Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 30, 2020): ELCAC task force gains ground in NegOr (By Roi Anthoni Lomotan)

Col. Noel Baluyan, commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, believes the efforts of the NOTF ELCAC is ganing ground in Negros Oriental. Baluyan was one of the resource speakers of the Kapihan Forum on the topic: 'Insurgency Situation Updates' held Jan. 22, 2020. (PIA7-NegOr)

DUMAGUETE CITY, Jan. 28 (PIA) -- The efforts of Negros Oriental Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NOTF ELCAC) in countering insurgency is already gaining ground in the province.

Col. Noel Baluyan, commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, made this statement when asked about his assessment on the programs and activities carried out by the task force during a Kapihan sa PIA forum here recently.

The brigade commander noted that it is premature to give a full assessment on the effectiveness of NOTF ELCAC at the moment because it is still in its early stage and data are still limited.

However, Baluyan said this is a “golden opportunity” for Negros Oriental, noting that all of the government’s efforts, programs, and activities are focused in the province to completely eliminate its problem on insurgency.

“As far as the Region 7 Task Force on ELCAC is concerned, ang focus is really Negros Oriental because we have Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor already declared as insurgency-free. So lahat ng effort, resources, programs, and projects dito ngayon nakapokus sa Negros Oriental. We have been telling the people this is a golden opportunity for NegOrenses itong ELCAC na ito,” Baluyan said.

NOTF ELCAC held a series of “Dagyawan sa Barangay” or face-to-face consultations between residents of communities affected by insurgency and government agencies in Guihulngan City, Canlaon City, Valencia, Zamboanguita, Siaton, and Sta. Catalina during the latter part of 2019.

Residents present pressing issues in their communities before the government agencies, who in turn, provided the appropriate interventions to solve the issues that are used by insurgents to make residents turn away from the government.

The list of priority projects which came out during these consultations were already forwarded to the National Task Force on ELCAC for their approval for implementation in November 2019.

“These are in form of health centers, water system, irrigation na maliliit. Naisama na rin doon ang big ticket items. Iyong road (construction). Kailangan itong iayos. Ang gobyerno naman pagdating sa projects, it’s the social benefits that counts (These are in form of health centers, water systems, small irrigations. Big ticket items like construction of roads are also included there. We really need to address these. In the part of the government, it’s the social benefit that counts),” Baluyan said.

LTC. Randy Pagunuran (2nd from right), commander of the 94th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army (PA) giving an update on the security situation in the northern part of Negros Oriental during a Kapihan Forum held Jan. 22, 2020. He said the number of the barangays to be covered by the Negros Oriental Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict may increase this year. He is joined by (l-r) PMAJ. Miguel Andeza of Philippine National Police- Negros Oriental, Col. Noel Baluyan, commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, and PIA Provincial Coordinator Jenny Tilos. (KAT/PIA7-NegOr)

The local government units identified by NOTF ELCAC as priority areas are due to the presence of insurgents.

Aside from this, NOTF ELCAC, in partnership with the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV) also conducted Serbisyong Malasakit Caravans or Caravan on Basic Services in selected barangays in the said towns and cities as part of their strategy to extend government services to the people.

The Caravan on Basic Services is a one-stop shop of government services ranging from medical and dental services to issuance of permits, free consultation, civil registration, and other services offered by different national government agencies.

The 302nd Infantry Brigade covers the towns and cities in the second and third districts of Negros Oriental while the 94th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army headed by LTC. Randy Pagunuran covers the first district of the province.

Meanwhile, Pagunuran also cited in the Kapihan that the number of barnagays in the first district of the province covered by the NOTF ELCAC might also increase this year.

He said the task force is set to hold another round of workshops and it will be determined later which barangays in the northern part of the province will be included in the updated list of priority areas for NOTF ELCAC.

Currently, there are 10 barangays in Guihulngan City that are included in the list of NOTF ELCAC’s priority areas.

The Philippine Army together with the Philippine National Police (PNP) are the lead agencies of the security cluster of NOTF ELCAC.

Security officials in the province renewed their call for the public to cooperate with the government troops and law enforcement agencies in maintaining the security situation in the province. (ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033520

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 30, 2020): Tagalog News: CPP-NPA-NDF, idineklarang persona non-grata sa Puerto Princesa (By Orlan C. Jabagat)

Sa pamamagitan ng Resolution No. 01 series of 2020 na ipinasa ng City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) ay idineklara nang persona non-grata ang CPP-NPA-NDF sa Puerto Princesa. (Larawan ni Orlan C. Jabagat/PIA-Palawan)

PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan, Enero 30 (PIA) --- Idineklara nang persona non-grata (PNG) sa Puerto Princesa ang Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

Ang deklarasyong ito ay sa pamamagitan ng resolusyong ipinasa ng Puerto Princesa City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) sa isinagawang pagpupulong ng konseho noong Enero 23 sa Gusaling Panglungsod.

Sa Resolution No. 01 series of 2020, sinasabi rito na kinokondena ng mga miyembro ng CPOC ang mga kalupitan at kawalang-awa na gawain ng CPP-NPA-NDF, mga basehan para ideklara ang mga ito bilang persona non-grata sa buong lungsod.

Ang hakbang na ito ng CPOC ay bilang pagsuporta sa Executive Order No. 70 ng Pangulong Rodrigo R. Duterte o itong ‘Whole of Nation Approach’ upang mawakasan na ang armadong pakikibaka sa buong bansa.

Ang resolusyon ay agad na nilagdaan ni Mayor Lucilo R. Bayron bilang Chairman ng CPOC ay ipapadala ang kopya nito sa Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Police (PNP0, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at sa iba pang ahensiya ng gobyerno.

Sa ulat ng Western Command (WESCOM) kamakailan, nasa 29 na lamang ang mga armadong miyembro ng NPA sa Palawan. Bumaba na ito ng 38 porsiyento kung ikukumpara noong 2018 na mayroon pa itong 47 miyembro.

Sa nakalipas na taon, nakapagtala na ang Wescom ng 46 sumukong mga miyembro at taga-suporta ng NPA, maging ng mga Militia ng Bayan.

Sampu naman ang nahuling miyembro ng NPA noong 2019. (OCJ/PIA-MIMAROPA, Palawan)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033618

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 30, 2020): Tagalog News: Pagsuko ng CTGs sa Palawan, binigyang palugit (By Orlan C. Jabagat)

Ang bumubuo ng Palawan Provincial Task Force-ELCAC na nagpasa ng isang resolusyon na nagbibigay ng ultimatum o palugit sa mga miyembro ng Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) sa Palawan na sumuko na sa pamahalaan hanggang sa Pebrero 29. (Larawan mula sa Provincial Information Office)

PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan, Enero 30 (PIA) -- Isang buwan na lang ang nalalabi sa ibinigay na ultimatum o palugit ng Palawan Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) sa mga miyembro ng Communist Terrorist Groups (CTG) na CPP-NPA-NDF sa Palawan upang sumuko o magbalik-loob sa pamahalaan.

Ang pagbibigay ng ultimatum sa mga CTG ay nakapaloob sa isang resolusyon na inaprubahan ng Palawan Task Force-ELCAC noong Enero 24, kasabay ng isinagawang Task Force ELCAC Action Planning sa Gusaling Kapitolyo.

Sa nasabing resolusyon ay binibigyan na lamang ng palugit na hanggang Pebrero 29 ang mga natitira pang miyembro ng New People’s Army (NPA) at mga taga-suporta nito sa Palawan sa sumuko sa pamahalaan.

Ang sino mang miyembro ng CPP-NPA-NDF, maging ang mga taga-suporta nito na hindi susuko sa itinakdang panahon ay paiiralin na ang batas at ang sino mang susuko bago o sa petsang itinakda ay maaari pa nitong matamasa ang mga programa ng pamahalaan para sa mga nagbabalik-loob.

Sa kasalukuyan ay patuloy na tinatamasa ng mga nauna nang sumukong mga rebelde ang mga programa ng gobyerno katulad ng pagbibigay ng tulong- pinansyal sa ilalim ng Local Social Integration of Former Rebels Program ng Provincial Social Welfare & Development Office (PSWDO) at Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) ng Department of Interior & Local Government (DILG).

Sa tala ng DILG-Palawan, nasa 24 na mga dating rebeldeng New People's Army (NPA) o 'former rebels’ (FR) sa Palawan ang nabigyan na ng tulong ng pamahalaan sa ilalim ng E-CLIP noong 2019 lamang. Umabot sa kabuuhang P1,560,000 ang tulong na naibigay sa mga ito. Ang bawat isang FR ay tumanggap ng P15,000 na immediate assistance at P50,000 na livelihood assistance kung saan may kabuuhang P65,000 ang natanggap ng bawat isang FR. (OCJ/PIA-MIMAROPA, Palawan)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033609

From the Philippine Star (Jan 30, 2020): VFA termination could scrap EDCA, suspend Mutual Defense Treaty — analysts (By Patricia Lourdes Viray)

President Rodrigo Duterte's spoken order to terminate the Visiting Forces Agreement between the Philippines and the United States may affect other security pacts with Washington despite the Palace earlier saying it would not.

Duterte is terminating the VFA for what the administration sees as US meddling in domestic issues, the latest of which was in cancelling Sen. Ronald Dela Rosa's US visa. Although Dela Rosa said the US did not explain why the visa was cancelled, it is believed that that this was over alleged extrajudicial killings in the "war on drugs" and Sen. Leila De Lima's continued detentions.

"I am terminating (the VFA). I was not joking. The day I said it, it’s the day that I decided to terminate it," Duterte said Wednesday night, although terminating the agreement requires a formal written notice.

The Department of Justice earlier this week said it has been tasked with conducting a preliminary impact assessment on the possible termination of the VFA, a possibility that Duterte said Wednesday night is already a certainty.

It was earlier reported that the Cabinet Cluster on Security, Justice and Peace—the Department of National Defense, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Department of Foreign Affairs, Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency and the Office of the Executive Secretary—would meet on January 31 to assess the potential impact of scrapping the agrement.

The Senate, meanwhile, had meant to include the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) in a review that it had planned to do of the VFA.

READ: Palace says other defense deals with US like EDCA won't be scrapped

'VFA scrapping could undo EDCA'

Jose Antonio Custodio, a military historian and defense analyst, said ending the VFA would "undo" EDCA.

"Because VFA is a [Status of Forces Agreement]. It governs the legality of US military presence in [the Philippines]," Custodio told Philstar.com.

According to a 2012 report from the US Congressional Research Service, SOFAs generally establish the framework under which US military personnel operate in a foreign country.

SOFAs also determine how domestic laws of the foreign jurisdiction, in this case the Philippines, apply to US personnel in the host country.

"A SOFA may include many provisions, but the most common issue addressed is which country may exercise criminal jurisdiction over US personnel," the report read.

Gregory Poling, director of the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, also said terminating the VFA would "effectively abrogate" EDCA as well, but this would have to be decided by the DOJ.

The preamble of the EDCA states that the agreement is "in furtherance" of the 1951 MDT and the 1998 VFA.

Section 1, Article I of the EDCA reads:

This Agreement deepens defense cooperation between the Parties and maintains and develops their individual and collective capacities, in furtherance of Article II of the MDT, which states that "the Parties separately and jointly by self-help and mutual aid will maintain and develop their individual and colletive capacity to resist armed attack," and within the context of the VFA.
Poling noted that the Supreme Court upheld both the VFA and EDCA as executive agreements as the Philippine government argued that the defense pacts are necessary for the Philippines to meet its obligations under Article 2 of the MDT.

He added that without the VFA and EDCA, the Philippines would not be upholding its end of the deal and the US could argue that its responsibilities under Article 4 of the MDT are suspended.

Under Article 4 of the MDT:

Each Party recognizes that an armed attack in the Pacific area on either of the Parties would be dangerous to its own peace and safety and declares that it would act to meet the common dangers in accordance with its constitutional processes.
In March 2019, US State Secretary Mike Pompeo assured the Philippines that any armed attack against Filipino forces, aircraft or public vessels in the West Philippine Sea would trigger mutual defense obligations under Article 4 of the MDT.

"In other words, the Philippines won't allow the US the access it needs to help defend the Philippines or help with AFP modernization, then the United States cannot possibly fulfill its mutual defense obligations if Philippine forces come under attack," Poling told Philstar.com.

Abrogating the VFA would also have an impact on the Philippines' ties with the US in terms of counterterrorism and disaster relief efforts.

"Without US intelligence collection and surveillance help, Marawi would have lasted much longer with higher casualties. Without the VFA, American forces couldn't have been first on the scene in Tacloban evacuating victims of Yolanda and delivering supplies," Poling said.

US troops previously provided "technical assistance " during the Philippine government's campaign against ISIS-inspired terrorists in Marawi City in 2017.

In 2017, the Balikatan exercises between the Philippines and the US focused on humanitarian assistance and disaster response following Duterte's previous remark that he wants to end the annual war games.

The joint military exercises would then focus on counterterrorism and mutual defense in 2018 and 2019.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/01/30/1989011/vfa-termination-could-scrap-edca-suspend-mutual-defense-treaty-analysts

Posted to Malaysiakini (Jan 30): Police monitoring kidnap group 'spotters' in Sabah waters (Bernama)

Police are monitoring the remaining few hostage ‘spotters’ or lookouts working in cohorts with the kidnap-for-ransom group (KFRG) responsible for the kidnapping incidents in Sabah’s east coast.

Sabah Police Commissioner Omar Mammah (above) said the spotters under surveillance were fishermen.

“We have received information, we are monitoring and strict action would be taken on spotters who keep an eye out for potential kidnap victims,” he told reporters after handing over medals to 264 recipients in Jasa Pahlawan Negara investiture ceremony in Semporna yesterday evening.

Omar said several spotters have been caught by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) while 11 have been shot dead since 2018.

He said Philippines security agencies are hunting down the suspects responsible for the abduction of the five Indonesian fishermen in Sabah waters on Jan 15.

Esscom commander Hazani Ghazali, when contacted by Bernama, confirmed that two suspects were killed in an assault by the Philippines security forces.

The suspects, identified as Kah Bong and Melbi, had assumed the roles of navigator and negotiator for the Abu Sayyaf group.- Bernama

https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/508986

From the Philippine Star (Jan 30, 2020): Norwegian envoy's visit seen to boost investor confidence in Basilan (By John Unson)

The Army's 104th Infantry Brigade gave Norwegian Ambassador Bjorn Staurset Jahnsen military honors as he arrived in Basilan Wednesday. The STAR/John Unson
The Norwegian ambassador was in Basilan Wednesday for a peace dialogue with provincial officials working to maintain the province's reputation as the new investment frontier in the Bangsamoro region.

Ambassador Bjorn Staurset Jahnsen was accompanied to Isabela City in Basilan by embassy officials.

"For us, it was again a tacit proof that there is peace now in the province, pestered for decades by the Abu Sayyaf terror group whose presence faded dramatically with the surrender of more than 200 local members in very recent years," Basilan Gov. Jim Salliman said Thursday.

Wednesday's dialogue, dubbed “Sustaining Peace, Preparing Basilan’s Future,” was a joint initiative of the Norwegian government, the International Organization on Migration and the governor's office.

It was the Norwegian embassy’s first ever engagement in the island province.

The provincial government and the office of Deputy Speaker Mujiv Hataman, lone congressional representative of the province, had worked out the surrender in the past three years of more than 200 Abu Sayyaf members in Basilan via their local Program Against Violent Extremism, or PAVE.

The PAVE has the support of Muslim and Christian religious leaders in Basilan, the military’s Western Mindanao Command and the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

Salliman said the involvement of Norwegian government officials in Wednesday’s peace dialogue will boost the confidence of foreign investors on Basilan’s business climate.

Ranking dignitaries from Spain, representing the Agency for International Development Cooperation-Embassy of Spain, most known as the AECID, also toured Basilan last December.

Their purpose was to inspect peace-building projects the AECID is implementing along with Salliman’s office, the Cotabato City-based Institute for Autonomy and Governance and other non-government organizations, among them a group led by Spanish Priest Angel Calvo of the Claretian congregation.

“We are so thankful to these foreign benefactors. Surely these dignitaries would not come over if they don’t feel it is safe for them to come and roam around,” Salliman said.

He said they are trying to connect the provincial government with more foreign benefactors that can help them push their local peace and development efforts forward.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/01/30/1989020/norwegian-envoys-visit-seen-boost-investor-confidence-basilan

From the Manila Times (Jan 30, 2020): Loreto residents declare NPA ‘persona non grata’ (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

At least 400 residents of Barangay Binucayan, Loreto, Agusan del Sur on Tuesday signed a manifesto declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples’ Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) and its various front organizations and supporters.

1Lt. Amadeuz VJ Celestial, the Civil-Military Operations (CMO) officer of the 60th Infantry Battalion, said manifesto was signed during the community dialogue, co-organized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and local officials of Binucayan and Loreto.

Barangay Binucayan was previously identified as a CPP-NPA “influenced area” based on the parameters set in the Joint Letter Directive No. 3, series of 2018 of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, which prescribes mechanisms by which the said agencies can assist LGUs in the implementation of programs and services for the people.

The residents—including farmers, small business owners, teachers, students, senior citizens, indigenous peoples, and even CSO representatives—reiterated their support for the government.

The dialogue centered on the barangay’s peace and order issues, particularly the recruitment of their residents to become members of the NPA. Later, various agencies also discussed the ongoing and upcoming government projects for Binucayan.

Municipal Administrator Samson Ramilo said the LGU is committed to deliver services, programs, and projects to improve the lives of the people.

Vice Mayor Randolph Plaza, on the other hand, asked the residents to be more vigilant and continue cooperating with the government in the spirit of the “whole-of-nation approach.”

Celestial added, “We need your help. We must choose to end this [local communist armed conflict] now so we can focus our energies and our resources to the development of our communities.”

In a separate statement, newly installed Battalion Commander of 60IB, Lt. Col. Ronaldo Sarmiento, vowed to continue their commitment to help “establish peaceful and conflict-resilient communities.” He also called on members of the CPP-NPA-NDF to “stop terrorizing the people and exploiting their vulnerabilities.”

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2020/01/31/loreto-residents-declare-npa-persona-non-grata/

From Rappler (Jan 31, 2020): PH, U.S. armies look to 'future engagements' amid Duterte order to scrap VFA (By JC Gotinga)

Joint activities between Philippine and US forces continue as the Duterte administration moves to terminate the PH-US Visiting Forces Agreement

JOINT EXERCISE. Philippine and US soldiers hold counter-terrorism drills in Palawan as part of their Balance Piston 20-1 joint training from January 26 to February 23, 2020. Photo from the Philippine Army

Top-ranking generals of the Philippine and US armies discussed how to “strengthen their defense capabilities through future engagements” in a yearly bilateral meeting, even as the Philippine government moves to terminate its Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States.

Philippine Army (PA) chief Lieutenant General Gilbert Gapay and US Army Pacific (USARPAC) deputy chief Major General John Johnson held the 8th Executive Steering Group Meeting at the Philippine Army (PA) Headquarters at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, on Wednesday, January 29, the PA said in a statement on Thursday, January 30.

The PA looks to boost its aviation, air defense, airborne, combat engineer, fires, sustainment operations, cyber security capabilities, as well as its combined arms training methods and doctrine by having exercises and other engagements with the USARPAC.

For the USARPAC, engagements with their Filipino counterparts improve their operational experience in an archipelagic environment such as the Philippines.

The two armies also took up interoperability functions and training gaps learned from previous joint exercises.

“We have come prepared and determined to plan out the next actions that will further strengthen our alliance. I am confident that we are moving in the right direction towards ensuring that the alliance remains strong, dynamic, and relevant,” Gapay said.

Johnson, for his part, said: “Everything we do here should support the mutual defense training and demonstrate the commitment that we have for each other. We learn together, we become more capable and we build trust.”

Scrap the VFA?

Last week, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered to terminate the VFA over what he said was the US government’s interference in Philippine sovereign affairs. Duterte made the statement a day after Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa confirmed that his US visa had been canceled.

The VFA of 1998, anchored on the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty between the Philippines and the US, allows for US military presence in the Philippines. The agreement forms the basis of joint military exercises, and security cooperation between the two forces.

The Philippine and US militaries held a total of 281 joint activities in 2019. They planned to hold 300 such activities this year.

The US government’s criticism of Duterte’s violent campaign against illegal drugs and the extrajudicial killings that came with it has angered Duterte, especially when the US Senate resolved to apply the Global Magnitsky Act to Philippine officials involved in the “war on drugs.” Resulting sanctions include the denial or cancellation of their US visas.

The US government also included a similar provision in its 2020 national budget law, condemning the unlawful detention of Senator Leila de Lima, a staunch Duterte critic. The provision denies Philippine officials and personalities involved in De Lima’s case, entry to the US.

Duterte has been criticized for putting the VFA on the line over Dela Rosa’s visa and his administration’s tussles with the US government. Several lawmakers have opposed the agreement’s termination.

Duterte’s Cabinet is still studying the implications and consequences of scrapping the VFA and there is no final word yet if it would indeed be terminated, although Duterte reiterated his order on Wednesday night.

New exercise

On the ground, activities between Philippine and US forces continue.

The PA and the US Army debuted a new joint exercise in Palawan on January 26, and set to run until February 23.

The Balance Piston 20-1 training exercise aims to strengthen the PA’s counter-terrorism capabilities, and to enhance the interoperability between the PA and the US Army, the PA said in a separate media release.

“The Philippine Army continues to support and conduct trainings with its foreign counterparts as it helps ensure that our troops get the necessary exercise to enhance their capabilities in various fields. It also helps develop and strengthen our cooperation with other armies in training and information exchange,” said PA spokesperson Colonel Ramon Zagala.

Balance Piston 20-1 involves the Philippine Army’s 18th Special Forces Company, Special Forces Regiment (Airborne), and the US Army’s 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne).

https://www.rappler.com/nation/250643-philippines-united-states-armies-future-engagements-duterte-scrap-vfa

From Kalinaw News (Jan 30, 2020): Two rebels killed in encounters at Malapatan (By 73rd Infantry Battalion)

MALAPATAN, SARANGANI PROVINCE -Two Communist terrorists were killed during an encounter between the troops of 73rd Infantry Battalion and more or less 10 members of Weakened Guerilla Front TALA, Far South Mindanao Region in Barangay Kinam, Malapatan, Sarangani Province on Wednesday morning, January 29, 2020.

The troops recovered one (1) M16 rifle, one (1) M653, assorted belongings, and subversive documents.
“I commend the engaged troops and the people of Malapatan, Sarangani for their continued efforts in flushing out the communist terrorists from the community. The success of military operations can be attributed to the efforts of the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in the province and municipality,” said Lt. Col. Ronaldo G Valdez, commander of the 73rd Infantry Battalion.

1st Lt. Orestes Fausto, Commander of Alpha Company, said in a statement that they received information from concerned citizens in the area regarding the presence of armed communist terrorists extorting foodstuff.

The troops fought in a one (1) hour and thirteen (13) minutes running gun battle against the terrorists who also withdrew towards the forested portion.

In response, the 73rd Infantry Battalion led by 1st Lt. Jessie P. Hinampas the battalion Civil-Military-Operations Officer, organized a Quick Reaction Team together with Office of the Municipal Mayor Hon. Salway Sumbo to provide assistance for a decent burial for the killed terrorists.

“The Army will continue its offensive against the terrorist NPAs. I also encourage the people to continously support the government by reporting NPA movement and activities in their communities,” said Lt. Col. Ronaldo G. Valdez, 73rd Infantry Battalion Commander.

[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/two-rebels-killed-in-encounters-at-malapatan/

From Kalinaw News (Jan 30, 2020): 61IB lauds Igbaras town for declaring NPA Persona Non-Grata (By 61st Infantry Hunter Battalion)

CAMP MONTECLARO, Igtuba, Miagao Iloilo – The Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion under the leadership of LTC Joel Benedict Batara lauded the bold action of Igbaras town in Iloilo against CPP-NPA Terrorist after passing a resolution declaring the group as persona-non-grata.

“Igbaras is the first town in the province of Iloilo this year that declares communist-terrrorists as persona non- grata. Rest assured that we will give our full support to the local government of Igbaras in its quest to end local communist armed conflict. And, I am encouraging other LGUs in the province to take a bold step against this group now, and don’t let them enter your peaceful community,” LTC Batara said.

The said resolution was passed by Igbaras Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) led by Honorable Jaime Esmeralda, the Municipal Mayor on Friday, January 30, 2019.

Members of the MPOC agreed to pass the said resolution in support to the Executive Order (EO) 70 or the institutionalization of the whole-of-nation approach in ending local communist armed conflict. LTC Batara further encouraged the council to continue helping the government in its battle against insurgency. “Let us start our 2020 right. The terrorists are no longer significant, and we do not want our children and the children of our children to become the next victims of their selfish and bloody armed struggle. Let’s do our share in making them forever irrelevant’’.

From Kalinaw News (Jan 31, 2020): NPA platoon, yields to Army in Ipil, Sibugay (By 102nd Infantry Brigade)

CAMP SANG-AN, Pulacan, ZDS – A platoon-size of Communist NPA rebels surrendered to Army’s 102nd Infantry “IGSOON” Brigade at their headquarters in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, 10:00 a.m. Thursday, January 30, 2020.

The 27 Former Rebels (FRs), who also yielded seven firearms and explosives, were members of the Western Mindanao Party Committee who operates in Zamboanga Peninsula provinces and Misamis Occidental.

The group were ceremonially presented to the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict 9 (RTF-ELCAC – 9), represented by Mario Baterna – Provincial Director of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) – Sibugay together with Brig. Gen. Generoso “Gene” Ponio, Commander, 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army and others.

Alias Diane, one of the former rebels, during his message says that “Nailad ko sa nagrecruit nako na NPA. Gipasaligan ko na naay SUPAMIL (suporta sa pamilya) kada bulan nga madawat akong pamilya kung moapil mi sa armadong pakigbisog. Apan walay pinansyal na niabot sa among balay”.
(I was deceived by the NPA recruiter. They’ve assured that my family will receive monthly financial support if I am going to join the armed struggle. But the finances they’ve promised were not able to reach our home”.

Alias Diego (former rebel), during the press conference, expressed his displeasure of the NPA organization administration and their armed struggle.

Col. Leonel Nicolas, 102nd Infantry Brigade Commander, who has operational jurisdiction of the Zampen and Mis Occ provinces, vowed to enroll the 27 FRs to the Enhance Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

He also assured to collaborate with the Task Force ELCAC, local chief executives, PNP and other stakeholders to facilitate the documents needed during the process of integration.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Ponio during his speech said that “The government is serious in the implementation of the EO-70 by the president through its Task Force ELCAC, or the whole-of- nation approach”.

“Convergence among government agencies, local government units and other stakeholders is the key to end the decades-long communist armed conflict in Mindanao”, Ponio said.

“Encourage some of your comrades, our doors is always open for those who wish to return to the folds of the law but we remain stern in performing our mandate of protecting the people if any situation arises,” he added.

The said activity was also attended by Hon Senen Angeles, Vice Governor Zamboanga del Norte, Mr Dennis Baguio, Representing Governor of Zamboanga Sibugay, DOLE, TESDA, PNP, and Battalion Commanders of 102nd Infantry Brigade.

NPA-Negros Island propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jan 31, 2020): Pasingkion ang Inaway Banwa Para sa Pangmalawigon nga Kalinong, Matuod nga Kahilwayan kag Demokrasya…Magbato kag Paslawon ang Tiraniya kag Pasismo sang Rehimen US-Duterte!

DIONESIO MAGBUELAS

NPA-NEGROS ISLAND

MT. CANSERMON COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

JANUARY 31, 2020

Signipikante kag bulawanon nga adlaw ang Disyembre 26 para sa tanan nga mga rebolusyonaryo ilabi na sa mga katapo sang New People’s Army (NPA) kag bug-os nga rebolusyonaryong masa diin kumpiyansado kag wala paghupas nga nagasalig sa 51 ka tuig nga pagpamuno sang Marxismo-Leninismo-Maoismo nga Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

Kadungan sa pagsaulog sang mga kadalag-an sa ideolohiya, pulitika kag organisasyon sa ika-51 ka tuig nga pagsukat sang CPP ang paghatag man sang rebolusyonaryo nga pagpasidungog sa tanan nga mga martir sa rebolusyon kaangay kay “Ka MG” nga lubos nagsakripisyo sang ila kinaalam, ikasarang ilabi na ang ila kabuhi sa ila lubos nga pag-alagad sa pigos kag ginahimuslan nga pumuluyong Pilipino.

Sa pihak sang todo-gyera nga kampanya “kontra-insurhensiya” sang pasistang rehimen US-Duterte idalum sa Memo Order 32 (de facto Martial Law) kag Executive Order 70 (NTF-ELCAC); ang NPA-Mount Cansermon Command komprehensibo nga nagbato kag nakapangibabaw sa wala-untat nga pagpang-atake sang AFP/PNP sa bug-os nga rebolusyonaryong hublag kaangay sang red tagging, pagpapriso paagi sa mga patu-pato nga kaso, ilegal nga pagpang-aresto, pagpamatay (EJK) kag iban pa.

Sulod sa isa ka tuig (Disyembre 26, 2018-Disyembre 26, 2019), ang CPP-MLM nga amo ang abanse nga destakamento sang sahing proletaryado lubos nagagiya kag nagapamuno sa bug-os nga rebolusyonaryong kahublagan. Sa organisasyon, nakonsolida kag nagdako sang 10-15% ang isip sang mga katapuan sang Partido. Padayon nga nakonsolida ang mga kadre sang Partido kag nakapatuhaw pa sang mga sumusunod nga mga kadre sang Partido halin sa hanay sang isganan nga mga pamatan-on. Bangud sini madasig nga nakonsolida kag natukod ang mga sub-seksyon kag seksyon sang Partido, sanga sang Partido sa lokalidad, grupo sang Partido kag iban pa nga yunit sini sa tunga sang rebolusyonaryong organisasyon masa kag New People’s Army (NPA).

Agud mapaseguro ang husto nga aplikasyon sang unibersal nga teorya sang Marxismo-Leninismo-Maoismo sa kongkreto nga kahimtangan sa sakop sang MCC, madinalag-on nga nakonsolida ang mga katapuan sini sa tatlo ka halintang nga mga kurso sang Partido. Nakalunsar sang mga intermedyang kurso pampartido, sandigan nga kurso sang Partido kag iban pa dira sa mga katapuan sang Partido sa lokalidad kag sulod sa organisasyon sang NPA. Asud-asod kag hapsay nga natigayon ini matapos ang mga paghanas sang mga instruktor gikan sa hanay sang hubines kag kabataan nga mga kadre sang Partido.

Malig-on nga gintib-ong ang demokratikong rebolusyon sang banwa paagi sa pangmalawigon nga inaway banwa nga may sosyalistang perspektiba. Padayon nga nakonsolida kag napalapad ang mga lugar para sa malapad nga maniobra sang NPA. Lig-on nga gingamit sini ang gerilya nga taktika kag paghulag pareho sang epektibo nga pagdispers, konsentrasyon kag pagsaylo lamang mapreserbar ang kusog sang Partido, NPA kag rebolusyonarayong organisasyon masa. Tuyo sini militante nga matungdan ang hilikuton masa agud ihatag ang sosyal nga serbisyo sa malapad nga masang gina-alagaran. Nakalunsar man sang mga paghimakas masa kag agraryong rebolusyon para sa minimum nga pagpatuman sang reporma sa duta kag maduso ang pagpatuman sang iban pa nga porma sang serbisyo sosyal sa masa. Wala paghubas nga mga aksyon masa kag mobilisasyon batok sa pasismo sang rehimen US-Duterte ilabi na sa pagpaslaw sang MO32 kag EO70 idalum sa NTF-ELCAC/JTF-Negros sa isla ilabi na sa Central Negros.

Ang NPA, mga milisya sang banwa kag iban pa nga mga yunit gerilya tungod sang hugot nga pag-uyat sang tatlo ka disiplina kag walo ka punto; nakalunsar sang mga madinalag-on nga taktikal nga opensiba nga nagresulta sang 51 ang kaswalti sa pasistang tropa sang PNP (704th RMFBn & SAF) kag AFP (94th IB & 62nd IBPA). Madinalag-on man nga nakalunsar sang mga paghanas pulitiko-militar sa paghatag sang dugang nga kaalam kag pag-armas sang mga sandigan nga prinsipyo sa mga pulang hangaway sa pagpalig-on sang disiplina sa pagpakig-away gerilya batok sa reaksyunaryong tropa sang mapintas nga rehimeng Duterte. Bangud sini nagdako man ang isip sang NPA diin nakatukod sang mga bag-ong platun nga kusog sang pulang hangaway nga mataas ang moral kag mataas man ang inisyatiba kag pleksibilidad sa pagpakig-away gerilya.

Lubos nagapati ang MCC-NPA sa sinsero kag liwat nga pagpakig-istoryahanay sa kalinong sa tunga sang NDFP kag GRP. Nagasigahum ang MCC nga ini ang alagyan sa pag-ugat sang gyera sibil sa pungsod. Paagi sini masugdan ang pagpatuman sang Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms kag Comprehensive Agreement on Political and Constitutional Reforms nga magserbi alagyan man sang madugay na nga handum sang pumuluyong Pilipino sa tunay nga reporma sa duta kag pungsodnon nga industriyalisayon diin mapaluntad ang makatarunganon, malawigon kag matuod nga kalinong nga nakabase sa hustisya sosyal.

Ang rehimen US-Duterte ang nagahuyango na. Isa ka rehimen nga mahuyang bangud nagapangatubang ini sang grabe nga iskandalo sa korapsyon, iligal nga droga kag lapnagon nga human rights violations. Magresulta man ini sang masingki nga kontradiksyon sa tunga sang nagahari nga sahi bunga sang padayon nga krisis kag pagkadunot sang malakolonyal kag mala-pyudal nga sosyedad Pilipino. Diin apektado man ini sang wala kasolbaran nga krisis sang sistemang kapitalismo.

Labi ka paborable ang sitwasyon sa aton komprehensibo nga pagsulong. Kaangot sini, ang MCC-NPA padayon nagahangkat sa pumuluyong Negrosanon nga maisog kag militante nga maghimakas kadungan sa malaparan nga paghimakas masa sa pungsodnon nga sakop agud itib-ong ang demokratikong interes sang malapad nga pumuluyo. Padayon nga magbato kag hublasan ang tanan nga mga pakana, patalang kag pasismo nga ginalunsar sang AFP kag PNP bilang mga mapintas nga makinaryas sang inutil kag pabaya nga tiranikong US-Duterte.

Nagapanawagan man ang NPA sa tanan nga muklat nga mga kabataan nga magpasakop sa New People’s Army. Magtuon kag magremulde sa kaugalingon samtang naga-upod sa paghimakas sang masang mangunguma dira sa pagtukod sang rebolusyonaryong gahum pulitika sa kaumahan, paglunsar sang agraryong rebolusyon kag pagsulong sang armadong paghimakas.

Mabuhay ang CPP/NPA/NDF!
Mabuhay ang Demokratikong Rebolusyon sang Banwa!
Mabuhay ang rebolusyonaryong masa!
Mabuhay ang ika-51 nga Anibersaryo sang CPP!

https://cpp.ph/statement/pasingkion-ang-inaway-banwa-para-sa-pangmalawigon-nga-kalinong-matuod-nga-kahilwayan-kag-demokrasyamagbato-kag-paslawon-ang-tiraniya-kag-pasismo-sang-rehimen-us-duterte/

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31, 2020): Reds unwelcome in Iloilo town (By Gail Momblan)

COMMITTED TO END INSURGENCY. Igbaras Mayor Jaime Esmeralda (extreme right, standing) holds high the resolution declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) persona non-grata on Thursday (Jan. 30, 2020). Such declaration shows the local government's commitment to end insurgency, the Philippine Army said. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army's 61st Infantry Battalion)

ILOILO CITY -- Igbaras town in Iloilo province has started this year's fight against insurgency right by declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) persona non-grata, an official of the Philippine Army has said.

Members of the Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) of Igbaras town, headed by Mayor Jaime Esmeralda, convened on Thursday and passed a resolution declaring the rebels unwelcome.

"The MPOC has shown their commitment to the government in the war against insurgency by passing the resolution," said Lt. Col. Joel Benedict Batara, commander of the Army's 61st Infantry Battalion, in a phone interview Friday.

Such declaration reflects the thirst of Igbaras locals for genuine peace and progress, he said, as there were atrocities committed by the rebel group in Igbaras in the previous years.

"There were burning of equipment, extortion to big businessmen and contractors, recruitment of minors, and many other treacherous moves of the rebels. The people of Igbaras are already tired of these," he said.

He cited an encounter between the government troops and the rebels led by Melgar Besmanos alias Mar of Sibat (SYP) Platoon, Southern Front Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay under Nahum Camariosa alias Bebong last year.

Batara said the CPP-NPA has planned to sabotage Century Peak Energy Corporation (CPEC) and the company's Hydropower Plant in the mountainous area of Igbaras town.

The Army was able to foil the attack and recovered from the rebels three Molotov bombs, a rifle grenade, hand grenade, blasting cap, two packs ammonium nitrate, two dynamites and a terrorist shirt.

"They planned to ambush the employees of the CPEC and the civilians there. This is just a proof that the rebels are against development in Igbaras town," he said.

The declaration of the rebels as unwelcome in Igbaras does not only end on paper, he said.

The bold action of the local government unit will encourage the locals in the village level, especially the village officials, to also do their share in the fight against insurgency.

"This will drive the village officials to act because they are being led by a strong local chief executive," he said.

Batara also noted that the declaration will leave an impact on the side of the rebels.

This is also one way to encourage members of the CPP-NPA to return to the government fold.

The towns of Bingawan, Maasin, Tubungan, Janiuay, among others have already declared communist members as unwelcome.

The Army commander said Leon and Alimodian towns are set to replicate the declaration this year.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1092605

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31, 2020): NPA war materials seized after Surigao Sur clash (By Alexander Lopez)

Google map of Tandag City, Surigao del Sur.

Government troops recovered war materials belonging to communist rebels after a firefight Thursday in the hinterlands of Tandag City, Surigao del Sur, an official said.

Capt. Jonald Romorosa, civil-military operations of the Army's 36th Infantry Battalion, said the rebel water materials consisting of high-powered firearms, ammunition, and landmine components were recovered after the 15-minute clash in Barangay Buenavista around 12:30 p.m.

In a statement, Romorosa said the firefight broke out after government troops on combat operations encountered around 15 armed New People’s Army (NPA) rebels belonging to the Guerrilla Front 30 (GF30) of the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) led by a certain Joel Mahinay.

Romorosa said the operation was launched in response to the reports of the presence of armed men in the area.

After the encounter, the NPA rebels withdrew from their position and retreated toward the northeastern portion of Barangay Buenavista, he said, adding the guerillas suffered an undetermined number of casualties based on the bloodstained found in the area.

The government suffered no casualty, he said, adding the troops recovered an M16 rifle, a Garand rifle, ammunition, landmine components, personal belongings, and documents with high intelligence value following the clash.

In the same statement, Lt. Col. Jezreel Diagmel, 36IB commander, took note of the growing support for the Army within the community.

Diagmel attributed the support to the "effective implementation of the whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict" in the countryside."

“It is my commitment to respond to the call of the peace-loving people of Surigao del Sur to preserve the peace and security in the province,” Diagmel said.

He also called on the remaining NPA rebels to lay down their arms and avail of the support services being offered by the government.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1092523

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 31, 2020): Region 1 Peace and Order Council declares Pangasinan 'insurgency-free' (By Anne Hazel Fajardo-Flores)

SAN FERNANDO CITY, Jan. 31 (PIA) -- The Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC-1) approved on Wednesday a resolution declaring the Province of Pangasinan cleared of CPP/NPA/NDF affectation, thus insurgency-free.

In an excerpt of the minutes of the meeting of the council, the resolution’s approval was based on a Joint Letter Directive No. 3 amended in 2016, on parameters achieved by the province in order for the priority area to be considered cleared.

Further, it was evaluated by the Area Clearing Evaluation Board (ACEB) and validated by the Area Clearing Validation Committee (ACVC).

PANGASINAN IS INSURGENCY-FREE: RPOC-1 Head Secretariat and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Director James F. Fadrilan reads the text of Resolution No. 1, Series of 2020 declaring the Province of Pangasinan Insurgency- Free on January 29, 2020 at the Diego Silang Hall of the Provincial Capitol in San Fernando City, La Union. (RMN/PIA1)
“Based on the ACEB meeting in September 2018 which was presided by Board Chairperson and assistant division commander of 71D BGen. Lenard T. Agustin, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the evaluation resulted to a positive response that there are no CPP/NPA/NDF established in the area,” read RPOC-1 head secretariat and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Director James F. Fadrilan.

He added, “In the same discussion in a meeting of the ACVC held at the DILG Region 1 Office in June 2019 to validate the results, the committee approved of the motion to declare the province as insurgency-free. The assembly was presided by Col. Doroteo Jose M Jalandoni, Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) with DILG and RPOC-1 members as attendees."

The ACVC resolution was also jointly approved by NOLCOM Commander LtGen. Ramiro Manuel A Rey, AFP and Directorate for Police Operations-Northern Luzon (DIPO-NL).

On a joint motion by MGen. Agustin and League of Municipalities of the Philippines – Pangasinan Chapter President Leopoldo N. Bataoil and unanimously seconded by the body, the matter was elevated to the RPOC-1 for approval of a resolution.

With the matters been discussed and approved by the body, Dir. Fadrilan certified and signed RPOC Resolution No. 1, Series of 2020 which was attested by RPOC-1 Chairperson and La Union Governor Emmanuel Francisco R. Ortega III at the Diego Silang Hall of the Provincial Capitol.

“As long as we unite our hands together to fight insurgency, I, as the chairperson of the committee, will fully support the programs of President Rodrigo Duterte on peace and order to provide a better and safer place to live for our constituents here in the Ilocos region,” said Governor Ortega.

The declaration of Pangasinan province as insurgency-dree is only one of the confirmations of the whole-of-the-nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace by means of ending local communist armed conflict in the communities. (JCR/JNPD/AHFF/PIA1)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033790

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 31, 2020): NPA member surrenders in La Trinidad (By Redjie Melvic M. Cawis)

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Jan. 31 (PIA) -- A former rebel surrendered to government authorities in this capital town on Thursday, (Jan.30).

“Ka Wilang,” a member of the New People Army from Sadanga, Mountain Province, surrendered to La Trinidad Mayor Romeo Salda and Police Regional Office – Cordillera Regional Director PBGen. Israel Ephraim Dickson. It was witnessed by Benguet Provincial Police Office Director Col. Elmer Ragay and PRO-Cor Regional Intelligence Division Chief Col. Reynaldo Pasiwen.

He also turned over a M1 Carbine firearm with a magazine loaded with 21 live ammunition and a hand fragmented grenade during the simple ceremonies at the municipal hall.

La Trinidad Mayor Romeo Salda and Police Regional Office – Cordillera Regional Director PBGen. Israel Ephraim Dickson recieve a firearm from a rebel returnee during his surrender at the La Trinidad Municipal Hall on Thursday, Jan 30, witnessed by Benguet Provincial Police Office Director Col. Elmer Ragay and PRO-Cor Regional Intelligence Division Chief Col. Reynaldo Pasiwen. (RMC- PIA CAR)

The surrender was facilitated by La Trinidad Municipal Police Station OIC, PMaj. Cleff Vencio and some relatives of the surenderee.

Vencio said Ka Wilang was a member of the KLG Marco who started as a courier of goods and supplies when he was 15 years old. He operated in the tri-boundaries of Kalinga, Mountain Province and Abra provinces.
“We are delighted that the NPA rebel has decided to surrender and yield back to the fold of law and be given the opportunity to avail benefits from the government where he can start a new life for better future with his family,” said Salda as he thanked the 51-year old man for trusting to surrender at La Trinidad LGU.

Ka Wilang is the third communist terrorist group member who surrendered in Benguet this month. Two former rebels earlier surrendered in Itogon town, Ragay said.
He will be processed and profiled for the availment of the Enhanced - Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and other benefits such as livelihood assistance from the government thru the different line agencies and the LGUs.

Dickson said the government is very sincere to accept the rebels who surrender and go back to the society to live peaceful life. The government is very much willing to help them thru the Whole of a nation approach to end communist armed conflict in the country under the Executive Order 70 of President Rodrigo Road Duterte.

“It is not only the police and military working against insurgency now but the entire government from the government agencies, law enforcement agencies and the local government units working together to ensure a peaceful community and nation,” he said. (JDP/RMC- PIA CAR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033725

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 31, 2020): Tagalog News: Dalawang rebelde patay sa engkwentro sa Malapatan, Sarangani (By Nirvana Alpha Vita G. Fruylan)

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Enero 31 (PIA)-- Dalawang myembro ng New People’s Army (NPA) ang napatay sa isang sagupaan sa pagitan ng tropa ng 73rd Infantry Battalion at Guerilla Front Tala nitong Myerkules sa Barangay Kinam, Malapatan, Sarangani.

Ayon sa panayam ng Philippine Information Agency-SarGen kay Civil Military Operations (CMO) Officer, 1Lt Jessie Hinampas, nakatanggap umano ang Alpha Company ng batalyon sa pamumuno ni 1Lt. Orestes Fausto, na may nangyayaring “extortion” o pangingikil ng mga pagkain mula sa mga residente ng barangay.

Agad naman umanong umaksyon at pumunta sa lugar ang tropa ng militar at “nagkagulatan” sila ng may humigit-kumulang sampung myembro ng naturang rebeldeng grupo at nagkaroon nga ng mahigit isang oras na sagupaan.

Pinuri ni Lt. Col. Ronaldo Valdez, battalion commander ng 73rd IB ang agarang pagresponde ng kanyang mga tauhan at sa kanilang patuloy na hakbang upang masugpo ang terorismong mga gawain ng mga komunistang grupo sa naturang komunidad.

Ayon pa kay Valdez ang tagumpay ng kanilang mga operasyong pang military ay dahil sa pagpupursige ng Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict o (TF-ELCAC) na maisaayos ang kalagayan ng ordinaryong mga mamamayan sa mga munisipyo at probinsya.

Hinikayat naman ni Valdez ang mga mamamayan na ipagbigay alam sa mga otoridad kung mayroong mga aktibidad ang naturang rebeldeng grupo sa kanilang mga komunidad at binigyang diin nito na magpapatuloy ang kasundalohan sa kanilang opensiba laban sa nasabing teroristang grupo.

Samantala, nagsagawa naman ang tropa ni Hinampas ng isang Quick Reaction Team sa pakikipagtulongan ng tanggapan ni Malapatan Mayor Salway Sumbo kung saan nagbigay sila ng tulong upang mabigyan ng marangal na lamay ang mga namatay na rebelde. (PIA SarGen)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033755

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 31, 2020): CTF-ELCAC launched in Surigao City village (By Susil D. Ragas)

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Jan. 31 (PIA) -- After the fall of Guerilla Front (GF) 16B due to the mass surrender of key leaders and supporters, the city government of Surigao launched the City Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (CTF-ELCAC) on January 22, 2020 at Sitio Brazil, Barangay Mat-i, this city.

Sitio Brazil was formerly known as the Communist New People's Army Terrorist (CNT) stronghold.

It can be recalled that GF16B, which is led by Pablo Alcansar Logatiman aka Lukas, a native of Sitio Tugunan, Mabini, Surigao City, celebrated the CPP anniversary in the said area on December 2016.

The relentless efforts of Team Surigao del Note led by the provincial government, municipal and barangay level local government units, regional line agencies, civil society organizations, 30th Infantry (Python) Battalion and the whole police force in the province led by the Provincial Police Office, key leaders of GF16B like Commander RD and Commander NO NAME, and their Political Officer alias Wella, surrendered last year.

Their surrender further led to the surrender of other NPA regulars as well as members of the underground mass organizations of GF16B.

To sustain these gains, Team Surigao del Norte further institutionalized its whole-of-nation convergence through the launching of the Task Force ELCAC of Surigao City at Sitio Brazil, Mat-i.

This simple but very symbolic event was led by City Mayor Ernesto "Estong" Matugas Jr, together with the Surigao City Council, Barangay Local Government of Mat-I, national line agencies, Surigao City Police Office, and the 30th IB.

The activity was highlighted with the ceremonial turn-over of livelihood assistance (Cattle Dispersal) to five beneficiaries, distribution of hygiene kits to 120 households from Surigao Metropolitan Water District-Prime Waters and distribution of seedlings.

After the launching program, a “Serbisyo Caravan” immediately commenced providing basic services to the residents.

Said services included dental and medical services, free haircut, supplemental feeding, distribution of slippers and "Lice Alis" packs to the pupils of Lope R. Ruiz Memorial Elementary School, vaccination and deworming, issuance of appointment schedules for the filing of NBI clearance, and the extension of free legal consultation/services.

In his message, Mayor Matugas expressed his utmost gratitude to the partner stakeholders who supported the CTF-ELCAC launching.

“Everyone desires for peace, let us support the EO 70 or Whole-of-Nation Approach of our beloved President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for his action to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in Surigao City,” Mayor Matugas said.

Meanwhile, 30IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Jeffrey A. Villarosa congratulated the Team Surigao City for bringing government services to Sitio Brazil, a Conflict-Affected Area (ConAA).

He said the Python Troopers will always be an active partner of Team Surigao City, Team Surigao del Norte, and the peace-loving residents of Sitio Brazil, the most important member of the team.

Villarosa enjoined the residents to be active participants towards their efforts to attain peace and development to their community and insulate their children, their families and their community from the deception and lies of the NPAs.

CTF-ELCAC was institutionalized during the joint City Development Council (CDC) and City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) meeting through the approved joint Resolution No.4, s. 2019 dated September 16, 2019. (30IB, Philippine Army/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033506

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 31, 2020): Army lauds Igbaras town for declaring NPA Persona Non Grata (By 61IB CMO-Philippine Army)

CAMP MONTECLARO, Miagao, Iloilo, Jan. 31 --The Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion lauded the bold action of Igbaras town in Iloilo against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) Terrorist after passing a resolution declaring the group as persona-non-grata.

“Igbaras is the first town in the province of Iloilo this year that declares communist-terrorists as persona non- grata, said 61st IB Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Joel Benedict Batara.

Batara also assured the local government of Igbaras of the Army’s support in its quest to end local communist armed conflict.

“I am also encouraging other LGUs in the province to take a bold step against this group now, and don’t let them enter your peaceful community,” he said.

The resolution was passed by Igbaras Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) led by mayor Jaime Esmeralda, January 30.

Members of the MPOC agreed to pass the said resolution in support to the Executive Order (EO) 70 that institutionalizes the whole-of-nation approach in ending local communist armed conflict.

Batara likewise encouraged the council to continue helping the government in its battle against insurgency.

“Let us start our 2020 right. The terrorists are no longer significant and we do not want our children and the children of our children to become the next victims of their selfish and bloody armed struggle. Let’s do our share in making them forever irrelevant,’’ he stressed. (JBG/1Lt. Hazel Joy Durotan)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033752

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 31, 2020): Rebel returnees in NegOr start new life thru E-CLIP (By Jennifer C. Tilos and Roi Anthoni Lomotan)

Four ex-NPA rebels in Negros Oriental were given financial assistance under the government’s E-CLIP led by Gov. Roel Degamo (4th from left) with Usec. Reynaldo Mapagu, chair of the Task Force Balik Loob of the Department of National Defense (DND) in a turnover ceremony held at the Provincial Convention Center, Dumaguete City on March 5, 2019. (File photo/JCT/PIA7-NegOr)

George (not his real name), was recruited at age 15 by members of the Communist New People’s Army in the hinterland town of Mabinay, Negros Oriental.

“Ang ingon nila namon, tagaan mig trabaho, may libreng pabalay, wala ra miy bayran (We were told that we would be employed and there would be free housing that we would not pay),” he says.

George was one of at least four former young rebels from the municipalities of Mabinay and Zamboanguita who surrendered to authorities last year after being heavily exploited by the communist group. The four surrenderees received financial assistance totaling to P78,000 each under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Now 17, George along with his male comrades aged 21 and 24 years old including a young mother, 26, who has two kids share their ordeals during the time they lived in the mountains. The three male recruits confirmed they were each provided with M4 rifles and ordered to burn heavy equipment owned by a road contractor. They were also made to go house to house asking for rice.

The local government officials here recognized the former rebels’ decision to return to mainstream society and formally welcomed them back to mainstream society.

After coming back to the folds of the government, each of the four rebel returnees received P78,000 representing P15,000 cash and check of P50,000 livelihood aid plus an additional P10,000 as the personal support of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo and P3,000 from the province's assistance to individuals in crisis situation (AICS).

Aside from this, the recipients were oriented on various socio-economic skills as part of their re-integration to the community. They also received poultry and livestock from the provincial government as livelihood assistance so they can start their lives anew.

Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office Officer in Charge Rosa Emilia Banquerigo, who leads a team with officers from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to monitor the status of the former rebels after they received the assistance, says the ex-rebels’ lives have have improved with the assistance given to them. The four former rebels used a portion of the assistance they received from the government to improve their homes.

They also chose to raise cattle as a new form of livelihood after each of them bought one carabao and one cow with the money given to them. Moreover, some of them also used a portion of the financial assistance they received to send their younger siblings to elementary and high school. But more importantly, the four rebel returnees now have a deeper appreciation of the government.

“Nag-expect man gyud sila na dili motagad (ang gobyerno) pero opposite diay. Matabangan pa gyud sila financially so happy na sila (They were expecting that the government does not look after the welfare of its citizens but they realized it was the opposite. They also learned that the government can provide financial assistance to them. They are happy),” Banquerigo shares.

“Among dakong pasalamat sa gobyerno pagtabang kanamo kay pigado gid mi ang amon pamilya mao na napugos mi pag kuyog sang grupo ng NPA (We are very grateful to the government for helping us. Our families are so poor that we’re forced to join the group of NPA),” says Job, 24 (not his real name).

According to Banquerigo, one of the E-CLIP beneficiaries who goes by the alias “Happy”, is now being processed for enrollment in the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). This will help Happy augment his income and send his children to school.

Former Commander of Central command of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Lt. Gen. Noel Clement says the former rebels were victims of the Communist Terrorist Groups’ (CTGs) "deceptive strategy. "Instead of being in school and taking care of their family, they were tricked to join the combat in the mountains," he says.

The governor has called on other NPA members to surrender to the authorities and take advantage of the government's programs. E-CLIP is one of the flagship programs of the Duterte administration that seeks to address social healing and national unity towards the higher objective of having just and lasting peace.

It aims to provide social equity to former members of the NPA, CPP, National Democratic Front of the Philippines, and the Militia ng Bayan to reintegrate them into mainstream society. (jct/ral/PIA NegOr)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033749

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