From Tempo (May 22): Army claims NPAs dwindling
The Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) continued to dwindle in numbers as more rebels voluntarily surrendered to the government, Lt. Tere Ingente, chief of the Public Affairs office (PAO) of the Army’s 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division (4th ID) said.
She claimed that the government is gaining headway in its war against CNTs. The 4th ID PAO chief also claimed that more rebels are set to return to the fold of the law and to avail of the government’s livelihood, peace and development program.
Lt. Ingente cited the revelation of the armed CNT who just surrendered to the 30thInfantry Battallion on Saturday in Barangay Sta. Cruz, Placer, Surigao del Norte.
She said the rebel returnee disclosed during initial investigation that several NPA members are having second thoughts in continuing the armed struggle because of severe difficulties they have been experiencing.
Lt. Ingente said the surrenderee (identity temporarily withheld for security reason), brought along with him his AK47 rifle with 3 magazines fully loaded with 81 live ammunitions, when he voluntarily surrendered at 3 a.m. on Saturday to the command group of the 30th IB led by its commander Lt. Col. Allen Raymund Tomas.
http://tempo.com.ph/2018/05/22/army-claims-npas-dwindling/
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
CPP/Ang Bayan: Matinding pang-aatake at pang-aabusong military
Propaganda article from the Tagalog edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (May 21): Matinding pang-aatake at pang-aabusong military
Sa ilalim ng nagpapatuloy na batas militar sa Mindanao, malawak at matindi ang panggigipit at pagsupil ng AFP sa mga kalayaang sibil at demokratikong karapatan ng mamamayan.
Sa inisyal na tala ng Ang Bayan, umaabot sa 59 ang mga insidente ng pambobomomba, 18 istraping, 81 pagbabakwit ng 583,041 indibidwal mula sa 144 komunidad, 488 iligal na pag-aresto at arbitraryong detensyon, at 708 kaso ng pagbabanta, panggigipit at intimidasyon. Sa ulat naman ng Barug Katungod, umabot sa 131 ang biktima ng pamamaslang at 404 ang sinampahan ng gawa-gawang kasong kriminal.
Pagwasak sa Marawi
Sa ngalan ng “gera kontra-terorismo,” brutal na kinubkob ang Marawi City at dinurog ito ng pambobombang idinirehe-ng-US at walang patumanggang panganganyon. Dahil dito, namatay ang mahigit 1,200 katao habang 800 iba pa ang nawawala at pinangangambahang nasawi. Nagbakwit ang 523,734 residente ng Marawi at mga karatig bayan. Nawasak ang bilyun-bilyong pisong halaga ng pag-aari at imprastruktura.
Sa tabing ng engrandeng rehabilitasyon, mayorya sa mga nagbakwit, kabilang ang mahigit 8,000 kataong nasa mga sentrong ebakwasyon, ang pinipigilang makabalik sa kanilang mga tahanan hanggang sa kasalukuyan. Kahit pa inianunsyo na mismo ng Malacañang noong Oktubre 23 na “malaya na” ang syudad sa diumano’y bantang terorismo ng grupong Maute, muli nitong pinalawig ang batas militar hanggang sa huling araw ng 2018.
Mahigit pitong buwan matapos wasakin ang Marawi, hindi pa rin nakababangon ang mga residente ng syudad. Liban sa tatlong araw na “bisita” kamakailan sa kanilang winasak na mga tirahan, dalawang taon pa bago sila pahihintulutang makabalik sa kanilang mga lugar. Okupado at kontrolado pa rin ng AFP at ng militar ng US ang buong syudad. Para kay Duterte, ang “pagbangon ng Marawi” ay ang pagtatayo ng kampong militar ng AFP at US sa malaking bahagi ng syudad at pagtatatag ng bilyun-bilyong dolyar na mga negosyo ng malalaking kapitalistang dayuhan sa turismo, plantasyon, imprastruktura at iba pa.
Pagpaslang at bigong pagpaslang
Sa kasalukuyan, umaabot na sa 188 ang mga silbilyang biktima ng pamamaslang sa Mindanao sa ilalim ng rehimeng Duterte. Kabilang dito ang 131 (70%) pinaslang sa panahon ng batas militar. Tatlumpu’t pito sa kanila ay mga Lumad.
Pinakahuli rito si Ariel Maquiran, 33, manggagawa ng plantasyon ng saging, na binaril noong Mayo 17 habang pauwi sa kanyang bahay sa Barangay Maduaw, Panabo City, Davao del Norte. Bago nito, inakusahan siya ng militar na sangkot sa mga atake ng BHB sa Lapanday noong 2017. Si Maquiran ay aktibong myembro ng Bayan Muna.
Tampok din sa mga kaso ang pagmasaker ng 33rd IB at 27th IB sa Lake Sebu, South Cotabato noong Disyembre 3, 2017. Kabilang sa mga namatay sina Datu Victor Danyan Sr., Victor Danyan Jr., Artemio Danyan, Pato Celardo, To Diamante, Bobot Lagase at Mateng Bantal.
Kabilang din sa mga biktima ng pamamaslang sina Obillo Bay-ao at Jhun Mark Acto, mga estudyante na kapwa pinagbintangan ng militar na mga kasapi ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan. Si Obillo, 19-taong gulang na estudyanteng Lumad ay binaril at napatay ni Ben Salangani na isang CAFGU sa Sityo Dulyan, Barangay Palma Gil, Talaingod, Davao del Norte noong Setyembre 5. Si Jhun Mark Acto, 15-anyos na estudyante ay binaril at napatay din ng nag-ooperasyong mga elemento ng 39th IB at 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion sa Astorga, Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur noong Abril 21.
May naitala ring 247 na kaso ng nabigong pamamaslang sa ilalim ng rehimeng Duterte. Kabilang dito ang bigong pagpatay sa 78 Lumad (53 sa mga ito ay mga boluntir na guro sa mga alternatibong paaralan). Matingkad na kaso rin ang siyam na araw na pagtortyur kina Janry Mensis, 22, at “Jerry”, 16, at tangkang pagsunog sa kanila noong Disyembre 6, 2017 sa Maco, Compostela Valley ng mga elemento ng 71st IB.
Pambobomba, istraping at pagpapabakwit
Hindi bababa sa 59 ang insidente ng pambobomba at 18 istraping sa ilalim ng batas militar. Labas sa Marawi, naganap ang pinakamaraming pambobomba (19 insidente) sa mga komunidad sa Southern Mindanao Region (SMR), kasunod sa Socsksargen (13 insidente). Pinakamarami naman ang kaso ng istraping (13 insidente) sa Northern Mindanao Region (NMR). Nagresulta ang walang puknat na mga operasyong militar at ang mga aksyong militar na ito sa pagbakwit ng hindi bababa sa 43,480 indibidwal sa mga sibilyang komunidad sa SMR, 8,862 sa NMR at 6,835 sa Soccsksargen sa loob lamang ng isang taon.
Kabilang dito ang kamakailang pambobomba ng 27th IB sa tatlong sityo ng Barangay Kematu, T’boli, South Cotabato noong Mayo 8 na nagdulot ng trauma sa mga residente at nagtulak para magbakwit ang mahigit 650 indibidwal. Kabilang din ang walang-habas na panganganyon ng 28th IB sa mataong populasyon ng Barangay San Isidro at Likop sa karatig na syudad ng Mati noong Abril 26 na nagresulta sa pagkawasak ng ilang kabahayan at taniman at pwersahang paglikas ng mahigit 600 residente.
Iligal na pag-aresto at arbitraryong detensyon
Umaabot na sa 488 ang naging biktima ng iligal na pag-aresto at arbitraryong detensyon sa ilalim ng batas militar. Pinakamarami ang iligal na inaresto at idinetine sa SMR (362 biktima) kung saan inaresto noong Mayo 25 ng Task Force Davao ang 260 sibilyan sa Davao City dahil lamang hindi sila makapagpakita ng sapat na dokumentong magpapatunay ng kanilang pagkakakilanlan.
Sinundan ito ng NMR kung saan 76 naman ang inaresto. Kabilang sa mga biktima sa rehiyon sina “Lisa”, 16, at mag-asawang Jason at Giselle Cahangan, 22 at 19, na iligal na inaresto ng 8th IB sa loob ng kanilang tahanan sa Malaybalay, Bukidnon. Ibinimbin sila sa kampo ng Special Civilian Active Auxiliary (SCAA) kung saan sila pinahirapan at pinagbantaang papapatayin kung hindi aaming kasapi ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan.
Pinakahuli sa mga iligal na inaresto ay sina Clarito Suarez, 70, at si Ricmic Budta, 17. Dinakip sila ng mga nag-ooperasyong sundalo ng 25th IB nitong Mayo 9 sa Barangay Salvacion, Trento, Agusan del Sur.
Pagbabanta, panggigipit at intimidasyon
Hindi bababa sa 708 katao ang naging biktima ng pagbabanta, panggigipit at intimidasyon sa ilalim ng batas militar. Kalakhan ng mga biktima (645) nito ay mula sa SMR. Kabilang sa mga biktima ang may 600 Manobo sa mga sityo ng Catagbakan at Panlalaisan sa Barangay Pichon na pinagbantaan ng 67th IB at paramilitar na MANADU na bobombahin at imamasaker noon lamang Pebrero.
[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/20180521-matinding-pang-aatake-at-pang-aabusong-militar/
Sa ilalim ng nagpapatuloy na batas militar sa Mindanao, malawak at matindi ang panggigipit at pagsupil ng AFP sa mga kalayaang sibil at demokratikong karapatan ng mamamayan.
Sa inisyal na tala ng Ang Bayan, umaabot sa 59 ang mga insidente ng pambobomomba, 18 istraping, 81 pagbabakwit ng 583,041 indibidwal mula sa 144 komunidad, 488 iligal na pag-aresto at arbitraryong detensyon, at 708 kaso ng pagbabanta, panggigipit at intimidasyon. Sa ulat naman ng Barug Katungod, umabot sa 131 ang biktima ng pamamaslang at 404 ang sinampahan ng gawa-gawang kasong kriminal.
Pagwasak sa Marawi
Sa ngalan ng “gera kontra-terorismo,” brutal na kinubkob ang Marawi City at dinurog ito ng pambobombang idinirehe-ng-US at walang patumanggang panganganyon. Dahil dito, namatay ang mahigit 1,200 katao habang 800 iba pa ang nawawala at pinangangambahang nasawi. Nagbakwit ang 523,734 residente ng Marawi at mga karatig bayan. Nawasak ang bilyun-bilyong pisong halaga ng pag-aari at imprastruktura.
Sa tabing ng engrandeng rehabilitasyon, mayorya sa mga nagbakwit, kabilang ang mahigit 8,000 kataong nasa mga sentrong ebakwasyon, ang pinipigilang makabalik sa kanilang mga tahanan hanggang sa kasalukuyan. Kahit pa inianunsyo na mismo ng Malacañang noong Oktubre 23 na “malaya na” ang syudad sa diumano’y bantang terorismo ng grupong Maute, muli nitong pinalawig ang batas militar hanggang sa huling araw ng 2018.
Mahigit pitong buwan matapos wasakin ang Marawi, hindi pa rin nakababangon ang mga residente ng syudad. Liban sa tatlong araw na “bisita” kamakailan sa kanilang winasak na mga tirahan, dalawang taon pa bago sila pahihintulutang makabalik sa kanilang mga lugar. Okupado at kontrolado pa rin ng AFP at ng militar ng US ang buong syudad. Para kay Duterte, ang “pagbangon ng Marawi” ay ang pagtatayo ng kampong militar ng AFP at US sa malaking bahagi ng syudad at pagtatatag ng bilyun-bilyong dolyar na mga negosyo ng malalaking kapitalistang dayuhan sa turismo, plantasyon, imprastruktura at iba pa.
Pagpaslang at bigong pagpaslang
Sa kasalukuyan, umaabot na sa 188 ang mga silbilyang biktima ng pamamaslang sa Mindanao sa ilalim ng rehimeng Duterte. Kabilang dito ang 131 (70%) pinaslang sa panahon ng batas militar. Tatlumpu’t pito sa kanila ay mga Lumad.
Pinakahuli rito si Ariel Maquiran, 33, manggagawa ng plantasyon ng saging, na binaril noong Mayo 17 habang pauwi sa kanyang bahay sa Barangay Maduaw, Panabo City, Davao del Norte. Bago nito, inakusahan siya ng militar na sangkot sa mga atake ng BHB sa Lapanday noong 2017. Si Maquiran ay aktibong myembro ng Bayan Muna.
Tampok din sa mga kaso ang pagmasaker ng 33rd IB at 27th IB sa Lake Sebu, South Cotabato noong Disyembre 3, 2017. Kabilang sa mga namatay sina Datu Victor Danyan Sr., Victor Danyan Jr., Artemio Danyan, Pato Celardo, To Diamante, Bobot Lagase at Mateng Bantal.
Kabilang din sa mga biktima ng pamamaslang sina Obillo Bay-ao at Jhun Mark Acto, mga estudyante na kapwa pinagbintangan ng militar na mga kasapi ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan. Si Obillo, 19-taong gulang na estudyanteng Lumad ay binaril at napatay ni Ben Salangani na isang CAFGU sa Sityo Dulyan, Barangay Palma Gil, Talaingod, Davao del Norte noong Setyembre 5. Si Jhun Mark Acto, 15-anyos na estudyante ay binaril at napatay din ng nag-ooperasyong mga elemento ng 39th IB at 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion sa Astorga, Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur noong Abril 21.
May naitala ring 247 na kaso ng nabigong pamamaslang sa ilalim ng rehimeng Duterte. Kabilang dito ang bigong pagpatay sa 78 Lumad (53 sa mga ito ay mga boluntir na guro sa mga alternatibong paaralan). Matingkad na kaso rin ang siyam na araw na pagtortyur kina Janry Mensis, 22, at “Jerry”, 16, at tangkang pagsunog sa kanila noong Disyembre 6, 2017 sa Maco, Compostela Valley ng mga elemento ng 71st IB.
Pambobomba, istraping at pagpapabakwit
Hindi bababa sa 59 ang insidente ng pambobomba at 18 istraping sa ilalim ng batas militar. Labas sa Marawi, naganap ang pinakamaraming pambobomba (19 insidente) sa mga komunidad sa Southern Mindanao Region (SMR), kasunod sa Socsksargen (13 insidente). Pinakamarami naman ang kaso ng istraping (13 insidente) sa Northern Mindanao Region (NMR). Nagresulta ang walang puknat na mga operasyong militar at ang mga aksyong militar na ito sa pagbakwit ng hindi bababa sa 43,480 indibidwal sa mga sibilyang komunidad sa SMR, 8,862 sa NMR at 6,835 sa Soccsksargen sa loob lamang ng isang taon.
Kabilang dito ang kamakailang pambobomba ng 27th IB sa tatlong sityo ng Barangay Kematu, T’boli, South Cotabato noong Mayo 8 na nagdulot ng trauma sa mga residente at nagtulak para magbakwit ang mahigit 650 indibidwal. Kabilang din ang walang-habas na panganganyon ng 28th IB sa mataong populasyon ng Barangay San Isidro at Likop sa karatig na syudad ng Mati noong Abril 26 na nagresulta sa pagkawasak ng ilang kabahayan at taniman at pwersahang paglikas ng mahigit 600 residente.
Iligal na pag-aresto at arbitraryong detensyon
Umaabot na sa 488 ang naging biktima ng iligal na pag-aresto at arbitraryong detensyon sa ilalim ng batas militar. Pinakamarami ang iligal na inaresto at idinetine sa SMR (362 biktima) kung saan inaresto noong Mayo 25 ng Task Force Davao ang 260 sibilyan sa Davao City dahil lamang hindi sila makapagpakita ng sapat na dokumentong magpapatunay ng kanilang pagkakakilanlan.
Sinundan ito ng NMR kung saan 76 naman ang inaresto. Kabilang sa mga biktima sa rehiyon sina “Lisa”, 16, at mag-asawang Jason at Giselle Cahangan, 22 at 19, na iligal na inaresto ng 8th IB sa loob ng kanilang tahanan sa Malaybalay, Bukidnon. Ibinimbin sila sa kampo ng Special Civilian Active Auxiliary (SCAA) kung saan sila pinahirapan at pinagbantaang papapatayin kung hindi aaming kasapi ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan.
Pinakahuli sa mga iligal na inaresto ay sina Clarito Suarez, 70, at si Ricmic Budta, 17. Dinakip sila ng mga nag-ooperasyong sundalo ng 25th IB nitong Mayo 9 sa Barangay Salvacion, Trento, Agusan del Sur.
Pagbabanta, panggigipit at intimidasyon
Hindi bababa sa 708 katao ang naging biktima ng pagbabanta, panggigipit at intimidasyon sa ilalim ng batas militar. Kalakhan ng mga biktima (645) nito ay mula sa SMR. Kabilang sa mga biktima ang may 600 Manobo sa mga sityo ng Catagbakan at Panlalaisan sa Barangay Pichon na pinagbantaan ng 67th IB at paramilitar na MANADU na bobombahin at imamasaker noon lamang Pebrero.
[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/20180521-matinding-pang-aatake-at-pang-aabusong-militar/
CPP/Ang Bayan: Matatagumpay na Opensiba ng BHB // Kaswalti ng AFP-PNP, umabot ng 48
Propaganda article from the Tagalog edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (May 21): Matatagumpay na Opensiba ng BHB // Kaswalti ng AFP-PNP, umabot ng 48
HINDI BABABA SA 48 ang patay at sugatan sa mga armadong pwersa ng rehimeng US-Duterte sa matatagumpay na aksyong militar ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan nitong nagdaang ilang linggo sa iba’t ibang prubinsya sa buong kapuluan.
Negros Occidental. Hindi bababa sa lima ang patay at sampu ang sugatan sa panig ng 62nd IB nang ambusin ang isang kolum nito ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan-Central Negros (Mt. Cansermon Command o MCC) noong Mayo 12 bandang alas-5 ng umaga sa Sityo Bonsad, Barangay Tan-awan, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental. Nasamsam ng MCC ang isang ripleng M203.
Ang naambus na 62nd IB ay bahagi ng tuluy-tuloy at malawa kang operasyong militar ng 303rd Brigade sa mga barangay na saklaw ng mga lunsod ng Himamaylan, Binalbagan at Kabankalan sa Negros Occidental, at sa mga bayan ng Tayasan at Ayungon sa Negros Oriental. Layunin ng mga operasyong ito na supilin ang paglaban ng mamamayan sa pagtatayo ng dam sa ilalim ng Ilog-Hilabangan River Basin Project (IHRBP) na magpapalayas sa mga magsasakang nakatira sa panabihan ng Hilabangan River. Pinipinsala din ng naturang proyekto at ng pagku-quarry sa Hilabangan River ang kapaligiran. (Basahin ang kaugnay na artikulo sa pahina 6.)
Nagpugay ang BHB-MCC kay “Ka Bebe,” ang Pulang mandirigmang namartir sa ambus.
Sa La Castellana, Negros Occidental, pinarusahan ng BHB-Central Negros Guerrilla Front (Leonardo Panaligan Command o LPC) si Roland Manalo Gonzales sa Barangay Puso noong Mayo 11. Isa si Gonzales sa apat na armadong lalaki na pumatay sa lider-magsasaka na si Jerry Turga noong Abril 28 sa Moises Padilla. Batay sa imbestigasyon ng BHB-LPC, matapos ang pagpaslang kay Turga, dumiretso si Gonzales at kanyang mga kasamahan, sakay ng dalawang motorsiklo, sa Hacienda San Benito na pagmamay-ari ni Mayor Magsie PeÒa ng bayan ng Moises Padilla. Ayon pa sa BHB-LPC, si Gonzales ay isa sa mga armadong tauhan ni PeÒa at ginagamit din ng 303rd Brigade sa saywar laban sa BHB at pagpatay sa mga aktibista.
Sorsogon. Hindi bababa sa apat ang sugatan sa panig ng 31st IB at 508th PNP Public Safety Company sa isinagawang operasyong haras ng BHB-Sorsogon (Celso Minguez Command o CMC) sa Barangay San Francisco, Bulan noong Mayo 10, bandang alas-8:30 ng gabi. Mula nang dumating ang mga sundalo at pulis nang umagang iyon ay inokupa na ng mga ito ang barangay hall at day care center ng San Francisco.
Zamboanga del Norte. Tinamaan ng command-detonated na eksplosibo na pinasabog ng BHB-Zamboanga del Norte ang isang siksbay sakay ang 14 tropa ng 42nd IB noong Mayo 18, bandang alas-10 ng umaga sa Sityo Gumutoc, Barangay Poblacion, Kalawit. Ayon sa ulat ng BHB-Zamboanga del Norte, ganap na nawasak ang trak at hindi na nakapagpaputok ang mga sundalong sakay nito. Sa panimulang mga ulat, nalipol ang lahat ng sakay ng naturang trak.
Ang tinarget na kaaway ay bahagi ng komboy ng dalawang trak na magreresponde sa isinagawang reyd ng mga Pulang mandirigma sa isang asset sa paniktik ng 42nd IB sa karatig na Barangay Palalian.
Bago nito, noong Mayo 4, alas-5:10 ng umaga, inatake ng isang yunit ng BHB-Zamboanga del Norte ang gwardyahan ng Dacon sa Sityo Tulaksaw, Barangay Sas, Gutalac. Ang Dacon ay isang kumpanyang agri-bisnes na pagmamay-ari ng mang-aagaw ng lupa na pamilyang Consunji (notoryus din sa pang-aagaw ng lupain ng mga Lumad sa South Cotabato at Sultan Kudarat). Okupado ng Dacon ang malalawak na lupaing pang-agrikultura sa mga bayan ng Titay, Gutalac, Baliguian, Siraway at Tungawan.
Nasamsam ng mga Pulang mandirigma ang mga bala at iba pang gamit militar.
Misamis Occidental. Naglunsad ang isang yunit ng BHB ng operasyong haras gamit ang kumbinasyong riple at command-detonated na eksplosibo laban sa nag-ooperasyong kolum ng 10th IB sa Barangay Roxas, Aloran, Misamis Occidental noong Mayo 18, alas-10 ng umaga. Apat na sundalo ang napatay at pito ang sugatan matapos ang sampung minutong labanan.
Agusan del Norte. Anim ang kaswalti sa Caraga PNP sa magkasunod na pag-atake ng BHB sa Butuan City noong Mayo 15. Unang hinaras ng BHB ang mga nag-ooperasyong pulis sa Sityo Lamusig, Barangay Tungao. Isang elemento ng PNP ang sugatan. Sinundan ito ng atake sa istasyon ng PNP sa Barangay San Mateo kung saan limang pulis ang namatay.
Agusan del Sur. Inatake ng mga Pulang mandirigma ang detatsment ng CAFGU sa Barangay Sinakungan, Esperanza noong Mayo 14 bandang alas-3 ng madaling araw. Sa labanang ito, namartir ang dalawang kasama na sina “Ka Bagani” at “Ka Marjon.”
Bukidnon. Apat na Scout Ranger ang patay sa magkakasunod na kontra-atake ng BHB-Bukidnon noong Mayo 7-10. Ang yunit na nakasagupa ng mga Pulang mandirigma ay ibinaba ng helikopter sa hangganan ng mga bayan ng Cabanglasan at San Fernando.
Sa Kitaotao, hindi bababa sa walong elemento ng 3rd IB ang kaswalti mula sa aktibong depensa na isinagawa ng 1st Pulang Bagani Company noong Mayo 10, ala-1:30 ng hapon sa Barangay Kipilas. Sa dalawang oras na labanan, naghulog ng bomba ang AFP mula sa himpapawid at gumamit ng mga kanyon.
Sa panig ng BHB, malubha ang tinamong sugat ni Zaldy Cañete (Ka Jinggoy) sa ulo at katawan. Matapos ang 24 oras na panggagamot ng mga medik ng BHB, dinala si Cañete sa ospital sa Don Carlos, at sumailalim sa 11-oras na operasyon sa ulo.
Noong Mayo 12, dumating ang mga sundalo at operatiba sa paniktik ng PNP at AFP at inaresto si Cañete na noo’y nasa kritikal pang kundisyon sa intensive care unit ng ospital. Pinagbawalan din ang mga kapamilya ni Cañete at mga paralegal na dumalaw sa kanya.
Iginiit ng PKP na dapat ibigay ng AFP ang makataong pagturing kay Cañete at agad siyang palayain tulad ng makataong pagturing ng BHB at maagap na pagpapalaya sa mga bihag-ng-digma nito.
Ang agarang pagpapalaya kay Cañete ay obligasyon ng rehimeng Duterte sa ilalim ng Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law na nagsasaad na ang sinumang nawalan ng kalayaan sa mga dahilang kaugnay ng armadong labanan ay maaari nang ligtas na palayain sa batayang makatao o iba pang batayan.
[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/20180521-kaswalti-afp-pnp-umabot-ng-48/
HINDI BABABA SA 48 ang patay at sugatan sa mga armadong pwersa ng rehimeng US-Duterte sa matatagumpay na aksyong militar ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan nitong nagdaang ilang linggo sa iba’t ibang prubinsya sa buong kapuluan.
Negros Occidental. Hindi bababa sa lima ang patay at sampu ang sugatan sa panig ng 62nd IB nang ambusin ang isang kolum nito ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan-Central Negros (Mt. Cansermon Command o MCC) noong Mayo 12 bandang alas-5 ng umaga sa Sityo Bonsad, Barangay Tan-awan, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental. Nasamsam ng MCC ang isang ripleng M203.
Ang naambus na 62nd IB ay bahagi ng tuluy-tuloy at malawa kang operasyong militar ng 303rd Brigade sa mga barangay na saklaw ng mga lunsod ng Himamaylan, Binalbagan at Kabankalan sa Negros Occidental, at sa mga bayan ng Tayasan at Ayungon sa Negros Oriental. Layunin ng mga operasyong ito na supilin ang paglaban ng mamamayan sa pagtatayo ng dam sa ilalim ng Ilog-Hilabangan River Basin Project (IHRBP) na magpapalayas sa mga magsasakang nakatira sa panabihan ng Hilabangan River. Pinipinsala din ng naturang proyekto at ng pagku-quarry sa Hilabangan River ang kapaligiran. (Basahin ang kaugnay na artikulo sa pahina 6.)
Nagpugay ang BHB-MCC kay “Ka Bebe,” ang Pulang mandirigmang namartir sa ambus.
Sa La Castellana, Negros Occidental, pinarusahan ng BHB-Central Negros Guerrilla Front (Leonardo Panaligan Command o LPC) si Roland Manalo Gonzales sa Barangay Puso noong Mayo 11. Isa si Gonzales sa apat na armadong lalaki na pumatay sa lider-magsasaka na si Jerry Turga noong Abril 28 sa Moises Padilla. Batay sa imbestigasyon ng BHB-LPC, matapos ang pagpaslang kay Turga, dumiretso si Gonzales at kanyang mga kasamahan, sakay ng dalawang motorsiklo, sa Hacienda San Benito na pagmamay-ari ni Mayor Magsie PeÒa ng bayan ng Moises Padilla. Ayon pa sa BHB-LPC, si Gonzales ay isa sa mga armadong tauhan ni PeÒa at ginagamit din ng 303rd Brigade sa saywar laban sa BHB at pagpatay sa mga aktibista.
Sorsogon. Hindi bababa sa apat ang sugatan sa panig ng 31st IB at 508th PNP Public Safety Company sa isinagawang operasyong haras ng BHB-Sorsogon (Celso Minguez Command o CMC) sa Barangay San Francisco, Bulan noong Mayo 10, bandang alas-8:30 ng gabi. Mula nang dumating ang mga sundalo at pulis nang umagang iyon ay inokupa na ng mga ito ang barangay hall at day care center ng San Francisco.
Zamboanga del Norte. Tinamaan ng command-detonated na eksplosibo na pinasabog ng BHB-Zamboanga del Norte ang isang siksbay sakay ang 14 tropa ng 42nd IB noong Mayo 18, bandang alas-10 ng umaga sa Sityo Gumutoc, Barangay Poblacion, Kalawit. Ayon sa ulat ng BHB-Zamboanga del Norte, ganap na nawasak ang trak at hindi na nakapagpaputok ang mga sundalong sakay nito. Sa panimulang mga ulat, nalipol ang lahat ng sakay ng naturang trak.
Ang tinarget na kaaway ay bahagi ng komboy ng dalawang trak na magreresponde sa isinagawang reyd ng mga Pulang mandirigma sa isang asset sa paniktik ng 42nd IB sa karatig na Barangay Palalian.
Bago nito, noong Mayo 4, alas-5:10 ng umaga, inatake ng isang yunit ng BHB-Zamboanga del Norte ang gwardyahan ng Dacon sa Sityo Tulaksaw, Barangay Sas, Gutalac. Ang Dacon ay isang kumpanyang agri-bisnes na pagmamay-ari ng mang-aagaw ng lupa na pamilyang Consunji (notoryus din sa pang-aagaw ng lupain ng mga Lumad sa South Cotabato at Sultan Kudarat). Okupado ng Dacon ang malalawak na lupaing pang-agrikultura sa mga bayan ng Titay, Gutalac, Baliguian, Siraway at Tungawan.
Nasamsam ng mga Pulang mandirigma ang mga bala at iba pang gamit militar.
Misamis Occidental. Naglunsad ang isang yunit ng BHB ng operasyong haras gamit ang kumbinasyong riple at command-detonated na eksplosibo laban sa nag-ooperasyong kolum ng 10th IB sa Barangay Roxas, Aloran, Misamis Occidental noong Mayo 18, alas-10 ng umaga. Apat na sundalo ang napatay at pito ang sugatan matapos ang sampung minutong labanan.
Agusan del Norte. Anim ang kaswalti sa Caraga PNP sa magkasunod na pag-atake ng BHB sa Butuan City noong Mayo 15. Unang hinaras ng BHB ang mga nag-ooperasyong pulis sa Sityo Lamusig, Barangay Tungao. Isang elemento ng PNP ang sugatan. Sinundan ito ng atake sa istasyon ng PNP sa Barangay San Mateo kung saan limang pulis ang namatay.
Agusan del Sur. Inatake ng mga Pulang mandirigma ang detatsment ng CAFGU sa Barangay Sinakungan, Esperanza noong Mayo 14 bandang alas-3 ng madaling araw. Sa labanang ito, namartir ang dalawang kasama na sina “Ka Bagani” at “Ka Marjon.”
Bukidnon. Apat na Scout Ranger ang patay sa magkakasunod na kontra-atake ng BHB-Bukidnon noong Mayo 7-10. Ang yunit na nakasagupa ng mga Pulang mandirigma ay ibinaba ng helikopter sa hangganan ng mga bayan ng Cabanglasan at San Fernando.
Sa Kitaotao, hindi bababa sa walong elemento ng 3rd IB ang kaswalti mula sa aktibong depensa na isinagawa ng 1st Pulang Bagani Company noong Mayo 10, ala-1:30 ng hapon sa Barangay Kipilas. Sa dalawang oras na labanan, naghulog ng bomba ang AFP mula sa himpapawid at gumamit ng mga kanyon.
Sa panig ng BHB, malubha ang tinamong sugat ni Zaldy Cañete (Ka Jinggoy) sa ulo at katawan. Matapos ang 24 oras na panggagamot ng mga medik ng BHB, dinala si Cañete sa ospital sa Don Carlos, at sumailalim sa 11-oras na operasyon sa ulo.
Noong Mayo 12, dumating ang mga sundalo at operatiba sa paniktik ng PNP at AFP at inaresto si Cañete na noo’y nasa kritikal pang kundisyon sa intensive care unit ng ospital. Pinagbawalan din ang mga kapamilya ni Cañete at mga paralegal na dumalaw sa kanya.
Iginiit ng PKP na dapat ibigay ng AFP ang makataong pagturing kay Cañete at agad siyang palayain tulad ng makataong pagturing ng BHB at maagap na pagpapalaya sa mga bihag-ng-digma nito.
Ang agarang pagpapalaya kay Cañete ay obligasyon ng rehimeng Duterte sa ilalim ng Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law na nagsasaad na ang sinumang nawalan ng kalayaan sa mga dahilang kaugnay ng armadong labanan ay maaari nang ligtas na palayain sa batayang makatao o iba pang batayan.
[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/20180521-kaswalti-afp-pnp-umabot-ng-48/
CPP/Ang Bayan: Editorial - Wakasan ang batas militar! Ibagsak ang rehimeng US-Duterte!
Ang Bayan editorial posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (May 21): Wakasan ang batas militar! Ibagsak ang rehimeng US-Duterte!
Idineklara ni Rodrigo Duterte ang batas militar sa buong Mindanao upang ilunsad ang gera ng pagwasak sa Marawi, paigtingin at palawakin ang Oplan Kapayapaan at ipataw ang tiraniko at teroristang paghahari sa buong bansa.
Sa ngalan ng “pagsugpo sa terorismo,” binomba ni Duterte ang Marawi na walang pakundangan sa buhay, ari-arian at kabuhayan ng mga Meranaw at iba pang naninirahan doon. Daan-daang libo ang lumikas, mahigit 1,200 ang namatay at mahigit 800 ang hindi na makita. Isa ito sa pinakamalaking krimen ni Duterte laban sa mamamayan sa ilalim ng batas militar. Ngunit hindi lamang ito ang kanyang krimen.
Gamit ang kapangyarihan ng militar, laksa-laksa pa ang pasistang krimen ni Duterte at ng kanyang mga armadong utusan sa Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) laban sa sambayanang Pilipino. Araw-araw, sa pagtupad ng batas militar at ng Oplan Kapayapaan, daan-daang mga barangay, laluna sa mga liblib na lugar sa Mindanao, ang sinasakop ng AFP, minamanmanan, hinihigpitan at pinahihirapan; niyayanig ng pambobomba at panganganyon ng AFP at pinagbabantaang matulad sa Marawi.
Ang batas militar sa Mindanao ay isang gera laban sa masang anakpawis, armadong pagsupil sa sa di armadong mamamayan. Daan-daan ang tinutugis at sinasampahan ng mga gawa-gawang kaso. Kada tatlong araw ay may biktima ng pamamaslang ng AFP o ng mga armadong galamay nito. Araw-araw ang pananakot, pagbabanta at pambubugbog ng mga pasistang tropa ng AFP.
Ang pagpataw ng batas militar sa Mindanao ay isa sa susing sangkap ng disenyong-US na mapanupil na gerang Oplan Kapayapaan sa buong bansa. Sentral ang papel ng US sa pagsuhay sa batas militar. Sa Marawi ay lantarang nanghimasok ang mga upisyal, tagapayo at tauhan ng militar ng US sa pagpapalipad ng mga drone at paghuhulog ng mga bomba.
Hawak ang suporta ng US, ginagamit ng AFP ang walang hanggang kapangyarihan nito sa Mindanao para ibwelo ang digmang laban sa mamamayan sa buong bansa. Sa pagpapalawig ng batas militar sa Mindanao, nais ng rehimeng Duterte na maging “karaniwan” ang paggamit ng reaksyunaryong estado sa terorismo at ipatanggap ang pagkatampalasan nito.
Ang mga taktika ng batas militar ngayon ang ginagamit ni Duterte sa buong bansa. Milyun-milyon ang nabubuhay ngayon sa ilalim ng paghaharing militar sa buong kapuluan. Dahil sa batas militar sa Mindanao, lalong malakas ang loob ng upisyal at tauhan ng AFP na abusuhin ang kanilang kapangyarihan, lapastanganin ang mga karapatang-tao at supilin ang demokratikong mga pakikibakang masa.
Ginagamit ni Duterte na tuntungan ang batas militar sa Mindanao para sindakin ang sambayanang Pilipino at ipakitang walang makahahadlang sa kanyang kapangyarihan. Isa sa susing sangkap ito sa kanyang tiraniko at teroristang paghahari sa buong bansa.
Kamakailan, pinatalsik ni Duterte ang punong mahistrado ng Korte Suprema na idineklara niyang kaaway. Ginamit ni Duterte ang isang kwestyunableng hakbanging ligal (quo warranto sa halip na impeachment), bagaman ang totoong nasa likod niyon ay ang kanyang tiranikong kapangyarihan. Ito rin ang ginagamit niya ngayon para lubos na kontrolin ang Senado nang hindi ito maging hadlang sa di pa niya isinasaisantabing iskema para baguhin ang konstitusyon at palawigin ang kanyang kapangyarihan sa anyo ng transisyon tungo sa bagong pederal ng gubyerno.
Dapat pag-ibayuhin ng sambayanang Pilipino ang kanilang pakikibaka para wakasan ang batas militar sa Mindanao, wakasan ang Oplan Kapayapaan at wakasan ang paghahari ni Duterte.
Dapat puspusang isulong ang rebolusyonaryong armadong pakikibaka bilang pangunahing sandata ng paglaban sa pasistang paghahari. Dahil sa walang habas na armadong pagsupil ni Duterte, lalong nagiging malinaw ang pangangailangang magsandata upang magtanggol laban sa pasismo at isulong ang rebolusyonaryong layunin ng bayan.
Habang ipinatutupad ni Duterte ang kanyang mga hakbanging tiraniko at terorista, lalong dumarami ang kanyang nasasagasaan at napipinsala. Lalong nagngangalit ang bayan. Lalong lumalakas ang paglaban ng mga batayang sektor sa pasismo ni Duterte at ng AFP kaakibat ng pagsulong nila ng kanilang demokratikong mga kahilingan. Lalong lumalawak ang hanay ng mga organisasyon, partido, institusyon at mga personalidad na nananawagan na siya’y patalsikin na sa poder.
Dapat ibayong palawakin sa buong bansa at patatagin ang nagkakaisang prente laban kay Duterte. Nakasalalay ito pangunahin sa lawak at lakas ng pagkilos ng batayang mga demokratikong sektor. Gayo’y dapat nitong ibigay ang todong pagsuporta sa anti-pasistang pakikibaka ng masang anakpawis upang isigaw ang katarungan sa lahat ng pasistang krimen ng AFP, ilantad at labanan ang mga paglapastangan sa karapatang-tao at suhayan ang kanilang malawakang pagbabangon laban sa terorismo at tiraniya ni Duterte
[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/20180521-wakasan-ang-batas-militar-ibagsak-ang-rehimeng-us-duterte/
Idineklara ni Rodrigo Duterte ang batas militar sa buong Mindanao upang ilunsad ang gera ng pagwasak sa Marawi, paigtingin at palawakin ang Oplan Kapayapaan at ipataw ang tiraniko at teroristang paghahari sa buong bansa.
Sa ngalan ng “pagsugpo sa terorismo,” binomba ni Duterte ang Marawi na walang pakundangan sa buhay, ari-arian at kabuhayan ng mga Meranaw at iba pang naninirahan doon. Daan-daang libo ang lumikas, mahigit 1,200 ang namatay at mahigit 800 ang hindi na makita. Isa ito sa pinakamalaking krimen ni Duterte laban sa mamamayan sa ilalim ng batas militar. Ngunit hindi lamang ito ang kanyang krimen.
Gamit ang kapangyarihan ng militar, laksa-laksa pa ang pasistang krimen ni Duterte at ng kanyang mga armadong utusan sa Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) laban sa sambayanang Pilipino. Araw-araw, sa pagtupad ng batas militar at ng Oplan Kapayapaan, daan-daang mga barangay, laluna sa mga liblib na lugar sa Mindanao, ang sinasakop ng AFP, minamanmanan, hinihigpitan at pinahihirapan; niyayanig ng pambobomba at panganganyon ng AFP at pinagbabantaang matulad sa Marawi.
Ang batas militar sa Mindanao ay isang gera laban sa masang anakpawis, armadong pagsupil sa sa di armadong mamamayan. Daan-daan ang tinutugis at sinasampahan ng mga gawa-gawang kaso. Kada tatlong araw ay may biktima ng pamamaslang ng AFP o ng mga armadong galamay nito. Araw-araw ang pananakot, pagbabanta at pambubugbog ng mga pasistang tropa ng AFP.
Ang pagpataw ng batas militar sa Mindanao ay isa sa susing sangkap ng disenyong-US na mapanupil na gerang Oplan Kapayapaan sa buong bansa. Sentral ang papel ng US sa pagsuhay sa batas militar. Sa Marawi ay lantarang nanghimasok ang mga upisyal, tagapayo at tauhan ng militar ng US sa pagpapalipad ng mga drone at paghuhulog ng mga bomba.
Hawak ang suporta ng US, ginagamit ng AFP ang walang hanggang kapangyarihan nito sa Mindanao para ibwelo ang digmang laban sa mamamayan sa buong bansa. Sa pagpapalawig ng batas militar sa Mindanao, nais ng rehimeng Duterte na maging “karaniwan” ang paggamit ng reaksyunaryong estado sa terorismo at ipatanggap ang pagkatampalasan nito.
Ang mga taktika ng batas militar ngayon ang ginagamit ni Duterte sa buong bansa. Milyun-milyon ang nabubuhay ngayon sa ilalim ng paghaharing militar sa buong kapuluan. Dahil sa batas militar sa Mindanao, lalong malakas ang loob ng upisyal at tauhan ng AFP na abusuhin ang kanilang kapangyarihan, lapastanganin ang mga karapatang-tao at supilin ang demokratikong mga pakikibakang masa.
Ginagamit ni Duterte na tuntungan ang batas militar sa Mindanao para sindakin ang sambayanang Pilipino at ipakitang walang makahahadlang sa kanyang kapangyarihan. Isa sa susing sangkap ito sa kanyang tiraniko at teroristang paghahari sa buong bansa.
Kamakailan, pinatalsik ni Duterte ang punong mahistrado ng Korte Suprema na idineklara niyang kaaway. Ginamit ni Duterte ang isang kwestyunableng hakbanging ligal (quo warranto sa halip na impeachment), bagaman ang totoong nasa likod niyon ay ang kanyang tiranikong kapangyarihan. Ito rin ang ginagamit niya ngayon para lubos na kontrolin ang Senado nang hindi ito maging hadlang sa di pa niya isinasaisantabing iskema para baguhin ang konstitusyon at palawigin ang kanyang kapangyarihan sa anyo ng transisyon tungo sa bagong pederal ng gubyerno.
Dapat pag-ibayuhin ng sambayanang Pilipino ang kanilang pakikibaka para wakasan ang batas militar sa Mindanao, wakasan ang Oplan Kapayapaan at wakasan ang paghahari ni Duterte.
Dapat puspusang isulong ang rebolusyonaryong armadong pakikibaka bilang pangunahing sandata ng paglaban sa pasistang paghahari. Dahil sa walang habas na armadong pagsupil ni Duterte, lalong nagiging malinaw ang pangangailangang magsandata upang magtanggol laban sa pasismo at isulong ang rebolusyonaryong layunin ng bayan.
Habang ipinatutupad ni Duterte ang kanyang mga hakbanging tiraniko at terorista, lalong dumarami ang kanyang nasasagasaan at napipinsala. Lalong nagngangalit ang bayan. Lalong lumalakas ang paglaban ng mga batayang sektor sa pasismo ni Duterte at ng AFP kaakibat ng pagsulong nila ng kanilang demokratikong mga kahilingan. Lalong lumalawak ang hanay ng mga organisasyon, partido, institusyon at mga personalidad na nananawagan na siya’y patalsikin na sa poder.
Dapat ibayong palawakin sa buong bansa at patatagin ang nagkakaisang prente laban kay Duterte. Nakasalalay ito pangunahin sa lawak at lakas ng pagkilos ng batayang mga demokratikong sektor. Gayo’y dapat nitong ibigay ang todong pagsuporta sa anti-pasistang pakikibaka ng masang anakpawis upang isigaw ang katarungan sa lahat ng pasistang krimen ng AFP, ilantad at labanan ang mga paglapastangan sa karapatang-tao at suhayan ang kanilang malawakang pagbabangon laban sa terorismo at tiraniya ni Duterte
[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/20180521-wakasan-ang-batas-militar-ibagsak-ang-rehimeng-us-duterte/
CPP/NPA-Sorsogon: Pagpaparusa ng BHB kay Eddie Embile
NPA-Sorsogon propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (May 22): Pagpaparusa ng BHB kay Eddie Embile
Ka Samuel Guerrero, Spokesperson
NPA-Sorsogon (Celso Minguez Command)
22 May 2018
Isinakatuparan ng mga pulang mandirigma ng CMC-BHB ang pagpaparusa sa sagadsaring espiya at giya ng militar na si Eduardo “Eddie” Embile ngayong Mayo 20, 2018.
Si Eddie ay aktibong espiya at giya ng 31st IBPA (Infantry Battalion-Philippine Army) sa pagkubkob sa mga kasama noong Hulyo 4, 2013 sa Barangay Calmayon, Juban, Sorsogon. Na nagresulta sa pagkamartir ng walong magigiting na kasamang sina: Ka Greg Banares, ang tagapagsalita ng NDF-Bicol; Ka Nel, ng Public Information Bureau ng NDF; Ka Jay, Ka Gary, Ka Kevin, Ka Miloy, Ka Rey at Ka Nene na mas kilala bilang Juban Eight.
Isa si Eddie sa aktibong nagmanman sa presensya ng mga kasama sa nasabing lugar hanggang sa mismong paggiya sa mga elemento ng 31st IBPA para makubkob ang posisyon ng mga kasama at maisakatuparan ng berdugong 31st IBPA ang pagmasaker sa walong magigiting na kasama. Matapos ang masaker ay tumanggap si Eddie ng salapi mula sa militar bilang pabuya ng kanyang naging papel sa operasyon.
Nagsilbing giya din sa mga operasyong militar at pagpapakubkob sa bahay ng ilang kasama at masa sa mga bayan ng Juban at Bulan noong 2011 matapos syang pumasok bilang CAFGU. Umalis sya sa pagiging CAFGU dahil sa panghihikayat ng kamag-anak, subalit sa halip na magbago ay nagpatuloy ng kanyang gawaing kontra-rebolusyon.
Ang parusang kamatayan kay Eddie ay isang hakbang sa pagkakamit ng rebolusyonaryong hustisya para sa walong mahuhusay at magigiting na kasama at para sa sanlaksang biktima ng pamamaslang at paglabag ng reaksyonaryong estado sa karapatang pantao. Nagsisilbi rin itong babala sa mga ispeya, abusadong kasapi ng AFP, PNP, CAFGU at masasamang loob sa probinsya na tumigil na sa kanilang kontra-mamamayang aktibidad.
Pagpupugay sa mga magigiting na kasama na nag-alay ng kanilang buhay para sa rebolusyon!
Mabuhay ang Bagong Hukbong Bayan!
Mabuhay ang Rebolusyon!
Ka Samuel Guerrero, Spokesperson
NPA-Sorsogon (Celso Minguez Command)
22 May 2018
Isinakatuparan ng mga pulang mandirigma ng CMC-BHB ang pagpaparusa sa sagadsaring espiya at giya ng militar na si Eduardo “Eddie” Embile ngayong Mayo 20, 2018.
Si Eddie ay aktibong espiya at giya ng 31st IBPA (Infantry Battalion-Philippine Army) sa pagkubkob sa mga kasama noong Hulyo 4, 2013 sa Barangay Calmayon, Juban, Sorsogon. Na nagresulta sa pagkamartir ng walong magigiting na kasamang sina: Ka Greg Banares, ang tagapagsalita ng NDF-Bicol; Ka Nel, ng Public Information Bureau ng NDF; Ka Jay, Ka Gary, Ka Kevin, Ka Miloy, Ka Rey at Ka Nene na mas kilala bilang Juban Eight.
Isa si Eddie sa aktibong nagmanman sa presensya ng mga kasama sa nasabing lugar hanggang sa mismong paggiya sa mga elemento ng 31st IBPA para makubkob ang posisyon ng mga kasama at maisakatuparan ng berdugong 31st IBPA ang pagmasaker sa walong magigiting na kasama. Matapos ang masaker ay tumanggap si Eddie ng salapi mula sa militar bilang pabuya ng kanyang naging papel sa operasyon.
Nagsilbing giya din sa mga operasyong militar at pagpapakubkob sa bahay ng ilang kasama at masa sa mga bayan ng Juban at Bulan noong 2011 matapos syang pumasok bilang CAFGU. Umalis sya sa pagiging CAFGU dahil sa panghihikayat ng kamag-anak, subalit sa halip na magbago ay nagpatuloy ng kanyang gawaing kontra-rebolusyon.
Ang parusang kamatayan kay Eddie ay isang hakbang sa pagkakamit ng rebolusyonaryong hustisya para sa walong mahuhusay at magigiting na kasama at para sa sanlaksang biktima ng pamamaslang at paglabag ng reaksyonaryong estado sa karapatang pantao. Nagsisilbi rin itong babala sa mga ispeya, abusadong kasapi ng AFP, PNP, CAFGU at masasamang loob sa probinsya na tumigil na sa kanilang kontra-mamamayang aktibidad.
Pagpupugay sa mga magigiting na kasama na nag-alay ng kanilang buhay para sa rebolusyon!
Mabuhay ang Bagong Hukbong Bayan!
Mabuhay ang Rebolusyon!
DWDD: 5ID@37 | CGPA graces Star Division Founding Anniversary
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (May 22): 5ID@37 | CGPA graces Star Division Founding Anniversary
CAMP MELCHOR DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela (DWDD) – The Commanding General, Philippine Army, Lt General Rolando Joselito D Bautista AFP, served as the Guest of Honor and Speaker during the 5th Infantry Division’s 37th Founding Anniversary Celebration held at 5ID Grandstand, Camp Melchor F Dela Cruz, Upi, Gamu, Isabela on May 21, 2018.
During the occasion, the CGPA leads the giving of honors and recognition to the 5ID Officers, personnel, civilian employees, stakeholders, CAA member and units who demonstrated excellence and outstanding performance in their respective fields of specialty that gives premium on this year’s anniversary theme, “5ID: Moving Towards Perfection @ 37.”
The outstanding awardees of this year anniversary were as follows: Best Junior Officer of the Year, First Lieutenant John Chester S Dalit (INF) PA; Best Enlisted Personnel of the Year, Staff Sergeant Cyril A Pacad (Inf) PA; Best CAA of the Year, CAA Miguel B Baliao PA; and, Best Civilian Employee of the Year, Mr. Emanuel M. Cauilan Jr.
Lt Gen Bautista also pinned the medals to the following military awardees; PFC Mac Nair S Prejilla (MI) PA, Gold Cross Medal; Staff Sergeant Romeo G Palayon (Inf) PA, Silver Cross Medal; and, Sergeant Victorino B Lipi (Inf) PA, Military Merit Medal with Bronze Spearhead Device.
The Command also gives recognition to its outstanding partners who immeasurably contributed to the success of its mission. This year’s outstanding stakeholders were; Atty. Efren M. Beleno; Dr. Regina D. Munda Cruz; Hon. Marilou N. Sachez; Mr. Garry S. Tubban; Mr. Marcelo B. Lihgawon; and, PSSupt Gregory B. Bogñalbal.
MGen Perfecto M Rimando Jr, Commander, 5th Infantry Division, in his message, thanked all the Star Troopers including their families and stakeholders by saying, “With our accomplishments, I would like to thank the Officers, personnel, civilian employees, CAA members and stakeholders, to include every Star Trooper’s family, friends and relatives who are driving our soldiers towards perfection on their work and career.”
“In achieving an organizational excellence, you need to have a team working together and moving in cadence towards one direction. What we achieved this year bespeak of our selfless service to the People of Region2 and Cordillera Region whom we are sworn to serve”, MGen Rimando Jr added, stressing the importance of teamwork to achieve results.
The Command celebrated its anniversary which was activated on May 15, 1981 after its elevation into 5thInfantry Division from the original 5th Infantry Brigade (Separate) pursuant to General Orders Number 365, AFP dated May 11, 1981. 5DPAO / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/05/22/5id37-cgpa-graces-star-division-founding-anniversary/
CAMP MELCHOR DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela (DWDD) – The Commanding General, Philippine Army, Lt General Rolando Joselito D Bautista AFP, served as the Guest of Honor and Speaker during the 5th Infantry Division’s 37th Founding Anniversary Celebration held at 5ID Grandstand, Camp Melchor F Dela Cruz, Upi, Gamu, Isabela on May 21, 2018.
During the occasion, the CGPA leads the giving of honors and recognition to the 5ID Officers, personnel, civilian employees, stakeholders, CAA member and units who demonstrated excellence and outstanding performance in their respective fields of specialty that gives premium on this year’s anniversary theme, “5ID: Moving Towards Perfection @ 37.”
The outstanding awardees of this year anniversary were as follows: Best Junior Officer of the Year, First Lieutenant John Chester S Dalit (INF) PA; Best Enlisted Personnel of the Year, Staff Sergeant Cyril A Pacad (Inf) PA; Best CAA of the Year, CAA Miguel B Baliao PA; and, Best Civilian Employee of the Year, Mr. Emanuel M. Cauilan Jr.
Lt Gen Bautista also pinned the medals to the following military awardees; PFC Mac Nair S Prejilla (MI) PA, Gold Cross Medal; Staff Sergeant Romeo G Palayon (Inf) PA, Silver Cross Medal; and, Sergeant Victorino B Lipi (Inf) PA, Military Merit Medal with Bronze Spearhead Device.
The Command also gives recognition to its outstanding partners who immeasurably contributed to the success of its mission. This year’s outstanding stakeholders were; Atty. Efren M. Beleno; Dr. Regina D. Munda Cruz; Hon. Marilou N. Sachez; Mr. Garry S. Tubban; Mr. Marcelo B. Lihgawon; and, PSSupt Gregory B. Bogñalbal.
MGen Perfecto M Rimando Jr, Commander, 5th Infantry Division, in his message, thanked all the Star Troopers including their families and stakeholders by saying, “With our accomplishments, I would like to thank the Officers, personnel, civilian employees, CAA members and stakeholders, to include every Star Trooper’s family, friends and relatives who are driving our soldiers towards perfection on their work and career.”
“In achieving an organizational excellence, you need to have a team working together and moving in cadence towards one direction. What we achieved this year bespeak of our selfless service to the People of Region2 and Cordillera Region whom we are sworn to serve”, MGen Rimando Jr added, stressing the importance of teamwork to achieve results.
The Command celebrated its anniversary which was activated on May 15, 1981 after its elevation into 5thInfantry Division from the original 5th Infantry Brigade (Separate) pursuant to General Orders Number 365, AFP dated May 11, 1981. 5DPAO / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/05/22/5id37-cgpa-graces-star-division-founding-anniversary/
DWDD: LONGING FOR PEACE | NPA surrenders in Surigao Del Norte
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (May 22): LONGING FOR PEACE | NPA surrenders in Surigao Del Norte
PLACER, Surigao del Norte (DWDD) – A member of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army terrorist (CNT) voluntarily surrendered to 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB) on Saturday 3:00 AM , May 19 2018 at Headquarters 30IB, Barangay Sta Cruz, Placer, Surigao del Norte.
The surrenderee was identified as Jesson Platil Sumalinog also known as (AKA) Bong or Hyson, 24 y/o male, a resident of Sitio Brazil, Barangay Mat-I, Surigao City, Surigao del Norte. He brought along his AK47 rifle with three (3) magazines loaded with eighty-one (81) ammunition.
Sumalinog is a member of Guerilla Front Committee 16B (GFC16B), North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee, operating in the municipalities of San Francisco, Malimono, Mainit and Surigao City, all of Surigao del Norte.
“Perti kalisud akong nasinatian sa kalihukan. Ang kagutom ug kagustuhan makauban akong pamilya ang raspn nga nisurrender ko. (I can no longer take the hardship I had experienced in the life of being a member of the NPA. The hunger and desire to be with my family are the reasons why I decided to surrender)” Sumalinog said.
Sumalinog disclosed that he had conversations with some of the wounded NPA members involved during the encounter at Barangay Can-aga, Malimono last May 5. He further revealed that several NPA members are having second thoughts in continuing the armed struggle because of same difficulties they have been experiencing.
Lieutenant Colonel Allen Raymund Tomas, Commanding Officer of 30IB call on the leadership of the GFC16B to give medical attention to their wounded comrades from the encounter last May 5.
“Wounded NPAs have a right to be treated in a proper medical facility. Leadership of Guerilla Front 16B should not let their wounded comrades be treated with their self-trained medical person in the mountains.” Tomas said.
Government’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) states a former rebel can avail of the P15,000 immediate cash assistance and P50,000 livelihood assistance when they surrender. In addition, the surrendered firearms has equivalent amount of money depending on the serviceability and caliber of the firearm.
“To all active NPA members, I know that you want to go back to your families and live a normal life, it is not too late to abandon the CPP-NPA’s failed ideology. We will be assisting you in your application to the CLIP for you to start a life with your family.” Major General Ronald Villanueva, Commander of 4th Infantry Division said. 4DPAO / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/05/22/longing-for-peace-npa-surrenders-in-surigao-del-norte/
PLACER, Surigao del Norte (DWDD) – A member of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army terrorist (CNT) voluntarily surrendered to 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB) on Saturday 3:00 AM , May 19 2018 at Headquarters 30IB, Barangay Sta Cruz, Placer, Surigao del Norte.
The surrenderee was identified as Jesson Platil Sumalinog also known as (AKA) Bong or Hyson, 24 y/o male, a resident of Sitio Brazil, Barangay Mat-I, Surigao City, Surigao del Norte. He brought along his AK47 rifle with three (3) magazines loaded with eighty-one (81) ammunition.
Sumalinog is a member of Guerilla Front Committee 16B (GFC16B), North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee, operating in the municipalities of San Francisco, Malimono, Mainit and Surigao City, all of Surigao del Norte.
“Perti kalisud akong nasinatian sa kalihukan. Ang kagutom ug kagustuhan makauban akong pamilya ang raspn nga nisurrender ko. (I can no longer take the hardship I had experienced in the life of being a member of the NPA. The hunger and desire to be with my family are the reasons why I decided to surrender)” Sumalinog said.
Sumalinog disclosed that he had conversations with some of the wounded NPA members involved during the encounter at Barangay Can-aga, Malimono last May 5. He further revealed that several NPA members are having second thoughts in continuing the armed struggle because of same difficulties they have been experiencing.
Lieutenant Colonel Allen Raymund Tomas, Commanding Officer of 30IB call on the leadership of the GFC16B to give medical attention to their wounded comrades from the encounter last May 5.
“Wounded NPAs have a right to be treated in a proper medical facility. Leadership of Guerilla Front 16B should not let their wounded comrades be treated with their self-trained medical person in the mountains.” Tomas said.
Government’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) states a former rebel can avail of the P15,000 immediate cash assistance and P50,000 livelihood assistance when they surrender. In addition, the surrendered firearms has equivalent amount of money depending on the serviceability and caliber of the firearm.
“To all active NPA members, I know that you want to go back to your families and live a normal life, it is not too late to abandon the CPP-NPA’s failed ideology. We will be assisting you in your application to the CLIP for you to start a life with your family.” Major General Ronald Villanueva, Commander of 4th Infantry Division said. 4DPAO / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/05/22/longing-for-peace-npa-surrenders-in-surigao-del-norte/
DWDD: LAUNCHING | Marawi and Beyond – Series of Books
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (May 22): LAUNCHING | Marawi and Beyond – Series of Books
RICARTE HALL, Fort Andres Bonifacio, Taguig City (DWDD) – The Philippine Army (PA) launched this morning, May 22, 2018, “Marawi and Beyond (Series of Books – The Joint Task Force Marawi Story) at Ricarte Hall, Philippine Army Officers Clubhouse, Fort Andres Bonifacio, Taguig City.
The first part of the activity opened with a Welcome Remarks by MGen Robert Arevalo, the Vice Commander.
This was followed by the Remarks of Dr Isabel Cojuangco Suntay, Co-Founder, Tarlac Heritage Foundation and Lt Gen Rolando Bautista, Commanding General, Philippine Army, who also introduced the Guest of Honor and Speaker, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.
Also present was Lt Gen Danilo Pamonag, Chief, AFP Southern Luzon Command and former Commander, Joint Task Force Marawi.
Lt Gen Pamonag and Lt Gen Bautista led the Book Signing.
Richard Reynoso and Kuh Ledesma provided Intermission for the event.
The Second part involved the Formal Turn-over of the books to PAMU. AES / Photos by Beth Tanete / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/05/22/launching-marawi-and-beyond-series-of-books/
RICARTE HALL, Fort Andres Bonifacio, Taguig City (DWDD) – The Philippine Army (PA) launched this morning, May 22, 2018, “Marawi and Beyond (Series of Books – The Joint Task Force Marawi Story) at Ricarte Hall, Philippine Army Officers Clubhouse, Fort Andres Bonifacio, Taguig City.
The first part of the activity opened with a Welcome Remarks by MGen Robert Arevalo, the Vice Commander.
This was followed by the Remarks of Dr Isabel Cojuangco Suntay, Co-Founder, Tarlac Heritage Foundation and Lt Gen Rolando Bautista, Commanding General, Philippine Army, who also introduced the Guest of Honor and Speaker, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.
Also present was Lt Gen Danilo Pamonag, Chief, AFP Southern Luzon Command and former Commander, Joint Task Force Marawi.
Lt Gen Pamonag and Lt Gen Bautista led the Book Signing.
Richard Reynoso and Kuh Ledesma provided Intermission for the event.
The Second part involved the Formal Turn-over of the books to PAMU. AES / Photos by Beth Tanete / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/05/22/launching-marawi-and-beyond-series-of-books/
DWDD: ENHANCED CAPABILITIES | PA conducts Cyber Security Subject Matter Exchange with USARPAC
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (May 22): ENHANCED CAPABILITIES | PA conducts Cyber Security Subject Matter Exchange with USARPAC
FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – The Philippine Army conducted the Cyber Security Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) with the United States Army Pacific on May 14 to 18, 2018 at the NCO Clubhouse, Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila.
This year SMEE is a continuation of the cybersecurity efforts of the two armies to enhance capabilities in cyberspace operations which was first held in 2017 at Fort Shafter Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.
During the conduct of the activity, the experts provided lectures and exercises focused on various areas such as Incident Response Operations during cyber-attacks. There was also a Vulnerability Assessment Penetration Testing (VAST) to evaluate the level of readiness and compliance of the Philippine Army critical information infrastructure. A total of 9 officers and 43 enlisted personnel from the Philippine Army and other branches of service were present during the activity.
Through the SMEE, the Philippine Army aims to promote and enhance the cybersecurity culture in the organization in line with its vision to be we world-class Army that is a source of national pride by 2028. OACPA / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/05/22/enhanced-capabilities-pa-conducts-cyber-security-subject-matter-exchange-with-usarpac/
FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – The Philippine Army conducted the Cyber Security Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) with the United States Army Pacific on May 14 to 18, 2018 at the NCO Clubhouse, Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila.
This year SMEE is a continuation of the cybersecurity efforts of the two armies to enhance capabilities in cyberspace operations which was first held in 2017 at Fort Shafter Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.
During the conduct of the activity, the experts provided lectures and exercises focused on various areas such as Incident Response Operations during cyber-attacks. There was also a Vulnerability Assessment Penetration Testing (VAST) to evaluate the level of readiness and compliance of the Philippine Army critical information infrastructure. A total of 9 officers and 43 enlisted personnel from the Philippine Army and other branches of service were present during the activity.
Through the SMEE, the Philippine Army aims to promote and enhance the cybersecurity culture in the organization in line with its vision to be we world-class Army that is a source of national pride by 2028. OACPA / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/05/22/enhanced-capabilities-pa-conducts-cyber-security-subject-matter-exchange-with-usarpac/
3 NPA leaders surrender
From Malaya Business Insight (May 22): 3 NPA leaders surrender
THREE New People’s Army leaders surrendered to the top military official in Metro Manila last week and later led government troops to a cache of rebel firearms hidden in Quirino province.
Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, commander of the military’s Joint Task Force National Capital Region based in Camp Aguinaldo, did not name the three but said the highest-ranked is a platoon leader in Quirino.
The two others who surrendered are a logistics officer and an instructor. Arrojado presented the three to media in Camp Aguinaldo yesterday. The faces of the three were covered for security reasons. They surrendered on May 16.
Acting on information provided by the three, forces of the JTF-NCR, the Army’s 5th Infantry Division, and the PNP went to a forested area in Sitio Kalbo, Barangay Disimungal in Nagtipunan town last Saturday to recover the buried firearms – an M653, five M16, and two M14 rifles -- which were inside plastic containers. Also recovered were ammunition, 15 sets of PNP uniforms, and 14 pairs of combat boots.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/3-npa-leaders-surrender
THREE New People’s Army leaders surrendered to the top military official in Metro Manila last week and later led government troops to a cache of rebel firearms hidden in Quirino province.
Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, commander of the military’s Joint Task Force National Capital Region based in Camp Aguinaldo, did not name the three but said the highest-ranked is a platoon leader in Quirino.
The two others who surrendered are a logistics officer and an instructor. Arrojado presented the three to media in Camp Aguinaldo yesterday. The faces of the three were covered for security reasons. They surrendered on May 16.
Acting on information provided by the three, forces of the JTF-NCR, the Army’s 5th Infantry Division, and the PNP went to a forested area in Sitio Kalbo, Barangay Disimungal in Nagtipunan town last Saturday to recover the buried firearms – an M653, five M16, and two M14 rifles -- which were inside plastic containers. Also recovered were ammunition, 15 sets of PNP uniforms, and 14 pairs of combat boots.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/3-npa-leaders-surrender
NPA rebel brings AK-47 as he surrenders to army
From the Mindanao Times (May 21): NPA rebel brings AK-47 as he surrenders to army
A member of the New People’s Army surrendered to the 30th Infantry Battalion (30th IB) in Barangay Sta Cruz, Placer, Surigao del Norte on Saturday.
1Lt. Tere Ingente, spokesperson of 4th Infantry Division, identified the surrenderee as alias Bong or Hyson, 24, a resident of Sitio Brazil, Barangay Mat-i, Surigao City.
Ingente said he brought along his AK-47 rifle with three magazines loaded with 81 bullets.
Bong was a member of Guerrilla Front Committee 16B (GFC16B), Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee, operating in the municipalities of San Francisco, Malimono, Mainit and Surigao City, all of Surigao del Norte.
“I can no longer take the hardship I experienced in the life of being a member of the NPA. The hunger and desire to be with my family are the reasons why I decided to surrender,” Sumalinog allegedly told the soldiers.
He further revealed that several NPA members are having second thoughts in continuing the armed struggle because of same difficulties.
Lt. Col. Allen Raymund Tomas, commanding officer of the 30th IB called on the leadership of the GFC16B to give medical attention to their wounded comrades from the encounter last May 5.
“The wounded NPAs have a right to be treated in a proper medical facility. The leadership of Guerrilla Front 16B should not let their wounded comrades be treated with their self-trained medical person in the mountains.” Tomas said.
The Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) states a former rebel can avail of the P15,000 immediate cash assistance and P50,000 livelihood assistance when they surrender.
In addition, the surrendered firearms has equivalent amount of money depending on the serviceability and caliber of the firearm.
“To all active NPA members, I know that you want to go back to your families and live a normal life, it is not too late to abandon the CPP-NPA’s failed ideology. We will be assisting you in your application to the CLIP for you to start a life with your family,” Maj. Gen. Ronald Villanueva, commander of 4th Infantry Division, said.
http://mindanaotimes.net/npa-rebel-brings-ak-47-as-he-surrenders-to-army/
A member of the New People’s Army surrendered to the 30th Infantry Battalion (30th IB) in Barangay Sta Cruz, Placer, Surigao del Norte on Saturday.
1Lt. Tere Ingente, spokesperson of 4th Infantry Division, identified the surrenderee as alias Bong or Hyson, 24, a resident of Sitio Brazil, Barangay Mat-i, Surigao City.
Ingente said he brought along his AK-47 rifle with three magazines loaded with 81 bullets.
Bong was a member of Guerrilla Front Committee 16B (GFC16B), Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee, operating in the municipalities of San Francisco, Malimono, Mainit and Surigao City, all of Surigao del Norte.
“I can no longer take the hardship I experienced in the life of being a member of the NPA. The hunger and desire to be with my family are the reasons why I decided to surrender,” Sumalinog allegedly told the soldiers.
He further revealed that several NPA members are having second thoughts in continuing the armed struggle because of same difficulties.
Lt. Col. Allen Raymund Tomas, commanding officer of the 30th IB called on the leadership of the GFC16B to give medical attention to their wounded comrades from the encounter last May 5.
“The wounded NPAs have a right to be treated in a proper medical facility. The leadership of Guerrilla Front 16B should not let their wounded comrades be treated with their self-trained medical person in the mountains.” Tomas said.
The Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) states a former rebel can avail of the P15,000 immediate cash assistance and P50,000 livelihood assistance when they surrender.
In addition, the surrendered firearms has equivalent amount of money depending on the serviceability and caliber of the firearm.
“To all active NPA members, I know that you want to go back to your families and live a normal life, it is not too late to abandon the CPP-NPA’s failed ideology. We will be assisting you in your application to the CLIP for you to start a life with your family,” Maj. Gen. Ronald Villanueva, commander of 4th Infantry Division, said.
http://mindanaotimes.net/npa-rebel-brings-ak-47-as-he-surrenders-to-army/
AFP won't comment on China bombers, but says 'we are doing our mandate'
From Rappler (May 21): AFP won't comment on China bombers, but says 'we are doing our mandate'
'We can assure our people that your armed forces will never renege in its constitutional obligation to help secure and defend the territorial integrity of our nation,' says the AFP
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday, May 21, refused to comment on China's landing bombers at the contested Paracel Islands that reportedly could strike nearly all of the Philippines' islands.
Speaking to reporters who raised the issue, AFP Spokesperson Colonel Edgardo Arevalo announced that the AFP has conducted patrols on the disputed waters. He, however, refused to elaborate the results.
"There are matters of national security that we cannot reveal to you because they necessarily have to be kept in confidence, otherwise we might be violating operational security," Arevalo said.
He said the mission's findings are currently being condensed to a report apparently headed for the eyes only of "higher headquarters and authorities at the national level"—at least for now.
What bombers? This comes after China's state-owned newspaper People's Daily reported of H-6K bombers landing "on an island reef at a southern sea area", later identified by the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) as Woody Island – "China’s largest base in the Paracel Islands."
According to Arevalo, the AFP prefers that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) or the Department of National Defense comment on developments in the South China Sea.
The DFA, in a statement, refused to publicly condemn China, only vowing to monitor the superpower's moves in the disputed sea. "We are taking the appropriate diplomatic action necessary to protect our claims and will continue to do so in the future," the DFA said.
AFP's promise: Nonetheless, Arevalo said that the AFP will be steadfast in protecting the Philippines' sovereign rights should anything undesirable occur. (READ: Duterte pivots to China but his military turns to Australia, Japan)
'We can assure our people that your armed forces will never renege in its constitutional obligation to help secure and defend the territorial integrity of our nation,' says the AFP
SILENCE. AFP Spokesperson Colonel Edgard Arevalo says they have conducted patrols for the China bombers but declines to reveal their findings. Rappler file photo
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday, May 21, refused to comment on China's landing bombers at the contested Paracel Islands that reportedly could strike nearly all of the Philippines' islands.
Speaking to reporters who raised the issue, AFP Spokesperson Colonel Edgardo Arevalo announced that the AFP has conducted patrols on the disputed waters. He, however, refused to elaborate the results.
He said the mission's findings are currently being condensed to a report apparently headed for the eyes only of "higher headquarters and authorities at the national level"—at least for now.
What bombers? This comes after China's state-owned newspaper People's Daily reported of H-6K bombers landing "on an island reef at a southern sea area", later identified by the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) as Woody Island – "China’s largest base in the Paracel Islands."
According to Arevalo, the AFP prefers that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) or the Department of National Defense comment on developments in the South China Sea.
The DFA, in a statement, refused to publicly condemn China, only vowing to monitor the superpower's moves in the disputed sea. "We are taking the appropriate diplomatic action necessary to protect our claims and will continue to do so in the future," the DFA said.
AFP's promise: Nonetheless, Arevalo said that the AFP will be steadfast in protecting the Philippines' sovereign rights should anything undesirable occur. (READ: Duterte pivots to China but his military turns to Australia, Japan)
"What we can assure our people is that your armed forces is doing its mandate [through patrols]...We can assure our people that your armed forces will never renege in its constitutional obligation to help secure and defend the territorial integrity of our nation," Arevalo said.
"There are other things that we are doing but we are not at liberty to reveal to you but these are part and parcel of what we are doing towards a fulfillment of such constitutional [mandate]," Arevalo added.
CHEAT SHEET: The SAF allowances issue
From Rappler (May 22): CHEAT SHEET: The SAF allowances issue
ROBBED? PNP Special Action Force commandos haven't been receiving their subsistence allowances for months. Rappler file photo
The Senate starts on Tuesday morning, May 22, its investigation into the failure of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to release the allowances of its elite unit, the Special Action Force (SAF), over the course of two years.
The unreleased funds amount to P59.8 million, and are also the subject of a parallel probe by the Office of the Ombudsman.
What is the issue about? SAF troopers are entitled to allowances of P30 a day or P900 a month each.
For two years, thousands of troopers didn't receive these allowances, totalling P59.8 million.
For the thousands of SAF personnel who usually are assigned to remote areas, P30 a day in cash already means a lot. They subsist on the meager amount while on the field because they usually leave their salary debit cards with their spouses or families.
Who is at fault? Nobody has been formally accused, but 4 SAF personnel, who apparently had the power over the release of the money, are under investigation:
- Former SAF chief Benjamin Lusad
- Budget and Fiscal Officer Andre Dizon
- SAF Finance Office staff Maila Salazar Bustamante
- SAF FinanceOffice staff James Rodrigo Irica
The 4 cops are facing plunder and malversation charges before the Office of the Ombudsman and have been temporarily relieved from the police service as probes push forward.
Investigations have yet to find out whether the blame goes higher than Lusad or not.
How have the officers explained it? Lusad and Dizon claimed they legally used the millions for operations, trainings, and fellowships.
Since the issue erupted, the accused have not made any public appearance. Lusad has not been responding to Rappler’s questions about his side of the story.
What is the latest development? Dizon recently returned P37 million to the PNP, as confirmed by former PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa and current SAF head Director Noli Taliño.
When he spoke with reporters, Taliño declined to give details of the return, saying his budget officer processed the transaction.
What are questions that need to be answered?
If the allegations of plunder and malversation complaints are true:
- By procedure, how were Lusad and his accomplices able to stow the money away?
- Did higher officials and budget officers of Camp Crame know of the controversy? What did they do to stop SAF from bleeding?
- Why did Dizon return P37 million to the PNP?
- Where is the remaining P22.8 million?
If Lusad and his cohorts are to be believed:
- Where is proof that the allowances budget was allocated for operations and other programs?
- Did Lusad get authorization from higher-ups before moving forward with re-allocating millions from allowances?
SAF ex-budget officer admits: I kept the missing P37M
From Rappler (May 22): SAF ex-budget officer admits: I kept the missing P37M
Senior Superintendent Andre Dizon claims that the money came from allowances delayed of release from 2016 to 2017
Where did the returned P37 million to the Philippine National Police (PNP) Special Action Force (SAF) come from?
The budget officer accused of deliberately not releasing the cash, Senior Superintendent Andre Dizon, said the money came from delayed allowances from 2016 to 2017 up until he was reassigned in January 2018.
He admitted he held on to the money even after he was transferred.
"It’s in my custody sir after we were relieved from SAF sir," Dizon admitted under oath before the Senate committee on public safety and dangerous drugs probing the allowances mess.
According to Dizon, he carried the money for months alone as the SAF apparently still did not immediately have a replacement for him as a budget officer.
Asked by Senator Panfilo Lacson whether he asked his superiors before the move, he admitted that he had done it without the instruction of his immediate boss, embattled former SAF chief Director Benjamin Lusad. (CHEAT SHEET: The SAF allowances issue)
Dizon asserted that the P37 million was all of the allowance money that was not immediately released.
His claim was countered by present budget officer Superintendent Dominic Baccay, who said that the funds that were missing up until January 2018 amounted to P59.8 million.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/203056-andre-dizon-pnp-saf-troopers-allowance-senate-hearing
Senior Superintendent Andre Dizon claims that the money came from allowances delayed of release from 2016 to 2017
WHERE'S THE MONEY? Police SSupt Andre Dizon during the senate hearing on SAF funds on May 22, 2018. Photo by Rambo Talabong/Rappler
Where did the returned P37 million to the Philippine National Police (PNP) Special Action Force (SAF) come from?
The budget officer accused of deliberately not releasing the cash, Senior Superintendent Andre Dizon, said the money came from delayed allowances from 2016 to 2017 up until he was reassigned in January 2018.
He admitted he held on to the money even after he was transferred.
"It’s in my custody sir after we were relieved from SAF sir," Dizon admitted under oath before the Senate committee on public safety and dangerous drugs probing the allowances mess.
According to Dizon, he carried the money for months alone as the SAF apparently still did not immediately have a replacement for him as a budget officer.
Asked by Senator Panfilo Lacson whether he asked his superiors before the move, he admitted that he had done it without the instruction of his immediate boss, embattled former SAF chief Director Benjamin Lusad. (CHEAT SHEET: The SAF allowances issue)
Dizon asserted that the P37 million was all of the allowance money that was not immediately released.
His claim was countered by present budget officer Superintendent Dominic Baccay, who said that the funds that were missing up until January 2018 amounted to P59.8 million.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/203056-andre-dizon-pnp-saf-troopers-allowance-senate-hearing
Ex-SAF chief Lusad, staff blame each other in allowances mess
From Rappler (May 22): Ex-SAF chief Lusad, staff blame each other in allowances mess
'I was focused on the operational aspect of my task and I was actually not very informed,' says former SAF chief Benjamin Lusad
Embattled Philippine National Police (PNP) Special Action Force (SAF) chief Director Benjamin Lusad tried to save himself by passing the blame to his staff on the multi-million SAF allowances mess.
Speaking under oath before the Senate committee on public safety and dangerous drugs on Tuesday, May 22, Lusad claimed that when he led the SAF he was "not very informed" that millions-worth of allowances had not been given to thousands of troopers.
He said he knew that the unit held millions, but he denied knowing that they came from delayed releases.
"Right from the start when I assumed command, I have given my trust and confidence to the members of my staff. I was focused on the operational aspect of my task and I was actually not very informed that such funds would be coming from [the allowances]," Lusad said.
The former SAF chief tried to show that his care and responsibility for finances was limited to regularly asking his budget officer, Senior Superintendent Andre Dizon, whether the unit had more money to spare for SAF "activities". (CHEAT SHEET: The SAF allowances issue)
"When I asked my staff if funds are available, he would answer the positive. I had always the belief that those funds were available for those kinds of activities," Lusad said, presumably referring to training and fellowship programs they claim to have legally allocated the funds for.
Lusad's staff blames him: But his budget officer Dizon deflected the blame, explaining that the release or restriction of allowances is ultimately Lusad's decision.
"Sir, ang [allowances] nirerelease 'pag may clearance sa [SAF] director. Bilang staff, sumusunod lang po ako," Dizon said, defending himself. (Sir, the allowances are only released with the clearance of the SAF director. As staff, I just follow.)
The staff below Dizon also pointed to the top when asked why the allowances had not been released.
Accused SAF Finance Office staff Maila Salazar Bustamante said she only held documents on the release of the funds, while the other accused staff who held the money, James Rodrigo Irica, said he only followed orders from Dizon.
"Ako po 'yung finance PNCO. 'Pag may dumating pong 'kabuhayan' or [allowances], instruction lang po ang iniintay ko kay sir Dizon kung irerelease or hindi," said Irica.
(I am the finance Police Non-Commissioned Officer. When the [allowances] arrive, I just wait instructions from sir Dizon on whether to release them or not.)
The committee inquiry was cut short before any of them could expound on their narratives as the committee chairman, Senator Panfilo Lacson, had to attend another hearing.
They are expected to answer more questions – perhaps clash more with each other – in the following hearings.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/203059-benjamin-lusad-staff-blame-pnp-saf-troopers-allowance-senate-hearing
'I was focused on the operational aspect of my task and I was actually not very informed,' says former SAF chief Benjamin Lusad
BLAME GAME. Police Director Benjamin Lusad during the Senate hearing on SAF funds on May 22, 2018. Photo by Angie de Silva/Rappler
Embattled Philippine National Police (PNP) Special Action Force (SAF) chief Director Benjamin Lusad tried to save himself by passing the blame to his staff on the multi-million SAF allowances mess.
Speaking under oath before the Senate committee on public safety and dangerous drugs on Tuesday, May 22, Lusad claimed that when he led the SAF he was "not very informed" that millions-worth of allowances had not been given to thousands of troopers.
He said he knew that the unit held millions, but he denied knowing that they came from delayed releases.
"Right from the start when I assumed command, I have given my trust and confidence to the members of my staff. I was focused on the operational aspect of my task and I was actually not very informed that such funds would be coming from [the allowances]," Lusad said.
The former SAF chief tried to show that his care and responsibility for finances was limited to regularly asking his budget officer, Senior Superintendent Andre Dizon, whether the unit had more money to spare for SAF "activities". (CHEAT SHEET: The SAF allowances issue)
"When I asked my staff if funds are available, he would answer the positive. I had always the belief that those funds were available for those kinds of activities," Lusad said, presumably referring to training and fellowship programs they claim to have legally allocated the funds for.
JUST FOLLOWING? Police SSupt Andre Dizon during the senate hearing on SAF funds on May 22, 2018. Photo by Angie de Silva/Rappler
Lusad's staff blames him: But his budget officer Dizon deflected the blame, explaining that the release or restriction of allowances is ultimately Lusad's decision.
"Sir, ang [allowances] nirerelease 'pag may clearance sa [SAF] director. Bilang staff, sumusunod lang po ako," Dizon said, defending himself. (Sir, the allowances are only released with the clearance of the SAF director. As staff, I just follow.)
The staff below Dizon also pointed to the top when asked why the allowances had not been released.
Accused SAF Finance Office staff Maila Salazar Bustamante said she only held documents on the release of the funds, while the other accused staff who held the money, James Rodrigo Irica, said he only followed orders from Dizon.
"Ako po 'yung finance PNCO. 'Pag may dumating pong 'kabuhayan' or [allowances], instruction lang po ang iniintay ko kay sir Dizon kung irerelease or hindi," said Irica.
(I am the finance Police Non-Commissioned Officer. When the [allowances] arrive, I just wait instructions from sir Dizon on whether to release them or not.)
The committee inquiry was cut short before any of them could expound on their narratives as the committee chairman, Senator Panfilo Lacson, had to attend another hearing.
They are expected to answer more questions – perhaps clash more with each other – in the following hearings.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/203059-benjamin-lusad-staff-blame-pnp-saf-troopers-allowance-senate-hearing
Duterte wants to revive 'militaristic' training for PNP
From Rappler (May 22): Duterte wants to revive 'militaristic' training for PNP
The civilian character of the police force, says President Duterte, has led to 'lousy' individuals joining its ranks
One way to weed out corrupt cops is to bring back "militaristic" training to police forces, said President Rodrigo Duterte.
On Tuesday, May 22, he said he is considering changing the way Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel are trained supposedly to ensure the integrity of the force.
"I think that I might return the training itself and the militaristic activity training of the police back into the PNP itself. It has not done good since we transferred it to a public safety," said Duterte.
The remark harks back to an idea he voiced back in 2016 to revive the Philippine Constabulary. Before the 1987 Constitution, the PC was a major service command of the military. During the Marcos regime, it took the lead in implementing martial law.
The 1987 Constitution called for the creation of a national police force that is civilian in character to do away with a "militarized police."
Duterte said the changed character of the PNP led to the recruitment of "lousy" individuals into the police force.
"The system, it ain't working and we’re producing, to my mind, some lousy men getting into the service under questionable circumstances," said Duterte.
A lack of background checks also contributed to this, he said.
"Marami diyan mga salbahe (There are many of them) who are really criminal but who maneuvered somehow to get into the service," added the President.
Duterte had previously said he wanted the PC to take the lead in implementing his campaign against illegal drugs. He has often said in speeches that he prefers to place military men in top civilian positions since they are more likely to strictly follow orders.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/203124-duterte-revive-militaristic-training-philippine-national-police
The civilian character of the police force, says President Duterte, has led to 'lousy' individuals joining its ranks
FIXING THE POLICE. President Rodrigo Duterte speaks at the Philippine Navy anniversary on May 22, 2018. RTVM screenshot
One way to weed out corrupt cops is to bring back "militaristic" training to police forces, said President Rodrigo Duterte.
On Tuesday, May 22, he said he is considering changing the way Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel are trained supposedly to ensure the integrity of the force.
"I think that I might return the training itself and the militaristic activity training of the police back into the PNP itself. It has not done good since we transferred it to a public safety," said Duterte.
The remark harks back to an idea he voiced back in 2016 to revive the Philippine Constabulary. Before the 1987 Constitution, the PC was a major service command of the military. During the Marcos regime, it took the lead in implementing martial law.
The 1987 Constitution called for the creation of a national police force that is civilian in character to do away with a "militarized police."
Duterte said the changed character of the PNP led to the recruitment of "lousy" individuals into the police force.
"The system, it ain't working and we’re producing, to my mind, some lousy men getting into the service under questionable circumstances," said Duterte.
A lack of background checks also contributed to this, he said.
"Marami diyan mga salbahe (There are many of them) who are really criminal but who maneuvered somehow to get into the service," added the President.
Duterte had previously said he wanted the PC to take the lead in implementing his campaign against illegal drugs. He has often said in speeches that he prefers to place military men in top civilian positions since they are more likely to strictly follow orders.
Mother of slain minor forced to admit son as NPA
From the often pro-Communist Party of the Philippines online publication the Davao Today (May 21): Mother of slain minor forced to admit son as NPA
Mother of slain 15-year-old Jhun Mark Acto feared for her life after several unidentified men went to their house in Old Bulatukan, Makilala town, North Cotabato.
Jhun Mark was killed during an encounter between the government troops and the New People’s Army last April 21 in Sta. Cruz Davao del Sur.
The military has identified the slain boy as a member of the New People’s Army and reported that an M16 rifle and grenade were found in the boy’s body.
His mother, Marissa Acto,has denied that her son was an NPA rebel. Acto was a grade 8 student of Ricardo L. Ipong National High School.
She said after they buried her son last April 29, several men went to their house several times to convince her family that Jhun Mark was a member of the NPA.
Acto also said that some of the men have asked her mobile number but she refused to give in.
In a fact-finding mission held on May 19, 2018 in Sitio Bayungon, Barangay Astorga in Sta. Cruz, human rights group KARAPATAN Southern Mindanao and Childrens Rehabilitation Center (CRC) have documented several cases of human rights violations.
KARAPATAN said that the military violated the International Humanitarian Law with civilians as shields during it’s counter-insurgency operations.
They have also documented cases of Extrajudicial and frustrated killings as well as the illegal arrest of Jessa Bernabe Lumana, a 23-year-old resident of Sitio Langan Barangay Coronon who was charged with illegal possession of explosives.
They added that one Jellyto Antonio, 43, was also charged with illegal possession of firearms. Both of them are currently detained in Sta. Cruz Municipal Police Station.
The group also recorded a violation of Children’s rights to protection and safety as well as the displacement of 67 families affected by the incident.
KARAPATAN urged the Regional Peace and Order Council to investigate the cases of human rights and international humanitarian law violations and recommended for the filing of charges and prosecution of the perpetrators from the 39th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Sent.
The human rights group also called for the indemnification of the family of Jhun Mark Acto and other victims.
http://davaotoday.com/main/human-rights/mother-of-slain-minor-forced-to-admit-son-as-npa/
Mother of slain 15-year-old Jhun Mark Acto feared for her life after several unidentified men went to their house in Old Bulatukan, Makilala town, North Cotabato.
Jhun Mark was killed during an encounter between the government troops and the New People’s Army last April 21 in Sta. Cruz Davao del Sur.
The military has identified the slain boy as a member of the New People’s Army and reported that an M16 rifle and grenade were found in the boy’s body.
His mother, Marissa Acto,has denied that her son was an NPA rebel. Acto was a grade 8 student of Ricardo L. Ipong National High School.
She said after they buried her son last April 29, several men went to their house several times to convince her family that Jhun Mark was a member of the NPA.
Acto also said that some of the men have asked her mobile number but she refused to give in.
In a fact-finding mission held on May 19, 2018 in Sitio Bayungon, Barangay Astorga in Sta. Cruz, human rights group KARAPATAN Southern Mindanao and Childrens Rehabilitation Center (CRC) have documented several cases of human rights violations.
KARAPATAN said that the military violated the International Humanitarian Law with civilians as shields during it’s counter-insurgency operations.
They have also documented cases of Extrajudicial and frustrated killings as well as the illegal arrest of Jessa Bernabe Lumana, a 23-year-old resident of Sitio Langan Barangay Coronon who was charged with illegal possession of explosives.
They added that one Jellyto Antonio, 43, was also charged with illegal possession of firearms. Both of them are currently detained in Sta. Cruz Municipal Police Station.
The group also recorded a violation of Children’s rights to protection and safety as well as the displacement of 67 families affected by the incident.
KARAPATAN urged the Regional Peace and Order Council to investigate the cases of human rights and international humanitarian law violations and recommended for the filing of charges and prosecution of the perpetrators from the 39th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Sent.
The human rights group also called for the indemnification of the family of Jhun Mark Acto and other victims.
http://davaotoday.com/main/human-rights/mother-of-slain-minor-forced-to-admit-son-as-npa/
Another Abu Sayyaf kidnap victim released – OPPAP
From MindaNews (May 22): Another Abu Sayyaf kidnap victim released – OPPAP
Jolo-based district engineer Enrico Nee was released on Monday in Patikul, Sulu more than four months after he was abducted by the Abu Sayyaf Group.
The release of another Abu Sayyaf kidnap victim came only two days after the terrorist group freed P02 Benierose Alvarez and PO 1 Dinah Gumahad, who were abducted on April 29.
A press release issued by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) on Monday said that the armed men took at gunpoint Nee, a district engineer of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), last February 14 near his house in Barangay Kasalamatan, Jolo while he was waiting for his ride.
OPAPP said that Nee was reunited with his family on Monday after Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza turned him over to them in Zamboanga City.
The chief peace adviser said they are doing their best to release all the kidnap victims upon instructions of President Rodrigo R. Duterte, noting that the Abu Sayyaf still holds a number of captives, including foreigners, in Sulu.
Dureza added that the victim’s release was the result of the collective efforts of government security forces, the local government unit of Sulu, private volunteers, and the anti-kidnapping groups of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
According to Joint Task Force Sulu commander Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, residents found the victim around 8 a.m. in Patikul after he was left by his captors.
“His presence in Barangay Latih caught the attention of the civilians, who were prompted to report the matter to the district engineer of DPWH District 1 who immediately dispatched vehicles to pick him up,” Dureza said.
Last Saturday, the two policewomen were turned over in Davao City to President Duterte, who said he asked MNLF founding chair Nur Misuari to pick up the rescued victims along with Dureza.
OPAPP said Alvarez and Gumahad, along with other two civilians, were taken by armed men in Patikul. It said they had come from Camp Teodulfo Bautista near the Jolo Airport when their tricycle was waylaid by armed men.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2018/05/another-abu-sayyaf-kidnap-victim-released-oppap/
Jolo-based district engineer Enrico Nee was released on Monday in Patikul, Sulu more than four months after he was abducted by the Abu Sayyaf Group.
The release of another Abu Sayyaf kidnap victim came only two days after the terrorist group freed P02 Benierose Alvarez and PO 1 Dinah Gumahad, who were abducted on April 29.
A press release issued by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) on Monday said that the armed men took at gunpoint Nee, a district engineer of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), last February 14 near his house in Barangay Kasalamatan, Jolo while he was waiting for his ride.
OPAPP said that Nee was reunited with his family on Monday after Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza turned him over to them in Zamboanga City.
The chief peace adviser said they are doing their best to release all the kidnap victims upon instructions of President Rodrigo R. Duterte, noting that the Abu Sayyaf still holds a number of captives, including foreigners, in Sulu.
Dureza added that the victim’s release was the result of the collective efforts of government security forces, the local government unit of Sulu, private volunteers, and the anti-kidnapping groups of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
According to Joint Task Force Sulu commander Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, residents found the victim around 8 a.m. in Patikul after he was left by his captors.
“His presence in Barangay Latih caught the attention of the civilians, who were prompted to report the matter to the district engineer of DPWH District 1 who immediately dispatched vehicles to pick him up,” Dureza said.
Last Saturday, the two policewomen were turned over in Davao City to President Duterte, who said he asked MNLF founding chair Nur Misuari to pick up the rescued victims along with Dureza.
OPAPP said Alvarez and Gumahad, along with other two civilians, were taken by armed men in Patikul. It said they had come from Camp Teodulfo Bautista near the Jolo Airport when their tricycle was waylaid by armed men.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2018/05/another-abu-sayyaf-kidnap-victim-released-oppap/
Grenade explodes in Basilan house
From the Mindanao Examiner (May 21): Grenade explodes in Basilan house
BASILAN – A grenade attack late Monday has damaged a house in the restive province of Basilan in southern Philippines, but police said no one was killed or injured in the blast.
Police said the grenade exploded in the house of the 60-year widow Nasra Dansalan in the village of Aguada in Isabela City. Dansalan was watching television with her relatives when the explosion occurred, according to Chief Inspector Helen Galvez, a regional police spokeswoman.
“The occupant of the house together with her relatives was watching TV when they heard a loud explosion at their balcony. After verification, it turn out the ceiling of the house was damaged from the explosion,” she said.
Policemen, who responded to the blast, have recovered the safety lever of an MK2 fragmentation grenade. The motive of the attack is still unknown and no individual or group claimed responsibility for the explosion.
http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2018/05/grenade-explodes-in-basilan-house.html
BASILAN – A grenade attack late Monday has damaged a house in the restive province of Basilan in southern Philippines, but police said no one was killed or injured in the blast.
Police said the grenade exploded in the house of the 60-year widow Nasra Dansalan in the village of Aguada in Isabela City. Dansalan was watching television with her relatives when the explosion occurred, according to Chief Inspector Helen Galvez, a regional police spokeswoman.
“The occupant of the house together with her relatives was watching TV when they heard a loud explosion at their balcony. After verification, it turn out the ceiling of the house was damaged from the explosion,” she said.
Policemen, who responded to the blast, have recovered the safety lever of an MK2 fragmentation grenade. The motive of the attack is still unknown and no individual or group claimed responsibility for the explosion.
http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2018/05/grenade-explodes-in-basilan-house.html
53 NPA turn themselves in to AFP in Agusan del Sur
From the Philippine Information Agency (May 22): 53 NPA turn themselves in to AFP in Agusan del Sur
With the surrender of 13 NPA militias over the weekend, 53 rebels have been totted up to have turned themselves in to the military in Agusan del Sur.
Col. Andres Centino, commander of the 401st Infantry (Unity) Brigade of the Philippine Army (PA) based in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, credited the feat to the effort of the Community Support Team (CST) deployed in the insurgency-affected areas assigned to the 75th Infantry (Marauder) Battalion under LTC Jaime Datuin with headquarters located in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur.
“It is a composite team headed by LTC Datuin comprised of men taken from the 26th Infantry Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Battalion, PNP-Agusan del Sur, and the 75th Infantry Battalion,” the brigade chief noted.
He said that Datuin’s area of responsibility (AOR) “covers not only the southern part of Surigao del Sur but also San Francisco, Rosario and Bunawan towns in Agusan del Sur.”
Earlier, Col. Centino confirmed the surrender of 13 NPA militias to the battalion commander in Bunawan Brook, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur.
Prior to this, the brigade chief made mention of similar event that took place a little earlier with bunch of NPA militias giving up their cause and returning to the fold of the law due to “relentless offensive operations.”
“They have already come to realize the inutility of their cause,” Col. Centino further remarked.
“The group of NPA who had yielded ahead were in batches of 15, 10, and another 15 members,” Col. Centino went on saying.
http://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1008166
With the surrender of 13 NPA militias over the weekend, 53 rebels have been totted up to have turned themselves in to the military in Agusan del Sur.
Col. Andres Centino, commander of the 401st Infantry (Unity) Brigade of the Philippine Army (PA) based in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, credited the feat to the effort of the Community Support Team (CST) deployed in the insurgency-affected areas assigned to the 75th Infantry (Marauder) Battalion under LTC Jaime Datuin with headquarters located in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur.
“It is a composite team headed by LTC Datuin comprised of men taken from the 26th Infantry Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Battalion, PNP-Agusan del Sur, and the 75th Infantry Battalion,” the brigade chief noted.
He said that Datuin’s area of responsibility (AOR) “covers not only the southern part of Surigao del Sur but also San Francisco, Rosario and Bunawan towns in Agusan del Sur.”
Earlier, Col. Centino confirmed the surrender of 13 NPA militias to the battalion commander in Bunawan Brook, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur.
Prior to this, the brigade chief made mention of similar event that took place a little earlier with bunch of NPA militias giving up their cause and returning to the fold of the law due to “relentless offensive operations.”
“They have already come to realize the inutility of their cause,” Col. Centino further remarked.
“The group of NPA who had yielded ahead were in batches of 15, 10, and another 15 members,” Col. Centino went on saying.
http://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1008166
Army honors outstanding soldiers, stakeholders
From the Philippine Information Agency (May 22): Army honors outstanding soldiers, stakeholders
CAMP MELCHOR DELA CRUZ, GAMU, Isabela -- The Philippine Army’s 5th Infantry Division based in this province recently recognized the significant contributions of selected military, civilian personnel and partners during its 37th founding anniversary celebration.
Army Capt. Jefferson Somera, 5th ID public affairs officer, said the annual recognition is one of their ways to thank and honor the exemplary contribution of their soldiers, civilian employees and stakeholders who had exhibited courage and heroism in the attainment of the division’s mission and peace and development campaigns.
Among the recognized soldiers are 1st Lt. John Chester Dalit as Best Junior Officer; Staff Sgt. Cyrill Pacad as Best Enlisted Personnel of the Year; Miguel Baliao as Best CAFGU Active Auxiliary; and Emmanuel Cauilan Jr. as Best Civilian Employee of the Year.
Stakeholders from various sectors who also received recognition for extending their support to the army division include Atty. Efren Beleno, Dr. Regina Munda Cruz, San Guillermo Mayor Marilou Sanchez, Mr. Marcelo Lingawon and PS/Supt. Gregory Bognalbal.
Maj. Gen. Perfecto Rimando Jr, 5th ID commanding officer, thanked all the awardees in their untiring support particularly in promoting the division’s programs and activities in its area of operations.
Meanwhile, Rimando challenged his soldiers to continue serve the Filipino people and secure the motherland.
http://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1008172
CAMP MELCHOR DELA CRUZ, GAMU, Isabela -- The Philippine Army’s 5th Infantry Division based in this province recently recognized the significant contributions of selected military, civilian personnel and partners during its 37th founding anniversary celebration.
Army Capt. Jefferson Somera, 5th ID public affairs officer, said the annual recognition is one of their ways to thank and honor the exemplary contribution of their soldiers, civilian employees and stakeholders who had exhibited courage and heroism in the attainment of the division’s mission and peace and development campaigns.
Among the recognized soldiers are 1st Lt. John Chester Dalit as Best Junior Officer; Staff Sgt. Cyrill Pacad as Best Enlisted Personnel of the Year; Miguel Baliao as Best CAFGU Active Auxiliary; and Emmanuel Cauilan Jr. as Best Civilian Employee of the Year.
Stakeholders from various sectors who also received recognition for extending their support to the army division include Atty. Efren Beleno, Dr. Regina Munda Cruz, San Guillermo Mayor Marilou Sanchez, Mr. Marcelo Lingawon and PS/Supt. Gregory Bognalbal.
Maj. Gen. Perfecto Rimando Jr, 5th ID commanding officer, thanked all the awardees in their untiring support particularly in promoting the division’s programs and activities in its area of operations.
Meanwhile, Rimando challenged his soldiers to continue serve the Filipino people and secure the motherland.
http://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1008172
Abu Sayyaf release government engineer
From the Philippine News Agency (May 21): Abu Sayyaf release government engineer
The Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) released Monday the government engineer they seized over three months ago in the province of Sulu, a top military official said.
Freed from captivity was Engr. Enrico Nee of the Sulu first engineering district of the Department of Public Works and Highways in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DPWH-ARMM), according to Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force Sulu commander.
Sobejana said Nee was freed around 8 a.m. Monday in Barangay Latih, Patikul, Sulu.
“Said KV (kidnap victim) was left in the said place as he has health problems.” Sobejana said.
Nee caught the attention of residents in Barangay Latih who reported the latter's presence to the office of Sulu's first district engineer, who in turn immediately dispatched vehicles to pick the victim up, the military official added.
Nee underwent medical check-up after he was fetched from the DPWH office to the Joint Task Force Sulu headquarters in Camp General Teodulfo Bautista in Barangay, Busbus, Jolo.
The Abu Sayyaf bandits seized Nee in the morning of February 14 in Barangay San Raymundo, Jolo, while he was on his way to report for work at the DPWH District 1 office.
Sobejana said Nee recalled that he was cornered by seven heavily armed men on board a tamaraw jeep.
Nee was brought to the mountainous part of Patikul where a bigger ASG formation was waiting.
He counted three armed clashes between the military and the ASG during the period of his captivity.
Nee said the ASG may have released him because he delays their movement due to his health condition.
Sobejana said the military remains relentless in its security and rescue operations to recover the remaining kidnap victims.
The Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf bandits are still holding captive nine people consisting of five foreigners--three Indonesians, one Vietnamese and one Dutch--and three Filipinos.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1035918
The Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) released Monday the government engineer they seized over three months ago in the province of Sulu, a top military official said.
Freed from captivity was Engr. Enrico Nee of the Sulu first engineering district of the Department of Public Works and Highways in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DPWH-ARMM), according to Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force Sulu commander.
Sobejana said Nee was freed around 8 a.m. Monday in Barangay Latih, Patikul, Sulu.
“Said KV (kidnap victim) was left in the said place as he has health problems.” Sobejana said.
Nee caught the attention of residents in Barangay Latih who reported the latter's presence to the office of Sulu's first district engineer, who in turn immediately dispatched vehicles to pick the victim up, the military official added.
Nee underwent medical check-up after he was fetched from the DPWH office to the Joint Task Force Sulu headquarters in Camp General Teodulfo Bautista in Barangay, Busbus, Jolo.
The Abu Sayyaf bandits seized Nee in the morning of February 14 in Barangay San Raymundo, Jolo, while he was on his way to report for work at the DPWH District 1 office.
Sobejana said Nee recalled that he was cornered by seven heavily armed men on board a tamaraw jeep.
Nee was brought to the mountainous part of Patikul where a bigger ASG formation was waiting.
He counted three armed clashes between the military and the ASG during the period of his captivity.
Nee said the ASG may have released him because he delays their movement due to his health condition.
Sobejana said the military remains relentless in its security and rescue operations to recover the remaining kidnap victims.
The Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf bandits are still holding captive nine people consisting of five foreigners--three Indonesians, one Vietnamese and one Dutch--and three Filipinos.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1035918
Gunmen kill police officer in Davao Oriental
From the Philippine News Agency (May 22): Gunmen kill police officer in Davao Oriental
DAVAO CITY--Motorcycle riding gunmen shot dead a police officer in Davao Oriental Monday evening.
Chief Insp. Milgrace Driz, Police Regional Office-11 (PRO-11) spokesperson, identified the victim as PO3 Walter Canja, who was assigned with the Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Davao Oriental Police Provincial Office.
Based on the report, Driz said Canja was driving a pick-up car around 7:00 p.m. on May 2 on his way home from the public market in poblacion area in Purok Trabahador Menzi in Barangay Dahican, Mati City, when he was attacked by the suspects.
Driz said the two suspects wearing bonnets overtook Canja's vehicle Canja and shot the police officer, hitting the latter in different parts of his body.
The suspects fled to unknown direction after the incident. The Mati City Police Station said it is conducting a thorough investigation to identify the suspects behind the killing.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1035972
DAVAO CITY--Motorcycle riding gunmen shot dead a police officer in Davao Oriental Monday evening.
Chief Insp. Milgrace Driz, Police Regional Office-11 (PRO-11) spokesperson, identified the victim as PO3 Walter Canja, who was assigned with the Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Davao Oriental Police Provincial Office.
Based on the report, Driz said Canja was driving a pick-up car around 7:00 p.m. on May 2 on his way home from the public market in poblacion area in Purok Trabahador Menzi in Barangay Dahican, Mati City, when he was attacked by the suspects.
Driz said the two suspects wearing bonnets overtook Canja's vehicle Canja and shot the police officer, hitting the latter in different parts of his body.
The suspects fled to unknown direction after the incident. The Mati City Police Station said it is conducting a thorough investigation to identify the suspects behind the killing.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1035972
Visiting PMA cadets plant 3K acacia seedlings in Bacolod City
From the Philippine News Agency (May 22): Visiting PMA cadets plant 3K acacia seedlings in Bacolod City
SEEDLINGS FOR PLANTING. Some of the cadets of the Philippine Military Academy 'Masidlawin' Class of 2020 planting acacia mangium seedlings at Arao Relocation Site in Barangay Vista Alegre, Bacolod City on Monday (May 21, 2018). (Photo courtesy of Bacolod City PIO)
BACOLOD CITY -- The 269 visiting cadets of the Philippine Military Academy’s (PMA) “Masidlawin” Class of 2020 planted 3,000 acacia mangium seedlings in this city on Monday as part of the activities during their tour in Negros Occidental.
The cadets, together with six PMA officials, including Navy Captain Salvador Lavapie Jr., were joined by City Administrator John Orola and Environment and Natural Resources Office-Bacolod head Maximino Sillo during the tree-growing activity at Arao Relocation Site in Barangay Vista Alegre.
Lavapie expressed his thanks to Mayor Evelio Leonardia for the assistance of the city government.
Orola received the plaque of appreciation for the mayor from Lavapie.
The cadets started their tour last Thursday, visiting the Bacolod City Government Center where they initially met with Orola.
Lt. Col. Reynaldo Balido, chief of PMA Public Affairs Office, said the cadets are touring selected cities in Visayas and Mindanao to learn about the various military units in these areas, and be oriented about local customs and traditions.
On Friday, the cadets proceeded to neighboring Bago City, where they laid a wreath at the monument of General Juan Araneta, and some of them performed silent drills at the Manuel Y. Torres Sports Complex.
They also set up a recruitment booth, and conducted a coastal cleanup in Barangay Sampinit.
On Saturday, they launched the Host Parents Program at Bago’s Bantayan Park at 5 p.m. They also held performed silent drills at the Provincial Capitol Lagoon and Park in Bacolod.
The “Masidlawin” Class includes two cadets from Bacolod City, one from Bago City, five from Iloilo City, and two from Antique.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1036002
SEEDLINGS FOR PLANTING. Some of the cadets of the Philippine Military Academy 'Masidlawin' Class of 2020 planting acacia mangium seedlings at Arao Relocation Site in Barangay Vista Alegre, Bacolod City on Monday (May 21, 2018). (Photo courtesy of Bacolod City PIO)
BACOLOD CITY -- The 269 visiting cadets of the Philippine Military Academy’s (PMA) “Masidlawin” Class of 2020 planted 3,000 acacia mangium seedlings in this city on Monday as part of the activities during their tour in Negros Occidental.
The cadets, together with six PMA officials, including Navy Captain Salvador Lavapie Jr., were joined by City Administrator John Orola and Environment and Natural Resources Office-Bacolod head Maximino Sillo during the tree-growing activity at Arao Relocation Site in Barangay Vista Alegre.
Lavapie expressed his thanks to Mayor Evelio Leonardia for the assistance of the city government.
Orola received the plaque of appreciation for the mayor from Lavapie.
The cadets started their tour last Thursday, visiting the Bacolod City Government Center where they initially met with Orola.
Lt. Col. Reynaldo Balido, chief of PMA Public Affairs Office, said the cadets are touring selected cities in Visayas and Mindanao to learn about the various military units in these areas, and be oriented about local customs and traditions.
On Friday, the cadets proceeded to neighboring Bago City, where they laid a wreath at the monument of General Juan Araneta, and some of them performed silent drills at the Manuel Y. Torres Sports Complex.
They also set up a recruitment booth, and conducted a coastal cleanup in Barangay Sampinit.
On Saturday, they launched the Host Parents Program at Bago’s Bantayan Park at 5 p.m. They also held performed silent drills at the Provincial Capitol Lagoon and Park in Bacolod.
The “Masidlawin” Class includes two cadets from Bacolod City, one from Bago City, five from Iloilo City, and two from Antique.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1036002
AFP yet to confirm reports on new Maute-ISIS leader
From the Philippine News Agency (May 21): AFP yet to confirm reports on new Maute-ISIS leader
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has yet to confirm reports claiming that Owayda Benito Marohomsar alias "Huwam" and "Abu Dar" is the new leader of the Maute-ISIS Group.
Despite the lack of information, AFP spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo said that this will not lessen their efforts to totally defeat the terror group.
"I cannot confirm that (Marohomsar took over) dahil wala akong information (because I don't have information) regarding that but whoever is going take over or attempting to take over, we are set to defeat them, we owe our people na hindi na mauulit ang nangyari sa (that what happened before will not happen again in) Marawi City," he added.
To ensure this, Arevalo said the military needs the full support and cooperation of the citizenry in locating and tracking down these terrorists.
Marohomsar, who was among the few surviving Maute-ISIS Group leaders, reportedly managed to evade the military dragnet in Marawi City which killed most of his companions last year.
Killed in the campaign to liberate Marawi City were Isnilon Hapilon, top leader of the Islamic-inspired extremist group and Omar Maute, one of the co-founders of the Maute-ISIS Group.
Reportedly, Marohomsar took command of the terrorist band and is now engaged in recruiting new members for his decimated band which suffered heavy losses in the five-month battle in Marawi City.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1035894
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has yet to confirm reports claiming that Owayda Benito Marohomsar alias "Huwam" and "Abu Dar" is the new leader of the Maute-ISIS Group.
Despite the lack of information, AFP spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo said that this will not lessen their efforts to totally defeat the terror group.
"I cannot confirm that (Marohomsar took over) dahil wala akong information (because I don't have information) regarding that but whoever is going take over or attempting to take over, we are set to defeat them, we owe our people na hindi na mauulit ang nangyari sa (that what happened before will not happen again in) Marawi City," he added.
To ensure this, Arevalo said the military needs the full support and cooperation of the citizenry in locating and tracking down these terrorists.
Marohomsar, who was among the few surviving Maute-ISIS Group leaders, reportedly managed to evade the military dragnet in Marawi City which killed most of his companions last year.
Killed in the campaign to liberate Marawi City were Isnilon Hapilon, top leader of the Islamic-inspired extremist group and Omar Maute, one of the co-founders of the Maute-ISIS Group.
Reportedly, Marohomsar took command of the terrorist band and is now engaged in recruiting new members for his decimated band which suffered heavy losses in the five-month battle in Marawi City.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1035894
Air, maritime patrols off WPS continue: AFP
From the Philippine News Agency (May 22): Air, maritime patrols off WPS continue: AFP
Philippine maritime and air patrols off the West Philippine Sea (WPS) are still ongoing despite developments in the region, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo said.
"Lagi nating sinasabi na pagkukumento tungkol sa mga nagiging development sa West Philippine Sea ay nasa kamay po ng (We always say that the ones giving comments on the developments on the West Philippine Sea are the) Department of Foreign Affairs or Department of National Defense. But what we can assure our people is that your AFP is doing its mandate, gaya ng binanggit ko (like what I said) last time," Arevalo said in an interview Monday.
"Nagpapatuloy naman po ang ating kino-conduct na air and maritime patrols na ginagawa sa mga lugar na yan at lahat ng ating namo-monitor ay ipini-feed po natin sa ating (We continue to conduct air and maritime patrols in those areas and we feed everything that we monitor to our) national leadership because matters of national policy, matters of foreign relations is not a matter for the AFP to speak of," he added.
Arevalo also assured the public that the military will never renege on its constitutional obligation to help secure and defend the country's territorial integrity.
"There are other things that we are doing but we are not at liberty to reveal (them) to you. But these are part and parcel of what we are doing towards the fullfilment of such constitutional (mandate)," he said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1035989
Philippine maritime and air patrols off the West Philippine Sea (WPS) are still ongoing despite developments in the region, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo said.
"Lagi nating sinasabi na pagkukumento tungkol sa mga nagiging development sa West Philippine Sea ay nasa kamay po ng (We always say that the ones giving comments on the developments on the West Philippine Sea are the) Department of Foreign Affairs or Department of National Defense. But what we can assure our people is that your AFP is doing its mandate, gaya ng binanggit ko (like what I said) last time," Arevalo said in an interview Monday.
"Nagpapatuloy naman po ang ating kino-conduct na air and maritime patrols na ginagawa sa mga lugar na yan at lahat ng ating namo-monitor ay ipini-feed po natin sa ating (We continue to conduct air and maritime patrols in those areas and we feed everything that we monitor to our) national leadership because matters of national policy, matters of foreign relations is not a matter for the AFP to speak of," he added.
Arevalo also assured the public that the military will never renege on its constitutional obligation to help secure and defend the country's territorial integrity.
"There are other things that we are doing but we are not at liberty to reveal (them) to you. But these are part and parcel of what we are doing towards the fullfilment of such constitutional (mandate)," he said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1035989
85% of unexploded ordnance in Marawi City cleared: AFP spox
From the Philippine News Agency (May 22): 85% of unexploded ordnance in Marawi City cleared: AFP spox
Military units in Marawi City have cleared 85 percent of the ordnance that did not explode during the fierce fighting between government forces and Maute-Group terrorists last year.
Col. Edgard Arevalo, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson, said the clearing and rehabilitation operations are being conducted by engineering units of the Philippine Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Arevalo said the removal of unexploded ordnance is a high-priority mission as rehabilitation works would not progress well without it.
He, however, did not give an exact date on when the remaining 15 percent would be cleared.
"May mga 15 percent pa kasi yung area (Marawi), hindi ako makapag-cite ng exact na petsa (About 15 percent of the area has yet to be cleared. I cannot cite an exact date) but what we are very sure about is nagtutuloy yung ating ginagawang operations (our operations are ongoing)," the AFP spokesperson said.
Fighting in Marawi City began on May 23 and ended on Oct. 23 last year.
More than 1,000 members of the Islamic State-inspired Maute Group were neutralized in the fighting, including IS "emir" in Southeast Asia Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute, founder of the terror organization.
Meanwhile, some 200 soldiers and civilians perished in the fighting.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1035990
Military units in Marawi City have cleared 85 percent of the ordnance that did not explode during the fierce fighting between government forces and Maute-Group terrorists last year.
Col. Edgard Arevalo, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson, said the clearing and rehabilitation operations are being conducted by engineering units of the Philippine Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Arevalo said the removal of unexploded ordnance is a high-priority mission as rehabilitation works would not progress well without it.
He, however, did not give an exact date on when the remaining 15 percent would be cleared.
"May mga 15 percent pa kasi yung area (Marawi), hindi ako makapag-cite ng exact na petsa (About 15 percent of the area has yet to be cleared. I cannot cite an exact date) but what we are very sure about is nagtutuloy yung ating ginagawang operations (our operations are ongoing)," the AFP spokesperson said.
Fighting in Marawi City began on May 23 and ended on Oct. 23 last year.
More than 1,000 members of the Islamic State-inspired Maute Group were neutralized in the fighting, including IS "emir" in Southeast Asia Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute, founder of the terror organization.
Meanwhile, some 200 soldiers and civilians perished in the fighting.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1035990
PH won’t give up claims in WPS, Palace assures
From the Philippine News Agency (May 22): PH won’t give up claims in WPS, Palace assures
Malacanang on Tuesday assured that the Philippines will not give up any of its territorial claims in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) amid China’s alleged militarization of the highly-contested area.
“Right now, our position is still the same: whatever happens there, no territory will be given. We will assert our rights and sovereignty on the maritime territory that is part of our exclusive economic zone,” Roque said in a Palace media briefing.
Roque said the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) decision is evidence of the country’s sovereign rights on the island and its maritime claims within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
According to the PCA’s 2016 verdict, China’s nine-dash line map which covers nearly the whole of South China Sea has no legal basis.
Roque has said that the Philippines expresses serious concerns over reports that China has landed combat aircraft, including a long-range H-6K bomber at an airfield of one of its reclaimed island in the WPS.
China has denied the militarization allegations, saying the movement of the bombers was just part of the normal Chinese military training in the South China Sea which Beijing claimed “are Chinese territories”.
Roque said the Philippines, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), is already addressing the deployment of Chinese military assets in the WPS.
“I cannot understand why you are saying that we are not doing anything. It is not publicly announced by the DFA but we are doing something (on this issue),” Roque said.
He said the country is “quietly working” with its Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) neighbors, particularly those with similar claims like Malaysia, Vietnam and Brunei to address the issue.
“We have already a common statement by insisting on ASEAN statement,” Roque said, referring to the ASEAN Declaration calling for China to heed on the non-militarization of the WPS.
Roque said the Chinese military activities in the disputed territory will also be discussed in the Bilateral Consultative Mechanism (BCM) meeting between the Philippines and China “probably” in June.
“But at the same time, we are moving on with our bilateral relations in which we can agree on something that is agreeable and set aside contentious issues for now,” he said.
Roque said when China built the artificial islands in the WPS, “we all know that it will be used for military bases and not for tourist attraction”.
“And for Chinese perspective, they will use to defend themselves because the US aircraft is there,” he said.
He said President Rodrigo Duterte has repeatedly said that what is happening in the WPS is a standoff between China and the Philippines' longstanding ally, the US.
“We will not join them but of course, we are concerned because we are also using the sea (WPS) for livelihood,” Roque explained.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1036033
Malacanang on Tuesday assured that the Philippines will not give up any of its territorial claims in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) amid China’s alleged militarization of the highly-contested area.
“Right now, our position is still the same: whatever happens there, no territory will be given. We will assert our rights and sovereignty on the maritime territory that is part of our exclusive economic zone,” Roque said in a Palace media briefing.
Roque said the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) decision is evidence of the country’s sovereign rights on the island and its maritime claims within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
According to the PCA’s 2016 verdict, China’s nine-dash line map which covers nearly the whole of South China Sea has no legal basis.
Roque has said that the Philippines expresses serious concerns over reports that China has landed combat aircraft, including a long-range H-6K bomber at an airfield of one of its reclaimed island in the WPS.
China has denied the militarization allegations, saying the movement of the bombers was just part of the normal Chinese military training in the South China Sea which Beijing claimed “are Chinese territories”.
Roque said the Philippines, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), is already addressing the deployment of Chinese military assets in the WPS.
“I cannot understand why you are saying that we are not doing anything. It is not publicly announced by the DFA but we are doing something (on this issue),” Roque said.
He said the country is “quietly working” with its Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) neighbors, particularly those with similar claims like Malaysia, Vietnam and Brunei to address the issue.
“We have already a common statement by insisting on ASEAN statement,” Roque said, referring to the ASEAN Declaration calling for China to heed on the non-militarization of the WPS.
Roque said the Chinese military activities in the disputed territory will also be discussed in the Bilateral Consultative Mechanism (BCM) meeting between the Philippines and China “probably” in June.
“But at the same time, we are moving on with our bilateral relations in which we can agree on something that is agreeable and set aside contentious issues for now,” he said.
Roque said when China built the artificial islands in the WPS, “we all know that it will be used for military bases and not for tourist attraction”.
“And for Chinese perspective, they will use to defend themselves because the US aircraft is there,” he said.
He said President Rodrigo Duterte has repeatedly said that what is happening in the WPS is a standoff between China and the Philippines' longstanding ally, the US.
“We will not join them but of course, we are concerned because we are also using the sea (WPS) for livelihood,” Roque explained.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1036033
AFP: Martial law helped improve Mindanao economy
From the Philippine News Agency (May 22): AFP: Martial law helped improve Mindanao economy
The implementation of martial law in Mindanao has contributed to further economic activity and development in the region, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo said Tuesday.
"There is a sense of security in terms of commerce, which means our economy is becoming active and booming. Overall, if we ask those from Mindanao who are experiencing it, they will tell you that they appreciate the enforcement of martial law (and) if possible, continue implementing martial law," he said.
Meanwhile, Arevalo said the AFP would first validate claims made by groups that they have suffered abuses and harassment due to the implementation of martial law in Mindanao.
Contrary to these claims, he said individuals and sectors interviewed by the military have conveyed positive opinions of martial law.
"We should know first who are those speaking about the matter. Let's validate and confirm if they are real victims because if we interview those who are from Mindanao, the ones who are directly experiencing the effects of martial law, what they say is they welcome martial law,” Arevalo said.
This is because it gives them an added sense of security, despite the inconveniences caused by checkpoints, for instance, he said, adding that with security, they could move freely.
In a forum at the University of the Philippines on Saturday, various groups from Mindanao, including Lumad students, claimed experiencing displacement, torture and trauma due to the ongoing martial law in Mindanao.
The groups also called on ousted Supreme Court (SC) Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno to help them voice their opposition to the implementation of military rule in the region.
Sereno was one of the five SC magistrates who voted against the extension of martial law in Mindanao.
Martial law in Mindanao was declared on May 23 following attacks launched by the Maute Group in Marawi City. Congress, in a special joint session in July, granted the extension of martial law until Dec. 31, 2017 at the President's request.
The Senate and House of Representatives, convening in a joint session early December, granted President Rodrigo Duterte's request for the extension of martial law and the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus for a period of one year from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2018.
A total of 240 members of Congress voted to approve the resolution of both houses calling for martial law extension in Mindanao, while only 27 voted against it. There was no abstention.
A total of 14 senators voted in favor of the motion and four were against it, while 226 House members approved the motion and 23 rejected it.
Last February, the High Court, voting 10-5, upheld the year-long extension of martial law in Mindanao.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1036007
The implementation of martial law in Mindanao has contributed to further economic activity and development in the region, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo said Tuesday.
"There is a sense of security in terms of commerce, which means our economy is becoming active and booming. Overall, if we ask those from Mindanao who are experiencing it, they will tell you that they appreciate the enforcement of martial law (and) if possible, continue implementing martial law," he said.
Meanwhile, Arevalo said the AFP would first validate claims made by groups that they have suffered abuses and harassment due to the implementation of martial law in Mindanao.
Contrary to these claims, he said individuals and sectors interviewed by the military have conveyed positive opinions of martial law.
"We should know first who are those speaking about the matter. Let's validate and confirm if they are real victims because if we interview those who are from Mindanao, the ones who are directly experiencing the effects of martial law, what they say is they welcome martial law,” Arevalo said.
This is because it gives them an added sense of security, despite the inconveniences caused by checkpoints, for instance, he said, adding that with security, they could move freely.
In a forum at the University of the Philippines on Saturday, various groups from Mindanao, including Lumad students, claimed experiencing displacement, torture and trauma due to the ongoing martial law in Mindanao.
The groups also called on ousted Supreme Court (SC) Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno to help them voice their opposition to the implementation of military rule in the region.
Sereno was one of the five SC magistrates who voted against the extension of martial law in Mindanao.
Martial law in Mindanao was declared on May 23 following attacks launched by the Maute Group in Marawi City. Congress, in a special joint session in July, granted the extension of martial law until Dec. 31, 2017 at the President's request.
The Senate and House of Representatives, convening in a joint session early December, granted President Rodrigo Duterte's request for the extension of martial law and the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus for a period of one year from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2018.
A total of 240 members of Congress voted to approve the resolution of both houses calling for martial law extension in Mindanao, while only 27 voted against it. There was no abstention.
A total of 14 senators voted in favor of the motion and four were against it, while 226 House members approved the motion and 23 rejected it.
Last February, the High Court, voting 10-5, upheld the year-long extension of martial law in Mindanao.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1036007
Terror 'sleeper cells' scattered in parts of PH: Army commander
From the Philippine News Agency (May 22): Terror 'sleeper cells' scattered in parts of PH: Army commander
While the threat of terrorism had been greatly reduced with the defeat of the Maute-ISIS Group terrorists in Marawi City, Philippine Army (PA) head Lt. Gen. Rolando Joselito D. Bautista on Tuesday bared the existence of "sleeper cells" in many parts of the country.
"Na-discover namin sa (We discovered in the) Marawi campaign na merong (that there are) ISIS 'sleeper cells' not only in Mindanao but also in Luzon and Visayas, makikita mo nga dun yung (you will see there) ISIS cells. Dun makikita mo meron sa (There you will see that they have in) Baguio, meron sa (they have in) Dagupan, meron sa (they have in) Tarlac, Pangasinan, sa Visayas naman, meron sa (In Visayas, they have in) Samar, meron sa (they also have in) Cebu and so forth," he said during the book launch of "Marawi and Beyond: The Joint Task Force Marawi Story" held in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
And when asked on what types of attacks these "sleeper cells" can do, Bautista said these terrorists could do the "lone wolf" attacks.
"It might be in the form of lone wolf (attacks). Pag in-activate yun, pwedeng sabay-sabay silang mag-create ng (they can simultaneously create) terrorist activities for example one or two, mag-conduct sila ng (they will conduct an) explosion sa isang (in one) area and yung sa (in) Cebu, assassination, liquidation that will create a big impact, although two or three persons lang ang gumagawa (are doing it), so yun yung most probable na strategy nila (that is their most probable strategy) in the meantime," the PA chief stressed.
As this develops, Bautista admitted that the declaration of martial law in Mindanao has contributed greatly to government efforts to hunt down remaining terrorists in the island.
"Yes, oo kasi yun, unang-una (First), we can hold a person na particularly pagka very suspicious and may background of terrorist activity kasi sa Human Security Act natin, you can take in custody a terrorist/ suspicious person in 36 hours tapos (and then), after which kelangan i-release mo na siya (you need to release him/her), not unlike itong nangyari sa (unlike what happened during) martial law, na-hold namin sila (we held them), kasi ang pagkuha kasi ng (because taking into) custody is not question and answer but you have to dig the background, kung Indonesian siya (if he/she is Indonesian) we have to ask our counterpart in Indonesia or in Malaysia so it will take time," he added.
Another advantage of martial law, according to the PA chief, is that troops can search a particular house suspected of being an improvised explosive device or ammunition factory without any warrants from the courts.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1036042
While the threat of terrorism had been greatly reduced with the defeat of the Maute-ISIS Group terrorists in Marawi City, Philippine Army (PA) head Lt. Gen. Rolando Joselito D. Bautista on Tuesday bared the existence of "sleeper cells" in many parts of the country.
"Na-discover namin sa (We discovered in the) Marawi campaign na merong (that there are) ISIS 'sleeper cells' not only in Mindanao but also in Luzon and Visayas, makikita mo nga dun yung (you will see there) ISIS cells. Dun makikita mo meron sa (There you will see that they have in) Baguio, meron sa (they have in) Dagupan, meron sa (they have in) Tarlac, Pangasinan, sa Visayas naman, meron sa (In Visayas, they have in) Samar, meron sa (they also have in) Cebu and so forth," he said during the book launch of "Marawi and Beyond: The Joint Task Force Marawi Story" held in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
And when asked on what types of attacks these "sleeper cells" can do, Bautista said these terrorists could do the "lone wolf" attacks.
"It might be in the form of lone wolf (attacks). Pag in-activate yun, pwedeng sabay-sabay silang mag-create ng (they can simultaneously create) terrorist activities for example one or two, mag-conduct sila ng (they will conduct an) explosion sa isang (in one) area and yung sa (in) Cebu, assassination, liquidation that will create a big impact, although two or three persons lang ang gumagawa (are doing it), so yun yung most probable na strategy nila (that is their most probable strategy) in the meantime," the PA chief stressed.
As this develops, Bautista admitted that the declaration of martial law in Mindanao has contributed greatly to government efforts to hunt down remaining terrorists in the island.
"Yes, oo kasi yun, unang-una (First), we can hold a person na particularly pagka very suspicious and may background of terrorist activity kasi sa Human Security Act natin, you can take in custody a terrorist/ suspicious person in 36 hours tapos (and then), after which kelangan i-release mo na siya (you need to release him/her), not unlike itong nangyari sa (unlike what happened during) martial law, na-hold namin sila (we held them), kasi ang pagkuha kasi ng (because taking into) custody is not question and answer but you have to dig the background, kung Indonesian siya (if he/she is Indonesian) we have to ask our counterpart in Indonesia or in Malaysia so it will take time," he added.
Another advantage of martial law, according to the PA chief, is that troops can search a particular house suspected of being an improvised explosive device or ammunition factory without any warrants from the courts.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1036042