Monday, October 28, 2019

AFP-CRS: NPA leaders sexually abuse female members inside Hagpo hideout

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Oct 28, 2019): NPA leaders sexually abuse female members inside Hagpo hideout

This was confirmed when the 88th Infantry Battalion (88IB) troops uncovered contraceptive pills and condoms inside NPA hideout—locally known as “Hagpo”—in a forested part of Barangay Kibongkog, San Fernando, Bukidnon.

The rage of the crowd pulled Lt. Colonel Franklin F. Fabic to pledge and commit in saving these women and youth out from hell grounds.

“I condemn these malicious and inhumane deeds of the CPP-NPA to the Filipino women and young victims inside their hideouts. It saddens me to imagine that these helpless women and youth cannot stand up against them because of power these leaders have. As a father, I cannot think of much worse than this done by the CPP-NPA to the daughters of longing parents. This has to be stopped. There is no place for these brutalities up there. We, in this unit, will help them out from their miseries and bring them back to their families where they should belong. Where they are respected, loved, and cared as a woman, as a daughter, and as human.”

Read more at: https://www.kalinawnews.com/npa-leaders-sexually-abuse-female-members-inside-hagpo-hideout/

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com



[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: Marine troops uncover marijuana plantation in Sulu

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Oct 28, 2019): Marine troops uncover marijuana plantation in Sulu

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, said a PHP3.6 million marijuana plantation was discovered by troops of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 7 (MBLT-7) in Barangay Masjid Punjungan, Kalingalan Caluang, Sulu.

The marijuana plantation is about 1,800 sq.m. and is located within the residential area belonging to one Adzhar Jumaidim Mundoc.

Read more at: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1084298

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

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[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: Westmincom to tap fishing firms in guarding maritime domain

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Oct 28, 2019): Westmincom to tap fishing firms in guarding maritime domain

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Westmincom chief, said that workers for fleets belonging to local fishing firms can be enlisted as Naval reserve to help them guard the porous maritime area.

The enlistment of fishing fleets will augment the limited floating assets of the Philippine Navy (PN) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

Read more at: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1084266

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com



[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: Zambo Sur former rebels, dependents now job-ready

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Oct 28, 2019): Zambo Sur former rebels, dependents now job-ready

Thru the efforts of different government agencies and units, the FRs and their dependents were able to benefit the Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP) and finished the Automotive Servicing NC II and Electrical and Installation Maintenance NC II courses.

One of the FR, during his impression speech was emotional and thanked Gov. Victor J Yu, province of Zamboanga del Sur, 53rd Infantry Battalion, government agencies and even the President for the invaluable support and empowerment of the surrendered rebels.

Read more at: https://www.kalinawnews.com/zambo-sur-former-rebels-dependents-now-job-ready/

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com



[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: Army captures NPA lair in S. Kudarat

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Oct 28, 2019): Army captures NPA lair in S. Kudarat

After confirming intelligence reports about a plenum or gathering of the NPA Daguma sub-regional command in Sitio Kuden, Barangay Batang Bagras, Palimbang, the Philippine Air Force conducted airstrikes at past 10 a.m. that sent the rebels scampering to different directions.

While ground troops of the Army’s 37th Infantry Battalion (IB) were conducting clearing operations, they found a huge NPA hideout.

Read more at: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1084292

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com



[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: Former NPA Narrated NPA deception

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Oct 28, 2019): Former NPA Narrated NPA deception

Tatay Ben recalled that it was in 1975 when communists approached him in the now-closed International Harvardian University. He was only 14 and a third-year high school student.

Read more at: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1084132

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

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[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: I could have been a lawyer if not for CPP-NPA: ex-rebel

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Oct 28, 2019): I could have been a lawyer if not for CPP-NPA: ex-rebel

An outspoken former rebel is now taking responsibility to educate young Filipinos on the deception of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army (CPP-NPA).

The 59-year-old former NPA official, who wanted to be called "Tatay Ben", on Thursday shared his 10-year involvement with the rebel group at the Philippine Air Force’s Campus Peace Development Forum, held at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.

Read more at: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1084132

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

Image may contain: 1 person, text


[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: AFP Conducts counter-terrorism simulation exercise in Samal Island, Davao del Norte

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Oct 27, 2019): AFP Conducts counter-terrorism simulation exercise in Samal Island, Davao del Norte

Joint forces of Eastern Mindanao Command and other law enforcement agencies conduct Simulation Exercise on Counter Terrorism at Brgy Peñaplata, Brgy San Remegio and Kaputian District, all of Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte around 9:00AM, Thursday, October 24, 2019.

The different units involved were Joint Task Force (JTF) Haribon, Task Force (TF) Samal, TF Davao, Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM), Joint Special Operations Unit 2 (JSOU2), Naval Special Operations Unit 7 (NAVSOU7), Tactical Operations Wing Eastern Mindanao (TOWEM), 5th Civil Relations Group (5CRG), Philippine National Police Maritime, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and PNP IGACOS.

Read more at: https://www.kalinawnews.com/afp-conducts-counter-terrorism-simulation-exercise-in-samal-island-davao-del-norte/

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com



[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: Firefight erupts between government troops and armed lawless group

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Oct 27, 2019): Firefight erupts between government troops and armed lawless group

The government forces encountered with at least 10 fully armed men led by a certain Mama Macalimbol, who has an outstanding warrant of arrest for multiple attempted murder.

The encounter started at around 5:00 a.m. and lasted for 40 minutes that resulted to the killing of Macalimbol and 6 of his followers.
No one was hurt on the government forces during the encounter.

Read more at: https://www.kalinawnews.com/firefight-erupts-between-government-troops-and-armed-lawless-group/

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com


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[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: AFP Statement on cases filed against PMA Superintendent LTGen Ronnie Evangelista and Commandant of Cadets BGen Bartolome Bacarro

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Oct 27, 2019): AFP Statement on cases filed against PMA Superintendent LTGen Ronnie Evangelista and Commandant of Cadets BGen Bartolome Bacarro

When men and women in uniform tasked to accomplish a mission are later asked to account for what they did or failed to do, that is soldiery.

When soldiers, airmen, sailors, or marines face a military tribunal or a civilian court to answer charges for what they did or failed to do, that’s due process.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com



[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: New Warrior Diplomats Emerge in the 17th Batch of Graduates of the Strategic CMO Officers' Online Course

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Oct 27, 2019): New Warrior Diplomats Emerge in the 17th Batch of Graduates of the Strategic CMO Officers' Online Course

NEW WARRIOR DIPLOMATS EMERGE IN THE 17TH BATCH OF GRADUATES OF THE STRATEGIC CMO OFFICERS’ ONLINE COURSE

Last October 25, 2019, forty-three (43) officers from the AFP, PNP, BJMP and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and civilian employees from government agencies and the civilian sector are recognized as the latest batch of Warrior Diplomats, graduating from the 17th class of the Strategic Civil-Military Operations Officers’ Online Course (SCMOOOC) at the AFP CMO School.

Read more here: https://www.afpcmos.com/new-warrior-diplomats-emerge-in-the-17th-batch-of-graduates-of-the-strategic-cmo-officers-online-course/

Image may contain: 11 people, people smiling, people standing


[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

Kalinaw News: 6th ID pays tribute to civilian stakeholders

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 27, 2019): 6th ID pays tribute to civilian stakeholders



CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Joint Task Force Central Commander Maj. Gen. Diosdado C. Carreon met with the stakeholders over luncheon yesterday, October 24, 2019, at the Officer’s Clubhouse here in line with the upcoming 6th Infantry Division’s founding anniversary.

Local government and government agency chiefs, non-government organizations, civil society organizations, religious organizations, government troops and members of the media in Central Mindanao attended the luncheon organized by 6th ID for a “Stakeholder’s Time”.

Supportive civilian stakeholders were also awarded during the event in recognition of their efforts and support to 6th ID in the accomplishment of its mission.

The awardees were: Maguindanao Governor Bai Mariam S. Mangudadatu, Sultan Kudarat Vice-Governor Ramon M. Abalos, General Salipada K Pendatun Mayor Rafzanjani P. Ali, South Upi Mayor Reynalbert O. Insular, North Upi Mayor Hon. Ramon A. Piang Sr., Datu Blah Sinsuat Mayor Maguindanao Datu Marshall Ibrahim Sinsuat, Lebak Mayor Frederick F Celestial, Kabacan Mayor Herlo P. Guzman Jr., Mlang Mayor Russel M. Abonado, Former Tacurong City Mayor Lina O. Montilla Kampilan Multisector Advisory Board Chairperson Dr. Susana S. Anayatin, Chairman, MSAB, Taga Cotabato Ka Kung, Inc. President Ms.Cathleya D. Diocolano, HELP Mindanao Inc. Chairman Mr. Percival N. Lagman, Chairman, WORDMD IP Consultant Ms. Ailene Kesa Marie N. Hualde, Social Climber Inc., President Datu Habib A. Salazar, President, University of Southern Mindanao President-Kabacan Dr. Francisco Gil N. Garcia, President, PPALMA Citizen Against Crimes and Violence (PCAC-V), Team JESUS, STI College of Cotabato President Mr. Jefferson D Bacurnay, Jasper C. Acosta of Radyo Bandera Cotabato, Arianne Apatan of ABS-CBN Cotabato and Ferdinandh Cabrera of GMA News.

“Thank you for joining us today as we pay tribute to all of our friends from the civilian sector. You are all our important partners of 6th ID and Joint Task Force Central in the accomplishment of its mission,” the Commander said in his remarks.

“Rest assured that we, your soldiers, will remain true to our mandate as the vanguard of security and peace. We will always be your partner in your quest for lasting peace and development,” he added.

Earlier that day, the Command also held the inauguration and blessing of refurbished female soldier’s barracks and new POL dump inside camp with North Cotabato Acting Governor Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza as guest of honor.

The governor thanked the leadership of 6th ID for the dedication and support in keeping her province safe. She also assured that the collaboration and support of the province will always be there.

The 32nd founding anniversary of 6th ID on October 24, 2019 will be celebrated on October 25, Friday with a testimonial parade and review and demilitarization of firearms with Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Macairog S. Alberto as Guest of Honor and Speaker.











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.
Contact us: contact@kalinawnews.com]

Kalinaw News: Army, LGAs and LGUs unite in a Service Caravan in Surigao Sur

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 28, 2019): Army, LGAs and LGUs unite in a Service Caravan in Surigao Sur


BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur-Camp Jaime N Ferrer Sr, Brgy Maharlika, Bislig City (Stn) – The 75th Infantry “Marauder” Battalion together with the National line agencies; Provincial Government of Surigao del Sur; Local Government Unit (LGU) of Bislig City; Office of the President-Office of the Special Assistant to the President and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) united towards Peace and Development in a Service Caravan conducted by the 75IB at Mabog National High School Gym, Sitio Mabog, Brgy San Roque, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur on October 26, 2019.

One of the highlights of the Service Caravan was Medical, Dental consultation and treatment, and the delivery of Basic Social Services by different line agencies such as the Land Transportation Office (LTO); Local Civil Registrar (LCR); TESDA; Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE); Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR); Department of Agriculture (DA); Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD); Department of Health (DOH); Department of Trade and Industry (DTI); PhilHealth; Social Security System (SSS); Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH); Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR); National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP); and the Philippine National Police-PRO13 to the IPs and residents of said place. Among the partner NGOs and private stakeholders are the Kiwanis International; PHILSAGA Mining Corporation; Filipinas Palm Oil Plantation Inc.; Nature’s Spring; Sweet Eva Small Town Lottery (STL); Rotary Club of Bislig City; Bislig City Eagles Club; Kamayo Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons; and Guardians Brotherhood International.

The 75IB’s SERBISYO CARAVAN Para Sa Bayan with the theme: “Kalinaw Ug Kalambuan Para Sa Katawhan” benefited more or less one thousand seven hundred (1,700) people. There were three hundred (300) pairs of slippers provided to the children of the said place. Anti-rabies vaccination for dogs; free haircut; libreng Tuli; lice-alis for the children; free affidavit of laws and registration at the LCR and distribution of seedlings, goods, school supplies, toys, and used clothing and tree planting of 200 seedlings at the school vicinity.

The Army, LGAs, LGUs and even the NGOs’ are united to serving the people towards peace and development.

Hon. Florencio Garay, City Mayor of Bislig in his message, expressed his appreciation to the line agencies, LGUs, and NGOs who commit to make the activity a success. “Through Executive Order No. 70, we’ll make sure the delivery of basic services to the people in this conflict affected community. And it’s our job to serve you.” Mayor Garay said.

Meanwhile, Ms. Reygela M Decalit from the Office of the President delivered her message sincerely that the government truly cares the people of San Roque.

“The Army, LGUs, and LGAs put their efforts into reaching the far-flung areas. We are here to serve you, as a public servant, we are not special. Let us work together as a team. We don’t need to be the best, we need to be “THE ONE”. Bringing the various agencies into the community is our job and that is a service towards peace and development.” Ms. Decalit said.

Also, Lieutenant Colonel Warren C Munda, Commanding Officer of 75IB said, “The government is truly committed to a change towards peace and development in the country and we want you all to be part of this campaign in ending the communist insurgency.” Lt. Col. Munda 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.
Contact us: contact@kalinawnews.com]


https://www.kalinawnews.com/army-lgas-and-lgus-unite-in-a-service-caravan-in-surigao-sur/

Kalinaw News: AFP Chief awards MAM to Philippine Army Rangers

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 28, 2019): AFP Chief awards MAM to Philippine Army Rangers



CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City—The Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Noel Clement awarded today, October 28, the Meritorious Achievement Medal to the eight-man team from the Philippine Army’s First Scout Ranger Regiment (FSRR) that bagged the silver prize at the Exercise Cambrian Patrol 2019.

The Filipino Scout Rangers outlasted 139 other patrol teams from different militaries in the grinding two-day patrolling mission that covered over 60 kilometers of Welsh terrain, carrying 25 kilos of provisions and equipment under unfamiliar freezing weather.

“Congratulations to the members of the team from the FSRR. Our Rangers have shown that the AFP is indeed a world-class armed force that every Filipino can be proud of,” Lt. Gen. Clement said during the joint flag-raising and awarding ceremony at the General Headquarters here.

The team composed of 1LT Michael Jungo, Sgt Romero Sadava, Sgt Francis Rey Patches, Sgt Emmanuel Cabaron, Cpl Rico Gundao, Cpl Alexander Parongpong Jr, Cpl Felipe Nebre, and Cpl Jojen Gastar from FSRR outlasted other Special Operations units from the AFP to earn the right to represent the Philippines in the annual event.

The Philippine Army started sending representatives in 2017 in what is dubbed a world-class challenge and considered as “toughest and biggest of its kind” that attracts the best teams from every military.

The Cambrian Patrol Exercise 2019 is on its 60th iteration and was held from October 14 to 16, 2019 in Wales, United Kingdom.

Participating teams are given a set of orders on specific scenarios that include simulated battles and terrain navigation. Along the way, they were met with challenges including casualty evacuation, mock IED disposal, intelligence gathering, water crossing, and close-target reconnaissance, among others.

The teams are awarded points based on how they dealt with the challenges. In the end, the Filipino Scout Rangers won the Silver Medal following a team from Nepal that bagged the Gold prize.








Public Affairs Office, Armed Forces of the Philippines
COL NOEL J DETOYATO GSC (INF) PA
Public Affairs Office AFP
Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo Quezon City
911-6001 Local 6000 & 6700

[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.
Contact us: contact@kalinawnews.com]


https://www.kalinawnews.com/afp-chief-awards-mam-to-philippine-army-rangers/

Kalinaw News: 6th ID culminates 32nd founding anniversary celebration with parade and review and demilitarization of firearms

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 28, 2019): 6th ID culminates 32nd founding anniversary celebration with parade and review and demilitarization of firearms



CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – The 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division marked its 32nd founding anniversary yesterday, October 25, 2019, here at the 6th ID Grandstand as the division soars high with pride and excellence.

The celebration commenced with the ceremonial demilitarization of captured, confiscated, surrendered and recovered firearms followed by the testimonial parade and review with Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Macairog S. Alberto as the honored guest.

The firearms were the product of concerted efforts and dedication of the Joint Task Force Central Troopers in their fight against terrorism, criminalities and to eliminate ‘Rido’ or clan wars that posed serious threats to peace and development in Central Mindanao.

A total of 458 firearms were destroyed through the three phases of demilitarization; road rolling, cutting, and burning.

The activity continued with the testimonial parade and review highlighted with the awarding of commendable personnel and selected stakeholders that significantly contributed to the attainment of the Command’s mission.

The Command awarded 2Lt. Dindo R. Paddayuman and PFC Mickel A. Perez with Gold Cross medals in recognition of their gallantry during a recent firefight between the troops of 34th Infantry Battalion with Midsayap Municipal Police against numerous armed lawless groups affiliated with Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters at Sitio Narra, Brgy Tumbras, Midsayap, North Cotabato last October 23, 2019 that killed 7 of them and recovery of seven high powered firearms.

Plaques of recognition were awarded to Cpt. Winston F. Cacatian, Sgt. Jordan T. Villarin, CAA Bryan M. Badal, Ms. Norma D. Cañeba, Lt. Col. Suharto T. Mangudadatu (Res), and Sgt. Alma F. Labrador (Res) as Best Officer, Best Enlisted Personnel, Best CAFGU Active Auxiliary, Best Civilian Employee, Best Reserve Officer, and Best Reserve Enlisted Personnel, respectively, for this year.

Also, the 40th Infantry Battalion received the AGP (Army Governance Pathway) Proficient Status with Gold Trailblazer Award for the demonstration of the unit in its commitment to pursue genuine transformation and reform and for excelling in the over-all audit process of AGP proficient stage.

The celebration focused on the theme “Tatlumput-dalawang Taong Pagpupugay sa Kabayanihan ng Kampilan, Katulong ng Nagkakaisang Mamamayan, Tungo sa Kaunlaran at Kapayapaan ng Sentral Mindanao”, symbolizing the accomplishments of the Command for more than 3 decades of service to the Filipino nation.

The celebration was graced by the military and police top brasses, local chief executives under Joint Task Force Central area of operation, chief of government agencies, non-government organization heads, members of the Kamplan Multi-Sector Advisory Board, key stakeholders and members of the media that contributed immensely in peace and development endeavours of 6th ID.

“We work hard to maintain our core competency of war fighting in order to effectively address the various evolving threats that come our way. Much effort is also spent in learning new skills in order to perform non-traditional roles so that genuine and lasting peace can be established as a precursor to meaningful and sustainable development of the communities that we serve and protect,” said Joint Task Force Central Commander Maj. Gen. Diosdado C. Carreon.

He also assured that the division remains focused in its efforts of transforming while performing to become a well-equipped defense force that is a source of national pride.

Meanwhile, in his remarks, Lt. Gen. Alberto thanked the Kampilan Division for its unwavering commitment and service it rendered to ensure peace and safety in the area of responsibility.

“The exemplary work you have done is seen in the peace and development projects such as the successful conduct of Bangsamoro Plebiscite and BARMM, settlement of Rido cases, and intensifying efforts to prevent and counter violent extremism,” Lt. Gen. Alberto stressed.He also commended the leadership and guidance of Maj. Gen. Carreon as the division commander continues to excel in the pursuit of peace, security and development.








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.
Contact us: contact@kalinawnews.com]

Kalinaw News: Intensified EO70 Yeilds 316 total surrenders from several militant groups

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 28, 2019): Intensified EO70 Yeilds 316 total surrenders from several militant groups



CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – An influx of surrenders continues as the implementation of EO 70 intensifies in 4ID area of operation. Just recently, a total of 316 surrenders composed of 30 New People’s Army, 34 Militia ng Bayan and 252 Underground Mass Organizations surrendered to the government from 24-26 October 2019 to withdraw support from the CPPNPATerrorists(CNTs)organization and return to the folds of law.

The influx of surrender resulted in the recovery of five high powered firearms and two low powered firearms composed of three M16 rifles, one M203 grenade launcher, one M1 carbine rifle and two cal. 45 pistol with 94 assorted ammunitions and one bandoleer.

These surrenders took their pledge and allegiance to the government in separate occasions with Mayors officiating the oath. Majority of the recent surrenders in this past three days came from the province of CARAGA.

Hon. Dale B. Corvera, the governor of Agusan del Norte in addressing the local folks said, “The NPA will continue to succeed and win over us if the masses will continue to support them. The masses themselves are the ones who provide them food and protection which means that their success is dependent on each of you who supports them. But if you will stop supporting them, surely they will fail.”

MGen Franco Nemesio Gacal, Commander of the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division lauded the continued efforts of the Regional Task Force – End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) of Regions 10 and CARAGA in their decisive efforts in finally putting an end to insurgency problem. The convergence of efforts that is anchored on the effective implementation of the EO 70 or the “Whole of the Nation
Approach” in addressing the root causes of insurgency has resulted in the influx of surrender and the continues destruction of the CNTs.

Meanwhile, the NPA and MB members will be enrolled to the Enhanced
Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP of their respective provinces for them to avail the benefits intended for them.






Division Public Affairs Office 4th Infantry Division Philippine Army
Cpt Regie H Go
OIC DPAO 4ID
armydiamond@ymail.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.
Contact us: contact@kalinawnews.com]

NDF/Sison: Duterte regime is traitorous and corrupt by giving up Philippine sovereign rights

Jose Maria Sison propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Oct 26, 2019): Duterte regime is traitorous and corrupt by giving up Philippine sovereign rights



By Jose Maria Sison,
NDFP Chief Political Consultant

The traitors and crooks in the Duterte regime take the Filipino people for fools by trying to make them believe that there will be 60-40 per cent production sharing between the Philippines and China respectively in the exploration and exploitation of oil and gas resources in the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea.

The Filipino people understand the following:

1. If the Philippines does not require China to recognize and respect Philippine sovereign rights and ownership over the oil and gas resources in the first place in the text of the contract, then China can at anytime assert and enforce its unlawful presumption and false claim that i has the sovereign rights and ownership and it can deprive the Philippines of any share of production.

2. China can humor the Philippine authorities for a short while by formally accepting a 60-40 per cent production-sharing “in favor” of the Philippines. But in real terms, the Philippines will get far less than 60 per cent or even nothing, because China monopolizes the technology, can at will bloat the costs of exploration and production and can keep the Philippines ignorant of the actual production.

The gangsters in power in the Philippines are extremely corrupt by accepting a contract with China by which the Philippines gives up its sovereign rights and natural resources to China. That they are well bribed by China to the detriment of the Filipino is well exposed by the anti-Philippine terms of the contract as explained above.

The corruption of the Duerte gang is further exposed by its refusal to assert the Philippine right of ownership and hire a foreign non-Chinese company that has no claim of ownership over the West Philippine Sea and is well proven to be far superior to the Chinese in undersea oil and gas exploration and development as in the North Atlantic Sea.

https://ndfp.org/duterte-regime-is-traitorous-and-corrupt-by-giving-up-philippine-sovereign-rights/

NDF/Sison: Chinese imperialist motivations and initiatives in relation to US and other imperialist powers

Jose Maria Sison propaganda speech posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Oct 26, 2019): Chinese imperialist motivations and initiatives in relation to US and other imperialist powers



NDFP Chief Political Consultant Jose Maria Sison

Keynote Message to the Study Conference:
Defending Sovereignty by ILPS Commission 6
By Jose Maria Sison, Chairperson Emeritus

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

First, let me thank Ka Paeng (Rafael Mariano) and the ILPS Commission 6 for inviting me to deliver this keynote message.

I convey warmest greetings of solidarity to all participants in this study conference titled, “Defending Sovereignty” and focusing on China as a rising imperialist power. We are all united in the anti-imperialist and democratic struggles of the peoples of the world.

I am aware that your conference includes representatives of nongovernmental groups and peoples from countries like Pakistan, India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia and the Philippines. You are all concerned with the growing tentacles of Chinese monopoly capitalism.
China Takes the Road of Capitalism and Imperialism

Soon after the death of the great Mao in 1976, the capitalist-roaders headed by Deng Xiaoping were able to stage a coup to overthrow the proletariat in China. The proletarian revolutionaries in the Central Committee and lower organs of the Communist Party of China were arrested and imprisoned. The revolutionary committees created by the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution (GPCR) were dissolved.

In quick succession, the GPCR was proclaimed a complete disaster, the capitalist roaders took over the state enterprises, dismantled the commune system, privatized the rural industries and allowed the old big bourgeoisie and new private entrepreneurs to access funds from state banks. On the basis of socialist construction that it had previously attained, the Chinese economy became monopoly capitalist, with the state sector leading the private sector.

Deng’s policy of capitalist reforms and opening up to the world capitalist system was adopted and enforced in 1978. The US conceded consumer manufacturing to China and provided low-end technology for the sweat shops. In the 1980s, China exported a huge amount of consumer manufactures mainly to the US and relied on foreign investments and trade surpluses as key factor for the development of China’s capitalist economic and financial system.

China promoted a boom in public and private construction. This ultimately resulted in corruption in the private acquisition of public land and grants of state loans and other business privileges and inflation of food prices as the amount of food needed by the construction boom and manufacturing soared. Thus corruption and inflation were raised as main economic issues in the mass uprisings of the youth and workers at Tienanmen Square in Beijing and in many cities of China in 1989.

By the end of the 1980s, China had built up both state and private capitalism by extracting enormous profits from Chinese cheap labor. The state sector assured itself of resources for achieving economic and strategic goals and the private sector developed rapidly with loans and cheap raw materials from the state sector. China’s GDP grew at a rapid rate but the per capita income of the Chinese people remained low in comparison to other industrial capitalist countries.

From being the world’s biggest creditor at the beginning of the 1980s, the US dropped to being the biggest debtor at the end of the decade. It undermined its own economy by outsourcing consumer manufacturing. Though China increased its own public debt, it became a major creditor of the US by using a part of its export income to buy US securities.

The ratio of China’s population to agricultural land is quite high and remains problematic. China must feed 20 per cent of the world’s population on 7 per cent of the world’s agricultural land. To aggravate the dismantling of the commune system, rapid industrialization and real estate development have also chewed up agricultural land. But China has been able to use its income from manufactured exports to make food imports and to lease or purchase land abroad in order to cover its food deficit.
China as Main US Partner in Neoliberal Globalization

Since the 1980s, China had become a major partner of the US in neoliberal globalization. But in the 1990s and thereafter, it would become the main US partner. It became a far more willing partner of the US and host of foreign investments after the 1989 mass uprising. The US was also encouraged to promote capitalism in former socialist countries after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

It coaxed China to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) and further privatize state-owned enterprises in exchange for increased US investments, technology transfer and further trade accommodations. China complied with the US demands to a satisfactory extent. It reduced the number of state corporations in relation to private corporations but the former continued to dominate the economic sectors vital to strategic economic and security goals.

The US allowed China to have its way in its economic development inasmuch as the US was confidently concentrating on the production of big items, financializing its economy and riding high on its high-tech boom in the entire decade of 1990s. Concerned with the expansionism of the NATO, China and Russia set up the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in 2001 as an economic, political and security alliance.

However, they consented to the wars of aggression by the coalition forces headed by the US against Iraq in 1991 as well as in March 2003 to December 2011 even as the US boasted of its neoconservative policy of full-spectrum dominance in the 21st century. Nevertheless, they set up the BRICS in 2010 as an economic bloc to counter the most adverse policies of the US-controlled multilateral agencies and take advantage of the US preoccupation with wars in the Middle East.



Even as it enjoyed the position of being the winner of the Cold War and sole superpower, the US continued its strategic decline by spending trillions of dollars on wars of aggression (Afghanistan, Iraq, Yugoslavia and elsewhere) and suffering a series of economic setbacks, including the crisis of overproduction in high-tech goods in 2000 and the mortgage meltdown of 2006 which led to the global financial crisis of 2008.

Since 2008, the US strategic decline has accelerated in the prolonged stagnation of the US and global economy. Although the US remains the strongest imperialist power, it has slid down to a multipolar world. By being able to manipulate its two-tier economy, China continued its economic rise despite the 2008 financial crisis, as in the aftermath of the Asian financial crisis in 1997, when China benefited from the decline of the so-called Asian tigers.

By 2013, China launched the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to serve as the outlet for its surplus capital and for its own overproduction of steel and construction equipment. The BRI has been touted as a trillion dollar project which aims to put at least half of global trade within its ambit. In fact, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) started with a capitalization of USD 100 billion.

But soon in 2015 the prolonged global depression began to adversely affect the Chinese economy. The Chinese stock market crashed, wiping out more than 30 percent of assets. Japanese and other foreign investments were leaving China in significant amounts. And the Chinese economic growth rate slowed down. According to the International Finance Institute (IFI), China’s total debt (including state, corporate and household debts) has leaped to the level of 303 per cent of GDP as of July 17, 2019 amid the trade war with the US and the economic slowdown.

Growing US-China Contention

As early as during the time of Obama, the US became openly wary of the economic and military rise of China. Thus it undertook the policy of strategic pivot to East Asia in order to increase its air and naval assets in the region. But the pivot has been slowed down by the US failure to extricate itself from the “ceaseless wars” in the Middle East.

However, Trump has preferred to make a futile side show in East Asia by repeatedly threatening the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Eventually, he has confronted China with maintaining a two-tier economy, manipulating its currency and stealing technology and has proceeded to raise tariffs on Chinese exports to the US, impose restrictions on technology transfers to China and increase US air and naval patrols in the South China Sea.

By raising tariffs on Chinese exports, the US is trying to cut down China’s trade surplus, its foreign exchange reserves and surplus capital for self-development and for taking advantage of other countries (especially those within the BRI ambit) with high-interest loans and overpriced infrastructure projects, which are difficult or impossible to repay and put debtor countries in danger of becoming debt colonies.

The loan and infrastructure contracts outrightly violate national sovereignty with provisions requiring that disputes are subject to arbitration by Chinese courts, that the supplies come exclusively from China, that the labor force be 40 to 60 percent Chinese and that upon failure to repay the loans these are convertible to equity or 99-year Chinese control over project, land and the natural resources.

The negotiations with China of loans and infrastructure projects are usually done under the cover of confidentiality, thus allowing corrupt deals between the bureaucrats of the borrowing country and the multiplicity of Chinese state and private corporations responsible for the delivery of construction materials, equipment and all sorts of services.

In the current trade war between the US and China, the former is putting up tariff barriers against the manufactured exports of the latter which in turn has retaliated by drastically reducing its import of US food products. We can therefore expect China to strive for increasing its access to agricultural lands in underdeveloped countries by leasing them, acquiring them by outright purchases or through loan defaults by borrower countries and deploying corporations to exploit land and natural resources abroad. Your panel discussions can deal in detail with particular projects in several countries.

To counter China’s export of capital through bilateral loans and loans by China-controlled AIIB, the US is putting up the US International Development Finance Corporation (USIDFC) with USD 60 billion capitalization to augment the loan capabilities of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank. It is creating space for those overburdened by Chinese loans to engage in debtors’ revolt someday.

By imposing restrictions on technology transfers to China, the US is trying to stop the scientific and technological advance of China. But China has already gained so much from the technology transfers and the exchange of science and technology experts and students for a long period of time and has even improved on the previous technology for purposes of civil and military production. China’s military production has increased tremendously, although the US still has the upper hand in higher volume and quality of its own weapons for the purpose of aggression.

The US and China are now generally at par in being able to use science and technology to raise the social character and efficiency of the means of production. This leads to worse crises of overproduction due to the private monopoly character of the system of appropriation, especially under the neoliberal policy regime. Higher levels of abusing finance capital can be used. But the global debt has already become a big bubble of more than USD 247 trillion which is equivalent to 320 per cent of Global GDP as of 2019, according to the IFI.

By asserting the right of free navigation in the South China Sea, the US is protecting its own imperialist interests as well as exposing China’s imperialist interests in building and militarizing artificial islands within the exclusive economic zone (EEC) of the Philippines. Through its puppet assets in the Philippine reactionary armed forces, it has also successfully pressured the Duterte regime to allow it to establish a military base in Palawan in order to confront the militarized artificial islands illegally built by China in the West Philippine Sea.

In violation of the UN Convention of the Law of the Sea and the pertinent final judgment of the Permanent Arbitration Court in favor of the Philippines in 2016, China is claiming 90 per cent of the South China Sea as its own property and using it as the area for displaying its growing military power. It has also established an overseas military base in Djibouti and is using the BRI gradually to acquire bases for its ground, air and naval forces and access the markets and natural resources of client-countries.

China has more than enough weapons to defend itself and maintain a peaceful economic rise. But it is increasingly driven by ultra-nationalist sentiments and inter-imperialist contradictions to increase military production and to gear itself up for the struggle to redivide the world. The building and militarization of of the artificial islands in the Philippine EEC and the overseas military base in Djibouti are signal events manifesting the belligerent imperialist character of China and challenging US military power directly.

After more than 40 years of cooperation with China, the US strategists consider it timely to undermine and stop China’s economic and military rise. In an already multipolar world, where other imperialist powers are also at play for their own interests, the US objective may not succeed on a straight line. But insofar as they can collide directly, the US and China can become involved in a process of mutual debilitation under conditions of ever worsening global economic crises.

The contradictions between the US and China as well as among all imperialist powers are intensifying. They are resulting in in crisis and wars to the detriment of the peoples of the world. But the people are at the same time driven to carry out anti-imperialist and democratic struggles in order to achieve national and social liberation. We can expect the resurgence of national liberation and socialist movements and revolutions in the forthcoming years and decades. Thank you.

https://ndfp.org/chinese-imperialist-motivations-and-initiatives-in-relation-to-us-and-other-imperialist-powers/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Militarization and mining, double disaster in Tampakan

Propaganda statement from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Oct 21, 2019): Militarization and mining, double disaster in Tampakan

An incessant military campaign has again escalated along the borders of South Cotabato, Davao del Sur, Sultan Kudarat and North Cotabato this year. The focused military campaigns were mounted in the said area by fascist forces of the 39th IB, 27th IB and 73rd IB under the 1002nd IBde of the AFP, and the Special Action Force and Regional Public Safety Battalion of the Philippine National Police Region 11 and 12 to pave the way for the resumption of operations of the Tampakan copper-gold project.

At least 12 military operations have been carried out by the AFP in the area since October 2018. Three of which were battalion operations, seven brigade operations and two division operations. These have been mounted since June. Two new military detachments were also put up to augment 54 existing detachments encircling the area.

Mining equipment and machineries were delivered to the mining site amid military operations. In November 2018, the Australian contractor Major Drilling Corporation (MDC) started its drilling activities in the area.

Destructive mining

Amid these military operations, several maneuvers were carried out by the company to dismantle remaining legal hindrances to its operations. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Agrarian Reform, and the pro-mining local government of Tampakan facilitated the reclassification of lands already distributed to beneficiaries under Certificates of Ancestral Domain Title and Certificates of Land Ownership Award. This sparked a rift between Lumads and settlers. The mining company also filed a court petition challenging the legality of the Local Environment Code of South Cotabato which prohibits open-pit mining arguing that local laws cannot supersede national laws such as the Mining Act of 1995.

The people’s arduous armed resistance compelled the mining company to stall its operation in 2014. The broad anti-mining campaign also compelled the multinational Glencore-Xstrata to divest in 2016. Eventually, the local government issued a resolusion banning open-pit mining. The US-Duterte regime, however, favored the resumption of mining operations and allowed the operation of companies owned by bourgeois compradors including Henry Sy, Jr. (SM Investment Corp.), David Consunji (SODACO), Manuel Pangilinan (Philex), Tomas Alcantara (SMI/Alsons Investmant), and Lucio Tan, Jr. (MRC Allied).

Australian multinational Indophil Resources NL, the largest stakeholder in the Tampakan project, currently operates in the area. Indophil was founded by former managers of the Western Mining Corporation (WMC). It owns a 40% stake in the Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI). San Miguel Corporation (SMC) and the Alcantara Group are among its major stockholders.

The Tampakan mine is a $5.9-billion project and has the largest reserve of gold and copper in Southeast Asia. The Xstrata-SMI reported that the mine has a total 2.4 billion tons of mineral deposits, 13.5 million tons of which are copper desposits and 15.8 million ounces of gold. It has the potential to yield an average of 375,000 tons of copper and 360,000 ounces of gold annually for 17 years.

Unwavering resistance

The reopening of the mine was met with staunch resistance by Lumads and the people of Southern Mindanao. In Kiblawan, Davao del Sur, B’laan residents burned down a drilling machine of the MDC early this year. In a mining forum held on September 13 at the Notre Dame of Marbel University in Koronadal City, Bishop Cerilo Casicas of the Diocese of Marbel vehemently denounced the open-pit mining and demanded a stop to the mining operations.

Anti-mining advocates are wary that the resumption of the project and the continuing martial law in Mindanao will result in intense human rights violations, reminiscent of the Capion massacre and the killing of Datu Anting Freay and activist Boy Billanes. The said victims were all murdered by the reactionary state for their stand against the Tampakan mining project.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2019/10/21/militarization-and-mining-double-disaster-in-tampakan/

CPP/Ang Bayan: PAKED launches fourth edition of MKLRP

Propaganda statement from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Oct 21, 2019): PAKED launches fourth edition of MKLRP

THE FOURTH EDITION of the Short Course on the Society and Revolution (MKLRP) was launched last September 23. MKLRP is a basic education course published by the Party through the National Education Department (PAKED). This edition added a section about the regime of Benigno Aquino III. Several discussions about post-Marcos regimes were also polished.

The PAKED is calling on all revolutionary forces to further intensify MKLRP discussions and use this as a weapon to rouse, organize and mobilize the masses in the countryside and urban centers.

Get your copy of the latest edition of the MKLRP at www.cpp.ph.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2019/10/21/paked-launches-fourth-edition-of-mklrp/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Fake news conceal military infighting

Propaganda statement from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Oct 21, 2019): Fake news conceal military infighting

THE MILITARY AND police are desperately concealing intense infighting and demoralization among their ranks by peddling fake news. In Kalinga, Abra and Ifugao, such news were used as a veil to conceal several gunfights between soldiers, CAFGU, and police elements.

On August 15, two CAFGU elements were killed after being shot by 24th IB soldiers inside their camp at Sitio Mong-ol, Barangay Maguyepyep, Sallapadan, Abra. The incident was caused by a scuffle over a golden kuhol (snail) dish. To save face, 24th IB officials ordered to fabricate a fake encounter and make it appear that their troopers were attacked by the New People’s Army (NPA).

Col. Henry Doyaoen of the 503rd IBde also peddled fake news after a misencounter between CAFGU and 50th IB troopers in Kalinga on March 20. The incident took place along the boundary of barangay Buaya and Mabaca in Balbalan where the said units were then conducting their respective operations. A soldier was killed during the misencounter. To save face, the military peddled that there was an encounter between the NPA and AFP, and that they were able to confiscate a rifle.

An CAFGU element was also killed by operating troopers of the 50th IB in Barangay Sakpil, Conner, Apayao. The said CAFGU was shot by soldiers while fetching water outside their camp. On September 29, two police operatives were shot shot by their fellow police inside the camp of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion in Banaue, Ifugao.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2019/10/21/fake-news-conceal-military-infighting/

CPP/Ang Bayan: AFP sustains 20 casualties in NPA offensives

Propaganda statement from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Oct 21, 2019): AFP sustains 20 casualties in NPA offensives

NINE ELEMENTS OF the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) were killed while 11 others were wounded in various military offensives conducted by the New People’s Army in Masbate, Quezon and Bukidnon from October 8 to 19.

Units of the NPA-Masbate simultaneously attacked dispersed elements of the 2nd IB at Sitio Poro, Barangay Talisay, San Fernando, Masbate on October 12. Two soldiers were killed while six others were wounded.

“Peace and development” teams of the 2nd IB have long been sowing terror in the barangays of San Fernando. They disrupt the livelihood of residents. Three civilians were also brutally killed in Barangay Liong and Buenavista.

On October 17, a unit of the NPA-Quezon blasted patrolling troops of the 85th IB at Sitio Catulin, Barangay Suha, Catanauan, Quezon. At least six soldiers were killed in the offensive. Another soldier was killed in an NPA sniping operation in Barangay Abuabo Mauban on October 8.

In Bukidnon, operating troops of the 401st IBde sustained five casualties after being blasted by Red fighters at Sitio Mahan-aw, Barangay Bulonay, Impasug-ong. The NPA-Bukidnon launched the attack on October 19 at 10 a.m.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2019/10/21/afp-sustains-20-casualties-in-npa-offensives/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Editorial - Shattering the AFP’s illusions

Propaganda editorial from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Oct 21, 2019): Editorial: Shattering the AFP’s illusions



If one were to believe the daily drivel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the New People’s Army (NPA) has long been decimated. Thousands have supposedly “surrendered” and “returned to the folds of the law.” It claims that guerrilla fronts have been crushed and the rest of the NPA units are paralyzed. It proclaims that the NPA no longer has people’s support because towns and villages have declared it “persona non grata.” It boasts that people now enjoy a comfortable life because basic services are now being delivered into “NPA lairs.” It brags about development projects and eradicating hunger and poverty. These purportedly portray the victory of Oplan Kapanatagan, which is an extension of Oplan Kapayapaan and patterned after the “whole-of-nation” US counterinsurgency doctrine.

All these are illusions fabricated by Rodrigo Duterte and the AFP. They lie about the number of “surrenderees” that has surpassed their estimated number of Red fighters. Most of them are peasants and minorities forced to raise their hands after being deceived or coerced by soldiers operating in their villages. Not even a percent of those paraded are true Red fighters who were captured or who surrendered. By claiming such a big number of “surrenderees”, Duterte and the AFP are inadvertently proving how the NPA enjoys the deep and wide support of the people in the countryside.

The social services and development projects bragged about by the AFP is a bigger illusion. Where are these services much needed by the people? Where are the irrigation systems, the drying facilities for palay and corn, and other projects beneficial to millions of peasants and minorities? What they offer are substandard housing units for peasants who, after “surrendering,” are coerced to leave their villages. A television set was donated to residents of Lianga in Surigao. A day or two of medical and dental mission, free haircuts, and other gimmickry are conducted by the reactionary government while abandoning public health and other social services. Such programs have long been carried out by local governments but these are now being taken over by the AFP.

The oppressed masses, especially in the countryside, have no illusion about these lies. From their perspective, there is nothing new in the AFP. They are still the armed goons who camp in the middle of their villages and intimidate people. It is the same battalions scouring the mountains and farms in “clearing operations” and disrupting the people’s livelihood. They are the same soldiers who set up a network of detachments to guard large energy projects, commercial plantations and construction companies. Their large combat operations, supported by artillery, aerial bombing and strafing, are the reason why people have left their communities.

Duterte continues to build up the number of troops and weapons of the AFP and its paramilitary in order to intensify its war of suppression. Duterte brags about creating 10 more battalions and one new division, as well as the Brigade Combat Team established in line with US plan. AFP units are also mounting numerous sustained and focused military operations wasting the people’s money. In Mindanao alone, the AFP Eastern Mindanao Command reported launching 128,000 small and big military operations in four regions from June 2017 to August 2018. To sustain these operations, the AFP asks for bigger and bigger budget allocation. The AFP and PNP is Duterte’s priority in the budget.

To satiate the greed of his corrupt generals, Duterte is shamelessly begging from the US for arms, funds and other materiél for the “modernization” program of the AFP. He is also approaching Russia and China pretending to look for alternatives but only with the aim of making the US “insecure” about its alliance with the Philippines in order to “force” it to pour in more funds and brand-new weapons.

Duterte is hallucinating that his AFP can crush the NPA. This will not happen because the AFP is weak and rotten to the core. It is a puppet army that was established, funded and armed by the US. It is ridiculous that its adviser in counterinsurgency matters is the US, a country which has failed to crush even a guerrilla force in more than half a century of wars of intervention around the world (from Vietnam to Afghanistan).

The AFP’s nature, direction and structure is aligned with the interests and needs of the US. It is an army used by the US to suppress the aspirations of the people for national liberation and strengthen US domination in the country. The US establishes and trains AFP units such as the 1st Light Reaction Regiment, two Brigade Combat Teams and other units (Aviation Regiment, Artillery Regiment and others) for its “counterterrorism” and “counterinsurgency” campaign and in order to absorb its second-hand air vehicles and artillery.

The AFP is riddled with corruption, anomalies and intense internal contradictions. The AFP is divided among rival reactionary factions. Its generals scramble funds, resources and privileges to fund their luxurious lifestyle and vices. They race to pocket funds at all levels of the bureaucracy—from pension funds of retired soldiers to salaries of CAFGU forces. They are involved, if not themselves lead, the biggest and most violent criminal syndicates.

The AFP does not have the Filipino people’s support. Moreover, it is detested by the people. The people have long suffered from its brutalities. They cannot forget the grave abuses under the US-Marcos dictatorship and fascist crimes perpetrated in the past three decades. They know how Duterte is surpassing this violence. The AFP, and no other, is the real persona non grata in peasant and minority communities and villages.

While the regime is bolstering the AFP and unleashing its units in the countryside, its list of rights abuses continue to grow longer. The more troops, the worse crime and abuses. They are merely stoking the people’s anger and pushing them to further support and help the people’s army. The toiling masses and intellectuals continue to join the NPA in numbers because of intense persecution, suppression and threats. Duterte is now the number one recruiter of the NPA in the countryside.

The Party continues to expand and strengthen the NPA across the country. Despite large and all-out AFP offensives, the NPA continues to persevere and preserve its strength. It can never be crushed by the enemy because it has deep and wide support of the masses and because it is adept at employing guerrilla tactics.

The illusions woven by Duterte and the AFP will soon be shattered. As the AFP’s war against the people continues and escalates, the more intense the people’s aspirations become to end the fascist brutalities of the Duterte regime. However brutal the AFP’s oppression is, it cannot stop the people’s anger from exploding nor will it prevent the advancement of the armed struggle across the country.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

CPP/NPA-Northern Samar: NPA scores victories in Northern Samar, chides 8th ID for lying about clashes

NPA-Northern Samar propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Oct 28, 2019): NPA scores victories in Northern Samar, chides 8th ID for lying about clashes

AMADO PESANTE
SPOKESPERSON
RODANTE URTAL COMMAND
NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY
OCTOBER 28, 2019

The New People’s Army in Northern Samar (Rodante Urtal Command or RUC) today claimed victories against forces of the 8th Infantry Division-Philippine Army in the past weeks, as it called out the government troops for lying about its own casualties and exaggerating those of the NPA.

The RUC reported that two active military agents of the 803rd Infantry Brigade were killed in separate partisan operations. It also belied official government reports on its recent clashes with the 20th Infantry Battalion, saying at least one soldier was wounded while only one Red fighter was killed in another encounter.

Death squad leaders known by the masses as “Boy Singkit” and Jason “Dasoy” Ribay were meted out with the death penalty last September 27 and October 20, respectively, upon the decision of the People’s Revolutionary Court.

Red fighters punished “Boy Singkit” in the Catarman town proper at around 6 o’clock in the morning. The people’s court previously found the death squad leader responsible for the deaths of several barangay officials who were supportive of the struggles of local peasants in the 1st District of Northern Samar, among other vicious killings.

Meanwhile, Ribay, leader of the 803rd IBde hit squad covering the 2nd District, was found responsible for the deaths of dozens of civilians, including the barangay captain of Brgy. Rombang in Laoang town and several students. He was also found guilty of extortion and other counter-revolutionary activities.

Rebuffing official reports from the 8th ID, the RUC claimed a soldier was hit by a bullet on his back after a unit of the NPA on active defense clashed with a platoon of soldiers of the 20th IB outside Brgy. Epaw last October 8. There were no casualties on the side of the NPA, while military troops who retreated to the barrio forced residents into assisting their wounded.

In the same town, “Ka Uno” of the RUC gallantly laid his life in an encounter between his unit and the combined forces of the 20th IB and the 81st Division Reconnaissance Company last October 12 in Brgy. Sag-od. The two other Red fighters allegedly killed were merely wounded and are safely with their unit.

RUC spokesperson Ka Amado Pesante chided the 8th ID for “tirelessly resorting to fake news and psywar – one of their many futile attempts to hide the fact that the NPA remains strong and cannot be defeated by Duterte’s mercenary troops.

“Without the selfless sacrifice of sons of the people such as ‘Ka Uno’ and the wholehearted support of the masses, the NPA could not have executed its military actions. The masses continue to put their faith in the true People’s Army which vows to carry on defending them from the fascist goons of the Duterte regime,” Pesante ended.#

https://cpp.ph/statement/npa-scores-victories-in-northern-samar-chides-8th-id-for-lying-about-clashes/

CPP/NDF-EV: AFP using E-CLIP for landgrabbing, corruption

NDF-Eastern Visayas propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Oct 28, 2019): AFP using E-CLIP for landgrabbing, corruption

FR. SANTIAGO “KA SANNY” SALAS 
SPOKESPERSON
NDF-EV
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES
OCTOBER 28, 2019

In Leyte, troops of the Armed Forces of the Philippines led by 802nd Infantry Brigade commander Gen. Lope Dagoy continue to use the Enhanced Community Livelihood and Integration Program (E-CLIP), the Duterte regime’s program for forced surrenders, to conduct large-scale land-grabbing among poor peasants and corruption of millions of public funds.

Gen. Dagoy offers relocation, money and benefits under the E-CLIP to residents in San Isidro and Calubian towns so despotic landlords and bureaucrat-capitalists can again seize thousands of hectares of lands the peasants have rightfully won through successful anti-feudal campaigns. Should they accept his offer, they must surrender as members of the New People’s Army and leave their land. To force their hand, he commands his mercenary troops of the 93rd Infantry Battalion and 78th Infantry Battalion to attack them and frighten them into surrendering.

The military, big landlords and local bureaucrats inconspicuously collude to conduct this scheme. Recently, Gen. Dagoy’s right hand man Thelma “Mayang” Pundulanan promised each of the 600 families three hectares of land, housing benefits worth P400,000, and livelihood benefits worth P15,000 in exchange for them leaving their land and surrendering. Escorted by an entire squad of soldiers, last May Pundulanan brought several individuals they identified as leader-peasants to a military camp in Ormoc so members of the landlord clan Larrazabal can offer to buy their lands. When the peasants refused, she brought them to Leyte 3rd District Representative Vicente “Ching” Veloso who then offered “relocation” and other benefits under E-CLIP in exchange for their land.

The peasants had already won not less than 2,018 hectares of land from the Larrazabals, who systematically sequestered them in the 1980s. This land is part of the almost 15,000 hectares in different parts of San Isidro, Villaba, and Calubian they had won from the Larrazabal, Torres, Pongos and Locsin clans in the history of their anti-feudal campaigns. By 2018, around 300 families have positioned themselves in 708 hectares of land. They insist that the Larrazabals have not been honoring their past agreement that the landlords will leave them to till their land. Hence, they decided to launch once again an anti-feudal campaign against landgrabbing.

Since then, and especially after a soldier was killed in their own offensive against a unit of the NPA last December, elements of the military under Gen. Dagoy’s command have been conducting sustained operations in their area. Since February, a whole platoon of 93rd IB troops have been camping in Brgy. Taglawigan, San Isidro. Meanwhile, soldiers illegally arrested peasants Emilio Adrague, Jr. and Nathaniel Agustin, whom they threatened and forced into identifying innocent civilians accused of supporting the NPA. They eventually forced into surrendering the 600 families to whom they promised E-CLIP benefits, who feared suffering Gen. Dagoy’s terror when he was still commander of the 19th IB during Oplan Bantay Laya II of the Arroyo regime. Around 1,200 individuals were also forced to surrender under the guise of a “peace rally” in San Isidro last April.

Gen. Dagoy’s true objective as promoter of E-CLIP is the corruption of public funds. To each NPA surrenderer he promises benefits worth at least P620,000, where P450,000 will be for housing, P15,000 as immediate financial assistance, P50,000 as livelihood assistance, P5,000 for conditional cash transfer, P100,000 worth of livelihood kit, and additional benefits should firearms be surrendered, too. This means the program has allocated a budget of P744 million for the 1,200 who “surrenderred” in San Isidro. Millions of pesos of this have surely been pocketed by Gen. Dagoy and his cohorts among the upper military ranks, because hardly any of the surrenderers report receiving their entitled benefits. Gen. Dagoy incessantly promotes E-CLIP because the more the military forces into surrendering, the greater the amount he and other officials can swindle. Meanwhile, he makes the landlords happy by supplying the soldiers who serve as mercenaries driving away the peasants from the lands they have been tilling.

Under the Duterte regime, landlessness remains an epidemic. Whatever land redistribution or relocation Duterte and his dogs in the AFP present is fake, corrupt and innately fascist. Through the E-CLIP, his fascist troops forcibly take the poor peasants’ lands, reconcentrate land into the hands of despotic landlords and colluding bureaucrats, and secure the land monopoly in the countryside. Ranking officials in the military are left fattened by the millions of pesos of public funds they have swindled from the program. #

https://cpp.ph/statement/afp-using-e-clip-for-landgrabbing-corruption/