We are sorry, the requested page does not exist
3 suspected rebels killed in clash in Philippines Batangas
MANILA, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Three suspected rebels were killed in a clash with government forces in Batangas province, south of Manila, on Tuesday, the Philippine military said. The military said a 30-minute gunfight broke out around 6:30 a.m. local time after the troops ran into a group of New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Rosario town. The troops recovered three rifles, six jungle packs, and some mater.....»»
Xinhua world news summary at 1530 GMT, March 26
MANILA -- Three suspected rebels were killed in a clash with government forces in Batangas province, south of Manila, on Tuesday, the Philippine military said. The military said a 30-minute gunfight broke out around 6:30 a.m. local time after the troops ran into a group of New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Rosario town. (Philippines-Clash) - - - - BEIRUT -- Two people were killed and nine other civ.....»»
US Officials Warn of New Axis of Evil With China at the Fore
WASHINGTON - U.S. military and defense officials are increasingly concerned that as China and Russia forge ever stronger ties, they might attempt to challenge Western unity and eventually alter the balance of power on the world stage.The commander of U.S. forces in the Indo-Pacific told lawmakers on the House Armed Services Committee that the evolving relationship between Beijing and Moscow is a "big portion" of.....»»
Surprise military attack in Bukidnon came just as NPA prepared for anniversary
There was no order to reciprocate the ceasefire declaration of the communist rebels, says Major General Jose Maria Cuerpo II, commander of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division .....»»
7 NPA members in Samar surrender
Borongan City — Seven active combatants of the New People’s Army surrendered to the government after they were convinced by their respective families to give up the communist armed struggle. Lt. Col. Allan Tria, commander of the 78th Infantry Battalion, said the seven guerilla fighters of the Apoy Platoon, the Sub-Regional Committee, and Sesame surrendered to his unit this week. Tria withheld giving the names of the NPA members pending completion of security protocols, but said they include the squad leader, vice squad leader, finance, and medical officers. The former rebels also revealed the location of an arms cache consisting of two M16 rifles, one M14 rifle, one M653 carbine, and other war materiel in the hinterlands of Borongan City. These were recovered last 19 October. Tria said the surrender of the former communist combatants was an offshoot of their continuous engagement with the families of active NPA members. Since 19 September, a total of 15 former NPA members have surrendered. Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, thanked the families of the surrendered rebels for their efforts in convincing their loved ones to abandon the armed struggle and return to their respective families. “We are grateful for the positive response of our Waraynon brothers and sisters to working hard to convince their family members who are still with the NPA. We have once again proven that the love of family conquers the hate that the terrorist CPP-NPA-NDF sowed in the hearts of their recruits,” he said. Vestuir reiterated his plea to the remaining NPA members in Samar and Eastern Samar provinces to heed the collective call of their families and their fellow Waraynons for them to go back to the mainstream of our society away from danger or harm. The post 7 NPA members in Samar surrender appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Parent to Karapatan: ‘Please stop posting about my son, I beg you’
Former Overseas Filipino Worker Jerome Christopher David, father of Job who was among three rebel fighters said to have been captured in a military encounter, asked the activist group Karapatan to stop posting on social media about his son and two companions and painting them as victims of abduction or enforced disappearance. “Sana itigil na ng Karapatan na mag-post sila sa Facebook na ang anak ko ay dinukot, tinurtyor, Hindi po totoo ‘yon, kayo mismo (Karapatan) ang nagko-commit ng human rights (violation) na walang permiso namin na i-post niyo ‘yung profile picture ng anak ko na sila ay dinukot,” said David appealed during a virtual press conference of the Integrated Communications Office Center, the media bureau of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. “Tama na po, ‘wag niyo na pong i-post ‘yan, pakiusap lang po. Kung ano man po ang inyong ipinaglalaban puwede niyo naman daanin sa matiwasay na paraan. Tama na po, ako na po ang nakikiusap sa inyo (Please stop your posts. Whatever is your advocacy, you can do it in a peaceful manner. Please stop, I'm begging you). My son is now living peacefully,” he reiterated. Brigadier General Randolph Cabangbang, commanding general of the Army’s 203rd Infantry Brigade, revealed to the media that the parents of Job, Alia Encela and Peter del Monte are contemplating taking legal action against Karapatan for alleged continued harassment. “In fact, I’m discouraging them (parents) not to file what they think is a writ of Amparo. Sabi ko wala namang nakikinig sa Karapatan. Having said that, we’re consulting lawyers, we’re studying it,” Cabangbang said. “To Karapatan, hands off our families, hands off our children,” he said. NTF-ELCAC spokesman Joel Sy Egco, who is also ICOC director-designate, reiterated his warning to Karapatan to stop their donation drives using what he called the “abduct-surface-donate-release” scheme. “Kahit ano pa ang sasabihin niyo, kayo-kayo na lang ang naniniwala sa sinsabi niyo sa inyong echo chamber mismo (Whatever you say, only you listen to each other within your echoc chamber). NTF-ELCAC continues to gather evidences of your scamming activities and in due time charges will be filed against you,” he said. Egco said ELCAC’s National Secretariat led by Executive Director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. will support and assist parents and the Army if and when legal charges are ready to be filed against Karapatan and other such organizations. “Again, Encela, del Monte and David are not detained, they voluntarily submitted themselves to be in the custody of the military as they’re undergoing the processes of rebuilding their lives ruined by the CPP-NPA-NDF before joining their families and to mainstream society,” he said. The three were captured by Army troopers on September 23, 2023 during combat operations in Sitio Malaglag, Barangay Lisap in Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro. Cabangbang said he was relieved and looking forward to turning over the three former rebels to their parents safe and sound. "It’s a happy moment dahil buhay itong tatlo na sa di kalauna’y makakasama na nila muli ang kanilang mga magulang” (these three are alive and will be reunited soon with their parents), he said. During the conference, ICOC showed a 7-minute video clip of the parents and relatives of Encela, del Monte and David having happy moments hugging, laughing and eating together. Cabangbang also thanked the three former rebels for their voluntary insights and analysis of how their former comrades operate in his brigade’s area of operation. “For the past weeks, napakarami na po nilang naitulong sa ating brigade. They have been providing the necessary analysis and the information that we need, such that for the past two days may naengkwentro po na grupo nila because of their insightful analysis and correct and timely information,” Cabangbang added. In the encounter, the soldiers recovered three high-powered firearms and personal paraphernalia of the fleeing rebels. Cabangbang said they believed that two of the rebels were wounded because of blood traces from the recovered firearms and one of them could be the deputy commander of the group. “When I arrived here, there were only 15 NPA rebels in our AOR. Minus Alia, Peter and Job, only 12 remaining. We’ve already identified them all,” he said. Now, Cabangbang said, the three are reaching out to their former comrades to give up the armed struggle and surrender to the government. The post Parent to Karapatan: ‘Please stop posting about my son, I beg you’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sultan Kudarat insurgents yield
ZAMBOANGA CITY — Three individuals believed to be members of the New People’s Army voluntarily surrendered to authorities and turned over their high-caliber firearms in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat. Lt. Col. John Paul Baldomar, commander of the 37th Infantry (Conqueror) Battalion reported on Wednesday that the former NPAs presented themselves to the soldiers at their headquarters located in Barangay Tibpuan in Lebak town. Baldomar identified the three through their aliases as Red, alias Michelle/Nicole/Jessa and alias Than/Melchor, who served as Admin/ Para-Legal/Finance Officer of the front. The three also turned over two M16 rifles and a Cal. 38 Revolver. According to Baldomar, hardship was the main reason for the surrender of the three former NPAs. Joint Task Force Central commander Major General Alex Rillera urged the remaining NPAs to surrender to the government forces and live happily with their family. Meantime, the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division has dismissed claims of human rights violation as it welcomed any independent investigation on the clash that claimed the lives of six Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army fighters in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental last week. Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, commander of 3ID, said soldiers “strictly follow” the Armed Forces of the Philippines rules of engagements “at all times” and are “reminded to always observe and abide by the provisions of the International Humanitarian Law and the Rule of Law.” “We are confident and we firmly believe the said encounter was a legitimate one. We welcome any inquiry to this effect by any independent party,” Sison said in a statement. He added that the investigation would “eventually clear and vindicate” them from various allegations of human rights violation. The post Sultan Kudarat insurgents yield appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Samar encounter leaves NPA member dead
CATBALOGAN CITY — An alleged member of the communist New People’s Army was killed in an encounter with government troops in the hinterlands of Barangay Anongo, Catubig, Northern Samar. A report from the 8th Infantry Division said the still unidentified man was killed when a team from the 20th Infantry Battalion chanced upon 10 NPA members on patrol, touching off a 10-minute gunbattle. The military said the killed NPA guerilla was a member of Front Committee 15, Sub-Regional Committee ARCTIC, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee who was abandoned by his fleeing comrades. The soldiers recovered from the encounter site four backpacks, a 30-round magazine assembly, an M203 empty shell, seven rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, subversive documents, and other personal belongings. Lt. Colonel Joemar Buban, commanding officer of the 20th IB, called on the remnants of the communist group in Northern Samar to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law. Catubig Mayor Solomon Vicencio thanked the Philippine Army and the government for trying to end the local communist armed conflict in Northern Samar. Meanwhile, the 8th Infantry Division Commander, Major General Camilo Z. Ligayo also expressed his condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased CNT. The post Samar encounter leaves NPA member dead appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Northern Samar insurgent dies in clash
TACLOBAN CITY — Authorities reported on Thursday that an individual believed to be a member of the New People’s Army was killed in a clash with soldiers on the outskirts of Catubig, Northern Samar. The still unidentified armed rebel allegedly belonged to a band of 10 insurgents that engaged in a 10-minute gun battle with members of the Philippine Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion in upland Anongo village in Catubig town. According to 20th IB commander Lt. Col. Joemar Buban, soldiers were deployed to carry out the mobile community support and sustainment program operations in the village when they encountered remnants of the Front Committee-15, sub-regional committee, Eastern Visayas regional party committee. “They were known for their involvement in intimidating, making grave threats, and extorting from the local populace and small businesses in Northern Samar communities,” Buban said in a statement. After the brief clash, the rebels retreated, leaving behind their slain comrade and war materials, including four backpacks, two hammocks, one 30-round magazine assembly, an M203 empty shell, ammunition, slippers, a cauldron, a water container, a pair of rainboots, and subversive documents. There are about 10 army battalions assigned in Samar province as the government heightened its fight against communist insurgents. Only two NPA guerilla fronts in Samar Island remain in existence after the dismantling of one front and the weakening of another early this year. The post Northern Samar insurgent dies in clash appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Upping the ante
Beijing always ups the ante when it senses that its rival for the region’s security, the United States, is making its move to challenge its dominance in the region, which was probably how the 10-dash line came to be. With the release of the new map showing an expanded “historical” claim that included parts of India, China issued a strong criticism of the Americans with Senior Col. Wu Qian, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense, saying the US should “stop meddling in the South China Sea issue, stop sowing discord and fanning the flames, and stop disrupting regional peace and stability.” The comment was in response to US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III’s statement that “the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling is binding on all parties” and “the Mutual Defense Treaty extends to Philippine public vessels, aircraft and armed forces — to include those of its Coast Guard — in the Pacific, including in the South China Sea.” Vice Admiral Karl Thomas, commander of the US Navy’s Seventh Fleet, backed the American position, saying the recent use of a water cannon by China’s Coast Guard against a Philippine vessel “must be challenged and checked.” He also “assured the Philippines of US backing.” Wu reiterated China’s position that the Philippines infringed on its sovereignty and violated the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea to justify the China Coast Guard’s action. “We hope regional countries can stay vigilant, faithfully implement the DoC, and work with the Chinese side to maintain peace and stability in the region. The Chinese military will resolutely safeguard China’s national sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, as well as peace and stability in the South China Sea,” the spokesperson stressed. The increasing challenge from China should be matched by the US, according to geopolitical experts. A former Pentagon official, Michael Rubin, suggested the “reflagging” of islands in the disputed areas to send a clear message to China. Rubin recalled an incident in 1987 when President Ronald Reagan ordered the reflagging of nearly a dozen Kuwaiti tankers to stop Iran from attacking them to force the emirate to cease its trade with and loans to Iraq. “Reagan ignored criticism that reflagging the tankers could embroil the United States in war because he understood that at stake were not only Kuwait’s oil exports but also freedom of navigation and the rules-based order,” Rubin explained. He said that while skirmishes did occur, “once the ayatollahs understood Reagan stood firm, Iranian forces suspended their provocations.” Rubin believes that since China challenges the freedom of navigation and the broader liberal order, “perhaps the US could take a page from Reagan’s playbook and reflag not ships but rather some of the rocks, reefs, and atolls over which China now erroneously claims sovereignty.” The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague invalidated in 2016 the historical claim of China through its nine-dash line as being without basis. The root of the claim was a 1947 map the authenticity of which historians dismissed. “That Beijing bases its claim on supposed historic Chinese fishing activity further displays the emptiness of the Chinese Communist Party’s logic. After all, Vietnamese, Taiwanese, Malay, Filipino and Indonesian fishermen also plied the same waters and perhaps even some closer to China,” Rubin noted. “Regardless, using the fictional map, China, in one fell swoop, claimed the bulk of the South China Sea and its considerable fishing and oil reserves,” he said. His proposal would be based on “leases drawn between the US government and its regional partners.” The leases would be backed by the arbitral award. “While the current US legal position supports the 2016 Hague tribunal judgment that finds no power can legally exercise sovereignty over disputed territories, the White House might reconsider this (stance),” Rubin added. But Rubin admitted that a greater problem might be the unwillingness of the regional states to offer leases. The proposal breaks with the usual conventions in the settling of disputes. Americans have a term for that, however: “It’s so crazy, it just might work.” The post Upping the ante appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Insurgent meets end in NegOr clash
DUMAGUETE CITY — The Philippine Army recently confirmed the death of an individual believed to be a member of the New People’s Army during an encounter in the far-flung barangay of Milagrosa in Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental last Saturday morning. In its report, the 11th Infantry Battalion disclosed that the recovered body of the slain rebel has yet to be identified. It added that seized from the clash site were one M653 rifle, one anti-personnel mine, four magazines for M653 (20 rounds cap), three magazines for M653 (30 rounds cap), 40 rounds 5.56 mm ball, an electrical tester, three lithium batteries, one bandolier, five backpacks with personal belongings, tarpaulin and food stuff. The 11IB said that the encounter came two days after a government soldier was killed at the same encounter site in Sitio Taleo as government troops were conducting strike operations against remnants of the NPA’s dismantled South East Front following information of armed men in the area. In the first encounter, troops seized two caliber .45 pistols, three magazines for Caliber .45, 11 live ammunition for Caliber .45, one hand grenade and personal belongings. Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, 3rd Infantry Division commander, vowed to continue their operations against the rebels. “This incident (death of a soldier) will not dampen our spirits but will further serve as our motivation to aggressively pursue the remaining members of the Communist Terrorist Group,” Sison said. “We will make sure that this ultimate sacrifice paid by our soldier-hero will not be in vain. We will not rest until none of them remain to continue their futile and senseless armed struggle,” he added. The post Insurgent meets end in NegOr clash appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM designates Crespillo as new WesMinCom chief
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. designated MGen. Steve Crespillo as the 17th Commander of the Western Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Department of National Defense announced Saturday. Crespilllo is a member of the Philippine Military Academy’s “Bigkis Lahi” Class of 1990. Before his new designation, Crespillo served as the vice commander of the Philippine Army. He also chaired various boards and committees of the Philippine Army and performed oversight functions on the Army’s key policies, plans, and programs. Crespillo was a former commander of the 501st Infantry Brigade, leading troops in efforts to end the local communist armed conflict in Apayao and Cagayan. He was also designated as chief of staff and assistant division commander for reservist and retiree affairs of the 6th Infantry Division, and acting commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade. Crespillo previously served the WesMinCom as the chief of the Unified Command Staff—overseeing operations in the Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. The post PBBM designates Crespillo as new WesMinCom chief appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Lanao Norte loose firearms seized
ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Joint Task Force-ZamPeLan on Thursday reported that at least 15 loose firearms were collected by the military in Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte as part of the measures it was adopting to ensure a safe and peaceful community. JTF-ZamPeLan commander Maj. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete said that the move of the military in Kolambugan was aimed at fostering a safer environment and upholding community welfare. Nafarrete said the collection of loose firearms was in coordination with the local government units of Magsaysay, Tangcal and Tubod municipalities in Lanao del Norte, adding that the effort of the 53rd Mechanized Infantry Company led by Captain Kelvin S. Villanueva yielded a monumental victory for peace and order. He also stressed that the initiative was strategically designed to curb the potential misuse of firearms for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections 2023. “It will reduce the incidence of crime, and significantly bolster the overall security of the,” Nafarrete said. Among the loose firearms recovered were two M16A1 rifles, one improvised M16A1 rifle, one improvised 7.62mm barret sniper rifle, three improvised shotguns, two improvised grenade launchers, one improvised Uzi, three caliber .38 revolvers and two caliber .45 pistols. Magsaysay Mayor Haron Omar Sr. expressed his full support in the campaign against loose firearms in his town, while Tangcal Mayor Sittie Aisah Adiong has expressed her gratitude to the soldiers who worked hard for the initiative to become a reality. In other developments, state troops conducting a patrol operation found a food cache believed to have been hidden by communist New People’s Army in the hinterlands of Barangay San Isidro, Las Navas, Northern Samar. A late report from the 8th Infantry Division said the hidden food cache were discovered by a joint patrol team of the 3rd Infantry Battalion and 4th Scout Ranger Battalion last 16 August 2023. The food cache consisted of containers of rice and four damaged empty containers together with an upper receiver of a Garand rifle. Major General Camilo Ligayo, commander of the 8th Infantry Division, said the discovery of the food cache as a big blow to the operations of the NPA especially now that they are losing support from the masses and struggling with their operational expenses. The post Lanao Norte loose firearms seized appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Top Mindanao insurgent falls
DAVAO CITY — The Eastern Mindanao Command on Monday reported that an individual believed to be a notorious leader of the New People’s Army in North Central Mindanao Regional Committee died following an encounter with the Joint Task Force Diamond troops at Barangay Libertad, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental last 26 July. EastMinCom commander Lt. Gen. Greg Almerol disclosed that the NPA leader — identified as Dionesio Micabalo, alias Muling — is the Regional Secretary of the NCMRC and a Communist Party of the Philippines Central Committee Member. Reports said that troops from the 58th Infantry Battalion engaged in a skirmish against the members of Sub-Regional Sentro De Gravidad MTJ Eagles, Sub-Regional Committee 1, of NCMRC following a report from concerned citizens regarding the presence of armed men conducting illegal activities in the area. Recovered from the encounter site were an AK47 Rifle with two loaded magazines, a caliber .22 rifle, six backpacks with personal belongings, terrorist documents, electronic devices and other supplies. Almerol said Micabalo’s group was responsible for numerous atrocities and criminal activities in most parts of Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, and parts of Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur. He added that he had various criminal records, including double murder with frustrated murder, multiple frustrated murders and arson, murder and violation of RA 9851. “Muling has been on the run since the dismantling of all seven guerrilla fronts under NCMRC in 2020. With his demise, the incoming dismantling of the NCMRC is already in sight,” Almerol said. “This is part of our goal to defeat the NPA in Eastern Mindanao this year. Without him leading the way for the survival of his subordinates, their only solution is to surrender or face the same fate,” he added. Last 28 July, the 58IB handed over the corpse of Micabalo to his immediate family and was given by the military forces a proper and decent funeral. Lt. Col. Christian Uy, commander of the 58IB met with the family to express their condolences and provide the necessary support. “The Philippine Army is guided by its dedication to humanitarian principles and respect for the dignity of all individuals, regardless of their affiliations,” Uy said. Meanwhile, the family of Micabalo expressed gratitude to military forces and the local government of Gingoog City for the proper burial assistance provided for them. The post Top Mindanao insurgent falls appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sultan Kudarat clash leaves insurgent dead
ZAMBOANGA CITY — State troops in Central Mindanao have reportedly clashed with individuals believed to be members of the New People’s Army at Kalamansig municipality in Sultan Kudarat. Joint Task Force Central on Friday reported that an insurgent was confirmed dead while other NPA members were injured during the 20-minute firefight. JTF-Central commander Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera narrated that soldiers patrolling the forested areas of Barangay Limulan in Kalamansig have encountered the group at about 3 p.m. on Thursday. He added that after the dust settled, one insurgent died while an undisclosed number of rebels were reportedly injured. “Fortunately, none of the government troops were hurt but when the operating troops investigated the scene of the encounter, we found the body of a communist terrorist who was blinded and left alone by his colleagues,” Rillera said. Brig. Gen. Michael Santos, commander of the 603rd Brigade also reported that he immediately instructed the units under his command not to give the fleeing terrorists an opportunity to regroup again. “We will continue our pursuit of the remaining members of the NPA communist terrorist group. We also got their two M14 rifles, so their war equipment is gradually running out,” Santos said. Meanwhile, Rillera continues to appeal to members of the NPA to give peace a chance by surrendering to the folds of the law. “Avail of this chance to change your life and be once again with your family. Your government is here and ready to help you because no one wins by using force,” Rillera said. “We know that you were just a victim of the treacherous senior members of the terrorist group who brought your colleague to such a terrible misfortune. We are here and ready to listen to your grievances,” he added. Since January, the 6ID has neutralized 40 communist rebels. Of this number, five were arrested, 11 were killed and 24 voluntarily returned to the fold of the law. The post Sultan Kudarat clash leaves insurgent dead appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Former ‘child warrior’ fears for her life over NPA ‘kill-list’
A former 'child warrior' of the New People's Army on Tuesday expressed fear for her life after surrendering to the government. Zena Punada Segui, now 24 years old, was 15 when recruited to the New People’s Army (NPA). Segui has been very outspoken about her life when she joined the movement but also fears for her life because of the “kill-list” order. “Hindi naman lingid sa atin na kapag galing ka sa hukbo o sa NPA at bumalik ka sa gobyerno ay nandiyan na ‘yung pagbabanta sa buhay mo,” Segui voiced her fears to the Daily Tribune. Segui also shared her plight during a virtual press conference last Friday (21 July 2023) hosted by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). At present, Segui and her husband, a fellow former rebel, are under the auspices of the Army’s 85th Infantry Battalion. “Noong encounter po kung saan naiwan si Ka RC (Jose Dela Cruz), na-recover ang mga list na nasa standing order. Siyempre po ako na tumatayo bilang speaker ng 85th IB na nagpapatotoo kung ano ba talaga ang nasa likod ng CPP-NPA-NDF. Hindi na po lingid sa akin na ako ang nangunguna sa standing order ng NPA na kung saan sila Ka Migs po ang magtatrabaho,” said Segui. Miguela "Ka Migs" Peniero, was arrested together with Ka Rian (Rowena Dasig) last 12 July in Atimonan, Quezon. Segui said she doesn’t know them personally, and that it was battalion commander Lieutenant Colonel Joel Jonson who showed her the recovered kill-list order. While she admits that she fears for her life and that of her husband, she said she too is well aware of the NPA threat. “Nung ipinakita sa akin, hindi na po ako nabigla. Ilan taon na po akong nag-surrender kaya alam ko na pong ganun ang mangyayari. Kapag nagbalik-loob ka sa gobyerno, sasabihin nila na isa kang taksil ng kilusan, traydor, walang utang na loob, ganun po ‘yung mga sinasabi sa amin,” she said. “’Kala ko ba para sila sa pagtatanggol ng mga mamamayang inaapi at pinagsasamantalahan pero bakit ang dami naming former rebel na gusto lang naman makapagpanibagong buhay ang papatayin nila na nasa listahan nila?” she lamented. Despite all the threats, Segui once more appealed to all NPA remnants to surrender and return to the fold of the law. “Kaya lagi po naming panawagan na sumuko na ‘yong ibang mga natitira dahil nandito po kami. Buhay na patotoo po kami na hindi po kami nasaktan, hindi po kami tinorture. Kami po ay nagsasalita sa harap ninyo para ilabas ang mga naging karanasan namin,” Segui said. Meanwhile, Jonson assured Segui and all the others the military will be always mindful of their safety and security. “We always provide them security escorts every time they go out from the camp. We’ve to know their whereabouts to ensure they are safe and secured,” Jonson said. Inside the camp where the former rebels are temporarily staying, Jonson said they formed a small cooperative for them. “Nagtayo po kami ng FR Cooperative, sila na rin po ang nangangasiwa doon,” he said. “Continuous po ang ating mga gawaing pang-kabuhayan upang makatulong as part of our sustainable effort for the former rebels,” he added. The post Former ‘child warrior’ fears for her life over NPA ‘kill-list’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘U.N.I.T.Y’, Brawner’s priorities as AFP chief
Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Friday officially took over the helm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, focusing his leadership on five priorities aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for national unity. Brawner, speaking at the Change of Command and retirement ceremony in honor of outgoing AFP chief of staff, Gen. Andres Centino, at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, laid down the priorities of his leadership. “As I take the helm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, allow me to articulate the five areas where I wish to focus our efforts — for these focus areas I would like to keep in line with the President’s call for national unity,” Brawner said. Using the acronym UNITY, Brawner said the AFP will focus on the areas of unification, normalization, internal security operations, territorial defense, and youth. Under unification, Brawner said the military will provide leverage to inter-agency coordination, links, and alliances to continue the whole-of-nation approach in addressing pressing security concerns. Under normalization, the AFP will give special attention to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, particularly in the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of former Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters as stipulated in the Bangsamoro Organic Law. For internal security operations, Brawner said the military will focus on the total annihilation of the remaining local terrorist and communist terror groups in the country. “We have to sustain the dividends of peace by making sure there will be no resurgence of insurgency and terrorism in our country,” he added. On territorial defense, the AFP will heed the President’s pronouncement of “not giving an inch of Philippine territory,” Brawner said, adding that “the AFP will endeavor to modernize its personnel, equipment, facilities, processes, and systems so as to enable it to be a lethal and competent fighting force capable of defending our territory from external aggression.” Cyber warfare, he said, will be included on the military’s priority list in its modernization program, which is in its third phase or Horizon 3. For the youth, Brawner expressed his full support for the revival of the Reserve Officers Training Corps or ROTC, saying the military will push for the proper and relevant conduct of the program. “This will coincide with our efforts to develop our reserve force,” he added. “The AFP will do its share in developing our youth, the future leaders and citizens of our nation to be responsible and patriotic defenders of our national identity as a people and of our territorial integrity,” he said. BBM lauds new chief President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who graced the change of command rites, urged the AFP to continue working towards an agile and prepared force and to strengthen its external defense capabilities. In his speech, Marcos told the AFP to work with national government agencies and civilian stakeholders to form an archipelagic consciousness among Filipinos. “I have faith that under the supervision of General Brawner, the Armed Forces will continue to ensure the security of Filipinos and our country’s national sovereignty amidst the challenges ahead,” he said. “Together, let us protect the interests of our people and help them fulfill their goals for themselves, their families, their communities, and our nation,” he added. The President assured that his administration is “firm in reinforcing this noble pursuit of modernizing the AFP.” Centino awarded During the ceremony, the Department of National Defense presented Centino with the Legion of Honor Award with the rank of Chief Commander. Centino has been appointed by Marcos the Presidential Adviser on the West Philippine Sea. In his speech, Marcos lauded Centino for his “exemplary service and resolute commitment” to the nation’s peace, order, and security. “Under your supervision, the AFP has made significant strides in reducing the presence and capabilities of communists and local terrorist groups,” the President said. “You have also strengthened our external defense capabilities and helped to promote archipelagic consciousness among Filipinos.” The President then urged Brawner to recalibrate the AFP’s internal security operations so that public services could be delivered to geographically isolated and disadvantaged communities. “I know that under your supervision, we will have a safer and more secure nation where more rebels will return to the fold of the law and decide to be productive citizens,” Marcos said. The DND lauded the appointment of Brawner as it expressed confidence he is an “excellent choice” to lead the country’s crucial internal and external security operations. “We are confident that Lt. Gen Brawner will continue to exemplify excellence, innovation, and professionalism as he leads the AFP,” it said in a statement on Friday. Brawner still heads Army Meanwhile, Philippine Army spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the Army is expecting a movement in the leadership of the organization after its commanding general, Brawner, was named AFP chief of staff. He said Brawner will remain as concurrent Army Commanding General while awaiting Marcos’ next appointee. “In the absence of any orders, he is still considered the commanding general of the Philippine Army. You can perform two functions, wear two hats at the same time,” Trinidad said. @tribunephl_Lade @tribunephl_tiz The post ‘U.N.I.T.Y’, Brawner’s priorities as AFP chief appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Brawner officially takes over AFP helm focusing on 5 key areas
Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Friday officially took over the helm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, focusing his leadership on five priorities aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for national unity. Brawner, speaking at the change of command and retirement ceremony in honor of outgoing AFP chief of staff, Gen. Andres Centino, at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, had laid down the priorities of his military leadership. “As I take the helm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, allow me to articulate the five areas where I wish to focus our efforts—for these focus areas, I would to keep in line with the president's call for national unity,” Brawner said. Using the acronym of unity, Brawner said the AFP will focus on the areas of unification, normalization, internal security operations, territorial defense, and youth. Under unification efforts, Brawner said the military will provide leverage on inter-agency coordination, links, and alliance to continue the whole of nation approach in addressing the pressing security concerns. The AFP will also give special attention to the normalization process in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao particularly in the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of former fighters of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, as stipulated in the Bangsamoro Organic Law. In internal security operations, Brawner said the military will focus on the total annihilation of the remaining local terrorist groups and the communist terrorist group in the country. “We have to sustain the dividends of peace by making sure that there will be no resurgence of insurgency and terrorism in our country,” he added. The AFP will also heed Marcos’ earlier pronouncement of “not giving an inch of the Philippine territory,” he said, adding that “The AFP will endeavor to modernize its personnel, equipment, facilities, processes, and systems so that, so as to enable it to be a lethal and competent fighting force capable of defending our territory from external aggression.” Cyber warfare, he said, will also be included in the military’s priority lists of its modernization program—which is now on its third phase or Horizon 3. Expressing his full support for the revival of the mandatory Reserve Officers' Training Corps, Brawner said the military will push for proper and relevant conduct of the ROTC's program. “This will also coincide with our efforts to develop our reserve force,” he added. “The AFP will do its share in developing our youth, the future leaders and citizens of our nation to be responsible and patriotic defenders of our national identity as a people and of our territorial integrity,” he added. During the ceremony, the DND awarded the Centino Legion of Honor with the rank of chief commander. PA spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the army is definitely expecting a movement of leadership in the organization but Brawner will remain as concurrent Army Commanding General while awaiting Marcos’ next appointee. “In the absence of any orders, he is still be considered the commanding general of the Philippine Army… You could perform two functions—wearing two hats at the same time,” Trinidad explained. Meanwhile, the Department of National Defense lauded the appointment of Brawner as the next AFP chief as it expressed confidence that the incoming AFP chief is an “excellent choice” to crucially lead the country’s continuing internal and external security operations. “We are confident that Lt. Gen Brawner will continue to exemplify excellence, innovation, and professionalism as he leads the AFP,” it said in a statement on Friday. The DND, likewise, wishes Centino in his new role as the presidential adviser on the West Philippine Sea. The post Brawner officially takes over AFP helm focusing on 5 key areas appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
AFP: 156 NPAs in Visayas neutralized in first half of 2023
The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Saturday reported that the government troops in the Visayas region were able to neutralize a total of 156 members of the New People’s Army in the first half of this year. AFP’ Visayas Command spokesperson, LtCol. Israel Galoria said the government forces reaped the gains of its anti-insurgency efforts from 1 January to 30 June this year. Of the 156 NPAs neutralized, Galoria said 103 of them returned to the folds of the, 42 died in action during encounters with government forces and 11 of them were arrested during joint law enforcement operations. Aside from neutralizing NPAs, the AFP also noted that 223 firearms and 82 anti-personnel mines were also seized in the same period. These neutralized NPA rebels consist o 12 high-value individuals. One of them namely, Rogelio Posadas, the notorious Secretary of the Komiteng Rehiyon Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor, or KR NCBS. He died in an encounter on 20 April in Binalbagan, Negros Occidental AFP VisCom commander, Lt. Gen Benedict Arevalo, said the NPA forces have been suffering defeat from April to May due to the diligence of military forces in the area to run after the rebels that have been exploiting people and sowing fear in the Visayas region. “I would like to congratulate everyone for a very good job for the 1st Semester of 2023. The exceptional performance that you have shown manifests your strong desire and motivation to serve and protect our people and end the local communist armed conflict in this part of the country,” Arevalo told the Team VisCom. For the month of April, a total of 21 NPA terrorists were neutralized, and 25 firearms were seized. Arevalo cited a notable incident on 30 April at Brgy Santander, Bobon, Northern Samar wherein an encounter between members of the 803rd Infantry Brigade and the NPA’s Sub-regional Guerilla Unit (SRGU) under Sub-Regional Committee ‘Emporium’ resulted in seven NPA terrorists killed, one surrendered and the recovery of four high-powered firearms. In May, a total of 40 NPA terrorists were neutralized, and 54 firearms were seized. This was highlighted by the series of encounters in Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental, and Guihungan City, Negros Oriental between members of the 62nd Infantry Battalion and the remnants of the NPA’s weakened guerilla front, the Central Negros 1 under the Komiteng Rehiyon Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor (KR NCBS). The incident resulted in a total of nine NPA terrorists killed, two surrendered, and 14 firearms seized by the government troops. Arevalo also reported that a total of 942 people’s organizations were established, redirected, and coopted by the Community Support Program personnel of Team VISCOM in the entire Visayas region, 600 of which are in Western and Central Visayas, while 342 are in Eastern Visayas. Arevalo underscored that the support of people within communities remained vital to the government’s anti-insurgency and anti-terrorism campaigns in the area. “As we sustain our focused military operations to prevent the CPP-NPA from taking advantage of the upcoming Barangay and SK Elections, let us also continue engaging our people. Let us enlighten them on the evils brought by the CPP-NPA,” he said. The post AFP: 156 NPAs in Visayas neutralized in first half of 2023 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
9,000 LGUs in Visayas ban CPP-NPA
Nearly 9,000 local government units in the Visayas region have declared the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army persona non grata effectively banning members of the terrorist group in their areas. The 8,895 LGUs from 13 provinces, 39 cities, 364 municipalities and 8,479 barangays of the region made the declaration after denouncing the atrocities and violence of the CPP-NPA in their respective areas, Col. Israel Galorio, Visayas Commmand of the Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson, said at a recent Civil Military Operations Coordinating Conference. The continuous increase of localities which denounced and declared the CPP “NPA as persona non grata is attributed to the sustained community engagement and continued implementation of the Barangay Development Program in the region, Galorio said. Some 296 projects and programs under the Support to the Barangay Development Program or SBDP have been implemented throughout the region, while 418 are ongoing, he added. VisCom Commander Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo said the ban is a major blow to the CPP-NPA. “This will definitely have an adverse effect on the terrorist group’s resource generation, which is essential for our efforts in neutralizing their support system,” Arevalo said. He said it is a clear manifestation that Filipinos are already fed up with the deception, treachery, and cruelty of the CPP-NPA. Arevalo added, “This will serve as a motivation for us to further boost our efforts to push the CPP-NPA to the brink of irreversible collapse.” Meanwhile, Galorio said CPP-NPA affiliates have failed to “tarnish the reputation of the AFP and generate support from the masses by accusing it of killing the Fausto family in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental. The Philippine National Police denied the accusation against AFP during a press briefing on Thursday. Galorio cited the PNP’s initial investigation results which showed that CPP-NPA members have perpetrated the massacre, based on the accounts and testimonies of several witnesses. Arevalo said people are already aware of the propaganda and manipulations of the CPP-NPA. They are also aware of the AFP’s strong adherence to and respect for human rights. As such, I call upon the remnants of the CPP-NPA to stop their propaganda and take part in the governments genuine call for peace. They should lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law while they still can, he added. The post 9,000 LGUs in Visayas ban CPP-NPA appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»