NPA arms cache found in Abra

From the Philippine Star (Jun 23, 2021): NPA arms cache found in Abra (By John Unson, Artemio Dumlao)

Acting on information from surrenderees, government troopers found a cache of guns and ammunition of New People’s Army rebels in Barangay Alangtin in Tubo, Abra on Sunday.

The military said four rifles, a 12-gauge shotgun, a caliber .38 revolver and bullets were recovered by personnel of the 71st Infantry Battalion, 69th IB, 73rd Military Intelligence Company and Abra police.

In South Cotabato, suspected NPA rebels Kristine Kala, 22, and Carla Lasib, 20, were arrested in T’boli town for alleged possession of fragmentation grenades and sachets of shabu.

Maj. Irish Parangan, T’boli police chief, said the two were initially held for showing fake contact-tracing cards, which are required for non-residents entering the province.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2021/06/23/2107401/npa-arms-cache-found-abra

Coast guard begins anti-terror, anti-piracy exercises in southwestern Mindanao

From Rappler (Jun 22, 2021): Coast guard begins anti-terror, anti-piracy exercises in southwestern Mindanao (By FRENCIE CARREON)

Task Force Pagsasanay will test the coast guard's newly acquired ship-based and coastal monitoring capabilities for search and rescue and law enforcement operations

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) began anti-terrorism and anti-piracy exercises in the waters off Zamboanga Peninsula and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on Monday, June 21.

The weeklong Task Force Pagsasanay would test the coast guard's newly acquired ship-based and coastal monitoring capabilities for search and rescue and law enforcement operations, particularly at the Sibutu Passage and Basilan Strait, where piracy and abductions have become perennial problems.

The area where the exercises are ongoing is near the Zamboanga Peninsula region, and the provinces of Tawi-tawi, Basilan, and Sulu in the BARMM.

PCG Commandant Admiral George Ursabia Jr. said the ongoing exercises brought together the crew of four coast guard vessels – BRP Gabriela Silang, BRP Tubbataha, BRP Bagacay, and BRP Cape Engaño – along with personnel and dozens of fast-response boats from 47 Coast Guard stations and substations in southwestern Mindanao.

Ursabia said pilots and technical personnel from the Coast Guard Aviation Force were also taking part in the exercises that involve the PCG's BN Islander plane and several light twin-engine airbus helicopters.

He said Task Force Pagsasanay was organized to ensure that the "PCG can ably secure the Philippines' maritime jurisdiction, especially the frontiers where we are needed most."

Ursabia said the exercises would also test the Coast Guard's monitoring and search and rescue facilities in place to ensure that the PCG can quickly respond to distress calls up to 100 miles away via radio repeater stations.

The coast guard has recently established new stations at Great Bacungan at the seams of Turtle Islands and upgraded another in Taganac in Tawi-Tawi province.

It also set up a lighthouse at the southernmost islet of Panguan in Sitangkai to help fishermen and traditional maritime traders.

The exercises, he said, were being done because the Philippines is a contracting party to the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia.

"Our community presence in this area has expanded 130% due to the entry of locals to the PCG. We believe such organizational enhancements, social and technological innovations and infrastructure projects, among others, have significantly contributed in the decrease on seajacking reports in Mindanao," Ursabia said. 

https://www.rappler.com/nation/philippine-coast-guard-anti-terror-piracy-exercises-mindanao-june-2021

3 BIFF fighters killed in Maguindanao clash

From the Manila Times (Jun 21, 2021): 3 BIFF fighters killed in Maguindanao clash (By Julmunir Jannaral)

Photo from Western Mindanao Command Facebook

Three members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were killed in a two-day firefight in Maguindanao that started on Saturday and lasted until Sunday and also leading to the discovery of their lair.

According to Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command, the troops of the Joint Task Force Central were conducting focused military operations when they encountered at least 10 BIFF terrorists under Muslimin Amilil, aka Mus of the 2nd Division of Karialan Faction. "Firefight ensued at Sitio Proper, Barangay Linantangan, Shariff Saydona Mustapha municipality, Maguindanao at about 5:52 a.m. on Sunday, which resulted in the deaths of three BIFF militants," Vinluan said.

While scouring the clash site, troops recovered the remains of the BIFF men and war materiel including three.45 caliber pistols, two hand grenades, eight grams of a crystalline substance believed to be shabu and P1,000 cash.

The recovered bodies and items were brought to the 1st Mechanized Battalion headquarters for proper disposition.

During the first day of the military operation, an abandoned enemy camp was discovered by the soldiers at Sitio Tubak, Barangay Saniag, Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of Joint Task Force Central, said the hideout can accommodate at least 80 to 100 persons.

It has 12 foxholes, three overhead bunkers, eight bunkers, three guard posts and running trenches.

The troops recovered one bandolier, four magazine pouches, one short magazine, one improvised explosive device, a copy of the Qur'an and suspected improvised explosive device components. The items were placed under the custody of the 92nd Infantry Battalion.

Vinluan congratulated the soldiers of the Cotabato City-based Joint Task Force Central, saying, "Rest assured that the Armed Forces will continue to conduct focused military operations to hunt and pound on the enemies, and recover their strongholds and armaments."

https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/06/21/news/regions/3-biff-fighters-killed-in-maguindanao-clash/1803994

7 NPA rebels yield in Surigao Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 21, 2021): 7 NPA rebels yield in Surigao Norte (By Alexander Lopez)

SURRENDER. The communist New People’s Army (NPA) in Surigao del Norte continues to suffer major blows as more of its fighters and supporters surrender to the government. Five regular NPA fighters and two Milisya ng Bayan formally surrendered to the 30th Infantry Battalion last June 19, 2021 in Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte. (Photo courtesy of 30IB)

Some seven communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels surrendered to the Army’s 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB) in Surigao del Norte over the weekend.

In a statement Monday, 30IB commander, Lt. Col. Ryan Charles Callanta, said the seven surrenderers are composed of five NPA regular fighters and two Milisya ng Bayan (MB) who returned to the fold of the law last June 19 in Gigaquit town.

Callanta identified the five NPA fighters as alias Jerson, a vice squad leader; alias Daylan, a political guide; alias Gelai; alias Jimjim; and alias Robert.

The two Militia ng Bayan were alias Ramon and alias Bernie.

“Fatigue, hunger and the longing to see their families pushed these NPA rebels to abandon the communist movement and return to the fold of the law,” Callanta said.

The seven were operating in the hinterlands of Surigao del Norte and parts of Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Norte under the Guerrilla Front (GF) 16 C1 of the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee.

They also handed over to the Army several high-caliber firearms and ammunition.

The rebels also pinpointed a site in Sitio Tagbak in Carrascal, Surigao del Sur where two AK-47 rifles were hidden and recovered by authorities on Saturday.

Alias Jerson, in his testimony quoted in the same statement, recalled their difficulties in securing food supplies in communities.

“The masses are now afraid of the NPA rebels. We no longer get support from the communities. A number of our fighters also died in the recent encounters in the area. We were just waiting for when will be our turn to die. With the difficulties we could no longer bear, we decided to surrender,” Jerson said.

Callanta has recognized the support of the other stakeholders and community members in facilitating the safe surrender of the former NPA rebels.

“Through the help and support of the communities and families, we were able to inform the seven on the concepts of the enhanced comprehensive local integration program. Upon realizing the sincerity of the government to help them through the ECLIP program, the seven all together abandoned the terrorist NPA movement,” Callanta 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/1144346

3 killed in Lanao del Sur ambush

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 21, 2021): 3 killed in Lanao del Sur ambush (By Edwin Fernandez)

Google map photo

Three persons were killed and another was injured in a Sunday afternoon ambush triggered by a long-standing “rido” (family feud) involving Muslim families in Balabagan, Lanao del Sur.

Maj. Marlon Silvestre, Balabagan town police chief, identified the fatalities as Mando Interino and militiamen Hanafi Baraguer, and Venhar Macapodi, all residents of Barangay Tubok, Malabang, Lanao del Sur.

“All three victims died on the spot,” Silvestre told reporters here Monday.

Injured was Mastor Gani of Barangay Barurao, Balabagan Lanao Del Sur, who was hit by a stray bullet and is now recuperating in the town’s hospital.

The victims were onboard separate motorcycles heading from Balabagan to nearby Malabang town when gunmen ambushed them around 4 p.m. in Barangay Molimok, Balabagan town.

"Witnesses said the gunmen quickly boarded a multi-cab vehicle and sped off after the incident,” Silvestre said.

Responding policemen found empty shells for Galil rifle, M16 rifle, and .45-caliber pistol at the crime scene.

Silvestre said efforts by both local and religious leaders are underway to defuse tension in Balabagan and nearby Malabang and prevent escalation of hostilities.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1144348

Suspect in bus burning, bombing fall in NoCot

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 21, 2021): Suspect in bus burning, bombing fall in NoCot (By Edwin Fernandez)

ARRESTED. Ali Akbar, suspect in bus bombing and burning incidents in North Cotabato, is arrested in Barangay East Patadon, Kidapawan City on Monday morning (June 21, 2021). Police and the military found improvised bombs (inset) near his hideout. (Photo courtesy of 602nd Brigade)

The suspected mastermind of the Yellow Bus Line (YBL) bus burning in January and early this month, both in North Cotabato, was arrested in Kidapawan City on Monday morning.

Suspect Ali Akbar was nabbed by joint elements of the Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade, 90th Infantry Battalion, 72nd Infantry Battalion, and the local police in Purok 3, Barangay East Patadon at about 5 a.m., according to Brig. Gen. Roberto Capulong, commander of the 602nd Infantry Brigade.

Capulong said Akbar is an improvised explosive device (IED) expert and an extortionist belonging to the Dawlah Islamiya (DI)-Hassan Group.

“Akbar was nabbed based on the warrant of arrest issued by Branch 23, Regional Trial Court, 12th Judicial Region, for double murder and multiple frustrated murder,” Capulong said in a statement.

Authorities seized two IEDs, a blasting cap, IED components, and an Islamic State of Iraq and Syria flag from Akbar.

On January 27, an improvised bomb went off beside a YBL unit in Tulunan town, killing a roadside fruit vendor and injuring three others.

On June 3, a YBL unit was burned in Barangay Bialong, M’lang, killing three passengers who got trapped.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Army’s 6th Infantry division commander and concurrent chief of the Joint Task Force Central (JTFC), lauded the operating units and vowed to continuously pursue and hunt down the remnants of the terrorist group.

“The DI does not have a place in our community and with the help of the residents and local government units in Central Mindanao, we will defeat them ultimately,” Uy told reporters in an interview.

He pointed out that several communities and provinces under the JTFC have declared the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and the DI terror groups unwelcome in their areas.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1144437

21 former NPA rebels in SoCot get P2-M aid

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 22, 2021): 21 former NPA rebels in SoCot get P2-M aid (By Allen Estabillo)

The provincial capitol building of South Cotabato (File photo courtesy of the provincial government)

A total of 21 former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels from parts of South Cotabato province have received some PHP1.97 million in financial assistance under the government’s flagship Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Haide Agustin, head of the South Cotabato Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, said on Tuesday the released grants comprised the firearms remuneration and immediate reintegration and livelihood assistance for the returnees.

She said these were released in a simple ceremony on Monday witnessed via Zoom by Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. and representatives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

The official said 16 of the former rebels received checks amounting to PHP86,000 each or a total of PHP1.37 million in immediate reintegration and livelihood assistance while three others got PHP174,000 each as firearms remuneration.

“The remaining two received a combined PHP422,000 in immediate reintegration, livelihood, and remuneration grants,” she said in a statement.

One of the recipients, identified as alias “Kerker,” expressed his gratitude to the government for helping him realize his desire to lead a normal life with his family.

The 19-year-old returnee, the youngest in the group, joined the NPA while still a minor four years ago but decided to surrender last year after being disillusioned with the group’s unrealized promises.

The second of four siblings, he said they were promised various benefits, among them the supposed free education.

“At my young age, I believed in their promises but none of those came into reality,” he said during the turnover ceremony.

"Kerker” said there is no more reason for him to remain in the communist terrorist group as government services are now available for them, especially with the free education and hospitalization programs being implemented in the province.

He vowed to use the PHP86,000 financial assistance he received from the government “to start a new life,” and initially plans to go back to school and start a livelihood project.

Tamayo said the provincial government remains committed to assisting rebels who want to surrender and go back to their communities.

He urged them to encourage their former comrades to also embrace the government’s standing offer to return to the fold of the law and take part in the reintegration program.

“We will continue with our efforts to address your problems, let us unite to achieve lasting peace,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1144491

82 communist-linked schools in Bukidnon monitored

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 22, 2021): 82 communist-linked schools in Bukidnon monitored (By Nef Luczon and Franck Dick Rosete)

NPA RECRUITMENT GROUND NO MORE. Residents of Barangays Sagundanon and Cabalantian in Kitaotao, Bukidnon demolish a school operated by Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation Inc. (MISFI) on June 5, 2021. Officials of the two barangays, which are mostly inhabited by indigenous peoples, claimed that communist-front group MISFI operated the school that served as a recruitment haven of the CPP-NPA. (Photo courtesy of 72IB)

The Army's 10th Infantry Division (10ID) confirmed it is conducting "intensive monitoring" of some 82 private-run schools in Bukidnon suspected to be "recruitment fronts" of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

Maj. Jerry Lamosao, 10ID spokesperson, in a recent interview, said they have intensified their collaboration with the community and other government agencies and local government units, after a private school allegedly operated by a non-government organization in Purok 2, Sagundanon village, Kitaotao town, Bukidnon, was demolished because of its alleged links to the CPP-NPA.

"It is through collaboration with the local officials, residents in the community, and government agencies that we have identified the NPA recruitment schools," he said.

Lamosao said the 82 schools on their list are Salugpungan, Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation Inc. (MISFI), Community Technical College of Southern Mindanao, "Clans," Father Faustino Tentorio Memorial School, Assumption Interfaith Academy Foundation Incorporated, and other schools operated by Rural Missionaries of the Philippines, among others.

He said MISFI was recently identified to have been operated the "NPA recruitment school" in Purok 2, Sagundanon village for four years.

He also said children from different barangays were sent to these schools in the hope of proper education and a better future.

Demolition

On June 5, Sagundanon village chief Jeofrey Gawilan and Cabalantian village chief Thelma Hilaria, together with their Sangguniang Barangay and Tribal Council, issued a resolution to demolish the MISFI school over "false teachings and ideologies by the NPA".

A 22-minute video uploaded by a radio reporter in Bukidnon Igan Xander showed residents from two villages demolishing the school.

Gawilan said the resolution implementing the demolition of MISFI School had been unanimously agreed by barangay officials and its constituents.

"We call on our youth to never be deceived by the deceptions of the CPP-NPA-NDF (National Democratic Front). By this demolition, we hope that slowly, we will achieve the peace we long for here in our Barangay," he said in a statement.

The two officials said parents of former students admitted that their children were brought to Manila.

The parents said they only had the chance to talk to them twice. Based on the last news they received, their children were forced to work on a farm.

Some students were reportedly promised free education in Manila but ended up joining rallies.

"Today marks a new beginning for all of us. As we celebrate this month of Independence Day, we also freed ourselves from the shadow of the communist terrorist groups," Hilaria said in a statement on the school demolition.

Meanwhile, barangay residents called on other barangays that are sympathetic to the CPP-NPA to withdraw their support and return to the fold of the real government.

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/1144602

18 loose firearms surrendered to military in NoCot

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 22, 2021): 18 loose firearms surrendered to military in NoCot (By Noel Punzalan)

LOOSE FIREARMS. Village officials of Midsayap, North Cotabato led by Vice Mayor Manuel Rabara hands on Tuesday (June 22, 2021) turn over 18 loose firearms collected from 10 villages of the town. Nearly 100 assorted firearms were surrendered by local government units to military and police units in Central Mindanao since January this year. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Eighteen loose firearms were turned over by several barangay officials of Midsayap, North Cotabato to military and police authorities here Tuesday.

Brig. Gen. Roberto Capulong, commander of the Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade (602Bde), received the high-powered firearms collected by the village chiefs of 10 barangays.

“This is the result of the concerted efforts of the local government unit of Midsayap together with the barangay leaders who supported the government’s campaign against loose firearms,” Capulong said.

The simple turnover ceremony at the Sangguniang Bayan Social Hall of Midsayap was witnessed by Midsayap Vice Mayor Manuel Rabara and other local officials.

The surrendered firearms included a Bushmaster rifle; a 40mm grenade launcher; a Garand rifle, two 50mm rifles; an M79 grenade launcher; two M14 rifles; three sniper rifles; a 12-gauge shotgun; a .38-caliber revolver; five .45-caliber pistols, and various ammunition.

Data from the military showed that local officials from nearby Kabacan town, also in North Cotabato, also turned over seven assorted firearms to the 602Bde on May 20.

“This brings to 25 loose firearms surrendered by local government units (LGUs) in North Cotabato to state forces in a month’s time,” Capulong said.

Since January this year, nearly 100 firearms were surrendered by LGUs in Central Mindanao to both military and police authorities.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) commander and concurrent chief of Joint Task Force Central (JTFC), has fully recognized the gesture of support of the LGUs to the government campaign against loose firearms.

“This exemplifies the harmonious relationship among the peace advocates, the security sector, local officials and leaders, and the communities in the region,” he said.

Uy said the 6ID and the JTFC will continuously work with partners from the civilian government agencies and organizations to address and ultimately end armed lawless threats against the peace-loving communities in North Cotabato and the rest of the region.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1144606

TFBL releases revised handbook for ex-rebels' reintegration

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 21, 2021): TFBL releases revised handbook for ex-rebels' reintegration (By Priam Nepomuceno)

TFBL chair Defense Undersecretary Reynaldo B. Mapagu (File photo)

The Task Force Balik Loob (TFBL) has released the second edition of the Former Rebel Reintegration Handbook which now includes former violent extremists (FVEs) as beneficiaries of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

TFBL chair and Defense Undersecretary Reynaldo B. Mapagu said the second edition of the handbook will serve as a guide for the implementation of E-CLIP, which is designed to provide holistic and pro-active assistance to former rebels (FRs) and FVEs.

“We have to continue informing and empowering our E-CLIP implementers so that the beneficiaries of the program will be assisted more effectively in their transition to mainstream society,” he said in a statement Sunday.

Mapagu added that the handbook embodies the existing implementing rules and regulations as well as guidelines for the different partner agencies for the total reintegration of former rebels who have decided to return to the fold of the law.

“Unlike previous integration programs for former rebels, E-CLIP emphasizes individual assistance suited for the needs of the beneficiaries, community development through PAMANA (Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan) program, and the participation of non-government organizations," he added.

Through the revised handbook, Mapagu said E-CLIP implementers on the ground will have a valuable resource and reference for the specific aid or process that can be undertaken for FRs and FVEs.

The E-CLIP was the outcome of the directive issued by President Rodrigo R. Duterte that provides for shelter, employment, and livelihood assistance, as well as an effective monitoring and evaluation system, for former members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

The FVEs were included as beneficiaries of the E-CLIP through Administrative Order No. 25, series of 2020.

The handbook is a working document and will be updated when deemed necessary to respond to the changing environment or situation, such as benefits given by the different agencies, as agreed upon mutually by all concerned parties.

The E-CLIP is the government’s flagship program for the reintegration of former rebels and former violent extremists into mainstream society.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1144343

Giving in to Reds' poll extortion act of terror financing: PNP

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 21, 2021): Giving in to Reds' poll extortion act of terror financing: PNP (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

The country's top cop on Monday cautioned anew those planning to run in next year's national and local elections against paying “permit-to-campaign” fees to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

In a statement, PNP chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said giving in to extortion demands of the communist terrorists would mean providing them financial support which is punishable under the law.

He cited President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s declaration of the CPP-NPA as a terrorist organization under Proclamation No. 374 in connection with Section 3 (e) (1) of Republic Act 10168 or the Terrorism and Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012.

“Ayon po dito sa Republic Act 10168, nahaharap sa kaso ang sinumang magbibigay ng suportang pinansyal sa alinmang teroristang grupo (According to Republic Act 10168, anyone who provides financial support to any terrorist group will face charges). Any amount given to the terrorist group would be considered financial support to enable the group to carry out an attack,” he added.

Violators of the law may face up to 40 years imprisonment, a fine of not less than PHP500,000, and freezing of their property, funds, and other assets by the Anti-Money Laundering Council.

Eleazar warned that a political candidate may also be held accountable as a principal in terrorist activities under Section 12 of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 and could face charges under the Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines.

“Nanawagan po tayo sa mga balak kumandidato sa nalalapit na halalan na huwag po tayo magbibigay ng tinatawag na ‘permit-to-campaign fee’ sa CPP-NPA dahil wala itong pinagkaiba sa pagsuporta sa mga rebeldeng komunista at sa kanilang paghahasik ng karahasan sa ating mga komunidad (We call on those who are planning to run in the upcoming elections not to give the so-called 'permit-to-campaign fee' to the CPP-NPA because it makes no difference in supporting the communist rebels and in sowing violence in the community),” Eleazar said.

Eleazar added that the money collected by the communist rebels will definitely be used in the purchase of more firearms and other logistics to sustain their senseless and pointless “armed struggle”.

Eleazar added that giving in to the communist rebels’ demand for money would only embolden them to continue their extortion activities.

He pointed out that this illegal activity by the CPP-NPA just shows that they are just common thugs and do not adhere to any moral principle.

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/1144371

Solon wants probe into CPP-NPA recruitment, transactions

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 21, 2021): Solon wants probe into CPP-NPA recruitment, transactions (By Filane Mikee Cervantes)

Duterte Youth party-list Rep. Ducielle Marie Cardema (Contributed photo)

A party-list lawmaker on Monday called for a congressional investigation into the recruitment process, financial transactions, and operations of the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People's Army (CPP-NPA) to help the government neutralize communist insurgency in the country.

Duterte Youth party-list Rep. Ducielle Marie Cardema filed House Resolution 1905, which condemns the "terrorist killings" made by the CPP-NPA to football player Kieth Absalon and his labor leader cousin Nolvin Absalon in Masbate City.

Cardema, in her resolution, also demanded for the surrender or immediate arrest of the perpetrators.

"The CPP-NPA has a proven history of violence and killings against civilians and government troops and these violent attacks will remain unpunished under the Philippine judicial system should the CPP-NPA refuse to surrender them, then the government must pursue neutralizing them," Cardema said.

Cardema, who serves as the vice-chair of the House Defense Committee, said Congress must participate in the whole-of-nation approach launched by President Rodrigo Duterte to investigate and put an end to the "more than 50-year terrorist attacks" of the CPP-NPA.

The CPP-NPA owned up to the incident and expressed remorse over the “errors in the military action mounted by an NPA unit”.

Initial investigation showed the Absalon cousins died after an anti-personnel mine (APM) exploded.

Further investigation revealed that Nolven had a gunshot wound to the right shoulder as well as his left lateral thigh while Kieth took a bullet to the right eye.

Both died of hemorrhagic shock secondary to the gunshot wounds and blast injuries from the APM explosion.

Lt. Gen. Anthony Parlade Jr., also the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) co-spokesperson, agreed with Keith’s mother, Vilma, that the peaceful process to end communist terrorism needs all the help it can get from Filipinos.

“Tama po ‘yan. Bakit kailangan namin ng tulong ng mga mamamayan natin, ordinaryong mamamayan? ‘Di po pwedeng gobyerno lang, di po pwedeng si pulis lang, si Army lang. Kailangan po natin tulong talaga ng sambayanan (We need the cooperation of the people in this fight. The government cannot do it alone),” he said.

In the recent virtual presser of NTF-ELCAC, Parlade described the brutality of the rebels from witnesses who stated that after being hit by the APM, Kieth and Nolven were still alive and raised their hands to signify surrender.

The terrorists shot them just the same, as confirmed by the gunshot wounds indicated on the police report.

Parlade said the joint operations of the Philippine National Police and the military to hunt those responsible for the Absalons’ death will continue in Barangay Anas and Bolo in Masbate City as the CTGs led by Arnold Rosero (alias Star) are still hiding in the area.

The Absalon family earlier rejected the written apology of the CPP-NPA that claimed the "unnecessary deaths of Kieth and Nolven were a mistake in military action by their group".

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1144381

Anti-terrorism body sets meeting to polish rules

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 21, 2021): Anti-terrorism body sets meeting to polish rules (By Benjamin Pulta)

The Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) will meet before the end of June to fine-tune internal rules, a senior Department of Justice (DOJ) official said Monday.

Undersecretary Adrian Sugay said “a few additional provisions” will be taken up during the next ATC meeting.

“It might be better to submit the matter first to the ATC before any disclosure (to newsmen). The mechanism is internal to the ATC,” Sugay said in a text message to reporters.

To date, the ATC has not yet received requests for delisting in the terrorists’ roster released in May.

“The internal mechanism for designation also contains provisions re delisting. As far as I know, no request for delisting has been received by the ATC,” Sugay said.

Republic Act 11479 (Anti-Terrorism Act) defines terrorists as persons who engage in acts intended to cause death or serious bodily injury to any person or endangers a person's life; cause extensive damage or destruction to a government or public facility, public place or private property; and cause extensive interference with, damage or destruction to critical infrastructure.

Terrorists are those who develop, manufacture, possess, acquire, transport, supply, or use weapons, explosives or biological, nuclear, radiological, or chemical weapons, and release dangerous substances causing fire, floods or explosions.

Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria “Joma” Sison topped the list of terrorists identified by the ATC.

The roster included Sison’s wife, Julieta; National Democratic Front consultants Benito Tiamzon, Wilma Tiamzon, Rafael Baylosis and Vicente Ladlad; and 13 other members of the CPP central committee.

Under Resolution No. 16 issued on April 20, 2021 the ATC also designated as terrorists 10 members of the Abu Sayyaf Group and other militant organizations linked to the Islamic State group.

Among them were Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Mundi Sawadjaan, alleged mastermind in the deadly August 2020 twin bombings in Jolo, Sulu, and Esmael Abdulmalik, also known as Commander Toraifie.

The assets of individuals tagged as terrorists shall be subject to investigation and/or freezing by the Anti-Money Laundering Council.

Any financial support that is directly or indirectly extended to them shall be dealt with in accordance with existing laws.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1144372

75% of NPA rebels in Mindanao are IPs: Esperon

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 21, 2021): 75% of NPA rebels in Mindanao are IPs: Esperon (By Priam Nepomuceno)

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. (PNA File photo)

The Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) is deliberately deceiving and radicalizing indigenous peoples (IP) to fill up their ranks especially in Mindanao, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. said Monday.

Esperon, during the June 21 episode of "Tagged: Debunking Lies by Telling the Truth", said the communist terrorists were able to achieve this by their use of so-called NPA schools which initially pretend to exist to give IP youths a brighter future.

In fact, he said, around 70 to 75 percent of NPA rebels in Mindanao are natives recruited by the communist terrorists among IP groups, he added.

"Sinadya talaga, sa pamamagitan ng pag-radicalize ng ating mga kabataan sa mga tinatawag nating NPA schools na kunyari ay ginamit nila yan na magbibigay sana ng magandang kinabukasan na through education ngunit ginagamit nila mga eskwelahan na yan para makapag recruit (Their decision to recruit and radicalize our youth are intentional. They do that by using the so-called NPA schools that pretend to give their recruits a good future via education but in reality, they are using these schools just to recruit (and radicalize)," he added.

Esperon, who is National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC) vice-chair, was referring to the Salugpungan, the Tribal Indigenous Filipinos Phil-Surigao Del Sur, Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development, and the Community Technical College of Southern Mindanao.

87% of surrenderers IPs

Citing data from the Army’s 10th Infantry Division, he said 87 percent of the surrendering NPA rebels to the unit are IPs.

"At ang nakikita natin sa datos na yun ay yung mga nagsu surrender ay nakuha noong mga edad na 10 hanggang 12 years old, dun pa lang, kinukuha na sila at hindi naman nirerecruit pa yung mga batang mas bata pa dahil doon pala nag aaral sa mga eskwelahan pero pagdating ng 10 to 12 years old, sinisimulan na yan na gamitin na sa pakikipaglaban kung hindi naman taga karga o tagadala ng mga gamit (Data shows that from those who surrendered, they were recruited when they were 10 to 12 years old. The younger children are not yet recruited as they are still studying in their schools but once they reached 10 to 12 years old, they will be utilized by communist terrorists in fighting and if not, they will be used to carry goods and other equipment)," Esperon said.

Data also revealed that almost all of the recruits only had the equivalent of a Grade 3 to Grade 6 education.

"Ang ibig sabihin nun, hindi talaga pag-aaral ang binibigay ng mga Salugpungan schools, yung mga tribal schools na yan, kundi upang iradicalize lang sila, upang sa tamang o sa edad na pwede na sila makipagbakbakan ay (kukunin) na sila, yun ang purpose nila (It means that education is not the real purpose of those Salugpungan schools. Those tribal schools, their purpose is to radicalize these IPs, so once they reached the proper age, they can now be used for fighting)," he added.

Subsequent investigations on these NPA-operated tribal schools cannot really provide proper education to their students as they do not have the so-called "learners' number".

"Kaya hindi aabante kaya pag magpunta talaga yan sa eskwelahan na DepEd (Department of Education) ay wala naman sila learners' number kaya saan sila ilalagay? uulit lang sila. Sa makatuwid, ang purpose talaga non ay upang ma-recruit lang sila at ma radicalize upang maging NPA fighters (Students in these NPA schools cannot progress academically once they are transferred to DepEd schools because they don't have a learners' number. Where exactly will they be assigned? They will have to repeat. So once and for all, the purpose of these schools is to recruit and radicalize so that these IPs can be turned into NPA fighters)," Esperon 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.

IP exploitation

"So, there goes the fact that they have exploited the IPs, only to get warm bodies to fight (for) the CPP- NPA, another way of exploiting them," Esperon said.

Aside from using vulnerable IPs as front-line fighters, communist terrorists are also utilizing the dearth of schools in their areas to raise money.

"Ang ginagawa ngayon ng Save Our Schools na nakikita natin, na sila pala, nakikita naman natin sa kanilang messages na ginagawa nila ay pagkalap ng pondo sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng maling impormasyon sa international community na hindi natin inaasikaso itong mga IPs (Save Our Schools is trying to raise funds by stating wrong information to the international community that the IPs are not being taken care by the government)," he said.

He added that while these dubious groups are collecting the funds, they are not telling the donors that the money goes straight to the NPA that uses it to fund schools that radicalize IPs.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1144438

Stop NPA deceptions, recruitment of Manobo kids: IP leader

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 21, 2021): Stop NPA deceptions, recruitment of Manobo kids: IP leader (By Lade Jean Kabagani)

Datu Rico Maca, Indigenous People Mandatory Representative of San Miguel, Surigao del Sur (PNA File photo)

A representative of the indigenous peoples (IP) in Surigao del Sur called on left-leaning organizations to stop deceiving the Manobo tribe, particularly recruiting IP minors to join the armed movement against the government.

"Kami po ay nanawagan sa mga left-leaning organizations lalo sa Save our School Network at yung isang nakilala natin sa social (media) na si Chad Booc na sana naman tigilan nila yung pag spread out ng mga fake na information kasi kami pa po yung namatayan, kami pa po yung parang inaapi dito sa situation na ito (We are appealing to the left-leaning organizations, especially to the Save our School Network and social media personality Chad Booc, to stop spreading fake information about the situation because we are the ones who are bereaved, it seems that we are the ones being oppressed in this situation)" said Datu Rico Maca, Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, during a virtual media briefing on Monday.

Maca made the statement after several personalities and militant groups said the three fatalities in an "intense firefight" between the government forces and the communist rebels in Barangay Diatagan, Lianga town on June 15, were not New People's Army (NPA) but plain civilians.

The Manobo tribal leaders, he said, conducted a tribal investigation into the armed ecounter that killed Lenie Perez Rivas, 38; Willy Salinas Rodriguez, 20; and a 12-year-old minor.

The tribal leaders appealed for respect of IP's customary laws on self-governance and self-determination from those progressive organizations and personalities claiming that the fatalities were just victims of 'militarization.'

Maca, however, denied that the IP communities were being maltreated by the military.

"Kami po yung totoong biktima, kami po yung totoong apektado. Mali po yung sinasabi ng mga taga bakwit school student na nandun sa UP, na nandun sa Cebu na inaapi kaming mga tribo katutubo ng kasundaluhan. Mali po yun (We are the victims here, we are the affected ones. The claims of the Bakwit Schools students in the University of the Philippines in Cebu that we are being oppressed by the military forces are wrong. That is false)," Maca said.

He lamented that communist rebels are the ones destroying the lives of the IP communities by putting up schools as a recruitment haven for the NPA.

"Kung tingnan natin maganda po yung sinasabi nila pero ito yung kuta, ito yung eskwelahan para imold yung utak ng kabataan tribo na magigig anti-government (If we look at it, they say good things about education, but it serve as a stronghold of the rebels, this school is being used to mold the minds of the IP minors to overthrow the government)," he added.

Killings of tribal leaders

Maca disclosed the killings of the tribal leaders started when they decided to close down schools run by the communist groups.

"Makapagbigay po kami ng figures, numbers ng iilan na brutally na pinatay ng NPA, 'yung mga tribal leaders na senior citizens na pinapatay ng NPA sa kadahilanan na kami ay nag-decide na ipasarado ang makarebeldeng eskwelahan (We can give figures, some numbers of those who brutally killed by the NPA, particularly those elderly tribal leaders who were killed because we decided to close down the left-leaning schools)," he added.

He said Manobo tribal leaders and the IP themselves are really longing to end insurgency and live peacefully in their areas.

"Sana matulungan kami na yung mga left-leaning organizations ay matapos na ang kanilang panlilinlang at paggamit sa mga kabataang tribo lalo na dito sa amin (Hopefully it will help us that the left-leaning organizations would stop their deceptions and exploitation of the IP youths especially here in our tribal community)," he said.

The Communist Party of the Phiulippines - 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/1144454