Insurgency: Rebels Sieze Guns, Ammunition From Ambush

The AFP claims the CPP-NPA is weak and on the verge of folding but that seems to not the case. At least not according to the NPA's own propaganda. 

https://visayandailystar.com/rebels-seize-guns-ammunition-from-ambush/

The Roselyn Jean Pelle Command of the New People’s Army issued a statement that it recovered four high-powered firearms and ammunition, and other war materials and personal belongings from policemen they ambushed on August 9 in Brgy. Minapasuk, Calatrava, Negros Occidental.

In a statement, rebel spokesperson Ka Cecil Estrella said that the RJPC-NPA Northern Guerilla Front congratulated its Red fighters for staging the successful ambush that led to the death of policeman and injuries to two others.

Estrella said they were able to recover four high powered firearms, including a Galil Ace 22 N Caliber 5.56 (Serial Number x45 IWI), two Colt M-16 rifles, with another Colt M-16 rifle damaged by the command-detonated mine explosion.

An ammunition vest, 16 magazines of 5.56 mm loaded with ammunition, assorted mobile phones, identification cards and materials with intelligence value were also seized by the Red fighters at the ambush site, the statement added.

Prior to the ambush, two civilians accused as military informants were killed by rebels in the same barangay.

The RJPC-NPA claimed responsibility for the killing of Eliseo Mahilum and his uncle, Felix Resotay Sr. in Sitio Batyogon, Brgy. Minapasuk, Calatrava.

After ambushing and killing PNP officers the NPA also took their weapons. Now they are boasting about it. The CPP-NPA has also issued a threat to avenge the death of the Tiamzons.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/vow-to-attain-justice-for-the-tiamzons-and-all-victims-of-state-terrorism/

One year ago today, Benito Tiamzon (Ka Laan), Wilma Austria (Ka Bagong-tao), together with eight other revolutionaries, were arrested by troops belonging to the 8th Infantry Division, on their way to the coasts of Catbalogan town, Samar. While in the custody of their fascist captors, they were subjected to severe torture before they were subsequently killed. Their lifeless bodies were loaded on a boat and brought to sea where reportedly being exploded.

The torture and murder of the Tiamzons, and their companions Ka Divino, Ka Yen, Ka Jaja, Ka Matt, Ka Ash, Ka Delfin, Ka Lupe, Ka Butig, are dastardly fascist-terrorist crimes of the Marcos regime, perpetrated under the direction of their US military advisers.

The revolutionary forces reiterate their vow to attain justice for the Tiamzons and all other victims of state terrorism.

The Tiamzons long served as among the key leaders of the Party who selflessly dedicated their lives to the Filipino people’s struggle for national and social liberation and the socialist aspirations of the proletariat.

They served as consultants of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) in peace negotiations on the belief that a just and lasting peace can only be attained by addressing the deep social, economic and political roots of the armed conflict.

Marcos and his fascist ilk are grossly mistaken to think that by murdering the Tiamzons, they could kill the Filipino people’s revolutionary cause. On the contrary, the martyrdom of the Tiamzons will forever be remembered and inspire the younger generation of workers, peasants and all democratic classes to carry forward the Filipino people’s national democratic struggle.

The CPP-NPA says the Tiamzons were tortured and killed by the AFP. Then their corpses were loaded onto a boat which was exploded. That is not the story the AFP tells. The AFP was not even sure the Tiamzons were on that boat. But it is not my place to ferret out which story is true. The fact is they are dead. If Duterte had never released them from prison they would still be alive. 

While the NPA is still bent on their cause, so is the AFP. This week they killed a top NPA official in an encounter in Bukidnon.

https://mb.com.ph/2023/8/25/top-npa-leader-in-mindanao-killed-in-bukidnon-clash-1

A top leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Mindanao was killed in a encounter with the 8th Infantry (Dependable) Battalion (8th IB) in Sitio Lagaslasan, Barangay Kulaman, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, on Wednesday, August 23.

The fatality was identified as “Kumander Mojen” or “Gamot,” commanding officer of the Headquarters Force NEO, Regional Operations Command (ROC), Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC). 

The 8th IB led by Lt. Col. Anthony A. Bacus launched an operation after receiving information from residents of Barangay Kulaman on the presence of the NPA in Sitio Lagaslasan.

“A 10-minute firefight led to the unfortunate demise of one NPA and the seizure of two M16 rifles, two M653 Carbine rifles, two M203 grenade launchers, anti-personnel mines, various NPA terrorist materials, medical paraphernalia, and assorted personal belongings,” Bacus said.

Mojen was identified by Jimboy Tingkayan, alias “Jovan,” his half-brother and an NPA who recently surrendered to the 8th IB. 

Mojen’s group was once considered as the stronghold of the so-called Regional Sentro de Gravidad (RSDG) of NCMRC, said the 8th IB commander.

“It is unfortunate that the CTG continues to sacrifice the lives of their members to pursue their criminal agenda,” he said. 

It's interesting that the AFP calls the killing of the leader of an NPA stronghold unfortunate. Why is the demise of an NPA leader unfortunate? Equally interesting is the AFP calling the CPP-NPA's cause a "criminal agenda." Duterte admired the NPA for their "principles" which is why one of his first acts as President was to release the Tiamzons. It is also why he had such a great relationship with them while Mayor of Davao. 

The AFP also returned a wounded NPA to his family. 

https://mb.com.ph/2023/8/25/military-rescues-wounded-npa-leader-left-behind-by-comrades-in-masbate

The Army rescued a wounded leader of the New People's Army (NPA) two days after an encounter in Sitio Madarag, Barangay Jagnaan, San Jacinto, Masbate in which another NPA leader tagged in the killing of a FEU football player was killed.

Major Frank Roldan, spokesperson of the 9th Infantry Division (ID), said Ramon Bartolata, alias "Jamon," commanding officer of Platoon 3, Komiteng Larangang Gerilya North, Sub-regional Committee 4, Bicol Regional Party Committee, was found by troops of the 96th Infantry Battalion (IB) near the encounter site.

He said that Bartolata was unable to walk due to multiple bullet wounds and infection sustained in the encounter.

Roldan said Bartolata hid near the encounter site hoping to be rescued by his comrades. But instead of his comrades, Bartolata was rescued by the military. 

From Masbate, Bartolata was taken by the 96th IB to Albay province for proper medical attention.

The leadership of the 9th ID assured assistance to the wounded NPA while Major Gen. Adonis Bajao, 9th ID chief, cited operating troops for their efforts to end insurgency in their area of responsibility and giving importance to human rights.

The AFP is showing they are sincere about extending mercy to these rebels. 

House Speaker Romalduez says LGUs in the Eastern Visayas need to step up and curb the insurgency.  

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1819714/romualdez-to-eastern-visayas-leaders-curb-illegal-drugs-and-insurgency

House Speaker Martin Romualdez on Monday called on members of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC-8) of Eastern Visayas to create a peaceful region through collaborative decision-making.

Romualdez made the pronouncement during the third quarterly meeting of the council.

He said the group must work together to address various problems in the area.

These perils include the proliferation of illegal drugs and insurgency.

He said these issues “not only impact Region 8 but reverberate throughout [the] nation.”

“The aspirations of our families, the dreams of our youth, and the well-being of our communities hinge upon our decisions,” said Romualdez.

He explained RPOC-8 meetings serve as an “embodiment” of collective decision-making and a commitment to the allocation of resources where the funds are most needed.

“Our objective remains clear – a safer, more prosperous, and united Region 8,” the House leader said.

The group serves as a platform for partnerships among local government units and law enforcement agencies in Eastern Visayas.

That is actually the AFP's job but whatever. 

In his SONA Marcos said he favored amnesty but he has yet to proclaim it yet. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1819785/govt-amnesty-body-waits-for-marcos-proclamation-to-fulfill-its-mandate

The National Amnesty Commission (NAC) said it was preparing for the crafting of application protocols and other rules while awaiting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s issuance of an amnesty proclamation for rebels that he promised during his State of the Nation Address (Sona) in July.

Speaking at the Laging Handa public briefing on Monday, NAC Executive Director Maria Victoria Cardona said there was no confirmation yet on when the amnesty proclamation would be issued.

“We are hopeful with the pronouncement of our president during the Sona that he will issue a proclamation to grant amnesty to former rebels so we are hopeful he would issue it soon so that the commission can already fulfill its main mandate, that is, to receive and process applications,” Cardona said.

In his Sona, Marcos said his administration was dedicated to implementing reintegration programs for former combatants, which include capacity building and social protection. The President’s offer was backed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

In the meantime, the NAC has been establishing local amnesty boards and is preparing the implementing regulations and rules of procedure for the application, processing, and grant of amnesty. These will be finalized and adopted as soon as Marcos issues the proclamation, she added.

Cardona said the NAC was also in touch with other member agencies such as the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity and the Department of Justice.

She said she was “hopeful” that the amnesty proclamation would cover members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDFP).

Under the 1987 Constitution, the president shall have the power to grant amnesty with the concurrence of a majority of all members of Congress.

Even without this proclamation the NTF-ELCAC program is a de facto amnesty. What else do you call giving free money and housing to surrendering terrorists?