Groups call out Dutch gov't for 'coddling' Joma for 30 years

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 24, 2019): Groups call out Dutch gov't for 'coddling' Joma for 30 years (By Lade Jean Kabagani)



CONDEMNATION RALLY. The League of Parents of the Philippines holds a rally on Monday (Dec. 23, 2019) as they urge the Dutch Embassy to stop harboring Communist Party of the Philippines founder Joma Sison and to terminate his asylum status in The Netherlands. The group also condemned the terrorist activities of the CPP-NPA, the latest of which was the attack in Borongan City, Eastern Samar. (Contributed photo)

Anti-communist groups on Monday called on the Dutch Embassy to deport Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria "Joma" Sison so he can face the multiple murder charges lodged against him and help address the longstanding communist insurgency.

The League of Parents of the Philipines (LPP) and Liga Filipinas Independencia staged a protest anew at the Dutch Embassy in Makati City, as they also condemned the attack of supposed New People's Army (NPA) members on a convoy of civilians attending a Christmas party in Borongan City, Eastern Samar on December 13.

LPP chairman and Liga Filipinas Independencia spokesperson Nolan Tiongco, in an interview, said the Dutch government should stop coddling Sison, as they called on the embassy to help send Sison home.

"Ang tingin kasi namin ang ugat ng lahat ng kaguluhang nangyayri sa Pilipinas ay bunga ng polisiya ni Joma Sison dahil siya yung tinitingalang pinuno ng CPP-NPA-NDF (We think that the root cause of the insurgency in the Philippines is Joma Sison's policies, since he is the leader of the CPP - New People's Army - National Democratic Front)," Tiongco said.

He added that the communist group has done nothing but violence and ruin people's lives.

"We are also condemning the Dutch government for coddling Joma Sison for the past 30 years," he said.

Staying too long

The LPP and Liga Filipinas Independencia believe Sison has to be deported for not having enough documents while staying in the Netherlands.

The group added that Sison and the rest of the founding members of the CPP have made Utrecht, The Netherlands their safe haven for too long.

Meanwhile, LPP spokesperson Remy Rosadio said their group members were startled by the series of attacks made by the NPA, saying the communist group does not realize that their violent attacks have caused the deaths of innocent people, including children.

"Ang ikinakagalit namin na pati kabataan na galing sa Christmas party nadamay. Wala na talaga silang puso na may madamay na mga inosente at talagang ipinapakita na nila kung gaano na sila kasama (We are upset that children who attended a Christmas party were hurt. They don't have hearts. They're just showing how evil they are)" she said.

The LPP said the extradition treaty between the Netherlands and the Philippines allowing Joma to be sent to Philippine custody will give a huge relief to the parents, as they fear for the future of their children who could be the next victims of the communist group.

"Ibalik na lang sa atin si Joma kung sakit din naman sa ulo nila. Yung pangangalampag natin hindi natin titigilan hangga't di naibabalik si Joma kasi para sa aming mga magulang, yun lang yung kasagutan (Send Joma home if he's already causing tpu a headache. We will not stop protesting until Joma is sent home because for us, parents, that's the only answer)," she said.

She also added that the CPP-NPA should stop instilling wrong ideologies into the minds of youths.

She said if the communist group and their allies are sincere, they should be the ones leading in providing a good future for the youth instead of bringing them to the mountains and teaching them how to hold guns.

"That is is not the kind of battle our children are supposed to be into," she said.

More than 300 parents gathered during the condemnation rally.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089412

OPAPP: Cordilleran joint committee envisions an insurgent-free region by 2022

From the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Website (Dec 16, 2019):
Cordilleran joint committee envisions an insurgent-free region by 2022



BAGUIO CITY, (16 December 2019) – The Joint Evaluation and Monitoring Committee (JEMC) composed of representatives from the national government and Cordillera Bodong Administration-Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CBA-CPLA), now known as “KA-BODONG,” unanimously declared their desire to free the Cordillera Region from the threat of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) and other lawless elements.

The statement was made during the KA-BODONG’s envisioning workshop held here which aimed, among others, to craft the body’s roadmap from 2020 to 2022. The activity was organized by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).

“Originally, talaga naman ang CBA-CPLA was formed because it broke away from the CPP-NPA kasi hindi talaga magtugma ‘yong advocacies and political objectives nila,” explained Major General Pablo Lorenzo, commander of the 5th Infantry Division and chairperson of the KA-BODONG.

(The CBA-CPLA was originally formed because it broke away from the CPP-NPA due to different advocacies and political objectives.)

“The CPLA is for genuine autonomy in the Cordilleras for the Cordillera people. So hanggang ngayon may balakid ang kapayapaan at kaunlaran sa Cordillera dahil dito sa CPP-NPA threat,” Lorenzo added.

(The CPLA is for genuine autonomy in the Cordilleras for the Cordillera people. So, as long as there’s a threat in attaining peace and progress in Cordillera, it’s because of the CPP-NPA threat)



Towards the completion of SIPAT Agreement

The KA-BODONG, together with other partner communities, also expressed their desire to become active partners in transforming the Cordillera Region into a peaceful and progressive area.

In line with the completion of the implementation of the 1986 Mt. Data “SIPAT” Agreement, the KA-BODONG serves as the official decision-making body for the government and CBA-CPLA, specifically to serve as a venue to raise pressing issues confronting the Cordillera region and recommend solutions on how to best solve them.

The KA-BODONG is composed of four key components: (1) security cluster, (2) socio-economic reintegration; (3) transitional justice; and (4) confidence building.

For the security component, members of the KA-BODONG’s executive committee agreed on the immediate completion of the masterlist of CBA-CPLA members for profiling. The inventory, demilitarization, and destruction of the group’s firearms were also identified as key concerns during the workshop.

Under the socio-economic reintegration cluster, the body agreed to revisit the previous socio-economic programs for the CPLA combatants and approve further interventions on capacity building, social protection, basic community infrastructure, and livelihood projects that will help capacitate and mainstream former combatants into their communities.

Under the transitional justice component, learning sessions on the fundamentals of transitional justice, as well as the finalization and operationalization of the Transitional Justice Framework were scheduled to be conducted.

For the confidence building component, the KA-BODONG affirmed its commitment to prevent communist insurgents from recruiting members of the CBA-CPLA into their fold. The group also discussed plans to establish a peace center to memorialize their decades-long struggle.

“Ang kagandahan nito (envisioning workshop), na-discuss nila ‘yong roadmap nila na magiging guide nila towards the attainment ng peaceful and resilient communities natin sa Cordillera particularly duon sa areas na sakop ng CBA-CPLA,” said Undersecretary Isidro Purisima, OPAPP deputy presidential peace adviser for operations.

(The good thing in this envisioning workshop is that the members were able to discuss their roadmap that will serve as their guide towards the attainment of a peaceful and resilient communities in the Cordillera, particularly on the CBA-CPLA’s areas)

“Maganda ‘yong discussions kasi very cooperative ‘yong mga members ng KA-BODONG. Masayang-masaya tayo dahil magaganda ang mga outcome at nagkaruon tayo ng mga activities na naka-line up for next year and beyond,” he added.

(The discussions were really good because everyone is cooperative. We are really happy because of the good outcomes and activities that we were able to identify for next year and beyond.)



Honoring all signed commitments

The peace process between the Philippine government and the KA-BODONG is in line with the Duterte Administration’s Six-Point Peace and Development Agenda, which calls for the completion of all commitments made under the peace agreements signed between the government and revolutionary groups.

And with the issuance of Executive Order No. 70, which institutionalizes a Whole-Of-Nation Approach, there will be greater synergy among line agencies in the implementation of programs and projects in order to address the roots of the communist rebellion in the country.

Under EO 70, local government units will take the lead in conducting localized peace engagements (LPEs), which aim to provide LGUs and other stakeholders in the community a platform to provide recommendations on how to best resolve the rebellion in their areas.

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez Jr., who was appointed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte as Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS), noted the peace process between the government and KA-BODONG is a very good example of localized peace engagements (LPEs).

“The national government’s partnership with the KA-BODONG symbolizes the desire of both parties to build on the gains of the SIPAT agreement, and consequently, bring enduring peace and sustainable development to the Cordillera region,” Galvez said in a separate message. ###

https://peace.gov.ph/2019/12/cordilleran-joint-committee-envisions-an-insurgent-free-region-by-2022/

OPAPP: KAPATIRAN gets livelihood assistance as part of socio-econ reintegration

From the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Website (Dec 20, 2019):
KAPATIRAN gets livelihood assistance as part of socio-econ reintegration



TALISAY CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL/ ILOILO CITY (20 DECEMBER 2019)— The government on Friday turned over cash assistance packages to members of the KAPATIRAN, formerly called the Rebolusyonaryong Partidong Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/ Revolutionary Proletarian Army/ Alex Boncayao Brigade- Tabara Paduano Group (RPM-P/RPA/ABB-TPG) as part of the implementation of the peace agreement signed between the two parties.

A total of 463 profiled KAPATIRAN members from Negros Occidental and 116 from Panay Island each received a PhP 50,000 livelihood settlement grant from the Department of Social Welfare and Devlopment (DSWD) and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).

The grants are part of the social and economic reintegration component of the Clarificatory Implementing Document signed between the Philippine government and the former revolutionary group.

Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano of Abang Lingkod Party List, himself a former commander of the decommissioned armed group, called on the KAPATIRAN members to help sustain the gains of the peace process.

“It took us 23 years, and today this is the first phase of the livelihood assistance of the government to the KAPATIRAN. We cannot afford to lose this opportunity to show the world that indeed, we can achieve lasting peace in the country,” Paduano said.

DSWD and OPAPP previously awarded KAPATIRAN members with PhP 25,000 in immediate cash assistance during their decommissioning held in Jamindan, Capiz in September. The ceremony was witnessed by no less than President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

Meanwhile, Rene Glen O. Paje, DSWD undersecretary for inclusive and sustainable peace, reaffirmed the agency’s support for KAPATIRAN, as the latter transforms itself into a mainstream organization.

“We have heard your stories, your struggles, and will continue to support you in your quest for a better life for yourselves and your families,” Paje said.

He noted that the example set by the KAPATIRAN – turning away from armed struggle and embracing a peaceful and productive life – is proof that local peace engagements have been effective in dealing with the decades-long communist insurgency.

“Tell those who are still in the mountains — let us work together for peace,” he added.



SHINING EXAMPLE

KAPATIRAN chapters in Region 6 proposed various types of livelihood projects, which included crop production, agricultural trading, animal production, and general merchandise and incubators for native chicken.

Emelina Sardo from Bago City, Negros Occidental plans to use the money she received to grow eggplants.

“Napag-aralan namin ‘yung talong kung paano siya itanim, kung paano siya alagaan. Sa ngayon, yung site namin akma siya tamnan ng talong kasi maganda yung tama ng araw at maganda ‘yung lupa, malayo sa ibang community,” she said.

To maximize the cash grants, Sardo and members of her chapter decided to pool their funds and invest them in crop and animal production.

“Pinagsama-sama po namin ‘yung pera, tapos hahatiin namin kung ilang budget ‘yung ilalagay namin sa baboy, sa native chicken, saka sa vegetable farming,” she said.

In Aklan, Jessy Batoy, provincial chapter president of KAPATIRAN, identified three types of livelihood projects they are interested to venture into.

The first, Batoy said, is crop production (eggplant, bitter gourd, squash, watermelon and ginger) because in three months’ time, the produce can already be harvested.

The second is the setting up of community stores, while the third is livestock production, he added.

“Ang grant para sa livelihood ng KAPATIRAN ay napakahalaga para may kapital sa mga pinaplano at ini-implement na proyekto sa settlement sites. Ito ay pang-umpisa na kapital para maka-start ng project at mamuhay sa payapa at maunlad na komunidad,” Batoy said.

Cesar B. Yano, undersecretary for defense operations of the Department of National Defense, and co-chair of the Joint Enforcement and Monitoring Committee, representing the government, reminded the KAPATIRAN members to use wisely the funds given to them.

“Kahit saan, kayo ang ginagawang ehemplo ng successful peace process, pero hindi pa ito ang katapusan. Itong ibibigay na 50,000 ay hindi dapat malulugi o mawawala. Binibigyan tayo ng isda para matuto tayong makapangisda,” Yano said.

Meanwhile, local chief executives are keen on helping the KAPATIRAN realize its full economic potential, given the commitment the group has demonstrated in sustaining the gains of the peace process.

“We’re here to help, we’re here to support you na magbago ang ating komunidad. I’m very thankful for your support as a force multiplier in maintaining peace and development in our community,” EB Magalona Mayor Marvin M. Malacon said.



In Iloilo, Janiuay Mayor Bienvenido Margarico shared his plans to provide skills training and employment to members of KAPATIRAN.

“I will be training some of your members sa organic fertilizer and organic farming. I’m also planning to recruit some of your members for our summer job, especially the indigent [members],” Margarico said.

FRUITS OF LABOR

Meanwhile, Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. acknowledged the long and difficult journey of the KAPATIRAN towards the path of peace, as he bared the national government’s plans and programs for the organization.



“We will draw up kung ano yung mga programa na mabuting ibigay three to five years from now. Initially ang gagawin natin is magkakaroon tayo ng workshop, sa mga programa like agriculture, farm-to-market roads, education, livelihood and other activities na pwede nating ilagay sa PAMANA,” Galvez said.

One of the major initiatives the government intends to implement in the area is the PAyapa at MAsaganang PAmayanan or PAMANA, a national government program under the oversight of OPAPP which aims to deliver socio-economic projects to remote, conflict-affected communities across the country.

“Ito pong mga livelihood settlement grants, kung tutuusin ay maliit na halaga lamang, ngunit kung ito po ay mapagyayaman, ay malaking tulong po sa inyo at sa inyong pamilya,” Galvez said.

DSWD and OPAPP disbursed a total of PhP 24,850,000 in Negros Occidental, and 5,800,000 in Iloilo, for the whole Panay Island contingent of KAPATIRAN. The members had earlier received 25,000, bringing the total amount they received to 75,000.

According to Galvez, the successful implementation of the peace agreement between the government and KAPATIRAN is another example of the effective implementation of the localized peace engagement under the Whole-of-Nation as embodied in Executive Order 70 of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to end local armed conflict.

The KAPATIRAN’s journey towards peace is filled with milestones this year, from the signing of the CID in July, to the decommissioning of members in September, to the graduation of community defense unit trainees in November.

Veronica P. Tabara, co-chair of the JEMC for KAPATIRAN, encouraged members of her organization to sustain what the organization has achieved so far.

“I encourage all members of the KAPATIRAN to become role models so that we can continue walking the path of peace,” she said. ###

https://peace.gov.ph/2019/12/kapatiran-gets-livelihood-assistance-as-part-of-socio-econ-reintegration/

CPP/NDF-Agcaoili: On the Reported Armed Encounters in Bicol and Iloilo on 23 December 2019

NDF-Agcaoili propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 24, 2019): On the Reported Armed Encounters in Bicol and Iloilo on 23 December 2019

FIDEL AGCAOILI

CHAIRPERSON

NEGOTIATING PEACE PANEL

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

DECEMBER 24, 2019

There were no ceasefire violations by the New People’s Army (NPA) in the reported armed encounters on 23 December 2019 in Bicol and Iloilo with soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and a special operations unit of the Philippine National Police (PNP), respectively.

These were defensive actions by the NPA units involved in the face of armed attacks and sustained military operations by the AFP and the PNP (special operations unit), as attested to in separate statements issued by the Romulo Jallores Command, New People’s Army, Bicol, and the Napoleon Tumagtang Command, New People’s Army, Southern Panay.

The statements belie the malicious charges in the press releases earlier issued by the concerned units of the AFP and PNP on the incidents. These can be accessed at the website of the Philippine Revolution Web Central.

In this regard, we wish to inform the public that todate the NDFP has yet to receive copies of the SOMO (Suspension of Military Operations) and SOPO (Suspension of Police Operations) to be issued by the AFP and PNP, respectively, on the basis of a mutual agreement as reflected in the ceasefire order of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

https://cpp.ph/statement/on-the-reported-armed-encounters-in-bicol-and-iloilo-on-23-december-2019/

CPP/NPA-Abra: Hinggil sa nagpapatuloy na operasyong militar ng 24th IB sa Abra

NPA-Abra propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 24, 2019): Hinggil sa nagpapatuloy na operasyong militar ng 24th IB sa Abra

FLORENCIO BALUGA

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-ABRA

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

DECEMBER 24, 2019

Kahit na nagdeklara na ng ceasefire ang parehong kampo ng CPP-NPA-NDF at ng GRP, nanatili pa rin ang operasyon ng mga tropa ng 24th IB sa probinsya ng Abra. Nanatiling mayroong presensya ng AFP, partikular ang 24th IB, sa mga bayan ng Malibcong, Pilar, Lacub, Sallapadan, Tubo, at Villaviciosa.

Kahapon, sa bayan ng Lacub, mayroong hindi nagtuloy na mga masa sa kanilang sitio dahil sa takot sa operasyon ng militar sa kanilang erya. Bagaman mayroong “nag-pull out” kagabi, may mga naiwan pa ring pwersa ng 24th IB na nagpapatuloy ng kanilang operasyon.

Sinsero ang kagustuhang sumunod ng Agustin Begnalen Command (NPA Abra) sa ceasefire na idineklara ng panig ng NDFP. Hinahamon ng NPA Abra at ng mamamayan ng Abra na nagdeklara ng Suspension of Military Operations (SOMO), mag-pull out ng mga sundalo, at nag back to barracks.

https://cpp.ph/statement/hinggil-sa-nagpapatuloy-na-operasyong-militar-ng-24th-ib-sa-abra/

CPP/NPA-Camarines Norte: Dumadaluhong na operasyong militar sa kabila ng unilateral ceasefire mapagpasyang hinarap ng Armando Catapia Command sa Camarines Norte

NPA-Camarines Norte propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 24, 2019): Dumadaluhong na operasyong militar sa kabila ng unilateral ceasefire mapagpasyang hinarap ng Armando Catapia Command sa Camarines Norte

CARLITO CADA

NPA-CAMARINES NORTE

ARMANDO CATAPIA COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

DECEMBER 24, 2019

Mapagpasyang hinarap ng Armado Catapia Command-BHB Camarines Norte ang malakihan at tuloy-tuloy na operasyong militar ng 9IB, 92nd DRC Philippine Army bandang ika-siyam ng umaga ngayong ika-23 ng Disyembre sa Barangay Ba’ay , Labo Camarines Norte. Isa ang napatay at anim ang sugatan sa pwersa ng AFP habang ligtas na naipagtanggol ng BHB ang kanilang sarili.

Sa kabila ng unilateral ceasefire na idineklara ng reaksyunaryong gubyerno, patuloy na ginagalugad ng militar ang interyor na bahagi ng kagubatan ng Camarines Norte. Walang ibang mapagpipilian ang BHB kundi ang manatili sa postura ng aktibong depensa upang ipagtanggol ang sarili. Sadyang hindi maiiwasan ang mga labanan kahit sa panahon ng pansamantalang tigil-putukan kapag nanatili ang patakaran ng AFP na walang pakundangang operasyong militar kahit may deklarasyon sila ng Suspension of Military Operation (SOMO). Lagi’t lagi nang idinadahilan ng militar ang pagsasagawa ng di umano’y security patrol, ngunit ang totoo, ito ay ang tuloy-tuloy na tugisin ang mga yunit ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan at mulat na labagin ang kanilang dineklarang sariling SOMO. Hibang na inaakala ng AFP at PNP na magpapabaya at magpapalinlang ang BHB at lahat ng rebolusyonaryong pwersa sa kanilang patibong at mga patraydor na atake.

Walang ibang dapat sisihin sa pagkasawi at pagkasugat ng mga elemento ng 9IB at 92nd DRC kundi ang arogansya ng 9IDPA sa walang pagsasaalang–alang na operasyong militar kahit sa panahon ng unilateral ceasefire para sana bigyang puwang ang mapayapang pagdiriwang ng kapaskuhan. Dapat ipakita ng AFP at PNP ang seryosong pagtalima sa deklarado nilang SOMO, ang patuloy na paggalugad sa mga sonang gerilya ay taliwas sa kanilang sariling deklarasyon.

Ang walang habas na pamamaslang kahit sa mga walang kalaban-laban ay naging patakaran na PNP at AFP sa ilalim ng Oplan Kapanatagan at ng Joint Task Force Campaign ng AFP at PNP. Ang nilaboratoryo sa Negros na SEMPO-ng pang-aatake o OPLAN SAURON ay laganap na ngayon sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng bansa at bumibiktima ng maraming inosenteng sibilyan. Kaugnay nito dapat panatilihin ang aktibong postura at pagiging alerto ang mga yunit ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan at lahat ng rebolusyonaryong pwersa para iwasang mapahamak sa harap ng paninibasib ng AFP at PNP sa ilalim ng “Oplan Kapanatagan” ng papet, diktador at pasistang rehimeng US-Duterte.

Oplan Kapanatagan at Joint AFP-PNP Campaign, BIGUIN!
Rehimeng US-Duterte, IBAGSAK
Digmang Bayan, PAIGTINGIN!

https://cpp.ph/statement/dumadaluhong-ng-operasyong-militar-sa-kabila-ng-unilateral-ceasefire-mapagpasyang-hinarap-ng-armando-catapia-command-sa-camarines-norte/

CPP/NPA-Soouthern Tagalog: MGC – NPA ST, mahigpit na tutupdin ang unilateral at magkatugong deklarasyon ng NDFP-GRP sa Tigil Putukan

NPA-Soouthern Tagalog propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 24, 2019): MGC – NPA ST, mahigpit na tutupdin ang unilateral at magkatugong deklarasyon ng NDFP-GRP sa Tigil Putukan

ARMANDO CIENFUEGO

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-SOUTHERN TAGALOG

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

DECEMBER 24, 2019

Inaatasan ng Melito Glor Command – NPA Southern Tagalog (MGC – NPA ST) ang lahat ng mga yunit sa ilalim nito na mahigpit na tupdin ang magkatugong unilateral na deklarasyon ng NDFP-GRP sa tigil-putukan. Tatagal ito ng 15 araw at magkakabisa simula ngayong hating-gabi ng Disyembre 23 hanggang alas-11:59 ng gabi ng Enero 7, 2019. Layunin nitong bigyan-daan ang mapayapang pagdiriwang ng sambayanang Pilipino ng Kapaskuhan at Bagong Taon at likhain ang paborableng klima sa muling pagpapatuloy ng usapang pangkapayapaan.

Alinsunod dito, inilalagay ang lahat ng yunit ng BHB sa moda ng aktibong pagdepensa. Nangangahulugan itong ipatutupad ng mga yunit ng BHB sa ilalim ng MGC-NPA ST ang makatwirang pagtitimpi sa harap ng mga probokasyon ng AFP-PNP at ititigil ang mga pag-atake sa mga pwersa ng AFP-PNP at CAFGU na hindi nagsasagawa ng tuwirang pag-atake at naglulunsad ng operasyong militar sa loob ng mga larangang gerilya ng NPA.

Sa panahong umiiral ang unilateral at reciprocal ceasefire, kailangang panatilihin ang mataas na alerto ng mga yunit ng hukbong bayan laban sa pataksil na pagsalakay ng kaaway. Tiyaking nakahanda itong magdepensa sa sarili at ipagtanggol ang masa laban sa mga pag-atakeng gagawin ng mga yunit ng AFP-PNP-CAFGU laban sa NPA, mga kadre at kasapi ng Partido at laban sa rebolusyonaryong baseng masa. Hawakan ang pinakamaatas na inisyatiba at pumwesto sa aktibong depensa ang mga Pulang kumander at mandirigma. Pangalagaan ang masang saklaw ng larangan laban sa mga ilulunsad na operasyong militar at pulis sa panahon ng tigil-putukan.

Sa panahon ng tigil putukan, ilaan ng lahat ng yunit ng BHB ang pansin sa pagpapatuloy ng paglulunsad ng mga serbisyo sa relief and rehabilitation sa mga biktima ng Bagyong Tisoy sa saklaw ng mga larangang gerilya. Salubungin ang pagdiriwang ng ika-51 anibersaryo ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas ng pagsisilbi at paglilingkod sa masa lalo’t ang rehiyon ang isa sa mga malubhang sinalanta ng naturang bagyo. Gawing simple na lamang ang pagdiriwang ng anibersaryo at pangunahing ilaan ang rekurso sa muling pagbangon ng kabuhayan at tahanan ng nasalantang mamamayan. ###

https://cpp.ph/statement/mgc-npa-st-mahigpit-na-tutupdin-ang-unilateral-at-magkatugong-deklarasyon-ng-ndfp-grp-sa-tigil-putukan/

CPP/CPP-Soouthern Tagalog: Armando Cienfuego, nagpapatuloy na Tinig ng Rebolusyon sa Timog Katagalugan

CPP-Soouthern Tagalog propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 24, 2019): Armando Cienfuego, nagpapatuloy na Tinig ng Rebolusyon sa Timog Katagalugan

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

KOMITENG REHIYON

TIMOG KATAGALUGAN

DECEMBER 24, 2019

Itinalaga ng Komiteng Rehiyon sa Timog Katagalugan (KRTK) si Kasamang Armando Cienfuego bilang bagong tagapagsalita ng Melito Glor Command — New People’s Army Southern Tagalog (MGC — NPA ST).

Ayon kay Kasamang Armando, “Tinatanggap ko ang hamon sa paggampan ng tungkulin na naiwan ni Kasamang Jaime ‘Diego’ Padilla at sa pamana na sinimulan ni Kasamang Gregorio ‘Ka Roger’ Rosal sa TK.“

Dagdag ni Kasamang Armando, “Isang karangalan ang maging boses ng mga inaapi at pinagsasamantalahang uri at sektor sa rehiyon upang maiparating sa buong bayan ang kanilang kalagayan at pagnanais na kamtin ang pagbabago sa pamamagitan ng rebolusyon. Ganundin, karangalan na maging tagapamandila ng mga mensahe ng rebolusyon at sa gayon ay maging tagapagpatuloy ng tinig nito sa buong rehiyon”

Handa rin si Kasamang Armando na labanan at ilantad ang mga itim na propaganda at pekeng balita na kinakalat ng AFP-PNP at ng rehimeng US-Duterte sa loob ng bansa.

Samantala, ang pagkakahirang kay Kasamang Armando bilang bagong tagapagsalita ng MGC — NPA ST ay nagpapasubali sa lason, disoryentasyon at saywar na kinakalat ng AFP-PNP na humihina na ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa Timog Katagalugan. Kabaliktaran, lalung lumalakas at nag-aalab ang diwa’t kapasyahang dalhin ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa TK sa bago at mas mataas na antas sa kabila ng pansamantalang mga pinsala.

https://cpp.ph/statement/armando-cienfuego-nagpapatuloy-na-tinig-ng-rebolusyon-sa-timog-katagalugan/

CPP/NDF-Bicol: Nagpapatuloy na operasyon ng 9th IDPA sa mga larangang gerilya, paglabag sa sariling tigil-putukan! Aksyon ng Pulang hukbo, bahagi ng aktibong depensa

NDF-Bicol propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 24, 2019): Nagpapatuloy na operasyon ng 9th IDPA sa mga larangang gerilya, paglabag sa sariling tigil-putukan! Aksyon ng Pulang hukbo, bahagi ng aktibong depensa

RAYMUNDO BUENFUERZA

NPA-BICOL REGION

ROMULO JALLORES COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

DECEMBER 24, 2019

Mahigpit na pinapabulaanan ng Romulo Jallores Command-NPA Bikol ang pahayag ng 9th IDPA na lumabag ang NPA sa reciprocal at unilateral na deklarasyon ng tigil-putukan ng CPP-NPA-NDFP na sumasaklaw mula Nobyembre 23 hanggang Enero 7. Ang napabalitang aksyon ng Pulang Hukbo laban sa nag-ooperasyong yunit ng militar sa Baay, Labo, Camarines Norte ay bahagi ng aktibong depensa ng NPA sa panahon ng tigil-putukan laban sa anumang patraydor na hakbangin ng militar at pulis.

Maliban sa pagtigil at pag-iwas sa pagsasagawa ng mga opensibang kampanya laban sa mga unipormadong pwersa ng AFP at PNP at pagpapahintulot sa pagbisita o bakasyon ng mga tauhan ng AFP at PNP sa kanilang mga pamilya at kamag-anak na nasa saklaw ng mga larangang gerilya ng BHB, pinananatili ng BHB ang lahat ng mga gawaing pampulitika at pangmilitar nito sa postura ng aktibong depensa. Ang aktibong depensa ay matamang ipinatutupad ng NPA upang patuloy na mapanghawakan ang inisyatiba sa harap ng mga probokatibo at pataksil na hakbangin ng militar at pulis.

Pinaiiral ng BHB ang aktibong depensa at pagmamatyag laban sa anumang opensibang operasyon, mapandigmang kilos, probokasyon at iba pang patraydor na mga hakbangin at aksyong militar ng kaaway. Ikinukubli ng militar at pulis ang kanilang mga operasyong paniktik at pangkombat bilang “peace & development”, “civil-military”, “peace & order”, “anti-droga”, “medical-mission” at “pagpapatupad ng batas”.

Sa kaso ng insidente sa Labo, Camarines Norte, isa ang barangay ng Baay sa 13 baryong nasa ilalim ng Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) ng 9th IDPA at mayroong presensya ng mga nanggagalugad na militar bago pa man ang deklarasyon ng tigil-putukan. Matagal nang nag-ooperasyon ang mga militar sa naturang erya. Nang maganap ang labanan, wala sa proseso ng pagpull-out ang mga militar bagkus sila ay nagpapatuloy ng kanilang mga aktibidad sa ilalim ng RCSP. Wala ring detatsment ang militar sa naturang barangay kung kaya walang dahilan upang manatili roon ang kaaway sa panahon ng tigil-putukan.

Sa harap ng malaking kaswalting kanilang tinamo mula sa matagumpay na pagdepensa ng Pulang Hukbo, hindi naman nakapagtatakang magpalusot na lamang ang militar at paratangang lumabag sa tigil-putukan ang NPA. Ngunit sala-salabad na ang kasinungalingan ng 9th IDPA. Sa pagtatakip nila sa katotohanang patuloy pa ring nag-ooperasyon ang kanilang mga yunit, lumalabas tuloy na mayroong internal na problema ang militar sa kanilang koordinasyon. Ano’t noon lamang nila ipupull-out ang kanilang tropa? Ibig bang sabihin nito ay hindi maayos ang koordinasyon nila sa kanilang mga yunit at walang alam ang kanilang panig na magkakaroon ng tigil-putukan?

Kung mayroon mang paglabag sa tigil-putukan, iyon ay sa panig ng 9th IDPA. Itinuturing na paglabag sa sariling unilateral ceasefire ng GRP ang pagpapatuloy ng mga operasyong RCSP sa balangkas ng Oplan Kapanatagan, pananatili ng mga pwersa ng kaaway sa saklaw ng mga larangang gerilya, kabilang na ang pagpwesto sa mga kabahayan, eskwelahan, klinika, bahay-dasalan, barangay hall, pagpapratulya sa komunidad, paggalugad ng mga bukirin at bundok.

https://cpp.ph/statement/nagpapatuloy-na-operasyon-ng-9th-idpa-sa-mga-larangang-gerilya-paglabag-sa-sariling-tigil-putukan-aksyon-ng-pulang-hukbo-bahagi-ng-aktibong-depensa/

Kalinaw News: Drug suspects caught in JTFC Law Enforcement Operations

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 24, 2019): Drug suspects caught in JTFC Law Enforcement Operations (By 601st Infantry Brigade)



CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Combined elements of the 90IB under the 601st BDE of the JTFC and the MPS Talitay arrested two suspects in possession of suspected illegal drugs and drug paraphernalias in a checkpoint at Brgy Kiladap, Talitay Municipality yesterday morning December 20, 2019.

The two suspects Mr Salim Usop and Mr Mohamad Sanday of Talitay were caught with 2 heat sealed transparent sachets containing suspected to be shabu weighing more or less 20 grams with street value of ten thousand five hundred pesos and drug paraphernalia.

“The JTFC military will continue to support law enforcements agencies in implementing the anti-illegal drugs campaign of the government. We will never waver and will pursue the groups behind this illegal drugs menace in Central Mindanao”. JTF Central Commander Maj. Gen. Diosdado C. Carreon said.

The suspects are currently at the custody of MPS Talitay for proper disposition and filing of appropriate charges.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/drug-suspects-caught-in-jtfc-law-enforcement-operations/

Kalinaw News: Authorities in full control of situation amid explosions in Central Mindanao

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 24, 2019): Authorities in full control of situation amid explosions in Central Mindanao (By 6th Infantry Division - Kampilan)



CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Government troops of JTFC and 6ID responded to series of explosions and IED attacks in various places of Central Mindanao on 22 December 2019.

A grenade exploded along Sinsuat avenue near the NDBC and DXMS radio station at around 6:00 pm. The grenade was thrown towards a military vehicle ferrying troops of the 6ID. Wounded in the explosion were 8 soldiers of the Division Recon Company augmented to TF Cotabato for security purposes in Cotabato City. Four civilians were also reportedly wounded during the explosion.

A suspected IED was also discovered in a vehicle during the security cordon near the explosion site. EOD personnel immediately disrupted the IED and recovered the explosive for proper disposition.

Another explosion occured around 6:35 pm at Poblacion, Libungan Municipality, North Cotabato which resulted in the wounding of five civilians. Troops of 34IB under 602IBDE immediately responded and cordoned the explosion site. It was during this security cordon of the troops that another explosion near the first explosion occured. No one was hurt during the second explosion. Fragments of mortar rounds were recovered by the EOD team while inspecting the explosion site.

Another explosion rocked the town of North Upi at around 8:50pm from a suspected IED which injured a civilian and caused damage to properties. Troops of the 6IB, 603IBDE immediately responded and cordoned the area while responding EOD teams secured the explosion site for possible improvised explosive devices planted in the nearby areas.

“The JTFC and 6ID together with the PNP and the LGU of Cotabato City, Libungan and North Upi are on top of the situation and are closely working together with the LGU’s of the concerned city and municipalities in extending help to the wounded during the incidents. We will not waver in our efforts to continue our mandated duty to protect the lives and properties of the residents of Cotabato City and Central Mindanao. Rest assured that the JTFC and 6ID will double our efforts to bring about security especially in these holiday season.” said MGen Diosdado C Carreon, 6ID and JTFC Commander.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/authorities-in-full-control-of-situation-amid-explosions-in-central-mindanao/

Kalinaw News: 90 IP families in Agusan del Norte benefited from Army’s 402nd Brigade Christmas caroling

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 24, 2019): 90 IP families in Agusan del Norte benefited from Army’s 402nd Brigade Christmas caroling (By 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade)

Bancasi, Butuan City – In line with the Christmas season and the celebration of the 84th Armed Forces of the Philippines Founding Anniversary, the Army’s 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade caroled Butuanons for the benefit of the Mamanwa Communities in Brgy Bangonay of Jabonga and Hinimbangan of Kitcharao, all of Agusan del Norte yesterday, December 21, 2019.

On board a military truck from December 11 to 17, 2019, the Stingers Band of 402nd Brigade roamed around the City and serenaded the Butuanons with Christmas carols to raise funds for the identified beneficiary community within the Brigade area of responsibility as a way of celebrating Christmas and demonstrating the joy of giving highlighting the AFPs commitment and duty to serve the people in time with its 84th Founding Anniversary.

Mr Reynante Desiata, Butuan City Administrator, warmly welcomed the Stingers Carolers in Butuan City Hall as employees joyfully watched and joined the singing and dancing during the Christmas caroling. “Christmas season is really in the air! In the midst of the challenges in life, this kind of activity lightened up our day to day grind in our works. We commit and support this endeavor as we trust the AFP in its quest to provide for our unfortunate ‘Kababayans’ this season of giving.”

Team Stingers in collaboration with Ms Jane Pansacala of the Department of Agrarian Reform Caraga provided Christmas gift packs for the undertaking. Likewise, troops and other benevolent individuals initiated a donation drive for used clothing as additional gifts, for our less fortunate brothers and sisters this Christmas.

“A total of ninety (90) families from the IP communities in Brgys Bangonay and Hinimbangan benefited the Pamaskong Handog ng 402nd Brigade which also complemented my personal advocacy to really provide in our own little ways, joy and smile for our underprivileged brothers and sisters this yuletide season. We were able to give food packs, spaghetti bundle, used clothing and seedlings from DAR. I really thank General Licudine and his troops from 402nd Brigade for committing and supporting this endeavor. Truly it is the AFP we can always rely upon and trust”, Ms Jane Pansacala said.

Datu Jose Francis Rogoy of Sitio Inayao of Bgry Bangonay said, “Nalipay ko kaayo og dako kay kamo nagtabang ilabina sako katawhan sakong tribu nga mga Mamanwa. Kamo gyud ang una nga nianhi og nitabang bisan pa sa kalisod. Walay mahitabo kaninyo diri og kami naningkamot nga kami tanan musuporta sa gobyerno”. Likewise, Haide Demolde of Sitio Tagbuaya, Brgy Bangonay also expressed her deep appreciation to the little things the soldiers have shared with them. In vernacular she said, “Dako kayo ang akong kalipay bisan pa gamay ra ni nga butang tungod kay naa pay goberyno nga nagpakabana kanamo”.

Meanwhile, 402nd Brigadier Commander, Brigadier General Maurito L Licudine, said “This is the true picture that the people experience from our soldiers in Mindanao. Always finding ways to serve the people and ensure positive moments amidst trials we face against the terrorist and lawless elements such as the CPP-NPA Terrorist (CNT) lurking around always looking for an opportunity to sow terror and threat to our people”.

“We thank the people of Butuan, the Regional agencies and Provincial LGUs to include the LGU of Butuan City and other nearby municipalities in amiably sharing their blessings for the benefit of our underprivileged communities”, BGen Licudine added.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/90-ip-families-in-agusan-del-norte-benefited-from-armys-402nd-brigade-christmas-caroling/

Kalinaw News: Statement by Mayor Inday Sara Duterte on Christmas truce and reopening of peace talk with NDFP

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 23, 2019): Statement by Mayor Inday Sara Duterte on Christmas truce and reopening of peace talk with NDFP (By Kalinaw News)

We respectfully caution the Duterte administration over its move to reopen the peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

While the declaration of Christmas truce and the prospects to reopen formal peace negotiations are acts of goodwill on the part of the Duterte government, demonstrating its strong political will to resolve the insurgency problem plaguing some parts of the country for the past years, we must be always reminded by the evil character and duplicitous nature of NDFP and its revolutionary organization, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA).

Why the past peace negotiations sorely failed could only be blamed on the countless criminal acts and treachery of NDFP-CPP-NPA — displayed even during times when ceasefires were supposed to be in place.

As spoilers of peace, we believe that the Christmas truce will be used by the terrorist groups as an opportunity to regain communities previously cleared of their presence, consolidate their forces, and derail the progress of existing government rural development projects.

With this, we ask the Duterte government to exclude Davao City from the scope of the Christmas ceasefire with these terrorists. We also seek the same once the national government pursues the reopening of the formal peace negotiations.

We reiterate that these moves, however commendable, are useless and deleterious to the accomplishments of our local peace initiative, the Peace 911.

Peace 911 is a comprehensive peace-building program of the Davao City government for conflict-affected areas of the city. It is primarily focused in Paquibato District and Barangay Dominga in Calinan District, areas identified as stronghold of the NPA terrorists.

From June to December 2019, the program has successfully sprung Paquibato District and Barangay Dominga from the shackles of the NPA terrorists. Paquibato is dominated by Ata-Manobo natives.

The civilian-led peace group has opened roads and bridges, health centers, and schools. It also capacitated lumads by introducing Peace Economy, which helped farmers receive proper literacy on farming and marketing — linking them directly to buyers.

For the first time in many years, people were given access to government agencies and non-government organizations that could help in the development of their communities — the Cooperative Development Authority, Department of Trade and Industry, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Social Work and Development.

More and more NPA members and their supporters are also turning themselves into the government through the program.

To be covered by the ceasefire or the peace negotiations will only disrupt and threaten the gains of our process of peace and development in these communities formerly controlled by the terrorists.

For these terrorist organizations, sincerity is a strange word. To believe that they desire a peaceful end to the insurgency problem would be playing ignorant of their bloody habit — how they slaughtered countless civilians in the past and made many countryside communities suffer from poverty and underdevelopment, and blaming the government for it.

These groups manipulate and turn communities to rise against the government, propagate fear, inflict abuses, extort, and execute and murder civilians through its deranged brand of revolutionary justice.

These and more are the reason why these groups are called terrorists. And we should never negotiate with terrorists.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/statement-by-mayor-inday-sara-duterte-on-christmas-truce-and-reopening-of-peace-talk-with-ndfp/

Kalinaw News: NPA attacked anew after declaring truce: A double-edged sword

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 23, 2019): NPA attacks anew after declaring truce: A double-edged sword (By 3rd Infantry Division)

CAMP LAPULAPU, Cebu City— It was less than a day after the Communist Party of the Philippines has declared a unilateral ceasefire that started midnight of December 23, 2019 until January 7, 2020, another terroristic action was again decietfully launched by the NPA Terror group against the government forces early today along Brgy Singon, Tubungan town of Iloilo.

The PNP, on board their patrol vehicle were pulling out in the area following the order of Suspension of Police Operation (SOPO) when the terror group detonated an Anti-Personnel Mine along Brgy Singon of the said town. Two PNP personnel were wounded but were able to get out from the kill zone.

MGen Roberto Ancan, Commander, Central Command, Armed Forces of the Philippines condemned the incident and has ensured communities will be secured from all kinds of threat posed by this terror group. He said, “This another atrocity proves the duplicitous talking of these terror organization that after they’ve demanded peace, they deceitfully attacked our troops. They’ve done it again. But this time the whole world is watching and are seeing the real intention of their leaders who are asking for peace— full of lies and deceit.”

“They demand for peace but their actions speaks otherwise. We cannot let them (NPAs) roam around and lord over the lives of our peace-loving people. Our role is to protect our people and secure their communities from these terrorists.”

It can be recalled that in 2016, President Duterte has been underlining in all his speeches that there should be compelling reasons to return to the negotiating table. The NPA must show their sincerity on ending all kinds of violence in the area such as economic sabotage, extortion activities, terrorizing and killing people.

“As we have been repeatedly saying in every peactalks, we view it with guarded optimism. But then again people must be aware of peace spoilers. Just like what happened early today. We have enough reasons to believe including the revelations of their former comrades that the CPP-NPA-NDF does not really intend to make peace with the government but to overthrow the whole government and establish a revolutionary form that will be ruled by these bunch of criminals.” MGen Ancan concluded.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/npa-attacked-anew-after-declaring-truce-a-double-edged-sword/

Kalinaw News: Communist terrorists, attack soldiers in Camarines Norte despite Christmas truce

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 23, 2019): Communist terrorists, attack soldiers in Camarines Norte despite Christmas truce (By 9th Infantry Division)

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur-Members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) launched another violent attack against the military hours after the declaration of Suspension of Military Operations (SOMO) Monday, December 23.

According to the report, one platoon of 92nd Division Reconnaisance Company (92DRC) was supposed to conduct security operation but was pulled out in compliance with the existing SOMO which took effect from 12AM of December 23 until January 7, 2020.

However, while on their way back at Barangay Baay of Labo town around 9 o’clock in the morning today, an undetermined number of communist terrorists fired upon them and detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) killing one (1) and wounding (6) six militay personnel.

Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB) under MGEN FERNANDO TRINIDAD AFP condemned the CTG’s treacherous act and their gross violation of the ceasefire.

The use of IED on the other hand is also a clear violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).

Gen. Trinidad expressed his strong disappointment with the terrorist group’s defiance of the agreed Christmas truce which aims to give Bicolanos a peaceful way to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

This action is a clear manifestation of their deceptive and ill motives as well as their use of terror and violence to show their strength which, for so long a time, hampers the government’s campaign to attain sustainable peace and development.

It can be recalled that Communist Party of the Philippines Central Committee was the first to declare a truce and called all its guerilla units nationwide to suspend military operations which took effect right after the government’s declaration of SOMO and Suspension of Police Operations (SOPO).

JTFB maintain its stand to comply with the ceasefire and assured the public that it will not compromise their safety and security hence all military units are still on alert to preempt any atrocities that the CTG’s plan to spread.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/communist-terrorists-attack-soldiers-in-camnorte-despite-christmas-truce/

Eastmincom cites decline in encounter with Reds

From Politiko Mindanao (Dec 24, 2019): Eastmincom cites decline in encounter with Reds



The military’s Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) has recorded a downward trend in the number of atrocities with the communist New People’s Army (NPA).

According to Eastmincom, there were 45 atrocities recorded in the first quarter of 2018 (1Q18), 38 in 2Q18, 46 in 3Q18, 28 in 4Q18, 23 in 1Q19, 24 in 2Q19, 17 in 3Q19, down to nine in 4Q19.

“This is attributed to the surrender of 696 regular NPA members, the arrest of 85, and the death of 56 others during encounters,” it said.

The reduction in rebels’ firearms was also a big factor, military said, citing that for 2019, a total of 689 firearms were surrendered, while 364 were captured during encounters.

It also cited the continuous loss of mass base and space, with 6,283 mass supporters and members of the underground mass organization dissociating themselves and severing their ties with the Maoist group.

An overwhelming number of local government units – nine provinces, four cities, 46 municipalities, and 24 organizations in the whole area of the Eastmincom–declared the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) as persona non grata, forcing the latter to be mobile and to consolidate in the political boundaries of the provinces, it added.

“Sadly, there were 17 soldiers, 15 CAFGU active auxiliaries, and three PNP (Philippine National Police) members who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of peace in the Eastmincom area,” military said.

With the improved security situation, Eastmincom said it expects a faster delivery of services in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) and former conflict-affected areas.

It also noted the effective implementation of Executive Order No. 70 or the Whole-of-Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) that addresses the non-military dimensions of insurgency which is being operationalize at all levels by the different LGUs in the Command’s area of responsibility.

https://mindanao.politics.com.ph/eastmincom-cites-decline-in-encounter-with-reds/

TFD sends soldiers to churches ahead of mass

From the Mindanao Times (Dec 23, 2019): TFD sends soldiers to churches ahead of mass (By Rhoda Grace Saron)

Following the series of explosions in Cotabato and Maguindanao, the Task Force Davao (TFD) has imposed strengthen security measures in churches.

Col. Consolito Yecla said troopers will be deployed at the churches early – at least 30 minutes before the start of mass.

The “pro-active measures” aims to check any possible means of emplacing Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in the surrounding of the churches.

In the three blasts that hit the island on Sunday, one exploded few meters from the Immaculate Conception Cathedral that wounded 14 persons, seven of them soldiers and seven civilians, along Sinsuat Avenue, Cotabato City at around 6 p.m. Sunday (see related story on page 2).

“We emphasized on early deployment,” Yecla said. The early position of soldiers outside the church will counter attempt by the terrorists to place EID.

“We have coordinated with the police and its auxiliary guarding the gate of the churches,” Yecla said.

While police officers are inspections bags and other portable containers of churchgoers at the gate, TFD soldiers are detailed outside the church to inspect civilians carrying backpacks and wearing jackets to prevent suicide bombing and grenade throwing.

Earlier, the TFD is urging church workers to do their part in securing their respective churches.

The Davao City Police Office also imposed a one-entrance, one-exit program to deter the entry of criminals and terrorists.
https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2019/12/24/tfd-sends-soldiers-to-churches-ahead-of-mass/

Lanao Sur municipal police chief killed in ambush

From MindaNews (Dec 24, 2019): Lanao Sur municipal police chief killed in ambush (By FERDINANDH B. CABRERA)

The police chief of the municipality of Binidayan in Lanao del Sur and a village watchman were killed in a daring ambush that turned into a fierce exchange of fire early Tuesday evening in the same town.

Binidayan, Lanao del Sur. Map courtesy of Google

Col. Madzgani Mukaram, Lanao del Sur police chief, confirmed the death of Executive Master Sergeant Amen Lucman Macalanggan, his former close aide and driver, who was officer-in-charge of Binidayan police.

A member of the Barangay Police Action Team (BPAT) was also killed, while a patrolman and a non-uniformed personnel survived the attack.

The incident took place around 6:30 p.m. “It’s really work-related after his series of law enforcement operations during his short stint as municipal officer-in-charge,” Mukaram said.

He added that Macalanggan had shown his gallant bravery as he drew his firearms and fired against armed perpetrators despite wounds inflicted from the first burst of fire until he was overpowered by his enemies while taking cover behind the tires of his police car.

Mukaram said that in Macalanggan’s short stay of three weeks as town police chief, he had shown tremendous accomplishments, like running after illegal logging activities and confiscation of carnapped vehicles and contrabands, and among others.

Macalanggan came from the yearend meeting of the provincial police office in Marawi City where he showcased his accomplishments, Mukaram said.

The slain police officer, who is in his middle 40s, was a former Marine officer before he joined the Philippine National Police.

This was the second attempt on his life; the first was in Balabagan town, also in Lanao del Sur, years ago.

Mukaram vowed justice to his fallen former aide. (Ferdinandh Cabrera / MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2019/12/lanao-sur-municipal-police-chief-killed-in-ambush/

Series of attacks in South disturb yuletide season

From the Mindanao Examiner (Dec 24, 2019): Series of attacks in South disturb yuletide season

COTABATO CITY – Gunmen ambushed Tuesday the deputy mayor of Shariff Aguak town in the restive Muslim province of Maguindanao, police said.

Police said Akmad Mitra was travelling in a car in his hometown when armed men opened fire that seriously left him wounded.

No individual or group claimed responsibility for the ambush, but it was the third attack since Monday in the region. 

Ambushers also killed the municipal police chief of Binidayan town in neighboring Lanao del Sur.

Executive Master Sergeant Amen Lucman Macalangan and his driver were both slain in the ambush in Pagayawan town, but 2 others survived the attack, according to Colonel Madzgani Mukaram, the provincial police commander.

He said the victims were on their way to the police headquarters from an earlier meeting in Marawi City. “Macalangan and his driver, his trusted BPAT (Barangay Police Action Team) of Binidayan, Ramel Pangcatan, died when ambushed last night. They were on their way to Binidayan from a weekly oversight meeting at the provincial police headquarters in Marawi City,” Mukaram said.

The two attacks coincided with the ambush of an army patrol in Cotabato City that left at least 8 soldiers wounded. Military officials blamed the attack on pro-ISIS militants fighting for the establishment of a caliphate in the mineral-rich, but dangerous region of Mindanao.

Several civilians were also wounded in separate bomb explosions in North Cotabato’s Libungan and North Upi towns.

https://mindanaoexaminer.com/series-of-attacks-in-south-disturb-yuletide-season/

Sara cautions vs. reopening talks with Reds after deadly attacks

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 24, 2019): Sara cautions vs. reopening talks with Reds after deadly attacks (By Danilo Adorador, III)



Davao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte. (PNA file photo)

DAVAO CITY -- Mayor Sara Z. Duterte has cautioned the government against reopening talks with communist rebels after a string of deadly attacks believed to have been perpetrated by the New People's Army (NPA).

In a statement on Monday, Mayor Sara also asked the national government to exclude Davao City from the Christmas truce, which began on December 23 and would last until January 7 next year.

"We respectfully caution the Duterte administration over its move to reopen the peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP)," she said, warning the government of the "evil character and duplicitous nature" of the communist rebel movement.
"While the declaration of (the) Christmas truce and the prospects to reopen formal peace negotiations are acts of goodwill on the part of the Duterte government, demonstrating its strong political will to resolve the insurgency problem plaguing some parts of the country for the past years, we must be always reminded by the evil character and duplicitous nature of (the) NDFP and its revolutionary organization, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA)," Mayor Sara added.

The NDFP is the political wing of the CPP, which represents the rebels in peace negotiations.

Just hours after the ceasefire went into effect, however, suspected NPA bomb attacks in Iloilo and Camarines Norte killed a soldier and wounded at least eight others.

Maj. Gen. Fernando Trinidad, commander of Joint Task Force Bicolandia, blamed the NPA for the "treacherous” attack that occurred while members of the Philippine Army’s 92nd Division Reconnaissance Company were withdrawing from initial deployment.

Sara noted that previous deadly attacks carried out by the NPA had effectively scuttled the prospects for peace negotiations.

"Why the past peace negotiations sorely failed could only be blamed on the countless criminal acts and treachery of (the) NDFP-CPP-NPA — displayed even during times when ceasefires were supposed to be in place," she said.

Sara described such attacks as "spoilers of peace," saying that "the Christmas truce will be used by the terrorist groups as an opportunity to regain communities previously cleared of their presence, consolidate their forces, and derail the progress of existing government rural development projects."

If at all, she said, the truce, "however commendable," has only proven to be "useless and deleterious to the accomplishments of our local peace initiative, the Peace 911."

Peace 911 is a comprehensive peace-building program of the Davao City government for conflict-affected areas of the city. It is primarily focused on Paquibato District and Barangay Dominga in Calinan District, areas identified as NPA strongholds.

From June to December this year, the program had successfully sprung Paquibato District and Barangay Dominga from the shackles of the NPA terrorists. Paquibato is dominated by Ata-Manobo natives.

Sara noted that the civilian-led peace group has opened roads and bridges, health centers, and schools. It also capacitated Indigenous Peoples IPs) by introducing Peace Economy, which helped farmers receive proper literacy in farming and marketing, linking them directly to buyers.

"For the first time in many years, people were given access to government agencies and non-government organizations that could help in the development of their communities — the Cooperative Development Authority, Department of Trade and Industry, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Social Work and Development," she said.

Sara also said an increasing number of NPA members and their supporters have been turning themselves to the government through the program.

"To be covered by the ceasefire or the peace negotiations will only disrupt and threaten the gains of our process of peace and development in these communities formerly controlled by the terrorists," she said.

She also described the CPP-NPA-NDFP as "terrorist organizations" to whom "sincerity is a strange word."

"To believe that they desire a peaceful end to the insurgency problem would be playing ignorant of their bloody habit — how they slaughtered countless civilians in the past and made many countryside communities suffer from poverty and underdevelopment, and blaming the government for it," Sara said. "These and more are the reason why these groups are called terrorists. And we should never negotiate with terrorists."

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089429

Lanao Sur town police chief, driver killed in ambush

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 24, 2019): Lanao Sur town police chief, driver killed in ambush (By Divina Suson)



AMBUSHED. The bullet-riddled police patrol car of Binidayan Municipal Station after an ambush in Pagayawan, Lanao del Sur, past 6 p.m. Monday (Dec. 23). The town police chief, Executive Master Sgt. Amen Lucman Macalangan, and his driver, died on the spot. (Photo courtesy of Lanao del Sur Provincial Police Office)

A police chief and his driver were killed during an ambush by armed men past 6 p.m. Monday Pagayawan town, Lanao del Sur, an official said.

Lanao del Sur police director, Col. Madzgani Mukaram, identified the police officer as Executive Master Sgt. Amen Lucman Macalangan, the police chief of Binidayan town, while the driver is identified as Ramel Pangcatan.

Murakam said their two companions on the vehicle--police non-uniform personnel Asliah Adiong and another police, Patrolman Nasser Arafat-- were unhurt.

Mukaram said the victims were returning to Binidayan from a weekly oversight meeting at the provincial police headquarters in Marawi City when they were waylaid.

The ambush area, LtC. Ian Noel Ignes, commander of the Army's 55th Infantry Battalion said, is a national road that is 400 to 500 meters from a Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit detachment.

Ignes said few days after Macalangan was assigned as officer-in-charge of the Binidayan town police, the latter had sought help from the military after he received threats that his police station would be harassed because of the smuggled cigarettes and illegal logs the police had seized.

Mukaram said the owner of the confiscated smuggled cigarettes is now a person of interest in the case.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089438

Iloilo town denounces Red's Yuletide attack

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 24, 2019): Iloilo town denounces Red's Yuletide attack
(By Gail Momblan)



REDS UNWELCOME. Tubungan Mayor Roquito Tacsagon on Tuesday (Dec. 24, 2019) plans to declare the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) unwelcome following the attack on police officers in Singon village on Monday. Tacsagon said the Municipal Peace and Order Council of Tubungan will convene on Dec. 27 for the declaration. (PNA photo by Gail Momblan)

ILOILO CITY -- The mayor of Tubungan town, Iloilo said he will push for the declaration of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) as persona non grata following the ambush in Singon village on Monday.

In a press conference at Tubungan municipal hall on Tuesday, Mayor Roquito Tacsagon condemned the attack by the rebels against the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (1st PMFC) using an anti-personnel mine.

The police were on their way back to the headquarters after the declaration of the bilateral ceasefire between the government and the CPP-NPA when they were ambushed.

Two police officers were injured during the attack.

“We condemn the activity of the rebels given that the ceasefire was effective already at midnight (of December 2 to 3), but their action has affected the people, economy, and the tourism in the town,” Tacsagon said.

He had called on the town’s board members immediately after the incident on Monday to come up with countermeasures on the peace and order problem.

Tacsagon said they agreed to convene the Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) on Friday to declare the rebels persona non grata.

He said insurgency is considered as the "perennial" problem in Tubungan and it is high time to declare the Reds unwelcome.

“In my six months term, I do not want that the problem in the past will return, that Tubungan was known to be infested by the CPP-NPA. We are working on steps to address insurgency,” he said.

He estimated that there are around nine to 11 upland villages affected by the presence of the rebels.

Recruitment was also monitored, he said, as rebels approach and influence young farmers to join the armed struggle.

With the declaration of the Reds unwelcome, Tacsagon said the town is promoting peace.

“We in the local government of Tubungan is ready to welcome surrenderers. They still have time to return to the fold of the government and the government will not neglect you. I also appeal to them not to make our town a playing ground because this is not the solution for genuine peace,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Joel Benedict Batara, commander of the 61st Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, welcomes the plan of Tubungan to declare the CPP-NPA persona non grata.

“If they declare the communist terrorists persona non-grata, down the line, the village chiefs will be more motivated and they will see it as a driving force on their part. They will not hesitate to support the move of the municipal task force in ending local communist armed conflict,” Batara said in the same press conference.

He said the Army has consistently coordinated with the Philippine National Police to secure Tubungan town.

In the remaining days of the ceasefire, the commander said they could not predict any harassment by the CPP-NPA.

He said the guidelines of the ceasefire were disseminated up to the lowest unit of the troops an assured the Philippine Army respects the guidelines.

"The guidelines are strict that there will be no combat operations but we are not tied to defend ourselves and the community because we have to do our mandate,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089452

Maguindanao vice mayor, escort hurt in ambush

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 24, 2019): Maguindanao vice mayor, escort hurt in ambush (By Edwin Fernandez)



AMBUSHED. The bullet-riddled vehicle of Shariff Aguak Vice Mayor Akmad Ampatuan after he was ambushed along the national highway on Tuesday (Dec. 24, 2019). An escort of the vice mayor was also wounded in the incident. (Photo courtesy of Shariff Aguak MPS)

SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao – Unidentified gunmen riding on a motorbike ambushed Tuesday Vice Mayor Akmad M. Ampatuan of Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao, police said.

Technical Sgt. Omar Dirangaren, Shariff Aguak police desk officer, said Ampatuan, the father of Shariff Aguak Mayor Marop Ampatuan, was on board a red Toyota Innova(LFT-737) heading home from the town hall when the suspects opened fire around 1 p.m. along the national highway in Barangay Poblacion.

Ampatuan and his escort were injured and were rushed to the Maguindanao provincial hospital and later transferred to an undisclosed hospital in nearby Sultan Kudarat.

“Investigation is still going on,” Dirangaren said.

The motive and identities of the attackers remained unknown as of posting time, police said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089462

Duterte visits soldiers wounded in Mindanao blasts

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 24, 2019): Duterte visits soldiers wounded in Mindanao blasts (By Azer Parrocha)



PRRD VISITS SOLDIERS. President Rodrigo R. Duterte confers the Order of Lapu-Lapu Rank of Kampilan on one of the wounded soldiers he visited at the Camp Siongco Station Hospital in Maguindanao on Monday (Dec. 23, 2019). Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go joined President Duterte in his visit. (Presidential photo by Toto Lozano)

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday visited soldiers who were wounded after a series of blasts rocked Central Mindanao on Sunday.

Photos released by Malacañang showed Duterte personally checking the condition of wounded-in-action (WIA) soldiers at the Camp Siongco Station Hospital in Maguindanao.

His visit took place after he led the distribution of the certificates of land ownership award (CLOA) to qualified agrarian reform beneficiaries coming from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The President conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu Rank of Kampilan on the soldiers.

The Order of Lapu-Lapu is given to those “deserving of merit and recognition and to fully express the President’s appreciation of the Filipino people’s contributions to the success of the campaigns and the programs of the government.”

He also extended assistance to their families.
Reports showed that at least 23 individuals, including nine soldiers, were wounded in the series of explosions, nine days before martial law in Mindanao expires on December 31.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo earlier condemned the attacks, assuring that the government would "pursue the perpetrators" and "crush all evil forces or enemies of the state, as well as their supporters."

“Any attempt to sow fear, hatred, and violence is doomed to fail," Panelo said.

ASSISTANCE. President Rodrigo Duterte extends assistance to the family of one of the wounded soldiers he visited at the Camp Siongco Station Hospital in Maguindanao. (Presidential photo by Toto Lozano)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) suspected the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) to be behind the explosions.

The BIFF is an offshoot of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which is now in power in the newly-established Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The BARMM replaces the now-defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao following the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law that is anchored on the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro government inked between the national government and the MILF in 2014.

Despite the explosions, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it will not recommend an extension of martial law in Mindanao.

Earlier, Duterte said he was willing to allow the BARMM to have its armed forces to "kill terrorists" who threatened the region’s development.

“To be honest, when you are already evolved into something regional and you have your own armed forces or police, I will agree to let you bear arms. But you know you have to kill the terrorists,” he said during the distribution of CLOAs in Cotabato City.

Panelo later clarified that the BARMM used to have a security force overseen by the AFP and the PNP.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089439

Shortlist for AFP chief’s successor now being created

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 24, 2019): Shortlist for AFP chief’s successor now being created (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Noel Clement

A shortlist on the possible successor of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief-of-Staff Gen. Noel Clement is being drawn up, military spokesperson, Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, said Monday.

The list, Arevalo said, will be forwarded to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who will then give it to President Rodrigo R. Duterte.
"All of the recommendees possess the character, the competence, managerial expertise, leadership and the respect of our troops (which is needed) to follow the (AFP) Transformation Roadmap," he said.

Clement was appointed AFP chief last September 24. He is scheduled to retire early January when he reaches the mandatory military retirement age of 56.

Clement, a member of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1985, succeeded his classmate, Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr., who left the service after reaching the mandatory military retirement age.

The AFP chief was born Jan. 5, 1964 in Lipa, Batangas.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089423

AFP to be more vigilant, alert despite truce with Reds

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 24, 2019): AFP to be more vigilant, alert despite truce with Reds (By Priam Nepomuceno) 



AFP spokesperson, Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief-of-Staff Gen. Noel Clement has directed all front-line military unit commanders to intensify their intelligence-gathering activities to foil possible attacks of communist rebels during the holiday truce.

"Front-line unit commanders are ordered to be extra vigilant and their personnel very cautious and intensify intelligence gathering about possible attacks as they conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster response during calamities or other non-combat missions from quarters who are out to sabotage the truce during the period," military spokesperson, Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, said in a statement Monday.

The ceasefire took effect midnight on Monday and will end at 11:59 p.m. on January 7 next year.

Clement also ordered all field commanders to faithfully observe the unilateral and reciprocal ceasefire with the Communist Party of the Philippine - New People's Army - National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) declared by President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

The CPP-NPA has been tagged as a terror group by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, and the Philippines.

"We exercise guarded optimism and assure our people that the AFP will be, as always, faithful to its commitment to peace. We sternly warn violators to this armistice that we will deal with them under military rules and regulations," Arevalo said.

Units of the AFP were ordered to stop all conduct of combat operations targeting terrorists in their hideouts.

However, patrols intended to secure military bases and camps, as well as the communities within their areas of responsibility, are allowed.

"They may enforce arrest of persons who are illegally bearing firearms and doing unlawful acts like arson, extortion, and the like," Arevalo added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089422

NBI to probe Cotabato City bombings

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 24, 2019): NBI to probe Cotabato City bombings (By Benjamin Pulta December)

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to conduct a probe on the December 22 bombings in Cotabato City.

In issuing Department Order 682 on Monday, DOJ Undersecretary Ferdinand Sugay directed and authorized NBI Director Dante A. Gierran to "conduct an investigation and case build-up on the bombing in Cotabato City and other related incidents in the nearby provinces on December 22."

The order took effect immediately and will remain in force until otherwise directed.

Reports said at least 14 persons were hurt in the grenade early evening of December 22 along Sinsuat Avenue near the entrance at Pedro Colina Hall and a few meters from the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Cotabato City.

Later that night, five persons were injured in an explosion near the town plaza of Libungan, North Cotabato.

Bomb disposal experts said a rigged 60-mm. mortar shell was used by the attackers.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089434

NPA rebels don't listen to Joma anymore: Lacson

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 24, 2019): NPA rebels don't listen to Joma anymore: Lacson (By Azer Parrocha)



Senator Panfilo Lacson 

Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson raised the possibility that New People's Army (NPA) rebels no longer heed the orders of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria "Joma" Sison after suspected communist guerillas launched separate attacks in Iloilo and Camarines Norte provinces despite declaring a ceasefire that was reciprocated by President Rodrigo Duterte.

"The latest attack on our soldiers by NPA rebels despite the ceasefire simply means that they don’t listen to Joma Sison anymore," Lacson said in a tweet.

Sison downplayed the NPA attacks, saying they “do not mean willful and systematic violations of ceasefire" since they were isolated cases.

The CPP founder earlier expressed openness to resume with negotiations with government in a country near the Philippines.
Lacson also raised another possibility that if indeed the NPA rebels still listened to Sison, he could have been lying about his desire to resume peace talks.

"Either that, or he cannot and should not be trusted. Localizing the peace talks is still the better way, I think," he added.

On Sunday, Duterte ordered a 15-day ceasefire from December 23 until January 7 next year as a confidence-building measure ahead of the resumption of formal peace talks with consultants of the CPP’s political arm, the National Democratic Front (NDF).

However, suspected communist guerrillas ambushed policemen and soldiers in separate attacks in Iloilo and Camarines Norte provinces on Monday morning.

Reports showed that one soldier was killed while two policemen and six others were wounded in the attacks.

Acting Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa were not enough to recommend the immediate cancellation of the ceasefire.

Malacañang said the government is prepared for possible NPA attacks, saying it did not matter if the NPA does not honor its word because the purpose of terrorist organizations is to “put the government down.”

“Let me put it this way: The communist rebels will always want this government to fall; that is precisely the purpose by which this organization has been conceived from the very beginning,” Panelo said in a Palace briefing.

“So it is not far-fetched that they want to eliminate all the officials running this government. But we are prepared for that. We are ready for that, they have been trying to do that for the last 50 years and they have failed,” he added.

Panelo said should the NPA continue to launch attacks despite the ceasefire, it will immediately destroy the presumption of its sincerity in resuming the peace talks.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089458

Attacks despite truce show Reds ruthless form: Parlade

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 24, 2019): Attacks despite truce show Reds ruthless form: Parlade (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Major General Antonio Parlade, Jr., Armed Forces of the Phili[pines Deputy Chief-of-Staff for Civil-Military Operations (PNA File photo)

A ranking official of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday said the communist rebels revealed their ruthless form by conducting attacks against military and police personnel in clear violation of the recently ceasefire agreed upon by the government and their political leaders.

Adding insult to injury is that these attacks were carried out when the truce was only starting, AFP Deputy Chief-of-Staff for Civil-Military Operations, Major General Antonio Parlade, Jr., said in a statement to the Philippine News Agency.

"Only a few hours after the declaration of ceasefire by the GRP (Government of the Republic of the Philippines) and NDFP (National Democratic Front of the Philippines), the NPAs attacked the Army in an ambush-land mine in Labo, Camarines Norte, and the police in Iloilo," he added.

The truce took effect around 12 a.m. of December 23 and will end at 11:59 p.m. of January 7 next year.

Parlade said these unprovoked attacks, which in itself are horrible violations of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA of the truce agreement, was further made worse by the communist rebels' use of land mines which are clear violations of international conventions as well.

He also scored the leadership of the CPP-NPA for alleging that the purported attacks on military and police units were based on news reports which is short of saying that the military and police could be engaging in propaganda.

"In a statement, (Luis) Jalandoni (NDF senior adviser) has the gall to say that the reports were just based on news reports? Is he insinuating that the AFP and PNP (Philippine National Police) could just be propagandizing, and staging a fake attack? After a soldier was killed and scores wounded from the Army and PNP?" Parlade said. "Is he adding insult to injury by trying to ignite the sentiments of soldiers and policemen whom we know are not agreeable to peace talks, but are nonetheless, supportive of the decision of the Commander-in-Chief?"

Despite the series of attacks by communist rebels, he said Bayan Muna Representative Carlos Zarate is still to issue any statement condemning these violations of the ceasefire agreement.

He said he finds this disturbing as the lawmaker was quick to allege that the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC) is full of "saboteurs" and "that security officials are spoilers of peace?"

"Clearly now who are the saboteurs here? To those who have been red-tagged by 'Joma' (CPP founding chair Jose Maria Sison) and the CPP what can we say about these attacks? Where is Bayan's Renato Reyes who had a lot to say about the peace talks?" he added.

With these treacherous attacks by the CPP-NPA, families of soldiers and policemen are mourning and spending Christmas in the morgue and hospital, Parlade added.

"It has happened before but this is the price of the government's genuine pursuit for peace," he said.

While the lives of these poor soldiers can never be brought back, he said Bayan and the Makabayan bloc, which are all reportedly affiliated to the CPP-NDF, can start demonstrating goodwill by condemning this barbaric act of the NPA terrorists.

"Let us all contribute to paving the way for genuine peace. This treachery and the undefiant stance of Kamatayan (Makabayan) bloc to denounce violence only serve to cast doubt on the NDFP's agenda for seeking a truce. Cui bono? (to whom it is a benefit)," he said.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089467