Free housing for 36 ex rebels in Jose Abad Santos town

February 21, 2021, 11:01 am

≫ Next: Tagalog News: Pito pang miyembro ng BIFF sumuko sa militar

≪ Previous: NPA’s clout over IP slowly diminishing says NCIP

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 21, 2020): Free housing for 36 ex rebels in Jose Abad Santos town (By Rudolph Ian Alama)

MALITA, Davao Occidental - Thirty-six (36) former rebels were fortunate to receive free housing under the Community Pabahay sa Barangay (CPB) Shelter Program.

Situated in Barangay Marabatuan, Municipality of Jose Abad Santos this is a project of the local government of Davao Occidental carrying the theme “Balay Aron Pamilya Mahamugaway” (A house so the family will be eased).

During the Feb. 12 groundbreaking of the CPB Shelter Program, the former rebels expressed their happiness thru songs and dances. The ceremony was attended by provincial government agencies, police and soldiers belonging to the 73rd Infantry Battalion. The Provincial Government also gave food pack to the former rebels.

Lt. Col. Ronaldo Valdez voiced his gratitude to the provincial government of Davao Occidental which responded to the needs of its constituents.

The former rebels expressed their thanks as their needs were finally addressed by the local government leading to a new and peaceful life. They returned to their homes with smiles and hope that they can achieve their dream of a new life with the help of the present administration. (PIA/RG Alama with reports from 73rd IB)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1067503

↧

Tagalog News: Pito pang miyembro ng BIFF sumuko sa militar

February 21, 2021, 11:05 am

≫ Next: NPA lauds NegOr SP for slashing intel funds

≪ Previous: Free housing for 36 ex rebels in Jose Abad Santos town

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 21, 2020): Tagalog News: Pito pang miyembro ng BIFF sumuko sa militar (By PIA Cotabato City)

PHOTO: DPAO-6ID, PA

LUNGSOD NG COTABATO, Peb. 21 (PIA) -- Pito pang mga miyembro ng rebeldeng grupo na Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) na nag-ooperate sa Maguindanao ang nagbalik-loob sa pamahalaan kamakailan.

Ito ay matapos silang sumuko sa 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion (2MIB) sa Barangay Midtimbang, Datu Anggal Midtimbang sa nabanggit na probinsya. Itinurn-over din ng mga sumukong rebelde ang isang 60mm mortar, isang Cal .50 Sniper rifle, isang 5.56mm M16A1 rifle, isang M1 Garand Cal .30, at isang M1 Garand Cal .30 converted to M14 rifle.

Binigyang-diin ni 2MIB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Omar Orozco na ang pagbabalik-loob ng mga dating rebelde ay isang patunay aniya na naniniwala sila sa kapayapaang inaalok ng pamahalaan.

Inalala naman ng isa sa mga sumukong rebelde ang kanyang naging karanasan sa grupo. Aniya, pagod, gutom, at hirap ang kanyang dinanas kaya naisip nito, kasama ng anim pang kasamahan, na sumuko at magbalik-loob sa pamahalaan.

Samantala, sinabi ni 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division at Joint Task Force Central (JTFC) Commander Maj. General Juvymax Uy na ang patuloy na pagsuko ng BIFF ay resulta ng ‘AGILA-HAVEN’ o Anak na may GInintuang LAyunin upang Hintuan Ang Violent Extremism Ngayon na programa ng JTFC kasama ang pamahalaang panlalawigan ng Maguindanao.

Simula noong Seytembre 7, 2020, nasa kabuuang 78 mga BIFF na ang sumuko at nagbalik ng kanilang armas sa pamahalaan. (LTBolongon-PIA Cotabato City/With reports from DPAO-6ID).

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1067389

↧

NPA lauds NegOr SP for slashing intel funds

February 21, 2021, 11:08 am

≫ Next: Esperon explains why Davao got bulk of anti-insurgency funds

≪ Previous: Tagalog News: Pito pang miyembro ng BIFF sumuko sa militar

Posted to the Visayan Daily Star (Feb 20, 2021): NPA lauds NegOr SP for slashing intel funds (BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The Rachelle Mae Palang Command (RPMC) of the New People’s Army lauded the decision of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Negros Oriental to markedly slash the budget intended for “intelligence gathering fund” in order to allocate more resources for Covid-19 response.

The SP earlier approved the reduction of provincial government intelligence fund from P11 million to P1 million.

Although the amount involved is not enough to effect a massive consequence in the anti-Covid drive of the province, such measure sets a good precedent related to the question of budget prioritization and making independent policy decision, local rebel group spokesperson Estrella Banagbanag said in a statement.

Banagbanag said they admired the courage of Negros Oriental SP members for standing up to what is right out of their own volition, and thoughtful consideration of the situation.

The RMPC also called on SP members to hold on to their independence, and persist in rendering meaningful services to the people of Negros Oriental, through relevant legislation and other means.

The members of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) of Negros Oriental have asked the SP to retain the P11 million intelligence-gathering funds.

The Council members made the request after Police Col. Bryant Demot, provincial director of the Philippine National Police, raised the need for the funds.

Col. Leonardo Peña, commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade, reiterated the importance of the funds to address the insurgency problem in the province.

Peña said the intelligence gathering fund can greatly help in the fight, not only against insurgency but also criminality and illegal drugs.*with report from PIA

https://news.visayandailystar.com/npa-lauds-negor-sp-for-slashing-intel-funds/

↧

Esperon explains why Davao got bulk of anti-insurgency funds

February 21, 2021, 11:17 am

≫ Next: Duterte approves amnesty for rebels – but not Abu Sayyaf

≪ Previous: NPA lauds NegOr SP for slashing intel funds

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 21, 2021): Esperon explains why Davao got bulk of anti-insurgency funds (By: Dexter Cabalza)

The bulk of the funds of the controversial National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac) was allocated to the Davao region and Davao City, home of President Rodrigo Duterte, because of the military’s success in quelling the communist insurgency there, according to National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr.

In a statement dated Feb. 21, Esperon, who sits as the vice chair of NTF-Elcac, said that a total of 215 barangays in the Davao region have been cleared of the influence of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its guerrilla arm, the New People’s Army (NPA), from 2016 to 2019.

“The former NPA communities are now ripe for developmental projects through the Barangay Development Program (BDP),” said Esperon, who was Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff from 2006 to 2008.

The development projects are to be funded from the P16.4 billion earmarked from the NTF-Elcac’s P19-billion budget.

Of the P16.4 billion for the BDP, the Davao region is set to receive a hefty P4.3 billion—the largest among the regions, with Davao City getting almost 40 percent of that amount, or P1.64 billion.

Hermogenes Esperon Jr.

P20M per barangay

The BDP is an incentive for barangays that have cleared their areas of communists. Under the program, each of the 822 barangays listed by the NTF-Elcac is set to receive P20 million.

This will be earmarked for socioeconomic development such as for farm-to-market roads (P12 million), livelihood (P1.5 million), irrigation (P1.5 million), health stations (P1.5 million) and school buildings (P3 million).

“The Davao region will be receiving projects and funding for school buildings, among other projects, in order to provide places of learning which will replace the closed NPA learning and recruitment institutions,” he noted.

“The dismantling of guerrilla fronts necessitates a comprehensive process involving coordination between security operations and developmental intervention projects,” Esperson said.

Regional committees

He said the numbers of barangay beneficiaries in Mindanao appear to be huge because “the AFP had prioritized its previous clearing operations in Mindanao due to the CPP-NPA’s expansion of operations in the said area.”

According to the military, there are five CPP-NPA regional committees in Mindanao running several guerrilla fronts, two of which are in the Davao region.

But Esperon noted that since last year, the tally of barangays cleared of communists reached 1,376, with most of them in the Bicol, Caraga, Eastern and Western Visayas regions.

But the funds will be managed by the NTF-Elcac, chaired by Mr. Duterte himself, and opposition lawmakers have questioned why the lion’s share of the funds went to Davao region and Davao City instead of Bicol, Caraga, Eastern and Western Visayas.

Bayan Muna Rep. Ferdinand Gaite even suggested, without evidence, that the BDP would be used to fund the Duterte camp’s electoral campaign machinery.

FLAGGING INFLUENCE Once rampant in Mindanao, the communist insurgency is waning, according to the government. —ERWIN MASCARIÑAS

‘General’s pork barrel’

Of the 822 barangays listed as beneficiaries of the BDP, 215 are in Davao region, followed by 191 in Caraga and 119 in the Northern Mindanao region (Region 10).

Of the 182 total barangays in Davao City, 82 are included in the BDP—more than the 74 total barangay beneficiaries of the entire Western Visayas region (Region 6).

Following Davao City with the most number of barangay beneficiaries is Panabo City in Davao del Norte. Of its 40 barangays, 20 would receive BDP allocation.

Critics have assailed the BDP for being what they considered “generals’ pork barrel,” saying the NTF-Elcac would have almost complete autonomy in the allocation and disbursement of its multibillion-peso anti-insurgency funds

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1398134/esperon-why-davao-got-bulk-of-anti-insurgency-fund

↧

Duterte approves amnesty for rebels – but not Abu Sayyaf

February 21, 2021, 11:19 am

≫ Next: Philippines: End Of The Road For The VFA?

≪ Previous: Esperon explains why Davao got bulk of anti-insurgency funds

Posted to the Daily Express (Feb 20, 2021): Duterte approves amnesty for rebels – but not Abu Sayyaf (By: PNA)

The Philippine President has approved an amnesty programme for Muslim and communist rebels who would agree to surrender their weapons as they return to normal life in the latest such attempt to tame rural insurgencies that have raged for half a century.

Thousands of guerrillas belonging to two large Muslim groups in the country’s south and a communist rebel faction could apply for the amnesty within a year after it gets approved by Congress, according to President Rodrigo Duterte’s (pic) signed orders made public late Tuesday (Feb 16).

The three rebel groups have signed separate peace deals with Duterte’s predecessors which have eased decades of fighting but have not been fully enforced due to unresolved issues.

Leaders of the largest armed group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, have been put in charge temporarily of administering a new Muslim autonomous region in the south while thousands of its fighters are disarmed.

“It’s welcome as long as it’s based on our peace agreement,” Moro Islamic Liberation Front spokesman Von Al Haq told The Associated Press by telephone.

He said that his rebel group’s peace deal with the government provides for a general amnesty with an agreed manner of “decommissioning, ” a subtle term for disarming thousands of its combatants in batches depending largely on government compliance with the peace pact.

Duterte also agreed to include former insurgents who once belonged to the main communist New People’s Army in his amnesty programme.

He labelled the NPA a “terrorist group” in his amnesty proclamation. His administration’s peace talks with the Marxist group collapsed after both sides accused each other of launching attacks despite peace negotiations brokered by Norway.

The 75-year-old Duterte has promised to resolve Muslim and communist insurgencies before he leaves office. His six-year term ends in June next year.

“There is a need to reintegrate as soon as possible all rebels and insurgents into the mainstream society under the rule of law, including those who may have committed unlawful acts,” Duterte said in his amnesty proclamation.

The amnesty “shall extinguish any criminal liability for acts committed in pursuit of political beliefs” and restore political and civil rights, which were lost due to criminal conviction, the proclamation said.

The amnesty would not cover kidnappings for ransom, massacres, rape, terrorism, drug trafficking and certain crimes the UN says should never be covered by amnesties, such as genocide, crimes against humanity and torture.

The amnesty programme excludes the notoriously brutal Abu Sayyaf and other small armed bands associated with the Islamic State group.

The Abu Sayyaf has been blacklisted by the United States and the Philippines as a terrorist organisation for kidnappings for ransom, beheadings and suicide bombings. It has been weakened by years of battle setbacks, surrenders and continuing military offensives but remains a security threat.

https://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news/166640/duterte-approves-amnesty-for-rebels-but-not-abu-sayyaf/

↧

Philippines: End Of The Road For The VFA?

February 21, 2021, 11:23 am

≫ Next: PNP seeks Army’s help to track down 9 dismissed Jolo cops

≪ Previous: Duterte approves amnesty for rebels – but not Abu Sayyaf

Posted to the ASEAN Post (Feb 21, 2021): Philippines: End Of The Road For The VFA? (By Anna Malindog-Uy)

This file photo shows militants holding placards during a protest in front of the Department of National Defense in Manila on 21 February, 2020. (AFP Photo)

The bilateral relations between the United States (US) and the Philippines are currently at a critical juncture. This is because of the latest tirades of President Rodrigo Duterte telling the Americans that the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the US and the Philippines is a “shared responsibility,” therefore, the US must pay or kiss it goodbye.

The VFA signed in 1998, which came into effect in 1999 was the first military agreement since the closing of US bases in 1992.

In his recent weekly address to the nation, Duterte reiterated that the US should give the Philippines something in return, especially since the latter is the “nearest, possible and convenient outpost of the US.

“You want the Visiting Forces Agreement done? Well, you have to pay. It’s a shared responsibility. But your share of responsibility does not come free because after all when the war breaks out, we all pay. We’re nearest to the garrison there, a lot of arsenals of the Chinese armed force. I hope that the Americans would take notice of that.”

He also contended that the US government has failed to deliver on some of its previous promises to the Philippines.

These statements from the maverick president have not only placed uncertainty on the future of the US-Philippines strategic alliance, but also garnered all sorts of reactions from Filipinos.

Reactions

Among the political personalities who have misunderstood where Duterte is coming from and the intentions behind his latest remarks concerning the VFA include Vice President Leni Robredo and Senator Panfilo Lacson. These politicians have interpreted Duterte’s latest tirades against the VFA as “embarrassing” and akin to “extorting money from its long-time ally,” – the US.

However, there are also political personalities who have expressed a more supportive stance and understand where Duterte is coming from and why he made those statements about the VFA.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on 16 February pointed out that Manila has a right to "expect some measure of lethal parity" in its Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) with the US. The MDT between the Philippines and the US refers to a pledge by both countries to defend each other's territory in the case of external attack or aggression. The treaty was signed on 30 August, 1951.

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri was also in agreement and expressed that, “I think in a way, we’re always getting the short end of the stick in getting assistance from our friends in the USA.”

While Congressman Alan Peter Cayetano on 17 February urged the public to trust Duterte’s handling of the VFA with the US. In a media interview, Cayetano said Duterte has the best interests of the Philippines at heart when he said that the US government must pay for the continuation of the agreement.

Context

Amid the various reactions among Filipinos concerning the latest bluster from Duterte about the VFA, it is important to understand the context and to shed light on why Duterte has been exasperated and riled-up by the Americans.

This is not the first time Duterte has challenged the status quo of the 22-year-old VFA. On 11 February, 2020, the Philippine government officially notified the US that it would be terminating the VFA. This was in response to an accumulation of unwanted interferences from the US in the domestic affairs of the Philippines, including a horde of “disrespectful acts” by some US senators directed against the sovereignty of the country.

The termination of the VFA came after the cancellation of Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa’s US visa following an amendment to the US 2020 budget, which had authorised by then US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to bar Philippine government officials involved in Senator Leila de Lima’s illegal drug-related charges from entering the US.

Apart from the amendment to the US budget, the American senators also passed Senate Resolution 142, asking US President Donald Trump to impose sanctions on Philippine government officials allegedly behind de Lima’s detention.

As a response to the travel ban imposed by the US at the time, Duterte ordered his cabinet officials to “boycott” Washington. Duterte also rejected Trump’s invitation to attend the Southeast Asian Leaders’ Summit in Las Vegas, Nevada on 4 March, 2020. However, just a few months after, the President decided to temporarily suspend the abrogation of the 22-year-old VFA due to the coronavirus pandemic.

A few months ago, Duterte once again harked-back at the Americans telling them that he will abrogate the VFA if they are not serious about their commitments with the Philippines concerning the delivery of COVID-19 vaccines.

“The VFA is nearing its end. If they fail to deliver even a minimum of 20 million vaccines, they better get out. No vaccine, no stay here,” Duterte said. He also further reiterated that “If you want to help, if America wants to help, you deliver. Stop talking. What we need is the vaccine, not your verbose speeches.”

Indeed, the fate of the VFA is “hanging by a thread” and its survival or demise depends on how serious the US is in delivering its part of the bargain.

Hindsight And Perspective

To put things into perspective, the demands of President Duterte for compensation from the US is long overdue and a step in the right direction. Moreover, this is not the first time that a Philippine president has demanded compensation for the presence of military troops and equipment in the country. Even the late President Ferdinand Marcos made similar demands during his administration.

In an interview on the CBS program “Face the Nation,” in 1986, Marcos asserted that Washington had failed to live up to its end of a 1983 bargain that promised US$900 million in US military and economic aid over years while ensuring American use of the strategic Subic Bay Naval Base and Clark Air Base on the main island of Luzon through 1991.

Specifically, Marcos complained that, in implementing the bases accord, the US had so far shorted his country by about US$70 million in promised military aid.

Source: Social Weather Report 2018

The VFA is not primarily for the security of the Philippines rather it is to project and promote US strategic interests in the Philippines and in the Indo-Pacific region more specifically in the disputed waters of the South China Sea (SCS). This can be substantiated by the location of some of the US forces and equipment in the country in Basa Air Base, Fort Magsaysay, Antonio Bautista Air Base, Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base, and Lumbia Air Base which are strategically located to serve US strategic security interests and purposes.

Some of these military bases are located near the disputed waters of the SCS, which substantially boost the US’ military ability to challenge Beijing while putting the Philippines in a precarious situation if in any case a military confrontation between the two superpowers happens.

Given the “cold war” atmosphere between the two superpowers at the moment, if a “hot war” were to break-out, China would target the Philippines because of the presence of US military forces and equipment in the country.

In this regard, it is justified that the Philippine government demands some form of compensation for the Filipino people.

In April 2015, the US asked for access to eight bases in the Philippines including the formerly American Subic Bay Naval Base and Clark Air Base as well as bases in Cebu, Luzon, and Palawan. On 19 March, 2016 the Philippines and the US agreed on the location of five military bases for American troops under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). These include the Mactan Cebu (Benito Ebuen Air Base); in Palawan (Antonio Bautista Air Base); in Pampanga (Basa Air Base); in Nueva Ecija (Fort Magsaysay); and Cagayan de Oro (Lumbia Airport).

The EDCA is an agreement between the US and the Philippines that allows the US to rotate troops in the Philippines for extended stays and allows the US to build and operate facilities on Philippine military bases for both, American and Filipino forces though not permanently, but realities say otherwise.

The EDCA is a supplemental agreement to the VFA. It allows US forces to preposition and store defense material, equipment, and supplies with the exclusion of nuclear weapons.

Conclusion

In retrospect, no Philippine president has challenged the status quo surrounding the VFA and the MDT until Rodrigo Duterte, who more often than not, has defied the US in terms of how the country handles its domestic affairs and even its foreign policy in relations to the US and the rest of the world while asserting its independence and sovereignty.

Duterte refuses to be intimidated and undermined and is standing up to protect the country’s national security and to promote its interests.

The VFA, MDT, and EDCA are very much connected to Philippine sovereignty and independence. Adequate compensation, and the costs and benefits of having a US military presence in the country are issues very much intertwined with the country’s national security and interests.

President Duterte would want the Philippines to have more leverage and advantage given the existing geopolitical realities where the US-China rivalry for dominance and influence in the Indo-Pacific region, especially in the disputed waters of the SCS, has unwittingly dragged the Philippines into the equation because of its strategic location.

Likewise, the Philippines is in a position to demand compensation from the US because it has been an ally for more than a century, as well as a major non-NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) ally, that is quite important to America’s defense/military strategy in the Indo-Pacific.

Thus, it should renegotiate the VFA with the US from a position of strength and that’s what Duterte is trying to do at the moment. However, if in any case, the Duterte administration is unable to renegotiate a more balanced deal on the VFA and if the US refuses to extend compensation, then it is better for Duterte to just abrogate the VFA.

This is Part 1 of a series of articles by the author.

Related Articles:
Cold War Brewing Over South China Sea Tensions
South China Sea: Wise To Provoke China?

[Anna Rosario Malindog-Uy is Professor of Political Science, International Relations, Development Studies, European Studies, SEA and China Studies. She has worked with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and other local and international NGOs as a consultant. She is President of Techperformance Corp, an IT-based company in the Philippines.]

https://theaseanpost.com/article/philippines-end-road-vfa

↧

PNP seeks Army’s help to track down 9 dismissed Jolo cops

February 22, 2021, 5:31 am

≫ Next: Cops nab NPA 'assassin' in Agusan Sur

≪ Previous: Philippines: End Of The Road For The VFA?

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 22, 2021): PNP seeks Army’s help to track down 9 dismissed Jolo cops (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

ARMY ASSISTANCE. Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Debold Sinas holds a press conference at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Monday (Feb. 22, 2021). Sinas said the PNP sought the assistance of the Philippine Army in tracking down nine former police officers implicated in the fatal shooting of four Army intelligence operatives in Jolo last year. (PNA photo by Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Debold Sinas, on Monday said they already sought the assistance of the Philippine Army (PA) in tracking down the nine former police officers implicated in the fatal shooting of four Army intelligence troopers in June last year.

"Our dialogue is still ongoing and some of them are still hesitant to surrender but we already gave copies of the arrest warrant to the PA to help us in tracking them," Sinas said in a media interview.

Sinas said the dismissed Jolo cops are wary of surrendering due to fears about their security and safety despite earlier assurances that they will be detained in PNP national headquarters at Camp Crame, Quezon City.

"But they still refused to surrender so our manhunt goes on,"Sinas said.

Aside from the PA, he said they also gave copies of the arrest warrants to the National Bureau of Investigation.

Reports said the nine former policemen are still in Jolo, Sulu.

Last month, a panel of prosecutors of the Department of Justice found probable cause to indict the nine police officers -- Senior M/Sgt. Abdelzhimar Padjiri; M/Sgt. Hanie Baddiri; S/Sgt. Iskandar Susulan; S/Sgt. Ernisar Sappal; Cpl. Sulki Andaki; Pat. Moh Nur Pasani; S/Sgt. Almudzrin Hadjaruddin; Pat. Alkajal Mandangan; and Pat. Rajiv Putalan for four counts of murder and planting of evidence.

The panel did not recommend bail for the accused.

Sinas earlier approved the dismissal from service of the police officers.

Killed in the June 29, 2020 incident were Maj. Marvin A. Indammog, 39; Capt. Irwin B. Managuelod, 33; Sgt. Jaime M. Velasco, 38, and Cpl. Abdal Asula, 33.

The four soldiers were conducting intelligence and monitoring operations against two suspected suicide bombers when gunned down by the nine Jolo police officers.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1131456

↧

Cops nab NPA 'assassin' in Agusan Sur

February 22, 2021, 5:35 am

≫ Next: Cop, 3 civilians, hurt in NPA bomb attack

≪ Previous: PNP seeks Army’s help to track down 9 dismissed Jolo cops

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 22, 2021): Cops nab NPA 'assassin' in Agusan Sur (By Alexander Lopez)

ARRESTED. Authorities arrest Recson C. Precioso, 28, an alleged member of the Special Partisan Unit of the New People’s Army at a checkpoint in the Agusan del Sur town of Esperanza Sunday afternoon (Feb. 21, 2021). Precioso yielded a .357 caliber revolver, officials say. (Photo courtesy of PRO-13 Information Office)

Police have arrested an alleged member of the Special Partisan Unit (SPARU) of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in the Agusan del Sur town of Esperanza over the weekend.

In a statement on Monday, the Police Regional Office in Caraga Region (PRO-13) identified the suspect as 28-year-old Recson C. Precioso, a resident of Barangay San Jose, Esperanza.

Brig. Gen. Romeo M. Caramat Jr., PRO-13 director, said Precioso was arrested at a police and military personnel checkpoint following a tip-off that an armed individual was heading their way on a motorcycle.

Authorities spotted the handle of a gun tucked on Precioso's waist, which turned out to be a .357 caliber revolver loaded with three ammunition, Caramat said.

“Precioso failed to present supporting documents such as License to Own and Possess Firearms upon verification,” he added.

A former rebel positively identified the suspect as a member of the SPARU unit of Guerilla Front (GF) 8 of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), Caramat said.

The SPARU unit has long been regarded as an urban assassination unit of the NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

The suspect will be facing charges for violation of Republic Act No. 10591 or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition.

“PRO-13 vows to stop any attempt of the CTG (Communist Terrorist Group) to sow violence in Caraga Region, like killing of government officials, uniformed personnel, and civilians,” Caramat said.

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/1131491

↧

Cop, 3 civilians, hurt in NPA bomb attack

February 22, 2021, 5:39 am

≫ Next: Rebel slain in clash gets decent burial in north Samar

≪ Previous: Cops nab NPA 'assassin' in Agusan Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 22, 2021): Cop, 3 civilians, hurt in NPA bomb attack (By Mar Serrano)

A policeman and three civilians were wounded when an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels exploded along the national highway in Barangay Putiao, Pilar town in Sorsogon province on Monday.

Major Maria Luisa Calubaquib, Police Regional Office (PRO-5) spokesperson, said Police Corporal Jeffry Enconge Putian and the three other victims, who are yet to be identified, were rushed to the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching and Hospital (BRTTH) for treatment.

The police said the rebels intended to ambush the Philippine National Police (PNP) truck loaded with 11 policemen from the 92nd Special Action Command bound for Camp Simeon Ola headquarters.

The police personnel were able to retaliate and engage the rebels in a brief firefight, prompting the communist terrorists to flee.

Clearing operations are still being conducted in the area as of this posting.

Brig. Gen. Bartolome Bustamante, PRO-5 regional director, in a statement, condemned the latest atrocity perpetrated by the communist terrorist group (CTG), whose true objective is to sow chaos and disorder in the community.

He called on the public to "resist CTGs and cooperate with authorities to help end the threat of insurgency in Bicol".

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1131440

↧

Rebel slain in clash gets decent burial in north Samar

February 22, 2021, 5:42 am

≫ Next: Suspected NPA rebel killed in Lanao clash

≪ Previous: Cop, 3 civilians, hurt in NPA bomb attack

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 22, 2021): Rebel slain in clash gets decent burial in north Samar (By Sarwell Meniano)

DECENT BURIAL. The town hall of Pambujan, Northern Samar where the remains of a slain member of the New People’s Army was laid in state before given a decent burial on Sunday by local officials and the military in Pambujan, Northern Samar. His comrades abandoned his body in clash with government forces. (Photo courtesy of Pambujan LGU)

A slain member of the New People’s Army (NPA) got a decent burial on Sunday from local officials and the military in Pambujan, Northern Samar days after his comrades abandoned his body in a clash with government forces.

The unidentified rebel was laid to rest at the Pambujan public cemetery after a three-day wake at the town’s auditorium, said 2 Lt. Roxane Valenciano, civic military operations officer of the Philippine Army's 43rd Infantry Battalion.

“Nobody claimed his body and no one recognized him during the three days of his wake at the auditorium,” Valenciano said in a phone interview Monday.

The rebel died on Feb. 15 in a brief gunbattle with soldiers in remote Cagbigaho village in Pambujan town.

He was one of the three rebels who fought with patrolling troopers. A soldier was injured during the clash. A bandolier and a notebook were recovered after the firefight.

Northern Samar is considered to be the NPA’s stronghold in Eastern Visayas due to poor road network, thick forest, high poverty incidence, and low level of education in upland communities.

The NPA, which has been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government, 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/1131429

↧

Suspected NPA rebel killed in Lanao clash

February 22, 2021, 5:44 am

≫ Next: Valenzuela forms city, brgy task forces to stop local insurgency problem

≪ Previous: Rebel slain in clash gets decent burial in north Samar

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 22, 2021): Suspected NPA rebel killed in Lanao clash (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.

A suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was killed and four high-powered firearms were seized following a clash with government troops in a remote barangay in Lanao del Sur, military officials announced Monday.

Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said the clash happened at around 4:30 p.m. Saturday in Barangay Ragayan in Maguing.

Troops of the Army’s 5th Infantry Battalion under the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao provinces) were on combat operations when they clashed with a group of NPA rebels.

Lt. Col. Romulus Rabara, 5IB commander, said the firefight ensued for several minutes. The rebels fled in different directions, leaving behind the remains of their slain comrade.

Rabara said the slain rebel, whose body was turned over to the local government, has yet to be identified.

The troops scoured the clash site and recovered four high-powered firearms consisting of two M-16 armalite rifles and two M-79 grenade Launchers; one low-powered firearm; and several other war materiels including a hand grenade, one bandoleer, 10 magazines with ammunition, 22 rounds of ammunition for M203; and, five combat packs with personal belongings.

Rabara added that the troops also saw bloodstains in the area and enemy withdrawal route.

Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, Joint Task Force ZamPeLan commander, said they would continue to conduct focused military operations and intelligence monitoring and intensify the whole-of-nation approach to convince the rebels to lay down their arms and return to the fold of the law.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1131421

↧

Valenzuela forms city, brgy task forces to stop local insurgency problem

February 22, 2021, 5:57 am

≫ Next: PRO6 launches RTF ELCAC6’s ‘Akap Kapatid’ pilot program

≪ Previous: Suspected NPA rebel killed in Lanao clash

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 22, 2021): Valenzuela forms city, brgy task forces to stop local insurgency problem (By Rhodelia R. Divina)

CALOOCAN CITY, Feb. 22 (PIA) -- To solidify their support to the national government’s whole-of-nation efforts to put an end to communist insurgency in the country, all 33 barangays of Valenzuela City pledged their commitment to help end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC) through the creation of a City and Barangay Task Force on ELCAC at the Valenzuela City Center for the Performing Arts (VCCPA) Auditorium recently.

The City and Barangay Task Force on ELCAC also vowed to adopt principles, implement policies, plans, and programs that will address all insurgency-related issues and terrorist threats, and to lead localized peace engagements in accordance with the nation’s peace and development agenda.

The local ELCAC task forces also signified their active participation to fully implement the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) – aiming for an engaged, transformed and more empowered barangays in Valenzuela City in the future.

E.O. No. 70

The establishment of the local task forces and the ceremonial signing of the Pledge of Commitment took place during the Barangay Peace and Order Summit organized by the Valenzuela City Philippine National Police (PNP), in compliance with Executive Order (E.O.) No. 70, Series of 2018, which was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on December 4, 2018.

The EO endeavors to institutionalize the whole-of-nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace, create a National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), and direct the adoption of a National Police Framework.

Aside from founding the NTF-ELCAC, the EO also mandates the setting up of regional ELCAC task forces all over the country.

The whole-of-nation approach gives attention to the primary reason of insurgency, internal disturbances and tensions, and other armed conflicts and threats through the government’s strengthened and coordinated delivery of basic services and social development packages. This approach likewise promotes societal inclusivity and ensures the active participation of all sectors of society in the pursuit of peace agenda.

In 2019, President Duterte directed the NTF-ELCAC to “work doubly hard in addressing the problems of insurgency so that our people can enjoy safer and more secure [communities]”.

Peace and Order Summit

While insurgency issues predominantly hound the countryside, the National Capital Region (NCR) is gradually being infiltrated by communist-terrorist groups (CTGs) according to the Philippine National Police-National Capital Region Police Office (PNP- NCRPO).

PCOL Julius C. Suriben, PNP-NCRPO Chief of Regional Community Affairs and Development Division (RCADD) cited that NCR and its cities are being targeted by these groups because of NCR’s vulnerability as it houses the seat of government, it serves as a fertile ground for insurgents as it is home to big universities, and that the metro provides ample opportunities to fire up the masses through its numerous issues and propaganda events.

PCOL Suriben further stressed the importance of having a dynamic stance to stem insurgency even at the city or barangay level.

“A proactive city or barangay task force on ELCAC is needed in delivering prompt response and taking quick, proper, and correct steps to address the issue of CTGs. Also, the ELCAC task force can strengthen the community to prevent and suppress the destructive work of the Left. Lastly, the task force can also pave the way for the city or barangay to achieve sustainable development and for constituents to live stable, comfortable, and secure lives,” he explained.

Vice Mayor Lorie Natividad-Borja, for her part, expressed gratitude to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the PNP, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for implementing local ELCAC programs and reiterated Valenzuela City’s support for and commitment to the government’s peace-keeping initiatives.

“Naniniwala kami na walang siyudad na magiging patuloy na maunlad kung magulo at walang katahimikan. Kaya po, dito sa siyudad ng Valenzuela, sa pangunguna po ni Mayor Rex Gatchalian, umasa po kayo sa [aming] patuloy na pagtalima sa [inyong] mga programa upang lalo pa nating mapanatili ang peace and order. Kaisa po ninyo ang buong lungsod ng Valenzuela,” Vice Mayor Natividad-Borja assured.

In his message read by NPD Director PBGEN Nelson Bondoc, NCRPO Regional Director PMGEN Vicente Danao Jr. articulated his desire for the police and the city and barangay task force "to have a strong connection to be able to work together and strategize how to maintain the peace and order in the barangays."

Present during the event were Valenzuela Liga ng mga Barangay President Hon. Bienvenido Bartolome Jr. and barangay captains, SK Federation President Hon. Exequiel Serrano and SK Chairpersons and Kagawads, DILG Valenzuela City Director Mary Jane Nacario, Barangay Peace and Order Kagawards, and Valenzuela City Disaster Risk Reduction Management (VCDRRMO) Head Dr. Arnaldo Antonio.

Also around to grace the event were Valenzuela City Police Station (VCPS) officials led by Chief of Police PCOL Fernando Reyes Ortega, Northern Police District (NPD) officials led by Director PBGEN Nelson Bermudez Bondoc, and Chiefs of Police of the cities of Caloocan, Malabon, and Navotas, and Armed Forces of the Philippines – Philippine National Police (AFP-PNP) Valenzuela City Task Unit Commander MAJ Edwin Cariño. (PIA NCR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1067605

↧

PRO6 launches RTF ELCAC6’s ‘Akap Kapatid’ pilot program

February 22, 2021, 6:03 am

≫ Next: Roads connecting remote barangays could help end 5-decade era of local insurgency

≪ Previous: Valenzuela forms city, brgy task forces to stop local insurgency problem

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 22, 2021): PRO6 launches RTF ELCAC6’s ‘Akap Kapatid’ pilot program (By Jaime S. Cabag)

ILOILO CITY, Feb. 22 (PIA) – The Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) in Western Visayas launched a new program entitled “Akap Kapatid” spearheaded by Police Regional Office 6.

This seven-day activity is a uniquely designed intervention program that employs collaborative response among members of RTF-ELCAC.

The pilot program, which began February 16 was held in Botong, Oton, Iloilo, focuses on human welfare and social well-being of surrenderees.

The event was attended by 82 participants, 64 of whom are from Tapaz, Capiz and 18 are from Calinog, Iloilo.

Part of the program on February 20 was the medical mission and service caravan which was participated in by the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Economic and Development Authority, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, local government units of Calinog and Tapaz, Department of Agricultre, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Department of Public Works and Highways, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and Philippine Medical Association.

All the 82 participants were able to benefit from the services provided by the said government agencies. The PNP Health and Dental Service provided tooth extraction, dentures, prosthodontics, medical check-up, BP monitoring, eye check up and ECG to qualified or identified beneficiaries.

The participants were also given other services such as haircut, manicure and pedicure hired by PRO6. Services by other government agencies such as issuance of community tax certificates, giving of seeds and seedlings, distribution of educational materials and receiving of inquiries were also done.

Present during the event were PNP-DPCR director Police Major General Rhodel Sermonia, PNP Spokesperson Police Brigadier General Ildebrandi Usana, PRO6 Director Police Brigadier General Rolando F. Miranda, 301st Brigade commander Brigadier General Marion Sison, DSWD 6 Director Evelyn Macapobre, RTF-ELCAC 6 Legal Coordination Cluster head Prosecutor Flosemer Chris Gonzales, TESDA 6 director Jerry Tizon, Calinog, Iloilo mayor Francisco Calvo, and Office of the Presidential Adviser for the Visayas ASEC Anthony Gerard Gonzales attended the culmination program held February 21.

During the culmination activity, Gonzales turned over the judicial affidavits taken from the surrenderers. Certificates of completion were also given to the participants for having completed the 7-day program.

The highlight of the culmination program was the distribution of mountain bikes, gift packs and cash amounting to P5,000.00 each from the Philippine National Police.

In his message, Miranda said that two more Akap Kapatid programs will be conducted based on the schedule or availability of the participating agencies.

“This is just the beginning. We will sustain the communication that we have with the communities in Tapaz and Calinog by conducting more police-community relations activities” Miranda said.

Meanwhile, in her impression, Lahug, Tapaz, Capiz barangay official Jobelyn Giganto, who is one of the participants, , expressed her gratitude to the government for extending assistance and for letting them undergo the program.

“Ipabalo gid namon sa amon mga kabarangay kung ano kanami ang programa sang gobyerno (we will tell our fellow barangay residents how good this government program is),” she said.

Participant Nineta Caballero of Masaroy, Calinog, Iloilo, expressed that her perception about men in uniform changed after the program, saying “Wala na kami nahadlok sa army kag pulis. Gintratar nila kami sang maayo (We are no longer afraid of the army and poliice. Tthey treated us well),” she said.

Akap Kapatid is aligned with the government’s Executive Order 70 that aims to change the beliefs of the surrenderers and increase their confidence on the government; disengage from participating and supporting Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) activities; and use the whole of nation approach in addressing the root causes of local armed conflict by prioritizing the delivery of basic government services, social development package, and the construction of much-needed infrastructures.

The Akap Kapatid program includes lectures and activities and enables the participants to know themselves, their community, and the government’s plans, programs and projects especially in far-flung areas. (PIA6/ Story from PLtCol. Joem J. Malong/PRO6-RPIO )

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1067566

↧

Roads connecting remote barangays could help end 5-decade era of local insurgency

February 22, 2021, 6:08 am

≫ Next: Lokal Serbisyo Caravan in S. Leyte town benefits two ELCAC vulnerable barangays

≪ Previous: PRO6 launches RTF ELCAC6’s ‘Akap Kapatid’ pilot program

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 22, 2021): Roads connecting remote barangays could help end 5-decade era of local insurgency (By Samuel D. Candido)

BORONGAN CITY, Feb 22 (PIA) – By providing accessibility to government programs and services with passable roads and bridges, the fifty years of the CPP-NPA insurgency in Eastern Samar particularly in the City of Borongan could possibly come to an end.

This was the firm standpoint of City Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan C. Agda in a recent virtual conference with the other members of the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC) chaired by Governor Ben P. Evardone.

In his presentation, Mayor Agda stressed that one reason which continuously divides between and amongst people in far communities, is the inaccessibility to basic government services.

The City Mayor cited in Barangay Pinanag-an, this city, with more than a thousand households. This remotest barangay is about a three-hour motorboat ride from the wharf in Borongan and before reaching the place, about five more barangays are passed through.

He further said, to recall, sometime in 2019 a bloody encounter between the government troops and the CPP/NPAs transpired in this remote barangay, which ended up in the loss of lives of several soldiers with their comrades severely wounded as well.

This was followed with another ambush of a civilian vehicle in a nearby poblacion barangay which killed a number of civilians and a policeman and some others left wounded.

“People from remote barangays need us, people in the government. They need interventions, but all our planned interventions will be limited to none if we can hardly reach them, and if their needs remain unabated, resentment, division could prevail,” he added.

Government has been in constant battle with the NPA insurgents and hundreds of peace talks have been made while innocent and helpless civilians are sometimes involved. Apparently, some issues have yet to be addressed, particularly the problem of the inaccessibility to government services.

For the Borongan City Government, Mayor Agda presented one poverty alleviation program, the “Dukwag Agrikultura” (DA) which was approved recently by the City Council, with program components aimed to improve the economic standing of marginalized farmers.

However, he said, many of the identified agricultural farms are located in insurgency-laden communities, which in one way or another hamper production.

“With the construction of needed roads and bridges, perhaps, some peace and order issues can be addressed eventually,” he stressed.

To fulfill an earlier promise to the rural folks in the upstream barangays, Mayor Agda has lined up, a number of road opening projects, in his strong desire to improve the living condition of most of them, by providing better access to basic skills trainings and livelihood, medical and other social services, including education.

For 2021, now awaiting budget appropriations are the road opening of Phase 2 of Canyupay-Hebacong-Benowang-Baras-Pinanag-an; Surok-San Mateo Road (Phase2); Road Construction/Concreting of Cabalagnan-Canyupay (Phase 2); Road Opening/Concreting at Surok-San Mateo (Phase 4); Road Opening/Widening of Amantacop road; Road Opening at Sta. Fe; Road Opening of Balacdas-San Pablo; Road Opening at Sabang South-Sitio Lipgutan, and Road Opening at San Gabriel to Kaputian Falls, a Tourist Area. (nbq/SDC/PIA-E. Samar)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1067611

↧

Lokal Serbisyo Caravan in S. Leyte town benefits two ELCAC vulnerable barangays

February 22, 2021, 6:11 am

≫ Next: Pambujan MTF-ELCAC provides decent burial for dead NPA rebel

≪ Previous: Roads connecting remote barangays could help end 5-decade era of local insurgency

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 22, 2021): Lokal Serbisyo Caravan in S. Leyte town benefits two ELCAC vulnerable barangays (By Erna S. Gorne)

SILAGO, Southern Leyte, February 19 (PIA) - - Led by the Basic Services Cluster of the Southern Leyte Provincial Task Force – End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC), the activity dubbed as “Lokal Serbisyo Caravan – Wave II ” redound to benefit two vulnerable barangays in Silago town.

The ELCAC Lokal Serbisyo Caravan was held for two most disadvantaged barangays, Salvacion and Laguma, Sunday, February 14, 2021, bringing government services closer to some 500 barangay folks and children.

Silago Municipal Mayor Pacita Almine said the barangay folks were amazed and grateful of the government services held on a non-working day.

Silago Municipal Mayor Pacita Almine distributed the Jollibee food packs for 221 children prepared by the OPAV during the Lokal Serbisyo Caravan led by the SoLeyte PTF ELCAC - Basic Services Cluster at brgy Salvacion, Silago, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021. (PIA SoLeyte)

“ My people are now in festive mood in response to the service caravans brought to their community especially on this heart day. The people not only heard but felt the touch of the government today,” Mayor Almine said in an interview with PIA Regional Head Erlinda Olivia p. Tiu.

No less than the 14th IB Philippine Army uniformed men and women conducted the following free services like medical check-up, tooth extractions, circumcisions, massage, hair cut and provision of free medicines.

Children lined up for the free circumcision conducted by the 14th IB Philippine Army, among the medical and dental services held during the Lokal Serbisyo Caravan - Wave II for ELCAC vulnerable barangays of Salvacion and Laguma, both from Silago last February 14, 2021.

The Office of the Presidential Assistance in the Visayas (OPAV) brought more than two hundred Jollibee food packs for children and were distributed by Vice Governor Christopherson Yap and Mayor Almine.

The people passionately expressed their immediate needs such as the construction of evacuation centers, need for potable water and farm to market roads.

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) representative had a one-on-one discussion with one of the participants concerning land disputes.

The whole of nation approach in the government’s efforts to end local communist armed conflict was actively participated in by Regional Directors Ceasar Karl Rimando of DILG, Marie Angela Gopolan of DSWD and Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu of PIA, 14th IB Lt.Col. Roberto Obaob and a host of national line agencies’ representatives ready with their services offerings. (nbq/esg/PIA-8 SoLeyte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1067558

↧

Pambujan MTF-ELCAC provides decent burial for dead NPA rebel

February 22, 2021, 6:14 am

≫ Next: NPA member from Bukidnon killed in Lanao Sur encounter

≪ Previous: Lokal Serbisyo Caravan in S. Leyte town benefits two ELCAC vulnerable barangays

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 22, 2021): Pambujan MTF-ELCAC provides decent burial for dead NPA rebel (By PIA 8)

LOPE DE VEGA, Northern Samar- The Pambujan Municipal Tadk Force -ELCAC provided a decent burial for the unidentified New People’s Army (NPA) rebel who died during the encounter on February 15, 2021 in Brgy. Cagbigaho, Pambujan, Northern Samar.

The cadaver of the said rebel was recovered by the troops from 43IB after it was abandoned by his fleeing NPA comrades, and then turned over to Pambujan Municipal Police Station (MPS).

A 3-day wake for the said rebel was held at Pambujan Municipal Auditorium. On 19 February 2021, the unidentified rebel was finally laid to rest after being given a decent burial at the public cemetery of Pambujan.

"Nananawagan ako sa mga NPA na nasa bundok pa, na sumuko na kayo at tanggapin ang tulong ng gobyerno habang kayo ay buhay. Hindi kagaya ni brother (killed NPA), ang tulong ng gobyerno na kanyang nakamtan ay ang ihatid na lamang siya sa kanyang huling hantungan ," Commanding Officer of 43IB Lieutenant Colonel Raymundo C Picut Jr said. (PIA8/CMO, 43rd IB)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1067538

↧

NPA member from Bukidnon killed in Lanao Sur encounter

February 22, 2021, 6:19 am

≫ Next: Yecla: Another activity against terror to be held

≪ Previous: Pambujan MTF-ELCAC provides decent burial for dead NPA rebel

From MindaNews (Feb 22, 2021): NPA member from Bukidnon killed in Lanao Sur encounter (By RICHEL V. UMEL)

ILIGAN CITY (MindaNews / 21 February) — A member of the New People’s Army (NPA) from Bukidnon was killed in an encounter with the Philippine Army’s 5th Infantry Battalion in the hinterlands of Maguing in Lanao del Sur at around 4:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Lt. Col. Romulus Rabara, commander of the 5th Infantry Battalion said the slain NPA was left behind by the NPA, according to the press release issued by the 1st Infantry Division on

Rabara said his troops also recovered two M16 rifles, two M79 grenade launchers, one KG9 sub-machine gun, a hand grenade, bandoliers, magazines with ammunitions, and combat packs with personal belongings.

Brig. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo, commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade based in Marawi City told MindaNews that around 25 NPA guerillas used parts of the forestal area in Maguing town as their safe haven.

Cuerpo said the NPA came from the boundary of Bukidnon, passing through the forests of Wao and Bumbaran in Lanao del Sur.

He said accurate and timely report of the civilians regarding the presence of the NPA let to immediate military response.

“Our troops can immediately respond and quell any threat in the province if they(civilians) continuously report and collaborate with us,” he said. (Richel V. Umel / MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2021/02/npa-member-from-bukidnon-killed-in-lanao-sur-encounter/

↧

Yecla: Another activity against terror to be held

February 22, 2021, 6:25 am

≫ Next: 4 communist rebels surrender in Libacao

≪ Previous: NPA member from Bukidnon killed in Lanao Sur encounter

From the Mindanao Times (Feb 22, 2021): Yecla: Another activity against terror to be held (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

THE Task Force Davao and other security units in the city will hold another community exercise to test the “Culture of Security,” the anti-security drive.

Based on the report, the community exercise will be held at the barangay level and aims to evaluate the cooperation of the residents in reporting persons doing suspicious activities, staying true to the Culture of Security campaign ‘May Nakita, Dapat Magsalita.’

Col. Consolito Yecla, Task Force Davao commander, said that the activity was planned after after reports that there were lawless elements targeting barangay captains supportive of government initiatives for rebel returnees.

“The CPP/NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army) Central Committee has ordered the deployment of Special Partisan Units (SPARU) in Davao City to liquidate uniformed personnel. The latest report reveals that the liquidation squads will also target Punong Barangays supportive of EO (Executive Order) 70 or the TF ELCAC (Task Force To End Local Communist Armed Conflict) in the city,” he said.

During the exercise, 20 “rabbits”, actors who will pose as members of the SPARU, will be deployed in some barangays.

“We urge Dabawenyos not to panic as this will only be a community exercise,” Yecla said.

The exercise aims to:

1) elicit information on the presence and activities of government forces in the purok/barangay;
2) test, check, search or ask for security measures (i.e. placement of CCTV (closed circuit television cameras, guarding system);
3) reveal repeat visits of an individual without making any significant purpose; and,
4) and reveal very unusual behavior of individuals in the entry and exit points of government facilities like barangay hall (keeps observing and quickly leaves when approached).

The city government will announce the start of the activity through the Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSCC), the Davao City Disaster Radio, and the media.

The military unit conducted a pilot test of the exercise on on Friday in one barangay under the jurisdiction of Sta. Ana Police Station where four “rabbits” were deployed but only three were captured.

Yecla said that the Task Force and the Liga ng mga Barangay will double-time the campaign on the involvement of ordinary citizens in the culture of security.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2021/02/22/yecla-another-activity-against-terror-to-be-held/

↧

4 communist rebels surrender in Libacao

February 22, 2021, 6:28 am

≫ Next: Kalinaw News: Hundreds benefit from Army-LGU medical mission in Aurora

≪ Previous: Yecla: Another activity against terror to be held

From the Panay News (Feb 22, 2021): 4 communist rebels surrender in Libacao

LIBACAO, Aklan – Four members of the New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered to the local government here.

The barangay captain of Manika turned over the surrenderers to the local government on Feb. 18.

The four were affiliated with the NPA’s Kilusang Rehiyong Panay operating in Barangay Manika and Barangay Dalagsa-an.

The surrenderers were cousins and were all locals of Libacao. They joined the NPA last December 2020 in return for cash.

They decided to leave the group because they realized they were deceived. The money promised them did not materialize, they said.

The local government of Libacao would evaluate the surrenderers for the Enhanced Comprehensive and Local Integration Program.

Presently, the four were in the custody of the Libacao municipal police station.

Police Brigadier General Rolando Miranda welcomed the surrender.

“I encourage other communist group members to surrender because the government’s assistance awaits you. Let us help our government end local communist armed conflict,” he said.

https://www.panaynews.net/4-communist-rebels-surrender-in-libacao/

↧

Kalinaw News: Hundreds benefit from Army-LGU medical mission in Aurora

February 22, 2021, 6:36 am

≫ Next: Kalinaw News: Medical Officer ng rebeldeng CPP-NPA, nagbalik-loob sa pamahalaan; mga pampasabog isinuko

≪ Previous: 4 communist rebels surrender in Libacao

From Kalinaw News (Feb 21, 2021): Hundreds benefit from Army-LGU medical mission in Aurora

BALER, Aurora-A total of 352 villagers benefitted from a one-day medical-dental mission conducted by the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Maria Aurora Led by Mayor Amado M. Geneta and the Army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion, at Barangay San Juan, Maria Aurora, Aurora.

Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, commander of 91st IB said that the successful health outreach program was realized together with the provincial and municipal medical team, barangay officials and other partners who also participated in.

He said that the personnel of Charlie Company, HHSC, 91IB and 3 CMO Coy led by 1st Lieutenant Roberto Gruta Apelado, Jr., acting CMO Officer participated the Medical Mission with LGU Maria Aurora.

He said that the government troops provided 31 free haircut, 63 optha, 45 circumcision, 17 HIV screening, 11 cough screening, 57 dental, and 128 blood pressure benefited respectively.

Rubio added that the activity is also in line with the implementation of End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) through the delivery of basic services needed by the local residents.

The top military official in this province described the activity as a success, noted that medical missions in impoverished areas are important for them to feel the presence of the government as well as to bring the unit closer to the people.

[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/hundreds-benefit-from-army-lgu-medical-mission-in-aurora/

↧