Saturday, May 04, 2024

Tag: NPA

Soldier killed in clash with NPA rebels in Bukidnon

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO (MindaNews / September 11) — Army troops encountered a band of 20 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels on Sunday in Quezon, Bukidnon, triggering a four-hour firefight that resulted in the death of a soldier

Capt. Mark Anthony Tito, the 10th Infantry Division spokesperson, said the soldiers were pursuing the rebels when they caught up with them in Barangay Linabo, some 18 kilometers from Quezon town proper.

“The rebels were trying to link up with those from (NPA Guerilla) Front 57 when the soldiers encountered them. Unfortunately, one soldier died in the encounter,” Tito said.

Citing reports from the Quezon police station, Major Joanne Navarro, Police Regional Office – 10 spokespersons, identified the dead soldier as Private First Class Randy Ganzon, 29, a member of the 39th Infantry Battalion based in Makilala, North Cotabato.

Navarro said the remains of Ganzon were brought to the Villanueva Funeral Homes in Maramag, Bukidnon.

Fort Cabarde of the Quezon public information office said at about noon Monday that they were still waiting for the barangay officials of Linabo to report the incident. (Froilan Gallardo/MindaNews)

Rebels in Bukidnon surrender

Posted on by cmn

CAMP ALAGAR, Cagayan de Oro City: Forty-three members of the outlawed New People’s Army (NPA) yielded to Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), in a Saturday acceptance ceremony

During the ceremony, Acorda led the oath of loyalty of the surrendered communist rebels, who vowed to support the government’s efforts to end the insurgency in Northern Mindanao.

The PNP chief commended the surrenderers for their courage in denouncing the communist propaganda that ruined the lives of innocent people in a war of deception and notoriety.

“I am confident that your decision to return to mainstream society will encourage others in the hills to come down and lay down their arms for us to attain lasting peace, development, and progress in our communities,” Acorda said.

The 43 surrenderers, all under the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) based in Bukidnon, also led law enforcers in recovering a cache of 15 high-powered firearms buried in Talakag, Bukidnon. (The Manila Times)

8 guerilla fronts dismantled, 800 rebels ‘neutralized’

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY – In partnership with the Task Force on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC), the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) said it has dismantled eight New People’s Army (NPA) guerilla fronts and “neutralized” more than 800 rebels operating in Northern Mindanao and Caraga in the past two years

In a statement on March 29, 2023, Maj. Gen. Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II, commander of the 4ID, said since 2021, an NPA sub-regional committee and an independent rebel platoon were also dismantled.

Among those dismantled were the NPA North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee and North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).

“The people are fed up and tired of the deception and exploitation of the NPA. People are more interested and focused on the peace and developmental projects, as well as the various services that the government has delivered,” Cuerpo said.

In addition, 362 government-initiated encounters have led to the neutralization of 885 NPA combatants.

In military parlance, “neutralize” includes the capture and surrender of an NPA rebel, as well as the seizure of firearms.

Cuerpo said the 4ID managed to seize 766 firearms and overran 234 NPA hideouts during the period.

The latest in the series of encounters transpired in remote Barangay San Juan, Bayugan City on March 27, which resulted in the death of two more rebels.

“More (NPA) members and even leaders have given up and surrendered,” Cuerpo said.

With the support of residents, the Army official assured that the 4ID would continue its intensified focused military operations against the communist rebels and collaborate with other government agencies under the TF-ELCAC.

New surrenders

Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office 10 (Northern Mindanao) on Monday accepted the surrender of three NPA rebels in its headquarters in Cagayan de Oro City who also brought with them their firearms.

The surrenderers were only identified as “Janile,” 27, a political guide; “Arwin,” 25, a female supply officer; and “Aya,” 21, another female rebel acting as a medical officer.

They belonged to the NPA NCMRC operating in Talakag town and other border towns between Bukidnon and Lanao del Sur provinces. (Nef Luczon/PNA)

Army scores vs. NPA in Bukidnon after community dialogue

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Philippine Army’s 88th Infantry Battalion (88IB) scored anew against the communist rebels in Bukidnon province several days after government troops reached out to communities for dialogues

In a statement on Tuesday, Col. Christian James Vingno, the 88IB commander, said ground troops encountered remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA) led by a certain Bernon Sinunta of Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad Peddler in a firefight earlier this month.

The Feb. 5 encounter in Barangay Nakabuklad, San Fernando town in Bukidnon led to the discovery of the NPA’s hideout and the seizure of various war materiel.

Seized from the area were two cartridge links of 5.56mm ammunition; two rolls of electrical wires for improvised explosive devices; rice; personal belongings; and other NPA documents.

Three days before the encounter, Vingno said the 88IB conducted a “peace dialogue” with the residents to encourage them to continue their support for the peace and development program of the government and not to allow the NPA to infiltrate their peaceful community.

“I am again calling the attention of the remaining members of NPA operating in our area of operation to come down and avail the program of the government. Start a new life and leave peacefully with your family,” he said.

The 88IB, a unit of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, credited its successful operations against the NPA to the civilians’ cooperation. (Nef Luczon/PNA)

9 ka asosayon sa ‘ex-NPA rebels’ nakadawat og P900K gikan sa Valencia LGU

Posted on by Omar Rashid Z. Abdullah

Siyam ka rehistradong ‘peoples organization sa kanhi mga rebelde sa New Peoples Army 9NPA) ang nakadawat og P900,000 gikan sa lokal nga kagamhanan sa Valencia City, Bukidnon, niadtong Enero 11

Ang Philippine Information Agency nitaho nga alayon kini sa pag-pursige ug kadasig sa mga kanhi rebelde aron mo-asenso ug mo-uswag ang ilang panginabuhi human sila mibiya sa Komunistang grupo.

Ang matag isa sa siyam ka organisasyon gihatagan og tag P100,000.

Ang siyam ka asosasyon mao ang Farmers Revival Association; Domago-ok Farmers Association; Samahan ng mga Balik-Loob Association; Pag-asa Womens Association Pig Dispersal; Barangay Mabuhay Farmers Association; Samahan ng mga Kababaihan ng Laligan; Bulacao Riders Organization; Laligan Curvada Spring Association; ug Laligan Farmers Association.

Si Legal Officer Atty. Marlowe Selecios niingon nga giseguro ni Valencia City Mayor Azucena Huervas nga gahinan sa pundo ang siyam ka asosasyon aron magsilbing ‘start-up capital’ sa ex-rebels nga nibalik sa gobyerno. (Omar Rashid Z. Abdullah)

2 rebels die, 2 captured in Bukidnon clash

Posted on by cmn

Two alleged New People’s Army (NPA) rebels died while two others were captured by the Philippine Army (PA) in a recent clash in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, the military announced Monday, Jan. 31.

According to a military report reaching Camp Aguinaldo, the clash occurred when personnel from the 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion (2ndSRB) and 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB) responded to a tip from a resident about the presence of five alleged members of the NPA’s Headquarters Force Neo, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (HQF Neo, NCMRC) in the hinterlands of Sitio Lamana, Barangay Kibalabag, Malaybalay City last Saturday.

Lt. Col. Anthony Bacus, commander of the 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB), alleged that the rebels were extorting money and food supplies from vegetable farmers in the village.

A brief gun battle occurred when the responding troops chanced upon the armed men who fired the first shot.

After the firefight, the troops recovered the bodies of alias “Draw,” an alleged member of the dismantled Squad 1, Platoon Dario, Sub-Regional Committee 2 of the NCRMC; and alias “Paet,” an alleged Communication Staff/Special Operations Group/Intel of Regional Operations Command, NCMRC.

Meanwhile, captured were Nisy Sante alias “Arnold,” 72, said to be a supply officer of Squad 1, Regional Sentro De Gravedad (RSDG) Compaq, NCMRC; and Gelloye Lipanya Sagula alias “Janjan,” 20, an alleged member of Squad 2, Team Abe of the same unit.

Pursuit operations were ongoing to arrest the fifth rebel who managed to escape from the troops.

The troops also rescued seven civilians, four of them minors, who were “threatened and extorted” by the suspects.

Bacus identified them as “Jecko,” 30, and his son “Gerald,” 11; “Raffy,” 28, his wife “Jennifer,” 24, and their children “Jepoy,” 5, “Junray,” 3, and Shantal 1.

“We rescued the civilians who were threatened and extorted by the NPA terrorists. They were approached at their farm and the CNTs [communist-terrorist group] extorted vegetables from them and when they saw the soldiers approaching, they immediately fired,” Bavus said in a local dialect.

“We are waiting for the family members of the dead CNTs in order for them to finally rest in peace. We are saddened by their demise, and it is because of the deception of the NPA terrorists,” he added.

Seized from the suspects were three caliber 45 pistols, one 9mm pistol, five magazines, one cellphone, and assorted medical supplies.

Bacus appealed to the remaining communist rebels in the area to surrender to the government and avail of social development benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government.

Php 1.76-M aid released to former rebels, CAFGU in Bukidnon

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (Jan. 17) – A total of Php1,760,000 has been released to former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and CAFGU members on January 14 and 15, the military said.

The distribution of financial aid spearheaded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regional Office 10 was held at the Headquarters of the 88th Infantry “Maringal” Battalion at Purok 10, Brgy. South Poblacion, Maramag, Bukidnon.

Each of the 63 former rebels has received P10,000 while each of the 226 Civilian Active Auxiliaries were given P5,000.

All of them were also given Family Relief Food Packs from DSWD 10.

Mari-Flor A. Dollaga, regional director of DSWD 10, Brig. General Ferdinand T. Barandon, 403rd Infantry Brigade commander and Lt. Col. Christian James P. Vingno, commanding officer of 88IB graced the simple hand-over ceremony on January 14 held at 88IB Headquarters.

NPA top leader ‘Ka Oris’ slain in Impasug-ong

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY (31 October 2021) – ‘Ka Oris”, a top leader of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) who has PhP 7.8 million bounties was killed in a clash with Army troops in Sitio Gabunan, Brgy. Dumalaguing, Impasugong, Bukidnon on October 30. the military says.

Major General Romeo S. Brawner Jr, commander of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, confirmed the information to the media in a press conference held at the Function Hall inside Camp Osito D. Bahian in the city on October 31.

He said Jorge Madlos alias Ka Oris, was among two casualties in a 30-minute encounter between soldiers and the NPA guerrillas in an inhabited and mountainous area in Impasug-ong town.

Maj. Gen. Brawner identified the other casualty as Eighfel Dela Pena alias Pika/Maui, communications and medical staff of Ka Oris. He said both died due to gunshot wounds.

He said the 403rd Infantry Brigade of the 4ID launched combined combat operations at around 12:30 a.m. on October 30 in response to the information from the community about the presence of the armed group.

He said the joint army units were composed of the 8th Infantry Battalion, the 1st Special Forces Battalion, 88IB, a Scout Ranger company, and the Philippine Air force based in Cagayan de Oro City.

The 4ID commander described Ka Oris as a longtime spokesperson of the National Democratic Front (NDF) in Mindanao and commander and spokesperson of the National Operational Command of the NPA nationwide. He said Ka Oris was also a member of the communist Central Committee – EXECOM-Politburo and husband of Myrna Sularte alias Maria Malaya, the secretary of North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).

Brig. Gen. Ferdinand T. Barandon, commander of 403rd IB said the position of Ka Oris was fortified with anti-personnel mines (APM).

He said they requested close air support and dropped six bombs in the positions of Ka Oris and his group.

Brig. Gen. Barandon said they recovered an M14 rifle, a KG9 rifle, and ammunition of different caliber, other material, and assorted personal belongings.

Brawner said Ka Oris is facing multiple criminal cases such as robbery with double homicide and damage to properties, multiple murder, double frustrated murder, arson, kidnapping, and others.

On October 31, the National Democratic Front’s (NDF-NEMR) confirmed Madlos was killed by the military but claimed he and his medic were ambushed while onboard a motorcycle Friday night while heading towards the national highway from the Poblacion of Impasug-ong. The statement was signed by Ka Maria Malaya, NDF-NEMR spokesperson and wife of Ka Oris.

In a Mindanews report, Brawner reacted to the NDF’s statement.

“It is not the AFP’s tactics to ambush unarmed combatants especially if they are onboard a motorcycle. Also, on the allegation that there was no actual encounter, the people in the communities around can attest that they heard the sound of gunfire and the sound of airplanes and helicopters on October 30, 2021,” Major Gen. Brawner said.

NPA IP family of 3 surrender to Army in Bukidnon

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (06 Oct. 2021) – A family of three belonging to an indigenous peoples (IP) group who joined the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the Army’s 88th Infantry Battalion (88IB) in Bukidnon on Oct. 4.

The report was released by the Army on Tuesday afternoon (October 5) identified the surrenderers as Man Oloron, 56, an NPA “political guide,” and his wife Nili Salobo, 55, together with their 11-year-old son.

The 88IB’s Alfa Company confiscated from them one carbine rifle, with one magazine, and nine live ammunition in Sitio Malantao, Barangay Halapitan, San Fernando, Bukidnon, during their surrender.

Their surrender was the result of the unit’s continued campaign against communist armed groups in the mountainous areas of Pantaron Mountain Ranges, covering Malaybalay City, San Fernando, and Cabanglasan towns in Bukidnon.

Oloron said they joined the NPA after the communist group promised them a better life.
The couple’s son was turned over to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office of San Fernando, Bukidnon to undergo an interview and stress debriefing.

Lt. Col. Christian James P. Vingno, 88IB’s commander, said the continuous recruitment of children-soldiers and exploitation of IP communities is a clear violation of International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

“The comprehensive conduct of Community Support Program (CSP) and the focused military operation of government troops have been instrumental in the rapid disintegration of the NPA formation. This is a clear indicator that we are near to ending this 52-year of local communist armed conflict,” he said.

The 88IB has already coordinated with the police as it plans to file an IHL violation case against the NPA for recruiting minors.

“I am also calling the attention of all the parents, let us monitor our children from being recruited by the NPAs,” Vingno said.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

3 female NPA regulars surrender in Maramag

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY (April 5) – Three female minors of Manobo Tribe who were recruited and became regular members of the New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered to the army’s 88th Infantry “Maringal” Battalion at Purok10, Brgy. South Poblacion, Maramag, Bukidnon on April 1, the military said.

The 88IB in its Facebook post said the minors were identified as Alias Anika, 16, Alias Jasmin, 17, and Alias Saylyn, 16.

They were all members of Platoon 3 of Coy Malayag led by Alias Migs/Ho/Kim Banawan of Sub-Regional Command 2 (SRC2), North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC).

Alias Anika and Alias Jasmin are residents of Sitio Kasilaan, Brgy. Nala, while Alias Saylyn is from Sitio Alimpulos, Brgy. Cawayan – all from San Fernando, Bukidnon.

Alias Saylyn in vernacular said she was recruited when she was still 15 years old because of his father, who was also a fulltime NPA member. She said she experienced hardships and hunger with them (NPA).

“I thought my life would be better off joining the group, but my life was getting worse. We keep on walking in the mountains even without food just to keep away from the soldiers,” Alias Saylyn said.

LT. Col. Franklin F. Fabic, commanding officer of 88IB, welcomed the surrenderees who turned their backs from the CPP-NPA.

“To all the parents, please take good care and monitor the activities of your children. To all the youth, don’t be a victim of these wrong communist ideology; it will waste your life. We will help these minors to file a case against the perpetrators in court specifically on the recruitment of children under the age of 18 years old into an armed force or group other than the national armed forces under Sec 4c (24ii) of RA 9851 (Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law (IHL), Genocide and other Crimes Against Humanity) and other violation of laws.” LTC. Fabic said.