1 dead as Army clash with NPA extortionists in ComVal

Camp Felix Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City, July 14, 2010– A New People’s Army (NPA) fighter was killed and several others were believed wounded as soldiers clashed with NPAs in the village of Tandawan in New Bataan town in Compostela Valley Province 4:00 PM Wednesday.

Troops of the 66th Infantry Battalion (66IB) were conducting security patrol due to persistent information from residents on NPAs extorting money from households when they encountered about 20 armed extortionists belonging to Local Terrorist Front-27 led by still unidentified terrorist leader. Government troops recovered an M653 Assault Rifle (Baby Armalite) in the possession of the still unidentified dead NPA who was left behind by his comrades following the 30-minute clash.



“Reports of NPAs extorting money from residents have been persisting for about a couple of days and today we received specific information from residents on their exact location. The dead NPA might be one of their leaders as M653 Assault Rifles are not commonly handled by ordinary combatants. The cadaver will be brought to New Bataan proper to be identified by relatives so that he may be given appropriate burial.” Said Col. Roberto Ancan, commander of 66IB. “

Maj. Gen. Carlos Holganza, commander of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division said “security operations will be continuously conducted by our soldiers for the people to have a secured community without the threat, intimidation and coercion by the NPAs under the absolute order of the CPP.”

“Similar operations are also being conducted region-wide to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of government services to the people and the implementation of much needed peace and development projects.” Holganza added.

Last Saturday, soldiers conducted a “Battle of the Bands” and concert for peace in downtown Davao City highlighting peace and development projects of the Armed Forces in different parts of southern Mindanao in the form of music. Security schemes being conducted to protect the people from terrorists and saboteurs were also given highlight in the four hour concert.

2 M16 recovered by troops as Reds flee in series of encounters in Davsur

Camp Felix Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City, July 7, 2010– Government troops engaged New People’s Army (NPA) terrorists in a series of gunbattles in Digos City and Sta. Cruz town in Davao del Sur province today.

The two separate firefights came following clash between NPAs and army troops from 39th Infantry Battalion (39IB) and 72nd Infantry Battalion (72IB) yesterday in Sitio (sub-village) Upper Bakoko in the village of Kapatagan in Digos City. It may be recalled that at least two NPAs were believed killed in Tuesday’s gunbattle where soldiers also recover an M16 assault rifle.

The first engagement occurred when pursuing troops of 39IB caught-up with about 15 terrorists at 9:00 AM still in Sitio Upper Bakoko in the village of Kapatagan. Soldiers engaged the terrorists but the NPAs refused to put-up a fight and instead fled leaving an M16 assault rifle which was recovered by government troops. A few hours later in the afternoon at 2:00 PM, another gunbattle erupted between troops from the Division Reconnaissance Company and about 10 fleeing NPAs in Sitio Mariras in the village of Sibulan in nearby Sta. Cruz town. Troops recovered another M16 assault rifle following the brief clash.

Authorities believe that some of the NPAs were wounded in Tuesday’s gunbattle thus refusing to put-up a fight.

Maj. Gen. Carlos Holganza, commander of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division said the series of encounters is a “proof that the NPAs have nowhere to go but surrender in light of the growing support of the people to our campaign against terrorism.”

Holganza renewed his call for NPAs to “leave their wounded so that we can take care of them and be given appropriate medical attention rather than risking their lives.”

“The wounded NPAs are our fellow Filipinos and our misguided brothers need to realize that the government can best provide medical attention to them as what we have done to Zaldy Canete, the high ranking NPA leader who surrendered after being wounded last January.” Holganza added.

Army, reds clash anew in DavSur

Camp Felix Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City, July 6, 2010– Soldiers from the Army’s 10th Infantry Division and New People’s Army (NPA) clashed anew in Southern Mindanao in Sitio (sub-village) Upper Bakoko in the village of Kapatagan in Digos City in the province of Davao del Sur 3:45 PM today.

Troops from the 39th Infantry Battalion responded to information of residents and encountered about 15 NPAs led by a certain Roberto Castillote alias Enoy belonging to Local Terrorist Front-51. The ten-minute firefight resulted to the recovery of one M16 assault rifle.

Authorities believe atleast two terrorists were dead or wounded as troops witnessed the bodies being dragged away by their comrades. Troops said the fatalities were confirmed by residents who saw two bodies being carried by the NPAs as they fled.

Maj. Gen. Carlos Holganza, commander of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division said the gunbattle is a “proof of the growing support of the people to our campaign against terrorism and the dwindling influence of the NPAs in the countryside.”

“We urge our misguided brothers to take the peaceful path and surrender so that they may have a new life with their families but we cannot let them abuse our peaceloving people who are often at the receiving end of their extortion and terroristic attacks.” Holganza concluded.

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Reds car-nap trucks anew, fail again in attack against troops in Dvo Region

Camp Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City, July 01, 2010 - Local terrorists failed in an evening attack against troops on peace efforts holding temporary patrol base in the village of Cambagang in Maragusan town in Compostela Valley province 9:15 PM Wednesday.

About 50 armed New People’s Army (NPA) belonging to Local Terrorist Front-27 of the Southern Mindanao Region onboard two car-napped Sadam trucks attacked the temporary Patrol base of one squad of the 66th Infantry Battalion (66IB) but failed and fled after a 30-minute firefight.

A civilian passerby identified as Nanetes Niengo, 23 years old, was wounded by NPA fires during the course of the gunbattle and was rushed to the regional hospital in Tagum City by soldiers and village officials.

Government troops suffered two slightly wounded during the exchange of fire indentified as Sgt Reglyn Locario and Pfc Jimmy Galiza who are now recuperating in the hospital. One of the trucks was recovered by the troops together with spent shells of ammunitions used by the terrorists several kilometers away.

“The terrorists surely suffered many casualties as they were forced to retreat despite their big number as compared to the squad in the temporary patrol base. One of their leaders might be one of the casualties as one Icom radio was left behind by them. Radios are normally used by their leaders.” said Col. Roberto Ancan, commander of 66IB.

Maj. Gen. Carlos Holganza, commander of 10th Infantry Division deplored the repeated use of “treachery by the NPAs in carrying out their terroristic acts against the people by car-napping vehicles and coercing civilians to drive them during their attacks like the previous cases in this region which are violations of laws and put the lives of non-combatants in danger.” Holganza also said, “NPAs disregarded the safety of civilians as they conducted the attack even if civilians were clearly present during that time.”

Last month, NPAs belonging to Local Terrorist Front-20 attacked a police detachment in Cateel town in nearby Davao Oriental province but instead suffered five dead. Local Terrorist Front-18 also attacked a road project in Banay-banay town still in Davao Oriental. In both instances, the terrorists used two car-napped trucks and forced civilians to drive the vehicles during the attack.

Last February, 13 year old Memilyn Moreno was killed by the NPA in their attack against a road project in Boston town still in Davao oriental while December last year, 55 year old Rosalinda Clata was killed by NPAs in an attack against the same road project in Boston. The attacks were carried out after Sebastian Construction Company refused to give extortion money to the NPA.

Another NPA big fish arrested in SouthMin

Camp Felix Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City – Another New People’s Army (NPA) commander fell into government hands in Southern Mindanao as authorities arrested a ranking terrorist leader in the village of Zone-1 in Sta. Cruz town in Davao del Sur province 2:00 PM of June 18 Friday bringing the total number of NPA leader to fall into government’s hand in this region to five.

Gerald Bate, vice commander of the Sentro de Gravidad of the NPAs Local Terrorist Front-27 was arrested by the joint elements of the 39th Infantry Battalion and the Criminal Investigation Group (CIDG) based on information from residents about an armed individual in their locality.

Authorities said Bate was arrested based on the principle of “plain view” as a pistol was seen on his waist as the combined police and soldiers approached. Recovered in his possession were a caliber .45 pistol with the Serial Number 839126, a fragmentation grenade and several ammunition.


Maj. Gen. Carlos Holganza, commander of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division welcomed the capture of another NPA leader as he lauded police and soldiers who made the arrest. “This is a proof that the long arms of the law will eventually catch-up with criminals. Our soldiers and police will continue to work against criminal elements and bring them to justice for the sake of our people who have been victimized by their terroristic acts.” Holganza said.

“Once again, we offer the hand of reconciliation and unity to our lost brothers for them to surrender or face the full force of the law and answer for the crimes they have committed against our people.” Holganza concluded.

The arrest of Bate is the fifth time authorities netted high ranking NPA leaders in Southern Mindanao.

In January, Zaldy Canete alias Jingoy, a celebrated case of child combatant who was recruited at the age of 13 and who rose steadily and quickly in the ranks of the NPA surrendered after being wounded in a gunbattle with the Army’s 3rd Special Forces Battalion in Talaingod town in Davao del Norte.

Last May 5, Serafin Embate alias Lotlot, commander of Platun Makar of the Local Terrorist Front-72 and medical officer of Far South Mindanao Region of the NPA was arrested by Davao del Sur Police and soldiers from the 39th Infantry Battalion.

On May 22, Renelo Creita alias Jaguar who is responsible in planning and executing the ambush in Maragusan town which claimed the lives of five individuals and wounded a dozen others which was tagged by people as the “Maragusan Massacre” fell in the hands of joint elements of the Army’s 66th Infantry Battalion and CIDG 11

Last June 11, Mario Cabatlao alias Jomar, secretary of Local Terrorist Front-15 of the NPA was arrested by joint elements of 3rd Special Forces Battalion, Philippine National Police of Madaum and CIDG 11 in Tagum City.

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Reds abduct, murder village leader, another escapes

Camp Felix Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City – A village leader was abducted and later on murdered by New People’s Army (NPA) death squad while another escaped the slay try in Sitio (sub-village) Mauno in the village of Maligaya in Columbio town in Sultan Kudarat province 11:00 PM Tuesday.

Village leader Kito Melody was abducted by NPAs belonging to Southern Alip Regional Terrorist Unit led by Manuel Fernandez alias Bobo who barged in his house while another village leader and former Cafgu Eldie Banawag was able to escape after witnessing the arrival of the armed group before they were able to enter his home. The NPAs reportedly came from the “Peace Zone” in nearby Tulunan town in North Cotabato province.

Melody’s lifeless body was later found and recovered by elements of 27th Infantry Battalion (27IB) a few kilometers away in the boundary of Sitio Sinapulan and Sitio Mauno in the same village.

“The NPAs are targeting village and tribal leaders to terrorize the residents to make them withdraw their support from the peace and development efforts of the AFP and the Local Government Units.” Said Lt. Col. Joshua Santiago, commander of 27IB with operational jurisdiction over South Cotabato and parts of Sultan Kudarat.

Santiago also slammed the use of the Peace Zone by the terrorists. “The group led by Fernandez together Loida Magpatoc alias Gwen and Noel Legaspi alias Jefrrey came from the Peace Zone in Tulunan, North Cotabato. They have been using the peace zone as their haven to avoid arrest.” Santiago said.

Maj. Gen. Carlos Holganza, commander of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division deplored the newest atrocity of the communists as he vowed to bring the criminals to justice. “Our community leaders know what is best for their villages and they want peace and development to come in but these criminals are coercing the people. Such terrorism will not go unpunished for our people’s sake. The true soldiers of the masses will bring these murderers to justice.” Holganza said.

In December of 2009, Lumad leader Sendo Awing was killed by NPA terrorists in Columbio and later admitted it was a mistake. Greggy Awing, Sendo’s son was also killed on the same day in the morning, several hours before his father was shot.

In 2009 alone, the NPA murdered 83 individuals in Southern Mindanao; 52 of those they killed were innocent civilians.

This year, six innocent civilians including 13 year-old girl Memilyn Moreno of Boston town in Davao Oriental Province were killed in NPA terroristic attacks against communities, infrastructure projects and business establishments. Five people were killed and a dozen others were also wounded when NPAs ambushed election officials and soldiers in Maragusan town in Compostela Valley province a day after the election.

Last year, residents of Tampakan town in South Cotabato and of Columbio in Sultan Kudarat separately staged a peace rally and urged the NPA to halt its liquidation of civilians particularly village and tribal leaders.

Last March, officials of the adjacent province of South Cotabato led by Governor Daisy Fuentes, Koronadal Mayor Fernando Miguel and other local leaders joined residents in calling for a stop to armed struggle being waged by the NPA under the dictation of the Communist Party of the Philippines and protection of their legal fronts.

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Skeletal Remains of NPA exhumed by Army’s Katapatan troopers

47th Infantry (KATAPATAN) Battalion, Camp Gen Carreon, Brgy Libot, Calinog, Iloilo – Acting on a report from a civilian asset and verified through information disclosed by a former NPA rebel, elements of 47IB, 3ID, PA led by 1LT NAPOLEON P ALCARIOTO JR (INF) PA, the Battalion Operations Officer together with personnel from 12th Infantry (CAFGU) Battalion and PNP-Lambunao, Iloilo exhumed one (1) skeletal remains of an alleged NPA member at Sitio Badiangan, Brgy Jayubo, Lambunao, Iloilo yesterday, June 1, 2010 at around five o’clock in the afternoon in an isolated and mountainous area of the said barangay approximately 20 kilometers away from the town proper. Buried three (3) feet below the ground, the decomposed body was placed inside a laminated sack and was wrapped with a textile bandage full of dried blood. Discovered among the remains was a slug bullet of an M14 rifle which may have been the cause of death. The body was identified as the remains of an NPA member who was killed in an encounter with the troops of 47IB last March 26, 2007 at Brgy Sagcop, Lambunao, Iloilo wherein the NPA suffered many casualties and have lost several firearms.

In his statement during a radio interview, 1LT REY B BALIBAGOSO (INF) PA, the Acting Civil-Military Operations Officer of the 47th Infantry (Katapatan) Battalion urged the public to help the Government forces in identifying the body and appealed to the Communists Terrorists that pursuing armed struggle will not promote a peaceful means to solve the problems of our society.

The remains were brought to the PNP Station at Lambunao, Iloilo for possible identification and was given appropriate blessing and prayers by the Lambunao Parish Priest, Rev. Marvin Tabion.

200 Recruits report to 3ID for training

Division Public Affairs Office, Camp Peralta, Jamindan, Capiz--- 200 Philippine Army Candidate Soldiers took their oath of military service during a simple ceremony held in Headquarters, 3rd Infantry Division, Camp Macario B Peralta JR, Jamindan, Capiz earlier today. Out of the 200 recruits qualified to take their oaths, 77% (153) are college level/graduates while the rest have successfully completed their secondary education. 12 were former militiamen (Cafgus), 5 belong to Indigenous tribes (Aeta), and the remaining 183 are civilians. The recruits will be a part of the Philippine Army’s Candidate Soldier Course class 05-10.

MGEN Vicente M Porto, the Commander of the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, emphasized in his message to the family and friends of the new recruits that they are “entering the profession of arms and will soon be a part of an organization that serve as the protectors of our Nation and our Democracy.”

“Rest assured, these candidate soldiers are in very good hands. You have our assurance that the 3ID will mold them into professional soldiers for peace. We thank you for sharing them with us and with the rest of our fellow citizens.” Porto added.

Last year, the 3ID successfully graduated a total of 286 soldiers after being given a ceiling of 300 for recruitment. These soldiers will be distributed to our different subordinate units to replenish their ranks and to maintain our effective strength so that we may continue to perform our mission in Western Visayas. This year your Spearhead graduated two Candidate Soldier Courses: CSC Class 218 with 100 soldiers and CSC Class 231 with 200 soldiers. These new Privates were distributed to the different infantry battalions and units within the 3ID.

Your Spearhead Division will be filling another quota of Philippine Army recruits on June 15, 2010 at Camp Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz. Priority candidates in filling-up this new CS quota is as follows:

a) Qualified professionals

b) Graduates of MS43 and Advanced ROTC

c) College Graduate

d) With 72 units and up in college

e) High School graduate but possessing technical/vocationa l skills be needed by the AFP

Qualifications are as follows:

a) Natural born Filipino citizen.

b) At least high school graduate with technical or special skill needed by the AFP.

c) Age must be at least 18 years old on the actual start of training. Cut-off age must not exceed 23 years old by 01 July 10.

d) Unmarried and without child.

e) Good moral character.

f) PAATB score of at least 80

For further inquiries, call telephone number PLDT (033) 337-2545 or come visit our Philippine Army Recruitment booth at SM City Iloilo on June 11-13, 2010.

The Spearhead Division takes pride in producing professional and service-oriented soldiers and this is why so many of our fellow citizens are inspired to take up the profession of arms. This is shown by the increase in the turnout of applicants for this year’s recruitment. Your army is optimistic that in our future recruitment efforts we can hope to entice more applicants with professional skills as we continue to enhance our technology as well as our capabilities.

1ID conducts “Operation Baklas”

KUTA SANG-AN – After successfully securing the historic May 10 elections, the 1^st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army under the sterling leadership of MGen Romeo D Lustestica, AFP conducted a 2-day post elections clean-up drive dubbed Operation “Baklas” on the mess left by candidates to restore cleanliness and support the global campaign against climate change.

These were done on May 21, 2010 in 25 barangays of Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur and on May 25, 2010 in the 44 barangays of Pagadian City, respectively.

The recent local and national elections resulted in the proliferation of campaign materials, including posters, streamers, flyers and billboards along main thoroughfares, structures and buildings that caused eyesores and spreading so much litter everywhere.

Six officers and 131 soldiers from different organic post units of this command to include 9^th Finance Service Unit, 1^st Light Armor Battalion , 9^th Field Artillery Battalion (OPCON Units) , 53^rd IB and 9RDG based in Dao headed by Lt Col Samuel L Leria PA , Deputy, G7 were deployed to conduct the said activity. ROTC cadets and CAFGUs also participated in the clean-up drive. The CAFGUs were in-charge of cleaning in the remote barangays of Lourdes and Lison Valley in Pagadian; and Noburan and Cogonan in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.

The “Operation Linis / Baklas” was simultaneously conducted by all units in the field that covers the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga City in coordination with concerned government agencies, local government units, and NGOs. The clean-up drive campaign in their respective area of responsibility was done in support to a healthy, orderly and pollution-free environment.

It was their own way of showing to the public how committed they were in their endeavor and expect the local folks will turn up and show their support for a common goal. It can be recalled that the clean-up campaign was in line with a COMELEC resolution aimed at tearing down and removing unlawful and unsightly election materials.

Pagadian City Mayor Samuel S. Co in an interview over local radio station RMN-DXPR was very much grateful to Lustestica and his men for actively leading in the ‘Operation Baklas’.

“I commend MGen. Lustestica for the laudable efforts exerted by his men in removing posters, streamers, billboards and other remnants of the past elections in the main thoroughfares , thereby restoring cleanliness in the city,” Co said.

He, however, said that he was worried for not participating the ‘Operation Baklas’ because after the election, he went abroad with his family for a brief vacation. Despite his absence , he ordered his staff to

send snacks to the soldiers as his gesture of support.

* * * * *

POC: MAJ ARNOLD L GASALATAN (INF) PA

Chief, DPAO, 1ID, PA

09295658712

Successive encounters in Davao shows NPA has nowhere to go

The series of encounters by government troops in Davao City against the New People’s Army (NPA) shows that the NPA has nowhere to go. Three successive encounters were recorded today in the village of Sibulan in Toril district in Davao City showing our soldiers are on the right track as people have been informing our troops on the presence of terrorists.

Troops of the 5th Scout Ranger Company clashed with NPA terrorists in Sitio Mitondo 9:30 AM and after fifteen minutes, soldiers from the 69th Infantry Battalion engaged another group of terrorists four kilometres away at Sitio Mamaon. In both instances, the NPAs fled and concealed themselves but just like the previous encounters; people informed our troops of their whereabouts.

A few hours after the two successive clashes, troops from the 5th Scout Ranger Company again engaged the NPAs at 1:45 PM in Sitio Mitondo and again the terrorists fled from the fight. Our troops however suffered casualties due to the Improvised Explosive Devise which the terrorist blew-up along the way.

The use of IED by the NPA shows their treacherous method as a terrorist organization. It is an utter disregard to the safety of non-combatants to place IEDs along the way where ordinary people might get hurt as in many previous incidents in the region attest.

Our respect goes to Pfc. Melencio Dalisay who was killed by a terrorist weapon, an IED planted along the way were people also travel. Seven other soldiers were wounded in the blast.

The terrorists have suffered casualties in the series of clashes but have repeatedly denied them as their standard lie to project an image of strength. As in the past, they burry their men in shallow graves in the mountains and deny them of a Christian burial.

While they deny their men of dignity, we will always be proud of our soldiers who have made the supreme sacrifice in serving our people as they are and will always be a pride to our country. We cannot and we will not hide our casualties as it is an affront to the dignity of the Filipino fighting men who have served this country with great honor in defense of our people against terrorists. The death of our soldier only embolden the rest of the fighting troops to strive without let-up in bringing to justice those responsible in the attacks against the people.

Today’s events achieved three things:

First, it is clear that our citizens are tired of the anti-people, anti-development and anti-Christian ways of the NPAs thus given the chance; they will fully cooperate with authorities against terrorists;

Second, the reputation of the CPP-NPA-NDF as a terrorist organization was further cemented by their treacherous methods particularly in using IEDs and even planting them along roads (and in some cases, on bridges);

Third, their arrogant display of joy in the death and wounding of soldiers show their callousness and evil intent while the continued denial on their casualties show their disrespect towards their own men.

We will always respect our citizens and we will always respect our own men. The true soldiers of the people will continue to protect the masses even at the sacrifice of their own life so that progress and development can find its way to our communities particularly in the countryside.

2 Soldiers shot dead by suspected NPA members in Quezon

Suspected New People’s Army communist members shot dead 2 soldiers while on their way to Burdeos, Quezon yesterday.

Ssg Isidro G Cruz and Pfc Romel B Gernale, members of area security team, 1st Infantry Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division were on board a motorcycle traveling to Burdeos town proper when ambushed by 7 suspected members of the NPA group in Brgy Amot, of the same town, around 2:30 p.m., yesterday.

Accordingly, the victims had just conducted further investigation on the information that an alleged collection of Permit to Campaign activities is being performed by members of the communists group in the area.

Part of the Armed Forces Philippines overall intent towards honest, orderly and peaceful election is the deployment of area security to ensure the security of the candidates while campaigning.

The Philippine Army leadership condemns the atrocities committed by the New People's Army terrorists in the strongest terms, and vows to run after those responsible for the deaths of many soldiers and civilians alike.

Although saddened that somebody’s life has once again been sacrificed, we continue to call on the candidates not to give in to the demands of the communist terrorists and to report any attempts of the NPA to collect Permit to Campaign schemes from them.

As of press time, additional troops were deployed to conduct pursuit operations and to augment area security teams in the outskirts of Burdeos, Quezon.

296 New Soldiers complete Basic Military Training

Camp Peralta, Jamindan, Capiz--- Two hundred and ninety-six (296) candidate soldiers were sworn in as Privates into the Armed Forces of the Philippines by Major General Vicente M Porto, Commander of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division during the joint graduation ceremony of Candidate Soldier (Magilas) Class 218-10 and 231-10 held in Camp Macario B Peralta Jr, Jamindan, Capiz this morning.

The class started with 300 able-bodied recruits who began their training last October 22 hailing from different parts of Panay, Guimaras, and Negros islands. Their training consisted of 3 months honing their basic military skills and another 2 months of application through the Jungle Warfare and Mountain Operations Course (JWMOC) held at the 33,100 hectare Military Reservation in Jamindan.

Special Awards were given to the following members of Class Magilas:

· Academic awards for the top three finishers of the class:

o CS Cyril Jun L Maglaqui

o CS Roel R Romay

o CS Glen A Tawagon

· Physical fitness and proficiency award: CS Jomar C Chavez

· Plaque of Recognition for Outstanding Leadership: CS Raymond C Chisno

· Combat awards:

o CS Rodolfo L Paigalan

o CS Breno Pagurayan

Maj Gen Porto, the Guest of Honor and Speaker of the ceremony, congratulated the graduates during his speech and urged them to be loyal and serve to protect and enhance the name of the Armed Forces of the Philippines particularly the Philippine Army. He also underscored the role of the new privates as catalysts for peace and development in our country. "As new soldiers, you must possess the qualities of SARS- a combination of Skills, Attitude, Responsibility and Spiritual Guidance," Porto added.

For 2009 alone, the 3ID has already graduated a total of 286 soldiers after being given a ceiling of 300 for recruitment. These soldiers will be distributed to our different subordinate units to replenish their ranks and to maintain our effective strength so that we may continue to perform our mission in Western Visayas. These are the first set of graduates that will be deployed by the 3ID for year 2010.

The Spearhead Division takes pride in producing professional and service-oriented soldiers and this is why so many of our fellow citizens are inspired to take up the profession of arms. This is shown by the increase in the turnout of applicants for last year’s recruitment. Your army is optimistic that in our future recruitment efforts we can hope to entice more applicants with professional skills as we continue to enhance our technology as well as our capabilities.

Army troops rescue hostage victims in Lanao

Five hostage victims were rescued by the combined elements of the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police with the support of the local officials of Lanao del Sur on March 14.

Reports reaching the Philippine Army headquarters from field units disclosed that combined elements of the 103rd Brigade headed by its commander Col Rey C Ardo with the 33rd Infantry Battalion, 15th Infantry Battalion, 65th Infantry Battalion, 12th Light Armor Company, and the 1501st Provincial Mobile Group successfully rescued five employees of VICMAR logging concession in Poblacion Kapay, Lanao del Sur about two days ago.

The rescued victims were identified as Rene Morteza, Felipe Lanuza, Vicky Lanuza, Jerald Cabanig, and Eudillo Padilla. The victims were abducted at Sitio Champion, Panoruganan, Kapai, Lanao del Sur and were brought to several places until their rescue last Sunday.

With the continued support of local government units and other government agencies, the Philippine Army shall remain responsive to the needs of the people. Exhausting all possible resources in order to serve the country and the people better, the Philippine Army remains undaunted in its commitment to provide peace and security particularly in Mindanao. #

NPA rebels extorting campaign fees arrested in Quezon

The intensified campaign of the Philippine Army against the continued collection of permit to campaign (PTC) fees by the New People’s Army rebels resulted to the capture of two of its members in Catanuan, Quezon yesterday.

Reports reaching the Philippine Army headquarters disclosed that combined elements of the 74th Infantry Battalion and the Catanuan Police arrested a certain Rhea Pareja @ Kear/Janwa, Deputy Secretary General of the local terrorist group operating in Catanuan, and Leonito Dichoso @ Ka Hector, a local terrorist group member. Pareja has a standing warrant of arrest for murder.

The information regarding the presence of the two NPA rebels was tipped off by the local residents. Recovered from the suspects were two Cal 45 pistols, two grenades, two improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and a P100, 000 cash. Initial investigation revealed that Pareja and Dichoso were collecting PTC fees when they were apprehended by the authorities.

The continued collection of PTC fees by the NPA poses a threat and hindrance to the conduct of honest, orderly, and peaceful election as it involves force, violence, and coercion. The Philippine Army condemns this outright attack to the right of the people to a free, honest, and orderly election as it vows to intensify its campaign and advocacy. #

82IB foils attempted NPA ambush. Landmines recovered

Camp Peralta, Jamindan, Capiz--- A day after an encounter between the Army troopers and the NPA’s Southern front in Brgy Igcabugao, Igbaras, Iloilo, a platoon of soldiers from 82nd Infantry Battalion’s Charlie Company led by 1LT Pete Malaluan, while conducting hot pursuit operations, recovered two Improvised Explosive Device – Anti-Personal Landmines laid along the probable line of attack by our soldiers in an attempted ambush. The IED was connected to a switchbox 10 meters from the hastily abandoned landmines. The landmines were intended to maim and kill the pursuing troops to cover the escape of the fleeing NPA who initiated the attack yesterday.

The recoveries of the two IED Landmines indicate that the enemy intended to ambush our soldiers. However, our troops’ vigilance, presence of mind, and tactical prowess are evident when they assaulted the NPA from a different direction, foiling their plans to do our soldiers harm.


Our intelligence reports reveal that the New People's Army will escalate their illegal and terrorist activities in areas where they are losing support and influence as the date of their founding anniversary nears. The NPA will be celebrating their 41st year of sowing terrorism and fear in the hearts of innocent, peace-loving civilians on March 29. Just a week ago, a similar encounter occurred in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental with the 62nd Infantry (Unifier) Battalion, who clashed with twenty Communist Terrorist leaving six dead NPAs and the recovery of three high powered firearms in their wake.


According to LTC George Joel Lalaquil of the 82IB, “Abandoned IEDs already laid down and were left behind also indicate the NPA’s desperation amidst the pressure of their leadership to elevate their Tactical Offensives to a higher level. They’re failure to execute their plan and the abandonment of their equipment indicates a disgruntled and disorganized enemy under a weak leadership.”


It was also found that the enemy occupied a civilian house while they fired upon our soldiers. “This only shows that they are continuing to put innocent civilians in harm’s way by using them as human shields. We congratulate our Army troopers for their professionalism by putting their own lives just to ensure the safety of the Igcabugaonons,” Lalaquil added.


Other items recovered from the ambush site were batteries, an abandoned Sim Card, scattered leftover “puso” rice, and empty shells of 5.56mm ACP 99 Ammunition that is conventionally purchased in commercial gun stores.


According to Major General Vicente M Porto of the 3ID, “The NPA's Southern Front in Panay Island is hopelessly clinging to Igbaras but the residents themselves are the ones saying that they are unwelcome. The NPA's recent actions in Western Visayas betray their desperation and incapability to conduct decisive operations against our soldiers.


The 3ID will continue to stay vigilant to prevent these terrorists from further disrupting our peaceful way of life.”

Army Signs Covenant for HOPE in Lanao

MARAWI CITY, LANAO DEL SUR – In its effort to create an atmosphere free from any form of fear or apprehension during the conduct of the 2010 elections, the Joint Security Control Center (JSCC), together with other stakeholders in the province of Lanao, will conduct a signing ceremony for a Covenant for HOPE (Honest, Orderly, and Peaceful Election) and a Covenant of Peace, tomorrow, February 23 at the Mindanao State University, Marawi City campus.

The AFP, PNP, COMELEC, NGOs, DepEd, the youth, the Sultanate, the Bishop Ulama Conference, and other stakeholders will pledge their respective commitment on the advocacy for an honest, orderly, and peaceful election through a written covenant by affixing their respective signatures as proof of their pledge.

The Covenant of Peace, on the other hand, will be consist of the individual covenant of each of the electoral candidates from congressman to vice mayor, wherein they will pledge to denounce the conduct of nefarious activities to influence the outcome of the forthcoming elections.

1st Infantry Division commander MGEN Romeo D Lustestica will express his support to said activity as he represents the Army in its call and advocacy for credible elections.

It can be recalled that one of the thrusts or four ACEs of the Philippine Army this year is its Advocacy for Credible Elections. The Philippine Army reinforces its commitment to contribute to a very peaceful and credible election, not just in Metro Manila area, but in the different parts of the country as well. #

NPAs torch Farm Tractor in Lemery

Division Public Affairs Office, Camp Peralta, Jamindan, Capiz--- A farm tractor owned by Mrs. Ligaya Apura of Brgy Pakwan in Lemery town, Iloilo was torched by seven communist terrorist New People’s Army under Romulo Gangoso, aka Regan, this morning. Mrs. Lipura’s tractor was burned after she refused to give the P50,000 extortion demanded by the NPA every time she harvested her crops. It is also noteworthy that the victim, Mrs. Lipura, is running for mayor in the town of Lemery and that she refused offers from the same group to pay for Permit to Campaign and Permit to win. Gangoso’s group was once a part of the Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay’s Eastern Front covering eastern Panay, which was dismantled by Government forces in 2008.

According to 1LT Mark Andrew Posadas, public affairs officer of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division,: “Definitely, Gangoso’s group is acting on orders to ensure that their presence is still felt in this area to ease our operations in Southern and Central Panay. This is an isolated incident in the otherwise peaceful island of Panay and your Army will make sure that we bring these criminals to justice.”

The Lemery PNP and the Provincial Mobile Group are now investigating the incident. Likewise, your 3ID has directed its 47th infantry battalion to intercept the NPA who we believe is still in the area. Charges of destruction to private property and grave threats are being prepared against Romulo Gangoso and his group of bandits.

A Valentines’ gift to a 13 year old girl from NPA

Memilyn was a typical 13 year-old girl who on her spare time helps her mother in house chores and just like any other girl of her age, weekend is a welcome respite from school and a time to play. Her Sunday should have been wonderful just like the previous week as she is about to play after her family took their breakfast but the succeeding events proved the contrary.

While the rest of the neighborhood and perhaps the whole world are enjoying Valentines’ day with their better half, Memilyn’s foresight is the delight the whole day would bring but her joy was short-lived when violent burst of bullets from automatic rifles suddenly rang and came.

When the smoke of gunfire subsided, Memilyn Moreno lay dead. Her lifeless body sprawled on her own blood. A blood-red Valentines gift coated in full metal jacket from the New People’s Army (NPA).

Memilyn lives in the Village of Sibajay in Boston town in Davao Oriental province. A place which local terrorists frequently harass, often with civilian casualties.

The Valentines attack in this small town is no different in the level of violence with previous ones; only that this time it is supposed to be a day of the hearts and a day of love.

Government peace and development projects under siege

Several peace and development infrastructures are ongoing in Davao Oriental; and in Boston town, a huge road project is taking shape and it happened to be the target of terrorists that fateful day of February 14, 2010 at 8:45 in the morning.

Sebastian Construction Company is at the forefront of the road project that would connect Davao Oriental to Surigao Del Sur which would hasten travel time and provide ease of access and relative comfort to the predominantly Mandaya residents. Sebastian Construction Company has been receiving extortion demands from local terrorists but its management stood its ground and refused to give in.

Troops from the Armed Forces were compelled to secure different construction projects in the countryside due to prevalent threats of local Maoist terrorists and the Sibajay Construction site is no exception. In December of 2009 the same band of local terrorists attacked the same construction site and attempted to burn construction equipment in Boston town killing 55 year old Rosalinda Clata and two government troops while two others who defended the road project were wounded.

Middle of last year, local terrorists were also figured out in a bomb attack against soldiers securing another peace and development project in the village of Puntalinao in Banaybanay town also in Davao Oriental. This is after they burned three powerline towers which brought widespread brownout in the said province.

Government troops pursued but terrorists held hostage two busloads of passengers which made their escape easy. Members of Local Terrorist Front-18 (LTF-18) of the NPA were responsible in the said attack.

More innocent civilians fall prey to terrorists

The case of Memilyn is not new in Boston not even in Davao Oriental and not even in the Philippines. Innocent people fall prey to local terrorists almost every day in Davao region and Socsargen Area; and everywhere, communist terrorists continue to terrorize people.

In November of 2009, 55 year old Silvano delas Alas was about to tend to his farm when he was peppered with bullets as local terrorists attacked his home. The same band of men from Local Terrorists Front-20 (LTF-20) of the NPA who killed Memilyn, were responsible. They said their real target is a government agent but apparently they made a terrible mistake.

Again, in December last year, a spokesperson of the NPA hiding in the name of a certain Simon Santiago bragged about killing a soldier as he sent text message to every media outfit in Davao. Leading reporters of competing media companies rushed to the scene only to be shocked in finding out that Fernando Timbal, a 48 year old bank driver was murdered and not even a shadow of a purported slain soldier is in sight.

Justice for Memilyn and countless others

Memilyn like many others who lost their lives in the lost cause of local terrorists cry in the afterlife as justice proved elusive in putting the murderers face the court.

The year of 2009 proved fatal to innocent civilians in southern Mindanao as 83 people were killed by NPA death squads. 52 of these are plain civilians, unarmed, no means to defend themselves and were murdered in violent ways.

Now, 2010 is a year where we have to brace ourselves as Jorge Madlos, a high ranking communist leader in Mindanao declared that a they will step-up their operation by increasing their death squads in every municipality into a platoon.

The more than 3,000 people who died in the hands of the NPA in their purging operations in the late 80’s and early 90’s are crying for justice. The 39 Tagabawa tribe members massacred by the NPA in Digos, Davao del Sur inside a church in 1989 are crying for justice. The 357 Lumads murdered by the NPA in their ten year plague of terror in Davao region from 1998 to 2008 are crying for justice. The 83 victims of the NPA in southern Mindanao in 2009 are crying for justice.

All of them are crying for justice; and this year, Memilyn is one of them.