Saturday, April 20, 2024

Tag: AFP

Malaybalay attack vs NPA a showcase of latest military assets

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews / 27 December)—The attack against the New People’s Army (NPA) in neighboring Malaybalay City before dawn on Christmas Day, where 10 rebels were allegedly killed, was a showcase of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) latest military assets

Used in action were the Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft, the 155mm autonomous truck-mounted howitzer system (ATMOS), and heat-penetrating military drones.

Brig. Gen. Michelle Anayron, commander of the Army’s 403rd Infantry Brigade, said they had to use their new military assets to break through the mine-infested rebel camp in Sitio Kiito, Barangay Can-ayan in Malaybalay.

Anayron said the drones were launched from the Lumbia Airfield here, which used to be a commercial airport now being used by the Philippine Air Force (PAF), to triangulate the exact position of the rebels in Sitio Kiito, about 68 kilometers away, and avoid civilian casualties.

He said so precise was their information that they fired the truck-mounted 155mm howitzers—made by Israel’s Elbit Systems delivered to the Philippines only early in 2022—inside Camp Bahian in Malaybalay City toward their targets 10 kilometers away.

The PAF, meanwhile, dropped 250-pound bombs from the Super Tucanos, a turboprop aircraft made by the Brazilian company Embraer.

Anayron said the military offensive killed nine New People’s Army (NPA) rebels but troops scouring the encampment found another male dead body a day later. He said this brought the number of rebels killed to 10 with more than six high-powered firearms and other war materials recovered at the ground zero in Sitio Kiito.

CPP spokesperson Marco Valbuena, in emails sent to reporters, did not confirm that the dead rebels were NPA members, saying they are still verifying reports whether the encounter really took place.

“As for now, we cannot say for sure whether those whom the AFP said were killed are really NPA fighters or civilian residents in the area. Tulad ng alam ninyo, marami nang pagkakataon sa nakaraan na maling ibinabalita ng AFP na nakapatay sila ng NPA sa engkwentro, para lang pagtakpan ang katotohanan na mga sibilyan ang kanilang pinatay,” Valbuena said.

The military operation took place three hours after the CPP declared a unilateral ceasefire on Christmas Eve and caught the rebels preparing for the party’s 55th founding anniversary celebration (December 26) by surprise.

Anayron said they got information that the rebels have instructed villagers to cook food in anticipation of the visitors and supporters coming to witness the anniversary celebration.

“That was very vital information for us because we have been hunting for these rebels since December 1 after they burned several harvesting equipment [in Malaybalay and neighboring areas],” Anayron said.

The impact of the Christmas Day fighting on the prospects of future peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front remains uncertain.

Last month, both parties agreed to resolve the decades-old conflict peaceably. Malacañang announced that both parties could reach a final peace agreement in the next few months.

Peace groups hailed the CPP’s declaration of a two-day unilateral ceasefire, which is supposed to end Tuesday night, as a major step in building confidence for the peace talks to proceed and urged the government to reciprocate.

Maj. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, commanding general of the 4th Infantry Division, said they did not receive any orders from higher headquarters to reciprocate the ceasefire being implemented by the communist rebels.

“In the absence of orders, we attack,” Cuerpo said.

Cuerpo said he had given orders to run after the fleeing rebels in at least three villages in Malaybalay City. (Froilan Gallardo /MindaNews)

Bukidnon Comelec needs public help vs. poll violators

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, urged the public to not only report campaign violations during the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) but to file charges as well

Lawyer Danilo Dividina, the Comelec-Malaybalay officer, said they need the help of concerned individuals who would pursue cases in the court.

“When cases are filed, and you are not there when it reaches the court, the cases will not prosper if not substantiated,” Dividina said in a statement on Friday.

He added that the public can execute an affidavit attesting that violations of election rules were committed by BSKE candidates.

Cagayan de Oro BSKE

Meanwhile, Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO) spokesperson Major Evan Viñas underscored the importance of “collective efforts of all concerned sectors” to uphold safe elections and maintain peace and order in the city, especially on the first day of the BSKE campaign period on Oct. 19.

“Last month, the COCPO successfully initiated the conduct of Walk for Peace, BSKE candidates briefing, pledge of commitment, and covenant signing which was collaboratively conducted by government agencies and BSKE candidates,” he said.

In addition, Colonel Salvador Radam, COCPO officer-in-charge, assured the public that all 80 barangays would be covered by the police during the polls with the active support of allied agencies, force multipliers, and the community.

He said the Revitalized Police Sa Barangay in the city are ready to cater to all the concerns of constituents in their respective area of assignment.

AFP, PNP in Lanao Norte

Also in Lanao del Norte, Governor Imelda Dimaporo appealed to the uniformed personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police for the constant monitoring and surveillance in every community throughout the province from the campaign period to the election day.

Dimaporo cited law enforcement’s role in safeguarding the electoral process, especially when reports indicate that some local government officials may intervene.

She called for collaborative efforts that aim to create an environment where residents can exercise their right to vote without fear and intimidation.

In a separate statement, Maj. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, the Army’s 4th Infantry Division commander, said being apolitical in the upcoming BSKE must be observed among the ranks of the military in the area.

“Let’s focus on shielding the organization from political influences that are not supposed to be influencing us,” he said. (Nef Luczon/PNA)

4ID hold PMA entrance exam in 3 locations

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MISAMIS ORIENTAL – The Armed Forces of the Philippines, in collaboration with the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), is taking steps to bolster the nation’s armed forces by conducting a PMA Entrance Examination on September 9-10, 2023

With 50 examination sites nationwide, the 4th Infantry Division hosted three exam sites within its jurisdiction.

These locations include Montalban Hall in Camp Evangelista, Patag, Cagayan de Oro City; Lope Asis Memorial Gym in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur; and Surigao del Norte Provincial Convention Center in Surigao City, Surigao del Norte.

PMA Proctor Team Leader for Cagayan de Oro City PMaj Viktor Immanuel Mendoza said candidates who wish to take the exam as walk-in applicants were required to bring a 2×2 ID picture, a valid ID (including a school ID), a birth certificate, and school grades (transcript of records for college and registrar-validated school grades for high school).

“To be able to take the exam, applicants should be at least 17 to 22 years old on the first day of admission in June, have a height not less than 152.4 cm and not more than 193.04 cm, possess a GPA/GWA of 85% or its equivalent, demonstrate good moral character, and be single, never married, and never having borne or sired a child. Further, there is no discrimination against applicants. Even former rebels can apply as long as they possess the qualifications, and taking examination has no limit as long as the applicant is still within the age range specified by the academy,” Mendoza said.

Applicants who pass the entrance exam will undergo medical, physical, and neurological exams at the AFP Medical Center.

Successful applicants will compose the PMA Class 2028 and be formally inducted into the academy during an Oath-Taking Ceremony and Reception Rites on the first day of the admission month.

As of September 6, the proctor team has recorded 771 validated applicants for Cagayan de Oro City, with expectations that the number will increase to one thousand to one thousand five hundred applicants.

PMA reminded the applicants and their family members that both entrance and medical examinations are provided free of charge.

The examination starts with a screening and validation process, beginning at 6:00 in the morning. The simultaneous exam will start at 10:00 in the morning and is expected to end by 2:00 in the afternoon.

The history of PMA dates back to October 25, 1898, when a decree from General Emilio Aguinaldo established the Academia Militar, the First President of the Philippine Republic. This academy initially granted graduates regular commissions in the armed forces. On December 21, 1936, the Philippine Military Academy was formally created through Commonwealth Act No. 1 or the National Defense Act. It granted the Academy the authority to confer a Bachelor of Science Degree upon completing its four-year course. (JAKA/PIA10)

7 NPA rebels neutralized in Caraga, Northern Mindanao

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BUTUAN CITY — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Sunday, June 25, reported significant gains against communist rebels in the Caraga and Northern Mindanao regions

Major Francisco P. Garello Jr., chief of the Public Affairs Office (PAO) of the Army 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, said that seven New People’s Army rebels were neutralized and several war materials, including 20 high-powered weapons, were captured in the hinterland areas of Butuan City, Claveria, Misamis Oriental; and Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on Friday, June 16, and Saturday, June 17.
Garello said these are a “testament to the AFP’s continuous efforts to finish the dwindling Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in the military and police joint operational area to attain just and lasting peace in Northeastern and Northern Mindanao regions.”
He revealed that the alleged secretary of the Guerrilla Front-30 (GF-30) of the CPP-NPA Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) surrendered to the Army 36th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Barangay Puyat, Carmen, Surigao del Sur on Thursday, June 22.
“All field units under the operational and administrative control (Opcon) of the 4th ID in Northeastern (Caraga) and Northern Mindanao regions are in focus military operations (FMO) in their respective areas of responsibilities (AOR) while they are also ready to accept and welcome communist insurgents who wanted to go back to the folds of the law and avail the government’s peace and development program,” Garello said.
He added that 4th ID chief Major Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II commended field units for the continuous gains in their AORs against the already dwindling communist terrorist group.
Meanwhile, the PRO-13 reported that “Kumander Jhon-Jhon,” vice commanding officer, and wife, “Ka Fiona,” a medical and supply officer of the NPA, voluntarily surrendered to the 1st Surigao del Sur Provincial Mobile Force Company in Barangay Poblacion, Cagwait, Surigao del Sur, recently.
PRO-13 Director Police Brig. Gen. Pablo G. Labra II said the couple belonged to the Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda Platoon 16C2, Guerilla Front Committee 16, Sub-Regional Committee Northland, of the CPP-NPA Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).
They turned over a 60mm mortar and a caliber .38 revolver with bullets.
“The uncertainty of their future in the terrorist movement and the desire to give their families a peaceful life gave them the courage to abandon the CTG,” Labra said. “Several former rebels who surrendered to the government are now living peacefully.” (Mike Crismundo/Manila Bulletin)

CPP Southern Mindanao Committee key officials arrested in Malaysia

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Ang alleged key official of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) was arrested and deported from Malaysia

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Eric Jun Baring Casilao and his wife May were arrested by the Malaysian Police at the Langkawi immigration check-in counter on April 1, 2023, while en route to Thailand via a ferry boat using fake travel documents.

They were detained for violating Malaysian Immigration laws before being deported back to the Philippines on April 17.

The PNP said the Casilaos fled to Malaysia to elude arrest here in the Philippines.

The couple has standing arrest warrants over murder, attempted murder, kidnapping and serious illegal detention charges.

Eric has a P5.4 million reward bounty on his head. He was put on the Malaysian Red Notice List through the request of the PNP for falsification of his passport by assuming a fake identity.

Casilao is allegedly the secretary of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee and a member of the CPP Central Committee. He is a brother of former Anakpawis Party-list Representative Ariel Casilao.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said he is “considered the most wanted Communist Terrorist Group leader in Southeastern Mindanao, notorious for staging numerous atrocities in the Davao Region and other neighboring regions under the SMRC.” (SunStar Philippines)

796 ka mga pasyente naatiman sa medical and surgical mission sa Maramag

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Niabot sa kinatibuk-ang 796 ka mga pasyente ang nahatagan og pagtagad ug kasulbaran sa ilang tagsa-tagsa ka mga balatian, atol sa gihimong duha ka adlaw nga medical and surgical mission nga gipangunahan sa Senate Spouses Foundation, Inc., ubos sa ilang presidente Audrey Tan Zubiri, Marso 15-16, 2023, sa Bukidnon Provincial Hospital–Maramag, Purok 2, Poblacion, Maramag, Bukidnon

Sulod sa duha ka adlaw, adunay 60 ka mga pasyente sa surgical, 356 sa medical, 163 sa pediatric, 52 sa OB, og 165 ka mga senior citizens og PWDs nga mga pasyente ang kinatibuk-ang natambalan.

“𝐷𝑖𝑙𝑖 𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑔 𝑘𝑎𝑦 𝑝𝑎𝑔𝑎𝑡𝑎𝑚𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑎𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑔𝑎 𝑠𝑎𝑘𝑖𝑡 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑝 𝑛𝑔𝑎 ℎ𝑎𝑚𝑢𝑏𝑜 𝑛𝑔𝑎 𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑠𝑦𝑜𝑛, 𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑛 𝑝𝑤𝑒𝑑𝑒 𝑘𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑎ℎ𝑖𝑚𝑜 𝑠𝑎 𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑔𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑛𝑔𝑎 𝑝𝑎𝑚𝑎𝑎𝑔𝑖 𝑛𝑔𝑎 𝑖𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑔 𝑔𝑖𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑎ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑎𝑛 𝑎𝑟𝑜𝑛 𝑚𝑎ℎ𝑎𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑎𝑛 𝑠𝑎 𝑖𝑘𝑠𝑎𝑘𝑡𝑜 𝑛𝑔𝑎 𝑘𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑙𝑏𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑛 𝑠𝑎 𝑘𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑦𝑜𝑛 𝑠𝑎 𝑖𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑔 𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑛”, matud pa ni Zubiri.

Ang mga surgical volunteers nihimo sa major and minor operations sama sa pagtanggal sa cyst, thyroidectomy, mastectomy, hysterectomy, tonsillectomy, incision and drainage, og ang hemorrhoidectomy.

Ang tanang serbisyo gikan sa screening ngadto na sa operasyon libre og walay bayad lakip na ang medikasyon og bitamina nga gihatag sa mga pasyente.

Ang maong proyekto gitimbayayongan sa World Surgical Foundation Philippines, Provincial Government of Bukidnon pinaage sa Bukidnon Provincial Hospital-Maramag, kauban ang mga volunteers gikan sa Bukidnon Medical Society, Philippine National Police, og ang Armed Forces of the Philippines. (PR)

CHR calls on authorities to look into alleged abduction of NDFP consultant in Bukidnon

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The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) called on authorities to take action on the alleged abduction of National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) consultant Ariel Badiang in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon on February 6

In a statement, the CHR said Badiang, 64 years old, was allegedly taken by soldiers.

“As we conduct a parallel independent probe, CHR calls for urgent action from the local police and other concerned agencies to uncover the full truth on this latest report of the alleged abduction of another NDFP consultant,” said the commission.

According to the CHR, its Region 10 office had deployed a Quick Response Operation to look into the matter.

Meanwhile, Police Region Office 10 public information office spokesperson Police Major Joann Navarro told GMA News Online there were no abductions reported on the said date.

“Based po sa record natin, walang nakatala na any information o report na merong nag-abduct o kidnapping na nangyari,” she said.

Navarro added that PRO10 asked the Bukidnon Police, 52nd Engineer Brigade, and 1st Special Forces Battalion if they received such information. They also denied receiving reports about the incident.

Navarro encouraged the family of Badiang to report the incident to the police so that authorities can take action and launch an investigation.

Asked for comment, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Colonel Medel Aguilar said the AFP promoted and protected human rights.

“The AFP respects human rights. It is part of our constitutional mandate. All we do at the AFP is in adherence to the promotion and protection of human rights which is translated into education, training, and policies,” he told GMA News Online.

“To strengthen its implementation, the AFP has established the AFP Human Rights Office, now the AFP Center for Law of Armed Conflict (AFP CLOAC),” he added. (GMA News)

AFP sees more rebel surrenderers in NorMin

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has expressed confidence that more communist rebels will give up arms and surrender in Northern Mindanao in the coming weeks.

In a statement Thursday, Lt. Gen. Greg Almerol, Eastmincom commander, said the death of Jose Maria Sison, co-founder of Communist Party of the Philippines, has affected the morale of its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA).

“With this situation, we expect more of their comrades to surface and lay down their arms,” Almerol said.

Almerol also called on remaining NPA combatants “to surrender without hesitation as the freedom and benefits of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) are waiting upon their return.”

Almerol’s statement came after the surrender of eight NPA leaders on Jan. 3 in Lantapan and Pangantucan towns, Bukidnon.

The following day, the surrenderers led the government troops to the location of three arms caches in Barangay Tikalaan and Barangay Miarayon in Talakag, Bukidnon, resulting in the recovery of several firearms and medical supplies.

Meanwhile, the Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office presented five former rebels who surrendered early this week.

“It was a good decision I surrendered, because I want my children to continue going to school,” a former rebel was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the police. (Nef Luczon/PNA)

AFP, PNP urge Bukidnon bizmen to report NPA extortion activities

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IMPASUG-ONG, Bukidnon (Jan. 28/PIA) — Military and police authorities have urged businesses in Bukidnon province to report immediately any extortion schemes set up by the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

In a meeting in Malaybalay City on Jan. 21 with business owners under the Bukidnon Lateral Organized for Development (BukLOD), the Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) jointly presented a diagram on what to do if they receive a threat or demand for “revolutionary tax” from the NPA.

The diagram serves as a guide on preventing extortion and the best ways to respond to it. It illustrates the process of reporting and all other approaches in dealing with the extortionists.

The NPAs demand money from businesses through force or threat to finance their terroristic activities. They (NPA) called this “Revolutionary Tax.”

Lt. Col. Ronald Illana, 8IB commanding officer, said the NPA’s extortion activities have been the main problem of the government contractors as it delayed the completion of infrastructure projects in the province.

“We are urging everybody to help us stop the finance of the NPA by reporting and preserving all calls, text messages, and CCTV’s images because we need them to identify the suspects, report it to the nearest Army and PNP offices,” Illana said.
BukLOD president Doy Lopez, likewise, has called on the 21 members of his business group requesting them to display a tarpaulin on their establishments showing the “extortion guide,” including the police and military hotlines to stir awareness among its employees and the public.

BukLOD is a group of business companies organized since 2015 to help the province in realizing its vision for a stable and comfortable life.

“Being the president of this organization, I am encouraging everybody to help our Army and PNP. Do not be afraid to report and cooperate with them. It’s not only the NPAs who are doing extortion but there are other criminal groups and individuals also,” Lopez said. (8IB, PA/PIA)