United States affirms alliance with the Philippines in territorial protection

From Palawan News (Mar 25, 2022): United States affirms alliance with the Philippines in territorial protection (By Romar Miranda)

Heather Variava, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the US Embassy in the Phillipines, during a turn-over ceremony of outboard engines to the Philippine National Police (PNP) 2nd Special Operations Unit-Maritime Group (SOU-MG) at the Honda Bay on Friday afternoon.

The United States reiterated its alliance with the Philippines in protecting its territory and helping to increase its capability to man the West Philippine Sea (WPS) against foreign intrusions.

Heather Variava, US Embassy in the Philippines Chargé d’Affaires ad interim, during a turn-over ceremony on Friday afternoon of outboard engines to the PNP Maritime Group at the 2nd Special Operations Unit-Maritime Group headquarters in Barangay Santa Lourdes, said the Balikatan Exercise between Filipino and American soldiers will help boost the country’s defense team.

“We continue to support [the] Philippines in expressing and establishing its rights. As we said back in November, any incursion in the South China Sea is covered in the Mutual Defense Treaty, so we constantly coordinate with the Philippines in this regard,” Variava told the reporters.

The statement was made after Variava was sought to comment in the summon issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs to the Chinese Embassy on March 14, after reports of Chinese militia were seen “lingering presence” during the Philippine and US Marines Marine Exercise 2022 (MAREX 22) off Palawan in January 2022.

“It is a significant incursion. We certainly support the right of the Philippine government to clarify its rights and its rules in its territorial waters, and we will continue to work with the Philippines on a range of exercises and activities,” Variava added.

During the ceremonial turn-over ceremony, six of a total of 18 outboard engines were donated to the maritime group in this city that will help in patrolling its waters.

A total of P31.5 million in engines were donated, including 12 that will be turned over to Tawi-Tawi.

The PH-US MAREX 22, was intended to boost the mutual defense capabilities of the two longtime allies. It started on January 27 and ended on February 2.

The US Navy ships that participated were the helicopter carrier USS Essex (LHD-2), amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland (LPD-27) and the dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD-52).

In a previous statement, an estimated 3,800 personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and 5,100 soldiers from the United States will train together from March 28 to April 8 in areas across Luzon, the joint information bureau of the PH-US Balikatan 2022 announced on March 22.

https://palawan-news.com/united-states-affirms-alliance-with-the-philippines-in-territorial-protection/

Security forces told to stay vigilant

From the Mindanao Examiner (Mar 26, 2022): Security forces told to stay vigilant

Counter-terrorism analyst Dr. Rommel Banlaoi warned security sector in central Philippines to stay vigilant on the possible spill over of terrorist threats from Mindanao while preparing for any eventualities in the contested West Philippine Sea.

Banlaoi said terrorist organizations in the southern Philippines are still capable of staging attacks, citing some incidents occurring even after the May 2017 Marawi siege by pro-ISIS militant groups Dawlah Islamiya and Abu Sayyaf, among other terror groups.

He said the decades-old communist insurgency remains a persistent terrorist threat in Mindanao and the Visayas. Security forces are still fighting several fronts in the restive southern region where pro-ISIS militants and Maoist rebels are actively operating.

“Terrorism in the Philippines is not disappearing. It is not disappearing because we have to understand terrorism in the Philippines in the context of our domestic security threats. Domestically, we have been experiencing prolonged internal armed conflict associated with communist rebellion initiated (and) led by the New People’s Army and Moro separatist group, especially the Abu Sayyaf, the various factions of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and other pro-ISIS elements now operating in the Philippines,” he said.

Banlaoi cited history, politics, and economics, social, cultural, ideological, religious, and personal reasons as underlying causes to the persistent existence of terrorist groups in the country. He noted a coincidence that when a certain group advocated the return of the Islamic Emirate in Afghanistan, a social media account propped up, pushing for the creation of the Islamic Emirate of the Philippines that calls for support and even donations.

Banlaoi, chairman of the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research, warned of different ways of perpetrating terror attacks which may be carried out using an aerial drone, lone wolf suicide bomber, car bombs, and even animal bombs. “So far, all suicide terrorist attacks in the Philippines have become family affairs, thus the advent of family suicide terrorism, which inevitably involved female and their children,” he said.

However, he said there is still a great need to strengthen the community-based approach to countering current, persistent, and emerging terrorist threats in the country while the authorities are preparing for any regional emergencies that may crop up because of the Philippines’ territorial sea dispute with the neighboring countries.

He cited the need for the Filipino people to comprehensively understand the issues in the western seaboard, even as he pointed out the difference between the South China Sea and the West Philippine Sea. He said it is imperative for the Armed Forces of the Philippines to intensify patrols at the West Philippine Sea. “If we can patrol, we can own and control our water,” he said.

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2022/03/security-forces-told-to-stay-vigilant.html

Troops clash with Sayyafs in Sulu

From the Mindanao Examiner (Mar 26, 2022): Troops clash with Sayyafs in Sulu

Army soldiers clashed Saturday with a band of Abu Sayyaf fighters in the southern Philippine province of Sulu, officials said.

Officials said members of the 41st Infantry Battalion tracked down and engaged the pro-ISIS militants in a gun battle in the village of Bungkaong in Patikul town, one of few remaining strongholds of the Abu Sayyaf group.

Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, commander of the 11th Infantry Division and the anti-terror Joint Task Force-Sulu, said, troops clashed with at least seven gunmen believed to be followers of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Basaron Arok.

He said civilians tipped off the military about the presence of the gunmen.

“Based on the report submitted by 1101st Infantry Brigade Commander, Brig. Gen. Eugenio Boquio, operating troops of the 41st Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. James Erasmus Gagni, were conducting focused military operations when they encountered more or less seven ASG members believed to be under ASG Sub-leader Basaron Arok in the vicinity of Barangay Bungkaong, Patikul, Sulu,” he said.



Photos released by the Joint Task Force-Sulu show the Abu Sayyaf weapon and other items recovered by soldiers following a firefight Saturday, March 26, 2022 in Sulu province.

There were no immediate reports of enemy casualties, but Patrimonio said soldiers recovered various items, including one M16 automatic rifle, left behind by the militants. He said no soldiers were injured or killed in the clash.

Patrimonio, quoting a report by Boquio, said security forces were pursuing the Abu Sayyaf gunmen. “We deployed additional forces to possible exit points of the fleeing bandits. This is a relentless pursuit operation, especially now that our troops were able to locate the bandits’ positions,” Boquio said.

Patrimonio lauded the soldiers, saying: “Now, it is only a matter of time before we can finally say that Sulu is completely free from the threats and terrorism of the ASG bandits. We enjoin the public and encourage the remaining ASG bandits, particularly those who were encountered by our troops to go back to the folds of the law and live their normal lives. We are always here to help you start anew.”

“This accomplishment is our collective effort backed by the support of the peace-loving residents who are tired of the violence brought by the ASG bandits in their communities. The tipping-off of the ASG presence in their communities is a manifestation of their continuing support to us. Let us continue to press on the remaining ASG bandits and end terrorism here in Sulu,” he added.

The Abu Sayyaf, whose leaders have pledged allegiance with ISIS, is fighting for the establishment of a caliphate along with other extremist groups in the restive region.

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2022/03/troops-clash-with-sayyafs-in-sulu.html

Makabayan bloc files complaint vs NTF-Elcac

From the Manila Times (Mar 26, 2022): Makabayan bloc files complaint vs NTF-Elcac (By Moises Cruz)

OFFICIALS and party-list representatives from the Makabayan Coalition filed a criminal complaint before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Friday against Lorraine Marie Badoy, undersecretary for new media of the Presidential Communications Operations Office, and officials of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac) for violations of the Omnibus Election Code in relation to accusations linking them to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing the New People's Army (NPA) and the umbrella group National Democratic Front (NDF).

Signatories to the complaint affidavit are Makabayan Deputy Secretary General Roberto de Castro, Makabayan and Bayan Muna President Saturnino "Satur" Ocampo, incumbent Rep. Sara Jane Elago of Kabataan party-list, Bayan Muna first nominee Teodoro "Teddy" Casiño and incumbent Rep. Arlene Brosas of Gabriela Women's Party.

According to the affidavit, "NTF-Elcac deliberately, willfully and willingly issued the subject statements through its official Facebook page and official website, such acts constituting election violations."

Makabayan cited a number of statements made by Badoy through the task force that they claimed were fake news.

They went on to say they were provided not just to campaign against them as candidates, but also to intimidate the general public into not attending their rallies or voting for them.

The group argued that the act could not be justified as "personal opinions" or protected speech because the statements were signed, issued and circulated through the NTF-Elcac's official channels.

One example that it presented is the March 21 statement of the task force on Vice President Maria Leonor "Leni" Robredo.

The statement mentioned that "she knowingly made concessions with the terrorist CPP-NPA-NDF — to earn their endorsement by way of KABAG-KABATAAN, ANAKPAWIS, BAYAN MUNA, ACT and GABRIELA — who are urban operatives of the CPP-NPA-NDF."

Makabayan demanded that they exercise their right to have their complaint given priority investigation by the Comelec and its officials, so that the NTF-Elcac's actions would be investigated promptly and their liabilities resolved within the legal period.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/03/26/news/national/makabayan-bloc-files-complaint-vs-ntf-elcac/1837647

Reds destroy heavy equipment in Negros

From the Philippine Star (Mar 26, 2022): Reds destroy heavy equipment in Negros (By Gilbert Bayoran)

Around 30 suspected New People’s Army rebels destroyed heavy equipment at a construction site in Sitio Cagay, Barangay Camindangan in Sipalay, Negros Occidental on Thursday night.

Lt. Abegael Donasco, Negros Occidental police deputy spokesperson, said the rebels ordered construction workers to vacate the area before destroying a backhoe using an improvised explosive device.

Last week, communist rebels torched a backhoe in Sitio Nandong, Barangay Orong in Kabankalan, also in Negros Occidental.

The owner of the construction equipment reportedly refused to pay so-called revolutionary tax being demanded by the rebels.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2022/03/26/2169910/reds-destroy-heavy-equipment-negros

Politicians aiding NPA warned

From the Visayan Daily Star (Mar 26, 2022): Politicians aiding NPA warned (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

A top-ranking military official yesterday warned candidates of aiding the New People’s Army by complying to their demands, in relation to the May 9 elections.

Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, Army’s 3rd Infantry Division commander, said he is reminding not only politicians, but also other individuals, not to give in to the demands of NPA bandits.

We already have the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, and aiding terrorist groups is aiding terrorism and is punishable by reclusion temporal to reclusion perpetua, Arevalo said.

If this incident happens, we ask you to inform state forces about the circumstances so that we can resolve it at once in coordination with the law enforcers, he added.

Arevalo reiterated that 3ID forces in Western and Central pledged to support a safe, fair and secured election on May 9.

He reported that the 3ID security measures started even before the start of the election period on January 9, through the conduct of joint checkpoints and monitoring of identified concerned areas in the two regions of Visayas, in tandem with the PNP and Commission on Elections.

With other concerns such as extortion and isolated incidents perpetuated by the CPP NPA, Arevalo said Army troops continuously conduct focused military operation in areas that the terrorist groups’ threat is imminent.

On March 24, top officials of the Comelec and security forces in Negros Island attended the Joint Provincial Security Control Center meeting at Camp Leon Kilat in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental.

It was attended by Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, Brig. Gen. Leonardo Pena, 302nd Infantry Brigade commander, Provincial Comelec supervisor Leonil Marco Castellano of Negros Oriental, PCol. Germano Mallari, provincial police director, as well as commanders of the 11th, 15th, 62nd and 94th Infantry Battalions.

Pasaporte assured Negrenses that the elections would be safe, accurate and fair in Negros Island, and that all Negrenses can freely choose their candidates.

https://visayandailystar.com/politicians-aiding-npa-warned/

Soldiers recover war materials, food supplies

From the Visayan Daily Star (Mar 26, 2022): Soldiers recover war materials, food supplies (BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Army soldiers recovered war materials and food supplies following twin encounters with New People’s Army rebels in Sitio Malikolik, Brgy. Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.

Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, disclosed that the launching of an attack by the CPP-NPA was prevented after soldiers of the 94th Infantry was informed by residents of presence of rebels in the area.

Pasaporte also said that a group of rebels were extorting food supplies from residents in the area, which prompted the response of 94IB personnel, who were conducting Community Support Program (CSP) sustainment operations in Sitio Lonoy, also in Brgy. Carabalan, Himamaylan City.

The encounter that ensued at 9:40 a.m. yesterday resulted in the rebels scampering in various directions.

Two hours after, the fleeing NPA rebels were encountered by Army soldiers about a kilometer away from the first encounter site.

Left behind by the fleeing rebels were a generator set, two improvised explosive devices, two rifle grenades, a bandolier with four magazines loaded with ammunition, three cellular phones, seven jungle packs, three M-16 magazines loaded with ammunition and another empty M-16 magazine, 100 kilos of rice, six CPP-NPA flags and other subversive documents with high intelligence value.

Pasaporte also reported that bloodstains were also discovered along the rebel’s withdrawal routes, which may indicate that they suffered casualties.

In a statement, Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 3rd Infantry Division commander, said that the two encounters will significantly disrupt the CPP-NPA extortion schemes and support system.

https://visayandailystar.com/soldiers-recover-war-materials-food-supplies/

Rebels destroy heavy equipment

From the Visayan Daily Star (Mar 26, 2022): Rebels destroy heavy equipment (BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

An estimated 30 suspected New People’s Army rebels destroyed heavy equipment using an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) on Thursday night in Sitio Cagay, Brgy. Camindangan, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental.

PLt. Abegael Donasco, deputy spokesperson of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, yesterday said that about 30 to 50 armed men in civilian clothes arrived at the construction site at about 7 p.m. of March 24 at the place.

Donasco said the armed men ordered the construction workers and operators of heavy equipment and trucks to vacate the area.

A loud explosion was later heard by the workers after the armed group left the construction site.

Upon checking the backhoe, its hydraulic system was damaged, Donasco said.

The destroyed backhoe is owned by Jaime B. Ching construction firm.

PMaj. James Latayon, Sipalay City police officer-in-charge, yesterday said that the armed men spared the workers and operator of the destroyed heavy equipment from harm.

The heavy equipment was parked along the highway of a constructed road.

The estimated damage and motive of the incident was yet to be established by authorities as of press time.

The latest atrocities perpetrated by alleged rebels came a week after a backhoe was torched in Sitio Nandong, Brgy. Orong, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, after its owner refused to pay revolutionary taxes, according to the police.

https://visayandailystar.com/rebels-destroy-heavy-equipment/

Army calls NPA ‘weak’ ahead of rebels’ anniv

From Panay News (Mar 26, 2022): Army calls NPA ‘weak’ ahead of rebels’ anniv (By Ruby Silubrico)

AREVALO

The New People’s Army (NPA) in Panay Island has become weak because many of its leaders have died in clashes with government troops or were captured, according to Major General Benedict Arevalo, commander of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID).

Still, Arevalo ordered his troops to be on their toes for possible rebel offensives in the run-up to the NPA’s 53rd founding anniversary this March 29.

The NPA is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines. It is known to launch offensives against government troops and installations to mark its anniversary.

“We won’t stop running after them, and more so because their anniversary is fast approaching,” said Arevalo.

Despite being decimated, the NPA would endeavor to project it still has strength by carrying out attacks, he explained.

“They have suffered so many losses in recent months, record losses for that matter,” Arevalo said. “But they want to appear significant.”

The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6), too, is wary of NPA attacks.

“Our regional director already alerted our municipal police chiefs, especially sa mga banwa nga malayo kag may presesya sang rebelde. Dapat e-deploy nila tanan nga available personnel kay basi may pang-atake nga matabo,” said PRO-6 spokesperson, Police Lieutenant Colonel Arnel Solis.

https://www.panaynews.net/army-calls-npa-weak-ahead-of-rebels-anniv/

Rebels’ alleged extortion try averted after clashes with Army in Negros Occ

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 26, 2022): Rebels’ alleged extortion try averted after clashes with Army in Negros Occ (By Glazyl Masculino)

The Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion (IB) prevented an alleged extortion attempt of the New People’s Army (NPA) members after they were engaged in two clashes at Sitio Malikolik, Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental on Friday.

Some residents of Barangay Mahalang, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, denounces the atrocities perpetrated by the NPA during a condemnation rally at the barangay’s gymnasium Wednesday. (Photo courtesy of 94th IB)

According to the Army, the suspected rebels were earlier seen by the civilians in the area of Sitio Lonoy, Barangay Carabalan, and the area where the soldiers were conducting Community Support Program (CSP) Sustainment Operation at Sitio Tigbao in the same barangay.

The attack was prevented after the community informed the CSP team about the location of the enemies who were allegedly extorting food supplies from the residents in the area at that time.

What followed after that was an encounter which did not last long as the soldiers sent the rebels fleeing the area. However, another clash erupted as the government soldiers pursued the fleeing rebels.

The Army believed that there were casualties on the enemy side, while no soldier was harmed in the incident.

Recovered from the encounter site were a generator, two Improvised Explosive Device (IEDs) with fire, two rifle grenades, a bandolier with four magazines loaded with ammunition, three cellular phones, seven jungle packs, three short magazines of M16 loaded with ammunition, an empty long magazine of M16, rice, six Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA flags, and other subversive documents with high intelligence value.

In his statement, Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, commander of 3rd Infantry Division (ID), said the encounter was a strong indication that the Army in Central and Western Visayas is serious in their campaign against insurgency.

Arevalo said the encounter would significantly disrupt their extortion schemes and support system, adding that it will also serve as an eye-opener to all rebels who still refuse to surrender at a time when the government is offering programs for them to avail of.

Arevalo recognized the community’s effort in giving the troops timely and accurate information, and urged them to continue supporting the government’s peace campaign in ending local communist armed conflict in this part of the country.

Last week, a soldier was wounded after engaging in a clash with suspected rebels at Sitio Ulot, Barangay Buenavista.

https://mb.com.ph/2022/03/26/rebels-alleged-extortion-try-averted-after-clashes-with-army-in-negros-occ/

NTF-ELCAC spox firm 'no such thing as red-tagging'

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 26, 2022): NTF-ELCAC spox firm 'no such thing as red-tagging' (By Lade Jean Kabagani)

National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) spokesperson for sectoral concerns and Presidential Communications Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy (File photo)

National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) spokesperson for sectoral concerns and Presidential Communications Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy on Saturday stood firm on her statement that “there’s no such thing as red-tagging”.

This, after Lawyer Edre Olalia, president of the National Union People’s Lawyers (NUPL), said the Supreme Court (SC) has never called “red-tagging” as non-existent.

Badoy remained unfazed saying that Olalia is just confusing the public to protect the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

“He says it’s not true that our Supreme Court says there is no danger to life, liberty, and security when one is identified as a member of the CPP-NPA-NDF,” Badoy said in a statement.

Badoy reiterated that the SC ruling stated that the “mere labeling of a group as a communist front is not an actual threat to one’s right to life, liberty, or security,” as she rebuked Olalia for literary interpreting her statements to make her wrong.

"Edre Olalia claims I was wrong when I said that the Supreme Court ruled that the terrorist tool to silence those who tell the truth about the CPP-NPA-NDF, ‘red-tagging’, is non-existent,” she added. “He says it’s not true that our Supreme Court says there is no danger to life, liberty and security when one is identified as a member of the CPP-NPA-NDF.”

Badoy said the NUPL is directly connected to the CPP-NPA-NDF’s front mass underground organization Lupon ng mga Manananggol para sa Bayan (LUMABAN)— in relentlessly “overthrowing the government.”

“In other words, NUPL’s main goal is to recruit and radicalize those who are in the legal profession to join the CPP-NPA-NDF. The vast majority of its members have no idea that it is a terrorist organization behind the NUPL and that they are slowly being lured and manipulated to hate and mistrust the government. Until one day they wake up bearing arms as violent extremists of the NPA or as someone whose promising career took a dive so he now lawyers for NPAs like Edre Olalia does,” Badoy added.

Badoy emphasized that it is the government’s duty to protect its citizens from harmful activities of communist terrorist groups (CTGs), including the recruitment of youth to the armed struggle.

“And we do this by telling the truth about their fronts like NUPL - and KABAG (KABATAAN, ANAKPAWIS, BAYAN MUNA, ALLIANCE OF CONCERNED TEACHERS, GABRIELA). Olalia also does all that he can to protect the fronts of the CPP-NPA-NDF -- no matter how farfetched and ridiculous,” she said.

“Like bending himself in whole body contortions to make what the Supreme Court said in such a clear and straightforward manner mean what the CPP-NPA-NDF wants it to mean so they can continue to protect their fronts because those despicable fronts are the lifeblood of this terrorist organization,” she added.

Badoy said the government has to respond against the communist group's efforts to recruit the most vulnerable sectors, such as indigenous peoples and youth, to engage in violent extremism.

“We would like to reassure our countrymen that the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict is fully committed to destroying the CPP-NPA-NDF,” she said.

She reiterated her previous statement that “there’s no such thing as red-tagging.”

Filed against Badoy were several criminal complaints on alleged red-tagging, and violation of the Anti-Graft Law and the code of conduct for public officials.

Badoy said she remains undaunted, adding that she is more eager to uncover the masks of the communist group's members.

“We are more relentless about the Truth than they are about their lies and we are louder about the Truth than they are about their lies,” she added.

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.

The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the NDF as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1170716

NPA commander killed in Northern Samar clash

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 26, 2022): NPA commander killed in Northern Samar clash (By: John Eric Mendoza)

An alleged ranking commander of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in an encounter with Army troopers in Northern Samar on Friday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported on Saturday.

The AFP, in a statement, said government troops clashed with about 10 NPA rebels in Barangay San Francisco in Catubig town.

Lt. Col. Joemar Buban, commanding officer of the 20th Infantry Batallion, said the encounter led to the death of the alleged NPA commander identified as alias “Prix”, who was in command of an NPA platoon.

“Alias Prix is responsible for attacks against government forces and civilians in Northern Samar and extortion activities to the populace and small businesses,” Buban claimed.

INQUIRER.net reached Communist Party of the Philippines spokesperson Marco Valbuena for comment about the clash.

Authorities seized two M16 rifles at the encounter site, while the remains of “Prix” were brought to the Catubig Rural Health Unit for examination and proper disposition, according to the AFP.

RELATED STORY:
4 dead in clash between NPA rebels and gov’t troops in Northern Samar

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1573893/npa-commander-killed-in-northern-samar-clash

Maguindanao private army members yield

From the Manila Times (Mar 26, 2022): Maguindanao private army members yield (By Franz R. Sumangil)

A LEADER of a private armed group (PAG) in Maguindanao and four of his men surrendered to authorities ahead of the start of the campaign period for local candidates, the police reported on Thursday.

Col. Jeffrey Fernandez, deputy director for operations of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) police office, said Sidik Ameril and his men surrendered on Wednesday in Talitay town.

"This is a long-awaited development," Fernandez said, stressing that Ameril is a former assemblyman in Maguindanao.

Ameril's group also turned over an M14 rifle, Ultimax rifle, M16 rifle, Carbine rifle, and a homemade grenade launcher.

Ameril said he and his men decided to surrender to clear their names from the police list of active PAGs and help in the government's efforts for a secure, accurate, fair, and free 2022 national and local polls.

The campaign period for local candidates officially began on Friday, March 25.

Six armed followers of Ameril also yielded to the police in December 2020 at Camp Gen. S.K. Pendatun, the BARMM police regional headquarters.

"Our intention is honest. We want to live peacefully in our communities, we are ready to work with the government to help convince other PAGs to also surrender, so we can come up with a peaceful and credible election," Ameril said.

Fernandez said the Police Regional Office in BARMM is committed to dissolving all PAGs in the region.

Meanwhile, a Moro rebel decided to surrender to the police in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao last Wednesday.

Lt. Lucky Seigred Sibayan, Shariff Aguak municipal police chief, identified the surrenderer as Badieuzaman Solaiman, 49, a member of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

Solaiman also turned over his homemade M14 sniper rifle loaded with bullets.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/03/26/news/regions/maguindanao-private-army-members-yield/1837619

Top ASG leader killed in Basilan encounter, says military

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 26, 2022): Top ASG leader killed in Basilan encounter, says military (By: John Eric Mendoza)

A top leader of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) was killed in an encounter with government forces on Friday in Basilan, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported Saturday.

In a statement, the AFP said government troops were conducting security operations in Barangay (village) Baiwas in Sumisip town when they clashed with the ASG terrorists.

Killed in the 15-minute encounter was Radzmil Jannatul, a top-ranking ASG sub-leader in Basilan. There were no casualties reported on the government side, the AFP said.

The military said Jannatul was the successor of ASG senior leader Furuji Indama who was killed in September 2020.

The AFP said it is still looking for the two other remaining ASG sub-leaders in Basilan.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1573900/top-asg-leader-killed-in-basilan-encounter-says-military

9 Abu bandits surrender

 From the Philippine Star (Mar 26, 2022): 9 Abu bandits surrender (Roel Pareño)

Relentless pursuit and tracking operations have resulted in the surrender of nine Abu Sayyaf bandits in Indanan, Sulu, the military said yesterday.

Col. Alaric delos Santos, civil-military chief of Joint Task Force Sulu and 11th Army Division, said the militants turned themselves in to 1102nd Brigade commander Col. Giovani Franza in Barangay Tagbak on Wednesday.

The military said the surrenderees, who were identified only by their aliases of Vandam, Raden, Asari, Abu Zendal, Almasir, Abdung, Jars, Jah and Mursid, also turned over assorted firearms.

“This event showed your willingness to return to your normal lives and live peacefully with your family and loved ones,” Franza told the surrenderees.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2022/03/26/2169909/9-abu-bandits-surrender