From GMA News (Apr 21): ‘Mabinay 6’ indicted for illegal possession of firearms, explosives
Youth leader Myles Albasin and her five colleagues, better known as the "Mabinay 6," will now have their day in court as they have been formally charged with illegal possession of firearms and explosives.
The case filed against the six suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebels, who were allegedly involved in a firefight with the Philippine Army's 62nd Infantry Battalion in Barangay Luyang in Mabinay on March 3, has been assigned to Branch 45 of the Regional Trial Court in Bais City, which has jurisdiction over cases in the said town.
Their first court appearance has been set to next month for their arraignment, where they will be formally read of their charges and are expected to enter a plea.
In a commitment order dated April 13 and signed by Judge Rosario S. Carriaga, the six have been ordered to be transferred to the Bais City Jail, approximately an hour away from the Negros Oriental Detention and Rehabilitation Center (NODRC) in this city where they are currently detained.
Albasin, 21, and a fresh graduate of the University of the Philippines-Cebu, along with her five co-accused—Jomar Indico, Carlo Ybañes, Randel Hermino, Joey Vailoces, and Bernard Guillen—are set to move to the Bais City Jail anytime soon.
However, lawyer Benjamin Ramos, one of the lawyers of the "Mabinay 6," told GMA News Online in a phone interview that their camp is studying the possibility of filing a motion for reconsideration to transfer their case from Bais City to Dumaguete City.
This is to avoid inconvenience in part of the accused and their families, and to rule out fears of a possible ambush by the NPA in an attempt to rescue them during their transfer.
During his visit to the NODRC on Friday, Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo personally talked to the "Mabinay 6."
The six appealed to the governor to help them remain in the NODRC, to which Degamo reportedly said yes.
Degamo, however, did not give specific details during their conversation about how he will assist in the Mabinay 6 case, NODRC warden Franklin Culanag told GMA News Online.
"Ganahan ra pud sila (Mabinay 6) nga diri ra sila, kay mas secure kuno sila diri," he said. [The Mabinay 6 prefer to stay (at the NODRC) as they feel more secure here.]
The governor's visit was in time for the Supreme Court's "Justice On Wheels" program, where some inmates were given legal assistance on their cases.
Degamo will also see to it that the Mabinay 6 and the more than 400 inmates in the NODRC will not be victims of prison abuse, Culanag said.
NODRC, more commonly known as the Provincial Jail, is directly under the Provincial Government of Negros Oriental and reports to the governor.
Negros Oriental Provincial Police Director Senior Superintendent Edwin Portento previously told reporters that police will collaborate with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and the Philippine Army to ensure the safe transfer of the Mabinay 6 from Dumaguete City to Bais City.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/650806/lsquo-mabinay-6-rsquo-indicted-for-illegal-possession-of-firearms-explosives/story/
Sunday, April 22, 2018
Former Abu Sayyaf sniper aims to regain lost childhood
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 22): Former Abu Sayyaf sniper aims to regain lost childhood
SCRAWNY SNIPER “Tony” being led into the Sumisip municipal hall with other surrenderers. —JULIE ALIPALA
ISABELA CITY — Ten-year-old “Tony” has recently gone back to school, in a madrassa where he can continue learning Arabic—and be a child again.
Only four years ago, Tony did not even have the opportunity to play, let alone attend classes.
Instead, he lugged around an M4 assault rifle and was attacking and evading government troops as a member of the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group.
The boy proved to be no ordinary fighter and was deemed one of the sharpest among the 30 young combatants under the command of Motong Indama, a younger cousin of Abu Sayyaf leader Furudji Indama.
“The training took about a year,” recalled Tony. “I was taught how to handle a gun. The [Abu Sayyaf members] were so happy with me that they called me the Tipo-Tipo sniper,” he added.
Tipo-Tipo was the Basilan town that his group had tried to overrun in 2016, setting off clashes with government soldiers that dragged on for three months.
Though Tony had suffered his first combat wounds in a skirmish even before those encounters, he emerged more gung-ho and unafraid of death.
When Motong surrendered in July 2016, Tony was one of the 11 among his men who followed. The boy now lives with his uncles under the close supervision of Sumisip town officials.
In an interview with the Inquirer last week, Tony said his mother died after being “shot by a soldier” while she was bathing in a river. His father and three elder siblings were later killed in “another military operation.”
He learned about their violent deaths from his two remaining siblings, who were then only in their late teens.
Orphan recruit
The orphan was only 6 when his brothers took him along to join the Abu Sayyaf, then led by Motong and subleader Radsmil Jannatul.
In the jungle, Tony learned how to fire a gun faster than he learned how to read. Soon he was earning notice as a marksman, a scrawny one at that, who could negotiate steep mountain paths and climb tall trees with ease to spot enemies from afar.
Death had always stalked him—if not by bullets, then by starvation. “The best part of my life back then was having vegetables and dried fish for a meal; it was considered that special,” he recalled.
Despite the Abu Sayyaf’s notoriety as kidnappers who demanded millions of pesos in ransom, the boy said that as far as he knew, Motong’s men were only “tasked to fight” and did not take hostages during his time with the group.
In hindsight, he said, the adrenaline rush he felt when the fighting began had made him numb to all the hardships he faced, more so after he got wounded.
PAVE
When word got around that Motong was turning himself in, one of Tony’s siblings who had dragged him into the group thought that his kid brother had had enough.
“Now I just want to study in the Islamic school,” the boy said.
Tony was one of the 179 Abu Sayyaf surrenderers from Basilan and Sulu whom the regional government of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) hopes to assist in their return to normal life through an initiative called Program Against Violent Extremism (PAVE).
Under the program launched earlier this month, surrenderers are provided medical services, housing, livelihood training and alternative learning sessions.
But the idea found some resistance among those who had fallen victim to the Abu Sayyaf, acknowledged ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman.
“I know many people were hurt by this move, especially the kidnap victims. And while we have not talked about this yet, we are reaching out. The healing is not complete if the victims are not with us on this. There is no total peace, no total justice, if the former victims are not willing [to join us in this idea],” Hataman added.
The governor assured critics that the selected PAVE beneficiaries were “those without [criminal] cases.”
“Instead of teaching them to farm, which is [something they have to do] near the mountains, we agreed to teach them how to market their goods, [as well as the] technology for making ginger tea, peanut butter, etc.,” Hataman said, explaining how the program had been designed with the beneficiaries’ situation in mind.
The military is supporting the effort. “I have read hundreds of books on terrorism, all foreign models. We are confronted with a homegrown terror group [so] only a homegrown solution is applicable here,” said Brig. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of Task Force Basilan.
In Tony’s case, that solution may be to give him time to heal his inner wounds from living in the jungle, and again become just another child.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/984260/former-abu-sayyaf-sniper-aims-to-regain-lost-childhood
SCRAWNY SNIPER “Tony” being led into the Sumisip municipal hall with other surrenderers. —JULIE ALIPALA
ISABELA CITY — Ten-year-old “Tony” has recently gone back to school, in a madrassa where he can continue learning Arabic—and be a child again.
Only four years ago, Tony did not even have the opportunity to play, let alone attend classes.
Instead, he lugged around an M4 assault rifle and was attacking and evading government troops as a member of the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group.
The boy proved to be no ordinary fighter and was deemed one of the sharpest among the 30 young combatants under the command of Motong Indama, a younger cousin of Abu Sayyaf leader Furudji Indama.
“The training took about a year,” recalled Tony. “I was taught how to handle a gun. The [Abu Sayyaf members] were so happy with me that they called me the Tipo-Tipo sniper,” he added.
Tipo-Tipo was the Basilan town that his group had tried to overrun in 2016, setting off clashes with government soldiers that dragged on for three months.
Though Tony had suffered his first combat wounds in a skirmish even before those encounters, he emerged more gung-ho and unafraid of death.
When Motong surrendered in July 2016, Tony was one of the 11 among his men who followed. The boy now lives with his uncles under the close supervision of Sumisip town officials.
In an interview with the Inquirer last week, Tony said his mother died after being “shot by a soldier” while she was bathing in a river. His father and three elder siblings were later killed in “another military operation.”
He learned about their violent deaths from his two remaining siblings, who were then only in their late teens.
Orphan recruit
The orphan was only 6 when his brothers took him along to join the Abu Sayyaf, then led by Motong and subleader Radsmil Jannatul.
In the jungle, Tony learned how to fire a gun faster than he learned how to read. Soon he was earning notice as a marksman, a scrawny one at that, who could negotiate steep mountain paths and climb tall trees with ease to spot enemies from afar.
Death had always stalked him—if not by bullets, then by starvation. “The best part of my life back then was having vegetables and dried fish for a meal; it was considered that special,” he recalled.
Despite the Abu Sayyaf’s notoriety as kidnappers who demanded millions of pesos in ransom, the boy said that as far as he knew, Motong’s men were only “tasked to fight” and did not take hostages during his time with the group.
In hindsight, he said, the adrenaline rush he felt when the fighting began had made him numb to all the hardships he faced, more so after he got wounded.
PAVE
When word got around that Motong was turning himself in, one of Tony’s siblings who had dragged him into the group thought that his kid brother had had enough.
“Now I just want to study in the Islamic school,” the boy said.
Tony was one of the 179 Abu Sayyaf surrenderers from Basilan and Sulu whom the regional government of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) hopes to assist in their return to normal life through an initiative called Program Against Violent Extremism (PAVE).
Under the program launched earlier this month, surrenderers are provided medical services, housing, livelihood training and alternative learning sessions.
But the idea found some resistance among those who had fallen victim to the Abu Sayyaf, acknowledged ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman.
“I know many people were hurt by this move, especially the kidnap victims. And while we have not talked about this yet, we are reaching out. The healing is not complete if the victims are not with us on this. There is no total peace, no total justice, if the former victims are not willing [to join us in this idea],” Hataman added.
The governor assured critics that the selected PAVE beneficiaries were “those without [criminal] cases.”
“Instead of teaching them to farm, which is [something they have to do] near the mountains, we agreed to teach them how to market their goods, [as well as the] technology for making ginger tea, peanut butter, etc.,” Hataman said, explaining how the program had been designed with the beneficiaries’ situation in mind.
The military is supporting the effort. “I have read hundreds of books on terrorism, all foreign models. We are confronted with a homegrown terror group [so] only a homegrown solution is applicable here,” said Brig. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of Task Force Basilan.
In Tony’s case, that solution may be to give him time to heal his inner wounds from living in the jungle, and again become just another child.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/984260/former-abu-sayyaf-sniper-aims-to-regain-lost-childhood
Suspected communist rebels step up attacks on gov’t in Negros Occ.
From the Manila Bulletin (Apr 22): Suspected communist rebels step up attacks on gov’t in Negros Occ.
Suspected communist rebels have stepped up the attacks on the government as they killed a soldier in Leyte and harassed government militiamen in Negros Occidental, police said today.
Negros Occidental (Credits: Google Maps | Manila Bulletin)
In Leyte, Cpl. Jose Saycon Jr died in a brief but intense gun battle between communist rebels and members of the 7th Infantry Battalion in Barangay San Juan, Mahaplag town late yesterday afternoon.
The soldiers were conducting patrol in Barangay Maligaya when they chanced upon at least seven communist rebels in Sitio Canayan at around 6 p.m. this triggered a clash.
In Negros Occidental, a small group of militiamen were conducting regular patrol in Barangay San Isidro in Eb Magalona town when they were shot at by at least three armed men believed to be communist rebels also yesterday.
The armed men immediately fled when the militiamen were about to engage them.
The 4,000-strong New People’s Army (NPA) has been waging more than four decades of armed struggle against the government.
Attempts for a peace agreement by various administrations always end up in the peace negotiations bogging down due to some demands from both camps.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/04/22/suspected-communist-rebels-step-up-attacks-on-govt-in-negros-occ/
Suspected communist rebels have stepped up the attacks on the government as they killed a soldier in Leyte and harassed government militiamen in Negros Occidental, police said today.
Negros Occidental (Credits: Google Maps | Manila Bulletin)
In Leyte, Cpl. Jose Saycon Jr died in a brief but intense gun battle between communist rebels and members of the 7th Infantry Battalion in Barangay San Juan, Mahaplag town late yesterday afternoon.
The soldiers were conducting patrol in Barangay Maligaya when they chanced upon at least seven communist rebels in Sitio Canayan at around 6 p.m. this triggered a clash.
In Negros Occidental, a small group of militiamen were conducting regular patrol in Barangay San Isidro in Eb Magalona town when they were shot at by at least three armed men believed to be communist rebels also yesterday.
The armed men immediately fled when the militiamen were about to engage them.
The 4,000-strong New People’s Army (NPA) has been waging more than four decades of armed struggle against the government.
Attempts for a peace agreement by various administrations always end up in the peace negotiations bogging down due to some demands from both camps.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/04/22/suspected-communist-rebels-step-up-attacks-on-govt-in-negros-occ/
2 NPA rebels dead, 12 captured in Bukidon clash
From the Manila Times (Apr 22): 2 NPA rebels dead, 12 captured in Bukidon clash
Cherry Barros, originally from Ozamiz City, and the 11 other NPA members who also serve as part of Barros’s private army, are reportedly detained at Camp Evangelista in Patag, Cagayan de Oro City.
LIBONA, DAMULOG AND SAN FERNANDO, Bukidnon -–The 28th and 58th Infantry Divisions of the Armed Forces of the Philippines launched a new round of strategic attacks at 2:30 a.m. this Saturday against the New People’s Army (NPA) in Bukidnon, Mindanao.
Bukdinon, Mindanao is the largest stronghold of the NPA in the Philippines.
NPA leader ex-Barangay Capt. Tarsiso Barros of Kinawe was able to escape during the raid. Three soldiers were wounded in the operation.
Alleged NPA leader, Barangay Capt. Cherry Barros, wife of Tarsiso Barros, was captured by the military, along with 11 other NPA members directly under Cherry Barros, according to military sources.
One machine gun, two M4A1 carbines, two M16A2 rifles, three .45 caliber semiautomatic pistols, two .40 caliber pistols, three hand grenades, 1 shotgun, blasting caps were reportedly confiscated from the NPA leaders.
Cherry Barros and the 11 other NPA members will face rebellion charges, as well as charges of illegal possession of firearms, ammunition and explosives.
There are five NPA members wounded in the municipality of Damulog, Bukidnon where the military assault began past 12 midnight of Saturday.
Two NPA members were killed at dawn on Subday in the mountains of Damulog, Bukidnon in the ongoing war against the NPA.
The NPA camps in Damulog, San Fernando, and Dangcagan, Bukidnon all led by “Kumander Bayot” retaliated against the military this between 3 and 4 a.m.
CPP/Ang Bayan: Sa ika-45 na anibersaryo ng NDFP//Mga pagdiriwang, nakatakda
Propaganda article from the Tagalog edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Apr 21): Sa ika-45 na anibersaryo ng NDFP//Mga pagdiriwang, nakatakda
SA DARATING NA Abril 24, magdiriwang ng ika-45 anibersaryo ng pagkatatag ng National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) ang buong rebolusyonaryong organisasyon sa Pilipinas at ibang bansa. Ang mga pagdiriwang ay isasagawa sa temang ìBuuin ang Pinakamalawak na Nagkakaisang Prente para Palakasin ang mga Organo ng Kapangyarihang Pampulitika at ang Demokratikong Gubyernong Bayan” alinsunod sa pangkalahatang panawagan ng NDFP.
Kagyat ang kabuluhan ng temang ito sa harap ng buong yabang na pagdeklara ng papet-pasistang gubyerno ni Duterte na dudurugin ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa 2018. Mula nang itatag ang NDFP sa panahon ng papet-pasistang diktadurang US-Marcos, marami na itong inaning tagumpay. Bahagi ito ng pagtatatag ng mga organo ng kapangyarihan sa pulitika o mga OKP sa 73 (sa kabuuang 81) na mga prubinsya sa bansa. Nagsilbi itong kinatawan ng naturang mga organo sa pambansa at pandaigdigang antas. Kabilang sa naging tungkulin nito ang pagharap sa mga kinatawan ng reaksyunaryong gubyerno sa Pilipinas sa mga negosasyon.
Sa isang pahayag para sa pagdiriwang, ipinaliwanag ni Sison na sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon sa kasaysayan ng NDFP, nagtimpi ito sa loob ng isang taon (2016-2017) na bansagang papet ang isang reaksyunaryong rehimen. Dahilan nito ang pagbibigay ng pagkakataon sa kinatawan nitong si Rodrigo Duterte na patunayan ang sarili bilang isang “Kaliwa” at “sosyalista”; kontra sa US at sa oligarkiya; at para sa mga reporma at sa independenteng patakarang panlabas.
Sa simula, tila gusto ni Duterte na makipag-usapang pangkapayapaan sa NDFP at sa mga rebolusyonaryong pwersa at mamamayang kinakatawan nito, ayon kay Sison. Nagpanggap si Duterte na umaayon sa kinakailangang mga reporma sa lipunan, ekonomya at pulitika na ipinanawagan ng mamamayan para magkaroon ng isang makatarungan at matagalang kapayapaan. Nangako siyang igalang ang mga nauna nang mga kaisahan at maglabas ng kautusan para bigyan ng amnestiya at palayain ang mga bilanggong pulitikal.
Ngunit hindi tinupad ni Duterte ang kanyang pangako. Sa ikalawang taon niya sa poder, naging lubhang mapang-away siya sa NDFP at kanyang tinapos ang usapang pangkapayapaan. Nitong nakaraang ilang linggo, muli na naman siyang nagbukas para sa negosasyong pangkapayapaan. Wala pa itong kinahihinatnan, lalupa’t nagpauna si Duterte at kanyang AFP ng mga prekundisyon na nagsisilbing balakid sa usapan.
Pangunahin dito ang pagpasok ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa isang bilateral na tigil-putukan, kahit hindi pa naipatutupad ang mga dating kasunduan at wala pang bagong napipirmahan. Pinansin ni Sison na ang muling pagbubukas ni Duterte sa usapan ay nagaganap sa gitna ng lumalalang krisis ng lokal na naghaharing sistema at ng pandaigdigang sistemang kapitalista.
Ang pinakamahalaga para sa NDFP, sabi ni Sison, ay ang pagiging tapat sa rebolusyonaryong paglilingkod sa mamamayang Pilipino at pagpatuloy sa mga reporma na maglalatag sa mga batayan para sa isang makatarungan at matagalang kapayapaan.
[Ang Bayan is the official newspaper of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Ang Bayan is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Hiligaynon, Waray and English. Download Ang Bayan from the Philippine Revolution Web Central at www.philippinerevolution.info. Ang Bayan is published fortnightly by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines.]
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/ang_bayan/20180421-mga-pagdiriwang-nakatakda/
SA DARATING NA Abril 24, magdiriwang ng ika-45 anibersaryo ng pagkatatag ng National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) ang buong rebolusyonaryong organisasyon sa Pilipinas at ibang bansa. Ang mga pagdiriwang ay isasagawa sa temang ìBuuin ang Pinakamalawak na Nagkakaisang Prente para Palakasin ang mga Organo ng Kapangyarihang Pampulitika at ang Demokratikong Gubyernong Bayan” alinsunod sa pangkalahatang panawagan ng NDFP.
Kagyat ang kabuluhan ng temang ito sa harap ng buong yabang na pagdeklara ng papet-pasistang gubyerno ni Duterte na dudurugin ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa 2018. Mula nang itatag ang NDFP sa panahon ng papet-pasistang diktadurang US-Marcos, marami na itong inaning tagumpay. Bahagi ito ng pagtatatag ng mga organo ng kapangyarihan sa pulitika o mga OKP sa 73 (sa kabuuang 81) na mga prubinsya sa bansa. Nagsilbi itong kinatawan ng naturang mga organo sa pambansa at pandaigdigang antas. Kabilang sa naging tungkulin nito ang pagharap sa mga kinatawan ng reaksyunaryong gubyerno sa Pilipinas sa mga negosasyon.
Sa isang pahayag para sa pagdiriwang, ipinaliwanag ni Sison na sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon sa kasaysayan ng NDFP, nagtimpi ito sa loob ng isang taon (2016-2017) na bansagang papet ang isang reaksyunaryong rehimen. Dahilan nito ang pagbibigay ng pagkakataon sa kinatawan nitong si Rodrigo Duterte na patunayan ang sarili bilang isang “Kaliwa” at “sosyalista”; kontra sa US at sa oligarkiya; at para sa mga reporma at sa independenteng patakarang panlabas.
Sa simula, tila gusto ni Duterte na makipag-usapang pangkapayapaan sa NDFP at sa mga rebolusyonaryong pwersa at mamamayang kinakatawan nito, ayon kay Sison. Nagpanggap si Duterte na umaayon sa kinakailangang mga reporma sa lipunan, ekonomya at pulitika na ipinanawagan ng mamamayan para magkaroon ng isang makatarungan at matagalang kapayapaan. Nangako siyang igalang ang mga nauna nang mga kaisahan at maglabas ng kautusan para bigyan ng amnestiya at palayain ang mga bilanggong pulitikal.
Ngunit hindi tinupad ni Duterte ang kanyang pangako. Sa ikalawang taon niya sa poder, naging lubhang mapang-away siya sa NDFP at kanyang tinapos ang usapang pangkapayapaan. Nitong nakaraang ilang linggo, muli na naman siyang nagbukas para sa negosasyong pangkapayapaan. Wala pa itong kinahihinatnan, lalupa’t nagpauna si Duterte at kanyang AFP ng mga prekundisyon na nagsisilbing balakid sa usapan.
Pangunahin dito ang pagpasok ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa isang bilateral na tigil-putukan, kahit hindi pa naipatutupad ang mga dating kasunduan at wala pang bagong napipirmahan. Pinansin ni Sison na ang muling pagbubukas ni Duterte sa usapan ay nagaganap sa gitna ng lumalalang krisis ng lokal na naghaharing sistema at ng pandaigdigang sistemang kapitalista.
Ang pinakamahalaga para sa NDFP, sabi ni Sison, ay ang pagiging tapat sa rebolusyonaryong paglilingkod sa mamamayang Pilipino at pagpatuloy sa mga reporma na maglalatag sa mga batayan para sa isang makatarungan at matagalang kapayapaan.
[Ang Bayan is the official newspaper of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Ang Bayan is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Hiligaynon, Waray and English. Download Ang Bayan from the Philippine Revolution Web Central at www.philippinerevolution.info. Ang Bayan is published fortnightly by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines.]
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/ang_bayan/20180421-mga-pagdiriwang-nakatakda/
CPP/Ang Bayan: AFP, nagtamo ng 5 kaswalti sa Camarines Sur
Propaganda article from the Tagalog edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Apr 21): AFP, nagtamo ng 5 kaswalti sa Camarines Sur
DALAWA ANG PATAY at tatlo ang sugatan sa hanay ng 83rd IB sa inilunsad na operasyong haras ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan-Camarines Sur noong Abril 9. Inilunsad ng isang tim ng mga Pulang mandirigma ang naturang aksyon laban sa mga nag-ooperasyong sundalo bandang alas 8:30 ng umaga sa Barangay Gubat, Lagonoy.
Matapos ang opensiba, nakaengkwentro ng mga operatiba ang isa pang kolum ng kaaway. Dito nasugatan sa tuhod si Jeric “Ka Ems” Gestone. Bandang 1:30 ng hapon, natagpuan at hinuli ng militar ang sugatan at walang armas na si Ka Ems. Kinaladkad nila ito at binaril sa ulo. Maituturing na hors de combat o wala nang kakayahan lumaban si Ka Ems.
Para manipulahin ng militar ang kanilang paglabag sa Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), isang minutong nagpaputok ang militar upang palabasin na sa isang lehitimong engkwentro nasawi si Ka Ems.
Negros Occidental. Pinarusahan ng BHB-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command o LPC) sina dating SSgt. Jose Joerito Amable ng 11th IBPA at dating SPO1 Alejandro Borres noong Abril 9, alas 6:25 ng gabi, sa Barangay Bulad, Crossing Magallon, Isabela, Negros Occidental.
Ayon kay JB Regalado, tagapagsalita ng LPC, isa si Amable sa mga “military tactician” ng mga makapangyarihan at kontra-mamamayang kalupitan ni Mayor Magdaleno “Magsie” PeÒa sa Hacienda San Benito. Kasabwat din siya sa militaristang pagpatakbo ng pulitika sa buong Magallon bilang Civil Defense Security Head. Matapos magretiro, naging aktibo si Amable bilang upisyal sa paniktik ng 303rd IBde. Aktibo siyang nagrekluta ng mga sibilyan at inarmasan sila para takutin at pagbantaan ang lahat ng kalaban ni PeÒa sa pulitika, at tugisin ang mga kasapi ng BHB.
Samantala, si Alejandro Borres ay isa ring tauhan ni PeÒa sa Magallon. Kasabwat siya sa mga kabulastugan at kontra-kilusang aktibidad nina PeÒa at Amable sa Moises Padilla.
North Cotabato. Inambus ng BHB-North Cotabato ang isang ahente sa paniktik sa bayan ng Magpet na si Antonio P. Takinan sa Barangay Tagbak, Magpet noong Abril 4. Nakuha mula sa kanya ang isang kalibre .45 na pistola.
Ang pamamarusa ay nakabatay sa pagiging aktibong ahenteng pang-intelidyens ni Takinan at pwersahang pagrerekluta ng mga katutubong Lumad sa paramilitar na CAFGU Bagani Fighters. Masugid din siyang tumulong sa militar sa kanilang mga operasyon na nagdulot ng matinding mga paglabag sa karapatang-tao at internasyunal na makataong batas. Pwersahan din niyang itinulak ang mga sibilyan para sumuko bilang BHB o umaming sumusuporta sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan. Malaki ang kinalaman niya sa walang habas na pambobomba sa mga komunidad ng Lumad noong Disyembre 21 ng 39th IB.
Bukidnon. Hinaras ng isang yunit ng BHB-Bukidnon ang mga nag-ooperasyong tropa ng 403rd IBde ilalim ng 4th ID sa Sityo Pakulab, Barangay Calabugao, Impasug-ong noong Abril 11, alas 11:00 ng umaga. Muling nagkaengkwentro ang yunit ng BHB at 8th IB sa Sityo Ulayanon sa parehong barangay noong bandang tanghali ng Abril 14. Walang kaswalti sa BHB ngunit nadakip si Susan “Ka Chay” Cabusao-Guaynon, may asawa at limang buwan ng buntis. Sa kasalukuyan, nasa kamay pa siya ng kaaway.
Sa interbyu sa radyo noong Abril 17 kay 1Lt. Erwin Bugarin, tagapagsalita ng 8th IB, inamin niyang mayroon silang kaswalti sa naturang mga labanan.
[Ang Bayan is the official newspaper of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Ang Bayan is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Hiligaynon, Waray and English. Download Ang Bayan from the Philippine Revolution Web Central at www.philippinerevolution.info. Ang Bayan is published fortnightly by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines.]
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/ang_bayan/20180421-afp-nagtamo-ng-5-kaswalti-sa-camarines-sur/
DALAWA ANG PATAY at tatlo ang sugatan sa hanay ng 83rd IB sa inilunsad na operasyong haras ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan-Camarines Sur noong Abril 9. Inilunsad ng isang tim ng mga Pulang mandirigma ang naturang aksyon laban sa mga nag-ooperasyong sundalo bandang alas 8:30 ng umaga sa Barangay Gubat, Lagonoy.
Matapos ang opensiba, nakaengkwentro ng mga operatiba ang isa pang kolum ng kaaway. Dito nasugatan sa tuhod si Jeric “Ka Ems” Gestone. Bandang 1:30 ng hapon, natagpuan at hinuli ng militar ang sugatan at walang armas na si Ka Ems. Kinaladkad nila ito at binaril sa ulo. Maituturing na hors de combat o wala nang kakayahan lumaban si Ka Ems.
Para manipulahin ng militar ang kanilang paglabag sa Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), isang minutong nagpaputok ang militar upang palabasin na sa isang lehitimong engkwentro nasawi si Ka Ems.
Negros Occidental. Pinarusahan ng BHB-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command o LPC) sina dating SSgt. Jose Joerito Amable ng 11th IBPA at dating SPO1 Alejandro Borres noong Abril 9, alas 6:25 ng gabi, sa Barangay Bulad, Crossing Magallon, Isabela, Negros Occidental.
Ayon kay JB Regalado, tagapagsalita ng LPC, isa si Amable sa mga “military tactician” ng mga makapangyarihan at kontra-mamamayang kalupitan ni Mayor Magdaleno “Magsie” PeÒa sa Hacienda San Benito. Kasabwat din siya sa militaristang pagpatakbo ng pulitika sa buong Magallon bilang Civil Defense Security Head. Matapos magretiro, naging aktibo si Amable bilang upisyal sa paniktik ng 303rd IBde. Aktibo siyang nagrekluta ng mga sibilyan at inarmasan sila para takutin at pagbantaan ang lahat ng kalaban ni PeÒa sa pulitika, at tugisin ang mga kasapi ng BHB.
Samantala, si Alejandro Borres ay isa ring tauhan ni PeÒa sa Magallon. Kasabwat siya sa mga kabulastugan at kontra-kilusang aktibidad nina PeÒa at Amable sa Moises Padilla.
North Cotabato. Inambus ng BHB-North Cotabato ang isang ahente sa paniktik sa bayan ng Magpet na si Antonio P. Takinan sa Barangay Tagbak, Magpet noong Abril 4. Nakuha mula sa kanya ang isang kalibre .45 na pistola.
Ang pamamarusa ay nakabatay sa pagiging aktibong ahenteng pang-intelidyens ni Takinan at pwersahang pagrerekluta ng mga katutubong Lumad sa paramilitar na CAFGU Bagani Fighters. Masugid din siyang tumulong sa militar sa kanilang mga operasyon na nagdulot ng matinding mga paglabag sa karapatang-tao at internasyunal na makataong batas. Pwersahan din niyang itinulak ang mga sibilyan para sumuko bilang BHB o umaming sumusuporta sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan. Malaki ang kinalaman niya sa walang habas na pambobomba sa mga komunidad ng Lumad noong Disyembre 21 ng 39th IB.
Bukidnon. Hinaras ng isang yunit ng BHB-Bukidnon ang mga nag-ooperasyong tropa ng 403rd IBde ilalim ng 4th ID sa Sityo Pakulab, Barangay Calabugao, Impasug-ong noong Abril 11, alas 11:00 ng umaga. Muling nagkaengkwentro ang yunit ng BHB at 8th IB sa Sityo Ulayanon sa parehong barangay noong bandang tanghali ng Abril 14. Walang kaswalti sa BHB ngunit nadakip si Susan “Ka Chay” Cabusao-Guaynon, may asawa at limang buwan ng buntis. Sa kasalukuyan, nasa kamay pa siya ng kaaway.
Sa interbyu sa radyo noong Abril 17 kay 1Lt. Erwin Bugarin, tagapagsalita ng 8th IB, inamin niyang mayroon silang kaswalti sa naturang mga labanan.
[Ang Bayan is the official newspaper of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Ang Bayan is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Hiligaynon, Waray and English. Download Ang Bayan from the Philippine Revolution Web Central at www.philippinerevolution.info. Ang Bayan is published fortnightly by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines.]
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/ang_bayan/20180421-afp-nagtamo-ng-5-kaswalti-sa-camarines-sur/
CPP/Ang Bayan: Palakasin ang NDFP at isulong ang demokratikong rebolusyong bayan!
Propaganda article from the Tagalog edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Apr 21): Palakasin ang NDFP at isulong ang demokratikong rebolusyong bayan!
Gugunitain ng National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) ang ika-45 na anibersaryo nito sa darating na Abril 24. Nananawagan ang Partido sa lahat ng rebolusyonaryong pwersa ng sambayanang Pilipino na maglunsad ng mga pangkultura at pampulitikang pagtitipon at iba’t ibang aktibidad para ipagdiwang ang makasaysayang araw na ito.
Tunay ngang importante ang ginagampanang papel ng NDFP sa pagtatatag ng pinakamalawak na pagkakaisa ng sambayanang Pilipino sa pagsusulong nila ng armadong rebolusyonaryong pakikibaka at gera sibil laban sa naghaharing reaksyunaryong rehimen. Gumagampan rin ang NDFP ng malaking papel sa pagbubuo ngayon ng pinakamalapad na nagkakaisang prenteng anti-pasista para ihiwalay, labanan at wakasan ang paghahari ng rehimeng US-Duterte.
Ang NDFP ang pinakakonsolidadong nagkakaisang prente ng mga batayang rebolusyonaryong pwersa sa ilalim ng proletaryong pamumuno. Binubuo ito ng 18 organisasyong pinagbubuklod ng hangarin ng sambayanang Pilipino para sa pambansa at panlipunang paglaya na inilinaw sa Programa para sa Demokratikong Rebolusyong Bayan ng Partido at sa 12-Puntong Programa ng NDFP.
Nakatatag ang NDFP sa pundasyon ng batayang alyansang manggagawa at magsasaka, na pangunahing naisasakongkreto sa pamumuno ng Partido sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan, gayundin sa iba pang mga rebolusyonaryong organisasyong masa sa hanay ng ibaít ibang sektor ng masang anakpawis. Ito ay binubuo rin ng ibaít ibang organisasyon sa hanay ng petiburgesya. Inaabot at kinakabig nito ang panggitnang burgesya at nagtatatag ng pansamantalang alyansa sa iba pang mga pwersang makauri upang ihiwalay ang pangunahing kaaway.
Ang NDFP ay nagkakaisang prenteng matatag na sumusuporta sa rebolusyonaryong armadong pakikibaka na isinusulong ng BHB. Sa apat at kalahating dekada, ang mga alyadong organisasyon nito ay nagbibigay ng suportang pampulitika at materyal sa BHB. Mula sa hanay ng mga alyado ng NDFP ay lumitaw ang mga Pulang mandirigma at kumander ng BHB. Bilang solidong nagkakaisang prente, nagsilbi itong matatag na lihim na gulugod ng malawak na mga kilusang masa.
Umuusbong sa buong bansa ang mga komiteng rebolusyonaryo sa baryo na gumagampan ng mga gawain sa paggugubyerno. Nagsisilbing balangkas ang NDFP para sa pagtatatag ng mga rebolusyonaryong organo ng pamahalaan sa antas bayan, distrito, prubinsya at rehiyon. Kinakatawan ng NDFP ang demokratikong gubyernong bayan (DGB) hanggang hindi pa ito pormal na itinatatag. Gumagampan ito ng mga gawaing pang-estado, kabilang ang pamamahala sa katarungan, pagbubuwis at pagpapatupad ng mga patakaran sa ekonomya, kapaligiran at iba pa. Nakapagsimula ito ng proto-diplomatikong relasyon sa ibang mga estado at ahensyang internasyunal. Kinatawan din nito ang DGB sa pakikipagnegosasyong pangkapayapaan sa GRP mula 1986.
Noong 2016, buong sigasig itong nakipagnegosasyong pangkapayapaan sa rehimeng Duterte matapos magdeklara na ito’y “Kaliwa” at anti-Amerikano at mangakong palalayain ang mga bilanggong pulitikal, susuportahan ang reporma sa lupa at isusulong ang independyenteng patakarang panlabas.
Subalit hindi naglaon ay tinalikuran ni Duterte ang sarili niyang mga deklarasyon at naglunsad ng tumitinding brutal at malupit na gerang mapanupil sa ilalim ng Oplan Kapayapaan, na tumatarget sa mga di-armadong magsasaka at minorya na nagtatanggol sa kanilang lupa. Kilala ngayon si Duterte sa walang patumanggang paghuhulog ng bomba at malawakang pagsupil sa mga karapatang-tao kabilang ang armadong okupasyon ng mga sibilyang komunidad, pagboblokeyo sa pagkain at tulong, iligal na mga pag-aresto, tortyur at mga pagpatay.
Dahil sa mahigpit na pagkapit ng NDFP sa saligang mga rebolusyonaryong prinsipyo, nabigo si Duterte na gamitin ang usapang pangkapayapaan para itali ang kamay ng BHB sa matagalang tigil-putukan. Di naglao’y idineklara niya ang pagtatapos ng negosasyong pangkapayapaan sa NDFP, idineklarang terorista ang PKP at BHB at ipinag-utos ang pag-aresto sa mga konsultant ng NDFP. Sa gitna ng lumalalang pagkahiwalay at malakas na paglaban sa kanyang tiraniya, nagpalipad-hangin si Duterte na buhaying muli ang usapang pangkapayapaan, subalit wala naman itong ginagawang makabuluhang hakbangin para isikad ang pag-uusap.
Matindi ngayon ang pagdurusa ng sambayanang Pilipino sa ilalim ng tiraniya at terorismo ng rehimeng US-Duterte. Bilang pinakamalakas na organisasyong nagkakaisang prente, importante ang papel ng NDFP sa pagbubuo ng pinakamalapad na pagkakaisa ng mamamayang Pilipino para ihiwalay at labanan ang rehimeng US-Duterte. Sa pagsusulong ng rebolusyonaryong paglaban, kapwa sa kilusang lihim sa kalunsuran at armadong pakikibaka sa kanayunan, napalalakas ng NDFP ang determinasyon ng mamamayan na labanan at biguin ang kinamumuhiang rehimen.
Dapat ubos-kayang palakasin ang mga saligang rebolusyonaryong pwersa upang magsilbing solidong pundasyon, muog at balangkas sa pagbubuo ng pinakamalapad na nagkakaisang prenteng anti-pasista laban sa rehimeng Duterte. Tungo rito, dapat malawakang kumilos ang mga manggagawa at magsasaka para ilantad at aktibong labanan ang mga pasistang atake ng rehimeng Duterte laban sa bayan. Ang mga solidong patama ng BHB sa pasistang makinarya ni Duterte ay makapupukaw ng malawakang paglaban sa tiraniya at terorismo ng kanyang rehimen.
Dapat magtulung-tulong ang lahat ng rebolusyonaryong pwersang kaalyado ng NDFP sa pagbubuo ng pinakamalapad na nagkakaisang prente laban sa rehimeng Duterte. Dapat sikapin nilang iugnay ang paglaban sa pasistang terorismo ni Duterte sa mga anti-imperyalista at antipyudal na mga pakikibaka. Sa gayon, napapalakas ang NDFP bilang isang nagkakaisang prente para sa pagsusulong ng demokratikong rebolusyong bayan.
[Ang Bayan is the official newspaper of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Ang Bayan is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Hiligaynon, Waray and English. Download Ang Bayan from the Philippine Revolution Web Central at www.philippinerevolution.info. Ang Bayan is published fortnightly by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines.]
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/ang_bayan/20180421-palakasin-ang-ndfp-at-isulong-ang-demokratikong-rebolusyong-bayan/
Gugunitain ng National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) ang ika-45 na anibersaryo nito sa darating na Abril 24. Nananawagan ang Partido sa lahat ng rebolusyonaryong pwersa ng sambayanang Pilipino na maglunsad ng mga pangkultura at pampulitikang pagtitipon at iba’t ibang aktibidad para ipagdiwang ang makasaysayang araw na ito.
Tunay ngang importante ang ginagampanang papel ng NDFP sa pagtatatag ng pinakamalawak na pagkakaisa ng sambayanang Pilipino sa pagsusulong nila ng armadong rebolusyonaryong pakikibaka at gera sibil laban sa naghaharing reaksyunaryong rehimen. Gumagampan rin ang NDFP ng malaking papel sa pagbubuo ngayon ng pinakamalapad na nagkakaisang prenteng anti-pasista para ihiwalay, labanan at wakasan ang paghahari ng rehimeng US-Duterte.
Ang NDFP ang pinakakonsolidadong nagkakaisang prente ng mga batayang rebolusyonaryong pwersa sa ilalim ng proletaryong pamumuno. Binubuo ito ng 18 organisasyong pinagbubuklod ng hangarin ng sambayanang Pilipino para sa pambansa at panlipunang paglaya na inilinaw sa Programa para sa Demokratikong Rebolusyong Bayan ng Partido at sa 12-Puntong Programa ng NDFP.
Nakatatag ang NDFP sa pundasyon ng batayang alyansang manggagawa at magsasaka, na pangunahing naisasakongkreto sa pamumuno ng Partido sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan, gayundin sa iba pang mga rebolusyonaryong organisasyong masa sa hanay ng ibaít ibang sektor ng masang anakpawis. Ito ay binubuo rin ng ibaít ibang organisasyon sa hanay ng petiburgesya. Inaabot at kinakabig nito ang panggitnang burgesya at nagtatatag ng pansamantalang alyansa sa iba pang mga pwersang makauri upang ihiwalay ang pangunahing kaaway.
Ang NDFP ay nagkakaisang prenteng matatag na sumusuporta sa rebolusyonaryong armadong pakikibaka na isinusulong ng BHB. Sa apat at kalahating dekada, ang mga alyadong organisasyon nito ay nagbibigay ng suportang pampulitika at materyal sa BHB. Mula sa hanay ng mga alyado ng NDFP ay lumitaw ang mga Pulang mandirigma at kumander ng BHB. Bilang solidong nagkakaisang prente, nagsilbi itong matatag na lihim na gulugod ng malawak na mga kilusang masa.
Umuusbong sa buong bansa ang mga komiteng rebolusyonaryo sa baryo na gumagampan ng mga gawain sa paggugubyerno. Nagsisilbing balangkas ang NDFP para sa pagtatatag ng mga rebolusyonaryong organo ng pamahalaan sa antas bayan, distrito, prubinsya at rehiyon. Kinakatawan ng NDFP ang demokratikong gubyernong bayan (DGB) hanggang hindi pa ito pormal na itinatatag. Gumagampan ito ng mga gawaing pang-estado, kabilang ang pamamahala sa katarungan, pagbubuwis at pagpapatupad ng mga patakaran sa ekonomya, kapaligiran at iba pa. Nakapagsimula ito ng proto-diplomatikong relasyon sa ibang mga estado at ahensyang internasyunal. Kinatawan din nito ang DGB sa pakikipagnegosasyong pangkapayapaan sa GRP mula 1986.
Noong 2016, buong sigasig itong nakipagnegosasyong pangkapayapaan sa rehimeng Duterte matapos magdeklara na ito’y “Kaliwa” at anti-Amerikano at mangakong palalayain ang mga bilanggong pulitikal, susuportahan ang reporma sa lupa at isusulong ang independyenteng patakarang panlabas.
Subalit hindi naglaon ay tinalikuran ni Duterte ang sarili niyang mga deklarasyon at naglunsad ng tumitinding brutal at malupit na gerang mapanupil sa ilalim ng Oplan Kapayapaan, na tumatarget sa mga di-armadong magsasaka at minorya na nagtatanggol sa kanilang lupa. Kilala ngayon si Duterte sa walang patumanggang paghuhulog ng bomba at malawakang pagsupil sa mga karapatang-tao kabilang ang armadong okupasyon ng mga sibilyang komunidad, pagboblokeyo sa pagkain at tulong, iligal na mga pag-aresto, tortyur at mga pagpatay.
Dahil sa mahigpit na pagkapit ng NDFP sa saligang mga rebolusyonaryong prinsipyo, nabigo si Duterte na gamitin ang usapang pangkapayapaan para itali ang kamay ng BHB sa matagalang tigil-putukan. Di naglao’y idineklara niya ang pagtatapos ng negosasyong pangkapayapaan sa NDFP, idineklarang terorista ang PKP at BHB at ipinag-utos ang pag-aresto sa mga konsultant ng NDFP. Sa gitna ng lumalalang pagkahiwalay at malakas na paglaban sa kanyang tiraniya, nagpalipad-hangin si Duterte na buhaying muli ang usapang pangkapayapaan, subalit wala naman itong ginagawang makabuluhang hakbangin para isikad ang pag-uusap.
Matindi ngayon ang pagdurusa ng sambayanang Pilipino sa ilalim ng tiraniya at terorismo ng rehimeng US-Duterte. Bilang pinakamalakas na organisasyong nagkakaisang prente, importante ang papel ng NDFP sa pagbubuo ng pinakamalapad na pagkakaisa ng mamamayang Pilipino para ihiwalay at labanan ang rehimeng US-Duterte. Sa pagsusulong ng rebolusyonaryong paglaban, kapwa sa kilusang lihim sa kalunsuran at armadong pakikibaka sa kanayunan, napalalakas ng NDFP ang determinasyon ng mamamayan na labanan at biguin ang kinamumuhiang rehimen.
Dapat ubos-kayang palakasin ang mga saligang rebolusyonaryong pwersa upang magsilbing solidong pundasyon, muog at balangkas sa pagbubuo ng pinakamalapad na nagkakaisang prenteng anti-pasista laban sa rehimeng Duterte. Tungo rito, dapat malawakang kumilos ang mga manggagawa at magsasaka para ilantad at aktibong labanan ang mga pasistang atake ng rehimeng Duterte laban sa bayan. Ang mga solidong patama ng BHB sa pasistang makinarya ni Duterte ay makapupukaw ng malawakang paglaban sa tiraniya at terorismo ng kanyang rehimen.
Dapat magtulung-tulong ang lahat ng rebolusyonaryong pwersang kaalyado ng NDFP sa pagbubuo ng pinakamalapad na nagkakaisang prente laban sa rehimeng Duterte. Dapat sikapin nilang iugnay ang paglaban sa pasistang terorismo ni Duterte sa mga anti-imperyalista at antipyudal na mga pakikibaka. Sa gayon, napapalakas ang NDFP bilang isang nagkakaisang prente para sa pagsusulong ng demokratikong rebolusyong bayan.
[Ang Bayan is the official newspaper of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Ang Bayan is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Hiligaynon, Waray and English. Download Ang Bayan from the Philippine Revolution Web Central at www.philippinerevolution.info. Ang Bayan is published fortnightly by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines.]
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/ang_bayan/20180421-palakasin-ang-ndfp-at-isulong-ang-demokratikong-rebolusyong-bayan/
CPP/NPA-Camarines Sur: Malawakang operasyon ng tropa ng AFP sa Partido District naghahasik ng takot at pangamba sa mamayan! Panawagan ng 9th ID na sumuko ang mga kasapi ng CPP/NPA/NDF isang kahangalan!
NPA-Camarines Sur propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 17): Malawakang operasyon ng tropa ng AFP sa Partido District naghahasik ng takot at pangamba sa mamayan! Panawagan ng 9th ID na sumuko ang mga kasapi ng CPP/NPA/NDF isang kahangalan!
Baldomero Arcanghel, Spokesperson
NPA-Camarines Sur (Tomas Pilapil Command)
17 April 2018
Sa pagbukas ng unang kwarto ng taong kasalukuyan walang tigil ang operasyong militar sa mga magkakanugnog na baryo sa mga bayan ng Goa, Lagonoy , Tinambac, Siruma, Garchitorena, Presentacion, Caramoan ng Partido District na umabot pa sa bayan ng Calabanga ng ikatlong distrito ng probinsya .
Matapos ideklarang terorista ang mga kasapi ng CPP/NPA/NDF sa pamamagitan ng Proklamasyong 360 ng Rehimeng US-Duterte, nagpakitang gilas ang tropa ng Philippine Army at Philippine National Police. Walang pinipiling oras sa pagpasok sa mga barangay ang ilang tropa ng 83rdIB PA, 22ndIB Echo Coy at Charlie Coy, 93rdDRC at PNP. Nagdulot ito ng takot at pangamba sa mga mamamayan sa lugar na tahimik na naninirahan, nagbubungkal ng lupa at nagsisikap na mabuhay ng marangal sa gitna ng kahirapan.
Nagpalaganap ng “ psywar ” habang nasa combat operation ang mga tropa ng AFP at PNP. Ipinalaganap na ang lahat ng sumusuporta at susuporta sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan ay kanilang papatayin o isa-salbeyds. Sa sityo Bayang, Brgy. San Ramon, Tinambac natakot ang taumbaryo sa ginawang pahayag ng tropa ng 83rd IB at PNP. Sa bayan ng Garchitorena, inimbitahan ang mga opisyales ng barangay nang nagpakilalang Lt.Col. Monjardin at harap- harapang ipinahayag ang pagbabanta sa buhay ng sinumang matukoy na nagbibigay tulong sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan. Sa Barangay Gubat, Lagonoy noong Abril 9, 2018 matapos ang naganap na labanan ipinatawag ang mga opisyales ng konseho ng barangay , kinontrol ang taumbaryo at hindi pinayagang umalis sa loob ng kanya kanyang bahay. Pebrero 17, 2018 pumasok sa Olag Grande,Tinambac ang tropa ng 83rd IB at tumuloy sa isang koprasan na pag-aari ng mag asawang Henry Sanji at Emma Sanji. Dahil sa takot at matinding nerbiyos inatake sa puso si Emma Sanji at namatay.
Habang nagpapatuloy ang combat operations ng tropa ng militar at pulis, isang insidente ng pamamaril sa mga empleyado ng lokal na gubyerno ng Tinambac noong nakaraang Marso 21, 2018 bandang ika-11 ng gabi sa Sityo Tigman , Bagacay, Tinambac Camarines Sur. Tatlo ang nasugatan na nakilala sa pangalang Elino Teope Jr, Edgardo San Andres at Nicolas San Agustin, lahat taga Bagacay, Tinambac. Ang mga binaril ay mga empleyado ng lokal na pamahalaan ng Tinambac na bahagi ng Task Force Gantad na ang pangunahing trabaho ay bantayan ang iligal na aktibidad na may kaugnayan sa pagsira ng kalikasan. Hanggang sa kasalukuyan hindi pa nabibigyan ng kalutasan kung sino ang nasa likod ng pamamaril at salarin sa naganap na krimen.
Ang pagpaslang kay Jeric Gestole “ Kasamang Ems” na wala ng kapasidad na lumaban matapos masugatan sa isang naganap na engkuwentro sa pagitan ng BHB at tropa ng 83rdIB noong Abril 9, 2018 ay isa pang patunay nang pagiging marahas at pasista ng tropa ng AFP.
Sa ginawang pananakot, pandarahas at pamamaslang ng tropa ng 83rdIB, 22ndIB, 93rdDRC at PNP. Hinubaran nito ang sarili sa harap ng masa. Nakilala ng taumbayan kung sino ang dapat tawaging terorista. Muling napatunayan sa karanasan na ang BHB na matagal nang kilala, kaibigan, katuwang sa pakikibaka ng masang api sa lugar ang tunay nilang hukbo at tagapagtanggol.
Sa gitna ng malawakang operasyon at paninibasib ng tropa ng 83rd IB, 93rdDRC, 22nd IB at tropa ng PNP sa Partido area, nanawagan si Gen Jesus Manangquil na sumuko na ang mga rebolusyonaryong pwersa sa ngalan ng kapayapaan. Ito ay isang kahangalan! Hindi sa paraan ng pagsuko ng armas at prinsipyong ipinapakipaglaban makakamit ang makatarungan at pangmatagalang kapayapaan. Hindi makakamit ang kapayapaan kung hindi matutugunan ang mga batayang pangangailangan ng mga magsasaka at uring anakpawis para mabuhay ng marangal. Ang karapatan sa lupa ng mga magsasaka, ang tama at sapat na pasahod para sa mga manggagawa para mabuhay ng marangal sampu ng pamilya nito, at ang pagtugon sa iba pang demokratikong interes ng mga kabataan, kababaihan at iba pang sektor ng lipunan. Walang kapayapaan kung ang mga kriminal na sangkot sa pamamaril ng mga inosenteng sibilyan ay malayang nakakakilos na naglalagay sa peligro sa mga naging biktima nito at sa mga susunod pang magiging biktima.
Hindi pagsuko ng armas at ng prinsipyong ipinapakipaglaban ang tugon ng Tomas Pilapil Command sa panawagang ito ng 9thID . Magsisilbing inspirasyon ng mga yunit ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan sa ilalim ng Tomas Pilapil Command ang maningning na kasaysayan sa pakikibaka sa lugar at ang makasaysayang ambag ng magigiting na anak ng bayan ng Partido area na nagbuwis ng kanilang buhay tulad nina Tomas Pilapil at dalawang kapatid nito, ang magkapatid na Romulo at Ruben Jallores ng Tigaon, Eduardo Olbara ng Sangay, Roberto Mancilla ng Caramoan, Javier Fortaleza ng Ocampo at iba pang mga martir na nagbuwis ng kanilang buhay para sa sambayanan.
Nananawagan ang Tomas Pilapil Command sa mamamayan ng Partido Area na higit na magkaisa para tutulan ang pandarahas at panlilinlang ng tropa ng 83rdIB, 22ndIB, 93rdDRC at PNP na kasalukuyang naglulunsad ng kanilang “combat operation”. Pahigpitin ang pagkakaisa para pangalagaan, ipagtanggol ang mga karapatan sa gitna ng naninibasib na mga tropa ng Philippine Army at Philippine National Police.
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20180417-malawakang-operasyon-ng-tropa-ng-afp-sa-partido-district-naghahasik-ng-takot-at-pangamba-sa
Baldomero Arcanghel, Spokesperson
NPA-Camarines Sur (Tomas Pilapil Command)
17 April 2018
Sa pagbukas ng unang kwarto ng taong kasalukuyan walang tigil ang operasyong militar sa mga magkakanugnog na baryo sa mga bayan ng Goa, Lagonoy , Tinambac, Siruma, Garchitorena, Presentacion, Caramoan ng Partido District na umabot pa sa bayan ng Calabanga ng ikatlong distrito ng probinsya .
Matapos ideklarang terorista ang mga kasapi ng CPP/NPA/NDF sa pamamagitan ng Proklamasyong 360 ng Rehimeng US-Duterte, nagpakitang gilas ang tropa ng Philippine Army at Philippine National Police. Walang pinipiling oras sa pagpasok sa mga barangay ang ilang tropa ng 83rdIB PA, 22ndIB Echo Coy at Charlie Coy, 93rdDRC at PNP. Nagdulot ito ng takot at pangamba sa mga mamamayan sa lugar na tahimik na naninirahan, nagbubungkal ng lupa at nagsisikap na mabuhay ng marangal sa gitna ng kahirapan.
Nagpalaganap ng “ psywar ” habang nasa combat operation ang mga tropa ng AFP at PNP. Ipinalaganap na ang lahat ng sumusuporta at susuporta sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan ay kanilang papatayin o isa-salbeyds. Sa sityo Bayang, Brgy. San Ramon, Tinambac natakot ang taumbaryo sa ginawang pahayag ng tropa ng 83rd IB at PNP. Sa bayan ng Garchitorena, inimbitahan ang mga opisyales ng barangay nang nagpakilalang Lt.Col. Monjardin at harap- harapang ipinahayag ang pagbabanta sa buhay ng sinumang matukoy na nagbibigay tulong sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan. Sa Barangay Gubat, Lagonoy noong Abril 9, 2018 matapos ang naganap na labanan ipinatawag ang mga opisyales ng konseho ng barangay , kinontrol ang taumbaryo at hindi pinayagang umalis sa loob ng kanya kanyang bahay. Pebrero 17, 2018 pumasok sa Olag Grande,Tinambac ang tropa ng 83rd IB at tumuloy sa isang koprasan na pag-aari ng mag asawang Henry Sanji at Emma Sanji. Dahil sa takot at matinding nerbiyos inatake sa puso si Emma Sanji at namatay.
Habang nagpapatuloy ang combat operations ng tropa ng militar at pulis, isang insidente ng pamamaril sa mga empleyado ng lokal na gubyerno ng Tinambac noong nakaraang Marso 21, 2018 bandang ika-11 ng gabi sa Sityo Tigman , Bagacay, Tinambac Camarines Sur. Tatlo ang nasugatan na nakilala sa pangalang Elino Teope Jr, Edgardo San Andres at Nicolas San Agustin, lahat taga Bagacay, Tinambac. Ang mga binaril ay mga empleyado ng lokal na pamahalaan ng Tinambac na bahagi ng Task Force Gantad na ang pangunahing trabaho ay bantayan ang iligal na aktibidad na may kaugnayan sa pagsira ng kalikasan. Hanggang sa kasalukuyan hindi pa nabibigyan ng kalutasan kung sino ang nasa likod ng pamamaril at salarin sa naganap na krimen.
Ang pagpaslang kay Jeric Gestole “ Kasamang Ems” na wala ng kapasidad na lumaban matapos masugatan sa isang naganap na engkuwentro sa pagitan ng BHB at tropa ng 83rdIB noong Abril 9, 2018 ay isa pang patunay nang pagiging marahas at pasista ng tropa ng AFP.
Sa ginawang pananakot, pandarahas at pamamaslang ng tropa ng 83rdIB, 22ndIB, 93rdDRC at PNP. Hinubaran nito ang sarili sa harap ng masa. Nakilala ng taumbayan kung sino ang dapat tawaging terorista. Muling napatunayan sa karanasan na ang BHB na matagal nang kilala, kaibigan, katuwang sa pakikibaka ng masang api sa lugar ang tunay nilang hukbo at tagapagtanggol.
Sa gitna ng malawakang operasyon at paninibasib ng tropa ng 83rd IB, 93rdDRC, 22nd IB at tropa ng PNP sa Partido area, nanawagan si Gen Jesus Manangquil na sumuko na ang mga rebolusyonaryong pwersa sa ngalan ng kapayapaan. Ito ay isang kahangalan! Hindi sa paraan ng pagsuko ng armas at prinsipyong ipinapakipaglaban makakamit ang makatarungan at pangmatagalang kapayapaan. Hindi makakamit ang kapayapaan kung hindi matutugunan ang mga batayang pangangailangan ng mga magsasaka at uring anakpawis para mabuhay ng marangal. Ang karapatan sa lupa ng mga magsasaka, ang tama at sapat na pasahod para sa mga manggagawa para mabuhay ng marangal sampu ng pamilya nito, at ang pagtugon sa iba pang demokratikong interes ng mga kabataan, kababaihan at iba pang sektor ng lipunan. Walang kapayapaan kung ang mga kriminal na sangkot sa pamamaril ng mga inosenteng sibilyan ay malayang nakakakilos na naglalagay sa peligro sa mga naging biktima nito at sa mga susunod pang magiging biktima.
Hindi pagsuko ng armas at ng prinsipyong ipinapakipaglaban ang tugon ng Tomas Pilapil Command sa panawagang ito ng 9thID . Magsisilbing inspirasyon ng mga yunit ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan sa ilalim ng Tomas Pilapil Command ang maningning na kasaysayan sa pakikibaka sa lugar at ang makasaysayang ambag ng magigiting na anak ng bayan ng Partido area na nagbuwis ng kanilang buhay tulad nina Tomas Pilapil at dalawang kapatid nito, ang magkapatid na Romulo at Ruben Jallores ng Tigaon, Eduardo Olbara ng Sangay, Roberto Mancilla ng Caramoan, Javier Fortaleza ng Ocampo at iba pang mga martir na nagbuwis ng kanilang buhay para sa sambayanan.
Nananawagan ang Tomas Pilapil Command sa mamamayan ng Partido Area na higit na magkaisa para tutulan ang pandarahas at panlilinlang ng tropa ng 83rdIB, 22ndIB, 93rdDRC at PNP na kasalukuyang naglulunsad ng kanilang “combat operation”. Pahigpitin ang pagkakaisa para pangalagaan, ipagtanggol ang mga karapatan sa gitna ng naninibasib na mga tropa ng Philippine Army at Philippine National Police.
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20180417-malawakang-operasyon-ng-tropa-ng-afp-sa-partido-district-naghahasik-ng-takot-at-pangamba-sa
CPP-CC: Strengthen the NDFP and carry forward the people’s democratic revolution!
Central Committee propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 22): Strengthen the NDFP and carry forward the people’s democratic revolution!
Central Committee
Communist Party of the Philippines
22 April 2018
Message of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines to its allies in the National Democratic Front of the Philippines on the occasion of the NDFP’s 45th founding anniversary
The Filipino people’s revolutionary forces today are holding celebrations across the country and around the globe to mark the 45th anniversary of the founding of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). The leadership and entire membership of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) join this celebration and extend profound greetings of solidarity to their allies in the NDFP.
Uniting the Filipino people
The theme of the NDFP’s 45th anniversary celebrations, “Build the broadest united front to strengthen the organs of political power and the people´s democratic government” correctly points out to the current historic role being played by the NDFP. Indeed, the NDFP plays an important role in building the broadest unity of the Filipino people as they wage revolutionary armed struggle and civil war against the ruling reactionary regime.
The NDFP was established in 1973 based on the initiative and preparations made by the Party since the latter’s reestablishment. It initially brought together the national democratic organizations that went underground upon martial declaration in 1972 by the Marcos dictatorship. They are united by the Filipino people’s aspiration for national and social liberation as crystallized in the Party’s Program for a People’s Democratic Revolution and the NDFP’s 12-Point Program. The NDFP’s immutable commitment to advance the revolution has enhanced its prestige among the people. It continues to draw support and attract new allies. The NDFP has now 18 affiliate revolutionary organizations.
The NDFP is the most consolidated united front organization of basic revolutionary forces under proletarian leadership. It is established on the foundation of the basic alliance of workers and peasants, chiefly expressed by the Party’s leadership of the New People’s Army, as well as by revolutionary mass organizations among various sectors of the toiling masses. It is further composed of various organizations among the petty-bourgeoisie. It reaches out and wins over the middle bourgeoisie and establishes temporary alliances with other class forces to isolate the main enemy.
The NDFP is a united front that steadfastly serves the revolutionary armed struggle being waged by the NPA. For four decades and a half, allied organizations of the NDFP have extended political and material support to the NPA. From the ranks of the NDFP allies have emerged Red fighters and commanders of the NPA.
As a solid united front, the NDFP has served as the strong underground core of broad people’s movements. It served as the mainstay in the broad anti-dictatorship struggle against the Marcos regime. In 1981, it represented the Filipino people in the case against the Marcos regime before the International People’s Tribunal. It has unwaveringly represented the national democratic interests of the Filipino people in the past three decades of successive pseudo-democratic regimes since 1986.
Building and representing the people’s democratic government
By waging protracted people’s war and building the armed strength of the people, organs of political power are being established across the country, primarily in the countryside. These are built from the village level up on the foundations of peasant revolutionary mass organizations. There is a proliferation of revolutionary committees nationwide at the village level. These mobilize the people to carry out land reform and antifeudal struggles, as well as undertake efforts to raise the people’s livelihood. These provide educational, health, economic and other public services. Local conflicts are settled through arbitration. Peace and order is maintained through the mobilization of militias and self-defense units. Drug and other criminal syndicates are prevented from operating in these areas.
The NDFP serves as framework for establishing revolutionary organs of governance at the municipal, district, provincial and regional levels. The national entirety of these organs of political power comprises the people’s democratic government (PDG), albeit in rudimentary form. It administers justice and exercises such state prerogatives as taxation. It implements environmental and other policies in line with the people’s nationalist and democratic aspirations.
Under the Party’s absolute leadership, the NPA serves as the PDG’s armed force. It defends the PDG, helps strengthen and expand its authority and enforces its policies. It engages in civil war against the ruling Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) which represent the ruling classes of big bourgeois compradors and big landlords under US imperialist hegemony.
The NDFP represents the PDG until it can be formally established. As such, the NDFP has established proto-diplomatic relations with states and other international agencies. It has also represented the PDG in peace negotiations with the GRP since 1986. For more than 25 years, this has been governed by the terms set by The Hague Joint Declaration signed in 1992. The NDFP jointly signed with the GRP the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) in 1998.
Peace negotiations with the Duterte regime
In 2016, the NDFP spiritedly pursued peace negotiations with the Duterte regime after the latter made public declarations of being “Leftist” and anti-American and promising to release political prisoners, support land reform and pursue an independent foreign policy. As a way of engaging and encouraging such declarations, which no reactionary regime made prior, the NDFP acceded to an indefinite ceasefire which lasted a good six months.
In four rounds of peace talks, the NDFP vigorously asserted and advanced the cause of fundamental social reforms and sought the broadest support of all progressive and positive forces. The NDFP came up with a more detailed program which addresses the central socio-economic and political issues of the civil war. The NDFP’s draft on Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms (CASER) is a practical blueprint of necessary and applicable reforms. It was able to further strengthen and broaden its ties with various patriotic and democratic classes and sectors, as well as with elements of the ruling classes.
Duterte, however, turned his back against his own declarations of reform and mounted an increasingly brutal and cruel war of suppression under Oplan Kapayapaan, targeting unarmed peasants and minority peoples defending their land. Aerial bombing, curtailment of rights to travel and engage in commerce, food and aid blockades, illegal arrests, torture and killings are the norm under Duterte’s martial law in Mindanao and virtual martial law across the country, especially in the rural areas.
Duterte refused to fulfill his promise to issue a general amnesty proclamation to release all political prisoners. He stubbornly demanded the NDFP to commit itself to a prolonged ceasefire prior to any agreement on substantive issues, contrary to the established agenda and succession of issues. Failing to use the peace talks to tie the hands of the revolutionary forces, Duterte declared the termination of peace negotiations with the NDFP in November last year, and subsequently declared the Party and NPA as terrorists and ordered the arrest of the NDFPs’ peace consultants.
Amid increasing isolation brought about by strong resistance to his tyranny, Duterte has recently made overtures to revive peace talks, but has yet to make substantive measure to bring the talks back to track.
Build the broadest anti-fascist united front against the Duterte regime
The Filipino people are currently suffering gravely under the tyranny and terrorism of the US-Duterte regime. As the strongest united front organization, the NDFP plays an important role in building the Filipino people’s broadest unity to isolate and resist the US-Duterte regime. By waging revolutionary resistance, both in the urban underground as well as in rural armed struggle, the NDFP helps strengthen the people’s determination to fight and defeat the despicable regime.
In line with the principles of united front building, the basic revolutionary forces must be resolutely strengthened to serve as solid foundation, rampart and scaffolding for building the broadest anti-fascist united front against the Duterte regime. To do so, the broad masses of workers and peasants must be mobilized in a big way to expose and actively resist the fascist attacks of the Duterte regime against the people. Solid blows by New People’s Army against Duterte’s fascist machinery will rouse widespread resistance against the regime’s tyranny and terrorism.
All revolutionary forces allied with the NDFP must help in building the broadest anti-fascist united front against the Duterte regime. They must exert effort to link up the struggles against Duterte’s fascist terrorism with the people’s anti-imperialist and antifeudal struggles. By doing so, the NDFP is being further strengthened as a united front for advancing the people’s democratic revolution.
The Filipino people’s determination to advance the national democratic revolution is being further steeled amid the worsening crisis of the semicolonial and semifeudal system. Under the leadership of the Party and the strength of the NDFP, they look forward to attaining complete victory in their struggle for national and social liberation.
Central Committee
Communist Party of the Philippines
22 April 2018
Message of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines to its allies in the National Democratic Front of the Philippines on the occasion of the NDFP’s 45th founding anniversary
The Filipino people’s revolutionary forces today are holding celebrations across the country and around the globe to mark the 45th anniversary of the founding of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). The leadership and entire membership of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) join this celebration and extend profound greetings of solidarity to their allies in the NDFP.
Uniting the Filipino people
The theme of the NDFP’s 45th anniversary celebrations, “Build the broadest united front to strengthen the organs of political power and the people´s democratic government” correctly points out to the current historic role being played by the NDFP. Indeed, the NDFP plays an important role in building the broadest unity of the Filipino people as they wage revolutionary armed struggle and civil war against the ruling reactionary regime.
The NDFP was established in 1973 based on the initiative and preparations made by the Party since the latter’s reestablishment. It initially brought together the national democratic organizations that went underground upon martial declaration in 1972 by the Marcos dictatorship. They are united by the Filipino people’s aspiration for national and social liberation as crystallized in the Party’s Program for a People’s Democratic Revolution and the NDFP’s 12-Point Program. The NDFP’s immutable commitment to advance the revolution has enhanced its prestige among the people. It continues to draw support and attract new allies. The NDFP has now 18 affiliate revolutionary organizations.
The NDFP is the most consolidated united front organization of basic revolutionary forces under proletarian leadership. It is established on the foundation of the basic alliance of workers and peasants, chiefly expressed by the Party’s leadership of the New People’s Army, as well as by revolutionary mass organizations among various sectors of the toiling masses. It is further composed of various organizations among the petty-bourgeoisie. It reaches out and wins over the middle bourgeoisie and establishes temporary alliances with other class forces to isolate the main enemy.
The NDFP is a united front that steadfastly serves the revolutionary armed struggle being waged by the NPA. For four decades and a half, allied organizations of the NDFP have extended political and material support to the NPA. From the ranks of the NDFP allies have emerged Red fighters and commanders of the NPA.
As a solid united front, the NDFP has served as the strong underground core of broad people’s movements. It served as the mainstay in the broad anti-dictatorship struggle against the Marcos regime. In 1981, it represented the Filipino people in the case against the Marcos regime before the International People’s Tribunal. It has unwaveringly represented the national democratic interests of the Filipino people in the past three decades of successive pseudo-democratic regimes since 1986.
Building and representing the people’s democratic government
By waging protracted people’s war and building the armed strength of the people, organs of political power are being established across the country, primarily in the countryside. These are built from the village level up on the foundations of peasant revolutionary mass organizations. There is a proliferation of revolutionary committees nationwide at the village level. These mobilize the people to carry out land reform and antifeudal struggles, as well as undertake efforts to raise the people’s livelihood. These provide educational, health, economic and other public services. Local conflicts are settled through arbitration. Peace and order is maintained through the mobilization of militias and self-defense units. Drug and other criminal syndicates are prevented from operating in these areas.
The NDFP serves as framework for establishing revolutionary organs of governance at the municipal, district, provincial and regional levels. The national entirety of these organs of political power comprises the people’s democratic government (PDG), albeit in rudimentary form. It administers justice and exercises such state prerogatives as taxation. It implements environmental and other policies in line with the people’s nationalist and democratic aspirations.
Under the Party’s absolute leadership, the NPA serves as the PDG’s armed force. It defends the PDG, helps strengthen and expand its authority and enforces its policies. It engages in civil war against the ruling Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) which represent the ruling classes of big bourgeois compradors and big landlords under US imperialist hegemony.
The NDFP represents the PDG until it can be formally established. As such, the NDFP has established proto-diplomatic relations with states and other international agencies. It has also represented the PDG in peace negotiations with the GRP since 1986. For more than 25 years, this has been governed by the terms set by The Hague Joint Declaration signed in 1992. The NDFP jointly signed with the GRP the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) in 1998.
Peace negotiations with the Duterte regime
In 2016, the NDFP spiritedly pursued peace negotiations with the Duterte regime after the latter made public declarations of being “Leftist” and anti-American and promising to release political prisoners, support land reform and pursue an independent foreign policy. As a way of engaging and encouraging such declarations, which no reactionary regime made prior, the NDFP acceded to an indefinite ceasefire which lasted a good six months.
In four rounds of peace talks, the NDFP vigorously asserted and advanced the cause of fundamental social reforms and sought the broadest support of all progressive and positive forces. The NDFP came up with a more detailed program which addresses the central socio-economic and political issues of the civil war. The NDFP’s draft on Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms (CASER) is a practical blueprint of necessary and applicable reforms. It was able to further strengthen and broaden its ties with various patriotic and democratic classes and sectors, as well as with elements of the ruling classes.
Duterte, however, turned his back against his own declarations of reform and mounted an increasingly brutal and cruel war of suppression under Oplan Kapayapaan, targeting unarmed peasants and minority peoples defending their land. Aerial bombing, curtailment of rights to travel and engage in commerce, food and aid blockades, illegal arrests, torture and killings are the norm under Duterte’s martial law in Mindanao and virtual martial law across the country, especially in the rural areas.
Duterte refused to fulfill his promise to issue a general amnesty proclamation to release all political prisoners. He stubbornly demanded the NDFP to commit itself to a prolonged ceasefire prior to any agreement on substantive issues, contrary to the established agenda and succession of issues. Failing to use the peace talks to tie the hands of the revolutionary forces, Duterte declared the termination of peace negotiations with the NDFP in November last year, and subsequently declared the Party and NPA as terrorists and ordered the arrest of the NDFPs’ peace consultants.
Amid increasing isolation brought about by strong resistance to his tyranny, Duterte has recently made overtures to revive peace talks, but has yet to make substantive measure to bring the talks back to track.
Build the broadest anti-fascist united front against the Duterte regime
The Filipino people are currently suffering gravely under the tyranny and terrorism of the US-Duterte regime. As the strongest united front organization, the NDFP plays an important role in building the Filipino people’s broadest unity to isolate and resist the US-Duterte regime. By waging revolutionary resistance, both in the urban underground as well as in rural armed struggle, the NDFP helps strengthen the people’s determination to fight and defeat the despicable regime.
In line with the principles of united front building, the basic revolutionary forces must be resolutely strengthened to serve as solid foundation, rampart and scaffolding for building the broadest anti-fascist united front against the Duterte regime. To do so, the broad masses of workers and peasants must be mobilized in a big way to expose and actively resist the fascist attacks of the Duterte regime against the people. Solid blows by New People’s Army against Duterte’s fascist machinery will rouse widespread resistance against the regime’s tyranny and terrorism.
All revolutionary forces allied with the NDFP must help in building the broadest anti-fascist united front against the Duterte regime. They must exert effort to link up the struggles against Duterte’s fascist terrorism with the people’s anti-imperialist and antifeudal struggles. By doing so, the NDFP is being further strengthened as a united front for advancing the people’s democratic revolution.
The Filipino people’s determination to advance the national democratic revolution is being further steeled amid the worsening crisis of the semicolonial and semifeudal system. Under the leadership of the Party and the strength of the NDFP, they look forward to attaining complete victory in their struggle for national and social liberation.
CPP-IB: Rights defenders are the people’s friends, Duterte is not
Information Bureau propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 19): Rights defenders are the people’s friends, Duterte is not
Information Bureau
Communist Party of the Philippines
19 April 2018
Press Release
Human rights defenders, including foreigners such as Australian missionary Patricia Fox, are friends of the Filipino people, especially the toiling masses of workers and peasants. They help the people express their aspirations for peace and social justice and expose their grievances amid the brutality and cruelty of the Duterte regime. The people warmly welcome them into their communities, homes and hearts.
In contrast, Duterte the Terrorist is the Filipino people’s enemy. Their hatred for Duterte is intense for dropping bombs, murdering people and the wholesale curtailment of people’s rights. He is despised for his rehabilitation of the Marcoses, alliance with the Arroyos and other icons of fascism and corruption and for plundering government coffers together with his big business and foreign monopoly capitalist friends.
For his brutal and cruel wars of suppression and destruction, Duterte is considered persona non grata by the people who have suffered under his ruthless regime. The people demand retribution. Thus, Duterte morbidly fears the people. Hindi siya makalabas ng Malacañang na hindi siya balot-ng-bakal. Takot na takot siya sa mga binomba at ipinapatay niya. He cannot freely move around the country, especially in the rural areas and in the urban slums, without being escorted by battalions of fascist soldiers.
Information Bureau
Communist Party of the Philippines
19 April 2018
Press Release
Human rights defenders, including foreigners such as Australian missionary Patricia Fox, are friends of the Filipino people, especially the toiling masses of workers and peasants. They help the people express their aspirations for peace and social justice and expose their grievances amid the brutality and cruelty of the Duterte regime. The people warmly welcome them into their communities, homes and hearts.
In contrast, Duterte the Terrorist is the Filipino people’s enemy. Their hatred for Duterte is intense for dropping bombs, murdering people and the wholesale curtailment of people’s rights. He is despised for his rehabilitation of the Marcoses, alliance with the Arroyos and other icons of fascism and corruption and for plundering government coffers together with his big business and foreign monopoly capitalist friends.
For his brutal and cruel wars of suppression and destruction, Duterte is considered persona non grata by the people who have suffered under his ruthless regime. The people demand retribution. Thus, Duterte morbidly fears the people. Hindi siya makalabas ng Malacañang na hindi siya balot-ng-bakal. Takot na takot siya sa mga binomba at ipinapatay niya. He cannot freely move around the country, especially in the rural areas and in the urban slums, without being escorted by battalions of fascist soldiers.
NDF: NDFP condemns shameful treatment of Sr. Patricia Fox by the Duterte regime
NDF propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Apr 19): NDFP condemns shameful treatment of Sr. Patricia Fox by the Duterte regime
April 19, 2018
Contemptuously disrespecting the 27 years of dedicated service of Australian missionary Sr. Patricia Fox, 71, who generously helped farmers, indigenous people and other Filipino mass organizations, the Bureau of Immigration arrested and detained Sr. Patricia Fox on April 16. Immigration authorities arrested her on the allegations by the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) that she participated in anti-government rallies. Much worse, President Duterte himself declared he had ordered the arrest of Sr. Patricia.
Sr. Patricia denied joining anti-government rallies. “These were not anti-government rallies. As a religious, I have been joinig pro-human rights rallies, for farmers, for their land rights, to release politiaal prisoners,” she stated.
Sr. Patricia was made to sleep on the floor inside the Bureau of Immigration – Civil Security Unit. Suffering from back pains, she was provided only one blanket as a mattress, but no extra blanket to protect her from the cold draft of the air-conditining unit.
She could sleep for only two hours. She had to take three pain relief pills to ease her back pain. Her detention resulted in her failure to take her injection Monday night for her back pain.
Although she was released the follwoing day, the Bureau of Immigration stated that she has to undergo investigation for possible deportation. The BI is holding her passport.
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines vigorously condemns this violation of Sr. Patricia’s basic human rights. It is a flagrant violation of the GRP-NDFP Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL). The Duterte regime must be held responsible for the shameful treatment and harassment of Sr. Patricia Fox. Her right to continue her dedicated service to the Filipino people must be respected.
LUIS G. JALANDONI
Member, National Executive Committee
National Democratic Front of the Philippines
https://www.ndfp.org/ndfp-condemns-shameful-treatment-of-sr-patricia-fox-by-the-duterte-regime/
April 19, 2018
Contemptuously disrespecting the 27 years of dedicated service of Australian missionary Sr. Patricia Fox, 71, who generously helped farmers, indigenous people and other Filipino mass organizations, the Bureau of Immigration arrested and detained Sr. Patricia Fox on April 16. Immigration authorities arrested her on the allegations by the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) that she participated in anti-government rallies. Much worse, President Duterte himself declared he had ordered the arrest of Sr. Patricia.
Sr. Patricia denied joining anti-government rallies. “These were not anti-government rallies. As a religious, I have been joinig pro-human rights rallies, for farmers, for their land rights, to release politiaal prisoners,” she stated.
Sr. Patricia was made to sleep on the floor inside the Bureau of Immigration – Civil Security Unit. Suffering from back pains, she was provided only one blanket as a mattress, but no extra blanket to protect her from the cold draft of the air-conditining unit.
She could sleep for only two hours. She had to take three pain relief pills to ease her back pain. Her detention resulted in her failure to take her injection Monday night for her back pain.
Although she was released the follwoing day, the Bureau of Immigration stated that she has to undergo investigation for possible deportation. The BI is holding her passport.
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines vigorously condemns this violation of Sr. Patricia’s basic human rights. It is a flagrant violation of the GRP-NDFP Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL). The Duterte regime must be held responsible for the shameful treatment and harassment of Sr. Patricia Fox. Her right to continue her dedicated service to the Filipino people must be respected.
LUIS G. JALANDONI
Member, National Executive Committee
National Democratic Front of the Philippines
https://www.ndfp.org/ndfp-condemns-shameful-treatment-of-sr-patricia-fox-by-the-duterte-regime/
NDF/CPP-IB: CPP on the arrest of Australian Missionary Patrica Fox
CPP Information Bureau propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Apr 19): CPP on the arrest of Australian Missionary Patrica Fox
Information Bureau
Communist Party of the Philippines
April 19, 2018
Rights defenders are the people’s friends, Duterte is not
Australian missionary Sister Patricia Fox gestures as she is interviewed by reporters after she was released from custody at the Bureau of Immigration in Manila. Photo: AP
Human rights defenders, including foreigners such as Australian missionary Patricia Fox, are friends of the Filipino people, especially the toiling masses of workers and peasants. They help the people express their aspirations for peace and social justice and expose their grievances amid the brutality and cruelty of the Duterte regime. The people warmly welcome them into their communities, homes and hearts.
In contrast, Duterte the Terrorist is the Filipino people’s enemy. Their hatred for Duterte is intense for dropping bombs, murdering people and the wholesale curtailment of people’s rights. He is despised for his rehabilitation of the Marcoses, alliance with the Arroyos and other icons of fascism and corruption and for plundering government coffers together with his big business and foreign monopoly capitalist friends.
For his brutal and cruel wars of suppression and destruction, Duterte is considered persona non grata by the people who have suffered under his ruthless regime. The people demand retribution. Thus, Duterte morbidly fears the people. Hindi siya makalabas ng Malacañang na hindi siya balot-ng-bakal. Takot na takot siya sa mga binomba at ipinapatay niya. He cannot freely move around the country, especially in the rural areas and in the urban slums, without being escorted by battalions of fascist soldiers.
https://www.ndfp.org/cpp-on-the-arrest-of-australian-missionary-patrica-fox/
Information Bureau
Communist Party of the Philippines
April 19, 2018
Rights defenders are the people’s friends, Duterte is not
Australian missionary Sister Patricia Fox gestures as she is interviewed by reporters after she was released from custody at the Bureau of Immigration in Manila. Photo: AP
Human rights defenders, including foreigners such as Australian missionary Patricia Fox, are friends of the Filipino people, especially the toiling masses of workers and peasants. They help the people express their aspirations for peace and social justice and expose their grievances amid the brutality and cruelty of the Duterte regime. The people warmly welcome them into their communities, homes and hearts.
In contrast, Duterte the Terrorist is the Filipino people’s enemy. Their hatred for Duterte is intense for dropping bombs, murdering people and the wholesale curtailment of people’s rights. He is despised for his rehabilitation of the Marcoses, alliance with the Arroyos and other icons of fascism and corruption and for plundering government coffers together with his big business and foreign monopoly capitalist friends.
For his brutal and cruel wars of suppression and destruction, Duterte is considered persona non grata by the people who have suffered under his ruthless regime. The people demand retribution. Thus, Duterte morbidly fears the people. Hindi siya makalabas ng Malacañang na hindi siya balot-ng-bakal. Takot na takot siya sa mga binomba at ipinapatay niya. He cannot freely move around the country, especially in the rural areas and in the urban slums, without being escorted by battalions of fascist soldiers.
https://www.ndfp.org/cpp-on-the-arrest-of-australian-missionary-patrica-fox/
NDF: CASER as Lynchpin for Building the People´s Strength in the GRP-NDFP Peace Negotiations
Propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Apr 21): CASER as Lynchpin for Building the People´s Strength in the GRP-NDFP Peace Negotiations
By J. de Lima
Chairperson, NDFP Reciprocal Working Committee on Social & Economic Reforms
Comrades and friends,
It is widely recognized that the implementation of a comprehensive agreement on social and economic reforms is the lynchpin for achieving a just and lasting peace in the Philippines. It is the second and most important of the substantive agenda in the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations. However, it has proven to be the most difficult to negotiate.
Although the exchange of drafts on the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms took place at the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) on March 16 1998, negotiations on the agenda could start only in 2001 due to the fact that the GRP tried to undermine CARHRIHL by demanding a renegotiation of two articles and an exclusive jurisdiction of the GRP office of the president over the joint monitoring committee.
The next GRP president, Estrada, called for an indefinite recess, a suspension of peace talks due to the NPA capture of four prisoners of war, including a general, and eventually terminated the peace negotiations in may 1999. The resumption of formal talks in the peace negotiations took place in March 2001 with CASER as the main agenda only after the mass movement toppled President Estrada in January 20, 2001.
Formal meetings of the RWCs on SER between 2001 and 2004 produced only a common draft of the Preamble and the Declaration of Principles, which however still contain a few unresolved terms and provisions even after exhaustive bilateral discussions. The RWCs have submitted these to their respective Negotiating Panels for resolution. The current 2017 NDFP Draft Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER) takes off from the NDFP draft CASER published in 2009 and widely distributed nationally and internationally.
What can be construed as biggest achievement in moving the peace negotiations forward is the exchange of their respective full drafts of the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER) by the reciprocal working committees of the GRP and the NDFP and the partial agreement on a common draft on Agrarian Reform and Rural Development (ARRD) and on National Industrialization and Economic Development at the level of the technical working groups in November 2017; albeit with issues still to be resolved at the level of the two RWCs-SER.
The resumption of the formal meetings in 2016 has not significantly moved the negotiations on CASER to the level of the Negotiating Panels as these have had to deal with so many peripheral issues such as those demanded by the GRP on ceasefire (NDFP capitulation) and their violations of and /or refusal to honor obligations under such existing agreements as The Hague Joint Declaration, the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG), the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), especially since the presidency of Macapagal-Arroyo and down to the current presidency.
Three other presidents before the current one have passed up the opportunity of achieving a just and lasting peace and saving our country and its people from sinking into ever deeper conditions of crisis, underdevelopment and mass poverty. The current GRP president, after publicly announcing an intention to to be the first ”Left” and ”socialist” president of the Philippines, is the most blatant not only in refusing to negotiate but also in his drive to serve the US and other monopoly interests by intensifying the oppression and exploitation of our people and the plunder of our natural resources under an evolving US-sponsored and supported tyrannical and fascist dispensation.
Thank you.
https://www.ndfp.org/caser-as-lynchpin-for-building-the-peoples-strength-in-the-grp-ndfp-peace-negotiations/
By J. de Lima
Chairperson, NDFP Reciprocal Working Committee on Social & Economic Reforms
NDFP Reciprocal Committee on Socio-Economic Reforms Chair Julie de Lima
Comrades and friends,
It is widely recognized that the implementation of a comprehensive agreement on social and economic reforms is the lynchpin for achieving a just and lasting peace in the Philippines. It is the second and most important of the substantive agenda in the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations. However, it has proven to be the most difficult to negotiate.
Although the exchange of drafts on the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms took place at the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) on March 16 1998, negotiations on the agenda could start only in 2001 due to the fact that the GRP tried to undermine CARHRIHL by demanding a renegotiation of two articles and an exclusive jurisdiction of the GRP office of the president over the joint monitoring committee.
The next GRP president, Estrada, called for an indefinite recess, a suspension of peace talks due to the NPA capture of four prisoners of war, including a general, and eventually terminated the peace negotiations in may 1999. The resumption of formal talks in the peace negotiations took place in March 2001 with CASER as the main agenda only after the mass movement toppled President Estrada in January 20, 2001.
Formal meetings of the RWCs on SER between 2001 and 2004 produced only a common draft of the Preamble and the Declaration of Principles, which however still contain a few unresolved terms and provisions even after exhaustive bilateral discussions. The RWCs have submitted these to their respective Negotiating Panels for resolution. The current 2017 NDFP Draft Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER) takes off from the NDFP draft CASER published in 2009 and widely distributed nationally and internationally.
What can be construed as biggest achievement in moving the peace negotiations forward is the exchange of their respective full drafts of the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER) by the reciprocal working committees of the GRP and the NDFP and the partial agreement on a common draft on Agrarian Reform and Rural Development (ARRD) and on National Industrialization and Economic Development at the level of the technical working groups in November 2017; albeit with issues still to be resolved at the level of the two RWCs-SER.
The resumption of the formal meetings in 2016 has not significantly moved the negotiations on CASER to the level of the Negotiating Panels as these have had to deal with so many peripheral issues such as those demanded by the GRP on ceasefire (NDFP capitulation) and their violations of and /or refusal to honor obligations under such existing agreements as The Hague Joint Declaration, the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG), the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), especially since the presidency of Macapagal-Arroyo and down to the current presidency.
Three other presidents before the current one have passed up the opportunity of achieving a just and lasting peace and saving our country and its people from sinking into ever deeper conditions of crisis, underdevelopment and mass poverty. The current GRP president, after publicly announcing an intention to to be the first ”Left” and ”socialist” president of the Philippines, is the most blatant not only in refusing to negotiate but also in his drive to serve the US and other monopoly interests by intensifying the oppression and exploitation of our people and the plunder of our natural resources under an evolving US-sponsored and supported tyrannical and fascist dispensation.
Under the current situation in the Philippines, we need to pursue even more vigorously not just the campaign to resume the peace negotiations but more importantly and urgently the campaign to empower the people for accomplishing these reforms, while they must also act to stop the spread of tyranny and fascism in the land. These campaigns are inseparably linked and necessitate the building of the broadest united front of all classes and sectors, including sections of the exploiting classes and the bureaucracy.The reform proposals of the NDFP draft CASER can serve as the basis of unity for building the broadest united front. In this regard, we need more than ever before to popularize this document as a tool for arousing, organizing and mobilizing the people against the developing fascist tyranny in the service of domestic, US and other foreign exploiters, plunderers, and oppressors of the people.
Thank you.
https://www.ndfp.org/caser-as-lynchpin-for-building-the-peoples-strength-in-the-grp-ndfp-peace-negotiations/
NPA owns up ambush of religious ministers in Surigao Norte
From the Sun Star-Davao (Apr 21): NPA owns up ambush of religious ministers in Surigao Norte
THE New People's Army (NPA) admitted that they were the ones who ambushed ministers of a religious group on Wednesday, April 18, at Sico-sico Bridge, Barangay Lahi, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte.
Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) Public Information Officer Major Ezra Balagtey said the ambush resulted to the death of Pastor Jepti Acedo, 32. Two others, identified as missionaries Virgil Ortiz, 23, and Abner Malaque, 20, were injured.
The NPA said in its statement that they were sorry because some of their members have only mistaken the victims for somebody else.
Balagtey said the communist group will be investigating the incident and promised that the group will shoulder the expenses of the victims' families.
Under the Part IV, Article IV item number 4 of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), the civilian populace shall be distinguished from combatants and, together with their property, shall not be the object of attack.
In an earlier statement, Brigadier General Franco Nemesio Gacal, commander of 402nd Infantry brigade, condemned the NPA's acts of terrorism which he said posed an even bigger threat to the civilian populace and to the economy of Surigao del Norte.
“In coordination with the PNP (Philippine National Police), we will hunt them down to bring justice to the victims and their families," he added.
THE New People's Army (NPA) admitted that they were the ones who ambushed ministers of a religious group on Wednesday, April 18, at Sico-sico Bridge, Barangay Lahi, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte.
Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) Public Information Officer Major Ezra Balagtey said the ambush resulted to the death of Pastor Jepti Acedo, 32. Two others, identified as missionaries Virgil Ortiz, 23, and Abner Malaque, 20, were injured.
The NPA said in its statement that they were sorry because some of their members have only mistaken the victims for somebody else.
Balagtey said the communist group will be investigating the incident and promised that the group will shoulder the expenses of the victims' families.
Under the Part IV, Article IV item number 4 of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), the civilian populace shall be distinguished from combatants and, together with their property, shall not be the object of attack.
In an earlier statement, Brigadier General Franco Nemesio Gacal, commander of 402nd Infantry brigade, condemned the NPA's acts of terrorism which he said posed an even bigger threat to the civilian populace and to the economy of Surigao del Norte.
“In coordination with the PNP (Philippine National Police), we will hunt them down to bring justice to the victims and their families," he added.
Army: NPA numbers continue to dwindle
From the Sun Star-Davao (Apr 23): Army: NPA numbers continue to dwindle
THE Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry Division (ID) said that the number of New People’s Army (NPA) members have dwindled, especially in Compostela Valley province.
Captain Jerry Lamosao, 10th ID Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) chief, said the government troops have “defeated” the state enemy in Compostela Valley with the downgrade of Guerilla Front 25 into a Section Committee.
“Guerilla Front 25 (GF25) is now downgraded to just a Section Committee as the majority of the fighters have surrendered to the Kabalikat Battalion. The 23 members of GF25 are now under the care of the 66 IB (Infantry Battalion),” Lamosao said.
The 66IB also recovered five high-powered firearms and seven anti-tank improvised explosive devices (IEDs) this week.
On April 15, the operating troops led by Captain Ricky Dioneda acted on the revelation of alias Ganggang, a former political instructor of GF25, Sub-regional Committee 1, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC), about a cache of firearms and other war material in the vicinity of Kalaberahan, Sitio Puting Bato, Barangay Ngan in Compostela Valley.
The soldiers seized one Caliber 7.62 M14 rifle with one magazine full of ammunition, one Caliber 30 M1 Carbine magazine loaded with 20 rounds ammunition, one magazine of M16 with 5.56 mm rounds.
Around 5 p.m. on the same day, another cache was found that included three dual-purpose IEDs measuring 26 centimeters (cm) in height, 71 cm in diameter, and each weighing 15 kilograms. They were identified as antitank landmines.
Meanwhile, on April 16, Lieutenant Sonny Boy M. Bueno acted on the confession of village chief Henry Tabanao and conducted combat operations at the vicinity of Purok Alimyon, Araibo village in Pantukan town. The operation resulted in the recovery of one caliber 5.56 M4 carbine with a 20 capacity magazine full of ammunition and one caliber 7.62 M14 Rifle with five full magazines of ammunition.
On April 19, a former rebel who surrendered last March 2018, revealed about firearms and IED cache. Captain Ricky Dioneda led the operating troops to Stockfile, Sitio Bantuayan, Barangay Camanlangan in New Bataan town and recovered one caliber 5.56 M16A1 rifle with two magazines full of ammunition, four dual-purpose IEDs (one weighing 25 kgs, three weighing 15 kgs each), four magazines of M14 rifle full of ammunition, one bandolier, and one backpack containing personal belongings.
The recovered weapons were left by the GF2 members as they withdrew after the encounter last March 31 2018
“As a result of the influx of surrenderers from almost all confronted guerilla fronts of the 66IB, the enemy’s strength continues to fall down in terms of personnel and war material. Morale among its members is so low, the citizenry withdrew their funds and materials support and distrust has grown enormously within the groups. Most of the Guerilla Fronts are nearing extinction,” Lieutenant Palmer Parungao, 66th IB commander said.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1544167/Davao/Local-News/Army-NPA-numbers-continue-to-dwindle
THE Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry Division (ID) said that the number of New People’s Army (NPA) members have dwindled, especially in Compostela Valley province.
Captain Jerry Lamosao, 10th ID Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) chief, said the government troops have “defeated” the state enemy in Compostela Valley with the downgrade of Guerilla Front 25 into a Section Committee.
“Guerilla Front 25 (GF25) is now downgraded to just a Section Committee as the majority of the fighters have surrendered to the Kabalikat Battalion. The 23 members of GF25 are now under the care of the 66 IB (Infantry Battalion),” Lamosao said.
The 66IB also recovered five high-powered firearms and seven anti-tank improvised explosive devices (IEDs) this week.
On April 15, the operating troops led by Captain Ricky Dioneda acted on the revelation of alias Ganggang, a former political instructor of GF25, Sub-regional Committee 1, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC), about a cache of firearms and other war material in the vicinity of Kalaberahan, Sitio Puting Bato, Barangay Ngan in Compostela Valley.
The soldiers seized one Caliber 7.62 M14 rifle with one magazine full of ammunition, one Caliber 30 M1 Carbine magazine loaded with 20 rounds ammunition, one magazine of M16 with 5.56 mm rounds.
Around 5 p.m. on the same day, another cache was found that included three dual-purpose IEDs measuring 26 centimeters (cm) in height, 71 cm in diameter, and each weighing 15 kilograms. They were identified as antitank landmines.
Meanwhile, on April 16, Lieutenant Sonny Boy M. Bueno acted on the confession of village chief Henry Tabanao and conducted combat operations at the vicinity of Purok Alimyon, Araibo village in Pantukan town. The operation resulted in the recovery of one caliber 5.56 M4 carbine with a 20 capacity magazine full of ammunition and one caliber 7.62 M14 Rifle with five full magazines of ammunition.
On April 19, a former rebel who surrendered last March 2018, revealed about firearms and IED cache. Captain Ricky Dioneda led the operating troops to Stockfile, Sitio Bantuayan, Barangay Camanlangan in New Bataan town and recovered one caliber 5.56 M16A1 rifle with two magazines full of ammunition, four dual-purpose IEDs (one weighing 25 kgs, three weighing 15 kgs each), four magazines of M14 rifle full of ammunition, one bandolier, and one backpack containing personal belongings.
The recovered weapons were left by the GF2 members as they withdrew after the encounter last March 31 2018
“As a result of the influx of surrenderers from almost all confronted guerilla fronts of the 66IB, the enemy’s strength continues to fall down in terms of personnel and war material. Morale among its members is so low, the citizenry withdrew their funds and materials support and distrust has grown enormously within the groups. Most of the Guerilla Fronts are nearing extinction,” Lieutenant Palmer Parungao, 66th IB commander said.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1544167/Davao/Local-News/Army-NPA-numbers-continue-to-dwindle
NPA amazon molested: Army
From the Visayan Daily Star (Apr 21): NPA amazon molested: Army
A female recruit of the New People’s Army, who is an undergraduate of the University of the Philippines-Cebu, had been a victim of sexual abuse by her comrades, Brig. Gen. Eliezer Losañes, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, revealed yesterday.
Losañes said the harrowing experience of the NPA woman recruit, whose identity has been withheld, was handwritten in her diary, that was among the items recovered at the rebel training camp, overran by the 79th Infantry Battalion early this week in Brgy. Guadalope, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental.
The 26-year-old NPA recruit, a resident of Minglanilla, Cebu, underwent training in the hinterlands of Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental in November 2011.
She became a full-time member the next year, and was deployed in the hinterlands of San Carlos City in Negros Occidental, as well as Canlaon City and Vallehermoso in Negros Oriental.
It was in the same year that the UP graduate claimed in her diary that she was sexually assaulted by her two male comrades, identified only through their aliases as Lindo and Mori, Losañes said in a statement issued by the 303rd Infantry Brigade.
The victim, according to the military, was a consistent honor student and an academic achiever. A resident of Minglanilla, Cebu, Losañes said she studied and took up studies for a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics degree at UP Cebu, before she joined the CPP-NPA.
It is a clear evidence that the CPP-NPA sexually abused their female recruits, he added.
“She is one of the many victims of harassment and deceitful recruitment and unending lies,” Losañes also said, stressing that the victim had kept the record of her harrowing experiences in a diary, where she freely expressed herself during those times.
Last month, a graduate of UP-Cebu identified as Myles Albasin tagged by the Philippine Army as a member of the NPA, was among the six rebels captured in an encounter in Mabinay, Negros Oriental, that also yielded several high-powered firearms and explosives.
Losañes called on parents to closely monitor the activities of their children, and also urged NPA recruits, who are students and minors, to leave the rebel movement and finish their studies.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2018/April/21/topstory11.htm
A female recruit of the New People’s Army, who is an undergraduate of the University of the Philippines-Cebu, had been a victim of sexual abuse by her comrades, Brig. Gen. Eliezer Losañes, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, revealed yesterday.
Losañes said the harrowing experience of the NPA woman recruit, whose identity has been withheld, was handwritten in her diary, that was among the items recovered at the rebel training camp, overran by the 79th Infantry Battalion early this week in Brgy. Guadalope, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental.
The 26-year-old NPA recruit, a resident of Minglanilla, Cebu, underwent training in the hinterlands of Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental in November 2011.
She became a full-time member the next year, and was deployed in the hinterlands of San Carlos City in Negros Occidental, as well as Canlaon City and Vallehermoso in Negros Oriental.
It was in the same year that the UP graduate claimed in her diary that she was sexually assaulted by her two male comrades, identified only through their aliases as Lindo and Mori, Losañes said in a statement issued by the 303rd Infantry Brigade.
The victim, according to the military, was a consistent honor student and an academic achiever. A resident of Minglanilla, Cebu, Losañes said she studied and took up studies for a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics degree at UP Cebu, before she joined the CPP-NPA.
It is a clear evidence that the CPP-NPA sexually abused their female recruits, he added.
“She is one of the many victims of harassment and deceitful recruitment and unending lies,” Losañes also said, stressing that the victim had kept the record of her harrowing experiences in a diary, where she freely expressed herself during those times.
Last month, a graduate of UP-Cebu identified as Myles Albasin tagged by the Philippine Army as a member of the NPA, was among the six rebels captured in an encounter in Mabinay, Negros Oriental, that also yielded several high-powered firearms and explosives.
Losañes called on parents to closely monitor the activities of their children, and also urged NPA recruits, who are students and minors, to leave the rebel movement and finish their studies.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2018/April/21/topstory11.htm
Peace rally held in Ayungon
From the Visayan Daily Star (Apr 21): Peace rally held in Ayungon
Several peace volunteers gathered recently in a rally to condemn the atrocities of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army terrorists, at the municipal gymnasium of Ayungon, Negros Oriental.
The municipalities of Bindoy, Ayungon, Tayasan, Manjuyod and Mabinay (BATMANAY) had long been tormented by the harassment, extortion and extra judicial killings of the local terrorist group, so they have decided to step out of their safe zone to denounce the barbaric acts of the CPP-NPA terrorists, organizers said.
The peace rally, dubbed as “BATMANAY One for Peace”, spearheaded by League of Municipalities of Negros Oriental president, Mayor Edsel Enardecido of Ayungon, was attended by municipal mayors, officials and employees, barangay chairmen and residents from the five municipalities.
Enardecido said “We are appealing and asking you to condemn the NPA terrorists. We don’t want them in BATMANAY, they cause chaos to our people and community. It is not just the PNP and Army alone who can address the insurgency problem. It is also our obligation to help them drive these insurgents away in order for us to live peacefully.”
The peace rally was highlighted with the ceremonial Walk for Peace along the Poblacion of Ayungon and ended with the symbolic releasing of white balloons.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2018/April/21/topstory10.htm
Several peace volunteers gathered recently in a rally to condemn the atrocities of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army terrorists, at the municipal gymnasium of Ayungon, Negros Oriental.
The municipalities of Bindoy, Ayungon, Tayasan, Manjuyod and Mabinay (BATMANAY) had long been tormented by the harassment, extortion and extra judicial killings of the local terrorist group, so they have decided to step out of their safe zone to denounce the barbaric acts of the CPP-NPA terrorists, organizers said.
The peace rally, dubbed as “BATMANAY One for Peace”, spearheaded by League of Municipalities of Negros Oriental president, Mayor Edsel Enardecido of Ayungon, was attended by municipal mayors, officials and employees, barangay chairmen and residents from the five municipalities.
Enardecido said “We are appealing and asking you to condemn the NPA terrorists. We don’t want them in BATMANAY, they cause chaos to our people and community. It is not just the PNP and Army alone who can address the insurgency problem. It is also our obligation to help them drive these insurgents away in order for us to live peacefully.”
The peace rally was highlighted with the ceremonial Walk for Peace along the Poblacion of Ayungon and ended with the symbolic releasing of white balloons.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2018/April/21/topstory10.htm
Barangay chairman bet in Basilan, 3 others killed in own home
From Rappler (Apr 22): Barangay chairman bet in Basilan, 3 others killed in own home
It's a suspected case of election violence. The military says it has not linked the attack so far to the Abu Sayyaf Group.
A candidate for barangay chairman in Barangay Kumamburingan in the town of Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan, was killed along with 3 other people in his own home on Sunday, April 22.
It's a suspected case of election violence. The military said it has not linked the attack so far to the Abu Sayyaf Group, a kidnap-for-ransom group that has long plagued the province.
The military said witnesses reported armed men attacking the residence of former barangay captain Usan Asani at 5:30 am on Sunday.
"This attack is currently under investigation. So far we have no indicators linking this to a terror attack," said Brigadier General Juvymax Uy, commander of Joint Task Force Basilan.
The armed men only targeted Asani's house, the witnesses said. He recently filed his candidacy for barangay chairman. (READ: Barangay, SK elections 2018: Calendar of activities, list of bans)
The incumbent barangay chairman, Hernie Asao, is cooperating in the investigation. He reportedly showed up at the headquarters of the 18th Infantry Battalion in Ungkayapukan, where his M16 rifle and M203 grenade launcher were confiscated.
He will reportedly face charges of illegal possesion of firearms and violation of the gun ban.
Uy said securing the elections in Basilan is a challenge but the cooperation of residents was helpful. The elections will be held on May 14.
"We commend the cooperation of the locals and the swift action of our security forces. While we cannot commit to zero election-related incidents, our troops together with different organizations will continue to work overtime to ensure that such imminent incidents will remain isolated and resolved," he said.
"We are geared to ensure a safe and credible election this May 14," he said.
Asani was killed along with 3 other people believed to be his relatives. Their names were not released to the media.
Uy said troops were deployed to pursue the assailants. "Upon receiving reports from the locals, we immediately conducted support to law enforcement operations with our police counterparts to pursue the suspected gunmen," said Uy.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/200802-barangay-elections-violence-basilan-mindanao
It's a suspected case of election violence. The military says it has not linked the attack so far to the Abu Sayyaf Group.
A candidate for barangay chairman in Barangay Kumamburingan in the town of Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan, was killed along with 3 other people in his own home on Sunday, April 22.
It's a suspected case of election violence. The military said it has not linked the attack so far to the Abu Sayyaf Group, a kidnap-for-ransom group that has long plagued the province.
The military said witnesses reported armed men attacking the residence of former barangay captain Usan Asani at 5:30 am on Sunday.
"This attack is currently under investigation. So far we have no indicators linking this to a terror attack," said Brigadier General Juvymax Uy, commander of Joint Task Force Basilan.
The armed men only targeted Asani's house, the witnesses said. He recently filed his candidacy for barangay chairman. (READ: Barangay, SK elections 2018: Calendar of activities, list of bans)
The incumbent barangay chairman, Hernie Asao, is cooperating in the investigation. He reportedly showed up at the headquarters of the 18th Infantry Battalion in Ungkayapukan, where his M16 rifle and M203 grenade launcher were confiscated.
He will reportedly face charges of illegal possesion of firearms and violation of the gun ban.
Uy said securing the elections in Basilan is a challenge but the cooperation of residents was helpful. The elections will be held on May 14.
"We commend the cooperation of the locals and the swift action of our security forces. While we cannot commit to zero election-related incidents, our troops together with different organizations will continue to work overtime to ensure that such imminent incidents will remain isolated and resolved," he said.
"We are geared to ensure a safe and credible election this May 14," he said.
Asani was killed along with 3 other people believed to be his relatives. Their names were not released to the media.
Uy said troops were deployed to pursue the assailants. "Upon receiving reports from the locals, we immediately conducted support to law enforcement operations with our police counterparts to pursue the suspected gunmen," said Uy.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/200802-barangay-elections-violence-basilan-mindanao
Karapatan to Cayetano: file diplomatic protest vs US gov’t for alleged torture of young Moro leader
From MindaNews (Apr 22): Karapatan to Cayetano: file diplomatic protest vs US gov’t for alleged torture of young Moro leader
Human rights groups Karapatan dared Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano to file a diplomatic protest against the US Government for allegedly torturing Jerome Aladdin Succor Aba, a Moro activist, who flew to the US for a speaking tour organized by different church and human rights groups but was barred entry upon arrival in San Francisco and sent back to the Philippines the next day.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay said Aba, national chair of the Suara Bangsamoro (Voice of the Moro People) and vice chair of Sandugo Movement of Moro and Indigenous Peoples for Self-Determination,suffered various forms of psychological and physical torture while in the custody of US Department of Homeland Security and US Customs Border Protection at the San Francisco International Airport from April 17 to 19.
Aba was granted a 10-year multiple entry visa by the US Embassy in Manila on March 27 this year. His visa is supposed to expire on March 20, 2028.
Jerome Aladdin Succor Aba, chair of the Suara Bangsamoro (Voice of the Moro People) and co-chair of Sandugo, narrates in a press conference on April 21, 2018 what happened to him at the San Francisco airport during his 28-hour interrogation. Aba was barred entry into the US when he arrived at the San Francisco airport on April 17 and was sent home the next day. Photo courtesy of Arkibong Bayan
The 25-year old Aba, who flew to the US for a speaking tour organized by the United Methodist Church, the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas and the US chapter of the International Coalition on Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP), said in a Facebook post last April 20 that he could not participate in the Ecumenical Advocacy Days to talk about the “human rights crisis in the Philippines especially in my native land, Mindanao as the US Homeland Security deems me as a ‘threat to their national security’.”
Palabay dared Cayetano to be true to his word. “If Cayetano meant an ounce of truth in his pronouncements that the country should fully exercise its rights as a sovereign nation, he should uphold the rights of a Filipino citizen who suffered physical and psychological torture, among other violations, under the US government.”
The filing of a diplomatic protest against the US government will be the indicator if the country’s top diplomat and the Philippine government are capable of exercising the country’s sovereignty, she said.
Palabay said Aba was treated like an “enemy combatant,” forced to strip naked with an electric fan blowing at him, handcuffed during the interrogation, denied food and water and was threatened they would shoot him if he stayed longer inside the comfort room. Palabay said Aba’s belongings were “illegally searched, illegally obtained information from his electronic gadgets, and even disrespected his religion for deliberately serving him pork.”
She said some of the officials accused him of being a “terrorist,” “communist,” “terrorist communist”, or “communist terrorist.”
“Also during interrogation, the slightest movement from Aba, even for just stretching his arms or moving his head, would earn him the ire of interrogators. To add to his harrowing experience, Aba relayed that a gun and a grenade were intentionally placed in a room, on two different occasions while he was under custody,” she said.
She said US officials violated his privacy and freedom of movement, and civil and political rights for denying him access to a lawyer and human rights organizations, waiting to assist him outside the airport.
The interrogators told Aba that the Universal Declaration on Human Rights did not cover him and that Miranda rights were only read after the long hours of interrogation, according to Palabay.
“Aba’s privacy and freedom of movement was also grossly neglected after US officials showed him voluminous information on his family, educational background, and activities. He was also not allowed to call anyone except when he was about to be deported,” Palabay said.
She said Filipinos must be accorded internationally recognized civil and political rights even in foreign soil.
“Cayetano and Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque seem to stick to their nationalist principles and sentiments whenever Duterte gets pushed against the wall,” she said.
“If it doesn’t raise its voice against the US on these dastardly acts, the Philippine government will once again reaffirm that it is but a stooge of its imperialist master,” Palabay added
In his April 20 post, Aba said it is ” laughable that the US government is threatened by my presence whereas I (went) there only armed with stories of plight and struggle of Moros and Lumads under Duterte’s Martial Law,” he said.
“Though I couldn’t make it to the speaking tour, I hope that our message of hope and aspiration for peace in our lands is not lost in these dangerous times. We will continue the fight for truth, justice and freedom for the Bangsamoro and indigenous people,” he said.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2018/04/karapatan-to-cayetano-file-diplomatic-protest-vs-us-govt-for-alleged-torture-of-young-moro-leader/
Human rights groups Karapatan dared Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano to file a diplomatic protest against the US Government for allegedly torturing Jerome Aladdin Succor Aba, a Moro activist, who flew to the US for a speaking tour organized by different church and human rights groups but was barred entry upon arrival in San Francisco and sent back to the Philippines the next day.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay said Aba, national chair of the Suara Bangsamoro (Voice of the Moro People) and vice chair of Sandugo Movement of Moro and Indigenous Peoples for Self-Determination,suffered various forms of psychological and physical torture while in the custody of US Department of Homeland Security and US Customs Border Protection at the San Francisco International Airport from April 17 to 19.
Aba was granted a 10-year multiple entry visa by the US Embassy in Manila on March 27 this year. His visa is supposed to expire on March 20, 2028.
Jerome Aladdin Succor Aba, chair of the Suara Bangsamoro (Voice of the Moro People) and co-chair of Sandugo, narrates in a press conference on April 21, 2018 what happened to him at the San Francisco airport during his 28-hour interrogation. Aba was barred entry into the US when he arrived at the San Francisco airport on April 17 and was sent home the next day. Photo courtesy of Arkibong Bayan
The 25-year old Aba, who flew to the US for a speaking tour organized by the United Methodist Church, the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas and the US chapter of the International Coalition on Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP), said in a Facebook post last April 20 that he could not participate in the Ecumenical Advocacy Days to talk about the “human rights crisis in the Philippines especially in my native land, Mindanao as the US Homeland Security deems me as a ‘threat to their national security’.”
Palabay dared Cayetano to be true to his word. “If Cayetano meant an ounce of truth in his pronouncements that the country should fully exercise its rights as a sovereign nation, he should uphold the rights of a Filipino citizen who suffered physical and psychological torture, among other violations, under the US government.”
The filing of a diplomatic protest against the US government will be the indicator if the country’s top diplomat and the Philippine government are capable of exercising the country’s sovereignty, she said.
Palabay said Aba was treated like an “enemy combatant,” forced to strip naked with an electric fan blowing at him, handcuffed during the interrogation, denied food and water and was threatened they would shoot him if he stayed longer inside the comfort room. Palabay said Aba’s belongings were “illegally searched, illegally obtained information from his electronic gadgets, and even disrespected his religion for deliberately serving him pork.”
She said some of the officials accused him of being a “terrorist,” “communist,” “terrorist communist”, or “communist terrorist.”
“Also during interrogation, the slightest movement from Aba, even for just stretching his arms or moving his head, would earn him the ire of interrogators. To add to his harrowing experience, Aba relayed that a gun and a grenade were intentionally placed in a room, on two different occasions while he was under custody,” she said.
She said US officials violated his privacy and freedom of movement, and civil and political rights for denying him access to a lawyer and human rights organizations, waiting to assist him outside the airport.
The interrogators told Aba that the Universal Declaration on Human Rights did not cover him and that Miranda rights were only read after the long hours of interrogation, according to Palabay.
“Aba’s privacy and freedom of movement was also grossly neglected after US officials showed him voluminous information on his family, educational background, and activities. He was also not allowed to call anyone except when he was about to be deported,” Palabay said.
She said Filipinos must be accorded internationally recognized civil and political rights even in foreign soil.
“Cayetano and Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque seem to stick to their nationalist principles and sentiments whenever Duterte gets pushed against the wall,” she said.
“If it doesn’t raise its voice against the US on these dastardly acts, the Philippine government will once again reaffirm that it is but a stooge of its imperialist master,” Palabay added
In his April 20 post, Aba said it is ” laughable that the US government is threatened by my presence whereas I (went) there only armed with stories of plight and struggle of Moros and Lumads under Duterte’s Martial Law,” he said.
“Though I couldn’t make it to the speaking tour, I hope that our message of hope and aspiration for peace in our lands is not lost in these dangerous times. We will continue the fight for truth, justice and freedom for the Bangsamoro and indigenous people,” he said.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2018/04/karapatan-to-cayetano-file-diplomatic-protest-vs-us-govt-for-alleged-torture-of-young-moro-leader/
Photo: UXO Training for Kids
From the MindaNews (Apr 20): Photo: UXO Training for Kids
The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Humanitarian Team (ARMM-HEART) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) jointly conduct UXO (unexploded ordnance) workshop with children of Marawi City at an evacuation center in Saguiran, Lanao del Sur Thursday (19 April 2018) to prevent kids from becoming victims of UXO explosions when they finally return to their homes. The military claims that hundreds of UXOs inside the Main Affected Area of Marawi are still not accounted for. MindaNews photo by FERDINANDH CABRERA
http://www.mindanews.com/photo-of-the-day/2018/04/uxo-training-for-kids/
http://www.mindanews.com/photo-of-the-day/2018/04/uxo-training-for-kids/
Troops kill NPA leader in Davao clash
From the Mindanao Examiner (Apr 22): Troops kill NPA leader in Davao clash
Government soldiers killed a battle-hardened communist rebel leader and captured a female fighter and a cadaver of another insurgent in fierce clashes in Davao del Sur’s Santa Cruz town in southern Philippines, officials said Sunday.
Officials said Julito Pueblas, alias Taghoy, was the leader of a hard core unit of the New People’s Army blamed by the military and police for the spate of deadly attacks in Davao region, including Davao City, the hometown of President Rodrigo Duterte.
One soldier, Army Corporal Kenneth James Balicot, of the 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion, was also wounded in the fighting.
The military handed over its prisoner Jessa Lumana to the police in Santa Cruz town where she is currently being interrogated. The cadavers of the two rebels were also turned over to the police.
The fighting erupted over the weekend after soldiers from the 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion and the 39th Infantry tracked down the rebels and assaulted their lairs in the remote Astorga village.
“Taghoy and his group were responsible for the ambush of PNP (Philippine National Police) SOCO (Scenes of Crime Officer) personnel who responded to a crime situation sometime March 2017 and the ambush of an ambulance sometime March 2014 both in Managa town in Bansalan, Davao del Sur.”
“Further, he was also responsible for the liquidation of a certain Raul Alang in Santa Cruz on Feb 5, 2018. And earlier this month, the same terrorist group was prevented from conducting atrocities in Digos City in Davao Del Sur after troops of 39th Infantry Battalion encountered them in the village of Goma,” said Army Major Ezra Balagtey, spokesman for the Eastern Mindanao Command.
He said troops also recovered a cache of rebel weapons and improvised explosives left behind by the insurgents in the town where the military operation is continuing.
While troops were pursuing the insurgents, General Benjamin Madrigal Jr., chief of Eastern Mindanao Command, appealed to rebels to surrender peacefully or face the long arm of the law.
“On our part, as soldiers of peace, our doors will continue to be open and we are very much willing to facilitate the surrender of those who want to return to the folds of the law. Do not miss this golden opportunity that our government under President Rodrigo Duterte is offering you.”
“Our troops with due regard to respect of human rights and adherence to International Humanitarian Law will continue to exert all our efforts to secure our communities and will not allow any threats to coerce and victimize our people,” Madrigal said.
The rebels have been fighting for many decades now for the establishment of their own Maoist state in the country.
https://mindanaoexaminer.com/troops-kill-npa-leader-in-davao-clash/
Government soldiers killed a battle-hardened communist rebel leader and captured a female fighter and a cadaver of another insurgent in fierce clashes in Davao del Sur’s Santa Cruz town in southern Philippines, officials said Sunday.
Officials said Julito Pueblas, alias Taghoy, was the leader of a hard core unit of the New People’s Army blamed by the military and police for the spate of deadly attacks in Davao region, including Davao City, the hometown of President Rodrigo Duterte.
One soldier, Army Corporal Kenneth James Balicot, of the 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion, was also wounded in the fighting.
The military handed over its prisoner Jessa Lumana to the police in Santa Cruz town where she is currently being interrogated. The cadavers of the two rebels were also turned over to the police.
The fighting erupted over the weekend after soldiers from the 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion and the 39th Infantry tracked down the rebels and assaulted their lairs in the remote Astorga village.
“Taghoy and his group were responsible for the ambush of PNP (Philippine National Police) SOCO (Scenes of Crime Officer) personnel who responded to a crime situation sometime March 2017 and the ambush of an ambulance sometime March 2014 both in Managa town in Bansalan, Davao del Sur.”
“Further, he was also responsible for the liquidation of a certain Raul Alang in Santa Cruz on Feb 5, 2018. And earlier this month, the same terrorist group was prevented from conducting atrocities in Digos City in Davao Del Sur after troops of 39th Infantry Battalion encountered them in the village of Goma,” said Army Major Ezra Balagtey, spokesman for the Eastern Mindanao Command.
He said troops also recovered a cache of rebel weapons and improvised explosives left behind by the insurgents in the town where the military operation is continuing.
While troops were pursuing the insurgents, General Benjamin Madrigal Jr., chief of Eastern Mindanao Command, appealed to rebels to surrender peacefully or face the long arm of the law.
“On our part, as soldiers of peace, our doors will continue to be open and we are very much willing to facilitate the surrender of those who want to return to the folds of the law. Do not miss this golden opportunity that our government under President Rodrigo Duterte is offering you.”
“Our troops with due regard to respect of human rights and adherence to International Humanitarian Law will continue to exert all our efforts to secure our communities and will not allow any threats to coerce and victimize our people,” Madrigal said.
The rebels have been fighting for many decades now for the establishment of their own Maoist state in the country.
https://mindanaoexaminer.com/troops-kill-npa-leader-in-davao-clash/
4 killed in Basilan strafing
From the Mindanao Examiner (Apr 22): 4 killed in Basilan strafing
Four people were killed Sunday in the restive province of Basilan in southern Philippines where Abu Sayyaf rebels are actively operating.
The attackers strafed a house in the town of Ungkaya Pukan and killed four of its occupants, one of them a former village chieftain. It was unclear whether the attack was carried out by rebels or an offshoot of a clan war or political violence.
The gunmen fled after the shooting. No individual or group has claimed responsibility for the attack, although Basilan which is one of 5 provinces under the Muslim autonomous region, is a known stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf.
It was unknown how the gunmen managed to sneak into the village despite on an extended martial rule in the entire region, but the attack only proves that security was poor in the troubled province.
https://mindanaoexaminer.com/4-killed-in-basilan-strafing/
Four people were killed Sunday in the restive province of Basilan in southern Philippines where Abu Sayyaf rebels are actively operating.
The attackers strafed a house in the town of Ungkaya Pukan and killed four of its occupants, one of them a former village chieftain. It was unclear whether the attack was carried out by rebels or an offshoot of a clan war or political violence.
The gunmen fled after the shooting. No individual or group has claimed responsibility for the attack, although Basilan which is one of 5 provinces under the Muslim autonomous region, is a known stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf.
It was unknown how the gunmen managed to sneak into the village despite on an extended martial rule in the entire region, but the attack only proves that security was poor in the troubled province.
https://mindanaoexaminer.com/4-killed-in-basilan-strafing/
PRRD urges Sison to come home, sets 60-day window for talks with Reds
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 22): PRRD urges Sison to come home, sets 60-day window for talks with Reds
President Rodrigo Duterte has called on Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison to return home and resume the peace negotiations within 60 days.
“I created a small window -- 60 days. My proposal to Sison, I will not go there. We’re fighting for the Philippines, so you come here,” Duterte told Sison in his speech during the 24th National Federation of Motorcycle Clubs of the Philippines (NFMCP) Annual Convention in Legazpi City on Saturday night.
Sison went into exile in the Netherlands after the two-decade regime of former president Ferdinand Marcos ended in 1986.
Recently, Sison expressed openness and readiness to resume peace negotiations, which Duterte cancelled in November last year due to the series of attacks launched by the New People’s Army on civilians and government troops.
In response, Duterte said he is ready to give the communist rebels another chance to resume peace talks.
The President said the National Democratic Front-CPP-NPA could set up a camp where he could talk to them “minus arms.”
“I will pay for your (Sison) fare, billeting and food. And your guerrilla front, you stay in one place, set up a camp. Bring your arms inside the camp, you tell us where you are, you can go out of the camp, minus the arms,” Duterte said.
Duterte said he will give Sison the complete freedom to move, adding that he will order the military and the police to "be nice to you.”
“Take advantage of that 60 days. If it succeeds, then I would like to thank God first and the Filipino people and the military and the police for their understanding,” he said.
The Commander-in-Chief said he cannot fight with communist rebels forever, “same with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Moro National Liberation Front.
“But the threat of terrorism remains very high. We are not fighting against our Moro brothers and sisters,” Duterte, who traced his Maranao roots from his grandmother, said.
“You know, if you (NPA) can do it, whatever it is, I can do it better, 100 times better than what you can do. So let us respect each other. Anyway, civilians are not part (of the fight). But once you start to mess up with…. I will not back out,” he added.
Duterte said his administration is “well on its way” towards eliminating the social ills that prevent the country’s march toward progress.
“I seek your proactive participation in nation-building by upholding peace and order, preserving national security and eliminating misfits in our society,” he said in his speech.
“Remember that your greater participation in our fight against illegal drugs, criminality and corruption is crucial to our goal of uplifting the lives of the Filipino people,” he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1032808
President Rodrigo Duterte has called on Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison to return home and resume the peace negotiations within 60 days.
“I created a small window -- 60 days. My proposal to Sison, I will not go there. We’re fighting for the Philippines, so you come here,” Duterte told Sison in his speech during the 24th National Federation of Motorcycle Clubs of the Philippines (NFMCP) Annual Convention in Legazpi City on Saturday night.
Sison went into exile in the Netherlands after the two-decade regime of former president Ferdinand Marcos ended in 1986.
Recently, Sison expressed openness and readiness to resume peace negotiations, which Duterte cancelled in November last year due to the series of attacks launched by the New People’s Army on civilians and government troops.
In response, Duterte said he is ready to give the communist rebels another chance to resume peace talks.
The President said the National Democratic Front-CPP-NPA could set up a camp where he could talk to them “minus arms.”
“I will pay for your (Sison) fare, billeting and food. And your guerrilla front, you stay in one place, set up a camp. Bring your arms inside the camp, you tell us where you are, you can go out of the camp, minus the arms,” Duterte said.
Duterte said he will give Sison the complete freedom to move, adding that he will order the military and the police to "be nice to you.”
“Take advantage of that 60 days. If it succeeds, then I would like to thank God first and the Filipino people and the military and the police for their understanding,” he said.
The Commander-in-Chief said he cannot fight with communist rebels forever, “same with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Moro National Liberation Front.
“But the threat of terrorism remains very high. We are not fighting against our Moro brothers and sisters,” Duterte, who traced his Maranao roots from his grandmother, said.
“You know, if you (NPA) can do it, whatever it is, I can do it better, 100 times better than what you can do. So let us respect each other. Anyway, civilians are not part (of the fight). But once you start to mess up with…. I will not back out,” he added.
Duterte said his administration is “well on its way” towards eliminating the social ills that prevent the country’s march toward progress.
“I seek your proactive participation in nation-building by upholding peace and order, preserving national security and eliminating misfits in our society,” he said in his speech.
“Remember that your greater participation in our fight against illegal drugs, criminality and corruption is crucial to our goal of uplifting the lives of the Filipino people,” he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1032808
‘Balik Baril’ yields 123 firearms in NoCot, Maguindanao
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 20): ‘Balik Baril’ yields 123 firearms in NoCot, Maguindanao
SURRENDERED. Mayors Datu Shameem Mastura (in red shirt) and Datu Rauf Mastura (in blue shirt) of Sultan Kudara and Sultan Mastura towns, respectively, flash the peace sign together with local military and police officials during the joint turnover ceremony of 76 loose firearms on Tuesday (April 17) at the municipal hall of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. (Photo by 6ID)
CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao -- Local officials in North Cotabato and Maguindanao provinces separately surrendered 123 firearms to military authorities here in the past two days.
Capt. Arvin John Encinas, Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) spokesman, said loose firearms were turned over by civilians to their respective local officials under the government’s “Balik Baril” program.
On Wednesday, officials of Midsayap, North Cotabato, surrendered 47 unregistered firearms during a simple turnover ceremony held at the barangay hall of Poblacion 5 in the area.
Witnessing the event were Midsayap Mayor Romeo Araña; North Cotabato 1st District Board Member Rolando Sacdalan; Lt. Col. Angelo Lutera, 34th Infantry Battalion (IB) commander; and town police chief, Supt. Gilbert Tuzon, among others.
Subsequently, the firearms were brought to the headquarters of the 34th IB in Barangay Salunayan for proper documentation.
On Tuesday, the local governments of Sultan Kudarat and Sultan Mastura in Maguindanao also turned over 45 and 31 loose firearms, respectively.
Sultan Kudarat Mayor Datu Shameem Mastura; Sultan Mastura Mayor Datu Rauf Mastura; and Army’s 603rd Infantry Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Jesus Sarsagat attended the turnover rites held at the municipal hall of Sultan Kudarat.
Sarsagat expressed his gratitude to the local officials of both municipalities for the fruitful outcome of the campaign against illegal firearms in their respective turfs.
“These loose firearms will never be used now to sow terror in the community, hence everybody must embrace the culture of peace,” he said.
In a statement, Maj. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, 6ID commander, said a total of 515 firearms have so far been “recovered and surrendered” in the 6ID area of responsibility.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1032483
SURRENDERED. Mayors Datu Shameem Mastura (in red shirt) and Datu Rauf Mastura (in blue shirt) of Sultan Kudara and Sultan Mastura towns, respectively, flash the peace sign together with local military and police officials during the joint turnover ceremony of 76 loose firearms on Tuesday (April 17) at the municipal hall of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. (Photo by 6ID)
CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao -- Local officials in North Cotabato and Maguindanao provinces separately surrendered 123 firearms to military authorities here in the past two days.
Capt. Arvin John Encinas, Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) spokesman, said loose firearms were turned over by civilians to their respective local officials under the government’s “Balik Baril” program.
On Wednesday, officials of Midsayap, North Cotabato, surrendered 47 unregistered firearms during a simple turnover ceremony held at the barangay hall of Poblacion 5 in the area.
Witnessing the event were Midsayap Mayor Romeo Araña; North Cotabato 1st District Board Member Rolando Sacdalan; Lt. Col. Angelo Lutera, 34th Infantry Battalion (IB) commander; and town police chief, Supt. Gilbert Tuzon, among others.
Subsequently, the firearms were brought to the headquarters of the 34th IB in Barangay Salunayan for proper documentation.
On Tuesday, the local governments of Sultan Kudarat and Sultan Mastura in Maguindanao also turned over 45 and 31 loose firearms, respectively.
Sultan Kudarat Mayor Datu Shameem Mastura; Sultan Mastura Mayor Datu Rauf Mastura; and Army’s 603rd Infantry Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Jesus Sarsagat attended the turnover rites held at the municipal hall of Sultan Kudarat.
Sarsagat expressed his gratitude to the local officials of both municipalities for the fruitful outcome of the campaign against illegal firearms in their respective turfs.
“These loose firearms will never be used now to sow terror in the community, hence everybody must embrace the culture of peace,” he said.
In a statement, Maj. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, 6ID commander, said a total of 515 firearms have so far been “recovered and surrendered” in the 6ID area of responsibility.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1032483