Saturday, April 6, 2019

WESTMINCOM: BIFF’s firearms, explosive components seized after clash in Maguindanao

From the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Apr 7, 2019): BIFF’s firearms, explosive components seized after clash in Maguindanao



Military troops seized firearms of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters following a clash in Maguindanao on April 4.

Soldiers from 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion, 37th Infantry Battalion, and 64th Division Reconnaissance Company engaged 10 BIFF members in Barangay Tina, Shariff Aguak at 1pm on Thursday.

The gunfight resulted in the seizure of an M203 40mm Grenade Launcher, a Barret, and components of Anti-Personnel Mines.

Despite of danger and rigid terrain, the troops were able to get closer with the enemy position, resulting in a 15-minute exchange of gunfire.



The sustained offensives that started last April 3 resulted in the neutralization of four BIFF/DITG members and the wounding of 11 others.

Meanwhile, two soldiers got wounded in the recent clash in Barangay Tina town of Shariff Aguak at around 7:40am on April 5 .

“We will continue our focused military operations against peace spoilers in the Liguasan Marsh, the SPMS Box, and other parts of the area of responsibility to ensure a peaceful and secured community,” said Major General Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force Central Commander.

“Deliberate operations and pursuit on BIFF factions continue on the ground. Our forces heavily engage terrorists, who are weakened by the losses they incurred from the series of armed engagements,” said Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command chief.



http://www.westmincom.com/biffs-firearms-explosive-components-seized-after-clash-in-maguindanao/

AFP-CRS: Baguio Chief Exec Condemns NPA Attacks in Mountain Province

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Apr 5, 2019): Baguio Chief Exec Condemns NPA Attacks in Mountain Province

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https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2402310603120983/?type=3&theater

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AFP-CRS: Asia-Pacific Nations Informed of CPP-NPA Terrorists Foreign Funding Tactics

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Apr 5, 2019): Asia-Pacific Nations Informed of CPP-NPA Terrorists Foreign Funding Tactics

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AFP-CRS: 35 Years of Annual Balikatan Exercise

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Apr 5, 2019): 35 Years of Annual Balikatan Exercise

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AFP-CRS: BIFF has marked in Sultan Kudarat

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Apr 5, 2019): BIFF has marked in Sultan Kudarat

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AFP-CRS: Asia-Pacific countries warned of CPP-NPA aid schemes

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Apr 5, 2019): Asia-Pacific countries warned  of CPP-NPA aid schemes



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2402308323121211/?type=3&theater

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AFP-CRS: AFP captures rifle from CPP-NPA in Quezon

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Apr 5, 2019): AFP captures rifle from CPP-NPA in Quezon



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2402307803121263/?type=3&theater

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AFP-CRS: Army troops engages CPP-NPA in Compostella Valley

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Apr 5, 2019): Army troops engages CPP-NPA in Compostella Valley

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After snuggling up to China, Duterte now talks of ‘suicide missions’ to protect island

From the Navy Times (Apr 5, 2019): After snuggling up to China, Duterte now talks of ‘suicide missions’ to protect island



In this Feb. 22 photo, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, left, and Moro Islamic Liberation Front chairman Murad Ebrahim, right, flash peace signs following oath-taking ceremony for the creation of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority at the Presidential Palace in Manila, Philippines. (Bullit Marquez/AP)


Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has described his dilemma in dealing with a more powerful China in territorial disputes in the South China Sea, saying he has few options other than to order troops to “prepare for suicide missions” if a Philippine-occupied island comes under threat.

Duterte reminded China in a speech Thursday night of its closer ties with the Philippines under his leadership, but said if an island occupied by Filipinos in the disputed waters is threatened, "things would be different."

Duterte has adopted a non-confrontational approach in territorial spats with Beijing while seeking Chinese infrastructure funds, trade and investment. He has often lashed out at the security policies of the United States, a treaty ally, while praising China and Russia.

Duterte has often had to walk a tightrope when discussing China's increasingly assertive actions in the disputed waters, where Manila and Beijing, along with four other governments, have wrangled for control of territory.


An aerial photo shows Thitu Island, part of the disputed Spratly group of islands, in the South China Sea located off the coast of western Philippines on July 20, 2011. (AFP PHOTO / POOL)

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs on Thursday issued a rare public rebuke of large numbers of Chinese vessels near islands and islets occupied by the Philippines in the disputed waters, saying the Chinese presence was illegal.

The Philippine military has monitored more than 200 Chinese vessels from January to March in a disputed area named Sandy Cay near a Philippine-occupied island called Pag-asa by Filipinos.

"I'm trying to tell China, Pag-asa is ours ... so let us be friends but do not touch Pag-asa Island and the rest. Otherwise, things would be different," Duterte said. "This is not a warning, this is just a word of advice to my friends, because China is our friend."
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"I will not plead or beg, but I'm just telling you (to) lay off (of) Pag-asa because I have soldiers there," he said. "If you touch it, that's another story. Then I will tell my soldiers 'prepare for suicide missions.'"

When he first met President Xi Jinping in Beijing in 2016, Duterte said he told him, “We are staking our claim in our economic zone and we will dig for oil in our territory.”

But Duterte said the Chinese leader replied that was better to hold talks first because “if you insist on your position, ‘there might be trouble.’”

"I had no choice," Duterte said. "If I send my navy and my soldiers there tomorrow and start to travel toward them, in a matter of seconds they'll all explode ... they will be slaughtered and the missiles that are parked there will arrive in Manila in about four minutes. Do you want a war?"

Duterte said the Americans would comply with their obligations under their Mutual Defense Treaty with Manila but that they need congressional permission before going to war.

“Do I trust the Americans? Yes. But will that help be on time? That’s the problem,” he said.

He raised anew his criticism of America for failing to stop China's transformation of seven disputed reefs into islands, some of them with runways, in the South China Sea.
After he took office in 2016, Duterte said the Chinese islands had become “military garrisons.”

"Why was it not stopped by America?" Duterte asked.

https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2019/04/05/after-snuggling-up-to-china-duterte-now-talks-of-suicide-missions-to-protect-island/

AFP official unmasks CPP fronts, networks

From the Manila Bulletin (Apr 5, 2019): AFP official unmasks CPP fronts, networks
A military official said that the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed units are masking themselves as humanitarian non-government organizations or (NGOs) in order for them to get funds from international donors that they use to conduct terrorist activities in the Philippines.



Brig. Gen. Antonio Parlade (PCOO / MANILA BULLETIN)

In his speech at the Milipol Asia-Pacific 2019 Conference in Singapore on Thursday, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations Maj. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. disclosed that the CPP has already established an international network called the International Department consisting of 252 member-organizations based in 39 countries around the world.

According to the Parlade, the CPP was able to establish 16 chapters abroad through the International League of Peoples’ Struggle (ILPS) headed by CPP chairperson Jose Maria Sison.

Sison, who founded the CPP 50 years ago, is a recognized political refugee in The Netherlands and enjoys the protection of the Refugee Convention and Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

“We foresee that this problem, if not checked, can turn out to be a hybrid scheme that can be a transnational crime problem,” Parlade told homeland security authorities of Asia-Pacific countries, as he also sought their cooperation to combat the wide international network of Communist-infiltrated front organizations.

“The purpose of this presentation is to make you aware that there is such a thing, and because of how intricate these international funding is being done. It may not be in our radar,” he added.

Parlade named local organizations such as IBON Foundation, General Assembly Binding Women for Reforms, Integrity, Equality, Leadership, and Action (GABRIELA), Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), KARAPATAN, and National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers as being affiliated with the ILPS.

Parlade said these organizations conduct international solidarity missions where they publish inaccurate reports to portray a tyrannical and oppressive Philippine government.

“At the same time, they lobby for funds from foreign institutions claiming that they will be used for projects to solve the fabricated issues, but will rather be used to fund terrorist activities,” ‘the military official told the audience.

Parlade also disclosed that CPP-infiltrated organizations publish inaccurate information such as weak employment generation, and bloated figures on displaced indigenous communities in order to discredit the government.

“They’ve been fabricating reports, they’ve been tweaking, distorting reports so that the Philippine government will be perceived as incompetent, inefficient,” Parlade said.

“They submit all these reports, false and fabricated reports, to the European Union, United Nations, and other governments, again for funding,” he added.

On December 2018, President Rodrigo R. Duterte signed Executive Order No. 70 creating the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC).

According to Parlade, the national task force was not only about a military or police solution, but about good governance as well.

“It’s approaching the problem in many perspectives, and you can see there the 12 lines of efforts that we are using to engage the different CPP programs. There’s local government empowerment because this is about good governance.

We are engaging our international stakeholders through our international engagements,” Parlade explained.

Parlade said he learned during the task force’s engagement in Europe earlier this year that the Communist-affiliated NGOs were able to raise as much as 15 million euros over a five-year period from Belgium alone. He also found that about 1.3 million euros will be remitted this year.

“We have a long way to go. We have to analyze deeper, the links, the layers, and layers of organizations covering this fund generating scheme for the terrorists,” Parlade said.

“So we have to work together in order to alert each other of this,” he added.

Earlier, Parlade said about 60 percent of funds received by front organizations of the CPP during disasters such as typhoons Yolanda in 2013 and Pablo in 2017, went to the coffers of the Communist terrorists.

The military official claimed that front groups such “Panday Bolig” aligned with the Reds and disguising themselves as relief organizations appeal to the kind hearted especially in Canada, U.S., Europe, Australia and other countries to provide them with funds, but only a portion is spent for the actual rehabilitation of areas devastated by disasters.

Parlade said according to revelations made by former rebels and organizers, 60 percent of the solicited funds goes to the CPP-NPA. Only 40 percent is spent for rehabilitation, if any.

“Reports from California Filipino communities last November 2018 said that their donations went unaccounted for during the onslaught of Yolanda for instance. In the Visayas, they use CERNET or the Community Empowerment Resource Network as the CPP clearing house of all these fake advocacies,” Parlade said.

“We saw this pattern earlier in the past but it’s only now that we had solid evidence after the series of engagements we had with the European Union and some European governments,” he added.

Parlade said CERNET is based in the Visayas, particularly in Cebu, Bohol but extends up to Samar, Leyte.

Parlade said in the days to come, they will expose the other “miracles” the CPP have been doing to deceive the people.

“This is just the tip of the iceberg. Now they are in panic mode,” he said.

Parlade said “these funds from NGOs which went to their pockets are what they use in recovering lost ground, even without their armed groups.”

“These funds were used to organize their mass base, with livelihood projects that promote the CPP and highlight the neglect of government, rather partner with government to develop the countryside,” he said.

Parlade also lauded the move of the ambassadors of the European Union (EU) and Belgium to look into the request of the Philippine government to audit the funds they donate to non-government organizations which local security officials earlier tagged as having links with the Communist rebels.

“We appreciate the positive response of EU and Belgium to our formal plea to stop funding to Rural Missionaries of the Philippines (RMP) which is directly assisting the NPAs in Mindanao,” Parlade said.

“The same RMP has also partnered with Ibon Foundation in the publication of subversive books being used by IP children in the Salugpungan and Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development or ALCADEV schools which are teaching IP children to become child warriors. We have to expose this because it is so unfair to the other lay workers and sisters whom we in AFP PNP and government partner with for our value formation and moral reforms,” he added.

Parlade said missionaries cannot continue to hide under the cloak of the church, of whatever faith, and then provide funds to terrorists NPAs, and other CPP front organizations like Karapatan, Gabriela, ACT, KMU, Anakbayan, LFS (League of Filipinos Students), Bayan or what they call the Makabayan bloc.

He said the RMP provides SUPAMIL or Suporta sa Pamilya (family support) to CPP and NPA cadres and fighters directly and they cannot deny this.

“Those who will say this is a lie should be ready to refute this in a public debate. We are armed with the truth and nothing else. We are morally convinced that what these CPP organizations are doing is simply to exploit our IPs, project a very dire human rights situation in our country, vilify our government by fabricating reports to cast doubt on the efficiency of our government, and then what? Ask for donations,” Parlade said.

“This is a pattern they have established. A fake bakwit (displaced person) to ask for EU funding. A fake advocacy to Save Our Communist Schools and ask for more funding. Kill IPs and attribute it to government then ask for Support to HR (Human Rights) Watch. They put up programs like Literacy Numeracy (LITNUM) for IPs, Community Based Health System for wounded NPAs, Farmers Resource Centers and BREAD to feed NPAs and their families, Sustainable Agri (SUS-AG), or Panday Bolig using disaster rehabilitation as cover,” he added.

Parlade said all of these are programs supported by funds coming from EU and given to RMP-Northern Mindanao Region and all of these provide support to the Communist terrorist group.

“Deceit, lies, propaganda are what the CPP NPA have perfected over 50 years which have duped all of us, students, farmers, clergy, teachers, government workers, and international organizations like EU and UN. How much longer can we tolerate this scam now amounting to billions of pesos, which could have been spent for the needs of the genuinely impoverished and neglected , instead of the NPA and Joma’s minions?” Parlade said.

“The same deceit worked with Belgian-funded Belgian NGOs in Manila, which have benefitted the same CPP front organizations. Most of these organizations are members of Joma’s (Jose maria Sison) International League of People’s Struggles or ILPS and can be found in the ILPS website,” he added.

Camp Aguinaldo has new Camp Commander

From the Manila Bulletin (Apr 5, 2019): Camp Aguinaldo has new Camp Commander
Camp Aguinaldo has a new Camp Commander in the person of Colonel William Ilagan who replaced Brig. Gen. Dominic Pulido who retired from the military service on Friday, April 5, 2019.

The General Headquarters and Headquarters Service Command (GHQ & HSC) welcomed Colonel Ilagan as its new chief following the Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony held the same day.

No less than Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Benjamin Madrigal Jr., presided the Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony.

In his speech, Madrigal said the role of a Camp Commander is very crucial especially in maintaining the security in and around Camp Aguinaldo.

As the main camp of the AFP, Camp Aguinaldo, houses within its compound the Department of National Defense (DND) and the General Headquarters of the AFP.

“The role of Camp Commander comes with vital tasks, including ensuring the security of the National Defense Complex and the General Headquarters where the Command Group operates,” Madrigal said.

According to the AFP’s Public Affairs Office, Col. Ilagan graduated from the FEATI University with a degree in Civil Engineering. He also has a Master’s Degree in Public Management (Major in Development Security) from the Development Academy of the Philippines, Master of Business Administration from Ateneo De Manila University, and Senior Executive Course on National Security from the National Defense College of the Philippines.

Colonel Ilagan also comes with extensive infrastructure management experience having been assigned as the Chief of the Army Housing Office, supervising numerous housing projects for Philippine Army personnel nationwide.

His other positions include Deputy and Acting Chief of the AFP Real Estate Office, Chief of Architectural and Engineering Division of the Office of The Chief Engineer, and Commanding Officer of the 564th Engineering Construction Battalion.

“I am confident that Colonel Ilagan, with his vast experience in security and defense management, engineering and construction, and as a military officer, will be able to perform his duties and responsibilities as the new Camp Commander,” Madrigal said.

As the previous Camp Commander, Pulido was instrumental in pushing for several infrastructure projects in Camp Aguinaldo including the full renovation of the AFP Grandstand now known as the Lapu-Lapu Grandstand.

Pulido also initiated the construction and opening of the new Gate 5 along White Plains Avenue and facilitated the construction of a street that connects Segundo Avenue to Enrile Avenue, thus making travel between Gate 1 and Gate 6 along Col Bonny Serrano Avenue shorter.

“Brig. Gen. Pulido has done a great job in managing the security of the Camp and in maintaining a conducive environment for soldiers, civilian employees, and other government officials working here,” Madrigal said.

Philippines steps up military cooperation with Russia

From the Arab News (Apr 5, 2019): Philippines steps up military cooperation with Russia


Philippine Marines from the Special Warfare Group . (File/Reuters)

The Philippines has stepped up its military relations with Russia as part of President Rodrigo Duterte’s “friend to all, enemy to no one” approach to foreign policy.

And Manila has also been buying in Israeli defense technology and equipment to help combat the scourge of terrorism in the country.

Defense spokesman Arsenio Andolong told Arab News on Friday that recent moves to strengthen international defense and security cooperation with non-traditional allies did not mean that the Philippines would be dumping its main long-term partner the US.

However, on Monday three Russian warships are due to dock in Manila for a four-day friendly visit in the latest round of joint military cooperation activities.

Moscow is keen to help with the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ defense modernization program, and only last week Russian ambassador to the Philippines, Igor Khovaev, warned against existing allies imposing sanctions on Manila for any future arms agreements it might reach with Russia.

Andolong stressed his country would not be turning its back on “big brother” America, but said: “Before, we didn’t even dream of talking to the Russians. Now we are engaging with them along with other nations that are not our traditional allies.

“We realized that Russia is a major strategic player in geopolitics. It will do no harm if we are on good terms with them. With the dynamics of global security, someday, somewhere down the road, we may require their (Russia’s) assistance. It’s always good to be in constant touch.” He added that the same applied to his country’s relations with China.

Noting that the Philippines already had long-standing ties with Israel, Andolong said that “for the first time, we are already actively acquiring technology and equipment from them (the Israelis) and learning best practices when it comes to countering terrorism.”

The spokesman added: “I think it’s good for our defense establishment to take stock of how the global community is growing in terms of defense. By opening (our doors), we are able to develop a better understanding of our friends overseas.”

Prior to Duterte’s presidency, the Philippines had never cooperated with Russia. “The most we ever did was exchange personnel. Now we are sending, or we have sent, troops to participate in certain events in Russia, and we are already engaging with their Ministry of Defense on a regular basis.”

In November last year, a plan mapping out joint military activities between the Philippines and Russia was finalized in Moscow. It includes high-level exchanges, port visits of navy vessels, conferences, staff and security consultations, reciprocal visits of delegations and observers for military training exercises, and education and training exchanges.

The Philippines’ warship BRP Tarlac made a historic trip to the Pacific port city of Vladivostok last year and Russian Navy vessels now make regular visits to the Philippines. The latest will be on Monday when three Russian warships are scheduled to arrive in Manila for a four-day friendly visit. Their visit coincides with the annual US-Philippines Balikatan military exercises taking place in various parts of Luzon island.

“Admittedly, it raises eyebrows on both sides,” said Andolong. “However, it’s consistent with (the president’s) ‘friends to all and enemy to no one’ policy. It’s a friendly port call, I see no issue. They’re not going to engage in any military operations.”

Russia has expressed interest in participating in the Philippine military’s modernization program, which includes a helicopter project and planned submarine acquisition.

Admiral Valdimir Korolyov, chief of the Russian Navy, visited the Philippines last month to meet defense officials, and in 2017 Duterte received a donation of assault rifles, ammunition, military trucks and steel helmets from Russia.

Last week ambassador Khovaev said Russia attached great importance to its relations with the Philippines in the field of security and defense as both countries faced common enemies, particularly terrorism.

“It’s in our national interest to help the Philippines increase their defense and security capabilities in the legitimate struggle against terrorism... We are ready to share our experience. We fully support your struggle against terrorism, against drug trafficking, piracy at sea, and so many other evils,” the envoy said.

On promoting military relations between Moscow and Manila, Khovaev said all options were open, including the supply of sophisticated arms and equipment, and the transfer of technologies to help the Philippines develop its defense industry.

Khovaev stressed that it was not in Russia’s interests to damage the Philippines’ traditional relationships with other countries. “In our view, diversification means keeping old traditional allies and partners, and getting new ones. That’s why any attempt to influence our bilateral relationships by using sanctions or any other methods and ways is, for us, absolutely unacceptable.

“Nobody has a right to teach us how we should live, how we should develop our relationship, our cooperation. That is why sanctions imposed by your traditional allies on Russia must not have any impact on Russian-Philippines cooperation,” said Khovaev.

International security expert Stephen Cutler, a former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent, said he did not see a problem with the growing military cooperation between the two countries.

“I don’t think that the United States ought to (impose sanctions on the Philippines), in the same way that the United States doesn’t impose sanctions on Malaysia, Indonesia, India just because they have Russian stuff. Compete with them and make a good deal,” he said.

But Cutler suggested Manila should be careful with its Russian dealings. “Don’t deal with the Russians to spite the United States. Do it because it makes sense, from your supply chain and your strategic national security goals and objectives.”

He said when dealing with any country, the Philippines should be “eyes open, mind open” and put its own interests first.

Albert Del Rosario, former Philippines secretary of foreign affairs, said: “On the supply of arms and equipment, of great significance is the element of interoperability which should be as much as possible closely factored with one’s treaty ally.”

PH-US Exercise Balikatan gives health, emergency services in Laguna

From the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS) Website (Apr 3, 2019): PH-US Exercise Balikatan gives health, emergency services in Laguna

Balikatan 2019: Humanitarian and Civic Action Projects

Photo By Lance Cpl. Mark Fike | U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Simon Rodriguez plays soccer with children during a cooperative health engagement at Bulsa, San Juan, Batangas, Philippines, April 5, 2019 as part of Exercise Balikatan. U.S. Sailors with 3rd Medical Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, are working with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Australian Defence Forces to support local communities throughout the Philippines. Procedures and lessons learned throughout the exercise events strengthen U.S.-Philippine relationships, increase interoperability with the AFP and enhance operational readiness. Rodriguez, a corpsman with the Preventative Medicine Team, 3rd Med. Bn., 3rd MLG, is a native of Chicago, Illinois. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Mark Fike)

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City--Filipino, U.S., and Australian health and medical specialists visited Pangil, Laguna Tuesday, April 3, for a Cooperative Health Engagement (CHE) as part of the Philippine-U.S. Exercise Balikatan 2019.

The CHEs aim to provide immediate assistance to communities and give residents the necessary awareness and basic knowledge to be able to respond to local emergencies. They are part of the broader Humanitarian and Civic Assistance portion of Balikatan, which also includes engineering and civic assistance projects and community relations events.

"Nagpapasalamat kami sa mga namumuno ng Balikatan sa pag-aabot nila ng tulong at papagbibigay nila ng kaalaman sa aming barangay [We are truly grateful to the organizers of this event for bringing their services to our barangay]," said Aileen Endaya, a local resident who attended the event.

Over 6,600 residents in the Balian barangay were given basic life support and emergency response training by the total combined force and the Philippine Red Cross-Laguna Chapter. Armed Forces of the Philippines service members and the Red Cross workers also provided hygiene management and medical, dental, and veterinary services to the local community members.

"The CHE is a learning opportunity not just for the residents of Baligan, but also for the Filipino, American, and Australian military personnel who get to know of each other's best practices," said Philippine Army Lt. Col. Roslyn Ilarde, CHE lead planner.

Health workers and local first responders, composed of barangay police, or "tanods," were also trained in basic life support, first aid, and emergency evacuation.

"We are very excited to be here in this beautiful barangay, and [we] are receiving great support from the community,” said U.S. Navy Lt. Mary Morin, CHE Officer in Charge. “That, along with learning the best practices of our AFP counterparts, has made this a truly wonderful all around experience," she said.

Residents also received a community cleanliness management seminar to learn methods of preventing the spread of common diseases, like leptospirosis and dengue, and to help control pests. Pets were also dewormed and given rabies vaccines, while their owners underwent pet care management and responsible pet ownership seminars.

Exercises such as Balikatan increase the ability of Philippine, U.S. and Australian forces to work together. Humanitarian and civic assistance activities enable our service members to get to know each other and provide support to local communities.

Police surprise young rebel with birthday cake, ‘pancit’

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 6, 2019): Police surprise young rebel with birthday cake, ‘pancit’
CATARMAN, NORTHERN SAMAR — A young rebel was seated inside the jail cell at the provincial police headquarters here on Thursday when he heard people singing a birthday song.

When he turned, Aljun Cardenas broke into a smile. It was his 19th birthday, and policemen had brought him a cake.

It was the first time he had a birthday cake.

“He was happy. He said it was his first time to have a birthday cake, and he got it while in detention,” said Police Lt. Col. Rafael Tayaban, civil relations chief of the Northern Samar Police Provincial Office (NSPPO).

Cardenas has been detained at Camp Carlos Delgado, headquarters of the NSPPO here, since March 28, when he was captured after the failed attack by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels on the police station of Victoria town.

Police station attacked

More than 50 communist insurgents clad in military uniforms and on board several vehicles stormed the police station at 3:44 a.m. on March 28.

Sensing an attack, Police Lt. Eladio Alo, Victoria police chief, told the 15 policemen on duty to get ready for a fight. They positioned themselves on the rooftop of the police station and fired at the advancing rebels.

The firefight lasted two hours. When the smoke of the battle cleared, three rebels lay dead while three others were captured.

One of them was Cardenas.

Tayaban said he decided to give Cardenas a surprise birthday celebration after a policeman overheard him telling a fellow captive that he would turn 19 on April 4.

Grateful for gesture

The police colonel ordered a cake from a local bakery. To complete the celebration, he also bought “pancit” (stir-fried noodles) and soda.

The surprised teenager thanked the police for the gesture.

Tayaban said he just wanted Cardenas and the other rebels to feel that they were being taken care of while in police custody.

“At least they would feel that they were being taken care of and somehow, people care for them,” Tayaban said.

Cardenas, a resident of Dawo village in Calbayog City, only finished Grade 4.

He told police that he joined the underground movement recently after the NPA promised to give his family land to till.

But his participation in the attack on Victoria police station only resulted in the filing of multiple frustrated murder charges against him.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1103755/police-surprise-young-rebel-with-birthday-cake-pancit

Communists abduct reelectionist mayor’s supporters

From Tempo (Apr 6, 2019): Communists abduct reelectionist mayor’s supporters

MAP of Bansud, Oriental Mindoro

Suspected New People’s Army rebels have abducted four supporters of a mayoral candidate allegedly to force him to pay permit-to-campaign fee in Bansud, Oriental Mindoro.

Police Lt. Col. Socrates Faltado, spokesman of the Philippine National Police Region 4-B (Mindoro Occidental and Oriental, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan area), said among those abducted was Chairman Peter delos Santos of Barangay Malo, Bansud.

The three others were militiaman Raymund Malupa, Ricky Capillo, and Louie Mebdinille. Among those abducted was a woman, according to Faltado.

“Accordingly, Barangay Chairman delos Santos is a known supporter of the incumbent and re-electionist Mayor Angel Saulong,” said Faltado.

He said the four victims were travelling together at around 7 a.m. yesterday when they were intercepted by at least 10 armed men believed to be NPA members operating in the area.

All of the armed men were clad in military uniform.

The four victims were taken to the jungles of Mindoro and are now the subject of police and military rescue operations.

Faltado said Saulong received a text message from the NPA on April 4 demanding payment of permit-to-campaign fee to enable him to campaign in their area. “They threatened harm to the candidate if he fails to pay,” said Faltado.
Authorities said the NPA has been demanding permit to campaign fees ranging from P20,000 for municipal and city council candidates to P250,000 for congressional and gubernatorial bets.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government had earlier disclosed that there are local candidates, including incumbent officials, who are in cahoots with communist rebels.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Ano warned that local candidates found paying permit to campaign fees will be slapped with administrative and criminal charges.

http://tempo.com.ph/2019/04/06/communists-abduct-reelectionist-mayors-supporters/

2 ranking NPA leaders in Davao killed in Digos clash

From the Manila Bulletin (Apr 6, 2019): 2 ranking NPA leaders in Davao killed in Digos clash

Security forces killed two leaders of the local New People’s Army (NPA) operating in the Davao region following a 45-minute clash in Digos City in Davao del Sur.

Col. Adonis Bajao, commander of the 1002nd Brigade, said the two slain rebels were abandoned by their comrades after the clash in Sitio Lanan, Barangay Goma on Friday morning.

He identified those killed as Lesly Pulido, alias Camille, secretary of the Guerilla Front 51; and, Roberto Castellote, alias Enoy, Commander of the guerilla unit of GF51.

“They were identified through a former rebel in the rogues’ gallery of the 39thInfantry Battalion,” said Bajao.

The official said the clash erupted when soldiers chanced upon the rebels based on the report of a group of farmers.

The military has initiated intensified attacks against the communist rebels after the peace talks were canceled last month. The operations come with localized peace talks.

The rebels, on the other hand, have also escalated the attacks against the government through ambushes.

NPA rebels ‘abduct’ village chief, 3 others, in Oriental Mindoro

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 6, 2019): NPA rebels ‘abduct’ village chief, 3 others, in Oriental Mindoro

Four people, including a village chief, were allegedly kidnapped by members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Bansud town in Oriental Mindoro province Friday night, police said in a report Saturday.

Police Lt. Col. Socrates Faltado, Mimaropa police information officer, identified the four victims as Raymund Malupa, Louie Mebdinille, Ricky Capillo, and Barangay (village) Malo, Bansud chief Peter Delos Santos.

Faltado said the alleged “extortion and kidnapping” happened around 8 p.m. Friday in Malo.


He said around 10 suspected rebels, one of them a woman, clad in military uniforms, abducted the victims and escaped towards sitios (sub-village) Sawmill and Anaw in the same village.

A report said Delos Santos is a known supporter of the incumbent and re-electionist Bansud Mayor Angel Saulong.

On Thursday, Saulong told police that while conducting a campaign rally at Malo, he received a text message from the NPA demanding payment of a permit-to-campaign.

He said the rebels also threatened to harm the candidates running for the May elections campaigning in the area.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1103901/npa-rebels-abduct-village-chief-3-others-in-oriental-mindoro

NPA releases abducted barangay chief, 2 others in Mindoro

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 7, 2019): NPA releases abducted barangay chief, 2 others in Mindoro

Three of four people who were reportedly kidnapped by members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Bansud town in Oriental Mindoro province Friday night were released on Saturday, according to the police.

READ: NPA rebels ‘abduct’ village chief, 3 others, in Oriental Mindoro

Lt. Col. Socrates Faltado, information officer of the Mimaropa Police Regional Office, said Peter Delos Santos, chairman of Barangay Malo in Bansud, and wife Ruth, and Rocky Boy Bueta, aka Ricky Capillo, were released at about 6 a.m. Saturday — or a few hours after they were allegedly abducted around 8 p.m. Friday in Malo.

Another man, Raymundo Malupa, a member of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary, is still being held by the captors as of this writing.

In an interview with Bansud police, Delos Santos aid he and his wife were inside their house when they were approached by more or less nine armed men who forcibly took the barangay official’s .45-caliber pistol.

He and the others, who were also kidnapped from their homes, were taken by the armed men to a grassy area of Sitio Pay-Pay Ama.

Faltado said the alleged “extortion and kidnapping” was carried out by around 10 suspected rebels, one of them a woman, clad in military uniforms.

A report said Delos Santos is a known supporter of the incumbent and re-electionist Bansud Mayor Angel Saulong.

On Thursday, Saulong told police that, while conducting a campaign rally at Malo, he received a text message from the NPA demanding payment of a permit-to-campaign.

He said the rebels also threatened to harm the candidates running for the May elections campaigning in the area.


https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1104039/npa-releases-abducted-barangay-chief-2-others-in-mindoro

CPP/NPA-Sorsogon: Pagmasaker sa 14 na magsasaka sa Negros Oriental, kinundena ng Celso Minguez Command

NPA-Sorsogon propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 5, 2019): Pagmasaker sa 14 na magsasaka sa Negros Oriental, kinundena ng Celso Minguez Command

SAMUEL GUERRERO
NPA-SORSOGON (CELSO MINGUEZ COMMAND)
APRIL 05, 2019

Nakikiisa ang Celso Minguez Command ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan sa Sorsogon sa pagkundena sa nangyaring masaker sa 14 na magsasaka sa tatlong magkakahiwalay na lugar nitong Marso 30 sa Negros Oriental.

Nakikiramay ang CMCBHB-Sorsogon sa mga pamilya, kaanak at mga kaibigan ng mga magsasakang walang hinangad at ipinaglaban kundi ang tunay na reporma sa lupa.

Inaasahan na ng mamamayan na walang anumang hustisya ang mapapala mula sa rehimeng US-Duterte. Walang ibang masusulingan ang sambayanan sa paghahanap ng tunay na katarungan kundi sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan. Sa pagrerebolusyon lamang makakamit ng sambayanang Pilipino ang hustisya.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/pagmasaker-sa-14-na-magsasaka-sa-negros-oriental-kinundena-ng-celso-minguez-command/

CPP/NPA-Sorsogon: Kasinungalingan ang ulat ng PNP ukol sa engkwentro sa Juban

NPA-Sorsogon propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 5, 2019): Kasinungalingan ang ulat ng PNP ukol sa engkwentro sa Juban

SAMUEL GUERRERO
NPA-SORSOGON (CELSO MINGUEZ COMMAND)
APRIL 05, 2019

Walang katotohanan ang ipinamamalita ng 31st IBPA at ng Sorsogon Police Provincial Office hinggil sa umanoý engkwentrong naganap sa Brgy. Lajong, Juban, Sorsogon noong Abril 1, 2019 upang pagtakpan ang ginawa nilang pagsalbeyds kay Michael Ismer, isang sibilyan na inakusahan nilang myembro ng NPA.

Nauna nang inilabas ng CMC BHB-Sorsogon ang pahayag ng pagkundena sa pagsalbeyds kay Ismer nitong Abril 3 kung kaya’t nagkukumahog na maghugas kamay ang PNP na inilabas din nila noong araw na iyon. Walang katotohanan na may mga myembro ng BHB sa lugar sa nabanggit na petsa. Katawa-tawa pang pinalobo nila ang bilang ng mga operatibang kalahok sa diumano’y engkwentro.

May malilinaw na palatandaan na ang pagpatay kay Michael Ismer ay kagagawan ng mga ahente ng estado.

Si Ismer, sibilyang taga-Caditaan, Magallanes, Sorsogon ay nagpaalam sa mga magulang nitong Marso 29 na may lalakarin siya. Umalis siya sa kanilang tirahan sakay ng motorsiklo.

Huli siyang nakitang bumababa mula sa isang puting SUV na may kasunod na police mobile noong Abril 1, bandang alas 8:00 ng gabi, sa Sityo Sigad, Brgy. Lajong, Juban. Ayon sa mga nakasaksi, pagkababa ni Ismer ay walang awa itong pinagbabaril hanggang mapatay ng mga sakay ng SUV. Agad namang kinuha ng mga pulis na lulan ng mobile ang bangkay at iniulat nilang si Ismer ay mandirigma ng BHB na napatay sa isang engkwentro.

Mariin naming kinukundena ang pinakabagong insidenteng ito ng ekstrahudisyal na pagpatay sa mga pinagbibintangang myembro ng mga rebolusyonaryong organisasyon. Sunud-sunod ang ganitong mga pangyayari sa Sorsogon laluna mula nang ilabas ng rehimeng Duterte ang Memorandum Order 32 (MO32) at ideklarang election hotspot ang probinsya.

Nananawagan kami sa lahat ng may malasakit sa karapatang pantao na makiisa sa pagkundena sa kalakarang ito. Hinahamon naman namin ang mga upisyal ng lokal na reaksyunaryong gobyerno at lahat ng mga pulitikong kumakandidato ngayon na magpakita ng suporta sa pamilya ng mga biktima sa paghingi ng hustisya.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/kasinungalingan-ang-ulat-ng-pnp-ukol-sa-engkwentro-sa-juban/

CPP/NPA-Sorsogon: Pagpupugay kina Kasamang Pilar at Ka JM!

NPA-Sorsogon propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 5, 2019): Pagpupugay kina Kasamang Pilar at Ka JM!

SAMUEL GUERRERO
NPA-SORSOGON (CELSO MINGUEZ COMMAND)
APRIL 05, 2019



Iginagawad ng Celso Minguez Command-BHB Sorsogon (CMC- BHB Sorsogon) ang pinakamataas na pagpupugay sa dalawang Pulang mandirigma, sina Ka Pilar at Ka JM, na walang pag-iimbot na nag-alay ng kanilang buhay para sa sambayanan.

Nitong Marso 24, nagbuwis ng buhay sa isang depensiba sa Brgy. Tinampo, Bulusan, Sorsogon si Joseph “Ka Pilar” Loyola. Ganap na ala-una ng hapon nang paputukan ang mga kasama ng mga tropa ng 91st Division Reconnaissance Company at 31st IBPA. Umabot ng 10 minuto ang putukan bago nakaatras ang mga kasama.

Sa proseso ng pagmaniobra, tinamaan si Ka Pilar at nang abutan siya ng mga berdugong elemento ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), hindi nito iginalang ang karapatan ng isang sugatan na wala nang kakayahang lumaban, walang awang pinagbabaril si Ka Pilar hanggang malagutan siya ng kaniyang hininga.

Si Ka Pilar ay pinanganak noong Marso 31, 1977 sa bayan ng Pilar, Sorsogon. Mahirap ang buhay na kanyang kinagisnan. Mula sa pamilya ng mala-manggagawa, binuhay silang magkakapatid sa pagtitinda ng isda sa palengke ng kanilang mga magulang. Ngunit hindi sapat ang kinikita ng kanyang mga magulang kung kaya’t grade 6 lamang ang kanyang natapos at agad siyang naghanap-buhay upang makatulong sa kanyang pamilya. Nagtrabaho siya bilang konduktor ng bus, taga-deliber ng isda, at nagkonstraksyon.

Bago sumampa sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB) si Ka Pilar ay muntik na siyang marekluta ng RHB sa Pampanga. Nakatira siya noon sa kanyang tiyuhin at nakilala niya ang mga elemento ng RHB dito. Nang tanungin niya ang mga ito kung ano ang mapapala niya sa pagsali sa kanila ay sinagot siya ng mga ito na kikita siya sa pagsali sa RHB. Makukumbinsi na sana siya ngunit nang malaman ito ng kanyang tiyuhin ay pinauwi siya agad sa Bikol.


Dahil sa pagpropaganda ng kanyang kamag-anak na nasa komite ng magsasaka sa kanilang lugar ay napagpasiyahan niyang sumampa sa BHB noong 2001 at agad rin siyang sumumpa bilang kasapi ng partido. Gumampan siya bilang tim lider at iskwad lider pagkalipas ng ilang panahon. Taong 2007 ay nadestino siya sa ibang rehiyon ngunit hindi na natuloy dahil nagtanan sila ng kanyang asawa na kasabay niya sa byahe at kasama niyang ililipat. Bumalik uli siya noong 2010 at maluwag niyang tinanggap ang kaniyang aksyong disiplina dahil sa kanyang pag-AWOL.

Isang mahusay na kasama si Ka Pilar. Mabait at mahusay makisalamuha sa masa at kasama na kanyang nakakasama sa trabaho. Aakalain mong tahimik si Ka Pilar dahil sa una ninyong pagkikita ay hindi agad ito makikipagkwentuhan sa iyo. Ngunit paglao’y malalaman mong masaya pala siyang kausap. Lagi niyang ikinukwento ang naging buhay niya bilang isang mala-manggagawa. Lagi niyang binibiro sa mga kasama na sa pagiging hukbo nya ay binitawan nya lahat ng luho nya maliban sa pag-ahit ng kilay at bigote.

Wala siyang tungkuling inaatrasan, sa labanan man ito o sa gawaing edukasyon. Ilang beses siyang nanguna sa mga maliliit na operasyon at kalaunan ay naging lider ng platun ng ilang taon. Sa kabila ng kanyang pag-aagam-agam sa pagtanggap sa mga atas ay sinisikap niyang magampanan ito sa abot ng kanyang makakaya. Sa gitna ng matinding kaba ay ipinakita pa rin ni Ka Pilar na mahusay din siyang magbigay ng mga pag-aaral sa BKP.

Maalalahanin, maalaga at mabait na asawa’t ama si Ka Pilar. Pilit niyang idinudugtong ang distansya niya sa kanyang pamilya sa pamamagitan ng pagtawag at pangungumusta dito, kung may pagkakataon nga ay pinadadalo niya ito sa mga anibersaryo ng Partido o Hukbo.

Nitong 2018, pagkalipas ng walong taon ay nasundan din ang kanyang panganay na babae ng anak na lalake. Tuwang-tuwa at ipinagmamalaki lagi ni Ka Pilar ang kaniyang bunsong anak kahit bago pa man ito isilang.

Noong ika-15 ng Pebrero, si Angel “Ka JM” Almerol ay namatay dulot ng malubhang karamdamdaman sa edad na 25 taon.

Ipinanganak si Ka JM sa Salvacion, Magallanes noong Abril 18, 1993. Dahil isa siyang manggagawang bukid, nakita at dinanas niya ang hirap ng buhay ng inaaping mamamayan. Dahil dito, nakita niya ang kahalagahan ng gawaing hukbo kung kaya’t sumampa siya sa BHB noong 2010.


Masigasig niyang pinag-aralan ang mga paraan ng pakikidigma. Naging bahagi siya ng Larangang Yunit Gerilya at gumampan bilang pangalawang lider sa iskwad at namuno din. Makailang beses siyang nakasama sa mga taktikal na opensiba kung saan ipinakita niya ang kanyang katatagan ng loob at tapang.

Masayahing kasama si Ka JM, walang panahong hindi ka tatawa kapag kasama mo siya. Magiliw at malambing din si Ka JM, palibhasa bunsong lalaki siya sa anim na magkakapatid.

Gaya ng ibang mga kasama, inabot din ng paghina ng loob si JM, ngunit lagi’t-lagi ay bumabalik siya sa kasama upang gampanan ang kanyang gawain sa Hukbo.

Matindi din siya kung umibig, ang babaeng pinangarap niyang mapangasawa ay masugid niyang niligawan hanggang sa kanya itong pinakasalan. Sa kanyang pagpanaw, iniwan niya ang kanyang butihing kabiyak na si Edna at dalawang anak na lalaki.

Ang walang pag-iimbot na pag-aalay ng buhay nina Ka Pilar at Ka Jm para sa sambayanan ay isang malaking inspirasyon sa lahat ng masa at kasama na kanilang nakasama sa pakikibaka para sa pagpapalaya ng ating sambayanan. Nawala man sila, ay daan-daang mandirigma ang susunod sa kanilang yapak upang ipagpatuloy ang kanilang iniwang laban at tungkulin sa rebolusyon.

Taas-kamaong pagpupugay kina Ka Pilar at Ka JM!
Tularan ang kanilang dakilang buhay-rebolusyonaryo!

Ka Samuel Guerrero
Tagapagsalita

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/pagpupugay-kina-kasamang-pilar-at-ka-jm/

CPP/NPA-Ilocos Cordillera Region: A Rejoinder to the Malicious and Slanderous Publicity of the AFP-PNP On the NPA’S Improvised Explosive Devices and on “Localized Peace Talks” to Malign the Revolutionary Movement in the Ilocos-Cordillera

NPA-Ilocos Cordillera Region propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 5, 2019): A Rejoinder to the Malicious and Slanderous Publicity of the AFP-PNP On the NPA’S Improvised Explosive Devices and on “Localized Peace Talks” to Malign the Revolutionary Movement in the Ilocos-Cordillera

MARTIN MONTANA
SPOKESPERSON
NPA-ILOCOS CORDILLERA REGION (CHADLI MOLINTAS COMMAND)
APRIL 05, 2019

Since the time the NPA have been using the so-called Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) to advance the National Democratic Revolution through People’s War against the Filipino people’s three basic problems of US imperialism, feudalism and bureaucrat capitalism, the fascist commanding officers of the reactionary AFP-PNP forces – who are the candid protectors of the big landlords and big comprador bourgeoisie and their US-imperialist master – blatantly shout that the revolutionary Army of the Filipino people are the violators of the international laws and rules of war. The NPA’s National Operations Command (NOC) has often made clarifications that NPA commanders and combatants always and at all times adhere to the laws and rules of war in waging the People’s War. Nonetheless, the AFP-PNP commanders continue to slander the NPA and the armed Filipino masses.

While the Regional Operations Command (ROC) of the NPA in the Ilocos-Cordillera Region salute to the highest degree the Leonardo Pacsi Command and its Red commanders and combatants for successively and successfully launching three (3) tactical offensives in Moutain Province against the AFP-PNP last March 29, March 31 and April 2, which led to the death of three (3) and the wounding of nine (9) enemies of the people, it is but proper to send to the print, broadcast and social media this rejoinder to the malicious and slanderous publicity of the AFP-PNP on the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to malign the NPA and the whole revolutionary movement. After said NPA tactical offensives, Lt. Col. Narciso Nabulneg Jr., commander of the 54th IB, also the 503rd Infrantry Brigade Commander as well as Lt. Col. Isagani Nato, the PA Northern Luzon Command spokesperson, kept on denouncing the NPA for using IEDs which, they claim spitefully, are prohibited by the United Nations’ international laws. Calling the NPA revolutionary forces as terrorists, the reactionary and fascist AFPPNP commanders at the national and regional levels still go on to the extent of broadcasting their ridiculous declarations that the NPAs are using IEDs only to hide their declining strength, that peace and development in the Cordillera and the Philippines would be achieved through “localized peace talks”, and that the US-Duterte tyrannical regime’s “Whole-of-Nation Approach, 12 Pillars and National Task Force” would finally end the CPP-NPA-NDFP by 2022.

The revolutionary principles of the NPA in using the Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) do not at all contradict but follow the rules and instructions, written in the “CONVENTION OF THE PROBIHITION OF THE USE, STOCKPILING, PRODUCTION AND TRANSFER OF ANTI-PERSONNEL MINES AND ON THEIR DESTRUCTION”. This Convention was done by the 133 members of the United Nations at Oslo, Norway, on 18 September 1997. It has been ratified, accepted and approved by 133 nations, including the Philippines; but this has never been acknowledged and recognized, and up to now, has been totally ignored and rejected, by the government of the United States of America.

The Convention is “determined to put an end to the suffering and casualties caused by antipersonnel mines, that kill or maim hundreds of people every week, mostly innocent and defenseless civilians and especially children, obstruct economic development and reconstruction, inhibit the repatriation of refugees and internally displaced persons, and have other severe consequences for years after emplacement.” Specifically, it prohibits the “Use of Certain Conventional Weapons which May Be Excessively Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate Effects”.

Even in an armed conflict, whether internal in a country (like what is happening now in the Philippines) or between two countries, the Convention states that “Basing themselves on the principle of international humanitarian law that the right of the parties to an armed conflict to choose methods or means of warfare is not unlimited, on the principle that prohibits the employment in armed conflicts of weapons, projectiles and materials and methods of warfare of a nature to cause superfluous injury or unnecessary suffering and on the principle that a distinction must be made between civilians and combatants”. What the Convention particularly prohibits also is “the use of mines, booby-traps and other devices” that are “designed to be placed under, on or near the ground or other surface area and to be exploded by the presence, proximity or contact of a person or a vehicle”. Thus, the IEDs – that are competently developed, produced and used by the NPA solely against the armed enemies of the exploited and oppressed people, i.e. the fascist AFP-PNP and their para-military troops – are not covered by the prohibitions of the Convention because it permits and does not ban command detonated bombs, and the NPA do not at all target civilians in launching tactical offensives and in pursuing the People’s War. Such command detonated bombs, being exploded by the NPA exclusively against the reactionary AFP-PNP forces in places outside civilian population, are detonated by NPA explosive experts based on the command of the Company Commander or Platoon Leader.

So why then does the US-imperialist government, well protected by their imperialist CIA and armed powers, deny and reject said Convention? Because such prohibitions totally castigate and denounce US imperialism in its current war of aggressions and armed interventions to maintain and expand its global monopolies and hegemony against many nations by massively using weapons of mass destructions, cluster bombs, chemical and biological weapons, artilleries, missiles and nuclear facilities and forces (submarines, ships, planes) without any distinction between civilians and combatants. And look what the US did to the people of Nagasaki and Hiroshima; to Vietnam and Korea and other Asian and Latin American countries; to people of Libya, Iraq and other countries in the Middle East.

And though the reactionary Philippine government ratified, approved and signed the said Convention at Ottawa, Canada and at the UN Headquarters in New York on 3 December 1997, its fascist AFP-PNP forces have never totally implemented the laws and rules of the UN Convention. Guided by and based on the US-imperialist global Counter-Insurgency (COIN) Guide, all the APF-PNP Operation Plans of past puppet regimes since 1997 to the present – the US-Ramos’ Oplan Lambat Bitag 4 and Oplan Sandugo I & II; the US-Estrada’s “All-out War” and Oplan Balangai; the US-Arroyo’s Oplan Bantay Laya I & II; the US-Aquino II’s Oplan Bayanihan; and the US-Duterte tyrannical regime’s “total war” through his Oplan Kapayapaan and “Whole-of-Nation Approach” (WNA) through his “12 Pillars” and implemented by his “National Task Force” (NTF), which is actually a de facto Martial Law throughout the Philippines – have been and are continuously using airborne bombings that have boundless and indiscriminate effects on the civilians, their communities and the environment. Consider the destructive consequences of what killer Duterte have done to the Moro people of Marawi City! All these are crimes against humanity, particularly against the Filipino people.

Tyrant Duterte’s daydream to end the NPA and the Filipino people’s armed revolution by 2022 will totally fail because his “Whole-of-National Approach”, “12 pillars” and “National Task Force” do not address but only reinforce daily the root causes of the armed conflict, which are US imperialism, feudalism and bureaucrat capitalism that have buried the exploited and oppressed Filipino masses into increasing poverty and impoverishment. Tyrant Duterte’s “Whole-of-Nation Approach” is itself a state fascism that continues to slaughter the struggling workers, urban poor, peasants, national minorities, women, youth, lawyers, media people, human rights defenders, Church people, and including the political oppositionists of killer Duterte. Killer Duterte’s “12 Pillars” are actually aggravating the deteriorating socio-economic conditions of the Filipino masses through high taxes and TRAIN law, excessive foreign loans for his “Build, Build, Build” projects, high prices/inflation, contractualization, depressed wages, corruption and promoting shabu smuggling and trade in the facade of “anti-drug war”. Killer Duterte has ordered his pro-US imperialist AFP and PNP to control and use the “National Task Force” in order to militarize the whole national and local bureaucracy, and has de facto put the whole nation to martial law.

Duterte and his fascist military and police continue to step up further various extra-judicial killings, surveillances, baseless arrests, red-tagging and trumped-up criminal cases against the legal democratic forces and all critics and political oppositionists, including members of the NDPF peace negotiation panelists and consultants. And after terminating through Proclamation No. 360 the peace negotiations between the GRP and the NDFP, tyrant Duterte and his fascist AFP-PNP commanders have been and are coercing all government agencies to implement localized peace negotiations that are nationally directed and supervised. But the fact remains that localized peace negotiations will neither solve the root causes of the People’s War being waged by the NPA and the Filipino armed masses, nor respond to the Filipino people’s aspiration for a just and lasting peace.

In actual facts, tyrant Duterte and his pro-US imperialist armed forces and police have actually become the best recruiters for the NPA, and are daily compelling the Filipino masses to take up arms and join the NPA. By terminating the peace negotiations between the GRP and the NDFP, killer Duterte and his reactionary AFP and PNP are encouraging the Filipino masses to wage the People’s War in order to advance the National Democratic Revolution, continue building the Filipino people’s revolutionary democratic government, pursue the agrarian revolution and national industrialization, and at all times stand for national sovereignty and democracy as well as social justice. The revolution shall surely terminate the class dictatorship of big landlords and big comprador bourgeoisie, and end finally and thoroughly the unbridled pro-US imperialist puppetry, neo-liberalism, fascism, corruption, economic plunder, repression and abuses, poverty and impoverishment of the Filipino people, for socialist construction to finally commence nation-wide.

Long live the New People’s Army!

Join the New People’s Army and the People’s War!

CPP/NPA-Ilocos Cordillera Region: The People’s War Rages On!

NPA-Ilocos Cordillera Region propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 3, 2019): The People’s War Rages On!

MARTIN MONTANA
SPOKESPERSON
NPA-ILOCOS CORDILLERA REGION (CHADLI MOLINTAS COMMAND)
APRIL 03, 2019

In celebration of the 50th founding anniversary of the New People’s Army (NPA), the Leonardo Pacsi Command (LPC) of NPA-Mountain Province launched three successive tactical offensives against operating troops of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) 15 and Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the 54th IB of the Philippine Army (PA). As a result of these offensives, three were killed while 13 others were wounded on the enemy side.

On March 29, a unit of the LPC harassed troops of the 1502nd Company of the RMFB 15-PNP in Bagnen, Bauko, Mountain Province. One enemy troop was killed while another was wounded. On March 31, another unit of the LPC harassed troops of the 54th IB on pursuit operation between Bagnen, Bauko and Bantey, Tadian. One element of the 54th IB was killed. And on April 2, the LPC ambushed joint forces of the RMFB 15 and Special Action Force (SAF) of the PNP who were also on pursuit operation at Sitio Cabunagan, Poblacion, Tadian, Mountain Province. The enemy suffered one killed and at least eight wounded in this battle.

These successful offensives send a clear message to the tyrannical US-Duterte regime – that the people’s war spearheaded by the NPA under the correct and firm leadership of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) is steadfastly advancing and well on its way towards achieving far greater victories.

The majority of our people are mired in deepening poverty due to the full implementation of neo-liberal economic policies and programs that only benefit the imperialists, big capitalists and landlords. And while the masses endure untold sufferings, they are constantly victimized by the rampaging fascism unleashed by a regime that has gone berserk on a frenzied killing spree. More than 20,000 civilians have already been killed in the ruthless ‘war on drugs’ and war of suppression of the despotic Duterte administration.

With the worsening impoverishment and intensified oppression, a pervasive despondency has taken hold of the vast majority of our people. It has outstandingly become clearer to them that they have no other recourse but to solidify their ranks and intensify their militant struggles for their basic demands, to resist the fascist dictatorship and to actively participate in the national democratic revolution through people’s war. Only the armed revolution will usher in genuine change and end the suffering and poverty of the masses.

NPA commands in the different guerilla fronts and provinces of the region have exerted efforts in pursuing the call of the CPP to intensify tactical offensives against the US-Duterte Regime. From 2018 to the first quarter of 2019, the NPA in the region has been able to launch successful offensives against the AFP-PNP-CAFGU who incurred a total of 52 casualties with 19 killed and 33 wounded in action. 12 CAFGUs were also captured in battle and immediately released. A total of 36 firearms were seized from the enemy. On the other hand, one red fighter was martyred in battle. Clearly, the NPA has triumphantly frustrated the onslaught of the anti-people Oplan Kapayapaan in the region and continues to do so.

Resolutely serving and fighting for the interests of the masses, the NPA continues to be the people’s inspiration to determinedly pursue their struggles against their class exploiters and oppressors. Persistently waging armed struggle while supporting peasants in advancing militant land reform struggles and building the solid mass base of the armed revolution in the countryside, the NPA serves as the beacon of hope of the impoverished and the downtrodden.

As it is cherished by the masses, the NPA can never be intimidated by the desperate yet clearly empty threats of a lunatic despot like Duterte and his armed minions to end the armed revolution. At its nascent stage, the people’s army victoriously foiled the US-Marcos dictatorship’s vicious attempt to crush the armed revolution. Surmounting brutal campaigns of suppression by an overwhelmingly superior reactionary force, the NPA grew rapidly and advanced the people’s war to a level that has greatly contributed to the downfall of the much hated dictatorship. Succeedingly, it valiantly fought and prevailed over all anti-people and counter-revolutionary campaigns launched by one reactionary regime to another. And through these, it has grown to become the largest and most consolidated revolutionary army in the nation’s history. Tempered by fifty years of class war, the people’s army and the revolutionary masses persistently pursue the armed revolution to end class oppression & exploitation and finally liberate the people and country from imperialist domination, feudal bondage, state corruption and fascism.

In consonance with the people’s heightened resistance against tyranny, the NPA in the Ilocos-Cordillera is more than ever determined to deal heavier blows against the fascist troops of the US-Duterte Regime. The unwavering and ever expanding support of the people and the allies fuels the NPA in the region to exert greater efforts in totally overcoming military conservatism to make larger contributions to the nationwide endeavor in advancing the people’s war to the next higher stage in the coming years and achieve total victory in the near future. ###

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/the-peoples-war-rages-on/

CPP/CPDF: Liars of the AFP-PNP Can Never Cover Up Their Losses Against the New People’s Army

Cordillera People's Democratic Front (CPDF) propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 3,2019): Liars of the AFP-PNP Can Never Cover Up Their Losses Against the New People’s Army

SIMON 'KA FILIW' NAOGSAN
SPOKESPERSON
CORDILLERA PEOPLE'S DEMOCRATIC FRONT
APRIL 03, 2019
The Cordillera People’s Democratic Front (CPDF) again salutes and congratulates the commanders and Red fighters of the Leonardo Pacsi Command-NPA Mountain Province for repulsing and frustrating the massive attacks of combined forces of the Cordillera Police Regional Mobile Force Command (CPRMFC), unit of the Special Action Force (SAF) and units of the 54th IB. Set to sabotage the celebration of the 50th founding anniversary of the New People’s Army, the CPRMFC taste their own bullets on the day of the anniversary celebration on March 29, 2019. Follow up operations on March 31 by the 54th IB were harassed at Mt. Makilkilat, Tadian and combat troops who conducted pursuit operations were met at Sitio Cabunagan, Poblacion, Tadian on April 2.

Adept at lying, PNP/AFP generals and their spokespersons are quick to find excuses and spew lies in a desperate attempt to downgrade their defeat in battles. No amount of crocodile tears from the commanding generals of the PNP and AFP including their Commander-In-Chief can soothe the grief of families and widowed wives of young policemen thrown into battles they hardly comprehend but are forced to if only to comply with stupid orders and prodding from their commander-in-chief and his coterie of civilianmilitary junta that virtually holds the rein of government today.

According to Comrade Magno Udyaw, spokesperson of LPC, a total of three were killed in action and not less than nine were wounded in action on the side of the mercenary troops in the three armed firefights namely on the morning of March 29, afternoon of March 31 and in the afternoon of April 2.

The commanding generals of the AFP/PNP are preposterously lying when they claimed that the improvised explosive device (IED) that killed one and wounded eight others at Cabunagan, Poblacion, Tadian last April 2 was unmanned and exploded when it was caught by the forest fire started by the withdrawing Red fighters of the NPA. Only storytellers like the AFP can come up with a fictional story like that. Comrade Magno Udyaw retorted that the IED that exploded was command detonated. Which means that it was only detonated by the explosive operator upon command of the unit commander that the target combat troop of the enemy has entered the designated killing zone. Aside from that, there is no forest fire on that site at the time, and the Red fighters are not stupid to start a forest fire that can catch up with their maneuver. Accustomed in releasing fake news, it is not farfetched for these spin masters to concoct a preposterous story to downgrade their defeat. They simply cannot accept that even with their superior manpower and weaponry, they are still defeated by the NPA. With this story, they also vainly try to conjure a scenario where they could find a reason to charge the NPA with violating the Ottawa Treaty on the employment of unmanned IED that would explode when subjected to pressure or extreme heat. The NPA has long adhered to the Ottawa Treaty through banning the use of landmines in its operations and has been employing command-detonated explosives instead. The AFP and the PNP further shows its ignorance as it does not know how to differentiate a command-detonated explosive from an unmanned landmine.

The CPDF reiterates its call on the PNP and AFP’s rank and file to defy stupid orders of your higher officials. While they plunge you into the doom of battle in combat zone equipped with make believe intelligence informations, they wallow in comfort and line up their pockets with graft-laden combat operational funds in implementing Oplan Kapayapaan, its counter-insurgency program patterned after the US Counter-Insurgency Guide in 1995. What honor is there to gain in allowing yourselves as willing tools of the USDuterte regime to suppress opposition and continue to sell out our ancestral lands in the Cordillera and the whole country – our patrimony in general to US, China and other imperialist vested interests? Search your souls!

Better still, join the true Filipino people’s army! The revolutionary masses await you!

Cherish the New People’s Army!

Long live the Cordillera People’s Democratic Front!

Advance the National Democratic Revolution till final victory!

Overthrow the US-Duterte Tyrannical Rule!

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/liars-of-the-afp-pnp-can-never-cover-up-their-losses-against-the-new-peoples-army/

Fourth Quarter 2018 Social Weather Survey: Most Pinoys disagree that the Chinese government has good intentions for the Filipino people

From the Social Weather Stations Website (Apr 5, 2019): Fourth Quarter 2018 Social Weather Survey: Most Pinoys disagree that the Chinese government has good intentions for the Filipino people



  • More people strongly disagree now compared to 25 years ago
  • Lower net agreement scores among those who distrust China

SWS media releaseThe Fourth Quarter 2018 Social Weather Survey, done on December 16-19, 2018, found that 44% of Filipino adults disagree with the statement, “Most of what the Chinese government wants to happen in the Philippines is good for the Filipinos” [Chart 1].

On the other hand, only 27% agree with the statement, and 29% are undecided about the matter.

This gives a net agreement score of -17 (% agree minus % disagree), classified by SWS as moderately weak.

The 44% disagreement consists of 22% strongly disagree and 22% somewhat disagree, while the 27% agreement consists of 7% strongly agree and 19% somewhat agree, correctly rounded.

SWS terminology for net agreement: +50 and above, “extremely strong”; +30 to +49, “very strong”; +10 to +29, “moderately strong”; +9 to -9, “neutral”; -10 to -29, “moderately weak”; -30 to -49, “very weak”; -50 and below, “extremely weak”.

Gauging public opinion on the intentions of foreign governments for the Filipinos

SWS first implemented the survey question in July 1985 to gauge public opinion about the US government’s intention for the Filipino people. Up to 2005, the question was fielded 11 times nationwide during the Cory Aquino administration, 6 times during the Ramos administration, and 3 times during the Arroyo administration.

The July 1985 survey found a very strong +35 net agreement that most of what the US government wants to happen in the Philippines is good for the Filipinos. It rose to a record-high very strong +40 in May 1986, and declined to moderately strong to neutral levels from February 1989 to November 1990. It stayed moderately strong from July 1991 to August 2004, ranging from +16 to +24, before declining to neutral +8 in August 2005 [Chart 2].

In the September 1993 survey, SWS used the same test statement for the Japanese and Chinese governments.

The survey found moderately weak net agreement scores of -11 (26% agree, 37% disagree) and -28 (16% agree, 45% disagree, correctly rounded) for the Japanese and Chinese governments, respectively. These were much lower net agreement scores compared to the moderately strong +24 (46% agree, 22% disagree) for the American government [Chart 3].

Forthcoming SWS surveys will continue to monitor public sentiments on these matters.

More people strongly disagree now compared to 25 years ago

Compared to when last surveyed by SWS, net agreement that most of what the Chinese government wants to happen in the Philippines is good for the Filipinos eased by 11 points, from -28 in September 1993 to -17 in December 2018.

However, the proportion of those who strongly disagree rose by 17 points from 5% to 22%.

At the same time, those who somewhat disagree fell from 39% to 22%.

On the other hand, those who strongly agree went up from 1% to 7%, while those who somewhat agree went from 15% to 19%.

The proportion of those who were undecided fell from 35% to 29%.

Lower net agreement scores among those who distrust China

The December 2018 survey also measured public trust in China as a country. It found negative net agreement that most of what the Chinese government wants to happen in the Philippines is good for the Filipinos among those who distrust China.

The survey found a net agreement score of neutral +8 (39% agree, 31% disagree) among those with much trust in China, compared to the moderately weak -12 (23% agree, 35% disagree) among those who were undecided about their trust in China, and the very weak -40 (19% agree, 60% disagree, correctly rounded) among those with little trust in China [Chart 4].

The Fourth Quarter 2018 Social Weather Survey findings on public trust in China and other selected countries were first presented at the 2019 SWS Survey Review on February 1, 2019. The fuller report was posted on March 20, 2019 (Fourth Quarter 2018 Social Weather Survey: Net trust “Very good” for the United States; “Good” for Japan and Australia; “Neutral” for China).

Net agreement “neutral” in the Visayas; “moderately weak” in Mindanao, Metro Manila, and Balance Luzon

Net agreement that most of what the Chinese government wants to happen in the Philippines is good for the Filipinos was relatively higher in the Visayas, at a neutral -1 (34% agree, 36% disagree, correctly rounded), compared to the moderately weak levels in Mindanao, at -19 (24% agree, 44% disagree, correctly rounded), Metro Manila, at -20 (28% agree, 48% disagree), and Balance Luzon, at -23 (24% agree, 46% disagree, correctly rounded) [Chart 5].

Survey background

The December 2018 Social Weather Survey was conducted from December 16-19, 2018 using face-to-face interviews of 1,440 adults (18 years old and above) nationwide: 360 each in Balance Luzon, Metro Manila, the Visayas, and Mindanao (sampling error margins of ±2.6% for national percentages, and ±5% each for Balance Luzon, Metro Manila, the Visayas, and Mindanao).

The area estimates were weighted by the Philippine Statistics Authority medium-population projections for 2018 to obtain the national estimates.

The Social Weather Survey question on people’s view of the Chinese government’s intention for the Filipinos was non-commissioned. It was included on SWS's own initiative and released as a public service.

The exact question was: “Ngayon po, mayroon ako ritong mga statements o pangungusap na maaaring maglarawan sa nararamdaman o naiisip ng mga tao ngayon. Pakisabi po kung kayo ay sumasang-ayon o hindi sumasang-ayon sa mga statements o pangungusap na ito. Pakilagay lang po ang kard na may pangungusap sa naaangkop na lugar sa rating board na ito. (Lubos na sumasang-ayon, Medyo sumasang-ayon, Hindi tiyak kung sumasang-ayon o hindi sumasang-ayon, Medyo hindi sumasang-ayon, o Lubos na hindi sumasang-ayon) [I have here some statements which may reflect how people feel or think about certain matters at present. Please tell me if you agree or disagree with these statements. You may indicate your answers by placing the card with the statement in the appropriate place on this rating board. (Strongly agree, Somewhat agree, Undecided if agree or disagree, Somewhat disagree, or Strongly disagree)]:”

Q164. “Karamihan sa mga nais mangyari ng gobyernong Tsina dito sa Pilipinas ay nakabubuti sa mga Pilipino [Most of what the Chinese government wants to happen in the Philippines is good for the Filipinos]”

On public trust in selected countries, the exact questions were: "Pag-usapan po natin ang tungkol sa ilang bansa. Sa mga sumusunod, maaari po bang sabihin ninyo kung ang pagtitiwala ninyo sa (bansa) ay Napakalaki, Medyo malaki, Hindi tiyak kung malaki o maliit, Medyo maliit, Napakaliit, o Wala pa kayong narinig o nabasa kahit na kailan tungkol sa (bansa)? Pakisabi ang sagot ninyo sa pamamagitan ng paglagay ng mga kard sa naaangkop na lugar sa rating board na ito (SHUFFLE CARDS). [Let's now talk about some countries. For the following, please indicate if your trust/faith in (country) is Very much, Somewhat much, Undecided if much or little, Somewhat little, Very little, or You have not heard or read anything about the (country) ever? You may indicate your answers by placing each card on the appropriate box on this rating board (SHUFFLE CARDS).]"

Q125. United States of America or USA

Q126. China

Q127. Japan

Q128. Australia


SWS employs its own staff for questionnaire design, sampling, fieldwork, data-processing, and analysis, and does not outsource any of its survey operations. This report was prepared by Leo S. Laroza.


Chart 1



Chart 2



Chart 3



Chart 4



Chart 5


https://www.sws.org.ph/swsmain/artcldisppage/?artcsyscode=ART-20190405180119

Only 2 in 10 Filipinos believe China has good intentions for PH

From Rappler (Apr 6, 2019): Only 2 in 10 Filipinos believe China has good intentions for PH

Respondents of the Social Weather Stations survey are asked whether they agree or disagree with the statement, 'Most of what the Chinese government wants to happen in the Philippines is good for the Filipinos'

XI AND DUTERTE. Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Rodrigo Duterte on November 20, 2018. Screengrab from RTVM

XI AND DUTERTE. Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Rodrigo Duterte on November 20, 2018. Screengrab from RTVM

Only two in 10 Filipinos believe that China has good intentions for the Philippines, according to the results of a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey released on Friday, April 5.

The survey – held on December 16 to 18, 2018, but only posted on the SWS website nearly 4 months later – asked the respondents whether they agreed with the statement, "Most of what the Chinese government wants to happen in the Philippines is good for the Filipinos."


Forty-four percent disagreed with the statement and 27% agreed, for a net agreement score of -17 – which SWS classifies as "moderately weak." SWS said 29% were undecided.



Compared to a survey done in September 1993, net agreement on the statement went up 11 points, from -28 in September 1993 to -17 in December 2018.

At the same time, however, SWS noted that those who strongly disagreed with the statement rose by 17 points – from 5% in 1993 to 22% in 2018 – while those who somewhat disagreed fell from 39% to 22%.

The percentage of undecided fell from 35% in September 1993 to to 29% in December 2018.

Public trust in China

The December 2018 survey also looked into Filipinos' trust in China. The survey found a negative net agreement among those who distrust China when it came to the statement that most of what the Chinese government wants to happen in the Philippines is good for Filipinos.

Those with much trust in China had a net agreement score of neutral +8 (39% agree, 31% disagree), while those undecided about their trust in China had a net score of -12 or moderately weak (23% agree, 35% disagree).

Those who held little trust in China was at very weak -40 (19% agree, 60% disagree, correctly rounded)

Methodology

The Fourth Quarter 2018 Social Weather Survey was held a month after the state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to the Philippines on November 19. During this time, Philippine and Chinese officials signed a number of agreements. (READ: 'A friend in need:' China's promises to the Philippines)

Among the agreements is the loan deal on the Kaliwa Dam project, which was only discussed at length months after the survey in March, when parts of Metro Manila and Rizal experienced a water shortage. (DOCUMENTS: PH-China deals signed during Xi Jinping visit)

The survey was conducted among 1,440 adult respondents – 360 each in Balance Luzon, Metro Manila, the Visayas, and Mindanao.

There were sampling error margins of ±2.6% for national percentages, and ±5% each for Balance Luzon, Metro Manila, the Visayas, and Mindanao).

The exact question asked was “Ngayon po, mayroon ako ritong mga statements o pangungusap na maaaring maglarawan sa nararamdaman o naiisip ng mga tao ngayon. Pakisabi po kung kayo ay sumasang-ayon o hindi sumasang-ayon sa mga statements o pangungusap na ito. Pakilagay lang po ang kard na may pangungusap sa naaangkop na lugar sa rating board na ito. (Lubos na sumasang-ayon, Medyo sumasang-ayon, Hindi tiyak kung sumasang-ayon o hindi sumasang-ayon, Medyo hindi sumasang-ayon, o Lubos na hindi sumasang-ayon)

[I have here some statements which may reflect how people feel or think about certain matters at present. Please tell me if you agree or disagree with these statements. You may indicate your answers by placing the card with the statement in the appropriate place on this rating board. (Strongly agree, Somewhat agree, Undecided if agree or disagree, Somewhat disagree, or Strongly disagree)]:”

Q164. “Karamihan sa mga nais mangyari ng gobyernong Tsina dito sa Pilipinas ay nakabubuti sa mga Pilipino [Most of what the Chinese government wants to happen in the Philippines is good for the Filipinos].”

https://www.rappler.com/nation/227520-filipinos-trust-china-sws-survey-december-2018

Mt. Province residents affected by NPA-gov't clash to get aid

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 6, 2019): Mt. Province residents affected by NPA-gov't clash to get aid

BAUKO, Mountain Province--- Mayor Abraham Akilit on Friday said they will start giving psychological intervention to residents in the five villages here, where government troops and rebels clashed for several days.

"May mga na-trauma na kailangan i-debrief sila (There were those traumatized who need to be debriefed). This morning they had a meeting to plan out how to do the debriefing of Balintaugan, Bila, Bagnen proper, Bagnen Oriente, Poblacion and Abatan barangays," Akilit said.

The mayor said he ordered all departments in the local government to start the urgent plan to conduct the debriefing of over 1,000 residents traumatized due to the several days of the encounter.

The debriefing will done by the municipal social work office, with the municipal health office and the Department of Health.

The mayor said it is the first time that the people of Bauko experienced a firefight.

"This is the first time na nakarinig sila ng ganun na firefight, malalakas na weaponry ang nagamit saka mahaba pa ang oras na nagbabakbakan. Ang mga tao they were afraid. They are still in the state of recovery (This is the first time they heard that kind of gunfight, high powered weapons used and long hours of exchange of gunfire),” the mayor said.

"We need to give them something to do to forget this event,” he added.

Police Regional Office Cordillera (PROCOR) regional director, Brig. Gen. Israel Ephraim Dickson, earlier told reporters that the fighting between government troops and the rebels started on March 29, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the NPA.

A policeman was killed while another one was injured, prompting the PNP leadership to order a pursuit operation against the fleeing rebels.

During the pursuit operations, another policeman was killed and nine others were injured during an anti-personnel mine (APM) explosion.

Akilit said the fighting halted all tourism activities, which is the source of additional income of residents in the town. All farming activities have also been temporarily prohibited.

“They [residents] have not gone back to their normal activities we have still canceled their going to the ricefields kasi di natin alam kung may biglang putukan ay maiwasan ang casualty (because we don’t know if there will still be a firefight and we want to avoid any casualty),” he said.

Mark Na-oy, Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (LDRRMC) officer-in-charge said food packs, family packs and hygiene kits from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) have been distributed to the residents after the firefight subsided.

Akilit said a number of residents from the five barangays, especially in Sitio Cotcot, Barangay Poblacion, were forced to leave their homes when the APM that injured several policemen exploded.

While there is no update on the military and police operations, Akilit expressed confidence that the government troops are still clearing the hinterlands of APMs.

He said he asked the police and the military to sweep the hinterlands of APM, ensuring that there are no explosives left in the area.

Call for peace

“Let us have peace in Bauko,” Akilit said, as he called on both the military and the police, as well as the rebels, not to bring their firearms to the town.

“Walang armado, mag karate na lang sila mas maganda pa yan kesa may dalang baril na pag maglalaban sila may madadamay (If they come here, they should not be armed, they can use karate. That is better because if they fight with guns, it is the people who are affected),” the mayor said.

Akilit added that he is still studying the proposal of some sectors to declare Bauko as a peace zone.

On March 5, checkpoints were set up in Bauko and some parts of the national highway in Halsema leading to capital town in Bontoc to ensure public's safety and security.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066657