OPAPP extends cash assistance to 3 Samar RRs

Catbalogan City (March 25) -- The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) yesterday extended cash assistance and livelihood fund to Erlinda Rosales, 59 a former NPA rebel.

OPAPP personnel who came to the 34th (Avenger) Battalion in Erenas, San Jorge led by Lt Col Jose B Gongona, (INF) GSC, PA were Florentino Somera, Mitz Teves and Jim Anaracion.

Rosales who learned sewing when she fled to Manila after discernment to break away from the NPA will use the amount to put up a seamstress shop.

She told PIA that she wanted to gather her grown up children and make up for her absence as a mother in their growing up years.

Rosales said she had no choice but to leave her kids to some relatives and just when she was ready to take them in, to start a new life, her children had almost shied away from her.

But the motherly love that she has, she will never give up until her children will feel the love she deprived them while she spent the best years of her life in the hills of Samar serving the NPAs, from 1980 to 2005.

Meanwhile, other Rebel returnees of 20IB, 8ID, PA Maricel Delorino Guno @ Mariz and Joel Ocasla Cabunas of 63IB also received immediate cash assistance (check) with the amount of Twenty Thousand Pesos (P20,000.00) also from OPAPP represented by Mr Florentino Somera Jr.

The simple awarding ceremony was held at the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office of Catarman, Northern Samar on 24 March 2010.

Maj Melecio Castillo (INF) PA, CMO Officer of the 803rd BDE, 1LT Rolito Sorilla (CAV) PA, CMO Officer, 20IB and Carmel Mejia, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer (PSWDO) Officer of Northern Samar stood as witnesses to the RRs change of heart as the government embraced them with support through the cash assistance. (PIA-Samar/34th IB and 1Lt R Sorilla)

By Ninfa B Quirante

Civilian support leads encounters against local terrorist groups

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City, Samar – Three more encounters of the Army’s 8^th Infantry Division against the notorious New People’s Army (NPA) was recorded for the past few days because of the relentless support from the local folks.

In the boundary of Brgys Magsaysay and Siljagon of Mapanas, Northern Samar elements of 63^rd Infantry Battalion under 2^nd Lieutenant Rey Acasio sparred against some ten (10) armed members of the terrorist NPA around 12:00 NN of March 27.

2^nd Lieutenant Acasio said that they were conducting a routine security patrol in the area when a certain folk from Brgy. Siljagon secretly informed them on the presence of armed men who passed along their barangay.

Without losing time, they went through the given direction where they encountered the reported armed group.

Meanwhile, around 9:50 A.M. of March 28, elements of 82^nd Division Reconnaissance Company under 1^st Lieutenant Bernie Jay Guerra encountered some 30 members of NPA in the boundary of Brgy. E. Duran, Bobon, Northern Samar and Brgy. Macatingog, Oquendo District of Calbayog City also following the tip from a civilian.

Moreover, around 4:20 yesterday afternoon, elements of 63IB under 1^st Lieutenant Ariel Rosuelo once again crossed their path against the terrorist group in the outskirt of Brgy. Inaguingayan, Pambujan, Northern Samar when information was received that the terrorist are conducting extortion activity in the said barangay.

Troops of Rosuelo managed to ran after the terrorists that were about to proceed towards the next barangay after extorting money in the previously mentioned barangay.

It ensued to a firefight for about 20 minutes before the rebels fled away dragging their wounded comrades.

One (1) terrorist was killed and one (1) caliber .45 pistol with loaded magazine assembly and volume of subversive document and campaign paraphernalia were recovered and undetermined numbers of wounded as evident of bloodstains left in the area while no reported hurt on the side of the government during the processes.

Major General Arthur I. Tabaquero, commander of 8^th Infantry Division once again commended his troops for the successful feats.

He then gave emphasis on the importance of collaboration between the civilians and the soldiers.

“As I have mentioned in the past, these successes can be attributed to our people. As for they are the reason why we exist, our services can be fully carried out if our people also show concern, first for the country and second for themselves,” he adds.

Although saddened that somebody’s life has once again sacrificed, Major General Tabaquero reminded everyone that as mandated by the constitution as the protector of the people and the state and to secure the sovereignty of the state and integrity of national territory, the 8ID is continuously conducting its traditional roles against local terrorist groups to prevent the continuance of their violent, destructive and terrorist activities being inflicted on the people.

“To our barangay folks, should some wounded NPA’s were brought to your attention for medication, please feel free to inform the immediate Army unit’s in your area for us to attend any medical support to them. We will not be hesitant to help them for they also have the right to receive medical services we give to our wounded soldiers,” Major General Tabaquero’s message to the civilian.

“And of course to our brothers and sisters whom I always considered as victims of Communist’s deceptive ploy, we can prevent worthless losing of lives if we will embrace the government’s means to re-integrate to our mainstream society. We can work hand a hand for a true and meaningful endeavor towards peace and development of Region 8,” he concluded. ###

Former rebels in Eastern Samar receive cash thru Social Integration Program

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City, Samar – 15 former members of terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) from different areas of Eastern Samar received an initial cash benefit of P20, 000 each under the Social Integration Program (SIP) of the government thru Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP), 10 A.M., Friday.

The simple awarding of check to the beneficiaries was conducted in the conference room of Eastern Samar’s Provincial Capitol in Borongan City.

Checks were personally handed over by Mr. Florentino Somera, Jr., Regional Coordinator of OPAPP in Region VIII to Mr. Rebamontan Gil, Provincial Social Works and Development Officer of Easterb Samar that were immediately awarded to the beneficiaries.

Col. Jaime Ferdinand Hidalgo, commanding officer of 14IB and Cpt. Sergio Sabiano, Jr., Civil-Military Operations officer of 801Bde were also present to witness the event.

Meanwhile, Mr. Somera Jr. said in his statement that the government will continue to review the said program in order to address the much needed support for the former rebels who returned to the folds of the law and to encourage more with the other rebels who are still in the underground movement to avail of the program.

Somera also said that the beneficiaries will also be receiving livelihood benefits that will be awarded as soon as the validation for their papers has completed.

This was the second time that the OPAPP awarded such benefits for the week.

It can be recalled that same activity was earlier conducted in Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office in Catarman, Northern Samar the other day where four (4) former rebels were also awarded with the same amount.

It was then withnessed by the CMO officers of 803Bde, 20IB and 63IB while Mrs. Carmen Mejia the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer of Northern Samar was the one who handed over the cash benefits to the former rebels.

Both PSWD officers of the two provinces assured the Army units and the OPAPP representatives to continuously assist the former rebels until they totally re-integrated in the society.

Moreover, Maj. Gen. Arthur I. Tabaquero, commanding general of the 8^th Infantry Division conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to all stakeholders who shared their part and support to increase the numbers of rebels who turned their backs against the sole reason why peace and development of the country is hardly achieved.

Maj. Gen. Tabaquero is also optimistic that with the increasing number of rebels who are showing interest to follow the track of their former comrades in going back to the womb of the government, sooner or later, Samar and Leyte provinces will also be declared insurgency free just like Bohol and Cebu which will further boost up its economic condition.

In his concluding statement, he once again called upon the brothers and sisters whom he considered as victims of deceptive mode of the communist terrorists to lay down their arms, and return to the main stream society for a genuine peace and democracy to further improve the region towards development.###

Matuguinao slay, an NPA’s second attempt

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City, Samar – The recently reported massacre in Brgy. Bag-otan, Matuguinao, Samar perpetrated by the terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) that had taken two lives while wounding another one was the NPA’s second attempt against Dela Cruz’s family.

The first attempt happened in the same place sometime in 2007. Luckily, the ghastly bullets from the angry high powered fire arms of the terrorist then never caused them to early vanish.

According to the conversant, the terrorist were eyeing the Dela Cruz family for not giving any of their demands.

This was the reason why they were suspected to be assets of the military and allegedly providing information about the terrorist’s activities and whereabouts.

That’s why in an early morning of March 21, the NPA’s second attempt thrived.

Doming and Junie dela Cruz, 50 and 22 years old respectively and are father and son who suffered gunshots all over their body that caused their instant death while the couple Juvic, 24 and Mylene, 20 and their son Josua, 2 managed to survive the incident.

Mylene is now recovering in the hospital while the dead bodies were already buried in Matuguinao public cemetery.

In an interview with Juvic, one of the survivors, he revealed that the terrorist also hacked his father and brother’s dead body to assure their death.

The family of the victims is seeking support from any concerned individuals or group to assist them in the deepest grief they are now experiencing.

May the Karapatan, Katungod-SB, Sagupa-SB, Bayan Muna, Gabriela, Anakbayan and allies to enjoin the family, religious groups and peace advocates in condemning this barbaric act.

Terrorist NPA massacres a family, 2 killed, wounding another

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City, Samar – Two lives were vehemently taken as another one in a critical condition after the terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) massacred a family in Brgy. Bag-otan, Matuguinao, Samar yesterday morning.

The victims were reportedly identified as Doming and Junie dela Cruz, 50 and 22 years old respectively who suffered gunshots all over their body that caused their instant death while Mylene dela Cruz who were rushed to Poblacion Matuguinao for medication.

Based on the initial investigation, the victims while sleeping in their rest hut somewhere in their farm were perturbed by the successive fires from high caliber fire arms of four (4) unidentified members of notorious NPA led by Artemio dela Cruz alias Ato who were wearing bonnet.

The 83^rd Division Reconnaissance Company of the Army’s 8^th Infantry Division immediately sent out troops to augment the PNP in pursuing the perpetrators.

Major General Arthur I. Tabaquero, 8ID’s commander said that the act can only be done by the Godless and evil people and should pay not only to the people’s law but more so to the Divine Law of God.

The 8ID strongly condemns in the strongest possible terms this newest inhumane act of the terrorist NPA.

Different sector of localities that legitimately look after the respect for human rights also condemn such evil works.

It can be recalled that in early February, an innocent farmer known as Arman Diaz of Brgy. Madoroto of same municipality was also mercilessly slain by the terrorist in front of his children and wife and afterwards dragged and exhibited at the center of barangay plaza.

On March 15, a certain Luis Durico, Chairman of brgy. Genaronagan, Lope de Vega in Northern Samar was also brutally slaughtered by the terrorist with his body also dragged and brought at the center of barangay and beheaded in front of family and constituents.

These animalistic acts of NPA in terrorizing the civilian to solicit support are already well known tricks that are being used long before time.

History speaks that countless violation of human rights were recorded but as if the progressive party-lists and cause oriented groups who are shouting for a genuine human rights were voiceless and effortless.

This is a serious matter that Karapatan, Katungod-SB, Sagupa-SB, Bayan Muna, Gabriela, Anakbayan and allies must look into. Where are they now? Aren’t they going to condemn this unpardonable act that the NPA has recently committed?

The victim’s families are crying for justice, that if ever such justice will prevail, the lives that were taken by the terrorists can no longer be retrieved.###

PGMA visits San Jose De Buan, Samar inaugurates KBP projects

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City, Samar – Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo visited the interior municipality of San Jose de Buan, Samar, yesterday morning.

Aboard presidential chopper, PGMA landed at San Jose de Buan Elementary School quadrangle where all students, teachers, parents, local officials, PNP and Army were excitingly waiting.

The visit of PGMA in SJDB gave more encouragement to the localities since the said municipality is still a developing municipality.

PGMA inaugurated six (4) KBP projects such as the two (2) units of school building, two (2) health centers and two (2) street lighting projects, all constructed by the Army Engineers since civilian contractors hesitated to accept the said projects because of security concerns.

It can be recalled that SJDB was known to be highly influenced by the terrorist NPA about few years ago where encounters between the terrorist and the military were just ordinary.

Mayor Melania Rebato attributed the new SJDB (as what she described) to the military and PNP who untiringly performed their mandated task to secure their people and municipality. She especially mentioned the Social Integration Program (SIP) of the government that gives second chance and a new life to the former rebels.

She also said that if she will assess the improvement of peace and order in her municipality, she is assured of about 70% to 80% better as compared to the previous years.

She also stated that with the cooperation of the localities and the local officials to the law enforcers and to the military, development in SJDB was given priority.

Improvement of access roads and highways are another projects being hoped for by the mayor for according to her, the economy of his municipality will continue to boom if they have more improved roads and highways.

Meanwhile, Major General Arthur I Tabaquero, commander of Army’s 8^th Infantry Division who is operationally responsible for the peace and order in Region 8 said in a separate interview that his Division will continue to make necessary actions in order to totally eradicate causes why development is hardly infused in the area.

“Through the 34^th Infantry Battalion, your Army will continue to coordinate with the municipal officials so as the peace and development is concerned”, Major General added.

“The only factor that affects why a certain place is very hard to develop is the peace and order situation. And now that the support of the civilian entities and other stakeholders are visibly seen and felt, we can guarantee that the insurgents in the area are soon be dismantled”, he sounded.

He also said that PGMA might not have inaugurated KBP projects in San Jose de Buan if the people allowed the local terrorist group to sabotage and destroy all equipment and materials during its implementation.

“May I take this opportunity to bring forth to other community to call for their continued share of support in order to totally achieve our prime goal in the province, and that is development”, Major General Tabaquero concluded.###

14IB encounters anew recovers M16 rifle

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City, Samar – The Army’s 14^th Infantry Battalion’s new clash against the terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) in the boundary of Brgys. Magsaysay and Roxas both of Mac Arthur, Eastern Samar around 5:45 this morning left one (1) killed on the enemy and a recovered one (1) M16 rifle.

Report reaching to this headquarters disclosed that while the troops of 1^st Lieutenant Mario Josue, Jr., commanding officer of 14IB’s Alfa Company was conducting a community works, received a text message from an undisclosed sender that some armed members of local terrorist group will be conducting extortion activities in the nearby barangays.

Responding to the report, 1Lt Josue allegedly proceeded to the mentioned barangays to provide security.

When troops reached the boundary of Brgys Magsaysay and Roxas, some five (5) armed men who believed to be members of SSk1, SECCOM NE, ESPPC of the Eastern Vizayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) under Gavino Guarino alias Mael crossed their way that immediately resulted to a firefight.

Exchange of fire lasted for 30 minutes that ensued to the recovery of one (1) M16 rifle, three (3) magazines with live ammos and the killing of one (1) terrorist while wounding several others.

No reported hurt in the government troops.

Meanwhile, Major General Arthur I Tabaquero, commander of 8ID expressed his appreciation for the continuous show of concern and support being tendered by the local folks.

“The successful feat of the Army in our province can be attributed to the full support of the civilians. While I congratulate the troops for the successful performance of their duty, may I also congratulate our civilians who are one way or another help accomplish our mission,” Major General Tabaquero added.

“This is not just an accomplishment of the 8ID. This is also an accomplishment of a united mind and body of all concerned individuals, agency and stakeholders who are pursuing peace and development for the province”, the good General concluded.

Colonel Jaime Hidalgo, commanding officer of 14IB continued their directed his troops to conduct pursuit operation to track down the fleeing terrorist. He is also optimistic that with the support of the civilians, the remnants of the defunct terrorist group in his area will soon be eliminated. #JGM#

8ID troopers continue to thrive against terrorists

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City, Samar – a day after the successful encounters of the Army’s 14^th and 63^rd Infantry Battalions that resulted to the recovery of high powered firearms, another successes had marked the Division’s ISO campaign last March 20.

In the vicinity of Brgy Cagmanaba, Jipapad, Eastern Samar, 14IB once again successfully sparred against the terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) when they encountered some unidentified numbers of rebels around 11:30 A. M.

Accordingly, troops under 2^nd Lieutenant Alejandro Orina was conducting a security patrol when an undisclosed civilian approached and informed them on the presence of armed men allegedly encamping in the outskirts of barangay.

2Lt Orina diverted their routes towards to the mentioned area where they confirmed and intercepted the reported armed men which immediately resulted to a firefight.

Exchange of fires ensued for about 20 minutes before the rebels fled away dragging their wounded comrades while leaving one (1) dead.

Also left in the area of encounter were one (1) M16 rifle, one (1) M14 rifle, one (1) Garrand rifle, other war materiel, food stuffs, and a volume of subversive document and election posters and leaflets for their supported candidates.

No reported hurt on the side of the government.

Meanwhile, an improvised M16 rifle was recovered by the elements of Luneta CAFGU detachment in the residence of certain Sayong Manriza at Sitio Aliwanag, Luneta, Lapaz, Leyte same day.

Earlier to the incident, information was received by the said detachment that an alleged wounded NPA is being kept by the Manriza.

Together with the Brgy Officials and Tanods, the troops searched the said residence that made them recover the said war item.

With these feats, Major General Arthur I. Tabaquero, commander of 8^th Infantry Division reiterated his previous statement commending the collaborative effort of the civilians to the soldiers.

“I once again attributed these successes to our people whom we are mandated to serve for this is a unified accomplishment of both Army and civilian. Our people deserved to be congratulated for a job very well done,” he uttered.

“Though we are gaining grounds against the terrorist, I am also saddened to note that somebody’s life has to be sacrificed.”

“I once again call upon our brothers and sisters whom I considered victims of Communist’s deceptive ploy to embrace the governments means to re-integrate to our mainstream society in order to delimit the lost of lives through armed struggle,” said Major General Tabaquero.###

8ID gains two fire arms killing one terrorist

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City, Samar – The Army’s 8th Infantry Division recovered two (2) high powered firearms and killed one terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) in a two separate encounters in the municipalities of Mac Arthur, Eastern Samar and Las Navas, Northern Samar, yesterday.

In Eastern Samar, troops under 1Lt Mario Josue, commanding officer of the 14th Infantry Battalion’s Alfa Company were conducting community works when they received a text message from an unknown sender that some armed members of local terrorist group will be conducting extortion activities in the nearby barangays.

1Lt Josue allegedly proceeded to the mentioned barangays to provide security.

Around 5:45 in the morning when they reached the boundary of Brgys. Magsaysay and Roxas both of Mac Arthur, Eastern Samar where they encountered some five (5) armed men who believed to be members of SSk1, SECCOM NE, ESPPC of the Eastern Vizayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) under Gavino Guarino alias Mael crossed their way that immediately resulted to a firefight.

After about 30 minutes of firefight, rebel scampered to different directions leaving one dead unidentified rebel and one (1) M16 rifle with three (3) magazines containing live ammos.

No reported hurt in the government troops.

In Northern Samar, an M16 rifle was also recovered by the government troops when the elements of Charlie Company, 63rd Infantry Battalion led by 1Lt Tuguinay Agoy responded from the civilian’s tip regarding some unidentified armed men that were conducting extortion activities in Brgys. Capoto-an and Sagod of Las Navas.

This resulted to a 15-minute firefight against the armed terrorist that resulted to the recovery of one (1) M16 rifle and wounding several others.

These successful feats caused Major General Arthur I Tabaquero, commander of 8ID to express his appreciation to the civilian populace for the continuous show of concern and support.

He also said that the successive successes of the troops can be attributed to the full support of the civilians. “While I congratulate the troops for the successful performance of their duty, may I also congratulate our civilians who are one way or another help accomplish our mission,” Major General Tabaquero uttered.

“Election is fast approaching. This is the reason why the terrorist is doubling their effort in extortion activities in order to gain much finances for their selfless agenda. May I take this opportunity to remind our people not to give any sort of support to these terrorist in order to pave the way towards our dreams of a peaceful Region,” he added.

He also said that it is not just an accomplishment of the 8ID. This is also an accomplishment of a united mind and body of all concerned individuals, agency and stakeholders who are pursuing peace and development for the province. #JGM#

Army troopers exhume victims of NPA’s “Oplan Ahos-Zombie”

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City, Samar – An untold graveyard of the NPA’s famous “Oplan Ahos” was uncovered by the Army’s 63rd Infantry Battalion at So. Hepat, Brgy. Cajecsan, Mondragon, Northern Samar, in the afternoon of March 6.

Report reaching to this office from Ltc Joel M Paloma, CO, 63IB disclosed that the graveyard was discovered following a tip from civilian who have personal knowledge on the atrocities carried out by the terrorist sometime in 1980 as a result of their nationwide anti-DPA campaign.

Four skeletal remains were exhumed from three different shallow pits of about a hundred meters apart.

With the assistance of the local PNP and barangay officials, elements of 63IB exhumed the said skeletal remains for the family to give more decent burial.

Dug up from the first pit is the skeletal remains that later identified as Modoy Martirez of Brgy. Cajecsan; Esmen Adriasola of Brgy San Agustin in the second pit while the father and son Francisco and Roque Tulin of So. Canawa, Brgy. Mirador owned the third pit.

As of press time, troops is continuously conducting search and retrieval operation for more possible skeletal remains in the area in order to assist the victim’s family in giving decent burial to their love ones.

According to Lt. Col. Joel Paloma, “63IB will continue to provide any possible help or assistance in order to give the victims a full justice.”
“This is a clear manifestation of human rights violation that must definitely be given due attention and make the people or group behind this pay their blood debt against the law”, Lt. Col. Paloma added.

Meanwhile, this incident call for the commander of 8ID, Maj. Gen. Arthur I Tabaquero to appeal to the local folks particularly those living in far flung areas to work hand-in-hand with the Army in order to unveil the mystery behind the atrocities of the Communist Terrorists.

Remains of certain Modoy Martirez recovered in the grave site vicinity of Brgy. Cahecsan, Mondragon, NSamar.

NPA rebel yields firearm re-experiences true democracy

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City, Samar – Hardship, hunger, insecurity, false hope and discouragement are just some of the numerous reasons enunciated by the former rebel after he decided to voluntarily submit himself to one of the members of the Charlie Company of the Army’s 19^th Infantry Battalion, 12:30 P.M., Friday.

Reports disclosed that Lemy Oronuz, 23 years old, known to be Joshua in the underground movement belongs to Pingkoy Platoon of the Front Committee Leyte. He is a resident of Brgy. Oguesan, Mac Arthur, Leyte and stayed in the NPA organization for reasonable years.

According to Orunuz, he can no longer withstand with the torment that he and his comrades are experiencing in the underground movement to include their long awaited realization of the promises they received when they were recruited.

Orunuz also said that his other comrades are already showing their intention to follow his footsteps of going out into the open to re-experience the true democracy that was long deprived by the party and the movement.

He also added that they are being encouraged by the testimonies of their former comrades who already availed the government’s Social Integration Program (SIP) which further negated their belief in the lies that whoever will surrender will be killed by the military.

Orunuz voluntarily submitted himself to 19IB soldier bringing along his issued M16 rifle with three long and three short magazines loaded with live ammunitions.

With this development, 8ID Commander, Maj. Gen. Arthur I. Tabaquero assured Orunuz of his security while his name is immediately enrolled in the SIP program.

“I personally appreciated the right move and decision done by Lemy. He is still young and he can do more with his age and correct the wrong decision in the past and can still make his future brighter”, Maj. Gen. Tabaquero added.

“I reiterate my previous call to our brothers in the underground movement whom I considered victim, to follow the good decision done by Lemy and make their future more fruitful. I also enjoin other agencies, people’s organization, local government units and cause oriented and progressive groups to share their part in our advocacy to stop insurgency that serves as the sole reason why the province’s peace and development is at stake.” Maj. Gen. Tabaquero concluded.