Sunday, June 16, 2019

Kalinaw News: 71st Infantry Battalion discovers enemy encampment, recovers paraphernalia

From Kalinaw News (Jun 17, 2019): 71st Infantry Battalion discovers enemy encampment, recovers paraphernalia



Mawab, Compostela Valley Province – On June 16, 2019, troops of 71st Infantry (Kaibigan) Battalion scoured an enemy encampment at at Sitio Babasal, Brgy Manipongol, Maco, Compostela Valley.

Lieutenant Colonel Esteveyn E Ducusin, Commanding Officer of 71st Infantry (Kaibigan) Battalion upon receipt of information from concerned citizen directed the troops to conduct a combat operation which resulted to the discovery of enemy encampments and belongings.

Having known of the enemy’s presence, Lieutenant Colonel Ducusin instructed troops to continue operation. Troops under First Lieutenant Randy A Coloma discovered an enemy encampment and recovered one (1) Cal .38 with thirteen (13) live ammunitions, two (2) improvised Shotguns with four (4) ammunitions, two (2) Cal .22 Rifle, thirteen (13) live ammunitions of Ctg 5.56 mm, sixteen (16) live ammunitions of 7.62 mm, one (1) Improvices Explosive Device (IED), twelve (12) pieces High Explosives Blasting Caps, two (2) magazines of M16, three (3) magazines of Cal .45, one (1) magazine of 9 mm with six (6) live ammunitions, one (1) set of detonating battery, four (4) 1.5V dry cell battery, seventeen (17) bottles of butane, one (1) Analogue Multi-Tester and one (1) unit Chainsaw.

The enemy encampment and recovered items believed to be owned by
Weakened Guerilla Front 2 (WGF 2), Sub Regional Command 2 (SRC 2), Southern Mindanao Regional Command (SMRC).

“We have been receiving information from concerned citizens of the neighboring Sitios near the encampments. They are the beneficiaries of our recently concluded Gusto ko Mag-aral Project 2019 in partnership with ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Incorporated which we were able to distribute more than 4,000 bags for the municipalities of Maco, Pantukan, Mawab and Mabini”, Ducusin said.

“Obviously, communities are turning their backs from CNTs because they have seen the efforts of the unit together with the local government and other stakeholder in extending vital programs especially in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Area,” Ducusin added.





71st Infantry Battalion 7 Infantry Division Philippine Army
1LT Jhocell D. Asis
09956103794/09177350771
71ib7id@army.mil.ph
cmo_71ib@yahoo.com

[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.]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/71st-infantry-battalion-discovers-enemy-encampment-recovers-paraphernalia/

Kalinaw News: NPA Beheads captive civilian in SurSur

From Kalinaw News (Jun 17, 2019): NPA Beheads captive civilian in SurSur



Tago, Surigao del Sur – another barbaric act committed by the Communist NPA Terrorist (CNTs) for beheading the civilian kidnap victim who was held captive since May 30, 2019 and found dead today at vicinity Mahawan, So. Banahao, Maitum, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur at around 8:30 am, June 14, 2019.

Troops of army’s 36th Infantry Battalion, while on rescue and pursuit operation recovered the beheaded and decomposing body of the kidnapped victim at the said place. Accordingly, said beheaded civilian was identified as Ryard Badiang, 24 y/o and a resident of Sitio Ibuan, Brgy Mampi, Lanuza, Surigao del sur who was reported kidnapped by CNTs last May 30 2019.

This is another act of terrorism. The murder and beheading of Ryard Badiang by the CNTs is a crime against our laws and an outright violation of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) under Republic Act 9851 which is enacted and crafted to protect non-combatants and innocent civilians from any conflict between states and non-state actor.

The family of the victim persistently appealed to the CNTs thru radio interviews with local media several times to release Ryard from captivity. Ryard Badiang served his community as CAA and was on off-base duty when he was kidnapped by the CNTs. He was the bread winner to his pregnant live-in partner and looking for livelihood, hence, unarmed or considered non-combatant as protected by the International Humanitarian Law.

In his statement, Lt Col Trinidad PA, Commanding Officer of 36th Infantry (Valor) Battalion said, “We strongly condemn this barbaric act of killing by the CNTs which only proves their true identity as terrorists instilling fear among civilians who demands obedience for their skewed ideologies towards an armed struggle against the government. We offer our sincerest condolences to the bereaved family. We will press the fight against these ruthless murderers to bring justice to our innocent and peace loving communities”

“I call on to the provincial and local government to take action and condemn this act of terrorism. I also challenge all human rights advocate to investigate on this matter and give justice to the victim. To the remaining CNTs stop the killing of innocent civilians and non-combatants, particularly the marginalized IP communities. Abandon your futile armed struggle and let us resolve our differences thru peaceful means. Surrender and avail the ECLIP to achieve a long lasting peace.” LTC Trinidad added.




36th Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry Division PA
1LT Jonald D Romorosa
CMO Officer, 36th Infantry Battalion
Sitio Upper Mambago, Dayo-an, Tago, Surigao del Sur
valor_36@yahoo.com
0917-1466-326/09491243886

[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: Local Chief Executive, Army decry NPA heartless murder of kidnapped CAFGU

From Kalinaw News (Jun 17, 2019): Local Chief Executive, Army decry NPA heartless murder of kidnapped CAFGU



Bancasi, Butuan City – The Local Chief Executive of the municipality of Lanuza, Surigao del Sur and the Army in Caraga decried the heartless murder by the CPP-NPA Terrorists of their kidnapped CAFGU yesterday, June 14, 2019.

Yesterday morning, a very sad news consumed the municipality of Lanuza especially the hopeful families after reports reaching them that their loved one who remained captive by the CNTs for several weeks had been brutally murdered.

According to the reports reaching this headquarters, troops from 36IB while on search and rescue operations of the kidnapped CAA, recovered a decomposing body at vicinity Mahawan, So Banahao, Maitum, Tandag City, SDS around 08:35 in the morning, June 14, 2019.

The recovered remains was identified thru his clothes by their relatives as Ryard Badiang, 24 y/o, male, married, a resident of So Ibuan, Brgy Mampi, Lanuza, Surigao del Sur and a Former Rebel (FR) turned CAFGU member rendering duty at Ibuan Patrol Base of same sitio. Around 03:25 in the afternoon yesterday, the family and Brgy Officials of Brgy Mampi of same town brought the skeletal remains to Arpilleda Funeral Homes, Madrid Surigao del Sur.

It can be recalled that around 10 o’clock in the morning last May 30, 2019, seven (7) civilians to include minors, all residents of So Ibuan, Mampi, Lanuza, SDS, were kidnapped by more or less seven (7) CNTs while hauling timber at vicinity Anas, So Banahao, Maitom, Tandag City. All kidnapped victims were released after a few days except Ryard Badiang,

In her statement, Lanuza Mayor Salvacion S Azarcon was infuriated and saddened in the recent unfortunate development despite the families pleading that the kidnapped victim be returned safe and alive. “In behalf of the municipality of Lanuza, I offer our deepest condolences to the grieving family. It is our regret that the CNTs resort to a barbaric act unacceptable in a civilized community. We condemned once again in the highest form the CNTs of degrading the value of human life and killed Ryan like an animal”.

According to Col Maurito L Licudine, Commander of the 402nd Infantry Brigade, “This is another horrific act and blatant disrespect of human rights of Ryard Badiang by the CPP-NPA! Another violation of International Humanitarian Law which adds to the long list of atrocities committed against our people.”

Col Licudine further said that these atrocities are a desperate attempt of the CNTs targeting civilians and unarmed off-based duty CAFGUs without the capacity to defend themselves. The CNTs are showing their true color as terrorists preying on civilians and unarmed CAFGUs.

“We offer our sincerest sympathies and condolences to the bereaved family of late CAA Badiang. We urge the people of Lanuza and of Surigao del Sur to condemn in unison these atrocious acts of these terrorists”, Col Licudine added.

The 36IB in close coordination with Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office will conduct proper documentation of the crime scene for filing of appropriate criminal charges under the International Humanitarian Law Act and the Revised Penal Code against the CNTs.





402nd Infantry Brigade, 4th Infantry Division Philippine Army
CPT FRANCISCO P GARELLO JR (INF) PA
402nd Bde Civil Military Operations Officer
Contact Number:0915-054-3439/0948-641-6783
Add us on Facebook at: RAJAH KULAMBO (Stinger)

[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.]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/local-chief-executive-army-decry-npa-heartless-murder-of-kidnapped-cafgu/

Kalinaw News: Marine Battalion Landing Team -7 to fight against ASG terrorist group in Sulu

From Kalinaw News (Jun 17, 2019): Marine Battalion Landing Team -7 to fight against ASG terrorist group in Sulu



CAMP SIONGCO, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao- Marine Battalion Landing Team-7 were sent-off to be deployed in Sulu.

The ceremony was held early morning of June 16, 2019 at Polloc Port in Bargy Polloc, Parang, Maguindanao presided by Major General Cirilito E. Sobejana, Commander Joint Task Force Central being represented by Brigadier General Juvymax R. Uy, Assistant Commander, JTF Central with Major General Alvin A. Parreño, Commandant Philippine Marine Corps.

Higher Headquarters has directed to mass its forces to destroy the ASG terrorist group operating in Sulu Province, where the MBLT-7 will be release under the operational control of JTF Central to JTF Sulu to boost the AFP’s will to fight.

MBLT-7 formerly safeguarded the municipalities of Nuro and South Upi and the coastal municipality of Datu Blah Sinsuat all of Maguindanao who has been great in securing peace and order in the area.

“In everything you do, please include prayers. It is the most effective weapon we can have in the start of operation, wherever we are and whatever we do, and always remember that the highest honor we can have is to fight along the side with our fellow warriors,” said Major General Parreño during his speech.

“We would like to thank the Joint Task Force Central for accommodating us for we have seen high brotherhood and solidarity in the Armed Forces,” Major General Parreño added.

“Your excellent performance and commitment to service already brought significant development in peace and order in your AOR contributing to the socio-economic development of the area. Thus, you are now needed in other parts of the region.” Major General Sobejana said to the troops of MBLT-7.

“I hope that you succeed on replicating your accomplishments, and soon bring just and lasting peace in Jolo.”

Thank you for your service in Central Mindanao, and good luck on your next duty,” the Commander added.




Division Public Affairs Office 6th Infantry Division Philippine Army
Maj Arvin G Encinas
Chief, Public Affairs Office, 6ID, PA
Camp Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao
+6391775226469

[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: 30th Infantry Battalion, EOD supervise disposal of Unexploded Ordnance and IEDs in Surigao del Norte

From Kalinaw News (Jun 17, 2019): 30th Infantry Battalion, EOD supervise disposal of Unexploded Ordnance and IEDs in Surigao del Norte



Placer, Surigao del Norte- The 30th Infantry “Python” Battalion and Explosives Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team supervise the disposal of six (6) Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) and fifty three (53) Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Surigao del Norte on Saturday June 15, 2019.

The UXO and IEDs were either captured, confiscated or recovered by troops from 2013 to 2019 during an encounter with the CPP-NPA terrorist or turnover by PNP and civilians to 30IB for safe keeping and proper management to avoid damage.

As per record, the following UXOs and IEDs were disposed; two (2) UXO of 105mm howitzer, two (2) UXO of 60mm mortar, one (1) rifle grenade, one (1) hand grenade, one (1) gallon IED, five (5) bangalore, ten (10) PVC pipe bomb IED, twenty one (21) GI pipe bomb IED, twelve (12) dual blasting cap IED and four (4) directional IED mines.

UXO are explosive weapons that did not explode when they were employed and still pose a risk of detonation, decades after they were used or discarded while IED is constructed and extensively used by terrorists group to inflict casualty not only to military personnel but also to sow terror to civilians.

“UXOs and IEDs are hazardous items, for the safety of everyone we called the EOD team for proper disposal of the said UXOs and IEDs to prevent damage to life and property, afterwhich we immediately coordinated for a safe place to dispose it away from the civilian populace” Ltcol. Allen Raymund C Tomas, Commanding Officer of 30IB said.

“I call on the attention of all Surigaonon’s if ever you have or see UXOs and IEDs please report immediately to the nearest PNP or Army station so we can call EOD experts to handle the situation to prevent loss of life and damages, your Philippine Army is always ready to serve you and secure our land” Ltcol Tomas ended.




30th Infantry "Python" Battalion 4th Infantry Division Philippine Army
1LT KEN T ENCISO (INF) PA
Civil-Military Operations Officer
Contact Number – 0939-804-4369
Email Add: python.troopers@gmail.com

[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.]

AFP deploys Marines vs. ASG in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 17, 2019): AFP deploys Marines vs. ASG in Sulu



SULU BOUND. Members of Marine Battalion Landing Team - 7 prepare to board a Philippine Navy ship during send-off ceremonies at the port of Polloc in Maguindanao on Sunday (June 16, 2019). The Marines were sent to Sulu to help crush the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group. (Photo courtesy of MBLT-7)

POLLOC PORT, Maguindanao -- Officials of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) and the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) sent off Sunday the Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT) 7 from this province to Sulu to help crush the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) operating in the area.

In a statement, Major Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, 6ID chief and head of Joint Task Force Central (JTFC), told the Marine battalion to “bring peace to Sulu the way you helped bring about peace in Central Mindanao”.

MBLT-7, one of the battle-tested units of the PMC, had helped liberate Marawi City from the hands of terrorist groups in 2017 and was re-deployed to the coastal towns of Lebak and Kalamansig in Sultan Kudarat; and to North and South Upi and Datu Blah Sinsuat in Maguindanao after the Marawi siege.


Brig. General Juvymax Uy, assistant 6ID commander, represented Sobejana, during the send-off ceremonies also graced by Major General Alvin Parreño, commandant of the PMC.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte has earlier ordered the deployment of Marines to Sulu to finish off the ASG, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has chosen the MBLT-7 to augment the forces of Joint Task Force Jolo in the area.

The Marine unit had been successful in the maintenance of law and order in Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat.

“I hope that you succeed on replicating your accomplishments, and soon bring just and lasting peace in Jolo, Sulu,” Sobejana said.

Parreño reminded MBLT-7 troopers to always include prayers “in whatever you do for it is the best weapon wherever we are and whatever we do.”

Parreño lauded Sobejana and the Army-led JTFC for accommodating MBLT-7 in its area of responsibility in Central Mindanao.

“We would like to thank the JTFC for accommodating us for we have seen high brotherhood and solidarity in the AFP,” Parreño said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1072489

Govt hands out P5.775-M cash to 75 alleged ex-NPAs in Surigao del Sur

From the Business Mirror (Jun 17, 2019): Govt hands out P5.775-M cash to 75 alleged ex-NPAs in Surigao del Sur

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said about P77,000 in cash were given to each of the 75 alleged former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Surigao del Sur who, according to the military, surrendered to the government.

Capt. Regie Go, spokesman of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, said about half of the 75 are members of the indigenous Lumad tribe.

Go said each received P65,000, which came from the funds of the “Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program,” or E-CLIP. He added the Provincial Government of Surigao del Sur also gave P7,000 each while the Department of Social Welfare and Development gave P5,000 to each of the alleged ex-NPA guerrillas. The total financial assistance amounted to P5.775 million.

Go said each of the 75 also received a hygiene kit, vegetable seedlings, assorted food packs and one-year membership certificates in PhilHealth (Philippine Health Insurance Corp.)

Likewise, each of the 75 were awarded with scholarship commitments by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) in skills training and livelihood program.

Go said in a statement Department of National Defense Undersecretary Reynalco B. Mapagu, head of the E-Clip, led the distribution of cash over the weekend.

The statement from the AFP didn’t carry comments from any of the 75 alleged former NPA guerrillas.

Headless body of NPA captive found

From the Manila Times (Jun 17, 2019): Headless body of NPA captive found

The Philippine Army on Sunday said they found the headless cadaver of a civilian who was held captive by the New People’s Army (NPA) in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur.

First Lt. Jonald Romorosa, civil military operations officer of the Army’s 36th Infantry Battalion, said the beheaded victim identified as Ryard Badiang, 24, had been held as hostage by the NPA since May 30.

Romorosa said the battalion was conducting rescue and pursuit operations on Friday when they recovered the headless and decomposing body of Badiang in the vicinity of Mahawan, Sitio Banahao, Maitum in Tandag City.


He added that the family of the victim had appealed to the NPA through interviews in local radio stations to release Badiang from captivity.

Badiang was a Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit member.

Romorosa said in a statement: “This is another act of terrorism. The murder and beheading of Ryard Badiang by the [NPA rebels] is a crime against our laws and an outright violation of the International Humanitarian Law under Republic Act 9851.”

Opinion: On Lisandro Claudio and red-tagging

Opinion piece by Marit Stinus-Cabugon in the Manila Times (Jun 17, 2019): On Lisandro Claudio and red-tagging

LISANDRO “Leloy” Claudio is an associate professor in the history and literature departments of De La Salle University, Manila, a contributor and commentator of Rappler, and recipient of the George McT. Kahin Book Prize 2019 for his book Liberalism and the Postcolony: Thinking the State in the 20th-Century Philippines. The Kahin Book Prize is given by the Association for Asian Studies (AAS) which, in its own words, is “a scholarly, non-political, non-profit professional association open to all persons interested in Asia and the study of Asia. With approximately 7,000 members worldwide… the AAS is the largest organization of its kind.”

Claudio was recently shortlisted for a position at the Department of South and Southeast Asian Studies of the University of California Berkeley. While the university’s search committee is evaluating the shortlisted aspirants, 466 individuals signed a petition opposing Claudio’s appointment. Walden Bello, Patricio Abinales, and my Manila Times colleague Antonio Contreras, among others, have commented on the controversy.

The petition, titled “Filipino communities raise concern about candidate for a Southeast Asian studies job at Berkeley,” accuses Claudio of “naming or outing individuals, including students at his previous campus Ateneo de Manila University, on the basis of their leftwing perspectives or affiliations in a political climate in the Philippines that makes such conduct highly dangerous for those singled out in this way.” Claudio, petitioners claim, is “one of the astonishingly reckless voices in the academe who unambiguously [red-]tags organizations, leaders, students, and ordinary activists despite the peril of such [red-]tagging.”
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The ‘crime’ of Claudio, however, is not the ‘naming’ or ‘outing’ of individuals—he neither named nor outed anyone—but having pointed out the obvious unambiguously: the affiliation of Kabataan party list and associates with the Communist Party of the Philippines.

In connection with the organization of a Kabataan party-list Katipunan chapter in February 2017, Claudio explained to The Guidon (the student publication of Ateneo de Manila) that democracy won’t prosper if we speak in euphemisms (www.theguidon.com, May 6, 2017). In other words, Kabataan, when recruiting members among the students, should disclose its affiliation with the CPP. Claudio told the student publication that “protecting his students is his primary concern” and added that some students “have died as a result of being sent to [NPA areas] after being recruited by aboveground organizations.”

A member of Kabataan party-list Katipunan in the same article confirmed that the party is a part of the so-called national democratic mass organizations, or NDMOs. While this doesn’t “automatically translate to being part of the NPA”, “NDMOs recognize armed struggle,” said Diana Breboneria, a founding member of Kabataan Katipunan chapter and “de facto education and research committee head” of the university.

I was reminded of friends of mine—political science students of the University of the Philippines Cebu campus—who in 2004 were forced to take their practicum with what Breboneria calls national democratic mass organizations. Forced because their professor, herself a member of an NDMO, told them that they had to choose among NGOs accredited by the university. All these NGOs turned out to be NDMOs. But worse, UP Cebu actually did not require host organizations or establishments to be accredited. There was in fact no accreditation system at all. Because this happened in an election year, some of the students found themselves in the campaign sorties of Gabriela and Anakpawis. Others ended up literally running away because they were made to meet with suspected NPA rebels in a remote place in Cebu’s hinterlands.
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The point of professor Claudio is that students, as well as the general public, should be told the truth and not be deliberately deceived. National democratic mass organizations are not merely leftwing, militant or ‘progressive.’ They are part of the National Democratic Front of the Communist Party of the Philippines. They serve the CPP and its purpose. Few members of NDMOs are actually members of the CPP, but they serve the CPP’s agenda as that is the very reason for the NDMOs’ existence. They support the armed struggle, not necessarily by joining the NPA but by making it difficult for the government to defeat it. The National Democratic Front is the shield where the New People’s Army is the sword in the CPP’s quest to overthrow the government and seize political power.

Claudio’s “red-tagging” is therefore merely calling a spade a spade. It does not by itself endanger members of national democratic mass organizations but is probably seen as a threat to the movement’s recruitment of new followers and expansion of solidarity networks in the US. NDMO chapters across the US mobilize moral and material support for what is in reality the CPP’s cause, such as raising funds for lumad schools in Mindanao suspected by the government of being centers for NPA recruitment. These national democratic mass organizations are the “Filipino communities” behind the petition.

More troops deployed in Negros to fight Reds

From Panay News (Jun 17, 2019: More troops deployed in Negros to fight Reds


In a bid to eradicate insurgency in Negros Island, the Philippine Army deploys its augmentation force in the province for combat operations and peace development initiatives. PHOTO COURTESY OF PHILIPPINE ARMY’S 3RD INFANTRY DIVISION
More soldiers of the Philippine Army have been deployed in Negros Island for combat operations and peace development initiatives, the region’s top military official said.

Major General Dinoh Dolina, commander of
3rd Infantry Division based in Jamindan, Capiz, said the island now has five battalions after the return of the 11th Infantry Battalion (11IB) last week.


“We will saturate Negros Island with more troops to fill up every inch of the island,” said Dolina in a statement on Monday.


He stressed bigger number of troops conducting not only combat operations but also peace and development activities in Negros will surely create better results in the army’s anti-insurgency efforts.

“The return of the 11IB will boost the government’s peace campaign and will definitely help in fast-tracking our anti-insurgency and clearing efforts in the island,” the top military official said.

In Negros Occidental, the Philippine Army’s 15IB is stationed in the southern town of Cauayan, while the 62IB is based in Isabela covering the central Negros area. The 79IB meanwhile is headquartered in the northern city of Sagay.

“We shall have five infantry battalions working hand in hand to eradicate the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army. With the return of the 11IB, we are seeing the faster demise of the terrorist organization in this part of the region,” Dolina stressed.

https://www.panaynews.net/more-troops-deployed-in-negros-to-fight-reds/

NPA beheads captive militiaman

From the Philippine Star (Jun 17, 2019): NPA beheads captive militiaman

The New People’s Army (NPA) has reportedly beheaded a member of the government militia, who had been held hostage by the rebels in Surigao del Sur.

Government troops recovered over the weekend the remains of Ryard Badiang, 24, in Maitum, Tandag City, according to 1/Lt. Jonald Romorosa, civil military operation officer of the Army’s 36th Infantry Battalion (IB).

The troopers were conducting rescue and pursuit operations against the rebels when they found Badiang’s body in Sitio Mahawan.

Badiang, a member of the Cafgu Active Auxiliary unit, was seized by suspected NPA guerrillas on May 30.


“This is another act of terrorism. The murder and beheading of Ryard Badiang by the communist NPA terrorists is a crime and a violation of the international humanitarian law,” Romorosa said.

He said Badiang’s family, through radio interviews, had repeatedly appealed to the NPA to release him.

Lt. Col. Xerxes Trinidad, commander of the 36th IB, said the military condemns the killing of Badiang.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2019/06/17/1927030/npa-beheads-captive-militiaman

Anakbayan condemns killing of two rights advocates in Sorsogon

From GMA News Online (Jun 16, 2019): Anakbayan condemns killing of two rights advocates in Sorsogon

Anakbayan on Sunday condemned the killing of two members of human rights group Karapatan in Sorsogon, pinning the blame on President Rodrigo Duterte and his "butchers in the Armed Forces and the Police."

“This brutal slaying of human rights defenders is proof that Duterte’s relentless war on the Filipino people continues—especially against those who dare fight for human rights against his bloodthirsty regime,” said Anakbayan spokesperson Alex Danday.

“This is MO 32– the militarization of the countryside, and this is EO 70, the Whole-Of-Nation Approach in gory action," she added.

Memorandum Order No. 32, which covers the Bicol region, Eastern Visayas, and Negros island, reinforces the guidelines for the military and police in the implementation of measures suppressing lawless violence.

Karapatan members Ryan Hubilla and Nelly Bagasala were shot dead last Saturday by motorcycle-riding men at the Seabreeze Homes Subdivision in Barangay Cabid-an.

Hubilla was a Grade 12 student who co-founded Anakbayan Sorsogon and helped organize the youth in the province, the group said.

“Ryan was an outstanding member of Anakbayan Sorsogon. He has volunteered to serve the people of Bicol by joining Karapatan in defending Bicolanos’ rights against state abuses, and for this, he was gunned down in cold blood," Danday said.

"His killing is meant to terrorize the youth into simply accepting Duterte’s fascist reign, to cow Ryan’s peers into silence,” she added.

According to Karapatan, their members, including Hubilla, were tailed by a gray pick-up vehicle and a black motorcycle, both lacking license plates, last April 21 at 10 p.m.

This happened after Karapatan staff escorted Atty. Bart Rayco, NUPL-Albay lawyer, who was visiting his clients who were political prisoners at PNP Cabid-an.

Anakbayan vowed to fight for justice for the death of Hubilla and Bagasala and continue to defend human rights.

"We recognize that the only way to stop the bloodshed is to end the regime that masterminds it all. We will not stop. The more they attack the youth, more and more will become fed-up, rise, and take their place! Each attack strengthens the Filipino people’s rage against Duterte’s regime, the rage that will ensure his downfall!” Danday said.

A mobilization is set on Monday in front of Camp Aguinaldo at 10 a.m. to condemn Hubilla and Bagasala's killing.

Also on Sunday, detained opposition Senator Leila de Lima denounced the killings of two human rights worker from Karapatan, who she said, were both reportedly subjected to periodic surveillance by the military and police operatives before their deaths.

De Lima, a known human rights defender, underscored the need to seriously investigate the incident to ensure justice for the victims and their families and find out the involvement of state agents in the crime.

“The deplorable murder of two Karapatan members is nothing but an attack against all fearless warriors who fight for human rights, justice and freedom. Dalawa lamang si Ryan at Nelly sa libu-libong biktima ng karahasan at patayan sa bansa, kung saan madalas na target ang mga nasa laylayan na walang kalaban-laban, at ang mga nagtatanggol sa kanilang karapatan,” she said.

Police are still investigating the attack.

Earlier reports quoted Major Maria Luisa Calubaquib, Bicol police spokesperson, ay saying that the shooting happened around 8:50 a.m. as the victims took off from a tricycle.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/697875/anakbayan-condemns-killing-of-two-rights-advocates-in-sorsogon/story/

Farmer gunned down in another attack on the Left

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 16, 2019): Farmer gunned down in another attack on the Left

A member of a left-wing organization of farmers was gunned down outside his house at Barangay Halapitan, San Fernando town in Bukidnon province on Saturday (June 16) in what appeared to be another attack on the Left.

Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (Philippine Peasant Movement or KMP)
said one of its members, Nonoy Palma, was killed by three gunmen. Palma was a member of KMP affiliate Kasama-Bukidnon.


KMP cited witnesses saying the gunmen rode a single motorcycle and one was recognized as a local militiaman.

The killing of Palma came hours after the killing of fwo human rights defenders in the province of Sorsogon which a leader of left-wing Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) linked to a shift in the government’s counterinsurgency tactic that now targets noncombatant members of left-wing groups.

In Sorsogon, two still unnamed men calmly approached the human rights workers Nelly Bagasala and Ryan Hubilla as they were paying their tricycle fare and shot them repeatedly, killing the two on fhe spot.

Attacks on human rights defenders had caught the attention of 11 United Nations rapporteurs and human rights experts who issued a rare joint statement on June 7 calling on the UN to conduct an independent investigation of what they said was a “staggering” number of summary killings and attacks on human rights workers committed with impunity.

Malacanang scoffed at the statement, saying it was based on falsehoods and goaded by President Rodrigo Duterte’s critics and the opposition.

The shift in counterinsurgency tactic had been ordered by Duterte who, in January 2018 upon his return from India, said his all-out war on rebels now included what he said were the rebels’ “legal fronts,” or groups identified with the Left.

He said his order to the military was crush the rebellion “and if you have to kill, do it.”

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1130808/farmer-gunned-down-in-another-attack-on-the-left

PEACETALK: Start together, dream together, create a vision together, and work togethe

Posted to MindaNews (Jun 16, 2019): PEACETALK: Start together, dream together, create a vision together, and work together (By NAGUIB G. SINARIMBO)

(Welcome remarks and direction-setting for Local Government Units in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, by lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, Minister for Interior and Local Governments at the opening rites of the “Training cum Orientation for Newly-elected Local Chief Executives” on June 15 to 17 at the Al Nor Convention Center in Cotabato City. The training’s theme is “Creating Synergy in the Bangsamoro Towards Moral Governance.”)


BARMM Minister for Interior and Local Governments delivers the welcome address at the the opening rites of the “Training cum Orientation for Newly-elected Local Chief Executives” on June 15 to 17 at the Al Nor Convention Center in Cotabato City. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The Chief Minister, Al Haj Murad Ebrahim,

The honorable Bai Maryam Sangki Mangudadatu, Governor-elect of Maguindanao,

The honorable Mamintal Bombit Alonto Adiong ,Jr., Governor-elect of Lanao del Sur,

The honorable Jim Hataman Salliman, Governor-elect of Basilan,

The honorable Sakur Tan, Sr., Governor-elect of Sulu,

The honorable Ismael Sali, Governor-elect of Tawi-Tawi,

The honorable elected Mayors of the different cities and municipalities, of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region,

Members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority,

Ministers of the different ministries of the Bangsamoro Government,

Honored Guests, fellow workers in Government, friends, ladies and Gentlemen…

Assalamu Alaykum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.

I am deeply honored, and in fact I consider it a singular privilege to welcome you all to this first-ever Training Cum Orientation for the newly-elected Local Chief Executives of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Welcome to all of you to Cotabato City, current seat of the BARMM.

I especially want to thank and welcome the delegation from the island provinces who needed to cross the Sulu Sea, not just the Bangsamoro Waters, to attend this important event.

May we recognize first the elected mayors and governor-elect of Tawi-Tawi.

A round of applause please.

The elected mayors and the governor elect of Sulu.

The elected mayors and the governor elect of Basilan.

The elected mayors and the governor elect of Lanao del Sur.

The elected mayors and the governor elect of Maguindanao.

To all of you, thank you for honoring us with your presence.

This training cum orientation for the local chief executives of the New Bangsamoro Autonomous Region is a standard training given by the DILG, and in our case, by the MILG to orient and guide these LCEs on the basics and mandatory tasks that they needed to comply upon assumption to office. The training will walk you through into the basics of running an LGU. It will orient you on the sequence of actions to take, what documents to accomplish, what ordinances to enact, what plans to prepare, and what special bodies to organize.

As a component of this training, you will be asked to draw your plan for the first 100 days of your administration and our provincial directors and our staff will assist you in this endeavor. More than the technical work of assisting you in preparing this today, and I wanted to emphasize this – this more than anything symbolizes our relationship with you, our LGOOs will be there to assist you as you run the affairs of your LGUs.

We will not just be there to make you comply with the requirements of the law but more importantly, we will be there with you in striving for excellence.

Our services are without color of politics nor in anticipation of a reward. Your cooperation is more than enough to inspire us to render technical assistance to you in the hope that it will result in the best services that you can deliver to your constituents.

This training is made even more significant by the fact that the new political entity, the BARMM, has just been established and its officials have just assumed their respective posts. Under the law, the term of the transition period will last for three years. This coincides with your respective term of three years.

What better way then to start than to start together, dream together, create a vision together, and work together to achieve that vision for our people and this region.

It is not unknown to you that the region presents some of the most dismal human development indices in the country.


At the opening of the “Training cum Orientation for Newly-elected Local Chief Executives” in the BARMM on June 15 to 17 at the Al Nor Convention Center in Cotabato City. The training’s theme is “Creating Synergy in the Bangsamoro Towards Moral Governance.” CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Poverty incidence remains highest in the region at 63 %, more than half of the population is poor; literacy rate in the region is the lowest in the country, access to clean water is the lowest, infant mortality rate is highest; electricity connection is lowest despite Lake Lanao being the source of around 68 percent of the hydro electric supply for the whole island of Mindanao;

In the provinces, the poverty incidence as of the First semester of 2018 are as follows:

Basilan 72.1
LDS 73.7
Maguindanao 55.1
Sulu 74.3
Tawi Tawi 23.4s

This is unacceptable. We cannot sit idly amidst the very disturbing numbers which is reflected in the faces of children not being able to go to school; of adults not seeing a doctor before being bereft of life; of shanties not fit for human habitation but for animals and yet our people call it house; of children having to drink unsafe water that not one of you is even willing to wash your feet; and of youth having to join rebels without a valid cause simply for being unemployedI implore that we work together to put an end to all of these. Let that synergy of the region and the LGUs produce the needed power that can defeat these maladies in our society.

To create this synergy, we propose that we integrate our plans and evolve a common vision for the LGUs and the region. This can be done by the institution of processes and mechanism for developing the plans of the different levels of LGU and of integrating them vertically and thereafter to horizontally integrate the same with the Regional Development Plan.

The BEDC or the Bangsamoro Economic Development Council in Section 41. Art. 13 of the Organic Law will be the mechanism for this integration. For starters, let us use Sec 23 Article XII of the BOL which we pushed very strongly during the deliberations in Congress. This provision mandates the central government to provide subsidy to development and infrastructure projects in the region such as provincial and municipal roads.

In connection with this, I call upon the LGUs at different levels – barangay, municipalities and provinces, to submit to the ministry the list of roads that you want to prioritize. The five-year period is an opportunity for us to close the gap, in terms of development, for this region and the other regions of the country.

Let me also take this opportunity to announce the following municipalities of Al-Barka, Haji Mohammad Ajul, Akbar, and Hadji Muhtamad in the province of Basilan; Datu Blah Sinsuat, Pandag, Mangudadatu, Northern Kabuntalan, Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Datu Hofer Ampatuan and Datu Salibo in the province of Maguindanao that you have been all converted into regular municipalities and are therefore entitled to receive your IRA. I remember distinctly during the bi-cam that Senator Migz Zubiri, with whom I worked as legal consultant for the BBL, had to argue into the wee hours of the night just to convince his colleagues that this is a reasonable proposition. This opportunity, we owe to the passage of the BOL.

Even as we recognize the many opportunities that are presented to us, we must equally realize the burden of leadership that lies heavily on the shoulders of each of us. As you embark on your duties as public servants, let us be constantly reminded of these images in our region – of Badjao children begging you to throw a coin into the sea as you approach the port of Jolo instead of being in schools; of tendong-wearing (head gear) Maguindanaon women scavenging for palay in the rice paddies of Ampatuan and Isulan as you traverse the Cotabato-Gensan Road; of children carrying water pail (balde) filled with steamed young corn shouting “kamais-kamais” instead of being in school while you take a leisurely walk in the golf course of the MSU of Lanao del Sur; and or of the shanties pitched along the banks of Rio Grande in Cotabato City that our people call home as your boat moves along the mighty Pulangi River.

These images and hundred others remind us of the great tasks that we must undertake to deliver our people from abject poverty to prosperity and peace.

But like many of you, I have an enduring belief in the indomitable spirit of our people and of our destiny as a nation. Our history as a people is replete with periods of greatness and resilience. When the spirit of our forefathers were tested by colonialism, they resisted and bequeathed to us our religion and a free homeland; When our forebears were then free to govern themselves, they evolved

strong political institutions called a sultanate and ushered in an era of peace and prosperity prior to colonialism; When our religion and freedom were threatened by martial law in the 1960s and 1970s, our people produced martyrs and revolutionaries that saved us from the infamous massacres.

In fine, when we are tested with adversities, we responded with great resolve to overcome them. In the darkest moments of our history, we lived up to the expectations of our people and remained true to our heritage as a free and resilient people. When our abilities are questioned, we respond with great talents; When our future turns uncertain, our leaders provide a clear vision for us; When we are in danger of being lost out in the darkness of the night, we light a torch to carry the struggle.

Today, we are again summoned by history to carry our people and this region safely to where it should be – to peace, to prosperity and to development. We must not fail them.

Thank you and may God bless us all.

Wassalam.

Unpaid bills at PAF flagged

From the Business World (Jun 16, 2019): Unpaid bills at PAF flagged

THE COMMISSION on Audit flagged the Philippine Air Force (PAF) for its laxity in imposing sanctions on military personnel for unpaid electricity and water bills and delinquent occupancy in its housing facilities. 

According to CoA’s annual audit report for 2018, bills on electricity, water, rentals, and garbage collection amounting to P21.8 million and charged to military personnel and concessionaires were not collected on or before their due dates. 

CoA noted, on the other hand, that PAF has been paying for light and water consumption out of their regular fund for 2018. 

“The non-collection of outstanding balances may be attributable to lenient/laxity in the enforcement of policy set by each filed bases in connection to collection of outstanding balances. Furthermore, the Command failed to impose sanction to occupants with delinquent accounts, such as but not limited to: disconnection of electricity and water, cancellation of revocable permit/contract, and eviction,” said the report.

https://www.bworldonline.com/unpaid-bills-at-paf-flagged/

Manobo leader says Lumad school ‘lost its purpose’

From the Sun Star-Davao (Jun 16, 2019): Manobo leader says Lumad school ‘lost its purpose’



DAVAO. A government school building is built behind the Salugpongan Ta’ Tanu Igkanon Community Learning Center, Inc. (STTICLC) in Sitio Puting Bato, Ngan, Compostela, Compostela Valley (Davao de Oro).



DAVAO. A flag ceremony marks the start of new beginnings following the turnover of the new school building on May 31.



DAVAO. Ribbon-cutting of the new school building comprised of two classrooms that will benefit 62 students.



DAVAO. Compostela Valley (Davao de Oro) Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy leads the turnover ceremony of a school in Sitio Puting Bato.



DAVAO. Through a resolution, residents of Sitio Puting Bato demolish the Salugpongan Ta’ Tanu Igkanon Community Learning Center, Inc. (STTICLC).



DAVAO. Beneficiaries of the new school building in Sitio Puting Bato, Ngan, Compostela, entertain the crowd during their intermission number.



DAVAO. Datu Guibang Apoga, a known and influential tribal leader of the Langilan-Manobo Tribe surrendered on June 9, 2018 at Sitio Nasilaban, Barangay Palma Gil, Talaingod town, Davao del Norte. (Photo by 10th Infantry Division)



DAVAO. Elementary students of the new school in Sitio Puting Bato, Ngan, Compostela, Compostela Valley smile before the camera. They will enroll in this newly-built school this new school year.

SALUGPONGAN Ta’ Tanu Igkanon Community Learning Center, Inc. (STTICLC), an Indigenous People (IP) school, has been hounded by accusations of teaching communist ideologies to Lumad youth in the remote areas in Davao region.

There have been several reports of closures of these Salugpongan schools across the region since last year because of alleged violations against the Lumad. The institution gained attention after authorities discovered that the schools were allegedly being used to recruit minors from the indigenous communities to the New People’s Army (NPA).


How it came to be

In an interview, Manobo chieftain Datu Guibang Apoga, 80, tribal leader of the Langilan-Manobo Tribe, said he ordered the closure of these Salugpongan schools in Talaingod, Davao del Norte because "it has already lost its purpose." Instead of uniting the Lumad, it has caused division among them. Apoga is a former member of the NPA and was with the group for around two decades.

Apoga, founder of Salugpongan, surrendered on June 9, 2018, Sitio Nasilaban, Barangay Palma Gil, Talaingod town, Davao del Norte by the 56th Infantry Battalion, led by commander Lieutenant Colonel Edwin Paredes.

Based on the military’s record, sometime in 1991, a large firm increased its logging operations from 19,000 hectares to 45,000 hectares within the Ata-Manobo's ancestral domain, which covers most part of Talaingod. The expansion of logging activity was approved through the Industrial Forest Management Agreement (IFMA). This did not sit well with the Lumad communities who feared that they might lose their ancestral lands.

Former 1003rd Infantry Brigade commander and now Eastern Mindanao Command deputy commander Brigadier General Ernesto Torres Jr. said as an act of resistance, in 1993, Datu Guibang Apoga secretly formed the Salugpongan Ta' Tanu Igkanugon (Salugpongan), which means Unity of the Security of the Ancestral Domain. Out of 60 chieftains in Talaingod town, 25 supported Datu Guibang’s “Pangayaw” against the IFMA approval.

After seeing Salugpongan's resistance against the logging operations, the NPA took part in their activities. The tribal group led the series of attacks against the firm’s workers armed with their bows, arrows and improvised firearms to prevent the intrusion in their ancestral domain.

In 1994, because of the hostilities between Datu Guibang’s group and the Talaingod mayor’s stance on IFMA approval, then Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte intervened and convinced conflicting parties to sign a memorandum of agreement to end the harassment and later cessation of the firm’s logging operations.

Kalumaran, through Pasaka, established the STTICLCI which was registered on July 24, 2007 with SEC (Reg No. CN 200729402) and started to operate in Sitio Dulyan, Palma Gil Talaingod. The school has expanded to different provinces like in Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental and even in Davao City.

Tribal communities claimed that these schools are influenced by the New People’s Army but the facilitators of STTICLCI have denied these accusations.

Later on, Datu Guibang requested the government for the immediate closure of Salugpongan schools through a manifesto. He cited that the said schools have already lost its purpose of educating the Lumad kids and have transformed into recruitment centers to groom future NPA members. He also requested for the building of legitimate schools.

On November 27, 2018, the Community Tribal Council of Sitio Dulyan, Palma Gil, Talaingod, Davao del Norte acted on the manifesto for the closure of STTLICLCI main campus. The move triggered the group of former representative Satur Ocampo and Francisca Castro, ACT representative to go to the area.

On November 28, 2018, Ocampo and Castro with 16 others proceeded to Sitio Dulyan with the intention to transport 14 minors to the Haran Compound in Davao City.

Demolition and building schools

Records from the Department of Education (Deped) showed that there are a total of 73 private learning institutions distributed in the region which have been granted temporary authority to operate, in which, most of the learning centers are found in Davao del Norte and 37 of these have pending applications for renewal.

According to Deped, “permit to operate” refers to the temporary authority to operate granted by the agency to a private learning institution and is granted to an applicant still in the process of completing the requirements for full recognition.

On May 31, a Salugpongan School, accused to be teaching communist ideology, was demolished by the communities through a resolution to give way for a new two-classroom school building in Sitio Putting Bato, Ngan, Compostela, Compostela Valley.

Prior to the demolition, a school building which costs around P1.2 million was turned over to the community. This is seen to address the problem of lack of school facilities in the far-flung areas and provide them a conducive learning environment. The local government hired two licensed teachers to facilitate the classes.

In Talainnod, Davao del Norte, Deped targets to build around seven schools in the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) in the town to address the problem of illiteracy among Lumad communities.

Evidence against Salugpongan

Torres said when he was still the 1003rd Infantry Brigade commander that they found evidence and materials that teaches communism. They also have narratives from surrenderers who attested to the claims that the institution is associated with the communist group.

“Revelation narin ang nagturo doon, some of them ay nagturo mismo sa Salugpongan school. Sila ang nagsasabi na ganon ang tinuturo nila and they were NPA themselves. There are sworn affidavits that would attest to the fact na lalo na nong kasagsagan ng issue about Salugpongan, about Satur Ocampo. Some affidavits were signed and executed by some tribal leaders and mga residente doon sa Talaingod,” Torres said.

The sworn affidavits of the surrenderers contained that Salugpongan teachers taught students how to hold and maneuver firearms and incite rebellion for the students to stand up against the government instead of teaching them how to be patriotic.


https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1810211

Alleged NPAs attack police station in Bukidnon

From the Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (Jun 15, 2019): Alleged NPAs attack police station in Bukidnon

SUSPECTED New People's Army (NPA) allegedly fired indiscriminately towards the police station in barangay Halapitan, San Fernando, Bukidnon, the military said.

The policemen on duty responded to the gunshots but the armed men immediately fled to unknown directions. There were no reported casualties.

Recovered from the crime scene were seven empty shells and a round of misfired ammunition for M16 rifle. According to the 403rd Infantry Battalion, traces on the ground indicate around two to three individuals could have perpetrated the gunfire,


Philippine Army’s 88th Infantry Battalion immediately responded by pursuing the perpetrators and deployed checkpoints to block any possible cohorts.

Brigadier General Edgardo De Leon, Commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade in Bukidnon condemned the act saying it was a violation of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

He called on the NPA leadership to discipline its members, and urged the militant rights group Karapatan to investigate what it said was a "growing number of human rights violations committed by the NPA in Bukidnon.

"The police station there is a public service facility. The policemen on duty were providing assistance to the people and maintaining peace and order. They are not involved in counterinsurgency operations thus are protected by Humanitarian Law," he said.

"It is condemnable that the NPA terrorists did not exercise precaution in firing their guns towards the middle of a civilian populated area. The CPP-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front) must discipline the NPA by directing the NPA to respect Humanitarian Law.

Karapatan, which pretends to be the watchdog on IHL must investigate the growing number of IHL violations perpetrated by NPA terrorists in Bukidnon," he added.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1810116

Martial Law-era group relaunched to call for release of political prisoners

From Rappler (Jun 16, 2019): Martial Law-era group relaunched to call for release of political prisoners

Kapatid, originally established in 1978 under the Marcos dictatorship, seeks to have political prisoners freed and to promote basic rights

REVIVAL. Rights group Kapatid is relaunched to again call for the release of political prisoners. All photos by Micah Avry Guiao

REVIVAL. Rights group Kapatid is relaunched to again call for the release of political prisoners. All photos by Micah Avry Guiao

After more than two decades, human rights advocates revived the group Kapatid as another bid towards bringing liberty to political prisoners.

In an event on Saturday, June 15, the group called for the immediate release of political prisoners on legal and humanitarian grounds, such as those who are plagued with a medical condition, and those who are long overdue for parole, pardon, or commutation of sentence.


Originally established in 1978, Kapatid was first organized as a response to government clampdown under the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos.


Kapatid's work now revolves around 4 main goals:

to work together in achieving the release of all political prisoners
to promote basic rights and welfare inclusive of legal assistance
to build support through constant information
to reform laws that violate human rights

According to Karapatan, another human rights group, there are currently over 500 political prisoners in the country.

Fides Lim, Kapatid national board member and wife of National Democratic Front consultant Vicente Ladlad, said that while fabrication of charges against activists is not a new concept, it has "exponentially worsened" under the Duterte administration.



SUPPORT. Advocates sign to show support for political prisoners.

'Dark past' returns

While grateful for the comeback of Kapatid, former senator Wigberto "Bobby" Tañada said it is unfortunate "that the purpose which brings us together today also hearkens to a dark past that has returned with even bloodier statistics." 

(READ: Martial Law, the dark chapter in Philippine history)

"The policy of criminalization of political dissent is a carryover from the martial law years," Tañada said.

"That this policy has survived into the present speaks volumes about the current state of human rights and justice under this administration." 

(READ: Human rights defenders also killed under Duterte administration)

Human rights lawyer and former senatorial bet Chel Diokno, meanwhile, cited weaponized lists and weaponized laws as "instruments of repression" used by the administration to restrain those who openly express dissent.

Commission on Human Rights Chairperson Chito Gascon backed calls for the release of political prisoners, adding that the situation is not acceptable in a free and democratic society.

"Ang mga kinukulong ay mga taong nanindigan lamang para sa kanilang kalayaan at karapatan, at dahil sa kanilang paninindigan at pagkilos dito, sila ay sapilitang kinukulong ng estado," he said. "Ang paglaban para sa kanilang kalayaan ay paninindigan lamang para sa isang lipunang demokratiko at malaya. (Those detained are people who fight for their freedoms and rights, and because of their firm stand, they are detained by the state. Fighting for their freedom is simply making a stand for a free and democratic society.)

https://www.rappler.com/nation/233154-martial-law-era-group-kapatid-relaunch-call-release-political-prisoners

2 human rights workers shot dead in Sorsogon

From Rappler (Jun 16, 2019): 2 human rights workers shot dead in Sorsogon

Ryan Hubilla, a 22-year-old senior high school student, and Nelly Bagasala, 69, who both advocated for human rights, are killed by unknown gunmen

PERSECUTION. Cordillera human rights defenders urge the government to stop persecuting human rights activists. File photo by Mau Victa/Rappler

PERSECUTION. Cordillera human rights defenders urge the government to stop persecuting human rights activists. File photo by Mau Victa/Rappler

Two human rights defenders were gunned down by unidentified men in Barangay Cabid-an, Sorsogon, on Saturday, June 15.

According to human rights group
Karapatan, the slain workers were Ryan Hubilla and Nelly Bagasala from their Sorsogon staff.

Karapatan secretary-general Cristina Palabay
said Hubilla was a 22-year-old senior high school student who joined the group in 2016, while Bagasala, 69, became a member in 2006.


The group said the killing took place inside Seabreeze Homes Subdivision, just around a kilometer away from a police station, at around 8:20 am on Saturday. The perpetrators were onboard a motorcycle.

Karapatan said the incident came after its workers experienced periodic surveillance supposedly carried out by the military and the police.

It added that workers, including Hubilla, were tailed by a gray pickup vehicle and a black motorcycle with no license plates last April 21 at 10 pm after the group escorted lawyer Bart Rayco of the National Union of Peoples' Lawyers for a visit with political prisoners at the Philippine National Police's outpost in Barangay Cabid-an.

'Ruthless regime'

Karapatan condemned the killing of two of its workers, saying it was an indication of the crackdown on human rights defenders in areas where Memorandum Order (MO) No. 32 is implemented. MO No. 32 ordered the deployment of more soldiers and police to the Bicol region and the provinces of Samar, Negros Oriental, and Negros Occidental to "suppress lawless violence and acts of terror."

"As we condole with the families of our dear colleagues, we raise our fists in condemnation and firmly commit to seek justice and accountability from this ruthless regime," Karapatan said.

(READ: Powering through a crisis: Defending human rights under Duterte)

In a Facebook post on Saturday, Palabay also said that even if she did not meet Hubilla and Bagasala personally, she was grieving over their deaths.

"Human rights workers like young Ryan and Nelly are hard to find. It takes commitment, passion, empathy, and yes, real courage to face all obstacles, all the dangers to help individuals and communities confronting the powers-that-be," she said.

Opposition Senator Leila de Lima also denounced the "deplorable murder" of Hubilla and Bagasala, adding that there was an "urgent" need to investigate why the victims were subjected to surveillance.

"Don't we find it alarming that the bad guys keep on unleashing bloodbath victimizing the very defenders of human rights without fear for accountability anymore?" De Lima said in a statement on Sunday, June 16.

She added: "Dalawa lamang si Ryan at Nelly sa libo-libong biktima ng karahasan at patayan sa bansa, kung saan madalas na target ang mga nasa laylayan na walang kalaban-laban, at ang mga nagtatanggol sa kanilang karapatan." (Ryan and Nelly are but two of the thousands of victims of violence and killings across the country, where the targets are often those who are marginalized and defenseless, and those who fight for their rights.)

https://www.rappler.com/nation/233181-karapatan-workers-ryan-hubilla-nelly-bagasala-shot-dead-sorsogon-june-2019

Maguindanao exec turns in 27 more loose firearms

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 16, 2019): Maguindanao exec turns in 27 more loose firearms



YIELDED GUNS. Colonel Efren Baluyot, 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade commander (standing), speaks as Mayor Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu (2nd from left) and Lt. Colonel Alvin Iyog (right) listen during the turnover ceremony of 27 assorted illegal firearms to the military on Saturday, June 15 in Datu Abdullah Sangki, Maguindanao. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

The military’s campaign against loose firearms in its area of assignment continues to gain support from local leaders, the latest of which came from the incoming Maguindanao governor who convinced residents to yield their unlicensed guns.

Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the 6th Infantry Division (6ID), lauded the efforts of Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu, mayor of Datu Abdullah Sangki, Maguindanao and incoming provincial governor, who personally handed over 27 assorted firearms from civilians in the municipality on Saturday.

Among the firearms turned over were one 60-mm mortar launcher with one projectile ammunition, 14 pieces 12-gauge shotguns, two .50-caliber sniper rifles, two M-79 grenade launchers, one Uzi machine pistol, one Thompson submachine gun, one Carbine rifle, two rocket-propelled grenade launchers, two Ingram machine pistols, one M203 tube launcher and assorted magazines.

Sangki-Mangudadatu called on other local executives to take part in the campaign against loose firearms.

“This is just a small note to extend my support in all your undertakings to ensure a peaceful community,” she said to military officials during her speech at the town’s session hall.

Accepting the firearms were Army Col. Efren Baluyot, 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade chief, and Lt. Col. Alvin Iyog, the commander of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion.

Both Baluyot and Iyog vowed to sustain the government’s campaign against loose firearms in order to achieve peace and development in the area.

To date, about 3,000 unlicensed guns have been turned over to the military in the 6ID’s area of responsibility since the campaign started in 2017 in the provinces of Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, part of North Cotabato, and part of Lanao del Sur.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1072466

Death of NPA leader another proof of Karapatan lies: AFP exec

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 16, 2019): Death of NPA leader another proof of Karapatan lies: AFP exec



Armed Forces of the Philippines Deputy Chief-of-Staff for Civil-Military Operations Antonio Parlade, Jr.

The death of a New People’s Army leader in a recent clash with government troops in Sorsogon is another proof that he is not a health worker contrary to claims of human rights group Karapatan when he was arrested along with 42 other suspected communists in Morong, Rizal in February 2010.

This, according to Major General Antonio Parlade, Jr, of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict reacting to the death of Edwin Dematera @ Dupax, Deputy Secretary of Larangan 2, Komiteng Probinsya 3 of the NPA in the Bicol Region, who was killed in Sorsogon on June 12.

“Dematera is the 20th member of Morong 43 who was either killed or captured by government forces. He was arrested as Edwin Detera together with the Morong 43 in Feb 2010 and was released. He was arrested again as Edwin Dematera but released on bail in 2016. Last June 12, he no longer has an alibi,” he said on Saturday.

Parlade, who is also Armed Forces Deputy Chief-of-Staff for Civil-Military Operations, scored on Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay, who aggressively fought for the release of the Morong 43 saying they were not NPA rebels but are health workers.

“This is yet another proof of your lies about 'your health workers',” he said.

He added that they were NPA medics, 1 a machine gunner, and others were regular NPA fighters training as medics when they were captured by government forces.

This fake human rights advocacy of Karapatan, he added, and their persistent lies about Morong 43 as being health workers, forced the government to release 33 of the 43 in December 2010.

“Immediately after release they went back to the mountains,” he added.

Parlade said in just weeks after their release, six of them perished in several encounters with government troops in Laguna, Quezon, and Bicol, debunking Karapatan's claim that they are not NPA members.

To show more proof about Morong 43, he added that on March 30, 2017, Lilibeth Donasco @Jo/Mok, was wounded in a fierce encounter with Army’s 203rd Brigade troops in Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro and eventually died after four days,.

“Earlier, Emilia Marquez@Roxanne was arrested by troops in Calapan, Oriental Mindoro by virtue of several warrants. She is still in jail and is, in fact, complaining that Karapatan has abandoned her. She promised to reveal everything about Karapatan and other fake CPP front organizations in due time,” he added.

Emilia’s brother, Jovito Marquez @Busay, is also a Platoon Leader of NPA’s MRGU, Islacom in Mindoro.

“These lies would continue and in fact, these full-fledged scammers in the ranks of Karapatan continue to dupe some foreign funding organizations in Europe,” he said.

He said other donors have stopped but only after being exposed and Karapatan has since resorted to other means to dramatize the 'alleged' harassment by the government by running to the Supreme Court.

“We just celebrated our 121st Independence Day. I wonder what flag these Karapatan members waived proudly in their safe houses,” he added.

In denial

“Meanwhile, five of them have admitted to being NPA members and are now enjoying their freedom back in the mainstream. One is the Party husband of Cheryline Cadapan, whom they (Karapatan) claimed to be a simple 'barrio researcher' and not an NPA member,” he said.

The CPP and its front organizations, he said, don’t want to refer to them as Morong 43 because they don’t want the public to be reminded that five of them actually admitted already to being NPA members shortly after they were captured.

Flashback

Parlade earlier said Franco Romeroso, a member of Morong 43 who died of a heart attack while in political detention at Batangas Provincial Jail on April 19, along with other captured NPA members were not tortured, harassed, or even sexually molested, contrary to Karapatan claims.

“They were treated properly and this was confirmed by the Morong 5, when they guested in Karen Davila's Headstart show at ABS-CBN,” he said.

He said Morong 33 were not released because they were proven innocent but they were released as a gesture of goodwill during the celebration of International Humanitarian Law Day in April 2011.

“This distortion of facts by Karapatan has been established already.
In hindsight, we now know that establishing this pattern of human rights, etc, even by fabricating reports like the ‘Lake Sebu Massacre ‘is necessary to keep Jose Ma Sison in Utrecht. Non-refoulement prevents a state from extraditing a person back to his country of origin if there is still a threat of state persecution,” he added.

Former NPA rebel Fr Conrado Balweg, he said, admitted in his video interview that they would get the uniforms of police and soldiers killed in an ambush and attack the community near the ambush area so that the community will blame the military for the violence.

“This perpetuated more violence, with people joining the NPA who dupe them to exact vengeance on the innocent military or police. The same violence was reported by Karapatan in the international community to seek support for a tyrannical Marcos government, then collect funds from European donors,” Parlade said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1072464