NegOr halfway house for former rebels more than 60% complete

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 12, 2022): NegOr halfway house for former rebels more than 60% complete (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

HALFWAY HOUSE. The ongoing construction of a halfway house for former rebels of the CPP-NPA is more than 60 percent complete. The PHP5-million facility funded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, is situated at the 302nd Infantry Brigade headquarters in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental. (Photo courtesy of the 302 Brigade Facebook)

A halfway house for former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines- New Philippines (CPP-NPA) in Negros Oriental is more than 60 percent complete and is targeted for completion in November this year.

Farah Gentuya, provincial director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), told the Philippine News Agency on Friday that the construction of the halfway house is funded by their agency amounting to PHP5 million.

“The funding is just for the one-level house itself, excluding furnishings and its fixtures, while the lot is from the Philippine Army’s 302nd Infantry Brigade at its headquarters in Camp Leon Kilat in Tanjay City,” she said.

Governor Pryde Henry Teves has asked them to submit a proposal as to how he can help provide the other requirements of the halfway house, she added.

Previously, another PHP5 million from the Peace and Order Council’s Peace and Order Safety Plan was allocated for the facility’s operations, although Gentuya said she has to verify whether the funding was not realigned.

The halfway house is intended to provide temporary shelter for former rebels (FRs) who are undergoing evaluation and other processes for enrollment to the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) or immersion in a locality where they will be staying, Gentuya said.

“The Philippine Army will provide security and other pre-identification requirements for E-CLIP while the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office will be in charge of the aftercare as stated in the memorandum of agreement,” she noted.

Teves recently said in a meeting with members of the Negros Oriental Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC) to prioritize housing for FRs.

He asked the Provincial Agriculture Office and the Department of Agrarian Reform in the province to check on available lands that can be developed for housing projects and farm lots for the former NPA members.

“I told them to submit a report in September as there will be another round of realignment of funds and supplementals in October so that this will be given funding,” he said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency.

While the halfway house is just a holding area, the governor wants a more permanent housing arrangement for the FRs, Gentuya said.

Brig. Gen. Leonard Peña, the 302 brigade commander, in a separate interview, said they fully support the move of the governor to prioritize housing for former rebels “to show that what is being done by the national government is replicated at the lower level”.

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 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/1181234

WESCOM receives equipment from China

 From Palawan News (Aug 13, 2022): WESCOM receives equipment from China (By Gerald Ticke)

Western Command chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos welcomes the equipments donated by China (WESCOM photo)

Western Command (WESCOM) received equipment from the People’s Republic of China today in order to strengthen its capabilities.

The equipment, which was given by China as part of its Military Assistance Gratis Program to the Philippines, included a fire truck and a minibus. The equipment arrived in Puerto Princesa City aboard BRP BACOLOD CITY (LS550).

The Chinese military’s gratis assistance to the Philippines has a total amount of 130 million yuan (P1.04 billion).

“These are parts of China’s support to capacitate the Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines in their humanitarian and disaster response efforts. The bulk of these is earmarked to help in the rehabilitation of Marawi,”WESCOM chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos said.

WESCOM said the first batch of equipment and other materials arrived in February this year and was turned over by China’s Ambassador Huang Xilian to former defense secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

“We at WESCOM are fortunate and grateful to the leadership of the Department of National Defense, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the People’s Republic of China for having been allocated these capacity-building equipment and other materials. These will significantly complement our Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response as well as Socio-Economic efforts,” Carlos stated.

https://palawan-news.com/wescom-receives-equipment-from-china/

PH-US armies kicks-off ‘Balance Piston’ bilateral exercise

From Palawan News (Aug 16, 2022): PH-US armies kicks-off ‘Balance Piston’ bilateral exercise (By Aira Genesa Magdayao)

The Special Forces Regiment SFR(A) of the Philippine Army and the US Army Special Forces started their month-long bilateral exercise in Palawan to strengthen the capability of the troops deployed in Palawan.

The Assistant Chief of Staff for Education and Training of the Special Forces Regiment SFR(A), Lt. Col. Paulo Baylon, stated that the bilateral exercise in Rizal town will focus on Long Range, Combat Marksmanship, Close Quarter Combat, Small Unit Tactics, Unconventional Warfare, Maritime Operations, and Full Mission Profile or Culmination Exercise.

“For a whole month, our men will train with the US Special Forces. We’ve moved heaven and earth for this exercise to take place in Palawan. We are certain that this will enable us to exchange tactics, techniques, and procedures to enhance interoperability between US and Filipino Special Forces,” Baylon said.

Baylon said that the training will also make the 18th Special Forces (Riverine) Company, which is an independent elite unit of the Philippine Army, stronger.



He also believed that there would be other upcoming training and exercises with both parties in the future.

“They don’t have a battalion headquarters that will directly support their combat and service support needs. With this training, 18SFC can perform its functions the way it’s designed to be,” Baylon said.

“The 18th Special Forces (Riverine) Company is the participant for this iteration of Balance Piston. With this training that we are about to conduct with our long-standing allies, 18SFway, it’s designed to be a company-sized independent unit that has the ability to gain a decisive advantage over a larger or well-equipped adversary. We may be at peace time, but it’s paramount that we are prepared for pressing security challenges,” SFR(A) commander Col. Ferdinand Napuli also said in a statement.

Balance Piston is a recurring bilateral training between the special operation forces of the two countries which started in early 2000s.

https://palawan-news.com/ph-us-armies-kicks-off-balance-team-bilateral-exercise/

Ex-NPA leader nabbed during police manhunt

From the Mindanao Times (Aug 18, 2022): Ex-NPA leader nabbed during police manhunt (By RHODA GRACE SARON)

Photo courtesy of PRO XI.

A FORMER squad leader of a New People’s Army (NPA) was arrested following a manhunt operation at 3:40 p.m. in Monkayo, Davao de Oro, on Tuesday, August 16.

The Police Regional Office (PRO) XI identified him as Rodel Emba Ogong alias Vladi, 38, a resident of Purok 18, Sitio Lilo, Awao, Monkayo.

Joint operatives of Laak Municipal Police Station, Monkayo police, and the 1101st Regional Mobile Force Battalion arrested Ogong by virtue of a warrant of arrest with Criminal Case Number 253-2017 for Homicide issued by Judge Celestial Aranda – Gonzales of 11th Judicial Region, Regional Trial Court Branch 57 Mabini, Davao de Oro dated April 25, 2018, with no bail bond recommended.

According to the report, the suspect was a former squad leader under Guerilla Front 33 of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee. 

For now, the suspect is under the custody of Laak Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2022/08/18/ex-npa-leader-nabbed-during-police-manhunt/

Rebels terrorize hinterland folk of Toboso, Calatrava

From the Visayan Daily Star (Aug 15, 2022): Rebels terrorize hinterland folk of Toboso, Calatrava (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Another victim of NPA terror campaign, as reported by the Philippine Army, was identified as Renato Estrebello in Sitio Huebesan, Brgy. Marcelo, Calatrava.* PNP photo

The New People’s Army remnants in northern Negros are now engaged in a “killing rampage,” terrorizing the populace in the hinterlands of Toboso and Calatrava, to discourage them from supporting the military, Lt Col. J-Jay Javines, 79th Infantry Battalion commander, said yesterday.

In a span of two weeks, two civilians were killed by suspected NPA rebels in Sitios Kamao and Huebesan, all in Brgy. Marcelo, Calatrava, aside from their involvement in separate killings in the Toboso hinterlands in previous months.

Among those recently killed by rebels were Rodel Nobleza and Renato Estrebello, according to authorities.

Javines said that the group of NPA remnants led by Arnel Tapang, alias Jong, have shifted recovery of their lost territories in the Toboso and Calatrava areas, after failing to do so in the second and third districts of Negros Occidental, following neutralization of their local cadres.

Tapang, a resident of Toboso, still has local cadres in the boundary of Toboso and Calatrava, where they are now mobilizing to regain the support of their former supporters, he added.

Javines said the civilians killed by communist rebels are not military informants.

The primary purpose of rebel atrocities is aimed at “creating an atmosphere of fear” among the populace, noting that when he called for a meeting with residents in those areas, nobody dared to attend out of fear.

Javines said that several ranking leaders of dismantled NPA Northern Negros Front have already been neutralized after being killed in encounters or captured in gun battles.

https://visayandailystar.com/rebels-terrorize-hinterland-folk-of-toboso-calatrava/

NPA camp seized, soldiers recover more guns

From the Visayan Daily Star (Aug 12, 2022): NPA camp seized, soldiers recover more guns (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Army soldiers seized a New People’s Army camp after another encounter ensued yesterday in Sitio Bulasot, Brgy. Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.

Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte, 94th Infantry Battalion commander, disclosed that pursuit operations focused on the fleeing rebels that were encountered on Wednesday by his troops in the same area led to another gun battle.

Almonte said that the encounter yesterday led to the recovery of another M16 assault rifle and two .45 caliber pistols.

The Wednesday gun battle in the same area resulted in the death of an unidentified rebel and the seizure of a rebel camp, recovery of an M16 rifle with four magazines containing ammunition, M14 magazine also with ammunition, three backpacks with personal belongings and assorted subversive documents.

Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, lauded the civilians for their timely information and the relentless and sustained efforts displayed by the 94IB that thwarted rebel terroristic acts in the area.

The rebel encountered by 94IB troopers are believed to be remnants of the Central Negros Front 2, according to the military.

https://visayandailystar.com/npa-camp-seized-soldiers-recover-more-guns/

Slain rebel identified

 From the Visayan Daily Star (Aug 13, 2022): Slain rebel identified (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The cadaver of the New People’s Army combatant who was killed in the August 10 encounter with 94th Infantry Battalion soldiers in Sitio Bulasot, Brgy. Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, was claimed yesterday by his family.

Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, identified the slain rebel as Anthony Ariola, alias Val, a member of the NPA guerilla Central Negros 2 unit.

The encounter on Wednesday that led to the seizure of a rebel camp, and was followed by another gunbattle in the same area, Pasaporte said.

In the two encounters, 94IB soldiers recovered two M16 assault rifles, two .45 caliber pistols with ammunition, assorted medicines and personal belongings, as well as subversive documents.

The 20 armed rebels encountered by 94IB soldiers were also tagged by authorities as behind in the ambush of policemen in February at Brgy. Biao, Binalbagan.

Pasaporte lauded the civilians for their timely information that led to the successful military operations against remnants of the NPA operating in the area, which he blamed for atrocities committed against civilians and state troopers in central Negros.

https://visayandailystar.com/slain-rebel-identified-3/

Rebels kill another civilian

From the Visayan Daily Star (Aug 13, 2022): Rebels kill another civilian (BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Another civilian was shot and killed yesterday by a group of armed men suspected to be New People’s Army rebels in Sitio Huebesan, Brgy. Marcelo, Calatrava, Negros Occidental.

Lt. Col. Jay J Javines, 79th Infantry Battalion commander, identified the victim, based on the investigations of the Calatrava police, as Renato Estrebello, 43, of the place.

The armed men, who introduced themselves as military men, dressed in black pants and sweatshirts, reportedly brought the victim outside his house, where he was executed by the suspects.

Javines said the victim succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds and died on the spot.

The motive behind his killing by suspected NPA members has yet to established by the Calatrava police.

Javines said the rebels want to discredit the Philippine Army by claiming to be military members.

But the local communist terrorist group wants to send a message to the people, that they should not cooperate with military or else they will be killed.

On August 7, five suspected NPA members also waylaid and shot Rodel Nobleza, a livestock buyer, in Sitio Kamao, Brgy. Marcelo, Calatrava.

Nobleza, alias Peter, succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds and also died on the spot, police said.

https://visayandailystar.com/rebels-kill-another-civilian/

Rebels in Negros, Iloilo suffer more casualties

From the Visayan Daily Star (Aug 18, 2022): Rebels in Negros, Iloilo suffer more casualties (BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Army soldiers yesterday figured in another encounter with suspected New People’s Army rebels who were fleeing from an earlier gun battle, in Sitio Cantayson, Brgy. Mani-ak, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.

The five fleeing rebels left behind a .357 Magnum revolver and a back pack containing personal belongings, according to a report of the 62nd Infantry Battalion.

No casualties were reported on the government side, while one of the five fleeing rebels was reported to have died.

The five were among the group of rebels who figured in an encounter with 62IB soldiers in Sitio Cambairan, Brgy. Trinidad, Guihulngan City, on August 16, that resulted in injuries to two of their comrades, a military report further said.

Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, disclosed that the running gun battle on Aug. 16 in Sitio Cambairan lasted 10 minutes, after which the rebels fled in various directions, while soldiers recovered assorted personal belongings at the encounter site.

Heavy traces of blood stains were discovered along escape route of rebels, believed to be members of the Central Negros 1 guerilla unit, bolstering reports of civilians that two were rebels injured in the gun battle.

On Aug. 15, four suspected NPA rebels were also reported to have been injured following an encounter between 12th Infantry Battalion soldiers and members of the Central Front of Komiteng Rehiyonal Panay at the boundary of Calinog and Lambunao towns in Iloilo.

Soldiers recovered an AK-47 assault rifle with a magazine filled with ammunition, an M203 grenade launcher, 250 live ammunition for M-16 rifle and five back packs containing personal belongings, assorted medicines and subversive documents.

Traces of bloodstains were also seen along the rebels’ withdrawal routes. No casualties were reported on the government side in both encounters.

On the other hand, members of the 94th Infantry Battalion who figured in two successive encounters on Aug. 10 and 11 in Sitio Bulasot, Brgy. Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, have been conferred with medals by Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 3rd ID commander, in Ayungon, Negros Oriental.

The encounter claimed the life of a suspected rebel identified as Anthony Tebio Ariola, 21, of Sitio Bugo in Brgy. Buenavista, Himamaylan City, and the recovery of an M-16 assault rifle and two pistols, among other war materials.

https://visayandailystar.com/rebels-in-negros-iloilo-suffer-more-casualties/

Galvez says MILF and MNLF “united” under the new BTA

From MindaNews (Aug 20, 2022): Galvez says MILF and MNLF “united” under the new BTA (By FERDINANDH B. CABRERA)

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez sees a “brighter outlook” for the Bangsamoro now that the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the two factions of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) are together in building what he describes as a “united” Bangsamoro Transition Authority.

Galvez told a press briefing here on Friday that he is “very happy that we were able to unite both the MILF and MNLF factions” in the new BTA, the interim government of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) during the extended transition period until June 30, 2025.

 

Secretary Carlito Galvez, Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity answers questions at the press conference in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, on Friday, 19 August 2022. MindaNews photo by FERDINANDH B. CABRERA

“Our MNLF brothers wanted to relay their message to Kagi Murad (interim Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim and concurrent MILF chair) saying he is not just the Chief Minister of the 41 BTA, but he is also the Chief Minister of the 80 BTA members and the Chief Minister of the entire Bangsamoro. He is the father of all Moros living in the Philippines,” said Galvez, who met with the MNLF under Nur Misuari and MNLF under the Sema-Jikiri factions on Thursday.

The MNLF under Misuari did not participate in the previous BTA (2019 to 2022) or the BTC (2017 to 2018) even as Misuari was asked to nominate members. It is the first time that the Misuari-led MNLF is represented in the MILF-led BTA.

“Masaya ang MNLF at MILF at ang ating at ating mga partners, we are so happy na now they all agreed now they are uniting as One Bangsamoro,” Galvez stressed.


He said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has assured that his administration will implement all agreements signed by the government with the Moro liberation fronts.

“He shows his commitment to pursue the completion of the implementation of all the signed agreements in the Bangsamoro, from the 1976 Tripoli Agreement (and) the 1996 final peace agreement with the MNLF and the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement of the Bangsamoro” with the MILF, Galvez said.

He said a reorganization, reorientation and repackaging of priorities are now being prepared as instructions from the President Marcos is to finish the four remaining basic laws and codes as soon as possible.

“I need performance. I’m asking you na ipakita and performance na pinapangako ninyo noon” (I’m asking you to show us the performance you promised before), Galvez quoted the President as saying.

He said Marcos wants an equitable distribution of projects in the BARMM’s five provinces, three cities and 63 barangays in North Cotabato.

Galvez said the President wants the education aspect in the Bangsamoro to improve, he wants better Mardaris (schools), and to improve as well agriculture and tourism destinations, as part of the economic recovery following the COVID-19 lockdowns.

https://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2022/08/galvez-says-milf-and-mnlf-united-under-the-new-bta/

Palawan receives tents, medical supplies from U.S. Embassy

From the Mindanao Examiner (Aug 20, 2022): Palawan receives tents, medical supplies from U.S. Embassy

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY - Filipino government officials thanked the U.S. Embassy Civil Affairs Team (CAT) for donating disaster relief tents and medical supplies worth about P1.6 million ($30,000).

The recent donation was to support local humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness in Palawan province.

The American Embassy said members of the Philippine Coast Guard and U.S. sailors from the hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) aided with the delivery of the tents and supplies, which were turned over to the provincial government during a ceremony here attended by Palawan Governor Dennis Socrates and U.S. Embassy Acting Public Affairs Officer Nina Lewis.

The USNS Mercy has been docked in the Philippines since July 27 to participate in Pacific Partnership 2022, the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster preparedness exercise conducted in the Indo-Pacific.

“The supplies we received will surely be of great help to our continued disaster readiness efforts. We are beyond grateful for this donation,” Socrates said.

“The local government of Palawan, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines have been reliable partners in ensuring that our activities and projects are well-coordinated and executed to their full potential, and that members of the U.S. Embassy CAT are properly welcomed and taken care of throughout our stay in the province,” said U.S. Army Capt. Arthur Kim.

“We continue to be impressed by the professionalism, dedication, and hospitality of our Filipino partners and value any opportunity to work with them here in Palawan,” he added.

The U.S. Embassy CAT has a longstanding collaboration with the Palawan local government, military, and coast guard on several initiatives including educational outreach activities, first responder training, medical and dental programs, and support in the local Covid-19 response.

“We must continue to be adaptive and diligent in ensuring that the Philippines and U.S. partnership remains steadfast and unwavering in the face of global political, economic, and health-related challenges,” Kim said.

The Pacific Partnership 2022 team, composed of representatives from Australia, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States, will work together with host and partner nations on a range of activities and projects, specifically related to humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and medical exchanges.

“Pacific Partnership is an amazing program that not only brings assistance and services, but more importantly, strengthens the bond between partner nations,” said Puerto Princesa Vice Mayor Nancy Socrates.

The Pacific Partnership 2022 activities are coordinated with the host nation and are conducted based on the Philippines’ requirements and requests. Engagements in Puerto Princesa are scheduled to include seven major health fairs, two barangay city hall renovation efforts, various band concerts, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercises and presentations, and other medical efforts including over 200 surgeries planned.

“The impact of disaster emergencies transcends borders and requires comprehensive coordination among nations for an effective response. I am confident that the planning and hard work we’ve invested thus far with our partners will show a long-lasting impact here in the Philippines,” Kim said.

The Pacific Partnership 2022 will conduct missions throughout Oceania and the Western Pacific. (Cebu Examiner)
http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2022/08/palawan-receives-tents-medical-supplies.html

PMA grad is new Zambo Peninsula police chief

From the Mindanao Examiner (Aug 20, 2022): PMA grad is new Zambo Peninsula police chief

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Philippine National Police has appointed Brigadier General Neil Alinsañgan as the new regional police director for Zamboanga Peninsula and has replaced Brigadier General Franco Simborio.

Brig. Gen. Neil Alinsañgan and wife Audrey are warmly welcome at the Police Regional Office 9 in Zamboanga City. (Mindanao Examiner)

Alinsañgan, who assumed his post on August 17, is an alumnus of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1991. He previously served as the chief of the Regional Intelligence Division of the Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Police Office in 2016, and also the police chief of Dapitan City in Zamboanga del Norte province in 2010.

Prior to his assignment here, Alinsañgan was the Intelligence Group Director of the Philippine National Police.

“Sobra-sobra po ang aking kagalakan at pasasalamat. I am very humbled to stand before all of you to serve this region. A place where it all began, my first assignment after my graduation from the Philippine Military Academy. My assignments here were my formative years in loving my duty and discovering my calling for this nation,” he said during the turn-over ceremony here.

Alinsañgan’s family is a native of Iloilo. He finished his elementary education at Leganes Elementary School and went to Central Philippine University and finished his secondary education at age 15. He then took up Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering for two years before entering the military academy at age 17.

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2022/08/pma-grad-is-new-zambo-peninsula-police.html

Commies continue to yield

From the Mindanao Examiner (Aug 20, 2022): Commies continue to yield

Communist rebels continue to surrender to the 6th Infantry Division as the military and government intensify its peace and development programs aimed at luring New People’s Army members and other lawless groups in the restive southern region of Mindanao.



A photo released by the 6th Infantry Division shows the two New People's Army rebels, whose faces are blurred, during their surrender to the 5th Special Forces Battalion in South Cotabato province recently.

Just recently, two rebels had surrendered to the 5th Special Forces Battalion under Lt. Col. Zandro Alvez in the village of Lambingi in South Cotabato’s Banga town.

Alvez said the rebels who were both 45 years old also yielded a rifle and a pistol, including a fragmentation grenade. “The surrender of the duo was the result of our soldiers’ efforts in convincing the remaining members of the communist group to return to the fold of the law,” he said.

Maj. Gen. Roy Galido, commander of Joint Task Force Central and the 6th Infantry Division, lauded the troops for their hard work and dedication. “We urged the remaining communist rebels to return to the fold of the law and live a normal life together with their families,” Galido said.

He said nearly 100 rebels had so far surrendered peacefully to the 6th Infantry Division.

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2022/08/commies-continue-to-yield.html

Kalinaw News: 9 NPA members with 16 Firearms yielded to 30IB in Surigao del Norte

From Kalinaw News (Aug 21, 2022): 9 NPA members with 16 Firearms yielded to 30IB in Surigao del Norte

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – Nine (9) CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) with sixteen firearms surrendered to 30th Infantry Battalion, 901st Bde, 4ID, Philippine Army in Brgy. Mahanub, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte.

The surrenderees are Edelberto Maisog, Grace Jubasan Bacalan, Jessie Siton Roxas, Chris Gire Libres, Nikki Bago Pinao, Alvin Palen, Janiza Galupo and another couple whose names are still being validated. Most of the firearms seized were retrieved from an arms cache as revealed by some of the surrenderees.

Meanwhile, MGen Wilbur C Mamawag, the 4ID Commander, has assessed that the neutralization of this 9 CNTs will lead to the eventual collapse of the remnants of the CTG operating in Surigao del Norte. He attributed this feat to the relentless efforts of 30IB and 901st Brigade in collaborating with the stakeholders and the communities to extend the hand of peace to our misguided brothers.

[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/9-npa-members-with-16-firearms-yielded-to-30ib-in-surigao-del-norte/

Kalinaw News: 2 Miyembro ng CTG Patay, Ilang mga Armas Narekober sa Engkwentro sa Masbate

From Kalinaw News (Aug 20, 2022): 2 Miyembro ng CTG Patay, Ilang mga Armas Narekober sa Engkwentro sa Masbate (2 CTG Members Dead, Several Weapons Recovered in Masbate Encounter)

Camp Elias Angeles, Pili, Camarines Sur – Patay ang dalawang miyembro ng Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) matapos na maka-engkwentro ang tropa ng 2nd Infantry Battalion sa Barangay Piña, San Jacinto, Masbate, nitong Biyernes, Agosto 19.

Kinilala ang isa sa mga nasawi na si alyas Adan ng San Fernando, Masbate habang patuloy pang inaalam ang pagkakakilanlan ng kasamahan nito.

Ayon kay Lt. Col. Orlando Ramos Jr, Commanding Officer ng 2IB, nakatanggap ng sumbong ang kanilang tropa tungkol sa presensiya ng mga Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) sa lugar at agad itong pinuntahan.

Habang papalapit ang tropa sa lugar, bigla na lamang silang pinaputukan ng dalawang CNT na nauwi sa palitan ng putok at tumagal ng halos sampung minuto na nagresulta sa pagkamatay ng mga ito.

Samantala, ilang armas naman ang nakuha sa mga NPA na kinabibilangan ng isang M16 rifle at isang kalibre 45.

Nalulungkot man sa pagkamatay ng mga miyembro ng CTG, ngunit binigyang-diin pa rin ni BGen. Aldwine Almase, Commander ng 903rd Infantry Brigade ang mandato ng tropa ng gobyerno na protektahan ang mga mamayan lalong lalo na ang mga nasasakupan nito dito sa Bicol.

Kaugnay nito, ikinagagalak ni Major Alex Luna, Commander ng 9th Infantry (SPEAR) Division at Joint Task Force Bicolandia, ang tuloy-tuloy na pakikipagtulungan ng mga Bicolano sa pamahalaan lalong lalo na sa mga otoridad na siyang patotoo ng pagnanais ng mga ito na matuldukan na ang ilang dekadang problema sa insurhensiya. Gayundin ang positibong resulta ng koordinasyon ng PNP at Philippine Army matapos ang magkakasunod na engkwentro sa Camarines Sur at Sorsogon nito lamang buwan.

“Kami po ay nagagalak sa pagiging aktibo ng mga Bicolano sa pagpa-paabot ng mga impormasyon. Ramdam po namin ang inyong kagustuhan na matuldukan na ang tunggalian na ito, at ganoon din po kami. Kaya nga po hindi kami napapagod na makiusap at manawagan sa mga CTG members na sumuko na lamang at makiisa sa pamahalaan upang makamit na natin ang tunay na kapayapaan, ayaw na rin po namin ng ganitong mga pangyayari,” ani MGen Luna.

[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/2-miyembro-ng-ctg-patay-ilang-mga-armas-narekober-sa-engkwentro-sa-masbate/