Troops unearth NPA arms cache in Zambo Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 28, 2022): Troops unearth NPA arms cache in Zambo Sur (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

REBEL WEAPONS RECOVERED. A soldier of the Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion checks the firearms of communist rebels unearthed Saturday (March 26, 2022) in the forest of Barangay Ocapan, San Miguel, Zamboanga del Sur. The location of the weapons was revealed to the military by a New People’s Army rebel leader who surrendered last week. (Photo courtesy of the 53IB)

Government troops have unearthed an arms cache of the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the hinterlands of Zamboanga del Sur, the military said Monday.

Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, the Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade commander, said the arms cache that contained five AK-47 assault rifles and ammunition was discovered Saturday by the 53rd Infantry Battalion (IB) troopers in the forested area of Barangay Ocapan in San Miguel municipality.

Nicolas said the location of the firearms was revealed to them during the custodial debriefing of Ka Andoy, an executive committee member of the NPA’s Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC).

Ka Andoy surrendered last week to the 53IB, saying he wished to start anew and live a peaceful life together with his family.

Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, 1st Infantry Division commander, said they expect "more communist terrorists to return to the fold of the law following the peace rallies conducted in our area of operation the other day."

Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., the commander of Western Mindanao Command, assured the military will remain "steadfast in conducting lethal and non-lethal operations to sustain the momentum against the rebels."

The Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA (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 National Democratic Front has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1170767

2 NPA rebels killed in Negros encounter identified

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 28, 2022): 2 NPA rebels killed in Negros encounter identified (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

FATALITIES. The cadavers of the two Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army rebels killed during a clash with troops of the Philippine Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental on March 26, 2022. As of Monday (March 28), their bodies were already brought to a funeral parlor. (Photo courtesy of 303rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army)

The identities of the two Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) rebels killed during a clash with troops of the Philippine Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion (94IB) in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental over the weekend have been confirmed by the police.

According to the progress report of Himamaylan City Police Station, Barangay Carabalan councilman Rochie Sabanal identified the fatalities as Arnulfo Sabanal, 41, and Jayson Sabanal, 30, both residents of Purok Lunoy in Sitio Cunalom.

As of Monday, the remains of the two, who are believed to be siblings, were still in a local funeral parlor, the 94IB said.

In a statement, Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of 303rd Infantry Brigade, commended the 94IB troops for their successful encounters with the NPA rebels in Himamaylan City.

“We will not give them breathing space as they continuously refuse to heed our call to surrender, abandon the life of violence and embrace the path of peace,” he said.

The two fatalities were among those who engaged the soldiers conducting a pursuit operation in the afternoon of March 26.

On March 25, the 94IB troops also clashed with the rebels twice in the same area that led them to seize the NPA hideout, where they recovered firearms, explosives, mobile phones, rice supply and suspected shabu, among others.

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 National Democratic Front has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1170801

3 NPA rebels killed in Davao de Oro clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 28, 2022): 3 NPA rebels killed in Davao de Oro clash (By Che Palicte)

RECOVERED FIREARMS. Troopers from the Army’s 1001st Infantry Brigade present the various high-powered firearms after an encounter with the New People's Army (NPA) on Sunday (March 27, 2022) in Barangay Tupaz Maragusan, Davao de Oro. The skirmish also resulted in the death of three NPA members from the Regional Operations Command, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee. (PNA photo by Che Palicte)

Three New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in an encounter with government forces in Barangay Tupaz Maragusan, Davao de Oro, the military here reported Monday.

In a press briefing, the Army’s 1001st Infantry Brigade 1001(Bde) reported that while on focused military operations, troopers figured in an armed encounter Sunday with the combatants of the NPA's Regional Operations Command (ROC), Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC).

Brig. Gen. Jesus Durante III, the 1001Bde commander, identified the slain NPA fighters as Ezequil Cortez Daguman alias Rey/Ry, member of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Central Committee and deputy secretary of ROC, SMRC; Ruel Baylon alias James; and Quirino Remegio alias Jelly/Manoy.

After the skirmish, Durante said the troops also recovered seven high-powered firearms, an improvised explosive device, various types of ammunition, medical paraphernalia, and personal belongings.

"The death of Daguman is a big blow not only to SMRC but the CPP as a whole. He is one of the special operators of SMRC and is responsible for the extortion activities among businessmen and politicians," Durante said.

Daguman has existing arrest warrants for kidnapping, serious illegal detention, double murder, robbery with violence, and murder, the military official added.

"This is another significant accomplishment in the implementation and operationalization of President Rodrigo Duterte's Executive Order (EO) 70. It is a manifestation that when we work together, we will be successful," Durante said.

EO 70 pursues institutionalizing the whole-of-nation approach for collective participation and action in harmonizing government development efforts and services to support, facilitate and pursue the country's peace agenda in ending communist insurgency in the countryside.

Durante called on other NPA members to lay down their arms and avail the benefits of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) – a government program to aid surrenderers as they reintegrate into mainstream society.

"We are glad that we were able to reduce the NPA's strength and firearms, while we also feel sad considering that lives are again lost, caused by NPA deception and lies," he 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.

The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the National Democratic Front 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/1170794

IP leader hits call to reopen rebel-linked tribal schools

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 28, 2022): IP leader hits call to reopen rebel-linked tribal schools (By Alexander Lopez)

Datu Rico Maca, the IPMR of San Miguel, Surigao del Sur. (Photo lifted with permission from Datu Rico Maca's Facebook Account)

An Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) in Surigao del Sur criticized the group Save Our School (SOS) Network for its call to reopen “Lumad” or tribal schools previously ordered closed for their links with the communist rebel movement.

Datu Rico Maca, the IPMR of San Miguel town, described the SOS Network's call as “absurd.”

“The IPs here in Surigao del Sur and other parts of Mindanao have already spoken and rejected these ‘lumad’ schools that served as the training ground for the terrorists Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army (CPP-NPA),” Maca said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency on Monday.

SOS and its "Salungpungan" schools have come under fire in recent months after former students and teachers divulged that learners were indoctrinated with the communist teachings on armed rebellion and other anti-government subjects.

Rebel links

Government forces also accused SOS-affiliated schools of acting as recruitment hubs for the communist rebel movement.

In a Facebook post on Sunday, the SOS Network said that “Lumad” schools ordered closed by the Duterte administration can be reopened.

The post added that the possibility of the reopening of these schools can be carried out with the support of lawyer Neri Colmenares, a former leftist lawmaker.

Among the schools the group is referring to are the Tribal Filipino Program of Surigao del Sur and the Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development in Surigao del Sur.

Colmenares, of the group Bayan Muna, is running for a Senate seat come May 2022 local and national elections.

DepEd-accredited

But Maca pointed out that “there is no way these schools can be reopened as IP schools,” noting that the Department of Education (DepEd) has already revoked their accreditation.

Likewise, the IP leader noted that the IP communities in Mindanao already have existing learning facilities accredited with DepED.

In San Miguel alone, Maca pointed out that at least 13 barangays already have 42 classrooms of DepEd-accredited IP schools.

Last year, two DepEd-accredited IP schools were also opened in the towns of Lianga and Marihatag in Surigao del Sur.

“We will continue to work hard to prevent the reopening of these schools. What we want is a good future for our children. For years, before their closure, these 'lumad' schools were used to poison the minds of our children and youth where they ended up joining the NPA rebels. Unfortunately, some of them were killed in the battlefields,” Maca said.

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 National Democratic Front has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1170784

Gov’t closing in on remaining NPA chief in Southern Mindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 28, 2022): Gov’t closing in on remaining NPA chief in Southern Mindanao (By Che Palicte)

CLOSING IN. Brig. Gen. Jesus Durante III, commander of the Army's 1001st Infantry Brigade, says Eric Jun Casilao, the remaining officer of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) operating in Southern Mindanao, will soon be captured. In a press briefing Monday in Davao City, Durante said government troops have monitored Casilao's whereabouts in New Bataan and Maragusan towns. (PNA photo by Che Palicte)

MACO, Davao de Oro—The remaining high ranking officer of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) in Southern Mindanao is “very close” to being captured, a military official said Monday.

Brig. Gen. Jesus Durante III, commander of the Army's 1001st Infantry Brigade (1001IB), said in a press briefing here government troops are closing in on Eric Jun Casilao, the secretary of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC).

Casilao, who carries the aliases "Elian" or "Wally," is the brother of former Anakpawis Rep. Ariel Baring Casilao.

"I believe we are really close to getting Elian. We have monitored his movement, and we believe that not for long, we will get him," Durante said.

Casilao has been with the CPP- NPA for some 20 years and is wanted for multiple criminal cases that include two counts of murder, kidnapping, and serious illegal detention.

Groomed to be the successor of slain rebel commander Menandro Villanueva, Casilao has a PHP5.4 million bounty on his head.

"We were able to cut through his supply points and financial resources. They have changed their area of maneuver, and we know that they are in the New Bataan and Maragusan area," Durante said.

Casilao's group took refuge in the area believing that they would be protected by NPA sympathizers, the military official said.

"What they don't know is that there are no more mass bases present in the area. The people there are fed up with the deception, lies, and atrocities of the CPP-NPA," Durante said.

SMRC's downfall

With President Rodrigo Duterte stepping down from office in June, Durante said he is optimistic that they will meet the deadline in fully dismantling SMRC to the last man.

"Well, if not totally dismantled, there will be a big change when it comes to their existence. They will no longer become a potent force and a potent threat not just to peace but also to those who were affected by their extortion activities," he added.

Durante said the military is also working on dismantling the other remaining guerilla fronts in Southern Mindanao.

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.

The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the National Democratic Front 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/1170834

Move to amend Davao anti-discrimination law for ex-rebels lauded

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 28, 2022): Move to amend Davao anti-discrimination law for ex-rebels lauded (By Christine Cudis)

SUPPORTIVE GOV’T. Davao City has been declared insurgency free by the joint area clearing board of the security forces on March 24, 2022. Maj. Gen. Nolasco Mempin, the Army’s 10th Infantry Division commander whose unit includes Davao City in its area of responsibility, pointed out that a supportive local government unit is an essential component in eradicating communist insurgency. (Photo courtesy of 10ID)

The military has welcomed the city’s plan to revise its anti-discrimination ordinance to include former rebels as among its beneficiaries after the area has been cleared of communist insurgents.

In an interview on Monday, Maj. Gen. Nolasco Mempin, Army’ 10ith Infantry Division (ID) commander, said the move "would hasten the reintegration" of rebel returnees "into the mainstream society without any fear of discrimination."

"Everyone deserves a second chance as Acting Mayor Sebastian Duterte told our FRs that the moment they surrendered to the government, they were already forgiven,” Mempin said, referring to the former rebels.

Through the joint area clearing board by 10ID and the Police Regional Office–Davao Region, several guerilla fronts and Pulang Bagani Command posts of the New People's Army's (NPA) Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) 5 were dismantled.

The military described the achievement as a significant development, noting that the SRC5 was once the bastion of the NPA in the country.

Apart from the declaration of victory, the March 24 ceremony also welcomed the former rebels into rejoining the community.

Duterte thanked the Philippine Army and the former rebels for their success in making the city insurgency-free.

"You are already forgiven. You are welcome to restart your life here in Davao City," he told the former rebels.

He also promised to engage the City Council in legislating measures that would ensure that former rebels are not discriminated against in the city as they seek livelihood or employment.

The city’s anti-discrimination ordinance declares as unlawful the acts and conduct of discrimination based on sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, descent, national or ethnic origin, and religious affiliation or beliefs.

The ordinance also lists discrimination based on health status.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-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 National Democratic Front has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1170831

NPA deceptions destroy future of female cadres: ex-rebel

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 28, 2022): NPA deceptions destroy future of female cadres: ex-rebel (By John Rey Saavedra)

Sentrong Alyansa ng Mamamayan Para sa Bayan (Sambayanan) chairman Jeffrey "Ka Eric" Celiz. (PNA file photo)

A former cadre of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) on Monday urged the remaining female members of the communist terrorist group to take the unfortunate fate of their comrades who were either caught, jailed, or killed in armed encounters as a lesson and a reason for them to leave the movement.

In a statement, Jeffrey “Ka Eric” Celiz, chairman of Sentrong Alyansa ng Mamamayan Para sa Bayan (Sambayanan), underscored the National Women’s Month celebration as a time for the female cadres to reflect on the deceptions of the CPP-NPA that forfeit their future as women.

“And in this National Women’s Month, what happened to numbers of female NPA members who have been caught, jailed, and worst, killed may serve as a wake-up call for the remaining victims of communist deception to now come to grip with reality on how they have been used and radicalized in a lost cause, wasting their gifts and squandering their opportunities. It is now or never,” he said.

Celiz said the arrest of Ramon Patriarca alias “Using”, the deputy secretary and finance officer of Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros along with his two cohorts during a joint military and police operation in Barangay Su-ay, Himamaylan City in southern Negros Occidental, is disturbing.

He said what got his attention is information regarding Patriarca’s companion, Carmen Jonahville Matarlo alias “Loisa” or “Avon,” 28, a native of Poblacion, Argao, Cebu and cum laude graduate of Mass Communications from the University of the Philippines-Cebu.

Celiz said Matarlo is vice chairman of the Kabataan Partylist-Cebu Chapter and allegedly belonged to the NPA's Komiteng Rehiyon Negros, Cebu, Bohol and Siquijor (KR-NCBS).

The former Iloilo activist said the arrest of Patriarca and his comrades in Negros Island on March 18 is the latest in the government’s efforts in the Visayas to run after the communist terrorists waging a more than five-decade-old armed struggle.

“What transpired may be a lesson to the remaining members of the communist terrorist group to either go back to the folds of law and surrender, or get caught and jailed, or die in an encounter. And just like Ramon Patriarca, no matter how he escaped his previous rebellion case, he still ended up getting arrested with the recovery of firearms and NPA documents. No matter how long it takes, they still end up getting caught, dead or luckily alive,” Celiz said.

He said “for someone so young and intelligent, Matarlo could have embarked on greater opportunities in employment or pursued anything she wanted.”

Celiz expressed alarm over how the idealism and dynamism of the two female rebels and many others in similar situations were capitalized to encourage armed struggle against the 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.

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 inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1170790

'Red-tagging' is CPP-NPA's creative, defensive tactic: Esperon

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 28, 2022): 'Red-tagging' is CPP-NPA's creative, defensive tactic: Esperon (By Priam Nepomuceno)

NTF ELCAC vice chair Hermogenes Esperon Jr. (File photo)

Red-tagging claims have always been the tactic of communist terrorist groups and their allies to cover up the truth on their acts and atrocities, a ranking official of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) said on Monday.

"There is a pattern here. A pattern that will open our eyes to the truth about the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front) and their front organizations. Every time the NTF-ELCAC exposes to the people the links between or among a person, organization, entity, group, and or a political party to the CPP-NPA-NDF; these CPP-NPA-NDF associated or linked person/s or group/s would say, THE NTF-ELCAC RED-TAGGED US!," NTF-ELCAC vice chair Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said in statement posted at the task force's Facebook page, debunking “red-tagging" claims made against the body.

He added that those still unaware of the truth will probably ride along with the operational definition given by the CPP-NPA-NDF to "red-tagging", which Esperon described as a "creatively invented term" by these groups.

"Those who know the truth, would say, there is no such thing as 'red-tagging'. If we ask, who really knows the truth about the CPP-NPA-NDF? Who can speak about the CPP-NPA-NDF? Who knows of the identities of the personalities within the CPP-NPA-NDF organization? Who knows of the organizations and groups linked to or affiliated with the CPP-NPA-NDF?" said Esperon, who is also National Security Adviser.

He added that once these questions are answered clearly, Filipinos will know that those who have claimed that they are been "red-tagged" are actually trying to deny the "truth that they have been unmasked, exposed, and categorically identified as members of the CPP-NPA-NDF terrorist organization and/or a member of a group or organization affiliated with or linked to the CPP-NPA-NDF terrorist organization."

Esperon also clarified that the NTF-ELCAC does not, did not, and will not speak about the things that they are uncertain of.

"The NTF-ELCAC stands for the truth. We merely bring the message of truth to the Filipino people. When we say that the CPP-NPA-NDF committed atrocities against the Filipino people, we can support these allegations. When we say that the CPP-NPA-NDF has front organizations masquerading in different forms and modes, we can sufficiently support these claims," he added.

Esperon said when NTF-ELCAC, through the whole-of-nation approach anchored on good governance, claims that they have liberated former conflict-stricken areas from the CPP-NPA-NDF influence and control, the body has facts to show or prove this.

"When we unmask CPP-NPA-NDF members, leaders, supporters, collaborators, operatives, front organization members and leaders, we have the first hand accounts of individuals who know of the facts and the truth. This is because, they have come from within the ranks of the CPP-NPA-NDF," he added.

Esperon said former members and allies of the CPP-NPA-NDF have seen the movement for what it truly is and they have willingly returned to the folds of the government and of the Filipino people because they have been the worst in the communist terrorists.

"And they vowed never to let the CPP-NPA-NDF exploit, take advantage of, deceive, and destroy families and communities. The NTF-ELCAC speaks the truth as revealed by former CPP-NPA-NDF cadres and members. The NTF-ELCAC speaks for those who were victimized by the CPP-NPA-NDF. We speak for the communities and the families who were exploited and oppressed by the reign of terror of the CPP-NPA-NDF. The NTF-ELCAC has made a promise, Never again shall the Filipino people allow the CPP-NPA-NDF to sow terror in the countryside," he added.

By speaking the truth, Esperon said the CPP-NPA-NDF has come face to face with a formidable foe, that is, the entire government bureaucracy, joined by the people, in a common goal to end the local communist armed conflict.

"The NTF-ELCAC has done one thing that has not yet been done in the past, and this is to challenge the CPP-NPA-NDF front organizations and political groups in Congress which has remained unchallenged for the past many decades despite its glaring manifestations that it is affiliated to the CPP-NPA-NDF. The hard facts indicate that per first hand accounts of former CPP-NPA-NDF cadres, the MAKABAYAN BLOC which is also known by its acronym 'KABAG' (referring to KABATAAN, ACT, BAYAN MUNA, ANAKPAWIS, GABRIELA) are directly linked to and are associated with the CPP-NPA-NDF. This is the bitter pill of truth that some politicians and some of our kababayans refuse to swallow. This is the truth that the NTF-ELCAC has been exposing all along, that the CPP-NPA-NDF exists in our midst through their front organizations and that the CPP-NPA-NDF has infiltrated almost all sectors of our society," he added.

This bitter truth, he said, proves that the CPP-NPA-NDF has been hiding in plain sight for the past many years.

"And it is only now, that we, the Filipino people, are unmasking the CPP-NPA-NDF terrorist organization. It is only now that the CPP-NPA-NDF's existence, including those of their front organizations, has been challenged to the core," he added.

Esperon said the task force is now at the point of the country's history where it is exposing, completely and comprehensively, the inner workings and the internal structures of the CPP-NPA-NDF terrorist organization, including their manipulation of and exploitation of the political and governmental structures to further their so-called "revolutionary struggle".

Esperon said that in reality, this is nothing more than a sugar-coated term that actually refers to that obsession on the part of the CPP-NPA-NDF to take over the government.

"We are unmasking the CPP-NPA-NDF. The deception is over. It is about time that the Filipino people know the truth. Our people deserve the Truth and not the sugar-coated propaganda of politicians who sell their souls to the enemy by forming alliances with the CPP-NPA-NDF terrorist organization and their front groups. The NTF-ELCAC is committed to winning the peace by putting an end to the local communist armed conflict. In the end, truth prevails," he 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/1170762

NPA anniversary only reminds of lost lives, atrocities: Lorenzana

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 28, 2022): NPA anniversary only reminds of lost lives, atrocities: Lorenzana (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (File photo)

The anniversary of the New People's Army (NPA) means nothing but lives lost and suffering due to its meaningless cause, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on Monday.

"We are once again reminded of the lives lost and the suffering caused by the Communist Terrorists, particularly their armed wing, the NPA. Over the years, the NPA took pride in committing lawless activities such as extortion, destruction of civilian-owned properties, and undermining the government, all in the name of their so-called ideology," Lorenzana said in a statement, ahead of the NPA's 53rd anniversary on Tuesday.

The NPA was established on March 29, 1969, as the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

Lorenzana, however, said more NPA members have returned to the fold of the law and are now leading peaceful and productive lives through assistance from the government.

"However, we are filled with hope for a more progressive and developed Philippines. Under the inter-agency Task Force Balik-Loob (TFBL), thousands have been given the chance to live their lives anew and become productive members of society through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). They have given their firearms in exchange for more peaceful tools of trade, and I am encouraged by the success stories of our former rebels," Lorenzana said.

Despite the weakening of the communist terrorists and the country now starting to reap the dividends of peace, the DND chief said efforts must continue to save remaining CPP-NPA members from their lost cause.

"There is more to be done. Even as we enjoy the dividends of peace, we continue our mission to secure our communities, encourage CPP-NPA members to avail of the E-CLIP, and finally put a stop to the decades-long communist armed conflicts in the country. It is our hope that whoever comes next will continue what we have started and sustain our peace initiatives," Lorenzana said.

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/1170768

'Balikatan' chance for PH, US troops to address weaknesses

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 28, 2022): 'Balikatan' chance for PH, US troops to address weaknesses (By Priam Nepomuceno)

PNA photo by Joey Razon

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Andres Centino on Monday said the annual "Balikatan" exercises give both American and Filipino troops the chance to address their vulnerabilities and ensure that both are able to respond to any crisis or emergency effectively.

"In light of the volatile, uncertain and ambiguous nature of the security setting that we are faced and the fast-changing advancements in warfare, it has indeed been a shared responsibility to address our vulnerabilities and ensure that both our Armed Forces are able to promptly and effectively respond to any crisis or emergency under all circumstances," Centino said during the opening of the joint military exercises at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

The two-week exercise which runs until April 8 will feature drills or training on maritime security, amphibious, live-fire training, urban, aviation, and counterterrorism and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

Centino said "Balikatan" is also one of the long-standing mutual engagements between the Philippines and the US that have paved the way for enhanced cooperation, collaboration, and mutual commitment all aimed at promoting collective security.

"More importantly, the 'Balikatan' exercise truly embodies the friendship and alliance between our two countries, after all 'Balikatan' (comes) from the Filipino word 'balikat' (which) means shoulder-to-shoulder," the AFP chief added.

Centino noted that this year's "Balikatan" is very remarkable as both countries are able to enforce full implementation of the exercise with approximately 8,900 participants and observers from various Armed Forces which is a remarkable development compared to the previous year.

The figure includes 3,800 AFP members and 5,100 US military personnel -- the largest number of combined personnel of the two militaries in the annual exercise since the start of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic in 2020.

During the "Balikatan" 2021, only 226 American and 415 Filipino military personnel participated while "Balikatan" 2020 was canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Centino attributed the sizable contingent for this year to the country's improving Covid-19 situation and easing of safety protocols.

"I would like to express (on) behalf of my government, our profound gratitude to the US government and to the US Armed Forces for your unwavering commitment and support to uphold our obligation to the Mutual Defense Treaty," Centino said.

Major activities for this year's "Balikatan" are various staff, joint and combined interoperability exercises, humanitarian civic assistance, he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1170791

Annual 'Balikatan' drill solidifies PH-US ties amid challenges

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 28, 2022): Annual 'Balikatan' drill solidifies PH-US ties amid challenges (By Priam Nepomuceno)

PNA photo by Joey Razon

The annual "Balikatan" exercises serve as a chance for the United States and the Philippines to reaffirm a mutual commitment to stronger ties amid various global challenges, an official of the US Embassy in Manila said on Monday.

"In 2021, we celebrated the 70th anniversary of our Mutual Defense Treaty and the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our country, this combined and joint exercise is an opportunity for the United States and the Philippines to reaffirm our commitment to even more robust ties and to our relationship that remains highly relevant as the world faces new and continuing challenges," Chargé d'Affaires Heather Variava said during the opening of the annual exercises in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Variava also expressed hope that this year's "Balikatan" will be a success due to the strong cooperation between Filipino and American military personnel.

Both nations, she added, have much to be proud of and this includes its "enduring alliance and deep bilateral military cooperation that has been built in the past seven decades."

Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, in his speech read by Undersecretary Cardozo Luna, said the two-week drills is another milestone in the enduring alliance between the two countries which is being strengthened by means of defense cooperation activities.

He added that this year's exercises send a message to the world that the Philippine and US alliance is "stronger than ever and we remain committed to standing shoulder-to-shoulder in response to evolving security challenges that face both our nations and the region."

"Taking a cue from past 'Balikatan' exercises, this year’s joint training activities are intended to strengthen the interoperability between the AFP and the US Indo-Pacific command so that we can readily and jointly respond to our mutual security concerns, and contribute to regional peace and stability," Lorenzana said.

He added that the activity intends to heighten stakeholder engagement with other government agencies as part of joint inter-agency capacity building and capability efforts in attaining a whole-of-government approach, especially in times of calamities and disasters.

"The Covid-19 pandemic, which continues to affect many countries in the world, reminds us that problems, especially those that are transboundary in nature, should be dealt with in unison by all countries and sectors affected. Aided by this lesson, we will continue to highlight humanitarian assistance and disaster response in 'Balikatan' exercises," Lorenzana said.

The defense chief added that the "Balikatan" exercises also highlight that the US and the Philippines are not alone in espousing peace, security, and cooperation in the region.

"We have been expanding the scope of the exercises through wider engagement and networking with our partners in the region," Lorenzana said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1170804

Next admin should push peace process gains, milestones: Galvez

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 28, 2022): Next admin should push peace process gains, milestones: Galvez (By Lade Jean Kabagani)

Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. (Photo courtesy of OPAPRU)

Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. hopes the next administration will continue the government’s significant milestones and gains in pursuit of the peace process in the country.

Galvez said one of the primary milestones is the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) saying "it really transforms” Mindanao areas into peaceful communities.

He added the efforts of the government to curb terrorism, particularly neutralizing the remnants of Daesh-inspired Maute Group in Marawi City, have greatly contributed to the effective push of localized peace engagements within the conflict-affected communities.

“After Marawi, nakita natin wala masyadong (We saw that there were no) major breakout of hostilities in Mindanao,” he said in a previous interview.

Citing reports of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Galvez said the public’s confidence in economic development in the Bangsamoro region has gradually increased after pushing for the comprehensive peace process.

“Unlike in the previous years, there's increasing poverty incidence in the region," he said.

He added that the poverty incidence in the region has decreased to up to double digits since last year -- an important result of effectively implementing the peace process.

"And those are significant accomplishments in the Bangsamoro. Even with the pandemic, we saw that the social living of our Moro brothers and sisters has been improved,” Galvez said.

The closure agreement with Rebolusyonaryong Partidong Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/ Alex Boncayao Brigade-Tabara Paduano Group (RPM-P/RPA/ABB-TPG), also known as Kapatiran in Western Visayas, is also another milestone of the government in pursuit to peace process, he added.

“We saw that they’ve been waiting for almost 19 years in order to implement those signed agreements in 2000,” he said.

Galvez said President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has immediately instructed the then Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) to close the 19-year old peace agreement with the Kapatiran.

“We came last two weeks ago in the area and we saw there’s a complete turnaround. We saw the competence of the Kapatiran that they are really taken care of by the government,” he said.

One of the major milestones of the Duterte administration, he added, is pushing for a whole-of-nation and whole-of-society approach when it comes to addressing peace and security concerns in the country.

“We harmonized the different government agencies, at the same time, our other development partners are really supporting us and assisting us in all of our efforts,” he said.

Galvez is confident the next administration will prioritize the peace process.

“Because we see that, in order to achieve development and prosperity, there should be peace first. I am very confident that our presidential candidates are all knowledgeable and experienced in really pursuing the peace process in our land,” he said.

“I know them all and I am very confident that they will push through—and they will be implementing the good legacy of our administration,” Galvez added.

By virtue of an executive order (EO) 158, signed by President Duterte on Dec. 27, 2021, reorganizing and renaming the OPAPP to OPAPRU.

Galvez earlier said the OPAPRU will further expand its mandate to sustain the Duterte administration’s legacy in pushing a comprehensive peace process in the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1170813

NOLCOM: Philippine Army, U.S. Army Pacific conclude Salaknib Exercise 2022

Posted to the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Facebook Page (Mar 26, 2022): Philippine Army, U.S. Army Pacific conclude Salaknib Exercise 2022

Philippine Army

Philippine Army, U.S. Army Pacific conclude Salaknib Exercise 2022

The Philippine Army and the U.S. Army Pacific concluded the 20-day Salaknib Exercise 2022 at the 1st Brigade Combat Team headquarters, Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija on March 24, 2022.

 
Salaknib—which means “shield” in Ilocano—is an annual combined exercise aimed at enhancing the Philippine Army and U.S. Army Pacific’s capacity and interoperability across the spectrum of military operations, while also strengthening alliance between the two nations.

 
“Over the years, the Philippine Army and the U.S. Army Pacific have remained united through the long-standing bilateral relations in pursuit of the common goal of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region,” Commanding General, Philippine Army (CGPA) Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner, Jr., who served as the event’s guest of honor and speaker, said.

Around 2,200 Philippine Army and U.S. Army Pacific soldiers trained side-by-side in this year’s edition of Salaknib, consisting of multiple field training and battalion-level staff exercises, combined live fire exercises, subject matter expert exchanges, medical training, and the first-validated U.S. Jungle Operations Training Course in the Philippines.

 
The two armies also shared best practices on functional areas such as fire support, communications, engineering, counter improvised explosive devices, and military intelligence that enabled troops to develop interoperability. Simulated war-fighting scenarios meanwhile enhanced both armies' defense readiness.

Philippine Army troops from 1BCT, Training and Doctrine Command, Army Support Command, 51st Engineering Brigade, Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Army Artillery Regiment, Army Aviation Regiment, Armor Division, Light Reaction Regiment, Special Forces Regiment (Airborne), and First Scout Ranger Regiment took part in this year's edition of Salaknib.  Photo: Sgt Cesar Lopez Philippine Army/ OACPA

#KapayapaanParaSaLahat
#ServingthePeopleSecuringtheLand
#PhilippineArmy
#ParaSaBayan

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=280354030954170&set=pcb.280356407620599

https://www.facebook.com/NOLCOM/

NOLCOM: NPA terrorist killed, firearms seized by AFP in Surigao Sur

Posted to the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Facebook Page (Mar 26, 2022): NPA terrorist killed, firearms seized by AFP in Surigao Sur

Armed Forces of the Philippines

NPA terrorist killed, firearms seized by AFP in Surigao Sur

A member of the communist terrorist New People's Army (NPA) was killed in Marihatag, Surigao del Sur, after a fierce firefight with soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday, March 21.

 
The killed NPA member was among the more or less 20 communist terrorists encountered by troops of the 75th Infantry Battalion in an uninhabited area of Sitio Montenegren, Brgy San Isidro in Marihatag.
Government forces tracked down the armed group based on information from concerned citizens. This subsequently resulted in an armed encounter that lasted for about ten minutes.

 
"We are thankful for the populace's support for their courage in reporting the presence of the NPAs in the area. Rest assured that we will not allow these terrorists to continue their nefarious activities that disrupt the peaceful lives of our people," said Colonel Rommel Almaria, 401st Brigade Commander.
The NPAs fled after the firefight leaving behind their dead comrade, who is still for identification. The soldiers also seized six high-powered firearms, including M16 rifles, AK 47 rifles, M653 rifle, and M203 grenade launcher.

 
They also confiscated other war materiel such as improvised explosive device paraphernalia and documents with high intelligence value.

 
"The AFP calls on the communist terrorist group to stop further bloodshed, surrender peacefully, and let the government help them become productive members of society. Through this, we can achieve genuine peace and development for our country," said Colonel Jorry L Baclor, AFP Public Affairs Chief./// (Photos from 401st Infantry Brigade)

#AFPyoucanTRUST

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=328506599311757&set=pcb.328506639311753

https://www.facebook.com/NOLCOM/

NOLCOM: Balikatan-Camaraderie, Alliance, Interoperability

Posted to the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Facebook Page (Mar 26, 2022): Balikatan: Camaraderie, Alliance, Interoperability

Armed Forces of the Philippines

A day before PH-US Exercise Balikatan 2022

LOOK I Philippine and United States Marines spend light moments after participating in the live-fire exercise during the Exercise Balikatan at Colonel Ernesto Ravina Air Base in Capas, Tarlac, on April 2, 2019.

The 37th iteration of PH-US Exercise Balikatan will officially open tomorrow, March 28, at the AFP's general headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

 
Balikatan, is a Filipino word that means working together shoulder to shoulder to achieve a common goal. At the personal level, it also gives the soldiers of two militaries a chance to learn the culture and tradition of each other and build camaraderie and friendship that will last even after the exercise.

#balikatan2022
#AFPyoucanTRUST
#ArmedForcesOfThePhilippines

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=330911112404639&set=a.219815940180824

https://www.facebook.com/NOLCOM/