Sunday, January 19, 2025

36 Ex-NPA Rebels Surrender in Bukidnon

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — Thirty-six former New People’s Army (NPA) leaders and combatants recently surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 403rd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. They were presented to the Bukidnon provincial government on January 10 at Camp Osito Bahian, Malaybalay City

The surrenderees turned over 55 high-powered firearms, including an M-60 machine gun, and pledged allegiance to the government.


Brigadier General Michele Anayron Jr., commander of the 403rd Brigade, expressed gratitude to the former rebels, calling their surrender a significant step towards peace and stability in Northern Mindanao.

“Akong pagpasalamat sa atong mga sundalo, pulis, local government units, civil society organizations, ug concerned citizens for participating in the ELCAC campaign. Kini nga kampanya involves municipal, provincial, and line agencies. Naa sila gatabang sa ato pinaagi sa paghatag sa support services sama sa livelihood assistance, skills training, ug uban pa, aron masulbad ang insurgency problem sa nasud labi na dinhi sa atong probinsya sa Bukidnon,” he said.


(I thanked the military, police, local government units, civil society organizations, and concerned citizens. They help provide support services, such as livelihood assistance and skills training, to address the insurgency problem in the country, especially here in Bukidnon.)


He urged remaining insurgents to surrender and embrace peace.


Arnel Arcaya, alias Sky, a former NPA leader, shared his difficult experiences within the rebel group and thanked the government for supporting his reintegration into society.


In a press conference, Arcaya expressed his desire to leave his past behind and start anew, inspired by the government’s reintegration efforts.


The military credited Cong. Jonathan Keith T. Flores of the 2nd Congressional District for facilitating the surrender of former NPA leaders, highlighting the success of the whole-of-nation approach.


Cong. Flores emphasized the importance of inter-agency cooperation in defeating insurgency and thanked the surrendered NPA members for rejoining society.


“The presence of government agencies in the mountains, delivering essential services to marginalized communities, has encouraged many to return to peaceful lives,” he said. (Bernadith G. Epan/PIA 10-Bukidnon)

Lalaki nga akusado sa multiple charges nakorner

Isa ka lalaki kinsa nag-atubang sa multiple charges ang nakorner sa Barangay 2, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon hapon sa Agosto 24, 2024

Siya nailang si Nardito P. Dum-ogan alyas Dodong Dum-ogan, 34, mag-uuma, adunay kapuyo, ug residente sa Sityo Tagbacan, Barangay Canangaan, Cabanglasan, Bukidnon.

Gisikop siya pinasubay sa warrant of arrest sa duha ka kaso sa murder nga nakadokit sa kaso kriminal numero 41403-23 ug 41405-23 ug laing duha ka kaso sa attempted murder nga nakadokit sa kaso kriminal numero 41404-23 ug 41406-23 pinetsahan Agosto 3, 2023.

Si Dum-ogan nakorner sa mga myembro sa 1st Buk PMFC, RIU10 ug 88th Infantry Battalion sa army. (Omar Rashid Z. Abdullah)

NPA combatant killed in Bukidnon

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – An alleged New People’s Army (NPA) combatant was killed during an encounter with 8th Infantry Battalion personnel in the hinterland of Sitio Bendum, Brgy. Busdi, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on August 19, 2024

In a statement, the military identified him as Norbet Sarinao Lipanda @Omar, squad leader of Squad 2, Headquarters Force NEO of the NPA’s North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).

The 8IB also recovered an M16 assault rifle, a bandolier with three (3) magazines loaded with live ammunitions, a bag, communication devices, and other subversive materials.

Charlie Company of the army’s 8IB was involved in a 15-minute skirmish with around four NPA rebels, including Lipanda.

Before the aforementioned armed clash, the local population notified 8IB about the presence of an armed group performing extortion, food foraging, and coercing farmers to facilitate their food supplies.

Due to this threat, the unit immediately conducted intensified military operations in the area.

The 8IB expressed gratitude to the residents who reported suspicious activity to local officials and law enforcement agencies.

Lt. Col. Marc Bien Stevens J. Deslante, commander of the 8IB, stated that the 8IB will always be “dependable partners” in ensuring peace and order in the province of Bukidnon. (melbmadera)

Damulog town in Bukidnon declared insurgency-free

The Municipality of Damulog in Bukidnon becomes the third municipality in the province to be officially declared insurgency-free after San Fernando and Kadingilan, the Philippine Army 10th Infantry Division said on Wednesday, August 14, 2024

The declaration was formalized through Resolution No. 158, Series of 2024, and was celebrated during a ceremony held at the Municipal Gymnasium in Damulog on Tuesday, August 13.

Brigadier General Marion Angcao, commander of the 1003rd Infantry (Raptor) Brigade, commended this collaborative effort, emphasizing the critical role that unity and cooperation played in achieving this milestone.

He added that the declaration is a testament to the exceptional coordination between the uniformed personnel, local authorities, and the citizens of Damulog, who worked together to set a new standard for peace and progress in Bukidnon.

Meanwhile, Major General Allan Hambala, commander of the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division, lauded the relentless and tireless efforts of the troops under the 48th Infantry (Guardians) Battalion.

Hambala acknowledged the sacrifices made by the soldiers and the unwavering support from the community, which were instrumental in bringing about this historic change.

The declaration ceremony was marked by a symbolic release of doves and balloons, representing the enduring peace, unity, and prosperity that Damulog now experiences. (Rex Espiritu/Manila Standard/August 15, 2024)

2 NPA members die in clash with army troops in Surigao del Sur and Bukidnon

MANILA, Philippines — Two alleged members of the communist New People’s Army were killed in separate encounters in Surigao del Sur and Bukidnon over the weekend, the Philippine Army said on Monday

On Saturday, July 8, elements of the 36th Infantry Battalion of the 901st Infantry Brigade clashed with eight

suspected NPA members in Sitio Libas, Barangay Sibahay in Lanuza town, Surigao del Sur.

This led to the death of a suspected rebel identified as Risam Gonzales Gam, also known as Kim or Miguel. Troops also captured one M653 Assault Rifle at the encounter site.

On Friday, July 7, the 43rd Division Reconnaissance Company of the 403rd Infantry Brigade also figured in two separate encounters with elements of suspected communist rebels in Barangay Bontongon, Impasugong town in Bukidnon province.

The firefights, which lasted for about 30 minutes each, resulted in the death of an unidentified male communist and the capture of one M4A1 5.56mm carbine rifle and one M14 7.62mm rifle. (Inquirer.net)

Bukidnon ‘criminal’ gangsters with multiple warrants yield

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Three alleged members of a Bukidnon-based criminal group with multiple warrants of arrest surrendered to the police on March 13, 2023, a police official said

Brig. Gen. Lawrence Coop, Police Regional Office-10 director, identified the surrenderers from the Acuman Criminal Group as Erwin Acuman, the leader; his brother, Dario; and cousin Ryan.
Coop said the group has gained notoriety by engaging in robbery, cattle rustling, and extortion schemes in Bukidnon province, specifically in Talakag town and its adjacent municipalities.
“Our efforts have now resulted positively as several members of the criminal gang have surrendered to the folds of the law,” Coop said in a media briefing here.
Coop said the Acumans have multiple warrants of arrest for murder, frustrated and attempted murders and illegal possession of high-powered firearms and ammunition.
During their surrender, he said the suspects surrendered an M16 riffle, M14 riffle, a .45-caliber pistol, and ammunition.
Coop vowed that PRO-10 will remain “proactive in the intelligence-driven operation with the active support of the community.”
Meanwhile, the PRO-10 also reported that at least 184 police operations in February alone resulted in the arrest of 227 drug personalities, the confiscation of 531 grams of shabu worth PHP3.6 million, and 4,062 grams of marijuana worth PHP487,440.
At least 177 law enforcement operations targeting loose firearms also yielded 22 arrests and 56 firearms confiscated and recovered.
Fifty-six firearms were also turned in by their owners for safekeeping during the implementation of “Oplan Katok.”
On the other hand, PRO-10 also reported the arrest of 448 wanted persons in February. During the same period, Coop said the government’s offensive efforts against communist rebels were sustained, as manifested by 17 arrested New People’s Army rebels. (Nef Luzon/PNA)

5 soldiers dead after ‘mass shooting’ in Cagayan de Oro military camp

MANILA, Philippines — Five soldiers, including a gunman who happened to be in the military, perished Saturday morning after a mass shooting incident broke out inside the Army’s Camp Evangelista in Cagayan de Oro City

The soldier, who went berserk, Pvt. Johmar Villabito was subsequently shot dead by responding Pvt. Mark Anthony Aguinid and Pfc. Josiah Estrada.

The incident reportedly occurred during the early hours of 1 a.m. according to Maj. Francisco Garello Jr., spokesperson of the 4th Infantry Division. The names of the victims are still withheld as of press time.

“This resulted in the death of four… of our soldiers and wounding another one… The suspect used an M16 rifle. The suspect shot the victims while they’re sleeping,” said Garello in a mix of Filipino and English in an interview with the media.

“The perpetrator also died during the said incident.”

In separate statements, Saturday, the Army’s 4th Infantry Division and the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office said Villabito first barged into the sleeping quarter of Sgt. Rogelio Rojo, Cpl. Bernard Rodrigo, Pfc. Prince Kevin Balaba and Pvt. Joseph Tamayo and killed them one after another with his service firearm in an attack that left Sgt. Braulio Macalos badly wounded.

The four slain soldiers and Villabito belonged to the Headquarters Service Battalion of the 4th ID, under Major Gen. Wilbur Mamawag.

Aguinid and Estrada together managed to neutralize Villabito, who also died on the spot from multiple bullet wounds.

Garello said that they still could not determine the motive behind the suspect’s actions and could not confirm rumors going around that the violence was relationship-related.

The commander of the 4ID, Maj. Gen. Wilbur Mamawag has now created a board of inquiry team to investigate the matter.

After initially firing rounds at four sleeping soldiers, the gunman allegedly proceeded to another room which eventually lead to his/her demise.

“[T]here [were] two soldiers that were already alert and they saw that he/she was coming. They managed to neutralize the suspect. They wrestled and grappled for the weapon, and eventually, the suspect was killed in self-defense,” continued Garello.

“What we can confirm is that there [are] five soldiers died during the incident… one is wounded and being given medical attention.”

Among those killed were a staff sergeant, a private, and a corporal. Several shots were said to have been fired so military officials still could not confirm if the fatal shots were delivered to the head.

The 4ID offered their sincere condolences to the bereaved families during these challenging times. (J. Unson, J. Relativo/Philstar)

105 ka FRs sa Valencia City miyembro na sa PhilHealth

VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon (PIA)–Siyento singko (105) ka mga kanhi rebelde sa New People’s Army sa syudad sa Valencia, Bukidnon ang miyembro na sa PhilHealth dihang nakadawat sila sa ilang Member’s Data Records (MDRs) ug ID cards niadtong Enero 11.

Si Regional Vice President Delio A. Aseron sa PhilHealth Northern Mindanao miingon nga gusto sa gobyerno nga ipakita ang patas nga serbisyo sa tanang Pilipino.

“Kayo po aming mga kapatid na mga ‘former rebels’ ang importanteng bisita ngayon dahil dito po nais ipakita ng ating pamahalaan na tayo ay iisa—pantay-pantay po tayo. Dahil kung tayo ay magkakasakit pantay tayong makalatag sa banig ng karamdaman,” matud ni Aseron.

Gipasabot ni Aseron sa mga kanhi rebelde nga dako kaayo kini nga tabang tungod kay matud niya “Napakahirap magkasakit. Magkaproblema tayo sa gastusin at diyan po papasok ang tulong pinansyal ng PhilHealth. Bagamat bawat sakit ay may corresponding na halaga, ang importante po ay wala na tayong mga kababayan na mangamba na pumunta sa hospital dahil may programa ang PhilHealth. May katuwang na kayo sa gastusin.”

Samtang si Romulo Lapuz Jr, ang Chief sa PhilHealth Bukidnon, miingon nga ang tanang Pilipino mahimong miyembro sa PhilHealth. Busa gidasig niya ang ubang pang mga kanhi rebelde nga wala pa makaparehistro nga dili magduha-duha sa pag-adto sa ilang buhatan tungod kay andam ang PhilHealth nga mo-giya ug motabang kanila sa pagpa-enrol aron mahimong miyembro sa PhilHealth.

Dako ang pasalamat ni Marestela Bitago ngadto sa PhilHealth. Miingon siya nga makapatambal na sila sa lain-laing hospital gamit ang ilang PhilHealth ID cards.

“Nalipay ko’g dako kay sulod sa pito ka tuig sa akong pagka-aktibista, karon nako napamatud-an nga naa gyud ang tabang sa gobyerno, labi na sa mga kabus. PhilHealth member na ko karon. Dako kaayo ni ug ikatabang sa akong pamilya. Busa nagpasalamat ko’g dako sa Philhealth,” dugang ni Bitago. (BGE/PIA 10-Bukidnon)

12 ka mga FR nakadawat og P360K livelihood kits gikan sa DOLE-10

MALITBOG, Bukidnon (PIA)–Nagdala og bag-ong pagla-um ang bag-ong tuig tungod kay ang 12 ka mga kanhi rebelde ubos sa ‘Hinanaling Tabang’ sa 16th Infantry (Maglilingkod) Battalion nakadawat og livelihood starter kits gikan sa Department of Labor and Employment–Region 10 (DOLE-10) sa pakigtambayayong sa Malitbog local government unit (LGU), Enero 6.

Matag usa kanila nakadawat sa tag P30,000 nga kantidad sa livelihood starter kits para sa Rice Trading nga gihatag pinaagi sa DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP).

Ang DILP usa sa mga programa sa DOLE nga nagsuporta sa pagpatuman sa Executive Order No. 70 (EO 70) sa pag-institutionalize sa Whole-of-Nation Approach nga nagtumong sa pagtabang sa mga ‘marginalized groups’ pinaagi sa paghatag ug malungtarong kita.

Si Gergie Liponhay aka Jayto, kanhi commander sa New People’s Army (NPA) ug usa sa mga nakadawatsa maong tabang, nipadayag sa iyang pasalamat sa gobyerno ug nag-awhag sa iyang kanhing mga kauban nga mobiya na sa armadong pakigbisog ug mopahimulos sa serbisyo nga gikan sa gobyerno.

“Kami nagpasalamat ug dako sa gobyerno tungod kay nagpakabana sila sa amo. Tungod kay naa nay presensya ang gobyerno, dili nami mobalik sa bukid. Gi-awhag namo ang among mga kauban nga naa pa karon sa kabukiran nga mana-og na tungod kay dili kita pasagdan sa atong gobyerno,” panawagan ni Liponhay.

Ang ‘Hinanaling Tabang o Dinalian nga Tabang’ sa 16th Infantry Battalion maoy usa sa labing maayong gawi sa unit nga nagsilbi sa mga kanhi rebelde pinaagi sa paghatag ug kapuy-an ug akomodasyon, sustento sa pagkaon, livelihood packages, ug pagpadali sa ilang pagpalista sa Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program kon E-CLIP.

Uban sa padayon nga panawagan alang sa kalinaw, ang 16IB padayon nga nakigtambayayong sa lain-laing ahensya sa gobyerno aron matabangan ang mga kanhing rebelde nga magsugod ug mahiusa pag-usab sa katilingban. (BGE/PIA-10/Bukidnon)

105 ka FRs sa Valencia City miyembro na sa PhilHealth

VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon (PIA)–Siyento singko (105) ka mga kanhi rebelde sa New People’s Army sa syudad sa Valencia, Bukidnon ang miyembro na sa PhilHealth dihang nakadawat sila sa ilang Member’s Data Records (MDRs) ug ID cards niadtong Enero 11.

Si Regional Vice President Delio A. Aseron sa PhilHealth Northern Mindanao miingon nga gusto sa gobyerno nga ipakita ang patas nga serbisyo sa tanang Pilipino.

“Kayo po aming mga kapatid na mga ‘former rebels’ ang importanteng bisita ngayon dahil dito po nais ipakita ng ating pamahalaan na tayo ay iisa—pantay-pantay po tayo. Dahil kung tayo ay magkakasakit pantay tayong makalatag sa banig ng karamdaman,” matud ni Aseron.

Gipasabot ni Aseron sa mga kanhi rebelde nga dako kaayo kini nga tabang tungod kay matud niya “Napakahirap magkasakit. Magkaproblema tayo sa gastusin at diyan po papasok ang tulong pinansyal ng PhilHealth. Bagamat bawat sakit ay may corresponding na halaga, ang importante po ay wala na tayong mga kababayan na mangamba na pumunta sa hospital dahil may programa ang PhilHealth. May katuwang na kayo sa gastusin.”

Samtang si Romulo Lapuz Jr, ang Chief sa PhilHealth Bukidnon, miingon nga ang tanang Pilipino mahimong miyembro sa PhilHealth. Busa gidasig niya ang ubang pang mga kanhi rebelde nga wala pa makaparehistro nga dili magduha-duha sa pag-adto sa ilang buhatan tungod kay andam ang PhilHealth nga mo-giya ug motabang kanila sa pagpa-enrol aron mahimong miyembro sa PhilHealth.

Dako ang pasalamat ni Marestela Bitago ngadto sa PhilHealth. Miingon siya nga makapatambal na sila sa lain-laing hospital gamit ang ilang PhilHealth ID cards.

“Nalipay ko’g dako kay sulod sa pito ka tuig sa akong pagka-aktibista, karon nako napamatud-an nga naa gyud ang tabang sa gobyerno, labi na sa mga kabus. PhilHealth member na ko karon. Dako kaayo ni ug ikatabang sa akong pamilya. Busa nagpasalamat ko’g dako sa Philhealth,” dugang ni Bitago. (BGE/PIA 10-Bukidnon)