Friday, December 27, 2019

DND says it protected the Filipinos, Philippine territory in 2019

From PTV News (Dec 27, 2019): DND says it protected the Filipinos, Philippine territory in 2019 
The Department of National Defense (DND) expresses that it fulfilled its obligation to protect the the Filipinos and the Philippine territory in 2019. “With the national defense strategy as our guide, we have pursued the protection of our people and ensured our sovereignty and territorial integrity,” stated DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

Several threats to the Philippines this 2019 included the repeated voyages of Chinese vessels without permission in the territorial waters of the Philippines (resulting in the Philippines’s filing of a diplomatic protest against China), and the allegedly ramming of a Filipino boat by a Chinese fishing vessel in Recto Bank. As a result of said hit, the 22 Filipino fishermen on board the rammed boat got onto the water and floated. The crew of said Chinese vessel did abandon the 22 Filipino fishermen floating in the sea.

The defense office also enumerates some of its accomplishments. It boasts it strengthening of forces in North Batanes. The internal security undertakings against communist rebels were also augmented in compliance with the Chief Executive’s directive to end insurgency and terrorism authored by the Communist Party of the Philippines, New People’s Army, and National Democratic Front. The DND, moreover, mentions the records of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) with regard to dealing with the communist terrorist groups: 10,104 members capitulated, 137 were killed, and 268 were apprehended.

The national security arm, in addition, informs on the whole-of-nation approach of the state, spearheaded by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), with respect to combating armed contact with the communists. “The NTF-ELCAC institutionalizes the whole-of-nation approach to end the local communist armed conflict and places burden of security and development on the LGUs supported by all the national agencies of the government,” Lorenzana said.

Last, the DND recognized the dedication of the AFP’s armed personnel members in icing peace and order across the Philippine archipelago. “The dedication of the military and uniformed personnel of the department is manifested in the excellent accomplishments for the year, significantly contributing to the peace and stability in the whole country,” averred the DND chief.

https://www.ptvnews.ph/dnd-says-it-protected-the-filipinos-philippine-territory-in-2019/

Netizens call out Army for 'photoshopped' image of communist surrenderers

From Rappler (Dec 27, 2019): Netizens call out Army for 'photoshopped' image of communist surrenderers (By Aika Rey)

The Philippine Army says the photos came from the 2nd Infantry Battalion. In a statement later sent to Rappler, the Army admits to manipulating the photos to 'ensure the safety' of the surrenderers.



FLOATING PEOPLE? This photo release from the Philippine Army, part of their press statement on communist rebels who surrendered in Masbate, appears to be digitally altered. Photo from the Philippine Army

It was supposed to be just another photo of rebels surrendering to the military.

On the 51st founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines, the Philippine Army announced that some 306 rebels turned themselves in to the military on Thursday, December 26.

Along with their press statement of mass surrender came photos of the alleged rebels in Masbate – a momentous event for the Philippine Army that has an axe to grind with the communists.

But now, the event itself is in question.

According to the press release sent on Thursday via Viber, the communist rebels were supposedly composed of members and supporters of the New People's Army, Milisyang Bayan, and Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad.

The Philippine Army said the group surrendered 49 different firearms as well.

On Friday, December 27, some news agencies carried the photo release on their social media accounts. But netizens pointed out that the photos were digitally manipulated or "photoshopped."


Chad Booc @KasamangChad

HOY ANLALA NITONG BALITA MULA SA @gmanews!!!

May 306 daw na komunista ang sumuko kahapon sa AFP. Tingnan nyo naman yung picture


4,457
12:22 AM - Dec 27, 2019
Twitter Ads info and privacy
714 people are talking about this


Rappler reached out to Major Ricky Aguilar, the reference person in the press release, regarding the matter. He said the photos came from the 2nd Infantry Battalion (2IB) in the Bicol Region, and that he would ask the unit for an explanation.

"Galing po ['yun] sa 2IB. Sorry at 'di ko rin napansin. (It's from 2IB. Sorry, I didn't notice.) Anyway, I'll ask the concerned unit," the spokesperson of the 9th Infantry Division said.

Digitally manipulated? At first glance, the photo appeared as real, but a closer look prompted some to ask why there are no shadows in the photo.

Looking from afar, it appears that the photos have different sources of lighting. The table is illuminated from the bottom, therefore casting a shadow to the left.



LIGHT SOURCE. The red arrows (emphasis ours) show the source of light based on the images' shadows. Photo from Philippine Army

Meanwhile, the image of the people appears to be illuminated from above, giving an impression that this particular image was superimposed on the original photo.

Another thing worth noting is the image quality. The red box on the left (emphasis ours) also shows that the resolution of the image of the people (on the right) and that of the table with firearms (on the left) are different. The image of the table has better quality while the image of the people is blurred.



CROPPED? The red box on the right (emphasis ours) shows the cropped foot of the man. Photo from Philippine Army

The smaller red box on the right, meanwhile, showed that the foot of the man on the lower right side of the photo seemed to have been cropped.

Twitter user @IAmJoannaD also noted that the clothes of the alleged rebels matched an old photo posted on Facebook in June 2017. At least 8 alleged rebels have the same clothes as those in the June 2017 photo.


Joanna D. @IAmJoannaD

Replying to @rapplerdotcom @reyaikaNot only manipulated. Recycled too. Same clothes since 2017.


208
3:49 AM - Dec 27, 2019
Twitter Ads info and privacy
38 people are talking about this


Response

In a statement sent to Rappler, the Army admitted to manipulating the photos to "ensure the safety" of the surrenderers. Aguilar said they were "not able to double check" the photos prior to dissemination.

"Our line unit's intention is not to mislead the public, but to protect the lives of the former rebels (FRs) who placed themselves at risk by surrendering to the government," said Aguilar.

While the Army said it was a mistake to digitally manipulate the photos, it did not address the observation that the rebels in the edited photo were wearing the same clothes as those who surrendered in 2017.

"We admit to have committed a mistake though by manipulating the picture for the sole purpose of ensuring the safety of the lives of the FRs and their families," Aguilar said.

"We apologize for the honest mistake. We are hoping for your kind understanding," he added.

https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/248052-philippine-army-photoshopped-communist-surrenderers

CPP marks 51st anniversary; Reds condemned at rallies

From the Visayan Daily Star (Dec 27, 2019): CPP marks 51st anniversary; Reds condemned at rallies (By Gilbert P. Bayoran)

Negrenses and authorities yesterday condemned atrocities perpetrated by the New People’s Army (NPA), whose political wing, the Communist Party of the Philippines, marked its 51st founding anniversary yesterday, with simultaneous indignation rallies held in Negros Occidental towns and cities.

The participants in the rallies spearheaded by the Municipal and City Task Forces To End Local Communist Armed Conflict in Negros Occidental, also slammed other forms of banditry activities of the NPA.

Lt. Col. Ariel Pico, Bacolod City Police Office spokesman, said yesterday that the indignation rallies were held to further enlighten Negrenses about the deceptions of the CPP-NPA, and to condemn the atrocities they had been committing for 51 years.

Former rebels, who spoke during the indignation rally at the Fountain of Justice in front of the City Hall at Araneta Street, Bacolod City, also revealed the modus operandi of the NPA in recruiting new members, killing innocent civilians in the guise of what they claim to be revolutionary justice and their extortion activities.

In marking the 51st CPP founding celebration, the Roselyn Jean Pelle Command of the NPA called for the advancement of what it calls the “People’s War” in the new decade of armed struggle.

Rebel group spokesperson Ka Cecille Estrella said that they were giving the highest salute to all revolutionary martyrs in northern Negros, including former Escalante City Councilor Bernardino “Toto” Patigas, Felipe Dacal-Dacal and peasants massacred in Sagay City, and other victims of state terrorism in Negros Island.

The revolutionary movement will not rest until justice is served to all victims of state fascism, Estrella said. She also claimed that the armed revolutionary movement gained strength through active and determined engagement with the challenges posed by the de facto Martial Law in Negros in 2019.

The Apolinario Gatmaitan and Armando Sumayang Jr. Commands also claimed that the revolutionary movement in Negros is also pushing for the resumption of peace talks between the National Democratic Front and the Philippine government.

The rebel groups also said that they will comply with the 15-day holiday truce in Negros island, but will not let their guards down.

Brig. Gen. Rene Pamuspusan, regional police director of Western Visayas, said yesterday that the NPA is now on defensive mode after violating the 15-day ceasefire agreement, citing the ambush of police troopers in Iloilo by rebels, who used landmines.

“The act of terrorism and violence only shows the weak leadership of the CPP/NDF by not having control over the NPA,” Pamuspusan said.

Capt. Cenon Pancito, 3rd Infantry Divisions spokesperson, said yesterday that the CPP-NPA will not win the war, as they have failed to achieve any strategic victory against the government for more than 50 years of fighting.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/December/27/topstory5.htm

Who were the Indonesian husband and wife behind Jolo bombing?

Posted to Rappler (Dec 27, 2019): Who were the Indonesian husband and wife behind Jolo bombing? (By Ana P. Santos)

Rullie Rian Zeke and Ulfah Handayani Saleh were members of the Indonesian ISIS-linked terrorist group Jamaah Ansharut Daulah



BOMBERS. The Indonesian couple that bombed the Jolo cathedral in January 2019 once tried to migrate to the caliphate in Syria, only to be deported back to Indonesia.

JAKARTA, Indonesia – The churchgoers did not notice the woman who left a bag in one of the pews as they began filing into the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Jolo for Sunday morning Mass in January 2019.

A few minutes before 9 am, a bomb exploded inside the church. As churchgoers scrambled to get out of the cathedral, a second bomb blew up in the nearby parking lot.

The twin explosions that morning of January 27, 2019 killed 23 people, wounded 95 others, and happened barely a week after voters ratified the law creating the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

In a series of Telegram messages, the Islamic State (ISIS) claimed responsibility for the attacks.

It was the second suicide bomb attack in the Philippines since the Basilan bomb attack on a military outpost in 2018 in the town of Lamitan, and the first to involve a woman.

In July, Indonesian National Police Spokesperson Brigadier General Dedi Prasetyo confirmed that an Indonesian couple, 35-year-old Rullie Rian Zeke and his 32-year-old wife, Ulfah Handayani Saleh, were behind the attack. The two were members of the Indonesian ISIS-linked terrorist group Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD).

Philippine police sources said the couple met with Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan when they arrived in Zamboanga in December 2018. Sawadjaan is alleged to have taken over as the ISIS Philippine wilayah leader after slain Abu Sayyaf leader and ISIS-affiliated Isnilon Hapilon was killed in the 2017 Marawi siege.

The same sources said the couple could have been encouraged to come to the Philippines by spiritual advisor and JAD member Khalid Abu Bakar, who, according to terrorism expert, once said: "If you can’t go to Syria to fight jihad, go to the Philippines.”

Beyond Syria

The defeat of ISIS in Syria and Iraq by US-led forces shrank the organization’s occupied territories but it did not extinguish the zeal that fires its violent ideology.

According to a recent report of the Institute of Policy Analysis of Conflict (IPAC), the defeat of ISIS in the Middle East did not discourage jihadist networks in Indonesia. Rather, it emboldened them to expand the radius of terror at home.

The use of children in the 2018 chain of suicide bomb attacks that killed 28 people in Surabaya, for example, was unprecedented in Indonesia and shocked the world. Like Zeke and Saleh, one of the families involved in that attack had also traveled to Turkey with the intention of entering Syria.

The couple’s journey from Indonesia to the Philippines was a long circuitous one that could be traced back to Turkey.

According to Jakarta-based terrorism expert and director of IPAC Sidney Jones, the couple and 4 of their children traveled to Turkey in March 2016 where they waited for a chance to enter Syria and live in The Caliphate.

Their two older children, Cici and Yusuf, had arrived there ahead of them.

Numbers vary and are hard to ascertain, but former Indonesian police chief experts estimate that about 1,000 Indonesians traveled to Turkey, hoping to make their way to Syria or Iraq to answer the ISIS leader Abu Bakr Baghdadi’s call to hijrah (migration) after he declared the caliphate in June 2014.

An IPAC report estimated that most of the deportees (the term used for Indonesians who overstayed at the Turkish border and were sent back to Indonesia) they interviewed as they underwent their rehabilitation program were mostly middle class, with about 30% having received tertiary education. While almost half were men between the ages of 30-39, there were also women, children, and elderly people.

Many sold their properties and disposed of all their belongings to fund the trip, which, according to estimates by IPAC, would run up to at least IDR 50 million or $3,550 per person over 6 months.

The amount is substantial considering that the average Indonesian monthly salary is about $320, but the cost is immaterial compared to what they believed awaited them in The Caliphate: a chance to die a martyr fighting the Coalition Forces alongside other foreign terrorist fighters or life in an Islamic utopia that slick propaganda videos and radical blogs and websites painted as the pure Islamic State.

In that state is supposedly free housing and medical services plus “a supply of food such as spaghetti, pasta, canned food, rice, eggs...and a monthly allowance not just of the husband and wife or wives, but also for each child.”

According to Jones, Zeke and Rullie were deported to Indonesia in January 2017 with only 4 of their children. Their teenage son, Yusuf, reportedly made it into Syria and fought with the Islamic State. He is believed to either be detained in prison or dead. The whereabouts of another daughter also remain unknown.

Failure of deradicalization

When Turkish authorities began expelling foreigners who were camped out at their border, Indonesia was faced with a wave of deportations that peaked in 2017. Authorities found themselves overwhelmed and undermanned to deal with the surge of deportees that were sent back home.

The Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs set up a rehabilitation program that ran for two weeks to one month, depending on the level of risk and indoctrination. After the program, the deportees were made to sign a pledge of allegiance to Indonesia and sent back home to resume normal life.

In an interview with Rappler last November, chief of the Indonesian National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) Suhardi Alius confirmed that the couple had undergone a one-month rehabilitation program before they were sent back to South Sulawesi where Zeke worked as a food vendor.

Zeke had a long history of criminality and terrorist links.

According to IPAC's Jones, his first known connection to terror networks goes back to 1999 with the Mujahideen Indonesia Timor (MIT), a coalition of ISIS-affiliated groups. He was also linked with local gangs that use an Islamic organization as a front to extort money.

Considering that radicalization is a gradual process, terrorism expert Adhe Bhakti described the state-run rehabilitation program as insufficient and rudimentary. “It’s a hit-and-miss rehabilitation program,” he said.

BNPT's Alius acknowledged that a one-month deradicalization program is insufficient.

The Jolo bombing prompted the BNPT and the social ministry to work on extending future deradicalization programs to 6 months up to one year. Government is also working on strengthening post-rehabilitation monitoring to ensure that former terrorists and sympathizers do not fall back into the path of violent extremism.

“What we are dealing with is an ideology, a mindset. The bigger challenge is when they go back to society and they go back to the same marginalized situation that led them to become radicalized,” said Alius.

“For radicalized people, every single conflict area in the world is like a target. They want to express their solidarity with other Muslims they see as being oppressed. We have to pay attention to their motivations. We cannot make them feel marginalized again,” he added.

From Indonesia to Jolo

The couple triggered surveillance alarms in August 2018 when photos of Zeke in a terrorist lair in Jolo surfaced.

According to Al Chaidar, a terrorism expert and professor at the Malikussaleh University in Indonesia, Zeke may have come to the Philippines as early as May 2018.

Saleh, 32, followed him to Mindanao with two of their young children, Ahmad and Aisha, sometime in December 2018 via Sabah in Malaysia. She was accompanied by an older daughter, Cici, and Indonesian Andi Baso, an alleged bomb maker for the Abu Sayaff, who is reportedly married to Cici.

It is unclear how the family made it to Sabah as they used illegal travel channels, that backdoor part of Southeast Asia being the most porous.

Malaysian intelligence documents indicate that their link is the suspected bomb maker Baso, who knew Mohammad Alif Bin, a radical Malaysian who went by the name “Yoga.”

In his confession to the Malaysian police, Yoga said he had helped Saleh, her children, and Baso travel to Zamboanga and that he had witnessed the wedding of Baso and Cici on November 20, 2018 in Sabah.

From his confession and the accounts of other suspects arrested in the Philippines, the Indonesian authorities were able to trace Zeke and Saleh as being behind the Jolo bombing.

Their children, Ahmad and Aisha, are said to still be in Jolo under the care of Baso and Cici. – with reports from Jet Damazo Santos/Rappler.com

Official ceasefire orders shown to communist peace panel

From Rappler (Dec 27, 2019: Official ceasefire orders shown to communist peace panel (By JC Gotinga)

After a tussle over alleged truce violations by communist rebels, the National Democratic Front now hopes the ceasefire can 'proceed effectively'



OFFICIAL ORDERS. The government has sent copies of official military and police ceasefire orders to the communist National Democratic Front of the Philippines, following accusations of truce violations by communist guerrillas. File photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

The negotiating panel of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines has received copies of official military and police orders to suspend offensives against communist guerrillas over the holidays, the NDF panel head Fidel Agcaoili said in a statement on Thursday, December 26.

“We hope that from hereon the unilateral and reciprocal ceasefires declared by the two Parties shall proceed effectively,” Agcaoili said, days after the government accused the communist party of violating a ceasefire with 3 separate attacks on army and police personnel on Monday, December 23, the first day of the truce.

The NDF is the political arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

The government had reciprocated the NDF panel’s unilateral declaration of a ceasefire from December 23, 2019 to January 7, 2020, as the two sides plan to revive peace negotiations.

Agcaoili said they received copies of the Suspension of Offensive Military Operations (SOMO) issued by the Philippine military chief General Noel Clement, and of the Suspension of Offensive Police Operations (SOPO) from Philippine National Police Officer-in-Charge Lieutenant General Archie Gamboa, on Thursday at 8:54 am Dutch time, or 3:54 pm Philippine time.

The SOMO was dated December 24. The SOPO, dated December 22, came with a memorandum from Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, dated December 23.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, who leads the government peace panel, sent whe copies of the orders. He met with Agcaoili and CPP founding chairman Jose Maria “Joma” Sison earlier in December in Utrecht, the Netherlands, where the communist leaders are exiled.

Sison earlier threatened to cancel the ceasefire if the NDF is not shown copies of the official orders, the Inquirer reported.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo then responded by saying the orders were “not forthcoming.”

“Sison and his comrades can proceed with the cancellation of the ceasefire and the President will oblige them. In the first place, they have violated their own declared unilateral ceasefire. So there is not even logic in their threat,” Panelo said in a statement on Friday morning, December 27.

Peace talks

The government and the NDF are gearing up for yet another round of peace talks proposed by President Rodrigo Duterte on December 5.

Earlier negotiations between the Duterte administration and the communist rebels foundered over accusations that communist rebels violated a ceasefire. That round of peace talks was terminated in November 2017.

The government afterwards launched “localized peace talks” upon Duterte’s orders in December 2018. Local government units, the military, and the police have since dealt with individual New People's Army fronts, urging them to surrender as armed offensives against them continue.

On Monday, after the government and the NDF agreed on a ceasefire, the military and police reported 3 ambushes that they blamed on the NPA. Two policemen were injured in an attack in Iloilo, while an army soldier was killed and 6 more wounded in an ambush in Camarines Norte. A third attack happened in Quezon.

The government condemned the incidents as ceasefire violations, but Duterte allowed the communist party to explain the incidents. Agcaoili claimed the NPA guerrillas were only defending themselves against “sustained operations” of the police and military despite the ceasefire.

The military said the incidents showed the CPP and the NDF had lost control over the NPA. Security officials have been wary of negotiating with the communist rebels.

The issuance of the SOMO and SOPO puts the matter to rest, Sison said in a statement on Friday.

“At this point in time, there is no more problem about continuing the CPP ceasefire order to the NPA…. The best thing to do is cool down and proceed with the reciprocal ceasefires and let them generate goodwill and confidence in preparation for the resumption of the peace negotiations,” Sison said.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/248036-official-ceasefire-orders-shown-communist-peace-panel

Another Cordilleran sacrifices life for country

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 27, 2019): Another Cordilleran sacrifices life for country (By Redjie Melvic M. Cawis)

Featured Image

BAGUIO CITY, Dec. 27 (PIA) -- Another Cordilleran soldier who sacrificed his life for the country was laid to rest in his hometown in Pinukpuk, Kalinga.

Army Corporal Adonis Valera, a Scout Ranger and a member of the 86th Infantry Battalion, was shot in an encounter between elements of the communist terrorist group in Barangay Villa Rey, Echague, Isabela on December 14.

Philippine Army 5th Infantry Division Spokesperson Major Noriel Tayaban said that the 86th IB responded to reports of extortion activities in Barangay Villa Rey by alleged members of the New Peoples Army from the Regional Sentro de Gravidad Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) that led to fire fight.

The encounter that ensued between the government forces and a still unidentified number of rebels lasted for more than 20 minutes. Unfortunately, Valera was seriously hit while Corporal Harold Ganagan of Tinglayan, Kalinga and Fajaro Manuel of Paracelis, Mountain Province were wounded.
Valera was among the heroes of the Marawi siege that fought against the communist terrorists for the liberation of Marawi in 2017. He was a recipient of the Gold Cross Medal from President Rodrigo Duterte for his gallantry of action during the Marawi siege.

Tayaban said that the Army intensified the military operations in Cagayan Valley Region in anticipation of possible terrorism attack by the NPA rebels to the military and police camps, communication installations and heavy equipment on the founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines on December 26.

MGen. Pablo Lorenzo, 5th Infantry Division Commanding General, hailed the bravery and gallantry of the Kalinga warrior during a funeral mass ceremony held at the Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela before he was brought to his hometown.

He said Valera is a true warrior and a full blooded Startrooper, who paid the ultimate sacrifice by dedicating his life for the liberation of the people of Isabela against the CTGs.

“The people of Isabela and your fellow Startroopers will always be indebted to you. Rest in peace, hero.” (JDP/RMC- PIA CAR)



https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1032037

Town dad to NPA: Spare youth from recruitment

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 27, 2019): Town dad to NPA: Spare youth from recruitment (By Leonard T. Pineda, I)

ILOILO CITY, Dec. 27 (PIA6) -- The top local chief executive of an Iloilo town has appealed to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People’s Army (NPA) to spare the youth from their recruitment activities.

Tubungan municipal mayor Roquito Tacsagon said that rebel groups should stop recruiting young people, especially minors, particularly in their municipality.

“These young people still have a bright future ahead of them,” he said in the local dialect, adding that the youth do not belong to these rebel groups.
He said that the communist terrorist groups would recruit these young people by enticing them to hold and possess arms and weapons.

He added that an estimated nine to 11 barangays of his municipality are affected by the presence of the rebel groups.

Meanwhile, Tacsagon said that when he started his administration six months ago, he pledged to eradicate insurgency and local armed conflicts in their municipality.

He said he has been implementing programs and initiatives particularly in far-flung mountainous areas as means to provide livelihood and prepare people for employment opportunities. (JBG/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

Hero Filipino general proposes solution to extremism

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 27, 2019): Hero Filipino general proposes solution to extremism (By Dominic I. Sanchez)

Featured Image

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Dec 26 (PIA) – The country’s hero general has proposed for a solution to end violent extremism in the Southern Philippines.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, a recipient of the country’s highest military award, the Medal for Valor and current commander of the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) recently met in Sulu with high officials of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi Tawi last week where he outlined his “BRAVE” proposal to finally bring to an end violent extremism in the areas. BRAVE stands for Broad Reform Against Violent Extremism.

“The BRAVE adopts the strategic framework of the Program against Violent Extremism for Peace which depicts the interplay of good governance, law enforcement and community participation,” the general said.

WESTMINCOM spokesperson Maj. Arvin John Encinas explained that the commander’s proposal is actually a reform program that focuses on three objectives that include “eliminating the drivers of violent extremism, comprehensive mainstreaming of former rebels and finally sustaining peace and development in the country and in the province as a whole”.

Among those who attended the meeting with the general were Basilan Governor Hadjiman Hataman-Saliman, Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan, Tawi-Tawi Governor Yshmael Sali and Basilan Congressman Mujiv Hataman, said Encinas. (NBE/DIS/PIA9-Zamboanga with reports from WESTMINCOM PIO)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1032023

Anti-NPA group stages indignation rally vs CPP-NPA

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 27, 2019): Anti-NPA group stages indignation rally vs CPP-NPA (By Gideon C. Corgue)

Featured Image

PAGADIAN CITY, December 27 (PIA)— The National Alliance for Democracy (NAD), an anti-communist group advocating nationalism and democracy on Thursday marched on the streets here to denounce all forms of violence, terrorism, and atrocities committed by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

At 9 a.m., the protesters assembled in front of City Hall, then marched down to major streets bringing with them their placards and shouting “Mabuhay ang Demokrasya, Mabuhay ang Kalinaw” (Long live democracy, long live peace!) and proceeded to wharf area where they held a short program.

Roel Dago-oc, Secretary General of NAD urged the public to strongly support Executive Order No. 70 of President Rodrigo Duterte which seeks for the creation of National-Task Force To End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) saying that the president’s program is the only solution to address the root causes of insurgency in the country.

Dago-oc said the NAD is doing their indignation rally every December 26 of the year, to raise the level of awareness of the public on the bloody and evil deeds of the NPA.

“We counter the black propaganda of the revolutionary movement so that the Lumads and youths will not be victimized again. We also vowed to conduct more anti-communist rallies,” he added.

Meanwhile, Aka Jack, a former political officer of CPP-NPA for 20 years said the Filipino people should condemn the 50 years of killings by the communist group which, he said, have affected the country’s socio-economic growth.

“Liboan nga mga sundalo, pulis ug inosenteng civilians ang namatay tungod sa harassment, ambush, ug pagpamatay nga gihimo sa CPP-NPA. Kini nga mga butang wala nakahatag kaayuhan sa katawhang Pilipino,” Aka Jack announced.

(Thousands of soldiers, police and innocent civilians died due to harassment, ambush, liquidation and killing committed by the CPP-NPA which does not give any good to the Filipino people.)

“I am appealing to the CPP-NPA members in the mountains to go down and surrender to the government because President Rodrigo Duterte faithfully implemented his Executive Order No. 70 that gives benefits to rebels who will give up their arms and return to our society, he concluded.


The protesters burned the NPA flags and the effigies of (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison, former Bayan Muna party-list representatives Satur Ocampo and Teddy Casino, to signify their condemnation of violence committed by the New People’s Army (NPA) in time for the celebration of its 51th anniversary of the revolutionary movement.

The rally was spearheaded by the Pagadian City Philippine National Police. (NBE.GCC/PIA-Zamboanga del Sur)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1032046

Indignation rally vs CPP-NPA-NDF held in Caraga

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 27, 2019): Indignation rally vs CPP-NPA-NDF held in Caraga (By PNP Caraga)

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 27 -- Police units in Caraga spearheaded the conduct of indignation rally condemning the atrocities and illegal activities of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) on Thursday, December 26.

Various stakeholders, government employees, civilians, and former rebels also attended the activity which coincided with the 51st anniversary of the CPP.
Some of the participants marched on the main thoroughfares while others held the rally in front of the municipal halls while holding streamers/placards containing messages denouncing crimes committed by the terrorists like extortion and killing of innocent civilians.

“Our people are already fed up with the human rights violations of the terrorists. In fact in some areas, the flag of the CPP-NPA was burned by the people,” Brigadier General Joselito T. Esquivel, Jr., Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 director said.

The region’s top cop added that the relentless counterinsurgency campaign of the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police has been successful in the region as manifested by the large number of rebels who returned to the folds of the law and the decreasing support of the masses to the armed struggle. (PRO-13/PIA-Caraga)

3 NPA rebs surrender to Iloilo town mayor, army

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 27, 2019): 3 NPA rebs surrender to Iloilo town mayor, army (By 61IB CMO-Philippine Army)

CAMP MONTECLARO, Miagao, Iloilo, Dec. 27 (PIA) -- Three members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) Terrorist Group voluntarily surrendered to the Local Government of Tubungan and the Army’s 61st Infantry (Hunter) Battallion (61IB) on December 26, 2019.

Tubungan mayor Roquito G. Tacsagon negotiated for the surrender of a certain Michael, 25 years old; Lanie, 21 years old; and Maribel, 19 years old, all from Tubungan, Iloilo.

The three surrenderers yielded one Caliber .45 pistol and Caliber .38 revolver.


Tacsagon said, during the presentation of surrenderers at Camp Monteclaro, Igtuba, Miagao, Iloilo on Thursday, December 26, that this is the best gift they can give to themselves and to their families especially during this Christmas Season.

The local government unit of Tubungan will give its full support to the surrenderers as they decided to be productive members of the municipality, said Tacsagon.

He also encouraged the surrenderers to motivate others to go back to the mainstream of society and avail of government programs.

On the other hand, Lieutenant Colonel Joel Benedict G. Batara, 61IB commanding officer, lauded the efforts of the Tubungan LGU for its unwavering support to the surrenderers.

He congratulated the surrenderers for choosing the best gift this Yuletide season, the gift of having a peaceful life by abandoning the armed struggle.

"This is the best decision in their life after having been deceived by the CTG of joining a useless armed struggle", Batara said.

Meanwhile, Col. Marion R Sison, Commander of the 301 Infantry Brigade, commended the noble acts and efforts of Tubungan mayor Tacsagon in the campaign for peace and development of the municipality.

He likewise made it as an example for other LGUs and Local Chief Executives to emulate in order to achieve lasting peace and progress not only in their respective municipalities but for the whole Panay Island. (JBG/1Lt. Hazel Joy Durotan)

Borongan City SKs stage indignation rally vs NPAs

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 27, 2019): Borongan City SKs stage indignation rally vs NPAs  (By Ninfa Barcena-Quirante)

Featured Image

BORONGAN CITY, Dec. 27 (PIA)—The Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation of Borongan staged an indignation rally vs the NPAs on December 26, 2019.

SK Borongan City Federation President May Lanie Anacta led the rally supported by Sangguniang Panglungsod Member Rozen Daza, the city government, the police, the Philippine Army and other uniformed personnel.

Some of them held placards saying: CPP-NPA-NDF Layas sa Borongan.(CPP-NPA-NDF scram from Borongan.)

Others said: 51 ka tuig panguwat, undang na. (51 years of deception, stop.)

In her message, Anacta urged the SK officials to impose upon themselves the responsibility of relaying information to thwart off the atrocities of the NPAs, and especially the recruitment they do to their fellow young people.


SK Borongan City Federation President May Lanie Anacta led the recitation of the pledge to denounce the CPP_NPA-NDF at the indignation rally on Dec. 26, 2019 in the city. (PIA -E Samar)

"Please naman, magtrabaho naman tayo, maging alerto sa kanya-kanyang barangay, na sabihan ang mga SK na wag basta magtiwala sa mga mag co conduct ng orientation at magbuo ng grupo sa ibang kadahilanan," she said.

"In the incident that happened in Libuton, kabataan ang umatake, kaedad natin, imagine, dahil tayo ay mapusok, at idealistic, they take advantage of our sense of idealism and adventurism."

For his part, Borongan City Chief of Police, Lt. Col. Douglas Eloja cautioned the youth from the deceptive recruitment of the young.


Borongan City Chief of Police, Lt. Col. Douglas Eloja cautioned the youth from the deceptive recruitment of the NPAs. (PIA E. Samar)

"Ano ang iyong magiging kinabukasan, kung sa CPP-NPA-NDF ikaw ay magpapalinlang? Kapag nakapasok na o na recruit na kayo sa pamamagitan ng legal na organisasyon, bibigyan sila ng pag-aaral particular na sa lipunan at rebolusyon at marami pang pag-aaral na unti-unting lalason sa kaisipan ninyo," (What will be your future if you join the CPP-NPA-NDF? Once recruited by their legal fronts, you will be given lectures on the society and revolution, by then they will started poisoning your young minds.)

"Pumasok sa klase at pandayin ang iyong kinabukasan, hiwag umanib sa mga kilos protesta," (Go to school, shape your future through education, do not join leftist protests.) Eloja said.

He then urged the parents: "Bantayan ninyo ang inyong mga anak!"

Eloja then asked those present to support Executive Order Number 70 or Task Force End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC).

"Let us denounce /condemn all forms of violence, terrorism and atrocities and support peace and development building initiatives of the present government."

The rallyists also held a pledge of commitment to support ELCAC/ denounce the CTG/NPA/NDF/CPP/NPA).

As their final activity, the group burned a flag of the leftist movement.

The indignation rally vs the CTGs were held nationwide, simultaneously. (nbq/PIA 8-E. Samar)

NAD holds anti-communists rally as CPP celebrates anniversary

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 27, 2019): NAD holds anti-communists rally as CPP celebrates anniversary (By Leah Agonoy)



SISON BURNS. The National Alliance for Democracy (NAD) burns the effigy of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison in a peace rally Thursday, December 26, in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur. The rally is a counteraction of NAD while the CPP celebrates its 51st founding anniversary Thursday. (Photo by Leah B. Agonoy)

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur - The National Alliance for Democracy (NAD) has called on the remaining New People’s Army (NPA) rebels to return to the folds of the law as they held a peace rally Thursday in this city.

The NAD held the peace rally in time for the 51st founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), a revolutionary organization founded by Jose Maria Sison on December 26, 1968.

NAD is an organized group engaged in anti-communists advocacy. It has chapters all over the country.


Roel Dago-oc, NAD secretary-general, said the peace rally is a counteraction to the anniversary celebration of the CPP “para maipaabot sa ating mga kapatid na NPA na sana ay magbalik-loob na sila sa gobyerno (to tell them to surrender to the government)” as the current administration is addressing all the issues pushed for by their group.
“This is our way of sending the message to those who are still struggling in the mountains, encouraging them to go back and work with the government for peace and development,” Dago-oc said.

The group burned the effigy of Sison, whom they say is living a luxurious life in The Netherlands, while his followers suffer the hardship hiding in the mountains while pushing for a senseless ideology.

Brig. Gen. Bagnus Gaerlan, Army’s 1st Infantry Division acting commander, recognized the efforts and enthusiasm of NAD for their anti-communists advocacy.

“We look forward to the Communist NPA terrorist changing their mind and surrender, spend the yuletide with their families, and benefit from the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program,” Gaerlan said.

Those who joined the peace rally were NAD members from the Zamboanga Peninsula and Misamis Occidental areas.

The rally this year’s is the third activity the NAD held against the CPP anniversary celebration.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089571

Davao groups condemn NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 27, 2019): Davao groups condemn NPA (By Che Palicte) 



INDIGNATION RALLY. Groups condemn the anti-government, anti-people activities and atrocities caused by the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front-New People’s Army (CPPNDF-NPA) during the indignation rally in Davao City on Thursday (December 26). About 250 people joined the indignation rally, led by the United Davao Riders Club, and Civilian Volunteer Task Force. (PNA photo by Che Palicte)

Various groups convened here on Thursday to condemn the anti-government, anti-people and atrocities brought by the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front-New People’s Army (CPPNDF-NPA).
About 250 individuals joined the indignation rally, which is participated in by the United Davao Riders Club, and Civilian Volunteer Task Force.


In an interview, Brig. Gen. Filmore Escobal, Police Regional Office in Davao Region (PRO 11) director, said the CPP anniversary should not be celebrated as it only recognized violence and terrorism.

“They should not be given attention. Their celebration is advancing violence or advancing terrorism,” he said.

He added that the indignation rally is intended as a campaign for peace and order and informs the public that it is only the government’s voice that should be heard.

“There is a need to educate and inform the public that these groups are all criminal. They belonged to a criminal organization because they have committed criminal offenses to our country,” Escobal said.

He also added that they should not be called a rebel group since the CPP and its various arms were formed as a criminal group. As the country developed, Escobal cited that the group continues to terrorize, exercise atrocities and extort from the businessmen and investors.

“The productivity of our fellowmen was affected because of their activities. There are companies who are willing to give jobs for the Filipinos but they [NPAs] continue to extort from them which resulted in their closure,” Escobal said.

Meanwhile, during the indignation rally, a certain alias Alpon, a rebel returnee, shared his 19 years’ experience as an active member of the NPA.

He said he is afraid that his testimonies might endanger his life but the public must know the real truth about the activities of the rebel group.

“For 19 years’, I realized that there is no good in fighting the government.

'All those years, I only felt that the ideologies that we were fighting were actually wrong,” he said.

He also thanked his comrades who also returned to the folds of the law and that he had expected more returnees since most of those who are still active are now doubting the rebel group.

“We fought because we thought our ideologies are right, but the truth is, they are not helping the poor. It is very easy for us to join them but it is so hard to get out and cut our ties with them,” he added.

He said that his family was ashamed because he joined the rebel group and became known as an anti-government.

“If they will recruit you, think about your life and your family. Do not be deceived by what they offer. I myself is a living proof that they are not for the people’s welfare,” Alpon added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089581

NoCot guv urges RPOC-12 to sustain EO 70 support

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 27, 2019): NoCot guv urges RPOC-12 to sustain EO 70 support (By Edwin Fernandez)



ANTI-COMMUNISM SUPPORT. North Cotabato Governor Nancy Catamco stresses a point during the year-end meeting of Soccsksargen’s regional peace and order council (RPOC) in Koronadal City on Thursday (Dec. 26, 2019). During the meeting, the RPOC passed a resolution expressing all-out support to President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order No. 70, more known as the “whole of nation approach” in addressing communist insurgency. (Photo courtesy of Governor Catamco office)

North Cotabato Governor Nancy Catamco has called on all members of the Soccsksargen Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) to fully support President Rodrigo Duterte’s desire to end the communist-led armed fighting and terrorism in the southern Philippines.

During the year-end RPOC meeting in Koronadal City on December 26, Catamco moved for the passage of a resolution expressing all-out support to President Duterte’s Executive Order No. 70, more known as the “whole of nation approach” in addressing communist insurgency.


The council adopted her proposed resolution.

The RPOC meeting was held while anti-communist groups held protest rallies against the NPAs operating in the Soccsksargen region.
Catamco said the RPOC and different local government units have been collaborating, pushing and implementing programs and initiatives in order to contribute to the government’s desire for sustainable peace.

She said EO 70 had been reaping gains tremendously, especially in North Cotabato.

“This EO 70 has been noted to have contributed significant changes in the security landscape in the localities and in the region as a whole,” Catamco said in a statement.

The resolution was pushed by Catamco after the RPOC chair, Governor Suharto “Teng” Mangudadatu of Sultan Kudarat, called for massive local initiatives in addressing insurgency and terrorism.

Mangudadatu said that martial law must not be lifted in Mindanao.

“Martial law is still effective in ensuring safety and it remained to be an effective tool initiated by PRRD to address insurgency and lawlessness in Mindanao,” Suharto said during the session.

Mangudadatu added that martial law also helped address drug-related concerns that emanate in Maguindanao and spread to the Soccsksargen area.

Catamco told the RPOC that in North Cotabato, 29 NPA rebels opted to surrender and were recipients of government livelihood assistance through the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

In attendance during the RPOC meeting were Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, 10th Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Jose Faustino Jr, 6th Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Diosdado Carreon and DILG 12 Regional Director Josephine Leysa.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089584

306 CTG members, supporters surrender in Masbate

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 27, 2019): 306 CTG members, supporters surrender in Masbate (By Connie Calipay)



SURRENDERED. At least 300 New People's Army, Milisyang Bayan members, Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad officers, members, and supporters surrendered in Masbate province on Thursday (Dec. 26, 2019). The recent mass surrender of the members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) manifests that the government’s effort to offer peace is on the right track and that the influence of the communist group is weakening. (Photo courtesy of 9th Infantry Division)

A total of 306 New People's Army (NPA) fighters, Milisyang Bayan (MB) members, Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad (SPL) officers, members, and supporters surrendered in Masbate Province on Thursday, a military official said Friday.

In an interview, Maj. Ricky Aguilar, the 9th Infantry Division officer, said
the mass surrenderers are composed of 47 regular NPA members, 150 MB members, 51 SPL officers and members, and 58 supporters.

Aguilar added the group also surrendered 49 various firearms and three improvised explosive devices.


In a statement on Thursday, Aguilar said Lt. Col. Napoleon Pabon, Commanding Officer of 2nd Infantry Battalion (2IB), said the government will take care of the former rebels after they have laid down their arms and return to the fold of the law.

"We need to ensure that all benefits and necessary remunerations, especially housing and kabuhayan (livelihood) packages, be provided them by concerned agencies in constant collaboration with the local government of the province,” Pabon said.

Pabon added that the recent mass surrender of the members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) manifests that the government’s effort to offer peace is on the right track and that the influence of the communist group is weakening.

Major Gen. Fernando Trinidad, 9ID commanding officer, reiterated that the armed struggle pushed by the Communist Party of the Philippines and its terror acts such as the recent ambush in Labo, Camarines Norte that killed a soldier and wounded six others will never solve the society’s underlying problems.

Trinidad urged the communist terrorists to take the cue of their former comrades who decided to return to the folds of the law and live peacefully with their families.

"The government is more than ready to welcome and help them re-establish their lives through the different programs of Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict 5 as part of the government’s intensified implementation of Executive Order No. 70 or the Whole-of-Nation Approach," he added.

A nationwide indignation rally was also staged on Thursday, condemning the violence and illegal activities being spread by the CPP that impede the government’s effort for sustainable peace and development.

In the Bicol region, the same activity was launched in the cities of Naga, Legazpi, Sorsogon, and Masbate, and in Daet, Camarines Norte.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089582

After 15 years, couple decides to quit NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 27, 2019): After 15 years, couple decides to quit NPA
(By Alexander Lopez)




NEW LIFE. A couple and another member of the New People’s Army (NPA) were welcomed by the 75th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army during their surrender on Thursday (Dec. 26, 2019) in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur. The NPA couple, who worked by the rebel movement for 15 years expressed hope the government will help them rebuild their family and return to their community. (Photo courtesy of CMO, 75th IB, Philippine Army)

Too much exhaustion and disillusionment forced a couple in Surigao del Sur to finally leave the New People’s Army (NPA), armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) that they served for more than 15 years.

The Army’s 75th Infantry Battalion, through its commanding officer, Lt. Col. Warren C. Munda, welcomed couple
alias “Jun” and alias “Ursula”, together with alias “Jean” when they formally turned themselves on Thursday, December 26 in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur.


Munda expressed appreciation to the decision of the three former rebels and assured them of the full support of the government.

“The government and the Philippine Army will assist and support you in starting anew with your families and children,” Munda said.

“Jun” and “Ursula” belonged to NPAs guerrilla front 19 while “Jean” belonged to guerrilla front 30 of North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) operating in the hinterlands of Surigao del Sur.

The three also surrendered to the Army one M16A1 Rifle with one long steel magazine loaded with 28 rounds ammunition and two Norinco AK47 Rifles, each with magazines loaded with 29 rounds ammunition.

“Let's work hand in hand for us to achieve sustainable peace and inclusive development,” Munda told the three former rebels after they formally turned over the weapons and ammunition.

In a statement issued on Thursday, “Jun” said he and his wife have wasted 15 years with the communist movement, risking the lives of their families and jeopardized the future of their children.

“We were part of the movement (NPA) for 15 years but we got nothing. We experienced adversities, hunger, and scores of difficulties in the mountains,” “Jun” added, as he spoke in a local Visayan dialect.

He also expressed hope the government and the Army will help him build back his family and finally return to his community.

“We have no doubts the government will extend help for us to rebuild our lives,” he said.
Munda said the surrender to the NPA couple and another rebel was in time with the 51st anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

He added that the couple is among the hundreds who surrendered during the year that signifies the effectiveness of the Whole-of-National approach being done by the government to end the local communist armed conflicts in Surigao del Sur.

Munda also cited the support of the various government agencies and the local government units (LGUs) in winning back more NPA rebels.

He added that the three will receive immediate cash and livelihood assistance and the remuneration of the firearms they surrendered.

The former rebels will also be evaluated for their enrollment to the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government.

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/1089612

Rally vs. NPA staged in different areas in Caraga Region

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 27, 2019): Rally vs. NPA staged in different areas in Caraga Region (By Alexander Lopez)



FED UP. The Police Regional Office in Caraga Region (PRO-13) reported of the simultaneous conduct of indignation rally against the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People’s Army (NPA) in different sites in the region on Thursday ( Dec. 26, 2019) in time for the 51st anniversary of the CPP. The PRO-13 said people in the region are already fed up with the atrocities done by the NPA to the people of Caraga. (Photo courtesy of PRO-13 Information Office)

A number of anti-communist rallies were held in different locations in Caraga Region on Thursday, December 26, in time for the 51st anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

In a report, the Police Regional Office in Caraga Region (PRO-13) said the rallies were conducted in strategic towns and cities in different provinces in the region that was attended by different sectors, including the youth.


PRO-13 Police Director Brig. Gen. Joselito T. Esquivel, in a statement on Thursday, said police personnel and the members of the Philippine Army also expressed their full support to the rallies that condemned the continued atrocities done by the NPA in the region.

The activities included a march on major streets with placards condemning the NPA, speeches of former rebels during the rallies and the burning of the NPA's flag.

In Surigao City, Surigao del Norte, an indignation rally against the communist movement was joined by representatives from various government agencies, the private sector, and other stakeholders.

The activity was held at the Luneta Park, Barangay Washington, Surigao City.

The participants to the rally denounced the CPP-NPA and its political arm, the National Democratic Front (NDF) for violence, terrorism, and atrocities done to the people of Surigao del Norte.

The activity in Surigao City was highlighted by the testimonies given by two former rebels identified as Rosel Dagante alias “Wela”, a former political instructor of guerrilla front 16-A and Roel Borimbao alias “No Name”, a former commander of propaganda group of guerrilla front 16-B of the NPA in the area.

The two former rebels shared with the participants the hardships they encountered while serving the communist movement and the realization they have been deceived for years that made them decide to go back to the folds of the law.

In Agusan del Sur, an indignation rally against the NPA was also conducted on Thursday in the town of San Francisco.

Hundreds of stakeholders also joined the activity together with representatives from government agencies.

The local government unit of San Francisco was represented during the anti-communist rally by Vice Mayor Bernardino S. Ursos and Councilor Dante H. Miro, the Association of Barangay Captain President in the area.

In the province of Surigao del Sur, three major indignation rallies were held on Thursday in the cities of Bislig and Tandag and in the municipality of Lianga.

More than 100 stakeholders joined the police and the army during the rally in Bislig City while 80 Indigenous Peoples (IPs) joined the rally in Lianga town.

“Our people are already fed up with the human rights violations of the terrorists. In fact, in some areas, the flag of the CPP-NPA was burned by the people,” Esquivel said in a statement.

He added that the relentless counterinsurgency campaign of the Army and the PNP has been successful in the region as manifested by the large number of rebels who returned to the folds of the law and the decreasing support of the masses to the NPA armed struggle.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089618

NorMin 2019: Tales of 2 Lanao, mass surrenders, call for justice

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 27, 2019): NorMin 2019: Tales of 2 Lanao, mass surrenders, call for justice (By Nef Luczon)



PLEBISCITE. City Hall employees in Marawi City prepare the ballot boxes on Jan. 20, 2019 for distribution to different polling precincts for the plebiscite on the Bangsamoro Organic Law. The Lanao del Sur Provincial Plebiscite Board of Canvassers officially recorded a total of 503,420 voters who answered "yes" and 9,735 "no" to the question on whether or not they want their respective localities to become part of the new region that would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. In Marawi City alone, 58,688 voted "yes," while only 112 voted "no." (Photo by Nef Luczon)

The first month of 2019 marked a new chapter in Mindanao's history when the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) was ratified through a plebiscite on January 21.

The Lanao del Sur Provincial Plebiscite Board of Canvassers (PPBC) officially recorded a total of 503,420 voters who answered "yes" and 9,735 "no" to the question whether they want their respective localities to be part of the new region that would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). In Marawi City alone, 58,688 voted "yes," while only 112 voted "no."

The majority of votes led to the creation of the new Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), with Cotabato City, and some barangays in North Cotabato as new part of the territory.

But the province of Lanao del Norte refused to let go of its six towns to be part of the new BARMM.

In its separate BOL plebiscite on February 6, the provincial office of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said the province's 22 towns have a total of 352,518 registered voters, but only 242,667 actually cast their ballots.

Under the BOL, the six towns planned to be included in the BARMM are Balo-i, Munai, Nunungan, Pantar, Tagoloan, and Tangkal.


Lanao del Norte 1st District Rep. Mohamad Khalid Q. Dimaporo casts his vote in a precinct in Tubod town on Feb. 6, 2019. Dimaporo and his family holding elective posts in the province already expressed their objection to let the six towns to be part of BARMM due to socio-economic grounds, and the history of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front attacking its towns in the previous decades. (Photo by Nef Luczon)

Anti-communism drive

When President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order (EO) 70, which led to the creation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), calls for rebels and supporters to surrender intensified throughout the year.

ELCAC has its localized versions, through the local government units, which were crucial in implementing EO 70 to the grassroots with the help of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).


Individuals who claim to be members of the communist rebel group, New Peoples' Army, surrender to the military along with their firearms and ammunition. This is one of the many instances the military claimed it facilitated the surrender of rebels and its supporters mostly from Bukidnon province in the year 2019. (Photo courtesy of the 8th Infantry Battalion)
Most of the mass surrenders happened in Bukidnon province, with raids and offensives undertaken by the military that said to expose hideouts, including alleged abuses and crimes committed by the rebels.

This also prompted the AFP, specifically the 403rd Infantry Brigade under the 4th Infantry Division, to file charges against the Communist Party of the Philippines.

In addition, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Jose Ruperto Martin Andanar was appointed to be the officer-in-charge for the Cabinet Officers for Regional Development and Security (Cords) in Region 10.

Cords-10, under Andanar's leadership, was tasked to implement and supervise EO 70 in the region, which according to Andanar will remain unhampered.

In one of the gatherings participated by the media here on December 13, Andanar said that the Regional TF-ELCAC in Northern Mindanao tops the country for being the most active region in implementing EO 70 and yielding rebel surrenders.

These surrenders were then screened so that they will be qualified to avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip), a government program that provides livelihood and financial aid to the former rebels and their families.

The death of Philippine Military Academy's (PMA) Cadet 4th Class Darwin Dormitorio on September 18, became a national headline. But his story in his home city, Cagayan de Oro, gave more perspective to the cadet's family in calling for justice.

Not only Dormitorio's family but also the community of the schools he attended prior to PMA, held prayer rallies in remembrance of him. His death has caused the resurgence of the conversation and debate surrounding the Anti-Hazing Law.

Eventually, suspects were arrested, who were Dormitorio's upperclassmen, and PMA officials were replaced due to the incident.

Dormitorio was laid to rest in Cagayan de Oro City, while charges against the suspects are pending in the courts. (PNA)


Soldiers of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division salute Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cadet 4th class Darwin Dormitorio before his remains are buried at the Cagayan de Oro Gardens in Barangay Lumbia, Cagayan de Oro City, on Sept. 25, 2019. Col. Claro Unson, PMA deputy dean for academics, said failure to strictly enforce the Anti-Hazing Law was one of the shortcomings of officials of the PMA that led to Dormitorio’s death. (Photo by Jigger J. Jerusalem)

Sison needs to ‘disengage self from fantasy’: Palace

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 27, 2019): Sison needs to ‘disengage self from fantasy’: Palace (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)



RALLY VS. CPP-NPA. Southern Police District (SPD) Director Nolasco Bathan puts a spray paint on the caricature of Jose Ma. Sison, founder of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA), during a rally against the communist group participated in by almost 300 civilians including former rebels in Baclaran, Parañaque City on Thursday (December 26, 2019). The group condemned the atrocities of the CPP-NPA, which is marking its 51st anniversary today. (PNA photo Avito C. Dalan) 

Malacañang on Friday expressed dismay that Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison’s “hallucination” continues when he claimed that President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration is “going downhill to hell.”
Sison’s latest claim against the Duterte government merely demonstrates that he is “really living in an illusory world he has created for himself,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

“His remarks to his cadres on the occasion of the CPP anniversary entitled, ‘Duterte regime goes downhill as revolutionary movement rises,’ is proof of his hallucination,” Panelo said.

“It is his movement that is on downhill while the Duterte presidency keeps on rising and the surge in his popularity and trust rating is a resounding proof,” the Palace official added.

As the CPP marked its 51st year of insurgency on December 26, Sison claimed that the “traitorous, tyrannical, murderous, corrupt and deceptive” Duterte regime has “aggravated the chronic crisis of the ruling system.”

The communist founder also alleged that the current administration is escalating oppression and exploitation of people, prompting them to wage people’s war and all forms of resistance.

He, nevertheless, believed that Duterte’s administration is “going downhill to hell and cannot find enough relief from its imperialist masters to overcome the rising revolutionary movement of the Filipino people.”

Sison’s remarks came even as he expressed openness to Duterte’s call for the resumption of peace talks between the national government and the CPP’s political wing, the National Democratic Front (NDF) in a bid to end the decades-long insurgency of its armed component, the New People’s Army (NPA).

Sison should stop living in a fantasy, as it was likely for him to cause harm to others, Panelo said.

“Mr. Sison must disengage himself from his fantasy before his illusions develop into something medically perilous,” the Palace official said.

Sison blinded by his ‘comfortable, luxurious’ self-exile

Sison, who has been in self-exile in the Netherlands since 1987, apparently failed to see the progress in the Philippines under Duterte’s watch because he was already blinded by his “comfortable and luxurious” life in Amsterdam.

Panelo added that Sison seemed to be unaware that many of the communist rebels are realizing that their past struggles and sacrifices “have led to nothing except the shedding of bloodshed among and between Filipinos, family members being separated from each other, productive lives of young, ideal and even brilliant minds wasted on the hills, and always on the run fighting a lost cause abandoned even by those who advanced it.”

“His decade-long comfortable and luxurious self-exile in Europe has placed blinders in his eyes hence he could not see the transformation of society initiated and propelled by the strong-willed leadership of the former Mayor of Davao City,” he said.

“The fact is, a growing number of their members are turning a new leaf in their lives as they begin to go back to the mainstream of society,” Panelo added.

Panelo also belied Sison’s claim of “worsening” conditions of underdevelopment, high unemployment, low income, soaring prices of basic commodities and mass poverty in the Philippines.

To dispute Sison’s remarks, Panelo noted that foreign financial organizations foresee the Philippines as the “fastest growing economy in the Asia-Pacific in 2020.”

The Palace official also cited that employment hits a 14-year high, high inflation is “now a thing of the past," and nearly six million Filipinos have already been lifted out of poverty.

Panelo also reacted to Sison’s demand from the government to suspend the military and police operations against the communist rebels.

The holiday ceasefire between the state forces and the communists, which took effect on Dec. 23, will expire at 11:59 p.m. on January 7, 2020.

The Palace official found it satirical for Sison to issue a threat to lift the holiday truce with the government troops, considering that it was the NPA insurgents who are violating the temporary ceasefire deal.

“He threatens to cancel the ceasefire if these orders are not shown to the NDF panel. These orders are not forthcoming, Sison and his comrades can proceed with the cancellation of the ceasefire and the President will oblige them,” Panelo said.

“In the first place, they have violated their own declared unilateral ceasefire. So there is not even logic in their threat,” he added.

Accept one-on-one talk with Duterte

Following Sison’s remarks, it was not surprising that Duterte, who was his “serious student of political history,” slammed the former’s “pontifications of the ageing and ailing revolutionary,” Panelo said.

“Such a pitiful and tragic ending of someone whose brilliance, used to be revered by the youth of the seventies, has since then been dulled, by failing to embrace the realities of world politics and to accept the comatose state of a dying ideology,” he said.

“Even their former allies are distancing themselves from them. The European Union which has been releasing funds to the local communist fronts has vowed to stop its financial aid after their money-making scams have been unmasked,” Panelo added.

Panelo said that instead of criticizing the government, Sison should accept the President’s challenge for a one-on-one dialogue in the Philippines.

Duterte’s plan for a meeting with Sison came following the series of attacks by the NPA rebels against the government forces despite the implementation of holiday truce and amid intent to revive the peace negotiations.

Should Sison refuse to hold a dialogue with Duterte, the communist founder only proves that he is insincere to revive the peace talks, Panelo stressed.

“We dare Mr. Sison to come to the Philippines for a one-on-one meeting with the President to forge a lasting peace agreement. (President Duterte) guarantees that he will not be arrested upon his arrival and after the meeting he can freely leave for Netherlands when he so desires,” the Palace official said.

“His refusal to have a personal dialogue with his former student in the Philippines betrays his insincerity,” he added.

Duterte, who used to have good relations with the communists, was forced to formally scrap the national government’s peace talks with NDF consultants through Proclamation 360 signed on Nov. 23, 2017.

The Chief Executive also signed Proclamation 375, tagging the CPP-NPA as a terrorist group.

The CPP-NPA has also been branded as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089570

DND chief sees no security threat in hosting Rohingya refugees

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 27, 2019): DND chief sees no security threat in hosting Rohingya refugees (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (File photo)

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana does not see any security threat should the Philippines continue with its offer to host Rohingya refugees.

Preventing a humanitarian crisis is the goal of the Philippines in declaring its intentions to accept the refugees, Lorenzana said Thursday.

"When one offers his territory to refugees out of humanitarian motive, I believe concern for security is temporarily set aside," Lorenzana said.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday reiterated his willingness to accept Rohingya refugees fleeing war and persecution in Myanmar.

The Rohingya, often described as "the world's most persecuted minority", are an ethnic group, majority of whom are Muslim, who have lived for centuries in Myanmar. Currently, there are about 1.1 million Rohingyas in the Southeast Asian country.

"Averting a humanitarian crisis is front and foremost. Furthermore, I don’t think the Rohingyas will reciprocate our kindness with bad behavior," Lorenzana said.

The Philippines’ open-door policy to refugees can be traced back to 1923 when the country took in the first wave of White Russians fleeing from the Socialist Revolution, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

The country also admitted Jewish refugees in 1934, Spanish Republicans in 1939, Chinese refugees in 1940, White Russians in 1949, Vietnamese “boat people” in 1975, Iranian refugees in 1979, Indo-Chinese refugees in 1980, and East Timor refugees in 2000.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089566

PRRD orders immediate ban on 2 US senators supporting de Lima

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 27, 2019): PRRD orders immediate ban on 2 US senators supporting de Lima (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)



President Rodrigo R. Duterte has barred American Senators Richard Durbin and Patrick Leahy from entering the Philippines following their role in the United States' travel ban imposed on Philippine officials responsible for Senator Leila de Lima's arrest.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Duterte's directive, which was made through a phone call on Thursday night, was meant to dispute Durbin and Leahy's claim that de Lima was "wrongfully" detained.

He, however, clarified that the President was "calm" when he gave the order.

Panelo said the President arrived at the decision to remind other countries that they cannot dictate upon the Philippines, which is an "independent and sovereign state."

"The President is immediately ordering the Bureau of Immigration to deny US Senators Dick Durbin and Patrick Leahy, the imperious, uninformed and gullible American legislators who introduced the subject provision in the US 2020 Budget, entry to the Philippines," Panelo said in a press conference. "No other state can dictate upon our officials, judges, and justices the method upon which we enforce or interpret our laws vis-à-vis those who are believed to have committed a violation against the same."

Philippine officials who allegedly have a hand in the "wrongful" detention of de Lima are now banned from entering Washington, as stated in the provision included in the USD1.4-trillion US budget for 2020 signed by US President Donald Trump.

De Lima has been detained at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center at Camp Crame in Quezon City since February 2017 following her supposed involvement in the rampant narcotics trade inside the national penitentiary when she was still justice secretary.

The travel ban imposed on de Lima's alleged jailers was part of the amendments to the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Section of the budget program introduced by Durbin and Leahy days before the signing of the document last week.

The “Prohibition on Entry” section states that the US Secretary of State “shall apply sub-section (c) to foreign government officials about whom the Secretary has credible information have been involved in the wrongful imprisonment of… Senator Leila de Lima who (was) arrested in the Philippines in 2017.”

Panelo, however, maintained that de Lima was not politically persecuted.

He said the Philippine court ruled to arrest de Lima, based on sufficient evidence that proves her links to illegal drugs.

"The case of Senator de Lima is not one of persecution but of prosecution. In fact, it is already being heard by our courts. The Philippine Supreme Court, the highest court of our land, has affirmed the incarceration of Senator de Lima as valid and lawful," Panelo said.

Possible visa application for US citizens

Panelo said the US' travel ban was deemed ineffective, considering that de Lima was "not wrongfully imprisoned."
He also debunked the claim that the US Secretary of State has obtained "credible" information about de Lima's supposed political persecution.

"The Palace has explained that the subject provision is inefficacious given that the Filipina senator is not 'wrongfully imprisoned' and therefore, the impossibility for the US Secretary of State to receive 'credible information' with regard thereto," Panelo said.

He said any form of pressure by other states that is tantamount to interference in the Philippines' established justice system "shall be reciprocated in accordance with our municipal law, as well as public international law or the law of the nations."

Panelo then warned that the Duterte government might be compelled to impose a visa application for all US citizens who wish to visit the Philippines, in case Washington denies entry to Filipino officials linked to de Lima's arrest.

"Should a ban from entry into US territory be enforced against Philippine officials involved in -- or by reason of -- Senator de Lima's lawful imprisonment, this government will require all Americans intending to come to the Philippines to apply and secure a visa before they can enter Philippine territory," he said.

"Napakaswerte nga sila, hindi sila binibigyan ng visa samantalang tayo nagpapakahirap. Masyado silang naging privileged (They are very fortunate because they do not need to apply for visa, while we are having a difficult time getting a US visa. They have become too privileged)."

Panelo said the President would not hesitate to issue an executive order that would require all US citizens to secure a visa before they can go to the Philippines.

Not a 'knee-jerk reaction'

Panelo said Duterte's fresh order should serve as a reminder to the US that the Philippines is "no longer under (its) control."

He denied that the Chief Executive made a "knee-jerk" reaction, noting that it was just a "natural" response of a head of state when the sovereignty of his country is "being assailed."

"Unang-una (First and foremost), we can't even understand why they consider the detention of de Lima wrongful kasi may processes tayo (because we have processes)," Panelo said. "That is why I said, I hope and I think, I believe the US Secretary of State will render an educated and informed judgment on this particular issue."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089605

Duterte won’t heed Sison’s preconditions for resumption of talks

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 27, 2019): Duterte won’t heed Sison’s preconditions for resumption of talks (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)



President Rodrigo Duterte will not give in to the preconditions set by Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chair Jose Maria Sison for the possible resumption of peace negotiations, Malacañang said on Friday.

“Sabi ni Presidente, kung ayaw niya (Sison), eh 'di huwag (The President said if he does not want it, then he’s fine with it),”
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo told Palace reporters. “(It will be) no deal.”


In a message for the CPP’s 51st founding anniversary, Sison said the communists’ holiday truce with government troops until Jan. 7, 2020 is aimed at creating an environment “favorable to the resumption of peace negotiations."

Sison also said the planned revival of talks can only be realized “by reaffirming the mutual agreements since the Hague Joint Declaration of 1992, by superseding the presidential issuances that previously terminated and prevented peace negotiations, and by laying the ground for the Interim Peace Agreement.”

The communist founder said the interim peace deal should be a package of agreements, which include the “general amnesty and release of all political prisoners; the approval of articles of the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms, particularly those on agrarian reform and rural development and national industrialization and economic development; and coordinated unilateral ceasefires.”

Panelo said Sison has no right to make demands for the possible resumption of peace talks between the national government and the CPP’s political wing, the National Democratic Front (NDF).

He added that Sison appeared to have no interest to revive the peace negotiations, as the communist leader tends to use the temporary ceasefire to “reorganize and strengthen” the CPP’s armed component, the New People’s Army (NPA).
“In the first place, he doesn’t have the right to demand. Pinagbibigyan na nga sila. Sila ang humihingi, hindi naman si Presidente (It’s the President who’s giving them the chance. They are the ones who asked for it, not the President),” Panelo said.

“Humingi sila, dami silang pinapupunta kay Presidente na ituloy ang peace talks, nag-lobby sa mga senador, Congress, kaya pinagbigyan sila ni Presidente (They sent their emissaries to the President for the resumption of peace talks. They lobbied for talks through senators, Congress, that’s why the President gave them a chance),” he added.

Earlier this month, Duterte expressed willingness to give the peace talks another chance, despite his Nov. 23, 2017 signing of Proclamation 360, which formally shelved the peace talks between the national government’s peace negotiators and NDF consultants.

The President admitted that he could not be totally harsh on the communists because he considers them as his “friends.”

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089625