Philippine military partners with business groups to promote peace, development in countryside

MANILA, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Oct. 13, 2010) – The Philippine military has signed up a partnership agreement with the business sector aimed at promoting peace and development in the countryside, officials said on Wednesday.

Officials said the Armed Forces of the Philippines thru the National Development Support Command signed a memorandum of understanding with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Foreign Buyers Association of the Philippines.

“The joint partnership is aimed at providing services to people in the far flung villages and conflict areas in the country. At the level of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the memorandum of understanding is geared towards enhancing public and private sector partnership and provide best practices on local chamber advocacy and services in conjunction and in support to the National Development Support Command’s advocacy of community development in the countryside,” said Army Captain Emmanuel Garcia.

He said the partnership with Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry was signed by Major General Carlos Holganza, chief of the National Development Support Command, and Brigadier General Nonato Alfredo Peralta, chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Civil Military Operations; and Edwin Capili, president of Mindanao Chamber of Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry. And Eligio Miranda signed the memorandum of understanding in behalf of the Foreign Buyers Association of the Philippines.

“This is the start of a collaboration and cooperation of the private sector and the Armed Forces in our mutual service to our people. Our partnership will embody the idea of ‘Bayanihan sa Barangay’ which will truly benefit our needy countrymen in far flung villages,” Holganza said.

He said a total of 1,691 peace and development projects were completed by National Development Support Command in the country. Among the projects were school buildings, farm-to-market roads, bridges and drainages.

“These worthwhile projects were made thru the peace and development initiatives of the government and genuine care of our soldiers who are peace builder for our people. Today, we are assured of a more caring and invigorated service with the presence of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Foreign Buyers Association of the Philippines as our partners in peace and development,” Holganza said.

The National Development Support Command is the infrastructure and development arm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. It is also a unit dedicated to assist in disaster relief and rehabilitation, environmental protection and a multitude of non-combat roles.

“These worthwhile projects were made thru the peace and development initiatives of the government and genuine care of our soldiers who are peace builder for our people. Today, we are assured of a more caring and invigorated service with the presence of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Foreign Buyers Association of the Philippines as our partners in peace and development,” Holganza said.

NPA rebels torch Dole trucks in Southern Philippines

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / July 31, 2010) – Communist insurgents torched five container vans in an attack Saturday in Compostela Valley province in the southern Philippines, officials said.

Officials said the vans were owned by Dole Philippine Incorporated, a subsidiary of Dole Food Company, the world’s largest producer and marketer of high-quality fresh fruits and vegetables, including cut flowers.

Captain Emmanuel Garcia, a spokesman for the 10th Infantry Division, said the attack occurred in the village of Camanlangan in New Bataan town.

“Reports reaching authorities state that about 15 fully armed men led by certain alias Ondo of Local Terrorist Front-27 of the New People’s Army were responsible in burning the containers owned by Dole-Stanfilco. Initial investigation conducted by authorities revealed that the motive is the refusal of Dole-Stanfilco to give-in to the terrorists’ extortion demand,” he said.

Dole-Stanfilco operates the banana plantation and exports the fruits to Japan, Korea, China, Hong, New Zealand and the Middle East.

Major General Carlos Holganza, a regional army commander, said the New People’s Army is engaged in extortion activities in Mindanao.

“This is another proof of the consistency of the terrorists’ decadent deeds in sabotaging our economy and making the people suffer. They do not recognize the right of the people to engage in free enterprise and they do not want our country to progress.”

“The only thing they are interested in is the money they can steal from legitimate businessmen, small enterprises and ordinary farmers. The NPA has proven once again that they are the biggest extortion syndicate in the country,” Holganza said.

He said rebel forces also torched farm trucks and construction equipment in the provinces the past months. “The NPA has been involved in many instances of burning of vehicles and facilities to include commuter buses, construction equipment, farm implements and business structures of individuals and companies which failed to give extortion money to the rebels,” he said.

On Friday, rebels also detonated two improvised explosives in Davao City and wounded four soldiers in Paquibato district. The twin attacks came a month after new Philippine President Benigno Aquino III said he would forge a cease-fire and resume peace talks with communist rebels.

Peace talks collapsed in 2004 after rebel leaders accused President Gloria Arroyo of reneging on several agreements, among them the release of all political prisoners languishing in jails and to put a stop to extrajudicial killings of political activists.

But the Communist Party of the Philippines warned the Aquino government against using the "immediate ceasefire" line as the premise for the resumption of formal peace talks with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines.

The Communist Party of the Philippines said it is ready to immediately resume formal peace negotiations based on previously agreed principles and agenda and without any preconditions. If Aquino insists on having peace talks premised on an immediate ceasefire, he will be reducing his peace declarations to empty rhetoric,” the CPP said.

“The CPP challenged Aquino to immediately commence negotiations and abide by previous agreements, including The Hague Joint Declaration of 1992 which sets the framework, principles, agenda and sequence of the peace negotiations,” it said.

“For the armed revolutionary forces, engaging in peace talks while their weapons are tied up violates the revolutionary principles and virtually holds us hostage. It would be foolish for us to expect to talk on fair and equal terms regarding life-and-death questions with the other side, when we have our arms dropped while the forces on other side have the barrels of their guns pointed at our heads.”

The rebels are fighting for decades for the establishment of a Maoist state in the country. (Mindanao Examiner)

4 soldiers wounded in roadside bombings in South RP

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / July 30, 2010) – Four government soldiers pursuing communist rebels were wounded Friday in two roadside bombings blamed to the Maoist New People’s Army in Davao City in the southern Philippines, officials said.

The explosion occurred in Paquibato district where troops were tracking down the rebels, who had been blamed in the spate of attacks on military and police forces in Davao City.

Major General Carlos Holganza, commander of the Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry Division, condemned the attacks. “These terrorists have repeatedly ignored and violated every known tenets of International Humanitarian Law and utterly disregarded the safety of civilians who might be hurt by planting improvised explosive devices on road nets just like the previous incidents,” Holganza said.

He said at least 11 people, mostly soldiers, were killed and 30 others wounded last year in Davao region alone.

The twin attacks came a month after new Philippine President Benigno Aquino III said he would forge a cease-fire and resume peace talks with communist rebels. Peace talks collapsed in 2004 after rebel leaders accused President Gloria Arroyo of reneging on several agreements, among them the release of all political prisoners languishing in jails and to put a stop to extrajudicial killings of political activists.

But the Communist Party of the Philippines warned the Aquino government against using the "immediate ceasefire" line as the premise for the resumption of formal peace talks with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines.

The Communist Party of the Philippines said it is ready to immediately resume formal peace negotiations based on previously agreed principles and agenda and without any preconditions. “If Aquino insists on having peace talks premised on an immediate ceasefire, he will be reducing his peace declarations to empty rhetoric,” the CPP said.

“The CPP challenged Aquino to immediately commence negotiations and abide by previous agreements, including The Hague Joint Declaration of 1992 which sets the framework, principles, agenda and sequence of the peace negotiations,” it said.

“For the armed revolutionary forces, engaging in peace talks while their weapons are tied up violates the revolutionary principles and virtually holds us hostage. It would be foolish for us to expect to talk on fair and equal terms regarding life-and-death questions with the other side, when we have our arms dropped while the forces on other side have the barrels of their guns pointed at our heads.”

The rebels are fighting for decades for the establishment of a Maoist state in the country. (Mindanao Examiner)

3 wounded in NPA raid in Compostela Valley

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / July 1, 2010) – Communist rebels attacked a military patrol base wounding 3 people in the southern Philippines, an army spokesman said Thursday.

Captain Emmanuel Garcia, of the 10th Infantry Division, said some 50 rebels attacked the base late Wednesday in Compostela Valley’s Maragusan town. He said two soldiers and a civilian were wounded in the raid.

Troops fought the rebels – members of the New People’s Army - for more than half an hour until the attackers retreated on two trucks they earlier hijacked in the town, Garcia said. “Government soldiers recovered one of the trucks and pursuit operation is going on.”

Major General Carlos Holganza, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, said the rebels disregarded the safety of civilians when they attacked the patrol base. He said many civilians were near the base when rebels attacked.

The rebels are fighting for decades for the establishment of a Maoist state in the country. (Mindanao Examiner)

Maoist rebel leader falls in Mindanao

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / June 12, 2010) – A senior leader of the communist rebel group New People’s Army was arrested at a military checkpoint in the southern Philippines, security officials announced on Saturday.

Officials said the rebel leader, Mario Cabatlao, is the Secretary of the Local Terrorist Front-15 of the New People’s Army in Mindanao. He was arrested Friday afternoon in the village of Madaum in Tagum City where military and policemen put-up the checkpoint after receiving reports that Cabatlao would pass in the area.

“A fragmentation grenade and an improvised explosive were recovered from Maria Cabatlao,” said Army Captain Emmanuel Garcia, a spokesman for the 10th Infantry Division.

He said Cabatlao is facing multiple murder charges and was linked to many killings in the towns of Baganga, Manay, Caraga and Taragona, all in Davao Oriental province where rebel forces staged attacks against government troops and civilians in recent years.

Major General Carlos Holganza, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, praised the arrest of the rebel leader and vowed to continue government operations aimed at defeating communist insurgency in Mindanao.

“We take pride in the efforts and patience of our soldiers and policemen who painstakingly took it upon themselves that justice for our people will be served. May this bring warning to all criminals, murderers, kidnappers and bandits like the New People’s Army that the long arm of the law will eventually catch-up with you and your crimes will not go unpunished,” Holganza said.

Cabatlao is the third rebel leader captured by authorities since early this year in Mindanao.

Rebel commander Zaldy Canete, who was recruited at the age of 13 to become a senior New People’s Army leader, had been captured in January in Davao del Norte province.

Another rebel leader, Renelo Creita, who was tagged by the military as behind ambush of soldiers and civilians in Compostela Valley province last month, also fell in the hands of the military and police last month. Both Canete and Creita are also facing multiple murder charges in connection with the rebel attacks in the provinces.

The New People’s Army, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, is fighting for the establishment of a Maoist state in the country. (Geo Solmerano contributed to this report)

Philippine troops stop potential deadly attack in South

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / May 3, 2010) – Philippine troops stopped a potential deadly attack after they recovered an improvised explosive planted at a roadside frequently used by civilians, officials said Monday.

Officials quickly blamed communist New People’s Army rebels for the failed weekend bombing in the village of Kauswagan in Davao Oriental’s Lupon town. It was the 17th explosives recovered by troops in Davao region, south of Mindanao Island, since early this year.

“Troops from the Army’s 28th Infantry Battalion discovered the IED while on clearing operation. Residents said they have noticed suspicious individuals frequenting their village but were not aware that some of them may have planted the IED,” said Army Captain Emmanuel Garcia, a spokesman for the 10th Infantry Division.

He said troops recovered the explosive made from ammonium nitrate, blasting cap and electric detonator.

In March, troops also recovered six improvised explosives from the NPA after a firefight in Monkayo town in Compostela Valley province that led to the capture of 13 rebels.

Major General Carlos Holganza, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, deplored the NPA’s continued use of improvised bombs, saying, “it is inhuman, unlawful and ungodly.”

“No amount of explanation can justify the use of such inhuman weapons that threatens not only soldiers but also non-combatants. The worse is that these terrorists are planting these IEDs along the road which pose great danger to our people,” Holganza said.

The NPA is the military wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines which is waging a secessionist war for decades for the establishment of a Maoist state in the country. (Mindanao Examiner)

3 soldiers die in NPA attack in Mindanao

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / April 12, 2010) – The Philippine Army has confirmed Monday the killings of three soldiers in a clash with communist rebels in the outskirts of Davao City in the restive region of Mindanao.

The soldiers – Corporal Moises Gaddawan, Private First Class Caesar Gadot and Glenn Haro – died as they were being airlifted to a military hospital in Davao City.

The New People’s Army rebels said the soldiers who were members of the 69th Infantry Battalion were ambushed Sunday in the village of Lumiad in Paquibato District.

Major General Carlos Holganza, commander of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division, said the soldiers were patrolling the area after receiving reports that rebels were collecting money from political campaigners.

“This is part of our efforts to keep the election safe and secure. We have hit the main terror group which has been influencing the area and exploiting the people, we continue our incessant campaign to keep these terrorists on the run. We mourn the death of our comrades even as we take inspiration from the heroism and sacrifice they made to keep Davao free from terrorists’ influence,” Holganza said.

A rebel spokesman Simon Santiago said New People’s Army forces also attacked a military helicopter trying to provide cover to security reinforcements in the area.

“Members of the 1st Pulang Bagani Company-New People’s Army ambushed the 69th Infantry Battalion. The reinforcement of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, a bomber-helicopter, was hit by the NPA and immediately retreated. Based on initial reports, NPA forces have recovered one high-power weapon from the enemy,” Santiago said.

Last week, rebel forces also killed a government soldier and wounded seven more in separate attacks in Montevista town in Compostela Valley province and in the town of Magpet in North Cotabato province.

Last month, NPA forces also attacked a military detachment in the village of Luz in North Cotabato’s Mlang town and killed a government militia and wounded two more before ransacking an army detachment and seized 35 assorted high powered weapons.

The NPA is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines which has been fighting for decades for the establishment of a communist state in the country. (Mindanao Examiner)

Soldier killed in NPA ambush in Mindanao

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / April 10, 2010) – Communist rebels killed a government soldier in an ambush Saturday in the southern Philippines, officials said.

Officials said Sergeant Marlon Salva, a member of the Philippine Army’s 72nd Infantry Battalion, was on his to meet with village leaders when rebels ambushed him in Camantangan village in Compostela Valley’s Montevista town.

Major General Carlos Holganza, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, condemned the killing, saying, the soldier was unarmed when New People’s Army rebels attacked him.

“It is with deep sympathy that we condole with the family of Sergeant Salva. The repeated murders being perpetrated by this terrorist group show their heartlessness and utter disregard to human life,” Holganza said.

Holganza branded the killing as “horrible and brutal,” saying the soldier died from multiple gunshot wounds. He said six rebels opened fire at the soldier who was on his motorcycle. “He was defenseless, he had no chance.” he said.

The motive of the attack was unknown, but the NPA which is fighting for decades for the establishment of a Maoist state in the country, had been blamed for past killings of soldiers and policemen in the restive region. (Mindanao Examiner)

NPA rebel yields, surrenders anti-tank weapon in Mindanao

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / April 8, 2010) – A communist rebel who broke away from his group called New People’s Army in Mindanao has surrendered to the military, officials said Thursday.

Officials said Romeo Bangilum also handed over to the military a 90mm recoilless anti-tank weapon and a rifle he took from the NPA. He surrendered Wednesday to Filipino army chief General Reynaldo Mapagu who inspected troops at a military base in Davao City.

Bangilum said he was recruited by his sister Imelda Lintubad, but it was unknown whether the woman would follow him or not. He said he was lured into joining the NPA, which has been fighting for decades for the establishment of a Maoist state in the country.

“I was a rebel for four years. I was lured into false promises. They promised me seven thousand pesos every month and another seven hundred pesos for each of my four children, but those were all lies. Now I am free,” Bangilum told military interrogators.

Mapagu said he was happy with the Bangilun’s surrender and urged other rebels to return to the folds of the law and live peacefully with their family.

“We are glad that another misguided brother has returned to the folds of the law. He was deceived and promised a better life by the communists, but suffered only hardships and pains while in the underground movement. We call on our misguided brothers to lay down their arms as what Romeo did and take the peaceful path to change for our country’s progress,” Mapagu said.

The military said Bangilun surrendered through the efforts of the local tribal council and decision of its leaders to convince Lumad natives who joined the NPA to rejoin society.

The Army’s 10th Infantry Division said Bangilun will receive a total of P170,000 in benefits under the government’s Social Integration Program.

Major General Carlos Holganza, a regional army commander, said the good relationship established by government soldiers in Lumad communities paved the way for the tribal council to help the government in its peace efforts. “We are sincere with our program and we urge our brothers in the NPA to come back to society and begin a new life,” he said. (Mindanao Examiner)

Army recovers bomb chemical in Mindanao

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / April 5, 2010) – Patrolling government troops on Monday recovered three sacks of chemical fertilizer used in the manufacture of homemade explosives believed left behind by communist rebels in Compostela Valley province in Mindanao, officials said.

Officials said New People’s Army rebels left behind the chemical in the village of Andap in New Bataan town.

“Responding from constant reports that New People’s Army terrorists will conduct offensives by utilizing improvised explosive devices fashioned as landmines, troops from the 66th Infantry Battalion conducting security patrol recovered three sacks of ammonium nitrate which is a potent bomb component,” said Captain Emmanuel Garcia, a spokesman for the 10th Infantry Division based in Davao City.

He said military reports indicate the rebels were planning to use improvised explosives against government troops who frequently pass in the village.

Major General Carlos Holganza, the army division commander, said the chemical can be used by the rebels to manufacture homemade explosives.

“Three sacks of this chemical will translate to many improvised explosive devices which may result to many casualties, including civilians, had not our troops recover the ammonium nitrate,” he said.

The NPA is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines which is waging a secessionist war for the past decades. (Mindanao Examiner)

Army troops clash with NPA rebels in South RP

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Mar. 5, 2010) – Communist insurgents clashed Friday with government soldiers in Compostela Valley province in the southern Philippines, officials said.

Army Captain Emmanuel Garcia, a spokesman for the 10th Infantry Division, said soldiers fought about 50 New People’s Army rebels for two hours in the village of Salvacion in Monkayo town.

He said the clash occurred just as a leftist solon Satur Ocampo visited the Davao region. He said troops also clashed last month in Davao Oriental where Ocampo visited and led anti-government rallies.

“Reports reaching the Army headquarters here indicate two hours of heavy fighting which resulted to the death of one soldier and wounding of two others which prompted authorities to send reinforcements,” Garcia said.

The slain soldier was identified as Private First Class Benzon Balandan and the wounded as Private First Class John Patrick Madariaga and Private First Class Jaypee Baricaua.

Garcia said a still undetermined number of rebels were either killed or wounded.

“The report said the NPAs suffered severe casualties but were able to extricate their wounded comrades,” he said, adding troops overran two rebel encampments and recovered six improvised explosives, blasting caps and detonating cords.

He described the camps as fortified and can accommodate at least 70 people.
Major General Carlos Holganza, the regional army chief, ordered troops to pursue the rebels as he expressed grief over the death of his soldier, but said the sacrifice of the troops have made the people a lot safer from terrorism.

“Our soldiers’ sacrifices were not in vain as their efforts have made the people of Compostela Valley and the whole of Davao region a lot safer with the recovery of these improvised explosive devices which might endanger the lives of our citizens.” Holganza said.

He also said the latest clash occurred as militant organizations led by Ocampo, a former high ranking member of the outlawed Communist Party of the Philippines is in the region orchestrating anti government protests in Davao City, Compostela Valley and Davao del Sur provinces.

Holganza did not say whether Ocampo’s visit had anything to do with the fighting or if the solon ordered rebels to attack government forces. The military also tagged other leftist solons and members of militant groups either as rebels or NPA sympathizers.

The NPA is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines which is fighting for the establishment of a Maoist state in the country. (Mindanao Examiner)

Soldiers say “We Care” on Valentine’s Day

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Feb. 9, 2010) – The Philippine Army has lined up various programs dubbed “We Care” in celebration of the Valentine’s Day.

First Lieutenant Lakschmi Talidano, of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division, said the program is in partnership with different stakeholders aimed at bringing joy and hope to poor villages in Davao City.

He said as early as February 5, the 1003rd Infantry Brigade participated in a blood drive and launched a feeding and gift giving program to some 300 indigenous peoples in Davao del Norte province.

Two other brigades and nine battalions under the army division have also scheduled various humanitarian programs which included tree planting, medical and dental outreach missions, free concert, gift-giving and free legal assistance programs from Wednesday to Saturday in areas where they operate.

On Sunday, Talidano said the Valentine’s Day will be celebrated with a field mass at the local naval base. The Philippine National Red Cross will also hold a blood drive in cooperation with the military.

After lunch, soldiers and policemen and civilian couples who volunteered their services will serve as foster parents to about 30 orphaned children for half day tour in parks, historical places, commercial establishments and movie houses in Davao City.

Wheelchairs donated by the Operation Blessing Foundation, Incorporated will be distributed in the afternoon for 30 physically incapacitated persons.

Talidano said the Valentine’s Day program will end with a dinner and a closing program for the foster parents and their foster children, partner agencies and institutions and other stakeholders.

Major General Carlos Holganza, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, said the celebration is not just for lovers, but for everybody. “It is our opportunity to show our love to the people who need our protection, help and care. But, our people would have a better appreciation of the program if more government and private offices and agencies, civil and nongovernmental organizations would join us in this heartwarming activities,” he said. (Geo Solmerano contributed to this report)

Troops kill NPA rebel in clash in South RP

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Feb. 6, 2010) – Government soldiers killed a communist rebel in a firefight Saturday in the southern Philippines, officials said.

Captain Emanuel Garcia, a spokesman for the Army’s 10th Infantry Division, said the fighting erupted in the village called New Visayas in Davao Oriental’s Lupon town.

He said troops rushed to the village after receiving reports that New People’s Army rebels were in the area.

“Operating troops of the Army’s 28th Infantry Battalion responded to information of residents regarding the presence of armed men in their place which resulted to an early morning gun battle,” the spokesman said, adding, troops also recovered two automatic rifles and a shotgun left behind by rebels.

Garcia said villages have reported the presence of rebels in the area. “Residents said they were alarmed by the consolidation of NPA since two days ago and recalled that this only happens during plenums or when high ranking NPA or a leader of the Communist Party of the Philippines comes in their place,” he said.

He said Major General Carlos Holganza, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, praised residents who tipped off the military about the presence of gunmen in the village.

“We are moved by the show of support and concern of our citizens in Davao Oriental in curbing criminality and terrorism in their place. While we are on a positive note, we grieve over the death of another Filipino who was lured, deceived and exploited by the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army and the National Democratic Front into joining an organization known for its notoriety in killing innocent people and sabotaging our economy with their big time extortion activity,” Holganza said.

The NPA is fighting for decades for the establishment of a Maoist state in the country. (Geo Solmerano contributed to this report)

Philippine Army troops capture senior NPA rebel leader

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Feb. 1, 2010) – Filipino soldiers killed two communist rebels and captured a senior guerrilla leader after a running gun battle in Compostela Valley province in Mindanao, officials announced Monday.

Major General Carlos Holganza, a regional army commander, said the New People's Army rebel leader, Elizalde Canete, was also wounded in the weekend clash which broke out in the village of Sarmiento in Laak town.

A government soldier and two rebels were also wounded in the firefight, he said.

“One of the wounded rebels expired while being treated by government troops in the area, while the other rebel, identified as Elizalde Canete was brought out of the area by helicopter to the government hospital in Davao City,” Holganza said.

He said troops recovered three automatic weapons, including a hand grenade and a transceiver radio and anti-government propaganda.

Canete is facing a string or criminal charges from multiple murders to robbery and homicide, the general said.

The fighting erupted after members of the Army Special Forces spotted the rebels and a firefight ensued.

The NPA is the armed wing of the outlawed Communist Party of the Philippines which has been waging a secessionist war the past five decades for the establishment of a Maoist state in the country. (Mindanao Examiner)

Army finishes peace, development projects in Mindanao; rebels howl propaganda

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / January 12, 2010) – The Philippine Army on Tuesday said it finished more than P76 million worth of peace and development projects in Mindanao, but communist rebels branded them as propaganda and part of Manila's anti-insurgency campaign.

The 10th Infantry Division said a total of 59 projects were completed by soldiers under the so-called Kalayaan sa Barangay Program in Davao region last year. It said soldiers finished many 16 farm-to-market roads, 13 school buildings, 13 rural electrification projects and 14 water systems, including 3 day care centers.

“Elements of 10th Infantry Division together with the Army Engineer Battalions and different support units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines spearheaded the implementation of these projects in coordination and support of local government units, non-government and people’s organizations and other stakeholders, particularly the civilians,” said Captain Emmanuel Garcia, an army spokesman.

He said Compostela Valley province, a known stronghold of communist rebels, has the most number of development projects, followed by Davao del Norte province.

Major General Carlos Holganza, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, said the overwhelming support of the citizens to the government’s peace and development efforts played a crucial role in the completion of the projects. “This is a proof of the sincerity of the government to bring much needed infrastructures for our people in the countryside,” Holganza said.

He also lauded the soldiers for their hard work and dedication to the peace efforts in Mindanao.

“Our soldiers deserve our admiration as they tirelessly carried on their tasks in implementing the KBP projects in the countryside where continued threats of saboteurs are present. The local government units, line government agencies, the local residents and other stakeholders also deserve our praise for their inspiring support. They are the true heroes in these endeavors,” Holganza said.

The KBP projects are infrastructures being implemented nationwide by the Armed Forces of the Philippines through funds coming from the Department of National Defense. It is line with the government’s peace and development initiative focused on national priority areas where the presence of threats to national development is strongly felt.

Communist rebels have recently accused the military of embarking on a massive propaganda in Mindanao aimed at targeting the New People’s Army and leftist organizations as part of the government’s anti-insurgency campaign.

The NPA branded as propaganda the Philippine Army’s ACEs or Army's Concern for the Environment, Army's Concern for Engineering, Army's Combat Excellence and Advocacy for Credible Elections.

“The fascist Philippine Army's recently pronounced four ACEs is only a preliminary propaganda purveyed by its chief, the notorious Lieutenant General Delfin Bangit,” said Rubi del Mundo, a rebel spokesman.

“The Philippine Army's Concern for Engineering means it will intensify its ‘winning the hearts and minds campaign’ through hard projects or road construction in areas where both United States and the Philippine Government have economic interests and where revolutionary movements such as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front are strong. These projects are part of its psychological war tactics in counter-insurgency operations and belie the sincerity of the Philippine government in delivering social services, which should otherwise be carried out by civilian institutions of government,” Del Mundo said.

The NPA has been fighting for decades now for the establishment of a Maoist state in the country. Peace talks between rebels and the government failed in 2004 after the NPA accused President Gloria Arroyo of reneging on several agreements, among them the release of all political prisoners and to put a stop to extrajudicial killings of activists in the Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner)

Rebels kill Lumad farmer in South RP

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / December 18, 2009) – Suspected New People’s Army rebels killed a farmer before his horrified family in the southern Philippines, the military said on Friday.

It said a band of communist rebels barged in the house Thursday of Efren Sindaton, 32, in the village of Dagohoy in Davao del Norte’s Talaingod town and shot him in front of his wife and three children.

Sindaton, an Ata-Manobo farmer, was killed instantly, said Major General Carlos Holganza, commander of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division.

“We are appalled by such show of barbarism and inhuman acts of these terrorists. Killing an individual is an immoral act but killing a father in front of his children is totally a different crime only the devil can do. Words cannot express the arrogance and evil mindset of these criminals,” Holganza said in a statement.

“We condole with the Sindaton family as we vow to put the perpetrators of this heinous crime face the bar of justice. The long arms of the law will catch-up with them and those responsible will pay for their crimes against our people,” he added.

He said rebels on Monday also killed Fernando Timbal, a bank driver, in an attack in Panabo City.

There was no immediate statement from the NPA about the military report, but the rebels have been previously accused by authorities as behind numerous attacks against civilians on suspicion they were military spy. (Mindanao Examiner)

NPA rebels kill 7 soldiers in Mindanao clash

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / December 6, 2009) – Communist rebels on Sunday owned up the killing of seven government soldiers in fierce clashes in the southern Philippines.

A rebel spokesman Roel Agustin II said New People’s Army forces killed the soldiers in a Thursday clash in Compostela Valley’s Monkayo town. Rebels also took away three automatic weapons from the soldiers belonging to the Army’s 25th Infantry Battalion.

“This tactical offensive is a big slap on the Armed Forces of the Philippines and is part of the NPA’s series of decisively defeating the counter-revolutionary campaign of the US-Arroyo regime, the Oplan Bantay Laya II,” Agustin said.

Oplan Bantay Laya is the codename of the government’s anti-insurgency operations in the country, where NPA rebels are fighting the past decades for the establishment of a Maoist state.

Lieutenant Colonel Gilbert Saret, commander of the 25th infantry Battalion, said the rebels used landmine in attacking his soldiers.

“This is a clear manifestation of the kind of lawless group that they are. The so called rightist group like KARAPATAN should also focus their attention on this matter to be able to live up with their advocacy,” he said.

“The soldiers fought gallantly despite the effects of landmine. However, they all expired ultimately due to multiple wounds. This is the true essence of why soldiers can do such acts even beyond hope of winning or surviving. It is because each soldier is a brother, someone’s husband, someone’s son or some kids’ father. They can’t stand in front of this people and say, they lived while the others died,” he said.

A regional army commander, Major General Carlos Holganza, has vowed to end communist insurgency. But the rebel spokesman said they will continue offensives in Mindanao.

“In the face of this new defeat by the AFP in the region, Major General Holganza looks funny as he desperately continues to wish of victory while his troops are wallowing in defeat in the series of head and body blows from the NPA,” Agustin said.

”The Red fighters are now in the advantage position to launch annihilative and attritive tactical offensives; and it is impossible for the reactionary government to deceive the people that it can defeat or even stop the advance of the People’s War launched by the Communist Party of the Philippines, the NPA and the toiling masses.”

Peace talks between the government and rebels collapsed in 2004 after both sides failed to sign an agreement that would end more than four decades of communist insurgency in the Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner)

NPA rebels kill 2 army militias; attack military detachment in Mindanao

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / November 18, 2009) – Communist insurgents shot dead two pro-government militias in a daring attack near a military post in the southern Filipino city of Davao.

Officials said New People’s Army rebels shot the militias as they were buying rice Tuesday afternoon at a cooperative store in Barakatan village in Toril District, killing one them of instantly. The other, although wounded, ran toward an army detachment but also died later.

The rebels also attacked the military post before retreating to the hinterlands. There were no reports of casualties in the attack on the detachment.

The killing came days after Major General Carlos Holganza assumed as the new commander of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division in Davao City. He replaced Major General Reynaldo Mapagu who was reassigned in Manila last week.

Holganza condemned the killings of the two militias, who were under the 72nd Infantry Battalion. He said the two men were unarmed at the time of the attack.

“This cowardly and inhuman act of these terrorists shows their total disregard and disrespect to the most basic tenets of International Humanitarian Law. The Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit members were unarmed and merely buying food.”

“These terrorists are repeatedly doing this by indiscriminately slaughtering unarmed soldiers and even innocent civilians. They are loosing the people and loosing grounds and are resorting to unparalleled violence to terrorize the people to force them to go back to their callous side. The heartless acts of these terrorists only reflect the brutality and true nature of their godless organization.” Holganza said.

A regional army spokesman, Captain Emmanuel Garcia, branded the attacks as desperate, merciless and coward and tagged the NPA’s Local Terrorist Front-53 and 54 led by Bobet and by alias Jasmin as behind the killings.

“The killing of the two Cafgu members is the latest of a string of murders perpetrated by local terrorists in Davao City victimizing unarmed civilians and unwary government troops,” he said.

The NPA is fighting for decades for the establishment of a Maoist state in the country. The rebels broke off peace talks with Manila after accusing President Gloria Arroyo of failing to honor agreements that would eventually free thousands of political prisoners and stop extrajudicial killings of activists. (Mindanao Examiner)