Eleazar commends Bicol cops for killing 5 NPA rebels; CPP says slain were peasants

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 25, 2021): Eleazar commends Bicol cops for killing 5 NPA rebels; CPP says slain were peasants (By: Gabriel Pabico Lalu)

Photo from the Philippine Army

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar has heaped praise on the Police Regional Office 5 (PRO-5) for neutralizing alleged New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, including key members, in Madaon town, Masbate.

In a statement on Monday, Eleazar said that local operatives were set to enforce an arrest order for supposed NPA Larangan 1 guerrilla front leader Eddie Rosero, whom PNP says goes by the aliases “Arnold Rosero” and “Ka Star”, in Madaon’s Barangay Bugtong.

PNP said that Rosero had outstanding charges, for five counts of murder and another case for attempted murder.

However, Eleazar said that Rosero directed his companions, believed part of the NPA, to engage the police officers approaching. Rosero and four others died during the encounter.

“I commend our personnel at PRO-5, headed by PBGen Jonnel C Estomo, for their successful operation last Sunday (October 24) that resulted in the neutralization of 5 members of the CPP/NPA/NDF in Masbate,” Eleazar said.

The PNP chief added that the operation is part of the police force’s campaign for peaceful elections, noting that the communist terrorist groups may affect the country’s democratic processes.

“This operation is also part of our elections security preparations in order to deny all armed groups, which includes the CPP/NPA/NDF from undermining our democratic process for the 2022 local and national elections, especially in Masbate, which has a long history of election violence and the presence of the enemy in the province,” Eleazar noted.

But according to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the individuals who died during the police operation are peasants and not NPA members. CPP chief information officer Marco Valbuena also said that Rosero is a local resident and not a communist fighter.

CPP oversees the operation of the NPA, which acts as its military arm.

“[CPP] condemns in the strongest terms the [PNP] for the massacre of at least five peasants yesterday early morning in Barangay Bugtong, Mandaon town in Masbate province. Contrary to the PNP’s claims in their press releases, the victims were not members of the [NPA]. The PNP identified one of the victims as Eddie/Arnold Rosero, a local resident,” Valbuena said.

Valbuena also claimed that as per the information handed by NPA’s Regional Operational Command in Bicol, “there was no armed encounter yesterday nor was there an NPA unit in the area”.

“We hold the PNP accountable for this heinous crime. This was committed by the police following direct orders of the police chief to ‘put an end’ to the NPA in Masbate and the Bicol region,” he claimed.

But police officers who led the operation said that they recovered two .45 caliber pistols, three M-16 rifles, one M-14 rifle, and several improvised explosive devices (IED).

Eleazar said that this campaign in Masbate is part of a more significant effort to rid areas of conflict and ensure peaceful 2022 elections.

“Bukod sa Masbate, mahigpit na tinututukan na din ang mga ibang lugar sa ating bansa upang matiyak na payapa, maayos at tapat ang resulta ng eleksyon sa susunod na taon.” (Aside from Masbate, we are also strictly monitoring other areas in the country to ensure peaceful and honest elections next year.)

PNP has been pursuing intense action against NPA forces in Masbate, especially after two civilians — Far Eastern University footballs standout Kieth Absalon and his cousin Nolven Absalon — were killed when an IED planted by communist rebels went off.

READ: CPP, NPA own up to Masbate mine blast; express ‘deep remorse’ for death of civilians

READ: Eleazar tells NPA: If you’re sincere, surrender those responsible for Masbate blast

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1506357/eleazar-commends-bicol-cops-for-killing-5-npa-rebels-cpp-says-those-killed-were-peasants

22 NPA members, sympathizers surrender in Leyte

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 25, 2021): 22 NPA members, sympathizers surrender in Leyte (By: Joey Gabieta)

TACLOBAN CITY––At least 22 former members and sympathizers of the communist rebel group in Leyte surrendered Monday and took their oath of allegiance to the government.

Of the 22 who surrendered, four were regular members of the New People’s Army (NPA). The rest were organizers and sympathizers in the hinterlands of Carigara and nearby municipalities, said Col. Noel Vestuir, the deputy commanding officer of the 802nd Infantry Brigade based in Ormoc City.

The former communist members took their oath of allegiance to the government in a ceremony at the municipal gym.

The event was presided by Mayor Eduardo Ong and witnessed by Army officials led by Brigadier Gen. Zosimo Oliveros, the commanding officer of the 802nd IB.

The former rebels and sympathizers also surrendered firearms that consisted of four caliber-45 pistol, a submachine gun, and a homemade caliber-30 rifle.

Aside from financial assistance from the Carigara government, the surrenderers would also receive help from the national government under its Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, Vestuir said.

The government campaign against the rebels and the assistance provided those who had earlier yielded were their reasons for surrendering, Vestuir said.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1506325/22-npa-members-sympathizers-surrender-in-leyte

32 former rebels receive cash aid

From the Manila Times (Oct 26, 2021): 32 former rebels receive cash aid (By Cris Diaz)

Thirty-two former members of the New People's Army in Agusan del Sur received a total of P160,000 as "reintegration cash aid" from the municipal government of La Paz, Agusan del Sur, the military said on Monday.

Lt. Cecille Tappa of the army's 26th Infantry Battalion based in San Luis, Agusan del Sur said that La Paz Mayor Michael Lim distributed P5,000 to each of the 32 former rebels who surrendered to the military.

"The local government of La Paz, together with all local government agencies, is committed to continue supporting the former rebels as mandated by Executive Order 70," Lim said.

The executive order aims to facilitate the delivery of government programs and basic services to the marginalized communities as part of the End Local Communist Armed Conflict (Elcac) program.

Elcac aims to attain an inclusive and sustainable peace in the country by addressing the root causes of insurgency as a means to end armed conflict, Lim said.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/10/26/news/regions/32-former-rebels-receive-cash-aid/1819713

Navy war games set in western Mindanao

Posted to Rappler (Oct 25, 2021): Navy war games set in western Mindanao (By FRENCIE CARREON)

The exercises aim to train naval forces and test Naval Forces Western MIndanao's planning and execution of operations

Nearly a thousand Navy officers, sailors, and members of the Navy Seals and Marines would start four days of drills in western Mindanao on Monday afternoon, October 25.

Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) commander Rear Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr. said the naval exercises would formally commence in Zamboanga City at 4 pm Monday, but the actual drills would take place in Basilan and Sulu provinces until October 29.

The exercises aim to train naval forces and test NFWM's planning and execution of operations.

Adaci said the exercises would also help the Navy assess and determine traditional and non-traditional naval operations that can be retained or improved.

Dubbed as the Pagsisikap Naval Exercises 2021, the drills would involve 945 Navy officers, Navy Seals, personnel, and reservists, and a fleet of nine naval ships in western Mindanao.

The exercises would also include the members of the Marine Amphibious Ready Unit (MARU), aboard the Navy’s biggest ship Landing Dock BRP Tarlac (LD601), a helicopter, and a civilian-owned vessel that would serve as the drill target.

Adaci said they would simulate Marine operations using assault vehicles traveling from the sea to the shorelines, and naval guns and Spike Extended Range (ER) missiles would be used.

Navy Captain Alan Javier, exercises director and commander of the Naval Task Force 62, said the drills would showcase the "Fleet-Marine concept in the planning and execution of naval and amphibious operations in the littoral battlespace," and highlight the integral role of inter-agency collaboration in the conduct of maritime and naval operations.

Lieutenant Senior Grade Chester Ross Cabaltera, NWFM public affairs officer, said this week's exercises would be a continuation of an October 21 mock beach raid from the waters off the Naval Station Romulo Espaldon (NSRE) in Zamboanga City, by the Marines and Navy Seals aboard Landing Dock BRP Tarlac.

"The exercises will test the mettle of the Philippine Navy's warships and crew," Adaci said.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/navy-war-games-set-western-mindanao-october-2021

Prenatal care provided to captured 14-year-old pregnant rebel trainee on regular basis

From Palawan News (Oct 25, 2021): Prenatal care provided to captured 14-year-old pregnant rebel trainee on regular basis (By Aira Genesa Magdayao)

The New People's Army (NPA) deceived the minors into thinking the training they were attending was only a farmers' meeting, according to Larida. (Photo from MBLT-3)

The pregnant 14-year-old rebel trainee who was among three apprehended in a recent military operation in Roxas is getting prenatal treatment and other welfare help from local authorities to guarantee her healthy pregnancy, a top official of the 3rd Marine Brigade (3MBde) said over the weekend.

Col. Jimmy Larida, commander of the 3MBde, said she and her 16-year-old sibling had already been turned over to their parents and being supported by the Barangay Council for Protection of Children (BCPC). They were apprehended during a focused military operation conducted in Sitio Karatong, Barangay Tinitian, Roxas on October 13.

Larida said they are also working closely with other agencies to provide them with their needs. The Marine Battalion Landing Team-3 (MBLT-3), which was instrumental in their arrest, had also been instructed to coordinate closely with these agencies.

Recovered one M14 rifle, 1 improvised shotgun, anti-personnel mine components, cellular phone, assorted ammunitions, and subversive documents with high intelligence value. (Photo from MBLT-3)

“Ang standing guidelines natin doon sa MBLT-3 ay to coordinate closely sa mga agencies that should provide health services sa dalawang minors, lalo na doon sa 14-year-old [na] pregnant para ma-ensure natin na healthy sila pati ang baby sa kanyang sinapupunan,” he said.
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READ RELATED NEWS: Marines apprehend 3 NPA fighters, including pregnant 14-year-old in Roxas town

Before their capture, Larida said the two teen girls were able to complete their short training in self-defense and weapon familiarization.

He said they believe that there may be a number of remaining recruited minors in Roxas based on their statements during the custodial investigation.

“Wala na silang sinasanto, 16 at 14 years old at buntis pa ay ni-recruit nila. Base sa salaysay ay nakapag-undergo na sila ng training kagaya ng self-defense [and] weapons familiarization, then nakapag take oath na din sila bilang kandidatong kasapi. Talagang recruited na sila,” he said.

“Hindi malayo na may iba pa [na kabataang na-recruit] dahil base sa salaysay [nila] more or less nasa 30 ang present during training nila. Masaya tayo dahil walang firefight and the minors were rescued successfully,” Larida added. “I consider it really a perfect combat operation”.

Recruitment

The New People’s Army (NPA) deceived the minors into thinking the training they were attending was only a farmers’ meeting, according to Larida.

He said they were asked to attend the training through letters of the invitation given by the rebel organization, based on the retrieved materials.

“May mga sulat na pumunta sila dito sa ganito, sa isang union ng mga magsasaka dahil matutulungan sila. Pagdating doon ay pinakita na ang mga videos ng mga NPA attacks sa mga sundalo hanggang sa hindi na sila makaalis,” he said.

https://palawan-news.com/prenatal-care-provided-to-captured-14-year-old-pregnant-rebel-trainee-on-regular-basis/

IEDs explode; 2 cops hurt

From Panay News (Oct 25, 2021): IEDs explode; 2 cops hurt (By Ruby Silubrico)

Two police officers were wounded in an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion in Barangay Mayang, Tubungan town yesterday afternoon.

The victims were Police Corporal Genel Simpas of the 1st Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company (IPMFC) and Patrolman Jessie Castamado.

They were having a foot patrol outside their detachment when two IEDs exploded.

The victims were recuperating at the Rep. Pedro Trono Memorial District Hospital in Guimbal town.

“We are now investigating as to who was responsible for the incident,” said Police Lieutenant Alwin Salmon, Tubungan police chief.

After the explosion, Salmon said an exchange of fire happened between suspected rebels and the police.

https://www.panaynews.net/ieds-explode-2-cops-hurt/

2 communist rebels surrender in Agusan

From the Mindanao Times (Oct 25, 2021): 2 communist rebels surrender in Agusan (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

Photo courtesy of 29th Infantry Battalion

TWO MEMBERS of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the soldiers of the 29th Infantry Battalion (29IB) in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, on Oct. 21.

According to Lt. Col. Jason M. Saldua, commanding officer of the 29IB, the guerilla fighters who surrendered belonged to the Guerilla Front (GF) 16 of North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).

They turned over two AK-47, two bandoliers, and seven magazines loaded with ammunition.

Army Chief Lt. Gen. Andres C. Centino commended the efforts of the 29th Infantry Battalion that led to the surrender of communist rebels in their area of operation.

“To 29IB troops, sustain your momentum against the CNTs (communist NPA terrorists) and continue to protect our people from harm. Your efforts are becoming visible, even to the rebels, and we will soon welcome more people who choose to pursue true peace,” Centino said.

 
https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2021/10/25/2-communist-rebels-surrender-in-agusan/

Yield, rejoin mainstream society, mayor tells NPA rebels

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 25, 2021): Yield, rejoin mainstream society, mayor tells NPA rebels (By Edwin Fernandez)

RIGHT DECISION. Some of the 29 former NPA rebels who surrendered to the local government of Libungan, North Cotabato, are presented to the military during surrender rites Sunday (Oct. 24, 2021) at the town gymnasium. The surrenderers (inset) also set ablaze the New People's Army flag and other symbols during their surrender. (Photos from Libungan LGU)

A town mayor in North Cotabato on Monday has called on other communist guerrillas still in the mountains and fighting a lost cause to come down and peacefully rejoin the mainstream.

Mayor Francis Aris Uy of Libungan, North Cotabato aired the appeal after he presented 29 former members of communist New Peoples’ Army (NPA) on Sunday to Col. Jovencio Gonzales, the Army’s 602nd Army Brigade commander, and Lt. Col. Edgardo Vilchez Jr, the 34th Infantry Battalion commander, during a surrender ceremony held at the municipal gymnasium.

“Come down and avail of the benefits to be provided by the government through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP),” Uy said in a statement Monday as he called on NPA rebels still up in the mountains.

Both Gonzales and Vilchez hailed the mayor’s appeal for the NPA combatants to come down with a “peaceful surrender atmosphere.”

Romeo Segundo, one of the surrenderers, admitted he only realized later that the NPAs had fooled him into joining the movement with the promise of a better life.

"It is not too late for us to surrender though and renew our lives,” Segundo said.

“We will never allow them to fool us again, there were many promises that remained unfulfilled,” said Edwin Malag, another former NPA member.

Both Segundo and Malag thanked the government for giving them the opportunity to live normal lives and the privilege to avail of government assistance.

Military officials also lauded the rebels for choosing the right path to peace and being with their families this Christmas.

Uy believed that there are more rebels who are willing to surrender soon.

The NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, 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/1157662

New police director in Surigao Sur assumes post

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 25, 2021): New police director in Surigao Sur assumes post (By Alexander Lopez)

CHANGE OF COMMAND. Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr. (center), director of Police Regional Office in Caraga, hands over the leadership of the Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office (SDSPPO) to Col. Joseph Boquiren (right) who replaces Col. James Goforth (left) during a change of command ceremony on Monday (Oct. 25, 2021) at the Camp Vicente L. Pimentel Sr. in Tandag City. Under the term of Goforth, the SDSPPO was named Best Performing Unit in 2021 on the campaign against illegal gambling, illegal logging, and loose firearms. (Photo courtesy of SDSPPO)

The Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office (SDSPPO) has a new director in the person of Col. Joseph Boquiren.

Boquiren formally assumed his new position during a change of command ceremony held on Monday at the Camp Vicente L. Pimentel Sr. in Tandag City.

Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr., director of Police Regional Office in Caraga Region, facilitated the turnover activity between Boquiren and outgoing SDSPPO chief, Col. James Goforth.

“I am thankful to the men and women of SDSPPO for their support during my term as their director,” Goforth told the Philippine News Agency on Monday.

He also extended his appreciation for the continuing support of the provincial government and the different local government units, the line agencies, and the various stakeholders.

Goforth has been the director of SDSPPO since Oct. 23, 2019.

During his term, Goforth has been awarded various recognitions, including as the Best Police Commissioned Officer for Operations. The SDSPPO was also named Best Performing Unit in 2021 on the campaign against illegal gambling, illegal logging, and loose firearms.

“My new assignment will be at the PRO-13 headquarters,” Goforth said but declined to elaborate.

Boquiren, for his part, was the chief of the Regional Operations Division of PRO-13 before his new assignment.

The change of command was graced by Surigao del Sur Governor Alexander Pimentel; the Army’s 75th Infantry Battalion Commander, Lt. Col. Michael Rey Reuyan, and other top officials of the province.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1157685

7 BIFF members yield to BARMM police

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 25, 2021): 7 BIFF members yield to BARMM police (By Edwin Fernandez)

SURRENDER. The surrendering batch of seven Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters took their oath of allegiance to the Philippine flag during ceremonies held at the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao headquarters on Monday afternoon (Oct. 25, 2021). The group also turned in various firearms and a powerful improvised explosive device during their surrender. (Photo courtesy of PRO-BARMM)

CAMP SK PENDATUN, Maguindanao – Seven members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), including two mercenaries for hire, have voluntarily surrendered to police authorities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on Monday afternoon.

Brig. Gen. Eden Ugale, BARMM police director, said two of the seven gunmen had worked as guns-for-hire of some politicians in Maguindanao.

Declining to give the identities of the surrenderers for security reasons, he said the group belonged to the BIFF-Karialan faction operating at the border of Maguindanao and North Cotabato provinces.

They turned in a .38-caliber pistol, a homemade “fortylite” revolver, a .45-caliber pistol, three M79 grenade launchers, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, and ammunition during their surrender inside this Police Regional Office-BARMM headquarters in Parang, Maguindanao.

One of the surrenderers also yielded a powerful improvised explosive device rigged from an 81mm mortar round with a mobile phone as a triggering device.

The BIFF is an ISIS-inspired group linked to various bombings and harassment activities against government forces and communities in Central Mindanao.

Ugale said the gunmen decided to surrender through the help of Vice Mayor Herodin Guiamano of Datu Salibo town and the office of Colonel Jibin Bongcayao, the Maguindanao provincial police director.

“Congratulations, you made the right decision of peacefully laying down your firearms,” Ugale told the surrenderers during the program.

PRO-BARMM records indicated that more than 70 BIFF members have surrendered to police in Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur since January this year.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1157735

NPA wanted for Army slay falls in Agusan Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 25, 2021): NPA wanted for Army slay falls in Agusan Sur (By Alexander Lopez)

Google map of La Paz, Agusan del Sur.

The Police Regional Office (PRO) in Caraga (Region 13) on Monday said a New People’s Army (NPA) rebel involved in the killing of an Army trooper in 2017 has been arrested.

PRO-13 director, Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr., in a statement, identified the suspect as Benjon Acero, alias Benjoy Asero/Yowin, 31, of Sitio Libon, Barangay Lydia in La Paz, Agusan del Sur.

He added that Acero is the former leader of Squad 1, Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda Platoon of NPA Guerrilla Front 88, Sub-Regional Command 3, North Center Mindanao Regional Committee.

“Acero was arrested by the personnel of Agusan del Sur police provincial office in a manhunt operation conducted in Purok 4, Barangay Poblacion, La Paz on Sunday afternoon,” Caramat said.

He said the suspect was among the NPA insurgents who killed Army Private Junry Cablay in Barangay Comota, La Paz on June 9, 2017.

On Nov. 24, 2020, an arrest warrant for murder was issued against the suspect by the Regional Trial Court Branch 6 in Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Norte.

“I commend the troops for this another accomplishment in our anti-terrorism campaign. This success was made possible through the joint efforts of our police and the support and cooperation of the public who reported the whereabouts of the wanted communist terrorist group member,” Caramat said.

The NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, 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/1157708

No subversive books in Antique’s lone university

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 25, 2021): No subversive books in Antique’s lone university (By Annabel Consuelo Petinglay)

University of Antique’s Statue of Progress (Photo courtesy of L. Besite/UA Facebook)

The lone university in Antique has no subversive books in its library.

This was learned in a dialogue with officials of the University of Antique (UA), led by its president Dr. Pablo Crespo Jr.On Monday, by the Army’s 301 Infantry Brigade and the Western Visayas Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF6-ELCAC) legal cooperation cluster, represented by chair Flosemer Chris Gonzales,

“We are glad that UA has assured us that there are no subversive books displayed in their library and so we hope that other universities in the region will also do the same,” said Capt. Kim Apitong, spokesperson of the Philippine Army 3rd Infantry Division, in an interview.

Apitong said it is the responsibility of the academe to protect its students by clearing their libraries of books which can encourage students to revolt against the government or teach wrong ideologies.

“We hope that other universities would also open their minds and volunteer to surrender their books that sow misinformation,” he said.

He said some of these books are disguised by good titles but, upon reading further, promote communism.

“The books were written by the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) or of Jose Maria Sison, who is the founder of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP),” he said.

Crespo committed that UA will fully support the campaign to end insurgency.

The NDF has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and separate part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973. (PNA)“We are happy that we have been briefed about the ELCAC program and we commit to support to end insurgency as a university,” he said in another interview.

He said the library is considered as “sacred ground” in the university because it is a repository of books and publications.

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/1157728

CPP-NPA faces criminal raps for using banned mines

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 25, 2021): CPP-NPA faces criminal raps for using banned mines (By Perla Lena)

ENCOUNTER SITE. Policemen cordon off the area where two anti-personnel mines were detonated by insurgents in an encounter in Barangay Jolason, Tubungan, Iloilo on Sunday afternoon (Oct. 24, 2021). The incident wounded two members of the 1st Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Command. (Photo courtesy of Tubungan MPS)

Strings of criminal cases will be filed against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) for detonating two anti-personnel mines (APM) that injured two government troops during an encounter that lasted about seven minutes in Barangay Jolason, Tubungan, Iloilo on Oct. 24.

Two members of the 1st Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Command (IPMFC) were injured in the clash against elements of the NPA’s Southern Front Committee, Komiteng Rehiyon Panay.

Lt. Alwin Salmon, officer-in-charge of the Tubungan Municipal Police Station, identified the wounded as Pat. Jessie Castamado, who was already discharged from the hospital, and Corporal Genel Simpas, who is confined in a hospital here.

“We are finalizing the documents and we will secure the affidavits of the victims for filing of the case,” Salmon said in an interview on Monday. “The cases will be in relation to use of explosives and physical injuries, among others.”

The international community adopted the 1997 Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention prohibiting the acquisition, production, stockpiling, and use of weapons.

More than 160 states are party to the APM Ban Convention that went into effect in 1999.

APM is prohibited under international humanitarian law.

Salmon said the 1st IPMFC team was conducting a hot pursuit operation past 2 p.m. following an early morning explosion believed to have been perpetrated by the communist terrorist group (CTG) at the police detachment in Barangay Mayang.

“We could not yet identify what caused the explosion at the IPFMC base,” Salmon said, adding that a private vehicle near the area incurred a dent, probably caused by a sharp object.

Barangay Mayang is about two kilometers away from the town proper while Barangay Jolason is 1.2 kilometers away from Mayang and situated in an elevated portion.

Salmon said both villages are not considered NPA-infested and the CTG probably wanted to make its presence felt.

In a statement on Monday, Police Regional Office 6 Director, Brig. Gen. Rolando Miranda, said such atrocities show the CPP-NPA is “upset” with police presence in Barangay Mayang.

“They do not want a peaceful and progressive community. Their fraudulent actions show that they are weakening and are only desperate to project that they remain strong and capable force when in fact they are not,” he said.

Instead of causing harm, he urged the rebels to return to the government because there are programs that will help them lead normal and peaceful lives.

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/1157709

PH Army hiring 1K new officers

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 25, 2021): PH Army hiring 1K new officers (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Infographic courtesy of Philippine Army

The Philippine Army (PA) is now looking for 1,050 individuals to fill up its officer slots for this year.

In a Facebook post on Sunday, Col. Xerxes Trinidad, PA spokesperson, said the number is part of the total quota of 2,109 slots for the recruitment of Army officers this year.

The PA has allocated 400 slots for Officer Candidate Course (OCC); 400 for Officer Preparatory Course (OPC) Class 73 and 74; 100 for OCC-Reserve Officer Training Corps (OCC-ROTC); 100 for Call to Active-Duty Tour for Training (CADTT); and 50 for Direct Commission.

Trinidad said the recruitment aims to continuously build up a force to advance the organization’s operational gains and finally end the insurgency in the country.

"This is a great opportunity for everyone, especially the youth who want to serve their fellow Filipinos and our beloved country,” PA chief Lt. Gen. Andres Centino said.

He added that the PA thoroughly selects the best and the brightest who will be the future leaders of the organization carrying out the noble duty of protecting the peace and stability of the nation.

Interested applicants can visit the link below to view detailed qualifications and requirements:

To view the detailed qualifications and requirements, please visit the link below:

https://bit.ly/3E6AOiO

Or visit the PA website: https://www.army.mil.ph/home/index.php/join-the-army

Philippine Army Recruitment Contact Details:

Army Recruitment Office - Luzon

Fort Andres Bonifacio, Taguig City

Landline: (02) 845-9555 local 6843

Mobile: 0945-704-2390

Facebook: Army Recruitment Office - Luzon

Army Recruitment Office - Visayas
Camp Lapu-Lapu, Lahug, Cebu City

Landline: (032) 231-5157

Mobile: 0916-640-5919

Facebook: Army Recruitment Office - Visayas

Army Recruitment Office - Mindanao
Camp Evangelista, Cagayan de Oro City

Landline: (088) 850-5279

Mobile: 0939-954-7673 / 0927-332-1077 / 0926-467-4644 / 0917-712-1222

Facebook: Army Recruitment Office - Mindanao

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1157629

PNP probes blast near Army detachment in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 25, 2021): PNP probes blast near Army detachment in Maguindanao (By Priam Nepomuceno) 

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday ordered the Police Regional Office in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to conduct a thorough investigation into the grenade blast near a Philippine Army detachment in Maguindanao over the weekend.

“Our police investigators should not leave any stone unturned in determining the motive and identifying the perpetrator of the grenade blast. Lahat ng anggulo ay ating titingnan sa insidenteng ito (all possible angles will be looked into)," said PNP chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, in a statement.

The blast happened just as a convoy consisting of close to 30 vehicles of Maguindanao Rep. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu and his group passed by the military detachment in Guindulungan town on Saturday.

Initial information stated that a hand grenade was thrown towards the direction of the Army detachment, which then exploded.

“Pero agad makikipag-ugnayan ang ating mga imbestigador sa kongresista pati na rin sa mga sundalong nakatalaga sa Army detachment para kumuha pa ng ibang detalye (But our investigators have immediately contacted with the congressmen and our soldiers to get other details)," the PNP chief added,

Mangudadatu is running for Maguindanao governor in next year's elections.

Eleazar also directed all police units and offices in the region to remain vigilant and to work with the military to prevent any attacks from lawless elements, especially during the election season.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1157650