Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events

From the Philippine News Agency (May 4, 2022): Army chief cites task force ELCAC as best tool vs. NPA (By Sarwell Meniano)

FIGHTING INSURGENCY. Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. (left) and Army 8th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Edgardo de Leon check firearms recently seized in Leyte and Samar provinces during a display at the Army headquarters in Catbalogan City, Samar on Tuesday (May 3, 2022). Brawner said the gains in the fight against insurgency are the results of the "whole-of-nation" approach. (PNA photo by Sarwell Meniano)

Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the institutionalization of the "whole-of-nation" approach is the “best thing that ever happened” in the fight against the New People’s Army (NPA) during the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

During a visit to the Army’s 8th Infantry Division here Tuesday afternoon, Brawner commended soldiers for working with government agencies and communities to solve the decades-old insurgency.

“The best thing that ever happened to our counterinsurgency is the implementation of the Executive Order (EO) No. 70, which gave birth to the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). All government agencies and the private have been working together to help end insurgency,” Brawner told reporters.

The directive also institutionalizes a “whole-of-nation approach” to attaining an inclusive and sustainable peace.

The official made the remarks after inspecting hundreds of firearms and anti-personnel mines seized by the Philippine Army units in Eastern Visayas between 2021 to early 2022 through information provided by former rebels formed into a group of peace advocates.

In Eastern Visayas alone, at least 1,505 regular NPA members surrendered to the government from 2019 to March 2022, indicating that the communist terrorist group is weakening, according to the military.

Of the number, 57 of them yielded in 2019 and 415 turned themselves in a year after.

Most of them or 1,007 surrendered in 2021 while 26 fighters abandoned the NPA just this year.

The weakening of NPA in Eastern Visayas is a result of a "whole-of-nation" approach by linking arms between basic service providers from the central government, community participation from the local governments, and the security sector from the military and police.

In support of the fight against NPA, several local government units have formed their local task force ELCAC.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173610

From the Philippine News Agency (May 3, 2022): NPA couple surrenders to police in Bacolod City (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

OATH OF ALLEGIANCE. Young couple Adonis Ligid-Ligid and Danica Aro, platoon leader and medic of the Sentro de Grabidad Southern Front of the NPA’s Armando Sumayang Command based in Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental, pledge allegiance to the Philippine government during their surrender to the Bacolod City Police Office on Tuesday (May 3, 2022). They said that since joining the rebel movement when they were just teenagers, they have become tired of the armed struggle and now long for peace. (Photo courtesy of Adrian Prietos)

A young couple, former fighters of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) based in Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental, surrendered to the Bacolod City Police Office on Tuesday.

They were identified as Adonis Ligid-Ligid, 26, and his common-law wife Danica Aro, 21, platoon leader and medic, respectively, of the Sentro de Grabidad Southern Front of the NPA’s Armando Sumayang Command.

Col. Thomas Joseph Martir, police city director, welcomed the former rebels.

“With your surrender, we hope to encourage the others to do the same so they would also enjoy a good life with their family with the support of the government,” he said.

According to the briefer, the couple contacted the anti-crime advocacy group Task Force Kasanag, which endorsed them to Police Station 7, and they formally turned themselves in and pledged allegiance to the national government in a ceremony held at the BCPO headquarters.

Ligid-Ligid, who joined the CPP-NPA at 18, came from a family of communist rebels and fought the government for eight years.

His three siblings died in clashes with government troops in previous years.

Meanwhile, Aro was recruited by the communist-terrorist group in 2018 when she was only 17.

They told the police they were blinded by the propaganda of the CPP-NPA and since joining the movement when they were just teenagers, they have become tired of the armed struggle and have longed for peace.

In 2020, they already planned to surrender but their movements were then limited by coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) quarantine restrictions.

Until recently, when they had the opportunity to visit their family, they decided not to return to their lair.

After the couple’s surrender, the Philippine National Police endorsed them to the temporary custody of Hinoba-an Mayor Ernesto Estrao, who was represented by his spouse, Barangay 1 village chief Letecia Estrao.

Estrao turned over to the surrenderers the financial assistance provided by the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office.

The former rebels’ surrender was held during the launching of the BCPO’s Project TAPE or Table for Peace, a Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC) initiative that promotes peace, development, and reconciliation in this city.

The word “tape” also means to secure, cordon, and isolate Bacolod from the deception, recruitment, and atrocities of the communist-terrorist groups.

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.

The National Democratic Front (NDF) has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173562

From the Philippine News Agency (May 3, 2022): 3 NPA rebels killed, firearms recovered in Bicol (By Connie Calipay)

Some three New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in a clash with police and military troops in the boundary of Albay and Sorsogon provinces on Monday, the Philippine Army (PA) reported.

Maj. John Paul Belleza, 9th Infantry Division (9ID) spokesperson, said in a report sent to reporters on Monday evening that the joint team of security forces encountered seven armed rebels.

After some 10 minutes of firefight, the rebels fled in different directions, leaving three of their slain comrades.

Government soldiers recovered the three bodies, including that of their group leader "Bong".

No casualty was reported on the side of the troops.

Authorities also recovered from the site two M16 assault rifles, one .45-caliber pistol, several propaganda materials, and personal belongings of the rebels.

Belleza said the gun battle ensued when the troops responded to the "information given to the troops by concerned residents regarding the presence of armed men at the boundary of Barangay Buenavista in Pioduran, Albay, and in Barangay Sta. Cruz, Donsol in Sorsogon."

The Communist Party of the Philippines (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.

The National Democratic Front has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173536

From the Philippine News Agency (May 2, 2022): MNLF's support essential for peace, dev't in Mindanao: Sara (By Che Palicte)

Vice presidential aspirant Davao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte. (PNA file photo)

Mayor Sara Z. Duterte said Monday the endorsement of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) is essential to the UniTeam's cause of bringing about peace and development in Mindanao and the rest of the country.

In a statement, the vice presidential contender thanked the MNLF for its support of her candidacy as well as for his running mate presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

On April 25, Albakil ‘Thong’ Jikiri, current MNLF national vice chairman for military affairs, issued the group’s official statement in Zamboanga City urging their members to support the tandem and the rest of the candidates under Uniteam.

"Jikiri cited their confidence in the wisdom and sincerity of both I and Mr. Marcos," Duterte said.

She said the MNLF’s support to the UniTeam will serve as a "solid foundation" in their pursuit of continued peace and development and "equality of rights and opportunities for the Moro community."

"As a Mindanawon, I will always protect and support the interest of Mindanao and its people, knowing the role of Mindanao in the growth of the entire country," she said.

Meanwhile, Muslimin Sema, chairman of the MNLF’s central committee, also supported the presidential daughter's bid for the vice presidency in the coming May 9 polls.

Sema said they have asked all of their families, members, and field commanders to vote for Duterte.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173504

From the Philippine News Agency (May 2, 2022): 10ID aims better services with 75 new vehicles (By Christine Cudis)

BETTER, FASTER SERVICES. Maj. Gen. Nolasco Mempin, the Army's 10th Infantry Division commanding officer, pours wine over the newly turned over vehicles during the ceremonial blessing in Camp General Manuel Tan in Mawab, Davao de Oro Monday (May 2, 2022). The 10ID earlier received the first batch of 35 vehicles to complete the total of 75 vehicles to ensure better and more efficient services. (Photo courtesy of 10ID)

DAVAO CITY – The Philippine Army's 10th Infantry Division (ID) received Monday the second batch of modern vehicles that completes the 75 units allocated for re-fleeting purposes.

Maj. Gen. Nolasco Mempin, 10ID commander, said in an interview the newly-acquired units were composed of special purpose vehicles (SPVs), motorcycles, and ambulances.

"These will further improve our mandate of protecting the people and securing the land against all forms of threats whether man-made or natural," Mempin said.

Mempin said the SPVs will be issued to units and staff that have not been issued new vehicles.

"This assures that they can attend to their personnel performing combat operations on the front lines safely and fast. These will also elevate our community support programs under the National Task Force on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict," he said.

The second batch of new vehicles comprises seven units of Mitsubishi pickup trucks; two units of Toyota van-type ambulances; and 31 units of Kawasaki motorcycle.

Thirty-five other vehicles in the first batch were earlier turned over to the 10ID.

Mempin said the vehicles, especially the motorcycles, will further enhance the 10ID's stakeholder engagements, as well as community services in the far-flung communities that could not be reached by four-wheeled vehicles.

The ambulances, on the other hand, will double their life-saving capability for their personnel during casualty or medical evacuation.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173459

From the Philippine News Agency (May 2, 2022): Ex-NPA rebels claim sexual harassment, abuses by comrades (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

UNITY WALK. Government agencies, non-government groups, and other the stakeholders participate in the Duterte Legacy Caravan in Manjuyod, Negros Oriental on Sunday (May 2, 2022). During the event, former rebels called out to their former comrades to surrender and avail of the government's services and benefits offered to them. (Photo courtesy of the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office)

Some three former rebels (FRs) of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) are calling on those who are still in the movement to surrender to avoid being victimized by sexual abuse and harassment, similar to what they experienced.

Ka Bona, Ka Arce, and Ka Sky gave their testimonies on Sunday during a Duterte Legacy Caravan Thru Convergence of All Government Agencies in Manjuyod, Negros Oriental.

The activity was part of a series of caravans aimed at informing the public about the administration’s programs and policies, Lt. Col. Ruben Verbo said on Monday.

One of the FRs said while in the underground movement, she experienced sexual harassment while other women were also allegedly subjected to abuse by the male rebels.

The other FRs also recounted the atrocities that they were involved in and cited injustices and hardships which pushed them to surrender, Verbo said.

Also on Sunday, a unity walk participated in by various government agencies, law enforcement groups, local government officials, and other stakeholders was held around the town’s main streets prior to a program at the municipal gymnasium.

The weekend event was themed “Pagkakaisa ng Mamamayan at Pamahalaan Tungo sa Pagbangon, Kapayapaan, at Kaunlaran”.

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

The NDF has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173503

From the Philippine News Agency (May 2, 2022): MILF declares support for 'RoSa' tandem (By Edwin Fernandez)

Moro Islamic Liberation Front chief Ahod 'Murad’ Ebrahim and Davao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte. (Photo courtesy of MILF/Bangsamoro Media Production)

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) said Monday it is backing the candidacy of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte as vice president, days after the group also declared support for the presidential bid of Vice President Leni Robredo.

“Yes, the MILF is supporting Mayor Sara Duterte's vice presidential bid,” lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, secretary-general of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), the MILF’s political group, said in a statement Monday.

Sinarimbo's statement came after MILF chief Ahod “Murad’ Ebrahim, also UBJP president, bared to reporters last week that the party is also backing Mayor Sara.

“We have made commitment kay President Rodrigo Duterte that we will also support the candidacy of his daughter Sara Duterte,” Ebrahim said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173439

From the Philippine News Agency (May 2, 2022): 6ID deploys 400 recruits as peacekeepers in C. Mindanao (By Danilo Adorador, III)

GIVE YOUR BEST. Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID), tells 422 newly-graduated Army personnel to practice what they have learned in their four-month training during graduation ceremonies held Sunday (May 1, 2022) at the 6ID Training School in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao. The new batch of soldiers will be deployed to various units of the 6ID in Central Mindanao. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – The Army’s 6th Infantry Division here started Monday the deployment of 422 newly-enlisted soldiers to different battalions in Central Mindanao.

This came after the closing ceremonies for Candidate Soldier Course (CSC) Classes 673, 674, and 675 were held amid drizzles Sunday at the 6th Division Training School, Barangay Semba, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Army’s 6ID commander, said the recruits will be deployed to help the Army’s peace advocacy and programs throughout its area of operation.

“I expect you to be sturdy, hardworking, and passionate. Remember that we are banking on your capacity to deliver results that will impact the mission of this command and the Philippine Army,” Uy, also the commander of Joint Task Force Central (JTFC), said in a statement Monday.

“Prove yourself worthy of the knowledge and skills imparted to you. Learn to also love your profession and always give your best,” Uy added.

The three groups of candidate soldiers have undergone four-month rigorous training.

They will be deployed in Army units within the area of operation of the 6th ID that includes the provinces of Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, part of North Cotabato, part of Lanao del Sur, and part of Sarangani.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173438

From the Philippine News Agency (May 5, 2022): US military donates ICU beds to Batanes

ICU BEDS. The US Embassy Civil Affairs Team turns over the ICU beds to Batanes provincial officials, led by Governor Marilou Cayco in this undated photo. The ICU beds, which are valued at more than PHP589,000, were CAT’s second donation to Batanes in the past year. (Photo by US Embassy in Manila)

The United States Embassy Civil Affairs Team (CAT) has donated five intensive care unit (ICU) beds to the provincial government of Batanes to support local Covid-19 and disaster response efforts throughout the province.

The ICU beds, which are valued at more than PHP589,000 (USD11,250), were CAT’s second donation to Batanes in the past year. In November 2021, CAT provided a supply of Covid-19 personal protective equipment.

The islands of Batanes are subject to frequent typhoons and occasional earthquakes. Maintaining medical supplies such as ICU beds in the province is an important part of providing immediate care to the local population after natural disasters since Batanes’ remote location can delay the arrival of supplies from outside areas.

“The ICU beds we received from the U.S. Embassy CAT will surely be of great help to our continued Covid-19 [and disaster] response. We are beyond grateful and appreciative of this donation. It’s a testament of your care and concern for our province,” Governor Marilou Cayco said.

“It is my fervent hope that this undertaking will open more windows of opportunity between the people of Batanes and the US Embassy. May this be the start of a harmonious partnership in working toward improving our health and medical facilities,” Cayco added.

“We have been truly impressed by the compassion and resiliency of the Ivatan people. On behalf of the U.S. Embassy, we look forward to our continued collaboration and partnership,” CAT Leader US Army Capt. Arthur Kim said.

Provincial Health Office Director Dr. Allan Sande also thanked CAT for always standing by Batanes and delivering the “timely and relevant support” needed by the province.

“The items we received from the last donation were given at a time when we needed them most. During the first Covid-19 surge in October last year, if not for these bundles of safety items they have given us, it could have been very difficult in the management of community transmission,” Sande said.

The US Embassy CAT was previously known as the Civil-Military Support Element.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173782

From the Philippine News Agency (May 5, 2022): OPAPRU, AFP, MILF sign pact to ensure peaceful, honest 2022 polls (By Lade Jean Kabagani)

PEACEFUL ELECTIONS. The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) sign a “Pledge of Commitment” on April 30, to ensure clean, orderly, and peaceful election in BARMM. The OPAPRU said on Thursday (May 5, 2022) the signing of the pact is another major milestone in the Bangsamoro peace process. (Photo courtesy of OPAPRU)

A clean, orderly and peaceful election is eyed for the Bangsamoro Region with only four days to go before the election day.

This, after the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have forged a “Pledge of Commitment” on Tuesday to ensure a safe and peaceful election in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

In a statement on Thursday, the OPAPRU said the signing of the pact is another major milestone in the Bangsamoro peace process as it was held inside the MILF’s sprawling Camp Bilal in Munai, Lanao del Norte -- which was once considered a major stronghold of the revolutionary group in the province.

Over the past days, the Joint GPH and MILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and the Ad hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) visited several MILF commands and neighboring areas to engage with MILF members.

These visits include a series of dialogues on the agreements contained in the Guidelines for Mutual Understanding signed by the GPH-MILF CCCH on April 30, in relation to the upcoming national and local polls.

Meanwhile, the pledge of commitment contains agreements on the adherence to the ceasefire protocols as stipulated in the operational guidelines of the Agreement on General Cessation of hostilities of 1997 or the Ceasefire Agreement signed between the national government and MILF; avoiding violent or provocative actions that may trigger MILF members, the civilian populace, or the government’s security forces to do the same; and to remain neutral in any political-related engagements on the ground that may lead to conflict situations.

Describing the newly signed commitment as a milestone in the peace process, Galvez cited the huge impact of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) on the promotion and raising of socio-civic awareness for the MILF.

Galvez said this also paved the way for the establishment of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), a political organization formed by the MILF under the leadership of BARMM Interim Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim.

“Kaugnay nito, ay hinihiling namin ang buong-pusong kooperasyon at suporta ng ating mga kapatid na MILF sa darating na halalan. Nawa’y tumulong po tayong lahat upang maisagawa ito ng malinis at maayos (With this, we are asking for the wholehearted cooperation and support from our brothers in MILF in this coming elections. I hope we will all help to push a clean and orderly elections),” he added.

Galvez also encouraged all qualified men and women members of the MILF to join the Philippine National Police force, especially those who have finished their college education.

The National Special Qualifying Eligibility Exam (NSQEE) for National Police Commission (Napolcom) in BARMM will be held on May 29 in Cotabato City.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173775

From the Philippine News Agency (May 5, 2022): Hyundai to build 6 Navy patrol vessels (By Priam Nepomuceno)

PNA file photo

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Thursday said South Korean shipbuilder, Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), has been selected by the Philippine Navy's (PN) technical working group (TWG) for its offshore patrol vessel (OPV) project which will consist of six ships.

"At kamakailan lang napili nila (PN TWG) yung Hyundai ng (South) Korea. Sila rin gumawa ng ating dalawang frigate at gumagawa sila ng dalawang corvette. Ang nakita ng Navy na isang advantage dyan ay iisang system yung mga barko na yan, saka kung kailangan natin ng maintenance o whatever, madaling pumunta dito yung mga South Koreans (And recently, the [PN TWG] has selected Hyundai of [South] Korea. They are the ones who built our [Jose Rizal-class missile frigates], they are also the ones building our two [missile-armed corvettes]. The Navy sees that having [HHI] build all these ships is the similarities in their systems, and if we need to do maintenance or repairs, the South Koreans could easily come)," he said when asked for updates on the OPV project during an interview with government media.

He is also hopeful that the contract will be finalized and signed this month.

"I hope this month magkakaroon ng (there will be a contract (signing) after that or by June. Tignan natin kung maihabol natin bago matapos termino ni Presidente (let us see on whether we can do it before the President ends his term)," Lorenzana added.

The DND earlier said it is now looking for new proponents for the PN's procurement of six OPVs due to pricing issues with Australian shipbuilder Austal.

"Pending our approval of the contract for the purchase, they (Austal) said the cost has increased -- materials, labor and everything. They asked for additional payment. I think our budget is PHP30 billion, they want PHP12 billion more for the six OPVs or they said we can reduce the number from six to five," Lorenzana said.

He added that he can no longer ask the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for additional funding.

However, he also said reducing the number of OPVs to be acquired is not an option for the PN.

"Ang gusto nila (Navy) anim talaga dahil talagang (yun) kailangan natin, so ang ginawa nila ay nakikipag-usap sila ngayon sa mga ibang proponents (na) kayang tugunan without any increase in price or reducing the number of ships (What they really want is six because that is the number they need, so they are now talking with other proponents capable of giving that number without increasing the price or reducing the number of ships)," the DND chief earlier said.

Lorenzana said that shipbuilders from France, Sweden, South Korea, Japan, Turkey and India have expressed interest in the PN's OPV project.

Initially, Australian shipbuilder Austal was believed to be the frontrunner in the OPV project.

Lorenzana, in an earlier statement, said tapping Austal for the project will be greatly advantageous to the country as it will provide jobs to Filipinos as the company has an existing shipyard in Balamban, Cebu which it had acquired from Aboitiz.

This is aside from the transfer of technology which will also be beneficial to the Philippines in the long run, he added. The OPV project is expected to replace the World War II surface assets decommissioned by the Navy.

The DBM already released the funds for the project last year.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173716

From the Philippine News Agency (May 4, 2022): Ex-Defense chief to get Japanese recognition (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

Former Defense Sec. Voltaire Gazmin

The Japanese government is set to confer an imperial award on former Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin for boosting the ties between Tokyo and Manila when he served from 2010 to 2016.

The Japanese Embassy in Manila will confer the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star on Gazmin in a ceremony to be hosted by Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa on May 6.

The embassy said Gazmin's initiative to sign the Memorandum on Defense Cooperation and Exchanges between the Ministry of Defense of Japan and the Department of National Defense (DND) in 2015 as well as the agreement concerning the transfer of defense equipment and technology in 2016 had promoted close relations between the two countries on national defense.

In addition, these "contributed to strengthening Japan and Philippines defense capabilities and improvement of security environment in the region."

"Japan highly valued his effort to support the peace and stability of the Asia Pacific and other regions. The government of Japan extends its sincere congratulations to Lieutenant General Voltaire T. Gazmin (Ret.), and hopes that commends his active role in strengthening the close relationship between our two countries," it said.

The awarding, to be held in Makati City, will be graced by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, the embassy said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173620

From the Philippine News Agency (May 4, 2022): NPAs told to avail of E-CLIP as AFP beefs up offensive (By Priam Nepomuceno)

PNA file photo

As the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) intensifies its operations against the communist terrorist groups to secure the May elections, AFP Chief, Gen. Andres Centino, has urged all remaining rebels to surrender and avail of the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) so that they can live peaceful lives with their families and loved ones.

The AFP chief made this appeal following the death of two New People's Army (NPA) terrorists during an encounter with the 36th Infantry Battalion in Lanuza, Surigao Del Sur last April 29.

"We are saddened by (the lives) wasted because of the senseless armed revolution of the communist NPA terrorists,” he said in a statement late Tuesday.

Centino also renewed his call on other members of the terrorist group to surrender now while they still have a chance. He added the government’s E-CLIP is designed to provide support to NPA rebels who wish to abandon the communist movement and return to their families.

A 36th Infantry Battalion soldier was wounded in the five-minute clash while the bodies of the two slain NPAs were recovered along with their weapons, a 5.56mm assault M-16 rifle and a .45- caliber pistol.

Almost PHP500 million worth of cash assistance has been given to the former rebels (FRs) under E-CLIP, an official of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) earlier said.

Navy Captain Ferdinand Buscato, executive director of Task Force Balik-Loob and representative of E-CLIP and Amnesty Clusters of NTF-ELCAC, said a total of 20,579 FRs have surrendered to the government from July 2016 to November 2021.

Buscato said since the creation of NTF-ELCAC through Executive Order No. 80 in 2018, a total of 3,751 FRs have been given livelihood assistance worth PHP50,000 each (PHP187.2 million) while 6,171 received immediate assistance amounting to PHP15,000 each (PHP92.46 million).

He said the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has also extended reintegration assistance worth PHP96.6 million and firearms remuneration worth PHP109 million to former members of the NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

“[That’s] for a total of halos kalahating bilyon na po ang binayad ng DILG para po sa ating mga former rebels (almost half a billion [pesos] were given by the DILG for our former rebels),” Buscato said.

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

The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the National Democratic Front as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and separate part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173604

From the Philippine News Agency (May 4, 2022): NTF-ELCAC warns poll bets vs. paying NPA permits

Secretary Hermogenes C. Esperon Jr., National Security Adviser and Vice-Chairperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (File photo)

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) has warned candidates in the national and local elections that they risk disqualification if they collaborate with communist terrorist groups (CTGs) by paying the so-called permit to win (PTW) and permit to campaign (PTC) fees of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army - National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

The NTF-ELCAC issued the warning after PTW and PTC were declared illegal by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

In a statement on May 2, Secretary Hermogenes Esperon Jr., National Security Adviser and Vice-Chairperson of the NTF-ELCAC, said: “We salute the Comelec en banc for keeping our elections clean, honest, and peaceful by keeping the CPP-NPA-NDF from interfering in the electoral processes.”

“The Comelec has spoken. The PTW and PTC extortion schemes of the CPP-NPA-NDF and their allied front organizations are prohibited, outlawed, and illegal,” Esperon said.

He added that “the CPP-NPA-NDF has no place in our electoral processes. These terrorists must not be allowed to interfere in the Filipino people's right to suffrage” or “to capitalize on the elections in order to sabotage the government from within.”

He said any candidate in the national and local elections who shall pay the PTW and the PTC to the CPP-NPA-NDF and their front organizations “commit the highest form of betrayal against the Filipino people,” “of the public trust,” and “of our constitution”, and is a ground for disqualification.

He said such payment “tarnishes the memory of all those who have perished in the struggle of the Filipino people against the reign of terror and violence waged by the CPP-NPA-NDF.”

Comelec Resolution No. 22-0179 deemed these acts of the CTGs as vote-buying and voter coercion, election offenses that are penalized under Section 261 (a) and (e) of the Omnibus Election Code.

The Comelec said paying the PTW and PTC fees to the CPP-NPA-NDF is an act of vote-buying on the part of the candidate, a ground for the disqualification pursuant to Section 68 (a) and (b) of the Omnibus Election Code.

The payment of PTW or PTC fees to the CPP-NPA-NDF or their front organization also constitutes financing of terrorism and acts providing material support to terrorists, punishable under Section 4 of R.A. No. 10168 or the Anti-Terror Financing Act of 2012 and R.A. 11479, Section 12 of the Anti-Terror Act of 2020.

If such a candidate has been elected, the Comelec resolution said the candidate may be disqualified from holding office.

On the other hand, the CPP-NPA-NDF may be held liable for vote-selling aside from the fact that such acts of extortion are tantamount to terrorism.

While assuring the public of the NTF-ELCAC’s “commitment to uphold the rule of law” during the elections, Esperon added that the government believes that the CPP-NPA-NDF and their allied front organizations are “coming to an end.”

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173616

From the Philippine News Agency (May 6, 2022): Anti-terror law effective gov’t tool to dismantle CTGs: Duterte (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

President Rodrigo Duterte (File photo)

The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 serves as an effective tool of the government in dismantling communist terrorist groups (CTGs), President Rodrigo Duterte said.

“It would be easier now really to just… ‘Yung [law against] terrorism, it’s actually a vehicle for fighting the rebels who are out to destroy the government,” Duterte told Pastor Apollo Quiboloy in a prerecorded interview aired over SMNI on Friday.

Duterte said communist insurgency had thrived for over 50 years because the country, prior to the signing of Republic Act (RA) 11479, has ineffective laws against terrorism.

He said the anti-terror law is a “desperate measure” to stop communism in the country.

“We are the only country actually fighting insurgency dito sa (here in) Asia. Tayo na lang (It’s just our country). For 53 years, wala talaga because our legal system sa atin, ‘yun nga, ‘yung nasa terrorism law, nakalagay diyan ‘yung mga bagay-bagay na (because of our legal system and the provisions under our previous terrorism law) make it hard for us really to dismantle them,” he said.

Under RA 11479, those who are part of the planning and training for the commission of terrorism will face life imprisonment sans the benefit of parole and the benefits provided under RA 10592 or the Good Conduct Time Allowance Law.

The anti-terror law also warns that any person who threatens to commit terror acts or proposes to commit or join terror acts will face a 12-year imprisonment.

Duterte lamented that guerilla fronts of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), “bereft of any ideology,” keep on waging a war against the government while its leaders live a “comfortable life” at the expense of deceived guerillas.

“Itong mga regulars nila sa main guerilla units, kayong mga sundalo na NPA, nagpapakamatay kayo para sa isang grupo na humawak ng ideolohiya noon at hanggang ngayon pinapaniwalaan pa ninyo. Anong nakuha mo (The regulars of main guerilla units, the NPA rebels, are sacrificing their lives for a group without an ideology yet they still trust them. What do they get from it)?” he said.

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

The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the NDF as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173879

From the Philippine News Agency (May 6, 2022): AFP gets Beechcraft Hawker transport aircraft from SMC (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of PAF

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday formally turned over a Beechcraft Hawker 800XP transport aircraft donated by conglomerate San Miguel Corporation (SMC), to the Philippine Air Force (PAF) to be used for their command-and-control and transport missions.

"A formal acceptance, turnover, and blessing ceremony was presided over by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City. He was joined by SMC Chief Executive Officer, Ramon Ang," AFP public affairs office chief Col. Jorry Baclor said in a statement Friday.

The Beechcraft Hawker 800XP is a mid-size twinjet corporate aircraft acquired by SMC in 2022. It was donated to the Department of National Defense (DND) and turned over to the AFP.

A ceremonial champagne pouring and turnover of documents to the AFP highlighted the activity. AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Andres Centino received the documents on behalf of the Armed Forces.

Also present during the ceremony were PAF chief Lt. Gen. Connor Anthony Canlas, Air Logistics Command head Maj. Gen. Florante Amano and Air Mobility Command commander Brig. Gen. Joannis Leonardi Dimaano.

"The PAF will utilize the (Beechcraft) Hawker 800XP as a Command and Control Aircraft. It will work in tandem or as an alternative system to the Gulfstream G280 acquired by the AFP in 2020," Baclor said.

The aircraft will likewise be operated by the 250th Presidential Airlift Wing.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173802

From the Philippine News Agency (May 6, 2022): Sandigan affirms jail term for PVAO staff in check scam (By Benjamin Pulta)

Sandiganbayan (File photo)

The Sandiganbayan sentenced a former employee of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) to up to eight years in prison for his involvement in the irregular disbursement of checks to his uncle, as well as deceased and fictitious beneficiaries.

Leomar Basuel was also ordered by the anti-graft court’s Fourth Division to pay PHP474,259 in a decision promulgated on April 27 and published online Friday.

Also affirmed was the QC court’s sentence of disqualification from public office.

The Sandiganbayan affirmed the decision of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 88 against Basuel who, in 1995, took part in encoding and printing pension checks without any legal basis or authority when he was still with the PVAO’s Management Information System Group.

He claimed he made the supplementary checks without any memorandum order because he wanted to help an uncle.

However, aside from his uncle, the investigation showed that Basuel also processed checks for recipients who were already deceased or fictitious.

The Court said Basuel “encoded the entries with a furtive design and not by mistake as he deliberately failed to observe the regular internal procedure” of his office and “encoded such entries knowing that some of the pensioners were already deceased and that he even made fictitious names as payees in the subject checks”.

“His acts were tantamount to evident bad faith as he orchestrated a wrongdoing with a fraudulent intent,” it added.

Out of the 30 counts of violation of the anti-graft law (Republic Act No. 3019), the Court affirmed Basuel’s conviction in 12 and cleared the other 18 as there was no proof that they were actually encashed or negotiated by the payees.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173803

From the Philippine News Agency (May 6, 2022): NPA medical officer yields to Caraga cops (By Alexander Lopez)

Graphics courtesy of Police Regional Office-13.

A New People’s Army (NPA) medic has surrendered to the Army's 1303rd Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion in Agusan del Sur, the Police Regional Office in Caraga (PRO-13) reported on Friday.

In a press statement, PRO-13 director, Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr. identified the NPA medic only as "Jovelyn", 37.

“Alias Jovelyn surrendered on Thursday in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur,” Caramat said, adding the NPA medic also handed over to authorities a .357 revolver.

Jovelyn worked full-time with the weakened Guerrilla Front 14 (GF-14) of the NPA before she surrendered, he said.

“Alias Jovelyn was one of the victims who reached the point of self-realization that she had gained nothing but undeserved struggle and suffering in the mountains while at the hands of the terrorist group,” Caramat said.

He also urged the remaining members of GF-14 to surrender and avail of the government's programs and services for former rebels.

“There is still hope for a better tomorrow if you choose to renounce the armed struggle and surrender to the government,” Caramat said.

Jovelyn was placed under the custody of 1303rd Maneuver Company for proper documentation and custodial debriefing.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173852

From the Philippine News Agency (May 6, 2022): Army assures public safety amid grenade attack in Cotabato City (By Edwin Fernandez)

GRENADE ATTACK. Policemen inspect the fishing boat moored at Tamontaka river in Barangay Kalanganan 2, Cotabato City, that was damaged on May 4, 2022 by a grenade blast. Nobody was hurt in the incident. (Photo courtesy of the 6th Infantry Division)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – The military assured the public Friday that security forces remain in control amid the grenade attack in Cotabato City late Wednesday.

Unidentified men lobbed a fragmentation grenade on a moored fishing boat along Tamontaka River around 6:40 p.m. Nobody was hurt but the seacraft was damaged.

The fishing boat is owned by a certain Datu Manot Sinsuat, a resident of Datu Blah Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

Colonel Jose Ambrosio Rustia, commander of Joint Task Group Kutawato, said boat skipper Mustapha Katug Molo and some of his crew members saw the two unidentified persons toss the explosive.

“The boat captain and his crew were off the boat preparing dinner in the covered hall about 30 meters away. The motive of the incident is still to be determined,” Rustia said.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force (JTF)-Central commander, strongly condemned the grenade attack.

“We condemn the grenade throwing as a terror act that led to damage to property. We, the government security forces, especially the JTF-Central, will not waver in our efforts to continue our mandated duty to protect the lives and properties of the residents of Cotabato City and Central Mindanao,” Uy said.

He added: “Rest assured that the JTF-Central and the 6ID will double our efforts to bring about peace and security, especially in the upcoming elections."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173821

From the Philippine News Agency (May 6, 2022): MILF declares support for 12 senatorial bets (By Edwin Fernandez)

MILF CANDIDATES. Moro Islamic Liberation Front chairperson and United Bangsamoro Justice Party president Ahod Ebrahim speaks to supporters during a party gathering ahead of Monday's national and local elections. MILF announces Friday (May 6, 2022) the names of 12 senatorial aspirants it would support in the polls. (Photo courtesy of Moro Islamic Front Organization)

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front's (MILF) political arm, the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), announced Friday their support for 12 senatorial candidates for Monday’s national and local elections.

Joining the country’s electoral process for the first time in history, MILF has earlier endorsed the candidacy of presidential aspirant and Vice President Leni Robredo and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte for vice president.

In a statement, Ahod Ebrahim, UBJP president, said consensus was reached to support the candidacy of 12 senatorial aspirants, one of whom is the son of former President Joseph Estrada.

It was Estrada who ordered the infamous “all out war” against the MILF in 2000.

Ebrahim, also chief minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), named the 12 UBJP-backed senatoriables: Juan Miguel Zubiri, actor Robin Padilla, Sherwin Gatchalian, Riza Hontiveros, Joel Villanueva, Richard Gordon, Loren Legarda, Mark Villar, Samira Gutoc, Chel Diokno, Herbert Bautista, and JV Ejercito.

Among the UBJP's criteria in choosing a candidate is the commitment to "protect and preserve the gains of the Bangsamoro peace process."

“The United Bangsamoro Justice Party is committed to protecting the Bangsamoro people and safeguard the gains of the Bangsamoro peace process,” UBJP said in a statement Friday.

“We join everyone in praying for safe, clean, peaceful and honest elections,” it added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173815