The AFP has given another update on the number of rebels neutralized iso far in 2024. Last week the number was 2,319. This week the number is 2,382.
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| https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2011942/fwd-afp-on-neutralized-npa-rebels |
Over 2,300 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels and their supporters have been neutralized since January this year, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
AFP Spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said 2,382 NPA members and their supporters were neutralized in various operations from January 1 to November 28, 2024.
“A total of 2,382 communist terrorist group members and supporters were neutralized. Of which 2,087 surrendered, 149 were apprehended, and 146 were killed in military operations,” Padilla said in a press briefing on Tuesday.
She added that 1,176 firearms were also seized from or surrendered by the rebels.
In August this year, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said the NPA continues to dwindle, revealing that its weakened guerrilla fronts decreased from seven to five.
Padilla earlier explained that units considered weakened meant that they could no longer implement programs like recruitment and generate resources to support their armed struggle.
Last week the break down was 2,042 surrendered to government forces while another 140 were arrested with 137 killed in military operations. The numbers this week are hardly different.
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| https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1239187 |
Responding to calls from their loved ones, two leaders of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered and turned over to the Philippine Army high-powered firearms in Borongan City in Eastern Samar.
Philippine Army 802nd Infantry Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir said on Tuesday that the two NPA leaders yielded to authorities on Dec. 1 after hearing Christmas wishes of families of active NPA combatants.
The sharing of messages is under the brigade’s “Wish Upon a Star” project, where soldiers record the Christmas wishes of families of active NPA combatants. It is shared by members of the local task force to end local communist armed conflict and netizens until it is viewed or heard by rebels.
The army has not yet disclosed the identities of surrendered NPA leaders.
The duo turned over an M60 light machine gun, one K3 squad automatic weapon, two AK47 rifles, four M16 rifles, one M14 rifle, and one M4 rifle.
Along with these weapons, troops seized hundreds of rounds of ammunition, several magazines, and personal belongings.
Recovered firearms were buried in the outskirts of San Gabriel village, Borongan City, Eastern Samar.
"Two lives were saved from the grip of a dead ideology. It's only a matter of time before all members of NPA in Eastern Samar will be neutralized. The success of this operation is credited to the tireless efforts of our soldiers conducting comprehensive debriefings with former rebels and implementing programs with their families and friends,” Vestuir said in a phone interview.
The "Wish Upon A Star" project is certainly part of the psychological operations the AFP has been ramping up. How is it they know the identities of the families of these leaders?
Two more leaders were killed during a clash in Samar.
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| https://www.philstar.com/nation/2024/12/05/2405054/2-npa-leaders-among-samar-clash-fatalities |
Two of six suspected New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas killed in an encounter in Las Navas, Northern Samar on Monday were ranking leaders of the communist group, according to the military.
The remains of James Arandia, Maricar Asinas, Ariel Baselga, Renar Diaz, Rey Tafalla and an alias Kagid were recovered at the scene of the firefight that occurred in Barangay Paco on Monday.
Capt. Jefferson Mariano, chief of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division public affairs office, said the slain rebels were positively identified by their former comrades.
Mariano said Baselga was secretary of the NPA’s subregional committee and Diaz was vice commander of the subregional operations command of the SRC.
Along with these two were four regular NPA members.
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| https://mb.com.ph/2024/12/6/former-npa-leader-arrested-in-iloilo-city |
A former leader of the New People’s Army was arrested in this city on Thursday, Dec. 5.
The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) identified the suspect as Pendong who was listed as a terrorist by the Anti-Terrorism Council last April 2021.
The 74-year-old former secretary of the NPA Komiteng Rehiyon Panay was wanted for rebellion and murder.
Also arrested was alias Jofel, a 42-year-old former NPA medic.
ICPO Director Police Co. Kim Legada lauded the operation led by the ICPO City Intelligence Unit and backed by the ICPO Police Station 6, ICPO Special Weapons and Tactics, ICPO Mobile Force Company, ICPO Legal Office, the Police Regional Office-6, the Regional Intelligence Division, and the 301st Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army.
Police Major Shella Mae Sangrines, ICPO public information officer, added that Jofel prevented the implementation of the warrant against Pendon.
Jofel will face charges for violating provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act that include harboring a wanted terrorist and obstruction of justice.
Where was this old lady hiding?
In Mindanao three members of DI-Maute surrendered to the AFP.
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| https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1239477 |
Three members of the Dawlah Islamiya - Maute Group (DI-MG) have surrendered to authorities amid ongoing military offensives in Lanao del Sur, the military reported Friday.
Lt. Col. Abel Potutan, commander of the 64th Infantry Battalion (64IB), said the three individuals, active since 2017 when the group laid siege to Marawi City, turned themselves in in Barangay Matalin, Malabang, Lanao del Sur on Thursday.
The surrenderers also handed over three high-powered firearms, including a modified M-14 rifle and two Garand rifles with magazines and ammunition.
Potutan emphasized the significance of the surrender, calling it “a crucial advancement” in the government’s campaign to dismantle the DI-MG in Lanao del Sur.
He said it highlights the effectiveness of the 64IB’s operations in countering threats and fostering peace in the area.
“This achievement demonstrates the dedication of the 64IB in ensuring enduring peace and security in its jurisdiction,” he added.
The military continues to encourage remaining DI-MG members to surrender and reintegrate into society as part of the government’s peace and reconciliation efforts.
Lanao del Sur remains a hot bed of Muslim insurgent activity.
Marcos has hailed the constitutionally dubious ATC for dismantling and limiting the resources of terrorist groups.
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| https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1239286 |
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday commended the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) for its "significant milestones in dismantling threats" and fortifying the nation’s security” this year.
During the 33rd ATC meeting and yearend celebration in Malacañang in Manila, Marcos assured his administration firmly supports the Council’s mission.
“By disrupting terrorist organizations and limiting their resources, we have sent an unequivocal message: The safety of our people is our topmost priority,” Marcos said.
The President said the government will continue investing in initiatives that “balance decisive action with inclusive approaches, ensuring a future where peace is not a fleeting idea but a continued and lasting reality.”
The mission of the ATC extends beyond neutralizing terrorist threats and prevent them altogether, he said.
“By implementing programs that prevent and counter violent extremism, we address the roots of radicalization and foster trust within our own communities,” the Chief Executive added.
Likewise, the President touted his administration’s accomplishments in the anti-terrorism program.
He said the freezing of assets linked to terrorism, coupled with successful prosecutions, underscores the country’s determination to contain the global threat.
Another noteworthy achievement is the progress toward exiting the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List, a milestone that benefits millions of Filipinos with smoother remittances for overseas workers and increased investor confidence, thus bolstering the Philippine economy, he said.
“These successes were made possible through the collaboration of various agencies, private sector stakeholders and tireless public servants. It reminds us that when we move as one, we can achieve goals that resonate across borders, across generations,” he said.
“The work we do requires constant evolution. Terrorism, fueled by advancing technology and shifting tactics, demands a response that blends strength with humanity, vigilance with compassion, and strategy with foresight,” he added.
He also notes the Philippines has made "progress toward exiting the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List."
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