Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events

From the Mindanao Times (May 16, 2022): Rebel captured, 2 surrendered, reports military (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

THE military reported that a top official of the New People’s Army was captured in Davao Oriental, while two others surrendered in Agusan del Sur on May 12.

Captured in Brgy. Simulao, Boston, Davao Oriental was Cayetano Santos Jr., squad leader under Regional Operations Command and Regional Headquarters of the NPA, while those who gave up were Jessica Q Agustin, a medical staff of the Sub-Regional Sentro de Grabidad Southland (SRSDG-SL) of the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee, and Romel O. Damarillos, a member of the Squad 2 of the same group.

Based on the report, members of the 10th Infantry Division and the local police collared Santos along with an anti-personnel mine. He also yielded a Carbine rifle, a Garand rifle, a shotgun, a grenade launcher, a sub-machine gun and another rifle.

Based on the report, Santos decided to lie low because he could hardly walk after leaving his group in Brgy. Badiangon, Arakan, North Cotabato in 2018.

A composite team among members of the military units and local police forces under the supervision of the 701st Infantry Brigade launched an operation against him that resulted in his arrest.

Major Gen. Nolasco Mempin, 10th Infantry Division commander, commended the team for the success of the operation.

Rebels who have yet to surrender, Mempin said,” cannot forever stay in your hideout.”

“Surrender now while you still have a chance, don’t wait for the government forces to catch you,” he said.

In the case of Agustin and Damarillos, they decided to surrender to the Third Special Forces Battalion following a series of encounters in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur

First Lieutenant Kirk Lee Amigos, Civil-Military Operation officer of the battalion, said the two also brought with them a rifle and a handgun.

Amigos said the two were part of the group that clashed with soldiers in Surigao Del Sur.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2022/05/16/rebel-captured-2-surrendered-reports-military/

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 15, 2022): Two NPAs return to the folds of law in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur

Lianga, Surigao Del Sur After a series of encounters between the government forces and the Communist-Terrorist Group (CTG) in the hinterlands of Sitio Panucmoan, Barangay Diatagon, Surigao del Sur, two (2) members of the Sub-Regional Sentro de Grabidad Southland (SRSDG-SL), Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) surrendered to the 8th Special Forces Company of the 3rd Special Forces (Arrowhead) Battalion last May 12, 2022, at Barangay Libertad, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

Jessica Q Agustin, also known as @Apple, is a Medical Staff of SRSDG-SL and Romel O Damarillos, also known as @Kim-J, belongs to Squad 2 of the same CTG unit, surrendered with one caliber.30 M1 Carbine and Cal. 38 snub-nosed revolver.

Aside from the relentless combat operations that keep them on the run, the seemingly futile armed struggle and uncovered deceptions prompted them to surrender. They further revealed that the group’s abuses such as looting of farm products and harvests of the poor farmers in the hinterlands and their leaders mismanagement of their finances made them realize that they belonged to a group of bandits if not terrorists that are contrary to the propagated delusive ideals that enticed them to join the CTG. The terrible experience they suffered from their deceitful comrades forced them to denounce the deceptive ideologies of the CPP-NPA-NDF.

Lieutenant Colonel Gernale, Commanding Officer of the 3rd SF Battalion, is pleading the families of the remaining active members of the CPP-NPA to convince their loved ones to surrender and establish a strong and happy family so that together we can establish a strong and undivided nation.

The surrenderers are now under the custody of the 3rd SF Battalion for debriefing and will subsequently be enrolled in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integrated Program (E-CLIP) to receive financial and livelihood assistance from the Local Government.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/two-npas-return-to-the-folds-of-law-in-prosperidad-agusan-del-sur/

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 15, 2022): Former NPA Child Warrior Receives Financial Assistance

CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela- A former NPA child warrior received financial assistance from the Commission on Human Rights on Thursday, May 12, 2022 at Camp Melchor F Dela Cruz, Upi, Gamu, Isabela.

Atty Jimmy Baliga, Regional Director of CHR 02 personally awards the cheque amounting P10,000 to alias Rasib. “Isa lamang si alyas Rasib sa mga benepisyaryo ng ating programa na layuning makapagbigay ng tulong sa mga indibidwal lalo na sa mga kabataan natin na nakaranas ng Human Rights Violation. Asahan ninyo, na kaagapay ninyo ang aming Kagawaran sa pangangalaga ng karapatang pantao ng sinuman lalo na ng mga biktima ng teroristang NPA.”

Alias Rasib was only 12 years old when he was used as a courier and eventually recruited by his uncle as an armed member in 2005. According to him, his uncle promised to send him school and help his family with their daily needs if he will join the terrorist group. At his will in helping his family he was convinced to hold firearms and revolt against the goverment until 2007.
“Sobrang hirap po talaga sa loob. Wala naman akong magawa kundi sundin ang kagustuhan nila dahil tinatakot nila ako at binabantaan ang aking pamilya. Pero nung nakakita ako ng pagkakataong tumakas, tinatagan ko na ang loob ko at nagpapasalamat ako sa kasundaluhan natin na nag assist po talaga sakin para makapagbagong buhay.”

The beneficiary also added that the financial assistance he received will be for their daily necessities. “Napakarami na pong tulong ang natanggap ko sa ating gobyerno. At itong bigay ng Commission on Human Rights ay idagdag ko upang makatulong sa pang araw-araw naming gastusin ng aking pamilya.”

Note that, last month, four former NPA child warriors were also awarded 10,000 pesos each by the CHR at 17th Infantry Battalion Headquarters, Bangag, Lal-lo, Cagayan.

[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/former-npa-child-warrior-receives-financial-assistance/

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 15, 2022): PAYING LAST RESPECTS TO FALLEN ENEMY: 53IB, Dumingag MTF-ELCAC Facilitate Return of Abandoned, Killed NPA to Family

The Philippine Army’s 53rd Infantry “Matapat” Battalion (53IB) and Dumingag Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) facilitated the return of a fallen NPA terrorist to his family residing in Barangay Dapiwak, Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur on May 14, 2022.

Rolando Maglasang aka Mobin, the former commander of the defunct Guerilla Front-BBC of the CPP-NPA’s Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC), was abandoned by his comrades following an armed encounter with government troops last May 12, 2022.

In a statement, 53IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col
Jo-ar Herrera thanked the MTF-ELCAC for the efforts to return Mobin to his family.

“Our humanity and professionalism do not stop even after our enemy is neutralized. Even though they’re dead, we still accord them respect,” said Lt. Col. Herrera.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, Commander, 102nd Infantry (IGSOON) Brigade condemned the blatant disrespect of the CTGs for basic human rights.

“This is the treacherous tactics of the leadership of these CTGs, they abandon their fallen comrades just to save themselves from the might and power of our government forces,” said Brig. Gen. Nicolas.

Dumingag MTF-ELCAC Chairperson and Mayor Joan Abejuela said that the municipality, through its counterinsurgency action plan dubbed as ‘Oplan Amuma,’ will support Mobin’s bereaved family.
“The Dumingag MTF-ELCAC will always support our troops and look for possible interventions to support Mobin’s family,” said Mayor Abejuela.

[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/paying-last-respects-to-fallen-enemy-53ib-dumingag-mtf-elcac-facilitate-return-of-abandoned-killed-npa-to-family/

From the Philippine News Agency (May 22, 2022): NPA commander yields 6 days after wife’s surrender in Bukidnon

REUNITED. “Ka Jayto” (left), a New People’s Army member for 10 years, sees his wife and child again after surrendering to the Philippine Army’s 16th Infantry Battalion under the 402nd Infantry Brigade in Malitbog, Bukidnon on May 18, 2022. His wife and rebel medic, “Renchie”, surrendered six days earlier and facilitated Ka Jayto’s return to the fold of the law. (Photo courtesy of PA 6IB)

A New People’s Army (NPA) commander yielded to the 16th Infantry Battalion (16IB) under the 402nd Infantry Brigade in Barangay Kiabo in Malitbog, Bukidnon on May 18, or six days after the surrender of his wife.

Following successive focused military operations and intensified intelligence operations, 26-year-old alias Ka Jayto, commander of the SRSDG EAGLES, Sub-regional committee 1 of the NPA's Northern Central Mindanao Regional Committee for four years and considered a high-value individual, also yielded to authorities, the 16IB said in a news release on Sunday.

His wife, "Renchie", a medic of the same committee, returned to the fold of the law on May 12 due to post-natal demands, coupled with sleepless nights, fatigue, and extreme hunger.

She has resolved on fostering a nurturing environment to raise her child away from violence, which she said is the only thing the NPA offers.

Renchie convinced Jayto to surrender and coordinated with the 16IB.

Similar to Renchie’s reasons for leaving the armed struggle, Jayto said that his longing to be reunited with his wife and child fueled his courage to leave the mountains.

After being a government enemy for 10 years, he told authorities he has realized the deceptions and propaganda of the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

The family is currently under the custody of the Army as it undergoes the usual process for returning rebels.

The 16IB is providing initial assistance, such as livelihood aid and skills training, and enrollment to the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip) to enable them to start anew.

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 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/1175060

From the Philippine News Agency (May 22, 2022): Army unearths NPA arms cache in Bukidnon (By Che Palicte)

ARMS CACHE. Troops from the 72nd Infantry Battalion discover an arms cache owned by the New People's Army in Barangay Sinaysayan, Kitaotao, Bukidnon on May 20, 2022. Various high-powered firearms were unearthed based on the tip of a former rebel. (Photo courtesy of 72IB)

The Army's 10th Infantry Division (10ID) reported Sunday that its troops unearthed an arms cache containing high-powered firearms and war materiel in Barangay Sinaysayan, Kitaotao, Bukidnon on May 20.

In a statement, the 10ID said two M16 A1rifles, two M4 carbines, one M653 rifle, one M14 rifle, four M16 magazines, and four bandoliers were recovered by members of the 72nd Infantry Battalion (72IB) stationed in Arakan, North Cotabato.

Lt. Col. Jose Regonay Jr., commander of the 72IB, said the location of the arms cache was revealed by Mayunie Man-inday Sayad (alias King), 31, a former full-time member of Guerrilla Front 57 of the New People's Army (NPA).

Sayad surrendered to the 72IB on May 19 because of hunger caused by sustained military operations.

Regonay said that based on the accounts of Sayad, the firearms were buried due to exhaustion of constantly carrying them around when they flee from government operations.

The village is inhabited by about 920, according to the latest population data.

Maj. Gen. Nolasco Mempin, 10ID commander, lauded the 72IB for its relentless effort to end the communist insurgency in their area of operations.

He also thanked the community, especially local leaders, for supporting government forces.

“To the remaining communist NPA terrorists, we again call for your surrender. Just like Sayad, you can choose to peacefully surrender and avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip)," Mempin said in a statement, while warning NPA remnants that the 10ID will use its might to end their atrocities.

E-Clip helps former rebels and their non-armed supporters, Militia ng Bayan, restore allegiance to government and be reintegrated back to the community, be with their families, and start normal lives again with various livelihood assistance and financial aid.

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 Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the National Democratic Front 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/1175054

From the Philippine News Agency (May 22, 2022): Army official hopes next admin will sustain NTF-ELCAC gains (By Che Palicte)

ANTI-INSURGENCY EFFORTS. Brig. Gen. Jesus Durante III, commander of the Army’s 1001st Infantry Brigade, said in an interview Saturday (May 21, 2022) that they hope the next administration will continue the programs started by the Duterte administration. He cited insurgency and peace and security problems as among the issues that President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. must prioritize. (PNA photo by Che Palicte)

President Rodrigo Duterte will be best remembered for addressing peace and order issues and eradicating insurgency, areas that the incoming administration should also prioritize.

Brig. Gen. Jesus Durante III, commander of the Army’s 1001st Infantry Brigade (1001st IBde), said they are optimistic that President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will have a similar strong stand against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

In an interview Saturday afternoon, Durante cited the success of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

“Through the NTF-ELCAC’s Barangay Development Program (BDP), we were able to bring down government-supported projects down to the barangay (village) level, even to the sitio (sub-villages),” he added.

A hallmark program of NTF-ELCAC with the end goal of bringing development to former conflict-prone communities, the BDP forms part of the government’s whole-of-nation approach to fight insurgency in the countryside.

The program aims to eradicate the root causes of the insurgency -- poverty, disease, lack of education and opportunities, and social injustice that force far-flung communities to join armed groups.

“That is the biggest contribution of the NTF-ELCAC. In every barangay that we clear from insurgency, that’s where the development projects come in. The community felt that the government is really working,” Durante said.

Under the BDP, each recipient village will spend the PHP20 million to fund farm-to-market roads, school buildings, water and sanitation systems, reforestation and national greening program, and health centers.

“The NTF-ELCAC compels all local government units to cooperate because the peace and order problem is actually a local problem. What’s important is the commitment and dedication of all the mayors in the area,” Durante added.

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 inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1175046

From the Philippine News Agency (May 21, 2022): NPA leader abandons comrades with P6-M cash (By Che Palicte)

SEIZED THE MONEY. Brig. Gen. Jesus Durante III, commander of 1001st Infantry Brigade, discloses on Saturday (May 21, 2022) that Eric Jun Casilao alias "Elian" or "Wally," the secretary of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC), has abandoned his comrades and fled with the party's money worth PHP6 million. He said Casilao is no longer thinking about the welfare of the armed group and prioritizes extortion activities. (PNA photo by Che Palicte)

An official of the Army's 1001st Infantry Brigade (IB) confirmed Saturday that the top leader of the New People's Army (NPA) has abandoned his comrades and fled with the party's money worth PHP6 million.

Brig. Gen. Jesus Durante III, commander of 1001IB, said in an interview that Eric Jun Casilao alias "Elian" or "Wally," secretary of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) reportedly left the municipality of Maragusan in this province in April.

"Based on the revelations of the surrenderers, Casilao together with alias "Oly" and another female left them. Now, they don't know what is his plan for SMRC,"he added.

Durante said the surrenderers, whose number they did not reveal and when they yielded, added that Casilao only gave them PHP5,000 each and then fled.

"No, we're not losing hope, we will continue monitoring him through his common friends and maybe his acquaintances. We believe he's still in Davao Region, so it's a matter of time," Durante said.

He assured if they get confirmation of his whereabouts, their troops are ready to take action against Casilao.

"Our troops is still deployed in Maragusan and New Bataan right now to neutralize remaining members of Guerilla Front 2. But for 'Elian', we have joint efforts with Philippine National Police and other major stakeholders for his detection and apprehension," he added.

"Elian is making a business out of the armed group. He only thinks about money now," he added.

Durante said the military is trying its best to neutralize Elian at all costs before the new administration comes in.

In January, the government offered a PHP5.4 million bounty for Casilao who is tagged as the successor of slain Menandro Villanueva alias “Bok."

Villanueva, the longest-serving secretary of the NPA's SMRC and concurrent secretary of the Komisyon Mindanao (Kommid), commanding officer of the NPA’s National Operations Command (NOC), and member of the POLITBURO of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), was killed in an encounter with military forces on January 5 in Davao de Oro.

Casilao is facing criminal charges for kidnapping, serious illegal detention, and two counts of murder.

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 Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the National Democratic Front 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/1175033

From the Philippine News Agency (May 21, 2022): 231 aspiring soldiers begin training in Maguindanao (By Edwin Fernandez)

READY TO SERVE. Aspiring soldiers march during a welcome ceremony at the 6th Infantry Division parade grounds in Camp Gen. Gonzalo Siongco in Barangay Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao on Friday afternoon (May 20, 2022). They will be based at the 6th Division Training School where they will undergo a four-month training. (Photo courtesy of 6th Infantry Division-PIO)

The Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division (ID) has started training 231 aspiring soldiers at the 6th Division Training School in Barangay Semba, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

They belong to the Candidate Soldier Course Class 732-2022 and will undergo a four-month rigorous training after passing the physical, medical, neurological, and psychological examinations.

“The training will transform them into reliable, responsive, and committed enlisted personnel of the Philippine Army,” Brig. Gen. Eduardo Gubat, 6ID assistant division commander, said in a statement on Saturday. “They will be taught the basic foundations of soldiery and the Army’s core values of being the future defenders of the nation.”

He advised them to be strong, humble, hard-working, and passionate.

“Remember that being a trainee is challenging, and you need to be at your best physical and mental state in order for you not only to survive but to exemplify professionalism and excellence as you go along in the military service,” he told the aspiring soldiers, 24 of them females, during the welcome ceremony at Camp Gen. Gonzalo Siongco on Friday.

Gubat said the life of a soldier will start when they confront the perils and challenges of real combat.

“It will all depend on how they will be able to responsively and effectively perform their respective duties,” Gubat added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1175019

From the Philippine News Agency (May 21, 2022): 11 NPA rebels surrender in North Cotabato (By Edwin Fernandez)

EMPTY PROMISES. Eleven New People's Army (NPA) rebels surrender on Friday (May 20, 2022) in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato due to empty promises of the terrorist organization. The surrenderers denounced, torched NPA flags and pledged allegiance to the Philippine flag. (Photo courtesy of the Army's 602nd Infantry Brigade)

Empty promises by the New People’s Army (NPA) have pushed 11 NPA rebels to surrender Friday to government authorities in North Cotabato, officials said.

The NPA surrenderers claimed they belonged to front-line groups of Bayan Muna, Gabriela, and United Small Farmers Association of Barangay Midpapan, Pigcawayan, North Cotabato.

“We want to live normal lives where we are no longer afraid to see or meet government forces anytime and anywhere,” one of the surrenderers identified only as “Ka Aming” said in the vernacular.

The surrenderers also denounced their former groups, set ablaze their movements' flags, and pledged allegiance to the Philippine flag.

They turned over assorted firearms to the military.

Colonel Jovencio Gonzales, Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade commander, presented the NPA surrenderers to Mayor Jean Dino Roquero of Pigcawayan town.

Roquero vowed to help the former NPA rebels as well as facilitate their livelihood assistance from the government.

Gonzales urged other rebels to surrender and avail of the peace package of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Since January, around 70 NPA rebels have surrendered to the government with the areas of operation of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-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 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/1175020

From the Philippine News Agency (May 20, 2022): Soldiers save wounded, abandoned NPA leader in Agusan Norte (By Alexander Lopez)

SAVED BY SOLDIERS. Wounded rebel leader Elgelbert Bongaos, a squad leader of a New People's Army unit under the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee, is being treated in a hospital in Agusan del Norte after being rescued by government forces following a skirmish Thursday (May 19, 2022). Bongaos, who was abandoned by fleeing comrades during the firefight, was handed over to Police Regional Office-13 after receiving treatment. (Photo courtesy of 29IB)

Government troopers have rescued a wounded communist New People's Army (NPA) squad leader abandoned by his comrades following a skirmish in the Agusan del Norte town of Jabonga, the Army’s 29th Infantry Battalion (29IB) said Friday.

In a statement, the 29IB said troops were engaging the rebels in a running gun battle in the hinterlands of Barangay Bangonay in Jabonga on Thursday when the rescue took place.

"Our troops were scouring the perimeter of the enemies’ lair when they found a wounded NPA rebel hiding behind a huge rock," 29IB said, identifying the insurgent as Elgelbert Bongaos.

Bongaos, a squad leader of an NPA unit under the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee, was immediately evacuated to the nearest medical facility, 29IB said.

The rebels, according to the 29IB, were headed by Rolando Leyson Jr., the group's front secretary.

"Bongaos was abandoned by his fleeing comrades during the firefight,"the 29IB said.

It also described Bongaos as a "notorious NPA leader" operating in Agusan del Norte and the nearby towns in the Caraga Region.

“He (Bongaos) is facing multiple charges for alleged commission of heinous crimes with arrest warrants issued against him for multiple attempted murder, multiple attempted homicide, kidnapping, and serious illegal detention,” 29IB said.

After his treatment, Bongaos was handed over to the intelligence division of the Police Regional Office in Caraga.

Colonel Jason Saldua, the 29IB commander, said the treatment given to Bongaos was consistent with the Army's adherence to International Humanitarian Law.

“We want the rebels to realize how we treat them concerning their human rights, especially those who wish to surrender, as we treat the wounded even during armed conflicts,” Saldua said.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA (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 Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the NDF 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/1174978

From the Philippine News Agency (May 20, 2022): Army eyes 81 N. Samar villages be NPA-free by end of May (By Sarwell Meniano)

ANTI-NPA. Residents of Las Navas, Northern Samar join a rally on May 19, 2022 condemning the New People's Army (NPA). The support from communities has raised the confidence of the Philippine Army to clear some Northern Samar villages from the influence of the communist terrorist group. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

The Philippine Army is optimistic to clear by the end of May some 81 remote villages in Northern Samar from the infiltration of the New People’s Army (NPA), an official said on Friday.

Lt. Col. Joemar Buban, commander of the Philippine Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion, said hundreds of NPA supporters have surrendered to government forces this year and joined the peace and development efforts.

“We are on track in our clearing efforts since the communist terrorist group has been losing support from these communities. We still have to further validate before issuing the declaration,” Buban said in a phone interview.

These far-flung villages are in the towns of Las Navas, Catubig, Mapanas, Gamay, Lapinig, Palapag, and Laoang.

“Cleared means that all supporters in a village have already surrendered. Sightings are still expected since they will attempt to return, but we have soldiers and trained Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit in the area to neutralize them,” Buban told the Philippine News Agency.

Citing accounts of former rebels who recently surrendered, the official said there are only 30 active NPA fighters roaming around in these seven Northern Samar towns.

Buban said the NPA has been trying to project that they are strong by using their supporters in extortion activities outside of their hometowns and planting anti-personnel mines.

“The NPA resorts to use of banned explosives since they have no capability to face soldiers in an armed encounter. You will notice that recent encounters only last for few minutes since NPA fighters are outnumbered,” he added.

Northern Samar is considered the hotbed of the communist terrorist group due to its thick forest and poor road networks.

The NPA organization has been attempting to control some remote areas in Northern Samar since it is one of their fund sources for their armed struggle, according to Buban.

The army official estimated that the terrorist group has been raising PHP1.9 million monthly from the province through extortion from farmers, some businessmen, and government project contractors.

The high incidence of poverty in Northern Samar makes people in upland communities vulnerable to the persuasion of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

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 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/1174930

From the Philippine News Agency (May 20, 2022): Army honors soldier killed while securing road project (By Sarwell Meniano)

SACRIFICE. Soldiers load a body of a trooper killed in an attack by the New People's Army in Laoang, Northern Samar on May 21, 2019. The military has built a flagpole inside a school where Sgt. Alex Saliwan was slain to honor his sacrifice. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

The Philippine Army has built a flagpole in Laoang, Northern Samar to honor a soldier killed in an attack by the communist terrorist group in 2019 while securing a key infrastructure project.

The Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion will inaugurate the flagpole on Saturday inside the campus of EJ Dulay National High School in Laoang, the site where Sgt. Alex Saliwan was fatally shot while fighting off around 50 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels.

During the attack, the school was the temporary patrol base of soldiers tasked to secure the Korean-funded Samar Pacific Coastal Road Project. Two NPA rebels were also killed during the 30-minute clash.

“In the third death anniversary of Saliwan, we will remember him for sacrificing his life while doing critical infrastructure protection and security operations,” 20th Infantry Battalion spokesperson 2nd Lt. Joyce Ann Bayron said in a phone interview on Friday.

Bayron said road projects are considered by the communist terrorist group as a setback in their goal to advance their armed struggle as communities with poor access are considered vulnerable to the persuasion of the NPA.

The Communist Party of the Philippines (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 inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1174931

From the Philippine News Agency (May 19, 2022): YDT, CAT to mold youth’s physical, mental resilience: DepEd exec (By John Rey Saavedra)

CITIZENS ARMY TRAINING. A high school student of the Cebu Institute of Technology-University stands in attention in this undated photo. Department of Education (DepEd)-Central Visayas regional director Salustiano Jimenez on Thursday (May 19, 2022) said the Youth Development Training and Citizens Army Training molds the youth to become physically and morally resilient and equip them with necessary skills. (PNA photo by John Rey Saavedra)

The top education official in Region 7 on Thursday said he is in favor of reviving the Youth Development Training (YDT) and Citizens Army Training (CAT) in high school, saying it will mold the youth’s resiliency towards physical and mental challenges.

Salustiano Jimenez, Department of Education (DepEd)-Central Visayas regional director, said in a radio interview these types of training will also equip the future generation with the necessary skills to face any forms of challenges and adversities in life.

He sees YDT and CAT as morale boosters for the younger citizens, as these service training on high school campuses will mold a nationalistic and patriotic citizenry.

In 1973, YDT was offered for 1st year to 3rd year high school students while CAT was for the 4th year.

Jimenez said students who underwent YDT and CAT were found to be more physically and morally resilient.

“It is not necessary that we will all be serving the military. But in our personal capacity, in our family, the training that we went through can be useful, like me as a father, as a family man, and as an official of the government. I hope that my kids will experience the same training that I got,” Jimenez said, adding that he noticed his children who have not experienced YDT or CAT would easily get tired.

The said training will equip the younger sector with the mechanisms to cope with the challenges in life and avoid being “demoralized or being toppled down by the crisis,” he added.

Jimenez's remarks came amid talks on the revival of CAT in junior high school and Reserve Officer Training Corps for senior high school, following the election of Davao Mayor Sara Duterte as presumptive vice president.

Meanwhile, Jimenez said DepEd-7 welcomes Duterte as their chief should the presumptive president, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. finally decides to appoint her as the next Secretary of Education.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1174863

From the Philippine News Agency (May 19, 2022): UP alumnus confirms NPA recruitment in school (By Che Palicte)

Screenshot of Choyax Cagape's Facebook post, alleging that communist rebels are actively recruiting UP-Mindanao students to the New People's Army. Cagape is an alumnus of the Davao City-based state university.

A University of the Philippines-Mindanao (UP-Min) alumnus has confirmed that recruitment activities are being carried out by the communist New People’s Army (NPA), sometimes even with the help of their mentor.

“Yes, there is (an) active recruitment. Let me correct you in your denial that there is no active recruitment on UP campuses. There is, and it starts with the words critical thinking,” Choyax Cagape, a former UP Min student, said in a Facebook post on May 14.

Cagape was responding to denials made by some of his classmates about the supposed NPA's non-existent recruitment activities inside UP-Min.

As of this writing, the post gained over 2,500 reactions, 251 comments, and 1,500 shares.

Most of the netizens who commented on Cagape's post appreciated him for his bravery, while some offered corroborations about his claim, citing their own experiences with the school as well.

“To my classmates in UP Mindanao, I do not know how to react when you post denials that there is no active recruitment of the NPA in UP Mindanao. I do not like to post arguments on your posts, so I will just make my own,” Cagape said.

Cagape narrated that when he was then the election body chairperson of the student body in his first year, a teacher introduced him to "subversive ideology."

“You all know her; she called me an admin loyalist when I did not postpone the elections due to lack of ‘representation of all the sectors of the student body. Even to the point of calling me a bourgeoisie," he said.

Cagape claimed he knew some classmates and or other UP-Min students who went to the mountains without finishing school because they had already been recruited by the NPA.

“And yes I visited one of the ‘offices’ of leftists off campus, and it was filled with Maoist propaganda, a newspaper filled with anti-government sentiments,” he said.

More proof

Arian Jane Ramos, former secretary of an NPA unit under the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee, said her journey with the NPA started with being an activist until she was introduced to NPA's legal fronts inside the school.

Ramos is a UP-Min Bachelor of Arts in Communication graduate.

Ramos said schools have been the NPA's favorite recruitment grounds, attracting students to join leftist groups first then recruiting them to be party members. The final step would be to join the armed struggle in the mountains.

Ramos recalled that it was during an election in their school that they were introduced to the candidates under the Alyansa ng mga Aktibong Kabataan ng UP Mindanao (ANAK UP-Min).

“Their lines were very sharp. They were discussing educational issues, economics, politics, international relations in the Philippines,” she recalled in an interview Thursday.

The Anak UP Min, according to Ramos, is a coalition of NPA fronts inside the campus.

However, Ramos said she did not join the ANAK UPMin, and instead, she became interested in the Gabriela Youth as she was very interested in women's issues and gender equality.

Their group created the UP Mindanao Gabriela Youth Chapter, which later expanded to other universities to recruit students and organize more school-based chapters.

“Then I was introduced to Makibaka, the underground mass organization of women, Independent Movement of Modern Women. I was given orientation, so there, I found out that it was guided by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP),” Ramos said.

Ramos blamed her radicalization on the exposure she had with NPA front organizations inside UP-Min.

Meanwhile, Joy Saguino, the former secretary of the NPA Guerrilla Front 20, challenged the UP Board of Regents and Chancellors to make a clear stance on NPA's recruitment within the campuses of UP.

"If critical thinking is vital to the institution in pursuit of truth, where’s critical thinking in this series of denial when more than a handful of UP alumni either have died in battles or have returned to the mainstream, alive and are sharing their untold stories? Some even remain to be active NPA leaders up to this date," she said in an online post on Wednesday.

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 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/1174875

From the Philippine News Agency (May 19, 2022): Ex-NPA rebel in NegOr gets housing aid from NHA (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

HOUSING ASSISTANCE. A former CPP-NPA rebel in Negros Oriental (4th from left, seated) receives housing assistance from the National Housing Authority. He received a PHP100,000 financial assistance on Wednesday (May 19, 2022) in the presence of provincial government, police, Army, and NHA officials. (Photo courtesy of JM Cabusog Diez/Dr. Henry A. Sojor)

A former member of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Negros Oriental has received financial assistance from the National Housing Authority (NHA) as part of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) for former rebels (FRs).

Brig. Gen. Leonardo Peña, commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army based in Tanjay City, said the former rebel received PHP100,000 here on Wednesday.

Peña, who witnessed the turnover of the cash aid, said the FR is a 19-year-old male who surrendered some months back after having been in the underground movement for about three years.

Under the E-CLIP housing project implemented through the NHA, a qualified FR is given three options to choose from, he said.

The first option is the construction of a house if they do not have any but they own a piece of land, Peña said.

Another option is for them to avail of a housing project for FRs, while the third option is to receive cash assistance for the repair of an existing house, he added.

The FR chose the third option as he hails from Siaton, Negros Oriental, and has a wife and two children, who live there, the Army commander said.

Peña said the FR from Siaton is one of four former rebels in the province who were identified by the NHA as qualified to receive housing assistance.

One of them had already received his assistance a few months ago, while the remaining two have opted to avail of a housing project in Bukidnon, he said.

“They want to relocate and avail of a government housing project in Bukidnon, and they will be given one house each,” he added.

The brigade commander is happy to note that four of the FRs have availed of housing assistance from the government, saying that this is truly an indication of its sincerity to help ex-rebels in returning to mainstream society and starting a new life.

Also present during the turnover of the financial assistance were Dr. Henry A. Sojor, representing Gov. Roel Degamo, and Lt. Col. Carlos Lacuesta, deputy provincial police director for administration.

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 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/1174866

From the Philippine News Agency (May 19, 2022): Hunt on for killers of 2 siblings in Maguindanao ambush (By Edwin Fernandez)

CRIME ON LONELY ROAD. Police officers conduct a post-crime investigation in Datu Odin Sinsuat town in Maguindanao following an ambush Thursday (May 19, 2022) that killed two siblings. Police are eyeing 'rido' or family feud as a possible motive behind the attack. (Photo courtesy of Datu Odin Sinsuat MPS)

A manhunt is underway for the killers of two siblings, one of them a minor, in the Maguindanao town of Datu Odin Sinsuat Thursday morning, police said.

Lt. Colonel Asser Balindong, Datu Odin Sinsuat town police chief, identified one of the fatalities as Jaafar Guiamad, 32, who succumbed to death with his young brother due to multiple gunshot wounds.

“We have dispatched tracking teams and set up additional checkpoints around town following the incident,” Balindong told reporters in an interview.

The victims were on board two separate motorbikes when ambushed by the gunmen riding in tandem on a motorcycle at past 11 a.m. in Barangay Bugawas of the town.

Police found empty shells for an M16 rifle at the crime scene. Probers said the incident could have been triggered by a “rido” (family feud) which is common in town.

Since January, at least 10 cases of shooting incidents have occurred in Datu Odin Sinsuat town.

Balindong appealed to the public to support the police campaign against loose firearms and the presence of gunmen in their communities to help contain the spate of killings.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1174885

From the Philippine News Agency (May 19, 2022): Insurgent-cleared villages in Iloilo get P2-M livelihood aid (By Perla Lena)

ASSISTANCE. Personnel of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Iloilo Field Office led by its head Melisa S. Navarra (3rd from left) talks with officers of the Manampunay Farmers Association on the sustainability of their proposed Rice and Farm Inputs Retailing Project following the turnover of their fund on Feb. 17, 2022. DOLE Information Officer John Mandario on Thursday (May 19, 2022), said monitoring of the progress of their funded projects is ongoing. (Photo courtesy of DOLE-6)

Sixteen barangays in Iloilo that have been cleared from the influence of communist insurgents are recipients of over PHP2 million in aid under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Program (DILEEP) this 2022.

Information officer John Mandario, in an interview on Thursday, said DOLE is one of the members of the Poverty Reduction Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC).

“Those were last quarter proposals but were only disbursed this year because they went through verification with the RTF-ELCAC if whether or not they are already cleared,” he said.

On Feb. 10, DOLE released some PHP2 million for the cattle fattening and vegetable production projects of four associations benefiting 200 member-recipients from Marginalized Farmers Association, Tubungan Indigenous Peoples Business Association, Boloc Indigenous People Farmers Association, and Former Person Deprived of Liberty Association.

The recipients were from 15 barangays in the municipality of Tubungan in Iloilo province that were cleared from insurgency.

They were provided with 45 heads of livestock and 155 sets of vegetable production inputs as part of the assistance.

Another beneficiary was the 58-member Manampunay Farmers Association in the municipality of Leon, which received PHP497,080 for its Rice and Farm Inputs Retailing Project.

The association is composed of marginalized farmers, indigenous people, rebel returnees, and senior citizens.

Mandario said the DOLE Iloilo field office visited the association on Thursday to look into the acquisition of their needed materials after the funds were released back on February 17.

“We do monitoring to make the project sustainable. Since it’s a government fund, we would like to know its viability and progress,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1174867

From the Philippine News Agency (May 19, 2022): 219 ex-MILF rebels get skills training, financial aid (By Edwin Fernandez)

SKILLS, INCOME. A former combatant of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) shows the check from the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education-Technical Education and Skills Development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. At least 219 ex-MILF rebels graduated on Thursday (May 19, 2022) from a monthlong skills development training facilitated by the MBHTE-TESD. (Photo courtesy of MBHTE-BARMM)

At least 219 former Moro rebels who completed livelihood skills training received Thursday cash incentives from the education department of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

In a statement, the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education-Technical Education and Skills Development (MBHTE-TESD) – BARMM said the beneficiaries are all decommissioned Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants.

MBHTE Minister Mohagher Iqbal said the subsidy is part of the MBHTE’s partnership with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) to uplift the socio-economic status of MILF combatants under the Normalization Program.

Mohamad-Ali Diang, the MBHTE-TESD provincial normalization focal person, said that aside from free skills training, the program also includes financial assistance for decommissioned combatants to augment their income.

“Our beneficiaries received PHP160 allowance daily and this will depend on the number of days or duration of each course. We also gave them another PHP1,000 worth of financial assistance for their protective equipment during the month-long training,” he added.

Carpentry trainee Bainara Fermin, 52, who received a PHP7,560 incentive for the course, expressed her gratitude for being a beneficiary of the BARMM government’s skills training and financial assistance.

“We learned a lot of things and I did not expect that I have completed such skills training which can help our day-to-day work,” Fermin said. “Aside from teaching us for free, they also supported us by giving allowances which will help us a lot."

The ex-rebels were trained on organic fertilizer production, carpentry, dressmaking, bread and pastry production, and organic concoction and extracts, among others.

The MBHTE-BARMM said new sets of skills training schedules are being prepared for the succeeding batches of trainees.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1174872

From the Philippine News Agency (May 19, 2022): 400 N. Samar villagers join condemnation rally vs. NPA (By Sarwell Meniano)

SLAIN. Residents of San Francisco village in Las Navas, Northern Samar lined up in this May 12 photo to honor a soldier killed in an event in their village. About 400 residents in Las Navas, Northern Samar joined a condemnation rally on Thursday (May 19, 2022) triggered by last week's fatal shooting of the team leader of the Community Support Program in the area. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

About 400 residents in Las Navas, Northern Samar joined a condemnation rally on Thursday triggered by the fatal shooting of a soldier, who was the team leader of the community support program (CSP) of the military in the area.

Residents from different villages trooped to the town plaza, carrying placards as they condemned the communist terrorist group for attacking government forces deployed to facilitate development in poor communities.

“This is initiated by locals of Las Navas. Prior to this, there were rallies in their communities since the shooting of one of our soldiers. Some of them walked to the town center to join the peace rally today,” Lt. Col. Joemar Buban, commander of the Philippine Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion, said in a phone interview.

The protests were triggered by the death of Sgt. Marlon Baysa, who was fatally shot in front of the residents of San Francisco village in Las Navas town on the night of May 11.

A bullet hit the back of Baysa’s head, resulting in his instantaneous death. He was the designated team leader of the CSP group deployed in the remote village infiltrated by the NPA.

The community invited the CSP team members to join the Flores de Mayo celebration, a popular religious festival in the country every month of May.

CSP is a flagship program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to clear communities of NPA infestation and involves immersion of personnel in the identified barangays and the conduct of various community engagements geared towards addressing the needs of the people.

The attack is believed to be a retaliation since most of the NPA’s underground mass organization members in the area have voluntarily surrendered, according to the official.

NPA fighters have been frequently sighted in Las Navas town in recent years.

Rebels have been attempting to infiltrate some communities due to their vast natural resources.

The 4th class town has a population of over 36,000 in 53 villages.

“Some farmlands in Las Navas have been the funding sources of the NPA’s central committee to support their armed struggle,” Buban added.

Northern Samar is considered the hotbed of the communist terrorist group due to its thick forest and poor road networks.

The high incidence of poverty makes people in upland communities vulnerable to the persuasion of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

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 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/1174843

Rebel captured, 2 surrendered, reports military

Kalinaw News: Two NPAs return to the folds of law in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur

Kalinaw News: Former NPA Child Warrior Receives Financial Assistance

Kalinaw News: PAYING LAST RESPECTS TO FALLEN ENEMY: 53IB, Dumingag MTF-ELCAC Facilitate Return of Abandoned, Killed NPA to Family

NPA commander yields 6 days after wife’s surrender in Bukidnon

Army unearths NPA arms cache in Bukidnon

Army official hopes next admin will sustain NTF-ELCAC gains

NPA leader abandons comrades with P6-M cash

231 aspiring soldiers begin training in Maguindanao

11 NPA rebels surrender in North Cotabato

Soldiers save wounded, abandoned NPA leader in Agusan Norte

Army eyes 81 N. Samar villages be NPA-free by end of May

Army honors soldier killed while securing road project

YDT, CAT to mold youth’s physical, mental resilience: DepEd exec

UP alumnus confirms NPA recruitment in school

Ex-NPA rebel in NegOr gets housing aid from NHA

Hunt on for killers of 2 siblings in Maguindanao ambush

Insurgent-cleared villages in Iloilo get P2-M livelihood aid

219 ex-MILF rebels get skills training, financial aid

400 N. Samar villagers join condemnation rally vs. NPA