Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events

NPA-Negros Island propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 20, 2020): Col. Inocencio Pasaporte is a serial liar — NPA-Negros

JUANITO MAGBANUA

NPA-NEGROS ISLAND

APOLINARIO GATMAITAN COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

APRIL 20, 2020

There are at least three patent lies in the 303rd Brigade commander’s recent statements on the April 19 armed engagement between a unit of the 94th Infantry Battallion of the Philippine Army (IBPA) and a New People’s Army (NPA) platoon in Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City.

FIRST, the said unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) was not in any way providing “outer security patrol” service to DSWD personnel conducting distribution of special amelioration program (SAP) aid in the area.

The AFP soldiers in fact had already been on full and sustained combat operation in the interior barangays of Himamaylan City for more than a week prior to the incident, including even the days that the government’s ceasefire declaration was still supposedly in effect.

SECOND, the NPA does not take financial or food aid away from the people. The people themselves, especially the poor peasants and farm workers of the countryside, could attest how absolutely false this accusation is.

For one thing, they know of “3-8,” the set of rules and principles that guides the actions of the NPA; one that disallows, for example, the taking of even the least valuable of the masses’ possessions.

They know that the NPA, even as it plays the key role of smashing the armed forces of the reactionary state, performs other tasks in the field of production, education, culture, and health, further endearing them thus to the most exploited and oppressed.

They know of the current efforts of the NPA to work with the organs of Red political power, revolutionary mass organizations, traditional groups and institutions, and, to a certain extent, even allies in local governments and national agencies, in carrying out a comprehensive and extensive people’s campaign amid the COVID-19 crisis.

They know, for example, of the people’s clinics doing the rounds in many parts of the guerrilla zones with NPA medical officers and staffs at the helm.

The most successful of these so far has been the one held in Central Negros itself last March 29 (coinciding with the NPA’s 51st anniversary) where around two thousand barrio folk where checked up and treated in just a single afternoon; a feat that many credible health professionals in the cities have praised as unprecedented.

The people have known of the emergency food production campaign of the revolutionary peasant associations and the NPA long before any of the officials of the Department of Agriculture admitted that a COVID-19-imposed nationwide food shortage is imminent.

They know of the valuable advise that the NPA has been giving hard-up households on how to effectively and in an organized way assert their rights in availing from the economic aid programs of government agencies, however long-delayed, corruption-laden, and inadequate these may be.

Knowing all these, the people could easily belie Pasaporte’s talk of SAP-snatching Red fighters, whether in Himamaylan or any other Negros town and city, in Samar, Masbate, Mindanao, or anywhere else in the country.

The people, furthermore, know that the revolutionary movement realizes the very urgent need to concentrate all present efforts to helping the people collectively stand and overcome the COVID-19 crisis, and that the CPP-NPA-NDFP (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines) has seriously heeded the global call of the United Nations to temporarily halt armed conflicts and declared a unilateral ceasefire that took effect from March 26 to April 15 and which has already been extended to last until April 30.

This leads us to the THIRD Pasaporte lie. The NPA-Negros, in its armed engagement with the AFP on April 19 in Himamaylan City, did not violate any of the ceasefire provisions being currently enforced by the CPP-NPA-NDFP.

What happened in Brgy. Carabalan was not a tactical offensive carried out by a unit of the Apolinario Gatmaitan Command against the elements of the 94th IB PA. It was a necessary performance of active defense after the NPA Red fighters and commanders exhausted all attempts to desist from giving battle to the PA unit that had been aggressively pursuing them for more than a week.

Col. Inocencio Pasaporte is a serial liar. All these outrageous lies expose not only Pasaporte’s pathological aversion to the truth. These underscore as well the Duterte regime’s continuing Marcosian machinations to use the current COVID-19 situation to further discredit and attack the revolutionary movement and shore up the prospects of imposing a fascist dictatorship, all of which at the obvious expense of the already and much beleaguered people.###

Reference:
Ka Juanito Magbanua
Apolinario Gatmaitan Command Spokesperson
New People’s Army – Negros Island

https://cpp.ph/statement/col-inocencio-pasaporte-is-a-serial-liar-npa-negros/

From ABS-CBN (Apr 23, 2020): 6 Abus killed, 8 soldiers hurt in Sulu clash (By Leizel Lacastesantos)

Six bandits from the Abu Sayyaf group were killed and 8 soldiers were wounded in a firefight in Patikul, Sulu -- the second encounter between the 2 groups there in less than a week, the military said Thursday.

The clash between the 45th Infantry Battalion and an undetermined number of Abu Sayyaf fighters in Barangay Latih lasted for about 30 minutes on Wednesday night, said the Western Mindanao Command.

Abu Sayyaf fighters Guro Khalid, Udal Muhamadar Said, and alias Budah were found dead at the site.

The gunbattle also killed 3 other bandits, whose bodies were not recovered at the area, based on the bloodstains there, said Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, commander of Joint Task Force Sulu.

The 8 wounded soldiers were brought to the Camp Navarro General Hospital in Zamboanga City.

An encounter with the Abu Sayyaf in Patikul last Friday left 12 soldiers dead and wounded 13 of their comrades.

Some of the soldiers' bandoliers and ammunition were recovered from the second clash site, said the military.

The military is "sustaining our focused military operations in Sulu to finish the Abu Sayyaf Group and bring about peace in the said province," said Wesmincom chief Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana.

The Islamic State-linked terrorist group is behind deadly bombings and kidnap-for-ransom operations mainly targeting foreigners.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/23/20/6-abus-killed-8-soldiers-hurt-in-sulu-clash

From GTSC Homeland Security (Apr 22, 2020): Hundreds Arrested in Crackdown on Terrorist Routes in Southeast Asia

An INTERPOL-led operation codenamed ‘Maharlika III’ saw law enforcement from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines (BIMP) deploy to strategic points along known terrorist transit routes in Southeast Asia in a series of simultaneous law enforcement and border control actions.

The coordinated move – from 24 February to 20 March in the midst of the global COVID-19 outbreak – resulted in the arrest of more than 180 individuals for various offences, including one suspected member of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

The operation saw 82 victims of human trafficking, mainly young women aged between 20 and 30, rescued by Philippine authorities. In addition, Indonesian authorities identified and rescued a further 35 adults and 17 children (12 boys and five girls), aged between 10 and 15 years, arriving from Malaysia.

Firearms, illegally assembled explosives made of ammonium nitrate and other illicit goods and substances worth more than one million euros were also seized.

With participating units on the front lines provided with direct access to INTERPOL’s global databases, authorities were able to run more than 13,000 checks on travel documents, firearms and nominal data.

The World Customs Organization also partnered in the operation, coordinating the role of customs agents and reporting seizures to INTERPOL National Central Bureaus in each of the four participating countries.

Armed with intelligence on the most common routes used by terrorist and organized crime groups travelling within the East ASEAN Growth Area (EAGA) – particularly the BIMP borders – INTERPOL worked with national authorities to select seven strategic locations.

Set in ports and transit points around the Celebes and Sulu Seas, these points acted as operational hubs from which to launch simultaneous and coordinated enforcement actions, including sea patrols, passenger and vehicle checks, and secondary identity inspections on any suspicious individuals.

The geography of the region, scattered with small islands and multiple border points, has historically presented a challenge to law enforcement seeking to crack down on terrorist activity and organized crime.

The flow of militants from Southeast Asia to the Middle East to join terrorist groups, has now been reversed. Since the collapse of ISIS/Daesh strongholds in the Middle East, the BIMP-EAGA region has seen a marked influx of foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs), many travelling from conflict zones. This is in part due to the presence of local ISIS/Daesh-inspired terrorist groups in the region, such as the ASG.

FTFs are embedded in these local terror groups and supply them with propaganda, personnel, finances and operational expertise, such as bomb-making.

In 2017, fighting in Marawi City (Philippines) between IS-affiliated militants and Philippine government forces resulted in more than a thousand deaths. Among the dead in Marawi were terrorist fighters from Chechnya, Indonesia, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

Operation Maharlika III was conducted with funding from the Government of Japan, the United Arab Emirates and the INTERPOL Foundation for a Safer World.

https://www.hstoday.us/subject-matter-areas/border-security/hundreds-arrested-in-crackdown-on-terrorist-routes-in-southeast-asia/

From the Free Malaysia Today (Apr 22, 2020): Sabah on alert for Abu Sayyaf after deadly clashes in Mindanao

The Eastern Sabah Security Command is on standby to intercept possible attempts by Abu Sayyaf members to enter Sabah. (Coastal pic)

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah security forces have another threat to deal with besides Covid-19 with a potential spillover of Abu Sayyaf members into the state following deadly clashes with the Philippine army.

It is likely the Philippine army will retaliate against the group after 11 of its soldiers were killed and 14 others wounded following an hour-long battle with the terrorist cell in southern Philippines on Saturday.

Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) commander Hazani Ghazali said his men are on standby to intercept possible attempts by the group’s members to enter the country in the event of a counter strike by the Phillippine military.

“We have beefed up land and sea patrols while, at the same time, exchanging intelligence with the Phillippine security forces. We have good relations with them.

“The death toll is actually 12 now. But we are ready for any possible threat although at the moment we have no information indicating attempts by the group to breach our borders,” he told FMT.

Esscom commander Hazani Ghazali.

The armed forces’ Western Mindanao Command chief Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana told foreign media that army troops on patrol had clashed with about 40 militants in the forested mountains off Danag village in Patikul town, at 3pm.

Fourteen others were also wounded in the hour-long battle, with mortars also fired.

Sobejana had said Abu Sayyaf militants also sustained casualties, based on the bloodstains at the clash site.

Although considered to be the smallest extremist group in the impoverished region, particularly in Sulu and Basilan, Abu Sayyaf is however the most violent, with the group responsible for a series of kidnappings, public beheadings and deadly bombings, among others.

Operating since the 1990s, the group is also notorious for its kidnappings of Malaysians and foreigners from islands in Sabah.

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2020/04/22/sabah-on-alert-for-abu-sayyaf-after-deadly-clashes-in-mindanao/

From the Philippine Star (Apr 23, 2020): 5 soldiers slain, wounded in Aurora ambush (By Jaime Laude)

Two soldiers were killed in an ambush by suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Aurora on Tuesday.

Pfcs. Ken Lester Sasapan and Jackson Mallari of the 91st Infantry Battalion (IB) were assisting in the distribution of cash assistance under the social amelioration program (SAP) to residents affected by the enhanced community quarantine due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Barangay Diaat in Maria Aurora town when they were waylaid.

Army spokesman Col. Ramon Zagala said three soldiers were also wounded in the ambush that triggered a gunfight that lasted for almost an hour.

“We mourn the death of Pfc. Sasapan and Pfc. Mallari whose demise were caused by the treachery of NPAs capitalizing on the assistance provided by soldiers to communities in line with the distribution of the SAP,” Army chief, Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay said yesterday.

On Monday, three Army troopers, including an officer, were killed while four others were wounded in an encounter with NPA guerrillas in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.

Soldiers of the 94th IB were also securing the distribution of cash assistance when they encountered the rebels in Sitio Tugas in Barangay Carabalan, Col. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said.

In Ilocos Sur, government troopers clashed with around 30 NPA guerrillas on Mt. Odacowan at the border of Barangays Lamag and Patiacan in Quirino town, also on Tuesday.

No one was reported hurt in the firefight that lasted for about half an hour.

Lt. Col. Rodrigo Mariñas, 81st IB, said soldiers were supposed to provide security to social workers handing out cash aid, also under SAP, when they were fired at.

Soldiers said they received information on the presence of communist rebels in the area.

The Central Command (Centcom) was placed on alert amid recent attacks by communist insurgents.

“Kaliwa’t kanan ang atake... sa mga barangay during the distribution of relief goods,” Capt. Eduardo Prescioso, Centcom spokesman, said.

Prescioso said Centcom units should be on guard against anyone who would take advantage of the national health emergency.
NPA leader killed

In Agusan del Norte, NPA leader Kevin Caballero was killed in an encounter with government troopers in Barangay Bangayan in Kitcharao town on Monday.

The Eastern Mindanao Command said an M14 rifle, a grenade launcher, a landmine switch kit and subversive documents were among those recovered from the fatality.

The clash occurred shortly after soldiers overran an NPA camp and arrested three NPA rebels, also in Barangay Bangayan.

Government troopers also rescued a nine-year-old boy from the communist insurgents.

The military said an AK47 rifle was recovered following another skirmish with the rebels.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2020/04/23/2009117/5-soldiers-slain-wounded-aurora-ambush

From the Mindanao Times (Apr 23, 2020): 1 NPA killed, 3 others captured in skirmishes (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

An alleged leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed while a minor was rescued when skirmishes erupted between soldiers of the 29th Infantry Battalion and communist guerrillas in Surigao del Norte and Agusan del Norte on April 19 and 20.

Also, three NPAs were captured.

Lt Col. Ezra Balagtey, the spokesperson of Eastern Mindanao Command, said the slain rebel was Kevin Caballero alias Banjo, a known vice leader of the NPA. He also said that three other rebels were captured.

On Monday morning, elements of the 29th IB clashed with a group of NPA in Barangay Bangayan, Kitcharao, Agusan Del Norte during a hot pursuit operation. They recovered an M4 rifle with an attached M203 grenade launcher, subversive documents, and one landmine switch kit.

The pursuit came after elements of the same unit encountered more or less 20 NPAs at 5:30 a.m. of the same day in Barangay Bangayan, which resulted in the discovery of an NPA hideout, the capture of three suspected NPA members, and the rescue of a nine-year-old boy.

Another 15-minute skirmish followed at about 3 p.m. as the troops conducted a clearing operation, which led to the seizure of one AK-47 rifle.

The killed NPA was identified by a former rebel.

Meanwhile, the rescued minor was also turned over to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development as mandated by Republic Act 11188 or the “Special Protection of Children Situation in Armed Conflict.”

In a separate instance, the troops of the 30th Infantry Battalion, while conducting security operations, encountered an undetermined number of NPAs in Sitio Katikuyan, Barangay Camam-onan, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte at about 2:35 p.m. on April 19.

The 30-minute firefight forced the NPAs to withdraw, leaving behind 12 backpacks with personal belongings, several live ammunition, anti-personnel mine, 50-meter electrical wire, seven jungle hammocks, 12 poncho tents, and several subversive documents.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2020/04/23/1-npa-killed-3-others-captured-in-skirmishes/

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 23, 2020): 2 NPA fighters surrender in Davao de Oro (By Che Palicte)

Two communist New People’s Army (NPA) combatants surrendered to the government on Tuesday in the Davao de Oro town of Mawab, the Army's 71st Infantry Battalion (71IB) said.

In a statement Wednesday, 71IB identified the surrenderers as “Lando,” a supply officer, and “Narra,” a political guide of the weakened NPA Guerrilla Front 2 operating in Davao de Oro.

The Army unit quoted Lando as saying that he was enticed to join the communist rebel movement after being promised land to till and financial support to his family known within the NPA as a Suporta sa Pamilya (SuPaMil).

However, Lando said none of these promises proved true. On the contrary, the surrenderer said he was disenchanted by the "injustices" he saw and experienced within the rebel movement, forcing him to return to the fold of the law.

One such experience, Lando said, was seeing a rebel leader known only as “Jupiter” molesting and raping the wives of ordinary NPA members.

The other surrenderer, Narra, also told 71IB about the presence of child warriors aged 12 in their unit, a violation of Republic Act 7610 known as Special Protection of Children against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act that prohibits the recruitment of minors in any armed group or to take part in fighting or be used as guides, carriers or spies.

“They also divulged that students from the University of the Philippines regularly join them in the hinterland -- the male students join the NPA for three months while female students join for a month, which serves as their training,” the statement read.

Narra also told the military about the predicament of ordinary fighters like him, who he said are being forced to endure hunger while their leaders are well-provided with food.

The Army unit said Lando and Narra will be enrolled with the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

“The government is true to its word in helping the terrorist NPAs who wish to surrender,” said Lt. Col. Sonny Gonzales, 71IB commander.

Gonzales also urged the remaining NPA combatants to surrender and live peaceful lives with their families.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1100669

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 23, 2020): NPA firearms, IED recovered after Zambo Sur clash (By Leah Agonoy)

Government troops recovered an improvised explosive device (IED), high-powered firearms, and other war materiel following a clash against a group of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Zamboanga del Sur, officials said Wednesday.

Lt. Col. Manaros Boransing, the Army’s 97th Infantry Battalion commander, said the firefight broke out on Tuesday while the troops were responding to the reported presence of NPA rebels in Barangay Balukbahan, Bayog town.

“The locals are already complaining of the exploitation and abuse of the NPA, coercing them to provide money and food to feed the armed group while we’re on coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) crisis,” Boransing said.

He said the troops recovered an M16A1 assault rifle, an IED fashioned as a landmine, and other war materiel abandoned by the NPA rebels.

No one among the troops was killed or wounded.

Col. Leonel Nicolas, the Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade commander, commended residents who "continuously take an active role in maintaining the peace and order situation in their communities by reporting the activities of the NPA rebels and other lawless elements."

“We will continue to put pressure on these terrorist groups to weaken their will to fight and force them to lay down their arms and abandon their useless armed struggle,” Nicolas said.

Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, commander of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division, also lauded the troops for their "relentless dedication in ensuring the safety and security of the communities in their area of responsibility."

“Again, I urge the remaining NPA members to return to the fold of the law and avail of the benefits of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program,” Ponio said.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1100643

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 24, 2020): Army seeks NBI probe on ex-soldier’s death in Quezon City (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Philippine Army commander, Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay. (File photo)

The Philippine Army (PA) on Friday sought the help of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to look into the case of a former soldier who was shot and killed by a police officer at a quarantine checkpoint in Barangay Pasong Putik in Quezon City.

In a letter addressed to NBI OIC-director Eric Distor, PA chief Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay requested an impartial investigation in view of the apparent conflicting claims of police operatives involved, witness accounts, and materials available from open sources, to include video footages of the incident.

Gapay said apparent pre-judgment by police investigators prompted the PA to seek help from the NBI so that justice may be served for retired Cpl. Winston Ragos and his family.

The incident, he said, has also raised awareness and concern on the plight of soldiers suffering from mental health disorders incurred during their military service.

Gapay ordered the PA staff to review existing policies and programs dealing with combat stress, trauma risk management, and other health concerns related to mental health.

He added that assistance to Ragos' family is now being facilitated.

Gapay also reiterated that the Army puts a premium on the well-being of its personnel, active or retired, especially those who have left the service with “scars of war” and those who suffered mental challenges in the line of duty like of Ragos, who was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

“What happened to Cpl. Ragos was unfortunate but an avoidable event. Let his death serve as an awakening on the plight of other soldiers who are being plagued by the traumas of war," he said.

"The Army assures the family of Ragos that it will extend to them the assistance they need,” Gapay said.

He also ordered to look for the other retired soldiers out there suffering from the same conditions as Ragos, for the provision of appropriate assistance.

“The Philippine Army prioritizes taking care of our troops and sustaining the wellbeing of our soldiers and their families,” Gapay added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1100943

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 24, 2020): AFP turns over patient care center to Bulacan hospital (By Priam Nepomuceno)

PATIENT CARE CENTER. The La Consolacion University General Hospital (LCUGH) in Plaridel, Bulacan receive a 15-bed emergency quarantine facility from the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Friday (April 24, 2020). The facility was built through the efforts of the AFP and the WTA Architecture + Design Studio. (Photo courtesy of AFP Public Affairs Office)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday formally handed over a newly-constructed emergency quarantine facility (EQF) to the La Consolacion University General Hospital (LCUGH) in Plaridel, Bulacan.

Navy Captain Jonathan Zata, AFP public affairs office chief, said the 15-bed air-conditioned EQF is a project of Architect William Ti of the WTA Architecture + Design Studio under the 'We Build As One' initiative.

The project's construction team is led by Engineer Felipe Agustin.

The facility was completed through the efforts of the Office of The Chief Engineer, AFP led by Brig. Gen. William Ilagan, through the 355th Aviation Engineering Wing of the Philippine Air Force, Zata said.

The EQF is designed for hospitals and institutions that are at maximum capacity to provide proper facilities for patients who need to undergo quarantine.

The turnover and blessing ceremony was attended by Agustin, Col. Arnfin Arce, AFP Deputy Chief Engineer; and Dr. Manny Aves, LCUGH Director.

The LCUGH is being administered by a religious organization.

As of April 23, the hospital has one probable case and one suspect case of Covid-19.

It currently accepts patients having mild symptoms of the disease.

The WTA is collectively pushing to build a total of 62 emergency quarantine facilities within and outside Metro Manila.

On its 28th day of construction, it has completed 39 EQFs while 23 are still being built.

Meanwhile, the AFP received donations consisting of 20,000 surgical masks; 20,000 pairs of surgical gloves; 4,000 pieces of 125-ml bottles of disinfecting alcohol; 1,000 pieces of adjustable protective eyewear; and 41,600 canned goods.

AFP Chief-of-Staff, General Felimon T. Santos, Jr., presided over the turn-over ceremony on Friday afternoon at the General Headquarters canopy area in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

He expressed AFP’s gratitude to the donors who requested anonymity.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1100889

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 24, 2020): AFP adjusts troop deployment amid ECQ extension (By Priam Nepomuceno)

AFP spokesperson, Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo. (File photo)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday said it is now adjusting its deployment of troops in regions that will remain under an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and in areas that will be placed under a general community quarantine (GCQ).
"The President (Rodrigo Duterte) has acted upon and has decided as to which regions and provinces will remain within the coverage of the ECQ and which will now be placed on GCQ, "AFP spokesperson, Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said in a press statement.

"We will make the necessary adjustments in our troop deployments in coordination with the PNP and the LGUs in accordance with these changes in the coverages of community quarantine," Arevalo said.

He said the AFP will be at the forefront of its effective implementation in support of the national and local governments.

Meanwhile, the AFP opposed the demand of the New People's Army, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, calling for the release of their political prisoners and share power with the government to restart the peace talks.

"We disagree with the demands of the NPA, especially on the release of all of their so-called political prisoners for peace negotiations to proceed and for the CPP-NPA to share power with the government,"he added.

Arevalo said the CPP-NPA should instead stop their extortion activities and other atrocities as frequently stressed by the President.

"Instead we support the position of the President that the NPA should stop their extortion activities, desist from attacking civilian leaders and the communities, and cease attacking soldiers and policemen not involved in combat operations,"he added.

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

ML warning due to Reds' atrocities

Arevalo said Duterte's warning that he might declare Martial Law if lawlessness of the communist rebels persists demonstrates the President's genuine concern for the welfare of Filipinos.

In a taped address to the nation aired over state-run PTV on Friday, the President was outraged by the recent NPA attacks against government troops who are helping in the distribution of emergency relief to people affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

"These, among other atrocities committed by this terrorist group CPP-NPA during this crisis have infuriated the Commander-in-Chief. They prompted him to threaten to declare martial law if these opportunist terrorists will continue to commit their inhumane and criminal acts at this time that we are fighting a pandemic," he added.

And once the President implements Martial Law, Arevalo said the AFP will implement it in compliance with human rights, existing laws, the provisions of the Constitution.

"Meantime, the AFP is devising new techniques, tactics, and procedures to ensure further that in assisting LGUs, our troops will not fall prey to treacherous attacks by these terrorists NPA," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1100873

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 24, 2020): I never said I will declare martial law: PRRD (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

President Rodrigo Duterte (Presidential photo)

President Rodrigo Duterte has clarified that he never made a pronouncement that he would declare a martial law amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

“I never said ‘I will declare martial law’ kasi ‘yung martial law ho para lang ‘yan sa mga rebelde, para sa mga komunista (I never said ‘I will declare a martial law’ because martial law is only for rebels and communists),” Duterte said in a taped public address aired Friday on state-run PTV-4.

Duterte made the statement after some individuals assumed that he might impose martial law following his recent warning about the possible police and military takeover of the enforcement of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

On April 16, Duterte told the police and the military to “be ready” to lead the implementation of ECQ, in case the number of quarantine violators continues to rise.

The 1987 Constitution states that the President can declare martial law, “in case of invasion or rebellion when the public safety requires it.”

Duterte said he might only be compelled to declare martial rule in the event that lawlessness of the communist movement’s armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), persists.

He issued the latest warning, as he vented frustrations over the recent NPA attacks against government troops who are helping in the distribution of emergency relief to people affected by the Covid-19 crisis.

“‘Pag nagpatuloy kayo ng lawlessness ninyo, patay dito, patay doon (If the lawlessness and killings continue) and it’s happening all over the Philippines, maybe I will declare martial law,” Duterte said.

Duterte cautioned the NPA rebels not to force him to take drastic actions against them.

He added that it would only be him who would know what type of martial law he might enforce.

“I am now warning everybody and putting notice sa armed forces pati police (to the armed forces and the police), I might declare martial law and there will be no turning back. Kung ano ang martial law na klaseng gagawin ko akin lang ‘yan (It’s only me who will know what kind of martial law I will impose),” Duterte said.

Trying the 'very best'

Duterte said the quarantine protocols were meant to stop the further transmission of Covid-19.

“Para lang ito sa bayan (It is for the country) because we are trying to limit the contamination,” he said.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque confirmed that ECQ will be once again extended in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and other areas that are “high risk” for Covid-19 infections until May 15.

Duterte assured the public that the government would not conceal the truth about the Covid-19 outbreak.

“Lahat nang sinasabi namin dito, totoo, walang sobra, walang kulang. At alam ninyo ang ginagawa namin (All we’re saying here is the truth, no more, no less. And you know what we are doing),” he said.

Duterte also thanked the people who appreciate the government’s response to Covid-19.

He assured that his government would do its “very best” to stop the contagion in the country.

“Kung nagustuhan ninyo, magpasalamat kami. 'Pag sinabi niyong kulang, then humihingi kami ng dispensa (If you are satisfied with our response, we are thankful. If you think we have shortcomings, we apologize). We’ll try our very best next time,” Duterte said.

Around 6,981 people in the Philippines have so far been infected with Covid-19.

Some 462 Covid-19 patients have died, while 722 infected individuals have recovered from the disease.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1100844

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 24, 2020): PAF assures continued flight vs. Covid-19 (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of Air Force Public Affairs Office

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Friday said it will continue all flights to support the government's campaign to contain the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak.

Air Force spokesperson Maj. Aristides Galang made the remark when asked whether PAF efforts to airlift and transport personal protection equipment (PPE) and other medical supplies are sustainable.

While such flights are under the jurisdiction of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, he said PAF assistance to this initiative will continue.

"Basta tuloy tuloy (ang) lipad ng PAF (PAF flights will continue)," Galang said in a message to the Philippine News Agency.

Earlier, the PAF said its aircraft and personnel performed significant accomplishments in support of the government's efforts to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.

This includes the deployment of its various aircraft for the airlifting of assorted medical supplies, PPE, and other needed items in various parts of the country.

Aircraft tapped for such missions include the Lockheed C-130, Airbus Military C-295, and NC-212i cargo planes along with its UH-IH helicopters and SF-260 trainer aircraft.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1100846

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 24, 2020): PH ship to arrive in China for PPE pick up April 26 (By Priam Nepomuceno)

PPE PICK-UP MISSION. Navy troops hold a send-off ceremony for the BRP Bacolod City (LS-550) and its crew at the Captain Salvo Pier, Sangley Point, Cavite on Tuesday (April 21, 2020). The ship is expected to arrive in Xiamen, China on Sunday (April 26, 2020) to pick up over 23,000 boxes containing personal protective equipment (PPE) sets procured by the Philippine government. (Photo courtesy of Naval Public Affairs Office)

Philippine Navy (PN) logistics support vessel, BRP Bacolod City (LS-550), which was deployed to pick up personal protective equipment (PPE) at Zhangzhou Port, Xiamen, China, is expected to arrive at its destination on Sunday.

"They are now in (the) Taiwan area. (They) are expected to arrive in (China) by April 26," PN public affairs office chief Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas said in a message on Friday.

Upon arrival in China, BRP Bacolod City and its crew are expected to stay for five to six days to complete the loading of 23,385 boxes of PPE sets.

"They are expected to the loading (within) five to six days, depending on their loading speed," Roxas said.

Once loading is completed, the ship will then head home, she added.

On Tuesday, the PN deployed the BRP Bacolod City to pick up the PPEs at Zhangzhou Port, Xiamen, China.

The ship is commanded by Commander Rogelio Lachina and deployed there in response to Presidential Peace Adviser and National Task Force Against Covid-19 chief implementer, Carlito Galvez Jr.'s call for the services of the PN in picking up and delivering to the country the remaining sets of PPEs that the Department of Budget and Management procured in China last month.

Aboard the ship are 33 container vans courtesy of the Pacific Roadlink Logistics, Inc. (PRLI) which is based in Angat, Bulacan.

Roxas said these containers vans will serve as the storage room of the PPEs.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1100840

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 24, 2020): PH joins Asean-US Special Foreign Ministers meet on Covid-19

ASEAN-US SPECIAL FOREIGN MINISTER'S MEETING. Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. delivers his intervention at the Asean-US Special Foreign Minister’s Meeting on Covid-19, held via videoconference, on April 23, 2020. The meeting discussed harnessing the strategic partnership between Asean and the US to fight the pandemic and start envisioning plans for a post-pandemic recovery. (Photo courtesy of DFA)

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., along with his fellow foreign ministers in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and United States Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, convened Thursday an Asean-US Special Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) by videoconference.

At the meeting, Pompeo reaffirmed the US’ commitment to the region by using all available tools to minimize the economic and social damage from the pandemic and to restore global growth.

He announced the release of more than USD35.3 million (approximately PHP1.78 billion) in emergency health funding to help Asean, on top of the USD3.5 billion (approximately PHP177.25 billion) in public health assistance given to Asean over the last 20 years.

He also introduced the new US-Asean Health Futures initiative to enhance joint efforts in health security. A major focus of the initiative will be the training of the next generation of Asean medical professionals.

With many of their countries enforcing community quarantine policies, the foreign ministers discussed the expansion of Asean-US cooperation to manage the socio-economic impact of the pandemic and to plan for future recovery.

They also reaffirmed their collective resolve to prioritize strengthening their public health systems to provide ample care for their peoples, ensuring the stable supply and reliable flow of essential goods and services, and cooperating in research and development of vaccine and therapeutics.

Locsin spoke on the importance to the Philippines of strengthening its healthcare system through increased production and supply of medicines, medical equipment, and other medical supplies; ensuring food security by keeping Asean markets open; and safeguarding supply chain connectivity for staples such as rice; and the speedy research and development of vaccines and cures without which the world cannot prevail over the virus.

Locsin underscored Filipino health care workers as the core of health care systems, including Filipino-American front-liners risking their lives in the US.

He conveyed his hope for the US to continue protecting them and remember their contributions as the US crafts its immigration policy in light of Covid-19.

The foreign ministers also noted concerns expressed over recent developments in the South China Sea that increased tensions at a time when all efforts and resources are focused on battling the pandemic. They recognized the importance of contributing to the maintenance of peace, security, stability, and the rule of law in the region amid the fight against Covid-19.

“This is essential at a time when countries must not only navigate the Covid crisis but must also prepare a post-pandemic plan of social and economic recovery,” Locsin said.

“In Asia, that recovery hinges on China’s recovery from the ravages of the pandemic; but it can never be at the price of our honor and sovereignty,” he added.

The videoconference forms part of a series of meetings aimed at strengthening Asean-US international cooperation in addressing Covid-19. (DFA PR)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1100834

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 24, 2020): Latest NPA attack proves they are really bandits: Roque (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque (Screenshot)

Members of the Communist Party of the Philippines’ (CPP) armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), proved that they are indeed “bandits,” when they attacked government troops in Davao City amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said on Thursday.

Roque issued the statement in a virtual presser aired on state-run PTV-4, a day after NPA members attacked the 16th Infantry Battalion troops in Sitio Kapihan in Malabog village in Paquibato District in Davao City.

“Ito po ay nagpapatunay talaga na bandido po itong NPA. Kung hindi ba naman sila bandido, sa panahon na dapat nagkakaisa dahil ang kalaban natin ay sakit na Covid-19, eh bakit sila aatake pa sa ating puwersa ng gobyerno (This proves that this NPA [rebels] are bandits. If they are not bandits, why will they attack the government forces at the time we are united in the fight against Covid-19),” Roque said.

Two soldiers from the 16th Infantry Battalion were wounded when NPA rebels launched an offensive in Paquibato District on Wednesday.

Roque was dismayed that NPA guerillas preferred to wage a war against the state forces rather than help the government in its fight against Covid-19.

He also lamented that the communist insurgents are targeting soldiers who are helping in the distribution of emergency subsidies to poor families affected by the implementation of an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

He said NPA bandits should be ashamed of themselves for attacking the government troops despite the current situation in the country.

“Mantakin niyo naman iyan, kung hindi bandido yung mga iyan, ang pinag-interesan pa, yung nagibibigay ng ayuda sa mga nagugutom dahil sa ECQ. Mahiya po kayo CPP-NPA (Imagine, if they are not bandits, why would they attack those who are giving assistance to the needy people? Be ashamed of yourselves, members of CPP-NPA),” Roque said.

Not sincere

The latest attack came even after the CPP-NPA extended its ceasefire until April 30 to “prioritize the fight against the pandemic and ensure the safety, health and well-being of everyone.”

Roque, however, cast doubt on the sincerity of CPP-NPA members.

“Napakahirap namang paniwalaang ang sinseridad ng CPP-NPA. Samantalang habang sinasabi nilang gusto nilang magkaroon ng unilateral ceasefire, wala pong tigil ang kanilang pag-atake sa ating mga sundalo (It’s hard to believe the CPP-NPA ‘s sincerity. While they are saying they want to have a unilateral ceasefire, they keep on attacking the soldiers),” he said.

Roque said NPA bandits should desist from attacking the government forces amid the health crisis.

He also appealed for their cooperation to ensure the successful fight against Covid-19 which already infected 6,710 people in the country.

“Sa panahon na dapat nagkakaisa dahil ang kalaban natin ay sakit na Covid-19, bakit sila ay aatake pa sa ating pwersa ng gobyerno…? Tumulong na lang po kayo (In this time that we should work together because our enemy is Covid-19, why are they attacking government forces? They should instead help the government),” Roque said.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1100774

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 24, 2020): AFP hopes QC shooting incident won't affect ties with PNP (By Priam Nepomuceno)

AFP spokesperson, Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo. (File photo)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is hoping that the shooting of a former soldier by a police officer at a quarantine checkpoint in Quezon City will not cause animosity between the military and the police.

"At this time when both the AFP and the PNP (Philippine National Police) are working closely against this threat of Covid-19 (coronavirus disease) pandemic, we would not want this incident to cause animosity between the two organizations," said AFP spokesperson Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo in a statement on Thursday.

He was referring to the fatal shooting of retired Corporal Winston Ragos who allegedly tried to draw a gun on M/Sgt. Daniel Florendo in Barangay Pasong Putik on Tuesday following a heated spat.

"We agree that the action taken by the policeman concerned was his judgment call but as to whether he made the right judgment and whether his actions are appropriate is his alone and does not reflect the PNP as an organization," Arevalo said.

He said AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Felimon Santos, Jr., is calling for sobriety and asked military personnel not to further exacerbate the situation.

"Suffice it to say that there is going to be an investigation and appropriate criminal and administrative charges and penalties will be meted as may be warranted," Arevalo said.

In January 2017, Ragos was given a complete disability discharge from his military service, complete with pension and other assistance, after being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

He was discharged with the rank of Corporal. His last unit assignment was with the 31st Infantry Battalion, a field unit of the Camarines Sur-based 9th Infantry Division.

"Records indicate that he might have acquired his condition during a heavy firefight when a detachment he mans was attacked and was nearly subdued," Arevalo said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1100770

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 24, 2020): Soldier killed in clash with NPA rebels in Zambo Sur (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

A soldier was killed after government troops clashed anew against the communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Zamboanga del Sur, military officials said Friday.

Lt. Col. Manaros Boransing II, Army’s 97th Infantry Battalion commander, disclosed the firefight broke out around 7:40 a.m. Friday in Barangay Balukbahan, Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur.

Boransing withheld the identity of the slain soldier, who “was badly wounded during the encounter and expired around 10 a.m. during the emergency air evacuation by our Air Force and our military doctors”.

A pursuit operation has been launched, he said, "to neutralize the NPA rebels" who fled to different directions as the troops out-maneuvered them during the encounter.

On Tuesday, government troops under the 97th Infantry Battalion recovered an M-16 Armalite rifle and an improvised explosive device when they engaged the NPA rebels, also in Barangay Balukbahan, Bayog.
Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, commander of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division, vowed to sustain the focused military operation to destroy the group and make the province of Zamboanga del Sur terrorist-free.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the bereaved families and friends of our soldier who paid the ultimate sacrifice in protecting our people against the terrorist group,” Ponio said.

“Their sacrifices were borne out of their dedication to protecting the constituents of Zamboanga del Sur in pursuit of peace and development,” Ponio added.

He said additional troops have been sent to Bayog town to ensure the safety and security of the populace in the area.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1100865

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 24, 2020): Lanao Sur town activates Army reservists for relief ops (By Divina Suson)

RESERVISTS TO THE RESCUE. Army reservists assist in the preparation of relief goods for residents of Kapatagan in Lanao del Sur on Thursday (April 23, 2020). Some 235 reservists have been enlisted to help in the local government's relief effort and implementation of the quarantine measures to contain the 2019 coronavirus disease. (PNA photo by Divina M. Suson)
KAPATAGAN, Lanao del Sur--The local government unit (LGU) here has enlisted the help of 235 reservists of the Army's 1006th Community Defense Center (CDC) and 10th Regional Community Defense Group (RCDG) as a support group in its relief distribution.

Kapatagan Mayor Raidah Maglangit said on Friday the reservists have also been tapped to implement the enhanced community quarantine to contain the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

Maglangit said the town's Army reservists, including herself, have been the LGU’s partners in Covid-19 response since the start of the crisis.

“When we trained reservists in 2018, we did not think that there would be crisis like this. It just happened that we thought of preparing for calamities so that it would not be difficult for us to do the response and relief operations,” said Maglangit, currently the designated commander of Charlie Company of 1006th Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion.

“The reservists are big help especially in filling up the few numbers of policemen. The Marines also have bigger areas to serve so we cannot really depend on them when it comes to relief operations,” she added.

According to the mayor, she had no difficulty in enlisting the help of her fellow reservists as most of them are LGU employees whom she convinced to train in 2018.

“I encouraged them to join so that we will be all together in our response and relief operations,” Maglangit said.

The municipality finished its first round of food relief distribution on Thursday, covering all the town's 15 barangays with 5,380 households.

Reservists helped distribute the food packs consisting five kilos of rice, five sardines, sugar and coffee.

The second round of distribution of food packs is scheduled next week.

As of Thursday, Kapatagan has no Covid-19 case although it is monitoring four persons after they traveled in areas with confirmed cases of the disease.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1100862

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 24, 2020): 2 soldiers hurt, 4 rebels killed in northern Negros clash (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

RECOVERED. The items recovered by troopers of the Philippine Army's 79th Infantry Battalion and Philippine National Police's 6th Special Action Force Battalion from the lair of New People’s Army rebels in Sitio Sicaba, Barangay Gawahon in Victorias City, Negros Occidental after their encounter on Friday (April 24, 2020). Four rebels were killed while two wounded soldiers are in stable condition. (Photo courtesy of 303rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army)

Two Philippine Army soldiers were injured while four communist rebels were killed in a clash in Barangay Gawahon in Victorias City, Negros Occidental on Friday morning.

The wounded were identified as Cpl. Ramy Chiefe and Cpl. Louie Maghanoy of the 79th Infantry Battalion (IB).

According to the report of the 303rd Infantry Brigade (IB), troopers saw the communist-terrorists drag away their four dead comrades, and heavy bloodstains were found in the rebels' route of withdrawal. Col. Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of the 303rd IBde, said the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) are deliberately sabotaging the efforts of government forces to help protect the people from the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-2019).

Soldiers of 79IB, together with policemen from the 6th Special Action Force Battalion, were conducting a health awareness campaign and security patrol in Sitio Sicaba at about 8:30 a.m. when the NPA rebels fired at them, leading to a 30-minute firefight.
They pursued the communist-terrorists and reached their lair, where they recovered two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) with blasting caps, a bandolier with five magazines for AK47 assault rifle, and another bandolier with two magazines of M16 rifle with ammunition.

The troopers also found two hand-held radios, two mobile phones, a binocular, a compass, four jungle packs containing personal belongings, five hammocks, eight blankets, 10 ponchos, three rain boots, assorted medicines, and subversive documents.

Lt. Col. Gerard Alvaran, commanding officer of 79IB, said that once again, it has been proven that NPA rebels are using IEDs as shown in the recovered items, which is a violation of the International Humanitarian Law.

“While government troops are putting their lives at risk to help protect the people from Covid-19, communist-terrorists are taking this as an opportunity to violate human rights," he added.

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/1100952