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Terrorist killed in Maguindanao AFP ops

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From the Philippine Star (May 25, 2022): Terrorist killed in Maguindanao AFP ops (John Unson)

A terrorist was killed while five others were wounded in air and artillery strikes that targeted the hideout of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Sitio Patawali, Barangay Ganta in Datu Salibo, Maguindanao on Monday.

Local officials identified the fatality as Sadam Salandang, whose body was recovered by soldiers belonging to the 6th Infantry Division during clearing operations.

Brig. Gen. Eduardo Gubat, 6th Infantry Division acting commander, said the military offensive was a “law-enforcement maneuver” to preempt terror attacks.

He said they received reports from villagers in Datu Salibo and nearby towns that BIFF groups led by Abu Turaife and Kagui Karialan were planning to conduct bomb attacks.

The military said two M16 rifles, an M203 rifle, a .30-caliber Garand, two .30-caliber Carbine rifles, a .50-caliber Barrett sniper rifle and improvised explosive devices were recovered at the scene. 

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2022/05/25/2183430/terrorist-killed-maguindanao-afp-ops

Member of terrorist group slain in Maguindanao

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 From the Manila Times (May 24, 2022): Member of terrorist group slain in Maguindanao

A suspected member of the Daulah Islamiyah-Turaife Group group has been killed during close air support by the Philippine military in Datu Salibo, Maguindanao.



Photos from 6th Infantry "Kampilan" Division, Philippine Army Facebook



Photos from 6th Infantry "Kampilan" Division, Philippine Army Facebook



Photos from 6th Infantry "Kampilan" Division, Philippine Army Facebook



Photos from 6th Infantry "Kampilan" Division, Philippine Army Facebook



Photos from 6th Infantry "Kampilan" Division, Philippine Army Facebook

In a statement on Tuesday, the Philippine Army's 6th Infantry Division (6ID) said its unit, along with the Joint Task Force Central, conducted a preemptive military operation against the group that were allegedly harassing communities.

The slain rebel was identified as Sadam Salandang alias Sadam.

He is also an alleged member of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) Karialan Faction under alias Robot,
according to the military.

READ: NPA leader, cohort killed in encounter

According to Lt.Col. Charlie Banaag, 6IB commander, the body was turned over to local officials of Datu Salibo for proper burial.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Eduardo Gubat, commander of JTF Central and acting 6ID commander, said there was an encounter after the group allegedly harassed residents of Sitio Patawali in Barangay Ganta.

"Our troops from 6th Infantry (Redskin) Battalion under Lt. Col. Charlie Banaag responded immediately to secure the populace from this terrorist group. Also, Field Artillery conducted indirect fire aimed at the place where they were hiding," he said.

"Their forces were further weakened after close air support was conducted in the right place of the target. This happened because we do not want to disturb the peace, order and security enjoyed by those who live there," he added.

READ: Army reactivates 1st Tank Battalion

State troops recovered two M16A1 rifles; an M203 grenade launcher; a Garand rifle; two carbines; a Barret cal.50; three magazines of M16; 12 pieces of IED main charge; 19 pieces blasting cap improvised; a bandolier; a basic phone;19 pieces bag pack; 11 pieces 9 volt batteries; 13 pieces of hammock; and several ammunition.

The affected residents who were displaced are temporarily housed at daycare centers in their barangay, 601st Infantry (Unifier) Brigade commander Col. Oriel Pangcog said.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/05/24/news/member-of-terrorist-group-slain-in-maguindanao/1844830

JTFC Pounds DI-Turaife Group in Maguindanao

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From the Journal Online (May 24, 2022): JTFC Pounds DI-Turaife Group in Maguindanao



Camp Siongco, Maguindanao – The Joint Task Force Central and 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division, Philippine Army launched a preemptive military operations to prevent the Dawlah Islamiyah- Turaife Group led by Esmael Abdulmalik @ Abu Turaifie from harassing communities after they were sighted in Sitio Patawali, Brgy Ganta, Datu Salibo, Maguindanao this Monday morning (May 23, 2022).

BGen. Eduardo Gubat, Acting Commander of 6ID and JTF Central clarified that there was an encounter with a number of the Dawlah Islamiya – Turaife Group after the group harassed the residents of the said area.

“Our troops from 6th Infantry (Redskin) Battalion under Lt. Col. Charlie Banaag responded immediately to secure the populace from this terrorist group. Also, Field Artillery conducted indirect fire aimed at the place where they were hiding. Their forces were further weakened after the close air support was conducted in the right place of the target. This happened because we do not want to disturb the peace, order and security enjoyed by those who live there”, said BGen. Gubat.

BGen. Gubat once again asked the residents of the said area to remain calm as the government forces controls the situation.



As the government troops were searching the area, a body count from the enemy wherein a certain Sadam Salandang alias Sadam, a member of BIFF Karialan Faction under alias Robot were recoveredalong with two (2) M16A1 rifles, one (1) M203 Grenade Launcher, one (1) Garand rifle, two (2) Carbines, one (1) Barret Cal .50, three (3) Magazines of M16, 12 pcs IED main charge, 19 pcs Blasting Cap Improvised, one (1) Bandolier, one (1) Basic Phone, 19 pcs Bag Pack, 11 pcs 9 Volt Batteries,13 pcs Hammock and several ammunitions.

Lt. Col. Charlie Banaag, 6IB, 6ID Commander said that the dead body was turned over to a local officials of Datu Salibo for proper burial. Meanwhile, the affected residents have been evacuated and they are in good condition.

Col. Oriel Pangcog, 601st Infantry (Unifier) Brigade Commander said that the internally displaced persons were temporarily sheltered in a daycare center of the respective barangays of the said municipalities under the supervision of MDRRMO Datu Salibo and Shariff Saydona.

https://journal.com.ph/jtfc-pounds-di-turaife-group-in-maguindanao/

Air, ground assault in Maguindanao vs Dawlah Islamiyah leaves 1 dead

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From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 24, 2022): Air, ground assault in Maguindanao vs Dawlah Islamiyah leaves 1 dead (By: John Eric Mendoza)



Government troops seizes six high-powered firearms after an encounter with Dawlah Islamiyah-Torayfe group in Datu Salibo town in Maguindanao. Contributed photo.

A member of the Islamic State-linked Dawlah Islamiyah-Torayfe group was killed in what the military called a “preventive military operations” in Datu Salibo town in Maguindanao on Monday morning, authorities said.

The Joint Task Force Central and 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division, in a statement on Monday night, identified the fatality as Sadam Salandang alias Sadam.

The cadaver was turned over to local officials of Datu Salibo for proper burial, the 6ID added.

BGen. Eduardo Gubat, acting commander of 6ID and JTF Central, said the team’s field artillery conducted indirect fire aimed at the area where the armed members were hiding at Sitio Patawali, Barangay Ganta.

“Their forces were further weakened after the close air support was conducted in the right place of the target,” Gubat also said in the statement.

Six high-powered guns were also seized after the incident, according to 6IB.

The 6IB said the said 600 residents have been evacuated to a daycare center of the said village.

In 2017, police reported that the Islamic State-influenced Abu Torayfe was injured and eventually died after a joint military and police operation in Maguindanao.

Torayfe was blamed for the series of bombings in Maguindanao, Cotabato, and South Cotabato, targeting government forces and civilians.


https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1601769/air-ground-assault-vs-dawlah-islamiyah-in-maguindanao-leaves-1-dead

Don't let militant groups make Sabah their next base, says security analyst

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From The Star (May 25, 2022): Don't let militant groups make Sabah their next base, says security analyst (By DURIE RAINER FONG)



KOTA KINABALU: The threat of militant groups including the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) making Sabah a base should be nipped in the bud, says a security analyst.

Associate Prof Wan Shawaluddin Wan Hassan said that with ASG nearly crippled in the Philippines, there was a real possibility of the group putting down roots in Sabah.

This could be likely given that some of its members had allegedly obtained Malaysian identity cards using fake documents such as birth certificates, he added.

The senior lecturer at Universiti Malaysia Sabah’s Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities pointed out that the recent arrest of a 53-year-old man known as “Omar bin Harun” in Manila was indicative of ASG trying to sneak into Sabah.

“The question is how many ASG members have managed to infiltrate the community like Omar?”
he told The Star.

“We need to show (ASG) that we are serious about not allowing them to create chaos in Sabah like they did in the Philippines,”
he added.


ALSO READ: Five Abu Sayyaf members killed in shootout with Sabah police

Associate Prof Wan Shawaluddin said Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) needed to intensify intelligence activities not only in the state’s east coast but throughout Sabah.

He said ASG had infiltrated south-western Beaufort district but was successfully detected by Esscom on May 9 last year, with 37 Filipinos arrested.

Five ASG members were also killed while trying to attack security forces a few days later.

“The question is why did the ASG move to Beaufort? Esscom’s monitoring makes it difficult for these groups to mobilise in the east coast of Sabah,” he said.

ALSO READ: Two Abu Sayyaf members killed in shootout

He said after destroying the cell in Beaufort, Esscom then took down another ASG cell with the killing of two of its members in Pulau Timbang, Sandakan on Aug 19.

“Esscom's success against these two cells shows that this group has already established (a presence) in Sabah to carry out its activities.

“Esscom needs to act quickly to eliminate ASG cells in Sabah before it spreads to other districts and threatens the security of the state,” he said.

He added that more assets are needed, especially drones, boats and helicopters, to strengthen security in the east coast.

“The deployment of military battalions in Felda Sahabat (in Lahad Datu) also needs to be accelerated... (do not wait) until the completion of the planned military camp there which will take two or three years.

“Cooperation with Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) needs to be enhanced to eliminate the ASG threat in the southern Philippines as well as in Sabah.

“This is important in ensuring that ASG, which has been nearly crippled in the southern Philippines, is prevented from making Sabah a place to continue its legacy of violence and chaos,” he said.

ALSO READ: UTK commando team to be sent to Sabah's East Coast to counter Abu Sayyaf, beef up security

He added that the public should also play a role by immediately providing information on suspicious activities to the authorities.

Omar, whose Filipino name is Airola @ Satar, was detained in the Philippines after he flew with his wife and two children from Kuala Lumpur to Manila using a Malaysian passport on May 10.

The man was initially barred from entering the Philippines by Immigration authorities there but investigations found that he was a Filipino involved in the southern Philippines Lamitan City siege in 2001 and also in several kidnappings.

Omar told Filipino investigators he obtained a Malaysian birth certificate and applied for Malaysian citizenship, which was granted in 2008.

ALSO READ: Fake ID: 'Malaysian' barred from entering Philippines turns out to be wanted Abu Sayyaf member

He also has a Malaysian wife living in Pandan, Selangor and an ex-wife in Dubai. He claimed to have travelled to Dubai and the Philippines using a Malaysian passport as well.

It turned out that Omar was not only linked to Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) activities but was also a wanted Abu Sayyaf member involved in kidnappings linked to its commander Radulan Sahiron.

Regional intelligence sources also said he was on the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) wanted terror list for his involvement with facilitating five Malaysians linked to JI activities in the failed 2017 Marawi siege.

The source said Philippines police and intelligence believed that Omar acted as a facilitator for Malaysian Dr Mahmud Ahmad, who was killed in the siege.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/05/25/don039t-let-militant-groups-make-sabah-their-next-base-says-security-analyst

War materiel found after another Army-NPA clash in Ifugao

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From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 25, 2022): War materiel found after another Army-NPA clash in Ifugao (By: Villamor Visaya Jr.)



INQUIRER.net stock photo

CAMP MELCHOR DELA CRUZ, Gamu, Isabela––Army troops recovered three high-powered guns and other war materiel after another gun battle Tuesday with suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Asipulo, Ifugao, the military said.

The firefight came after another encounter between the government troops and the NPA rebels in Barangay Namal
said Army Capt. Karol Jay Mendoza Jr., 54th Infantry Battalion (IB) civil-military operations chief.

Mendoza said
the communist rebels belong to the Guerrilla Front-Abra-Mt. Province- Ilocos Sur.

Recovered from the site of the firefight were two M-16 Armalite rifles, an M-653 baby Armalite rifle, a rifle grenade, two hand grenades, six anti-personnel landmines, and other war materials.


Soldiers said there were bloodstains on the withdrawal path of the rebels.

“The use of anti-personnel landmines by the rebels is a clear violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CAHR-IHL), which prohibits any land mines in warfare,” Lt. Col. Franz Josef Diamante, 54th IB commander, said.

On Monday, the soldiers found four anti-personnel mines with 40-meter wire, 20-piece blasting caps, medical kits, anti-government documents, and personal belongings after a 20-minute running gun battle against the rebels at Sitio Likew in Asipulo.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1602380/war-materiel-found-after-another-army-npa-clash-in-ifugao

NPA rebel surrenders in NegOr

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From the Philippine News Agency (May 25, 2022): NPA rebel surrenders in NegOr (By Mary Judaline Partlow)



ANOTHER SURRENDERER. A member of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (right) surrendered to police and military authorities in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental on Wednesday (May 25, 2022). He also turned over a .38-caliber revolver. (Photo courtesy of the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office)

A member of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) surrendered Wednesday morning to police and Army personnel in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.

An initial report from the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO) identified the man as alias "Ka Justine" or "Roden", a resident of Sitio Natuling in Barangay Budlasan, Canlaon City, who also turned over a .38-caliber revolver.


Authorities have yet to provide more details as the surrenderer is still undergoing debriefing.

His surrender was made possible through the coordination between the Canlaon City police and the 62nd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army.

It is also the result of an ongoing intensified campaign of the local Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC) under President Rodrigo Duterte’s whole-of-nation approach, the NOPPO report said.

Provincial police director Col. Germani Mallari said through the joint efforts of the Philippine National Police, the 302nd Infantry Brigade and the 303rd Infantry Brigade, and the different Army units under them, they will “continue legal offensives and other campaigns against the insurgency which poses a threat to the peace and order in the province”.

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/1175192

Filipinos rejected leftist group in May 9 polls: NTF-ELCAC

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From the Philippine News Agency (May 25, 2022): Filipinos rejected leftist group in May 9 polls: NTF-ELCAC (By Lade Jean Kabagani)



NTF-ELCAC spokesperson and Communications Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy (File photo)

The defeat of the Bayan Muna Party-list in the May 9 elections was due to “massive rejection by Filipino people” and not by massive vote shaving, an official of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) said Wednesday.

In a statement, NTF-ELCAC spokesperson for sectoral affairs and sectoral concerns, Communications Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy,
insisted that the Bayan Muna Party-list is a front organization of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).


In a statement, the Bayan Muna said its loss during the May 9 elections “might have been caused by massive vote shaving” relating to “electronic cheating in the 2022 flawed automated elections.”

“The last time Bayan Muna votes registered such a significant decrease was in the 2016 elections. From 946,000 plus in 2013, its counted votes was 606,000 in 2016, but, still far more than enough to get a seat in Congress,” it stated.

It claimed that its party list seemed to be targeted by the NTF-ELCAC and the Duterte administration “to unjustly stifle the effective and progressive voice of the marginalized sectors in Congress” during the last elections.

Badoy debunked the statement of the party-list saying their defeat is due to a loss of support from the people in the countryside—who finally felt the services of government.

“CPP NPA NDF party-list Bayan Muna says their monumental loss in the 2022 elections—a first since it first perverted our electoral process 21 years ago- may have been caused by what it fancifully calls massive vote shaving instead of what it truly is—Massive rejection by the Filipino people, who now know who it is they truly are: urban operatives of a terrorist organization who sit in Congress not to serve the Filipino people but to serve hand and foot the Central Committee of the CPP-NPA-NDF whose every bidding they obey in order to weaken the government and destroy our democracy,” Badoy further stated.

“Their loss of about a million votes—from over a million in the 2019 elections to a pitiful 200,000 in the recently concluded polls—can be attributed to their loss of support from the people in the countryside where scores of our countrymen have turned their backs on them after finally feeling the services of government,” she added.

Badoy emphasized that the very core of the NTF-ELCAC is good governance as the main marching order of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to his administration.

“And so this has been NTF ELCAC’s guiding light. Who shamelessly use government resources to destroy government and who use our democratic institutions to destroy our democracy,” she said.

Badoy sees the recently concluded elections as the “cleanest and most credible elections” under the Duterte administration.

Badoy said it will also be known as part of the county’s history “where an empowered people successfully booted out a massive half of the CPP-NPA-NDF in Congress signaling the start of the end of their 53-year reign of terror.”

“The Filipino people and the government that serves them have made good the social contract that exists between them and has become formidable in the face of this terrorist scourge that has brought Death and Destruction to the Motherland,” she said.

“It is you, the Filipino people, that is delivering the death blow to our most ruthless, most inhumane oppressors: the CPP-NPA-NDF wearing the mask of Bayan Muna,” she added.

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

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/1175196

Kalinaw News: JTFC Pounds DI-Turaife Group in Maguindanao

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Posted to Kalinaw News (May 24, 2022): JTFC Pounds DI-Turaife Group in Maguindanao



Camp Siongco, Maguindanao – The Joint Task Force Central and 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division, Philippine Army launched a preemptive military operations to prevent the Dawlah Islamiyah- Turaife Group led by Esmael Abdulmalik @ Abu Turaifie from harassing communities after they were sighted in Sitio Patawali, Brgy Ganta, Datu Salibo, Maguindanao this Monday morning (May 23, 2022).

BGen. Eduardo Gubat, Acting Commander of 6ID and JTF Central clarified that there was an encounter with a number of the Dawlah Islamiya – Turaife Group after the group harassed the residents of the said area.

“Our troops from 6th Infantry (Redskin) Battalion under Lt. Col. Charlie Banaag responded immediately to secure the populace from this terrorist group. Also, Field Artillery conducted indirect fire aimed at the place where they were hiding. Their forces were further weakened after the close air support was conducted in the right place of the target. This happened because we do not want to disturb the peace, order, and security enjoyed by those who live there”, said BGen. Gubat.

BGen. Gubat once again asked the residents of the said area to remain calm as the government forces control the situation.

As the government troops were searching the area, a body count from the enemy wherein a certain Sadam Salandang alias Sadam, a member of BIFF Karialan Faction under alias Robot were recovered along with two (2) M16A1 rifles, one (1) M203 Grenade Launcher, one (1) Garand rifle, two (2) Carbines, one (1) Barret Cal .50, three (3) Magazines of M16, 12 pcs IED main charge, 19 pcs Blasting Cap Improvised, one (1) Bandolier, one (1) Basic Phone, 19 pcs Bag Pack, 11 pcs 9 Volt Batteries,13 pcs Hammock and several ammunitions.

Lt. Col. Charlie Banaag, 6IB, 6ID Commander said that the dead body was turned over to local officials of Datu Salibo for proper burial. Meanwhile, the affected residents have been evacuated and they are in good condition.

Col. Oriel Pangcog, 601st Infantry (Unifier) Brigade Commander said that the internally displaced persons were temporarily sheltered in a daycare center of the respective barangays of the said municipalities under the supervision of MDRRMO Datu Salibo and Shariff Saydona.





[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/jtfc-pounds-di-turaife-group-in-maguindanao/

Kalinaw News: Former Rebels Receive ECLIP grants from NTF ELCAC

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Posted to Kalinaw News (May 24, 2022): Former Rebels Receive ECLIP grants from NTF ELCAC



MAKILALA, COTABATO – Twenty-two (22) Former Rebels (FRs) received Immediate and Livelihood Assistance as well as Firearms Remuneration through the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) on May 23, 2022 at Provincial Capitol Grounds, Digos City, Davao del Sur.

The FRs received Php 15,000.00 Immediate Assistance and Php 50,000.00 Livelihood Assistance while four (4) of them received a total amount of Php 100,000.00 Firearms Remuneration.

Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) provides venues and opportunities for involved surrenderees to be taught and facilitated with various activities and undertakings to guide them for their renewed lives. ECLIP offers financial assistance for FRs to be used on small-scale business investment; Reintegration and deradicalization sessions to instill nationalistic and civic welfare values; and Livelihood programs for enduring and sustainability of the instilled trainings and workshops.

Alyas Jessy is very happy and fulfilled of the support that he received from the program. He said, “This will be of great help for us to restart our lives and become responsible citizens of this country. I know that the process will be hard, but with the help of the government, I’m sure all of us can really achieve peaceful lives.”

As of today, the government continues to encourage our friends from other side to surrender and be part of a growing and progressing Philippines. Conflict will not be a solution to achieving peace and development, that is why the government and other peacekeeping institutions always promote unity through collaboration and peace initiatives.

Prior to the activity, said FRs have undergone three-month Tupad Pangako Program (TPP) that includes De-radicalization, Alternative Learning System, Skills Development Program, and Livelihood and Spiritual Programs that aim to provide all-out government assistance and resources for former rebels (FRs) to create an impact on their lives to ensure their complete reintegration and transformation into self-reliant, law-abiding, and productive members of the society. Through these initiatives, they will truly be formidable partners of the government in promoting just and lasting peace, national reconciliation and unity.






[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-rebels-receive-eclip-grants-from-ntf-elcac/

Kalinaw News: Communist NPA Terrorists Surrender; Aid Soldiers Recover Arms Cache

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Posted to Kalinaw News (May 25, 2022): Communist NPA Terrorists Surrender; Aid Soldiers Recover Arms Cache



IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon – Soldiers of the 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB) have recovered a hidden arms cache in a retrieval operation on May 21 through the aid of regular members of Communist NPA Terrorists who surrendered to the government soldiers the day before.

The 8IB soldiers retrieved two (2) AK 47 rifles in a location revealed by the surrenderees in the hinterland village of Barangay Busdi, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

One of the former Communist NPA Terrorists who surrendered to the 8IB and revealed the location of the arms cache was Butchoy Solinay who served as Vice Commanding Officer of NPA unit with his comrade Jamaica Kaykay Singatao, who served as Supply Officer of the same remaining NPA Terrorist unit operating in Bukidnon after the 8IB dismantled the Guerilla Front 89.

According to the surrenderees, they experienced exhaustion and hunger inside the Communist Terrorist Group caused by the withdrawal of support from their masses resulting from the continued Community Support Sustainment Program and Focused Military Operation in Upper Pulangi.

The death of their leaders, the successive voluntary surrender of their members, and the confiscation of their various war materials added to their dismay and state of low morale, leaving them no option but to surrender to the authorities.

The former rebels revealed they decided to help the troops locate the arms cache in exchange for “good treatment of the soldiers as they fear that soldiers will hurt them.” But soon after their surrender, they realize that there is a stark contrast to the soldier’s kind treatment of them as to the lies and fears instilled by their NPA comrades that they will be killed or tortured if they surrender.

The surrenderees will now be processed for enrollment in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP of the government to help them reintegrate back into the community and soon be with their families and start a new life again.

Commanding Officer of 8th Infantry (Dependable) Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Anthony A. Bacus, in his remarks said; Ang pagbawi sa mga Armas sa Teroristang Grupo usa ka tin-aw nga pagpakita nga ang kaaway huyang na, gikapoy ug nahadlok. Ingon sa gimando, magpadayon kami sa pagpanalipod ug pagsiguro sa mga komunidad gikan sa bisan unsang hulga sa mga CTG. Dugang pa, among giawhag ang nahabilin nga mga miyembro sa NPA nga malinawon nga mosurender sa gobyerno, maghiusa pag-usab sa ilang mga pamilya, ug dawaton ang malungtarong kalinaw. Makasalig kamo nga andam kami kanunay nga motabang kaninyo sa pagproseso sa inyong mga benepisyo pinaagi sa Enhanced-Local Integration Program o E-CLIP ug sa pagpauli sa inyong tagsa-tagsa ka pamilya.”

(The recovery of the hidden armed cache of the terrorist group is proof that the enemies are getting weaker, tired, and afraid. As part of our commitment to our mandate, we will continue to protect the communities from any threat of the CTG. In addition, we urge those remaining NPA to peacefully surrender to the government, unite with their families, and accept a sustainable peace. Trust that we are ready to help you to process your benefits under the Enhanced-Local Integration Program or E-CLIP and your reunion with your families.”)



[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/communist-npa-terrorists-surrender-aid-soldiers-recover-arms-cache/

Kalinaw News: Former Rebel’s revelation leads AFP-PNP to the discovery of NPA arms cache in New Bataan

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Posted to Kalinaw News (May 25, 2022): Former Rebel’s revelation leads AFP-PNP to the discovery of NPA arms cache in New Bataan



NEW BATAAN, Davao De Oro- The 66th Infantry (Kabalikat) Battalion and the Davao De Oro Provincial Police Office (DDOPPO) through the conduct of joint AFP-PNP Intel Operations successfully discovered arms cache in the vicinity of Mamada, Sitio Libuton, Brgy Andap, New Bataan, Davao De Oro on 25 May 2022.

These items were buried by members of New People’s Army (NPA) from the ROC-HQ, SMRC as revealed by @Wen-wen, former member of ROC-HQ SMRC who recently surrendered in the hands of the government.

Among the discovered items from the area are: Three (3) AK47 Rifle, two(2) magazines, one (1) M16 Rifle, and one (1) M203 Grenade Launcher.

Lt. Col. Julius M Munar, Commanding Officer of 66IB commended the troops for the successful operation and recognized the effort of the former rebel who led to the discovery of arms cache.

“This proves that these Former Rebels have turned their back to the NPA’s doctrine and shifted their support to the government.” Lt. Col. Munar, said.

The recovered high powered firearms were brought to 1st DDOPMFC, Purok 16, Brgy Poblacion, Nabunturan, Davao de Oro for proper disposition.



[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-rebels-revelation-leads-afp-pnp-to-the-discovery-of-npa-arms-cache-in-new-bataan/

Soldiers recover materiel in Aurora town

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From the Philippine News Agency (May 27, 2022): Soldiers recover materiel in Aurora town (By Jason De Asis)



WAR MATERIEL. Soldiers retrieve an anti-tank mine and a detonating cord in the hinterlands of Barangay Matawe, Dingalan, Aurora on Friday (May 27, 2022). They also recovered a .38-caliber revolver. (Photo courtesy of the Army's 91IB)

BALER, Aurora – Government troops on Friday recovered war materiel belonging to members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Matawe, Dingalan, this province.

Lt. Col. Julito B. Recto, acting commander of the Army’s 91st Infantry (Sinagtala) Battalion (91IB), said the soldiers found the rebels' supplies cache after receiving a tip from a civilian.

Recto said the troops recovered one anti-tank mine, one detonating cord, and one .38-caliber revolver.


“So far, our troops are scouring the area for further development against the enemy,” he said in an interview.

Recto commended the government troops for their immediate action and urged them to intensify their campaign against terrorism.

Meanwhile, he called on the remaining members of the NPA to lay down their arms and lead a peaceful life with their loved ones.

“I call for them (NPA) to surrender. This is now the time to embrace peace and the government’s offer of a comfortable life through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). Our government is here ready to welcome those who wanted to embrace a new life with peace and will ensure that they will get all the assistance they need through E-CLIP,” Recto said.

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 (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/1175320

NPA deputy leader hurt in Ifugao clash rescued by gov't troops

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From the Philippine News Agency (May 27, 2022): NPA deputy leader hurt in Ifugao clash rescued by gov't troops (By Villamor Visaya, Jr.)



OFF TO SAFETY. An injured deputy leader of the New People’s Army is being carried to a hospital in Nueva Vizcaya on Thursday (May 26, 2022). The rebel was injured in a clash with government troops and was left behind by his comrades as they fled. (Photo courtesy of 54IB, Philippine Army)

CAMP MELCHOR DELA CRUZ, Gamu, Isabela – Government soldiers on Thursday rescued an injured deputy leader of a Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army (CPP-NPA) band while scouring the mountains of the Cordillera and Ilocos regions, the military said Friday.

Capt. Karol Jay Mendoza Jr., civil-military operations officer of the Army's 54th Infantry Battalion, said
Avelino Cruz, alias Junel/Alcaras, was the vice commander of a group that fought government troops and was left behind by his comrades after being injured as they withdrew from the scene of the encounter.

Cruz belongs to the CPP-NPA's Guerrilla Front Abra - Mountain Province - Ilocos Sur (GF-AMPIS) under the Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Committee and was seen and extricated by soldiers in Asipulo, Ifugao.


In a phone interview, Mendoza said the rebel is in a stable condition at the Veterans’ Regional Hospital in Nueva Vizcaya.

“If he was not seen and saved by the Army soldiers on May 26, he would have died by loss of blood due to his broken leg as he was left out by his comrades,” he said.

Cruz is facing charges for multiple murder, multiple frustrated murder, and attempted murder before various courts in the Cordillera and Ilocos.

Meanwhile, soldiers gave food and other assistance to the families who had evacuated to the Namal Elementary School when two firefights erupted between troops and communist guerillas on May 23 and 24.

Likewise, the 54th Infantry Battalion turned over the guns and other materiel seized during the clashes to the Asipulo police as evidence for various cases to be lodged against the insurgents.

These included two M-16 Armalite rifles, an M-653 Baby Armalite rifle, a rifle grenade, two hand grenades, and six anti-personnel landmines.

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/1175307

Rebels' surrender in Eastern Samar cripples NPA

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From the Philippine News Agency (May 27, 2022): Rebels' surrender in Eastern Samar cripples NPA (By Sarwell Meniano)



FIGHTING INSURGENCY. Troopers from the 1st Eastern Samar police mobile force company patrolling in Dolores, Eastern Samar in this May 25, 2022 photo. The police unit said on Friday (May 27, 2022) the recent surrender of a team leader and a member of the New People’s Army has further weakened the communist terrorist group in Eastern Samar. (Photo courtesy of 1st ESPMFC)

The recent surrender of a team leader and a member of the New People’s Army has further weakened the communist terrorist group in Eastern Samar, an official of the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Friday.

Lt. Col. Joy Leanza, commander of the PNP’s 1st Eastern Samar police mobile force company (ESPMFC) based in Dolores town, said
the strength of the NPA has been weakening almost daily.

"Clearly, a large portion of the communist membership was reduced as almost every day, NPAs ceded to the government forces in all parts of the country. Their organization has weakened due to the aggressive campaign of the task force to end local communist armed conflict and the attractive full package guaranteed by the government's livelihood program for former rebels,” Leanza said in a statement.

The official issued the statement two days after the surrender of "Ka Ebir", a team leader of NPA’s squad in Eastern Samar, and "Ka Ogis", an active NPA member in the province. They are both residents of Dolores town.

"Ka Ogis" handed over a fragmentation grenade while "Ka Ebir" gave up his 9mm pistol to authorities when they showed up at the ESPMFC headquarters.


The two admitted that testimonies from their former comrades about the government’s sincerity to help rebels has encouraged them to lay down their firearms.

“Both surrenderers admitted to being swindled by ideologies fed by the NPAs that were all hoaxes and devoid of truth. They were recruited and became full-time members of the NPA when they were still minors,” Leanza added.

The surrender of rebels to the authorities is a wake-up call to their comrades who are still hiding in the mountains to abandon the NPA, the official said.

"With open arms, we welcome our NPA brothers and sisters who wish to start a new life. The government will give them all the benefits and necessary assistance,” Leanza said.

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

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/1175276

Passenger bus blast injures 2 in Koronadal

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From the Philippine News Agency (May 26, 2022): Passenger bus blast injures 2 in Koronadal (By Richelyn Gubalani)



BUS EXPLOSION. A blast rips though the back of a Yellow Bus Line unit around 12:15 p.m. Thursday (May 26, 2022) in Koronadal City, South Cotabato. Two persons are injured in the incident. (Photo courtesy of Brigada GenSan)

An explosion ripped though the back of a passenger bus injuring two people in the South Cotabato city of Koronadal Thursday afternoon, officials said.

The Yellow Bus Line unit was cruising on a busy highway around 12:15 p.m. near a mall when the explosion occurred, injuring tricycle driver Wilfredo Ilagan Tino and another unidentified individual.


A CCTV video of the explosion showed Valenzuela's tricycle was cruising near the bus, stopping on its tracks when the blast occurred.

A report from the South Cotabato Police Provincial Office (SCPPO) said Valenzuela was rushed to the hospital.

All six passengers, including the conductor and driver, were unharmed.

Brigadier Gen. Eduardo Gubat, acting 6th Infantry Division (6ID) commander, said the bus was on its way to Koronadal City terminal from Tacurong City.

Gubat said the bombing in Koronadal City and the neighboring Tacurong City minutes later on the same day may have been a retaliation for the May 23, 2022 death of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter- Karialan Faction member Abdul Patir.

No one was hurt in the Tacurong City blast around 12:45 p.m. Thursday. No one has claimed responsibility for both explosions.

Gubat said the operation that killed Patir in the Maguindanao town of Datu Salibo also wounded the leader of the Dawlah Islamiya, Abu Turaife.

“Initially, this a reaction to what we did a successful combat. Maraming wounded at may namatay sa kanila and they were recovered firearms doon sa Datu Salibo sa Maguindanao against Dawlah Islamiyah headed by Abu Turaife and hindi lang na-account yung mga wounded,” Gubat said.


Gubat said all Army units in the region have ordered to be on guard against saboteurs, especially terrorists targeting innocent civilians.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1175261

PCG's newest multi-role vessel leaves Japan for PH

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From the Philippine News Agency (May 27, 2022): PCG's newest multi-role vessel leaves Japan for PH (By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz)



PCG'S NEWEST SHIP. The Philippine Coast Guard's (PCG) BRP Melchora Aquino, a 97-meter multi-role response vessel (MRRV) at Shimonoseki Shipyard in Japan on Thursday. The vessel is in transit and is expected to reach the Philippines on Wednesday, June 1. (Photo courtesy of PCG)

The Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) newest 97-meter, multi-role response vessel (MRRV) has been sent off from its manufacturer in Japan and will reach the country on June 1.

In a speech during the ship’s send-off ceremony in Japan on Friday, PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu said the vessel, BRP Melchora Aquino, is “another brand-new capital ship” similar to BRP Teresa Magbanua.


“This sturdy white ship will serve as the stalwart protector of our maritime reserve, and instrument for peace and tranquility within our territorial waters,” Abu said.

He said the vessel will be a “symbol of hope,” a “source of national pride,” and will serve as an instrument in promoting the rule of law at sea and “enhancing amity among neighboring nations.”

Made by Mitsubishi Shipbuilding and funded through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), he said the vessel “symbolizes the strong partnership and cooperation” between Japan and the Philippines.

In a separate speech, Transportation Undersecretary for Maritime Admiral George Ursabia Jr. (Ret.) said both BRP Melchora Aquino and BRP Teresa Magbanua were acquired under the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project Phase 2.

Ursabia thanked the Japanese government and its people for being the Philippines’ “closest development allies” and for their contribution to the growth of the country.

“I am confident that our solid partnership and decade-long friendship aimed at realizing numerous development projects will further solidify our bond to be able to withstand the tides of time,” Ursabia said.

The PCG’s newest MRRVs were modeled after the Japan Coast Guard’s Kunigami-class vessel, have a maximum speed of not less than 24 knots, and endurance of not less than 4,000 nautical miles.

The ships are capable of sustained maritime patrols in the country’s maritime jurisdictions, including the West Philippine Sea and Philippine Rise.


On Sunday, the BRP Teresa Magbanua and other PCG vessels were sent to Makassar, Indonesia to represent the Philippines in the Marine Pollution Exercise 2022 from May 22 to 27.

The PCG is joined in the exercise by Indonesia’s Directorate General of Sea Transportation and the JCG.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1175310

PAF ends 9-day gunnery competition

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From the Philippine News Agency (May 27, 2022): PAF ends 9-day gunnery competition (By Priam Nepomuceno)



T-129 ATAK Helicopter loitering over the target area (Photo courtesy of PAF)

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) announced the conclusion of the nine-day gunnery competition tasked to test the skills and accuracy of its strike, monitoring and detection assets.

The event took place at the Col. Ernesto Rabina Air Base in Capas, Tarlac between May 16 to 24, PAF spokesperson Col. Maynard Mariano said in a statement Friday.

These exercises were formally known in PAF and military circles as "SANAY-TUDLA II" and "SIMEX III".

He said the gunnery competition was highlighted by the participation of the PAF's air defense, command, control, communications, computers, information/intelligence, surveillance, targeting acquisition and reconnaissance (C4ISTAR), search-and-rescue systems and surface strike-capable assets.


These assets were divided into two teams supported by other PAF units corresponding to their core systems under the Integrated Air Operation System, Mariano said.

"During the conduct of the exercise(s) the PAF utilized its air assets such as the FA-50PH of the 5th Fighter Wing; the AW-109AH, SF-260TP, T-129, and A-29B 'Super Tucano' of 15th Strike Wing; Bell-412 helicopters from the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing; unmanned aerial vehicles from the 300th Air Intelligence and Security Wing; the S-76(i) and (W-3A) 'Sokol' helicopters from the 505th Search-and-Rescue Group; and radars from the 580th Aircraft Control-and-Warning Wing," he added.

The activity was viewed live at the PAF Control Center, Air Force Command Center and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Command Operations Center along with other military command-and-control facilities.

"Combat air controllers of the 710th Special Operations Wing and direct air support forward teams were also the key players in the success of the activity. Critical to the activity was the connectivity provided by the 950(th) CEIS (Communications, Electronics, and Information System) Group," he said.

He said the "SANAY-TUDLA II" and "SIMEX III" showcased the delivery of secured and near-real-time "common operational picture" through a live voice, video and data feeds from sensors to shooters and to decision-makers in all command-and-control centers of the PAF.

The event was witnessed by AFP acting chief-of-staff Air Force Lt. Gen. Erickson R. Gloria, PAF chief Lt. Gen. Connor Anthony Canlas Sr., and other ranking military officials.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1175277

'Lipad Aklat' brings learning materials to Occ. Mindoro

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From the Philippine News Agency (May 27, 2022): 'Lipad Aklat' brings learning materials to Occ. Mindoro (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Army Aviation planes that transported the learning materials for schoolkids in Occidental Mindoro on May 25, 2022. (Photo courtesy of PA)

Two aircraft from the Philippine Army (PA)'s Aviation Regiment flew books for the children studying at the Labangan Elementary School, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro as part of its "Lipad Aklat" project last May 25.

"The 'Lipad Aklat' project is launched by the regiment in partnership with stakeholders to reach out to schools in far-flung villages and help educators in the promotion of quality education," PA spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said Friday.


The flight was led by Army Aviation Regiment (AAR) commander Col. Andre B. Santos in coordination with the Tanay, Rizal-based 2nd Infantry Division troopers, who flew to Occidental Mindoro to deliver book donations to school children.

The AAR is based in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija.

"They also flew to Lubang Island on the same day to charter boxes of Department of Education self-learning modules," Trinidad said.

The “Lipad Aklat” project was launched by the regiment in partnership with stakeholders to reach out to schools in far-flung villages and help educators in the promotion of quality education.

PA commander Lt Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. lauded the Army aviators for launching the noble project which aims to help improve children’s literacy and cognitive skills.

He also pledged to lobby for more air assets for the regiment to further boost the AAR's capability to do its missions.

The AAR is tasked to do aerial reconnaissance and transport missions for ground units.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1175271

Military links Dawlah Islamiyah to Tacurong, Koronadal blasts

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From Rappler (May 26, 2022): Military links Dawlah Islamiyah to Tacurong, Koronadal blasts (By ROMMEL REBOLLIDO)



Brigadier General Eduardo Gubat, commander of the Army's 6th Infantry Division, says the two explosions were Dawlah Islamiya's response of the to recent military offensives in Maguindanao province

The military has linked the Dawlah Islamiya to explosions in Tacurong and Koronadal cities on Thursday, May 26.

Brigadier General Eduardo Gubat, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division and the Joint Task Force Central, said the two explosions were Dawlah Islamiya’s response to the recent military offensives in Maguindanao province.

Two nearly simultaneous explosions rocked Tacurong in Sultan Kudarat and Koronadal in South Cotabato around noon on Thursday


The two cities are about 35 kilometers apart.

Police said a bomb went off at the rear of a moving bus in Koronadal City, hurting tricycle driver Wilfredo Iligan Tino who was behind it.

Another explosion near an eatery in Purok Paraiso, Barangay New Carmen in Tacurong City, injured no one but startled residents.

For days now, the military has been pounding with artillery and air strikes identified lairs of the Dawlah Islamiyah-Turaife Group in Sitio Patawali, Barangay Ganta, Datu Salibo, Maguindanao.

“We received reports that the leader of the group was seriously wounded,”Gubat said.

He referred to Abu Turaife, leader of a Dawlah Islamiyah faction who, according to the military, was wounded along with 17 other militants.


The military offensives also killed two members of a faction of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) identified as Abdul Patir and Sadam Salandang, saìd Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Banaag, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Battalion.

He said the remains of the slain BIFF members were turned over to local officials in Datu Salibo for burial.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/military-links-dawlah-islamiyah-to-tacurong-koronadal-blasts/
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