Kalinaw News: Army Playround Project Brings Joy To Kids In Formerly Abandoned Barangay

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 2, 2021): Army Playround Project Brings Joy To Kids In Formerly Abandoned Barangay



MALUSO, Basilan Province — The formerly abandoned community of Barangay Muslim Area here is once again lively as the 4th Special Forces Battalion formally inaugurated the ‘Siklab-Diwa Playground’ together with the distribution of hygiene kits, soccer balls, and feeding program last Thursday, 01 April 2021, which brought joy to the kids and parents who are returning back in their community.

The ‘Siklab-Diwa: Project Playground’ consists of four apparatuses, namely; a twin slide, couple swing, seesaw, and a monkey bar, which were attractively painted in rainbow colors. Moreover, five soccer balls were likewise donated to the community for the soccer-enthusiast kids. Project playground intends to provide an avenue for psychosocial development of the children and for them to build friendship, unity, and cohesiveness in the community.

“Sa playground nagsisimula ang pagkakaibigan at pagkakaisa ng mga bata na siyang panghahawakan nila hanggang sa kanilang paglaki. Sa playground nagsisimula ang isang komunidad.”, First Lieutenant Alvin K. Balancod, the Commanding Officer of 14SFC, said in his speech.

Lieutenant Colonel Alex D. Ampati, the Commanding Officer of 4SFBN, also expressed high hopes for a brighter future of Barangay Muslim Area now that peace is at hand and the constituents have already returned after almost four years of being internally displaced due to the threat by the Abu Sayyaf Group roaming around its vicinity before.

“Sa pamamagitan ng pagtutulungan ng iba’t ibang sektor at ahensya ng lokal na pamahalaan dito sa Basilan, tiyak na manunumbalik ang sigla, saya, at kapayapaan ng inyong barangay. Asahan nyo po na ang inyong kasundalohan ay palaging narito upang magbigay seguridad at susuporta sa inyo.”, Lieut.-Colonel Ampati said.

Eighty (80) hygiene kits, which contain bath soap, laundry soap, fabric mask, toothbrush, toothpaste, sanitary napkin, shampoo, nail cutter, dishwashing liquid, and BIDA kit bag with BIDA, DOH, and USAID logos, were likewise distributed to every family by Nagdilaab Foundation Inc headed by its Executive Director, Ms. Miriam “Ate Deddette” Suacito.

After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, a feeding program was likewise conducted to more or less sixty (60) children in the community by the Assembly of God Church led by Ms. Brenda Elnar.

“Tayo po ay taos pusong nagpapasalamat sa inyo Sir sa pagbibigay ng sigla sa aming lugar at sa aming mga kabataan. Sa bawat ngiti, saya nila, ganun din ang nararamdaman ng mga magulang nila.”, said Hon. Amin A. Pansulani, the Chairman of Barangay Muslim Area.

The Siklab-Diwa Playground was donated by the members of PMA Class 2014 for the peace-loving sons and daughters of Barangay Muslim Area, and as a memorabilia for the heroism of their fallen comrade, the late 1LT JUN G. CORPUZ (INF) PA. (4SFBN/7)

[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/army-playround-project-brings-joy-to-kids-in-formerly-abandoned-barangay/

Kalinaw News: 25IB seizes firearms and NPA personal belongings in Davao de Oro

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 2, 2021): 25IB seizes firearms and NPA personal belongings in Davao de Oro



Mawab, Davao de Oro- Through the intensified Intel and Combat Operations of this unit and Intel Operatives of the Higher Headquarters, operating troops of 25th Infantry Battalion encountered more or less sixteen (16) Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) believed to be members of Andoy Platoon, Regional Headquarters, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) in a twenty-five minute firefight led by @BAGYO, Commander that led to the capture of two (2) M16 rifle, magazines, personal belongings and high-intel value documents in Sitio Libertad, Brgy. Malinawon, Mawab, Davao de Oro today, 02 April 2021.

Included in the captured personal belongings are one (1) Bandolier, three (3) Cellular Phones, eight (8) Poncho, eight (8) Back Packs, 1 1/2 sack of rice, ten (10) boots and twelve (12) Jungle Hammock. No casualty was reported on the government side while there are undetermined casualties on the enemy’s side.

The Andoy Platoon, Regional Headquarters, SMRC operates in selected barangays of Mawab, Davao de Oro and New Corella, Davao del Norte. They are mainly incharge of extortion activities in the region and holds the financial assets of the Regional Committee. During the first quarter of 2020, Andoy Platoon merged with the members of Weakened Guerilla Front 33 and operated in the areas of Nabunturan, DDO. Fourth quarter of 2020, when all the members of WGF 33 surrendered to this unit, Andoy Platoon, Hqs, SMRC transferred in the areas of Mawab, DDO. It can also be recalled that on January 2020, Community Support Program (CSP) teams were deployed in the areas of Brgy. New Cortez and San Jose of New Corella, Davao del Norte which led to the successful cooptation and redirection of mass supporters in the area and establishment of strengthened People’s Organizations that greatly contributed in identifying enemy whereabouts.

“These losses will eventually cripple the armed group and eventually weaken the terrorist organization. Again, we appeal to the remaining members of the NPA to lay down their arms and surrender. I urge our troops to relentlessly pursue the NPAs who continue to threaten our people and do their barbaric acts in the communities. I also encourage the people in the barangays to continue supporting by giving information on the presence of NPAs in the barangays in order for us to prevent them from casting terroristic activities that could hamper the ongoing peace and development in the area” COL ASNAWI P MUTI INF (GSC) PA, Battalion Commander of this unit said.

Hon. Ruperto S. Gonzaga, Municipal Mayor of Mawab, Davao de Oro said, “Today as we observe and take time to reflect in this Holy week, the NPA terrorists still continue their lies, recruitment, deceit and continue their barbaric deeds to the communities. The commendable performance of soldiers in doing their duties in securing the communities from CTGs during this pandemic and holy week clearly attests the seriousness of the government troops to end Local Communist Armed Conflict.”

[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/25ib-seizes-firearms-and-npa-personal-belongings-in-davao-de-oro/

Kalinaw News: Retooled Community Support Program BUENAVISTA, 23rd Infantry Battalion initiate meetings for Barangay Development Program implementation

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 1, 2021): Retooled Community Support Program BUENAVISTA, 23rd Infantry Battalion initiate meetings for Barangay Development Program implementation



BUENAVISTA Agusan del Norte – The Local Government Unit of Buenavista in partnership with the 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion (23IB) conducted a town hall meeting with the members of the barangay councils of Macalang, Guinabsan, Sangay, Lower Olave and Simbalan all of Buenavista town.

The meeting was held in Poblacion 6, Buenavista town on March 30, 2021.

The gathering of the barangay council members was aimed to discuss and revisit the issues and concerns of the implementation of the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) in the said barangays. The meeting also finalized plans for the implementation of priority programs and projects that will be funded under the Barangay Development Program (BDP). During the meeting, the barangay captains of said barangays presented their Barangay Development Plans, including their proposed livelihood skills training programs that will help enhance the knowledge and skills of the residents.

The barangay captains thanked the 23IB for the continued support the unit provided to the said barangays. They also conveyed their support and expressed readiness to work in the implementation of peace and development initiatives of the government.

The five (5) barangays involved in the meeting are considered Geographically-Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) of Buenavista town and identified as influenced-barangays of the Communist New People’s Army (NPA) Terrorist (CNT) but were all cleared through the implementation of the CSP program in 2019.

Buenavista Municipal Administrator Elmer Maboloc, during the meeting, commended the barangay council members and the 23IB for the unified efforts to end the local communist armed conflicts in the area.

“Let us help one another to thwart the CNT activities and stop their violence. Every one of us plays a vital role in protecting our communities against terroristic activities and threats,” Maboloc said.

He also emphasized the importance of building strong and meaningful partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) and become vigilant and alert against the terroristic activities of the CNTs in the areas.

Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, the commander of 23IB deeply appreciated the participation of the barangay captains and on their all-out support to the peace and development initiatives of the government.

“We will work with you in your communities not only to address the security and peace concerns but also to assist and facilitate the delivery of government services. Insurgency is not only the concern and responsibility of the Army and PNP but it is also your responsibility and concern. Winning the war against insurgency can only be achieved through combined efforts of all sectors and peace partner concern,” Paulo said.

He also challenged the barangay officials to continue to report to the Army any suspicious personalities sighted in the area.

[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/retooled-community-support-program-buenavista-23rd-infantry-battalion-initiate-meetings-for-barangay-development-program-implementation/

Kalinaw News: 3 Reds Refuse to Honor NPA, Yield to Eastern Mindanao Command Commander

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 1, 2021): 3 Reds Refuse to Honor NPA, Yield to Eastern Mindanao Command Commander



NSFA Panacan, Davao City – In what is considered to be a bold display of their defiance to the Communist Terrorist Group, three members of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) Commander MGen. Greg T. Almerol at the 402nd Infantry Brigade Headquarters in Bancasi, Butuan City instead of joining their comrades in a celebration on March 29.

The three NPA members who surrendered to the EastMinCom Commander, who happened to visit the 402nd Brigade, were identified as Squad Uno, SDG CAOCAO Team Leader alias Brake/Dante, 20, alias Nike/Max, 17, and alias Andy/Many, 26, who all hailed from Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte. They brought with them firearms including an M16 rifle with attached M203 grenade launcher and a revolver.

The yielders expressed that they were left with no choice but to surrender especially that their mass base supporters have already turned against them, making them scampering and starving for their life. They also exposed the lies and false promises of the NPA which remained unfulfilled to this date, saying that they have gained nothing from the movement but only scars, wounds, and near-death experiences.

“I join the yielders in refusing to validate the NPA’s existence by refraining from mentioning any of its significant celebrations because after all, their movement has only brought grief and death to many innocent lives especially to the members of different tribes in Eastern Mindanao,” MGen. Almerol said.

“The NPA’s violent ideology has been persecuting our people for too long. Let us not allow another Filipino citizen to fall prey to their blind cause,” MGen. Almerol reiterated, urging the public and stakeholders to continue their support in sustaining the government’s peace and security agenda.

“We have already seen that by working together, we can easily extinguish the menace that is the NPA. With everyone on board, we can expect more NPA members and their cadres surrendering in the coming days,” the EastMinCom Commander added.

All NPA members who previously surrendered to the government are already enjoying different government programs and services such as financial assistance, livelihood training, scholarship, and housing under the Enhanced Comprehensive and Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) package.

[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/3-reds-refuse-to-honor-npa-yield-to-eastern-mindanao-command-commander/

Kalinaw News: 301st Brigade Holds Light A Candle for Peace

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 1, 2021): 301st Brigade Holds Light A Candle for Peace



CAMP HERNANDEZ, Dingle, Iloilo—In support to the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict’s (NTF-ELCAC) quest for just and lasting peace, the Army’s 301st Bayanihan Brigade personnel led by Brigadier General Marion Sison conducted a candle lighting ceremony for Peace and Prayer for Solidarity on March 29, 2021, 6:00 o’clock in the evening at Camp Hernandez, Dingle, Iloilo.

BGen Sison said in his message that when you do the right thing, you get the feeling of peace and serenity associated with it. Likewise, he stressed the importance of peace and unity to achieve just and lasting peace not only in Western Visayas but in the whole country as well.

Prior to this, the brigade also participated in the Peace Caravan and Prayer rally in Iloilo City together with the various sectoral groups and organization who are calling for peace to end the 52 years of senseless bloody struggle of the communist-terrorist group.

[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/301st-brigade-holds-light-a-candle-for-peace/

Kalinaw News: 24 Aurora ex-rebels receive Php1.56M assistance

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 1, 2021): 24 Aurora ex-rebels receive Php1.56M assistance



BALER, Aurora-24 more former rebels received a total of Php1,560,000.00-worth of financial assistance through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), in support to finally end the local communist armed conflict in this horseshoe-shaped coastal valley overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Central Luzon.

Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, commander of 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion, Philippine Army said that the government’s financial assistance is still up for those who are willing to give up their weapons and seek a peaceful resolution towards starting anew.

The financial assistance packages were composed of immediate and livelihood assistance, and firearm remuneration, depending on the benefits they are entitled to.

Rubio said that the peace and order council meeting was conducted this afternoon at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan conference room, Capitol building, Baler, Aurora headed by Governor Gerardo A. Noveras together with 1st Lieutenant Roberto G. Apelado Jr., acting civil military operation officer, Colonel Julio Lizardo-Provincial Director of Aurora Police Provincial Office (APPO), lawyer Ofelio Tactac-Provincial Director of Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and hand-over the Php65,000 to each surrenderer.

“We at the 91st IB are committed to do our part in the program’s continued efforts to aid former rebels who wish to return to the mainstream society. We will guarantee our former insurgents that they will be recipients of the livelihood assistance program that our government offers for them to start a new life within the fold of the law,” Ltc Rubio said, explaining that the government troops are glad that through E-CLIP, more rebels are now turning their back against insurgency to start a new and better life together with their whole family.

He said that ex-rebels are given an opportunity to improve the quality of their lives, especially through livelihood financial assistance.

Through Executive Order No. 70, known as the “Whole-of-Nation Approach”, the former rebels will have a chance to access the housing grant from the National Housing Authority (NHA).

“They will be given an opportunity for skills training and education from Department of Education (DepEd), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agriculture (DA), and other agencies—whichever option fits the former rebel best to live live normal lives and be productive citizens in their communities,” Ltc Rubio said.

E-CLIP provides complete package of assistance to former rebels who were members of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), New People’s Army (NPA), and National Democratic Front (NDF), as well as their family members, who have surrendered to the government to abandon armed struggle and become productive members of the society.

This is just one of the clusters of the “Whole-of-Nation Approach” which aims to address the root causes of insurgencies and other armed conflicts and threats by prioritizing and harmonizing the delivery of basic services and social development packages by the government.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), which has been waging more than a five-decade armed struggle against the government, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

[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/24-aurora-ex-rebels-receive-php1-56m-assistance/

Philippines, US discuss Chinese activities in West Philippine Sea

From Rappler (Apr 1, 2021): Philippines, US discuss Chinese activities in West Philippine Sea (SOFIA TOMACRUZ)

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan reiterates to Philippines national security adviser Hermogenes Esperon that the Mutual Defense Treaty covers the South China Sea

The Philippines and United States discussed their shared concerns over Chinese activities in the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea, in a call on Wednesday, March 31, the White House said.

During the call, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan reiterated to Philippines national security adviser Hermogenes Esperon that the two countries' Mutual Defense Treaty – which sees both sides commit to defend one another in case of an attack – covered the South China Sea.

Sullivan and Esperon, the White House said, "agreed that the United States and the Philippines will continue to coordinate closely in responding to challenges in the South China Sea." 

(READ: Biden's opportunities in PH and how Duterte can gain from them)

"Sullivan underscored that the United States stands with our Philippine allies in upholding the rules-based international maritime order, and reaffirmed the applicability of the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty in the South China Sea," it added.

The call between the countries' national security advisers in Manila and Washington comes as the Philippines has described the presence of hundreds of Chinese boats anchored near features in its exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea as "swarming and threatening."

Led by Esperon, the Philippines' National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea maintained the Chinese vessels were manned by Beijing's maritime militia – a claim denied by Chinese diplomats, who have asserted that the boats were seeking shelter from "rough seas," and that no militia were aboard.

Earlier on Wednesday, the NTF-WPS reported over 200 Chinese ships remained anchored across Julian Felipe (Whitsun) Reef, Kenna (Chigua) Reef, Pag-asa Island, Panganiban (Mischief) Reef, Kagitingan (Fiery) Reef, and Zamora (Subi) Reef.

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The scattering of China's ships in Philippine waters had been documented by the NTF-WPS after Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr repeatedly demanded that China withdraw its vessels in the West Philippine Sea.

The Philippines earlier filed a protest against China after over 200 vessels first spotted near Julian Felipe Reef in early March continued to linger in the area, despite showing no signs of actual fishing activity.

On Thursday, April 1, Locsin had reasserted that islands and other maritime features in the West Philippine Sea belonged to Filipinos despite China's illegal build-up in these areas.

"Within our EEZ so it’s ours. The durability and vintage of the structures don’t matter. Ours," Locsin tweeted. He made the statement after the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) conducted a patrol over Union Banks, a group of features within the Kalayaan Islands Group under the Municipality of Kalayaan in Palawan.

"During this patrol we were able to document manmade structures that built on some of the features. These structures are illegal," the AFP said.

Canada, Australia, Japan, and Europe are among countries that have voiced concern about China's intentions in the South China Sea.

The US had earlier backed the Philippines’ concerns over the presence of Chinese maritime militia in its waters, vowing to stand by its oldest ally in Asia.

Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, China, and Vietnam have competing territorial claims in the South China Sea, through which at least $3.4 trillion of annual trade passes.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/united-states-philippines-discuss-chinese-activities-west-philippine-sea

44 Chinese ships still at Julian Felipe Reef

From Panay News (Apr 1, 2021): 44 Chinese ships still at Julian Felipe Reef (By Adrian Stewart Co)

Amid the diplomatic protest filed by the country against China, several Chinese ships are still seen around the Julian Felipe Reef in the West Philippine Sea, the National Task Force-West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) said.

In a statement, the NTF-WPS said around 44 Chinese maritime militias remained “moored, anchored, and stationary at Julian Felipe Reef.”

Aside from these 44, a maritime patrol by the Philippine Army saw over 200 other Chinese vessels scattered in Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) – 115 in Chigua (Kennan) Reef, 45 in Pag-asa Island, and 50 others in Panganiban (Mischief), Kagitingan (Fiery), and Zamora (Subi) Reefs.

The NTF-WPS also noted in its report that four People’s Liberation Army Navy vessels were also spotted in Panganiban Reef.

“The vessels, which China said were fishing boats, are maritime militia, and their build-up and massing formation from Julian Felipe Reef to other areas of the Kalayaan Island Group is hazardous to navigation and safety of life at sea,” the task force said.

“They may be doing illicit activities at night and their lingering (swarming) presence may cause irreparable damage to the marine environment due to marine pollution and destruction of coral reefs,” it added.

As the presence of Chinese vessels remains in the Philippines exclusive economic zone (EEZ), NTF-WPS said it continues to assert the Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction over the KIG and WPS, and expressed its concern over the illegal Chinese maritime presence.

The country increased the deployment of maritime vessels from the Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to safeguard its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national patrimony in the KIG.

https://www.panaynews.net/44-chinese-ships-still-at-julian-felipe-reef/

NOCPPO, Army on ‘heightened alert’ following clashes in NegOr

From the Panay News (Apr 1, 2021): NOCPPO, Army on ‘heightened alert’ following clashes in NegOr (BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL BAÑAGA)

The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) and the Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade (303IB) were placed on “heightened alert” on March 30. Another clash between government forces and New People’s Army (NPA) insurgents transpired in Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental.

Police Colonel Romy Palgue, NOCPPO director, said the elite Special Action Force (SAF) clashed with rebels in Negros Oriental on Monday, which resulted to the death of two NPA members.

With the NPA’s major loss in Guihulngan City last week, both the NOCPPO and the 303IB believed the insurgents may be planning another attack on government forces, civilians and former rebels “as revenge.”

Palgue said he already ordered the police to further strengthen their monitoring in police stations and their intelligence community.

Army Colonel Michael Samson, acting commander of the 303IB, echoed Palgue.

Samson said it is difficult to say as to how many exactly are the remaining rebels in Negros as they are operating in four different fronts.

However, based on their latest intelligence, the NPA’s northern and central Negros fronts have been drastically reduced to platoon size numbering less than 30-40 insurgents.

Samson said these rebels are still operating in the boundary of Negros Occidental particularly in the town of Moises Padilla, with most of the skirmishes happening in Negros Oriental.

“Much of the central Negros front has already been decimated, but we still have to take care of the remnants,” he added.

Meanwhile, Samson confirmed that an NPA insurgent they arrested in the Guihulngan City clash was doing well at the Governor William Villegas Memorial Hospital in the said city.

The captured insurgent, identified as “Jojo,” revealed he was only 17 years old and a resident of Canlaon City, Negros Oriental.

Samson said they are still validating the insurgent’s claims, but they have decided to hand him over to the Guihulngan City Social Welfare and Development office.

The teen was hit on the right leg after he engaged in a gun battle with government forces. To recall, at least 10 of his comrades died.

Samson added that six of the 10 fatalities have already been given a proper burial.

https://www.panaynews.net/nocppo-army-on-heightened-alert-following-clashes-in-negor/

2 soldiers slightly wounded in clash, arms cache seized

From the Mindanao Times (Mar 30, 2021): 2 soldiers slightly wounded in clash, arms cache seized (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

SOLDIERS recovered an assault rifle and assorted bullets during a 30-minute clash with the New People’s Army (NPA) and troops of the 58th Infantry Battalion in Gingoog City on Sunday, March 28.

Two soldiers sustained minor injuries and are now recuperating at the Camp Evangelista Station Hospital.

1Lt. Jefferson Mariano, the civil-military operations officer of 58th IB, said the encounter happened at around 11 a.m. in the hinterlands of Barangay Samay when the troops responded to the report of farmers regarding the harassment from the rebels.

They recovered one M16 rifle, one short magazine for M16, four magazines for AK-47, one Signus radio, one cellphone, nine rounds of .40mm ammunition, assorted medical paraphernalia, and subversive documents.

Today, the NPA marks its 52 years of armed revolution.

Lt. Col. Ricky L. Canatoy, commanding officer of the 58th Infantry Battalion, said, “The encounter is a result of the continuous effort and active steps to thwart enemy hostile activities.

” We call on the remaining members of CTGs to lay down their arms and live a peaceful and normal life, and to avoid unnecessary waste of life. The Army will not hesitate and is always ready to use its force against peace spoilers and other threat groups who will continue to use terrorism,” Canatoy said.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2021/03/30/2-soldiers-slightly-wounded-in-clash-arms-cache-siezed/

Troops recover body of NPA fighter in Gingoog

From the Mindanao Times (Mar 31, 2021): Troops recover body of NPA fighter in Gingoog (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

A NEW People’s Army (NPA) guerrilla was recovered during a pursuit operation at the hinterlands of Barangay Binakalan, Gingoog City following an encounter on Mar. 28.

The casualty was identified as Oliver Hulliao, platoon guide of Sub-Regional Committee 1, and a resident of Sitio Lantad, Barangay Kibanban, Balingasag. He was identified by a rebel returnee.

1Lt. Jefferson Mariano, the civil-military operations officer of 58th IB, said Hulliao was among the NPA group that was encountered by the troops in Barangay Samay of Gingoog City.

The clash resulted in the recovery of one M16 rifle, one short magazine for M16, four magazines for AK47, one Signus radio, one cellular phone, nine rounds 40mm ammunition, assorted medical paraphernalia, and subversive documents.

Lt. Col. Ricky L. Canatoy, commanding officer of the 58th Infantry Battalion, said the NPAs carry out simultaneous attacks throughout the country during their anniversary.

“For what purpose? All for naught,” he said. “Yet another life was lost today as a result of their actions. Our sincere condolences to the bereaved family. Another life is wasted. This has to come to an end right now.”

The recovered body was then brought to a funeral parlor in Gingoog City for the proper turnover to his family.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2021/03/31/troops-recover-body-of-npa-fighter-in-gingoog/

2 wounded in Cotabato City blast

From MindaNews (Apr 1, 2021): 2 wounded in Cotabato City blast (By FERDINANDH B. CABRERA)

Two persons were wounded when a homemade bomb went off near a police outpost in Cotabato City Thursday night.

Police Colonel Rommel Javier, city police director of Cotabato City confirmed that two bystanders were hurt in the explosion along Jose Lim St. at around 6:30 p.m.

Members of the Cotabato City police force cordon off the blast site near a police outpost and in in front of the building that used to house Police Precinct 4 on Thursday evening , 01 April 2021. MindNews photo by FERDINANDH . CABRERA

The blast site is near a police outpost and in front of the building previously housing the Police Precinct 4. It is also around 60 meters away from the San Roque chapel where several residents of Mother Bagua were attending a Maundy Thursday mass. Javier said those who attended the Maundy Thursday rites left the chapel calmly.

Injured were Marguiana Kalim and Azmad Cader who were rushed to a nearby hospital in the city.

After the first explosion, police found two more improvised explosive devices (IEDs) nearby.

Police are still investigating the incident. (Ferdinandh B. Cabrera / MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2021/04/2-wounded-in-cotabato-city-blast/

Maundy Thursday blast injures 2 in Cotabato City

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Apr 1, 2021): Maundy Thursday blast injures 2 in Cotabato City

KIDAPAWAN CITY - Two persons were reported wounded in a blast near a police station in Cotabato City in the restive southern Philippine region of Mindanao.

The explosion occurred along Jose Lim Street in the village called Mother Bagua where a church mass was going on. No individual or group claimed responsibility for the explosion.

The wounded Azmad Cader and Marguiana Kalim were rushed to the Cotabato Regional Medical Center.

No other details or reports were made available either by the police or military, but the blast occurred just as Catholics are observing the Holy Week. Other reports said one improvised explosive was also recovered near the scene. (Mindanao Examiner)

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2021/04/maundy-thursday-blast-injures-2-in.html

Candlelighting and peace rally held in Baguio City

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 1, 2021): Candlelighting and peace rally held in Baguio City (By Redjie Melvic M. Cawis)

The peace walk by the different volunteers and youth groups in the city of Baguio. RMC PIA-CAR

BAGUIO CITY, March 31 (PIA) -- Government line agencies and law enforcement agencies led a simultaneous candle lighting and peace rally in different locations in the city as part of the information drive on the government’s actions against the atrocities by the New People’s Army (NPA) on Monday (March 29).

The Baguio City Police Office and the 503rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army spearheaded the activity with the local government unit led by Regio.al Peace and Order Council Chairperson Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong.

Youth volunteers and other stakeholders earlier held a “peace walk” from the Malcolm Square thru Session Road and Harrison Road to the Melvin Jones Grandstand for the candlelight event The volunteers held placards with messages condemning the NPA atrocities of the.

It was followed by a program and the film viewing of the different activities and programs of the government and the different sectors in the region particularly in NPA infected communities.

503rd Infantry Brigade Deputy Commander Colonel Christopher Sab-it assured the public that the government is making its moves to address the problem on insurgency in the country. RMC PIA-CAR

In his message, 503rd Infantry Brigade Deputy Commander Colonel Christopher Sab-it said the candlelight event is way to raise awareness of the actions or the atrocities of the communist terrorist groups which have been on years.

He explained that under the administration of President Rodridgo Duterte, the partnership to end the armed conflict with the terrorist group is addressed by the whole country; not just the government but those in the private sector joining hands thru the Whole of a Nation Approach to end local communist armed conflict and its programs by the different government and non-government agencies and offices.

Meanwhile, Cesvir Lopez ,the DILG Baguio focal person of the Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict, called on the people especially the parents to be aware of the activities of their children particularly in urban areas. Baguio City is among the areas where the NPA terrorist groups recruit its members so it is important for the people in the city to know about the deception of the terrorist organization.

“We would like to call upon our constituents, especially the parents, we should know what our children are involved in, (what) our families are involved in, so that we would know how to address when they are called to join terrorism activities,” she said.

The candle lighting activity coincided with the observance of the National Day of Solidarity, Condemnation and Outrage against the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army- National Democratic Front).

The Police Regional Office – Cordillera said that the candlelight event was also held in the different barangays and police stations thru out the Cordillera provinces and municipalities and in the entire country.

To ensure compliance with the minimum public health standards against the COVID-19, the candlelight events were held at the different locations in the city and the region instead of gathering the different volunteers and stakeholders in one venue. (JDP/RMC- PIA-CAR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1071178

BIFF lair captured, IEDs recovered in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 1, 2021): BIFF lair captured, IEDs recovered in Maguindanao (By Edwin Fernandez)

SEIZED. A BIFF hideout found by government troopers in the mountains of Ampatuan, Maguindanao on Wednesday (March 31, 2021). The lair of the extremist group also yielded (inset) seven IEDs, firearms parts and bomb-making components. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – The military has captured an abandoned lair of the Daesh-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao and seized improvised bombs and other bomb-making materials.

Lt. Col. Raymond Rapi, Army’s 1st Scout Ranger Battalion (1SRB) commander, said Thursday the soldiers found the BIFF lair in the mountains of Ampatuan town after a series of clashes in the village of Salman.

“The soldiers discovered an abandoned hideout-cum bomb-making area of the BIFF that has several running trenches and half-size basketball court,” Rapi told reporters here.

Government forces had a running gun battle against the BIFF in Maguindanao on March 18 that affected the towns of Shariff Aguak, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Mamasapano, Shariff Saydona, Datu Unsay, and Ampatuan.

The 1st SRB has been pursuing the BIFF in the interiors of Ampatuan town, Rapi said.

On Wednesday afternoon, a search around the Salman area resulted in the recovery of seven improvised explosive devices (IEDs), blasting caps, bomb components, electrical wire, solar panel, power supply inverter, two-way radio sets, mobile phones, binocular, a motorbike and other personal items.

On Tuesday, elements of the 23rd Company of the 1st Mechanized Battalion also clashed with a BIFF band in Sitio Bagorot, Barangay Tuayan, Datu Hoffer that led to the recovery of two IEDs ready for disposal.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander, said that earlier this week, seven IEDs were also disarmed in Salman village as planted by withdrawing BIFF gunmen.

“This brings to a total of 16 IEDs and several BIFF firearms seized so far in ongoing military clearing operations in the affected towns,” Uy said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1135569