Insurgency: Fatalities Attribtued to Miscalculation

The AFP continues to go after IS in Mindanao. A recent encounter left 6 AFP soldiers dead. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1906500/six-soldiers-two-maute-fighters-killed-in-lanao-del-norte-clash

Six Scout Rangers and three alleged fighters of the Daulah Islamiyah-Maute Group were killed in an encounter in Barangay Ramain in Munai town, Lanao del Sur, Munai on Sunday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., said in a statement issued on Monday.

Brawner said that four other soldiers were injured during its continuous pursuit operations against members of the DI-Maute Group, which perpetrated the bombing at Mindanao State University in December 2023, leaving four people dead and 50 others wounded.

“In continuation of this effort, an operation was launched last February 18, resulting in 2 more dead among the enemy and several others wounded based on intelligence information,” Brawner said.

“Six of our valiant soldiers paid the ultimate sacrifice while another four were wounded,” Brawner said in a statement.

Maj. Gen. Gabriel Viray III, commander of the 1st Infantry Division, said that the total number of killed Maute fighters climbed to three after another body was recovered.

An earlier report from Lt. Col. Palawan Moindas, spokesperson of the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade, put the number of soldiers killed at five, but another was declared dead on arrival, bringing the total to six.

Moindas said the encounter took place at past 2 p.m. on Sunday in Barangay Ramain. It involved a platoon of soldiers and about 15 members of the DI-Maute Group.

The AFP spokesperson, Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, said 12 Maute Group members were killed in separate pursuit operations after the bombing.

Previously, Padilla said that the DI-Maute Group was on the “brink of collapse.”

The AFP says the deaths of these six soldiers are attributable to mistakes made on the battlefield. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/21/6-military-fatalities-attributed-to-miscalculation-in-lanao-del-norte-encounter

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) admitted there was a slight "miscalculation" on the part of their operating team during the encounter against the Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group in Barangay Ramain, Munai, Lanao del Norte on Sunday, February 18, where six soldiers were killed.

Three fighters from the DI-MG were also killed.

AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. found out that there were techniques, tactics, and procedures that were not followed when he had a conversation with the commander of the 44th Infantry Battalion (IB), the operating unit where the slain soldiers were assigned.

The AFP chief would not elaborate when asked what these specific lapses were. 

“We reminded our troops, our commanders, battalion commanders, our company commanders, and platoon leaders to always observe the right techniques, tactics, and procedures,” Brawner said during his visit to the 4th Infantry Division headquarters in this city on Wednesday, February 21.

The 44th IB and 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion clashed with the Islamic State-linked terrorist group believed to be behind the attack at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City last December in which four individuals were killed and injured at least 40 others.

Brawner recounted that the terrorist group almost vanished during the Marawi siege in 2017 and 45 members were left after the five-month-long battle. Their number was further reduced as the Army continued operations against them.

The DI-MG now has about 20 fighters, he added.

The AFP chief cited miscalculation as the possible cause of six fatalities during the encounter

He explained how they tend to miscalculate the movements of the enemy due to the unpredictability of the armed engagement. 

“Because you know it’s hard in war. You cannot predict everything because the enemy is moving and they also have firearms,” Brawner said, stressing that they can confidently address the lapses in order to prevent a repeat of the incident.

In effect the Chief of the AFP is blaming the soldiers for their deaths rather than Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group. Interestingly enough he claims DI-MG only has "about 20 fighters" left. 

An encounter in Bohol ended in the death of a top NPA leader. 

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/558204/top-npa-leader-four-others-killed-in-shootout-with-law-enforcers-in-bohol

A top leader of the New People’s Army’s Bohol Party Committee (BPC) and 4 other NPA rebel fighters were killed during an armed encounter with law enforcement in the municipality of Bilar in Bohol province on Friday morning, February 23, 2024.

The armed encounter began at around 6:52 a.m. in Purok Matinan-ao Dos, Barangay Campagao, Bilar, Bohol.

This was according to Lieutenant Colonel Norman Nuiz, spokesperson of the Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO), who spoke to reporters on Friday.

Nuiz said that military and police personnel were reportedly in the area at the time of the incident to serve a warrant of arrest.

The warrant of arrest was issued against the five alleged NPA members who were staying in the area.

The operation was conducted by combined elements of the Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) and 47th Infantry Battalion of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

When they arrived in the area, however, the involved persons fought back against the law enforcers and the government soldiers refusing to back down. 

This then lead to the two forces engaging in a violent shootout, leading to members from both sides being killed.

Consequently, residents of the barangay were alarmed when they heard the exchange of bullets near their houses.

According to Nuiz, one police officer was killed while another one was wounded during the encounter.

Police Corporal Gilbert Amper was shot on the head and was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.

Meanwhile, Police Corporal Gerard Rollon sustained a gunshot wound on his body and was rushed to the same hospital.

Furthermore, police personnel relayed that a total of 5 alleged members of the NPA were killed during the shoot-out.

One of the persons who was killed was alias “Silong,” described as a squad leader of remnants of BPC and the former commanding officer of Sandatahang Yunit Pangpropaganda (SYP) Platoon.

“Silong” had a bounty of P2.6 million and was wanted for several cases including rebellion, homicide, attempted homicide, multiple murder, frustrated murder, and robbery.

Also killed were the assistant squad leader alias “Aldrin” and squad members: “Darwin,” “Maya,” and “Juaning.”

According to Cahucom, there is a possibility that the NPA members have been hiding in the barangay because it is a mountainous area.

Bohol is an interesting case because it was previously declared insurgency free even when the AFP clashed with the NPA in 2021. But then lost its status. In 2022 the local police declared the local CTG dismantled. 

https://mirror.pia.gov.ph/news/2023/01/27/3-more-rebels-send-surrender-feelers-in-bohol

For his part, Bohol police provincial director Col. Osmundo Salibo said that the insurgency situation in Bohol is that the CTG here has been “dismantled”.

He said the CTG is no longer a threat to Boholanos, Salibo said during the same press conference.

He added there is no barangay in Bohol where government is having difficulty implementing projects or programs.

Thus, the CTG’s ability to cause trouble is no longer a concern among the state security forces.

“Is there a single barangay in the province of Bohol that the services of government has been hampered? Wala na!” Salibo quipped.

Bohol is in the Central Visayas and the AFP says they hope to end the insurgency in the Visayas by the end of the year. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1219403

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. directed the Visayas Command (Viscom) to continue with their operations to eliminate the threat of communist insurgency.

Brawner made the directive after visiting the Viscom headquarters in Cebu and the 301st Infantry Brigade in Iloilo on Thursday, the AFP said in a news release Thursday night.

"And we are very hopeful and optimistic that by the end of the year 2024, ay talagang ma-achieve natin ang (we can really achieve) total victory and we can defeat the communists here in Viscom,” he said.

Brawner also lauded Viscom's officers and enlisted personnel for their accomplishments.

These accomplishments, he said, are aligned with the AFP's overall campaign strategy, which is focused on defeating the NPA remnants.

Bataan has recently been declared peaceful and stable. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/21/bataan-achieves-stable-internal-peace-and-security

The province of Bataan has been placed under a state of stable internal peace and security following the ceremonial signing of the declaration led by Gov. Jose Enrique Garcia III at the provincial capitol in Balanga City, Bataan on Wednesday, February 21.

Bataan is the third province under the jurisdiction of the Army 702nd Infantry Brigade led by Brig. Gen. Gulliver L. Señires put under SIPS. The two other provinces are Tarlac and Zambales.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bataan supported the declaration initiated by the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) through the issuance of Resolution No. 4, Series of 2024.

Major Gen. Andrew D. Costelo, commander of the 7th Infantry Division, said that the declaration was a testament to the unwavering commitment and sacrifice of men and women in uniform, as well as the collaborative efforts of the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, and local government units.

“To the brave soldiers and police officers who have demonstrated exceptional courage and determination, I commend every one of you for your unwavering commitment to protecting our communities,” Costelo said.

Garcia said that the declaration was timely as it was in line with their strategic plan to be a highly livable province by 2030.

He thanked law enforcement agencies led by the Army for their unwavering commitment to sustain peace and security in his province that will lead to more progress and development.

Zambales is also set to be declared as SIPS on March 1.

Again we see that the declaration of being peaceful is less about there being no insurgents and more about a "strategic plan" to develop the province. 

Meanwhile in Escalante the AFP has launched airstrikes against the NPA.

https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/23/airstrikes-launched-vs-npa-remnants-in-escalante-city

The 79th Infantry Battalion launched precision airstrikes on Thursday night, February 22, against remnants of the dismantled Northern Negros Front (NNF)-D, following a series of clashes with the New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Pinapugasan, Escalante City, Negros Occidental. 

Lt. Col. J-jay Javines, spokesperson of the 3rd Infantry Division (ID), said that they used two Augusta Westland-109 Nighthawk Attack Helicopters (AW-109AH) from the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

A video of the air strike has been circulating on social media. 

Javines said that  they adhered to strict guidelines, emphasizing careful risk assessment to mitigate collateral damage, when they launched the airstrike. 

He added that various factors, such as the proximity of residential zones, utilities, and livestock, underwent a thorough evaluation. 

Javines said that this method underscores the importance of safeguarding civilian lives and limiting property damage, adding that such measures are integral to ensuring responsible and effective military operations while minimizing adverse impacts on communities.

Major Gen. Marion Sison, 3rd ID commander, said the Army would remain steadfast in its commitment to completely eradicate armed groups in Negros and assured the public that no residents were harmed during the airstrike. 

“This effort reflects our commitment to decisively confront and neutralize the remnants of the insurgent forces, thereby safeguarding communities and promoting stable internal peace and security in Negros Island,” he added. 

It is a wonder the AFP does not launch airstrikes more often especially when they know where the NPA is located. 

Insurgency: By End of 2024

The insurgency is ending by the end of the year. Again. The AFP says so.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1904285/afp-targets-to-eliminate-11-remaining-guerilla-fronts-by-end-of-2024

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) aims to eliminate 11 remaining New People’s Army (NPA) weakened guerrilla units in the country by the end of this year, according to its spokesperson, Col. Francel Padilla.

Padilla said on Wednesday that it has always been the national government’s goal since January this year to end the country’s internal insurgency problem and transition to external defense in line with the “Bagong Pilipinas” movement.

“We want to end the internal insurgency problem. We want to transition already and focus on external defense. So the timelines given [by the national government] to our commanders is to finish this within the year,” Padilla disclosed in a press conference hosted by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac).

“Until the end of the year, we’ll pursue the elimination of all these weakened guerilla fronts that are left,” she added.

In January this year, the number of weakened guerrilla units declined from 13 to 11, as AFP chief General Romeo Brawner Jr reported.

Although a weakened guerrilla unit can no longer implement programs such as recruitment and generating resources for the armed struggle, NTF-Elcac executive director Usec. Ernesto Torres Jr. earlier explained that AFP troops are still in areas where the presence of armed groups was detected.

Already the AFP wants to declare Negros Island insurgency free to encourage development.. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1218855

The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) is pushing for the declaration of a state of stable internal peace and security (SIPS) in the local government units (LGUs) in Negros after dismantling all the communist guerrilla fronts in the island.

Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, commander of 3ID, said having the SIPS status in a locality would attract investments, generate jobs, and bring more opportunities to its people.

“The conditions have been met in Negros Island and the SIPS can now be formally declared by our concerned local chief executives,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.

Lt. Col. J-Jay Javines, public affairs chief of 3ID, said there was a directive for line battalions to coordinate with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the LGUs to declare SIPS status in their respective cities and municipalities.

“This will also serve as supporting events to declare SIPS in both provinces of Negros,” he said in an interview.

At the LGU level, the peace and order council recommends the declaration of SIPS for adoption by the city or municipal council.

The mayor, PNP, and the Philippine Army have to pass a joint resolution formally declaring the SIPS in the locality, Javines said.

Six battalions, including the 79th, 62nd, 94th, 15th, 11th, and 47th Infantry Battalions (IB), under the supervision of the 302nd and 303rd Infantry Brigades, are based in Negros Island.

The 94IB dismantled the Central Negros 2 of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) late last year, after the dismantling of the South East Front, Northern Negros Front, and Central Negros 1.

The 3ID also recommended the formal declaration of the South West Front as being dismantled.

Javines, however, said the focused military operations against rebel remnants in Negros Island continue to prevent the CPP-NPA from recovering their lost territories and recruiting new members.

It's all about economic development and not about the actual end of the insurgency.  Remember the AFP has said they will never end the insurgency but can reduce them to "a negligible point." 

Año admitted insurgency cannot be totally eliminated, but he believes the issue may be brought down to a negligible point.

“While we may not be able to attain this zero insurgents, but at least reduced to an irrelevant number that will not cause concern for peace and order,” he said.

“They will become isolated and just become bandits, because of lost ideology and non-support from the people,” he projected.

https://philippinefails.blogspot.com/2023/09/insurgency-communist-insurgency-to-end.html

There will NEVER be zero insurgents and that comes from the mouth of those who know. Do you get that? The insurgency may "officially" end but according to those who know it will NEVER end. 

Meanwhile in Mindanao the Maute Group is allegedly on the brink of collapse. 

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/897311/maute-group-on-brink-of-collapse-afp/story/

The Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group is expected to be dismantled soon after the series of military operations that killed its leader and some members, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Tuesday.

In a press briefing, AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla said 12 Maute members were killed, three surrendered, and three others were arrested in these operations.

"Maute Group is already on a brink of collapse following a series of decisive military and joint law enforcement operations, particularly against the leadership and perpetrators of the Mindanao State University (MSU) improvised explosive device bombing," she said.

Yeah OK. Didn't they say the same thing after the Marawi siege? The thing is they should not make premature announcements of victory. Last week Maute elements involved in the 2023 MSU bombing were killed.  This week the mastermind was eliminated. 

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/02/12/2332815/mastermind-behind-marawi-bombing-killed-military-ops

The Armed Forces of the Philippines said that the person behind the fatal bombing of the Mindanao State University last year was one of nine armed rebels recently killed in a military operation.

In a statement on Monday, the AFP said that the Khadafi Mimbesa or “Engineer,” who they believe is the amir or leader of Dawlah Islamiyah - Maute Group, was one of the nine alleged armed Dawlah Islamiyah members killed in a military operation from January 25 to 26. 

Mimbesa is the brains behind the bombing incident in Marawi City last December, the AFP said, citing corroborated information from a “surrendered terrorist.”

 “The efforts of the 103rd Brigade, under the leadership of their Commander, BGen Yegor Rey Barroquillo Jr., resulted in the neutralization of local terrorists and armed members of the Dawlah Islamiyah in Lanao del Sur on January 25 to 26, 2024, who were identified as perpetrators of the fatal bombing at Mindanao State University (MSU) on December 3, 2023,” the AFP said.

The military also recovered nine high-powered firearms, one bandolier, four Baofeng radios and one smartphone. 

AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. said the incident should prompt other members of the group to surrender.

"Our troops will be relentless in the pursuit of those who will seek to disturb the peace. Take this as an invitation and a call to surrender now and avoid the same fate as your dead comrades," Brawner added.

Last year, the AFP admitted that some form of “failure of intelligence due to failure of capabilities” on the part of the military led to the bombing incident at a gymnasium in MSU, which led to four deaths and 50 others injured.  

Immediately after the incident, the military and the police launched an extensive manhunt for those responsible for the attack.

No amount of killing terrorists will ever make up for the AFP's many intelligence failures. It is only a matter of time before the next bombing, hand wringing, and retaliation by the AFP. 

Caraga is on target to be terror free by the end of 2024. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1905568/marcos-hopes-caraga-region-to-be-cleared-of-terror-groups-by-end-of-2024

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday said he hoped for the Caraga region to be cleared of terrorist threats by the end of 2024.

He said this during his visit to the troops of the Army’s 401st Infantry Division, one of several events he attended in Agusan del Sur.

(The progress looks good here. In fact, there is a projection by the planning that maybe by the end of the year, hopefully the target is by the end of the year, we could say that the area is cleared.)

Marcos then congratulated the troops, who had to lead the charge against the enemies.

Moreover, the President also asked the soldiers to support the government’s new approach to tackling internal conflict. Marcos encouraged the soldiers to become peacemakers while continuing to fight groups that threaten peace and democracy.

The 401st Infantry Division is included in the Joint Task Force (JTF) Diamond, which is tasked with covering the Caraga region. Other troops in the taskforce are the 402nd, 403rd, and 901st Infantry Brigades.

The Palace said that the JTF Diamond has been able to neutralize 200 insurgents.

“There is a reported downtrend in the presence of insurgents in the JTF Diamond’s area of operation, from 437 rebels in the first quarter of 2023, decreasing by 28.6 percent to 312 as of February 15, 2024,” said the Presidential Communications Office.

Don't forget, any declaration of an area being insurgent free does not meant there are no insurgents.

Insurgency: Government Sees Total Victory vs Reds

 Here we go again. The AFP is telling one of its divisions to end the insurgency.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1218424

Newly installed battalion commanders of the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) of the Philippine Army have received marching orders to finish the insurgency in Panay.

In a press release Wednesday, 3ID commander, Maj. Gen. Marion R. Sison, said he has directed Lt. Col. Jovert Pimentel, new commander of the 82nd Infantry Battalion (82IB) who assumed office on Monday, and Lt. Col. Vicel Jan Garsuta, new commander of the 12IB who assumed office on Tuesday, to work closely with local government units (LGUs) and stakeholders to dismantle the remaining guerrilla fronts in Panay Island.

“It is crucial to coordinate, cooperate, and maintain open communication with our partners, as they play a vital role in helping us bring an end to the insurgency in Panay,” Sison said.

Describing Panay as a “sleeping dragon and the remaining bastion of the communist terrorist group,” he said, “It is essential to recognize that the resolution of this problem requires not only military action but also the effective implementation of Task Force ELCAC (End Local Communist Armed Conflict) as the best solution."

“Finish the fight! That's my first order. Lick the enemy, totally decimate and eradicate them, in coordination with the LGUs, civil society organizations, the private, religious, and the business sectors, to establish just and lasting peace in Panay,” Sison said

"Finish the fight!" That is what they have been saying for 50 years. 

United Nations Special Rapporteur Irene Khan recently visited the Philippines and advised that the NTF-ELCAC be abolished.  Of course all the security agencies were incensed. 

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/02/07/2331555/government-sees-total-victory-vs-reds-end-ntf-elcac

The government expects to achieve “total victory” over communist rebels this year, which will mean the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) will no longer be needed, the assistant director general of the National Security Council said yesterday.

Jonathan Malaya noted that the communists have only 11 remaining weakened guerrilla fronts left nationwide, “which was impossible five years ago.”

The Department of Justice (DOJ) also said yesterday that the NTF-ELCAC would eventually be turned into a peace and security council.

DOJ spokesman Mico Clavano said this is the government’s plan for the task force, to be done in phases.

“For now, we want to get rid of guerrilla fronts and the violence we are seeing in Mindanao, but eventually we will have a peace and security council whose purpose is to maintain the peace we have achieved so far,” he said in an interview.

“From NTF-ELCAC, it will now be turned to a peace and security council when the time is right,” Clavano added.

The DOJ issued the remark in response to the recommendation of United Nations Special Rapporteur Irene Khan to abolish the NTF-ELCAC. She made the recommendation as she concluded her 10-day visit in the Philippines.

Khan also said the government should come up with an actual policy that will prevent red-tagging against innocent civilians.

In response, Clavano said the government should first define the crime of red-tagging, saying there is no clear definition of what it really is.

“In criminal law, if we don’t know what is prohibited, this cannot turn into criminal law because that will create a chilling effect,” he said.

“So we have to first define the means and bounds of this so-called crime, this red-tag, and then turn it into law,” he added.

During her meeting with DOJ officials last month, Khan raised concerns on red-tagging and impunity of media personnel.

DOJ officials said red-tagging is not a policy of the government.

The United Nations Special Rapporteur Irene Khan said the government should stop red-tagging which prompted officials to say that it is not government policy and they have no "clear definition" what red-tagging is.  The Supreme Court cleared that up a long time ago. 

https://verafiles.org/articles/vera-files-fact-sheet-why-red-tagging-dangerous

“the act of labelling, branding, naming and accusing individuals and/ or organizations of being left-leaning, subversives, communists or terrorists (used as) a strategy…by State agents, particularly law enforcement agencies and the military, against those perceived to be ‘threats’ or ‘enemies of the State’.”

Are they not paying attention or are they simply lying?

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace says amnesty is the key to ending the insurgency. Again.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1218405

Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. on Wednesday emphasized the importance of granting amnesty to members of revolutionary groups who have committed crimes in pursuit of their political beliefs.

“Amnesty does not only extinguish criminal liability for the acts committed by these former rebels. It creates a path toward their full transformation and enables them to return to mainstream society,” Galvez said in a statement.

During Tuesday's hearing of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace Unification and Reconciliation, the government's peace adviser also said amnesty would be the key to building a better and brighter future for members of revolutionary groups, their families, and their communities.

Galvez also noted that despite the strong desire of members of these revolutionary groups to be productive citizens in their communities, the "looming threat of legal repercussions" limits them from doing so.

“They are torn between their desire to turn a new leaf, on one hand, and be held accountable for their political mistakes, on the other,” he said.

Galvez was among the rebel soldiers who were granted amnesty by the late president Fidel V. Ramos for his involvement in the 1989 coup attempt against the late president Corazon Aquino.

Galvez said he and his co-officers experienced the "transformative power of amnesty" as they were not only forgiven by the state but were also reinstated in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and were able to continue their career in public service after their retirement in the military.

Amnesty "creates a path toward their full transformation and enables them to return to mainstream society" says the government.  Perhaps. That is why they keep building housing for former rebels. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1218279

To ensure that former rebels will not return to armed struggle, the local government of Can-avid in Eastern Samar assured Monday to provide them with decent homes.

Mayor Vilma Germino issued the statement following the groundbreaking of the “Saad na Balay” (promised houses) project to benefit former members of the New People’s Army.

Germino said at least 10 houses, each worth PHP272,642 and designed half-concrete and half-fiber boards, will be initially built for the former rebels in Can-avid, she said.

“The goal is to provide a decent home to former rebels and encourage remaining active New People’s Army members to surrender and reintegrate into the normal community,” she said.

The project is a collaborative effort between the provincial and municipal governments, the Philippine Army, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

As part of the project, beneficiaries will receive training from TESDA for carpentry and masonry skills, making them the primary workforce during the construction of their homes.

They will be enrolled in the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantage/Displaced Workers program of the DOLE to provide them with income during the construction phase.

Livelihood assistance and other capacity-building interventions will also be provided to them.

Before the groundbreaking ceremony, OPAPRU Area Management Unit-Eastern Visayas chief Imelda Bonifacio told stakeholders and beneficiaries that the project is beyond physical structures.

“The focus of the ‘Saad Na Balay’ project aims to promote peace and resilience within the community. By engaging in dialogue and consultations with project beneficiaries, OPAPRU ensures a conflict-sensitive approach that aligns with its mission,” Bonifacio said. 

Who knew that building "decent homes" is key to ending the insurgency?  Hopefully they are not built out of light materials that will go up with a single spark.

Those who do not surrender will be killed.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1218312

Two New People’s Army (NPA) members were killed in a clash with government soldiers in Barangay Tuburan, Cawayan town in Masbate province on Monday, the Philippine Army (PA) said.

In an interview, Maj. Frank Roldan, 9th Infantry Division (9ID) Public Affairs Office chief, identified the suspects as Florencia Ygot Regala and Pedro Regala.

"The troops of the second Infantry Battalion encountered 10 members of the New People's Army (NPA) that lasted for eight minutes in Purok 5, Barangay Tuburan, Cawayan, Masbate. The slain rebels were members of Platoon 1, Komiteng Larangan Guerilla South, Sub Regional Committee 4," Roldan said.

Authorities also recovered from the site one M16 rifle, one caliber .38 revolver, one homemade shotgun, five cellular phones and backpacks belonging to the rebels.

Roldan said no casualties were recorded on the part of the government.

The troops, he said, are still scouring the encounter site and follow-up operations will be immediately conducted.

"The enhanced intensification of operations in Bicol against the communist terrorist groups is in response to the confidence the Bicolanos give to our soldiers to end insurgency problem in the region," Roldan said.

The AFP is still discovering NPA arms caches. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/7/npa-camp-arms-cache-discovered

Soldiers captured a New People’s Army arms cache in Sitio Dau, Barangay Balbalan Proper, Balbalan, Kalinga on Monday, February 5.

Lt. Col. Joel V. Lucas, 103rd Infantry Battalion chief, said residents informed them of the location of the weapons stash owned by the Kilusang Larangang Gerilya (KLG) Baggas, Ilocos Cordillera Regional Committee (ICRC).

Troops found an M14 rifle with two magazine assemblies and 22 bullets and one M1 Garand rifle with two clip assemblies and 16 bullets.

Lucas said they also found an encampment in the area occupied by communist rebels nine months ago.

“We will continuously conduct this kind of operation to end the insurgency in the Cordillera region and all the neighboring regions around the country that are being infested by the manipulative armed Communist Terrorist Group (CTG),” said Lucas.

And, despite the AFP sying the NPA is leaderless, top leaders continue to be killed.

https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/10/2-top-npa-leaders-killed-in-leyte-gun-fight

Two New People's Army leaders were killed in an encounter on Saturday, February 10, in Barangay Tinag-an, Albuera, Leyte.

Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, identified the fatalities as Rolando Caballera, an executive committee member and a high-value target, and Crispolo Agunos Jr., a member of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee.

Vestuir said they were killed in a 15-minute firefight with the 93rd Infantry (Bantay Kapayapaan) Battalion responding to reports from civilians regarding the presence of the NPA in the area.

He said they were extorting from civilians and planning to kill unwary uniformed personnel and former rebels. 

As a member of the executive committee, Caballera masterminded the killings of former comrades who surrendered to authorities. 

He had standing warrants of arrest for various crimes and 15 counts of murder issued by the Regional Trial Court, Branch 18 in Hilongos, Leyte.

"The death of these two notorious NPA terrorists is a result of the firm resolve and commitment of our people to prevent the recovery efforts of the remnants of IC-LEVOX in their community. Through the timely information provided by some residents, we have pinpointed the area where these terrorists hide. Indeed, we attain the situation that the people are inhospitable to these NPA terrorists," Vestuir said.

He urged families of the slain NPA to claim their remains once their identification is finished to give them a decent burial.

Vestuir said the encounter will lead to more intensified operations against the NPA in Leyte. "We want them to surrender, otherwise, we will hunt them down," he said.

He said that with the death of another top NPA leader in their area of responsibility, it is imminent that the fighters under IC-LEVOX will be demoralized and their will to fight will be weakened. 

Again the death of NPA leadership means "it is imminent" that the reaming fighters "will be demoralized and their will to fight will be weakened." But the reality is the NPA continues to fight and new leaders rise to the top. 

Insurgency: U.S. Deploys Counter-Terrorism Operators

The AFP claim the perpetrators of the December, 2023 MSU bombing have been killed in a firefight. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1217761

The Philippine Army (PA) reported Saturday the death of nine members of the Dawlah Islamiya (DI) terrorist group after a series of encounters in Piagapo, Lanao del Sur in the past two days.

In a statement, PA spokesperson Lt. Col. Louie Dema-ala said the nine belonged to the group involved in the Mindanao State University - Marawi bombing on Dec. 3, 2023. Four were killed during the explosion at the gymnasium while a Catholic Mass was ongoing.

"The Army troops were able to neutralize nine local terrorist members and recovered eight high-powered firearms,” Dema-ala said.

The clashes between the heavily armed DI terrorists and troops from the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion took place in Barangay Taporug on Thursday and Friday, triggered by internal security operations.

Four soldiers were hurt in the encounters and were transported to the Amai Pakpak Medical Center, also in Marawi.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the four soldiers who sustained injuries during the said operation," Dema-ala said.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. lauded the Army troops for their successful operation, citing their “precision and unwavering dedication” that delivered justice for MSU victims, including the more than 50 who were wounded.

"This operation sets a clear precedent: The AFP will not tolerate those who endanger the lives and well-being of our people. The remaining few will face our full force and unshakeable resolve in bringing every single responsible individual to account," Brawner said in a statement.

He also called on those considering violence to rethink their choices as AFP remains an "indomitable force" in ensuring the safety of Filipinos.

It is not clear what exactly makes this particular operation precedent setting as the AFP has been going after terrorists for the past 50 years. The AFP says they are on heightened alert in case the Muslims launch a retaliatory attack. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/1/28/troops-on-heightened-alert-vs-retaliatory-attack-by-islamist-militants

Government forces in Mindanao were alerted by the military leadership for possible retaliatory attack by Dawlah Islamiyah (DI) - Maute Group (MG) following the death of nine alleged Islamist militants during a series of counter-terrorism operations in Piagapo, Lanao del Sur last week.

Maj. Gen. Gabriel Viray III, commander of the Philippine Army's 1st Infantry Division (1ID), said troops were directed to be vigilant against potential ambuscades, bombings, and liquidation as the DI-MG is expected to get even with the military unit that killed nine of its fighters, including three who were implicated in a deadly bomb attack at the Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City last month.

"As of the moment, they [DI-MG] are in disarray and on the run. But we cannot discount the possibility of retaliatory attacks against our troops through liquidation and other terror actions. But as to  bombings, it is very remote as of the moment," Viray said on Sunday, Jan. 28.

"We already alerted our troops plus pursuit operations are on going. We're currently on a heightened alert," he added.

Viray said security in Piagapo, Marawi City, and other nearby areas was tightened while the troops are tracking the escaped militants.

"It's just part of SOP [standard operating procedure]. It's better to be careful, right?" he noted.

Viray said the DI-MG under Mas'od's command has around 20 more remaining members, including two to four fighters who may have been involved in the MSU bomb attack

With these men on the loose and the AFP tightening security is it any wonder that Canada has issued a travel warning for Mindanao to its citizens? Needless to say the AFP is not happy about this warning. 

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/10th-id-bashes-canadian-govt-for-travel-advisory-vs-mindanao

THE 10th Infantry "Agila" Division (10ID) of the Philippine Army (PA) slammed the Canadian government for their surprise travel advisory against all parts of Mindanao, which affects their area of responsibility.

Expressing his sentiments, 10th ID spokesperson Major Mark Anthony Tito clarified that the four regions governed by their military agency are peaceful, which means there is the absence of threats from terrorism and violent forces contrary to what was announced by the Canadian embassy on their travel advisory dated January 10, 2024.

The division has operational responsibility in 12 provinces, seven cities, and 72 municipalities of the Davao Region, parts of Sarangani and South Cotabato, Second District of Cotabato and Columbio, Sultan Kudarat, Trento, Agusan del Sur, and Linging, Surigao del Sur.

"We do not know what is the basis behind that travel advisory. They do not know what is happening on the ground. We in the army, we can assure that the whole region is peaceful. It  doesn't jive or that is not what is happening in our area of ​​responsibility,"  the official said during the Davao Region’s 2023 Socioeconomic Performance and 2024 Development Council press conference on Tuesday morning, January 30.

Tito cited the situation of the whole Davao Region during 2023 and that according to him, no threats and major violence were recorded in the timeline.

"Just imagine, for the whole 2023, we do not have recorded any incidents in terms of terrorism and insurgency" he added.

The 10th ID is claims that the warning is based on wrong information because "the whole region is peaceful." That may be the case for the Davao Region but it is not only that region which is included in the warning. 

Based on the travel advisory, the Canadian embassy warned its citizens to avoid visiting Mindanao provinces following the ongoing presence of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, high rates of violence, and encounters between the rebel forces and government security authorities.

In the advisory, Canada cited Northern Mindanao particularly in Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao Del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental as places to possibly avoid any travel.

In Soccsksargen, citizens are told to exercise high caution in Cotabato, Sarangani, South Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat.

On the other hand, it also advised its citizens to avoid non-essential travels in Eastern Mindanao especially in Caraga and Davao Region except for Davao City.

However, despite the exclusion of Davao City, Tito emphasized that the area will still experience the impact of the advisory as it is a part of the Davao Region.

If Mindanao is so peaceful and this warning does not reflect the situation on the ground then why is the AFP being reinforced by American counter-terrorism operators? 

https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2024/01/us-deploys-counter-terrorism-operators.html

The Pentagon has deployed U.S. Marines in the southern Philippines to train and assist Filipino soldiers in counter terrorism.

The American soldiers replaced another batch from the Special Operations Task Force 511.2 (SOTF 5112) under the U.S. Joint Special Operations Task Force (JSOTF) based in the Western Mindanao Command here. 

The Western Mindanao Command confirmed the arrival of the U.S. Marines but it did not say how many have arrived. 

Brig. Gen. Aldrin Annani, the Deputy Commander of Western Mindanao Command, lauded the departing U.S. troops led by Maj. Jeffry Schuele and awarded his group the Military Civic Action Medal and plaques for their valuable contributions.

Shuele's group was deployed here in July 15, 2023 and would return to their unit on January 31 after six months tour in southern Philippines.

Schuele expressed his gratitude to his Filipino counterpart for making their six-month mission a success. He also encouraged the Western Mindanao Command to give the same support to the new group of U.S. Marines.

Annani welcomed the new batch of American soldiers who will be part of the SOTF 511.2 in the next six months.

He lauded the SOTF 511.2 for supporting the endeavors of the Western Mindanao Command. 

The actions of the AFP, from battling NPA and Islamists terrorists to employing the assistance of the American military, belies their claims that Mindanao is peaceful. 

The anger from the security sector is that the warning will put a damper on tourism to Mindanao but seeing as that island is only recently being touted as a tourist destination it shouldn't hurt much if at all. Other areas once home to major security threats are also looking to become tourist destinations. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1896096/with-rebels-gone-samar-town-aims-to-develop-tourism-sites

The municipal government of Matuguinao in Samar province is now seeking funding to develop its cold spring and pristine cave as an ecotourism site in a bid to transform the image of the town that used to be a haven of communist rebels into a safe and relaxing place for visitors.

Matuguinao Mayor Aran Boller said he asked P45 million in financial support from the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (Tieza), an attached agency of the Department of Tourism tasked to construct tourism-related infrastructures.

The amount, he said, would be used to develop the Salpan Cave and cold spring in Barangay Barruz, located about 3 kilometers from the town proper.

“We want to develop the Salpan Cave and cold spring and make it a tourist destination so we can generate income for our municipality and at the same time help provide livelihood for our people,” Boller said.

As part of the development plan, the town mayor said they intended to construct a path bridge, pathway, storage area and grouted riprap leading the cave area; and install solar lights and other amenities in the area.

“I want Matuguinao to be known, not as a terrorism-infested area, but as a tourist destination,” he said.

In previous years, the town was known to be among the lairs of the New People’s Army (NPA), with all of its 20 barangays under the influence and control of the rebels.

At present, all villages are free from the influence of the NPA, although four villages are under monitoring due to attempts of the rebels to regain control over these areas, the mayor said.

“Now, I am happy that our people have realized the evils of the NPA and are very cooperative with the local government,” Boller said.

The town is "free from the influence of the NPA" but four barangays "are under monitoring due to attempts of the rebels to regain control over these areas." That means the NPA is not totally gone from this town. 

Elsewhere in Samar it appears criminal groups are receiving support from the NPA.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/895975/3-cops-killed-4-hurt-in-samar-clash-with-armed-men/story/

Three policemen were killed in Sta. Margarita, Samar, on Tuesday morning when the serving of arrest warrants led to an encounter with armed men.

According to the police, members of the Samar Provincial Mobile Force and Regional Mobile Force went to Barangay Mahayag to serve arrest warrants to members of Ampoan Criminal Gang.

Aside from the three fatalities, four policemen were also wounded in the encounter. 

In a press briefing on Wednesday, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Colonel Jean Fajardo identified the subjects of the arrest warrants as Jojo Altarejos, Edito Ampoan, and one  Macurol. The three were able to elude the policemen, she said.

"When your troop [of the police] was there, they were shot," Fajardo said, adding seven suspects were arrested in the operation.

The group, according to the police, is involved in gun-for-hire activities and responsible for the killing of  several barangay officials and businessmen in the area.

"It is not only operating in Santa Margarita, even extending to Calbayog City, Gandara and the whole province of Samar. It is so notorious that a large force came to the area," Fajardo said of the group.

The PNP official also said the group may be receiving support from New People's Army (NPA) rebels.

Fajardo said hot pursuit operations are ongoing against the members of the group, who are believed to be hiding in adjacent villages.

"Possibly they have escaped from the area, so we are now checking the nearby barangays and establishing checkpoints and border control," she said.

Fajardo said policemen are receiving help from the military in pursuing the suspects. She said they are also verifying reports that some of the suspects were wounded in the gun battle.

Despite the violence, Fajardo said the regional police director did not recommend raising the alert level in the area.

There is an armed criminal group operating in the whole province of Samar which is possibly receiving support from the NPA. They likely escape from the area and yet the regional police director does "not recommend raising the alert level in the area."

How is that keeping people safe? It will only serve to keep them complacent. But there is the tourism money to think of!