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5 ships used in sea patrols

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From the Mindanao Times (May 2, 2020): 5 ships used in sea patrols (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

The Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao Command used its five vessels in conducting intensive maritime patrols within its area of responsibility to ensure to block the entry of intruders.

Commodore Antonio C. Palces, Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao head, said patrols are necessary as this is part of securing the coastline of the region amid the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

“The maritime patrols are part of Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao’s commitment in preventing the spread and mitigating the effect of COVID-19 in the area of responsibility by ensuring that only authorized vessels and essential travels can enter the region,” Palces said.

He added that the goal of the naval unit is to ensure that the travel ban is implemented during the enhanced community quarantine as the order of the national government is to ensure that checkpoints are established to block entry of people to the region.

The vessels were the Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas (BRP) Emilio Liwanag (PC118), BRP Liberato Picar (PC377), BRP Apolinario Mabini (PS36), Multi-purpose Attack Craft (BA 494) and Patrol Light Boat (PBL) of Naval Special Operation Unit (Navsou7).

Army drops 15,000 leaflets to remote villages in Caraga

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From the Mindanao Times (May 1, 2020): Army drops 15,000 leaflets to remote villages in Caraga (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

The 4th Infantry Division has utilized its air assets and dropped 15,000 informational leaflets to expand awareness on COVID-19 to far-flung communities in Caraga.

Lt. Col. Xerxes Trinidad, the 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office chief, said the infantry brigades operating in Caraga Region facilitated the leaflet airdrop on the remote areas.

Trinidad said this would keep the communities well-informed of the current health situation and how to prevent the spread of the pandemic.

The leaflets contained COVID-19 health protocols and guidelines issued by the DOH XIII in the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, and Surigao del Norte.


The initiative was made possible through close coordination with the Tactical Operations Group X of the Philippine Air Force, which provided one UH-1H and two MD-520MG helicopters.

It can be recalled that 4ID has recently conducted massive information dissemination and community awareness campaigns on the pandemic, which included social media postings, leaflet distributions, and loudspeaker operations in both urban and rural areas.

As of today, there were a total of 642 loudspeaker operations and a total of 45,000 leaflets distributed/airdropped by the different line units of the 4th ID within its area of responsibility.

Maj. Gen. Franco Nemesio Gacal, commander of the 4th ID, said, “Every Filipino must be informed about our common enemy in this health crisis, the COVID-19. Everyone must be on board in our battle against this deadly virus,” Gacal said.

“As part of our mandate of protecting the people, we just want to make sure that every Filipino is equipped with the right information on how to protect themselves from the deadly, invisible, and invincible enemy that the world is facing today,” he added.

Similar initiatives will be conducted in Northern Mindanao in the coming days.

U.S. State Department approves possible sale of attack helicopters to PH

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From Rappler (May 1, 2020): U.S. State Department approves possible sale of attack helicopters to PH (By JC Gotinga)

To give the Philippine military a much-needed boost in air power, the government is looking to buy 6 attack helicopters from US-based suppliers



ATTACK HELICOPTERS. The AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter by Bell Helicopters. Photo from the Bell Helicopters website

The U.S. Department of State approved the possible sale of either of two kinds of attack helicopters to the Philippine government, the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on its website on Thursday, April 30 (U.S. East Coast time).

The Philippine government earlier requested to buy 6 attack helicopters through a government-to-government arrangement with the United States. This means the purchase of the assets from private manufacturers is coursed through the US government under its Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.

The State Department cleared the possible sale of either 6 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters or 6 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters – but the Philippines has yet to decide which platform it prefers.


“The Philippines is considering either the AH-1Z (Viper) or the AH-64E (Apache) to modernize its attack helicopter capabilities. The proposed sale will assist the Philippines in developing and maintaining strong self-defense, counterterrorism, and critical infrastructure protection capabilities,” the DSCA said.

One big difference is the price. The package including 6 Viper helicopters, equipment, weapons, spares, training, support, and other services amount to an estimated $450 million, or about P22.7 billion by the current exchange rate.

The package for the 6 Apache helicopters comes with a longer list of equipment and weapons, and its price tag is much higher, at around $1.5 billion, or about P75.8 billion by the current exchange rate.

Texas-based Bell Helicopters and Massachusetts-based General Electric (GE) would be the principal contractors for the AH-1Z Viper helicopters. The package would include 14 GE T700-401C engines, 7 Honeywell Embedded Global Positioning Systems/Inertial Navigation with Precise Positioning Service, 6 AGM-114 Hellfire II missiles, and 26 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System all-up rounds.

For the AH-64E Apache helicopters, the principal contractors would be Arizona-based Boeing, and Florida-based Lockheed Martin. The package would feature 18 GE T700-701D engines, 15 Honeywell Embedded Global Positioning Systems/Inertial Navigation with Precise Positioning Service, 200 AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, 300 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System kits, and 200 FIM-92H Stinger missiles.

Boeing earlier claimed the AH-64E Apache to be “the most advanced multi-mission attack helicopter of the US military and at least 15 other armed forces in the world,” the Inquirer reported in December 2019.

Whichever platform the Philippine government chooses, the agreement will include the US government and the contractors sending personnel to the Philippines for training, technical assistance, and logistics support over a period of two years.

“The Philippines will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment and support into its armed forces,” the DSCA said.

The Philippine government is considering a 3rd option for attack helicopters – the Turkish-made T129 ATAK– although a report said there is an issue with the supply of a major component of this platform.

More air power



'MOST ADVANCED.' The AH-64 Apache helicopter by Boeing, Photo from the Boeing India website

The new attack helicopters will give the Philippine military a much-needed boost in air power.

The Philippine Air Force's current fleet or choppers includes 8 AugustaWestland A109E Power helicopters, 12 MD 500MG helicopters, and two Bell AH-1 Cobra helicopters handed down from Jordan.

Air attacks provide crucial support to ground troops in jungle warfare, and in the 5-month siege of Marawi City in 2017, air strikes were a key strategy in the military’s fight against the pro-Islamic State/ISIS Maute terror group.

The sale of the 6 American attack helicopters, whether from Bell or from Boeing, must get clearance from the US Congress before negotiations for the final price and package can begin.

The US State Department has notified Congress of its approval of the proposed deals, the DSCA said.

“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country that continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in Southeast Asia,” the DSCA added.

No VFA? No problem
This development comes at an uncertain point in relations between the Philippines and the US. In February, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the repeal of the Visiting Forces Agreement with Washington that allowed the presence en masse of US troops on Philippine soil and waters.

The 180-day drawdown period ends in August, but the coronavirus pandemic forced both countries to call off what would have been the final iteration of the yearly Balikatan joint military exercises. Involving several thousand troops from both militaries, the Balikatan was the largest of several yearly war games the two forces held in the Philippines over the last two decades.

The VFA’s termination would also mean an exit of a US military contingent from Western Mindanao, where they have provided crucial intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance assistance to the Philippine military’s counterterrorism efforts.

The repeal, however, does not directly affect FMS agreements between Manila and Washington, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in February. Military asset procurement from the US may proceed unhampered, Lorenzana added.

Days after the VFA’s repeal, the Russian embassy in Manila paid a courtesy visit to Philippine military chief General Felimon Santos Jr. Russian Ambassador Igor Khovaev earlier told reporters the Philippines is free to purchase defense equipment from Russia “as much as you want.”

Being the Philippines’ only treaty ally, the US will remain a key source of defense assets and equipment. However, the Philippine military is looking to broaden its menu of such sources, Philippine defense officials said.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/259667-us-state-department-approves-possible-sale-attack-helicopters-philippines

Kalinaw News: Labor leaders’ admission of NPA membership is Labor Day highlight

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Posted to Kalinaw News (May 1, 2020): Labor leaders’ admission of NPA membership is Labor Day highlight (By 2nd Infantry Division)



CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal – Sixteen labor leaders surrendered to joint AFP and PNP forces after admitting NPA membership during a ceremony at Calamba, Laguna on Friday.

According to the surrenders, all of them are labor union members of Coca-Cola plant in Sta Rosa, Laguna who were recruited to join the underground movement to destabilise the industrial sector which is known to the NPA’s as white area operations.

Col Alex Rillera, Commander of the 202nd Brigade which has operational
jurisdiction over CALABARZON’s industrial areas, said that “four of them were already full time communist party members while the rest are still ‘kandidatong kasapi’ which means they are just a few courses away from full time membership.”

He added that four of the surrenders turned over four firearms and admitted to have already experienced joining the NPAs in the mountains and participating in the terrorist group’s operations.

“This surrender supports the AFP and the PNP’s earlier assessment that the NPA terrorists are infiltrating the industrial areas through the labor unions to force the companies to shut their operations down so that innocent employees will be agitated to go against the government”, explained Col Rillera.

He ended his statement by “condemning in the strongest sense such evil acts of the CPP, NPA and NDF who pursue their terroristic intentions of overthrowing the government even at the expense of our countrymen whose welfare they purportedly look after.”

Combined elements of police and soldiers took the lead during the local peace negotiations which was held under the auspices of CALABARZON’s Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

Major General Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr, Commander of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division, lauded the “soldiers, policemen and government officials who were involved in the localised peace engagement for their commitment and dedication to their duties while fighting in two fronts” referring to communist insurgency and the COVID-19 pandemic.

He also commended the labor leaders’ act of surrender and admission of NPA membership calling it “the best sacrifice that they could do for the country’s millions of members of the labor force as we commemorate this year’s Labor Day since it will lead to them being aware of the deception and manipulation which the underground movement is doing upon their ranks.”

He added that the surrender of labor organizers in this mass exodus of NPA terrorists from the underground movement is a decisive blow since aside from losing leaders, their surrender meant fewer cadres who will oversee their supply line from the urban centers to the hinterlands.

Maj Gen Burgos ended his statement by calling on the few remaining NPA terrorists to “put down your arms, give up your armed struggle and return to mainstream society while you still can because despite this contagion, we are mustering all our strength and focusing our sights to the liberation of Southern Tagalog from the clutches of communist terrorism by crushing the few remaining NPAs in this part of the country.”

Military’s intelligence assessments indicate that the NPA’s mass base support in this part of the country is now fast-eroding and losing traction due to demoralization from massive intelligence-driven combat operations which is complemented by unrelenting push for localized peace talks that resulted to unprecedented number of surrenders.

Since the implementation of E-CLIP in Southern Tagalog, 509 former rebels already surrendered 108 firearms to government forces.

A considerable portion of this surrenders were presented during the NPA’s 50th anniversary last year as well as during their 51st anniversary last March 29.

As of this report, CALABARZON region and MIMARO provinces have already distributed a total of Php 10.478 million-worth of financial assistance to former rebels.


[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/labor-leaders-admission-of-npa-membership-is-labor-day-highlight/

Kalinaw News: Kumander ng Joint Task Force Bicolandia, pinuri at pinasalamatan ang tropa ng 2IB

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Posted to Kalinaw News (May 1, 2020): Kumander ng Joint Task Force Bicolandia, pinuri at pinasalamatan ang tropa ng 2IB (By 9TH INFANTRY DIVISION)



MILAGROS, MASBATE – Muling binisita kahapon ni MGEN FERNANDO T TRINIDAD, AFP ang himpilan ng 2nd Infantry (Second to None) Battalion, Philippine Army upang purihin at pasalamatan ang mga tropa ng 2IB sa tagumpay na nakamit laban sa mga terroristang CPP-NPA sa engkwentrong naganap noong ika-19 ng Abril, 2020 sa Sitio Diwata, Brgy Salvacion, San Fernando, Masbate.

Sa kanyang mensahe sa mga tropa, masayang pinasalamatan ni GEN TRINIDAD ang lahat ng bumubuo ng 2IB dahil sa patuloy at walang sawang sakripisyo at serbisyo para sa mamamayan ng probinsya ng Masbate upang protektahan ito laban sa banta ng teroristang CPP-NPA. Dagdag pa nito, taas noong ipinagmalaki ng heneral ang 2IB, “Tayo pa lang sa buong Philippine Army ang nagkaroon ng decisive engagement,” ayon kay GEN TRINIDAD.

Ang decisive engagement ay isang armadong engkwentro laban sa malaking grupo ng teroristang CPP-NPA na nagresulta ng pagkawasak ng 70 pursyento ng kanilang kakayahang militar. Partikular nito ang neutralization sa pamamagitan ng pagkapaslang o pagkahuli sa mga miyembro ng armadong grupo na may bilang na hindi bababa sa labing anim (16) at/o di kaya ay pagkakuha ng matataas na kalibre ng baril na may bilang na hindi bababa sa labing anim (16).

Matapos ang matagumpay na engkwentrong naganap noong ika-19 ng Abril, 2020 laban sa humigit kumulang 30 miyembro ng CPP-NPA sa Sitio Diwata, Brgy Salvacion, San Fernando, Masbate at pursuit operations na isinagawa ng 2IB, kabuuang labing anim (16) na matataas na kalibre ng baril at isang (1) shotgun ang nakuha ng 2IB mula sa malaking grupo ng CPP-NPA sa Isla ng Ticao, Masbate na pinamumunuan ni Eliseo Carbarles @Kiko, dahilan para ito ay tawaging decisive engagement.

Ayon naman kay LTC SIEGFRIED FELIPE F AWICHEN INF (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer ng 2IB, makakaasa ang mamamayan ng probinsiya ng Masbate na hindi titigil ang tropa ng 2IB sa pagtugis sa mga miyembro ng CPP-NPA upang mapanatili ang kapayapaan ay kaayusan sa probinsya. Hinikayat din niya mga miyembro ng CPP-NPA na talikuran na ang armadong pakikibaka at magbalik-loob sa pamahalaan habang hindi pa huli ang lahat. Ito ay upang magkakaroon sila ng bago at mapayapang buhay kapiling ang kanilang pamilya kalakip ng mga benepisyo at programang naghihintay sa kanila sa ilalim ng Enhanced Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).



[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/kumander-ng-joint-task-force-bicolandia-pinuri-at-pinasalamatan-ang-tropa-ng-2ib/

Kalinaw News: Mga sundalo ng Philippine Army, nakabawi ng karagdagang matataas na kalibre ng mga baril sa Masbate

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Posted to Kalinaw News (May 1, 2020): Mga sundalo ng Philippine Army, nakabawi ng karagdagang matataas na kalibre ng mga baril sa Masbate (By 9th Infantry Division)



CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur- Ilang matataas na kalibre ng mga baril na pagmamay-ari ng mga pinaniniwalaang myembro ng teroristang grupong NPA ang nabawi ng mga sundalong nagsasagawa ng operasyon sa bayan ng San Fernando, probinsya ng Masbate, ngayong Martes, ika-21 ng Abril, 2020.

Ang 2nd Infantry Battalion (2IB) ang nagsagawa ng pagtugis sa mga teroristang NPA kasunod ng engkwentrong naganap noong ika- 19 ng Abril, 2020. Iniulat ng mga residente sa mga awtoridad ang mga hinihinalang armadong rebelde na diumano’y nag-iwan ng kanilang mga armas sa isang koprahan sa Sitio Diwata, Brgy Salvacion, San Fernando.

Nang ginalugad ng pwersa ng gobyerno ang koprahan, sila ay nakarekober ng pitong (7) M16 rifles, isang (1) M4A1, isang (1) M653, isang (1) shotgun, labingtatlong (13) long magazines at mga bala ng baril.

Matatandaang halos isang oras na putukan ang naganap sa pagitan ng armadong komunista at mga kasundaluhan noong Linggo kung saan nauna nang nakarekober ng ilang baril at bala ang mga pwersa ng gobyerno.

Sa ngayon, mahigit labing-anim (16) na matataas na kalibre ng mga baril, mga importanteng kagamitan at mga dokumento ang narekober mula sa komunistang grupo.

Ang Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB) sa pamumuno ni MGEN FERNANDO T TRINIDAD AFP ay nagbigay papuri sa ating mga matatapang na kasundaluhan at nagpasalamat sa publiko sa kanilang agarang ulat at kooperasyon sa patuloy na laban ng gobyerno sa mga CTG.

Naniniwala si MGen Trinidad na patunay lamang ito na sawa na ang taumbayan sa walang saysay na adhikain ng teroristang grupong NPA na nagdudulot lamang ng pahirap at dahas sa ating mga komunidad.

Nais pa ring hikayatin ni MGen Trinidad ang mga miyembro ng NPA na nais nang bumaba at sumuko upang sa gayo’y tuluyan na silang makapamuhay ng mapayapa kasama ang kanilang mga pamilya.

Nais bigyang diin ng JTFB na hindi pa huli ang lahat upang abandonahin nila ang armadong pakikibaka at tuluyang bumalik sa gobyerno kalakip ng mga benepisyo at programang naghihintay sa kanila sa ilalim ng Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC).

[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/mga-sundalo-ng-philippine-army-nakabawi-ng-karagdagang-matataas-na-kalibre-ng-mga-baril-sa-masbate/

Kalinaw News: Army honors workers thru Loudspeaker Operations in SurNor

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Posted to Kalinaw News (May 2, 2020): Army honors workers thru Loudspeaker Operations in SurNor (By 4th Infantry Division)



Placer, Surigao del Norte – The 30th Infantry (Python) Battalion (30IB) conducted Information Awareness Campaign thru mobile loudspeaker operations and leaflets distribution in the municipality of Mainit and Surigao City all of Surigao del Norte (SDN) on Labor Day, May 01, 2020.

In line with the commemoration of “Araw ng mga Manggagawa” (Labor Day), 30IB pays tribute to the hardwork and achievements of Filipino workers through its conduct of loudspeaker operation.

The loudspeaker operation aims to convey information reminding the people and the community regarding the importance of taking precautionary measures such as social distancing, staying at home, eating healthy, proper hygiene and sanitation in order to avoid the spread of COVID-19. 30IB also praises all the worker frontliners who continuously work to combat the pandemic we are facing today. Another key message of the loudspeaker operation are information that will enhance the listening public’s awareness of the different propaganda and deception tactics being employed by the CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNT). This aims to heighten the listeners’ vigilance about the exploitation tactics of the CNTs. While on loudspeaker operations, the Python troopers also distributed leaflets regarding the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). This will help bring the news to active NPA members, militia ng Bayan members, other CNT supporters, as well as their families and friends of the government’s genuine desire to bring the rebels back to the folds of our laws through their voluntary surrender.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Jeffrey A Villarosa, Commanding Officer of the 30IB said, “As Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands Province transition from Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) to General Community Quarantaine (GCQ), their peace-loving and very industrious workers are already very eager to embrace the “new normal” as they slowly go back to their respective workplaces.”

“Our loudspeaker operation intends to heighten our workers’ defenses against the two very deadly viruses – the COVID- 19 and the Communist-NPA Terrorists. Our workers do not deserve to contract any of these viruses. Mabuhay ang ating mga mapayapa at masisipag na mga manggagawa”, Villarosa ended.



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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/army-honors-workers-thru-loudspeaker-operations-in-surnor/

Kalinaw News: Two NPA killed, 3 Firearms captured as encounter erupts

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Posted to Kalinaw News (May 2, 2020): Two NPA killed, 3 Firearms captured as encounter erupts (By 10TH INFANTRY DIVISION)



NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – Two members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed after troops from the 26th Infantry Battalion (IB) figured in a series of encounters at Sitio Mahayon-hayon, Brgy. Guibonon, Esperanza, Agusan Del Sur on April 30, 2020.

An initial encounter transpired in the afternoon of April 30, 2020, when the troops responded to a report on the presence of an undetermined number of NPAs being monitored in the said area. The seven-minute skirmish caused injury to SSg. Joseph E. Hulibayan who led the patrol.

Despite the injury, SSg Hulibayan led the pursuit and re-engaged the fleeing NPAs at about 10:30 in the evening. The 20-minute exchange of gunfire caused the NPAs to scamper to different directions leaving behind two dead bodies from the terrorist group. The troops also seized two M16 rifles, one AK47 rifle, bandoliers, magazines, and ammunition.

Coordination with the Philippine National Police and the Local Government Unit of Esperenaza is presently being undertaken by 26th IB under Ltc. Romeo Jimenea for the identification and turn-over of the two NPA cadavers.

Meanwhile, MGen. Jose C. Faustino Jr., Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command directed the units to continuously intensify their security operations.

“Let us continue with our relentless operations to deny the terrorists the opportunity to carry out coercion and intimidation so that the communities can continuously cope with the crisis brought about by COVID-19,” he said.

In a separate instance, patroling members of 39th IB and Civilian Active Auxiliary (CAA) figured in a series of encounter against an undetermined number of NPAs at Brgy. Tuburan, Tulunan, Cotabato on April 30, 2020. No casualty was reported on both sides in the said encounters.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/two-npa-killed-3-firearms-captured-as-encounter-erupts/

Are Philippine Militants Looking to Take Advantage of COVID-19?

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Posted to The Diplomat (May 1, 2020): Are Philippine Militants Looking to Take Advantage of COVID-19? (By By Kenneth Yeo)

Hints of a united front among Abu Sayyaf Group factions could sorely test a Philippine military already stretched thin by the pandemic.

Credit: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel James Lewis

On April 17, around 11 Armed Forces of Philippines (AFP) soldiers were killed and at least 14 others wounded in a fierce gun battle with dozens of Aby Sayyaf fighters, some linked to the Islamic State (IS), in the southern island of Mindanao. The deadly clashes were believed to have occurred as state troops were tracking down Hajan Sawadjaan, an Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) commander and the touted leader of IS Philippines, in the forested mountains off Patikul, Sulu province.

The region has, for years, been bedeviled by kidnapping for ransom activities, beheadings, and suicide attacks, mostly blamed on ASG, a violent offshoot of the decades-long separatist unrest in the country’s south. Following the Patikul incident, reportedly the deadliest such clash in months, the military was unable to determine the number of militants either wounded or killed, although officials said Sawadjaan worked alongside Radullan Sahiron, another key ASG commander who leads his own faction. Reports indicated Sahiron’s fighters had been in close proximity and contact with Sawadjaan’s forces.

In recent years, Abu Sayyaf militants from the respective factions have kept a distance from each other due to ideological and leadership differences. However, recent developments have fueled speculation that the two above mentioned leaders may have put aside their long-held differences and merged forces under Islamic State’s international banner.

Such claims may be premature, given the complex dynamics inherent in terror alliances in the Philippines. Nonetheless, the possibilities rendered by such a union portend a disturbing trend for the threat landscape in the Philippines and, by extension, the wider region.

Uniting the Sawadjaan and Sahiron ASG factions presents a unique dynamic. While there is little evidence of open animosity, they diverge significantly in their ideology and leadership traits.

Sahiron, regarded as the senior leader in ASG, has so far refused to publicly align himself with IS, and appears more interested in pursuing criminal activities. This led, in 2014, to a splintering within the Abu Sayyaf, with other key leaders such as Isnilon Hapilon, Sawadjaan, and various sub-leaders breaking away to pursue bolder terrorist activities. Hapilon was subsequently declared the emir of the IS East Asia Wilayah and led the five-month long Marawi siege in 2017, although he was later killed.

While no official declaration was made, Sawadjaan was mooted to have been appointed the next IS emir to unite the various pro-IS factions in Mindanao. Under his command, kidnap-for-ransom operations were reinitiated in September 2018, following a lull of almost two years. Sawadjaan also orchestrated the first Jolo church suicide attacks in January 2019, for which he recruited two Indonesian Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD) members. This was followed by a series of attempted suicide attacks in Sulu, mainly involving foreign fighters from the Middle East.

If, as some have speculated, Sahiron embraces IS, the AFP will have to deal with a more radically aligned and fortified ASG network, estimated to number between 200 and 300 fighters. Sahiron commands a significant proportion of these militants. Moreover, collaboration between Sahiron and Sawadjaan can inspire other ASG factions based in Basilan to join them. These combined forces could then potentially be mobilized against the Philippine military, whose resources are severely stretched dealing with the domestic COVID-19 outbreak.

Indications that Sahiron’s ASG faction has embraced IS ideology are present, but not definite. In a statement, IS claimed “16 killed from the Crusader Philippines Army” shortly after the April 17 incident. This showed tight communication between the official IS media outlets and militants in Sulu, and it was notable Sahiron’s group did not protest the pronouncement.

Alternatively, it is also possible Sawadjaan could have sought a tactical alliance with the non-IS aligned Sahiron, creating a potential precedence for IS groups in the country and wider region to collaborate with other non-IS aligned terrorists and criminal organizations on joint operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The contest for leadership in the ASG remains uncertain, with both Sahiron and Sawadjaan displaying contradictory approaches in leading their forces. Such group dynamics would need to be ironed out before collaborations can be further fortified.

Sahiron inherited the leadership of ASG after the passing of Khadaffy Janjalani in 2006. However, ASG under Sahiron’s leadership was dormant, passive, and conservative. His primary operations are perceived to be self-serving criminal activities and territorial defense. Nevertheless, ASG members continue to respect the 68-year-old leader due to his seniority. Sawadjaan’s pro-IS cell, in contrast, has been credited with pioneering suicide attacks in the Philippines despite strong cultural opposition toward such a tactic.

Having previously served under Sahiron, Sawadjaan is likely to face resistance from his older counterpart, who prefers a more conservative approach to militancy. It is uncertain if these kinks in operational preference have been addressed.

The Philippines government continues to face grave security challenges on multiple fronts. While significant resources have been channeled to address the worsening domestic COVID-19 outbreak as well as eradicating ASG-linked terrorism, other groups continue to also pursue extremism.

Another major group is the pro-IS Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). Of late, the BIFF has made renewed appeals for followers to launch attacks. Following the unhappiness caused by mosque closures to curb the spread of COVID-19, a BIFF leader, Sheik Muhiddin Animbang, alias Commander Kagi Karialan, urged fighters to launch attacks against government assets because they were “destroying Islam” by disallowing congregation in mosques.

Further appeals to exploit the COVID-19 outbreak to raise arms against the authorities are possible. BIFF militants are mainly located at the densely forested and mountainous regions of Maguindanao and Cotabato. There, loose firearms and explosive materials are not difficult to attain. Hence, an armed assault at a police or military outpost south of Mount Piapayungan of Maguindanao and Cotabato cannot be ruled out.

The unification of the Sawadjaan and Sahiron ASG factions and the appeals for attack by BIFF serve as a reminder that terrorism remains an ongoing threat in the Philippines. Hence, it is crucial for the government to double down on investigations of any linkages between terrorist and criminal groups to head off any opportunities for collaborations that can further raise the radical temperature on the ground.

[Kenneth Yeo is a Research Analyst in the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research (ICPVTR), S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS)]

3 BIFF militants surrender, turn-over firearms in North Cotabato

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From the Manila Times (May 1, 2020): 3 BIFF militants surrender, turn-over firearms in North Cotabato (By Julmunir I. Jannaral)

Three members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) surrendered to the Joint Task Force Central troops Wednesday.

Maj. Arvin Encinas. spokesman of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) said the militants, who were all members of the Karialan Faction, turned themselves over to the 34th Infantry Battalion in Barangay (Village) Nabalawag, Midsayap, North Cotabato.

Encinas identified the BIFF militants as Lanny Madaluday Salem, a.k.a. Matyak Salem; Rocky Kinal Paguital, a.k.a. Rocky Salilagya; and Usman Abas Salem, a.k.a. Lumanda Salem. They also turned-over one Caliber 7.62mm improvised sniper rifle (locally made), one Caliber 7.62mm M14 rifle, three magazines, 19 rounds of Caliber 7.62mm ammunition, and one bandoleer. “Despite the ongoing challenges we are facing due to the coronavirus pandemic, our troops are more than eager to end terrorism and violent extremism in our area of operation,” said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the WestMinCom. “We hope that more BIFF members will decide to surrender especially that it is the holy month of Ramadan,” Lt. Gen. Sobejana added.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/05/01/news/regions/3-biff-militants-surrender-turn-over-firearms-in-north-cotabato/721071/

CentCom chief to community: Continue to help us in fight against insurgency

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From the Cebu Daily News (May 1, 2020): CentCom chief to community: Continue to help us in fight against insurgency (By: Alven Marie A. Timtim)



Lieutenant General Roberto Ancan, Central Command (Centcom) chief, appeals to the community to continue supporting them in the government’s fight against insurgency. CDN Digital photo | Alven Marie Timtim

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines Central Command (AFP Centcom) is asking the public to continue their help to the authorities to end insurgency in Central Visayas and other regions.

Lieutenant General Roberto Ancan, chief of the AFP CentCom, told reporters on Friday, May 1, 2020, that their campaign against anti-insurgency in the areas around Visayas had progressed because of the help of the community in reporting members of communist-terrorist groups.

“We thank the populace, the residents of the area, they keep on helping us, providing us information,” said Ancan.

However, despite the efforts of the community and the government there are still rebels who are able to execute plans and harm members of the AFP who are keeping the community safe.

The recent encounter with alleged members of the New People’s Army (AFP) in Barangay Camudlas, Bindoy town in Negros Oriental, on April 30, has injured two civilians and and a soldier.

Read: Soldier, civilians wounded in gov’t troops clash with rebels in NegOr

Ancan did not disclose details about the incident and said that they were still waiting for the full report of the incident.

With this, Ancan again called for the continuous support of the community in helping the AFP in tracing the possible whereabouts of the rebels.

“This fight against the communist terrorist groups is not just only the fight of your armed forces, it is the whole of nation approach. Mag tinabangay gyud ta tanan,” said
Ancan.

ARGUMENT//There’s Still Life in the U.S.-Philippines Visiting Forces Agreement

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Posted to Foreign Policy (May 1, 2020): ARGUMENT//There’s Still Life in the U.S.-Philippines Visiting Forces Agreement (By BY DEREK GROSSMAN)

Duterte is trying to kill a critical deal, but his compatriots aren’t happy.


Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (left) arrives for a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping (unseen) at the Great Hall of People in Beijing on April 25, 2019. KENZABURO FUKUHARA/KYODO NEWS - POOL/GETTY IMAGES

On Feb. 11, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte announced that Manila would be terminating the U.S.-Philippines Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA)—an agreement authorizing, among other things, the U.S. military to have freedom of movement into and within the Philippines. Duterte’s decision was met in Washington with deep concerns about the potential fallout for the Indo-Pacific strategy, largely aimed at countering China’s growing assertiveness.

They were right to be worried. After all, bases across the Philippines—namely Subic Bay Naval Base, Basa Air Base, Fort Magsaysay, Antonio Bautista Air Base, Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base, and Lumbia Air Base—are ideally located for U.S. purposes. They’re near or on the South China Sea, significantly enhancing the U.S. military’s ability to challenge Beijing there. Without them, Washington would have to rely more heavily on other, more distant bases in Guam; Okinawa; mainland Japan; Darwin, Australia; Hawaii; and elsewhere. Doing so would likely reduce the ability of the U.S. military to react to challenges, including threats to the Philippines itself, effectively hollowing out the two countries’ Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) and severely complicating the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, under which the U.S. military is authorized to preposition weapons and equipment at bases in the Philippines. Losing the VFA would probably also weaken other allies and partners’ perceptions of Washington’s security commitments in the region.

But there is a glimmer of hope in Duterte’s announcement: Per the agreement, official VFA cancellation does not take effect for 180 days, meaning Washington and Manila have until Aug. 9 to save it or negotiate a new VFA to avert any further alliance crisis. The challenge is that Duterte is an extremely anti-U.S. president who may seek toeliminate the MDT in its entirety in favor of greater self-reliance and better relations with China and Russia. Yet success would speak volumes about the durability of the alliance in spite of the whims of an autocratic president.

While Duterte’s stance is likely to come out on top given his position as chief executive of the country, there are subtle signs that the VFA’s demise is not a predetermined outcome. For example, shortly after Duterte’s termination announcement, the Philippine ambassador to the United States, Jose Manuel Romualdez, noted at a forum in Manila that both countries were exploring “ways and means to see how we can come up with something similar.”

Meanwhile, in a very cryptic tweet from Philippine Foreign Secretary Teddy Locsin Jr. the same day as the announcement, Locsin said: “As a diplomatic courtesy there will be no further factual announcements following this self-explanatory development.” After Joshua Melvin of Agence France-Presse retweeted Locsin’s remarks with the comment “Now the furious negotiations begin. 180 day countdown #VFA,” Locsin retweeted him with “You’re the only one who got that,” suggesting that negotiations were about to begin or already underway. If the two sides are indeed negotiating, it is unknown what each country seeks for the future.

Aside from this reading of the tea leaves, Duterte may not fundamentally possess sole discretion in deciding the VFA’s fate.

Aside from this reading of the tea leaves, Duterte may not fundamentally possess sole discretion in deciding the VFA’s fate. Bipartisan senior leaders in the Philippine Senate, notably led the Senate president, a Duterte ally, filed a petition requesting the Supreme Court review whether Duterte has the unilateral power to terminate the agreement. The petition calls for the executive and legislative branches to reach concurrence on such a decision. Regardless of the court ruling, presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said, “We will follow the Supreme Court. Whatever the law says, we will follow.” The Supreme Court, however, tends to favor Duterte.

Members of Duterte’s own cabinet also appear to have serious misgivings about his VFA decision. They have tried to delicately discuss their concerns with him but understand they are unlikely to change his mind. To make their views more palatable to Duterte, they likely sought to highlight the importance of the VFA in maintaining U.S. special forces support to counterterrorism operations in the southern Philippines against jihadis.

Although Duterte in 2016 threatened to kick U.S. forces out, he also clearly benefits from U.S. military assistance in these operations as well—and Manila may need more assistance as 11 of its soldiers were just killed battling the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group in Sulu. The VFA was also essential in allowing the U.S. military to enter the Philippines in 2013 to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief following Typhoon Haiyan. U.S. security assistance over the past two decades of VFA existence has been substantial, tallying approximately $1.3 billion, and annual exercises like Balikatan—though canceled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic—significantly enhance the readiness of the Philippine military to conduct a range of missions. Indeed, decades of close interaction between the U.S. and Philippine militaries have resulted in highly favorable views of the United States among the Philippine defense establishment, whereas China is assessed as the top threat.

China’s behavior in the coming months could also push Duterte to reconsider. Beijing recently declared the establishment of new administrative districts on disputed features in the Paracel and Spratly islands. Manila in mid-March quietly reaffirmed its favorable Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling to the United Nations, and voices are growing only louder to stay the course. It is more likely, however, that Duterte will continue to value Chinese support—for example, he recently thanked Beijing for coronavirus assistance—and willfully ignore challenges in the bilateral relationship. Duterte’s strategy may reach a breaking point as polls consistently show strong support among Filipinos for alignment with the United States over China.

Paradoxically, the death knell for the VFA might come from Washington itself instead of Manila. When asked his thoughts on Duterte’s notice of termination of the agreement, Trump replied, “I don’t really mind if they would like to do that. It will save a lot of money. … My views are different than others.” Trump’s statement highlights his general lack of appreciation for international agreements and alliances in favor of his “America First” policy. The two leaders did, however, speak on April 19, and it was unclear if the VFA came up. Regardless of what happens, the fate of the VFA will set the tone of the alliance at least for the remainder of Duterte’s tenure out to 2022, if not beyond.

[Derek Grossman is a senior defense analyst at the nonprofit, nonpartisan Rand Corp. He formerly served as the daily intelligence briefer to the assistant secretary of defense for Asian and Pacific security affairs at the Pentagon.]

16 labor leaders with Red links yield in Laguna

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From the Philippine News Agency (May 2, 2020): 16 labor leaders with Red links yield in Laguna (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Some 16 labor leaders, who admitted connections to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA), surrendered to the military and police during short ceremonies in Calamba, Laguna Friday.

The surrenderers claimed that they are members of a labor union at a soft drinks plant in Sta. Rosa and were recruited by the communist rebels to join their underground movement as part of the efforts to destabilize the industrial sector which is known in CPP-NPA parlance as "white area operations".

In a statement forwarded to the Philippine News Agency Saturday, Army’s 202nd Infantry Brigade commander Col. Alex Rillera, which has operational jurisdiction over the Cavite-Laguna-Batangas-Quezon (CALABARZON) industrial areas, said four of the surrenderers are already full-time CPP members with the rest "kandidatong kasapi".
Kandidatong kasapi are recruits who are just a few courses away from attaining full-time membership.
Rillera said four of the surrenderers turned over four firearms and admitted to having already experienced joining the NPAs in the mountains and participating in the terrorist group’s operations.


“This surrender supports the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and the PNP (Philippine National Police)'s earlier assessment that the NPA terrorists are infiltrating the industrial areas through the labor unions to force the companies to shut their operations down so that innocent employees will be agitated to go against the government,” he said.

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

Rillera also condemned the communist rebels for their "terroristic intentions of overthrowing the government even at the expense of our countrymen whose welfare they purportedly look after.”

Combined police and soldiers took the lead during the local peace negotiations which were held under the auspices of CALABARZON’s Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

Army's 2nd Infantry Division commander, Major Gen. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos, Jr., lauded “soldiers, policemen and government officials who were involved in the localized peace engagement for their commitment and dedication to their duties while fighting in two fronts” referring to communist insurgency and the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

He also called the surrender of the labor leaders and admission of NPA membership as “the best sacrifice that they could do for the country’s millions of members of the labor force as we commemorate this year’s Labor Day since it will lead to them being aware of the deception and manipulation which the underground movement is doing upon their ranks.”

Burgos added that the surrender of labor organizers in this mass exodus of NPA terrorists from the underground movement is a decisive blow since aside from losing leaders, their surrender meant fewer cadres who will oversee their supply line from the urban centers to the hinterlands.

"Put down your arms, give up your armed struggle and return to mainstream society while you still can because, despite this contagion, we are mustering all our strength and focusing our sights to the liberation of Southern Tagalog from the clutches of communist terrorism by crushing the few remaining NPAs in this part of the country,” he said.

Military intelligence assessments indicate that the NPA’s mass base support in this part of the country is now fast-eroding and losing traction due to demoralization from massive intelligence-driven combat operations which is complemented by an unrelenting push for localized peace talks that resulted to an unprecedented number of surrenders.

Since the implementation of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) in Southern Tagalog, 509 former rebels already surrendered 108 firearms to government forces.

A major portion of these surrenderers were presented during the NPA’s 50th anniversary last year as well as during their 51st anniversary last March 29.

CALABARZON and Mindoro-Marinduque-Romblon-Palawan (MIMAROPA) have already distributed a total of PHP10.478 million worth of financial assistance to former rebels.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1101688

PNP on red alert vs. renewed NPA attacks

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From the Philippine News Agency (May 2, 2020): PNP on red alert vs. renewed NPA attacks (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)



The Philippine National Police (PNP) is on full alert after President Rodrigo Duterte dismissed the possibility of holding a new round of peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

“In response to this, the 205,000-strong PNP under the command of Police General Archie Francisco F Gamboa is now on full alert and is ready and able to defend the country against any atrocities of this communist terrorist group,” PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said in a statement on Saturday.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año condemned the CPP-NPA-NDF for ending the ceasefire with the government at the height of the nation’s fight against Covid-19.

Año said this act of the communist terrorist group is "the final nail in the coffin and is a clear demonstration of their hypocrisy and being anti-peace while the country and the world are in the middle of the deadly Covid-19 pandemic."

Banac said the PNP Chief also condemns the act by the CPP-NPA-NDF as it endangers government response to overcome the pandemic.

The CPP-NPA-NDF declared a ceasefire last March 26, 2020, after the United Nations has called for peace amid the Covid-19 pandemic while the government declared ceasefire earlier on March 19, 2020.

“As government condemns this rebellion by the CPP-NPA-NDF as a threat to public safety amid the pandemic, we will continue to uphold the imposition of ECQ [enhanced community quarantine] in high-risk areas and GCQ [general community quarantine] in the rest of the country from May 1 to May 15, 2020, based on government guidelines,” Banac said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1101670

2 NPA rebels killed in Agusan Sur clashes (Graphic Photos)

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From the Philippine News Agency (May 2, 2020): 2 NPA rebels killed in Agusan Sur clashes (By Alexander Lopez)



KILLED REBELS. Two communist New People’s Army rebels die during the series of armed encounters with the Army’s 26th Infantry Battalion Thursday (April 30) in the hinterlands of Barangay Guibonon, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur. Military officials have called on the remaining rebels in the mountains to return to the fold of the law and live peacefully with their families. (Photo courtesy of 26IB)

The series of clashes this week between the troopers of the Army's 26th Infantry Battalion and the communist New People’s Army (NPA) resulted in the killing of two rebels and the seizure of firearms and ammunition.

Lt. Col. Romeo C. Jimenea, 36Ib commander, said Saturday (May 2)
the armed encounter took place in the hinterlands of Sitio Mahayon-hayon, Barangay Guibonon, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur Thursday (April 30).

Jimenea said the first encounter took place at 2 p.m. Thursday when the troopers responded to the reports of concerned residents in the area about the presence of the NPA.


“The rebels are now hungry as they have difficulties in securing food due to the continuing implementation of quarantines. The residents in the area were worried about their presence. The NPA is also planning to conduct atrocities as part of their offensive against the government,” Jimenea told the Philippine News Agency in a phone interview.

Jimenea said the first firefight that lasted for about seven minutes wounded a soldier on the right arm.

“Our troops pursued the NPA rebels when they retreated after the first encounter. The second encounter took place at around 10 p.m. in the vicinity of Sitio Mahayon-hayon,” the Army official said.

Two NPA rebels were killed on the second encounter that lasted for about 20 minutes, he added.

Following both clashes, Jimenea said the troops recovered two M16 rifles, one AK47 rifle, two bandoliers with eight long magazines and eight short magazines of M16 rifle loaded with ammunition, and one loaded magazine of AK47 rifle.

"I am commending the concerned citizens who reported to us on the presence of these terrorist NPAs. Through their coordination, we were able to immediately disrupt the planned atrocities of these lawless elements despite the attention that we are giving as front-liners on the health crisis that we are facing. If we weren't able to preempt the NPA's plan, it may cause additional burden to our constituents near the area,” Jimenea said.

He also urged the remaining NPA rebels to return to the fold of the law and avail of the program of the government intended for the former rebels.

Jimenea said the recovered dead bodies of the NPA rebels were turned over to the Philippine National Police and the local government for identification and burial.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1101679

Lider ng NPA, 3 gerilya sa San Mariano boluntaryong sumuko sa army

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From the Philippine Information Agency (May 3, 2020): Lider ng NPA, 3 gerilya sa San Mariano boluntaryong sumuko sa army (By 95th Infantry Battalion)

Larawan ng 95th Infantry Battalion

SAN MARIANO, Isabela, May 3 (PIA) - - -Isang dating lider ng New People's Army (NPA) kasama ang tatlong lokal na gerilya ang boluntaryong sumuko sa 95th Infantry Battalion na naka-base sa bayang ito kamakailan.

Ayon sa dating squad leader ng NPA, nabasa niya sa leaflets na pinamimigay ng 95IB at Tactical Operations Group (TOG2) tungkol sa mga testamento ng mga naunang nagbalik loob na mga rebelde sa pamahalaan.

Naisip ng dating lider ng rebeldeng grupo na puro kasinungalingan ang sinasabi ng kanilang mga kadre na sila ay sasaktan kung magbabalik-loob sila sa gobyerno.

Samantala, ang mga iba pang lokal na gerilya o Milisyang Bayan ay sumuko rin bunsod sa gusto nilang mabago ang kanilang lugar.

Dagdag pa nila na sila ay ginagamit lang ng kanilang nakakataas dahil sa kapangyarihan at malaking pera na nakokotong nila sa mga tao.

Kasabay ng kanilang pagsuko ay dala-dala nila ang isang M16 rifle, dalawang Cal .38 pistol, isang Night Vision Monocular, isang Portable Electric Generator at mga iba pang gamit ng NPA sa bayan ng San Mariano.

Ayon kay LtCol Gladiuz Calilan, battalion commander ng 95IB, ang mga nagbalik-loob na mga dating rebelde ay kanilang i-enroll sa Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) ng gobyerno upang sila ay matulungan sa kanilang pagbabagong buhay.

Nananawagan din si Calilan sa mga naiwan pa sa loob ng armado at sa kanilang mga sangay/MB na huwag magpalinlang sa matatamis nilang salita dahil ito ay panlilinlang lamang upang makapasampa ng magdala ng armas padagdag sa kanilang puwersa at para makagawa ng organisadong masa na kanilang utusan. (MDCT/PIA-2)

Army’s 82IB transports stranded Marawi teachers to Mis Occ

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From the Philippine Information Agency (May 2, 2020): Army’s 82IB transports stranded Marawi teachers to Mis Occ (By Lou Ellen L. Antonio)

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MARAWI CITY, May 3 (PIA) -- In line with the celebration of Labor Day and its founding anniversary, the 82nd Infantry Battalion (82IB) of the Philippine Army transported four (4) stranded teachers here back to their hometown in Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental on Friday.

82IB provided one (1) military truck to ferry the teachers, one (1) working in Mindanao State University (MSU) Main Campus and three (3) from Marawi Smart Kids Learning Center Inc., to a designated quarantine facility in Oroquieta City.

On April 28, 2020 the Battalion received a call for help from the stranded teachers who wish to return to their homes.

The troopers then coordinated with the city government of Oroquieta through Rowena Magna-ong, Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Assistant and the Deputy Operations Section Chief of Task Force COVID-19 Oroquieta City. 


Four stranded teachers in Marawi City are about to ride at 82nd Infantry Battalion's military truck which will transport them to their home in Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental. (82nd Infantry Battalion)

Magna-ong said Oroquieta Mayor Lemuel Meyrick M. Acosta approved the return of the stranded teachers and prepared the designated Quarantine Facility located at Habitacion Hotel.

The 82IB personnel immediately coordinated with the Lanao del Sur Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of COVID-19 and Marawi City Health Office for the release of needed medical certificates, quarantine pass, and travel clearances for the stranded teachers.

Lateral coordination with the 10th Infantry Battalion (10IB) in Misamis Occidental was also made for the safe passage of the teachers together with troopers from 82IB.

Lieutenant Colonel Rafman Altre, commanding officer of the 82IB, lauded the quick response of the COVID-19 Task Forces of Lanao del Sur and Misamis Occidental and the efforts of 10IB.

"We honor the sacrifices and contributions of teachers in shaping our future. Today is Labor Day at the same time the founding anniversary of our Battalion. Responding to the call of our people is our best way of celebrating Labor day and our unit anniversary,” said Altre.

To recall, 82IB together with 55th IB, 49th IB, and 12th Civil-Military Operations Battalion, all under 103rd Infantry “Haribon” Brigade, deployed military trucks to ferry the stranded students from MSU back to their homes in 25 municipalities of Lanao del Sur on April 24. (LELA/ PIA ICIC) 

Citizen’s involvement vs CNT’s planned ambush, saved lives

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From the Philippine Information Agency (May 2, 2020): Citizen’s involvement vs CNT’s planned ambush, saved lives (By 46IB, 801Infantry Brigade, 8ID)

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City, May 2 -- Combined troops of the 46th Infantry (Peacemakers) Battalion, Philippine Army and Explosive Ordnance Division (EOD) of PNP Pinabacdao, aided by the vigilant populace of Pinabacdao, Samar, outrightly responded on the attempt of the CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) improvised explosive device (IED) attack. The plan, as reported by a concerned citizen to the authorities, led to the retrieval of four IEDs on April 30, 2020 about 1:00 a.m.



According to the informant, the IEDs (PVC-type and sealed with electrical tape) were placed along Maharlika National Highway at the boundary of barangays Pahug and Madalunot, all in Pinabacdao, Samar.

The said IEDs were brought to 46IB Headquarters for proper documentation and disposition.

It can be recalled that the same army unit retrieved four IEDs in the neighboring barangay of Hubasan, Municipality of Calbiga, Samar last April 6, 2020.

On October 29 last year, around 12:30 a.m., two civilian representatives of Toyota company survived in a CTG’s IED ambush when their driven white Toyota Hi-Lux was mistaken by the CTG as police patrol car as they were passing along Maharlika Highway at the boundary of barangays Lale and Pahug of Pinabacdao Samar.

Moreover, it can be recalled that on December 19, 2015, government troops and two DSWD female staff onboard two trucks coming from humanitarian assistance in Northern Samar during the onslaught of typhoon “Nona” (Melor) were ambushed by the CPP-NPA in the same boundary of barangays Pahug and Madalunot, Pinabacdao, Samar.

The 801st Brigade Commander, Colonel Camilo Z. Ligayo commended the feat of the security forces and the help provided by the informant. He also underscored, “Our security forces are always ready to run after the rebels who take advantage of the vulnerability of the community in this challenging time brought by COVID-19 pandemic in the region.”

“The continuous support of the people prevented the IEDs to inflict harm and averted the loss of lives unlike what happened last December 13, 2019 in Borongan, Eastern Samar wherein one PNP personnel and three innocent civilians were killed and 14 were wounded including two minors and an infant caused by CPP-NPA”, Ligayo added. (46IB, 801Infantry Brigade, 8ID)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1040731

43IB CSP team discovers buried CTG's material in Northern Samar

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From the Philippine Information Agency (May 2, 2020): 43IB CSP team discovers buried CTG's material in Northern Samar (By 43rd IB, 803rd IB/8ID)

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CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City, May 2 -- An information provided by a local resident to the members of the Community Support Program (CSP) team of the 43rd Infantry (We Search) Battalion, Philippine Army pertaining to the buried war material of Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in their safehouse in Brgy. Sumuroy, Lope De Vega, Northern Samar led to the discovery of items on April 30, 2020 at 6:20 a.m.

Discovered items include the 6.5 hp MAPRO gasoline-operated generator and other war materiel like two M16 magazines (long), two poncho tents, one Motorola hand-held radio, and some subversive documents.



Also, around 8:15 a.m. of same day, while scouring the premises of the said barangay, the troops discovered two sacks containing subversive documents with high intelligence value.

Colonel Lowell R. Tan, 803rd Infantry Brigade commander remarked, “The rebels are on the run since the discovery of their lair in Catubig, Northern Samar. The revelation uncovered by the residents concerning buried war materiel indicates a clear loss of rebel support from the masses.”

“Thanks to the information provided by the locals to the security forces on the ground. It is vital in making our troops always one step ahead of our enemies,” Tan added. (43rd IB, 803rd IB/8ID)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1040728

Mt. Province honors 2 fallen soldiers, gives aid to families

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From the Philippine Information Agency (May 2, 2020): Mt. Province honors 2 fallen soldiers, gives aid to families (By Mtn. Province PGO)

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BAUKO, Mountain Province, May 1 -- The provincial government here gave due recognition to two of its sons - soldiers from the municipality of Bauko who sacrificed their lives for the country.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan passed two resolutions honoring and commending the heroism and bravery of Cpl. Jomar A. Niňalga, 29, of Monamon Norte, Bauko and 2nd Lt. Ralf Amante C. Abibico, 24, of Monamon Sur, Bauko who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country.

In two separate occasions, provincial officials headed by Gov. Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr. and Vice Governor Francis O. Tauli, together with Mountain Province Police Provincial Office Director Homer M. Penicilla, personally presented the resolution to the respective families of the fallen heroes last April 29.

They also turned-over cash assistance of Php 10,000 and two sacks of rice to each of the bereaved families of the two soldiers.



Niňalga was among the casualties during a clash between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group in Sitio Lubong, Patikul, Sulu last April 17. He was part of the 21st Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army(PA).

In a statement from the AFP– Western Mindanao Command, the soldiers paid the ultimate sacrifice in a fierce gunfight while ensuring the safety and security of the community against the Abu Sayaff Group.

Meanwhile, Lt. Abibico was killed during an encounter between the 94th IB, PA and elements of the New People’s Army in Carabalan, Himamaylan City in Negros Occidental on April 19 while Abibico's group was on security patrol in connection with the distribution of financial assistance from the national government for families affected by the enhanced community quarantine due to COVID-19.

One of his platoon member narrated that Abibico’s bravery and presence of mind prevented more casualties on their part during the gunfight against the rebels.

“He ordered us to hold our ground until the enemy retreated; unfortunately, he was shot while trying to find the direction of enemy troops who are located on the high grounds,” he relayed.

Abibico is an alumnus of the Philippine Military Academy. (ESB-Mtn. Province PGO)
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