Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events

Posted to the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 12, 2020): The Returnees' Portfolio (By Olive P. Tiu)

(3rd of a series)

The government did not forsake us, did not give up on us

Alyas Ella, 38 years old from Bacud, San Isidro, Leyte, joined the NPA in 2001 at age 20.

In 2002, she met and fell in love with her husband who joined the rebel group just to be with her. He became a combatant under her.

When the lovers got married in 2004, she decided to go down and join the legal organization as chairperson of the Catoogon Farmers Association. She was in charged of the education and training of the members and farmer leaders as a combatant assigned at the white area.

In 2006, there was an encounter and one of her NPA friends was captured. Her friend told the military the names of her comrades.

The military talked to her and convinced her to surrender without firearms.

In 2016, the NPAs returned. Carabaos, chicken were stolen every now and then in the area. Still capitalizing on land dispute, she was not able to say No to the NPAs. She became the secretary of the SK Section which handles one municipality. She was also in the recruitment of more members from San Isidro to Villaba.

In December of 2018, the military returned and helped the community. Despite the fact that she went back to the NPA, the military treated them well patiently enlightening them.

Thus, in April of 2019, she was among the more than 1000 NPAs and militia ng bayan who surrendered.

She was enrolled in the E-CLIP and was one of the 262 Former Rebels who received their benefits from no less than the President on January 23.

“I have felt the goodness and sincerity of the government. I am looking forward to a better tomorrow with my husband and three children.”

To her friends who are still in the mountains, she has this to say: “Meron pang time para makadesisyon kayo. Alam ninyo kung gaano kahirap diyan ang iba sa inyo ay gustong makapagtapos ng pag-aaral. Bukas ang gobyerno na tanggapin kayo.” (PIA-8/RTF-ELCAC8 Stratcom)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1034447

Posted to the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 12, 2020): 55 UGMO members in Ilocos Sur yield to gov’t (By April M. Bravo)

SANTA CRUZ, Ilocos Sur, Feb. 12 (PIA) –A total of 55 members of the Underground Mass Organization (UGMO) surrendered to the government security forces at the 81st Infantry (Spartan) Battalion Headquarters in Barangay Bugbuga here this February.

Of this number, 33 rebels who surrendered on February 8 are residents of Sitio Linggawa in Barangay Pidpid in this town while 22 residents from Barangay Lucbuban in Salcedo town yielded to the joint elements of the Army’s 81IB and the Police Regional Office 1 (PRO1) on February 10.

From the 33 UGMO members from Santa Cruz, three are members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army's (CPP-NPA) Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad (SPL), six are Kabataang Makabayan (KM), seven are from Malayang Kilusan ng Bagong Kababaihan (MKBK), and 17 are Pambansang Kilusan ng Magsasaka (PKM).

On the other hand, the 22 surrenderers from the municipality of Salcedo are composed of four Milisyang Bayan (MB), seven KM and 11 PKM.

The significant number of surrenderers is attributed to the combined efforts of the Community Support Program teams of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in delivering enhanced services in the different areas of Ilocos Sur.

Major General Lenard Agustin, commander of the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, said, “CPP-NPA-NDF-influenced communities are now coming back to the folds of law because the government’s efforts are visible through the implementation of Executive Order No. 70 or the whole-of-nation approach. In the Army, we will ensure continued efforts to put an end to the local communist armed conflict; and we will most assuredly protect and help those who come out to live a life of peace.”

“The presence of the Army and PNP in NPA-influenced areas positively affects these communities. The security forces have done their best to convince the NPA supporters to go back to the folds of the law with an assurance that the government will protect and help them live in peace,” he added.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Rodrigo Mariñas, Jr., commanding officer of the 81IB said, “Basically, the Army’s 81IB and the PNP’s PRO1 have effectively immersed in NPA-influenced communities. We are grateful that we delivered the right information which resulted to the right understanding about local terrorists and their recruitment tactics, further protecting these communities from exploitation by these groups.”

“As public servants, we will continue to work hand-in-hand with the different government units and agencies and private stakeholders to show sincerity in the performance of our mandate of ending local insurgency,” Mariñas added.

The government will assist the former UGMO members through different programs like a peace-building seminar to help them cope with the challenges they are set to face after surrendering and equip them with programs and trainings that will enable them to establish conflict resilient communities. (JCR/AMB/PIA Ilocos Sur)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1034430

Posted to the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 12, 2020): Halfway house for ex-rebels soon to rise in Oro (By Apipa P. Bagumbaran)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 11 (PIA) -- A Php10-million halfway house will soon rise in Cagayan de Oro to serve as a temporary shelter for former communist rebels as they prepare to return to the mainstream of society.

City Mayor Oscar Moreno, along with Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security and Communications secretary Martin Andanar, Task Force Balik Loob chairperson Usec. Reynaldo Mapagu, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Usec. Bernardo Florece Jr., Usec. Rufino Lopez and Asec. Lorenzo Clavejo of the National Security Council, EastMinCom Commander LtGen. Jose Faustino Jr., and 4th Infantry Division Commander MGen. Franco Nemesio Gacal led the groundbreaking ceremony of the Kalandang (Peace) Center in Sitio Aura, Brgy. Mambuaya on February 7.

The Kalandang Center will serve as a temporary residence for former rebels while their documents as beneficiaries of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) are being processed.

The facility will also serve as a training center and a venue for education and other related seminars and orientations for former rebels.

DILG provided Php5-million for phase 1 of the project while the remaining Php5-million is the city government's counterpart.

The 729.73 sq.m. center can house 30 former rebels with facilities such as male and female quarters, training center, mess hall, kitchen, storage area, administration office, and lobby, among others.

Jason Dalumbay, one of the former rebels who will benefit from the halfway house is thankful for the livelihood and other assistance he received under E-CLIP. He called on former comrades who are still fighting up in the mountains to return to the government. "Masulbad ang atong problema kung moduyog kita sa gobyerno (Our problems will be solved if we join the government)," he said.

Efren Radao, a full-time member of the New People's Army who has also chosen the path of peace, shared the same sentiment. "Ang gobyerno ang maghatag sa ato og kaayuhan, dili NPA ang makasulbad sa atong kapobrehon,(The government will provide for our welfare, the NPA cannot solve our poverty)," he said.

He said he left the communist group because he could no longer bear the hardships in the mountains.

He thanked the government for accepting his return. "Pasalamat ko kay Presidente Duterte, Mayor Oca, og sa 65th IB nga gedawat mi magbalik-loob og wala mi diretso patya (I am thankful to President Duterte, Mayor Oca, and the 65th IB for accepting and not killing us)," he added.

After undergoing deradicalization and psychosocial interventions at the halfway house, former rebels will be transferred to the housing project of the National Housing Authority towards their eventual integration to the society. (APB/PIA10)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1034431

Posted to the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 12, 2020): Tagalog News: Task force para wakasan ang insurhensiya sa Cagayan de Oro inilunsad (By Apipa P. Bagumbaran)

Upang tuluyang wakasan ang problema ng insurhensiya sa Cagayan de Oro City, pormal nang inilunsad sa publiko ang binuong Cagayan de Oro Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC). (PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 7 (PIA)--Upang tuluyang wakasan ang problema ng insurhensiya sa Cagayan de Oro City, pormal nang inilunsad sa publiko ang binuong Cagayan de Oro Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC).

Pinamunuan mismo ni Mayor Oscar Moreno ang paglunsad na naging saksi ang mga matataas na opisyal ng militar, pulis, at nasyonal at lokal na ahensiya ng gobyerno.

Dinaluhan din ni Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar ang nasabing okasyon bilang Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security ng Hilagang Mindanao.

"I am grateful for the valuable support of NGAs, security sectors, the private sector, and peace and development partners. Such unity of purpose give us a sense of hope that we can finally do things right. Let us continue to work together for our expected results and fulfill our shared agenda of inclusive and sustainable peace and development in northern Mindanao," saad ni Andanar.

Tampok sa aktibidad ang pamimigay ng firearms remuneration sa ilalim ng Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program o E-CLIP sa siyam na former rebels na nagbalik loob sa pamahalan. Sila ay nakatanggap din starter kits mula sa Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), at P8,000 cash assistance, sleeping kits at family food packs mula sa Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Itinampok din ng Department of Education (DepEd) ang 32 adult learners na nakapagtapos sa Binuliga Program, isang literacy program para sa mga former rebels at militia ng bayan at kanilang mga pamilya.

Kasabay ng paglulunsad ang Tabang Medico Serbisyo Caravan and CAPDEV Caravan kung saan ibat-ibang libreng serbisyo ang ibinahagi ng Cagayan de Oro city government at regional line agencies sa mga residente ng Barangay Tignapoloan at mga karatig barangay nito.

"Sa ating pagtutulungan para mapaabot ang serbisyo sa ating mga kababayan and we remove the obstacles of growth and prosperity. Alam na ng ating mga kababayan na ang government is really concerned for the welfare of all," saad ni Monreno.

Layunin ng pagbuo ng City ELCAC na wakasan ang problema ng insurhensia sa pamamagitan ng “convergence approach” ng mga ahensya ng gobyerno batay sa alituntunin ng Executive Order 70. (APB/PIA10)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1034395

From MindaNews (Feb 12, 2020): Mayor in resource-rich SouthCot town claims getting NPA ‘death sentence’ (By BONG S. SARMIENTO)

KORONADAL CITY (MindaNews / 12 Feb) – The mayor of Tampakan, South Cotabato, host of the largest untapped copper-gold minefield in Southeast Asia, has been “meted the death penalty” allegedly by the “people’s court” of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Tampakan Mayor Leonard Escobillo. MindaNews file photo by GREGORIO C. BUENO

Mayor Leonard Escobillo said he got the information through text messages since Tuesday evening.

Escobillo, who succeeded his father Leonardo who served as mayor for three terms, appeared unfazed by the warning that NPA hit men would assassinate him.

“No amount of fear can stop me from serving my people,” he said, claiming that politics, though the elections remain two years away, could be behind the assassination plot.

The NPA’s Guerilla Front Far South Mindanao Region’s “hukumang bayan” or people’s court rendered the death punishment to Escobillo and his cousin, Alvin Castillanes, for their alleged anti-people’s activities, according to the text message the mayor shared.

A hit squad was formed to liquidate Escobillo, who allegedly killed some innocent people and grabbed lands in Barangays Pulabato and Lampitak using their purported private army, it added.

The mayor vehemently denied the accusations.

Lt. Col. Victorino Seño, 1002nd Infantry Brigade deputy chief for administration based in Malungon, Sarangani, said they will have to validate the information revealed by Escobillo.

The resource-rich Tampakan town has become a flashpoint for NPA attacks.

On New Year’s Day 2008, NPA rebels stormed and burned the basecamp of Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) in Barangay Tablu. The attack destroyed facilities worth at least P12 million. The rebels also took several firearms assigned to the firm’s private security guards.

In January 2009, communist guerillas also attacked the municipal police station in Poblacion, Tampakan, about 15 kilometers away from this city. Three policemen were wounded in the attack.

Recently, Escobillo said that SMI is keen on pushing the Tampakan project into the commercial production phase.

The Tampakan local government has endorsed the mining venture when SMI relaunched the project in the early 2000 after acquiring it from Australian firm Western Mining Corp., which originally discovered the mammoth deposits.

SMI’s contract with the Philippine government is due to expire in March 2020, but the firm was able to secure an extension of 12 years, documents obtained from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau-12 showed. (Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2020/02/mayor-in-resource-rich-southcot-town-claims-getting-npa-death-sentence/

From the Visayan Daily Star (Feb 12, 2020): 279 Army recruits start training (BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Infantry units of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division in Western and Central Visayas are expected to get more manpower, as 279 soldier aspirants started their basic military training at Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz.

This was after the conversion of the 12th Infantry (Cadre) Battalion into a maneuver battalion, more than 500 enlisted personnel of which are now undergoing organizational training in the same military camp.

Capt. Cenon Pancito III, 3ID spokesman, said yesterday that the aspiring soldiers, who successfully passed the strict and meticulous selection processing standard by the Philippine Army, will undergo rigid training under the Candidate Soldier Course and Jungle Warfare and Mountain Operations Course.

Pancito said the staff of the 3rd Division Training School handled the candidate soldiers who are expected to undergo six military months, before they are assigned to various 3ID infantry units.

Maj. Gen. Eric Vinoya, 3ID commander, expressed his gratitude to the 279 Candidate Soldiers for taking the challenge and the risks of soldiery, and to their families and relatives for supporting the aspirants in their decision to join the noble profession of arms.*

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2020/February/12/topstory10.htm

From Rappler (Feb 12, 2020): New AFP chief Felimon Santos Jr: PH can 'move on without VFA' (By Aika Rey)

(UPDATED) New military chief Felimon Santos Jr says the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement will not be a loss to the Philippines

AFP CHIEF. Newly confirmed AFP chief Lieutenant General Felimon Santos says the Philippines can live without the Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States. Photo by Angie de Silva/Rappler

(UPDATED) – New military chief Lieutenant General Felimon Santos Jr on Wednesday, February 12, is optimistic that the Philippines can do without its Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States, saying the country was working on strenghtening its defense cooperation with other countries.

Santos gave the assurance in a media interview after the Commission on Appointments confirmed his ad interim as the Duterte administration's 7th Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief.

The Philippines officially sent a notice of termination of the VFA to the US Embassy on Tuesday, February 11, kickstarting the expiration of the agreement that will take effect after 180 days.

Santos asserted that benefits to be lost with the VFA termination would only be minimal, and that they were working on further strengthening defense cooperation with other countries such as South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, and China.

"It’s not actually naman kawalan (a loss) because, as of now, you can see we already have some equipment. We have planes. We have ships," Santos said in a media interview.

"We have lived before when the US military bases left.... We could move on without VFA," he added.

At the confirmation hearing, Senator Francis Tolentino asked Santos whether the Philippine military would be able to perform its rescue functions without its American counterparts, given the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement.

"It will affect our rescue operations definitely," said Santos.

"We have already presented to the Secretary of National Defense on our way ahead of filling up the gap especially with our modernization program and other stop gap measures that we could do in case the Big One occurs," he added, referring to the magnitude 7.2 earthquake that may strike along the West Valley Fault.

Revolving door policy at AFP

As expected, there was no opposition to the confirmation of Santos – a veteran intelligence officer and former chief of the AFP Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) based in Davao City– during the CA plenary.

Santos is President Rodrigo Duterte's Like his predecessors under the current administration, he was assigned in Mindanao and would hold the top military post in less than a year. He is set to retire on August 3, 2020.

Senator Panfilo Lacson questioned the brief service of Duterte's AFP chiefs during the hearing.

"Now, I’m not questioning the authority and prerogative of the commander-in-chief or the President, but as a matter of policy, my question would be is the revolving door policy good or bad for the Armed Forces?"Lacson asked.

Santos said that there were disadvantages to Duterte's policy of appointing retiring generals as military chiefs, but noted that there was a "system" already in place. Santos is the 5th AFP chief under Duterte who had led Eastmincom.

"Of course, we cannot continue with the programs. But in our position, we have already established the programs set including the campaign plans and the system is already established in the Armed Forces. Whoever sits here, the system goes well," Santos said.

"However, the disadvantage, Sir, [is] the continuity of following up those programs," he added.

Santos defended the seeming preference for military generals who served Mindanao, the President's bailiwick. "Most of the officers who have established their credibility and credentials as good commanders have experience in Mindanao," he said.

Lacson then asked if Santos already had someone in mind to recommend as AFP chief when he retires – someone who had not been assigned in Mindanao – but Santos said his 3 recommendees were all previously assigned in MIndanao.

A member of the Philippine Military Academy "Sinagtala" Class of 1986, Santos is also a Scout Ranger and a Field Artillery officer. He has a Master’s degree in management.

Santos started his career as an officer of the 39th Infantry Battalion in Mindanao. The new AFP chief had also served as 63rd Infrantry Battalion commander in Eastern Visayas, where the communist insurgency remained a problem.

Apart from Santos, Commodore Luzviminda Camacho also breezed through the CA plenary which confirmed her promotion to the rank of Commodore – the first Filipino woman to be promoted to that rank.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/251629-commission-appointments-confirms-felimon-santos-jr-afp-chief

From Rappler (Feb 12, 2020): U.S. defense chief: Terminating VFA 'a move in the wrong direction'(By JC Gotinga)

(UPDATED) Losing the Visiting Forces Agreement would be a setback in countering China’s aggression in the Asia Pacific region, says US Defense Secretary Mark Esper

PENTAGON CHIEF. US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper during the wreath-laying ceremony at the American Cemetery in Manila on November 19, 2019. Photo by Ted Aljibe/AFP

(UPDATED) – US Defense Secretary Mark Esper found it “unfortunate” that the Philippines is withdrawing from its Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the US, and called it “a move in the wrong direction” if the goal is to deter China from fulfilling its expansionist plans in the Asia Pacific.

Esper spoke to reporters onboard a flight to Europe on Tuesday, February 11, hours after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered to officially notify the US government of his plan to abrogate the VFA.

“We just got the notification late last night. We have to digest it. We have to work through the policy angles, the military angles. I'm going to hear from my commanders. But you know, in my view, it's unfortunate that they would make this move. As you all know, as some of you know, I was just there,” said Esper who visited Manila in November 2019.

In Manila, Esper had urged the Philippine and other Southeast Asian governments to be more assertive of their sovereign rights against China’s use of coercion and intimidation to advance its national interests.

The Philippines’ move to scrap the VFA would significantly reduce the presence of US military troops in the country, which analysts believe to have somehow deterred China from further occupation of the West Philippine Sea, particularly the strategic Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal off Zambales province.

“I do think it would be a move in the wrong direction as we both bilaterally with the Philippines and collectively with a number of other partners and allies in the region are trying to say to the Chinese: ‘You must obey the international rules of order. You must obey, you know, abide by international norms,’” he added.

Treaty ally

The US is the Philippines’ only treaty ally. The two countries’ Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951 binds each to come to the other’s aid in case of an armed attack from a foreign aggressor. The VFA, which provides legal cover for the presence of US troops in the Philippines, “gives flesh” to the treaty, according to Philippine Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr.

The Philippines was a US colony until 1946. Since gaining independence, it had largely outsourced its external defense to the US, which had military bases in the Philippines until 1991. In 1995, China occupied Panganiban (Mischief) Reef off Palawan. Some analysts said the absence of US forces gave China room to claim disputed features in the South China Sea, including the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone within it, called the West Philippine Sea.

In 1998, the Philippines and the US signed the VFA, which the Philippine Senate ratified in 1999. It paved the way for the rotational presence of US troops, joint exercises, and strategic cooperation between the two countries’ militaries.

As China moved in further in recent years, having reclaimed and militarized 7 reefs in the West Philippine Sea, the US increased naval patrols and port calls with the Philippines and other allies whose territorial claims have been sidelined by China.

The US and China are locked in a global contest of economic and strategic power, which has largely played out in the Asia Pacific where they battle for influence over smaller, less influential states like the Philippines.

“As we try and, you know, bolster our presence and compete with them in this era of great power competition, I think [the VFA’s termination] is a move in the wrong direction for the longstanding relationship we've had with the Philippines for their strategic location, the ties between our peoples, our countries,” Esper said on Tuesday.

‘One day at a time’

Duterte, who had often spoken negatively of the US, ordered to terminate the VFA on January 23, after his political ally Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa confirmed that his US visa had been canceled.

Dela Rosa’s visa appears to have been canceled as part of sanctions based on the US Senate’s application of the Global Magnitsky Act to operators of Duterte’s violent “war on drugs.” Dela Rosa, as Duterte’s first police chief, had launched and carried out “Oplan Tokhang,” the campaign that has killed at least 6,000 people by government estimates, or more than 20,000 according to rights advocates.

The Senate urged Duterte to reconsider his order, and Locsin warned that cutting the VFA would largely be contrary to Philippine interests, but Duterte on Tuesday officially ordered Locsin to notify the US government of the termination.

Some members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines told reporters that they disagreed with the VFA’s abrogation, and that they would lose valuable training and assistance from their US counterparts.

For the US, scrapping the VFA would mean a massive pullout of troops from a crucial outpost in their strategic cover in the region, because the Philippines straddles the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

An Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) still allows the US military a rotational presence in certain Philippines bases, but it is unclear how it could be implemented without the VFA.

“But look, we just got the notification last night. We've got to read it. We've got to digest it. One hundred and eighty days. We've got to work through it, and we'll just take a deep breath and take it one day at a time,” Esper said.

In a statement on Wednesday, February 12, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo refuted Esper's remarks, saying Duterte's decision to terminate the VFA was a "move in the right direction that should have been done a long time ago."

He maintained Duterte's decision to do so was in line with the Philippines'"independent foreign policy."

The VFA will remain in effect for 180 days after the official notice is received by the concerned party. In a tweet, Locsin hinted at negotiations, but there is no clear or official word from the Philippine government about it.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/251608-us-defense-chief-says-terminating-vfa-move-wrong-direction#cxrecs_s

From Rappler (Feb 12, 2020): VFA termination a 'national tragedy,' says Del Rosario (By Sofia Tomacruz)

'It is not what we do; it is not what is right,' says former foreign secretary Albert Del Rosario, urging the Duterte government to reconsider its decision

HARMFUL DECISION. Former Philippine foreign secretary Albert del Rosario urges the Duterte government to reconsider its decision to terminate the Visiting Forces Agreement. File photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Former foreign secretary Albert Del Rosario on Wednesday, February 12, denounced President Rodrigo Duterte's decision to terminate the Philippines' Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States, calling it a "national tragedy" that was harmful to Filipinos.

"This continuing shift in foreign policy casting aside a long time reliable ally in favor of an aggressive neighbor that has been blatantly demonstrating its lack of respect for international law is incomprehensible and harmful to our country and our people,"Del Rosario said in a statement.

"What is unfolding before us must be considered a national tragedy which should be resisted. It is our earnest hope that this most unfortunate decision to abrogate can be revisited," he added.

Del Rosario had earlier urged Duterte to meet with US President Donald Trump to discuss the Philippines' bilateral ties with the US.

He warned the termination of the VFA could likewise "be viewed as ultimately putting an end to the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) and the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT)," which experts viewed was a deterrent to China's expansionist claims in the South China Sea.

The former foreign affairs chief noted it was in thus in the best interests of the Philippines to reconsider its abrogation of the VFA, as he called on Congress and the Supreme Court to assert checks and balances in light of Duterte's decision. (READ: Guevarra: PH will survive without VFA with Americans)

"Our people must take a stand. We appeal to our esteemed institutions such as Congress and the Supreme Court to lead us," he said.

What happened? The Philippines on Tuesday, February 11, sent its formal notice to the US government that it was terminating their 21-year-old military pact after Duterte put the agreement on the line over Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa's canceled US visa.

US defense chief Mark Esper said the termination of the agreement is a "move in the wrong direction," while the US embassy said the Philippines' move would have "significant implications" on relations between the two countries.

Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locisn Jr suggested that possible negotiations could take place with the US, though there has been no clear or official word from the Philippine government about it.

Against national interest. Del Rosario earlier said that while the VFA is "imperfect," it is "essential" for the two countries' decades-old defense alliance.

The VFA is seen as a crucial agreement to implementing the 1951 MDT, which sees the US and Philippines commit to defend one another in case of an armed attack in areas including the South China Sea.

Del Rosario, who was foreign secretary when the Philippines took China to court, warned terminating the VFA would actualize Duterte's pivot to China.

"We must be with responsible nations with whom we share our core values of democracy, respect for human rights, and the rule of law. To stand otherwise is not what Filipinos are; it is not what we do; it is not what is right," he said.

With the Philippines' formal notice signed, termination will take place 180 days or 6 months after the US received written notification. Until then, the agreement remains in force. – Rappler.com

Read these other stories on Duterte's decision to terminate the VFA:

EXPLAINER: Visiting Forces Agreement
TIMELINE: Duterte's threats to terminate the Visiting Forces Agreement
What will happen to PH military if the VFA is terminated?
With threats to scrap VFA, Duterte gambles Phillippines' security
FULL TEXT: Locsin on impact assessment of VFA termination
Military members disagree with VFA termination – senior officers
[PODCAST] Dapat nga bang ibasura na ang Visiting Forces Agreement?

https://www.rappler.com/nation/251636-vfa-termination-national-tragedy-albert-del-rosario#cxrecs_s

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 12, 2020): Army’s 1ID installs an Army Ranger, a Training School Commandant to lead Battalions (By 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division)

CAMP SANG-AN, Labangan, ZDS – The 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division installed two commanders, one an Army Ranger and the other a former training school commandant, in the Province of Basilan Tuesday, February 11, 2020.

Brig. Gen. Gene Ponio, Commander of 1ID, presided the two change of command ceremonies in the headquarters of 18th Infantry “Deo Et Patria” Battalion and 64 Infantry “Knights” Battalion.

In 18th IB, Lt. Col. Egverr Jonathan Abutin succeeded Lt. Col. Ivan San Jose, while in 64th IB, Lt. Col. Renante Besa assumed command of the unit replacing Lt. Col. Philip Fagel.

Both out-going battalion commanders have already served two years and will be reassigned to higher positions.

During their assumption speeches, Abutin vowed to continue the hallmark of a Patriot “to fulfil the duties and responsibilities anytime, anywhere for God and country”.

He also thanked the Division Commander for believing in his capabilities and entrusting the very sensitive position as battalion commander.

While Besa also thanked Brig. Gen. Ponio for the trust and confidence he bestowed and for the opportunity to serve as a battalion commander of 1ID.

Besa also ensure transparency and fairness, continue and sustain the gains of the out-going commander have achieved in preserving the peace and development in its area of responsibility.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Ponio congratulated and thanked the out-going commanders for their accomplishments and service in 1ID, particularly in the province of Basilan.

He also thanked the stakeholders, local chief executives and even the locals for their trust and support to the out-going commanders.
“Peace is a shared responsibility. We cannot attain or sustain peace and security in Basilan without your cooperation and support”, said Ponio.

“Let us work together so that the government’s initiatives and advocacies will be implemented and will be benefited by the constituents in the province”, added Ponio.

ABOUT THE TWO COMMANDERS:

Lt. Col. Renante Besa is a proud member of Officer Candidate School Class 17-1997.

Prior to this post, he was the former Commandant of the 1st Division Training School of the 1st ID, based in Pulacan, Zamboanga del Sur.

He is a graduate of Masters in Public Management Major in Development Security in Development Academy of the Philippines; Executive Course on National Security in National Defense College of the Philippines and Command and General Staff Course in AFP Education Training and Doctrine Command.

While Lt. Col. Egverr Jonathan Abutin is a proud member of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1999.

Prior to his post, he was the Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, G3 of the First Scout Ranger Regiment based in San Miguel, Bulacan.

He is an Airborne-Ranger and a graduate of Master in Management in Asia Institute of Management.

He is also a graduate of Command and General Staff Course in AFP Education Training and Doctrine Command, a requirement for the battalion commander position.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/armys-1id-installs-an-army-ranger-a-training-school-commandant-to-lead-battalions/

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 12, 2020): Another Maute Terrorist remnant surrender in Lanao Sur (By 49th Infantry Battalion)

CAMP SANG-AN, Pulacan, Labangan, ZDS – Another Maute Terrorist remnant surrendered to Army’s 49th Infantry Battalion in Brgy Sandab, Butig, Lanao del Sur, 9:45 a.m. Tuesday, February 11, 2020.

“The remnant was identified as Mosa Amboto Olama, 33 years old, bringing along his M1 Garand rifle, magazine and ammunitions”, said Lt. Col. Edgar Allan Villanueva, 49th Infantry Battalion Commander.

“Yesterday, February 10, 2020, two of his comrades surrendered and yielded firearms to our troops”, added Villanueva.

Olama was recruited by Mahadi Maute, the brother of Omar Maute and Abdullah Maute, whom he fought side to side during the Marawi Siege in year 2017.

Col. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, 103rd Infantry Brigade Acting Commander, who has operational jurisdiction of Lanao del Sur said that, “the continuous surrender of remnants is due to disordered leadership and operational capability”.

“We are also confident with our relentless combat operations that made the remnants and other threat groups tired and hungry which forced them to surrender”, added Cuerpo.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Gene Ponio, the 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) commander urge the troops to continue the no-let-up operations against the threat groups in the area of responsibility.

He also directed the commanders to collaborate with the local chief executives, local government units and other stakeholders in order to facilitate the surrendered remnants reintegrate to mainstream society.

[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/another-maute-terrorist-remnant-surrender-in-lanao-sur/

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 12, 2020): 5ID formally opens three batches of new Candidate Soldiers (By 5th Infantry Division)

CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Gamu, Isabela – The 5th Infantry (Star) Division formally opened three batches of new Candidate Soldiers Course (CSC) Classes 628, 629 & ‎630-2020 cross-trained with Jungle Warfare and Mountain Operation Course (JWMOC) at the 5ID Grandstand, Camp Melchor F Dela Cruz, Upi, Gamu, Isabela on February 10, 2020.

The three batches are composed of 475 young men who were recently recruited and will undergo four months of rigid training at the 5th Division Training School. Among the new recruits, 249 are from Cagayan Valley Region, 203 from Cordillera Administrative Region and 23 from other regions country wide.

During the activity, Major General Pablo M Lorenzo AFP, Commander, 5ID, expressed his gratitude to the families of the recruits for allowing their sons to serve their country through the noble profession of arms and for entrusting them to the 5th Infantry Division to mold them into loyal, competent and committed soldiers. He also thanked the Local Government Units (LGUs), line government agencies, peoples organizations, non-government organizations, the different sectors of society and the people in the communities of Cagayan Valley and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) for the broadening and deepening support to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s Executive Order 70 which calls for the institutionalization of a Whole-of-Nation Approach, the creation of the National Task Force to End the Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) and the adoption of a nationwide peace framework.

MGen. Lorenzo emphasized that with these new breed of Star Troopers who will be distributed to the two newly organized Infantry Battalions and one Infantry Brigade under 5ID, we will soon have a far more decisive force in the two northern regions of the country that will hasten the defeat of the Communist NPA Terrorists thereby allowing us to attain an inclusive and sustainable peace and development within the President’s term.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Rodolfo G Alvarado AFP (Ret), the Provincial Administrator of Cagayan, who served as the guest of honor and speaker, urged the recruits to give their best and never quit. “You will serve this country with your utmost best because in this Camp, the 5th Infantry (Star) Division believes in the saying that only your best is good enough.”

The CSC Training Opening Ceremony was also witnessed by the families, relatives and friends of the newly recruited Candidate Soldiers together with some representatives of the Local Chief Executives (LCE) and other Provincial, Municipal and Barangay Officials from the Cordilleras and Cagayan Valley.

[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/5id-formally-opens-three-batches-of-new-candidate-soldiers/

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 12, 2020): Surigao youth group vows to support to the EO70 (By 4th Infantry (DIAMOND) Division)

Sta. Cruz, Placer, Surigao Del Norte – Propelling Our Inherited Nation Through Our Youth (POINTY) Incorporated (Inc.) members of Surigao del Norte pledged their loyalty to the Government in support of the implementation of “Whole-Of-Nation” Approach under Executive Order No. 70 last Saturday.

More than 100 youth from different municipalities of Surigao del Norte took the oath of participating the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF ELCAC) as peace advocates.

POINTY, Inc. Surigao del Norte Chapter promised to deny the communist recruitment and will utilize the voices to speak-out and convince the members of the communities not to support the CPP-NPA’s deception.

In his speech, Mr Israel Yabut, POINTY, Inc. President said, “We believe that the Whole of Approach is the finest solution to finally end communist insurgency. As these communist continue exploiting the youth, it is our advocacy to stand firm and fight the wrong ideology.”

Meanwhile, the Deputy Regional Director of NICA-10 who facilitated the pledge of loyalty said, “Don’t be afraid to speak, it’s a free country, so you can speak out. There will be instances that we have to say what is right, if it’s for the sake of our country”.

Lt.Col Jeffrey A Villarosa, Commanding Officer of the 30IB stated that, “You have the power in your hands. Use that power with all your strength and fight for what is right. The CNT’s recruitment is now focused to the youth sector but through the dedication of POINTY-SDN, we will deny the CNTs recruits in SDN”.

“Your 30IB will remain by your side as you make your journey towards long-lasting peace and development in our mother land”, Villarosa ended.

[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/surigao-youth-group-vows-to-support-to-the-eo70/

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 12, 2020): Army Clash with CPP-NPA Terrorists as a Result of Persona-Non Grata (By 4th Infantry (DIAMOND) Division)

Placer, Surigao del Norte – The troops of 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB) clash with the CPP-NPA Terrorist (CNT) in the hinterland of Barangay Tolingon, Mainit, Surigao del Norte, today, 11:10 AM, February 12, 2020.

The encounter was a result of reported presence of the CNTs who were trying to extort money, and recover their former mass base supporters.
Lt. Col. Villarosa in a statement said, “The information coming from the civilian shows the strong resistance of the brgy from CNTs ideologies.”

As we recall, last November 4,2019, the civilians in the area had declared the CPP-NPA Terrorist and their legal Fronts organization as Persona-Non-Grata (PNG) or unwelcome in their barangay.

“The continues declaration of the PNG of every baranggay limits the mobility corridor of the CNTs. Whenever the civilian saw these terrorist, they immediately call our attention. With that, we advice the CNTs to surrender before it’s too late. Your space is getting smaller, the people has already turns back on you. The government is sincere in its offer of peace, Villarosa ended.

[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/army-clash-with-cpp-npa-terrorists-as-a-result-of-persona-non-grata/

NPA-Palawan propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Feb 12, 2020): Pahayag ng Pakikiramay sa Pamilya ng Pinaslang na Lider ng Samahan ng Maliliit na Maggiginto na si Kasamang Adonis Shu

SALVADOR LUMINOSO

NPA-PALAWAN

BIENVENIDO VALLEVER COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

FEBRUARY 12, 2020

Nais ipaabot ng BVC ang pakikiramay sa mga kaibigan, kamag-anak at pamilya ng pinaslang na lider-maggiginto sa Sitio Iraan, Magara, Roxas, Palawan.

Labis-labis ang aming kalungkutan sa balitang pinaslang ng mga ahente ng militar si kasamang Adonis Shu. Isang mahusay na lider-masang naninindigan upang ipaglaban ang kanilang karapatan sa paghahanap-buhay bilan mga “small gold panner” at nagsisikap mabuhay nang marangal.

Dahil sa kanyang pagiging aktibo sa pagtatanggol ng kanilng karapatan, ikinategorya ito ng mga awtoridad na kasapi diumano ng NPA o kung hindi man ay aktibong suporter ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan. Isa siyang lider-masa na napabilang at biktima ng red-tagging na ipinatutupad ng PTF-ELCAC at JTF-Peacock.

Bago pa tuluyang naganap ang pagpaslang kay She, maraming beses na ring nakarating sa BVC ang impormasyong lagi itong nakakatanggap ng mga “death threat” mula sa mga ahente ng militar hanggang sa tuluyan s’yang pinuntahan sa kanilang bahay ng mga ahenteng ito kasama ang dating NPA na si “alyas Vinzon” upang pasukin. Hinihimok s’ya na sa pamamagitan lamang diumano ng kanyang pagsuko ay mawawala ang hinala ng mga pulis at militar sa kanya at aalisin sa listahan ng mga kasapi at suporter ng NPA. Bagay na hindi naman n’ya ginawa sa pag-asang umiiral pa naman siumano ang hustisya at dahil wala naman s’yang ginagawang masama kaya wala s’yang dapat na ikatakot.

Ito ang mga nakikitang dahilan ng BVC upang tapusin ng mga mersenaryong militar ang buhay ni kasamang Adonis. Ginawa s’yang halimbawa ng kanilang mga taktikang “dalawang ibon sa isang putok” (two birds in one shot). Malinaw ang dalawang mensaheng nais iparating ng mga tagapagpatupad ng PTF-ELCAC. Una ang mga hindi makuha sa mahinahong paraan ay dadaanin sa karahasan at pangalawa ay magsisilbing babala sa lahat ng mga lider masa, sa mga kasapi ng progresibong samahang masa at mga indibidwal na nagpapahayag ng pagtutol sa hindi makataong pammaahala ng diktador-militaristang rehimeng US-Duterte. Ito ay patunay na walang balak ang rehimeng tapusin ang armadong tunggalian sa Pilipinas. Sa halip ay lalo pa nitong ginagatungan ang mga nag-aalab na damdamin ng mamamayan upang humawak ng armas at ipagtanggol ang sarili.

Bigyang-katarungan ang kamatayan ni kasamang Adonis Shu… isang lider at bayani ng sambayanan!

Mamamayan ng Palawan… ipaglaban ang inyong karapatan, sumapi sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan!

Mabuhay ang CPP-NPA-NDFP!

Mabuhay ang rebolusyon!

https://cpp.ph/statement/pahayag-ng-pakikiramay-sa-pamilya-ng-pinaslang-na-lider-ng-samahan-ng-maliliit-na-maggiginto-na-si-kasamang-adonis-shu/

NPA-Masbate propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Feb 12, 2020): Desperadong operasyon ng 2nd IBPA, MICO at PNP Monreal para puuhin ang tuloy-tuloy na pagsulong ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa Masbate at Iligal na pag aresto sa mga sibilyan, nagpapatuloy sa isla ng Ticao

LUZ DEL MAR

NPA-MASBATE

JOSE RAPSING COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

FEBRUARY 12, 2020

Nito lamang Pebrero 10, 2020, bandang alas tres ng madaling araw, sa So. Tagaytay, Bo. Maglambong, Monreal, Masbate ay iligal na inaresto ang apat na mga residente ng pinagkumbinang pwersa ng 2nd IBPA, MICO at PNP Monreal MPS. Sina Alex Almozara, Jun Betangcor, Gina Almozara at Aljon Alminana ay inaakusahang mga kasapi ng JRC-BHB ng mga sundalo at pulis. Maliban sa pag-aresto ay iligal ding hinalughog ang kanilang mga kabahayan na nagresulta sa pagkasira ng ilan nilang mga kagamitan at kabahayan.

Bago pa ito, nauna nang inaresto si Vicky Almozara noong nakaraang araw na residente naman ng kalapit na So. Cogon ng parehong barangay. Pinaratangan ding kasapi ng JRC-BHB Masbate ang biktima.

Ang ganitong klase ng pananakot sa mamamayan ay manipestasyon ng paggamit ng estado ng pwersa upang takutin at supilin ang mga demokratikong karapatan ng mamamayan. Tanda din ito na di kayang buwagin ng pasistang estado ang lumalawak at lumalalim na pagsulong ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa lugar sa partikular at sa buong probinsya ng Masbate sa pangkabuuan.

Kaugnay dito, mariing kinokondena ng mamamayang Masbatenyo kasama ang Jose Rapsing Command –BHB Masbate ang iligal na pang-aaresto sa limang mga sibilyanng residente ng Bo. Maglambong, Monreal, sa isla ng Ticao. Sama-sama nating ipanawagan na papanagutin ang 2nd IBPA, MICO at PNP Masbate.

Nananawagan ang JRC-BHB sa mga halal ng bayan ng Monreal, Masbate na tulungan niyo ang mga biktima ng karahasan ng berdugo, pasista at ubod sinungaling na 2nd IBPA, MICO at PNP Masbate PPO. Inosente at walang kinalaman sa JRC-BHB ang mga nabanggit na sibilyan para sila ay dakpin at lalung-lalo na sirain ang kanilang mga gamit.

Nananawagan din ang JRC-BHB sa mamamayang Masbatenyo na magkaisa at magtulungan na labanan ang tumitinding karahasan ng estado sa ilalim ng pamumuno ng pasista at mamamatay taong rehimeng US-Duterte.

AFP-PNP JTF-ELCAC, Biguin!
Isulong ang Demokratikong Rebolusyong Bayan!
Mabuhay ang Rebolusyong Pilipino!

https://cpp.ph/statement/desperadong-operasyon-ng-2nd-ibpa-mico-at-pnp-monreal-para-puuhin-ang-tuloy-tuloy-na-pagsulong-ng-rebolusyonaryong-kilusan-sa-masbate-at-iligal-na-pag-aresto-sa-mga-sibilyan-nagpapatuloy-sa-isla-ng/

Posted to the Committee on Information, Moro Islamic Liberation Front Central Committee (MILF-CC) Website (Feb 8, 2020): Officers, Members of MILF-BIAF Inner Guards reaffirm their commitment to support BARMM (By Raffie S. Pasingan)

IN PHOTO- Mr. Tirso S.Tahir of BLMI, and Political Officer of BTA-BARMM gives update to MILF-BIAF Combatants in Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. February 7. 2020

COTABATO CITY- Barely four (4) days after the first conduct of an activity on providing updates to members of the 9th Brigade Inner Guards of Bangsamoro Islamic Armed-Forces of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (BIAF-MILF), on the current trend of BARMM Governance and other related matters in Camp Darapanan, Maguindanao, a similar activity was held on Friday (February 7, 2020) in the same MILF Camp with the participants also belonged to BIAF 9th Brigade Expeditionary Mission Inner Guards from Zamboanga Peninsula, and other areas outside the BARMM.

The activity was facilitated by the BIAF 9th Brigade Expeditionary Mission was aimed to encouraged its officers and members in the course of dispensing their obligations, and commitment to the Bangsamoro aspiration. The activity also aimed to strengthen, and reaffirm the commitment, and loyalty of the participants to the MILF leadership, and BARMM Governance through responsiveness and participation in peace-building endeavor.

IN PHOTO: Officers and Members of the BIAF 9th Brigade Expeditionary Mission Inner Guards posing for a souvenir photo with Mr. Tirso Tahir (center in white T-shirt) during Info-drive at Camp.Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, February 7. 2020

Mr. Tirso S. Tahir, Officer of Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI), Member of Information and Political Affairs Staff of BTA-BARMM Parliament has been consistently giving updates and solicit valuable inputs from the MILF Organic members, and combatants on crucial issues especially on matters related to governance, normalization, and Social Service delivery.

“We are fully aware of the needs and expectations of the Bangsamoro people who are pinning their hopes in the newly-established Regional Government to improve their living condition, however, there are lots of things that still need to be done in the transition period by putting into place all the needed mechanisms and laws to empower the Regional Government by substantiating the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) or R.A 11054. Thus, we have to be more patient during this transition phase,” Tahir said.

Some crucial issues and concerns were brought out during the open forum, and were clarified by the resource persons. The participants were encouraged to share their part in sustaining the gains of peace agreement, and support the BARMM Governance.

https://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1997/officers--members-of-milf-biaf-inner-guards-reaffirm-their-commitment-to-support-barmm

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 13, 2010): Residents lauded for averting NPA 'atrocity' in Surigao Norte (By Alexander Lopez)

Village residents of the Surigao del Norte town of Mainit have been hailed for helping avert another "atrocity" of the communist New People's Army (NPA) after reporting the presence of guerillas in their barangay.

In a statement on Wednesday evening, the Army’s 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB) said they immediately acted on the civilian tip-off, resulting in an encounter in Barangay Tolingon, Mainit on the morning of the same day.

The 10-minute clash forced the NPA rebels "to abandon their position, leaving behind a backpack containing personal belongings," the 30IB said, adding that government troopers suffered no casualties.

The rebels were still being pursued in the area as of posting time, it said.

Village residents declared the NPA and its mother organization, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), persona non grata or unacceptable in the barangay late last year.

Lt. Col. Jeffry A. Villarosa, 30IB commander, said the "courage of the residents" reflected the "strong resistance of barangay residents from the ideologies of the NPA."

Villarosa said such declaration by villagers themselves has "limited the mobility of the NPA" in almost all barangays in Surigao del Norte.

“Whenever the civilian(s) (see) these terrorists, they immediately call our attention,” he said.

1Lt. Wilfredo F. Quilang, 30IB civil-military operations officer, said the NPA was set to conduct extortion activities in Barangay Tolingon before the encounter.

“Some residents immediately called us. They were worried the NPA rebels seen in the vicinity of their village were out to collect money from them,” Quilang said a phone interview on Thursday.

A total of 169 barangays in the Caraga region already declared the NPA as persona non grata in 2019. Of the total number of barangays, 22 are in Surigao del Norte, the Army said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093727

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 13, 2010): 17 NPA rebels surrender in Aurora since January (By Jason De Asis)

SURRENDERED REBELS. Seventeen members of the New People's Army (NPA) who have surrendered to the police and military troops in Aurora province, are presented to acting Governor Christian Noveras on Thursday (Feb. 13, 2020). Fifteen of them voluntarily surrendered to the Aurora Police Provincial Office while two gave themselves up to the 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion of the Philippine Army. (Photo courtesy of the 91st Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)

BALER, Aurora -- Three members of the New People's Army (NPA) surrendered to police and military troops in this province on Thursday, bringing the total number of rebels who returned to the fold of the law this year to 17.

The surrenderers were presented to acting Governor Christian Noveras at the governor’s office here.

Fifteen of the 17 NPA members voluntarily surrendered to the Aurora Police Provincial Office (APPO) while two yielded to the 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion, Philippine Army.

Aurora police provincial director, Col. Raul Siriban, in an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA), said the rebels surrendered in batches starting last January, citing hardships in the mountains.

“The rebel returnees said they left the underground movement due to misunderstanding with their leaders, hardships and unfulfilled promises,” he said.

Siriban said the three newly surrendered rebels are now undergoing custodial debriefings.

He said he talked with the former insurgents one at a time and found out that some of them came from Mindanao as reinforcement of the NPA's Komiteng Larangang Guerilla (KLG) Sierra Madre.

“Some of them arrived before Christmas to reinforce the decreasing number of CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines)-NPA in Aurora,” Siriban said.

He also said acting Governor Noveras is very thankful for the mass surrender of the rebels and welcomed them with a promise to provide them proper assistance from the provincial government.

Siriban added that the surrendered rebels will be enrolled in the comprehensive local integration program of the government.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093791

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 13, 2010): Suspected NPA fighter killed in CDO encounter (By Richel Umel)

RECOVERED FIREARMS. Troops belonging to the Army's 65th Infantry Battalion recover several firearms following a 15-minute firefight with communist guerillas in the hinterland village of Besigan, Cagayan de Oro City on Wednesday (Feb. 12, 2020). A rebel died during the encounter, the military says. (Photo courtesy of 65IB)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- A suspected member of the New People's Army (NPA) was killed in an encounter with the Army's 65th Infantry Battalion (65IB) on Wednesday, February 12.

The incident occurred at around at 3:20 p.m. in the hinterland barangay of Barangay Besigan, said Capt. Rene Belmonte, civil-military operations officer of the Army's 403rd Infantry Brigade.

Belmonte said the NPA fighter was "left behind" by his comrades following the 15-minute firefight.

"The troops also seized three high-powered firearms and several ammunitions at an uninhabited area of Kilometer-17, Barangay Besigan," he said.

He said the encounter ensued when a platoon of soldiers chanced upon some 10 armed men believed to be communist guerillas under the NPA's Sub-Regional Committee-5, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

"According to the locals, the CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines)-NPA terrorists came down from the mountains asking for food supplies from the residents," he said.

Belmonte said the cadaver was brought to 65IB headquarters for proper turn-over to the police authorities.

Lt. Colonel Benjamin Pajarito, 65IB commanding officer, expressed his gratitude to the locals who reportedly provided the information about the presence of the NPA fighters in the area.

“The success of our operation was due to the cooperation of everyone in the community who are fed-up on the deceptive tactics of these terrorists threatening the peace and security, and the unwavering efforts of our troops in securing the communities in our Area of Operations," Pajarito said.

Pajarito said they "are saddened with the death of a CPP-NPA terrorist during this encounter, who could have availed of the governments' Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program if the latter decided to surrender."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093765

The Returnees' Portfolio

55 UGMO members in Ilocos Sur yield to gov’t

Halfway house for ex-rebels soon to rise in Oro

Tagalog News: Task force para wakasan ang insurhensiya sa Cagayan de Oro inilunsad

Mayor in resource-rich SouthCot town claims getting NPA ‘death sentence’

279 Army recruits start training

New AFP chief Felimon Santos Jr: PH can 'move on without VFA'

U.S. defense chief: Terminating VFA 'a move in the wrong direction'

VFA termination a 'national tragedy,' says Del Rosario

Kalinaw News: Army’s 1ID installs an Army Ranger, a Training School Commandant to lead Battalions

Kalinaw News: Another Maute Terrorist remnant surrender in Lanao Sur

Kalinaw News: 5ID formally opens three batches of new Candidate Soldiers

Kalinaw News: Surigao youth group vows to support to the EO70

Kalinaw News: Army Clash with CPP-NPA Terrorists as a Result of Persona-Non Grata

CPP/NPA-Palawan: Pahayag ng Pakikiramay sa Pamilya ng Pinaslang na Lider ng Samahan ng Maliliit na Maggiginto na si Kasamang Adonis Shu

CPP/NPA-Masbate: Desperadong operasyon ng 2nd IBPA, MICO at PNP Monreal para puuhin ang tuloy-tuloy na pagsulong ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa Masbate at Iligal na pag aresto sa mga sibilyan, nagpapatuloy sa isla ng Ticao

MILF-CC: Officers, Members of MILF-BIAF Inner Guards reaffirm their commitment to support BARMM

Residents lauded for averting NPA 'atrocity' in Surigao Norte

17 NPA rebels surrender in Aurora since January

Suspected NPA fighter killed in CDO encounter