The AFP has said the NPA is leaderless yet more NPA leaders continue to surrender. Three top leaders recently surrendered in Mindanao.
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| https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/top-npa-leaders-in-southeastern-mindanao-arrested-in-cotabato-city/ |
THREE HIGH-RANKING leaders of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) of the New People’s Army were apprehended at Mabini Street, Bagua 3, Cotabato City on Nov. 16.
The 10th Infantry Division report identified them as Ruel Villanueva Cabales, SMRC secretary; Catherine Apares Guinoo, alias Dewen, SMRC executive committee deputy secretary; and Alma Mae Masalon, alias Memie, an SMRC member.
The suspects reportedly had warrants for illegal possession of firearms and explosives, destructive arson, violation against or intimidation of persons, attempted murder, and crimes against international humanitarian law.
Major General Allan Hambala, commander of the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division, commended the joint efforts of the military and the police involved in the operation. He emphasized that the arrest of these key NPA leaders is a significant blow to the remaining SMRC forces in Region XI.
“This achievement highlights the dedication and synergy of our military and law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace and security. The arrest of these individuals significantly contributes to the total defeat of the SMRC and a safer Southeastern Mindanao,” Hambala said.
It's not clear if their warrants will prevent them from being able to avail of E-CLIP benefits.
In Northern Samar an NPA leader was arrested by the AFP.
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| https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2007242/suspected-npa-leader-nabbed-in-northern-samar |
An alleged leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) was arrested in an operation Monday by government troops in Barangay Malidong, Gamay town, Northern Samar.
The suspect, identified as “Ahon,” allegedly served as the vice squad leader of the Regional Guerrilla Unit (RGU) under the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC).
Members of the 52nd Infantry Battalion (IB) conducted the operation after reports from a concerned citizen regarding sightings of rebels, allegedly engaging in extortion activities in the area.
Authorities seized a firearm in his possession during the operation.
No word on his charges or if he will be able to avail of E-CLIP benefits.
Meanwhile in Panay Island a top leader and the wife of a former NPA leader surrendered to the AFP.
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| https://www.sunstar.com.ph/iloilo/ex-child-warrior-wife-of-panay-npa-leader-surrender |
A FORMER child warrior and a key figure of the dismantled Central Front, Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay of the Communist New People's Army (NPA) surrendered to government forces, leaving behind decades of armed struggle in Panay, on November 19, 2024.
Alias Todyo, 35, former team leader of the NPA or Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), surrendered to the Philippine Army's 12th Infantry (Lick 'Em) Battalion (12IB).
He said he joined the group at age 17 but left after experiencing unfulfilled promises and severe hardships.
Presented to Aklan Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores and Libacao Mayor Charito Navarosa, Todyo is now under the custody of the 12IB and will be enrolled in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip).
Lieutenant Colonel Vicel Jan Garsuta, commanding officer of the 12IB, said that Todyo will receive livelihood opportunities, skills training, and psychosocial support through E-Clip.
“We urge the remaining NPAs to take a cue from Todyo, return to the fold of the law, and start a new life with their families,” Garsuta said. “He was a victim of the CTG's deceitful recruitment tactics and endured immense hardship. As a victim, he deserves to heal and rebuild his life with the support of his family, community, and government.”
Meanwhile, Helen "Nesta" Balois, wife of NPA’s notorious extortionist Francisco “Tonying” Balois, surrendered to Tapaz Mayor Roberto Palomar on November 20, 2024.
Nesta admitted that the arrest of her husband in June 2024 and his humane treatment by authorities led her to abandon the armed struggle after 46 years.
Despite facing criminal charges of murder and rebellion, she hopes to reintegrate into society.
Garsuta praised the woman's surrender as a sign of the realization that the armed struggle may not have been worth the sacrifices.
Nesta expressed hope that as she returns to the law, she will find comfort in reunited with her family.
“Her surrender is a testament to the realization that the decades-long armed struggle, and the sacrifices it demanded, may not have been worth the cost. The time she lost with her children is irreplaceable. Now, as she returns to the fold of the law, we hope she finds comfort in reuniting with her family and rebuilding her life,” Garsuta said.
Both surrenders highlighted a growing trend of NPA members seeking reintegration.
It is not clear if Todyo returned to the NPA after he left at the age of 17 or if he was hiding out and only now decided to surrender. Interesting that Helen "Nesta" Balois did not surrender along with her husband. It appears that despite being a "notorious extortionist" her husband was not arrested and was able to avail of E-CLIP benefits. Why else would she talk of reuniting with her family?
The AFP continues to clash with NPA remnants.
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| https://mb.com.ph/2024/11/21/6-npa-rebels-killed-in-negros-occidental-clash-1 |
Six New People’s Army rebels were killed in an encounter with the military before dawn on Thursday, Nov. 21, in Barangay Gatuslao, Candoni, Negros Occidental.
Brig. Gen. Joey Escanillas, 302nd Infantry Brigade chief, said the gun battle erupted when troops of the 47th Infantry Battalion and the 15th IB responded to a report on the presence of armed men in the area at 3:40 a.m.
Escanillas said the casualties have yet to be identified as police are conducting an investigation of the encounter.
He said that soldiers encountered at least 10 members of the Southwest Front of the Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor (KR-NCBS).
Recovered in the encounter site were eight high-powered firearms – five M16 rifles, two AK-47 rifles, and one M653 rifle.
The clash lasted for about 45 minutes and there were no casualties on the government side.
The campaign against communist rebels in Negros Island continues without letup.
“Our fight against the remnants of the NPA in Negros is an ongoing effort,” said Major Gen. Marion Sison, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division.
He warned remaining communist guerrillas that their continued path of violence will only lead to a tragic end.
"We will not tire of urging you to abandon this path of armed struggle. There is still time to choose a peaceful way where you can have a fresh start,” Sison said.
The death toll was later raised to eight. Eight firearms were recovered after this clash.
It is usual that after fighting the AFP recovers weapons. In Northern Samar a rifle and grenade launcher were found.
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| https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1238189 |
The Philippine Army recovered on Tuesday firearms after a clash with remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Catubig, Northern Samar.
Found are one M16 rifle with an attached M203 grenade launcher, an M653 baby Armalite, and personal belongings abandoned by members of the NPA sub-regional guerrilla unit, sub-regional committee arctic.
Acting on tips from villagers, troops from the Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion chased a group of armed rebels in C.M. Recto village in Catubig town.
After a brief armed encounter, the rebels retreated and left some of their firearms.
“The encounter highlights the military’s unwavering commitment to protecting our people. Our troops acted swiftly, forcing the communist terrorist group to retreat and abandon their intent to disrupt peace and security,” said Lt. Col. Richard Villaflor, commander of the 20th Infantry Battalion, in a statement.
Villaflor urged the remaining NPA members to surrender and embrace the government's reintegration programs.
In Capiz a single M-16 rifle was recovered after a clash with rebel remnants.
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| https://mb.com.ph/2024/11/20/army-seizes-npa-firearm-in-capiz-clash |
The 12th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army seized a firearm from the New People’s Army in a clash in Capiz province this week.
Lt. Col. Vicel Jan Garsuta, 12th IB commander, said an M-16 rifle was recovered in Barangay Batobato, Tapaz town.
The 12th IB troops were conducting foot patrol on Monday, Nov. 18, when they engaged rebels from the NPA Regional Sentro de Grabidad (RSDG) and the dismantled NPA Panay Central Front Committee.
A firefight ensued until the NPA rebels withdrew.
Garsuta said there were no wounded government troops but they there may be on the side of the NPA rebels as bloodstains were found in the area.
The hierarchy of the 3rd ID lauded the efforts of the 12th IB against the communist rebels.
“Our troops are persistently pursuing remnants of the NPA to prevent the group from resurging,” said Major Gen. Marion Sison, 3rd ID commander.
“With the unwavering support of the people of Panay, we will not allow this terrorist group to gain any ground or rise up again. We will ensure their complete defeat,” added Sison.
And what are the source of the weapons? We will probably never know.
On the Islamic insurgency front 2 members of the extremist Dawlah Islamiya group were arrested this week.
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| https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1238324 |
Two alleged members of the extremist Dawlah Islamiya group, implicated in the ambush of military forces in Lanao del Norte province last year, were arrested Tuesday and are now facing murder charges.
Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao Director, Brig. Gen. Jaysen de Guzman, said Wednesday that the suspects were involved in the January 2023 attack on Army troops from the 52nd Infantry Battalion in Munai town, Lanao del Norte.
The operation, conducted by multiple police units, led to the capture of alias “Ali,” 21, the region's second most wanted suspect; and his 17-year-old companion, both residents of Lanao del Norte.
“This achievement underscores our dedication to ensuring the safety and security of our communities,” De Guzman said.
The suspects are set to face trial for charges of murder and attempted murder related to the ambush.
And to think they could have availed of E-CLIP benefits if they had only surrendered.
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