Agusan lumads line streets to honor slain mayor

LORETO, Agusan del Sur---At least a thousand of lumads (indigenous people) line the streets to pay respects to the slain mayor of this hinterland town who was brought back here for a 3-day mourning on Friday (October 23).

A 30-vehicle convoy that carried the remains of Mayor Dario Otaza, 53, and his 27-yr old son, Daryl,  left Bollozos Funeral Homes in Butuan City at around 8:00am. Among those who accompanied the group were local officials, members of the security forces and lumad leaders.

In Bunawan town, students of a public school joined the estimated 300 people who released white balloons as the vehicles passed by.

Mayor Edwin Cox Elorde, Bunawan town’s chief executive, said that Otaza is one of the best leaders in the province.

“He has accomplished so much in his 2-year stint as town mayor. Aside from his successful implementation of badly needed infrastructure projects, he was also able to convince at least 250 NPA members to lay down their arms and go back to mainstream society,” said Elorde, a close relative of Otaza.

As the convoy approached Loreto town at around 2:45 pm, more and more people took to the streets, waving white flaglets to pay their respects to the Manobo leader who gave them hope and inspiration.

Hundreds more residents patiently waited at the town hall as the hearse carrying the coffins entered the premises at around 3:20pm. River of tears flowed as six pallbearers transferred the coffins at the receiving area of the town’s administration building.

Mayor Salimar Mondejar of Veruela town said that Otaza was a big loss for the Manobo tribe and the indigenous people as a whole. He said that it is time for the lumads to be united for peace.

“We are all brothers. We should not kill each other to push our our own beliefs and purposes,” said Mondejar who is himself a lumad.

Murder raps

Also on Friday, the provincial police has filed a string of criminal cases such as kidnapping, robbery and murder against NPA personalities at the City Prosecutor’s Office in Butuan City.

Cpt Patrick Martinez, the spokesperson of the Army’s 4^th Infantry Division, said that among those who are currently facing criminal cases are Rene Catarata (Hector Tindugan) and 7 others who were known only through their aliases (Mar, Janib, Cyrus, Thursday, Charlie, Max, and, Igan/Noel. A certain Leonardo Cancamo, the owner of the Starex van that was used by the NPA, was also included in the charge sheet.

Martinez said that the affidavits of the witnesses were taken by police investigators and were reviewed by Hon. Nemeson Canete, the DOJ prosecutor.

NPA lumads

In another development, the Army’s 10^th Infantry Division based in Compostela Valley reported that 5 lumad leaders of the New People’s Army have recently surrendered to its subordinate line units. Captain Ryan Batchar, the division spokesperson said that among those who surrendered on October 20 are known by their aliases as Idol, Ian, John-john, and Anjie.

Lumad groups are currently fighting a faction of their fellow lumads who have remained with the NPA. As of today, the Army has accounted at least 360 lumads who had been killed by the New People’s Army since 1988. 

It can be recalled that there were lumads in CARAGA region who joined the NPA after signing the Magdel-ay agreement in 1994 but most of them bolted out of the armed group after the NPA cancelled the agreement in 2004 due to disagreements over the control of resources inside the ancestral domain

Lumads flee after NPA bandits murdered their tribal chieftain

NPA VICTIMS. Members of the Talaandig tribe took refuge in a temporary shelter in Cabanglasan town, Bukidnon after escaping from the NPA bandits who attacked and killed their tribal chieftain in  their hinterland community in Agusan del Sur on October 3, 2015. They walked for at least 10 days before reaching this village in Bukidnon. (8th Infantry Battalion photo)

Immediately after the brutal killing of their revered datu (tribal chieftain) on October 3, 2015,  Talaandig tribesmen hastily abandoned their homes in La Paz town, Agusan del Sur, making it a ghost town. 

Datu Manlomakad (a.k.a. Lilongan Bucalas), the acting tribal leader,  said that he led the adults in gathering the women and children as  more or less 200 heavily-armed NPA bandits stormed their community in  Katalawan village. 

"We were very scared after witnessing the death of Datu Manhadukan Sandigan. We had no other option but to run and save ourselves from the NPA killers.". 

Datu Manlomakad led his tribe during their 'great escape' from the NPA bandits who attacked their community on October 3, 2015. (8th Inf Bn photo)

He said that the NPA wanted to terrorise them because of their non-cooperation.

"They brutally killed our tribal chieftain who was unarmed and helpless. They punished him with death for continuously refusing to support the NPA," he said.

Great escape

Without any belongings, 86 lumads (indigenous people) escaped from their NPA attackers by rushing towards the thick foliage amidst the chaos and confusion. They were traumatised by the gruesome killing of their datu who became the 11th NPA victim  from their tribe since 1992. 

Avoiding established footpaths, Datu Manlomakad narrated that they walked through the dense jungle without any food provisions. They arrived in Freedom village in Cabanglasan town, Bukidnon on October 13.

"We survived on anything that we found edible along the way. We are happy that we were able to reach the homes of our relatives here in Cabanglasan."

Lt. Col Lennon Babilonia, the Commanding Officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion, immediately dispatched a team of soldiers to assist the local government in providing support for the distraught lumads.

He said that Datu Manhadukan is the third NPA victim in a month. In September 2015, two lumads from the Talaandig tribe were killed by  NPA bandits while gathering food in a forested area in Valencia, Bukidnon.

"We are saddened by these senseless violence against the lumads who refused to join the New People's Army. We will provide support to the local authorities who are now attending the needs of the evacuees," he said. 

NPA atrocities

Manlomakad said that the NPA bandits started attacking their community about twenty years ago because of their refusal to join the armed group.  

Feeling helpless against the heavily armed bandits, Manlomakad is pleading for help from the government. As the new tribal leader, he could be the NPA's next target.

"We are asking the help from our government to protect us from the  New People's Army. We only want to live peacefully while preserving our way of life and culture," said Manlomakad.

The AFP has accounted at least 360 lumads who had been killed by the New People's Army since 1988. 

The most notable NPA atrocity happened in Digos, Davao del Sur on June 25, 1989 when at least 40 people were massacred by NPA bandits led by Amado Payot a.k.a. Benzar. 

Mindanao tribal leaders to settle kidnapping incident using customary laws

Tribal members of the Langilan Manobo tribe perform a traditional dance in their hinterland community in Kapalong town, Davao del Norte. Using threats and intimidation, the CPP-NPA-NDF hauled members of the tribe to UCCP Compound in Davao City where they also found some of their relatives from Sitio Inayaman in San Fernando, Bukidnon. (5CRG Photo)

SAN FERNANDO, Bukidnon— The tribal leaders of the hinterland community here have requested the government authorities to allow the Tribal Council resolve the hostage-taking incident that transpired here.

During a press conference that was facilitated by the local government and the Eastern Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines at the municipal hall 11:00am today, Jose Baon, the village chief of Bgy San Jose asked the military to let the different Manobo tribes solve the problem.

“The military must not intervene as of now. We want to solve the disputes using our customary laws wherein tribal leaders will settle the problem caused by the abduction of the 4 members,” said Baon.

He said that he has not received any information as to the latest whereabouts of the kidnap victims  including Danilo Angkomog, Jovanie Angkomog, Datu Kalumpot Dalun and Datu Nanding Dungutan.

The victims were the principal witnesses of the human trafficking case that was filed against the orchestrators of human trafficking incident wherein at least 1, 200 people ended up being detainees inside the UCCP Haran Compound in Davao City.

Danilo Angkomog is the brother of Tata Angkomog-Lundia who killed herself in May 2015 weeks after the death of her husband Lolong, one of the detainees who were locked up inside the UCCP compound for months.

Danilo was the one who adopted the four children of his sister after her death. He was one of the faces of the complainants that can be seen in the Youtube documentary “Mourning of Mornings”.

Danilo Angkomog, 45, of Inayaman village, San Jose, San Fernando, Bukidnon is one of the  four tribal members who were abducted by the New People's Army on August 1, 2015. He signed a complaint affidavit narrating the deceptive tactics used by the CPP-NPA-NDF in luring them to move towards UCCP Haran Compound in Davao City early this year.

Jimmy Lacubay, the Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) for San Jose village has expressed his concern about the impact of possible rescue operations by members of the security forces.

“Many people in our community are scared that the New People’s Army might take drastic actions against the victims if the soldiers will launch a manhunt operations against the perpetrators. We would like to solve the problem in our level first,” he said.

It can be recalled that the tribal leader of the Langilan-Manobo Tribe of Kapalong, Datu Nestor Apas in an interview said that they are expecting the NPAs to release the kidnapped victims yesterday.

In a separate interview that was held in Davao City, Datu Nestor Apas, a Tribal Council members from Kapalong town said that he received some information about the NPA’s demands.

“The New People’s Army sent a message to us, demanding the withdrawal of the Human Trafficking cases filed against PASAKA, KARAPATAN, BAYAN and other non-governmental organizations which are involved in the induced evacuation of people from upland communities,” said Apas.

“Our Bagani (tribal warrior) is now handling the problem concerning the kidnap victims using our own customary laws that are respected by the indigenous people,” he added.

During his exit briefing at the Operations Center of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Center (NDRRMC) on July 30, 2015, Dr. Chaloka Beyani said that the indigenous people were manipulated. 

This is the summary of his statement:

“When we asked them about the circumstances in which they left their areas to go to that location, they say that they were at risk of forced recruitment into Alamara and their movement to that area was in protest in relation to the presence of Alamara and military activities.  So they wanted to make a point that this is what is happening. But having been there for some time, I think they got manipulated. Their situation is now vulnerable. I think it is of utmost importance that you send some mutual agents that act as… and do negotiations with them, reach an understanding with them.  And we believe that solutions can actually be reached in that way, in a way that meets everyone’s expectations. But again, we’re quite clear that neither the AFP nor the PNP has responsibility primarily for what happened."

Army soldiers kill 2 NPA bandits in Samar island

In this file photo, a military chopper conducts aerial reconnaissance over Samar island which was also badly hit by supertyphoon Yolanda (intl name: Haiyan) in November 2013. A small group of NPA bandits are still challenging the peace and security of the province despite the government's call for peaceful resolution to the four decades-long armed conflict. (Photo by Lt Col Harold M Cabunoc)

MATUGUINAO, SAMAR-  Two members of the NPA bandit group were killed in a clash with an Army patrol in an upland village of Mahayag here late afternoon on Monday, May 26.

Lt. Col. Glen Calambuhay, the Commanding Officer of the 43rd Infantry Battalion, said that a platoon-size of his troops were conducting security operations in the hinterlands of this town when they were fired upon by unspecified number of bandits at around 5:30pm. 

"My soldiers engaged the NPA bandits who were hiding in the bushes.  My unit's effective delivery of accurate fires caused the bandits to retreat in disarray, leaving behind two dead comrades and three high-powered firearms," said Calambuhay, a member of PMA 'Sambisig' Class of 1991.

The soldiers who scoured the encounter site confiscated three long firearms which were left behind by the fleeing bandits. The firearms haul include one Cal. 56mm M16 Rifle, one Cal 5.56mm M653 and one 40mm M203 Grenade Launcher.

No one was hurt among the operating elements who figured in the clash.

Major General Jet Velarmino, the Commander of the 8th Infantry Division lauded the unit for its latest accomplishment. 

However, he expressed his sympathy to the families and relatives of the NPA rebels who were killed. 

“It is very tragic that they have taken arms against the Filipino nation when only through peace can development and social justice be attained.” 

While some of the troops are conducting security patrols in bandit-infested hinterland villages, another group of soldiers are supporting the rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts of the government. 

Both of the Army's 801st and 802nd Brigade are collaborating with stakeholders in implementing community projects including the 'Bangka ng Buhay, Bunga ng Bayanihan' project that is funded by Metrobank Foundation Incorporated. 

This aerial photo shows the San Juanico Bridge that links the island provinces of Leyte and Samar. Both provinces are under the jurisdiction of the Army's 8th Infantry Division. (Photo by lt Col Harold M Cabunoc)

CRSAFP gets a new commander

Brigadier General Romeo Gan receives the command flag from Lt General Virgilio Domingo, the TDCS, as outgoing commander, BGen Rolando Jungco looks on. (Photo by Lt Col Harold M Cabunoc)

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City- A seasoned civil-military operations officer has assumed command of the AFP's Civil Relations Service during a simple turn over of command ceremony held here at 9:00am today.

Brigadier General Romeo Gan, 53, received the command flag from Lt Gen. Virgilio Domingo, the Deputy Chief of Staff. He is a member of PMA Class of 1983 where the Army chief, Lt Gen Hernando DCA Irriberri belongs.

Gan replaced Brigadier General Rolando Jungco who reached the mandatory retirement age of 56.  He had served in the same unit for ten years in various staff and command positions. 

In his acceptance speech, Gan vowed to pursue the plans and programs initiated by Jungco. He also proclaimed the CRS headquarters as a 'No smoking zone'. 

A paint artist and a peace advocate, Jungco is credited for the completion of the 'longest peace mural in the world' that can be found along the walls of Camp Aguinaldo.

"After my vacation, I will continue participating in various Bayanihan activities as a civilian and probably, as a military reservist. I will find more walls where I can paint peace murals like what we have in Camp Aguinaldo," he said. 

A member of PMA Class of 1982, Jungco thanked his subordinates, peace partners and family members for the support given him during his 16-month stint as CRS commander.

"I want to thank you all who supported me. I and my wife can now dedicate our lives for our 'apostolic duties'," he said. 

"Actually, what I meant is that we will take care of our apos (grandchildren) full time during my retirement," he said in jest.

Negros Oriental clash kills 4 NPA bandits

File photo shows Army soldiers resting after a combat training exercise in the field. (Photo by Lt Col Harold M Cabunoc)

TANJAY CITY- Four members of the New People's Army bandit group were killed after engaging the Army soldiers in a series of firefight in Sitio Pitawa, Sto. Nino village of this city on Saturday, May 24, at around 4:00 pm.

Lt Col Harold Anthony Pascua, the Commanding Officer of the Army's 79th Infantry Battalion dispatched a platoon of soldiers upon receiving a 'hot info' about the presence of heavily armed bandits.

"They were approaching the bandits' reported location when they were met with automatic fires. My troops retaliated and assaulted their positions, prompting them to flee," said Pascua.

"My soldiers pursued the bandits who dragged their wounded and dead comrades. The bandits were forced to leave behind four of their dead and one of their M16 Rifles," said Pascua. 

The soldiers had transported the cadavers of the bandits to the village center for proper identification. 

"These are our fellow Filipinos who are misguided by their leaders. I am saddened by their deaths but we have to do our job of protecting the people against their criminal acts," said Pascua. 

One soldier named Cpl Melbert Dapilaga was slightly wounded. He was immediately treated by the combat medic who was part of the patrol.

To ensure that they get immediate medical attention during firefights, the Army has issued Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK) for every soldier and the Combat Life Saver Kit (CLSK) at the platoon level. 

Sorsogon firefight kills 5 NPA bandits

MATNOG, Sorsogon- Five members of the NPA bandit group were killed after a clash with Army soldiers here at around 5:45am today (May 23). 

Brigadier General Joselito Kakilala, the Commander of the 903rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, said that he sent a combined elements of the 31st Infantry Battalion and the local police force in order to apprehend the suspects of an extortion activity in Sitio Hukdong, Balukawe village here. 

Kakilala said that the bandits fired their weapons upon seeing the members of the security forces, triggering an intense firefight. 

An hour-long running gun battle ensued when the bandits attempted to flee towards the bushes. 

"The security forces pursued the bandits using fire and maneuver until they splintered into small groups, leaving behind 5 dead comrades and 5 high-powered firearms. Two others were arrested when they were cornered by the operating troops," he said.  

Kakilala said that the troops accounted two Cal 5.56mm M16A1 Rifles, two Cal 5.56mm M653 Rifles, a 40mm Grenade Launcher, two MK2 fragmentation grenades, two improvised bombs, two tactical radios, a sniper scope and a laptop computer among the recovered items. 

A resident who came to the scene of the firefight named one of the fatalities as a certain Ka Randy, a ranking NPA leader. He also claimed that one of the arrested personalities was a PUP student who recently joined the armed group. 

Kakilala said that he is saddened by the NPA's continuous recruitment of young students from state universities. 

" I pity the parents of these poor young students who sent their children to school to pursue education. The NPA recruiters brainwashed them into embracing armed violence which is not the right way to solve social problems," said Kakilala, a Presidential Lingkod Bayan awardee and one of the recipients of The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS).

The dead bandits were brought to the village center to be identified by the residents before they are turned over to relatives. 

The arrested bandits were brought to the local police station for inquest proceedings. The suspects are facing a string of criminal cases including illegal possession of firearms and extortion.

No one was hurt among the members of the security forces.

Pre-new year bomb blast kills 7 people in Basilan

SUMISIP, Basilan--- An unidentified man detonated a bomb at a group of people who were preparing to celebrate the new year, killing 7 and wounding five others near a parish church in Tumahubong village here last night (December 31).

A resident who refused to be identified, said that the people were merry-making at a house of a CAFGU named Manuel Cisneros,  when they were startled by a powerful blast at around 10:00 pm.

"There was panic and confusion as we saw blooded victims and people screaming in pain. Five of them died instantly due to their injuries," he said. 

A platoon of soldiers belonging to the Army's 64th Infantry Battalion led by a certain 2nd Lt Herrera immediately responded to secure the crime scene.

The wounded people were initially brought to the military camp where they were given first aid treatment by the Army medics.

The Army also sent another group of soldiers  led by SSgt Gil Tayros to secure the airstrip for MEDEVAC. 

Seven of the wounded victims were airlifted by two UH-1H Huey Choppers towards Zamboanga City at around 2:00am.

Two of the severely injured victims including a child, later died after arriving at a hospital, bringing the death toll to 7. 

Five of those who died were identified by the police as Elbert Gomoba, Lourdes Ablong, Rey Limbin, Kitarul Kaddik and Lenieble Cisneros. 

The motive of the crime is still under investigation,  but some sources in this town claimed that the 'internal bickering' between the management and some members of the rubber plantation cooperative could be the main reason for carrying such a gruesome crime.

Another source said that Casineros could be the main target of the attack as he was involved in security operations against extortionists who wanted to collect money from the management. 

It can be recalled that a series of bloody attacks was carried out by heavily armed men against unarmed rubber tappers in 2012, killing at least six people and wounding at least twenty.

A small band of Al-Qaeda-inspired Abu Sayyaf Group has a presence in the outskirts of the town, particularly in the forested areas around Mt. Abong-abong in Baiwas village here.

The Abu Sayyaf Group has dwindled in numbers after a series of precision attacks carried out by the elite Scout Rangers who were deployed to hunt them down in the forested areas of Sampinit Complex.