Friday, June 14, 2019

US, Philippines To Launch Joint Counter-Islamic State Recruitment Program Within Weeks

From Eurasia Review (Jun 15, 2019): US, Philippines To Launch Joint Counter-Islamic State Recruitment Program Within Weeks

A joint Filipino-American program aimed at stifling recruitment efforts by Islamic State-linked militants in the southern Philippines will be launched within weeks, a senior U.S. State Department official told BenarNews.

Filipino and American officials were finalizing the program while also preparing to release results of a study showing that poverty was not a major driver of radicalization in four southern Philippine provinces where extremist groups operate, U.S. Assistant State Secretary Denise Natali said in an interview on Thursday.

“The program is being finalized and should be launched in the next couple of weeks,” said Natali, chief of the State Department’s Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations.


The study, conducted by Washington from December 2017 to May 2018, involved 1,213 Muslim respondents in the four southern Philippine provinces of Maguindanao, Sulu, Basilan and Lanao del Sur, Natali said.

In a bid to carve out their own “Wilayah,” or province, local militants led the 2017 siege in Marawi, capital of Lanao del Sur and a former Muslim trading hub. Fighter jets pounded the militants with near-daily bombing runs to end a five-month battle that killed more than 1,200 people, most of them local extremists backed by an undetermined number of foreign fighters.

Contrary to common belief, sympathy to Filipino militant groups in those provinces may be related to local grievances rather than to IS or al-Qaida, Natali said.

“If there is a key finding, it was that this is very local,” she said.

The survey also found that respondents who had expressed sympathy for violent extremism tended to be better off economically than their resilient peers, Natali said.

“There is no statistical difference between wealth and poverty,” she said. “There is no direct causal relationship between poverty and violent extremism in this case.”

Despite the findings, according to Natali, there’s not a one-size-fits-all program for dealing with extremist groups.

“So what we do in one country has to be then tailored to another,” she said. “What we find in one province can differ in another province, and even within different localities in a province.”

Natali, a widely recognized expert on Kurdish issues, was appointed by President Donald Trump to lead the bureau in May last year. She was the director for Strategic Research at the Institute for National Strategic Studies at the Washington, D.C.-based National Defense University, where she also specialized on the Middle East, Iraq and post-conflict stabilization.

Natali visited the Philippines earlier this month and met National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon and other officials.

The study about the southern Philippines was “focused on better understanding specific conditions and dynamics at the local, sub-national levels so we can be more targeted and more disciplined in the way we conduct programs to counter violent extremism,” she said.

Natali underscored the significance of making sure that such programs are based on facts, even though they may counter traditional wisdom.

She said several issues could also lead to extremism, including exposure to violence and “certain types of madrassa education,” referring to faith-based institutions of learning.

Security officials in countries such as Pakistan have kept a close eye on madrassas that have been accused of radicalizing youths and feeding recruits to militant groups.

https://www.eurasiareview.com/15062019-us-philippines-to-launch-joint-counter-islamic-state-recruitment-program-within-weeks/

3 communist rebels killed in Oriental Mindoro encounter

From the Sun Star-Manila (Jun 14, 2019): 3 communist rebels killed in Oriental Mindoro encounter



MINDORO. The military said they recovered firearms and ammunition from a New People's Army encampment after a shootout with the rebels on June 13, 2019 in Oriental Mindoro. (AFP Photo)

THREE suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in an encounter with police and military forces in Oriental Mindoro on Thursday afternoon, June 13, 2019.

Brigadier General Marcelino Teofilo, commander of the 203rd Infantry Brigade, said Friday, June 14, that the encounter happened around 1:30 p.m. on June 13 in Sitio Mawan, Panaytayan, Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro.

He said they received information from a concerned citizen that communist rebels were conducting training for newly recruited members, including minors, in the area.

“This prompted us to conduct Focused Military Operation (FMO) and our troops were able to locate their whereabouts, and firefight broke (out),” said Teofilo.

He said the encounter with at least 40 suspected NPA rebels lasted for two and a half hours. When the gunfire stopped, Teofilo said their men overran the NPA encampment and found the bodies of three suspected rebels.

They also recovered three M16 rifles, one AK-47, one caliber .45 with two magazines, one grenade launcher tube, two improvised explosive devices and switch, three blasting caps and assorted kinds of ammunition from the site.

Teofilo said it was possible that there were more casualties among the suspected rebels, including a high ranking NPA commander, due to the bloodstains found along their withdrawal route and based on the reports from civilians.

“This is a major blow on the NPA in Mindoro. Their days are numbered and in just a matter of time the NPA here will be on the verge of collapse due to their numerous setbacks in armed encounters and snowballing of surrenderers,” Teofilo said.

"Surrender or suffer the fate of your killed comrades,” he added.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Arbolado, commander of the four battalions that took part in the said operation, said one of his soldiers was wounded in the left ear. The soldier is safe.

Additional troops and bomb sniffing dogs were deployed to go after the fleeing communist rebels.

The said encounter was second armed clash that occurred in Mansalay town this year.

On February 21, two suspected NPA fighters were killed in an encounter with the military in Barangay Terirsita.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1809925

AFP-CRS: Statement of the SND on the collision of a suspected Chinese and Filipino fishing vessels near Recto Bank

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jun 14, 2019): Statement of the SND on the collision of a suspected Chinese and Filipino fishing vessels near Recto Bank

A collision between a Chinese and Filipino vessel (FB Gimver1) was reported by Filipino fishermen near the Recto Bank in the West Philippine Sea on the evening of June 9, 2019. The collision sank the Filipino vessel.

We denounce the actions of the Chinese fishing vessel for immediately leaving the incident scene abandoning the 22 Filipino crewmen to the mercy of the elements. The F/B GIMVER 1 was anchored at the time when it was hit by the Chinese fishing vessel.

Fortunately, a Vietnamese fishing vessel was in the vicinity and rescued all 22 fishermen and brought them to safety in coordination with the AFP’s Western Command. The BRP Ramon Alcaraz, which was conducting a routine maritime patrol in the area, was ordered to assist in the recovery of F/B GIMVER 1 and its crew.

We thank the captain and crew of Vietnamese vessel, for saving the lives of the 22 Filipino crew. However, we condemn in the strongest terms the cowardly action of the Chinese fishing vessel and its crew for abandoning the Filipino crew. This is not the expected action from a responsible and friendly people.

We call for the conduct of a formal investigation on the matter and for diplomatic steps be taken to prevent a repeat of this incident.

Delfin N. Lorenzana
Secretary of National Defense

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/?fref=photo

Kalinaw News: Army joins Independence Day celebration with Agusan Sur Folks

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jun 14, 2019): Army joins Independence Day celebration with Agusan Sur Folks



Soldiers belonging to the Army’s 75th Infantry Battalion celebrated the nation’s 121st Independence Day with a simultaneous flag raising ceremony in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, June 12.

The commemorative rites were attended by local officials led by Mayor
Jenny de Asis and Vice- Mayor Solomon Rufila, and representatives from local government agencies, people’s organizations, schools and other sectors.

Col. Alan Hambala, Commander of the 401st Brigade led the military
contingent together with Commanders of 26th and 75th Infantry Battalions, and 3rd Special Forces Battalion. Also present were members of other uniformed services, Philippine National Police
(PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).

The ceremony saw the hoisting of 27 flags representing the 27 barangays of the said municipality. A traditional 21- gun salute was rendered by soldiers to the flag which was followed by the blowing of sirens by the PNP, BFP, PNP and MDRRMC.

The activity ended with a symbolic releasing of doves and balloons that
represented the freedom of the people and liberty of the country.

LTC JAIME R DATUIN said: “I am very thankful that many people including government officials, employees and students participated in this activity. This only proved that our fellow Filipinos value our freedom, and respect our forefathers who sacrificed their lives in the name of independence”.

Hambala said that the ceremony served as an opportunity to honor the heroes who fought for our land and its people. He added the activity showed the Filipino soldier’s firm commitment to fulfill his mandate to serve and protect people, uphold our sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“We will remain the nation’s catalyst of peace and development”, Hambala said.




75th Infantry Battalion 4th Infantry Division Philippine Army
Cpt Edwin Leo Francisco
CMO Officer, 75IB, 4ID, PA
Bislig City, Surgao del Sur
09778474763

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace by the Philippine Army. It provides information on the activities of Army Units nationwide in the performance of their duty of Serving the People and Securing the Land. This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.]

Kalinaw News: 3 NPA Terrorists dead in Mindoro encounter; Troops disrupted NPA recruits training

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jun 14, 2019): 3 NPA Terrorists dead in Mindoro encounter; Troops disrupted NPA recruits training



CAMP GENERAL MATEO CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal — Three (3) members of the New People’s Army (NPA) terrorist group were killed during an armed encounter against the combined operating troops of the 4th Infantry Battalion (4IB), 76th Infantry Battalion, 203rd Brigade and the PNP Mindoro at Sitio Mawan, Panaytayan, Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro around 1:30 p.m. yesterday June 13, 2019.

According to Brigadier General Marceliano V Teofilo, Commander of the 203rd Infantry Brigade which has operational jurisdiction over Mindoro Province “they received information from concerned citizen that the NPA terrorists in the area will conduct training to their newly recruited members of which some were believed to be minors. “This prompted us to conduct Focused Military Operation (FMO) and our troops were able to locate their whereabouts, and fire fight broke”.

After 2 hours and a half gun fire exchanged against the more less 40 NPAs under KLG MAV of SRMA 4D, the troops were able to assault and seized enemy positions where they found the three (3) lifeless bodies of the NPAs. They have also recovered three (3) M16 rifles, one (1) AK-47, 1 cal.45 with 2 magazines, 1 grenade launcher tube, 2 IEDs and switch, 3 blasting cap, 2 cellphones (my phone analog with extra batteries) and assorted kinds of ammunitions after searching the encounter site.

BGen Teofilo said the enemies suffered many casualties including a high ranking NPA Commander due to the heavy bloodstains on their withdrawal route and based on the information from civilians. “This is a major blow on the NPA in Mindoro. Their days are numbered and in just a matter of time the NPA here will be on the verge of collapse due to their numerous setbacks in armed encounters and snowballing of surrenderees.”

“Surrender or suffer the fate of your killed comrades”, added BGen Teofilo addressing the NPAs.

The intel community is now validating the reports that a NPA Commander was slain during the encounter.

Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Arbolado, Battalion Commander of the 4IB, said one his soldier was slightly wounded in the left ear but now in safe condition after given first aid. “Right now we have already dispatched our additional troops and K9 tracking dogs to go after this bunches of criminals; we will not let them go until they are totally destroyed.

The recent encounter was second armed clashes happened in Mansalay wherein the first one was in Barangay Terisita on February 21, 2019 that resulted to the death of two (2) NPA terrorists.

Police Brigadier General Tomas Apolinario Jr, PNP MIMAROPA Regional Director emphasized that thorough planning and brainstorming of ideas coming from the military and police results to a successful operation.

Brigadier General Elias Escarcha, Acting Commander of the 2nd Infantry Division lauded the latest accomplishments of the troops against the NPA terrorists in the area.

He said that the successive encounters of the troops against the enemies are clear manifestation that we are winning our campaign. He also called on the NPAs to give up their futile armed struggle.

“Time and again, we have seen the government’s overwhelming military might. We do not rejoice in killing our fellow Filipinos. Give up your arms and join us in pursuing peace, prosperity and development for our country and people”, he added.

Meanwhile, another encounter also transpired 11:30 a.m yesterday in Sitio Catmon, Brgy Villa Nacaob, Lopez, Quezon when the operating troops of the 21st Division Reconnaissance Company overtaken the NPAs they previously encountered.

No one was hurt on the troops while there was undetermined number of wounded on the enemies due to the blood stains on their withdrawal route.

The government troops are continuing their massive pursuit operations against the terrorists. Check points are also being expanded in the area in coordination with the local police.




Division Public Affairs Office 2nd Infantry Division Philippine Army
Cpt Patrick Jay Retumban
Chief, DPAO, 2ID, PA
Camp General Mateo Capinpin, Tanay, Rizal
09772771986

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace by the Philippine Army. It provides information on the activities of Army Units nationwide in the performance of their duty of Serving the People and Securing the Land. This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.]

WESTMINCOM: JTF ZamPeLan commander promoted to 2-star rank (Photos/Bio Data)

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Jun 14, 2019): JTF ZamPeLan commander promoted to 2-star rank


The Joint Task Force ZamPeLan Commander was promoted to the next higher star rank by President Rodrigo Duterte in Lanao del Sur on June 12, 2019.

The President donned the rank to Major General Roberto Ancan after the commemoration of the 121st declaration of Philippine independence at the headquarters of the 6th Infantry Battalion in Malabang town on Wednesday.


“I am very much privileged and honored because no less than our Commander-in-Chief donned the 2nd star rank that I have earned in my military career,” said Ancan.

“Rest assured that I will continue to serve the constituents in our area of responsibility and lead our troops in the accomplishment of our mission,” Ancan added.



About Major General Ancan:

Major General Ancan is the 45th among the lineage of noble officers to lead the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan.

He hails from Victorias, Negros Occidental and is a member of the Philippine Military Academy, “Hinirang” Class of 1987. He is an Airborne Ranger and well-rounded military officer with expertise in training, operations, and managerial acumen. He is a graduate of Master in Management Major in Public Management.

Earlier in his military career, he was a platoon leader of the 11th and 66th Infantry Battalions, company commander of the 3rd and 11th Scout Ranger Company, First Scout Ranger Regiment (FSRR), Special Operations Command (SOCOM). He also rendered service on training as course directors at Scout Ranger Training School in Mindanao and Combat Arms School, Training and Doctrine Command.

Maj. Gen. Ancan also served at the management branch of the Office of Assistant Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations, G7, and Personnel, G1, of the FSRR, SOCOM. He also became the commanding officer of the 25th, 66th and 72nd Infantry Battalions of the 10th Infantry Division.

His previous assignments speak well of his leadership by example, excellent performance, and remarkable influence, which put him in various sensitive key positions as commander of the AFP Peace Keeping Operations and as chief of staff of the FSRR, SOCOM, PA and 3rd Infantry Division based in Jamindan, Capiz.

Before he was posted as the commander of the 1ID, he led the 1002nd Infantry Brigade based in Malungon, Sarangani.

He is a recipient of a long list of rightfully earned awards and commendations, the highest of which is the Distinguished Service Star that sets the bar high for all Tabak troopers to emulate.

Navy rebuffs China: PH boat sinking 'not normal accident'

From Rappler (Jun 14, 2019): Navy rebuffs China: PH boat sinking 'not normal accident'

Philippine Navy chief Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad says the Filipino fishing boat Gem-vir 'was rammed' in the West Philippine Sea

NOT NORMAL. Philippine Navy chief Robert Empedrad says the sinking of a Philippine boat in the West Philippine Sea 'is not a normal maritime accident.' Photo by Darren Langit/Rappler

NOT NORMAL. Philippine Navy chief Robert Empedrad says the sinking of a Philippine boat in the West Philippine Sea 'is not a normal maritime accident.' Photo by Darren Langit/Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Navy chief Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad rebuffed the Chinese foreign ministry on Friday, June 14, and said the sinking of a Filipino fishing boat in the West Philippine Sea is "not a normal accident."

Speaking to reporters, Empedrad said the Filipino vessel "was rammed" as it "was anchored when the incident happened."







"This is not a normal maritime accident," Empedrad said, contradicting an earlier claim by the Chinese foreign ministry.


"We don't ram ships that are not moving, that are anchored," he added. "Makikita mo 'yan sa radar mo, na hindi gumagalaw 'yung barko. So 'pag 'di gumagalaw, bakit mo babanggain?" (You will see that on your radar, that the ship is not moving. So if the ship is not moving, why ram it?)

Empedrad stressed the need to condemn this act of abandoning people in need of help. "Anong klaseng tao ka 'pag ganu'n?" (What kind of person are you if you do that?)

Empedrad made these remarks after Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Geng Shuang downplayed the Philippine boat sinking as "an ordinary maritime traffic accident." Geng also said it was irresponsible for the Philippines to "politicize the incident without verification."

A Chinese vessel allegedly sank the Filipino fishing boat Gem-vir on June 9, in what could be a first in the dispute between the Philippines and China over the West Philippine Sea. The incident took place near Recto Bank (Reed Bank), an oil-rich underwater reef formation that belongs to the Philippines but is coveted by China.

Senator Panfilo Lacson, a former police chief, said Empedrad's statement shows "there is no reason to doubt that our fishermen's boat was indeed rammed by the Chinese vessel, whether it was just a fishing vessel or that of a Chinese maritime militia."

Criticizing China's foreign ministry spokesperson, Lacson added, "Even if it was an accidental collision as claimed by their spokesperson, it will not mitigate the criminal offense of abandoning our people to die in the high seas. Worse, an admonition issued by their spokesman not to politicize the incident only worsens the already tense situation."

"As I said earlier, this calls for a hard punitive action after the conduct of an investigation by the Chinese government against those goddamn crew, whoever they are," Lacson added.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/233051-navy-reaction-china-philippine-boat-sinking

Duterte promotes Army commander Ancan to Major General

From Politiko Mindanao (Jun 14, 2019): Duterte promotes Army commander Ancan to Major General


President Rodrigo Duterte has promoted Brig. Gen. Roberto Ancan, the Army’s 1st Infantry Division commander, to the next higher star rank.

President Duterte donned the rank of Major General to Ancan after the chief executive led the commemoration Wednesday of the 121st Independence Day at the headquarters of the Army’s 6th Infantry Battalion in Malabang town, Lanao del Sur.

“I am very much privileged and honored because no less than our Commander-in-Chief donned the second star rank that I’ve earned in my military career,” said Ancan in a statement Thursday.

“Rest assured that I will continue to serve the constituents in our area of responsibility and lead our troops in the accomplishment of our mission,” he added.

Ancan is the 45th among the lineage of noble officers to lead the Army’s 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division. He hails from Victorias, Negros Occidental and is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Hinirang” Class of 1987.

He led the Army’s 1002nd Infantry Brigade based in Malungon, Sarangani before he was assigned on February 7, this year, as the commander of the 1st Infantry Division.

He is a recipient of a long list of rightfully earned awards and commendations, the highest of which is the Distinguished Service Star that sets the bar high for all “Tabak” troopers to emulate.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana witnessed the donning of rank to Ancan. (PNA)

https://mindanao.politics.com.ph/duterte-promotes-army-commander-ancan-to-major-general/

Outgoing battalion commander takes pride in winning hearts of IPs

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jun 14, 2019): Outgoing battalion commander takes pride in winning hearts of IPs
The outgoing commander of the 56th Infantry Battalion takes pride of having won the hearts of the Ata-Manobo elders of Talaingod.

In his farewell address, Lt. Col Edwin M. Paredes took note of the good points that the 56th IB had made under his watch, taking special mention of the support that it gained from community leaders whom he and his troopers befriended.

In less than one year, the 56th IB with the operational assistance of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade, was able to convince Datu Guibang Apoga to turn back from the New People’s Army and join the mainstream after going against the government for about 30 years.

The one year and a half stint of Paredes in Talaingod yielded the arrest of two high ranking personalities from alleged guerilla fronts for kidnapping and child-trafficking. The influence of the 56th IB led to closure of most of the salugpungan schools in Talaingod.

Stationed in Talaingod, Davao del Norte early last year, the 56th Infantry Battalion is under the 7th Infantry “Kaugnay” Division of the Philippine Army based in Fort Ramon Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija.

Paredes also expressed satisfaction that the command under his watch was free of any human rights complaints.

In her message during the turnover ceremony to the newly designated 56th IB commander, Lt Col. Norman E. Valdez, Talaingod Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Pilar Libayao relayed the melancholic reaction of fellow community leaders as they learned of Paredes’ relief of duty as commander of the 56th Inf Bat.

“Hawiran unta sa mga lumad. Nakita nila nga walay abuso, mao kini ang maka peaceful,” (They would not let go of Col. Paredes. They saw no cases of abuse. This brings peace) she said.

Libayao also appealed to high ranking military officials present during the event to “help Talaingod” saying some of its community leaders had died referring to long years of reported encroachment of New People’s Army (NPA) operation falling prey on Ata Manobo members as recruits.

On the other hand, incoming 56th IB commander, Lt Col Norman Valdez congratulated outgoing commander Paredes “for changing the landscape of Talaingod communities by winning support of the Ata-Manobos and by driving away the armed rebels.

To sustain the relative peace, Valdez asked for continued support of stakeholders, community leaders, local government officials saying “he cannot do this alone” without the collaborative effort of everyone in Talaingod.

Addressing the 56th IB troopers, Valdez challenged them “to keep our torch burning exercising high standards of excellence”.

https://mindanaoexaminer.com/outgoing-battalion-commander-takes-pride-in-winning-hearts-of-ips/

CPP/NDF-EV: NDF-EV calls on people of Leyte to fight scheme to militarize civilian government for Duterte’s dictatorship

NDF-Eastern Visayas propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jun 13, 2019): NDF-EV calls on people of Leyte to fight scheme to militarize civilian government for Duterte’s dictatorship

FR. SANTIAGO “KA SANNY” SALAS
SPOKESPERSON
NDF-EV
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES
JUNE 13, 2019

The National Democratic Front of the Philippines – Eastern Visayas (NDF-EV) is disgusted with the Leyte provincial government’s seeking to implement a local task force to end insurgency and views this as servility to the Duterte regime’s desperate attempt to monopolize power and install a dictatorship. “In the guise of the ‘whole of nation/government’ approach, this local task force will actually undermine the civilian government by subordinating it to the military,” said Fr. Santiago “Ka Sanny” Salas, NDF-EV spokesperson.

He added, “Patterned after the national task force with the same organizational structure, this will further encourage political repression of the legal democratic movement and all political opposition. Through this task force, the provincial government gives license to soldiers to commit extra-judicial killings, political harassment like red-tagging, torture, arbitrary arrest and detention, and other violations of human rights, international humanitarian law and even the 1987 constitution. Instead of addressing the roots of armed struggle in the province, Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla takes refuge in a purely militarist solution to counter insurgency.”

Fr. Salas also noted, “Petilla’s local task force will further add to the bloodshed of the fake anti-drug war as well as the anti-communist and anti-Moro wars of Duterte wherein tens of thousands have died. He actually supports Duterte’s dictatorial moves and aims to ensure his dynasty’s entrenchment in political power, especially with the drive for false federalism, where Duterte in reality will be the overlord over regional political kingpins like himself.”

“This drive to institute political repression secures the interests of imperialism and the big landlords and compradors in the rich natural resources for energy generation, agriculture, and mining in Leyte.”

Salas clarified, “In order to frustrate and defeat Petilla’s effort to carry out Duterte’s dictatorship in Leyte, the people must defend and assert their democratic rights. They must carry out democratic mass campaigns for land reform, workers’ rights, student rights and welfare, press freedom and other mass struggles.”

The NDF-EV spokesperson appealed to the people of Leyte and Eastern Visayas to expose and oppose the regime’s scheme for repression and dictatorship in Leyte and the whole country. “The struggles of the people and their allies can lead to a broad united front to isolate and overthrow the Duterte regime. Given the bloody track record of Duterte and his henchmen, the people will not be fooled anymore by the military’s pro-people facade.”

And lastly, Salas urges the New People’s Army to support the people by carrying out tactical offensives according to capabilities and an ever expanding and widening mass base. “As the people’s army, it must punish the worst rights violators and plunderers. The NPA must raise the level of warfare and bring the people’s war to a new and higher level,” Salas ended.#

CPP/Sison: Duterte is engaged in bogus land reform, he is doomed in the most ignoble sense

Jose Maria Sison propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jun 14, 2019): Duterte is engaged in bogus land reform, he is doomed in the most ignoble sense

JOSE MARIA SISON
CHIEF POLITICAL CONSULTANT
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES
JUNE 14, 2019



The Filipino people and their revolutionary forces would applaud any government that carries out genuine land reform, which is well explained by the Revolutionary Guide to Land Reform of the Communist Party of the Philippines and by the NDFP Draft Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms.

But certainly the Duterte regime is not engaged in any genuine land reform by distributing mere pieces of paper to some 13,000 people that require them to pay the unaffordable price for 24,000 hectares in Central Mindanao, even if by installment.

The long-running record of the reactionary government in land reform is that more than 95 percent of supposed land reform beneficiaries ultimately cannot pay for the land assigned to them and lose it to merchant usurers, landlords, bureaucrat capitalists, big comprador companies and foreign corporations.

The New People’s Army is cherished by the people, especially the peasant masses because it defends and guarantees the genuine land reform being carried out by the revolutionary movement led by the CPP.

Revolutionary land reform includes the minimum program of reducing land rent, eliminating usury, raising farm wages, improving farm gate prices of agricultural produce, raising agricultural production and creating sideline occupations, and promoting rudimentary cooperation.

Revolutionary land reform also includes the maximum program of distributing land for free to the landless peasants, building cooperatives in stages, providing support from the people’s revolutionary government, raising production and capital construction and setting prices favorable to the agricultural and other products of the peasant masses.

It is not the NPA but the Duterte regime that is doomed in an ignoble sense because of his distribution of mere pieces of paper misrepresented as land reform. The ignoble end of Duterte is assured by his gross and systematic crimes of tyranny, treason, mass murder of people (including the peasants and the indigenous), corruption and deceptions.

In many areas today, the peasants and the indigenous people are being subjected to bombings, mass murders on mere suspicion and forced evacuation in order to allow the corrupt government officials, landlords and the mining, logging and plantation companies to grab the land.

The New People’s Army and other revolutionary forces of the people are indestructible because they serve the people and are carrying out the program for people’s democratic revolution against the three evil forces of foreign monopoly capitalism, domestic feudalism and bureaucrat capitalism, which the Duterte regime and its armed minions are dishonorably and maliciously serving through campaigns of suppression and butchery.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/duterte-is-engaged-in-bogus-land-reform-he-is-doomed-in-the-most-ignoble-sense/

CPP/NPA-Central Negros: Mabangis na asset ng PNP at illegal drug dealer pinarusahan

NPA-Central Negros propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jun 14, 2019): Mabangis na asset ng PNP at illegal drug dealer pinarusahan

JB REGALADO
NPA-CENTRAL NEGROS (LEONARDO PANALIGAN COMMAND)
NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY
JUNE 14, 2019

Tagumpay ang pagpapatupad ng SPARU team ng LPC-NPA ng parusang kamatayan kay Rosemar Melancolico ng Brgy. Buenavista, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental noong June 6, 2019, 9:25 ng gabi sa harap ng Brgy. Hall ng nasabing baryo.

Si Rosemar, isang malakas na asset ng PNP na direktang hinahawakan ni PNP Fermin Jacobe ng Guihulngan City. Isa rin siya sa mga aktibong drug dealer na nag-ooperate sa Guihulngan City, La Libertad at Jimalalud lahat sakop sa Negros Oriental. Imbolbado rin sya sa mga operasyon ng PNP at military na lumalabag sa karapatang-tao ng sambayanan.

Ang Revolutionary People’s Court, apat na beses nang nagbabala sa kaniya na tumigil sa anti-sosyal na aktibidad kagaya ng pabebenta ng droga ngunit sa kabila nito mas bumagsik ito at nagpapagamit sa mersenaryong AFP at PNP para sa paniniktik ng kilos ng mga rebolusyonaryong pwersa sa lugar upang mabigyan ng proteksyon ng PNP at AFP pareho ng proteksyon na ibinigay nila sa maraming mga druglords at drug dealer.

Naging aktibo siya sa kontra-kilusang aktibidad pareho ng pagkigkolabora nito sa PNP at Duterte Death Squad sa mga Extra-Judicial killings sa Guihulngan City. Imbolbado rin sya sa pagpatay kay Heide Flores at Richard “Don2” Bustamante Jr. Isa rin siya sa Identified sa mga sumama sa marahas na Oplan Sauron 1 o Synchronize Enhance Managing Police Operation (SEMPO) sa Brgy. Buenavista Guihulngan City noong December 27, 2019.

Si Rosemar Melancolico isa lamang sa mga may pananagutan sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan na mga mababangis na asset ng PNP, Duterte Death Squad at AFP laluna ng 11th IB PA na bago na naman bumalik sa Guihulngan City para sa mas marahas na pagpapatupad ng de facto martial law.

Ang LPC-NPA patuloy na mapapatupad ng desisyon ng Rebolusyonaryong Korte ng Mamamayan sa pagpaparusa sa mga bayaran at may mga utang na dugo sa sambayanan gayundin sa pagsingil sa utang na dugo ng pasista at teroristang 11th IBPA sa mamamayan.

Hustisya para sa mga biktima ng paglabag sa karapatang pantao!

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/mabangis-na-asset-ng-pnp-at-illegal-drug-dealer-pinarusahan/

DFA bucks military pact with China

From the Manila Standard (Jun 14, 2019): DFA bucks military pact with China

The Philippines will sign no military agreements with China because maintaining its Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States will guarantee its national security, according to Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr.


Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr.“Striking a defense deal with another military superpower would be illogical, Locsin told the Oxford Business Group on Tuesday.

He said the Philippines will continue to be a strong ally of the United States, the only military superpower, but it has nothing against maintaining strong economic ties with China.


“The United States remains the only military ally of the Philippines. It is distant enough to interfere with our internal policies, yet strong enough to project its power in the region and to protect us if the need arises, Locsin said.

He said the Philippines will not sign a defense deal with China, but Manila can still sign economic agreements with that country

Still, the Philippines will not relinquish its claims to the West Philippine Sea under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, he said.

In 2016, the Philippines scored a victory when the United Nations arbitral court rejected China’s Nine-Dash Line claim to the West Philippine Sea.

Locsin said the Philippines’ defense treaty with the US had been effective in maintaining peace in the Southeast Asian region amid the territorial disputes in the area.

He said the Philippines should maintain its relations with other countries, especially those with those hosting Filipino workers.

“In order to protect [our workers abroad], we work towards strengthening our relations with the host countries, making sure that our foreign policy and votes in the United Nations do not antagonize the governments hosting our citizens, Locsin said.

http://manilastandard.net/news/top-stories/297252/dfa-bucks-military-pact-with-china.html

Reds running out of bullets, food; insurgency nearing its end – PRRD

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 14, 2019): Reds running out of bullets, food; insurgency nearing its end – PRRD

The communist insurgency is “about to end” since the rebels have ran out bullets and food after years of armed conflict, President Duterte declared Thursday.



President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his speech after leading the distribution of Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) to the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) at the Lagao Gymnasium in General Santos City on June 13, 2019. (JOEY DALUMPINES / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)

The President said rebels should just surrender to authorities as he offered to give them a “small” condominium unit and livelihood assistance to jumpstart their lives.

“Whether you agree to it or not, you NPAs (New People’s Army), the communists, you are about to end,” Duterte said during the distribution of land ownership certificates to farmer beneficiaries in General Santos City Thursday.

“You don’t have guns, you don’t have bullets, you don’t even have food. All you have are sores and you are being bitten by leeches,” he said.


Duterte urged the communist rebels to come down from the mountains and lay down their arms instead, telling them that communist ideology is a lost cause. He said the rebels have been fighting for more than five decades but have not been able to successfully occupy a single barangay.

“To the communists, come down here. I’ll give you a small condo. The same condo that I allot for the military and police. But yours will be smaller but it’s a house that you can live in. It’s habitable so to speak,” he said.

He said the rebel returnees can also learn livelihood skills from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

“I’ll give you a house. I’ll give you a job. I will send you to school for skills training,” he said.

The President also reminded the local rebels that there were no longer communist countries, citing that China has become a “controlled capitalist.”

He renewed his offer to send some rebel returnees to Hong Kong and mainland China to see their progress.

“China and Hong Kong look the same. They are very rich. Are they communist? No more. It’s a controlled capitalist. That’s it. It’s a controlled economy, market-driven,” he said.

“There are no communist countries anymore. But Philippines is letting itself be deceived,” he said.

He slammed the local communist insurgents for allegedly committing murder and extortion during their armed struggle against the government. He said these rebels were “worse” than thieves since they kill people who refuse to pay them.

“There are people who like to extort money. It doesn’t have to be a foreigner. And they won’t be able to develop the land because all they do is extort from you. And if you refuse to give it to them, they will kill you. You are worse than a holdupper to be honest,” he said.

The President recently asked the communist rebel group to agree to a ceasefire and stop extortion activities before any peace talks can resume. He said they should stop their atrocities if they were really sincere in reviving the peace negotiations.

Earlier, the President announced plans to create a new peace panel to possible talk peace with the communist rebel group. His decision came even after terminating the peace negotiations between the government and the rebel group over the atrocities committed against troops and civilians.

Army vows to aid S. Kudarat town in fight vs. NPA, illegal drugs

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 13, 2019): Army vows to aid S. Kudarat town in fight vs. NPA, illegal drugs



ARMY SUPPORT. Capt. Alessandro Cruzada, commander of the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion - Charlie Company, speaks during the peace and order council meeting at Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat on Tuesday, June 11. The 33rd IB vowed to support the local government unit’s fight against illegal drugs and communism. (Photo by 33rd IB)

ISULAN, Sultan Kudarat -- The military vowed to actively support the local government unit (LGU) of Senator Ninoy Aquino (SNA), Sultan Kudarat, in its fight against illegal drugs and communist rebels.

Lt. Col. Elmer Boongaling, commander of the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion (33IB), gave this assurance Thursday during the joint SNA Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC), Municipal Anti-Drug Advisory Council (MADAC) and Barangay Anti-Drug Advisory Council (BADAC) meeting at the town hall.


Capt. Alessandro Cruzada, 33IB Alpha Company commander, led military representatives in the joint meeting on behalf of Boongaling and provided the council members updates on the Army’s role in the campaign against illegal drug personalities.

Mayor Randy Ecija, who presided over the meeting, discussed updates on security matters by village officials, security entities, update on drug surrenderers, the rehabilitation program and policies for maintaining a drug-free municipality.

Cruzada, for his part, presented the "Iba Ang May Alam – Insurgency in a nutshell" program to the LGU that defines insurgency, its causes, the thinking-insurgents, and ways on how to counter and prevent the resurgence of the New People's Army.

Cruzada emphasized the Army's "whole nation" approach in delivering government services to the people -- especially those in remote areas.


The Army official also presented a “Makabayan Warriors” plaque of recognition to Ecija as a symbol of appreciation for his support to the military's anti-insurgency efforts. (PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1072234

3 ‘rebels’ dead in Mindoro clash

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 14, 2019): 3 ‘rebels’ dead in Mindoro clash

SAN PEDRO CITY –– The military on Friday said three suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in a clash in Mansalay town in Oriental Mindoro province.As of Friday, government soldiers were pursuing around “40 rebels” who escaped after authorities ran into an alleged rebel training ground in Sitio Mawan in Barangay Panaytayan around 1:30 p.m. Thursday.

Army’s 2nd Infantry Division spokesperson Capt. Patrick Jay Retumban, in a phone interview, said it was also believed that an NPA commander died as the rebels retreated.

He said the “intelligence community” was still ascertaining the identity of the commander.

According to the Army’s report, the soldiers were tipped off about the supposed “training” of NPA recruits in the area.

Brigadier General Marceliano Teofilo, commander of the Army’s 203rd Infantry Brigade in Mindoro, said the military was able to locate the training site, resulting in the clash.

One soldier was slightly hurt in his ear and is now out of danger.

The identities of the three fatalities were not immediately available. Retumban said their remains had been airlifted as of Friday.

The government troops said they recovered three M16 rifles, an AK-47, a .45-caliber gun, blasting caps and improvised explosives, which the rebels left behind after the clash.

Security forces kill 3 NPA gunmen during Mindoro encounter

From GMA News Online (Jun 14, 2019): Security forces kill 3 NPA gunmen during Mindoro encounter

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro - Three New People's Army (NPA) gunmen were killed in an encounter in Sitio Kalibang, Barangay Panaytayan, Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro, the Philippine National Police said on Friday.

Lieutenant Colonel Socrates Faltado, spokesperson of the MIMAROPA (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) Police Regional Office, said the encounter took place between some 40 NPA fighters and soldiers of the Philippine Army's 4th Infantry Battalion around 3:10 p.m. on Thursday.

The encounter lasted about three hours after which the communist gunmen withdrew towards Sitio Mawan.

Aside from the bodies of the killed NPA men, three M16 and an AK47 rifles were also recovered at the encounter site.

The Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army have started clearing and follow-up operation against the communist insurgents.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/697702/3-npa-members-killed-in-mindoro-encounter/story/

CPP: Reject US Coast Guard “protection” of Philippine EEZ

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jun 13, 2019): Reject US Coast Guard “protection” of Philippine EEZ



The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) calls on the Filipino people to reject the plans of the US Coast Guard to deploy the USS Stratton in the South China Sea purportedly to give “protection” to the exclusive economic zones of the Philippines and other countries in the region.

The “protection” plan of the US government is direct military intervention in the internal affairs of the country. The US is capitalizing on the widespread outrage of the Filipino people over the June 9 incident near the Recto Bank where a fishing boat with Filipino crewmen sank after colliding with a Chinese fishing vessel. The self-serving aim of the US is to deploy its own warships and sea vessels in our seas.

The Filipino people must continue to assert the country’s national independence and territorial integrity. They must denounce Chinese intrusions into Philippine territorial waters, but at the same time, reject the hypocritical plan of the US to deploy its military forces as “protection.”

The US acts like a colonial overlord by promoting the policy that the country needs US “protection” to defend its sovereignty. It is a grave insult on the freedom-loving Filipinos. The country’s non-independence and neocolonial state is further being reinforced if the US pushes through with this plan with the Duterte regime’s acquiescence.

The deployment of more and more air craft carriers, warships and cutters in the South China Sea and Philippine seas is part of US imperialism’s geopolitical strategy of gaining firm control of the trade routes, in line with its aim of gaining an advantage over China. It is hypocritically invoking the so-called “freedom of navigation” to ensure that the trade lanes are under its control, and nobody else’s.

The US is using the Philippines as an outpost and launching pad for its military strategy in the Asia-Pacific region. It has been building up its military presence by conducting so-called war exercises in the Philippines and other countries. The buildup of US military presence is raising the temperature of military tensions with China and increasing the risk of an outbreak of a war.

Duterte and his military and security officials are displaying outright slavishness to the imperialist powers by allowing both the US and China to build up their military strength in the South China Sea as well within the territorial waters of the Philippines. They must be strongly denounced for their treachery and utter failure to defend Philippine sovereignty.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/2019/06/13/reject-us-coast-guard-protection-of-philippine-eez/

CPP opposes US Coast Guard's deployment of Stratton in South China Sea

From GMA News Online (Jun 13, 2019): CPP opposes US Coast Guard's deployment of Stratton in South China Sea

The United States Coast Guard's deployment of maritime security cutter Stratton in the Pacific region—for "protection"—should not be welcomed by Filipinos, according to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on Thursday.

"The deployment of more and more aircraft carriers, warships and cutters in the South China Sea and Philippine seas is part of US imperialism's geopolitical strategy of gaining firm control of the trade routes, in line with its aim of gaining an advantage over China," it said in a statement.


"The 'protection' plan of the US government is direct military intervention in the internal affairs of the country," it added.

On Tuesday, the US Coast Guard said that it will continue to help Indo-Pacific countries which are having difficulties protecting their exclusive economic zones such as the Philippines.

"We are very much interested in engaging with partner nations and using our authorities and capacity-building in a way that is helpful and beneficial to particularly some of the small island nations who struggle with their own EEZ [Exclusive Economic Zone] enforcement," Vice Admiral Linda Fagan, commander of the US Coast Guard in the Pacific, said in a telephonic briefing.

"We’ll do things like send a small training team into a nation and help teach them how to do a fisheries enforcement boarding to guard against fishing incursions," she added.

These efforts, consistent with international law, were anchored on the goal of strengthening US partners' capabilities in protecting their "own sovereignty," according to Fagan.

Its maritime security cutter Stratton is set to replace Bertholf which was deployed in the Western Pacific region in January.

This, however, was not a welcome idea for the communist organization.

"The US acts like a colonial overlord by promoting the policy that the country needs US 'protection' to defend its sovereignty," it said.

The CPP further claimed that the US is capitalizing on the recent collision of a Chinese fishing vessel and a Filipino boat in the waters off Recto Bank, which sparked rage among many Filipinos, to deploy its assets in the Philippine seas.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on Thursday said he already filed a diplomatic protest over the incident.

Moreover, the buildup of US military presence in the region "raises the temperature of military tensions with China and increasing the risk of an outbreak of a war," according to the CPP.

It urged the Filipinos to "denounce Chinese intrusions into Philippine territorial waters, but at the same time, reject the hypocritical plan of the US to deploy its military forces as 'protection.'"


https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/697618/cpp-opposes-us-coast-guard-s-deployment-of-stratton-in-south-china-sea/story/