Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 14, 2020): Army chief lauds troops for ranking NPA leader neutralization (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Philippine Army (PA) chief Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay. (File photo)

MANILA – Philippine Army (PA) chief Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay lauded military and police personnel for the successful operation in Baguio City which led to the neutralization of a ranking Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) leader and two of his companions.

"With Giron's death, justice is served. But we must not cease. We must not stop in uniting against such tyranny, which for many years, have deprived the Filipino people the peaceful lives they deserve," Gapay said in a statement late Friday.

Government forces raided a house at Lourdes Subdivision Extension, Barangay Queen of Peace, Baguio City around 3:30 a.m. Friday.

Killed were CPP chair and CPP-NPA Executive Community member Julius Soriano Giron, Lourdes Tan Torres, and a still unidentified male believed to a member of the rebels' National Military Commission.

Security troops were supposed to serve Giron various warrants for murder, frustrated murder, arson and rebellion when the NPA leader and his companions opened fire, triggering a firefight which led to their deaths.

"The rebels' efforts to gain political power through their armed struggle only resulted in violence. This will never be the solution for our society," Gapay said.

Numerous atrocities committed by Giron have resulted in the death of military personnel and civilians; loss of economic assets due to the illegal burning of equipment, and the displacement of thousands of people.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1096603

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 14, 2020): Soldiers find 3 cadavers of BIFF in Maguindanao (By Edwin Fernandez)

ON THE RUN. An abandoned lair of the Islamic State-inspired combatants of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in the tri-borders of Ampatuan, Shariff Aguak, and Datu Hoffer towns in Maguindanao following military operations on Friday (March 13, 2020). Soldiers also found three dead bodies of BIFF extremists in the lair and a homemade bomb (inset) fashioned from a manual metal water pump. (Photo courtesy of 601Bde)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – The military here announced Saturday the discovery of three cadavers of Islamic State-inspired terrorists in the mountains of Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

Col. Jose Narciso, commander of the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade, said soldiers conducting clearing operations found the remains of three members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Barangay Salman, Ampatuan town at 9:20 a.m. Friday.

“This is how heartless the terrorists are. They just leave their slain comrades behind,” Narciso said.

Also recovered in the area were one anti-personnel mine and their personal belongings.

Since March 1, the military has launched air and ground assaults against the BIFF in the mountains of the adjoining towns of Ampatuan, Shariff Aguak, and Datu Hoffer in the province and Joint Task Force Central.

“It was in this area that the BIFF had encampments and planned to launch attacks against military installations from the high grounds,” Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said in a separate interview here.

After intelligence agents confirmed the presence of the BIFF in the Ampatuan-Shariff Aguak-Datu Hofer border, military artillery and airstrikes were conducted.

So far four soldiers and 17 BIFF members have died in the operations, including the three bodies found Friday. Six soldiers were also injured in separate landmine explosions.

Government forces recovered high explosives manufactured by the BIFF in their abandoned lairs in the area during the height of the clashes.

Carreon reminded soldiers of the brigade to remain on alert for possible retaliatory attacks from the terrorists.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1096617

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 14, 2020): 3 more NPA rebels yield in SoCot town (By Allen Estabillo)

RETURNEES. Three communist New People’s Army rebels surrender to government forces in Barangay Tasiman, Lake Sebu on Thursday (March 12, 2020). Photo shows the three surrenderers along with Police Regional Office (PRO)-12 intelligence chief, Lt. Col. Christopher Bermudez (left), and regional mobile force battalion chief, Lt. Col. Barney Condes (right). (Photo courtesy of PRO-12)

Three more “disgruntled” communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels surrendered on Thursday to government forces in Lake Sebu town, South Cotabato province.

Lt. Col. Barney Condes, chief of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion-12, said Friday the rebels yielded during a “simultaneous internal security operation” by a team of police and military personnel Thursday in Sitio Datal Ligaw, Barangay Tasiman in Lake Sebu.

Condes said the returnees were previously under Platoon West of the NPA’s Guerilla Front 73-Far South Mindanao Region that operates in parts of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani provinces.
They were identified as Timuwok Adam, Complie Sawang, and Jesie Lambong--all residents of Lake Sebu.

Condes said the former combatants surrendered an M14 rifle loaded with six live bullets and a homemade KG-9 9-mm submachine gun with 11 live bullets.

He said they were brought to RIU-12 at the Camp Fermin Lira here to undergo debriefing and documentation.

The police official said the three decided to surrender following a series of negotiations and related interventions facilitated by the unit.

These were backed by elements from the Police Regional Office-12’s intelligence unit (RIU-12), investigation division, South Cotabato police’s intelligence branch, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency-12 and the Army’s 27th Infantry Battalion.

“They mainly surrendered due to extreme anxiety and psychological pressure as a result of the continuing operations in the area,” he said in a statement.

He said they will enlist the returnees into the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, which will provide them with livelihood assistance and other socio-economic interventions.

Condes credited the accomplishment to the all-out support of local officials and community stakeholders to the government’s efforts to end the local communist armed conflict.

He said their unit is currently undergoing further training to effectively counter the “deceptive tactics” and recruitment activities of the NPA rebels.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1096503

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 14, 2020): Gov't troops recover high-powered firearms, explosives (By Mar Serrano)

LEGAZPI CITY – Several high-powered firearms, grenades, and improvised explosive devices were recovered by soldiers following a clash with suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in a remote village in Baao town in Camarines Sur province on Friday morning, an Army report said.

Capt. John Paul Belleza, 9th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office chief, said joint military and police personnel were conducting security operations in Barangay Pugay, Baao when they encountered a 15-member rebel group, which resulted in a 15-minute firefight.

“The rebels, while fleeing, left behind at the encounter site two M16 rifles, an M203 grenade launcher, M1 Garand rifle, three anti-personnel mines, three hand grenades, seven blasting caps, two rolls of detonating wire, seven long magazines for M16 rifles, subversive documents and other personal belongings,” Belleza said.

He said there was no reported casualty among government troops but there was an undetermined number of fatalities on the rebels’ side as bloodstains were observed in the path where the rebels fled.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1096538

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 14, 2020): 79-year-old NPA leader gives up with guns (By Villamor Visaya, Jr.)

REBEL RETURNEE. Loreto "Ka Nestor" Ventura (seated, red shirt), a 79-year-old former New People’s Army squad leader, joins relatives, Cagayan officials, Army, police, and fire bureau officers when he was presented to the media on Thursday (March 12, 2020). Ventura gave himself up to the Cagayan provincial government and police officials in Barangay Lagum, Santo Niño, Cagayan. (PNA photo by Vince Jacob A. Visaya)

A 79-year-old former New People’s Army (NPA) squad leader was presented to the media after he gave up himself to the Cagayan provincial government and police officials in Barangay Lagum, Santo Niño, Cagayan on Thursday.

After a 40-year stay with the communist rebel group, Loreto Diliggon Ventura, alias Ka Nestor, a native of Maab-abaca in Piddig, Ilocos Norte, said he decided to surrender after he was left by his comrades while sick at a nipa hut in Lagum village.

"Matanda na ako at iniwan na nila ako dahil wala na silang pakinabang (I am old and they abandoned me because I am nothing now)," he said.

With his wife Grace, they were blessed with three children – Evelyn, Edwin, and Editha.

Finishing only Grade 2 at the Maab-abaca Elementary School, Ventura was lured into the NPA when he was in his late 30s.

"You see now, the New People’s Army members must be answerable for their human rights violations. They are good for nothing,” Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba said.

Mamba said he prodded villagers to be vigilant and fight communists "as they are very much dwindling in number and no longer a force to be reckoned with.”

Ventura gave up an M-16 Armalite rifle, a Carbine rifle, a cal. 45 handgun, assorted bullets, improvised explosive devices, belongings, anti-government documents, and other paraphernalia.

He will receive gun compensation for the surrendered guns.

He initially received PHP20,000 financial assistance from the Cagayan provincial government through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) program of the government.

The CPP-NPA, which has been waging war against the government since in the 1960s, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1096523

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 15, 2020): Former rebels go from Arm-to-Farm in Bukidnon (By Dependable CMO)

IMPASUG-ONG, Bukidnon, March 14 - Former rebels can now plant crops as sustainable livelihood while temporarily living inside the military camp through the Arm-to-Farm Program of the government.

Located in a two-hectare land farm offered by the local government of Impasugong at the headquarters of 8th Infantry Battalion, Barangay Poblacion, Impasugong, Bukidnon, former rebels are closely trained and equipped with skills through the assistance from the Dependable troopers.
The theme, "Changing Mindsets, Enriching Lives: Transforming Red Revolution to Green Revolution" hopes to change the mindset of these former rebels from being a combatant to becoming a peaceful and productive individuals that contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.

A surrenderee in October of last year, Helen Omayon Hawi-an, 31 years old said, “Kami nagapasalamat sa atong Philippine Army uban sa Local na pagkagamhanan na mitabang sa amua para mabuhat kini na proyekto na mahitabo. Kami naga plano na mag padayun kani nga training sa pag bake ug kami maga dahom sa umaabot adlaw nama patukod ang atong bakery. (We thank the Philippine Army together with the peace and development partners who assisted us to make this program possible. We are planning to undergo training in baking, and we are hoping to have a bakery shop in the future.)

In a statement, Lieutenant Colonel Edgardo V Talaroc Jr, Commanding Officer of the 8th Infantry (Dependable) Battalion shared, "This unit together with our peace and development partners will continue to provide interventions to the former rebels while they are waiting to receive benefits from the Enhanced- Comprehensive Livelihood Integration Program (E-CLIP)." (8IB Dependable CMO)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1036271

From the Mindanao Examiner (Mar 14, 2020): 18 soldiers wounded in BIFF clashes in South

COTABATO CITY – Over a dozen soldiers were wounded in a series of clashes with pro-ISIS fighters in the restive Muslim province of Maguindanao in southern Philippines, officials said Saturday.

Military photos released to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner show Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, chief of the Western Midnanao Command, visiting wounded soldiers - on behalf of President Rodrigo Duterte - on Saturday at the 6th Infantry Division in Maguindanao’s Datu Odin Sinsuat town and handed them financial aid, gun certificates and cell phones.

Officials said troops were battling members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces in Maguindanao, one of 5 provinces under the Muslim autonomous region.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, chief of the Western Midnanao Command, visited the wounded soldiers on behalf of President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday at the 6th Infantry Division in Maguindanao’s Datu Odin Sinsuat town and handed them financial aid, gun certificates and cell phones.
“We should take care of our soldiers because those left behind can have no peace after suffering distress,” Sobejana said.

Duterte was not able to visit the soldiers for a still unknown reason, but the President - who is in Manila - ordered a lockdown on the National Capital Region following the outbreak of the deadly new coronavirus disease.

Recovered improvised explosive and personal belongings left behind by fleeing militants. Three bodies of gunmen were also found in the village of Salman in Ampatuan town in Maguindanao province on March 13, 2020.

Sobejana said three bodies of gunmen, including a land mine, were also recovered by soldiers in in the village of Salman in Ampatuan town on Friday. “The recovery of the bodies indicate substantial gains and weakening of the enemy’s manpower and capability,” he said.

He said security forces were continuing with the operations against the BIFF, whose leaders pledged allegiance to the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, or ISIS.

“Rest assured, we will continue with our focused operations to penetrate BIFF lairs and totally eradicate their remaining members, for the people of Central Mindanao to savor lasting peace and sustainable development,” Sobejana said. (Mindanao Examiner)

https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2020/03/18-soldiers-wounded-in-biff-clashes-in.html

From the Mindanao Times (Mar 14, 2020): 9 surrenderees receive P650-K total from E-Clip (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

Nine former rebels received a total of P650,000 from the national government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) in an awarding ceremony conducted at Grand Men Seng Hotel in Davao City on March 11.

Another one will receive the check at a later date after failing to join the turnover ceremony.

Capt. Erick Wynmer Calulot, the 1003rd Infantry Brigade civil-military operations officer, said each of the recipients was handed P65,000 worth of checks by the E-Clip committee of Davao City.

Meanwhile, a total of P210,000 was also handed over to the respective Army and PNP units representing the reintegration assistance. The money will be used to support the former rebels under their custody while their benefits are being processed.

DILG Davao City cirector Vicky P. Sarcena welcomed the participants and gave the rationale for the activity. They also learned about EO 56 or the “Order Reconstituting the Davao City E-CLIP Committee for Former Rebels” and financial literacy.

Col. Nolasco A. Mempin, commander of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade, presented the former rebels to the E-Clip committee members and Davao City Administrator Zuleika Lopez, who represented Mayor Sara Duterte.

Mempin expressed his gratitude to the E-Clip committee for their efforts, the units involved, and the city government for the successful implementation the program.

“The E-Clip program aims to provide a venue and option for rebels who already opted to lay down their arms and go back to mainstream society and live normal lives with their family,” he added.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2020/03/15/9-surrenderees-receive-p650-k-total-from-e-clip/

From the Mindanao Times (Mar 14, 2020): RPG among seized arms in hidden NPA stockpile (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

An arms cache was seized by soldiers of the 71st Infantry Battalion and police officers in Pantukan, Davao del Oro on March 4 and 10.

According to the delayed report, the stockpile contained one rocket-propelled gun, pistol, ammo, bombs, helmets, and subversive documents.

1Lt. Kim Carlos, the civil-military operations officer of the 71st IB, said the seizure was made possible by the tip of former rebels, who were enrolled in the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

The soldiers coordinated with the Pantukan Municipal Police and 1101st Police Mobile Force Company to conduct the operation.

One hoard containing a 40mm RPG, three 40mm high explosives, and subversive documents were recovered in Barangay Napnapan, Pantukan, on Tuesday.

Alias Lando, former leader of the NPA, said they confiscated the RPG from an MILF group under Kumander Faisal sometime in 2008. The RPG was used during an armed encounter between the military and NPA in July 2015.

Moreover, another cache containing one 9mm pistol with one magazine containing eight live bullets, 32 pairs of knee paddings, 32 pairs of US Army elbow paddings, and eight kevlar helmets were recovered on March 4 in Barangay Bongabong of the same municipality.

“The E-CLIP proves effective as it enticed the NPA members to surrender and further disclose information that led to the recovery and capture of firearms and ammunition, thereby decreasing the adversary’s firepower,” Lt. Col. Sonny E. Gonzales, commanding officer of the 71st IB, said.

The E-CLIP is a government program, which provides cash and livelihood assistance or housing program for surrendering NPA members.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2020/03/15/rpg-among-seized-arms-in-hidden-npa-stockpile/

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 14, 2020): Army backs LGU Serbisyo Caravan in Surigao del Norte
(By 4th Infantry Division)

Placer, Surigao del Norte – The 30th Infantry Python Battalion (30IB) together with the Guigaquit’s Municipal Task-Force to End the Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) conducted its 2nd Serbisyo Caravan at Sitio Songcoy, Barangay Mahanub, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte last March 11, 2020.

The Gigaquit’s MTF-ELCAC “Serbisyo Caravan” linked to the “Government on wheels” Program of Mayor Bonite offered services such as free medical consultation and treatment, Free Registration from the LCR and PSA.

A total of 20 toilet bowls, 10 empty gallons,300 slippers, seedlings, 500 food packs, relief goods, and school supplies were distributed. In addition, participants were entertained by the jolly performance of mascots Elsa and Captain America.

Moreover, the 30IB also conducted a Peace Concert and free haircut during the said activity.

In his message, Mayor Chandru said that the LGU will lead to bring services especially to Conflict Affected Areas (ConAAs) where there is recruitment of the CPP-NPA Terrorist (CNTs) is conducted. He also added that they will do this activity regularly and support the EO70 thru the conduct Community Support Program (CSP) and Retooled CSP so that his constituents will no longer struggle.

Lt. Col. Villarosa lauded and congratulated Team Gigaquit for continuously exerting their effort in the implementation of the programs of the Municipal Task Force to End the Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC). He also emphasized that this project was designed to address the problems with the CNTs.

“One way to address problem in the community is to bring the basic services of the government to the people in the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantage Areas (GIDAs) and ConAAs. The progress will not be achieved if there is a presence of CNTs who continuously conducts atrocities in our areas. We assure you that the 30IB will be more resolved to rid Gigaquit and the whole province of SDN with all elements of the CPP-NPA Terrorists”,Lt. Col. Villarosa said

It can be recalled that last December 17, 2019, LGU Gigaquit launched its MTF-ELCAC in Sitio Tiltilan of same barangay in support to EO70 which aims to deliver the basic needs and programs of the government to the far-flung areas of the barangay. Some sitios of Barangay Mahanub are identified as CPP-NPA infiltrated Brgy particularly Sitio Palilihan and Sitio Tiltilan where they released their abducted PNP personnel stationed at Placer; which are also an NPA stronghold and guerrilla base.

[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-backs-lgu-serbisyo-caravan-in-surnor/

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 14, 2020): Task Force Python welcomes new commander (By 4th Infantry Division

Placer, Surigao del Norte – Task Force Python (TFP) has welcomed its new commander during the turnover ceremony held March 12,2020 at Headquarters Task Force Python, Barangay Taganito, Claver, Surigao del Norte.

Lt. Col Ryan Charles Callanta assumed as the 11th commander of the Task Force Python after Lt. Col. Jeffrey A Villarosa relinquished his post to the incoming commander.

Villarosa has been in the TFP since he assumed the command last year, July 12, 2019 as commanding officer of the 30th Infantry Python Battalion (30IB) and has been instrumental in securing its area of operation in collaboration with the mining companies and civil authorities to establish manageable security and investment condition in the municipality of Claver, Surigao, del Norte.

“It’s an honor to be part of the TFP for almost a year as your commander, it was indeed challenging yet most fulfilling and rewarding assignment as TFP commander at the same time the commanding officer of the 30IB, rest assured that we will not stop supporting the TFP against any threat and atrocities from the enemy of the state,” said Villarosa in his message during the turnover ceremony.

He has led the TFP in accomplishing numerous conducts of internal security operations (ISO), tree planting activities, bloodletting and assistance in delivery of basic services in barangays of the Claver.

The TFP also conducted search and rescue retrieval operations assistance during the landslide in the municipality, and assistance during music festivals, as well as holding security awareness seminars in the municipality.

The turnover ceremony was presided by Brigadier General Maurito L. Licudine, Commander of the 402nd Infantry Brigade, 4th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army (PA).

Villarosa still assigned as commander of the 30IB, covering the whole provinces of Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Island.

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 15, 2020): PRLEC to Monitor and Evaluate Peace progress in Surigao del Sur (By 4th Infantry Division)

Tago, Surigao del Sur, March 13 – The army’s 36th Infantry (Valor) Battalion together with the members of the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) Monitoring and Evaluation Committee, this province convened yesterday March 12, 2020, held at SitioIbuan, BrgyMampi, Lanuza at around 9 o’clock in the morning.

The Monitoring and Evaluation Committee of the PRLEC SDS convened to follow up and monitor the ongoing peace and development efforts of the cluster at Sitio Ibuan. The said activity was put into action to address and monitor the progress and status of Sitio Ibuan Enterprise Village and other livelihood package to the community.

It can be recalled last Oct 1, 2019, the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood, and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) of SurSur, chaired by TESDA in close coordination of the army’s 36IB conducted a Mass Graduation and Inauguration of Ibuan Enterprise Village to the community and Former Rebels as its pilot community for peace and development intervention and empowerment under the implementation of EO70.

The activity was spearheaded by Eng. Charlyn Binghoy, Provincial Officer of NCIP, SDS, as the head of Monitoring and Evaluation Committee of PRLEC together with Lt Col Jezreel Diagmel, ACO, 36IB, Dir Pedrito Alacaba, PD, DILG, Genebelle Bal, Provincial Head, DOLE with the representative from TESDA, SDS, BFAR and the participation of the barangay officials headed by Hon DaniloDuazo, Brgy Chairman and tribal leaders of the said community.

In his statement, LTC Jezreel Diagmel, Acting Battalion Commander of 36IB lauded the commitment of the PRLEC Monitoring and Evaluation Committee in heeding the call of the locals of SitioIbuan.

“The convergence of the PRLEC Monitoring and Evaluation Committee is a sincere gesture that the government is responding to the call of the community. The government will be able to sustain the gains of peace and development and ensure that the basic services and social development packages are delivered and implemented to the community,” This is one way also of strengthening our breakthrough goals towards the Army Transformation Roadmap (ATR) by serving the people and securing the land. Lt Col Diagmel added. Sitio Ibuan, Brgy Mampi, Lanuza is one of the chosen community among the Conflict-Affected Areas (ConAAs) and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAS) in the province of Surigao del Sur as a pilot community for the implementation of EO 70 under the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC).

https://www.kalinawnews.com/prlec-monitoring-and-evaluation-team-convened-in-sursur-army/

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 15, 2020): Soldiers clash with NPAs, recover high-powered firearm (By 2nd Infantry Division)

CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal – A 20-minute firefight transpired between soldiers and NPA terrorists in Catanauan, Quezon at around 2:20 a.m. Sunday.

The government troops were acting on reports from concerned citizens about the location of a terrorist harbour area at Brgy San Vicente Kanluran of said municipality when the encounter happened.

Brigadier General Norwyn Romeo P Tolentino, Commander of the 201st Infantry Brigade which has operational jurisdiction over the area, said that his forces recovered an M14 rifle, magazines with ammunition for M16 rifle, IED components and other personal effects which the fleeing terrorists left behind.

“We believe that the NPA terrorists, belonging to Platun Japson, suffered multiple casualties — something which we are still validating through our assets from the ground — while none was recorded on the part of the government”, said BGen Tolentino.

He ended his statement by attributing the success of military campaign in his area to the “active collaboration at all levels, particularly the Local Government Units, in the implementation and operationalization of Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict or PTF-ELCAC thereby denying the communist terrorists the space that they need to thrive and further their terroristic plans in this part of the country.”

Lieutenant Colonel Emmanuel Cabahug, Commanding Officer of 85IB, said that the more or less 20 NPAs which the troops encountered were under a certain Joseph Delos Santos alias Ken/Bingot, Platoon Leader of Platun Japson of SRMA-4B and a former Special Partisan Unit or SPARU, who is believed to be the mastermind of numerous communist atrocities that were perpetrated in Quezon Province in the past.

Major General Arnulfo Marcelo B Burgos Jr, Commander of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division, expressed his gratitude to the “patriots who disregarded their personal safety to pass the information to our troops knowing that our society will be better off without the extortion, coercion and other terroristic actions perpetrated by the NPAs.”

He also congratulated his soldiers for being steadfast in accomplishing their mission as advocates of peace, servants of the people and defenders of Southern Tagalog while assuring their constituents of the troops’ commitment and dedication to attain peace, prosperity and development in the region.

MGen Burgos ended his statement by reiterating his call to the few remaining NPA terrorists “to lay down your arms, live peacefully with your families, avail government grants through E-CLIP and be part of the solution to the problems that our country is facing because the soldiers will never hesitate to use our full military might and resources against any individual or group whose intentions are to harm our people, disrupt progress and spoil the peace in our communities.”

Joint AFP-PNP checkpoints have been established in the area to support the ongoing pursuit operations against the escaping NPA terrorists.

All available military assets have been placed on high alert.

From BenarNews (Mar 13, 2020): Philippine Troops Kill 3 More Pro-Islamic State Militants in Southern Offensive (Richel V. Umel)

Government soldiers check ammunition taken from members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters militant group in Maguindanao province, southern Philippines, Feb. 28, 2015. AFP

Philippine security forces have recovered the bodies of three more pro-Islamic State Filipino militants who were killed in new air and artillery assaults in southern Maguindanao province, military officials said Friday.

The discovery of the bodies brought to at least 17 the number of militants with the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) who have been killed since the Philippine armed forces launched an offensive against the group in several municipalities around Maguindanao earlier this month, the military said.

Troops found the corpses of the enemy combatants, which were left behind by their BIFF comrades, while clearing an area near Ampatuan town on Thursday, amid ongoing military strikes in the province, officials said.

“This is how heartless the terrorists are. They just leave their slain comrades behind,” Army Col. Jose Narciso, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, told reporters.

Soldiers overran the militants’ encampment where they recovered one anti-personnel mine and personal belongings of the fleeing militants, he said.

Locals and village officials were called on by the military to help identify the corpses.

“The recoveries indicate substantial gains and weakening of the enemy’s manpower and capability,” said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

“Rest assured, we will continue with our focused operations to penetrate BIFF lairs and totally eradicate their remaining members for the people of Central Mindanao to savor lasting peace and sustainable development,” he said.

This photo released by the Philippine military shows a den that was home to suspected pro-Islamic State militants, who fled following air and artillery assaults in southern Maguindanao province, March 13, 2020. [Courtesy Armed Forces of the Philippines]

Between March 2 and 7, military officials reported that 14 BIFF members were killed in fighting that also claimed the lives of four soldiers and injured 11 others.

The BIFF is a splinter group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), a former armed separatist group that signed a peace deal with the government in exchange for control of an expanded autonomous region in Mindanao.

MILF leaders are part of a transition government in the south and many of its fighters have given up their weapons to join the military.

The BIFF, meanwhile, is one of several groups in the southern Philippines that have pledged allegiance to Islamic State (IS).

Despite that pledge, BIFF guerrillas did not join other pro-IS militants in taking over the southern city of Marawi three years ago. That five-month siege killed an estimated 1,200 enemy combatants, soldiers and civilians.

Jeoffrey Maitem in Cotabato, Philippines, contributed to this report.

https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/philippine/militants-killed-03132020140235.html

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 15, 2020): ‘Bridge of Peace’ connects former MILF community to Lanao del Sur town (By: Richel V. Umel)

ILIGAN CITY—For years, people in the remote village of Masalag in Masiu, Lanao del Sur province, had to use a zipline to cross the Malaig River on their way to town.

“People who wanted to reach town even used to swim across the river, which was too dangerous because the river was deep. That was how they came up with the zipline,” said Halil Amerol, regional manager of the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) for Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte.

“For years, the place has been isolated,” he said.

But this finally came to an end on March 6 when a hanging bridge opened here to connect this former camp of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to the Lanao del Sur town.

The 70-meter long, 1.4-m wide bridge, which was turned over here in a simple ceremony, would make it easier for people in the remote community to bring their goods to the market, said Amerol.

It took the BDA one year to finish the P7-million project funded by the World Bank.

Barangay Masalag is the site of the MILF’s Camp Bushra Somiyorang, where the late MILF vice chair, Alim Abdul Asiz Mimbantas, used to live.
Bridge of hope

His son, Dr. Marjanie Salic Macasalong Mimbantas, who sits as executive director of the Office of the Bangsamoro Youth Affairs, called the new hanging bridge as “Pagasa Bridge” (Bridge of hope) because it allowed the former MILF community a chance to be part of the life of the larger town of Masiu.

“It is easier now for them to bring their goods to the market,” Mimbantas said. He also called the bridge as the “Kalilintad” because it was the fruit of the peace process between the government and the MILF.

“It is the direct result of negotiations,” he said, referring to the long years of peace talks between the MILF and the government. “[The bridge was] implemented by the BDA, the development arm of the MILF,” he added.

First of its kind

But Mimbantas said other people also called the project the Bangsamoro hanging bridge because it was the first of its kind to be put up by the Bangsamoro government.

“Regardless of the name, the bridge definitely brings hope, dreams and inspiration to the local community,” he said. “May we all pray and work for lasting peace.”

The bridge also makes it easier to travel to as far as the towns of Butig, Bumbaran and Wao town. Masiu is about two and a half hours away from Marawi City.

The community had suffered heavy bombardment at the height of the war between the MILF and the military in 2000-2003 and in 2018 after the Supreme Court junked the proposed memorandum of agreement-ancestral domain pact.

Amerol said it was time to move on.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1241580/bridge-of-peace-connects-former-milf-community-to-lanao-del-sur-town

From the Philippine Star (Mar 15, 2020): 10 Abu Sayyaf bandits surrender in Sulu (Roel Pareño)

Ten Abu Sayyaf bandits have surrendered in Sulu.

Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr. of the Joint Task Force Sulu and 11th Army Division said a group of bandits surrendered to the 1102nd Brigade under Col. Ignatius Patrimonio on March 6 and turned over their Garand rifles.

Another group of bandits surrendered on March 9 to Lt. Col. Alaric Avelino delos Santos, commander of the 41st Infantry Battalion. They were said to be followers of Hatib Hakan Sawadjaan, a local leader of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.

The bandits cited lack of support from residents due to sustained military humanitarian missions and operations for their surrender.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2020/03/15/2000888/10-abu-sayyaf-bandits-surrender-sul

From the Philippine Star (Mar 15, 2020): The life-saving helmet (THIS WEEK ON PEOPLEASIA - Babe Romualdez)

The government’s procurement of close to P3 billion worth of new equipment that includes additional helicopters, troop carriers, assault rifles, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) robots, night vision goggles and numerous items, further boosts the modernization program of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

But while choppers, carriers, assault rifles and other firearms enhance the mobility and fighting capability of our troops, simple gear like helmets can, in fact, spell the difference between life and death for policemen during encounters with rebels, terrorists and other criminal elements.

This was particularly highlighted by PNP Chief Gen. Archie Gamboa during the recent turnover ceremony of new equipment at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame. Gen. Gamboa narrated the story of Patrolman Juvannie Libradilla of the 1st Bukidnon Provincial Mobile Force, whose unit was attacked by New People’s Army terrorist group. Libradilla was shot in the head, but luckily for him, he was wearing an enhanced combat helmet that saved him from sure death.

In 2018, the PNP took delivery of the first batch of the high-quality protective headgear known as the L110 Combat II Ballistic Helmet manufactured by US-based company Ceradyne and exclusively distributed in the Philippines by Armscor Global Defense, the largest firearms and ammunition manufacturing company not only in the Philippines but in Southeast Asia.

The initial 14,000 lightweight ballistic helmets are in line with the PNP’s 10-year modernization program. To date, Armscor Global has turned over a total 22,630 units of the L110 helmet to the PNP.

“If not for the high-quality equipment, it could have been a different story,” noted Gen. Gamboa, adding that the helmet will be turned over to the PNP Museum to serve as a reminder of the government’s commitment to provide quality equipment and protect the lives of personnel as they perform their duty to maintain peace and order, and protect the lives of Filipinos.

Stressing that “every life saved is important and precious,” Armscor Global deputy CEO and SEVP Gina Marie Angangco — who is a Philippine Army reservist with the rank of lieutenant colonel — noted that our military and police “need to have the best equipment” considering the sacrifices they are making.

Armscor, the country’s biggest and oldest ammunition and firearms manufacturer, whose products are exported to over 60 countries worldwide, recently organized a Tactical, Survival and Arms (TACS) Expo that discussed pandemic preparedness and the issue of coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 to inform and educate the public on preparing for emergency situations.

One of the discussion segments tackled ways to combat the spread of COVID-19, highlighting the importance of getting the right information instead of spreading fake news that will only aggravate the situation. The TACS Expo is one of Armscor’s efforts to help build a disaster-resilient Philippines, and equip Filipinos in preparing for situations that threaten the country’s security and health as a nation such as the coronavirus, noted Angangco.

https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/allure/2020/03/15/2000835/life-saving-helmet

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 15, 2020): People going through checkpoints cooperative: AFP (By Priam Nepomuceno)

COVID-19 TEST. A member of the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region checks temperature of people in a passenger jeepney using thermal scanner as the 30-day ‘community quarantine’ in Metro Manila begins on Sunday (March 15, 2020). The community quarantine was implemented to contain the spread of coronavirus disease or Covid-19. (PNA Photo By Avito C. Dalan)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) Joint Task Force-National Capital Region (JTF-NCR), which was deployed to help the police in the 30-day community quarantine in Metro Manila, said people being inspected in the checkpoints have initially proven cooperative.

This was said by JTF-NCR public affairs officer, 1st Lt. Arrianne Bichara when asked by reporters for an initial assessment on the first day of the implementation of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) countermeasure on Sunday.

She added that their deployment was smooth and reports coming from troops helping the police in the checkpoint boundaries revealed that the public was cooperative and that no problems were being encountered.

"As of this time wala naman naging problem pa in (there are no problems) dealing with the civilians. The JTF-NCR is here to assist the PNP and help the people," Bichara said.

She added that additional thermal scanners and personal protection equipment (PPEs) are expected to augment those now being used by JTF-NCR personnel.

"Rest assured that the JTF-NCR is implementing the preventive measures instituted by the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force)," she added.

As of this time, military squads deployed to help man the checkpoints have two thermal scanners for checking temperatures of persons passing through while the remainder are tasked to look into identification cards of these individuals.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1096690

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 15, 2020): Filipinos in Netherlands demand Joma's arrest (By Gigie Arcilla)

Around 20 members of United Filipino Global from London, Paris, The Hague, Amsterdam, Dusseldorf, and Brussels denounced the 51 years of NPA terrorism, recruitment of child warriors, and killing of indigenous people’s leaders in the Philippines, in a picket rally held in front of the Dutch Parliament House, The Netherlands on March 10, (Contributed photo)

Members of the United Filipino Global (UFG) in Europe early this week demanded the arrest of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chairperson Jose Maria Sison for his involvement in the Inopacan Massacre – a mass “purging” perpetrated by the CPP armed wing, New People’s Army (NPA), in the 1980s.

In a picket rally held in front of the Dutch Parliament House, The Netherlands on March 10, more or less 20 members of UFG from London, Paris, The Hague, Amsterdam, Dusseldorf, and Brussels also denounced the 51 years of terrorism of the NPA, recruitment of child warriors, and killing of indigenous people’s leaders in the Philippines.

According to Emily Barrameda, an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) and chairperson of Duterte Die-Hard Supporters (DDS) in The Netherlands, despite the weather and amid the Coronavirus Disease pandemic, OFWs traveled to participate in the rally.

“We are more than what we expected. We all volunteered to travel and show support, she said, adding that nobody forced them to take part in the activity.

She added that what they did and will be doing is for the Philippines and to show support to President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

“Basta kami masaya sa ginawa namin at hindi po kami nadidiktahan. Hindi po kami mga bata st may mga sarili po kaming mga isip (We are happey with what we did and we will not be dictated upon because we are no longer children),” she added.

The picket-rally, she said, was intentionally held on a weekday when employees and officials including Prime Minister Mark Rutte are at work inside the Parliament House.

“At may lumapit sa amin from inside the Parliament. Binigyan namin ng leaflets at front page ng court (arrest) warrant ni Joma Sison (We handed leaflets and the front page of the court arrest warrant against Joma Sison),” Barrameda said. “That’s good enough that they heard our call.”

The rallyists also expressed support to the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict which was created pursuant to Executive Order 70 signed by President Duterte on Dec. 4, 2018, which institutionalizes a whole-of-nation approach n a bid to attain "inclusive and sustainable peace."

Sison, who has aliases Joma, Armando Guerrero, Armando Liwanag, and his wife Juliet, former National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) peace negotiator, along with 36 others including rebel group leaders and members were ordered arrested by Judge Thelma Bunyi-Medina, of the Regional Trial Court Branch 32 in Manila, on August 28, 2019.

Based on estimates of former rebels and the victims’ relatives, the Inopacan massacre or mass purging, dubbed by the NPA as “Oplan Venereal Disease”, claimed the lives of about 300 residents in Leyte province.

Charges were filed in 2006 after the skeletal remains of 67 victims were exhumed from shallow graves in Subang Daku village, Inopacan town, Leyte on August 28, 2006.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1096712

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 15, 2020): AFP, PNP man checkpoints as part of 'whole-of-gov't approach'(By Priam Nepomuceno)

AFP spokesperson, Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo
MANILA – Having the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel man the checkpoints to enforce the month-long community quarantine of Metro Manila is part of the “whole-of-government approach” to prevent the spread of the coronavirus 2019 (Covid-19) in the country.

AFP spokesperson, Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo made this clarification after some sectors criticized the deployment of security troops to address a health problem.

"The AFP (along with the PNP) is part of the whole-of-government approach in addressing the Covid-19 pandemic. Hence, all agencies of government—national and local— take part in this endeavor," he said in a statement to reporters Sunday.

Arevalo said the measures outlined by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases have to be enforced diligently, otherwise they will become a law and order problem, not just a health issue.

Measures include community quarantine, curfew, and the so-called social distancing.

"That notwithstanding, soldiers are there to assist line departments of government. Their arms are primarily not rifles and pistols; they are not boarded in tanks or armored personnel carriers," he added.

Arevalo said deployment of troops with the Department of Health, includes military doctors, nurses, and aid men armed with health and diagnostic equipment aboard ambulances.

"The AFP is manned and ready not only to address attacks by terrorists and other enemies of the state hiding under the cloak of legality or anonymity," he added.

As institution tasked by the Constitution to protect the people and state, Arevalo said the AFP is prepared to respond to pandemics like Covid-19.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1096713

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Kalinaw News: Soldiers clash with NPAs, recover high-powered firearm

Philippine Troops Kill 3 More Pro-Islamic State Militants in Southern Offensive

‘Bridge of Peace’ connects former MILF community to Lanao del Sur town

10 Abu Sayyaf bandits surrender in Sulu

The life-saving helmet

People going through checkpoints cooperative: AFP

Filipinos in Netherlands demand Joma's arrest

AFP, PNP man checkpoints as part of 'whole-of-gov't approach'