Friday, July 21, 2017

WATCH | Actual combat footage of a rescue mission in Marawi

From InterAksyon (Jul 21): WATCH | Actual combat footage of a rescue mission in Marawi

Marawi combat rescue

Screen capture of actual combat rescue footage in Marawi. Courtesy of Joint Task Force Marawi

Actual combat video footage obtained by News5 shows a rescue mission undertaken by elements of the Philippine Army Special Forces to extricate two wounded combat engineers at the Marawi war zone.

The difficult mission ultimately succeeded, requiring the use of smoke grenades to obfuscate the movements of the government troops from snipers of the holdout Maute terrorist group.

The rescued soldiers have been taken to hospital for medical attention.

Three days after the dramatic rescue, government troops recaptured one more nests of the terrorists even as the military continued to apply pressure on the dwindling capability of the Maute Group.

Lt. Col. Jo-Ar Herrera, spokesman of Joint Task Force Marawi, disclosed that another significant milestone was the retaking and complete control of the Mapandi District, including Mapandi Bridge, which used to be an enemy stronghold.

http://www.interaksyon.com/watch-actual-combat-footage-of-a-rescue-mission-in-marawi/

Troops use grenade launcher to take Maute positions

From GMA News (Jul 21): Troops use grenade launcher to take Maute positions

[Video report]

Government troops continued to engage members of the ISIS-inspired Maute group in Marawi City, taking key positions.

A "24 Oras" report by Marisol Abdurahman on Friday showed how government troops used a grenade launcher on opponents at the frontlines.

Airstrikes on enemy positions also continued.

"Mapandi bridge... this was the former stronghold of the enemy and now forces have taken that location," said Lt. Col. Jo-Ar Herrera, spokesman of the Joint Task Force Marawi.

"Structures na ang nakiki-clear despite the overwhelming presence of IEDs (improvised explosive devices), fuel bombs and other war materials inside the main battle area," he added.

Six more members of the Maute group on Thursday were added to the death toll of local terrorists following the ongoing clashes.

More than 400 Maute group members have been killed while more than 500 firearms have been recovered by the military.

Ninety-nine government troops have been killed during the hostilities, which began on May 23.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/618970/troops-use-grenade-launcher-to-take-maute-positions/story/

DWDD: WALK THE TALK | NPA threat, mere propaganda

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jul 21): WALK THE TALK | NPA threat, mere propaganda

NPA 1

NSFA, Panacan, Davao City (DWDD) – The directive of the New People’s Army (NPA) to launch attacks nationwide during the State of the Nation Address of President Rodrigo Duterte, particularly in Davao Region, is nothing but a way to embarrass the current administration.

The recent attacks and extortion activities perpetrated by the NPA against civilians, particularly against those who are simply living in the villages, are in contradiction to the peace they are claiming to advocate. While their heads are on the table, talking for peace with the government, they are also conducting atrocities which make the almost 50 years of making truce with their group hard.

Meanwhile, the positive actions being done by the government to attain lasting peace like facilitating the development of our people and communities are being reciprocated by the NPAs negatively.



The NPAs does not contribute to the well-being of the communities but rather brings misery, hardship, and chokes the development that has long been anticipated by the Filipinos. Hence, we call on the New People’s Army to walk their talk.

On our end, while we focus on preventing terrorism in Eastern Mindanao, we shall be steadfast in our commitment to secure the communities from other threats, more so with the NPA’s directive to conduct major atrocities.

We shall continue to work with our partners from different agencies through our Community Support Program to facilitate the delivery of services that will help resolve issues faced by our people in the countryside. PIO EMC / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/07/22/walk-the-talk-npa-threat-mere-propaganda/

DWDD: Troops neutralize 6 enemies; seize 8 firearms in Western Mindanao

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jul 21): Troops neutralize 6 enemies; seize 8 firearms in Western Mindanao

Headquarters Western Mindanao Command, Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City– Two members of the Abu Sayyaf Group were killed and five firearms were seized in a gun battle with the military in Sulu yesterday (July 20).

Troops of the 21st Infantry Battalion heavily engaged the Abu Sayyaf bandits while on focused military operations in Barangay Bungkaong, Patikul, Sulu at 6:25 am Thursday.

Said firefight resulted in the death of two bandits, a certain Benajir Intag and Bassal Mahalli.

Intag’s body was recovered by the troops at the encounter site.

Seized also were 5 high-powered firearms, which include a K3 squad automatic weapon, an M16A1 Colt with M203 attached, and an M653 Elisco with M203 attached.

Two cell phones, 3 solar panels and 8 backpacks containing assorted food stuff and personal belongings were found by the troops in the temporary resting area of the ASG members.

“One of our soldiers was wounded and was immediately extricated by the responding troops to be given medical attention,” said Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force Sulu Commander. “He is now in stable condition and is already recuperating.”

As of this report, 285 ASG members were neutralized in the entire Western Mindanao. Of the total number, 112 were killed (including the 2 ASG members killed today), 103 surrendered to troops and 70 were apprehended.

Meanwhile, in Zamboanga del Norte, two communist terrorists were arrested in a pursuit by the government forces on Tuesday (July 18) afternoon.

Elements of the 44th Infantry Battalion and the Municipal Police Station of Leon B. Postigo nabbed the two wounded communist terrorists, one of whom was identified as Rannie, aboard two ambulances along Barangay Cilago, Leon B. Postigo in Zamboanga del Norte at 4:35 pm Tuesday.

“The communist terrorists arrested by the government forces were among those who engaged our soldiers on July 16 in Sitio Biwa, Titik, of the same town (Leon B Postigo),” said Brigadier General Joselito Bautista, Commander of the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan.

Two communist terrorists were killed, six were wounded, and another was arrested by the troops following the series of armed engagements in Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte.

Further recovered by the soldiers were ammunition, explosive devices, and subversive documents.

The arrested persons were then brought to the nearby hospital for medication and investigation.

On the other hand, troops of the Joint Task Force Central were able to apprehend two lawless elements, during the conduct of a law enforcement support operations in Maguindanao last July 18, 2017.

Combined elements of 57th Infantry Battalion and the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion apprehended a certain Menta B Umpan, a suspected BIFF member, and a certain Tolks Lakim, a lawless element at Brgy Lower Meta, Datu Unsay, Maguindanao at 6 and 7 in the morning respectively.

In his report to Western Mindanao Command, Brigadier General Arnel Delavega said that the troops were able to recover 3 high-powered firearms that include one (1) M16 rifle, one (1) M653 and one (1) M16 A1 rifle.

He further said that the apprehended personnel and firearms were turned-over to the PNP for the filing of appropriate charges.

“I would like to congratulate the Commanders and soldiers of our Joint Task Forces for their persistence in going after these threat groups and persons within their respective areas of operation,” said Lieutenant General Carlito G Galvez, Jr, Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

“Truly, our troops are very eager to make sacrifices in order to ensure that the people they serve will have a peaceful community.”

“I enjoin all our soldiers to continue the fight. Surely, our Commander-in-Chief will be with us all the way in this given mission of liberating not just Marawi but the entire country from any form of threat.”

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/07/21/troops-neutralize-6-enemies-seize-8-firearms-in-western-mindanao/

MILF: Bangsamoro Social Enterprise Advocacy Team to visit United Kingdom

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Jul 21): Bangsamoro Social Enterprise Advocacy Team to visit United Kingdom



Some members of the advocacy group of Civil Society Organization in Social Enterprise Education and Development (CSO-SEED is set to visit London and Belfast in United Kingdom starting today until July 29 to learn from the UK Social Enterprise sector, and discuss its relevance and possible adaptation to the policy making in ARMM and the proposed Bangsamoro region.

CSO-SEED is a multi-stakeholders group driven by social objective organizations in the Philippines.

The delegation is composed of ten (10) from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and four (4) members of the CSO-SEED Project Team.

The delegates from ARMM led by Honorable Secretary Atty. Anwar Malang of DTI-ARMM together with other government representatives from the ARMM region and Civil Society Leaders will facilitate awareness raisings on social enterprise and promote policy reforms to boost the sector in the regions. Lessons learned and best practices will be shared in support of building viable social enterprises that resolves current challenges such as unemployment and income inequalities.

The CSO-SEED is a project led by the British Council and co-funded by the European Union (EU) in the Philippines which aims to strengthen and improved civil society capacity participation in policy reforms and to develop an environment conducive to decent work, job creation and SMEs development project via social enterprise.

The social enterprises offer a sustainable and empowering community to support inclusive business growth, reducing barriers to economic security particularly for vulnerable groups. It can play a role in supporting the development plan of ARMM and other Bangsamoro areas with key issues such as poverty, lack of access to potable water, energy,

Islamic banking system, farm mechanization, poor education outcomes and hunger among others can be addressed through social enterprises with the support from government and private bodies.

The British Council supports the development of social enterprise around the world like Philippines because they believe it offers a sustainable approach for addressing a wide range of societal challenges and contribute to making societies more prosperous, inclusive and secure.

Mr. Gomer Padong, Executive Director of the Philippines Social Enterprise Network (PhilSEN), expressed that Social Enterprise in the country is changing the paradigm of the transactional activities to transformational enterprise impacting the Lives of the member-beneficiaries.

The study visit expected to increase understanding of how government has developed policy and civil society groups representing social enterprises in the UK have advocated and achieved policy change and influence and how this learning can be applicable in the Philippines. It’s also to build networks with civil society, social enterprise and government between the UK and the Philippines.

The group was also joined by Ms. Angel Abad, Head of Society, British Council, Jay Lacsamana, Executive Director of Foundation for a Sustainable Society, Inc. (FSSI), Gomer Padong from the Philippines Social Enterprise Network, Inc. (PhilSEN), and Ferdinand Fuellos, Project Manager, CSO-SEED.

The United Moro Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (UMCCII) is represented by its Chairman Engr. Toto Laguialaot. The UMCCII is an accredited member of the Federation of Bangsamoro Civil Society Organization (FBCSO) and now become active citizens of the CSO-SEED Advocacy Group to support the coalition building and policy engagement component and contribute to enhancing the SOCIAL ENTERPRISE environment in the Bangsamoro region.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/931/bangsamoro-social-enterprise-advocacy-team-to-visit-united-kingdom

MILF: “There shall be a Bangsamoro country”: Duterte says

MindaNews article posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Jul 21): “There shall be a Bangsamoro country”: Duterte says



In his speech during the turn-over of the new draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) by Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) led by Chairman Ghazali Jaafar on July 17 at MalacaƱang Palace, President Rodrigodo Duterte said that, “There shall a Bangsamoro Country within the context of the Republic of the Philippines”.

In an online post by Mindanews on July 18, it quoted Duterte saying that he commit to “support and husband” the proposed BBL in Congress to ensure the passage of the law that would create the Bangsamoro, a new autonomous political entity that would replace the 27-year old Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
The creation of the Bangsamoro is in accordance with the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed by the government (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on March 27, 2014.

The agreement envisions a new entity called Bangsamoro under a ministerial form of government and shall replace the present ARMM once ratified in a plebiscite to be conducted after the passage of the Bangsamoro Law.

However, never he mentioned in his speech about the CAB but reiterated “there will be no objections (to) the provisions of all that is consistent with the Constitution and the aspiration of the Moro people.”

“I am for this. Within the context of the Republic of the Philippines, there shall be a Bangsamoro country,” Duterte said as quoted by Mindanews.

He noted that after decades of armed struggle and violence, “we will soon come up with a constitutionally consistent legal instrument that will lay the foundation for establishing real and lasting peace in Mindanao.”

The proposed BBL, according to Duterte, “puts into life and spirit the constitutional mandate provided in the 1987 Constitution for the establishment of a truly autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao.”

Aside from MILF leaders headed by Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, MILF Peace Implementing Panel Chair Mohagher Iqbal, members of the MILF Central Committee, BTC Commissioners and selected, staff, Senate President Koko Pimentel and HoR Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, Jr witnessed the ceremony at the Presidential Palace.

Duterte said the draft BBL, jointly written by Muslims, Christians, and Lumads “shall give rise to a genuine autonomous region as well as bring forth healing and reconciliation to the historical injustices committed against the Bangsamoro people.”

MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim said Duterte has been “given the unique privilege of correcting that historical injustice (against the Bangsamoro) by entrenching the Bangsamoro Government – the embodiment of the legitimate aspiration of our people, through the enactment of this Bangsamoro Basic Law.”

“We trust you. We trust that you will shepherd the passage of this law and see through the establishment of the Bangsamoro Government,” he said.

Murad stressed that in passing the BBL, the Duterte administration “would have taken the first step in correcting the historical injustice committed against our people and laid the foundation for a more just country.”

“By this joint action, we have co-founded a new Philippines-a new country firmly set on the unshakable foundation of justice and truth, and bequeath upon our succeeding generation a country united but respecting and drawing strength from its diversity,” he added.

Violent extremism

Violent extremism, Murad warned, is rearing its ugly head and this is evident in what is happening in Marawi, where clashes between government forces and violent extremists such as the Maute Group, entered Day 56 on the same day teh draft BBL was submitted.

“These misguided people have filled the vacuum created by our failure to enact the Basic Law and fed into the frustration of our people,” he explained.

Ghazali Jaafar, 1st Vice Chair of the MILF and concurrent chair of the BTC, said their draft BBL is “the best antidote to violent extremism that has wrought havoc” in the country.

He said their draft is “more inclusive being a product of a commission whose composition also reflects the widest inclusivity” and that it “reflects the diversity of interests of the Bangsamoro people, non-Bangsamoro Indigenous Peoples and settle communities.”

“This BBL is our new formula for the very elusive peace in Mindanao,” Jaafar added.

The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) faction under Yusoph Jikiri and Muslimin Sema, participated in the crafting of the draft BBL, with three commissioners among the 21-member BTC.

The MNLF faction under Nur Misuair, however, has a separate peace implementing panel which is drafting along with its government counterpart, a draft amendatory law that would strengthen the ARMM.

The BBL on the other hand will lead to the abolition of the ARMM once the BBL is ratified in a plebiscite.

Convergence

The Bangsamoro peace roadmap that the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) proposed in July 2016 and approved by the President, was for a convergence of the peace agreements government signed with the MNLF (1976 Tripoli Agreement and 1996 Final Peace Agreement) and the MILF (2012 Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and 2014 CAB).


The BTC membership was precisely increased from 15 to 21, purportedly to get the MNLF factions to participate in crafting the BBL. Misuari’s faction did not participate.

Secretary Jesus Dureza, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, said Congress will do the convergence of the BTC’s draft BBL and the MNLF-Misuari faction’s draft amendatory law.

The MNLF-Misuari peace implementing panel has yet to formally meet although they have conducted at least five informal meetings.

In a statement, ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman reiterated the region’s support to the ongoing peace process and its commitment to serve the Bangsamoro people.

He expressed hope that the President, who will set the legislative agenda of the national government during his SONA on July 24, “will use this important platform to push for legislation that acknowledges and addresses the historical injustices committed against the Bangsamoro people, and to pursue restorative justice and lasting peace in the region.”

He said he hopes the new draft BBL “will also renew the commitment not only of the peace panels, but also the commitment of our legislators in congress to pursuing peace in the region.”

Hataman noted that the proposed law “comes at a time when we are reminded of the costs of delaying our efforts towards peace in the region, as we continue to hurdle old and familiar obstacles along with new challenges.”

“Delays in our collective struggle towards peace make it easy for fear to take root in the hearts of our people. Delays in our shared pursuit of justice make it easier for terror to thrive,” he said. (Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews)

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/930/----there-shall-be-a-bangsamoro-country-----duterte-says

MILF: BM-PUSH holds PressCon in support to BBL Passage

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Jul 20): BM-PUSH holds PressCon in support to BBL Passage



In a presscon held last July 18, Mindanao Civil Society Organizations (CSO’s) expressed support the passage of Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) submitted to President Rodrigo Duterte in MalacaƱng on Monday, July 17. “Support Lasting Peace, Pass BBL Now!” The slogan of the Coalition of CSO’s Bangsamoro Platform for unity, solidarity and harmony (BM-PUSH) during its Press Conference conducted at Em Manor Convention Center in Cotabato City attended by members of tri-media media both local and national media outlets.

In a Manifesto released by the BM-PUSH, they expressed their gladness and appreciation that the expanded Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) whose membership are composed of representatives from the MILF, MNLF, Christians and Indigenous People accomplished it mandated tasks of drafting an inclusive Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

BM-PUSH is organized by different organizations whose main goal is to support the GPH-MILF peace process. These organizations are the People’s Coalition for ARMM Reform and Transformation represented by Duma M. Mascud ,who is also the Chairperson of the BM-PUSH). Samad P. Macmod, represented Mindanao Alliance for Peace, Mendis A. Hussain – Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society, Nas Pulindao of Federation of Bangsamoro Civil Society Organizations (FBCSO), Evhoy B. Villaruel – Community Organizers Multiversity, Naima G. Pendi – Women’s Organizations Movement of the Bangsamoro and Dr. Ombra Imam of the League of Bangsamoro Organizations (LBO).

In the introductory messages, heads of organizations gave insights on the current situation particularly to the submission of the new draft BBL to the Office of President led by BTC Chairman Ghazali Jaafar.

In the first part of the PressCon Dr. Imam read their Manifesto.

Mr. Mascud in his response to the question raised by the media about the stands of CSO on the Martial Law declared by Duterte said that Martial Law declaration is the president’s discretion.

On the other hand, Dr. Imam supplemented the answers of Mr. Mascud and emphasized the importance of the passage of BBL.

Samad P. Macmod for his part delved on the peace roadmap and the approaches that civil society organizations will take to support the smooth passage of the Bangsamoro Law.

Mr. Pulindao took note of the commitment of President Duterte for the passage of BBL and is optimistic of the possibility of the passage of the BBL under the present administration as he attributed the failure of BBL in the 16th Congress due to the Mamasapano fiasco.

The BM-PUSH also called on the respected members of both Houses of Congress of the Philippines to hasten the enactment of the proposed BBL in compliance with the Government of the Philippines (GPH)-Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed on March 27, 2014.

They also see and feel the brunt and effect of war now taking place in the Islamic City of Marawi, their conviction that the GPH-MILF shall pass through the path of real and everlasting peace envisioned under the new Bangsamoro Basic Law.

They said that though the new BBL may not be a perfect law but it is the best alternative path to peace, progress and development in Mindanao.

Since the proposed law is already in the hands of President Duterte they appealed to the president to certify it as an URGENT BILL so congress can fast tract its enactment.

The said PressCon was attended by different tri-media outlets.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/929/bm_push_holds_presscon_in_support_to_bbl_passage

NDF: Joma Sison: No need for peace talks amid martial law, killings

Article posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Jul 20): Joma Sison: No need for peace talks amid martial law, killings  



Inquirer » | Published July 20, 2017 5:31pm

Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chairman Jose Maria Sison on Thursday deemed the peace talks with the government unnecessary due to the Duterte administration’s “obsession with martial law and mass murder.”

Sison’s scathing statement was issued a day after the government canceled its backchannel talks with the National Democratic Front (NDF), the CPP’s negotiating arm, following Wednesday’s rebel attack on a Presidential Security Group convoy in Arakan, Cotabato.

“There is really no need for GRP-NDFP (Government of the Republic of the Philippines-National Democratic Front of the Philippines) peace negotiations if the Duterte regime is obsessed with martial rule and mass murder as the way to solve social, economic and political problems and to frighten in vain the revolutionary forces and people to surrender and give up their revolutionary struggle for national and social liberation,” Sison said in a statement.

President Rodrigo Duterte has put the entire Mindanao under martial rule on May 23 following the attack on Marawi City by Islamic fundamentalist groups sympathetic to the ISIS terrorist organization.

The 60-day martial law will lapse on July 22, but Duterte has asked Congress to extend it until the end of the year.

Attack on PSG

 Regarding the attack on the convoy, Sison questioned why the PSG van was in the area.

“What is the PSG van doing in Arakan, Cotabato? To make provocations or to stage an Enrile-type ambush on the eve of the martial law proclamation by Marcos in 1972? A preparation for martial law nationwide, thus the PSG van is made to appear as the target of NPA ambush?” he asked.

The attack injured five PSG men namely Staff Sergeant Arniel Matunhay, Sergeant Gerry Torsar, Corporal Rodel Ledesma, Corporal Ayam Alia, and a Staff Sergeant Lisondra.

The Duterte administration has kept firm on its stand to discontinue peace talks with the communists if they persist in their hostilities against the government.

The fifth round of talks was put on hold in May after the government peace panel pulled out from it following the CPP’s call for the NPA to intensify attacks on the heels of the martial law declaration in Mindanao. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK/KVD, GMA News

https://www.ndfp.org/joma-sison-no-need-peace-talks-amid-martial-law-killings/

NDF/NPA-NCM: 4 NPA military actions launched within ten days

NPA propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Jul 20): 4 NPA military actions launched within ten days  

WITHIN 10 days, the New People’s Army Front 6, South Central Bukidnon Sub-Regional Command, North Central Mindanao Region (NPA-SCB-NCMR) has launched two tactical offensives against enemy forces and two punitive actions against criminal offenders.



On July 12, 2017, 3:40 a.m., an NPA platoon ambushed Benjamin “Nonong” Salusad, together with his CAFGU associates in Brgy. Dao, San Fernando, Bukidnon. Salusad is a regular member of the 8th IB of the 403rd Brigade, Philippine Army and is active in counter-revolutionary acts and in harassing Lumad communities in San Fernando. Together with his son, Alde “Butsoy” Salusad leading NIPAR (New Indigenous People’s Army for Reform), they are staunch protectors of destructive mining and plantation activities in Mt. Kiranggol and other parts of San Fernando, aside from the fact that the Salusads were the culprit in killing Datu Jimmy Liguyon and other Lumad leaders. But because of the brigade’s protection, they were not arrested given the warrants of arrest issued against them by the Malaybalay city court.

In the said ambush, Joas Licawan and Rolan Lumatay, both CAFGUs, were killed in action (KIA) while Nonong Salusad is in critical medical condition. In a media interview, Lt. Erwin Bugarin, spokesperson of 8th IB, had not claimed Nonong Salusad to be a regular member of the 8th Infantry Battalion as his way of projecting a “clean” image” of 8th IB whose reputation was long tarnished by its record of human rights violations.

Once the AFP had exhausted from their Lumad assets their objective of attacking the revolutionary movement, the usual modus of the AFP is to get their hands clean and disown these assets in public.

Also on July 14, 2017 at 2:15 AM, two squads of the NPA harassed a platoon of the 8th IB, conducting psywar and intelligence operations, in Purok 7, Mahayag, Quezon, Bukidnon. The exchange of fire took only twenty-seven minutes, but the AFP troops continued firing in panic until 2:45 a.m. Two of the 8th IB troopers were confirmed killed in action (KIA) while their wounded was undetermined. On the side of the NPA, one member was martyred and his M-16 issue was seized by the enemy.

Prior to these, on July 5, 2017, an NPA team meted out punishment on Noel “Toto” Madrial, 45, a drug dealer and rapist, in Brgy. Mahayag, Quezon, Bukidnon. Madrial was previously dis-armed with a .40 caliber pistol and was expelled from the community due to cases of harassment, indiscriminate firing and selling illegal drugs. But soon after months, he returned and resumed his illicit activities. In fact, he was reported to have raped a 14 year-old girl in the said place.

On July 8, 2017, another punitive action was meted out by the NPA to an AFP agent, Jory Gonsaga in Brgy. San Jose, Quezon, Bukidnon. Gonsaga committed crimes against the revolutionary movement, one time in 1991, he stole from a comrade an amount worth P10, 000 and another when he surrendered a .45 caliber pistol to the AFP. Since then, he became an active guide of the AFP troops in their military operations and was responsible in the raid of an NPA camp.

These new rounds of NPA military actions would mean to be a victory for the revolutionary movement and for the oppressed and exploited masses.

Ka Malem Mabini
Spokesperson, NPA-NCMR

https://www.ndfp.org/4-npa-military-actions-launched-within-ten-days/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Tindeg Ranao, tumutol sa batas militar ni Duterte

From the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan (July 21): Tindeg Ranao, tumutol sa batas militar ni Duterte

Mahigit 100 biktimang sapilitang pinalikas ng pambobomba ng AFP sa Marawi at deklarasyon ng batas militar sa Mindanao ang nagtipon sa Iligan City noong Hulyo 18 upang buuin ang Tindeg Ranao laban sa pambobomba, pag-alis ng batas militar, igiit ang hustisya sa mga biktima ng batas militar at komprehensibong rehabilitasyon sa Marawi City.

Mayorya sa dumalo ay nagmula sa iba’t ibang sentro ng ebakwasyon sa Iligan City, Lanao del Norte at Lanao del Sur, na nasaklaw ng inilunsad na National Interfaith Humanitarian Mission na pinangunahan ng Kalinaw Mindanao noong Hunyo.

Nakiisa rin sa aktibidad si Jerome Succor Aba, tagapangulo ng Suara Bangsamoro, at si Ms. Aida Ibrahim ng Kalinaw Mindanao-Northern Mindanao Region. Tinalakay dito ang kalagayan nila sa ilalim ng administrasyong Duterte at ang kalagayan ng mga bakwit sa mga komunidad ng Lanao. Mayorya sa mga biktima ang nagpahayag ng kahilingan na agad na makabalik sa kanilang mga tahanan. Dagdag pa rito, hiling nila na magkaroon ng malalim na imbestigasyon sa naganap na atake sa Marawi na nagdulot ng pagkawasak ng syudad, malawakang kagutuman at krisis.

Mahigit 410,000 indibidwal na ang apektado ng panggegera ni Duterte sa Marawi. Bilang resulta, daan-daan ang namatay, habang ilan ang sugatan dulot ng pambobomba.

Binuo rin noong Hulyo 19 ang Dansalan Tano Sa Kalilintad, al-yansa ng mga ulama, propesyunal at iba pang sektor sa Marawi. Isa sa mga unang aktibidad ng alyansa ang paglulunsad ng serye ng konsultasyon sa mga bakwit. Mag-kakaroon din ng talakayan sa pagi-tan ng AFP, mga lokal na upisyal at ARMM. Naglano ang alyansa ng “Peace March to Marawi” sa araw ng SONA ni Duterte sa Hulyo 24.

[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.]

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/ang_bayan/20170721-tindeg-ranao-tumutol-sa-batas-militar-ni-duterte/

CPP/Ang Bayan: AKP sa panahon ng batas military

From the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan (July 21): AKP sa panahon ng batas military

Sa nakaraang tatlong buwan, halos 200 mga kadre ng Partido at mandirigma ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan ang matagumpay na nakapagtapos ng Abanteng Kurso ng Partido (AKP) sa Mindanao. Hindi napigilan ng batas militar ng rehimeng Duterte ang kapasyahan ng Partido na ilunsad ang mga pormal na edukasyon para ibayong itaas ang kaisahan at kamulatan sa Marxismo-Leninismo-Maoismo ng kasapian. Bahagi ito ng lahatang-panig na pagsulong ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa buong isla.

Pinakahuli rito ang halos mag-kasabay na pagdaraos ng pag-aaral ng dalawang bats sa dalawang rehiyon noong Hunyo. Idinaos sa NCMR ang unang bats ng mga mag-aaral. Binuksan ang pag-aaral sa pamamagitan ng isang programa kung saan itinanghal ng mga kasama ang kanilang mga talentong pangkultura. Sa takbo ng pag-aaral, aktibo at masigla ang pagbabahaginan ng mga estudyante ng kanilang mga karanasan at naintindihan sa mga teorya. Dagdag na napalamnan ang borador na sumada ng rehiyon sa kolektibong pag-aaral ng mga grupo, kung saan pinalawig ang diskusyon sa burukratismo. Pinagaan naman ng mga instruktor ang kanilang mga aralin sa pamamagitan ng biswal na mga presentasyon at mga pagpapatawa na nakapagpasaya sa mga estudyante. Sa mga kasamang huli nang nakarating, ang mga kagrupo na nila ang tumulong para makahabol sa mga aralin.

Umabot sa 42 ang mga estudyanteng nakapagtapos at walo ang nagrepaso. Nagtapos ang pag-aaral sa isang programa kung saan tinanggap ng mga mag-aaral ang kanilang mga diploma, nagbigay ng kani-kanilang mensahe at mga presentasyong kultural ang bawat grupo. Kinanta ng steering committee ang Pakunotay sa Agtang (Pagkunutan ng Noo) at AKP jingle na ginawa noong 2015. Sayaw-galaw naman sa awit na Muog na Buo ang naging presentasyon ng isang grupo. Mapanghamon ang naging mga mensahe ng mga instruktor, gayundin ng mga punong-abala. Mainit na tinanggap ng lahat ang balitang isinalin na sa Bisaya ang praymer na Batayang Prinsipyo ng Marxismo-Leninismo na sinulat ni Jose Maria Sison at mababaon na nila ito sa kanilang pagbalik sa kani-kanilang mga larangan ng gawain.

Sa SMR, natipon ang bats ng 36 na mag-aaral para sa isa pang serye ng AKP noong Hunyo. Binuo ang 18-kataong kwerpo ng mga instruktor mula sa mga estudyante ng naunang mga bats. Sa loob ng 15 araw, nagtulong-tulong ang mga instruktor, gamit ang makulay at mapanlikhang mga tulong-biswal, para maayos na idaos ang limang kurso. Mula pilosopiya hanggang sa praktika ng konstruksyong sosyalista, kolektibong natuto ang mga instruktor at estudyante sa isa’t isa. Halo ang mga estudyante, mayroong mga petiburges na nakapagtapos ng matataas na kurso sa kolehiyo, mga manggagawa, gayundin ang mga magsasakang hindi nakatuntong sa elementarya at sa kilusan na natuto ng literasiya. Masigla rin ang pagbabahaginan, mga “debate” at mga diskusyong lumalapat sa kanilang sariling mga karanasan. Isa rito ang pagpapalalim sa usapin ng empirisismo at ang iba’t ibang anyo nito sa kani-kanilang mga larangan.

Sa pagitan ng mga lektura, regular ang mga balitaan, palabas na bidyo at meryendang tsamporado. Bago gumabi, nagtitipon ang mga estudyante sa kani-kanilang mga grupo na halong petiburges, manggagawa at magsasaka para tasahin ang lektura at maghanda para sa susunod na araw. Itinatanong ang mga nakaligtaang itanong, binubuod ang mga pag-aaral ng grupong inatasang mag-“recap” at nagbabahaginan ng mga naintindihan.

Lalong mapadadali ang paglu-lunsad ng AKP ngayong dumarami na ang mga maaaring gumampan bilang mga instruktor. Inaasahan ng Partido na makakamit ang target nitong patapusin ang lahat ng namumunong kadre at mandirigma hanggang sa antas subrehiyon sa loob ng kasalukuyang taon hindi lamang sa Mindanao kundi sa buong kapuluan.

Ang kaalamang naibabahagi sa mga pormal na kurso ng Partido ay armas hindi lamang para sa kagyat na pagsulong ng digmang bayan, kundi pati sa pagharap ng mga hamon pagtakapos ng tagumpay nito.

[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.]

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/ang_bayan/20170721-akp-sa-panahon-ng-batas-militar/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Mga opensiba, umarangkada sa buong kapuluan

From the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan (July 21): Mga opensiba, umarangkada sa buong kapuluan

Mula Northern Luzon hang-gang Western Mindanao, sunud-sunod na naglunsad ang mga yunit ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB) ng mga taktikal na opensiba laban sa mga pwersa ng estado. Tugon ito sa pana-wagan ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas na paigtingin ang paglaban ng mamamayan sa all-out war at batas militar ng rehimeng Duterte.

Bukidnon. Hinaras noong Hulyo 4 ng mga myembro ng BHB-North Central Mindanao Region (NCMR) ang 24 tropa ng 8th IB sa Sityo Kalakapan, Barangay Kanangaan, Cabanglasan, Bukidnon. Isa ang patay habang dalawa ang sugatan sa tropa ng militar.

Sa sumunod na araw, Hulyo 5, binigo naman ng mga Pulang mandirigma ang yunit ng 8th IB at Special Forces sa ilalim ng 403rd IBde nang atakehin nito ang kampo ng BHB sa bahagi ng Sityo Miaray, Barangay Manggaod ng parehong bayan.. Tatlo ang patay sa hanay ng AFP matapos silang masabugan ng command-detonated explosive.

Tinambangan naman ng mga kasapi ng Front 6, BHB-NCMR ang mga elemento ng 8th IB sa Barangay Dao, San Fernando, noong Hulyo 13.

Nasawi sa ambus sina Josh at Reynalo Licawan, habang sugatan naman si Pvt. Benjamin “Nonong” Salusad, lahat mga myem-bro ng grupong paramilitar.

Noong Hulyo 14, isa pang platun ng 8th IB na naglulunsad ng Civil Military Operations ang hinaras ng isang yunit ng Front 6 sa Barangay Mahayag, Quezon, Bukidnon. Dalawa ang patay sa militar, habang isa ang nasawi sa BHB.

North Cotabato. Sa ulat ng BHB-SMR Regional Operations Command, hinarang sa tsekpoynt na itinayo ng 1st Pulang Bagani Company (PBC) sa Barangay Katipunan, Arakan sa kahabaan ng Davao-Cotabato-Bukidnon haywey ang isang van na walang marka at madilim ang salamin noong Hulyo 19.

Ang tsekpoynt ay bahagi ng mga aksyong militar na isinagawa ng naturang yunit bilang tugon sa kampanya ng PKP na labanan ang batas militar sa Mindanao.

Nagpakilala ang drayber ng sasakyan na sundalo raw ng AFP. Nang mapansin na hindi AFP ang nakabantay sa tsekpoynt, umamba siyang bubunot ng baril at dali-daling pinarangkada ang sasakyan. Dahil rito, napilitan ang mga Pulang mandirigma na paputukan ang sasakyan upang paralisahin ito.

Sa puntong ito, ang ikalawang sasakyan sa kanilang convoy ay dumating at pinaputukan ang yunit ng BHB. Nakalusot ito sa tsekpoynt subalit napahinto rin ng isa pang platun ng mga Pulang hukbo bago makalayo. Sa puntong ito, napag-alaman ng yunit ng BHB na mga elemento ng Presidential Security Group ang lulan ng dalawang van.

Matapos matanggap ang mando, nilisan ng BHB ang erya. Bago nito, inaresto ng BHB ang isang ahente ng CIDG-Bukidnon na si Rogelio Magno. Kasalukuyan siyang hawak ng Pulang hukbo para sa imbestigasyon.

Compostela Valley. Noong Hulyo 11, naaresto rin sa isinagawang tsekpoynt ng BHB-Comval-Davao East Coast Subregional Operations Command si PO1 Alfredo Sillada Basabica, Jr. sa Km. 26, Barangay Panansalan, Compostela Valley. Si PO1 Pasabeca ay kasalukuyang iniimbestigahan para sa posibleng krimen laban sa mamamayan at rebolusyonaryong kilusan. Nakadestino si Pasabeca sa Cateel Municipal Police Substation sa Brgy. Aliwagwag, Compostela Valley. Ang yunit nito ay ginagamit ng lokal na reaksyunaryong gubyerno sa kanilang kontra-magsasaka at kontra-Lumad na mga proyekto. Iniimbestigahan rin ito sa paglipana ng iligal na bentahan ng droga sa Cateel, tortyur ng limang magsasaka na iligal na inaresto noong Marso at Mayo, at paniniktik sa mga sibilyan. Dalawang pulis ang hawak ngayon ng mga Pulang mandirigma.

Samantala, nireyd ng 1st PBC ang bahay ng isang negosyante at kilalang elemento ng militar sa paniniktik sa Riverside, Talomo, Calinan District, Davao City noong Hulyo 7. Nakuha mula rito ang isang karbin.

Zamboanga. Noong Hulyo 16, inambus ng BHB-Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Operations Command ang yunit ng 44th IB sa Purok Biwa, Barangay Titik 1, Leon Postigo, Zamboanga del Norte. Tumagal ang labanan ng mahigit isa at kalahating oras hanggang sa dumating ang mga tropang nagreimpors nito sa Barangay Bukana at Titik 2. Isa ang patay habang pito ang sugatan sa hanay ng militar. Lima naman ang sugatan na Pulang mandirigma. Isang sibilyan ang napaslang sa palitan ng putok.

Sa araw ding iyon, tinambangan ng isa pang platun ng BHB ang may tropa ng 42nd IB na lulan ng trak na KM450 na sasaklolo sana sa yunit ng AFP na inambus noong umaga. Sampu ang patay habang tatlo ang sugatan sa AFP. Isa naman ang sugatan sa BHB. Namatay sa labanan si Ka Masaw, isang mandirigma.

Surigao del Sur. Nireyd ng isang yunit ng BHB-Northeastearn Mindanao Region ang bahay ni Cortes Vice Mayor Emmanuel Suarez sa Barangay Mabahid noong Hulyo 18. Apat na armas ang nakuha mula sa kanya. Pinaalalahanan ng BHB si Suarez na kailangan niyang itigil ang laganap na iligal na pagtotroso at pangingisda sa bayan ng Cortes.

Samar. Hinaras ng mga Pulang mandirigma ng BHB-Samar noong Hunyo 7, alas-7:30 ng umaga ang dalawang kolum ng 14th IB sa Barangay Salvacion, Canavid, Eastern Samar. Tatlong sundalo ang namatay.

Negros. Pinarusahan ng Roselyn Pelle Command ng BHB-Negros, ang lider ng RPA-ABB na si Charlie Boliboli sa Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental.

Suspek si Boliboli sa serye ng krimen sa mamamayan tulad ng pagpaslang, pang-aagaw ng lupa at pandarahas sa mga magsasaka sa Barangay Bago, Salvador Benedicto.

Ayon kay Ka Cecil Estrella, tagapagsalita ng Roselyn Pelle Command, aktibo itong nagpapakana ng mga kontra-rebolusyonaryong aktibidad at nagsisilbing giya sa mga operasyong militar.
Camarines Sur. Mahigit 30 minutong engkwentro ang naganap sa pagitan ng BHB-Camarines Sur (Norben Gruta Command) at mga elemento ng 9th ID sa Barangay Salvacion, Ragay, Camarines Sur noong Hulyo 19. Isa ang napatay sa hanay ng AFP.

Hulyo 18 pa lamang ay sinusubaybayan na ang pagpasok ng tatlong pormasyon ng AFP sa mga barangay ng Baya, Napolidan at Cawayan. Kinabukasan pumasok na ang isang yunit ng Alpha Coy ng 9th IB sa Barangay Salvacion mula sa Barangay Baya.

Kalinga. Isa ang patay habang lima ang sugatan sa tropa ng 50th IB matapos makasagupa ang yunit ng BHB-Kalinga (Lejo Cawilan Command) noong Hulyo 4 sa Batong Buhay, Barangay Balatoc, Pasil.

Ayon sa BHB-Kalinga, mula Hunyo pa aktibong nag-ooperasyon ang tropa ng militar sa mga baryo ng Balatoc at Colayo. Nagdulot sila ng matinding takot at perwisyo sa mga sibilyan. Nagkakampo sila sa mga kabahayan, barangay hall at eskwelahan sa Barangay Colayo. Pwersahan rin silang nangrerekrut ng mga CAFGU sa Barangay Balatoc.

Samantala, noong Hulyo 14, pinasabugan ng command-detonated explosive ng BHB-Cagayan ang isang patrol car ng PNP sa Barangay Diduyon, Maddela, Cagayan. Sugatan sa pagsabog ang limang pulis at isang sibilyan.

Palawan. Hulyo 18, pinasabugan ng isang yunit ng Bienvenido Vallever Command ng BHB-South Palawan ang isang M35 truck ng 4th Marine Battalion Landing Team sa Barangay Tarusan, Bataraza, Palawan. Isa ang sugatan sa 4th MBLT. Samantala, pinarusahan naman ng NPA-North Palawan ang dalawang abusadong Marines sa Barangay Magara, Roxas, Palawan.

[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.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/ang_bayan/20170721-mga-opensiba-umarangkada-sa-buong-kapuluan/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Editorial -- Puspusang labanan ang pagpapalawig ng batas military

Editorial in the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan (July 21): Editorial -- Puspusang labanan ang pagpapalawig ng batas military



Dapat magkaisa ang buong sambayanang Pilipino at lahat ng rebolusyonaryong pwersa para buong-lakas na labanan ang balak ng rehimeng Duterte na palawigin ang batas militar sa Mindanao hanggang sa katapusan ng taon.

Ang pagpapalawig ng batas militar ay tiyak na magreresulta sa lalong paglala ng mga abusong militar at pulis. Lalo pa nitong patatagalin ang pagdurusa ng mamamayan sa isinasagawang paghihigpit laban sa kanilang mga kalayaang sibil at pampulitika at palalalain ang mga paglabag sa kanilang mga demokratikong karapatan.

Lalo ring titindi ang pagtatakip sa katotohanan ng malawakang mga paglabag sa karapatang-tao upang tiyakin na ang laganap na salaysay tungkol sa batas militar sa Mindanao ay pabor sa AFP, kay Duterte at sa US. Ang katotohanan sa pagkubkob sa Marawi City, laluna ang tunay na mga dahilan, ang dami ng mga namatay na sibilyan at sundalo ng AFP at lawak ng armadong paglaban ay pilit na tinatabunan ng sala-salabat na mga kwentong barbero ng tagapagsalita ng AFP.

Patuloy na inilalatag ni Duterte ang pundasyon ng paghaharing diktador na nakapailalim sa kapangyarihan ng imperyalismong US. Malamang na kaagad pagtitibayin ng kanyang supermayorya ng mga alipures sa kongreso ang pagpapalawig ng batas militar. Laway na laway na sila sa makukuha nilang pakinabang sa mga inihahanay na malalaking proyekto ni Duterte na nais iratsada sa ilalim ng batas militar.

Nais ni Duterte na palawigin ang batas militar sa Mindanao sa hangal na paghahangad na ganap na supilin ang armadong paglaban ng iba’t ibang armadong grupong Moro sa Marawi City. Naglunsad siya roon ng gerang di niya kayang tapusin. Lalong itinulak ng gerang Duterte-US-AFP ang mamamayang Moro na mag-armas upang singilin ang malawak na pagkamatay at pagkawasak na idinulot ng pasistang pagkubkob at walang patumanggang pambobomba sa Marawi City. “Tama na!” ang sigaw ng mamamayan ng Marawi upang makabalik na sila sa kanilang mga winasak na bahay.

Isinumite ni Duterte ang binagong borador ng Bangsamoro Basic Law at pinagmamadali ang kongreso na pagtibayin ito sa maling pag-aakalang mapahuhupa nito ang galit ng mamamayang Moro. Taliwas sa hangad ni Duterte, ang pagpapatibay ng BBL at ang hungkag niyang deklarasyong “pagbuo ng bagong bansa sa ilalim ng konstitusyon” ng mapanupil na reaksyunaryong estado ay magbubunsod lamang ng panibagong gera para tunay na maisulong ang kanilang karapatan sa pagpapasya-sa-sarili. Nagbabadyang sumiklab ang malawakang apoy ng armadong paglaban ng Bangsamoro.

Ang pagpapalawig ng batas militar sa Mindanao ay nakatuon rin sa pagpapatuloy at lalong pagpapaigting ng todong-gera ni Duterte laban sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB). Sa nakaraang dalawang buwan sa ilalim ng batas militar sa Mindanao, walang habas ang mga opensiba ng AFP laban sa BHB at laban sa mga pinagsususpetsahang sumusuporta sa BHB. Isinagawa ang paghuhulog ng bomba at panganganyon sa North Cotabato, Bukidnon, Davao del Sur, Davao City, Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley at iba pang mga prubinsya. Sinupil ang mga karapatan ng mga manggagawa. Binuwag ang mga piketlayn. Tumindi ang mga atake at pagsakop ng AFP laban sa mga komunidad. Lalong lumakas ang loob ng mga paramilitar sa pananakot at pagharas sa mga Lumad. Sa Mindanao, hindi bababa sa 10,000 ang pwersahang nagbakwit sa nagdaang dalawang buwan ng todong-gera ng AFP sa ilalim ng batas militar, dagdag sa 410,000 bakwit mula sa Marawi at mga kanugnog na lugar.

Ang batas militar ni Duterte, sa Mindanao man o sa buong bansa, ay tahasang paglapastangan sa mga karapatan at kalayaan ng bawat Pilipino. Ikinukubli nito ang tuwirang panghihimasok sa Pilipinas ng mga pwersang militar ng US sa isinasagawa nitong elektronikong paniniktik, paggamit ng mga drone sa pambobomba laluna sa gabi at pagdidirihe ng operasyon ng AFP. Nais din ni Duterte na paspasan ang pagtatatag ng buong pasistang makinarya ng panunupil. Kabilang dito ang planong ipatupad ang isang National ID system na maaaring gawing armas para higpitan ang karapatan ng mga tao sa malayang pagkilos at bilang kasangkapan para sa malawakang sarbeylans. Sa ilalim ng pinalawig at posibleng pinalawak na batas militar sa Mindanao, maaaring gamitin ni Duterte ang kanyang kapangyarihan para isagasa ang planong bagong mga buwis at iba pang mga patakaran sa ekonomya sa kapinsalaan ng mga karapatan at interes ng bayan.

Kaya’t dapat ubos-kayang labanan ng buong sambayanang Pilipino ang planong pagpapalawig at posibleng pagpapalawak ni Duterte sa batas militar sa Mindanao. Mahigpit na nagkakaisa at lubos na determinado ang lahat ng rebolusyonaryong pwersa na labanan ang planong ito ni Duterte.

Dapat patuloy na magpalakas ang Bagong Hukbong Bayan sa buong bansa. Dapat mabilis na magrekrut ng bagong mga Pulang mandirigma, buuin ang bagong mga regular at lokal na yunit gerilya. Dapat kunin ng BHB ang inisyatiba sa paglulunsad ng mga taktikal na opensiba at kontra-aksyon sa buong bansa upang gapiin ang batas militar sa Mindanao at todong-gera sa buong bansa.

[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.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/ang_bayan/20170721-puspusang-labanan-ang-pagpapalawig-ng-batas-militar/

CPP/NPA-Bicol: Pahayag ng PNP Ragay hinggil sa narekober na labi ng isang NPA sa Camarines Sur, Kasinungalingan

New People's Army-Bicol propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Jul 20): Pahayag ng PNP Ragay hinggil sa narekober na labi ng isang NPA sa Camarines Sur, Kasinungalingan

Maria Roja Banua, Spokesperson
NDFP Bicol Region (Region V)

20 July 2017
Press Release

Walang katotohanan ang pahayag ni Chief Inspector Rommel Tino, tumatayong hepe ng Ragay Police, na may nakuhang labi ng isang kasapi ng New People’s Army Camarines Sur sa Barangay Salvacion, Ragay, kahapon ng alas-9 ng gabi. Aniya, napaslang umano ang isang myembro ng NPA-Camarines Sur sa enkwentrong naganap bandang alas-5 ng hapon kahapon.

Sa totoo, walang kasapi ng NPA ang nasugatan o nasawi sa naturang insidente. Ayon sa panimulang ulat ng NPA-Camarines Sur, maaaring ang sinasabing katawang narekober ay isa sa mga sundalong nag-operasyon sa lugar o sibilyang pinagbalingan ng walang habas at patuloy na pagpapaputok ng militar kahit wala nang NPA sa lugar. Sa simula pa lamang ng labanan, pinagpasyahan na ng kumand ng yunit na umatras pansamantala upang maprotektahan ang mga residente ng barangay.

Mariing kinukundena ng NDF-Bikol ang militar at kapulisan sa paghahasik ng takot sa mamamayan at panggugulo sa mga komunidad sa buong rehiyon. Ilang ulit nang nalantad sa publiko ang mga gawa-gawang kwentong ipinapalaganap ng kanilang mga upisyales at tagapagsalita. Ilang ulit na silang napahiya sa madla dahil sa hindi magkakatugmang pahayag tulad ng gawa-gawang bilang ng sugatan umano sa panig ng mga kasama sa labanang naganap sa Del Gallego nitong Abril at mga kwentong hinugot sa hangin tulad ng paulit-ulit na pahayag na may sumukong mga kasapi ng pulang hukbo at pekeng balita ng mga labanan.

Paulit-ulit na sinasalaula ng kapulisan at kasundaluhan ang katotohanan habang patuloy na pinagtatakpan ang kanilang pang-aatake sa sibilyan. Nitong nakaraang linggo lamang, lumabas sa balita at kaagad na pinagtakpan ang pambubugbog ng 10 sundalo sa ilalim ng 83rd IBPA sa tatlong sibilyan sa Del Gallego, Camarines Sur. Walang ni katiting na katarungang maasahan ang mamamayan para sa mga krimen ng mersenaryong hukbo ng estado. Ibinaon na sa limot ng 9th IDPA ang kaso ng panggagahasa at pagpatay ng mga kasapi ng CAFGU sa ilalim ng 22nd Cadres’ Battalion kay Laesybil Almonacid, estudyante ng Bicol University at residente ng Albay.

Sa tumitinding opensiba sa propaganda ng kapulisan at kasundaluhan, nananawagan ang NDF-Bikol sa masang Bikolnon na mas maging mapagmatyag. Dapat na suriing mabuti ng taumbayan ang mga krimeng pinagtatakpan ng kasundaluhan sa pamamagitan ng kanilang mga pekeng balita. Dapat pag-aralan ng mamamayan ang katotohanan sa likod ng pamamaluktot at panloloko ng military at ng mga kasabwat nito sa kapulisan at gubyerno.

CPP/NPA-Camarines Sur: Aktibong Depensa ng NPA Laban sa Paggalugad ng 9th IB sa Camarines Sur, Matagumpay!

New People's Army-Camarines Sur propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Jul 19): Aktibong Depensa ng NPA Laban sa Paggalugad ng 9th IB sa Camarines Sur, Matagumpay!

Michael Robredo, Spokesperson
NPA-Camarines Sur (Norben Gruta Command)

19 July 2017
Press Release

Isang engkwentro ang naganap sa pagitan ng NPA at ng 9 th IB ng 9 th ID, PA noong Hulyo 19, bandang alas-singko ng hapon, sa Bgy. Salvacion, Ragay, Camarines Sur. Sa labanang tumagal ng 30 minuto, isa ang napatay sa hanay ng AFP. Walang kaswalti sa hanay ng NPA,taliwas sa pahayag ng 9 th ID na isang NPA diumano ang napatay.

Alas dos ng umaga noong Hulyo 18, na-monitor na ng Norben Gruta Command (NPA-West Camarines Sur) ang pagpasok ng tatlong pormasyon ng AFP sa Bgy. Baya, Bgy. Napolidan
at Bgy. Cawayan sa Ragay. Matiyagang sinubaybayan, sinuri at pinaghandaan ng NGC ang galaw ng kaaway. Kinabukasan ng hapon, namataan na ng isang yunit ng NGC ang mga elemento ng Alpha Company ng 9 th IB na pumasok sa Bgy. Salvacion mula sa Bgy. Baya. Hinintay ng mga
Pulang mandirigma ang paglapit ng mga ito, at sa unang bugso ng putok, napatay ang isang elemento ng 9 th IB.

Walang ibang dapat sisihin ang 9 th ID kundi ang sarili nito. Habang patuloy ang paggamit nito sa ilang midya upang paggandahin ang sariling imahe sa gitna ng sunod-sunod na paglabag nito sa mga karapatang pantao, at upang siraan ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan, patuloy rin ang pagpasok at paggalugad nito sa mga sonang gerilya bilang pagsasakatuparan ng all-out-war nito laban sa kilusan. Patunay ito na sila mismo ang naghahanap ng “gulo”, taliwas sa ibinibintang nitong kaguluhang mula sa NPA.

Ang matagumpay na pagdepensa ng NGC ay patunay din ng suporta ng masa sa kanilang tunay na hukbo. Hindi katulad ng AFP na kailangan pang manakot o magbigay ng pabuya sa
makakapagturo sa NPA, lubos ang tiwala ng NPA sa masa. Sa pamamagitan ng suporta ng masa,naisasapraktika ang taktikang gerilyang “papasukin ang kaaway sa kailaliman”, kung saan nagmimistulang bulag at bingi ang kaaway.

Sa gitna ng muling pagpapatigil ni Duterte sa usapang pangkapayapaan at plano nitong patagalin pa ang batas militar hanggang Disyembre, makakaasa ang masa na magpapatuloy ang Norben Gruta Command sa pagdepensa para sa kanilang kapakanan. Tumatalima ang NGC sa
panawagan ng Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) na maglunsad ng mga kontra-aksyon at opensiba upang labanan ang batas militar at all-out-war.

Tuloy ang laban para sa tunay at matagalang kapayapaan!

CPP/NPA-Palawan: Magkasunod na aksyong militar ng BHB Palawan, inilunsad!

New People's Army-Palawan propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Jul 19): Magkasunod na aksyong militar ng BHB Palawan, inilunsad!



Salvador Luminoso, Spokesperson
NPA-Palawan (Bienvenido Vallever Command)

19 July 2017

Pinasabugan ng mga elemento ng Mt. Mantalingahan Command (MMC) (NPA-South Palawan) ang isang M35 truck ng 4th MBLT Philippine Marines kahapon petsa 18 bandang 1:05 ng hapon sa Barangay Tarusan Bataraza Palawan. Napinsala ang naturang sasakyan at nagkaroon ng kaswalti na ayon sa mga nakasaksi ay may isang patay at isang sugatan subalit pilalabas ng WESCOM na isang sugatan lamang diumano ang tinamo ng mga sundalo.

Isinagawa ang sapper operation na ito upang parusahan ang mga marines na mula pa noong Hunyo ay patuloy sa paglulunsad ng combat at civil military operation sa bayan ng Brookes Point at Bataraza na nakalikha ng mga dislokasyon at takot sa mga katutubong Palaw’n.

Samantalang kanina lamang bandang 7:30 ng umaga ay isang sparrow operation naman ang isinagawa Virginia Casidsid Command (VCC-NPA North-Palawan) sa mga tauhan din ng 4th MBLT sa Barangay Magara, Roxas Palawan na nagresulta naman sa pagkapaslang kina Sgt. James Melchor at isang Sgt. Galiste.

Ang mga aksyong ito ng mga yunit ng NPA sa ilalim ng Bienvenido Vallever Command ay tugon sa panawagan ng mga taong bayan na naging biktima ng kanilang mga operasyon militar sa buong lalawigan mula pa noong Hunyo 2017 sa ilalim ng Oplan Kapayaan ng rehimeng US-Duterte. Kung matatandaan, ang mga bayan ng Bataraza, Brookes Point sa South at Taytay, Coron naman sa North ay priority target ng Oplan Kapayapaan dahil sa mga lugar ding ito nakapukos ang mga proyekto ng gubyerno at mga dayuhang malalaking korporasyon na naging banta sa buhay at ari-arian ng mga mamamayan.

Sa mga tagumpay na ito, malaki ang naging partisipasyon ng mga mamamayan na patuloy sa walang sawang pagsuporta tulad ng pagbibigay ng ma impormasyon, pinansya at lohistika upang maisagawa ang mga pamamarusa sa kaaway ng masa.

Mabuhay ang Sambayanang PalaweƱong patuloy na nakikibaka para sa tunay na kalayaan at kapayapaan!
Mabuhay ang Sambayang Pilipino!
Mabuhay ang CPP/NPA/NDFP!
Mabuhay Rebolusyon!

CPP/NPA-NCM: 4 NPA Military Actions Launched Within Ten Days

New People's Army-North Central Mindanao propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Jul 20): 4 NPA Military Actions Launched Within Ten Days



Ka Malem Mabini, Spokesperson
NPA-North Central Mindanao

20 July 2017
Press Release

WITHIN 10 days, the New People’s Army Front 6, South Central Bukidnon Sub-Regional Command, North Central Mindanao Region (NPA-SCB-NCMR) has launched two tactical offensives against enemy forces and two punitive actions against criminal offenders.

On July 12, 2017, 3:40 a.m., an NPA platoon ambushed Benjamin “Nonong” Salusad, together with his CAFGU associates in Brgy. Dao, San Fernando, Bukidnon. Salusad is a regular member of the 8th IB of the 403rd Brigade, Philippine Army and is active in counter-revolutionary acts and in harassing Lumad communities in San Fernando. Together with his son, Alde “Butsoy” Salusad leading NIPAR (New Indigenous People’s Army for Reform), they are staunch protectors of destructive mining and plantation activities in Mt. Kiranggol and other parts of San Fernando, aside from the fact that the Salusads were the culprit in killing Datu Jimmy Liguyon and other Lumad leaders. But because of the brigade’s protection, they were not arrested given the warrants of arrest issued against them by the Malaybalay city court.

In the said ambush, Joas Licawan and Rolan Lumatay, both CAFGUs, were killed in action (KIA) while Nonong Salusad is in critical medical condition. In a media interview, Lt. Erwin Bugarin, spokesperson of 8th IB, had not claimed Nonong Salusad to be a regular member of the 8th Infantry Battalion as his way of projecting a “clean” image” of 8th IB whose reputation was long tarnished by its record of human rights violations.

Once the AFP had exhausted from their Lumad assets their objective of attacking the revolutionary movement, the usual modus of the AFP is to get their hands clean and disown these assets in public.

Also on July 14, 2017 at 2:15 AM, two squads of the NPA harassed a platoon of the 8th IB, conducting psywar and intelligence operations, in Purok 7, Mahayag, Quezon, Bukidnon. The exchange of fire took only twenty-seven minutes, but the AFP troops continued firing in panic until 2:45 a.m. Two of the 8th IB troopers were confirmed killed in action (KIA) while their wounded was undetermined. On the side of the NPA, one member was martyred and his M-16 issue was seized by the enemy.

Prior to these, on July 5, 2017, an NPA team meted out punishment on Noel “Toto” Madrial, 45, a drug dealer and rapist, in Brgy. Mahayag, Quezon, Bukidnon. Madrial was previously dis-armed with a .40 caliber pistol and was expelled from the community due to cases of harassment, indiscriminate firing and selling illegal drugs. But soon after months, he returned and resumed his illicit activities. In fact, he was reported to have raped a 14 year-old girl in the said place.

On July 8, 2017, another punitive action was meted out by the NPA to an AFP agent, Jory Gonsaga in Brgy. San Jose, Quezon, Bukidnon. Gonsaga committed crimes against the revolutionary movement, one time in 1991, he stole from a comrade an amount worth P10, 000 and another when he surrendered a .45 caliber pistol to the AFP. Since then, he became an active guide of the AFP troops in their military operations and was responsible in the raid of an NPA camp.

These new rounds of NPA military actions would mean to be a victory for the revolutionary movement and for the oppressed and exploited masses.

CPP/NDF-CNL: Statement of the Christians for National Liberation in Eastern Visayas

Christians for National Liberation propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Jul 19): Statement of the Christians for National Liberation in Eastern Visayas

Paulo Victorino, Spokesperson
CNL Eastern Visayas (Region VIII)

19 July 2017

It is with great pride and jubilation that we announce the successful conduct of the 4th Regional Congress of the Christians for National Liberation here in Eastern Visayas.

We embrace with vigor and enthusiasm the challenges proffered by the 8th National congress of the CNL as capsulized by its theme “Persevere in Attaining greater Heights in the National Democratic Revolution with Socialist Perspective: Intensify our participation in the people’s armed revolutionary struggle.”

Here in the Eastern Visayas region, church people who wholeheartedly embraced, lived and even offered their lives for the ideals of the national democratic revolution has had its glorious moments and even had its trying times. But in all those stages of its prophetic journey towards establishing a “new heaven and a new earth”, it has remained steadfast on its calling and has kept the beacon of light burning.

Today, as it was, decades ago, the signs of the times is still evident and that the democratic revolution through a protracted people’s war is still of great relevance and significance. We are further emboldened to actively play our role even as we steadfastly tread the road of rectifying our errors and elevate the national democratic revolution to greater heights.

Even as we resolve to continue the path towards genuine national liberation, we are fully aware of our many shortcomings and we will take that as our own crosses and rectify them. Specifically, we will challenge ourselves to increase our rank from among the different church denominations with special focus among the younger generations to infuse new blood into our organization. We will endeavor to bring our churches, its programs and services closer to the struggle of the toiling masses to alleviate their sufferings even as we march with them in their struggle for genuine reforms. And through our collective efforts, we will also challenge our church leaders to speak out in defense of the masses as well as support their legitimate demands.

As we join in the march of advancing the phase of the current revolution, we will continually immerse ourselves with the masses and in their struggle while at the same time enticing others to do the same. We shall make our voices heard in defending and announcing that our national democratic revolution is a just war for liberation.

We declare now that as a revolutionary organization, we shall rise up renewed and invigorated to continue our revolutionary tasks just like the apostles after the descent of the Holy Spirit.

Today is also our own Pentecost! We shall move forward and spread the Pentecost fire to places everywhere!

Long live the struggling people!
Long live the Christians for National Liberation!
Long live the National Democratic Front!
Long live the national democratic revolution!

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170719-statement-of-the-christians-for-national-liberation-in-eastern-visayas

CPP: Account of July 19 Arakan incident

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Jul 20): Account of July 19 Arakan incident



Information Bureau
Communist Party of the Philippines

20 July 2017

Based on reports submitted by the NPA-Regional Operations Command in Southern Mindanao.

At 6 a.m. of July 19, Red fighters of the First Pulang Bagani Company manning an NPA checkpoint at Barangay Katipunan, Arakan town along the Davao-Cotabato-Bukidnon national highway flagged down a white unmarked and heavily-tinted armored vehicle. It later was identified as belonging to the Presidential Security Group.

 The NPA checkpoint was put up to interdict military and police vehicles carrying weapons plying the route as part of the NPA campaign in response to the CPP’s call to fight martial law in Mindanao.

The vehicle’s driver rolled down his window and introduced himself as an Army man. Upon realizing the checkpoint was not being manned by AFP soldiers, he immediately drew his gun and stepped on the gas while rolling up his window. NPA fighters fired at the vehicle, hitting its tires and disabling it.

At that point, a second vehicle of the two-vehicle convoy came racing through firing their weapons at the NPA fighters. It succeeded in passing through the checkpoint leaving the white armored van but was fired upon by a nearby unit of the NPA before it could speed away.
The NPA approached the disabled armored vehicle and ordered its passengers to alight. The passengers declared they are not going to resist but insisted they could not come out of the autolocked vehicle.

Ordered to withdraw, the NPA unit left the site before 7 a.m.

Earlier, the NPA arrested CIDG-Bukidnon Agent Rogelio Magno who is based in Valencia City. He remains in custody for investigation.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170720-account-of-july-19-arakan-incident

CPP: On GRP ending peace talks amid martial law extension

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Jul 20): On GRP ending peace talks amid martial law extension



Information Bureau
Communist Party of the Philippines

20 July 2017

By cancelling the scheduled talks with the NDFP, GRP President Duterte is showing he no longer has need for peace negotiations with the NDFP amid waging a triple war of death and destruction under its US-supported martial law rule. His order today to rearrest the NDFP’s consultants is a violation of the JASIG and violates their democratic rights under the CARHRIHL. It is a strongman’s act of bad faith aimed at bullying the NDFP to bow to his terms of surrender.

Duterte continues to lay the foundations for authoritarian rule under US imperialist tutelage. He is completely intoxicated with martial law powers. He is mistaken in thinking he can suppress the Filipino and Bangsamoro people and their revolutionary forces in their resistance to the oppression and exploitation by the ruling oligarchy and their US imperialist masters.
Duterte, however, is succeeding only in stoking the broad masses of the Filipino and Bangsamoro people to unite, wage mass struggles and and armed revolutionary resistance.

Hundreds of people daily are joining the Party-led revolutionary mass organizations among workers, peasants, youth, women, as well as among the national minorities and Moros. They are supporting and joining the NPA across the country. Tempered by its experience in waging people’s war, the NPA is ever capable of resisting martial law and strengthening itself.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170720-on-grp-ending-peace-talks-amid-martial-law-extension

Duterte says Maute, ASG to attack Basilan, 3 cities

From Malaya Business Insight (Jul 20): Duterte says Maute, ASG to attack Basilan, 3 cities

PRESIDENT Duterte has revealed to Congress that Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and the Maute Group are planning to launch attacks in Basilan province and the cities of Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, and Zamboanga.

In a seven-page letter to Congress dated July 18, the President asked lawmakers to extend his martial law declaration in Mindanao until December 31 and cited the reasons to justify his request.

For one, he said validated intelligence reports that show Hapilon and the Mautes “have sent an operational fund to ASG sub-leader Furuji Indama in order to launch attacks in Basilan, Cagayan de Oro City, Gen. Santos City, and Zamboanga City.”

“Hapilon has also directed the remnants of the AKP (terror group Ansarul Khalifa Philippines) to conduct IED (improvised explosive device) bombings in vital areas in Mindanao, including Lanao del Norte,” Duterte said.

Basilan, Cagayan de Oro City, General Santos City, and Zamboanga City are known to be areas where terrorists operate.

A military official who spoke on condition of anonymity described Basilan and Zamboanga as a “natural habitat” of Hapilon who is believed to be still in the company of Maute Group members who are holed out in portions of Marawi City.

General Santos City, he said, is a known area of Ansar al-Khilafah in the Philippines. The group’s leader, Mohammad Jaafar Maguid, died in a clash with government forces in Kiamba, Sarangani last January.

Cagayan de Oro City is where the Maute Group first became known. “They’ve launched attacks there in the past,” the official said. “They have presence in these areas. They still have networks there.”

The Maute Group has been battling government forces in Marawi City since May 23, the day Duterte placed the whole of Mindanao under martial law. The conflict is ongoing, although the enemy strength has been waning, according to government officials.

Hapilon has reportedly been named by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) as its leader in Southeast Asia. The Maute Group, like the Abu Sayyaf, has pledged allegiance to the ISIS.

The 60-day martial law ends on July 22, the same day Congress will hold a special session to tackle a possible extension of martial law, as requested by Duterte.

The House of Representatives and the Senate are set to convene jointly in at 9 a.m. on Saturday.

Aside from Hapilon, Duterte said in the letter that key leaders of the “rebellion” like the Maute brothers Abdullahn Omarkhayam and Abulasiz alias Madie, and foreign terrorist Malaysian Mahmud bin Ahmad, remain at large.

The Maute Group, the ASG, and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) are part of the Da’Watul Islamiyah Waliyatul Masriq (DIWM), the Daesh-inspired group the government is fighting, he said.

Daesh is an acronym for the Arabic phrase al-Dawla al-Islamiya al-Iraq al-Sham (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) and is basically another term for ISIS, which ISIS militants reportedly do not like.

“Despite the progress and significant strides that we have achieved against the DIWM and its sympathizers, however, the rebellion persists and a lot more remains to be done to completely quell the same and bring back public order and safety in Mindanao,” he said.

Duterte warned Congress that the “Daesh-inspired” group’s leadership “largely remains intact despite the considerable decline in the number of revels fighting in the main battle area.

Moreover, the President said, terrorist groups from various parts of Mindanao “who are espousing or sympathizing the same ideology remain active and are ready to reinforce Isnilon Hapilon’s group or launch diversionary attacks and similar uprising elsewhere.”

Duterte said the enemies continue to offer resistance not only in Marawi City but also in other parts of western and central Mindanao, noting that four barangays in Marawi are still under the terrorists’ control. (The military has been saying the Mautes continue to occupy only parts of the four barangays.)

“The city’s commercial districts, where about 800 structures are located, are found within these areas. The rebels have likewise holed up in mosques, madrasahs and hospitals, thereby restricting the government troops’ offensive movements as they have to consider the safety of civilian hostages and trapped resident nearby,” he said.

The President said that despite the arrests of key personalities like Ominta “Farhana” Maute, the mother of the Maute brothers, “support structures have been continuously sustained, with the emergence of such new replacements as Adel Sarip-Maute alias Monai, who was recently apprehended in Taguig City.”

To compound the situation, the President said, foreign terrorist fighters and organizations have shown active support for the local rebel groups either by coming to the Philippines as reinforcements to Hapilon’s group, like the 20 recently identified Indonesians who actually joined the battle in Marawi City, or by providing much needed resources, like Malaysian fugitive bin Ahmad “who is believed to have planned and financed the Marawi City siege and to have links with the Daesh in the Middle East.”

Duterte said the crisis “has introduced a newly evolving type of urban warfare – one that that is characterized by the rebels’ total disregard for civilian lives, cruelty to combatants and non-combatants alike and widespread looting and pillaging or occupied communities.”

“This type of urban warfare has caused a significant number of casualties on both sides and huge destruction of property, both public and private, more importantly, the house-to-house firefights have slowed down the advance of government forces and their mopping up operations,” he said.

From May 23 to July 10, he said, said military operations have neutralized 379 out of the estimated 600 DIWM rebels and had recovered 329 firearms.

For these reasons, he said, he has concluded that the “rebellion” in Mindanao, which has prompted him to issue Proclamation No. 216 on May 23, “will not be quelled completely by July 22, 2017, the last day of the 60-day (martial law) period.

“For all these reasons and as public safety clearly requires it, the proclamation of martial law and the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus in the whole of Mindanao need to be extended until December 31, 2017 or for such period of time as the Congress may determine. I request the continued support of both Houses of Congress to achieve our common goal of protecting and preserving the integrity of the Republic,” he said.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/duterte-says-maute-asg-attack-basilan-3-cities

Duterte visits Marawi as AFP braces for attacks

From Malaya Business Insight (Jul 21): Duterte visits Marawi as AFP braces for attacks



GOVERNMENT forces are keeping their guard up amid President Duterte’s revelation that the Maute and the Abu Sayyaf groups are planning attacks in Basilan province and in the cities of Cagayan de Oro, General Santos and Zamboanga.

“With or without that pronouncement from the President, we are and we have always been putting our guards up especially in these areas,” AFP public affairs chief Col Edgard Arevalo told a press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo.

Duterte, clad in military battle attire, visited government forces involved in the fight against the Maute, accompanied by top security officials. He arrived aboard a helicopter in Camp Ranao, headquarters of the 103rd Brigade in Marawi City, after lunch and left four hours later.

AFP chief Gen. Eduardo AƱo said Duterte visited “amidst the sound of gun and artillery fires on the background.”

He also said the visit was “very successful and memorable” for the troops but it “was not easy.”

“Just a minute before the choppers landed, there were few sniper shots coming from unknown directions that targeted the landing zone area,” said AƱo.

A military official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said gunshots can be heard at the camp during the visit, from the main battle area which is about 1 to 1.5 kilometers away.

“In fact, a sniper bullet (from the enemy) landed at the camp before his (Duterte’s) aircraft landed… A sniper bullet landed at an adjacent area, that’s normal – a stray sniper bullet landing at the camp,” the official said.

AFP public affairs chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said the visit was a “great morale boost for our troops engaged in he fight against terrorism.”

Arevalo also said the President set foot in Marawi as troops assaulted a Maute position near the Mapandi Bridge.

Duterte was accompanied by top security officials, including Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, national security adviser Hermogenes Esperon, AFP chief Gen. Eduardo AƱo, and AFP Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez.

In requesting an extension of martial law he imposed in Mindanao, Duterte revealed that the two groups which attacked Marawi City on May 23 are planning attacks in the four areas. The disclosure was contained in a July 18 letter to Congress, which also requested a special session to tackle his proposed martial law extension.

The martial law period ends on July 22, the same Congress is holding a special session. Duterte wants an extension of up to December 31.

The conflict in Marawi has so far resulted in the death of 421 Maute members, 99 soldiers and policemen, and 45 civilians. At least 1,700 civilians have been rescued and 516 enemy firearms recovered.

Arevalo said the military has intensified intelligence operations and an exchange of intelligence information with other agencies to preempt any possible attack.

Arevalo asked the cooperation of the public in preempting attacks, saying soldiers and policemen “cannot be in all places all the time.”

Asked if the information about the planned attacks came from the Armed Forces, Arevalo said: “I cannot tell you right now… But suffice to say that it’s within the realm of the possible because of the violence still happening in Marawi.”

Arevalo said the President receives information and data from agencies other than the Armed Forces.

BRIEFING

Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera, spokesman of the 1st Infantry Division, said Duterte was given a briefing on the ongoing operations shortly after his arrival. He later inspected Maute firearms recovered by soldiers.

Herrera said Duterte also addressed soldiers and policemen who were gathered inside the camp, and gave them goods and G-shock watches.

“He showed bravery, strong support for those who are fighting in Marawi… He had an intimate engagement with our soldiers and policemen… We know that the President is close to soldiers and this boosted the fighting spirit of our soldiers. He is really very supportive of our campaign,” said Herrera.

Herrera said Duterte thanked the soldiers involved in the ongoing efforts to liberate the city from the Maute Group despite the challenges that they are facing.

“He was here to thank, inspire our troops in our campaign against terrorism… They’re happy, our soldiers, policemen, are happy. They’re eager to so see our commander-in-chief, the President,” said Herrera.

Herrera said the President has attempted to visit Marawi City in the past but bad weather had prevented him from doing so.

INTEL INFO

Senate President pro tempore Ralph Recto urged President Duterte to declassify the intelligence information he used as basis in asking for an extension of martial law.

“What has been shared to 23 senators and almost 300 congressmen should be shared to the public as well. There’s no harm in such a disclosure, provided it has been purged of its sensitive contents,” he said.

Liberal Party lawmakers said they would closely scrutinize the justifications presented by security officials during a joint session on Monday.

“Why does Mindanao need to be placed under martial law for five more months? What are the objectives? What powers does the President want to exercise during this period under martial law that is distinct from the powers granted to him by law and the Constitution?” LP lawmakers said in a statement.

They would also ask what the President hopes to accomplish if his request is granted.

MANNER OF VOTING

Sen. Panfilo Lacson said Senate leaders should “raise the question on voting jointly” before Congress holds joint session to tackle the President’s request.

Lacson pointed out that under the bicameral system, the 24-member Senate is rendered irrelevant against the House of Representatives which has 297 members.

Article VII, Section 18 of the 1987 Constitution states that “Congress, voting jointly, by a vote of at least a majority of all its members in regular or special session,” may revoke the President’s martial law proclamation or suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus.

“Upon the initiative of the President, the Congress may, in the same manner, extend such proclamation or suspension for a period to be determined by the Congress, if the invasion or rebellion shall persist and public safety requires it,” it further says.
Minority leader Franklin Drilon said it would be “difficult to argue separate voting, much as we prefer it that way.”

House majority leader Rodolfo FariƱas said House leaders will discuss how they will vote on the martial law extension with senators in a private meeting before joint session on Saturday “so as not to ruffle anyone’s feathers” since Senators Lacson and Richard Gordon prefer separate voting.

FariƱas said each House will have to adopt a set of rules for the joint session before they convene as one.

“(It will be done in the) same way our rules are approved. The rules committee of each House initially approves it (rules), (and) then have it approved by the plenary,” he said. “(It’s) hard to give time estimates as this will be a joint session with two sets of presiding officers, majority and minority leaders, and memberships, who will have the floor alternately.”

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/duterte-visits-marawi-afp-braces-attacks

Army official enjoins public to be partners for peace

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 21): Army official enjoins public to be partners for peace

The commanding officer of the 54th Infantry Battalion (Magilas troops) enjoined students, parents and teachers to be partners for peace and development and nation building.
Lieutenant Colonel Nicolas Quemado, Jr. urged all students to focus on their studies and avoid the influence of anti-government groups and other related organizations as it may become a front for recruitment.

He shared that during an encounter at Sitio Abaka, Brgy Danggo, Tinoc, Army soldiers recovered war materials and personal belongings including school IDs of two female students of a government university and a journal of one of the students detailing her experiences as member of the armed revolution.

“I would also like to encourage the parents to closely monitor and guide their children in becoming productive citizens of the nation. The same way goes to the school teachers for they stand as secondary parents of these students,” Quemado said.

The army official stressed that children will always be the hope of the nation.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/161500432254/army-official-enjoins-public-to-be-partners-for-peace-

Marines, NPA clash in Palawan

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 21): Marines, NPA clash in Palawan

A military official on Friday confirmed reports of an ongoing encounter between troops of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-4 (MBLT-4) and the communist-terrorist group New People’s Army (NPA) in Bataraza town, southern Palawan.

Refusing to be named yet, the military official from the said battalion did not deny the clash and said “it is currently ongoing” along the vicinities of barangays Bono-Bono and Malihud in the said town.

The clash came barely a week after a roadside bombing attack that injured Pvt. Garry Estafia of the same battalion in Bataraza on July 18, and the killing of Pfc. Joene Galiste and Pvt. James Melchor Porol of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-12 (MBLT-12) on July 19 in Roxas, northern Palawan.


On Wednesday, the AFP’s Western Command (WESCOM) labeled the string of attacks that the New People’s Army (NPA) performed against government peacekeepers in Palawan as shameless and gutless acts.

Captain Cherryl Tindog, spokesperson of the WESCOM, said this to the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

Tindog claimed the communist-terrorists’ admission that it carried out the roadside bombing attack on Tuesday afternoon in Bataraza, and the killing of two Marines in Roxas early Wednesday morning, are desperate moves because of the agony and torture of losing their active hideout and drill camp in Barangay SamariƱana, Brooke’s Point last month

“They are doing these atrocities because of the hard blows of capturing their training camp, and because the relationship between the military and the communities in Palawan are getting stronger. They are like this when they can no longer get sympathy from the communities,” she stated.

Despite the incidents, Tindog assured PalaweƱos that the WESCOM will be unstoppable in continuing focused and civil military operations to support the province’s peace and development progress.

“We, at the WESCOM, will continue with our focused and civic military operations. We will not leave the areas, we will not stop, especially in providing humanitarian assistance to people in distant locations of Palawan,” Tindog added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1002116

Govt forces press offensives vs NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 21): Govt forces press offensives vs NPA

Government forces continued Friday its pursuit operations against communist New Peoples Army (NPA) in the borders of North Cotabato and Davao City following the ambush of President Duterte’s security guards long the natoonal highway in Arakan, North Cotabato Wednesday, police said.

Senior Inspector Arjie Celeste, police chief of Arakan, North Cotabato, said joint elements of 39th Infantry Battalion and Arakan police are still in the village of Naplico where the rebels who fired at a convoy of Presidential Security Group in Barangay Katipunan, Arakan have fled.

A militiaman was killed after he was abducted by fleeing NPAs after the communist traded shots with members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) at 6:30 a.m. Wednesday.

A civilian asset of PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), Rogelio Mago Genon, driving his orange Ford Ranger was flagged down by about 30 rebels. Believing they were truly government forces, the asset introduced himself and he was taken.

Celeste said the rebels were to flag down vehicles for highway robbery and extortion and that they were not aware the PSG personnel were passing by.

After they were flagged down, Sgt. Ferbello Galleno, team leader, noticed the soldiers with 3rd Infantry Battalion patches were too young for their ranks. They also displayed lousy uniforms.

Celeste said Galleno introduced themselves as members of the Philippine Army and tried to move forward but they were fired at by guerillas who positioned on one side of the road, covering in the drainage canal.

As the two-vehicle convoy move, the PSG opened fire on the rebels, starting a five minute firefight, Celeste said in a phone interview. Four PSG personnel, not five as reported earlier, were slightly injured, he added.

Then the rebels fled downward toward Barangay Naplico, bringing with them the CIDG asset and his pick-up. The pick-up vehicle was later recovered minus the alleged asset.

Elements of the 39th IB and Arakan PNP clashed with retreating rebels at about 11 a.m. leaving one NPA killed with explosives in his bag.

”We will continue pursuing them, there’s no let up,” Celeste said of the NPAs who belonged to guerilla Front 53 operating in the mountains of North Cotabato towns of Magpet, Arakan, Antipas and the slope of Mt. Apo.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1002118