Insurgency: Background Checks on 2025 Poll Bets

It's 2025 and the insurgency is still happening. This week the Army ha dismantled two NPA platoons on Samar Island. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1241176

The Philippine Army has dismantled two platoons of the New People’s Army (NPA) that operated in some parts of Samar and Eastern Samar provinces.

After decades of fighting government forces in the southern part of Samar Island, the "Bugsok" and "Apoy" platoons are now considered officially dismantled, Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, commander of the Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade, said.

The two platoons are the remaining rebel formations under the sub-regional committee (SRC) Sesame of the NPA’s Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC).

The National Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center (NJPSCC) approved the declaration through the signing of resolution No. 13 on Dec. 11, 2024, according to Vestuir.

He recalled that in middle of 2023 during the relocation of the Army's 802nd Brigade headquarters to Borongan City, Eastern Samar, the Apoy platoon had 44 fighters while the Bugsok platoon had 23 combatants.

“Through synchronized efforts and the right force mix utilizing combat, intelligence, and civil-military operations, 47 active NPA fighters were neutralized, and 87 assorted firearms and 54 banned anti-personnel mines were seized until year-end 2024,” Vestuir told the Philippine News Agency.

Currently, there are only 16 members left, five of whom are more than 60 years old, and they have no direction from the Communist Party of the Philippines, as their secretary already surrendered because of hardships, hunger, and inhospitality of the communities towards the NPA, he said.

In an earlier interview, Realyn Basada, 38, a former secretary of the sub-regional committee Sesame under the NPA’s EVRPC, said the absence of provision from previously supportive upland farmers influenced her decision to escape from their lair at about midnight on the third week of November 2024.

“We starved for many days because we did not get any donations from farmers after the military conducted the RCSP (retooled community support program) in previously NPA-influenced areas. We’re not getting any support, unlike in the past,” Basada said.

This development prompted the joint evaluation board from the military and police to recommend the SRC Sesame as dismantled during its meeting on Dec. 23, 2024. The board is just waiting for the resolution from the NJPSCC.

“The troops and stakeholders in the communities are optimistic in pursuing these 16 remnants for this year's campaign to once and for all achieve the total victory of winning the peace in the southern half of Samar Island against the NPA, who waged anti-community development actions since the 1970s,” Vestuir added.

He commended all troops for their bravery, discipline, and sacrifice for the successful dismantling of the two remaining platoon formations.

Dismantled? Actually there are 16 members left. Yet the Army says they are old men over the age of 60 and "they have no direction from the Communist Party of the Philippines." If there are 16 members left in both of these platoons that means they are not dismantled. And we have seen that the AFP's claim that the NPA cannot carry out attacks because of a lack of leadership is unfounded. 

The AFP has also said the CPP-NPA cannot carry out recruitment activities because they have no leadership. That has not stopped them from engaging in ant-recruitment campaigns. 

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/army-battalion-conducts-awareness-campaign-at-davao-del-norte-school/

THE 56TH Infantry “Tatag” Battalion conducted a massive awareness campaign at Datu Jose A. Libayao Memorial High School in So Salawao, Barangay Sto. Niño, Talaingod, Davao del Norte. 

The event, attended by 123 students, was led by Ms. Christine E. Paulican, the School Head.

As part of the campaign, the Battalion distributed informational leaflets focused on the “Culture of Security,” raising awareness of the importance of safeguarding communities against threats. 

The campaign also included a film screening that educated students about the dangers of recruitment by insurgent groups, highlighting the risks and consequences of such involvement.

Following the film, the students were encouraged to share their thoughts and insights on what they had learned.

 Their reflections served as a powerful reminder of the importance of critical thinking and community awareness in addressing security concerns.

The 56th Infantry “Tatag” Battalion actively engages local communities and educational institutions to promote peace, security, and resilience. 

They aim to equip the younger generation with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions for the future of their community and country.

Why hold these campaigns if the AFP has already said the CPP-NPA cannot recruit?

The AFP has also said electing the right people will fix the problems of the Philippines. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2023165/electing-right-people-not-coups-can-fix-ph-problems-brawner

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. on Thursday said launching a military coup or putting in place a military junta will not solve the country’s present problems.

He instead urged Filipinos to vote for the right candidates in the midterm elections.

“I have only one appeal to our countrymen: let us use this election to bring out our sentiments by voting the right people in the right positions,” Brawner said at a joint press conference with the Philippine National Police and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Quezon City.

Brawner made the call as he cited the growing “complaints” from the public about the government and the issues hounding the Philippines.

“Because many are complaining now about our country’s problems, others think that the solution is to have a military coup d’etat or military junta. This is not the solution. Let us handle our election better,” he said.

The AFP chief said the military is tasked “to assist in making sure the elections will be peaceful,” including addressing the proliferation of armed groups and possible peace spoilers.

In a statement, the AFP said the three government agencies have already “outlined the government’s comprehensive security measures to safeguard the electoral process and ensure the integrity of the elections.

“Our call to the people is to use this election as a platform to express our desires by voting for the right individuals who will serve the country and our society,” Brawner said.

“Let us use our voice to correct what we want to correct,” he added.

In a statement, Col. Xerxes Trinidad, chief of the AFP public affairs office, said the “intensification of intelligence gathering is geared towards helping the Comelec ensure the integrity of the electoral process and safeguard national security.”

The right people? Like who? Comedians? Actors? Convicted criminals? Dynasty candidates with no qualifications except a name? No. He means non-leftists. That is why the AFP is eyeing background checks on 2025 poll bets. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2023009/fwd-afp-eyes-to-conduct-intel-ops-to-check-background-of-poll-bets

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is eyeing to conduct intelligence operations to check on the background of candidates in the 2025 midterm elections. 

AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. said they plan to report the results of the operations to the Commission on Elections (Comelec),especially information on candidates with “red flags.”

(One of the things the AFP is looking at right now is conducting intelligence operations, wherein we will check the candidates and and look at their backgrounds. And if we see any red flags we will inform the Comelec about this.)

“We are in collaboration with the PNP and also with the Comelec to prevent these kinds of things from happening again, so pina-paigting po natin yung dating intelligence operations,” he added.

(… so we are intensifying our intelligence operations.)

In the same briefing, Brawner bared that they are currently addressing concerns surrounding private armed groups, “peace spoilers,” New People’s Army’s permit to campaign and permit to win. 

What are these red flags? We already know they have red-tagged groups like Makabayn as being CPP fronts. But why not flag other candidates who are known to be corrupt or who have an air of being corrupt? Do you really think they are going to flag Quiboloy who is running for the Senate?  Having the AFP vet political candidates is practically a coup! 

Insurgency: Reds Soon to Become Insignificant

No NPA attacks occurred during the holidays. The NTF-ELCAC says that only highlights how weak they have become.  

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1240871

The recent Christmas season unmarred by threats from communist insurgents is an indication of the continued weakening of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army (CPP-NPA).

"For the first time in recent history, the Filipino people are now confident in looking forward to celebrating Christmas and New Year without the looming specter of communist threats," National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) executive director, Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr., said in a statement Wednesday night.

This came as earlier reports said that about 88 out of 89 guerilla fronts have been dismantled by the government's combined military and civil operations.

Despite this development, Torres said, the country must remain resolute in its fight against the communist insurgents' deceit, exploitation, and violence.

However, he also acknowledged that much work needs to be done despite these victories against the communist insurgents.

"No system is perfect, and our nation’s progress demands constant vigilance and adaptation. Yet, the successes of the whole-of-nation approach demonstrate that unity, not division, is the key to lasting peace," Torres said.

This, he said, means that national leaders, agencies, and local chief executives must rise above political noise and focus on delivering essential services that foster trust and progress, particularly in conflict-affected communities as outlined in our National Action Plan for Unity, Peace, and Development.

"By aligning their efforts and remaining committed to this shared vision, we can build a stronger 'Bagong Pilipinas' where peace, unity, and development thrive," he added.

The NTF-ELCAC also says "the CPP, its underground forces, particularly the NPA, will soon become an insignificant threat."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1240843

A ranking official of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) said the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People's Army (NPA), will soon be an insignificant threat, as the country ushered in the New Year.

"Despite the CPP's denials, the NTF-ELCAC's achievements speak volumes. Through our concerted efforts, we have dismantled 88 out of 89 guerrilla fronts and benefitted 4,830 geographically isolated and disadvantaged barangays through the Barangay Development Program, effectively eradicating the CTGs (communist terrorist groups) in their traditional strongholds," NTF-ELCAC executive director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. said in a statement Wednesday.

Aside from this, Torres said the task force has successfully reconciled thousands of surrenderers with their families, facilitating their reintegration into their communities.

He added that these outstanding achievements significantly contribute to the country's journey towards stable internal peace and security.

"As we persist with our tried and tested strategy against the CPP, its underground forces, particularly the NPA, will soon become an insignificant threat. Its armed remnants are now disconnected from the masses, discredited, and incapable of launching meaningful offensives," Torres said.

He added that the government will continue dismantling the CPP-NPA’s financial and material support network.

This, Torres said, will ensure that extremist recruiters and propagandists are held accountable by the country's justice system.

"These 'ahas sa damuhan' (snakes in the grass) who exploit our legal and democratic spaces in order to sow division, are the last lifeline of the CPP. Alas, they have unmasked themselves as transactional operators, with their questionable alliances and cash-driven motives exposing them as mercenaries rather than true servants of the people," he added.

Not insignificant but an insignificant threat. So, still a threat. 

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año has called on the Reds to "recognize its defeat and consider a political settlement for the sake of its remaining members."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1240730

National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo Año has called on the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) to consider a political settlement to allow its remaining members to help the government in nation-building, as the communist movement continues to dwindle.

"It is time for the CPP to recognize its defeat and consider a political settlement for the sake of its remaining members, particularly its young cadres, who have talents and energy better suited to nation-building. There is no shame in choosing the path of genuine parliamentary struggle, free from the burden of armed violence," he said in a statement over the weekend.

He noted that the CPP is now a shadow of its former self while its armed wing, the New People’s Army, is reduced to sporadic criminal activities rather than credible tactical offensives.

"What remains is a disillusioned and depleted force – hungry, exhausted, and isolated. The CPP's business model, in refusing to recognize the evolving aspirations of Filipinos, is bankrupt and will, in no time, be relegated to the dustbin of history," he added.

Año, who is also the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict vice-chair, added that territorial defense, climate action, social justice, sustainment of peace gains and other pressing challenges await those willing to contribute constructively.

"These are struggles worth fighting for – ones that do not sow destruction but instead unite Filipinos toward progress," the NSA added.

As the CPP celebrated its 56th anniversary on Dec. 26, the NTF-ELCAC vice chair urged its members and leaders to reflect on the irrelevance of their cause in the present day.

"From the CPP’s own teachings that 'the revolutionary must move amongst the people as a fish swims in the sea,' it is clear that the 'sea' or the Filipino people now demand peace, development, and unity. Persisting in a countercurrent and violent struggle serves neither the people nor the country’s aspirations," he added.

These kind of statements are nothing new. The NPA has been declared irrelevant many times over the past two decades. 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/647262/lorenzana-to-npa-rebels-lay-down-your-arms-your-cause-has-become-irrelevant/story/

"Your cause has become irrelevant. Do not be the spoilers of peace, progress and development. If you could not win [in] 49 years, what made you think you could salvage victory in the next 50?" Lorenzana said in a statement.

And yet the rebellion continues. 

Clashes continue. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2020145/soldier-wounded-in-clash-with-suspected-npa-rebels-in-leyte

A soldier was wounded after his group figured in an encounter with suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Barangay Canhandugan in Jaro, Leyte on Monday, Dec. 30.

Sgt. Ronald Gomez was immediately transported to a nearby hospital and is now in a stable condition.

The encounter, which lasted for more than five minutes resulted in the seizure of one .45 caliber pistol, three improvised explosive devices and ammunition.

The firefight stemmed from reports received from concerned citizens about the presence of unidentified armed individuals in their farmlands.

Acting on this information, troops of the 93rd Infantry Battalion (IB) located and confronted the suspected rebels.

Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Saclot, commanding officer of the 93rd IB, emphasized the crucial role of civilian cooperation in the successful operation.

“The information we received from the residents of Barangay Canhandugan about the presence of suspicious individuals in their area prompted us to immediately deploy troops to the area which resulted in the encounter,” said Saclot in a statement.

Brigadier General Noel Vestuir, commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, commended the troops of the 93rd IB for their swift response to the residents’ concerns.

“Once again, the NPA has failed in their terrorist activities due to the invaluable assistance of the populace who informed the soldiers about the presence of unknown individuals in their community,” he said in a separate statement.

He reiterated their calls for the remaining NPA members to return to the fold of the law and live a normal life.

“For the remaining few members of the communist terrorist group, it is high time to return to the folds of the law and avail themselves of the government’s services, such as the Amnesty Program, which offers forgiveness and a chance to start anew,” Vestuir added.

Surrenders continue. 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/1/3/14-communist-rebels-surrender-in-bukidnon

Fourteen New People’s Army rebels surrendered to the military in Maramag, Bukidnon on New Year’s Day and vowed to help the government ‘s peace and development programs.

“They wanted to embrace their respective families in a new beginning and a peaceful life,” said Police Regional Office 10-Regional Public Information Office chief Police Major Joann G. Navarro.

Their surrender was facilitated by the Bukidnon 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, 48th Infantry Battalion, Quezon Municipal Police Station (MPS), Damulog MPS, and Kibawe MPS.

Navarro said their surrender highlights the collaborative effort and sustained commitment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to fostering peace and ending insurgency in Northern Mindanao.

The rebel returnees turned over two grenades, one rifle grenade, two improvised 12-gauge shotguns, two magazines, and one 12G ammunition. These  have been secured and documented by the 48th IB.

The surrenderers are under the custody of the 48th IB for custodial debriefing and further processing under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) that aims to provide former communist rebels with reintegration support and opportunities for a peaceful return to society.

PRO-10 Director Police Brig. Gen. Jaysen C. de Guzman lauded their surrender and reiterated the importance of collective efforts in maintaining peace and security in the region.

“I commend these individuals for choosing to lay down their arms and return to the fold of the law,” he said. “This achievement underscores the unwavering dedication of the AFP, PNP, and local government units in advancing peace and development in Northern Mindanao.”

For several years the AFP has been on the cusp of declaring victory and has in fact already declared a strategic victory over the CPP-NPA. They have also said that victory does not mean zero insurgents. Though the number guerrilla fronts is down to one the NPA remains an active threat. Will 2025 be the end of the insurgency? Not very likely. 

Insurgency: Holiday Gift for Rebels

The CPP's 56th anniversary has come and gone. During the festivities the PNP and AFP were on high alert for any tactical offenses. The Army says nothing happened and it was "generally peaceful on the ground."

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2018796/cpps-56th-anniversary-generally-peaceful-on-the-ground-army

The Communist Party of the Philippines’ (CPP) commemoration of its 56th anniversary on Thursday was “generally peaceful on the ground,” the Philippine Army declared Thursday.

Army spokesperson Colonel Louie Dema-ala, however, reiterated that their troops would remain on alert.

“We have not recorded any incidents,” Dema-ala told INQUIRER.net, adding: “But all our troops remain on the alert and the internal security operations are continuous to ensure peaceful communities.”

Throught the past two years the AFP has repeated the claim that the CPP-NPA cannot carry out tactical offenses or even recruit because of a lack of leadership. Philippine Army 8th Infantry Division spokesperson Capt. Jefferson Mariano says that the NPA is incapable of launching attacks in the Eastern Visayas. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1240492

The Philippine Army in Eastern Visayas is confident that the New People’s Army (NPA) is no longer capable of launching major attacks during its founding anniversary due to losses this year.

Philippine Army 8th Infantry Division spokesperson Capt. Jefferson Mariano said in a phone interview Tuesday that military operations have thwarted plans of the NPA to conduct violent attacks in time for their 56th founding anniversary on December 26.

“They are no longer capable of conducting major attacks, but of course, we should stay vigilant despite their losses since they will find ways to commit atrocities,” Mariano told the Philippine News Agency.

He said the Philippine Army in the region achieved significant success in 2024, delivering decisive blows against the Communist Party of the Philippines (NPA).

From January to the third week of December, troops engaged in 93 armed encounters across the region.

These operations resulted in the neutralization of 41 communist group members, two of whom are considered high-value individuals and six are key leaders, the recovery of 75 firearms, 48 banned anti-personnel mines, and the seizure of 143 NPA lairs.

The high-value individuals were identified as Ariel Baselga, alias Ariel, the secretary of NPA sub-regional committee (SRC) Emporium neutralized on Dec. 2, in a clash in Paco village, Las Navas, Northern Samar; and alias Ruby, secretary of SRC Sesame, who surrendered to the 78th Infantry Battalion on Nov. 29. 

Mariano said one of the significant accomplishments in 2024 is the dismantling of the Apoy and Bugsok platoons under the NPA’s Eastern Visayas regional party committee based in the boundaries of Samar and Eastern Samar provinces.

The said groups perpetrated numerous atrocities in the region, including the Dec. 13, 2019 ambush in Borongan City that killed a police officer, three civilians, and wounded 12 others, including three minors.

In a statement, Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division, commended the troops for their outstanding performance.

“These successful operations highlight our unyielding commitment in preventing NPA atrocities and maintaining peace in the region,” Orio said. “We also recognize the vital cooperation of partner stakeholders and the civilian population in achieving these milestones.” 

The 8th Infantry Division continues to encourage the remaining 119 NPA members in the region to surrender peacefully, emphasizing dialogue and reconciliation over conflict.

Nevertheless the AFP remains "vigilant" as the NPA "will find ways to commit atrocities."

These warnings and claims of incapability contradict official statements from the CPP who has directed the NPA to launch attacks during the 56th anniversary.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/on-56th-anniversary-cpp-directs-npa-to-advance-revolutionary-war/

The Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines has directed its entire membership and the New People’s Army to frustrate the AFP’s all-out war in a statement issued today, December 26, to mark its 56th founding anniversary.

“We are determined to frustrate the enemy’s all-out war, recover from our losses, gain new victories and advance the Filipino people’s revolutionary resistance,” it declared. The Party credited the ongoing internal rectification movement for its current strength in overcoming errors and shortcomings in the past years.

Earlier, the CPP belied the AFP’s claims that the NPA is down to “one weakened front.” While acknowledging “grave losses and reversals in some regions and guerilla fronts,” the Central Committee said NPA units have “quickly reorganized and redeployed in line with the rectification movement” and have made gains in recovering and expanding the mass base.

The CPP said that guerrilla units of the NPA are now “creatively and wisely exercising flexibility,” and frustrating much of the enemy’s strategy of gradual constriction and sustained military operations.

“The Party’s rectification movement has inspired the Red fighters of the New People’s Army to persevere along the arduous path of the protracted people’s war to rebuild and expand the mass base, defend the people against state terrorism, preserve and strengthen the NPA, and frustrate the enemy’s strategic offensives,” it declared.

It directed the NPA to “take the initiative to mount tactical offensives, selecting targets that it can defeat.” To deepen its ties with the masses, the Party directed the people’s army to “render economic, health and education services to the peasant masses, while guiding them in waging anti-feudal struggles.”

At the same time, the Party called on members to “conscientiously build or rebuild the underground movement” as these are the “ready pool of Party recruits.”

“The underground movement must be expanded in order to help conceal and secure the leading Party cadres and organizers. At the same time, it must carry out widespread revolutionary propaganda to broadcast the call for people’s war to rouse the people to support and join the New People’s Army,” it said.

The full statement can be read here. Is it all just so much bluster? The CPP has issued such statements before and nothing has happened. Did no tactical offenses occur this time because the NPA is unable or due to some other reason? 

The 301st Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army has been awarded for dismantling the NPA on Panay Island. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/12/23/301st-i-bde-feted-for-dismantling-npa-in-panay

The 301st Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army was awarded by the Armed Forces of the Philippines for dismantling the New People’s Army in Panay Island.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. awarded the AFP Campaign Streamer to the 301st IBde during the recent 89th anniversary of the AFP in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

“This remarkable achievement is a manifestation of the commitment and dedication of my men on the ground in responding to their call of duty as peacemakers and protectors of the people,” said Brig. Gen. Michael Samson, 301st IBde commander.

The 301st IBde is composed of the 61st Infantry Battalion (IB), the 12th IB, and the 82nd IB, among other units.

They dismantled the NPA Southern Front Committee in Panay Island. It covers the southern portion of Iloilo province and Antique.

The NPA Central Front Committee which covers parts of Capiz, Aklan, and Iloilo was also dismantled. 

Take note this does not mean Panay Island is NPA free. It means the fronts have been dismantled and the remaining members are out there somewhere. 

The province of Basilan is finally free of Abu Sayyaf after the final four members surrendered.

https://mb.com.ph/2024/12/27/basilan-asg-free-after-4-remaining-members-surrender

The military has declared the province of Basilan free from the Abu Sayyaf Group following the surrender of the four remaining members and four followers in Barangay Guiong, Sumisip on Thursday.

The surrenderers – Tawakkal Bayali, Abu Bayali, Julhari Bayali, Hasib Tualaran, Yusup Bayali, Marjan Bayali, Makrin Bayali, and Apong Upaman – turned over five high-powered firearms, including an M203 grenade launcher, three M16 rifles, a caliber .30 Carbine rifle, and assorted ammunition.

“We are very thankful and welcome the surrender of the Tawakkal Bayali group. I laud their decision to lay down arms and finally join mainstream society," Brig. Gen. Alvin V. Luzon, commander of the 101st Infantry (Three Red Arrows) Brigade, said.

"Your surrender today is not only for you, your families, and your future but also the province of Basilan, paving the way for peace and development. Let us altogether declare that Basilan is now ASG-free.”  

Luzon added their surrender was the “best Christmas gift” to the people of Basilan and a major milestone towards lasting peace and progress in the province.

Their surrender was made possible through the combined efforts of the military, Sumisip municipal government, and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Basilan.

Sumisip Mayor Jul-Adnan Hataman said their surrender is essential for the town’s goal of achieving lasting peace and opens up opportunities for continuous progress and sustainable development.

The surrenderers are currently under the custody of the Sumisip municipal government and will undergo a social integration program.

The best Christmas gift? Do Muslims celebrate Christmas? Now they can apply for E-CLIP benefits and amnesty. 

Amnesty has been granted to rebels of all kinds be they Communists or Muslims. The government is enticing those eligible to apply, calling it a "holiday gift."

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2018580/govt-dangles-amnesty-anew-as-holiday-gift-for-rebels

The government has urged active and former communist rebels to take advantage of its amnesty offer so they can restart life anew as peaceful and productive citizens.

This developed as the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (Opapru) aims for greater peace gains in 2025.

“Amnesty is today the government’s best gift [to rebels] as it will restore [all] your political and civil rights … Through this mechanism, you can rebuild your life,” said presidential assistant Wilben Mayor, Opapru spokesperson.

Mayor emphasized that if granted, amnesty can restore all suspended or lost civil and political rights resulting from criminal conviction and elimination of all criminal liability for acts covered as some of the most significant impacts on former rebels.

Among the offenses covered under the program include rebellion or insurrection, conspiracy to commit rebellion, sedition, illegal possession of firearms, ammunition or explosives, and relative crimes of rebellion, among others.

“To ensure the holistic transformation of former combatants, President Marcos underscored the importance of granting amnesty as a key component of these efforts,” Mayor said.

Earlier, Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. said the government’s amnesty program “is (its) best policy” for dealing with enemies of the state.

Based on the amnesty proclamations, the period for filing applications will close in the first quarter of 2026.

Thought 2026 is a year away it will be here sooner than we think. Time flies fast but some ex-Moro rebels are not flying to apply for amnesty. The government cannot figure out why. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2018053/few-ex-moro-rebels-applied-for-amnesty

Despite an earlier pronouncement by Bangsamoro Interim Chief Ahod Ebrahim that amnesty would provide former combatants a new hope and a new lease on life, only a small number of the 40,000 strong Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have applied for amnesty, according to the National Amnesty Commission (NAC).

NAC said only 344 or a dismal 0.86 percent of the former rebel group’s armed forces already applied for the government’s amnesty program.

“Amnesty is integral to the implementation of the CAB (Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro),” said Cesar Yano, chair of the government peace implementing panel, as it “falls under the component of the confidence-building measures, which is under the normalization track of the CAB.”

Yono was referring to the peace deal the government signed with the MILF in 2014, ending decades of armed conflict and after 17 years of peace negotiations.

In an earlier statement, Ebrahim said granting amnesty to former MILF combatants would allow them to get a new lease in life and seize the opportunity for healing and reconciliation.

“As a party to the peace pact with the [government], our priority is to ensure that the agreements in the CAB are mutually honored, substantially implemented, and timely completed,” Ebrahim said, adding that all the components of the normalization must progress in parallel and commensurate with each other.

But there was no explanation yet as to why thousands of MILF members still failed to apply.

President Marcos signed Proclamation Nos. 405 and 406 in November last year, granting amnesty to MILF and MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front) members, respectively, in line with the CAB’s normalization track.

Ebrahim said it was in line with the administration’s policy of “peace, reconciliation, and unity.”

The explanation is rather easy. First of all the Moro rebels do not trust the National Government. The BARMM is literally a terrorist state within a state. Why bother applying for amnesty when they have the protection of their fellow Muslims within the bounds of their own sovereign territory?

Second of all MILF Chief Murad Ebrahim is on record saying that the MILF has not surrendered. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1162067/milfs-murad-decommissioning-is-not-surrender

“We have not given up on our struggle.” 

“We are not surrendering. Decommissioning is not tantamount to surrendering,” said Ebrahim, who is also Chief Minister of the interim Bangsamoro government. 

“I would like to emphasize that the decommissioning doesn’t mean we have given up on what we used to fight for,” Ebrahim emphasized.

Why would any MILF rebel apply for amnesty if the MILF has not surrendered? They wouldn't. 

Insurgency: Holiday Truce

The CPP's anniversary is coming up and the AFP has warned they "might commit retaliatory attacks to mark the occasion."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1240099

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Tuesday communist insurgents are no longer capable of conducting large-scale operations, even as they look to celebrate the 56th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on Dec. 26.

"As they have been already weakened, and being weakened, they are no longer capable of staging major operations and also, meron na din po sila (they have) a leadership vacuum, and they are not capable of recruiting any more additional personnel into their ranks," AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said in a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

This comes as the New People's Army (NPA), the CPP's armed wing, might commit retaliatory attacks to mark the occasion.

She, however, said the AFP is ready to thwart these actions.

"Our commanders on the ground, we trust (that they) know the situations on the ground and they will be preparing accordingly," Padilla said.

She also said the AFP would continue with its internal security operations to finish the remaining communist insurgents in the country at the soonest possible time.

"From the start of the year, we started with seven weakened guerrilla fronts, ngayon (now) we're down to one and we're well within targets," Padilla said.

Could the AFP be any more contradictory? The AFP says the NPA is weakened, has a leadership vacuum, are unable to recruit, and are unable to carry out large scale attacks yet they are prepared to thwart such attacks. We have also seen that the NPA definitely still has leaders and is allegedly recruiting in Iloilo. Why all the contradictions?

In the past the AFP has held a Christmas truce with the CPP-NPA. The DND says they are not interested in such a truce this year.  

https://mb.com.ph/2024/12/18/holiday-truce-with-communists

If it were only up to Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., the national government will have no truce with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), its armed wing, the National People’s Army (NPA), and political wing, National Democratic Front (NDF), this Christmas season.

In a statement Wednesday, Dec. 18, exactly a week before Christmas Day, Teodoro said that any truce that shall be made by the national government with the CPP-NDA-NDF “is a ceasefire against terrorists and criminals.”

“It is a last-ditch measure of a Jurassic group to find relevance in the national political ecosystem,” he stressed.

As of writing, the AFP’s Commander-in-Chief, President Marcos Jr., has not yet decided whether or not the government will declare a unilateral ceasefire with the Communist groups this holiday, as what has been the tradition in the previous years until the collapse of the peace talks between the two.

If the CPP-NPA is unable to carry out large scale attacks what's the point of a truce? 

The AFP has killed another one of the non-existent NPA leaders calling his death a "big blow to the NPA."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1240011

The Philippine Army is hopeful that the death of a notorious leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Samar will encourage remaining rebels to abandon the armed struggle.

Brig. Gen. Lenart Lelina, commander of the Army’s 801st Infantry Brigade, said the neutralization of Artemio Solayao alias Budil is a big blow to the NPA’s Eastern Visayas regional party committee (EVRPC).

Solayao was the leader of Squad 2, Yakal Platoon, of the NPA EVRPC with multiple warrants of arrest for the atrocities he committed against the government forces, including the ambush of members of the 14th Infantry Battalion in 2014 in Maypadandan, Catbalogan City.

He died during the firefight on Dec. 13 in upland Cawayan village in Catbalogan City, Samar that lasted about 15 minutes. Government troops also seized a .45 caliber pistol and documents containing high intelligence value.

“This Christmas season, we are hoping that NPA remnants will choose to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law. It is not yet too late, be with their family, the government will help them,” Lelina said.

The official said it is high time for the remaining rebels to surrender with the military’s continued focus operations that target the communist NPA’s leadership and logistical networks. This is part of their effort to end insurgency and ensure long-term peace and security in the region.

Why does the AFP think the death of this one guy will cause the remaining rebels in Samar to "abandon the armed struggle?"

Another important leader was captured in Northern Negros. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1239984

Troops of the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (79IB) seized the hideout and captured a key leader of the dismantled New People’s Army-North Negros Front (NPA-NNF), following a clash in remote Barangay Bandila of Toboso, Negros Occidental over the weekend.

The arrested rebel, identified only as alias “Pinky,” is a cohort of Roger Fabillar alias “Arnel Tapang,” an NPA hitman facing a string of murder cases in northern Negros with a PHP1-million bounty on his head, according to the 79IB report.

“She was arrested during the pursuit operation after the encounter and is now in the custody of Toboso Municipal Police Station,” 1Lt. Dan Carlo Samoza, 79IB civil-military operations officer, said in an interview.

A report of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office on Sunday showed that alias “Pinky,” 58, was apprehended in Sitio Malig-on Saturday morning. 

She has a warrant of arrest for attempted murder without bail, issued on Jan. 27, 2021 by the Regional Trial Court Branch 59 in neighboring San Carlos City.

On Friday afternoon, troops of 79IB tracked down the location of the NPA remnants in Sitio Tauma, based on the information provided by the locals, and engaged them in a 12-minute firefight.

No one died or was injured on the government side.

According to the 79IB report, soldiers found bloodstains from the encounter site towards the rebels’ withdrawal route.

After the encounter, they recovered various weapons, including a 5.56mm assault rifle, a caliber .38 revolver, a short magazine for AK47 assault rifle, two magazines for caliber .45 handgun and assorted live ammunition.

At the hideout, the NPA remnants left behind two backpacks, medical paraphernalia and medicines, food supplies, some personal items, and subversive documents.

In a statement, Lt. Col. Arnel Calaoagan, commander of 79IB, said the result of the encounter is “a testament to the unity, bravery and unwavering dedication exhibited by both the soldiers and the members of the community.”

“It is a clear manifestation of the relentless efforts of the ‘Masaligan’ troopers to hunt down every Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army personality and bring justice to the victims of  their  brutal  killing spree and atrocities,” he added.

Meanwhile in Northern Samar relentless ops vs the NPA have recovered numerous firearms.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1240081

The Philippine Army has recovered two firearms in its continuing military operations against remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Northern Samar province.

Troops from the Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion seized the firearms on Monday after an encounter with six communist rebels from the sub-regional guerrilla unit, under the sub-regional committee of the NPA Eastern Visayas regional party committee (EVRPC), in the remote areas of Manering village in, Catubig, Northern Samar.

The 15-minute firefight resulted in the recovery of one Bushmaster M4 rifle, one M16 rifle, and various NPA war materiel and personal belongings. No one was hurt during the brief firefight.

In a statement on Tuesday, Lt. Col. Richard Villaflor, commander of the Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion lauded villagers for providing information about armed rebels near their communities.

“Our troops showcased their commitment to peace and security in Catubig town acting on information from concerned citizens. This success underscores the dedication of our troops and the vital role of community cooperation in fighting insurgency. We thank the public for their trust and timely support in securing our barangays. Let us remain united and vigilant in achieving lasting peace and development in Northern Samar,” Villaflor said.

The recovery of firearms is part of the continuing intensified fight against insurgents in Northern Samar after a major clash early this month.

On Dec. 2, seven rebels died in a fierce gun battle with a group of 30 NPA combatants hiding in a lair fortified with anti-personnel mines in upland Paco village in Las Navas.

In a follow-up operation on Dec. 5, two NPA members died in a clash in Barangay Victory in Las Navas and nearby Barangay Geparayan de Turag in Silvino Lobos.

In Cagayan the AFP have recovered 38 IEDs.

https://mb.com.ph/2024/12/20/npa-ie-ds-recovered-in-cagayan

The military recovered New People’s Army Improvised Explosive Devices in Sitio Tagkar, Barangay Isca, this town, on Wednesday, Dec. 18.

The 95th Infantry Battalion led by Lt. Col. Vladimir Gracilla received information from concerned citizens that a cache of explosives owned by communist rebels were kept in the area.

Soldiers, with the assistance of the police, verified its location and found 38 Improvised Explosive Devices, four improvised blasting machines, five remote controllers, and a 50-meter-long wire.

Police have taken custody of the IEDs for proper disposition.

Who are these "concerned citizens" that knew the location of these IEDs? Former rebels? How would an ordinary citizen know where the NPA was storing its bombs?

Engaging the NPA in firefights isn't the only way to defeat them. Building roads and bridges works too. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/12/18/2-multi-million-infrastructure-projects-in-eastern-samar-to-boost-anti-insurgency-drive

The construction of two multi-million infrastructure projects, the P163-million Maslog and Jipapad Road (Phase 1) and the P30-million Panic-an Bridge in Maslog in Eastern Samar, is seen to boost the campaign against insurgency in the province.

The 2.4-kilometer Maslog and Jipapad Road (Phase 1) and the 22-meter Panic-an Bridge will connect barangays and municipalities, especially in vulnerable areas, to foster socio-economic development, especially 

in conflict-affected areas.

The farm-to-market roads were funded under the Fiscal Year 2024 Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Program, which focuses on the transformation of former rebels (FRs), their families, and communities.

Brig. Gen. Lenart Lelina, commander of the 801st Infantry Brigade, stressed the importance of farm-to-market roads, citing the adage, “Insurgency ends where road begins.”

“These two municipalities were formerly considered hotbeds of the insurgents in the province of Eastern Samar. But now, with these infrastructure projects, economic development will soon start to flourish,” he said.

Major Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the 8th Infantry Division and the Joint Task Force Storm, thanked the government’s continued support in putting initiatives that are critical in defeating the New People's Army.

“Through these projects, the root causes of insurgency will be addressed. The delivery of basic government services and the socio-economic development will improve through these access roads,”  Orio said.

Now that these communities have proper infrastructure they will be able to get rich and the government will be able to deliver basic services. No need to be a communist anymore. It's time to pack it all in because the government built a road and a bridge. 

Simply surrender and seek amnesty like 1,665 others.

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2024/12/19/1-665-ex-rebels-seek-amnesty-opapru-1317

A total of 1,665 former rebels have applied for the amnesty offered by the government, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) said on Thursday.

Of these, 1,061 were former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) and their front organizations.

Another 344 were from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF); 241 from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF); and 19 from the Rebolusyonaryong Partidong Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB).

At least 1,260 of the applicants are still under verification, while 331 are for conference, 33 for resolution, and only 41 have been resolved by the Local Amnesty Boards (LABs) and are up for review by the NAC.

(Some causes of the delay are incomplete submissions of application forms. Some of the applications we received were just the one-page application form, which we provided and is downloadable from our website or social media pages. What happens is that the LAB secretariat has to search for the necessary information to complete the applicant's documents, so that's where we experience delays.)

There are currently nine LABs across the country, and the NAC plans to establish 11 more in 2025.

The LABs serve as centers where rebels can avail themselves of amnesty, but only for political crimes or crimes committed in pursuit of political beliefs.

(What is important here is for the applicants to know that it will expedite the processing of the application if they submit a complete document in support of their application.)

The amnesty process requires proof of identity, of affiliation, and of the commission of a crime. 

Former members of the CPP-NPA-NDF were granted amnesty by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. under Proclamation No. 404.

Members of the RPMP-RPA-ABB, MILF, and MNLF were granted amnesty under Proclamation Nos. 403, 405, and 406, respectively.

Under these proclamations, issued on November 23, 2023, members of these rebel groups have two years to apply for amnesty. Applications are filed with the LABs, which also handle the initial processing.

A lot of criminals will never face a true reckoning in this life.