NPA Brutaly Murders CAFGU; ARMY Rescues Wounded NPA

Camp Panacan, Davao City - Off-duty CAFGU was brutally murdered by two SPARU members of NPA, 11am, today along the Streets of Magsaysay and Apiki, Bgy Calinan Proper. 

The victim was identified as CAA DELIO JAMANA who was assigned at Tamayong Patrol Base. He sustained 11 gunshot wounds on his head per initial investigation done by PNP Calinan and Davao Citu SOCO Team. 

The cadaver was brought at ANGEL FUNERAL HOMES OF CALINAN.

Meanwhile, one NPA critically wounded during the encounter yesterday, 25 April 9am, with 66IB troops was rescued and immediately brought to Nabunturan Hospital.

The wounded NPA was identified as Renier Saturninas Perez AKA Arnel, from Bgy Tualian, Sto Tomas, Davao del Norte. 

The troops used makeshift stretcher and alternately carried Perez from the mountainous encounter site towards the accessible road for vehicle transporation to the hospital.

Perez was subsequently brougth to Davao Regional Hospital and is breathing through manual ventilator continually pump by our soldiers on alternate duty. 

The encounter yesterdy resulted also to the recovery of 6HPFA and killing of one NPA. Also recovered from the NPAs are election materials of certain Partylist Groups and Senatorial Candidate.

The rescue is a classic example of how your soldiers care for the wounded as mandated in the IPSP Bayanihan - Strict Adherence to Respect of Human Rights, IHL and Rule of Law.

MAj Gen Ariel Bernardo, 10ID Division Commander commended the troops for successfuly carrying out their mission to protect the lives and propoerties of people in ComVal Province.

NPAs Continue Terrorizing the People in Davao City

Malagos, Davao City – At least 14 individuals including civilians and CAFGUs were restrained against their free will by the New People’s Army in Barangay Tambobong, Baguio District, Davao City since December 23, 2012 until today.

There were 11 residents of Barangay Tambobong from different sitios were held captives and intimidated by the armed rebel group led by a certain Ka Bobby who continues to sow terror in the said district even during the yuletide season and while their ceasefire is supposed to be in effect. 

Based on reports coming from the residents, an estimated number of 140 NPAs stayed in the barangay to conduct recruitment, intimidation and kidnapping.

At around 5:30am on December 30, 2012, two CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA) members namely:  CAA Artemio Sitoy and CAA Romeo Bulod both residents of Sitio Mangas-As of said barangay were forcefully taken for interrogation and held captive for almost 12 hours. 

During interview, the victims narrated that the NPAs asked them for names of all the CAFGU members and civilian military supporters residing in the barangay to be coerced to cease from supporting the Philippine Army and the Philippine Government . 

The victims recounted that they were pinpointed by the new NPA recruits who are also residents of the place.

Another kidnapping incident perpetrated by the same group transpired last December 31, 2012 with victims identified as a certain Jun Lopez, Junjun Alonzo and Tata Pandian who are all civilians and residents of Sitio Luyan.

According to the victims, one of the residents of the same barangay believed to be a supporter of the rebel group told them that they have an issue to be settled with the NPA and they are accounted to answer some questions.

Alarmed and terrorized, the victims tried to evade the NPAs but were chances upon by the bandits while on their way to the neighboring sitio of said barangay. 

Their ordeal at the hands of the NPAs doing interrogation started at around 5:30 in the morning and finished at around 3:30 in the afternoon. 

According to the victims, the group is composed of around 70 armed men and women conducting medical mission-like activity at the sitio.

At around 4:00 in the afternoon of same day, another CAFGU identified as CAA Tony Pandian was also abducted and then freed by the rebel group after answering some questions. 

According to one of the civilian victims, CAA Pandian was told by Ka Bobby to leave the military service as CAA or his son would be taken by the NPA to join the armed revolution.

Some witnesses said that the group went to CAA Pandian’s house twice and that they were really ardent in talking to him.

Aside from the ensuing incidents of abduction in Barangay Tambobong, seven other residents kidnapped by the NPAs and coerced them to join the illegal armed group. Four of them were identified as a certain Toto Belarmiya, Adonis Belarmiya, Elmer Amad and Toto Duyan were all taken before the NPA Anniversary Celebration last December 26, 2012. All of them were residents of Sitio Laputan of said barangay.  

Last December 31, 2012, three more civilians were captured and were forced to join the NPAs identified as Boyet Duyan and Joel Espina of Upper Tambobong and Lower Luyan of the same barangay and a certain Junjun Ogao, not from  Barangay Tambobong but identified as the grandson of the late Datu Causing Ogao who was killed by the NPA last July 2012.

Another resident of  Barangay Tambobong named Boy Betil was also abducted by the NPAs last December 23, 2012 at Sitio Sayawan, Brgy. Salaysay, Marilog District, Davao City for suspicion of being a military informant. 

Some witnesses said the victim was tortured, immersed in Tuli River and believed to be still in the hands of the rebel group. Until now, no one knows the whereabouts of Boy Betil. 

The kidnapping incidents and the presence of the New People’s Army in Barangay Tambobong clearly prevented the observance and celebration of the community of the Yuletide Season and of the New Year. 

Most of the rebels stayed overnight at the residents houses even they were not welcomed by the local populace. 

Some of the families even left their houses and evacuated at nearby sitios and barangay because they were frightened of the presence of the NPA at their houses. Several residents opted not to go home for the celebration of New Year with their families upon knowing the presence of the rebel group.

“We see how inhumane the NPAs are. They do not abide in their self proclaimed ceasefire, they do not stand with the peace truce that they have with the government – in which they have even asked for its extension – and worse, they did not let the people celebrate New Year. They intimidated and threatened the people not minding what the occasion is. They had been violating CARHRIHL and the Suspension of Military Operation. I would like to call on everybody specially the government officials to condemn such monstrous acts of the New People’s Army and to help the people of Barangay Tambobong.” said by LTC Nigos, Commanding Officer of 84IB.

On another development, GPH Panel Chairman Alex Padilla, through panel member Ednar Dayanghirang, confirmed that the NDFP shortened the bilateral ceasefire to 02 January 2013 (yesterday) instead of 15 January 2013 as it announced the allege AFP violation of the ceasefire and insinuated that NPA may launch Tactical offensives. 

It may be noted that the NDFP earlier declared that they consider AFP's "Civil-Mil Operations" and "peace and development" activities as "offensive military operations". 

NPA atrocities complicate AFP’s Humanitarian Efforts

The Organized Crime Group New People’s Army attack the Peace and Development Team of 60^th Infantry Battalion on humanitarian mission Thursday morning a day after it announced ceasefire to give way for the victims of typhoon Pablo.

The 10^th Infantry Division disclosed that at 5:45 a.m., army troops augmented to assist and deliver relief goods to distressed and stricken residents in Sitio Banoog, Brgy. Sto. Niño, Talaingod, Davao del Norte, however, they were waylaid by NPA fighters.

“Members of 60^th IB were fired upon at the outreach station in said village”, 10^th ID spokesman Lt. Col. Lyndon Paniza said. He then slams the notorious group adding that perpetrating atrocity “is contrary to their promise of a 29-day ceasefire” that started on December 5, 2012 to January 3, 2013.

“We all know that their promise of truce is nothing but a sugar coated lie to make them look like Good Samaritans. It is a mere façade to cloak their real identity as criminals”, Paniza said. He added that the rebel group is exploiting the distraught situation of the victims as propaganda and nothing else. “This incident only manifests their insincerity in helping the people especially those badly affected residents. If we are on relief mission mode, then they are on ‘business as usual’ mode without considering that the assault hampered our relief efforts”, he added.

To recall on Sunday, four days after the National Democratic Front started ceasefire and a day before the 64^th year of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the NPAs also committed another crime by attempting to kill Pfc. Lito Mansalo-on and by abducting his two minor daughters, aged 14 and 12, in the remote village of Sitio Danao, Brgy Gupitan, San Isidro, Davao del Norte. Paniza cited the said attack adding that the criminal group did not spare the said soldier and his family who was also a victim of Pablo’s wrath after their house was washed out during the onslaught of the typhoon. 

Paniza assured though that the atrocities of the NPAs will not hamper their relief efforts nor stop them to access remote areas to aid assistance and help the victims to start anew.

NPAs Attempt to Kill Soldier, Took Children as Hostage

Camp Manuel T.Yan, Mawab Compostela Valley Province- Despite of the aftermath of Typhoon Pablo, seven (7) members of an Organized Crime Group believed to be affiliated to the New People’s Army flagged down Pfc Lito Masaluon while on his way back to detachment  in a motorcycle  together with his 12 year-old and 17 year-old children and another civilian. Failing to kill PFC Masaluon, the NPAs took the children instead as hostages in Sitio Danao, Brgy Mandalingan, Kapalong, Davao Del Norte, yesterday, Dec 09, 2012 at 9:30 A.M.

 

In an interview, Pfc Masaluon, assigned in Kimantaan detachment and  told that, he went to Brgy Datu Balong early morning to pick up a sack of rice and to fetch his two children then go back to the detachment. “ Naanod man ang among balay sa baha sa Kapalong,mao gi uban nako ang akong duha ka anak pabalik unta sa detachment,kay wala sila matulogan (Our house was washed out by the flashflood in Kapalong, that is why I brought my two children to the detachment supposedly, for shelter)”. Pfc Masaluon said.

 

Sitio Danao is more or less 5 kilometers away from Kimantaan Detachment. Pfc Masaluon added that the NPAs fired their rifle to him and his children.  Sensing that his children will be in danger if he is with them, Pfc Masaluon opted to divert the attention of the attackers in the opposite direction leaving his children. He ran to escape and to ask for help, but three NPAs followed him and continued firing at him. 

 

“This is the way they celebrate the International Human Rights Day, by kidnapping and attempting to murder soldiers whose lives were also affected by the typhoon. Instead of helping the people affected by Typhoon Pablo, they are there sowing violence.” LtCol Lyndon Paniza, 10^th Infantry Division Spokesperson said. “This manifests their continuous defiance to Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) agreement.” He added.

 

The 10^th Infantry Agila Division under the Eastern Mindanao Command will continue to exert effort in helping the victims of the typhoon Pablo thru humanitarian assistance together with the different sectors and stakeholders, but the AFP will not set aside this incident. A soldier, a father, is seeking help to rescue his two kidnapped children.

Army officer and 12 others to face court martial over death of mother, sons in Kiblawan, Davao del Sur

MAWAB, Compostela Valley Province – An army officer and 12 others will face general court martial as probe revealed that there was indeed ‘tactical’ lapse into the killing of the wife and two sons of armed bandit leader Daguil Capeon in Kimlawis, Davao del Sur on October 18. 

 

In a six-page report of the Philippine Army’s Board of Inquiry, headed by its Division Inspector General Col. Fidel Francis Pumihic, 1Lt. Dante Jimenez admitted he failed to assess if it was the criminal group New People’s Army or the group of Capeon sheltering inside the house. 

 

In his statement, Jimenez said he, along with Cpl. Godio, Cpl. Namla, and Pfc. Gamayot, were 200 meters away from the house. He dispatched Sgt. Murillo, along with Pfc. Lopez, Cpl. Majid, Cpl. Sahali, Cpl. Jadjuli and Cpl. Said, to close in but was fired upon by shooters from the direction of the house prompting them to also return fire. While Sgt. Ballenas, Pfc. Tayamora and Pfc. Julian claimed that they did not fire. Accordingly, there were 43 bullet entry holes on the hut alone but, based on the spot report, only 19 bullets were expended by the troops. However, the result of the investigation did not determine as to whose bullets killed the victims. 

 

After the incident, one Rifle Grenade, two combat packs with personal belongings, 5.56mm empty shells and two m16 rifle magazines long with 20 rounds of 5.56mm live ammo were recovered in the area believed to be belonging to the group of Capeon. 

 

“There was a lapse of judgment on the company commander for he failed to direct his men in accordance to the Rules of engagement”, 10^th Infantry Division Spokesperson Lt. Col. Lyndon Paniza said affirming the violation committed. However, he robs off massacre allegations and claimed that it was a legitimate encounter. 

 

In part six, the report stated that it was a legitimate encounter contrary to claims of groups that there was none. To recall, in his previous interviews, bandit leader Capeon said he was alone several meters away from the house and has denied having fired at pursuing troops which was supported by Marisa Capeon Piang during interviews. However, it was not clarified how and when the latter saw the bandit leader in the area.          

          

According to Paniza, based on the recommendation of the BOI, Jimenez and 12 others will face a general court martial to be convened by Philippine Army to hear and decide cases for violations of the Article of War 76 (Misbehaviour before the Enemy) of the ROE – particularly rules 4 and 5; the Article of War 96 (Conduct Unbecoming an Officer and Gentleman) and the Article of War 97 (Conduct Prejudicial to Good Order and Military Discipline).

 

 “Since the operation was quad-size and was initiated within the company commander’s level, it was the responsibility of 1Lt. Jimenez to assess the situation and properly brief his troops about the confronted circumstances”, Paniza said. He also added that the other 12 enlisted personnel are also facing raps in violating the 76th Article of War and the 97th Article of War.

 

“Though we have yet to wait for the result of the ballistics’ test to know from whose shot really killed Jovy, and the two children, still, we have to promulgate necessary measures to our men who made violations (to ROE)”, Paniza said. 

 

He also added that an order has been issued for the full internalization of every member of the Armed Forces of the rules of engagement, especially to battalions and units under 10^th ID, through series of simulated activities in every trainings to avoid the same incident.

Soldiers repel NPA attack; two rebels killed, high powered firearms recovered

Mawab, Compostela Valley Province – Two members of New People’s Army were killed while two high-powered firearms were recovered 11:45 a.m. Sunday following an encounter with government troops in Brgy. Calabcab, Maco, Compostela Valley Province.

 

Commander of 71^st Infantry Battalion, Lt. Col. Jerry Borja, disclosed that said attack was a deliberate offensive operation of notorious group to harass the residents who have been in support to the Army’s Peace and Development Outreach Program (PDOP). “Our Peace and Development Team were having a community consultation in barangay hall when NPAs, despite the presence of civilians, attacked and peppered the area with bullets”, he said adding that the attack was another act of idiocy and desperation of the NPAs in response to the rejection of the community.    

  

“Our troops refrained from firing to secure first the civilians. This resulted to seven soldiers wounded in action (WIAs)”, Borja said. He identified the WIAs as Sgt. Marlon Parong, Cpl. Romualdo Tangonan, Pfc. Erwin Manabat, Pfc. Rocky Molina, Pfc. Jaypee Sionillo, Pfc. Carmelo Cachuela, and Pfc. Ludivico Elegio Jr. who are now recuperating in Camp Panacan Station Hospital, Panacan, this city.

 

 “Troops returned fire right after they have secured the residents in the area”, he added saying two of the criminal group NPA were killed in said clash which lasted for about three hours. He identified the two as certain Manny and Max. Also recovered in the area were one M16 rifle and one M14 rifle and five improvised landmines. “Amidst being outnumbered, our troops were still able to drive away more or less 60 members of the NPA”, he said.

 

Borja disclosed that two civilians were also wounded identified as Grace Buayaban Malisa, 22 years old, who was hit in her right tricep and Adela Tomas Madanlo, 46 years old, who was wounded in her right stomach and both her feet and legs due to shrapnel. He also revealed that one of the victims was shot by the NPAs based on initial interview. “She said that when one of the NPAs pointed her the gun, she raised her hand saying she was a civilian pleading to spare her, but the rebel still shot her”, he said but failed to name the victim.

 

“This act is clearly out of their frustration to stop the success of Maco in gaining peace and development. They attacked government forces without considering the presence of civilians that may be caught in between crossfire”, Borja said.

More help for Pantukan Victims

As President Noynoy Aquino extends his condolences to the families of victims in the massive landslide in Barangay King-king, Pantukan, Compostela Valley Province, joint efforts both from the national and local government and stakeholders became evident.

In a press conference on Monday, April 25, 2011, National Defense Secretary Voltaire T Gazmin , Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ramon Paje, ComVal Province Governor Arturo Uy, Pantukan Mayor Celso Sarenas, Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command Lt Gen Artur Tabaquero, 10th Infantry Division Commander MGen Jorge Segovia and 1001st Brigade Commander Col Roberto Domines converge to talk about the recent updates in the retrieval operations and the forced evacuation.

According to Sec. Paje, they were sent by the president to personally verify the situation in the area.

“The president wants to know on how to comprehensively handle the situation”, Paje added. He made sure that the residents will be relocated to ensure their safety especially after the discovery of a 70-meter fissure that could possibly result to another tragedy if rainfalls continue.

Governor Arturo Uy elucidates that he will impose no habitation in the area for the other portion of the mountain may collapse anytime.

“We will continue in searching for the other missing persons. We will not stop unless we find all the victims who might have been buried in mud”, Mayor Celso Sarenas said.

Lt Gen Tabaquero said that they will continue their efforts in assisting the agencies to continue the search and retrieval operations. “Until you need our help, we will help”, he assured.

Sec. Gazmin was pleased with the cooperation among agencies both from the national and local government. “All agencies were involved in helping together for this mission and not just the concerned agencies”, he added.

Locals flooded the area as they also want to extend help in the search and retrieval operations. Although this would hasten the operation, the local government forcibly wants them to evacuate immediately for their own safety.
Meanwhile, MGen Jorge Segovia said that insurgency has been a detriment for the small-scale miners forcing them to rely in mining despite danger just to alleviate their living. He also added that insurgency is formed in mining thru extortion which has been affecting the miners.

“There are NPA units in Pantukan of which three barangays were affected already by them”, Segovia said who was also present in the conference. He added that they will determine this to properly address the matter.

“We will strengthen our Peace and Development Outreach Program to this area as part of our program in winning peace”, he ended.