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NPA leader, 2 comrades nabbed in Kabankalan City

April 2, 2019, 12:44 pm
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From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 2, 2019): NPA leader, 2 comrades nabbed in Kabankalan City


REBELS ARRESTED. New People’s Army leader Abraham Villanueva (left), the front secretary of South West Front in Negros, and comrades were brought to the Kabankalan City Police Station after their arrest on Monday night ( April 1, 2019). Residents of Barangay Tampalon reported the presence of armed men in their village to the police, which passed the information to the troopers of 15th Infantry Battalion. (Photo courtesy of 15th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)

A leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) and his two comrades were arrested by joint government forces at Sitio Amian Ilawod, Barangay Tampalon in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental on Monday night.

Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, commander of the Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade (303IB), on Tuesday identified the captured NPA leader as Abraham Villanueva, the secretary of South West Front.

Also arrested were his comrades Jomar Villarojo, 28, of Barangay Camansi, Kabankalan City, and an 18-year-old from Barangay Asia, Hinoba-an.

The 303IB confirmed their arrest, which took place on the same day as troops in the central Negros town of Moises Padilla encountered communist rebels who killed a municipal councilor on Sunday.

Villanueva, who is in his 50s, leads NPA cadres in the Sixth District of Negros Occidental, or the so-called CHICKS area, referring to Candoni, Hinoba-an, Ilog, Cauayan, Kabankalan City, and Sipalay City.

Arevalo said residents of Barangay Tampalon reported the presence of armed men in their village to the police, which passed the information to the troopers of 15th Infantry Battalion.

At around 9:20 p.m., the three were arrested by joint operatives of the Army’s 15IB, 604th Regional Mobile Force Company, and Kabankalan City Police Station.

They were clad in black sweatshirts with the print PKP or Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas @50 and black jogging pants.

The Army also reported that the three yielded a .45-caliber pistol, a magazine with five pieces of ammunition, and three hand grenades.

Arevalo said that following the arrest of Villanueva and his two comrades, troopers of 15IB conducted a pursuit operation and engaged about 20 communist rebels in a 20-minute firefight in Barangay Tampalon around 5:50 a.m. on Tuesday.

After the encounter, the soldiers recovered an M16 rifle with a magazine, 20 ammunitions for M16 rifle, 21 ammunitions for AK47 rifle, and 175 rounds of 7.6 machine gun link.

They also found two basic mobile phones, a smart phone, a computer tablet, a netbook, a storage device for laptop, a transistor radio, and binoculars along with containers with food rations, personal items, medical kit, list of NPA extortion activities, and subversive documents.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066270
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More ‘attack-resilient’ cop stations pushed in east Visayas

April 2, 2019, 12:47 pm
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From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 2, 2019): More ‘attack-resilient’ cop stations pushed in east Visayas


STORMED BY REBELS. The municipal police station in Victoria, Northern Samar few hours after the failed attack of the New People's Army last March 28, 2019. Policemen on duty repulsed the armed rebels by positioning in the rooftop. (Contributed photo)

The Philippine National Police (PNP) regional office here is pushing for the construction of more two-story standard type buildings for police stations in the region to boost its protection from attacks.

Brig. Gen. Ariel Arcinas, PNP Eastern Visayas (Region 8) deputy regional director, said in a press briefing Tuesday that only 102 out of 146 police stations in the region have “attack-resilient” buildings. The structure with roof deck is the new design for police stations of PNP.

Some 32 stations have new buildings under construction while 22 remaining units are still using the old standard type building. Constructing each building costs PHP4.8 million, Arcinas said.

“It has a floor area of about 288 square meters. The best feature of this building is its roof deck, where police personnel can observe their immediate vicinity from above,” Arcinas said.

The official noted that when the New People’s Army attacked the municipal police station in Victoria, Northern Samar, the 15 policemen on duty repulsed the armed rebels by taking positions on the rooftop.

“It really served its purpose combined with the bravery of its police personnel led by Police Lt. Eladio G. Alo during the attack by more or less 50 communist terrorists last March 28, 2019. Let this bravery mark the kind of police personnel we have in Eastern Visayas. I call on the remaining 22 local government units to donate lots as their share in the construction of these buildings," he added.

Three NPA fighters were killed during the attack on the police station.

The 50 armed rebels, mostly women clad in military fatigue uniforms with yellow headbands, failed to seize the police station manned by 15 policemen when they launched an attack early morning of March 28.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066264
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Pacquiao heads Army reservists in central Mindanao

April 2, 2019, 12:50 pm
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From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 2, 2019): Pacquiao heads Army reservists in central Mindanao


RESERVISTS COMMANDER. Senator Emmanuel 'Manny' Pacquiao (center), who holds the rank of colonel in the Army Reserve Command, assumes Monday (April 1, 2019) as commander of the ready reserve force in central Mindanano. The senator said he will pursue programs that would help build the capability of some 3,000 reservists in the area. (Photo courtesy of Isagani Palma/Malungon Information Office)

Senator Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao has vowed to help improve further the capability of Army reserve units in central Mindanao as he formally assumed on Monday the post of new commander of the area's Army reserve force.

Pacquiao, who holds the rank of full Colonel in the Army Reserve Command (Arescom), was designated as brigade commander of the Army's 2203rd Ready Reserve Infantry Brigade, which covers the entire Region 12 (Soccsksargen) and Maguindanao province.

He took over the post from retired reservist Lt. Col. Jaime Yangzon in a ceremony held at the Army's 1002nd Brigade headquarters, Camp Hermigildo Agaab in Barangay Pulutana, Malungon town, Sarangani province.

The senator said he will pursue programs that would help build the capability of some 3,000 reservists in the area.

He specifically cited training programs and related activities that would help improve the performance of reservists as support units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), especially in the conduct of medical and civic action programs.

Pacquiao rallied the region's reservists to continue providing the best service to the country even without compensation and recognition.

He urged them to remain true to their mission and heartily accept the corresponding responsibilities as members of the reserve unit.

"As reserve force, we will wear our uniforms with dignity and honor because we're always ready to serve and protect our land," he said in his speech during the change-of-command ceremony.

As volunteers, Pacquiao said they are expected "to share our resources, spend our own money and even risk our lives because we truly love our country."

Arescom commander, Major Gen. Bernie Langub, who graced the event, lauded the senator for accepting the task as brigade commander of the region's reservists.

"He will shoulder huge responsibilities in terms of improving our reserve force and make sure that they are always ready," he said.

Pacquiao assured that he is up to the task and is now more capable, being an elected government official.

"I can achieve a lot of things since I am an active senator," he later told reporters.

Lt. Col. Nedy Espulgar, deputy commander of the regional community defense group, said the senator now has jurisdiction over reserve forces in five provinces in central Mindanao.

He said these are the provinces of Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and North Cotabato in Soccsksargen and Maguindanao in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

All five provinces have active Army reserve battalions that can be tapped any time as support units of the AFP and as responders in times of disasters and other related emergency situations, he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066266
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WV execs ink pact to attain peace, progress

April 2, 2019, 12:58 pm
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From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 3, 2019): WV execs ink pact to attain peace, progress

Top officials from various government agencies, non-government groups including the church in Western Visayas converged to help attain sustainable peace and progress in the region.

Regional directors from national government agencies, local government officials, representatives from the church, media and other stakeholders in the region signed in a Pledge of Commitment, March 25, during the Whole-of-Nation Commitment signing ceremony at the 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army camp in Jamindan, Capiz.


Top national government officials in Western Visayas including the representative from the church sign a Pledge of Commitment, March 25, at the 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army camp in Jamindan, Capiz.

The signing of the pact is in view of Executive Order 70, otherwise known as Institutionalization of the Whole-of-Nation Approach in Attaining Inclusive and Sustainable Peace and the Creation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, issued by President Rodrigo Duterte.

Armed Forces of the Philippine Chief of Staff Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, Jr. said the signing of the Pledge of Commitment in Western Visayas aims to operationalize the creation of a Regional Task Force, here.

“It is the local Task Force that will implement the various programs, hence there must be the leveling of understanding among the members, how to deliver the programs especially under the Task Force Balik Loob, Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, as well as the strategic communication and other government services,” he said.

Madrigal was the guest of honor and speaker during the event which was led by 3ID Philippine Army Commander MGen. Dinoh Dolina.


General Benjamin Madrigal, Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff, addresses the media during the Whole-of-Nation Commitment Signing, March 25, 2019 in Capiz.

He said the government has already been doing its part especially in delivering social, economic and political reforms as well as implementation of local peace initiatives such as service caravans, infrastructure projects in public affected areas, and the like.

Madrigal said that the local chief executives should be the champion in the realization of the plan by the task group.

“President Duterte wanted to end the problem on insurgency before his term ends as he wanted not to pass this problem to the next administration,” he said, expressing optimism that this problem will be solved with the creation of the task force and with everyone united for this drive.

He also urged everyone to help in resolving the root causes of insurgency in order to attain genuine peace and development in the countryside.

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1020263
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Guihulngan residents denounce NPA atrocities

April 2, 2019, 1:05 pm
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From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 2, 2019): Guihulngan residents denounce NPA atrocities

More than 200 local residents staged an indignation rally on Tuesday condemning the attack by the Communist Party of the Philippines- New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) on a civilian and CAFGU member in Brgy. Trinidad, Guihulngan City.

The anti-NPA rally was led by Punong Barangay of Brgy. Trinidad and President of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) Melbourne Bustamante of Guihulngan City who brought their placards denouncing the NPA's attack and killing of an innocent civilian and CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA) member in said barangay.

According to Civil Military Officer Capt. Oliver Usog of 94th IB, the protesters burned the two flags of CPP-NPA to show their sentiments to denounce the continuing violence and terroristic acts involving NPA rebel group.

Based on 94th IB report, a CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA) member and a civilian were killed earlier this week by NPA in Guihulngan City.

The victim, identified as CAA Cerilo Malig-on, married and assigned at Candalanon Patrol Base, Brgy .Trinidad was brutally killed by five unidentified armed men believed to be members of NPA, without any apparent reason and provocation, outside his house which was witnessed by his wife, the report said.

Another innocent civilian, Jobert Albino, 35, a farmer, was also executed by NPA at Sitio Tuko in the same barangay.File Photo: LTC Randy Pagunuran of 94th Infantry (Mandirigma) Battalion during an election board conference in Dumaguete City. (PIA Negros Oriental)

Based on the report, Albino went out of his house to buy something from a nearby store when members of NPA shot him in the different parts of his body, causing his death, just a few meters away from his house.

The victim is survived by his wife and four children, said Usog.


File Photo: LTC Randy Pagunuran of 94th Infantry (Mandirigma) Battalion during an election board conference in Dumaguete City. (PIA Negros Oriental)

Commanding Officer 94th Infantry (Mandirigma) Battalion LtC. Randy Pagunuran strongly condemned the acts of NPA

“We decry the terroristic acts and brutalities of the NPA bandits. Guihulngan town has been covered with fear since these terrorists started to lord over the lives of the people through SPARU operations. These are all in contrary their claims that they are protector of the masses and everyone must be given due process,” said Pagunuran.

He added that NPA’s continuing campaign to take control and terrorize the masses is proof and that anyone who gets in their way will be killed.

“The NPAs are truly the masters of deception. They say that they are the protectors of the underprivileged and oppressed, but instead it’s the people who are the victims of their atrocities. The NPAs took not only the life of the head of the family but the hopes of his children for a better future,” the army officer said.

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1019986
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Cop dies in NPA encounter in Mountain Province

April 2, 2019, 1:28 pm
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From Rappler (Apr 2, 2019): Cop dies in NPA encounter in Mountain ProvincePolice Corporal Marlon Casil is killed in the Tadian encounter

PCpl Marlon Casil. Photo by Harley Palangchao

PCpl Marlon Casil. Photo by Harley Palangchao

BAGUIO, Philippines – A continuing encounter between government forces and the New People’s Army in Tadian, Mountain Province has so far resulted in the death of one police officer and injuries for at least 7 other policemen on Tuesday, April 2.

The incident reportedly started in Sitio Malupa in Cabunagan, Tadian near Bauko where the fight began a few days ago.

According to PNP Cordillera spokesperson Police Major Carolina Lacuata; Police Corporal Marlon Casil was killed in the Tadian encounter.

The following were wounded:
Police Corporal Marcelo Bayeng
Police Corporal John Calcalicong
Police Corporal Clifford Gama
Police Corporal Ramadick Meloy
PSgt. Salvador Afallatiw
PSgt. Alphedes Alvaro
Patrolman Erwin Calixto.

They were said to have encountered improvised explosive devices (IED) set by the NPA along their way. Members of the 54th Infantry Battalion joined the police in pursuing the NPA guerrillas.

Last Friday, March 29, the police and the NPA had an encounter at Mt. Kapuwaw in Bagnen, Bauko town also in the Mountain Province. That encounter resulted in the death of Patrolman Wilfredo Padawil and the wounding of PCpl. Erpeel Lapniten.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/227278-police-npa-encounter-mountain-province
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Photo: War material recovered following encounter with NPA rebels

April 2, 2019, 1:34 pm
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Posted to the Visayan Daily Star (Apr 2, 2019): Photo: War material recovered following encounter with NPA rebels

MERGE

Three Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), war materials and personal belongings were among the items recovered by Army soldiers during an encounter with about 20 NPA rebels in Brgy. Quintin Remo, Moises Padilla, yesterday.* (Army photo)

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1,700 evacuate in fear

April 2, 2019, 1:36 pm
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Posted to the Visayan Daily Star (Apr 2, 2019): 1,700 evacuate in fear

More than 1,700 residents evacuated to safer areas following an encounter yesterday in Sitio Santos-Santos, Brgy. Quintin Remo, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental, between Philippine Army soldiers and New People’s Army rebels, linked to the killing of town Councilor Jolomar Hilario on Sunday.

The running gunbattle that lasted more than an hour led to the injury of an Army soldier and the recovery of three improvised explosives devices and war materials, among others, Lt. Col. Egberto Dacoscos, 62nd Infantry Battalion commander, yesterday said.

Dacoscos said that they are still verifying information that about 14 of the 20 NPA rebels encountered by 62IB troopers were either killed or injured, based on testimonies of residents in the area, who had seen them being dragged away by their fleeing comrades.

He added that the encounter was an offshoot of their pursuit operations against the NPA rebels responsible for the death of Hilario, who was killed inside his residence in Brgy. Inolingan, Moises Padilla, Sunday.

The fleeing rebels, on board three cargo trucks, were monitored to have fled towards Brgy. Quintin Remo in Moises Padilla, as reported to authorities by a barangay official.

Police Capt. Junji Liba, Moises Padilla police chief, yesterday said that he expects an increase in number of evacuees from the hinterland sitios of Brgy. Quintin Remo, that was recorded at more than 1,700 as of press time, with residents of Sitio Tibobong also evacuating.

Of the 1,700 Internal Displaced Persons (IDPs), 800 are staying at the Quintin Remo barangay proper, 500 in Brgy. Montilla, 200 each in Brgy. Guinpanaan, and at the town poblacion, Liba said.

He added that the municipal government of Moises Padilla already dispatched relief goods to the evacuees, as the Philippine Army soldiers are still in pursuit of the fleeing rebels in the Quintin Remo hinterland sitios.

Graduation ceremonies in some schools in the remote sitios of Quintin Remo and neighboring hinterland barangays were also reported to have been disrupted by the armed skirmishes.

Liba also said they already have some persons of interest in the killing of Hilario, and have identified the owner of the three cargo trucks used by the NPA rebels.

Hilario was running for re-election as Moises Padilla councilor under the slate of Mayor Magdaleno Pena, who was acknowledged by the Philippine Army for his help in the capture of Frank Fernandez, secretary of Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros , and his wife and deputy. Cleofe Lagtapon, in Laguna, two weeks ago.

Dacoscos also said that the killing of Hilario had also something to do with the capture of Fernandez.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/April/02/topstory1.htm
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Gov’t soldier hurt in gunfight with Reds

April 2, 2019, 1:46 pm
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From Panay News (Apr 2, 2019): Gov’t soldier hurt in gunfight with Reds

A Philippine Army soldier was wounded after the 62nd Infantry Battalion (62nd IB) troopers engaged in a gun battle against the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Barangay Quintin Remo, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Egberto Dacoscos, the soldier sustained a gunshot wound on the right shoulder and already received medical treatment.

Dacoscos said the firefight lasted for about an hour around 9:20 a.m. on Monday.

The encounter happened after the troops conducted a hot pursuit operation following the death of the Moises Padilla incumbent councilor Jolomar Hilario.

Hilario – the town’s No. 4 councilor – died of multiple gunshot wounds early morning on Saturday.

He was declared “dead on arrival” at the Elumba Medical Clinic in La Castellana, Negros Occidental.

The suspects carried high-powered firearms and were transported by three cargo trucks.

They claimed to be members of the NPA, said municipal police chief Captain Junjie Liba./PN

https://www.panaynews.net/govt-soldier-hurt-in-gunfight-with-reds/
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Abu Sayyaf dead, 2 cops hurt in separate clashes in Sulu

April 2, 2019, 1:53 pm
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From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Apr 2, 2019): Abu Sayyaf dead, 2 cops hurt in separate clashes in Sulu



A MEMBER of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) was killed while two policemen were injured in two separate clashes in the island province of Sulu, military officials said Tuesday, April 2.

A report reaching Camp Crame in Quezon City stated that Master Sergeant Al Nidzfar Eraji and Patrolman Jordan Changlapon were wounded when at least 10-15 members of the ASG attacked them around 8:30 a.m. 

Colonel Gerry Besana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, said the first clash happened around 8:30 a.m. Tuesday in the village of Kan Ague, Patikul, Sulu.

The personnel of Patikul Municipal Police Station were providing security escort to teachers from Jolo going to Barangay Taung in Patikul when the attack happened.

Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) personnel rushed the wounded policemen to the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) for medical treatment.

Besana said troops from the Army’s 32nd Infantry Battalion led by Lieutenant Colonel Ronaldo Mateo together with the police have launched pursuit operation against the bandits in Patikul.

He said an Abu Sayyaf bandit was killed in the second clash that happened at 8:31 a.m. same day at Sitio Halu-Halu in Bakaan village, Simisa Island, Banguingui, Sulu.

The army official said the troops of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-3 (MBLT-3) were on security operation when they clashed with a group of bandits.

The troops recovered the remains of the slain Abu Sayyaf bandit and one carbine rifle following a 15-minute firefight, he added.

Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, Westmincom chief, said the Joint Task Force Sulu continuously employ more pressure through offensive on the remaining Abu Sayyaf bandits to gain more enemy strongholds and armaments.

“We believe that a number of the bandits were wounded and probably could have died due to loss of blood after the encounter especially that our troops are still pursuing them as of this report,” Dela Vega said.

He said they still encourage the other members of the ASG surrender in order to finally have peace in Sulu while combat operations are vigorously undertaken to neutralize the remaining bandits. 

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BCDA turns over apartments, facilities to PAF

April 2, 2019, 1:57 pm
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From the Sun Star-Pampanga (Apr 2, 2019): BCDA turns over apartments, facilities to PAF
CLARK FREEPORT -- The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) on Monday turned over newly-constructed apartments for use of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) 580th Aircraft Control and Warning Wing (ACWW) and their families in San Fernando, La Union.

The size of each of the 15-door airmen’s apartments was doubled from their previous 60-square-meter housing to 120 square meters. Each apartment has three bedrooms with built-in cabinets, storage and laundry areas, and a garage for two cars.

The detention cell inside the Wallace Air Station was also expanded from just nine square meters to 40 square meters. BCDA also constructed a 700-meter concrete pavement with drainage and a one-kilometer asphalt road.

Aside from the detention facility, security was further enhanced with other improved structures such as the guard house and shed, and gate boom.

Representing Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Assistant Secretary for Financial Management Josue Gaverza Jr. said the turnover was a “clear demonstration of the shared commitment of the BCDA and the AFP to serve as catalysts in transforming military bases and installations into centers of development and economic activities.”

Gaverza also commended the quality and speedy implementation of the upgraded facilities.

“This reflects BCDA’s resolve and willingness to improve the living conditions of soldiers anywhere in the country,” he said.

“We look forward to more partnerships and cooperative endeavors with BCDA as we expect the government and President Duterte’s leadership to impart more development projects,” said Gaverza.

The deed of transfer and turnover of facilities and structures was signed during a simple ceremony at the Wallace Air Station by BCDA president and CEO Vivencio Dizon and PAF chief Lt. Gen. Rozzano Briguez.

“With the official turnover of these facilities, I am certain that our most ever vigilant Scanners shall be able to optimize the operability of the Wallace Air Station,” Briguez said referring to the 580th ACWW.

“It is very noteworthy that BCDA has since evolved to a much stronger partner of the AFP than ever before,” he added, noting the P8.2-billion contribution of BCDA to the AFP in just the first two years of the Duterte administration. “You are our indispensable partner at the Air Force.”

Dizon, for his part, reaffirmed the full support of the Duterte administration to the AFP.

“Nakakalungkot na ang mga sundalo ay pinapatira sa mga luma at sira-sirang bahay. Kaya naman sa BCDA, sa ilalim ng pamumuno ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte, malaki ang pagbabago. Pinapangako natin na ang mga facilities na darating ay mas maganda pa (It is saddening that our soldiers live in dilapidated houses. That’s why we at BCDA, under the leadership of President Duterte, change is big. We promise that more and better facilities are upcoming),” he said.

Also present during the ceremony were Poro Point Management Corporation president and CEO Atty. Felix Racadio, BCDA director Glorioso Miranda and executive vice president Aileen Anunciacion Zosa, and other officials of PAF, BCDA, and PPMC.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1799801/Pampanga/Local-News/BCDA-turns-over-apartments-facilities-to-PAF
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Alleged NPA leader surrenders to Army

April 2, 2019, 2:05 pm
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From the Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (Apr 2, 2019): Alleged NPA leader surrenders to Army

THE Philippine Army's 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB) on Monday, April 1, claimed that a New People’s Army (NPA) leader in Bukidnon has turned himself in and returned to the folds of the law in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon.

The said leader, who goes by the names JB", "Nuney", "Dave", age 20, is a resident of Kalabugao, Impasug-ong town. 

In a press statement, the military said the former communist guerilla was a leader of the NPA's "ABE" Squad 3, Platoon 3, HFQ, NEO, Northern Cenral Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC).
Alias "JB" also surrendered his improvised M16 firearm and ammunition.

"Gutom ug kamingaw sa pamilya ang mga rason ngaong mi-surrender ko, Dili nako maantos ang paglakaw-lakaw sa kabukiran nga walay kaon og tarong nga katulgan," the military quoted "JB" as saying.

(Hunger and missing the family are the reasons why I surrendered. I can no longer endure traveling in the mountains without food and proper sleeping quarters.)

Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Illana, commander of the 8IB, said they are expecting more NPA members to surrender in the coming days.

"Through the massive information dissemination campaign (radio program) about the Enhance Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and the intensified collaboration of our different stakeholders and also with the help of the Local Government Unit (LGU), we have convinced more members and even the supporters to leave the armed struggle and embrace peace," Illana said.

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Army pursues NPA in Bauko

April 2, 2019, 2:09 pm
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From the Sun Star-Baguio (Apr 2, 2019): Army pursues NPA in Bauko

AUTHORITIES continue to scour Mount Kapuwaw in sitio Mabalagan, Bagnen Proper, Bauko, Mountain Province following the firefight on March 29 between the Regional Mobile Force Command of the Police Regional Office Cordillera (PRO-Cor) and members of the New People’s Army.
The shootout, which ensued after the NPA allegedly attacked the police, left one officer dead and another wounded. 
Police Brigadier General Israel Dickson, PRO-Cor regional director, said the continuing internal security operation conducted in the area is part of their operational plan.

“We are currently conducting a hot pursuit operation against the NPAs in that area. We know that the NPA are planning to conduct disturbances in the prevailing peace in the area and we want to prevent the occurrence of bigger incidents against our small police stations or other vital government installations,” Dickson said during the Regional Joint Security Control Center Coordinating Conference at Camp Dangwa in Benguet Province.

The municipal government in Bauko has suspended tourism-related activities in the town.

“The temporary halt of tourism activities at Bauko is a fault of the NPAs because the incident was instigated by them and we hope the people would understand this because if this was not done by the NPAs, no such measure by the local government would have been made in that area,” Dickson added.

Colonel Henry Dayaoen, commander of the 503rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, said there was no need for the local government to suspend tourism activities in the area since the military and police are there working for peace.

“The residents saw the presence of the NPA’s terrorizing them who in turn informed the PNP and AFP of their presence and as such resulted in the said encounter,” Dayaoen said.

Bauko Mayor Abraham Akilit, who was present during a forum in Baguio City, said fighting between the government forces and the NPA has eased.

He said he ordered the Municipal Social Workers and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council to secure possible victims.

“There is no firefight yet but we don’t know what is happening in the mountains. We are still waiting for the update coming from the Philippine Army. As of now, (the) safety of the residents and tourists is our primary concern which is why we have warned them not to go to the nearby farms aside from proper warnings given to tourists,” Akilet said.

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60% of disaster funds received by CPP-NPA used for rebel cause – AFP

April 2, 2019, 2:21 pm
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From the Manila Bulletin (Apr 2, 2019): 60% of disaster funds received by CPP-NPA used for rebel cause – AFP

About 60 percent of funds received by front organizations of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) during disasters, such as typhoons “Yolanda” in 2013 and “Pablo” in 2017, went to the communist terrorists, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Tuesday.



Brig. Gen. Antonio Parlade (PCOO / MANILA BULLETIN)

A good 60 percent of the solicited funds go to the CPP-NPA. Only 40 percent is spent for rehabilitation if at all, said Brig. Gen. Antonio G. Parlade Jr., Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations (J7), citing revelations of former rebels and organizers.

“Reports from California Filipino communities last November 2018 said that their donations went unaccounted (for) during the onslaught of Yolanda for instance. In the Visayas, they use CERNET or the Community Empowerment Resource Network as the CPP clearinghouse of all these fake advocacies,” Parlade said.

“We saw this pattern earlier in the past but it’s only now that we had solid evidence after the series of engagements we had with the European Union (EU) and some European governments,” he added.

Parlade said CERNET is based in the Visayas, particularly in Cebu and Bohol but extends up to Samar and Leyte.

Parlade said front groups such “Panday Bolig,” allegedly aligned with the Reds and disguising themselves as relief organizations, appeal to the kind-hearted, especially in Canada, the United States, Europe, Australia, etc. to provide them with funds but only a portion is spent for the actual rehabilitation of areas devastated by disasters.
He said in the days to come, they will expose the other “miracles” the CPP has been doing to deceive the people.

“This is just the tip of the iceberg. Now they are in panic mode,” he said.

Parlade said these funds from NGOs which went to their pockets are what they use in recovering lost ground, even without their armed groups.

“These funds were used to organize their mass base, with livelihood projects that promote the CPP and highlight the neglect of government, rather partner with government to develop the countryside,” he said.

The AFP had earlier lauded the move of EU and Belgium ambassadors to look into the request of the Philippine government to audit the funds they donate to non-government organizations which local security officials earlier tagged as having links with the communist rebels.

“We appreciate the positive response of EU and Belgium to our formal plea to stop funding to Rural Missionaries of the Philippines (RMP), which is directly assisting the NPAs in Mindanao,” Parlade said.

“The same RMP has also partnered with Ibon Foundation in the publication of subversive books being used by IP children in the Salugpungan and Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development or ALCADEV schools which are teaching IP children to become child warriors. We have to expose this because it is so unfair to the other lay workers and sisters whom we in AFP PNP and government partner with for our value formation and moral reforms,” he added.

Parlade said missionaries cannot continue to hide under the cloak of the church, of whatever faith, and then provide funds to terrorist NPAs, and other alleged CPP front organizations like Karapatan, Gabriela, ACT, KMU, Anakbayan, LFS, Bayan or what they call the Makabayan bloc.


He said the RMP provides Supamil or Suporta sa Pamilya (family support) to CPP and NPA cadres and fighters directly and they cannot deny this.

“Those who will say this is a lie should be ready to refute this in a public debate. We are armed with the truth and nothing else. We are morally convinced that what these CPP organizations are doing is simply to exploit our IPs, project a very dire human rights situation in our country, vilify our government by fabricating reports to cast doubt on the efficiency of our government, and then what? Ask for donations,” Parlade said.

“This is a pattern they have established. A fake bakwit (displaced person) to ask for EU funding. Fake advocacy to save our communist schools and ask for more funding. Kill IPs and attribute it to the government then ask for support to HR (Human Rights) Watch. They put up programs like Literacy Numeracy (LitNum) for IPs, community-based health system for wounded NPAs, farmers resource centers and BREAD to feed NPAs and their families, Sustainable Agri (Sus-Ag), or Panday Bolig using disaster rehabilitation as cover,” he added.

Parlade said all of these are programs supported by funds coming from the EU and given to RMP-Northern Mindanao Region and all of these provide support to the Communist Terrorist Group.

“Deceit, lies, propaganda are what the CPP NPA have perfected over 50 years which have duped all of us, students, farmers, clergy, teachers, government workers, and international organizations like EU and UN. How much longer can we tolerate this scam now amounting to billions of pesos, which could have been spent for the needs of the genuinely impoverished and neglected, instead of the NPA and Joma’s minions?” Parlade said.

“The same deceit worked with Belgian funded Belgian NGOs in Manila, which have benefitted the same CPP front organizations. Most of these organizations are members of Joma’s (Jose Maria Sison) International League of People’s Struggles or ILPS and can be found in the ILPS website,” he added.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/04/02/60-of-disaster-funds-received-by-cpp-npa-used-for-rebel-cause-afp/
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11 rebels in Negros councilor’s slay fall

April 2, 2019, 2:24 pm
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From Panay News (Apr 3, 2019): 11 rebels in Negros councilor’s slay fall

Eleven New People’s Army (NPA) fighters were captured in Barangay Quintin Remo, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental.

The 303rd Infantry Brigade commander Brigadier General Benedict Arevalo said officers from the Moises Padilla police station caught the suspects on Monday.

According to Arevalo, witnesses positively identified the suspects as the gunmen behind the murder councilor Jolomar Hilario last Sunday, March 31.
“This group is part of the gun men involved in Hilario’s murder and the police have now filed charges against them,” Arevalo said.

Earlier on Monday, Corporal Ryan Quebedo was wounded after the 62nd Infantry Battalion troopers engaged in a gun battle against the NPA rebels in Barangay Quintin Remo.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Egberto Dacoscos, Quebedo sustained a gunshot wound on the right shoulder and already received medical treatment.

Dacoscos said the firefight lasted for about an hour around 9:20 a.m. on Monday.

At least 1,700 residents of Sitios Santos-Santos, Lomlom and Upper Mamballo in Barangay Quintin Remo fled their homes.

He added that the municipal government had dispatched relief goods to evacuees, as the soldiers were still pursuing the fleeing rebels in the Quintin Remo hinterland areas.

https://www.panaynews.net/11-rebels-in-negros-councilors-slay-fall/
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Army chides NPA for ‘celebrating’ violence

April 2, 2019, 2:27 pm
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From Panay News (Apr 2, 2019): Army chides NPA for ‘celebrating’ violence



“Violence, killing and extortion are never worth celebrating.”

This was the statement of Brigadier General Benedict Arevalo, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade (IB) of the Philippine Army slamming the New People’s Army (NPA) during the rebels’ 50th anniversary on March 29.

“Causing misery and destruction to our country for half a century is not a reason to celebrate,” Arevalo stressed.

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and National Democratic Front (NDF) are only sowing discontent and hatred against the government, he said.

The recent arrest of National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) consultant Francisco “Frank” Fernandez and his wife Cleofe Lagtapon in Laguna was not a reason to celebrate, he added.

Arevalo assured the NPA members that the military will still extend its hands of reconciliation to those who want to have a second chance of living normal lives.

He also urged the NPAs to rethink before conniving to CPP and NDF.

“It is not yet too late to go back to the folds of law and have peaceful and normal lives together with their families and love ones,” the Brigadier General said.

https://www.panaynews.net/army-chides-npa-for-celebrating-violence/
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11 rebels nabbed in Moises Padilla encounter

April 2, 2019, 2:30 pm
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From the Daily Guardian (Apr 3, 2019): 11 rebels nabbed in Moises Padilla encounter

Eleven suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were arrested Monday after a clash between the rebels and government forces at Barangay Quintin Remo in Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental.

Brigadier Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 303rd Infantry Brigade (303IB) commander, did not identify the suspects, but confirmed they were captured by Moises Padilla police, who served as blocking force during the battle.

According to Arevalo, the suspected rebels appeared before the police officers as the Army troopers launched mortars at the encounter site in Sitio Santos-Santos in the said barangay.

Arevalo said the police officers started to become suspicious of the men as they came from the direction of the encounter site. Their story also did not add up as the suspects claimed they were working as sugarcane cutters, even though they were not carrying machetes or farm tools.

The suspects also gave different names to the police officers further arousing their suspicion that they are part of the rebel group that figured in a gun battle with the soldiers.

The 11 suspects were transported to the Moises Padilla Municipal Police Station for questioning.

Later, one of the suspects was positively identified by witnesses as the gunmen in the murder of town Councilor Jolomar Hilario last Sunday, while another was in the military’s file of suspected rebels.

“The group is part of the gunmen involved in Hilario’s murder and the police have now filed charges against them,” Arevalo said.

Earlier on Monday, soldiers from the Philippine Army 62nd Infantry Battalion engaged in a gun battle with the NPA rebels.

Arevalo believes the rebels involved in the fight are part of the NPA Central Negros Front.

Around 1,700 residents were forced to flee during the battle.

Arevalo added, Hilario’s murder may have been a retaliation of sorts after the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police arrested National Democratic Front spokesperson Ka Frank Fernandez last week in Laguna.

https://thedailyguardian.net/negros/11-rebels-nabbed-in-moises-padilla-encounter/


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Another top NPA leader falls in Negros Occ.

April 2, 2019, 2:34 pm
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From the Manila Bulletin (Apr 2, 2019): Another top NPA leader falls in Negros Occ.

While all eyes are in the killing of 14 people in Negros Oriental, another top leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) has been arrested in the neighboring province of Negros Occidental.



(MANILA BULLETIN)

The Philippine Army’s (PA) 303rd Infantry Brigade (303 IB) reported that Abraham Villanueva, also known as “Tikboy” and “Gamay”, was arrested late Monday night by joint forces of army and Philippine National Police (PNP) in Kabankalan City.

Villanueva is said to be secretary of Negros Southwest Front of the NPA that operates in Candoni-Hinoba-an-Ilog, Cauayan-Kabankalan-Sipalay or more commonly known as CHICKS area.

Villanueva’s arrest came more than a week after another top Negros NPA leader Frank Fernandez was nabbed in Laguna province.

Besides Villanueva, the joint forces of the PA’s 15th Infantry Battalion (15 IB), the PNP’s 604th Regional Mobile Force Company and the Kabankalan City PNP also arrested Rona Magbanua Jomar Villarojo.In a Tuesday morning follow-up operation, troops of 15 IB had a 20-minute firefight with NPA rebels in Tampalon village.

After the NPA rebels withdrew, the government troops recovered an M16 rifle with magazine and ammunition. They also recovered other kinds of ammunition, a mobile phone, transistor radios, and subversive documents.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/04/02/another-top-npa-leader-falls-in-negros-occ/
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Cops foil kidnap try on Sulu teachers

April 2, 2019, 3:26 pm
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From the Philippine Star (Apr 3, 2019): 
Cops foil kidnap try on Sulu teachers
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Two police officers were wounded in an encounter with Abu Sayyaf bandits in what was believed to be an attempt to kidnap a group of teachers in Patikul, Sulu yesterday.

The police officers were escorting the teachers when around 10 bandits attacked them in Barangay Kan Ague at about 8:30 a.m.

The wounded police officers were evacuated to the Integrated Provincial Health Office and Sulu Hospital for treatment.

Col. Gerry Besana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) spokesman, said the bandits also suffered casualties, citing bloodstains on their escape route.

On Simisa Island’s Sitio Halu-Halu in Barangay Bakaan, an Abu Sayyaf bandit was killed in a clash with soldiers at around 8:31 a.m. also yesterday.

The military said the body of the bandit and his M1 Carbine rifle were recovered at the scene.

“We believe that a number of the bandits were wounded... Our troops are still pursuing them as of this report,” Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, Westmincom chief, said.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2019/04/03/1906757/cops-foil-kidnap-try-sulu-teachers
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CPP/NPA Comval-Davao Gulf Sub-Regional Command-SMR: 71st IB is guilty of the murder of 2 civilians in Mabini, ComVal

April 2, 2019, 3:46 pm
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NPA Comval-Davao Gulf Sub-Regional Command/Southern Mindanao Region propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 1, 2019): 71st IB is guilty of the murder of 2 civilians in Mabini, ComVal

DANIEL IBARRA
SPOKESPERSON
COMVAL - DAVAO GULF SUB-REGIONAL OPERATIONS COMMAND
NPA-SOUTHERN MINDANAO REGION
APRIL 01, 2019

The ugly twin heads of fascism and impunity has again victimized hapless civilians in Southern Mindanao under the US-Duterte regime’s brutal implementation of martial law and Oplan Kapayapaan. On the early hours of March 28, two civilian youths were murdered while another was severely wounded by members of the 71st Infantry Battalion in Sitio Mangurayan, Brgy. Anitapan in Mabini, Compostela Valley.


Ground reports that reached NPA units in Compostela Valley painted a gruesome story of the 71st IB’s wanton disregard for the lives of civilians and their consequent effort to sweep their crime under the rug. Armed with only flashlights and an improvised marble gun, Franklin Tirol, Zaldy Tirol and one other, all farmers and part-time small-scale miners, were doing night-time hunting (panulo) of frogs, civet cat (milo) and other edible animals when, without warning, at around 1:00 in the morning, they were mercilessly fired upon for several minutes by members of the 71st IB. Killed instantaneously was Franklin while his cousin Zaldy died from sustained wounds a few hours after arriving at the hospital. AFP troops likewise arrested the third companion who also sustained severe gunshot wounds.

Learning that its troops rained bullets over civilians, the 71st IB’s Civil Military Operations was quick to do damage control in the media and immediately churned out fake news to wash the blood off their hands. The fascist liars claimed that the youths were members of the NPA and even showed photos of the slain civilians as though these legitimized the commission of murder and the “seized” weapons that included improvised explosive device and other paraphernalia. They even absurdly insisted that one of their forces sustained gunshot wounds.

However, the condemnation and adamant denial of Franklin Tirol’s mother that the two were members of the NPA belied the ridiculous claims of the 71st IB. Helpless and grieving, she fears for her right to demand justice for the murder of her son and nephew. Even a cursory survey of the masses in the community would prove that the murdered youths were in fact civilians.

This is not the first time that the 71st IB displayed such stark disregard for human rights and got away with it. In the province, its forces are known as “child-killer battalion” who murdered 7-year old Sunshine Jabinez in September 2011 in Pantukan and 8-year old Roque Antivo in April 2013 in Mabini. Later that same year, on December 6, 2013, they killed Pedro Tinga, a 57-year old Mansaka tribal leader, in Maco. Not only were the culprits of these atrocious crimes remained scot-free, but the 71st IB itself enjoyed impunity for sowing terror in their areas of operation, especially since Duterte’s implementation of martial law in Mindanao. Its troops clearly follow in the fascist footsteps of their former notorious commander Jovito “The Butcher” Palparan, who has already been found guilty for the rape and murder of UP students Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeño.

The US-Duterte regime’s campaign of massacre and genocide against peasants and indigenous people is clearly the hallmark of Duterte’s tyrannical rule. The murders in Mabini happened just 2 days before yesterday’s Negros massacre where 14 farmers (eight in Calaon City, four in Majuyod town and 2 in Catalina City) were massacred by police officers and soldiers under the guise of an anti-criminality drive on March 30.

NPA units under the Comval – Davao Gulf Sub-Regional Operations Command have already been directed to ensure that revolutionary justice be afforded to the families of the victims. Perpetrators of the crime must be identified, investigated and indicted in the people’s court and, following a trial conducted by organs of political power and in accordance to existing conditions in the guerilla base, appropriate punishment must be meted out.

We urge the officials of the local governments in Mabini and Compostela Valley to aid the family in seeking justice for the murder of the two youths. They must immediately demand the release of arrested youth who is currently detained under false charges and suffering trauma from the incident. The crimes of the 71st IB, including the ones that they skirted responsibility on, must be exposed and severely condemned. We also call upon the foot soldiers of the 71st IB who know the truth of the AFP’s culpability and deceit in covering up the heinous crime. There is no glory, even as you are being paid blood money to carry out crimes against the masses in Compostela Valley, in serving a fascist killing machine that victimizes your fellow peasants and Lumad.

Finally, we urge the Lumad and peasant masses in Compostela Valley province to show their indignation by continuing to demand that the 71st IB pay for their crimes against the people and thoroughly driving them out of the province. Only by exhausting all forms of resistance, such as linking arms with the people’s movement against the US-Duterte regime’s escalating fascism and impunity and most especially joining the revolutionary armed struggle being waged by the NPA, will the state-sponsored terrorism be stopped and the brutal enemy be made to face revolutionary justice.
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/71st-ib-is-guilty-of-the-murder-of-2-civilians-in-mabini-comval/
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