NPAs declared ‘persona non grata’ by NoCot villagers

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 11): NPAs declared ‘persona non grata’ by NoCot villagers




Officials and residents of Barangay Datu Ladayon, Arakan, North Cotabato, had declared communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels as "persona non grata" or unwelcome, unacceptable people.

The declaration was issued during a peace rally held at the village on Sunday.

“We have long been suffering from the abuses of the NPA in our area,” Jonathan Ramirez, village chairman, said over a local radio station Tuesday.

He said their lives have been severely affected by the frequent visits of members of the NPA’s Guerilla Front 53 and Pulang Bagani Command in their area for the past several months.

“They have been demanding revolutionary taxes from the villagers and this is too much,” he said in the vernacular.

The village is known as the "strawberry capital" of Arakan and North Cotabato.

It is also famous for its Matigol Falls, which is frequented by tourists in the village’s Sitio Matigol, a Manobo tribal community.

Ramirez said they only felt relief following the recent arrival of the Army’s 19th Infantry Battalion (IB) in their area.

“With the Army now here with us, we are somehow relieved from the fear of the NPA coming in and out of our village anytime,” he said.

The Army 19th IB, headed by Lt. Col. Elrich Paraso, has set a detachment in the area to fend off NPA rebels from disturbing the serenity of the village.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1056303

Return of Balangiga Bells heralds US-PH ties' future: envoy

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 11): Return of Balangiga Bells heralds US-PH ties' future: envoy

HISTORIC RETURN OF BALANGIGA BELLS. Military personnel arrange the three Balangiga bells upon arrival at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Tuesday (Dec. 11, 2018). After 117 years, the bells, taken as war booties by US troops during the height of the Philippine-American War, have returned to the country. (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)
As the United States and the Philippines "closed a painful chapter" in their history with the return of the Balangiga Bells, the two nations' ties are poised to grow even stronger from its already ironclad relations, Ambassador Sung Kim said Tuesday.

"The return of the Bells of Balangiga lets us reflect on the US-Philippine relationship -- where we have been, where we are, where we are going," he said during the arrival ceremony of the bells at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.

Kim said the war artifacts' repatriation demonstrates Washington's determination to honor the past and the sacrifices made together by Filipinos and Americans.

"And it heralds our bright future as friends, partners, and allies," he stressed.

Since former President Fidel V. Ramos first raised the issue of the bells with then US President Bill Clinton in 1993, Kim said "virtually every Philippine president" has pressed for the bells’ return.

When President Rodrigo R. Duterte made an appeal for the bells’ return during his 2017 State of the Nation address, Kim said he was there and "heard his passionate call loud and clear."

Kim said the chief executive, who then followed up with a personal appeal to Secretary of Defense James Mattis, recognized that returning the bells is "the right thing to do."

On Tuesday, the three Balangiga Bells arrived in Manila from the Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan. Duterte is expected to personally see the delivery of the bells back to Eastern Samar on Saturday (Dec. 15).

Following the "Balangiga Massacre" in 1901, the bells were taken as war booty from Balangiga’s San Lorenzo de Martir Church.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1056328

Balangiga Bells' return proves PH will always assert sovereignty

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 11): Balangiga Bells' return proves PH will always assert sovereignty

After being taken by US troops as war booties during the Philippine-American war, the return of the Balangiga Bells to its home is proof that Filipinos will always assert their sovereignty, Malacañang said on Tuesday.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo made this remark after the church bells were formally received by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana from US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Yong Kim at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.

According to Defense spokesperson Arsenio Andolong, the Balangiga Bells will be transported to the local parish of Balangiga in Eastern Samar where it is expected to arrive on December 15.

“As we recall this dark page of our history, let the world know that our race will not allow itself to be subjugated by any foreign power and we Filipinos will always assert our sovereignty against those who will attempt to subvert it,” Panelo said in a statement.

Panelo credited, among others, the “strong political will” of President Rodrigo R. Duterte for pushing for the return of the church bells which he described as “a watershed in our nation's history.”

“Many have tried but it is our President’s strong political will and unquestionable dedication in asserting the rights of our country and its people which significantly contributed to this event coming into fruition,” Panelo said.

He also expressed hope that the Balangiga Bells will become constant reminders of our Filipinos’ “gallantry, heroism, and strong sense of national pride.”

Panelo, meanwhile, thanked both Philippine and United States stakeholders who have helped make the return of the bells possible, noting that it has further strengthened the friendship between the two countries.

“We express our sincerest gratitude to all stakeholders from both the Philippines and the United States who worked tirelessly and selflessly for the return of the bells,” Panelo said.

“This unprecedented gesture is well appreciated and will surely forge a stronger and more enduring relationship between the two long-time allies and friends as we finally close a tragic chapter in the two countries’ shared history,” he added.

Duterte will be present during the turnover of the Balangiga Bells to town officials in Balangiga, Eastern Samar on Saturday.

He has repeatedly sought for the return of the three church bells including during his second State of the Nation Address in 2017.

The return of the bells is a result of the successful high-level bilateral talks between Lorenzana and US Department of Defense Secretary James Mattis.

Prior to its return to the Philippines, two of the three bells used to be enshrined at Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming while the third bell was at Camp Red Cloud in South Korea.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1056369

Japan mulls financial aid to Bangsamoro body

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 11): Japan mulls financial aid to Bangsamoro body

The Japanese government is planning to modify its existing support to the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) for the establishment of the new Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), Japanese Ambassador Koji Haneda said Tuesday.

"The new BTA that will replace the ARMM government needs to be well supported financially, and in terms of capacity building," he said during the Bangsamoro Forum in Makati City.

The BTA is the governing body that will be created during the transition period toward the establishment of the Bangsamoro government in 2022.

"Japan is considering to modifying its existing support to the ARMM government so that it would fit well with the new BTA," he added.

Haneda added that smooth operation for the upcoming plebiscite for the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) ratification "is a very crucial first step" for the process that follows.

"The international community could play a role to support this event, and Japan is considering its possible involvement," he said.

The government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have already begun Monday the campaign for the BOL in Cotabato City. On January 21 and February 6, the voting for the plebiscite will take place.

MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, who was also present at the forum, said "an overwhelming number of our people showed up to express their support for the Bangsamoro Organic Law."

While some were allegedly blocked from entering Cotabato City due to lack of identification cards and certificate of residency from barangay officials, the MILF chair said around 300,000 people were able to attend the gathering on Monday.

"Despite all the challenges in the plebiscite, we feel confident that our people will ratify the Bangsamoro Organic Law," he said.

In a speech delivered at the forum, Ebrahim highlighted the 10 priorities the BTA will purse once it is established.

One of the priorities named is the implementation of programs that will respond to the pressing and economic challenges in the Bangsamoro such as poverty, education, health, and job opportunities, among others.

In an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Senior Representative Yo Ebisawa said the agency is among the numerous groups committed to fulfill this priority.

"The future project is for the future ex-combatant for the normalization process. It's going to be a pilot model when they really start the decommissioning. Since they don't have work, they may start with agriculture," he said at the sidelines of the Bangsamoro Forum.

Even before the BOL was approved last July 2018, JICA's support to the peace in the Bangsamoro region "was there," Ebisawa said.

"Actually, we supported the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) in drafting the BBL (Bangsamoro Basic Law), BBL at that time. We provided trainings for the ones drafting the BBL," he said.

"We have many things done in the past. We even dispatched people for trainings in Japan," he added.

JICA has also laid out development plans focused on vocational trainings, road network development project in the area, and technical assistance for the community, including the indigenous peoples.

In a video-taped message, JICA President Shinichi Kitaoka affirmed that the agency's commitment to the Mindanao peace process is "now stronger than ever."

"We believe that peace and development in Mindanao will result to wider peace and development in the Philippines, and eventually in the greater Southeast Asian, and East Asian region," Kitaoka said.

Meanwhile, Ebrahim said the proposals for strategic infrastructures in the region were brought to JICA's attention such as the "peace bridges" in the western side of the city that will link Cotabato to both Datu Odin Sinsuat and Sultan Kudarat, and a coastal road that will connect it to Polloc.

Among others, a circumferential road around the Liguasan marsh was also proposed.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1056373

New AFP chief vows to bring in 'culture of excellence'

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 11): New AFP chief vows to bring in 'culture of excellence'



Newly-appointed Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal on Tuesday vowed to bring a "culture of excellence" to the 145,000-strong military.

"As we pursue a culture of excellence, we will also endeavor to achieve good governance and professionalism among our ranks and as we look forward to another year of service, I call on (all) soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines of Team AFP for your selfless dedication to our sworn duty," Madrigal said in his speech during the assumption of command ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Since the AFP has targets and deadlines to meet, Madrigal urged all AFP personnel to march in cadence towards the same direction with the same urgency and in the same determined pace.

"To all our fellow Filipinos, your support and encouragement will inspire us every step of the way, we will count on you once again as we unite to achieve our common aspirations for our nation," the new AFP chief said.

Madrigal replaced Carlito Galvez Jr., his classmate at the Philippine Military Academy, who retired after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

The newly-appointed AFP chief, 51st overall, served notably as 4th Infantry Division commander, Southern Luzon Command and Eastern Mindanao Command chief. His appointment as next AFP chief was approved last Dec. 5 by President Rodrigo Duterte.

Madrigal will retire on Sept. 28, 2019.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1056396

Be ready for new way to end insurgency, Madrigal told

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 11): Be ready for new way to end insurgency, Madrigal told

President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Tuesday ordered new Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff, Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, to be ready to take on a new approach to ending local communist armed conflict in the country.

Duterte made this remark during Madrigal’s assumption of command ceremony, which coincided with the AFP’s 83rd anniversary at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Madrigal replaced retired Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., who was named new chief of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).

“General Madrigal, you are now tasked with the responsibility of preserving peace and ensuring order as we shift to this new approach,” Duterte said in his speech.

“Sustain the progress of those who came before you and create a legacy that will cause ripples (of) positive change in the years to come,” he added.

The “new approach” Duterte was referring to is stipulated under Executive Order No. 70, signed last Dec. 4, which creates a National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

The task force is expected to formulate a National Peace Framework, anchored on a Whole-of-Nation approach, which will serve as a mechanism for local peace engagements or negotiations and interventions within six months.

Duterte described the Whole-of-Nation approach as a “civilian-led approach” that will prioritize the delivery of basic services and social development packages by both government and private sector.

“From the military-centric approach that gave us our recent successes against the communist movement, we now shift to a new civilian-led approach that will tap other government agencies and the private sector in bringing basic services and other development interventions that will address the root cause of the communist movement,” Duterte said.

The President expressed hope that the new AFP chief will continue the programs started by Galvez to achieve lasting peace and asked AFP personnel to support him.

“I trust that under General Benjamin Madrigal’s leadership, the AFP will achieve more milestones in the campaign to combat terrorism, end insurgency, and address lingering and emerging threats to national security,” Duterte said.

“I now ask our men and women in uniform to support the leadership of General Madrigal so that we may soon realize our aspirations for a stronger armed forces and a safer and more secure nation,” he added.

Meanwhile, Duterte congratulated Galvez for his “successful tour of duty” as outgoing AFP chief-of-staff, noting that his accomplishments speak well of how he fulfilled his mission to foster a stronger armed forces and a safer country.

“General Galvez, as you hang up your uniform, you can stand proud knowing that the armed forces that you will pass on is one that is formidable and empowered,” Duterte said.

“Be assured that as you leave military service, you have inspired others with your work and have set an edifying example [to] the entire institution,” he added.

Duterte also confirmed that Galvez will replace Jesus Dureza as OPAPP chief. Dureza resigned over corruption allegations against his subordinates.

“General Galvez will join the Cabinet next week as the Secretary of the Peace Process Office. I think he is the ninth military man to join my government,” Duterte said.

Last week, Malacañang announced that Duterte mentioned in a Cabinet meeting that he is eyeing Galvez as new Presidential Peace Adviser.

Galvez, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1985, stepped down as AFP chief after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

He had served the military for 30 years, including eight months as top official of the AFP.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1056401

IPs lack of info on Reds being used against them

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 12): IPs lack of info on Reds being used against them

New People's Army (NPA) fighters are actively targeting Indigenous Peoples (IPs) for recruitment as they do not have real awareness on the rebel group.

This was disclosed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Noel Detoyato when asked why the rebels focus their recruitment efforts on the IPs in Mindanao.

"Sila yung nasa bundok, sila yung madaling lokohin dahil nga di naman sila exposed sa (They are in the mountains. They are gullible because they are not exposed to) external information. Sila yung (They are) uneducated (to our standards) but they are considered as intellectuals, depende sa status nila sa (depending on their status in the) IP community," Detoyato said in a message to the PNA Tuesday.

"In short, they are the most vulnerable sector for exploitation," he added.

Aside from recruiting IPs to fill up rebel ranks, a military powerpoint presentation said NPAs are also supplanting traditional leaders and replacing them with revolutionary ones.

This is tantamount to stripping a traditional IP leader of his authority within the "Indigenous Political Structure" to control and manage ancestral domain.

This starts with the NPAs infiltrating IP domains by posing as human rights and environmental activists and entering into peace pact agreements with the IPs.

Through this, the rebels gradually introduce their radical and ideology to the IPs and will eventually begin manipulating traditional IP leaders in implementing their revolutionary laws.

Also, IP leaders who opposes the NPA's revolutionary laws are killed and replaced with revolutionary ones.

Earlier, Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Council of Elders (MIPCEL) chairman Lipatuan Joel Unad said the NPA targets communities where settlers are particularly uneducated.

"Pinipili nila (ang) mga ignoranteng tribo, doon sa mga 'di marunong magbasa, doon sa mga parents na walang alam kundi magtanim ng kamote, maghanap ng usa at baboy ramo, iyon ang pinupuntahan nila (They choose those ignorant tribes. Those who don't know who to read, whose parents' only livelihood is to plant sweet potatoes, to hunt for deer and wild boars. That's their target)," he said.

Showing parts of the MIPCEL Resolution No. 20, Series of 2018, Unad, who personally submitted the document to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) office in Quezon City, urges the body and other groups to start a probe over alleged human rights violation against IPs in the region.

Unad said the 52 IP signatories to the resolution represent 18 major tribes in Mindanao.

"'Yong nag-attend ng emergency meeting almost 51. Ang context doon, i-condemn ang ginawa ni Satur Ocampo. Pangalawa, declaration na kailangan ipasara na ng DepEd (Department of Education) ang Salugpungan, kung hindi nila maipasara, ang IP mismo ang magpapasara (Those who attended the emergency meeting reached almost 51. Its context is to condemn the actions of Satur Ocampo. Second, a declaration that the DepEd must close Salupungan. If it can't close it down, the IPs would close it for them)," he said.

Unad and Datu Jomar Bucales submitted the MIPCEL resolution before the CHR office last December 6.

The resolution surfaced right after former Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo and 17 others were arrested over alleged trafficking and kidnapping of 14 minors, who were students of the Salugpungan Ta'Tanu Igkanogon Community Learning Center Inc. in Talaingod, Compostela Valley.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1056410

Unified effort needed in curbing NPA threat

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 12): Unified effort needed in curbing NPA threat



To fully defeat the threat posed by the New People's Army (NPA), a unified effort is needed from various levels of government, newly-installed Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal said Tuesday.

"In order to reach complete victory and win the elusive peace, apart from our traditional combat competencies, our campaign needs a unified effort from various levels of government to attain strategic stakeholder convergence," Madrigal said during his assumption speech in Camp Aguinaldo.

In line with this, Madrigal said peace and development programs must be directed toward addressing the concerns of conflict-affected areas and transforming them into conflict resilient and progress oriented communities.

"We must enhance the capability of government in the ground in post-scenarios where peace becomes the norm and development effort stay center stage. To do this we need to set our goal not only on defeating the enemy and attaining operational victories, we have already proven that, what we need is to focus on capacitating ourselves in the matters of peace, constituency building, stakeholder leadership, community dialogue and nation building," the new AFP chief added.

By doing these actions, the government and state forces will get legitimacy and full credibility to bring about sustainable peace, inclusive development and good governance.

"More importantly we need to closely work together with our partners in the local govt, the natl government agencies and other stakeholders and endeavor to establish the basic foundations for peace mechanisms, propagating the culture of unity and peace among our people and speedy reintegration of former rebels to the mainstream society. If we are able to do this then I believe this would eventually lead to the end of insurgency and with the strong resolve of our current leadership, the active support of our stakeholders , it can be done," the newly-installed AFP chief added.

Madrigal replaced Gen. Carlito Galvez, Jr., his mistah at the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1985, who retired after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

The newly-appointed AFP chief served notably as 4th Infantry Division commander, Southern Luzon Command and Eastern Mindanao Command chief.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1056408

Anti-terror ops to continue: Madrigal

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 12): Anti-terror ops to continue: Madrigal



Efforts to neutralize terror threats will continue, newly-installed Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal said Tuesday.

"We'll also keep up the pace of diminishing the existence of terrorist cells and other armed peace spoilers so we can protect our people and insulate our community from their plot of fear," Madrigal stressed.

This is being done with ongoing violent extremism initiatives, with the support of concerned agencies and the Muslim communities.

Also, peace-inclined groups are now working with the government in the relentless pursuit of terrorism cells linked with the Dawlah Islamiyah, Abu Sayyaf and remnants of the Maute Group.

These efforts reduced the threats posed by these groups, constricted their movement and disrupted their terror plans.

"We cannot let another Marawi-like threat to happen again," Madrigal stressed.

The Marawi Siege started in May 23, 2017 and ended five months later.

Around 165 government troops were killed along with scores of civilians and an estimated 1,000 Maute Group terrorists and their allies were slain during the conflict, which also severely ravaged the city.

Madrigal replaced Gen. Carlito Galvez, Jr., his mistah at the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1985, who retired after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

The newly-appointed AFP chief, the 51st, served notably as 4th Infantry Division commander, Southern Luzon Command and Eastern Mindanao Command chief.

His appointment as next AFP chief was approved last Dec. 5 by President Rodrigo Duterte.

Madrigal is set to retire on September 28, 2019.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1056409

Congress convenes joint session on ML extension in Mindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 12): Congress convenes joint session on ML extension in Mindanao

The House of Representatives and the Senate on Wednesday convened in a joint session to tackle President Rodrigo Duterte’s request for a one-year extension of martial law in Mindanao.

The joint session started at 9:01 a.m. with 14 senators and 162 congressmen responding to the roll call.

Under the Constitution, the Congress, voting jointly, has the sole power to extend martial law.

If the proposal to extend martial law until the end of 2019 is approved, it will mark the third of such extension.

The Resolution of Both Houses 16, informing the President that Congress has convened in a joint session, was adopted, as well as the proposed rules governing the special session on martial law extension.

In his report to the joint session, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said Duterte is requesting for another extension of martial law upon an extensive personal evaluation of the current situation in Mindanao and taking into account the security assessments from the Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, among others.

"We cannot turn a blind eye that Mindanao is still in a midst of rebellion. There may have been a significant decimation of local and foregin groups in Marawi City, a weakening of communist terrorist groups' and local terrorist groups' capability in the entire Mindanao, and a reduction of atrocities that translated to notable economic gains," Medialdea said.

He expressed hope that after the briefing, lawmakers would be assured that the current martial law in Mindanao is being implemented in a "very disciplined way, free from abuses and always abiding by the rule of law."

In his letter to Congress dated Dec. 6, Duterte asked Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to extend the proclamation of martial law and the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao for one more year, from Jan. 1, 2019 to Dec. 31, 2019.

Duterte cited the security assessment submitted by the AFP and the Philippine National Police, indicating that rebellion still persists in Mindanao and that public safety requires the continuation of martial rule in the area.

Duterte said terrorist groups such as the Abu Sayyaf Group, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and Dawlah Islamiyah continue to defy the government by perpetrating hostile activities during the extended period of martial law.

He noted that at least four bombings had been cited in the AFP report, including the Lamitan City bombing and the improvised explosive device (IED) explosions in Sultan Kudarat and Barangay Apopong in General Santos City.

"A further extension of the implementation of Martial law and suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao will enable the AFP, the PNP, and all other law enforcement agencies to finally put an end to the ongoing rebellion in Mindanao and continue to prevent the same from escalating in other parts of the country," Duterte said in his letter.

"We cannot afford to give the rebels further breathing room to regroup and strengthen their forces. Public safety indubitably requires such further extension in order to avoid the further loss of lives and physical harm, not only to our soldiers and the police, but also to our civilians," he added.

Duterte placed Mindanao under martial law on May 23, 2017 following attacks launched by the terrorist Maute Group in Marawi City.

At the height of the six-month Marawi conflict in July last year, the House granted Duterte’s request for martial law extension until Dec. 31, 2017.

The House and the Senate granted anew the President’s request for the extension of martial law and the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus for a year, from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2018.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1056415

CPP/Ang Bayan: Fight the US-Duterte regime’s fascist terrorism and Memo Order 32

CPP/Ang Bayan editorial posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 7): Fight the US-Duterte regime’s fascist terrorism and Memo Order 32

The US-Duterte regime has formally put almost half the nation under militarization and military rule when it issued Memorandum Order 32. Using the order, Rodrigo Duterte directly deployed additional battalions to Eastern Visayas, Negros Island and Bicol to supposedly counter “lawless violence and terrorism.”

In reality, MO 32 imposed martial law on the four regions while extending again martial law in Mindanao for the whole of 2019. It will take a short while, and some flimsy excuse, for Duterte to outrightly and formally impose perpetual military rule over remaining regions. The regime’s reign of terror is already imposed all over the nation.

While the memo will intensify militarization and military offensives against the New People’s Army (NPA), its immediate focus is to enable the AFP to tighten its control and manipulate the 2019 May elections. Duterte revamped the AFP and appointed his most trusted officials to ensure the success of candidates who favor him and his military clique. The Duterte clique aims to monopolize the elections, with the help of allied warlords and dynasties in the regions and provinces. It is fanning the AFP and the PNP’s fanaticism and unleashing state violence to intimidate the people, paralyze the opposition and brutally suppress all resistance.

Duterte has fully exposed his all-out fascist, puppet, reactionary and power-and plunder-hungry character. He carries out widespread and foul extrajudical killings, abuse of power, spreading of lies and dirty tricks. It is apt that all revolutionaries, progressives and democratic forces hold him in contempt.

The people should firmly face the US-Duterte regime’s relentless militarization and fascist terrorism with greater determination to expand and intensify the people’s war. Because of the attacks against their democratic rights, more and more people are pushed to wage armed struggle. On the other hand, it is important for the democratic sectors and forces to continue asserting and defending their democratic rights and movements against fascist intimidation and suppression. Remember and hold on to the lessons of the long struggle against the US-Marcos fascist dictatorship.

Boldly, extensively and in the most all-round manner persevere in advancing the armed struggle, legal democratic movement and underground movement; in forming the broadest anti-fascist, antifeudal and anti-imperialist front; strengthening the Party ideologically, politically and organizationally; and in rallying the widest support from compatriots and progressive and democratic organizations and forces abroad.

The Party should considerably advance and intensify guerrilla warfare. Basic tactical offensives should be boldly launched. Annihilative offensives should be undertaken in all levels and fronts, while carrying out the widest and most extensive attritive actions with the help of the people’s militia and the masses and through the use of explosives and other weapons.

Form and consolidate NPA platoons and companies which link guerrilla fronts. Strengthen command and coordination between guerrilla units and seize political and military initiative. Closely monitor the enemy’s movements and identify the role of each area and unit in battle and cooperation. Earnestly raise military knowledge and capacity of commanders and fighters through education, training, exercises, assessments, summing-ups and politico-military conferences in various levels.

Prioritize military actions such as attacks against the most notorious fascist officials and units, big plunderous corporations and businesses which destroy and impoverish majority of the people. This becomes more imperative in the face of Duterte’s threat to use death squads against his opponents and critics. Sabotage facilities used for fascist offensive in the countryside and fascist suppression of the people. Engage in tit-for-tat against the AFP and regime’s slander and truth-twisting regarding tactical offensives and battles.

Broaden and intensify the antifeudal movement and struggle as key to arousing and mobilizing the peasant masses and farm workers and to carrying out their key tasks. This include mass campaigns and struggles and alliance work and tactics against “peace and development operations” and other forms of fascist terrorism and abuses. Expose and fight the campaign for civilians to surrender and their forced conscription to the reactionary army. Pay attention to the widespread and appalling corruption in the military, from the highest to the lowest level.

Pay attention to the people’s main problems and sentiments in each area. Arouse and collectively mobilize them to face and resolve these problems. The expansion and consolidation of mass organizations should translate to broader and stronger mass campaigns and mobilizations. Invigorate production campaigns and improve livelihood to alleviate the conditions of the masses and sustain the people’s army and the people’s war.

Expand and enliven education and propaganda mass campaigns and mobilizations to raise political awareness and the fighting spirit of the toiling masses. Expand and galvanize cultural, health and other campaigns to sustain the level of militancy, unity and collective struggle. Launch bigger and stronger protests and other mass struggles against illegal arrests and other fascist suppression of democratic rights and legal democratic organizations.

Strengthen and broaden the workers, urban poor and other sector’s union and economic struggles for their employment and social services. Fight neoliberal policies oppressing the toiling masses and which grossly favor big foreign and local companies. Expose and oppose the neoliberal ban, suppression and denial of union rights, as well as other individual and collective freedoms in factories, offices and schools, in favor of the interests of these corporations.

Legal progressive organizations, parties and alliances should insist and fight for their legal status. They should continue to expand and strengthen themselves while arousing traditional and non-traditional organizations and alliances of the democratic sectors.

Forge the broadest anti-fascist alliance. Unite with the widest range of democratic and ant-fascist forces and trends to defend democratic rights and civil freedoms against fascist repression. Expose and oppose the fascist Duterte clique’s plan to manipulate the elections. A broad and multilevel unity and coordination between parties and candidates should isolate and defeat the most rabid pro-Duterte and counterrevolutionary candidates.

Mobilize the most number of revolutionaries and progressive forces and masses in urban and rural areas to actively counter the regime and the AFP’s lies, misinformation and counterrevolutionary psywar. Continue to expose and condemn the ruling system’s fascist crimes and abuses, greed and plunder, exploitation and oppression of the toiling masses, widespread anomalies and corruption, and general decay. Actively propagate and promote the revolution’s calls and struggles.

Strengthen the Party at all levels. Boldly advance guerrilla warfare and antifacist, antifeudal and anti-imperialist struggles against the fascist US-Duterte regime. Continue to strengthen the Party’s political and military leadership over the broadest number of people. Improve their capacity to wage and advance widespread mass campaigns in the fields of politics, economy, military, production, education, health, culture and others.

Expose, isolate and fight the fascist and puppet Duterte regime abroad and in the realm of international opinion. Continue to expand efforts to arouse, organize and mobilize migrants. Broaden links and areas of cooperation with revolutionary and progressive forces abroad.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/2018/12/07/fight-the-us-duterte-regimes-fascist-terrorism-and-memo-order-32/

CPP/CPP-IB: Even without ceasefire, AFP and PNP cannot stop thousands from celebrating the CPP’s 50th anniversary

CPP Information Bureau propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 10): Even without ceasefire, AFP and PNP cannot stop thousands from celebrating the CPP’s 50th anniversary

Communist Party of the Philippines
Information Bureau

December 10, 2018

Of course, it is up to Duterte and the leadership of the AFP and PNP to decide whether they will declare a unilateral ceasefire or not this holiday season.

In not unilaterally declaring a ceasefire, however, they are showing complete disregard of the traditional holidays and chosen to continue mounting combat operations and raining bombs while the people celebrate Christmas and New Year. They will also be wasting the opportunity to give their weary and homesick foot soldiers a short respite from their non-stop but mostly fruitless operations.

The AFP and PNP reasoning that they cannot trust the NPA to abide by the ceasefire is flimsy. The public knows that the NPA has always strictly abided by the unilateral declarations of ceasefire issued by the CPP. Armed encounters during NPA ceasefires are typically defensive responses to AFP offensives. Besides, the AFP and PNP could always remain on alert, whether they declare a ceasefire or not.

The fact is, the AFP and PNP leadership are so obsessed at preventing thousands of people from celebrating the CPP’s 50th anniversary that they have chosen to forego declaring their own unilateral ceasefire.

But however they try, the military and police will fail miserably as assemblies and meetings are already slated to be mounted inside and outside the NPA guerrilla zones with thousands set to gather and celebrate the achievements and victories of the Party.

 

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/even-without-ceasefire-afp-and-pnp-cannot-stop-thousands-from-celebrating-the-cpps-50th-anniversary/

CPP/NDF-Bicol: Masang Bikolano, ipagtanggol ang karapatang tao! Labanan ang paghaharing militar at memo 32 ng rehimeng US-Duterte!

NDF-Bicol propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 10): Masang Bikolano, ipagtanggol ang karapatang tao! Labanan ang paghaharing militar at memo 32 ng rehimeng US-Duterte!

Maria Roja Banua
Spokesperson | NDF-Bicol
National Democratic Front of the Philippines

December 10, 2018

Nakikiisa ang NDF-Bikol sa paggunita ng sambayanang Pilipino ng Pandaigdigang Araw ng Karapatang-Tao ngayong ika-10 ng Disyembre. Sa gitna ng rumaragasang pasistang terorismo ng rehimeng US-Duterte na walang ibang idinulot kundi ang malaganap at sistematikong paglabag sa karapatang-tao, patuloy na lumalakas at lumalawak ang panawagan ng mamamayan para sa katarungan, kalayaan at kapayapaan.

Ipinailalim na ng rehimen ang bansa sa isang de-factong Batas MIlitar. Pormal rin nitong pinailalim sa militarisasyon at paghaharing militar ang kalakhan ng bansa matapos ibaba ang MO 32 at sa aktwal, tahasan nang irinaragasa ang paghaharing teror sa buong bansa. Handa nitong ikasa ang malawakang pagpaslang at pagsikil sa mga batayang demokratikong karapatan ng mamamayan upang ganap nitong maitayo ang isang pasistang diktadura sa pamamagitan ng manipulasyon sa eleksyong 2019 at pagratsada ng Cha-Cha at bogus na pederalismo.

Pinakamarahas at pinakabrutal nitong ikinakasa ang kanyang madugong tripleng gera laban sa mamamayan. Target nito ang mga sibilyan, lalo na ang masang magsasaka, upang maghasik ng takot. Ito ay sa layuning supilin ang nag-aalab na damdamin ng sambayanan na nagnanais ng mga lehitimo at demokratikong kahingian. Maging ang mga demokratikong pwersa sa hanay ng mga sibilyang institusyon tulad ng mga kagawad ng midya at mga taong-simbahan ay hindi pinalampas.

Isa ang Kabikulan sa pinaglulunsaran ng pinakamadugo at pinakamararahas na pasistang bigwas at paglabag sa karapatang-tao ng rehimen. Hindi bababa sa limang masaker ang naganap dito sa rehiyon sa ilalim ng rehimen, pinakamarami sa buong bansa. Isa sa mga kasong ito ay ang pamamaslang sa tatlong magsasaka sa Brgy. Patalunan, bayan ng Ragay sa prubinsya ng Camarines Sur. Nilapastang ang katawan ng dalawa habang ilinibing naman ng buhay ang isa pa. Walang awa rin pinaslang ang isang lola, edad 70 taong gulang, kasama ang kanyang dalawang apo, edad 2 at 9 na taong gulang, sa Cawayan, Masbate. Ang iba pang kaso ay ang pamamaslang sa tatlong magsasaka sa Bato, Camarines Sur; apat sa Casiguran, Sorsogon; at apat na kabataan sa Aroroy, Masbate. Ang salarin sa lahat ng mga kasong ito ay ang 9th IDPA ng mersenaryong AFP. Nangunguna rin ang Bicol sa bilang ng pinakaraming biktima ng pulitikal na ekstrahudisyal na pamamaslang (EJK) sa buong Luzon at pangalawa sa buong bansa. Ika-apat naman ito sa pinakamaraming bilang ng mga bilanggong pulitikal sa Pilipinas. Libu-libo pang masa ang dumanas ng maraming anyo ng abusong militar kabilang ang sikolohikal na pananakot at pamiminsala sa kanilang kabuhayan.

Lalo lamang darami ang patung-patong na kaso ng paglabag sa karapatang-tao sa pagpataw ng Rehimeng US-Duterte ng MO 32. Inaatasan nito ang mersenaryong AFP-PNP, mga armadong makinarya ng estado at pangunahing lumalabag sa karapatang-tao, na higit paigtingin ang presensya at mga operasyon nito sa Rehiyon ng Bicol at sa mga prubinsya sa mga isla ng Samar at Negros. Ipinailalim ng MO 32 ang mga nasabing lugar sa isang de-facto na batas militar at binibigyang-ligal na tabing ang malaon nang nagaganap na iligal na pag-aresto at walang habas na EJK sa buong kapuluan. Ipinaiilalim din nito ang mga sibilyang ahensya at lokal na yunit ng gubyerno sa mersenaryong armadong pwersa. Ang MO 32 ay isa lamang sa mga hakbangin ng rehimen sa tangka nito na isapailalim ang buong Pilipinas sa batas militar.

Minamadali rin nitong mailarga ang kanyang National Task Force (NTF) laban sa rebolusyunaryong kilusan. Puspusang nitong isasakatuparan ang whole-of-nation/government approach upang matransporma ang buong reaksyunaryong makinarya ng gubyerno bilang kasangkapan ng militar sa kampanyang kontra-insurhensya, na isang tusong paraan ng pagkukubli sa aktwal na pagpapairal ng batas militar. Gayunding isasangkalan nito upang bigyang-matwid at pagtakpan ang konsentrasyon sa kamay ng naghaharing reaksyunaryong paksyon ng lahat ng kapangyarihan at dambong gamit ang pamumunong militar. Gagamitin ng Rehimeng US-Duterte kapwa ang NTF at MO 32 upang makapandaya at maipanalo ang mga kasapakat nito sa darating na Eleksyong 2019.

Malaon na ring nailantad ng Rehimeng US-Dutete ang sarili nito bilang kontra-mamamayan. Sa pagpapatuloy ng madudugong Gera kontra Droga o Oplan Tokhang, Oplan Kapayapaan, Batas Militar sa Mindanao at Gera kontra Moro, umani ito ng pambabatikos hindi lamang mula sa sambayanang Pilipino ngunit maging pati sa hanay ng mga tagapagtaguyod ng karapatang-tao sa buong daigdig.

Ang mga ito ay isinusulong ng papet na rehimen sa disenyo ng amo nitong imperyalistang US. Lumulubha rin ang tuwirang panghihimasok militar nito sa bansa. Sa ilalim ng Operation Pacific Eagle-Philippines (OPE-P), naitala ang humigit-kumulang 300 sundalong Amerikano na permanenteng nakabase sa bansa habang 3,000 ang lumalahok sa iba’t-ibang operasyon at pagsasanay militar sa bansa. Tumitindi rin ang pag-iimbak ng imperyalistang US sa mga kagamitang pandigma sa Pilipinas at paglayag ng mga barkong pandigma nito sa mga karagatan ng bansa. Nilalayon ng OPE-P na panatilihing paborable ang bansa sa paglulunsad ng imperyalistang US ng mga digmang agresyon at gerang proxy nito. Estratehiko ang lokasyon ng Pilipinas at sinasamantala ito ng imperyalistang US bilang abanteng larangan sa Asya-Pasipiko at likurang larangan sa mga digmang ilinulunsad nito sa Kanlurang Asya.

Kasinglagim ng talaan ng paglabag sa karapatang-tao ng berdugong rehimen at amo nitong imperyalista ang pagragasa ng mga neoliberal na programa at pakataran sa bansa. Kabilang sa mga ito ang Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) at ang pangkabuoang Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (CTRP) na ibayong nagpalala sa krisis sa kabuhayan ng mamamayan. Dagdag rito ay ang pagtuon ng rehimen sa ekonomya ng bansa sa pagtatayo ng mga imprastraktura sa ilalim ng Build, Build, Build (BBB). Ang TRAIN, CTRP, BBB at iba pang mga neoliberal na atake sa mamamayan ay lalo lamang nagpapalaki sa agwat ng kabuhayan sa pagitan ng mga mahihirap at mayayaman.

Naglalayon ang mga ito na lalong ibukas ang ekonomya ng bansa sa dayuhang pamumuhunan sa gitna ng pagbulusok ng ekonomya ng imperyalistang US. Tanging mga dambuhalang dayuhang negosyante at mga kasapakat nitong lokal na naghaharing-uri ang makikinabang sa mga programang ito. Samantala, papasanin ng karaniwang mamamayan ang bigat ng krisis sa ekonomya na dulot nito.

Nanatiling walang tunay na reporma sa lupa sa Pilipinas. Siyam sa bawat sampung magsasaka ang nakikisaka lamang. Gayundin, walang mga mabigat at intermedyang industriya sa bansa. Ang mga ito ang susi sa pag-unlad ng ekonomya ng Pilipinas. Ang pagtugon sa mga saligang suliraning ito ay ang pangunahing nilalaman ng Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms (CASER) na inihapag ng NDFP sa usapang pangkapayapaan.

Ngunit sa halip na tugunan ito, ganap nang tinalikdan ng Rehimeng US-Duterte ang usapang pangkapayapaan. Pinili nitong arestuhin ang mga konsultant ng NDFP sa usapang pangkapayapaan kabilang sina Rafael Baylosis, Adelberto Silva, Vicente Ladlad, at Rey Claro Casambre. Ito ay labag sa Joint Agreement on the Safety and Immunity Guarantee (JASIG) na isang dokumento na nagbabawal sa pag-aresto o pagpaslang sa mga negosyador sa usapang pangkapayapaan. Kabaligtaran sa pilit na ipinapalabas ng estado, umiiral ang JASIG mayroon man pormal na usapang pangkapayapaan o wala sapagkat ito ay isang pormal na linagdaang dokumento sa pagitan ng GRP at NDFP.

Habang ikinulong ang mga may-sakit na at matatanda nang konsultant ng NDFP, pinalalabas ng bulok na estado na hindi dapat arestuhin si Imelda Marcos na hinatulang may-sala ng korapsyon sa parehong kadahilanan. Bahagi ito ng pakikipag-alyansa ng rehimen kina Gloria Arroyo at Bongbong Marcos, kapwa mga lantarang pasista sa panahon ng kanilang pamumuno.

Bukod dito, lansakang linalabag ng papet na estado at mersenaryong tropa nito ang Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CAHRIHL), na pinirmahan ng GRP at NDFP kung saan nakasaad ang pagrespeto ng magkabilang panig na nakikidigma sa mga saligang karapatang-tao ng mamamayan.

Sa kabilang banda, tumatalima ang Bagong Hukbong Bayan sa mahigpit na mga pamantayang ginagabayan ng mga prinsipyong nagtataguyod at nagtatanggol sa buhay at karapatan ng sibilyan. Higit na matimbang para sa CPP-NPA-NDF ang kapakanan ng mamamayan kaysa ganansyang militar. Hindi kailanman isasangkalan ng pulang hukbo ang karapatan ng masa sa kurso ng pagbigwas sa kaaway. Ang lahat ng taktikal na opensiba ng anumang yunit ng NPA ay ilinulunsad laban sa mga lehitimong target at may kaakibat na masinsin at maingat na pagpaplano upang hindi malagay sa alanganin ang ari-arian, kabuhayan at buhay ng mamamayan. Tumatalima ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa lahat ng batas hinggil sa karapatang-tao at nagsasagawa ng mga opensiba alinsunod sa mga ito.

Lubusan nang naihiwalay ng Rehimeng US-Duterte ang sarili nito sa mamamayan. Hindi na malilinlang ang sambayanan ng mga boladas ni Duterte. Pahina nang pahina ang suporta nito sa hanay ng karaniwang mamamayan habang patuloy na lumalakas at lumalawak ang panawagan ng sambayanan laban sa tiraniko at diktadurang rehimen. Nangangatog ang tuhod nito sa takot ng pagbasak at pilit na iwinawasiwas ang tuwirang pasismo at terorismo. Ngunit bibiguin ng sambayanan ang anumang anti-mamamayang hakbangin ng rehimen, mga kasapakat nitong lokal na naghaharing-uri at amo nitong imperyalistang US.

Nananawagan ang NDFP-Bikol sa mamamayang Bikolano at sa buong sambayanang Pilipino na magkapit-bisig upang tutulan at labanan ang mga atake laban sa mamamayan. Kailangan ang daluyong ng pinagkaisang lakas ng masang anakpawis, kasama ang lahat ng mga progresibo at demokratikong pwersa, upang itaguyod ang karapatang-tao laban sa mga mapang-api at mapagsamantala. Dapat wakasan ang tirano, reaksyunaryo at pasistang paghahari ng rehimeng US-Duterte at isulong ang pambansa demokratikong rebolusyon na may sosyalistang perspektiba upang wakasan ang kawalang katarungan, kawalang kalayaan, kawalang kasaganaan at kawalang kaunlaran sa bansa.

Isulong ang rebolusyon hanggang sa ganap na tagumpay! Tumangan ng armas, sumapi sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan!

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/masang-bikolano-ipagtanggol-ang-karapatang-tao-labanan-ang-paghaharing-militar-at-memo-32-ng-rehimeng-us-duterte/

CPP/NDF-Bicol: Church People, Follow the Revolutionary Path of Saint Oscar Romero!

NDF-Bicol propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 10): Church People, Follow the Revolutionary Path of Saint Oscar Romero!

Maria Roja Banua
Spokesperson | NDF-Bicol
National Democratic Front of the Philippines

December 10, 2018

The National Democratic Front-Bicol is one with the Filipino people in condemning the fascist and terrorist US-Duterte regime’s systematic attack against the Filipino Church who have stood determined in opposing Duterte’s deadly War on Drugs.

Duterte’s sustained vilification and threat campaign against Filipino bishops and priests are part of an intensifying state crackdown against the clergy with the aim of suppressing its influential support over the rising anti-fascist united front. This clearly is a systematic attack that tries to discredit both progressive and democratic forces who condemns his tyrannical rule. Having such a persuasive institution as the Catholic Church openly criticizing his war on drugs would be detrimental in his desperate attempt to consolidate political power through formally declaring Nationwide Martial Law, massive cheating at next year’s elections, ChaCha for bogus federalism and establishment of fascist dictatorship.

Amidst the country’s worsening politico-economic crisis brought forth by the regime’s rabid neoliberal attacks with rampant killings and gross human rights violations continuing to pile up, the Christian Church continues to be aware of the need to be one with the poor, deprived, oppressed and exploited. They have joined the militant church people in assisting victims of extrajudicial killings, educating people of their rights and standing with them against the regime’s oppression, and offered their institution as sanctuary and refuge to the growing mass movement.

As cases of massacres rise, and second amongst the highest number of politically-motivated Extrajudicial Killings (EJKs), mostly against landless peasants, Bicolano church people are consolidating their ranks and are more ready to integrate with the toiling masses in their struggle for land and justice.

They may seek inspiration from Saint Oscar Romero—anti-fascist and anti-imperialist Archbishop of El Salvador who was gunned down during Mass in a hospital chapel a day after telling the Army that “They are killing our own people.” And that “no soldier is obliged to obey an order that is contrary to the will of God. One must not love oneself so much as to avoid getting involved in the risks of life that history demands of us. And those who fend off danger will lose their lives.” He was outspoken during his country’s civil war and denounced the United States part in it.

Archbishop Romero is one of the leaders of the liberation theology movement, espousing that religious faith be practiced by addressing poverty and injustice through immersion with the people’s lives and struggles. It stressed both heightened awareness of the socioeconomic structures that caused social inequities and active participation in changing those structures.

In a time where the hegemonic control and dominance of the imperialist US in the Philippines continues to be imposed, poor people being taxed heavily while prices skyrocket and real wage remains low, and social conditions utterly worsening under Duterte’s fascist dictatorship, may the clergy further embrace the progressive and revolutionary principles of Archbishop Romero.

CNL-Bicol calls on all the church people to stand firmly in our vow of servitude with the exploited and the oppressed. We must extend our hand to the deprived majority silenced by the rich minority. In the spirit of Christianity as church of the poor, let us carry forward the armed revolution until victory! Join the New People’s Army!

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/church-people-follow-the-revolutionary-path-of-saint-oscar-romero/

CPP/NDF-Bicol: Pag-aresto sa mga konsultant sa usapang pangkapayapaan, garapalang pagpapalaya at pagkandili sa mga kriminal na kapaksyon: sukdulang kataksilan ng pasistang rehimeng US-Duterte

 NDF-Bicol propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 10): Pag-aresto sa mga konsultant sa usapang pangkapayapaan, garapalang pagpapalaya at pagkandili sa mga kriminal na kapaksyon: sukdulang kataksilan ng pasistang rehimeng US-Duterte

Maria Roja Banua
Spokesperson
NDF-Bicol
National Democratic Front of the Philippines

December 10, 2018

Kinukundena ng NDF-Bikol ang rehimeng US-Duterte sa panibago na naman nitong pasista, kontrarebolusyunaryo at patraydor na maniobra laban sa mamamayan. Sa magkasabay na araw, inaresto si NDFP peace consultant at advocate na si Rey Casambre at aktibistang si Corazon Casambre sa Cavite at pinawalang-sala ang mandarambong na si Bong Revilla sa kabila ng malakas na ebidensya mula sa milyun-milyon nitong hinuthot sa sistemang pork barrel. Tahasang binabaliktad ng rehimen ang hustisya at ginagamit ang batas at hukuman upang makonsolida ang kanyang pampulitikang kapangyarihan bilang paghahanda sa malawakang pandarayang magaganap sa eleksyong 2019, pagtulak ng ChaCha at bogus na pederalismo at Nationwide Martial Law tungong ganap na pasistang diktadura.

Kinikriminalisa ang mga rebolusyonaryo, progresibo at demokratikong organisasyon at indibidwal na may pampulitikang prinsipyo at paniniwala para sa tunay na kalayaan at kaunlaran ng lipunang Pilipino. Puspusang ipinapatupad ang Inter-Agency Legal Action Committee (IACLA) upang magpakana at magpatupad ng mga gawa-gawang kaso laban sa mga progresibo at rebolusyonaryong pwersa, nagrerekrut o nagtatalaga ng mga tauhan ng militar sa hanay ng mga piskal, prosekusyon at husgado, nag-aalaga ng mga bayarang tauhan ng korte.  Ito ay bahagi ng National Internal Security Plan ng rehimen. Gamit ang pinakagasgas na pamamaraang katulad ng ginawa upang iligal na maaresto ang kapwa niya mga NDF consultant na sina Vic Ladlad at Adelberto Silva, tinaniman ng mga armas at eksplosibo si Casambre at kanyang asawa upang bigyang-matwid ang kanyang pagkakadakip sa kasong kriminal na hindi maaaring pyansahan o non-bailable offense.

Kabilang ang mga NDF peace consultants na sina Casambre, Ladlad, Silva at Rafael Baylosis sa mga buong buhay-at-kamatayang nagtaguyod at nakibaka para sa makatarungang kapayapaan. Naging katuwang at kinatawan sila ng mamamayang Pilipino sa pagsusulong ng kanilang batayang sosyo-ekonomiko at demokratikong interes, pangunahin ang pagsusulong ng tunay na reporma sa lupa at pambansang industriyalisasyon. Silang mga nagsusulong at nakikibaka para sa sosyo-ekonomikong repormang tunay na tutugon sa kahirapan at lulutas sa ugat ng armadong sigalot ang siya ngayong target ng mas matinding paninikil at pag-aresto ng rehimeng ito.

Samantala, garapalang inaalagaan at binibigyan ng ligal na proteksyon at impunity (kawalan ng pananagutan sa batas) ang mga pasista at mandarambong na taksil sa bayan. Sa ilalim ng kanyang rehimen, napalaya at naabswelto lahat ng pulitikong sangkot sa mga pinakamalalaking kaso ng pandarambong at pangungulimbat. Sa kabila ng patung-patong na ebidensya laban kay Revilla, nagdesisyon pa rin ang Korte pabor sa kanyang paglaya at ngayon kasama na ang kapwa niya mga kurakot sa pork barrel na sina Juan Ponce Enrile at Jinggoy Estrada na nagpapasarap sa labas ng rehas. Bagamat hinatulang mabilanggo panghabambuhay sa kasong graft, nananatiling malaya si Imelda Marcos matapos hindi arestuhin ng mga pulis at payagan pang magpyansa.

Lantaran ding binubundat ang reaksyunaryong Kongreso upang iratsada ang pagpasa ng mga pasista at anti-mamamayang mga panukala. Sa pamumuno ng pinakakurakot na si Gloria Macapagal Arroyo at ng kanyang kurap na ahente sa Kongreso, kabilang ang ilang mambabatas ng Bikol, kasuklam-suklam na ihinayag ng Kongreso na nananatili ang sistemang pork barrel. Higit na masahol, lantarang ipinapakita sa publiko ang pag-aagawan ng mga ito sa mas malaking bahagi ng kulimbat. Bilang kapalit, agarang ipinasa ang mga mapanupil na batas tulad ng National ID system at pagbibigay ng kapangyarihang subpoena sa kapulisan, puspusang pag-amyenda sa Human Security Act at pagpapatibay sa panukalang Martial Law extension sa Mindanao. Ipinasa ang anti-mamamayan at banderang programa ng neoliberalismo na TRAIN Law at itinutulak ang kaugnay nitong panukalang TRABAHO Bill. Binatbat ng bilyun-bilyong congressional insertions ang panukalang badyet para sa taong 2019 at binigla ang lahat sa pag-apruba sa Ikalawang Pagbasa ang House version ng ChaCha.

Malinaw ang padron ng mga pagkakahabi ng tambalang dahas at panlilinlang: tusong hinahamig ni Duterte ang suporta ng lahat ng reaksyunaryong halimaw sa layuning makonsolida ang kanyang pasistang paghahari sa sa tabing ng batbat ng kahungkagang ‘kampanya kontra korupsyon’ at ‘Good Governance’.  Ilinalatag ang ‘de facto’ Martial Law sa buong bansa diumano para sa maayos na elekyon sa 2019 sa kabila ng higit pang karahasan sa mamamayan ang pakawawalan nito, mamanipula ang halalan pabor sa kanyang paksyon, mairatsada ang charter change at huwad na pederalismo para sa pasistang diktadura.

Nananawagan ang NDF-Bikol sa mamamayan na mapangahas na labanan ang papatindi pang pasistang atake sa ilalim ng “de facto” o deklaradong Martial Law man sa buong bansa. Nararapat na isulong ang lahatang-panig na pakikibaka upang gapiin ang supreme druglord, uhaw sa kapangyarihan, papet ng US at China at taksil sa bayan, tirano, mamamatay-tao, matsokista, at pasistang si Duterte.

Kailangang ilunsad ang higit na malalawak na kilos protesta at pakikibakang masa at itayo ang pinakamalapad na hanay ng demokratikong paglaban sa mga pasista at anti-mamamayang batas at patakaran ng rehimen. Paigtingin ang anti-pasistang mga kilusan at kampanyang masa sa kanayunan at kalunsuran. Isulong ang pagkakamit ng makatarungang kapayapaan at masikhay na ipinapanawagan ang pagbabalik ng usapang pangkapayapaan. Isadokumento, dalhin at ihapag ang mga kaso ng pang-aabusong militar sa mga organisasyong nagtataguyod ng karapatang-tao at sa Joint Monitoring Committee na nagmomonitor sa pagpapatupad ng CARHRIHL.

Ilulunsad ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan ang higit pang mga taktikal na opensiba upang parusahan ang mga halimaw na armadong pwersa ng estado at makatulong sa mabilis na paghiwalay at pagbagsak ng rehimeng US-Duterte.  Kaisa ng mamamayan ang masang Bikolano sa pagtataguyod at ibayong pagsulong ng demokratikong reb....

 

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/pag-aresto-sa-mga-konsultant-sa-usapang-pangkapayapaan-garapalang-pagpapalaya-at-pagkandili-sa-mga-kriminal-na-kapaksyon-sukdulang-kataksilan-ng-pasistang-rehimeng-us-duterte/

CPP/NDF-Sison: Duterte’s creeping coup against the 1987 constitution is calculated to climax in 2019

Jose Maria Sison propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 10): Duterte’s creeping coup against the 1987 constitution is calculated to climax in 2019

Jose Maria Sison
Chief Political Consultant
National Democratic Front of the Philippines

December 10, 2018

On this International Human Rights Day, it is fitting and proper to reflect on the Duterte regime’s vicious human rights violations in its drive to impose a fascist dictatorship on the Filipino people. Thus, the appropriate and effective courses of action can be defined for upholding, defending and promoting human rights.

The tyrant Duterte, his ruling clique and their armed minions in the AFP and PNP have been carrying out a creeping coup against the 1987 Constitution of the reactionary government since he assumed office in 2016. He has steered the coup through a number of phases. These are calculated to speed up and reach climax in 2019.

1) Duterte surreptitiously began his all-out war against the revolutionary movement by extending Oplan Bayanihan until the end of 2016 and then declared his own Oplan Kapayapaan in January 2017 while he used as decoy his short-lived pretense of peace negotiations with the NDFP.

2) He implemented his scheme to turn the military and police into his private armies by promoting his favorite officers in the AFP and PNP and corrupting more officers with incentives in cash and promotions for listing and killing suspects with impunity.

3) He projected the image of a strong man with iron fist and drummed up his ability to kill people by unleashing Oplan Tokhang to kill thousands of drug suspects, declaring martial law in Mindanao and destroying Marawi City for the purpose of mass intimidation.

4) He used turncoatism and the pork barrel to take control of Congress and also used Arroyo’s and his appointees in the Supreme Court to effect the release of the biggest plunderers, thereby paying his political debts to them and keeping them as mates in a cabal of corruption.

5) He deliberately terminated the peace negotiations with the NDFP in order to scapegoat the CPP and NPA as the pretext for de facto martial law nationwide and terrorist acts of suppression and making threats of formally proclaiming martial law nationwide or a “revolutionary government”.

6) He has steadily pushed the preparations for charter change to a bogus kind of federalism by which he can concentrate powers in his hands and handpick his regional and provincial agents from among the dynasties nd warlords.

7) He has attacked the Catholic Church from time to time in order to test how far people can react to him, cursing the God and religious beliefs of the Catholic masses, causing the murder of a number of priests and threatening to kill all bishops for being critical of him and being supposedly useless.

8) He has escalated his all-out war against the revolutionary movement in Mindanao and nationwide and has in fact imposed a de facto martial law on the entire nation in preparation for fixing the results of the 2019 elections.

9) He has engaged in plunder of public funds and taken over controlling shares in private contracts with the state and even in the illegal drug trade and casino gambling under the pretext of collecting money for the benefit of ordinary soldiers and for the forthcoming elections.

10) He has boasted of being able to maintain US support and at the same time of enjoying the support of China in terms of protection from any possible coup as well as in terms of securing loans and infrastructure projects in exchange for his treasonous sell-out of the sovereign rights of the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea.

The Duterte ruling clique keeps on harping on the threats of terrorism and destabilization plots in order to use these as cover and pretext for the coup that Duterte himself is masterminding against the 1987 Constitution and the Filipino people.

It is the duty of the entire Filipino people to stand up, fight and frustrate Duterte’s scheme to grab absolute power as a fascist dictator a la Marcos under the guise of establishing a federal system of government. He is already culpable for the many grave crimes that he, his ruling clique and their armed minions have committed.

It is necessary for all patriotic and democratic forces and the rest of the people to unite in a broad united front and mass movement to oust the Duterte regime as soon as possible. The change can be achieved under any of the effective processes of the 1987 Constitution. The most effective is for the millions of people to take to the streets and encourage the patriotic sections of the AFP and PNP to start the withdrawal of support from the brutal and corrupt tyrant.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/dutertes-creeping-coup-against-the-1987-constitution-is-calculated-to-climax-in-2019/

CPP/CPP-IB: EO 70 is a thin veil to conceal Duterte’s brutal war

CPP Information Bureau propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 11): EO 70 is a thin veil to conceal Duterte’s brutal war

Malacañang yesterday announced Duterte’s issuance of Executive Order No. 70 forming the National Task Force which he will head with the declared aim of ending the armed revolution through the “whole-of-nation” approach and “delivery of basic services” to supposedly “address the root causes” of the armed conflict.

It is a actually a thin veil to dress the brutal war being mounted by the AFP with political embellishments and seek to justify the worsening forms of abuses being perpetrated by the AFP and PNP against the people.

It declares the “whole-of-nation” doctrine to conjure the illusion that the relentless military offensives by the AFP is supported by the entire people. In reality, Duterte and the AFP are isolated from the people and utterly hated for the widespread killings, abductions, torture and other crimes perpetrated by the military and police, as well as for aggravating their social conditions through taxes, excessive loans, high prices, depressed wages, corruption and promoting shabu smuggling and trade.

The support which Duterte and the AFP claim to have is pure fantasy. It is merely manufactured through the use of coercion and armed threats, feeding media with disinformation and buying and manipulating so-called public opinion surveys.

With EO 70, the AFP will have the entire national and local bureaucracy under its command and weaponized as a tool in its counterinsurgency. This is the one of the key reasons why various agencies of Duterte’s government are being filled with ex-military officials. Also, why the AFP is meddling in the elections to have its agents sit in congress and local governments.

With EO 70, Duterte also targets the legal democratic forces and all opposition by stepping up further the practice of slapping activists and political rivals with one legal case after another, however baseless and patently trumped up.

Duterte’s EO 70 must be exposed in order to reveal its true fascist aims. It is actually a mere rehash of Aquino’s Oplan Bayanihan and its so-called “whole-of-government” approach, which in turn, was derived from the US Department of State’s Counterinsurgency Guide of 2009.

As the previous counterinsurgency programs, Duterte’s EO70 will fail miserably because it does not really address the roots of the people’s armed resistance but merely pretends to do so. In fact, instead of addressing the basic aspiration of land, Duterte wants to take away the lands of the Lumads and national minorities and hand these over to multinational corporations to plunder for minerals or expand their oil palm plantations.

By waging a brutal war of suppression, Duterte is succeeding only in rousing the Filipino people to further intensify their revolutionary armed resistance. Indeed, more and more wants to join and support the New People’s Army because Duterte is shutting all avenues for democratic expression.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/2018/12/11/eo-70-is-a-thin-veil-to-conceal-dutertes-brutal-war/