounters erupted between government forces coming from the 1st Mechanized Brigade and combined elements of BIFF and DI on March 17, 2021. As a result of four days of fighting, 14 violent extremists were killed and 25 were wounded, while three soldiers were reported to be slightly wounded. Troops on the ground also seized from the terrorist groups seven Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), two firearms, dozens of uniforms, and war materials.

The Ministry of Social Services and Development of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao and the Provincial Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office of Maguindanao recorded about 5,700 families were affected by the armed clashes.

In the nearby town of Shariff Aguak, another member of the BIFF was killed after security forces thwarted plans of said group to attack a military outpost in Barangay Labu-labu of said town on the evening of March 22, 2021.

The fierce firefight lasted for 45 minutes forcing the BIFF to withdraw after government reinforcements arrived, leaving behind the lifeless body of one of their member, one .45 caliber pistol, a rifle grenade, and other war materials.

In another armed clash in Barangay Ahan town of Guindulungan, government troops from the 57th Infantry Battalion encountered armed members of the BIFF-Bungos Faction on March 23, 2021.

Civilian residents of the said locality reported the presence of armed men which prompted government forces to chance on the said terrorist group.

The armed clash resulted in one terrorist killed and the recovery of one shotgun, military uniforms, and several materials used in making improvised explosive devices.

“We appreciate the cooperation of the civilians and the local government units in reporting the presence of said local terrorist groups. With their help we can effectively address the threat of these violent extremist groups,” said Col. Pedro Balisi, Brigade Commander of 1st Mechanized Brigade.

It can be recalled that through the AGILA-HAVEN Program of the Province of Maguindanao and DIWATA-HAVEN of North Cotabato, 36 members of BIFF and DI already surrendered to the government since January of this year.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Commander of JTF Central and 6th Infantry Division, expressed that “we are sustaining our intensified military operation to destroy the remnants of this group and make the province of Maguindanao and North Cotabato free from terrorists. At the same, we also offer them a peaceful means of laying down their firearms, return to the folds of the law, and live a peaceful life with their families.”

[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/bangsamoro-islamic-freedom-fighters-and-dawlah-islamia-casualties-rises-as-series-of-skirmishes-erupts-in-maguindanao/

Kalinaw News: 8 Terrorists Die, Numerous Weapons Seized as NPA Suffers Huge Blow in Negros Oriental Encounter

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 24, 2021): 8 Terrorists Die, Numerous Weapons Seized as NPA Suffers Huge Blow in Negros Oriental Encounter



CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan, Capiz – The CPP-NPA terrorists in Negros Oriental suffered heavy losses as eight (8) of their members died in an encounter with the troops of 62nd Infantry Battalion at the vicinity of Sitio Agit, Barangay Trinidad, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental around 12:55 pm yesterday, March 23, 2021.

The encounter took place while the troops are responding to the repeated reports of threatened local populace in the area on the presence of more or less 40 combined armed members of SDG Platoon and SYP Platoon of CN1, Komiteng Rehiyon – Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor (KR-NCBS) in their locality.

The firefight ensued for about three (3) hours that resulted in the death of eight members of the said terrorist group, and the seizure of the following war materiel: eleven (11) high-powered firearms that include six (6) M16 rifles, two (2) M14 rifles, one (1) M4 rifle, and one (1) M60 machine gun; one (1) KG-9 sub-machine gun; two (2) Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs); IED paraphernalia; six (6) M14 magazines with ammunitions; two (2) backpacks; and subversive documents with high intelligence value.

Major General Eric Vinoya, Commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, lauded the troops for successfully preventing the CPP-NPA terrorists from casting terror in the province following the decisive engagement.

“This armed group has been planning to wage terror in the area as part of the NPA’s anniversary celebration this month of March. I commend our troops, with deepest sense of pride, for preventing such an evil plan to be conducted by this terrorist organization, the CPP-NPA, who takes pride and enjoyment in celebrating their anniversary by attacking civilians and civilian properties,” MGen Vinoya said.

As he thanked the local populace for constantly supporting their Philippine Army in their mandate, MGen Vinoya also urged the remaining members of the CPP-NPA to surrender and avoid the tragedy suffered by their eight (8) comrades.

“The tragic death of these eight (8) CPP-NPA terrorists is an urgent warning to the remaining members of the group to lay down their arms, avail of the E-CLIP benefits and Amnesty Program of the government, and live their lives in peace while they still have time. The government forces will be unceasing in wiping these terrorists out of the Negrense communities; hence, this is the only option for them to avoid misfortune and death,” Vinoya added.





[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/8-terrorists-die-numerous-weapons-seized-as-npa-suffers-huge-blow-in-negros-oriental-encounter/

Kalinaw News: 21 Reds Nix Ties with NPA, 4 Killed in Clashes

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 24, 2021): 21 Reds Nix Ties with NPA, 4 Killed in Clashes



Twenty-one members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and their supporters in different parts of Eastern Mindanao cut ties with the reds after experiencing hardship and betrayal under the armed struggle while four other communist terrorists were killed in separate incidents after launching offensives against the troops from March 12 to 22.

Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) Commander MGen. Greg T. Almerol made good on his vow to pursue high-value targets as two ranking members of the NPA were apprehended and one voluntarily surrendered to the troops in less than a month since he assumed the highest post of the Command.

The 88th Infantry Battalion (88IB) identified the apprehended communist terrorist leaders as Cecilia Acenas alias Leah, Finance Officer of the Regional Urban Committee, Northern Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) and Mary Jane Villados alias Ging-Ging/Tanya, the Finance Officer of the Sub-Regional Committee-2, NCMRC while GF ALIP, Far South Mindanao Region Secretary Anelfa Camag Gemilo alias Nanay Tasing also surrendered to the troops of the 39th Infantry Battalion. EastMinCom troops apprehended a total of eight NPA members within the same period.

Among the most notable feats over the past week was the simultaneous surrender of 13 NPA members from the municipalities of San Luis, Esperanza, La Paz, and Talacogon in Agusan del Sur on March 15 as a result of the cooperation among different government agencies and 26IB. The 1st Special Forces Battalion (1SFBn) also clashed with the NPA in Barangay San Rafael, Talakag, Bukidnon on March 20, 2021 which resulted in the death of two terrorists and seizure of firearms.

The 72IB also captured three members of Guerrilla Front 53 identified as Leonardo Ejanel alias Gamay, Ryan Desalao, and Merlyn Benano Bentang while two other communist terrorists identified as Jhonrey Patosa alias Rex/Rey/Glenn, Jerome Andilao alias Buddy Boy were killed in separate clashes against 30IB and 58IB, respectively.

Meanwhile, EastMinCom Commander MGen. Almerol applauded the decisions made by the NPA members to finally surrender and reiterated the assurance of support from the government through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).

“Many former rebels can already attest to the benefits that come with the decision to surrender peacefully but most importantly, nothing is as priceless as having a peace of mind that is free from any forms of violence and atrocities which they can only experience by abandoning the armed struggle,” MGen. Almerol said.

“I call on the remaining communist terrorist to surrender peacefully instead of continuously fighting for a useless cause and blind ideology that has already claimed many innocent lives. Follow the steps of your former comrades who are now enjoying a secure and peaceful lives with the help of the government,” MGen. Almerol said.

The EastMinCom Commander also thanked various government agencies especially the members of the different Regional Task Forces to End the Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) for according the Command the support it needs to push for its agenda to protect the people and maintain peace in Eastern Mindanao.

MGen. Almerol also did not let the support of the communities go unnoticed as they have been equally instrumental to the success of the Command especially in actively reporting to the troops any suspicious activities of individuals in the mountains.

“The people have already spoken that they are already fed up of the NPA’s deceits, extortion activities, and violent ideology. Their support to the troops manifests their sincere intentions to get rid of the problems that the NPA has brought to their communities for more than five decades already,” MGen. Almerol remarked.

[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/21-reds-nix-ties-with-npa-4-killed-in-clashes/

Kalinaw News: AFP turns over 4 Kidnap Victims to Indonesian Government

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 23, 2021): AFP turns over 4 Kidnap Victims to Indonesian Government

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) turned over four Indonesian kidnap victims to Indonesian government authorities on Tuesday, March 23 here at the General Headquarters Canopy Area.

“The kidnap victims have been held captive by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) for more than a year and through the AFP’s relentless efforts, the ASG who were based in Sulu, were driven out of their comfort zones and mass base, which eventually led to the successful rescue operation last week in Tawi-Tawi,” AFP Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana said.

Lieutenant General Sobejana led the turnover ceremony together with Police Lieutenant General Guillermo Eleazar, Officer-in-Charge of the Philippine National Police.

The Indonesian Embassy led by Charge d’affaires, Widya Rahmanto received the kidnap victims. Also present were Indonesian Defense Attaché, Colonel Reza Suud; Army Attaché, Colonel Sigit Himawan.

The four Indonesians Riswanto Bin Hayono, Arical Kastamiran, Arsyad Bin Dahalan, and Khairuldin Bin Yai Kii were flown via the Philippine Air Force C-130 aircraft from Edwin Andrews Air Base in Zamboanga City to Manila on Sunday. Personnel from the Western Mindanao Command provided security and assistance during their transport.

Hayono, Kastamiran and Dahalan were among the rescued individuals in South Ubian, Tawi-Tawi evening of Thursday, March 18 by Tandubas Police. The 15-year old Yai Kii on the other hand was rescued by elements of the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi on Sunday in Kalupag Island, Languyan, Tawi-Tawi.

“This noteworthy accomplishment was a concerted effort with our counterparts from the Philippine National Police and the Local Government Units in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. It is a clear manifestation that through cooperation and vigilant support from various stakeholders – through a whole-of-nation approach – we can effectively fight and prevent the spread of terrorism,” said Lieutenant General Sobejana.

While receiving the KVs, Charge d’Affairs of Indonesia to the Philippines extended his highest appreciation to the Government of the Philippines and all respective agencies for rescuing the victims. He conveyed the acknowledgement of the Indonesian Government for the sincere effort and extraordinary courage of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippines National Police in conducting the rescue operation.

‘On behalf of the Government of Indonesia, we are forever grateful for the support and immediate actions to save the victims’, said the Charge d’Affairs.

On January 17, 2020, Abu Sayyaf terrorists led by sub-leaders Ben Wagas, Apo Mike and Injam Yadah abducted five Indonesians off of the waters of Tambisan, Malaysia. They were brought to Patikul, Sulu where they experienced 13 encounters between government troops and their captors.

In one of the encounters on September 28, 2020, operating troops recovered the dead body of one Indonesian named Daeng Akbal Labaa during clearing operations. He was believed to have died of a heart attack. The cadaver was later turned over to Indonesian authorities.

“Given the lessons learned in the past, the AFP has fully recognized that we need to operate, not just as an instrument of war and a tool of policy but as a vital partner in nation-building, as we endeavor to sustain peace and stability for current and future generations of Filipinos,” the AFP Chief said

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/afp-turns-over-4-kidnap-victims-to-indonesian-government/

Kalinaw News: Disenteng Libing Naibigay sa Dating Lider ng Rebelde

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 23, 2021): Disenteng Libing Naibigay sa Dating Lider ng Rebelde



JONES, ISABELA – Binigyan nang disenteng libing ang dating lider ng teroristang New People’s Army ng Regional Sentro de Gravidad, Komiteng Rehiyon – Cagayan Valley na si Rosalio Canubas o mas kilala sa alyas na Yuni sa pampublikong libingan ng San Guillermo, Isabela noong ika 22 ng Marso taong kasalukuyan.

Ipinagkaloob ng Lokal na pamahalaan ng San Guillermo, Isabela ang kabaong para sa disenteng burol at libing ni alyas Yuni. Dinaluhan ng kasundaluhan ng 86th Infantry Battalion at kapulisan ng San Guillermo ang naturang libing. Samantala, iginawad ni Pastor Daniel Medina ang huling basbas sa bangkay bago ang pag hatid sa huling hantungan.

Matatandaan na, natagpuan ng pinagsanib na pwersa ng 86th Infantry Battalion at PNP San Guillermo ang bangkay ni alyas Yuni sa Brgy Dingading ng nasabing bayan noong ika-17 ng Marso 2021, dalawang araw makalipas ang sagupaan ng teroristang CPP-NPA at kasundaluhan ng 86IB sa Sitio Disulit, Brgy San Mariano Sur ng nasabi ring bayan. Sa nangyaring sagupaan, nagtamo ng matinding sugat si alyas Yuni at hila-hila ng kanilang kasamahang papatakas mula sa pinangyarihan ng engkwentro.

Nakiramay din si Lieutenant Colonel Ali A. Alejo, pinuno ng 86IB, sa pamilya ni Alias Yuni. “Inuulit namin ang aming pakikiramay sa pamilya ni alyas Yuni na hinde man lamang nila nakita ang kanilang kaanak sa huling pagkakataon. Kung hinde lamang siya nalinlang ng CPP-NPA recruiter, maaring buhay pa sana siya ngayon at namumuhay ng payapa kasama ang kaniyang pamilya.

“Muli kaming nananawagan sa mga natitira pang kasapi ng RSDG-KRCV na magbaba na sila ng armas at mabuhay ng tahimik kasama ang kanilang mga pamilya, at nakahanda kami na sila’y tulungan” dagdag ni LTC Alejo.

[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/disenteng-libing-naibigay-sa-dating-lider-ng-rebelde/

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

Anti-NPA teams to be deployed in 9 N. Samar towns

 From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 23, 2021): Anti-NPA teams to be deployed in 9 N. Samar towns (By Sarwell Meniano)

ANTI-'REDS'. Uniformed personnel during the send-off ceremony in Catarman, Northern Samar on Monday (March 22, 2021). Nine towns in Northern Samar have been identified as priority areas for the deployment of teams tasked to combat the decades-old insurgency in the province. (Photo courtesy of Northern Samar provincial government)

Some nine towns in Northern Samar have been identified as priority areas for the deployment of teams tasked to combat the decades-old insurgency in the province.

The provincial government announced on Tuesday that more than half of the 214 policemen and soldiers will be assigned in the towns of Victoria, San Isidro, Lavezares, Catubig, Las Navas, Bobon, Pambujan, Laoang, and San Roque to lead the retooled community support program (RCSP), a major strategy to dismantle the New People's Army (NPA).

Deployed personnel are from the Northern Samar police provincial office, Regional Mobile Force Battalion, Special Action Force, and Philippine Army 803rd Infantry Brigade. They have completed the CSP operators' training during the past few months.

“The RCSP teams will be sent to villages identified to be affected by insurgency problems with each team staying for two to three months or until such time that the areas will be declared clear of insurgency. As part of their mission, they will provide various support services to the community to make the residents of these far-flung barangays aware of the different government interventions which they can avail of,” the provincial government said in a statement.

Mayor Galahad Vicencio of Catubig town, the Northern Samar mayors’ league president, and association of barangay chairmen president Liza Esidera accepted the RCSP teams on behalf of all the local governments covered by the program.

“Let us continue to support our shared goal to end this decades-long thievery, terrorism, and economic sabotage being done by the CTG (communist terrorist group). And pay no heed to the voices of their front organizations because our people deserve to live in a safer Philippines,” Mayor Vicencio stated in his acceptance message.

During the send-off ceremony on Monday, the local chief executives from the participating towns also signed a memorandum of agreement with Northern Samar police provincial director Col. Arnel Apud to show their support to the program and “to continue working collectively to build a peaceful and developed community for the benefit of the populace and their future generations”.

“The provincial government assures our partners that we will continue our support to the RCSP. Let us hope that we will eventually build the safest and most peaceful Northern Samar for all of us to work and live in,” Northern Samar Governor Edwin Ongchuan said in a statement.

The RCSP teams seek to identify issues and concerns in remote communities threatened by the communist terrorist group NPA.

These issues will be raised to the concerned government agencies and local government units for them to address them accordingly.

The task of the teams is to facilitate solutions for those identified problems through the convergence of efforts of different government agencies supervised by the local task force on ending local communist armed conflict.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) 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/1134604

Army officer, soldier nabbed for gun smuggling in Sibugay town

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 23, 2021): Army officer, soldier nabbed for gun smuggling in Sibugay town (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)  March 23, 2021, 7:06 pm

GUN SMUGGLING. Police and military operatives arrest Tuesday (March 23, 2021) Capt. Christopher Galvez Eslava (right) and Cpl. Laure Larot in an intelligence-driven entrapment operation for gun smuggling in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay province. The pair yielded various firearms and other pieces of evidence. (Photo courtesy of Police Regional Office-9 Public Information Office)

Authorities have arrested a military official and an enlisted man in an entrapment operation for gun smuggling in Zamboanga Sibugay province, a top police official said Tuesday.

Arrested were Capt. Christopher Galvez Eslava, 41, and Cpl. Laure Larot, 35, of the 9th Regional Community Defense Group (9RCDG) of the Army Reserve Command (ARESCOM), according to Brig. Gen. Ronaldo Genaro Ylagan, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) director.

Ylagan said Eslava and Larot were arrested around 12:15 a.m. Tuesday in Barangay Sanito, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.

They yielded three caliber 5.56 M4 Carbine rifles, two 9mm Glock pistols, a rifle grenade, three 40mm grenades, six M-16 magazines, three caliber 40, and PHP1.2 million boodle money, Ylagan said.

He said the suspects were detained at the Ipil Municipal Police Station while appropriate charges are being readied against them.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1134619

Caraga’s top ‘underground’ youth leader faces more raps

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 23, 2021): Caraga’s top ‘underground’ youth leader faces more raps (By Alexander Lopez)

MORE CHARGES. The Police Regional Office in Caraga says more arrest warrants were served against Renalyn G. Tejero, the alleged top underground youth leader in the area, on Monday (March 22, 2021) for the additional charges of multiple attempted murder and attempted murder. Tejero was arrested in Cagayan de Oro on March 20, 2021. (Photo courtesy of PRO-13 Information Office)

The Police Regional Office in the Caraga Region (PRO-13) has filed additional criminal charges against Renalyn G. Tejero, the alleged top underground youth leader in the area.

Police and Army operatives arrested Tejero Sunday in Cagayan de Oro City.

Authorities said Tejero is the secretary of the underground Kabataan Makabayan, a youth organization of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA).

Tejero is currently detained at the custodial facility of Station 1 of Butuan City Police Office (BCPO).

In a statement Tuesday, Brig. Gen. Romeo M. Caramat, Jr. said additional arrest warrants for the crimes of multiple attempted murder and attempted murder were served to Tejero on Monday afternoon while inside the custodial facility.

Caramat, the PRO-13 director, added that the additional arrest warrants were issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 34 in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte.

Based on their investigation, Caramat said Tejero was also involved in the attack of the Alpha Company of the 29th Infantry Battalion (29IB) in Barangay Hinimbangan, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte last February 5, 2017.

Authorities said she was also among the NPA members encountered by the Scout Platoon of the 29IB in the hinterlands of Barangay Mahayahay in Kitcharao on October 9, 2017.

“Her arrest is a big blow to the entire NPA forces. Contrary to the propaganda of the enemies of the state, if there is somebody who shall be held accountable for the commission of crimes, it should be the red fighters who are killing civilians, threatening the community with weapons, and have committed various offenses such as extortion and arson,” Caramat said.

Tejero’s arrest in Cagayan de Oro was based on arrest warrants for murder and multiple attempted murder charges for the killing of former rebels Zaldy Acidillo Ybañez and Datu Bernandino Astudillo in Barangay Magroyong, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, on March 19 last year.

The CPP-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/1134613

14 BIFFs slain in Maguindanao clashes: Army

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 23, 2021): 14 BIFFs slain in Maguindanao clashes: Army (By Edwin Fernandez) 

SURVIVING THE CONFLICT. An old man displaced by armed hostilities in Barangay Kitango, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao, holds on to boxes of relief goods he received from the MSSD-BARMM. The military said that the fighting, which started on March 18, had subsided and that clearing operations are ongoing in an area where the BIFF operates. (Photo courtesy of BIO-BARMM)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Government forces killed 14 combatants of the lawless Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters while 25 others were wounded in six days of running gun battle with military troops in Maguindanao, the Army here said Tuesday.

Lt. Col. John Paul Baldomar, the 6th Infantry Division (6ID) spokesperson, said the skirmishes that started on March 18 also resulted in the wounding of three military personnel.

“Their comrades immediately buried the slain BIFF combatants according to Islamic rites,” Baldomar said, adding that villagers in the affected areas of the so-called SPMS box pinpointed the burial sites of the slain extremists.

The SPMS box is a military term for Shariff Aguak, Pagatin (Datu Saudi), Mamasapano, and Datu Salibo, where the BIFF mainly operates.

Baldomar said villagers also saw wounded terrorists being carried away by their escaping comrades who splintered to smaller groups.

He said the number of BIFF fatalities was verified and counter-checked with the village officials, military informants, and former BIFFs who now work with the government after their surrender.

Skirmishes between government forces and the BIFF erupted after villagers reported the presence of some 30 terrorists in Barangay Kitango, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, at 10 a.m. on March 18.

Several homes were also fired at by rifle grenades by the BIFF in the village to divert the troopers' attention to the Army’s 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade.

“They used a birthing clinic as launching pad in trading bullets with the Army,” Baldomar said.

He said the soldiers managed to thwart on the same day a plot by the BIFF to assault a Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST) outpost in the village.

A JPST outpost is manned by composite teams from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the Army, and police deployed to function as peacekeeping forces in six government acknowledged MILF camps in Central Mindanao.

Meanwhile, government disaster officials said at least 5,000 families have been displaced by the hostilities and are now being attended to by relief agencies and international relief organizations.

The internally displaced persons (IDPs) are scattered in various evacuation sites in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Mamasapano, and Shariff Aguak, according to the Ministry of Social Services and Development of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MSSD-BARMM).

Joining the MSSD in extending food and non-food items are the BARMM Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (READi), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Health Organization for Mindanao, Oxfam, and CO Multiversity (COM).

MSSD Minister Raisa Jajurie said other than food and non-food aid to displaced families. The MSSD personnel have also been providing psychosocial intervention to the affected families, she added.

Baldomar said the clashes had become sporadic and that military clearing operations are ongoing in the affected areas.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1134553

NPA condemned for recruiting, abusing minor in Iloilo

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 23, 2021): NPA condemned for recruiting, abusing minor in Iloilo (By Perla Lena)

CONDEMNED. The father (2nd from right) of a 16-year old minor who was recruited and sexually abused by the New People's Army condemns the communist terrorist group, in a press conference on Tuesday (March 23, 2021). The family is assured of a complete package of security by Col. Joel Benedict G. Batara (second from left), commanding officer of the 61st Infantry Battalion, aside from assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). (PNA photo by PGLena)

The father of a 16-year old girl, who was recruited in Iloilo Province and sexually abused by a commander of the New People’s Army (NPA), on Tuesday condemned the atrocities of the terrorist group.

The man, whose name was withheld for security reasons, said that amid the threat, he decided to surrender his daughter to the 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB) of the Philippine Army (PA) on March 18 for his family's safety.

In a press conference on Tuesday, he shared that, last year, his daughter sought permission to look for work to help the family.

While he didn’t want her to go because she is too young to work, yet he could not stop her. His daughter failed to come home for six months after she went out to search for a job.

The father works on a farm while the mother is a housewife.

He only learned that she joined the NPA when several members of the rebel group slept in their house and told him about the young girl's recruitment to the communist movement.

That night, the group promised that his daughter would be home by December 2020, which did not happen.

On March 18, his daughter was able to escape and shared her hardships of always running from authorities. Not only they were not properly nourished but she was also a victim of sexual abuse.

“Kon indi ikaw mangisog, duro pa nga mga pamatan-on ang bul-on nanda. Ang ginapangayo o ang safety sang akon pamilya (If I did not muster the courage to surrender her, they will continue to recruit more youths. What I am asking is the safety of my family),” he said.

As he went emotional with his testimony, he said that no parent would allow that their child will fall prey to such useless group.

“Bantayan nyo mga bata nyo kay may mga itom dila diri na maayo gid maghaylo sa inyo mga bata ( Keep an eye on your children because there are people with evil tongues who are good at convincing your children),” he advised the parents.

The NPA promised that they would support his daughter in her studies until college and would even give her a salary of PHP4,000.

“Kabaylo ka apat ka libo na ang 40 kilos na nga ginabitbit kada adlaw (In exchange for the PHP4,000 was the 40 kilograms that she has to carry every day),” he said, while he did not give details, he said that his daughter once joined an encounter with the government troops.

Police Staff Sgt. (PSSgt) Gracel Joy Villanueva, the investigator of the case, said that "Nene" (the girl's pseudonym) shared "they were always hungry and there were times they were beaten by firearms. A member of the group even attempted to rape her".

"Nene" had planned to leave the group due to hardships but she was threatened with being beheaded and the rebels even warned to harm her family.

Villanueva added that "Nene" also relayed to her that 16 more recruits wanted to leave the movement.

Col. Joel Benedict G. Batara, commanding officer of the 61IB, said "Nene's" family would be provided with security.

The victim is now in the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

“We will do our best to provide security to the family of 'Nene'. I will not go into (the) details (of) how we will secure the family, but it is not just the Army that will give them security. This is again a multi-stakeholder approach. This is a package of security,” he said.

"Nene" executed her judicial affidavit on Tuesday attended by the DSWD staff.

Batara said proper cases will be filed and they are just completing the affidavit of "Nene" and her father. They will also be filing a complaint before the regional office of the Commission on Human Rights.

Raji Alvarado of the DSWD regional office and at the same time secretariat of the Regional Sub-Committee for the Welfare of Children in Western Visayas said aside from the psycho-social intervention, their office would be extending aid to the girl under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) aside from educational assistance.

Since the victim is a minor and her situation can be classified as a trafficked person, her family can also avail of livelihood assistance and other provisions based on the needs of the child.

Alvarado added that they would also intensify their programs to be able to reach out to less fortunate families, the common target of NPA recruitment.

She said that they also would like to heighten the awareness on Republic Act 11188 or the Special Protection for Children in Situations of Armed Conflict on how to prevent the children from being recruited.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) 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/1134641

Another NPA member yields in Aurora

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 24, 2021): Another NPA member yields in Aurora (By Jason De Asis)

LAID DOWN HIS ARMS. A former communist terrorist group (CTG) member and political guide of Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda-Central of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army operating in Aurora surrendered to government troops on Tuesday afternoon (March 23, 2021). The surrenderer also turned over his .38 caliber revolver to authorities. (Photo by Baler Police Station)

BALER, Aurora – A 32-year-old former communist terrorist group (CTG) member and political guide of Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda (SYP) Central of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) operating in this province surrendered to government troops on Tuesday afternoon.

Maj. Ferdinand B. Usita, chief police of Baler Police Station, said on Wednesday that the surrenderer, whose name was withheld, also turned over his .38 caliber revolver to authorities.

Aside from the firearm, Usita said the former rebel also handed over subversive documents for safekeeping.

The surrenderer is now under the custody of Baler Police Station for custodial debriefing.

Usita said the former rebel can apply for the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and if qualified will be given a holistic package of benefits such as livelihood, medical, education, housing, and legal assistance.

He also encouraged the remaining members of the CTG to heed the government’s call for peace and live happily with their loved ones.

“Our anti-insurgency efforts will be relentless to ensure the safety of the people in Baler. We are also helping those who are willing to give up their anti-government activities,” he added in an interview.

Usita is confident that the multi-pronged approach of Executive Order 70, signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in December 2018, will put an end to the treacherous life cycle of the more than five decades of insurgency.

He said that the EO 70 also created National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) that institutionalizes a whole-of-nation approach in obtaining exclusive and sustainable peace-giving as an effective solution against communist terrorists.

The CPP-NPA 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/1134667