The AFP has released an update on how many reblese have been neutralized. Let's see what they have to say. Will the numbers be broken down properly?
 |
| https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1270260 |
Government troops have "neutralized" 106 New People's Army (NPA) rebels and their supporters during operations conducted from Jan. 1 to Feb. 26, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Wednesday.
"Neutralized" is a military term that refers to the surrender, capture, or killing of enemy troops.
For the 106 neutralized, the AFP said 91 surrendered, nine were killed in military operations, and six were arrested.
"That is significant (referring to the surrenders). It tells us that sustained operations, coupled with community engagement and development efforts, are working," the AFP said.
In the same period, military units recovered and seized 123 assorted firearms and 66 anti-personnel mines from the communist insurgents and their allies.
About 12 NPA camps were also seized in the same period.
The military said its units neutralized 2,018 NPA members and supporters from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 last year.
Of the 2,018 communist insurgents and followers neutralized, 1,798 surrendered, 93 were arrested, and 127 were killed in various military operations nationwide.
"A total of 1,134 firearms and 531 anti-personnel mines were either seized or surrendered (during this period)," the AFP said.
It added that 149 NPA encampments were also captured from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 last year.
No, they didn't break it down. The last official count of remaining NPA fighters was 780. Without breaking down the number 106 into actual NPA fighters and mere supporters that number is meaningless. Likewise the 2,018 number is worthless. It would seem there are more NPA supporters that actual NPA fighters which is kind of odd to say the least.
The deadline to apply for amnesty is fast approaching. 41 more ex-rebels in Aklan have finally applied.
 |
| https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1270340 |
Forty-one former rebels from Aklan province have applied for the government's amnesty program in an activity facilitated by the Local Amnesty Board (LAB) in the municipality of Ibajay on Tuesday.
The initiative formed part of the government’s continuing efforts to end local armed conflict and strengthen initiatives for lasting peace, the Philippine Army's 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) said in a statement issued on Wednesday.
The amnesty seeks to provide former rebels with the opportunity to rebuild their lives, correct their paths, and fully reintegrate into society by participating in government programs and advocacies.
"Through this initiative, authorities hope to enhance community reintegration and give former combatants renewed hope for a better future," it added.
Facilitating the application for amnesty were Regional Prosecutor and LAB Iloilo chair Louie Doligosa, Prosecutor II Flosemer Chris Gonzales of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, and 82nd Infantry Battalion commanding officer Lt. Col. Elmar Salvador.
Meanwhile, 3ID commander, Maj. Gen. Michael Samson, lauded the former rebels for their decision to formally apply for amnesty.
“This program is about giving former rebels the chance to rebuild their lives, reunite with families, and contribute to nation-building. We commend those who chose peace and returned to the fold of the law, and the government stands ready to support their reintegration," he said in a statement.
He also urged those who are still in the mountains to lay down their arms, come home, and help build a peaceful and prosperous future.
The government has also assisted the MILF with applying for amnesty.
 |
| https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1270078 |
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) on Monday said members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) took part in an "on-site amnesty intake activity" under the Normalization Track of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) last week.
The event was held at the gymnasium of Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte and at a training center in Mamasapano, Maguindanao del Sur on Feb. 25 to 26, ahead of the March 4 deadline set for amnesty applications.
The two-day field intake operation generated 95 applications: 53 from Camp Darapanan and 42 from Mamasapano. All submissions will undergo legal evaluation by the National Amnesty Commission (NAC).
In a statement, the OPAPRU said the event is part of the continuing collaborative efforts between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the MILF following their 37th Meeting in Davao City last December.
"The mass intake increased accessibility and expedited submissions ahead of the March 4, 2026, filing deadline for amnesty applications. The activity included an Information, Education and Communication session to support the informed decision-making of amnesty applicants, followed by the on-site processing of applications," OPAPRU said.
OPAPRU said the initiative brought the GPH-MILF’s amnesty program directly to the communities.
The activity aims to facilitate the transition of MILF members into peaceful, productive civilians and to restore their civil and political rights as provided for in the CAB.
The granting of amnesty is a critical component of the normalization process for the MILF seeking to participate fully in the peace, development, and governance of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
The number of ex-rebels applying for amnesty remains low. Perhaps the government could have taken more initiative in bringing the "amnesty program directly to the communities."
Rebels in Agusan del Sur have surrendered citing exhaustion and disillusionment.
 |
| https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1270191 |
Four New People's Army (NPA) rebels surrendered Monday to troops of the 26th Infantry Battalion (26IB) in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, the military said in a statement Tuesday.
The surrenderers were identified as Alias Prix, former vice commanding officer of the dismantled Regional Sentro De Grabidad COMPAQ of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee; Alias Jeda, political officer of the Regional Operations Command; Alias Front, a member of Squad 2; and Alias As-As, squad leader of Squad 2 of the Headquarters Force NEO.
They turned over five high-powered firearms—three M16 rifles, one Galil rifle, and one M4A1 carbine—along with ammunition, magazines, bandoliers, handheld radios, and medical supplies.
"One of the surrenderers, who served as a political officer, cited exhaustion, hardship, and disillusionment as key reasons for returning to the fold of the law," the Army's 4th Infantry Division (4ID) said.
The four also said life in the mountains had become unstable, with constant movement, food scarcity, and fear of armed encounters.
Lt. Col. Redentor Gilbuela, 26IB commander, welcomed the surrenderers and assured them of humane treatment and support as they begin reintegration into mainstream society. They will undergo custodial debriefing and documentation before being endorsed for assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.
Maj. Gen. Michele Anayron Jr., 4ID commander, said the decision of the four rebels was commendable not only for their future and families but also for the peace and progress of their communities. He urged remaining NPA members in Caraga to be inspired and choose the path of peace.
Now they will be able to avail of E-CLIP benefits which means free housing, money, food, and job assistance.
In December of 2025 there was a terrorist attack on Bondi Beach in Australia. The attackers had recently spent a month in the Philippines. Local officials decried the subsequent labeling of the Philippines as a hot bed of terrorism and noted that the two men visited Davao and rarely left their hotel room. Now they have arrested a Jordanian national tied to that attack.
 |
| https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1270299 |
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has mobilized its elite intelligence units to dismantle possible terror cells after the arrest of a Jordanian national linked to the suspects in the deadly Bondi Beach shooting.
The PNP Intelligence Group is coordinating with the Armed Forces of the Philippines to investigate Mohammad Saleh Odeh, 65, arrested in Pagadian City on March 2.
"We are leaving no stone unturned in tracing the movements and connections of any terror group in the country," PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement Wednesday.
"Our goal is to ensure that any potential threats are neutralized in the soonest possible time; the safety of every Filipino remains our top priority," he added.
Odeh was arrested for overstaying and conducting business without a visa. He reportedly obtained a Temporary Residence Visa in 2023 that was valid until March 2025.
Investigators found he had links to individuals suspected in the Dec. 14, 2025 attack near Bondi Beach, where father and son Sajid and Naveed Akram opened fire during a Jewish Hanukkah celebration, killing 15 people.
"We want to clarify his actual connections with the suspects and understand what activities he engaged in while in the Philippines," Nartatez said of Odeh.
It is not clear what his ties are or what groups he is associated with. Hopefully all of that will be revealed.
No comments:
Post a Comment