WESTMINCOM: IN PHOTOS || UNHCR Officials visit JTF Sulu

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Jun 3, 2022): IN PHOTOS || UNHCR Officials visit JTF Sulu

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Focal Person Meriam Faith Palma visited the Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu to pay a courtesy visit on Maj. Gen. Ignatius N Patrimonio, Commander of the JTF Sulu and 11th Infantry "Alakdan" Division, at its headquarters in Camp Teodulfo Bautista, Jolo, Sulu on June 01, 2022 to personally collaborate of any assistance the UNHCR agency can provide in support to JTF Sulu's peace and development campaign.

 
During the meeting, Ms. Palma apprised Maj. Gen. Patrimonio of the current programs and efforts of the UNHCR in the province of Sulu such as providing assistance in the birth registration of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), support for the digitization of birth certificates, advocacy of civil registration, among others.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is a foreign agency mandated to aid and protect refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people, and to assist in their voluntary repatriation, local integration or resettlement in a third-world country. Also, UNHCR supports the Philippines in ensuring that national status determination procedures remain accessible to persons of concern.

 
It can be recalled that the UNHCR is one of the partner stakeholders of the province of Sulu and the security sector in the Balik-Barangay Program wherein IDPs where assisted on their return to their communities As of this reporting period, eleven (11) barangays with a total of 2,001 househilds were relocated back after being displaced for over 20 years due to Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) terrorism.
During the visit, Ms. Palma was accompanied by UNHCR Field Associate Mr. Rasul Kulat and UNHCR Security Officer Mr. Nasier Dizon.

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PNP looking into lapses in security measures, intel gathering

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Jun 2, 2022): PNP looking into lapses in security measures, intel gathering

THE PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) is looking into possible lapses in the security measures in the wake of four bomb attacks in Mindanao, as police commanders are warned against sloppy work in protecting their areas of responsibility (AORs).

PNP director for operations Maj. Gen. Valeriano de Leon said the Regional Director of the Police Regional Office 9 is doing an assessment if there were lapses in the intelligence-gathering and security measures in Isabela City in Basilan where two people were injured in Monday’s twin explosions.

"We cannot sacrifice that every day we suffer bombs in your respective areas o baka meron mas magaling na kailangan humalili doon sa mga commanders (or there are better ones who can replace the commanders),” de Leon said in a media statement Thursday.

De Leon said PNP officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. has ordered police regional directors to continuously investigate the blasts to find out if there were lapses in the intelligence units and personnel.

After the two bus bombings in Tacurong City and Koronadal City last week, de Leon issued a memorandum to all regional directors and unit Commanders to intensify the security measures in their areas to prevent a repeat of the incident.

Three days later, two separate explosions occurred near a fast food restaurant and near the garage of a bus terminal in Isabela City.

A Special Investigation Task Group was created to look into the motive and the perpetrators of the bombings.

He also appealed to the public, especially those in Mindanao, to be vigilant.

“Huwag po kayong mangamba because the PNP and the AFP are on top of the situation. Let us remain vigilant. Kapag merong mga unattended baggage, huwag po kayong mag-panic. Kayo ay mag-report sa police station kung may nalaman po kayong impormasyon (Don't worry because the PNP and the AFP are on top of the situation. Let us remain vigilant. If you have unattended baggage, don't panic. You should report to the police station if you find any information),” de Leon said.

Following the bombings, all PNP units are placed under the highest security alert status.

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2022/06/pnp-looking-into-lapses-in-security.html

PH Army boosts cyber defense with USARPAC aid

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Jun 2, 2022): PH Army boosts cyber defense with USARPAC aid

THE PHILIPPINE Army (PA) is beefing up its cybersecurity and defensive capabilities in a five-day Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) with its counterpart at the US Army in the Pacific (USARPAC).

Army spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said Wednesday the focus areas in the five-day SMEE cyberoperations in the coalition environment, defensive cyberoperations doctrine, cyberdefense tools, and active defense operations doctrine, among others.

"The cybersecurity SMEE will be conducted through lectures, demonstration of various cybertools, as well as hands-on practical exercises," he said.

Trinidad said the event is now ongoing at the PA Officers' Club House in Fort Bonifacio from May 31 to June 4. It is geared at developing PA’s cyber capabilities and competencies in conducting "defensive cyber operations and active defense operations."

He said this SMEE is part of the agreed-to-actions in the five-year engagement plan of both armies.

"Subject matter experts from both armies will conduct the activity through lectures, demonstration of various cybertools, and hands-on practical exercises. A total of 60 PA cyber workforce and two personnel from the Communications, Electronics and Information Systems Service, Armed Forces of the Philippines as well as five USARPAC personnel will take part in the scheduled SMEEs," he added.

Meanwhile, PA chief Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. said the bilateral activity will help fortify the Army’s cyber defense capabilities through the development of competencies and skills of the Army’s cyber workforce.

He said developing a credible and responsive defense posture that could effectively fast-evolving threats now "entails the continuous enhancement of PA’s cyber-related capabilities."

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2022/06/ph-army-boosts-cyber-defense-with.html

Army kills bomber, captures another terrorist in South

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jun 2, 2022): Army kills bomber, captures another terrorist in South

The Philippine military said it has killed a suspected bomber and captured another member of the pro-ISIS group Dawlah Islamiya following a massive operation in the South involving three army battalions, including a counter-terrorism unit, and police forces.

Photos released by the 6th Infantry Division show the body (which was blurred by the army) of suspected bomber Monir Lintukan beside an improvised explosive and the captured terrorist Randy Saro, including weapons seized from them.

Army officials said security forces clashed with a group of heavily armed terrorists in the village of Dunguan in North Cotabato’s M’lang town and killed Monir Lintukan and captured Randy Saro. Troops were sent to track down those behind the recent bombings of provincial buses in the restive region of Mindanao when they caught up Tuesday with the members of the Dawlah Islamiya, the local counterpart of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria or also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

Lt. Col. Rommel Mundala, commander of 90th Infantry Battalion; and Col. Jovencio Gonzales, commander of the 602nd Infantry Brigade, confirmed the killing of Lintukan and the capture of Saro.

“Operating troops from 90th and 34th Infantry Battalions, the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion, and 4th Joint Special Operations Unit together with the elements of Police Regional Office 12 were conducting focused military and joint law enforcement operations when our forces chanced upon heavily armed men believed to be members of DI-Maguindanao Group led by Almoben Camen Sebod, who is directly involved in extortion activities together with Omal Kamsa, a member of BIFF-Karialan Faction that resulted to a firefight that lasted half an hour,” Gonzales said.

He said the militants broke into smaller groups and escaped the fighting. “The group is suspected to be the perpetrators of the bombing incident in Parang town in Maguindanao; M’lang and Aleosan which are both in North Cotabato, and the recent twin bombing incidents in Koronadal City and Tacurong City. Due to our intensified intelligence gathering, we immediately tracked down those suspects and launched manhunt operations against them,” Gonzales said.

He said security forces recovered one M16 automatic rifle, one long magazine of M16 with 41 rounds of ammunition and a bandolier, and one improvised explosive.

Brig. Gen. Eduardo Gubat, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, said the killing of Lintukan was a big loss to the terrorist group. “Your army along with other government forces will continue to pursue those suspects responsible for the bombings here in our area. The Joint Task Force - Central and the 6th Infantry Division will sustain the military operations until the remnants of the terrorist groups operating in Central Mindanao are neutralized,” he said.

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2022/06/army-kills-bomber-captures-another.html

CP/CIO: Gen. Danao’s statements undermine people’s democratic rights

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (May 31, 2022): Gen. Danao’s statements undermine people’s democratic rights

Marco Valbuena

Chief Information Officer

Communist Party of the Philippines

May 31, 2022

The acting chief of the Philippine National Police must be firmly pushed back for directly undermining the Filipino people’s democratic rights when he denounced groups that criticize government as “destabilizers” and called on people and the youth not to join street demonstrations.

In the first place, what is the police chief doing making political declarations and setting state policy when he is merely supposed to carry out orders. He has a big mouth spewing dirty fascist words.

The police general is clearly ingratiating himself to the incoming regime by proving that he is a Marcosian zealot who will do everything to stop people from raising their voices against the Marcoses’ past crimes of plunder, corruption and human rights abuses. In the past few weeks, at least three demonstrations–at the Comelec, at the US embassy and outside the Commission on Human Rights– have been forcefully dispersed by police on orders of Gen. Danao, invoking the Marcos-era Batas Pambansa 880.

His statements and clear orders for the police to suppress any form of mass actions are anti-democratic and high-handed. He is imposing martial law restrictions even without martial law being declared.

General Danao, however, is bound to fail in his drive to completely suppress mass actions. The more that he threatens people and employs force to stop them from joining demonstrations, the more that the people become determined to show their collective indignation against the incoming Marcos regime II.

It is certain that the Filipino people will not allow themselves to be silenced and cowed in the face of the return of the Marcoses to power. They will surely rise and stand firm against the Marcoses’ plan to use the powers of government to completely frustrate the people’s aspirations to correct the gross injustices and abuses under Marcos’ martial law rule.

https://cpp.ph/statements/gen-danaos-statements-undermine-peoples-democratic-rights/

CPP/IB: Abuses to heighten with Lorenzana’s advise for Marcos to focus on counterinsurgency

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (May 30, 2022): Abuses to heighten with Lorenzana’s advise for Marcos to focus on counterinsurgency

Information Bureau

Communist Party of the Philippines

May 30, 2022

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) today rebuked Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana’s “advise” to Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to continue focusing on the government’s counterinsurgency plan which certainly will heighten human rights abuses against civilians in the course of the pacification campaign of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

CPP Chief Information Officer Marco Valbuena said Lorenzana “wants Marcos to continue his failed counterinsurgency plan in order to ensure expanded powers for the military and police and continue the campaign of state terror in order to suppress the people’s demands for national freedom and genuine democracy.”

“Lorenzana also wants the Marcos government to pour billions upon billions of pesos to the so-called modernization program of the AFP which serves as milking cow of military generals,” Valbuena said.

Valbuena pointed out that this renewed target will surely fail as what happened under the Duterte regime. “This only intends to once again keep the counterinsurgency war as the center policy of the incoming illegitimate regime to source out funds for corruption and silence legal democratic dissent,” he said.

He also pointed out that Lorenzana’s advise “is clearly an admission of failure of the Duterte regime in its declared objective of crushing, later downgraded to weakening the Party and the New People’s Army (NPA) before the end of its 6-year term.”

Valbuena also pointed out that this declared objective has been adjusted several times under Duterte when military generals annually declared they will end the NPA by the year’s end.

Valbuena pointed out that the NPA remains a solid defense of the Filipino people after years of brutal attacks against civilians and relentless focused military operations against NPA units. “The number of NPA fighters continue to multiply, its territories continue to expand to new and old areas, even as they enjoy a mass base of millions of people, which provide support for their army.

He scoffed at the military’s claims that the NPA has only 300 active fighters left.

https://cpp.ph/statements/abuses-to-heighten-with-lorenzanas-advise-for-marcos-to-focus-on-counterinsurgency/

Kalinaw News: Daulah Islamiyah Maguindanao member killed, another apprehended in Cotabato clash

From Kalinaw News (Jun 2, 2022): Daulah Islamiyah Maguindanao member killed, another apprehended in Cotabato clash



Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – June 02, 2022

A member of the Daulah Islamiyah Maguindanao Group was killed while another was apprehended following an encounter at Purok 7, Barangay Dunguan, M’lang, Cotabato early morning Wednesday, June 1, 2022.

Based on the report, joint operating forces of the 602nd Infantry Brigade and Police Regional Office 12 conducted a law enforcement support operation targeting the suspected perpetrators of the recent bombing incidents in Parang, Maguindanao; Koronadal City, South Cotabato, and; Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat. The operation resulted in an encounter with an undetermined number of DI Maguindanao Group members led by Almoben Camen Sebod, a.k.a. Polok, a full-time member of the group who is directly involved in extortion and scam activities.

After the firefight, troops conducted clearing operation and recovered one enemy cadaver and assorted war materials including one 5.56mm M16 rifle, one long magazine of M16 with 41 rounds cartridge of cal. 5.56mm ball, one bandolier, and one improvised explosive device. Authorities identified the slain enemy as Monir Lintukan and the apprehended as Randy Karon, a.k.a. Bong, both members of the DI Maguindanao Group.

“Team WestMinCom and our partners from the police and other security forces are always on the job. We are maximizing our joint efforts to eliminate the menaces of society,” Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Commander of Western Mindanao Commands, said.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/daulah-islamiyah-maguindanao-member-killed-another-apprehended-in-cotabato-clash/

Kalinaw News: 5 more communist terrorists yield in Sultan Kudarat

From Kalinaw News (Jun 2, 2022): 5 more communist terrorists yield in Sultan Kudarat

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – June 01, 2022

Five more communist terrorist group (CTG) members under the Sub-Regional Committee Daguma (SRC-Daguma), West Daguma Front, Far South Mindanao Region (FSMR) decided to return to the folds of the law at Sitio Tinagdanan, Hinalaan, Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat on Sunday, May 29, 2022.

Three former rebels belonging to the Dulangan Manobo tribe submitted themselves to the troops of the 37th Infantry Battalion at 9:00 a.m. Another two yielded at noon of the same day. They surrendered three days after their tribal leaders withdrew support for the terror group.

Surrendered personalities, together with five Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad (SPL) members, were subsequently presented to Joint Task Force Central Acting Commander, Brig. Gen. Eduardo Gubat at Headquarters, 6th Infantry Division, Camp Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

Based on the report from the ground, the strengthened Community Support Program (CSP) of the 37IB troops and the continued support of local officials through the local peace engagement in the area convinced the former rebels to come out.

Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command said the snowball of CTG surrenders is an indication of the continuous dwindling of the communist terrorist group in Central Mindanao.

During the first five months of 2022, a total of 82 NPA rebels surrendered to the military units under the Joint Task Force Central.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/5-more-communist-terrorists-yield-in-sultan-kudarat/

Kalinaw News: Former Rebels receive aid under ECLIP

From Kalinaw News (Jun 2, 2022): Former Rebels receive aid under ECLIP



CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela- 69 former rebels received financial assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) at Amphitheater, Isabela Provincial Capitol, Ilagan City, Isabela on June 01, 2022.

The Department of Interior and Local Government-Isabela together with Isabela Governor Rodito Albano III, PNP, and the Philippine Army awarded the cheque amounting to P15,000 while others who have surrendered high-powered firearms received more or less P500,000 under the firearm remuneration program.

“Mula nang magbalik-loob ako sa pamahalaan naging maginhawa na ang aking pamumuhay kasama ang aking pamilya. Napakalaki na rin ng naitulong ng ating gobyerno sa akin. Itong natanggap kong tulong pinansyal ngayong araw ay magagamit ko para lalo ko pang mapabuti ang aming kabuhayan. Sobrang laki ng aking pasasalamat sa pamahalaan,” alias Jed said in an interview.

The said former rebels returned to the folds of the law from 2019 to 2021. They came from the towns of Isabela such as Benito Soliven, Cauayan City, Ilagan City, Jones, and San Mariano.

“Ang pagbibigay ng tulong pinansyal sa ating mga former rebels ay patunay lamang na hindi rebolusyon laban sa pamahalaan ang sagot sa mga hinaing ng ating mga kababayan. Kundi ang pakikiisa at pakikipagtulungan sa gobyerno na makamit ang inklusibong pag-unlad at pangkapayaan lalo na sa mga liblib na lugar. Maging bukas sana ang mga mata ng mga natitira pang mga miyembro ng teroristang grupo na walang saysay ang ideolohiyang kanilang ipinaglalaban,” BGen Danilo Benavides, Brigade Commander of 502nd Infantry Brigade said as he again expressed his gratitude to the former rebels for abandoning the terrorist group and supporting the government in the fight against insurgency.

Meanwhile, MGen Laurence E Mina, Commander of 5th Infantry Division said that the awarding of E-CLIP is through the successful implementation of Whole-of-Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. “Ang pagtutulungan ng bawat sektor ng pamahalaan maging ng ating mga kababayan ay katunayan ng ating tagumpay sa ating laban kontra insurhensiya. Kung kaya, sa mga natitira pang miyembro ng Communist Terrorist Group, ito na ang inyong pagkakataon na magbalik-loob sa ating pamahalaan upang makapagbagong buhay kasama ang inyong pamilya.”

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/former-rebels-receive-aid-under-eclip/

Kalinaw News: Army’s 3rd Mechanized Battalion unearths war materiel in Tarlac; 5 firearms recovered

From Kalinaw News (Jun 1, 2022): Army’s 3rd Mechanized Battalion unearths war materiel in Tarlac; 5 firearms recovered



FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – Following the intensive Focused Military Operations of the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion, Armor Division, Philippine Army under the operational control of the 7th Infantry (KAUGNAY) Division, unearthed 5 firearms belonging to the weakened Komiteng Larangang Guerrilla Tarlac-Zambales (KLG-TARZAM) on May 30, 2022 at the vicinity of Sitio Tala, Brgy. Burgos, San Jose, Tarlac.

According to MGEN ANDREW D COSTELO PA, Commander of 7ID, the recovery of Communist Terrorist Group’s arms cache was the result of the strong cooperation and support of the community in Tarlac to the peace and security efforts of the Army as they are eager to help the government in ending the local communist armed conflict in their province.

Among the war materiel recovered by the authorities were one Galil; two M16 rifles; one M203 Grenade Launcher; one shotgun; one long magazine for Galil; four short magazines for M16 rifle; 71 pieces of 5.56mm ammunition; and 18 pieces of 40mm grenade launcher ammunition.

“We attribute this accomplishment to the community who are always on our back to support our campaign to end the local communist armed conflict. Maraming taga Barangay ang galit na galit sa pananakot at pangingikil ng teroristang grupo kaya naman sila na mismo ang nagsusumbong sa awtoridad nang kanilang kinaroroonan. Patuloy ang aming panawagan na makipagtulungan ang kumonidad sa awtoridad upang sabay nating masugpo ang kanilang masasamang gawain,” said MGEN COSTELO.

It can be recalled that since this 1st Quarter of this year, the 7ID through its line units conducted Focused Military Operations in the areas of Tarlac, Zambales and Pangasinan to dismantle the said terrorist group which forced them to abandon their traditional hideouts, reorganize into smaller groups and hide their equipment to evade the government forces.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Jeszer M Bautista, the Commanding Officer of the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion said, “Ang ating pagtuklas sa kinaroroonan ng mga armas na ito ay nagpapatunay lamang na ang ating mga kababayan ay naghahangad na protektahan ang kanilang komunidad laban sa mga terorista sa pamamagitan ng pagrereport sa ating mga kasundaluhan ng kinaroroonan ng mga terorista maging ang kanilang mga kagamitan. Nagpapatunay lamang ito na wala nang sumusuporta at malapit na nating magapi ang mga terorista.”

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/armys-3rd-mechanized-battalion-unearths-war-materiel-in-tarlac-5-firearms-recovered/

Kalinaw News: CNT in the Barrio surrender with firearms, ammunition in Pampanga

From Kalinaw News (Jun 1, 2022): CNT in the Barrio surrender with firearms, ammunition in Pampanga

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – The Commander of the 7th Infantry (KAUGNAY) Division, Philippine Army, MGEN ANDREW D COSTELO PA welcomed the surrender of one CPP-NPA terrorist (CNT) in the Barrio belonging to the weakened Komiteng Larangang Guerilla West-South Party Committee (SPC) in Brgy. Ebus, Guagua, Pampanga on June 01, 2022.

MGEN COSTELO PA identified the CNT in the Barrio personality as Fernando Aquino who surrendered with one M653 rifle; two magazines (30 rounds); two magazines (20 rounds); and 93 rounds of ammunition to the troops of the 703rd Infantry (AGILA) Brigade.

“The surrender was the result of the intensified information campaign of the government through the ‘Whole-of-Nation’ Approach to convince the remaining supporters of the CTG to yield and start their life anew outside terrorist organization. Wala silang mapapala sa pagsuporta at pagsali sa teroristang grupo kundi ang kamatayan at pagkasira ng kanilang kinabukasan. Kaya naman patuloy ang aming panawagan na sila ay sumuko na at ang ating gobyerno ay may programang nakalaan para sa kanila,” said MGEN COSTELO.

Meanwhile, the Commander of the 703rd Infantry (AGILA) Brigade, Philippine Army COLONEL JOSEPH NORWIN D PASAMONTE lauded the decision of Aquino to surrender and for him to have a better life with the help of the government through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/cnt-in-the-barrio-surrender-with-firearms-ammunition-in-pampanga/

Kalinaw News: 13 Former Rebels receive more than 700K worth of Financial Assistance in Mountain Province

From Kalinaw News (Jun 1, 2022): 13 Former Rebels receive more than 700K worth of Financial Assistance in Mountain Province



Fort Magsaysay, NE- The 69th Infantry (Cougar) Battalion, 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, Philippine Army under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Marcelo F. Valdez, Commanding Officer, and key Stakeholders facilitated the awarding of Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) to the thirteen Former Rebels (FRs) on May 31, 2022 held at Chico Breeze, Poblacion, Bontoc, Mountain Province.

Each beneficiary received cash assistance amounting to Php 15,000- 149,000 for them to use as start-up in returning to the folds of the law and living a normal life away from armed conflict.

“We are happy to see the developments in our campaign to end the local communist armed conflict. We believe that with every concerned government agency performing their respective mandate and contribution in the anti-insurgency campaign will lead to end the local communist armed conflict. We assure everyone that the Philippine Army will always be your partner in our quest for lasting peace in the country”, said LTC VALDEZ in his message.

The Provincial Social Welfare Development Office (PSWDO) led by Miguela Angwani and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) headed by Mr Anthony Manolo I. Ballug, Provincial Director together with Honorable Bonifacio C. Lacwasan Jr, Governor of Mountain Province and Lt. Col. Valdez facilitated the awarding.

The effort of the different local government units and national government agencies is just part of the Whole of the Nation Approach to end the local communist armed conflict as stated in the Executive Order No. 70.

Meanwhile, Major General Andrew D. Costelo, Commander, 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division reminded the FRs, “Hinihikayat ko kayo na gamitin ninyo sa tamang paraan ang natanggap na tulong mula sa gobyerno. Gawin ninyong panimula ito sa pagbabagong buhay hindi lamang para sa inyong sarili kundi para narin sa inyong mga pamilya. At asahan niyo na handa ang pamahalaan upang tulungan ang mga katulad ninyo na nais magbalik loob sa ating gobyerno.”

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/13-former-rebels-receive-more-than-700k-worth-of-financial-assistance-in-mountain-province/

Kalinaw News: JTF Sulu holds Joint Training Exercise

From Kalinaw News (Jun 1, 2022): JTF Sulu holds Joint Training Exercise



Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista, Jolo, Sulu – June 01, 2022

The Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu with its Philippine Army (PA), Philippine Air Forces (PAF), and Philippine Navy (PN) components conducted a Joint Training Exercise (JTX) dubbed as “Lupah Sug 03-2022” on the island municipality of Siasi, Sulu on May 29, 2022.

According to Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, Commander of the 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division and JTF Sulu, said, “the JTX enhances teamwork. Through JTX, we were able to hone our basic core competency of warfighting and it strengthened our camaraderie as we perform our respective duties and responsibilities.”

“More than 500 troops from the Army, Navy and Air Force participated in the JTX utilizing the modern air, naval, and ground assets of the AFP. We were able to improve the interoperability of our units, and we were able to enhance our systems and processes in responding to different battlefield scenarios,” added Maj. Gen. Patrimonio.

JTF Sulu Training and Education Officer Col. Gerald Monfort narrated, “the JTX this year have some innovations wherein we included a Civic and Humanitarian Action (CHA) activity to provide basic services to the local populace such as free medical check-up, free circumcision, haircut, and medicines, and a total of 130 residents benefited from the program.”

Meanwhile, during the closing ceremony, Municipality of Siasi Mayor Ben-Sayeed Muksan extended his gratitude to the JTF Sulu for choosing the Siasi municipality as the site for the JTX. Mayor Muksan also thanked the military of their efforts in making Sulu a peaceful province.

“Kami po ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa ating mga kasundaluhan sa inyong walang sawang suporta at pagpapanatili ng kaligtasan at kapayapaan ditto sa aming probinsya.” Hon. Muksan said

“Sa aking mga kababayan, wala kayong dapat ikabahala sapagkat ang ating probinsiya ay masasabi kong ligtas at mapayapa. Sa mga nais mamasyal, maayos, at mapayapa na po ang aming probinsya at bukod sa mababait ang mga tao, marami din pong mga pasyalan ditto,” Hon. Muksan added.

The event was graced by Col. Christopher Tampus, Chief of Joint Staff, JTF Sulu; Naval Task Group Sulu (NTGS) and 4th Marine Brigade (4MBde) led by Lt. Cmdr. Jay Mendoza; Col. Leomar Jose Doctolero, Commandant, Division Training School; Col Gregorio Nieveras, Division Inspector General; Lt. Col. Michael Maquillan, Commanding Officer, 101st Infantry Battalion; Lt. Col. Vincent Michael Mallari, Group Commander, Tactical Operations Group Sulu Tawi-Tawi (TOG SULTAW) and other senior officers.

Maj. Gen. Patrimonio extended his gratitude to the troops and partner stakeholders who actively participated saying, “We are all part of the team with one vision of bringing lasting peace and sustainable development in the province of Sulu. The JTX does not only hone our warfighting capabilities, but also a medium to make our bond stronger, work with each other with trust, and perform our individual duties and responsibilities with a high degree of confidence,” Maj. Gen. Patrimonio concluded.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/jtf-sulu-holds-joint-training-exercise/

Kalinaw News: Evangeline Rapanut aka Chat/Ines falls into authority’s hands

From Kalinaw News (May 31, 2022): Evangeline Rapanut aka Chat/Ines falls into authority’s hands



CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela- After years of sowing fear and terror, high ranking Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) member Evangeline Rapanut also known as Chat/Ines was arrested by combined forces of the AFP and PNP in Greenwood Heights Subdivision, Brgy Paliparan 1, Dasmariñas City, Cavite today, May 31, 2022. Rapanut was served with Warrants of Arrest for the crimes of Murder and Frustrated Murder she and her cohorts committed in Cagayan Valley region.

Evangeline RAPANUT @Chat/Ines was the former Secretary of Komiteng Rehiyon- Cagayan Valley (KR-CV), and a current CPP Central Committee member; 2nd Deputy Secretar

y for Organization and Deputy Secretary, National Education Department (NED) of the CPP-NPA-NDF. Rapanut has been in the underground movement since the 1970s until she became a full-time NPA member in the mid-1970s. Randy Belen TAMAYO @Deng, communication staff of the National Education Department of the CPP-NPA-NDF was also arrested during the conduct of the said law enforcement operation.

Assorted war materials were recovered during the operation to wit: one (1) M16 Blackwater Bushmaster assault rifle with SN L925100, one (1) magazine assembly with 18 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, one (1) 9mm Armscor pistol with SN 1013624, one (1) magazine assembly for 9mm with 6 rounds ammunition, one (1) hand grenade, four (4) detonating cords, one (1) blasting cap, one (1) Kingston USB flash drive with 8Gb memory, and several cellular phones and electronic devices.

Rapanut is responsible for mass orientations to radicalize especially the youth, students, and vulnerable sectors such as indigenous people, trade unions, urban poor, and farmers purposely to recruit additional political and military cadres in support of the recovery of Komiteng Probinsya (KOMPROB) Batangas under Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee (STRPC) and expansion into parts of Cavite and Central Quezon as the center of manufacturing and industrial establishments in Southern Tagalog.

MGen Laurence E Mina congratulated the combined government forces on the successful neutralization of high-ranking CPP members. “The apprehension of Evangeline Rapanut and Randy Tamayo will lead to the exposure of the CTG’s nationwide extortion operations, infiltration into the different sectors of society, the conduct of terroristic activities, and their international and local political works, particularly their use of front organizations. Their arrest will further weaken the CTG which is now on the verge of collapse due to the successive government operations that resulted in the neutralization and apprehension of its Party leadership.”

MGen Mina further stressed that the arrest of Rapanut and Tamayo could not have been made possible without the professionalism and competence of the government forces involved, and the strong support of the people.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/evangeline-rapanut-aka-chat-ines-falls-into-authoritys-hands/

Kalinaw News: Military discover terrorists’ arms cache in San Jose, Tarlac

From Kalinaw News (May 31, 2022): Military discover terrorists’ arms cache in San Jose, Tarlac



Camp Aquino, Tarlac City – May 31, 2022

Government forces of the 3rd Mechanized Battalion under the operational control of the Joint Task Force Kaugnay discovered an arms cache of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) around six o’clock in the morning of May 30, 2022, at Sitio Tala, Brgy Burgos, San Jose, Tarlac.

In a statement, Lt. Gen. Ernesto Torres Jr., Commander of the Northern Luzon Command, revealed that “the troops in the area received an anonymous tip from a concerned citizen regarding the whereabouts of the arms cache allegedly owned by the dwindling terrorist group Komiteng Larangan Guerilla Tarlac – Zambales (KLG TARZAM).”

Commanding Officer of 3rd Mechanized Battalion Lt. Col. Jeszer Bautista further revealed that among the recovered items are the following: one (1) Galil rifle; two (2) M16 Rifles; one (1) M203 grenade launcher; one (1) Shotgun; one (1) long magazine for Galil; four (4) Short Magazines for M16 rifle; seventy-one (71) pcs of 5.56mm ammunition; and eighteen (18) pcs of 40x46mm grenade launcher ammunition.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Andrew Costelo, Commander of Joint Task Force Kaugnay lauded the troops’ consecutive accomplishments in their area of operations and at the same time hailed the continuous success of their mission to the “active participation of the people which is vital in sustaining and ensuring the peace in the area.”

Moreso, Lt. Gen. Torres said that “the continuous discovery of CTG’s arms cache is a way to deplete them of their resources which prevents them from performing hostile attacks in the north and central Luzon.”

“Our series of operations against these terrorists will continue to intensify as we aim to further constrict the CTGs of their operating spaces, limit their movement, and disable them from their ability to recruit and deceive our countrymen,” the NoLCom Commander added.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/military-discover-terrorists-arms-cache-in-san-jose-tarlac/