Abu Sayyaf frees kidnapped Filipina businesswoman

From the Mindanao Examiner BlogSpot site (Dec 24): Abu Sayyaf frees kidnapped Filipina businesswoman





Military photos show Michelle Panes being attended December 24, 2014 by medical staffs at a hospital in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner)

Abu Sayyaf rebels have freed a businesswoman on Christmas Eve after four months in captivity in the southern Philippines.

Michelle Panes, who was kidnapped in Zamboanga City in August, has been released in Sulu’s Talipao town at around 9 a.m. after her family reportedly paid a still undetermined amount of ransom.

Panes was recovered by civilians wandering in the village and handed her over to local officials who contacted the military and informed them about the safe release of the woman.

She was brought to a military base in the capital town of Jolo where she underwent a routine medical check up before being transported by a helicopter to the Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City where her anxious family was waiting.
The military did not release any statement about the release of the woman, but media reports quoted top brass as saying that the continued operation against the Abu Sayyaf may have contributed to the release of Panes.

Panes was kidnapped by at least 9 gunmen – some of them clad in military uniform - who barged inside the family store at the market area in the coastal village of Labuan.

Her husband, Noel Panes, was nearly taken by the kidnappers as the gang dragged her wife to a waiting speedboat.

http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/12/abu-sayyaf-frees-kidnapped-filipina.html

Rebels seize jail warden in Philippines

From the Mindanao Examiner Blogspot site (Dec 24): Rebels seize jail warden in Philippines



New People’s Army rebels have seized a jail warden in the southern Philippines where security forces are battling the communist group for many decades now, police said on Wednesday.

Police said the Jose Coquilla was heading to church with his wife on a private vehicle when rebels intercepted them late Tuesday in the village of Santo Niño in Panabo City in Davao del Norte province.

Coquilla’s wife Beth was freed by rebels, but the motive of the abduction is still unclear and there was no immediate statement from the separatist rebels.

The abduction of Coquilla came a day after rebels clashed with troops in Agusan del Sur’s Buenavista town. The rebels were planting a homemade bomb on the village of Rizal when patrolling soldiers spotted them and a firefight ensued.

Another NPA bomb was also recovered by troops in the village called Don Panaca in North Cotabato’s Magpet town.

The rebels have been waging a separatist war in the country for many decades now in an effort to put up a communist state.

http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/12/rebels-seize-jail-warden-in-philippines.html

NPA officer warns of attacks

From the Manila Times (Dec 23): NPA officer warns of attacks

Filipino communist insurgents on Tuesday accused the military of breaking its own unilateral truce following continued operations against the New People’s Army in southern Philippines.

Simon Santiago, a rebel spokesman, said combat forces under the Eastern Mindanao Command have launched offensive operations in several areas in Davao City, Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, North Cotabato and Agusan del Sur.

“The continued troops deployment, build-up and hamletting in those areas belie the claim made by the US-Aquino regime in declaring a ceasefire during the traditional Christmas season. The presence of the troops in these areas does not appear to be risk-free, undisruptive or inoffensive, but comprises actual offensive maneuvers within and in the periphery of guerrilla territories,” Santiago said.

He added that soldiers found outside of detachments and outposts shall be treated as legitimate targets of the New People’s Army.

Santiago said the Maoist rebel forces under the Southern Mindanao Regional Command remain on “active defensive mode” as it complies with the Communist Party of the Philippines’ designated truce on December 24, 25 and 26, and from December 31 to January 1, 2015.

Santiago said the NPA truce is also in effect during the papal visit in the Philippines on January 15 to 19, 2015.

The NPA, which has been fighting for decades for the establishment of a Maoist state in the country, recently freed two captured soldiers Pfc. Alvin Ricarte and Cpl. Benjamin Enot Samano to Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, who helped negotiate for their freedom in Montevista town in Compostela Valley province.

However, it is still holding captive Privates Marnel Cinches and Jerrel Yurong, PO3 Democrito Polvorosa, PO1 Marichel Contemplo and PO1 Junrie as prisoners of war in the restive region.

http://www.manilatimes.net/npa-officer-warns-attacks/150975/

15th IB Kalinga sa Bayan Program benefits Lanao Norte school children

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 23): 15th IB Kalinga sa Bayan Program benefits Lanao Norte school children

Around 300 school children from various schools in the municipality of Poona Piagapo, Lanao del Norte, participated in the Kalinga Sa Bayan Program.

Dubbed as ‘A Gathering of Heroes,’ the 2-day event conducted at the municipal gymnasium at Barangay Pened, Poona Piagapo, was initiated by the 15th Infantry (Molave Warrior) Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army, in cooperation with the Local Government Unit of Poona Piagapo, the  Department of Education (DepEd), and the Philippine Drugs Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

Lt Col Leomar Jose M. Doctolero, commanding officer of the 15th Infantry Battalion, said they aimed at training the children and youth, ages ranging from 5 years old to 18 years old, from the 26 barangays, this municipality, to become responsive, responsible, useful, and productive citizens to be able to contribute in the development of the community as change agents.

Doctolero said the activity is also in partnership with Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation, Lanao Development Team, and Christar of the Philippines, Inc.

Activities on the first day, Dec. 20, included orientation and sessions on Gawad Kalinga, Lakas ng Pagbabago and Bayani Challenge and highlighted with Kalinga Night.

On the second day, Dec. 21, included activities like early morning exercises, empowerment session, puppet show, story-telling, dancing, singing, film showing with morale values and lessons, and drug symposium.

In the drug symposium, Rosemarie Bajao of PDEA made a power point presentation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Part of the presentation was film showing on the negative effects of illegal drugs viewed by participants aged 14 years old and above. Bajao also stressed the role of PDEA in enforcing the drugs law, which is to reduce illegal drugs supply as well as reduce illegal drugs demand and embark on a campaign of advocacy and help in the rehabilitation of the illegal drugs users.

The Molave Warrior Band of the 15th IB provided the musical entertainment. In the afternoon was the distribution of certificate of participation and appreciation in making the affair a resounding success. The school children enjoyed most the servings of ice cream provided by the organizers of the program.

Municipal Mayor Farhana R. Palawan on her part expressed her appreciation to the 15th IB  and the civilians who were responsible for making the Kalinga Sa Bayan in Poona Piagapo a reality. Also, DepEd District Supervisor Ammilee A. Sanggacala said they were grateful to the 15th IB, of this initiative to educate and capacitate the youth for personal development to become good citizen.

While Col. Gilbert I. Gapay, commander, 2nd Mechanized  Infantry  Brigade, Mechanized Infantry Division conveyed his message of support and said “Ang kabataan ay ang pag-asa at kinabukasan ng ating bayan. Nararapat lang  na sila ay ating alagaan at itaguyod ang kanilang mga karapatan. Karapatan na magkaroon ng magandang edukasyon, pagmamahal at pagkalinga, ligtas na kapaligiran, maging masaya at malusog. Sa pagtutulungan ng LGU, Army, non-government organizations (NGOs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), mga magulang, mga guro at cause-oriented groups, ating samang-samang tugunan ang mga pangangailangan at karapatan ng mga kabataan para sa isang magandang kinabukasan.”

The following school children were privileged to share their testimonials. Saidomar Mamasao said that their dreams are their capital investments in realizing development in the country. Sohaira Macapaser expressed that the affair is important to the children in checking poverty in the country. On the other hand, Hanira Tomanork said that the young children are the strength of society and are vital component in the development of the country. The three children expressed their thanks and gratitude to the people and organizations behind the conduct of the affair which is important to the youth as they learned a lot as well as enjoyed every activity of the event.

Kalinga Sa Bayan Program helps train the youth to become useful citizens by providing them the opportunities and mobilize them as change agents and subsequently contribute to the development of their communities and country, said Doctolero. He asked the local government units (LGUs) to support the program for the sake of the children.

A similar program had been conducted earlier in Munai, Lanao del Norte. The next Kalinga sa Bayan Program will be held in Tangcal and then Kolambugan, to be followed by Maigo, all from this province, which are part and parcel of the areas of responsibility (AORs) of the 15th Infantry Battalion.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1511419268056/15th-ib-kalinga-sa-bayan-program-benefits-lanao-norte-school-children-

Philippines orders Falcon III radios and intercom systems from Harris

From Army Technology (Dec 23): Philippines orders Falcon III radios and intercom systems from Harris

Harris has been awarded a contract to supply Falcon III tactical vehicular radios and intercom systems to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Under the terms of the $18m contract, the company will modernise the army's light armoured division by integrating the Falcon RF-7800V combat net radio into RF-7800I intercom systems.

Acquired as part of the army's tactical communications modernisation programme, the comprehensive solution for in-vehicle voice and data communications delivers secure tactical network connectivity.

"The Harris ITACS enables this nation to make a rapid transition to modern, flexible and modular IP-based tactical area communications."

 

Harris RF Communications International Business president Brendan O'Connell said: "This order will accelerate tactical radio modernisation for the Philippine Army by providing soldiers with enhanced command and control and situational awareness for real-time decision-making.

"The embedded encryption will provide secure interoperability with more than 13,000 Harris Falcon radios currently fielded within the AFP."

Weighing 1.1kg, the RF-7800V CNR is suited for time-critical battle management systems (BMS) reporting and used an integrated GPS receiver and Harris's new BMS waveform architecture.

Fully interoperable with the Falcon II radio family, the radio also features simultaneous voice and data capabilities, true dual-net communications through intuitive dual push-to-talk capability, as well as a free channel search that provides frequency agility in high-noise or radio jamming environments.

Manufactured by Harris under licence from WB Electronics, the RF-7800I systems provide operators with the ability to communicate with each other within the vehicle, simultaneously generating a network backbone capable of efficiently integrating with other vehicular and handheld tactical radio systems.

Harris has also secured a contract to deliver a secure, integrated tactical area communications solution to an undisclosed Middle East military customer using Falcon III wideband tactical radios.

The $50m award will see the company supply its integrated tactical area communications system (ITACS) solution, which supports the latest wideband and narrowband networking waveforms and enables country-wide voice and data capabilities for critical missions.

O'Connell added: "The Harris ITACS enables this nation to make a rapid transition to modern, flexible and modular IP-based tactical area communications.

"The system dramatically improves situational awareness by creating a mobile tactical internet that delivers voice, data and situational awareness across the country."

http://www.army-technology.com/news/newsphilippines-orders-falcon-iii-radios-and-intercom-systems-from-harris-4474847

Sayyafs free businesswoman

From the Sun Star-Zambaonga: Sayyafs free businesswoman

The Abu Sayyaf bandits have released the businesswoman they abducted four months ago in a west coast village in this city, a military official said Wednesday.

Released was Michelle Panes, 36, a businesswoman whose family owns and manages a grocery in the village of Labuan, 36 kilometers west of this city.

Ensign Ian Chester Ramos, Joint Task Group Sulu information officer, said the Abu Sayyaf bandits released Panes around 9 a.m. Wednesday in the village of Bilaan, Talipao, Sulu.

Ramos said that Panes was brought to the headquarters of the Joint Task Group Sulu in Jolo by a civilian who found her after she was freed in the village of Bilaan, Talipao.
Ramos said Panes was immediately placed under medical check-up.

The Abu Sayyaf bandits seized Panes last August 18, 2014 while she and her husband, Noel, 34, was at their grocery at the coast of Labuan village.

The bandits left Noel behind although he is their main target as he resisted while being dragged to a waiting motorized banca.

Noel even tried to come to the rescue of his wife but failed as the bandits sped to the high seas.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2014/12/24/sayyafs-free-businesswoman-383619

Cops arrest NPA rebel

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Dec 24): Cops arrest NPA rebel

A NEW People’s Army (NPA) rebel was arrested at a public market in the province of Zamboanga del Norte, the police said Wednesday.

Police Regional Office information officer Inspector Dahlan Samuddin identified the arrested NPA rebel as Joel Gumactang alias Ka Efren, 30, a member of the NPA’s Front Committee Feliciano B.

Samuddin said Gumactang was arrested around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday by virtue of a warrant of arrest for the crime of frustrated murder with P200,000 recommended bail.

Samuddin said Gumactang was on marketing “for their consumption in the mountain” when the policemen chanced upon him at the public market of Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte.

Gumacatang is a resident of the village of Mawal, Sindangan town.

Samuddin said the arresting policemen have recovered from the possession of Gumactang list of assorted goods, school ID of Lipa City Colleges and P2,400 cash.

Gumacatang is temporarily detained at Sindangan Municipal Police Station for proper disposition, said Samuddin.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2014/12/24/cops-arrest-npa-rebel-383622

No yuletide truce for BIFF; welcomes Duterte for a dialogue

From the pro-CPP Davao Today Online (Dec 24): No yuletide truce for BIFF; welcomes Duterte for a dialogue



The Bangsamoro Freedom Fighter on Tuesday said it won’t declare a ceasefire all throughout the duration of Yuletide season.

“It’s not in our vocabulary to declare a ceasefire. Though we want peace, we won’t let our guards down because we are the victims of war. The government itself don’t want to have peace,” Abu Misry Mama, spokesman of the outlawed Bangsamoro Freedom Fighter (BIFF), said in a phone interview.

Earlier this month, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police have declared a unilateral ceasefire with New People’s Army—the Communist Party of the Philippines’ armed wing—to pave way for the observance of the yuletide holidays.

AFP and PNP’s ceasefire will commence on the midnight of December 18, 2014 and runs until January 19, 2015, respectively.

AFP Chief of staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang and PNP chief Leonardo Espina reportedly said that operations will continue against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and other terrorist group such as the Abu Sayyaf.

“Our offensive operations will remain active against the government troops as what we had done in the past yuletide holidays,” said Mama.

Meanwhile, the BIFF spokesman also welcomed Davao Mayor Duterte’s invitation to meet BIFF leaders for a dialogue to discuss issues related to security, peace and order in Mindanao.

“His [Duterte] intentions are good and we welcome him for a dialogue but if he will negotiate that we will declare a ceasefire, it will never happen,” stressed Mama.

http://davaotoday.com/politics/no-yuletide-truce-biff-welcomes-duterte-dialogue/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Hold the US-Aquino regime accountable for military abuses and brutality

Propaganda article from the English language edition of the CPP online publication Ang Bayan (Dec 21): Hold the US-Aquino regime accountable for military abuses and brutality

The Aquino regime is guilty of grave violations of human rights nationwide. Thus declared the more than 20,000 people who joined protests in various parts of the Philippines to commemorate the 66th year of International Human Rights Day on December 10. Aside from the gatherings at Mendiola, Manila, there were protest actions in the cities of Baguio, Capiz, Iloilo, Bacolod, Davao, Kidapawan and Digos and in Kalibo town in Aklan. In Manila, representatives of the International League of Peoples’ Struggle from Bolivia, Colombia, Indonesia, Spain, India and a number of African countries joined the activities.

December 10 also served as the culmination of Manilakbayan ng Mindanao. The people and revolutionary movement on the island are currently Oplan Bayanihan’s priority targets. More than 60% of AFP forces (from the Philippine Army, Marines and Special Forces) are now in Mindanao, while 22% are in Luzon and 18% in the Visayas.

The growing numbers of military troops in Mindanao have further aggravated human rights violations in the island. According to the latest reports, there have been up to 92 cases of extrajudicial killings in Mindanao. Most of the victims are Lumad defending their ancestral lands.

On December 3, representatives of Manilakbayan and KARAPATAN met with Michel Forst, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders (UNSR-HRD). They shared with Forst the situation of national minorities in Mindanao and other human rights victims under the Aquino regime’s Oplan Bayanihan. In response, Forst promised that his office would seek Aquino’s permission anew to conduct an investigation on the conditions of human rights defenders. The Philippine government has twice refused to allow UN special rapporteurs on human rights defenders into the country.

The rallyists also held the government accountable for the deaths of activists fighting widespread mining operations in Mindanao. KARAPATAN spokesperson Cristina Palabaya demanded a stop to the killing of activists, peasants and minority peoples and a halt to mining applications.

There have been 226 cases of extrajudicial killings under the Aquino regime, with 105 of the victims human rights defenders. KARAPATAN has also documented the following human rights violations during Aquino’s time: 26 cases of abduction; 104 victims of torture; more than 900 illegal arrests; five cases of rape; 46,799 victims of forced evacuation; 91,103 victims of intimidation/harassment; 11,166 cases of indiscriminate shooting; 401 victims of physical abuse; and 12,695 cases of destruction of property.

Meanwhile, political prisoners fasted from December 3 to 10 as part of the commemoration of International Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners. Almost 100 political detainees from various jails joined the fast, including consultants of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines. Other political detainees launched noise barrages and hung streamers in high places in protest. Progressive organizations led by KARAPATAN and SELDA picketed the Manila Regional Trial Court and the Department of Justice on December 3 as part of their support for the political prisoners.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20141221/hold-the-us-aquino-regime-accountable-for-military-abuses-and-brutality

CPP/Ang Bayan: 2 soldiers killed, 8 wounded in Ilocos Sur and Mountain Province

Propaganda article from the English language edition of the CPP online publication Ang Bayan (Dec 21): 2 soldiers killed, 8 wounded in Ilocos Sur and Mountain Province

Two soldiers were killed and eight others were wounded in two separate tactical offensives launched by the New People’s Army (NPA) in Ilocos Sur and Mountain Province against the Philippine Army in November.

Two 54th IB troops were killed and five others wounded in an ambush launched by an NPA unit in Sitio Pigiw, Barangay Teptepan, Sagada, Mountain Province on November 30. The soldiers of the reactionary government were aboard a six-by-six truck and an Isuzu Elf pickup when ambushed by the NPA at around 10:45 p.m.
A soldier was killed on the spot in this ambush while the second casualty died on December 2 at the Bontoc General Hospital. The other five wounded troopers of the 54th IB were likewise brought to this hospital for treatment.

Meanwhile, in Ilocos Sur, three military troops were wounded on the night of November 10 in an attack by an NPA unit under the Alfredo Cesar Command (ACC) on 81st IB soldiers encamped at Barangay Bugbuga, Sta. Cruz. The fascist soldiers are stationed at the barangay hall pending the construction of their new battalion headquarters at the village.

The residents were not consulted on the construction of the 81st IB’s military camp within the community, causing fear and distress among the people.

Aside from building the battalion headquarters in the middle of the village, the 81st IB Delta Company has posted itself beside a cluster of civilian houses in Barangay Bugbuga. CMO-PDT units of the 81st IB have also been regularly using the barangay hall and civilians’ homes in San Antonio, Pidpid, Amarao as detachments.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20141221/2-soldiers-killed-8-wounded-in-ilocos-sur-and-mountain-province

CPP/Ang Bayan: AFP suffers 10 casualties in Agusan del Sur

Propaganda article from the English language edition of the CPP online publication Ang Bayan (Dec 21): AFP suffers 10 casualties in Agusan del Sur

An officer and two soldiers were killed, while seven troops were wounded in harassment operations launched by the Western Agusan Norte-Agusan Sur Subregional Command of the New People’s Army (NPA) in La Paz and Talacogon towns, Agusan del Sur on December 13 and 14.

On December 13, at around 4:30 a.m., an NPA harassment team attacked a platoon-size unit under the 26th and 36th IB occupying a school in Sitio Libon, Barangay Leydia, La Paz. Three soldiers were wounded in this harassment operation. The residents had been complaining about the soldiers for turning the literacy-numeracy school being run by the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines into military barracks.

In a related development, a Lieutenant Meneses was killed and four other troopers from the 26th and 36th IB wounded on December 14, at around 5 a.m. after the NPA used command-detonated explosives (CDX) in an attack in Sitio Min-angkig, Barangay Angeles, La Paz.

By 3:30 p.m. of the same day, an NPA team launched another CDX attack, this time on a six-by-six truck loaded with 26th IB troopers at a log pond in Barangay Zillova, Talacogon, killing two soldiers. The CDX attack was conducted in the middle of a vast plain, only three kilometers away from the battalion headquarters at the town center.

Large numbers of military troops have arrived in the area to pave the way for the entry of Metro Luxury Mining Corp., which will be extracting gold and copper. Prior to this, soldiers forced the datus of local tribes to sign documents ceding 30,000 hectares of their ancestral land in San Luis and Esperanza towns to the mining company.

On December 10, four truckloads of residents went to Butuan City to condemn the militarization of their communities and demand the pullout of military troops. Roads and town centers “turned red” with numerous placards and streamers stating their demands. Even the tributaries of the Agusan River were filled with placards and streamers floating on banana stalks.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20141221/afp-suffers-10-casualties-in-agusan-del-sur

CPP/Ang Bayan: Militarization in NEMR intensifies

Propaganda article from the English language edition of the CPP online publication Ang Bayan (Dec 21): Militarization in NEMR intensifies

Following Southern Mindanao, Northeastern Mindanao (NEMR) is the most militarized region in the island. The US-Aquino regime has turned the region into a virtual garrison to pave the way for the unbridled plunder of NEMR’s natural resources by big mining interests, plantations and hydropower projects.

In the latter part of November, about 300 Philippine Marine troops docked at Nasipit, Agusan del Norte. In the same period, 11 six-by-six trucks full of military troops from Davao arrived in Agusan del Sur. These are on top of the nine fullsize AFP battalions already in the region—the 26th, 29th, 30th, 36th and 75th IB under the 4th Infantry Division; the 1st and 2nd Scout Ranger Battalions; and the 2nd and 3rd Special Forces Battalions. In addition, the AFP also utilizes paramilitary forces to attack the people and the revolutionary movement. These paramilitary groups forcibly recruit members from the peasantry and the Lumad people.

Relentless combat operations are being implemented full throttle under Oplan Bayanihan to attack Lumad communities staunchly defending their ancestral lands. Currently, the main target of combat operations are upland communities along the Agusan-Surigao del Sur border that stand in the way of coal and gold mining and the expansion of the Itochu-Dole and Sumifru banana plantations; the oil palm plantations of Agusan Plantation Inc.(API) and Filipinas Palmoil Plantations Inc. (FPPI); and the hydropower projects of Global Sibagat Hydropower.

They are also targeting communities in Agusan del Norte that will be affected by the hydropower projects of the Lopez family-owned First Gen Hydropower Corp; Equi-Parco Construction; Agusan Power Corp; and Asiga Green Energy. The military wants to obliterate all obstacles to these projects by attacking mass organizations and Lumad and peasant leaders strongly opposed to the destruction of the environment who have exposed the regime’s violent and antipeople programs.

These military operations have also resulted in numerous human rights violations and the widespread dislocation especially of Lumad and peasants. In October, more than 2000 residents from 16 communities in Lianga and San Agustin, Surigao del Sur were forced to evacuate after the 36th IB, 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion, 3rd Special Forces and paramilitary groups killed Lumad leader Henry Alameda, threatened other Lumad leaders, burned down a school and camped in civilian communities. This November, 383 residents or 140 families from eight communities in Bunawan and Rosario, Agusan del Sur fled after the 75th IB killed Filjohn Poloyapoy and abducted his two brothers. On November 18, seventy families likewise evacuated from Purok 1, Barangay Pinagalaan, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur after the 75th IB terrorized farmers and branded them members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

The National Democratic Front in Northeastern Mindanao said that the revolutionary movement would not weaken in the face of such militarization. Instead, militarization further spurs the oppressed people to join the democratic revolution. It added that the relentless military operations being launched by the US-Aquino regime provide the NPA with opportunities to mete blows on the brutal troops defending local and foreign companies that destroy the environment and attack the people.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20141221/militarization-in-nemr-intensifies

CPP/Ang Bayan: COPD is part of AFP combat operations

Propaganda article from the English language edition of the CPP online publication Ang Bayan (Dec 21): COPD is part of AFP combat operations

The declaration by the US-Aquino regime of a Suspension of Offensive Military Operations (SOMO) and Suspension of Offensive Police Operations (SOPO) from December 18, 2014 to January 19, 2015 is a big sham since it does not cover the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Community Organizing for Peace and Development (COPD). This was National Democratic Front-Mindanao spokesperson Ka Oris’ reaction to the declaration.

In a statement dated December 17, Ka Oris pointed out that COPD operations are aimed at the brutal suppression of the people in the countryside and preventing them from launching struggles to advance their welfare. They form part of AFP combat operations in areas where the revolutionary movement is believed to operate and are attempts to deprive the New People’s Army (NPA) of political and material support.
According to Ka Oris, COPD operations are widespread and intense all throughout Mindanao. They are the leading cause of violations of human rights and international rules of war.

They include the following practices:

1) Violations of the rules of war that protect civilians by distancing them from armed clashes and ensuring their security. Under the COPD, AFP elements forcibly occupy public structures and community centers such as barangay halls, schools, health centers and the private homes of individuals.

 

2) Implementing a type of economic blockade by limiting the volume of basic goods purchased by the people on suspicion that they share these goods with the NPA.

 

3) Forcibly recruiting men into paramilitary forces like the CAFGU, CAA or Tribal Force through psywar and/or intimidation and harassment.

 

4) Curtailing the people’s mobility by limiting the time allowed for them to tend to their farms on the suspicion that the peasants use their “spare time” to report to, or link up with, the NPA.

 

5) Propagating antisocial activities such as gambling, drinking and using illegal drugs in the villages.

 

6) Raping and sexually harassing women.

 

7) Coercing individuals into admitting membership in, or of leading, the revolutionary movement in the area and forcing them to join activities to dismantle revolutionary organizations in the community.

 

8) Forcing individuals to join counterrevolutionary organizations such as certain Lumad groups or the “Alsa Masa.”

 

9) Intensely terrorizing and intimidating residents, which often culminates in their forced evacuation from their communities.

 

Aside from Mindanao, COPD operations are likewise widespread in guerrilla zones in Luzon and the Visayas. In December, the AFP announced that Northern Samar would be the main arena for COPD.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20141221/copd-is-part-of-afp-combat-operations

CPP/Ang Bayan: Crimes committed by US troops under the US-RP MBA

Anti-US propaganda article from the English language edition of the CPP online publication Ang Bayan (Dec 21): Crimes committed by US troops under the US-RP MBA

From shootings and beatings to prostitution and dumping toxic waste from their warships, American soldiers in the country were guilty of a long list of crimes and abuses while the US-RP Military Bases Agreement (MBA) was in effect.

Killings and shooting. Thirty killings involving American soldiers were documented before the US military bases were booted out in 1992. Following are but a few of these cases:

Kenneth Smith, a US Marine, killed Rogelio Gonzales, a shoeshine boy in 1968. Gonzales was shot near the gates of Sangley Point in Cavite after being accused of stealing a bicycle.

American soldier Michael Moomey killed Glicer Amor, a base employee, while the latter was drinking from a spring near Subic Bay. Moomey claimed that he mistook Amor for wild boar. The US military absolved Moomey and immediately flew him home to the US.

In 1964, US soldier Larry Cole shot 14-year old Rogelio Balagtas in the back while the latter was gathering bullet shells from a target range at Clark Airfield. US authorities claimed that the boy who had been shot was involved in an attempt to bomb an American school within Clark.

Just two weeks later, US troops James A. Edwards and James B. Thomas shot and killed Gonzalo Villedo while he was fishing with his brother at Subic Bay.

An American soldier also gunned down a Filipino after the latter came near a radio tower at Clark.

Beatings. Two US Marines beat up five workers at Clark in 1970. After asking for their IDs, the marines suddenly kicked and punched them.

Two other American soldiers beat up a man who was cutting grass inside Clark. The soldiers gagged him and kicked his mouth, damaging his teeth. The beating was repeated in the afternoon when the victim was chanced upon by 18 soldiers who took turns in mauling him.

Meanwhile, another civilian living near the base was tied by soldiers to a horse and dragged.

Abduction and attempted rape. A woman was abducted and almost raped by Ronald McDaniel, Cecil Moore, Bernard Williams and Hiawatha R. Lane in 1970. The soldiers belonged to the Gestapo Unit at Clark Airfield, Pampanga led by Col. Averil Holman. In a separate incident, six of Holman’s men beat up Clark civilian employees and sexually harassed two women.

Rampant prostitution. Prostitution worsened at the US bases in the cities of Olongapo and Angeles in the 1980s. Up to 60,000 were prostituted (including 20,000 minors). There were 3,274 cases of violence against women documented involving American soldiers, with 15 of the victims minors. Not a single case prospered in court.
In 1983, eighteen minors were infected with AIDS after being prostituted. In 1990, an 18-month old baby was infected with gonorrhea after she was abused along with her mother by three American soldiers in a Subic apartment.

In 1987, in Subic, 12-year old Rosario Baluyot died of an infection after a vibrator inserted into her vagina by Heinrich Stefan Ritter broke, leaving part of it inside. Ritter was imprisoned for a few years but later freed after being acquitted in court.

A US serviceman named Larry Venaska secretly left the country after a Filipina charged him with rape in 1992.

Destroying lives and the environment. Aside from violating women, US troops likewise polluted the environment. US Marines and US Air Force personnel dumped toxic chemicals like asbestos, mercury, zinc, pesticides, petrochemicals and the like at Subic and Clark.

In 1991, an estimated 20,000 families were affected after they settled in areas abandoned by the soldiers at Clark. Some of them suffered stomach pains, skin ailments, dizziness and spontaneous abortions.

In 2000, up to a hundred people died from poisoning. The most striking case was that of 6-year old Crizel Jane Valencia who died of leukemia due to mercury contamination in the water she drank at CABCOM (Clark Airbase Command).

Instead of providing compensation in accordance with an agreement reached between the US and the Philippines, the US government gave only a small amount to the Philippines, equivalent to $17 million or merely 1% of the budget for “domestic base cleanup.”

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20141221/crimes-committed-by-us-troops-under-the-us-rp-mba

CPP/Ang Bayan: Editorial - Resist the US’ overweening arrogance under the VFA

Propaganda article from the English language edition of the CPP online publication Ang Bayan (Dec 21): Editorial - Resist the US’ overweening arrogance under the VFA

The Communist Party of the Philippines and the entire Filipino people condemn in the strongest possible terms the Aquino regime’s contemptuous puppetry in the case of the Jennifer Laude killing.

The Aquino government immediately buckled in the face of the US’ outright denial of its “request” to cede to Philippine authorities custody over US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton, who has been accused of killing Laude. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) very meekly accepted the US embassy’s response regarding Pemberton. Worse, it even served as a US apologist in saying that the rejection was well within the rights of the US under the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and that it would not appeal the decision.

Even more enraging were the other contents of the US’ response to the DFA. Aside from refusing to give up custody over Pemberton, the embassy virtually ordered the DFA to inform all government agencies of the Philippines, whether national or local, that the US decision on Pemberton would prevail.

In one fell swoop, all pretensions to sovereignty and equality were banished. The US tyrannically wielded its power as imperialist master in commanding its puppet, with the DFA immediately playing the grovelling servant. Malacañang conveniently avoided trouble by saying that the matter was now in the hands of the court.

Benigno Aquino III’s regime has once more demonstrated its utter inability to promote and protect the Filipino people’s interests. Instead, it betrays the Filipino people by entering into unequal agreements and enforcing policies and laws that are inimical to Philippine interests not just in the military but in the economic, political and cultural arenas. Through the Aquino regime’s subservience in this matter, it not only shows contempt for, and tramples on, the rights of the Laude family, it likewise violates the rights and dignity of the entire Filipino people.

The developments surrounding the Laude case are a learning experience for the people. They provide excellent opportunities for the people to expand their knowledge and deepen their understanding of the brutal history of the US imperialist occupation of the country.

The Filipino people must grasp that Laude’s killing is but the latest of countless crimes committed by American soldiers against the Philippines and against Filipinos. They must remember that up to 1,400,000 Filipinos were killed during the US war of subjugation against the Philippines from 1898 to 1913.

A century before the US used unbridled brutality in conquering Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya in the 2000s, and half a century before it occupied Vietnam, US imperialism had already perpetrated unspeakable atrocities in its conquest of the Philippines. Long before the US military employed “waterboarding” in its military camp at Guantanamo Bay, it was already using “water torture” extensively by pouring sea water into the nostrils of bound “insurgents”—the term it used for Filipinos who refused to surrender to its power.

US imperialism has systematically wiped out the bloody chapter of the US occupation of the Philippines from the consciousness of succeeding generations of Filipinos in its desire to eliminate the fires of patriotism and strip Filipinos of all vestiges of national dignity. It must therefore be systematically restored to the consciousness of the new generation of Filipino youth in order to rekindle patriotic fervor and the desire to militantly struggle for national freedom and independence.

The study of US colonial and neocolonial rule in the Philippines will likewise enable Filipinos to realize that Benigno Aquino III is but the latest in an unbroken line of puppet presidents who have betrayed Philippine interests and sovereignty.

Such knowledge must be transformed into a people’s movement demanding the immediate abrogation of all unequal military accords such as the VFA, the Mutual Defense Treaty and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). The Filipino people must likewise translate their gathering rage into a powerful movement for the ouster of the Aquino regime for its utter puppetry. An abjectly craven president who allows himself to act like flotsam in the face of the heinous violations committed by a foreign power to Philippine sovereignty, interests and dignity has no right to remain in power.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20141221/resist-the-us-overweening-arrogance-under-the-vfa

CPP/Ang Bayan: Video - Resist the US overweening arrogance under the VFA

Propaganda video posted to the CPP Website (Dec 24): Ang Bayan Video - Resist the US overweening arrogance under the VFA

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzfSyDFPj7E

The Communist Party of the Philippines and the entire Filipino people condemn in the strongest possible terms the Aquino regime’s contemptuous puppetry in the case of the Jennifer Laude killing.

The Aquino government immediately buckled in the face of the US’ outright denial of its “request” to cede to Philippine authorities custody over US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton, who has been accused of killing Laude. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) very meekly accepted the US embassy’s response regarding Pemberton. Worse, it even served as a US apologist in saying that the rejection was well within the rights of the US under the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and that it would not appeal the decision.

Even more enraging were the other contents of the US’ response to the DFA. Aside from refusing to give up custody over Pemberton, the embassy virtually ordered the DFA to inform all government agencies of the Philippines, whether national or local, that the US decision on Pemberton would prevail.

In one fell swoop, all pretensions to sovereignty and equality were banished. The US tyrannically wielded its power as imperialist master in commanding its puppet, with the DFA immediately playing the grovelling servant. Malacañang conveniently avoided trouble by saying that the matter was now in the hands of the court.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/

CPP: MRT/LRT fare rates should be rolled back, not raised—CPP

Propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Dec 22): MRT/LRT fare rates should be rolled back, not raised—CPP

Communist Party of the Philippines

 

The CPP issued the following statement on plans by the Aquino regime to impose a 50-85% hike in fare rates in the MRT and LRT metro rail system:

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) condemns the Aquino regime for its plan to raise MRT and LRT fare rates by 80%. The planned metro rail fare hikes are an additional burden on the millions of commuters using the train system, who are mostly low-income workers, students and small professionals and ordinary employees.

 

In the face of the close to 50% plunge in international crude oil prices, Metro rail fare rates, as well as prices of local petroleum products, must be rolled back more substantially, together with electricity rates, air and sea fare, long-haul bus fares and freight rates.

 

Aquino’s plan to impose MRT and LRT fare increases is being rushed for the new year because it is expected to lead to increased revenues for the Aquino regime as power distributors are bound to reduce rates early next year in the face of the oil price plunge.

 

The plan to increase MRT and LRT fares is also Aquino’s compliance with his government’s contract with the Ayala and Pangilinan groups and their foreign capitalist partners in the extension of of the LRT line to Cavite on the south end and to San Jose Del Monte, Bulcan on the north end. The privatization of the rail system is being largely shouldered with government funds amounting to more than P100 billion.

 

Under these contracts, the Ayalas and Pangilinans who will control operation of the entire metro rail system will be allowed to increase fare rates at least once a year.

 

The Filipino people should unite, stand up and oppose the planned increases in metro rail rates, demand a rollback and an improvement in its service and safety. They must demand an abrogation of the lopsided “public-private” contract with the Ayalas and Pangilinans.

 

They must oppose the Aquino government’s line contraposing spending for public mass transportation with spending for public education and health and expose the Aquino regime’s policy of cutting social spending to pave the way for privatization of public services to allow big companies to fleece the people with burdensome fees and service rates.

 

They must condemn the Aquino regime for treating the public rail system as a source of revenue and demand full public ownership, increase in government subsidies to public mass transportation, as well as to other basic services such as public education and public health.

 

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20141222_mrt-lrt-fare-rates-should-be-rolled-back-not-raised-cpp

CPP/NPA: AFP defies own SOMO with continued troops deployment, hamletting in Southern Mindanao

NPA statement posted to the CPP Website (Dec 22): AFP defies own SOMO with continued troops deployment, hamletting in Southern Mindanao

Simon Santiago
Political Director
NPA Southern Mindanao Regional Political Department (Merardo Arce Command)

 

Reports from the field reveal the duplicity of the US Aquino regime’s one-month Suspension of Military Operations and Suspension and Police Operations. Prior to the start of its own supposed SOMO and SOPO on December 18 and up to this day, combat forces under the Eastern Mindanao Command-AFP continue to occupy and operate the following towns and provinces in Southern Mindanao and boundary provinces:

Davao City –Mapula, Lumiad, Paquibato Proper and Malabog in Paquibato district; Dominga in Calinan district; Marilog; Salaysay and Tambobong in Baguio district

 

Compostela Valley- Kingking, Napnapan, Tibagon and Las Arenas in Pantukan town; Panamin and Anitapan in Mabini town; Nuevo, Nueva, Andili and Sta. Monica in Mawab town; Cabandianan and Mainit in Nabunturan town; Palok, Mahayahay, Parasanun and Tandik in Maragusan town; Tagibo in Mati city; Kauswagan and Maputi in Banaybanay town; San Isidro, New Visayas, Don Mariano, Maragatas, Kalapagan and Marayag in Lupon town; Lapu-lapu and San Jose in San Isidro town; Casoon in Monkayo; Montevista; Sangab, New Visayas, Lapulapu, Teresa, Masara, Mainit, Panuraon, Elizalde and Malamudaw in Maco; Ngan in Compostela town, Manurigao in New Bataan town

 

Davao Oriental- Tigbawan, Binondo and Mahan-ub in Baganga town; Taytayan, Malibago, Bangas, Mainit in Cateel town; Catihan in Boston town

North Cotabato- Panaca, Linabo, Kinarum, Bangkal, Amabel, Noa, Binay, Bagumbayan, Balete, Basak, Mahungkog, Manitbesa, Mamaling and Bongulanon in Magpet town

 

Agusan del Sur area- towns of Dona Josefa, Veruela, Sabud and Kauswagan in Loreto town; Salvacion and New Visayas in Trento town

 

The continued troops deployment, build-up and hamletting in these areas belie the claim made by the US-Aquino regime in declaring a ceasefire during the traditional Christmas season. The presence of the troops in these areas does not appear to be risk-free, undisruptive or inoffensive, but comprises actual offensive manoeuvres within and in the periphery of guerrilla territories. Their blatant occupation of civilian areas while supposedly in suspended military operations is highly provocative and increases the risk of armed engagements with the Red fighters amid civilian-populated areas.

For instance, in Barangay Catihan, Boston town, 14 soldiers belonging to the 67th IBPA occupy the multipurpose gym, houses, and videoke bars, while they intensify intelligence activities. The Bravo Company of that same unit stay in civilian houses in sitio Bangas, Brgy. Mainit, Cateel. They mingle with residents and do some activities with them like catching fish and other edibles accompanied by teenagers and children.

Last December 19, the same unit led by a certain Lt. Jorda arrived along with 30 other soldiers in sitio Balod, Malibago, Cateel at around 5 am in the morning. They surveyed the areas and occupied the village center. The same unit consisting of 35 troops also arrived in Tigbawan, Brgy. Binondo in Baganga town; seven troops arrived in Brgy. Pantuyan and Sobrecarey while 12 more soldiers arrived in Caraga town.

The continued operation of Special Operations Team or peace and development teams violates and makes a mockery of the US-Aquino regime’s own version of ceasefire. AFP troops who are operating in civilian areas either underhandedly or blatantly are on offensive combat operations and, except for those who are inside their detachments and outposts, shall be treated as legitimate targets by the NPA.

The NPA Southern Mindanao Regional Command remains on active defensive mode as it abides with the CPP’s designated truce on December 24 until December 26 and from December 31 to January 1, and during the papal visit on January 15-19, 2015.The continued provocation and deception made by the AFP troops while pretending to be on SOMO and SOPO, make it even more imperative for the Red fighters to launch tactical offensives against these fascist troops anytime and anywhere while firmly adhering to the letter and spirit of the CPP’s ceasefire declaration.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20141222_afp-defies-own-somo-with-continued-troops-deployment-hamletting-in-southern-mindanao

CPP/NPA: Papanubagon ang pasistang 402nd Brigade sa pagpatay kang Brgy. Kapitan Nicasio “ANGIS” Precioso, Sr! Ibutyag ang kalapasan sa AFP sa ilang SOMO

NPA propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Dec 23): Papanubagon ang pasistang 402nd Brigade sa pagpatay kang Brgy. Kapitan Nicasio “ANGIS” Precioso, Sr! Ibutyag ang kalapasan sa AFP sa ilang SOMO (Hold the fascist 402nd Brigade (responsible for the death of) Brgy. Captain Nicasio "Angis" Precioso, Sr.! Expose the AFP violations of the SOMO)
Omar Ibarra
Spokesperson
Western Agusan Norte-Agusan Sur Sub-Regional Command (Western Agusan Norte-Agusan Sur Sub-Regional Command)

Papanubagon sa Western Agusan Norte – Agusan Sur sub-regional command ang kriminal nga mga reaksyonaryong tropa ubos ni Col. Dumawa sa 26th IB ug sa 402nd Brigade sa pagpusil-patay kang Barangay Kapitan Nicasio “Angis” Precioso Sr sa Balit, San Luis, Agusan del Sur atol mismo sa yugto sa ilang ceasefire. Disyembre 22 sa alas-8:00 pasado sa buntag, 3 ka adlaw sa dili pa ang Pasko, sa dihang ilang gipatay si Kapitan Angis didto sa Km. 2, Nuevo Trabajo, San Luis, Agusan del Sur. Magtambong unta siya sa Municipal Peace and Order Council Meeting (MPOC) niadtong adlawa aron hisgutan ang pagpanghasi sa mga yunit sa COPD sa mga baryo sa San Luis.

Si Kapitan Angis lig-ong mibarug sa tingog sa katawhan sa iyang barangay nga kusganong misupak sa pagpundo sa tropa sa 26th IB sa ilang barangay. Daghan na ang dautan nilang kasinatian sa miagi niining RSOT o COPD na karon sama sa pag-unay og pinatyanay sa mga tropa sa AFP gamit ang granada diha mismo taliwala sa barangay niadtong 2005, paglabay sa granada sa balay sa kanhing kapitan Aber Precioso niadtong 2007, pagpasurender sa mga lumulupyo kay NPA kuno, pagpatay kang Datu Mansubaybay Badbaran niadtong 2009, ug dili maihap nga mga kaso sa ilegal nga mga imbestigasyon, pagpangrekisa, ug uban pa.

Busa sa matag meeting nga gipahigayon sa COPD unit, kanunay gihangyo ni Kapitan nga dili magpundo taliwala sa barangay. Kusganon kining gisupak sa COPD team ug mas misamot pa ang ilang pagpanghadlok, pagpangintriga ug gihimo na hinuong hamlet ang Barangay Balit. Paturagas ang ilang ilegal nga pagpangrekisa, pag-imbestigar, surbeylans, pagbalda sa gawasnong paglihok sa mga tawo, ug uban pa.
Niadtong gabii sa Disyembre 21, 2014 gikompronta sa mga lumulupyo uban ni Kapitan Angis si Sgt. Villaganaz, CMO officer sa Alpha Company sa 26th IB, nga mohawa na sa baryo tungod kay duna man sila’y SOMO ug mo-uli na sa ilang kampo. Gipanghingusog usab nila nga dili magsuroy-suroy ang mga sundalo sa tunga sa baryo ug dili limitahan ang panginabuhi sa katawhan kay umalabot na ang Pasko ug bag-ong tuig.

Pagka-ugma human sa maong hitabo, gipatay nila ang pinalanggang Kapitan sa barangay Balit.

Human sa pagpakita nga buotan kintahay, migawas na ang bangkil sa kaaway!
Gihagit karon ang tanang katawhan nga dili mahadlok. Gusto sa kaaway nga magtanom og terorismo aron mapalong ang pagsukol sa katawhan batok sa COPD. Apan samot nga kasilag ang ilang anihon sa ilang pagpatay sa pinalanggang Kapitan.
Walay malauman nga hustisya gikan sa reaksyunaryong gobyerno sa Pilipinas sa kamatayon ni Kapitan Angis. Ang katawhan mismo, uban sa New People’s Army ang maningil niini.

Papanubagon si Col. Roland Dumawa nga maoy CO sa 26th IB. Papanubagon ang COPD unit nga anaa sa Barangay Balit ilalom ni Sgt. Andres R. Villaganas ug 2nd Lt. Alven T. Vernez. Papanubagon ang mga tirador sa Military Intelligence Batallion nga maoy mipusil kang Kapitan Angis.

Nawad-an og usa ka ligdong nga amahan sa baryo ang barangay Balit. Nawad-an og usa ka lig-ong lider ang tribong Banwaon. Nawad-an ang katawhang Pilipino og usa ka matinud-anong tig-alagad. Apan ang iyang kamatayon mahimong inspirasyon sa mabayanihon ug maisugong pagsukol sa iyang mga kitagibaryo, sa iyang tribo ug sa tibuok katawhan Pilipino hangtud sa kadaugan.

HUGPONGON ANG KAISOG! HUSTISYA ALANG SA KAMATAYON NI KAPITAN NICASIO PRECIOSO, SR.!

 PAPANUBAGON ANG PASISTANG KAAWAY SA KAMATAYON NI KAPITAN ANGIS!

 SUKLAN ANG OPLAN BAYANIHAN HANGTUD SA HINGPIT NGA KAPAKYASAN NIINI!

 MAKIGBISOG, DILI MAHADLOK!

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20141223_papanubagon-ang-pasistang-402nd-brigade-sa-pagpatay-kang-brgy-kapitan-nicasio-angis-precioso-sr-ibutyag-ang-kalapasan-sa-afp-sa-ilang-somo

CPP/NDF: NDF-ST members hold lightning rally; hail 46 years of revolutionary armed struggle led by CPP-NPA

NDF propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Dec 23): NDF-ST members hold lightning rally; hail 46 years of revolutionary armed struggle led by CPP-NPA

NDFP Southern Tagalog Chapter

 

In celebration of the forthcoming 46th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), around 50 members of NDF-ST held a lightning rally in San Pablo City, Laguna to hail the people’s victories in waging revolutionary armed struggle for 46 years.

“ The NDF-ST expresses its highest salute to the CPP for leading the Filipino masses and revolutionary forces in advancing the fight for national liberation and democracy. Likewise, it is also fitting to give our highest accolade to all heroes and martyrs of the national democratic revolution and Red Fighters who have unselfishly offered their lives for the people and the revolution,” said Patnubay de Guia, Spokesperson of NDF-ST.

At around 9am, uniformed members of NDF-ST in Mao cap and red chinos marched along the busy streets of San Pablo City with placards and streamers. Member organizations of the NDF-ST such as the Kabataang Makabayan, Makabayang Kilusan ng Bagong Kababaihan (MAKIBAKA) and COMPATRIOTS gave their solidarity speeches, while a cultural performance highlighted the event.

“In almost five decades of leading the people’s war, the CPP has gained more strength as exemplified by the expanding and deepening mass base and organs of people’s democratic government. This is amid the continued and intensified attacks to revolutionary forces thru the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) military and psywar operations, in line with the government’s counter insurgency program Oplan Bayanihan,” explained de Guia.

According to de Guia, the CPP’s ever-growing strength and revolutionary victories are slap to the face of the AFP and the Aquino government who have long-been boasting of their “ability” to neutralize the revolutionary forces. “The Filipino people will continue to resist the most brutal attacks and counter-revolutionary efforts by the Aquino regime and his imperialist master, the United States,” stressed de Guia.

“The unyielding and worsening crises of the ruling system are more than enough reason for the exploited masses to join the armed revolution. We must expand our revolutionary mass base and Party membership, and intensify the guerrilla warfare in order to achieve strategic stalemate, and complete victory in the years to come,” ended de Guia.

Long live the People’s Democratic Revolution!

Long live the 46th Founding Anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines!

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20141223_ndf-st-members-hold-lightning-rally-hail-46-years-of-revolutionary-armed-struggle-led-by-cpp-npa

CPP: Paslawon ang todo-atake sang armadong pwersa sang rehimen US-Aquino kag arangkahon ang kahublagan masa sa pagpatalsik sang rehimen

Propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Dec 26): Paslawon ang todo-atake sang armadong pwersa sang rehimen US-Aquino kag arangkahon ang kahublagan masa sa pagpatalsik sang rehimen (Defeat the all-out attack by the armed forces of the US-Aquino regime and (assist) the mass movement in ousting the regime)

Concha Araneta
Spokesperson
CPP Panay Regional Committee

 

Ginasaulog sang Partido Komunista sang Pilipinas ang iya ika-46 nga anibersaryo sa kahimtangan nga nagadesperar ang rehimen sa pagpanguyapot sa poder. Mas nag-athag ini sang ginsikway ang rehimen sang mga 62% sang pumuluyo sang gin-ambisyon ni Aquino nga magpalawig sang iya termino. Ang labi nga pag-arangka sang rehimen sang armado nga kusog sa pagsweto sang nagaaliwasa nga pumuluyo palatandaan pa gid sang pagkahamulag sini sa kadam-an. Sa kada pagdungka sang Pinoy o mga tinawo sini sa Panay ginaputakte ini sang nagapakamalaut sa ila pagginahom.

Sa tunga sang nagamakot nga atake sang armado nga kaaway kag kontra-kampanya sang NPA, padayon ang malaparan kag dalagkuan nga kampanya sa pagtabang kag pagpabangon sang pila ka milyon nga nahalitan nga pumuluyo sang Bagyo Yolanda sa Panay. Ang panawagan sang Partido nakapamuno ukon nakaimpluwensya sang pinakamalapad nga alyansa sang organisasyon sang pumuluyo, mga nahanunga nga sektor, sang mga insytitusyon pareho sang mga simbahan, pila ka LGU, mga negosyante, mga professional, pamatan-on, kag kapin sang malapad nga mangunguma kag mamumugon. Nakatubong man ang madamo nga pilantropo, mga institusyon sa sulod kag sa gwa sang pungsod sa paghatag sang resorsa.

Nakaabot sa katumbas 200 milyon ka pundo pa lang, materyales kag mga serbisyo kag pasilidad ang naamot. Sa una nga bahin pa lang sang relief kag umpisa nga rehabilitasyon, nakaabot na sa 53,000 ukon sobra 265,000 ka indibidwal ang nagpasakop kag nabenepisyuhan sang kampanya. Madamo pa gid ang nagpasakop sa masunod nga hut-ong sa 33 ka banwa sang mga 50 ka banwa nga nahalitan. Isa sa kada napulo nga nahalitan kag 2 ka parte sa tatlo ka mga banwa nga nadalasa ang nalab-ot. Naabot sang kampanya ang lugar kag pumuluyo sang halos tanan nga naabot man sang rebolusyonaryo nga hublag sadto kag lampas pa.

Halin sa kalalat-an, nagabangon na sa Panay ang gatos libo nga pumuluyo nga nagakondenar sang kainutil sang rehimen kag nagapanukot ang pila ka pulo ka libo nga biktima sang bagyo nga nagadagsa sa dalanon sa apat ka okasyon sa bilog nga tuig 2014. Pila ka pilo ini sang sa napahulag nga dululungan sang 2013. Ini bangod napapilo ang organisasyon nila kag organisado/planado ang ila pagsustener sang hulag. Nakaabot sa 15,500 ang napahulag tanan sa kontra-SONA sang rehimen kag lapit man diri ang sa anibersaryo sang pagpanalasa sang Yolanda. Nagapatikang sang pumuluyo, kapin ang nahalitan, ang ila kaugalingon nga mga organisasyon sa pagbangon sa kalalat-an kag sa pag-atubang sa atake sang rehimen. Nalatag ang mas masangkad nga pagdebelopar sang gahom pulitikal sa kaumhan nga nagatungod sang pang-gobyerno na nga responsibilidad pareho sang lapnagon nga rehabilitasyon.

Sentro nga isyu matuod ang pagbangon sa kahalitan sang Yolanda apang naga-angkla diri ang hublag panukot sa rehimen, ang nagbuylo na nga daan nga hublag kontra-pork kag ang hublag kontra-militarisasyon. Masunson, semanal tubtob bulanan, ang paghulag sang kampanya kontra-pork kag naghakop sang masangkad nga mga sektor sang nahanunga nga pwersa nga nagabalayad sang buhis kag mga grupo sang negosyante. Magahod man ang dagsa sang mga kabataan kapin estudyante sang mga pampubliko nga eskwelahan nga gindingutan sang pundo nga ginbutang sa pork. Nasakpan man ang mga simbahan kag bisan iban nga empleyado sang gobyerno, mga negosyante kag propesyonal.

Dungan sa pagrehabilitar sang mga lugar nga gindalasa sang Yolanda kag bisan sa mga lugar nga waay man iya dako nga halit, nagpatikang sang kampanya produksyon indi na lang para sa pagbawi sang palangabuhian kundi sa pagsuporta sainaway gerilya sang NPA. Oportunidad man ang kahalitan sang bagyo sa pagpasuspende sang bayad utang sa usurero, pagdebelopar sang pananum nga makabulig lutas sang mangunguma sa usurero. Naduso man ang kampanya sa pagpasaka sang presyo sang produkto sang mangunguma.

Sa ini nga kahimtangan, nagapanawagan ang Partido sang masunod:

1. Paslawon ang plano sang rehimen nga mapahug kag masweto ang mga pumuluyo kag rebolusyonaryong kahublagan sa Panay. Sa bahin sang NPA, agawon ang inisyatiba kag kag maglunsar mga taktikal nga opensiba batok sa liwat-liwat nga clearing operations kag pagtukod sang mga ditatsment sa kabaryuhanan. Ihigot ang pwersa sang kaaway nga mag-garison sa iya mga makahalalit nga proyekto kag mga interes nga mapanghimulos sa pagbantay sa nagahana nga atake sang NPA.

 

2. Pabaskugon ang pangmasa nga kahublagang masa sa Panay sa pagtubong sa pagpatalsik sa rehimen US-Aquino. Halin sa pagsustener sang koordinado nga dalagkuan nga kahublagan masa, debelopahon ang kapasidad sang kahublagan nga magtubong sang dako sa pagpatalsik sang rehimen nga inutil sa pag-rehabilitar sang mga biktima sang bagyo kag sa ulihi nga pagpanagtag sang limitado nga pundo nga pang-eleksyon pa. Labi nga ibuyagyag ang gatos bilyon/trilyon nga pork sa kamot sang presidente kag ginapanagtag sa iya mga napaboran nga mga kroni nga asyendero-komprador.

 

3. Padayon nga magbuligay agud pabangunon ang palangabuhian, pamalay kag pasilidad sosyal sang pumuluyo nga nakahibalo na sang organisado nga paghulag. Debelopahon ang komprehensibo nga kahublagan nga makabangon sa kalalat-an pakadto sa pagdebelopar sang kapasidad sa pagbalay sang pagpatikang sang pagsinarayo nga sabat sa kriminal nga kainutil, kakurakot kag kapintas sang rehimen.

 

Tinuig pa nga paghimakas ang kinahanglanon agud mabawi pa lang ang nagkalasamad. Malawig pa ang hublag sa pagbangon sang pumuluyo nasamaran man ukon wala sa tunga sang nagapabug-at nga krisis sa palangabuhian kag pulitika, sa tunga sang pabaskog nga atake sang armado nga pwersa sang rehimen kag sang liwat nga pagpanalasa sang liwat-liwat nga kalamidad.

Magbangon sa pagpaslaw sang atake sang kaaway kag magtubong sa pagpatalsik sang US-Benigno Aquino nga rehimen!

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20141226_paslawon-ang-todo-atake-sang-armadong-pwersa-sang-rehimen-us-aquino-kag-arangkahon-ang-kahublagan-masa-sa-pagpatalsik-sang-rehimen

MILF: BLMI conducts Bangsamoro Religious Leaders Conference

Posted to the MILF Website (Dec 22): BLMI conducts Bangsamoro Religious Leaders Conference

 

The Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) with support from The Asia Foundation (TAF) conducted a 2-Day Bangsamoro Religious Leaders Conference on Peace-Building from December 15-16, 2014 at Tropika Hotel Conference Hall at Davao City.
  

Participants were 38 Ulama & Asatidz (known as Arabic teachers) from Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, Basilan, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Cotabato City, Marawi City, & Zamboanga City.

The conference intends to persuade the religious leaders from participating in the current peace process between the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and to bridge continued communication and collaboration with the ‘ulama’ in promoting peace.

On the first day, Sheikh Abuhuraira Abdulrahman Udasan, the MILF Grand MuftI for Bangsamoro shared his thoughts on Islam and Peace-building.

“Muslims are committed & obliged to promote peace. If our adversaries offer peace then we must be responsive”, the Grand Mufti said.

“We should unite under the banner of Islam and should not promote tribalism,” he told his audience.

Major issues on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) were discussed by Engr. Mohadjirin Ali, member of the MILF Peace Panel Secretariat.

On the second day, Chairman Mohagher Iqbal of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) talked about the role of ulama in the MILF-led struggle and peace process roadmap.

In admitting religious leaders' vital role in peace process, Iqbal encouraged the participants to continue the MILF's legacy, sighting that the MILF was founded by an Aleem (singular of Ulama, an Arabic word known as Islamic scholar). Other political and military organs of the MILF are also headed by Ulama.

“This BBL is for all Bangsamoro, not for MILF alone, and we must protect it.” Iqbal said. He further said that the "Bangsamoro is our political identity; we must push and fight for it."

Iqbal urged religious leaders to promote and strengthen unity as mentioned in the Holy Qur'an.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/1418-blmi-conducts-bangsamoro-religious-leaders-conference

MILF: DepEd, NABEI meet on delayed financial assistance for private madaris, other issues

Posted to the MILF Website (Dec 22): DepEd, NABEI meet on delayed financial assistance for private madaris, other issues



Top leadership of the Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday, December 16, assured private madaris to receive two years of their financial assistance early next year; improvement of government program for madaris or Arabic Schools; and participation of National Association for Bangsamoro Education, Inc (NABEI) in the validation program.
  

In a 2-hour Manila meeting between officials of DepEd and NABEI, Education Sec. Br. Armin Luistro ordered Josefina Lacuna, Chief of Office on Madrasah Education (OME) Central Office, to conduct validation visit to private madaris on the first week of January 2015 which will cover two school years (2013-2014 and 2014-2015) and submit validation reports to the DepEd Finance Department on the second week of February for immediate facilitation.

Dr. Ombra Imam, NABEI President in his opening statement sought the attention of DepEd key officials on the status of pending DepEd subsidy for private madaris covering two school years.  He lamented that due to non-release of DepEd subsidy, some madaris incurred liabilities from paying their teachers’ allowances, while more teachers suffered delayed and underpaid salaries and other benefits.

Having learned the financial woes of madaris teachers brought up by NABEI, Francisco Varela, Undersecretary for Finance and Administration, committed to fast track the review of validation documents and facilitate the release of two years of madrasah financial assistance within February or first week of March 2015.

DepEd Order No. 81 s. 2007 provides annual financial assistance amounting to Five Thousand Pesos per pupil to private madaris that implement Standard Madrasah Curriculum pursuant to DepEd Order 51 s. 2005.  Recipient madaris shall allocate 80 percent of the assistance for payment of teachers of non-Arabic subjects and 20 percent for improvement of school facilities. Based on DepEd Order No. 81 guidelines, schedules for validation and release of subsidy shall be done annually by DepEd-OME before the end of December of current school year.

To date, there are 103 madaris throughout the country that are recipients of financial support from DepEd.

To further improve the system of DepEd madaris program, Sec. Luistro also instructed OME chief to conduct validation visit within the month of June starting next school year to ensure early release of financial assistance by August 2015.

 On their part, NABEI officials guaranteed readiness of their member-schools to receive DepEd validators by June of next year.

Meanwhile, Dr. Imam, who is also the founding director of Ibn Taimiyah Foundation Academy (ITFA), brought up the verbal commitment of Br. Luistro during the 1st National Bangsamoro Education Congress (NBEC) to include NABEI in the DepEd validations.  

During the recent education congress, where Luistro served as Keynote Speaker, more than a hundred school administrators passed three resolutions to institutionalized partnership between DepEd and NABEI.

Responding on the issue of partnership, Luistro advised Chief Lacuna in the presence of Usec. Varela and Usec Dina Ocampo for inclusion of NABEI in validation visits to start January 2015.

According to the DepEd Chief, NABEI participation is a way of knowing the pulse of madaris. Dr. Imam said this would serve as an initial step towards more strengthened DepEd-NABEI partnerships.

Engr. Rashid Paca, a member of NABEI Board and President of Marawi-based Philippine Engineering and Agro-Indusrial College, explained that providing explicit or implicit authority by DepEd to the association would facilitate direct intervention by NABEI to private madaris, especially to those non-NABEI members, help strengthen the madaris sector, ensure their entitlement to annual assistance, and encourage others to participate in the madrasah program.

He added that this would be the case especially when the Bangsamoro government is put in place.

Another round of meeting between DepEd and NABEI will be called by the Education chief in January 2015 to facilitate NABEI collaboration with other potential organization, discuss education issues in preparation for Bangsamoro government, and other DepEd concerns with the association.

Relative to delayed release of Education Service Contracting (ESC) funds for ARMM private schools, NABEI also made a follow up with Sec. Luistro on the status of ESC payment which paved the way for immediate action by Usec. Varela.

In his text message to administrators of ESC schools in ARMM, Mr. Nestor Lemana, former Executive Director of Notre Dame Educational Association recognized the efforts of NABEI officials in meeting with Sec. Luistro that facilitated the release of ESC funds this week.

Officials of the association expressed thanks to Sec. Luistro, Usec. Varela and Usec Dina Ocampo for their continued support to private madaris and NABEI for addressing the perennial problem on delayed madrasah subsidies brought up by the organization.
After learning the successful meeting in Manila, many madaris administrators send text messages and phone calls expressing gratitude to NABEI for initiating direct engagement between DepEd and madaris that made a breakthrough. They expressed hope that DepEd would be true to its commitment.

Other madrasah administrators that composed NABEI delegation in the meeting were Sheikh Abdulkarim Garay of ITFA and Maguindanao Private Madaris Association, Mr. Repainal Gampong of Ibn Siena Integrated School and League Pilot Madaris, Ustadz Wahab T.H. Omar of Dar Al Uloom wal Hiqmah and Association for Bangsamoro Education Development, and Ustadz  Hussein Hadji Omar of As-Salihein Integrated School.

NABEI envisions to be the “think tank and prime mover of Muslim education in the Philippines”. It represents the voice of Muslim private schools in the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA), the umbrella organization of all private schools in the country.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/1417-deped-nabei-meet-on-delayed-financial-assistance-for-private-madaris-other-issues