Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Army helps transport food packs to beneficiaries

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 31, 2020): Army helps transport food packs to beneficiaries (By Lorenzo O. Lambatin, Jr.)

Featured Image

CAMP GERONA, MURCIA, Negros Occidental (March 31) – The 303rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army headed by Colonel Inocencio Pasaport recently provided manpower and transportation support to the distribution of food packs to families affected by the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in Negros Occidental, a press release from the brigade said.

A total of 2,400 food packs were hauled and will be distributed to the different Local Government Units in Negros Occidental.

The activity was initiated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development Regional Office 6 (DSWD VI) to provide relief augmentation to the affected families due to COVID-19 in line with Presidential Proclamation No. 0929, series of 2020 on the Declaration of State of Calamity throughout the Philippines issued last March 17, 2020.

A week ago, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer, city and municipal mayors of Negros Occidental and Chiefs of Hospitals, together with AFP and PNP top officials here, met at the COVID-19 Provincial Incident Command Center in Bacolod City and agreed on the implementation of ECQ for the entire province Monday, March 30.

Discussed during the meeting were protocols and referral system in handling COVID-19 patients. Updates on the worldwide pandemic were also presented.

Pasaporte noted the support of the Philippine Army in Negros in the effort of the local government unit in preventing and containing the spread of COVID-19 in the province by providing security and manpower as well as mobility assets.

"To our fellow Negrenses, we must do our part to help our government fight against COVID-19. Let’s obey and follow all the guidelines and safety tips set forth by our government to help contain COVID-19,” Pasaporte said. (303IB-PA/JSC/LLJR-PIA6)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1037611

Caraga Army unit lists PUI, 8 PUMs for Covid-19

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 31, 2020): Caraga Army unit lists PUI, 8 PUMs for Covid-19 (By Alexander Lopez)



SECURING THE BORDER. Personnel from the Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion provide assistance to members of the Inter-Agency Task Force that man the quarantine checkpoint in Bancasi, Butuan City. The Army unit says it has a patient under investigation with mild symptoms while another eight are considered as persons under monitoring for 2019 coronavirus disease. (PNA photo by Alexander Lopez)

A soldier of the Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion has been listed as a patient under investigation (PUI) with mild symptoms while another eight are considered persons under monitoring (PUMs), a top Army official said Tuesday.

Lt. Col. Francisco L. Molina, Jr., 23IB commander, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that the eight Army troopers were on vacation and no longer allowed to travel back to their headquarters after confirmation that their respective hometowns have been hit by the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19).


“I ordered them to stay home, do not travel, and have themselves undergo self-quarantine. We listed them as PUMs as they are in an area with positive Covid-19 cases though they did not have any symptoms such as cough, cold or fever,” Molina said.

The Army personnel listed as mild PUI did not have record of travels in areas with positive cases of Covid-19, he added.

“He had a cough and complained of a sore throat so we immediately segregated him in a place outside our camp. He stayed there alone and being monitored by health personnel,” Molina said.

Molina also stressed that as of Monday, (March 30), the PUI was in good condition and already recovered from cough and sore throat.

The self-quarantine of the nine Army personnel will be completed early next week, he added.

“We immediately imposed strict regulations here inside the camp to prevent the spread of the disease. All our soldiers and visitors are now required to step to a footbath placed at our gate. All vehicles are also sprayed with disinfectant before entering our camp,” he said.

Molina also emphasized the importance of providing information to the soldiers on Covid-19 and the measures that will help protect themselves as they render services at the quarantine checkpoints.

Molina said the 23rd IB daily grind now includes the morning physical fitness and conditioning, to include the basic ‘army dozen’ and a good diet of vegetables and fruits.

He said the 23IB is providing security support to the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) composed of the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Department of Health (DOH), and other line agencies in six major quarantine checkpoints in Agusan del Norte and Butuan City, and in the eastern part of Gingoog City and the town of Magsaysay in Misamis Oriental.

“We are on the supporting role, looking and ensuring the security of the members of the task force that implement measures in quarantine checkpoints to contain the spread of Covid-19,” Molina said.

He added that amidst the Covid-19 threats, the 23IB is not putting its guard down against the communist New People’s Army (NPA).

Molina said despite the declaration of ceasefire, previous incidents tell how the NPA exploited the situation for their gains.

“We are not prevented to conduct security patrols. Our mandate is to protect the communities and the people. We are committed to perform this mandate at all times,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1098346

China to send doctors to PH

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 31, 2020): China to send doctors to PH (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)



Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian 

China is dispatching a team of medical experts to help the Philippines combat the rapid increase of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases in the country.

"The main task of the medical expert team is to help the Philippines fight against Covid-19 by providing technical advice on epidemic prevention and control as well as sharing medical treatment experience," the Chinese Embassy in Manila said in a statement.


Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian said the move was "upon the request of the Philippine government".

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, for his part, pledged that the Department of Health would coordinate with the Embassy to facilitate and assure the work of the medical expert team goes smoothly.

Huang and Duque discussed the latest cooperation details over the phone on Monday. As of posting, the Embassy has yet to reveal the number of doctors who will arrive and when.

Beijing has earlier donated more than 100,000 test kits for Covid-19 as well as various essential medical supplies to the Philippine government.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1098298

Army gets cash for purchase of ventilators

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 31, 2020): Army gets cash for purchase of ventilators (By Priam Nepomuceno)



HELPING FIGHT VS. COVID-19. Army assistant chief-of-staff for personnel, Col. Potenciano Camba (2nd from right) receives cash donation worth PHP550,000 from the Philippine Army Finance Center Producers Integrated Cooperative (PAFCPIC) during the signing of a deed of donation at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Monday (March 30, 2020). The amount will be used to buy ventilators as part of the efforts to help contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). (Photo courtesy of Army Chief Public Affairs Office)

The Philippine Army (PA) on Monday has received cash donation worth PHP550,000, which it will use to buy ventilators as part of efforts to help contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

In a statement Tuesday, PA spokesperson Col. Ramon Zagala said the amount was donated by the Philippine Army Finance Center Producers Integrated Cooperative (PAFCPIC).

The amount was officially given to PA assistant chief-of-staff for personnel, Col. Potenciano Camba, during a deed of donation signing event together with PAFCPIC representative, retired Brig. Gen. Fernando S. Zabat.

Zagala said the PA will use the money to purchase a number of the paraPAC plus Model 300 & Model 310 ventilators that will serve as portable devices for the ventilation of adults, children, and infants during transportation and emergencies.

Meanwhile, PA commander Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay thanked PAFCPIC for its donation.

"We are truly grateful for our stakeholders who give their support as we fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. We believe that the purchase of the equipment, made possible by the donation, will serve as a means in the Army’s operations against such a health crisis,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1098299

Threat to Terminate US-Philippine Pact Resonates Around Southeast Asia

Posted to Radio Free Asia (Mar 30, 2020): Threat to Terminate US-Philippine Pact Resonates Around Southeast Asia (By Drake Long)



Soldiers take part in an amphibious assault demonstration during the Cobra Gold multilateral military exercise in Hat Yao Beach, Sattahip District, Chonburi Province, Thailand, Feb. 28, 2020. Reuters

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's threat to terminate a lynchpin military pact with longtime treaty ally the United States -- if implemented -- could not only shake Manila's defense policy but impact the delicate balance in ties between Southeast Asia and U.S. and China, analysts say.

The Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) that Duterte plans to scrap was ratified by the Philippines in 1999. It governs the U.S. military presence in the country, placing U.S. forces there under U.S. jurisdiction. It allows access to Philippine facilities, airspace, and waters and enables U.S.-Philippine military exercises and training. Furthermore, it underpins another 2016 pact that provided for five joint military bases on Philippine soil.

While other nations in Southeast Asia, such as Thailand and Singapore, have close military ties with the United States, neither provides Washington with the kind of strategic foothold in the region offered by the military alliance with Manila.

That’s why Duterte’s threat – issued after Washington cancelled the visa of a high-profile political ally -- is resonating beyond the Philippine archipelago. If he follows though, it would play out amid the upheaval of the coronavirus crisis that could further alter perceptions in the region about the relative strengths of the U.S. and China.

“Southeast Asian states depend on the U.S. security presence as a reliable guarantee that they can counterbalance China,” said Hunter Marston, an analyst on the region pursuing a doctorate at Australian National University. “A less credible U.S. presence in the region could make it difficult for those states trying to be neutral between the United States and China. This is especially true as China continues coercive practices like its pressure campaign against claimants in the South China Sea. “

Radio Free Asia spoke to experts in Washington and across the region to gauge how the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam are managing the great power rivalry between Washington and Beijing, and how an end to the VFA could influence policy in those countries.

Singapore

Although not a formal treaty ally of the United States, the prosperous city state of Singapore has its own defense cooperation agreements with the U.S. The Strategic Framework between the two countries allows for the U.S. to rotate forces through Singapore’s Changi Naval Base, and for Singaporean armed forces train at U.S. facilities.

Since 2013, Singapore has permitted the U.S. to rotate a littoral combat ship at the naval base, and since 2015, to fly P-8 anti-submarine warfare aircraft out of Paya Lebar Air Base. It also has a pier able to accommodate an American aircraft carrier.

Such arrangements have complicated Singapore’s traditionally cordial ties with China, but are unlikely to replace what the Philippines offered the U.S. "It's hard to imagine them doing more to step up and shoulder the burden, given their size and capacity,” Marston said.


U.S. and Thai amphibious vehicles land at Had Yao beach in Chanthaburi province as part of a training exercise during the Cobra Gold program, Feb. 28, 2020. Credit: BenarNews  

Thailand

Thailand is the oldest treaty ally of the United States in Asia, with bilateral ties dating back to 1833. Military-to-military relations reached their high point during the Vietnam War period and remain deep. Thailand hosts the annual Cobra Gold military exercise, one of America’s largest multilateral drills involving the participation of nations across the Asia-Pacific.

But Thailand does not host rotations of U.S. forces in the manner of the Philippines, nor does it have an agreement with Washington that would allow it. Bangkok has always been careful to maintain close ties with China and these ties have deepened in recent years as Beijing economic and military power has rapidly grown.

Thitinan Pongsudhirak, director of the Institute of Security and International Studies at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, says cancellation of the VFA “may lead Thai strategic thinkers to think that they are on the right track by moving closer to China and away from the US.”

It’s been a growing topic of debate within Thailand’s political establishment in recent years.

U.S.-Thai military cooperation was set back in 2014 with the coup that brought current Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha to power. This subsequently caused the Obama administration to suspend foreign military assistance. But Thitinan said the relationship has improved since then, with military-to-military cooperation “the bedrock of the entire bilateral relationship.” That’s been helped by the Trump administration's “recalibration of interests over values, not prioritizing rights and freedoms.”


China Coast Guard ship is seen from an Indonesian Naval ship during a patrol at Indonesia’s Exclusive Economic Zone sea in the north of Natuna island, Indonesia, Jan. 11, 2020. Credit: Antara via Reuters

Indonesia

Indonesia, the most powerful nation in the region, looks to the United States and U.S. ally Australia to provide training and education for its armed forces. Yet despite periodic tensions with China over intrusions into waters off the Natuna Islands, Indonesia is unlikely to allow U.S. forces to be based on its soil. Jakarta has long held a policy of non-alignment and is careful to avoid over-dependence on any single world power.

“In the eyes of many in Jakarta, the U.S. and China are not good providers of regional security to begin with in recent years,” said Evan Laksmana, a senior researcher at Jakarta’s Center for Strategic and International Studies.

“If we do make adjustments I doubt it will be because of the Philippines,” Laksmana said, noting that something looms larger on Indonesia list of priorities than concern over a diminished U.S. presence in Southeast Asia. That’s the U.S. legislation adopted in 2017 that threatens sanctions on any country that buys arms from Russia.

The Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) is problematic for nations in the region like Indonesia that want a cheap source of weaponry that Moscow can offer.

Still, Laksmana says Southeast Asia nations would struggle to adapt if the U.S.-Philippine relationship fell apart. It could lead to a “security vacuum” that China may seek to fill. He’s skeptical that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations themselves could fill the breach, for example by stepping up collaboration in military technology.

“The relationships between ASEAN militaries are quite good in terms of informal networks and connections. But to provide a counterbalance to China if China were to fill the security vacuum? I don’t think so,” he said.


USS Theodore Roosevelt in Danang Bay on a port call marking 25 years of relations since diplomatic normalization, March 5, 2020. Credit: Reuters

Vietnam

Vietnam’s relationship with the United States, its former wartime enemy, has warmed tremendously in the past decade, in part because of their mutual interest in countering China. Despite human rights concerns, the U.S. has lifted restrictions on arms sales and there are fledgling military-to-military ties. An example of this was the port call made in March by a U.S. aircraft carrier in Da Nang, only the second since the two countries normalized relations 25 years ago.

But Vietnam will remain leery of getting into too deep with the U.S. Marston notes that Hanoi has a strict policy against military alliances and foreign military forces in its territory, and looks to forge ties with a wide range of defense partners, including Israel, which has sold it drones, and Japan, which has provided naval patrol ships.

“Vietnam also draws in international oil corporations, whose exploration in its exclusive economic zone waters means there’s some sort of ‘skin in the game’ that deters Chinese adventurism and aggression,” Marston said.

He said that partly explains why China last year provoked a stand-off with Vietnam over the Vanguard Bank, a feature within Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone – as a way to pressure international oil companies like Exxon Mobil and Spain’s Repsol out of energy exploration and drilling agreements with claimant countries in the South China Sea.

Collin Koh, a research fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, said ASEAN governments now have more options for security ties with powers other than the U.S. “Some of these external powers outside Southeast Asia in fact are keen to step up to the plate to augment and, if necessary, partially offset the reduction of a U.S. military presence,” he said.

To name a few examples, according to Jane’s, Indonesia’s navy partners with a Dutch shipbuilding company for frigate construction and upgrades. On Mar 23, Singapore and Australia signed an agreement expanding training opportunities for the Singapore’s military in Australia. And Yonhap news agency reported last August that South Korean company Hanwha is upgrading the Philippine Navy’s fleet of frigates.


Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte gestures during his fourth State of the Nation Address at the Philippine Congress in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines, July 22, 2019. Reuters

Philippines

The Philippines’ military ties with its former colonial master have had their ups and downs for decades. In the early 1990s, Manila forced the U.S. to vacate two of its largest overseas military installations – Subic Bay Naval Base and Clark Air Base, both located northwest of Manila.

The relationship has deteriorated under Duterte, who has forged closer ties with China. But the U.S. and the Philippines remain treaty allies. As the Philippines grapples with territorial disputes in the South China Sea and insurgencies, it still leans on U.S. military support. A clear example came in 2017, when U.S. aerial intelligence was key to the Philippines defeating Islamic State militants who had seized the southern city of Marawi.

The Philippine government has portrayed withdrawal from the VFA as a step towards achieving ‘self-reliance’. But Koh says the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has too many complex challenges and too limited capacity for this to be realistic.

“For the foreseeable future, the AFP still needs the U.S. alliance as a backstop, providing it niche capabilities it still can’t afford to acquire as yet,” Koh said.

Duterte has faced political resistance to ending the VFA, with opposition senators and even one within his own political party petitioning the Supreme Court to give legislators’ ultimate approval of the measure.

The withdrawal from the VFA only takes effect 180 days after it was officially submitted on Feb. 11 so there could yet be a reverse in course. But Duterte is showing no sign of relenting. He reiterated on March 10 his intention to terminate the agreement.

Aaron Rabena, a research fellow at the Manila-based Asia-Pacific Pathways to Progress, notes that the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty between the U.S. and the Philippines remains intact. “This means that if China commits an armed attack on any Philippine armed force, public vessel or aircraft in the South China Sea, the MDT will be activated,” he said.

But experts say that the abrogation of the VFA would complicate any American military response to fulfill its treaty obligations.

https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/usa-philippines-03302020182118.html

AFP gets share in P200-million medical equipment donation

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 31, 2020): AFP gets share in P200-million medical equipment donation (By Martin Sadongdong)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) disclosed on Tuesday that it has received its share in the P200 million worth of medical equipment and supplies donated for frontliners battling the COVID-19 pandemic.

General Felimon Santos Jr., AFP Chief of Staff, said the donations came from the Filipino-Chinese community, a private company, and an anonymous Chinese national whom he thanked for their generosity.



Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) (MANILA BULLETIN)

“The AFP, along with other beneficiaries like the Philippine National Police (PNP), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Bureau of Immigration (BI), public and private hospitals, and local government units expresses its heartfelt gratitude to [the] local private donors and nameless individuals who, out of sincere desire to help the country’s imperiled frontliners, (have) contributed (vital equipment) to the battle against COVID-19,” Santos stated.

“Their example, which is worthy of emulation, would surely inspire our men and women…knowing that as they perform their checkpoint duties, some people like these donors are looking after their welfare,” he added.

The donated equipment and supplies include two units of two-piece Automated Nucleic Acid Extraction System machines; four Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) machines; 30,000 real time PCR diagnostic kits; 25,010 medical protective suits; 292,300 face masks; 60,000 medical gloves; 5,064 goggles; 5,000 face sheilds; and 1,000 pairs of protective shoe covers.

From the bulk of items received by the military, Santos said that one unit of the two-piece Automated Nucleic Acid Extraction System machine and a PCR machine were delivered at the V. Luna General Hospital in Quezon City for installation after the completion of the structure being built by the AFP Corps of Engineers.

Santos expressed confidence that the medical equipment and supplies will greatly help the military in monitoring its personnel who have tested positive for the COVID-19, and those considered as persons under investigation (PUIs) and monitoring (PUM).

“The donor attests that all four PCR machines and all diagnostic kits have been physically inspected and assessed by th Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) and are declared fully compliant with the standards of the World Health Organization (WHO),” he said.

He also noted that the testing kits are “at par with the ones provided by the WHO” as assured by the donor.

The machines and goods arrived in the country on March 21 and March 28 at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City via a Philippine Air Force (PAF) C-130 transport plane.

The donations were received by the government just as healthcare workers, hospitals, soldiers, cops and other frontliners were running out of personal protective equipment (PPEs) amid the fight to contain the COVID-19.

New People’s Army lands heavy blows on Armed Forces of the Philippines

Propaganda article posted to Fight Back! News (News and Views from the People's Struggle) (Mar 31, 2020): New People’s Army lands heavy blows on Armed Forces of the Philippines



Red fighters of New People's Army.

The communist-led New People’s Army (NPA) inflicted more than 1000 casualties of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in 2019.

“The NPA continues to reap victories in the field despite massive and intensified combat operations by the AFP,” CPP Chief Information Officer Marco Valbuena announced today, March 29, on the NPA’s 51st founding anniversary.

Quoting the annual anniversary statement released by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines, Valbuena said that the NPA carried out 710 military actions of varying scale in 2019, which include harassment, disarming, demolition, sapper and partisan operations, to punitive actions, raids on enemy detachments and ambuscades.

Valbuena pointed out that the AFP and other government forces suffered the equivalent of 30 platoons or two battalions. "At least 651 enemy troops were killed, while more than 465 were wounded in action,” said the Central Committee, citing reports of the NPA's National Operations Command.

The NPA is currently on ceasefire, in response to the call of the UN Secretary General for a global ceasefire. The Central Committee issued a unilateral declaration ordering all NPA units to cease and desist from launching offensives during the period effective March 26 to April 15, while remaining vigilant in the face of AFP offensives and maneuvers.

The Communist Party of the Philippines and the NPA are spearheading a massive effort to alleviate the spread and impact of the pandemic.

The NPA, especially its medical units, are working in coordination with revolutionary village health committees to help contain the disease, give special attention to the elderly and pregnant women, help care those who have been infected and promote personal hygiene and community sanitation.

Farmers urge gov’t to release ‘political prisoners’

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 31, 2020) Farmers urge gov’t to release ‘political prisoners’ (By Chito Chavez)

Farmer’s group Unyon ng mga Manggagawa sa Agrikultura (UMA) on Tuesday urged the President “to immediately release the more than 600 political prisoners and drop all trumped-up charges against them’’.
UMA chairperson Antonio Flores said, “We urge the government to free political prisoners right away as the country faces the Covid-19 pandemic, where prison cells can become hotspots for its outbreak.”

Human rights group Karapatan also reported that the congestion rate in the country’s jails is at 450 percent.

“Political prisoners, who are mostly peasant and union leaders, have been falsely detained for asserting the people’s right to land, just wages, and job security,” UMA said.

“Even National Democratic Front (NDF) peace consultants, who are mostly of old age, were not spared from arrest even if they are supposedly protected by the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG),’’ the group added.


UMA emphasized that heavily congested prison cells can put at great risk political prisoners who now suffer the added injustice of dying from the pandemic just because they chose to stand up for peasants and workers’ rights.

Among the political prisoners languishing jail is Felicidad Caparal, an UMA organizer, who was abducted on January 27, 2009, and was identified in media as a “top-ranking NPA official” arrested for fabricated murder charges.

Flores said Caparal was then sentenced to life imprisonment and is currently detained at the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong.

“NDF peace consultants, Rey Casambre, Rommel Salinas, Renante Gamara, Vic Ladlad, Cleofe Lagtapon, Francisco Fernandez, Ferdinand Castillo, Leopoldo Caloza, Eduardo Sarmiento, Adelberto Silva and Esterlita Suaybaguio, have all been imprisoned for made-up common crimes based on planted evidences and concocted testimonies,’’ he said.

While the NDF remains open to the resumption of peace talks, UMA said the continued detention of peace consultants and persecution of political actions are a huge hurdle for the peace negotiations to resume.

Flores added “The Duterte administration can avoid the loss of thousands of lives in decongesting the country’s detention facilities by following the peoples’ demand, which has also pushed the United Nations High Commissioner on Human Rights to call on states to release political prisoners.”

“We reiterate this call, especially for the elderly, sick, pregnant women, nursing mothers, those who are due for parole or pardon, at least one spouse each of political prisoner couples and accidental victims of political arrests,” UMA concluded.

NDF: NPA rebels on medical mission when attacked

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 31, 2020): NDF: NPA rebels on medical mission when attacked (By Noreen Jazul)

Fidel Agcaoili of the National Democratic Front (NDF) on Monday said the members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Rodriguez, Rizal were conducting a medical mission when they were “attacked” by government forces.



NDFP negotiating panel representative Fidel Agcaoili
(FEDERICO CRUZ / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)


Citing a ground report he received from “friendly sources” in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Agcaoili said government soldiers went to the village where the medical mission was being held after “receiving a ‘tip’ that NPA guerrillas…were not in an offensive operation.”

Agcaoili also condemned the AFP for continuously “taking advantage of the ceasefire.”

“The NPA guerrillas were in the village to reach out to the community in response to the call of the CPP to secure the well-being and health of the people, especially in the fight against COVID-19,” Agcaoili, chief of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines peace negotiating panel, said in a statement.


Agcaoili said despite being “ill-equipped with medical supplies and halt paraphernalia,” the NPA guerrillas are on “24/7 mode” to help masses, particularly in far-flung communities to fight COVID-19.

“NPA guerrillas are imbued with the highest sense of dedication in attending to the welfare of the masses, including outbreaks of diseases and natural disasters,” he said.

Earlier, the Communist Party of the Philippines also claimed that the government forces engaged the clash with the NPA guerillas last Saturday in Barangay Puray, which left one rebel and one soldier dead.

CPP: Military, not Reds, initiated Rizal encounter

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 31, 2020): CPP: Military, not Reds, initiated Rizal encounter (By Martin Sadongdong)

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) claimed on Monday that it was the military that engaged the New People’s Army (NPA) unit in Rodriguez, Rizal that resulted in the death of a soldier and one rebel, and the wounding of two other security officers.



(REUTERS/Erik De Castro / MANILA BULLETIN)

CPP chief information officer Marco Valbuena cited an incident report released by the 2nd Infantry Battalion (2ID) which stated that Army troopers “conducted community defense patrol” in Barangay Puray last Saturday as a response to a tip that armed New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were planning to attack a group of Army troopers conducting community support work in the village.

“Based on AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) reports themselves, the armed clash last March 28 was an encounter which broke out when troops under the 2ID carried out patrol operations mounted by the local AFP unit,” Valbuena said.

“The claim that the NPA unit was planning an attack is baseless.”


As such, the communist officer said all units of the NPA will continue to uphold the ceasefire declaration of the CPP Central Committee to attend to the needs of the communities affected by COVID-19.

“The Party assures AFP soldiers that they will not be attacked during the ceasefire period especially if they are conducting public health activities in relation to efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19,” Valbuena said.

Earlier, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo and AFP Chief Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. denounced the attack.
The encounter occurred amid an existing ceasefire between the government and the communist groups, and killed Corporal Chrisler Pan and an unidentified member of the NPA.

Two other soldiers were also wounded. They were identified as Staff Sergeant Ralph Angot and Private First Class Noel Palmes.

The CPP Central Committee announced on March 24 that it would heed the global call of United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for an immediate ceasefire in conflicts around the world so that countries may turn their attention to fight COVID-19. The CPP’s ceasefire takes effect from March 26 to April 15.

Meanwhile, President Duterte declared on March 19 a unilateral ceasefire with the communist groups as he appealed to them to stop the attacks on the troops and help the government in containing the deadly disease. The government’s ceasefire will last until April 15.

But with the attack, Santos said the communist groups only proved that they “[threw] away their so-called ‘humanitarian principles’ and [exposed] the exploitative nature of their ceasefire declaration.”

What’s Next for the Philippines Communist Insurgency Under Duterte?

From The Diplomat (Mar 31, 2020): What’s Next for the Philippines Communist Insurgency Under Duterte? (By Prashanth Parameswaran)

A closer look at the state of one of Asia’s longest-running insurgencies and its future prospects.

Credit: Flickr

Over the past week, we saw a new round of the on-again, off-again tensions between the Philippine government and communist forces. The developments marked yet another cycle in one of Asia’s longest-running insurgencies, which is among the major internal security challenges that the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte continues to face during his single six-year term out to 2022.

The struggle between the Philippine government and communist forces – specifically the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) along with its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), whose numbers have dwindled to around 4,000 members today by some estimates – has been going on for over half a century. Over 100,000 combatants and civilians have died in the conflict since 1969, with multiple efforts at peace failing to take off across administrations. While Duterte had offered fresh hope for the process given his background in the country’s south and links to founding CPP chair Jose Maria “Joma” Sison, getting to peace has nonetheless proven elusive since he came to office back in 2016.

That pattern has continued on over the past year as well. Talks between the Duterte government and the CPP have not led to any sustained progress beyond cycles of starts and stops. Meanwhile, the NPA has continued its operations in the Philippines, presenting both a security challenge of its own but also complicating the country’s internal security environment more generally. Besides the NPA challenge, the government is also managing a peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in the south and tackling the ongoing threat of militancy and terrorism more generally from a range of groups including the Abu Sayyaf, the Maute Group, and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

Over the past few weeks, we have seen another instance of on-again, off-again tensions between the Philippine government and communists. Last week, news emerged that the government and the CPP had agreed to a ceasefire amid the global coronavirus pandemic, marking a manifestation of the “global COVID ceasefire” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had called for. But in the days since, we have seen doubts cast about both the status and sustainability of the recent ceasefire and growing anxieties about a reversion to the previous cycle between all sides.

These developments come as no surprise. Beyond the Duterte administration’s approach, it is worth keeping in mind that under three of the past four Philippine administrations that had committed to peace talks before Duterte – Corazon Aquino, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and Benigno Aquino III – perceived violations by both sides eventually led to a breakdown in talks amid an alternating cycle between negotiations and violence.

But the developments also reflect the broader challenges inherent in reaching peace. Irrespective of the political will among some segments in both the government and communist sides, there are divisions in both camps – with some communists uncomfortable with certain aspects of a deal with the Duterte government and the Philippine security forces and some political opponents reluctant to acquiesce to a deal that is seen as too conciliatory. It is also unclear whether both sides will have the necessary staying power to get past the obstacles they face, especially the Philippine government given the manifold security challenges it faces and the current state of COVID-19 in the country.

Of course, just because peace has proven elusive thus far does not mean that the communist insurgency in the Philippines is intractable. Crises such as COVID-19 have the potential to serve as an opportunity for peace as much as a challenge to it, depending on what the different parties choose to make of the situation. The recent inroads that the Duterte administration has made thus far with respect to the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front illustrates that one should be cautious about writing off incremental inroads toward peace even after decades of conflict. Nonetheless, the developments over the past few weeks do reinforce the difficulties of getting to peace even as both sides are getting more serious about doing so. That is important to keep in mind whenever we see waves of headlines about flickers of hope for peace.

[Prashanth Parameswaran is Senior Editor at The Diplomat based in Washington, D.C., where he produces analysis on Southeast Asian political and security issues, Asian defense affairs, and U.S. foreign policy in the Asia-Pacific.]

Monday, March 30, 2020

Troops unearth NPA armaments in Sarangani

From MindaNews (Mar 30, 2020): Troops unearth NPA armaments in Sarangani

Government troops recovered over the weekend a high-powered firearm and assorted ammunition reportedly stashed by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the upland villages of Malapatan town, Sarangani province.
Lt. Col. Ronaldo Valdez, commanding officer of the Army’s 73rd Infantry Battalion, said the munitions were unearthed in separate locations in Barangays Sapu Masla and Upper Suyan in Malapatan.

He said their troops initially found on Saturday morning a total of 490 7.62mm or M14 ammunition at a portion of Sitio Mahayag, Barangay Upper Suyan.

The official said it was discovered based on revelations from a former NPA combatant identified as Marcko Simon alias “Tarzan,” who surrendered in the area last Feb. 27.

The returnee was also responsible for the recovery last Feb. 29 of an AK47 and two M16 rifles that were also stashed by the rebels, he said.


“The ammunition was reportedly owned by the NPA’s Guerilla Front Tala (71) and stored in the site by an alias Yoyong last December,” Valdez said in a statement.

On Sunday morning, he said their troops also unearthed a caliber 5.56mm M16 rifle with four magazines and 82 ammunition in Sitio Salyan, Barangay Sapu Masla.

The firearm was located through accounts from another rebel returnee identified as alias “Willie,” he said.

Valdez lauded the former rebels for the recovery of the munitions and helping their unit fulfill its mission to maintain peace and order in the area.

He added that the recovered items could have been intended for the planned atrocities in line with the NPA’s 51st founding anniversary on Sunday, March 29.

CPP says ceasefire stands; claim that NPA will launch attack was 'baseless'

From GMA News (Mar 30, 2020): CPP says ceasefire stands; claim that NPA will launch attack was 'baseless' (By ANNA FELICIA BAJO)

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on Monday said its armed wing, the New People's Army (NPA), would continue to observe the ceasefire so that its members could extend public health service to the people amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) threat.

"In line with the CPP's ceasefire declaration, the NPA will not mount armed actions against military, police, paramilitary, and other armed agents attached to the GRP (Government of the Republic of the Philippines)," the CPP said in a statement.

It noted, however, that they would remain alert against military attacks.

This came after an incident in Barangay Puray in Rodriguez, Rizal in which a government soldier and an NPA gunman were killed when a Philippine Army Community Support Program (CSP) Team and communist insurgents had an encounter.

Following the firefight, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the NPA was ignoring the ceasefire declaration.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/731916/cpp-says-ceasefire-stands-claim-that-npa-will-launch-attack-was-baseless/story/

2 NPA fighters surrender in Agusan Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 30, 2020): 2 NPA fighters surrender in Agusan Norte (By Alexander Lopez)



ENOUGH WITH DECEPTION. Two regular members of the communist New People’s Army surrender to the Army's 29th Infantry Battalion on Sunday (March 29). Tired and exhausted, they decided to quit after three years of deception by the communist rebel movement. (Photo courtesy of 29IB)

The Philippine Army welcomed on Sunday (March 29) the surrender of two regular members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in Agusan del Norte.

In a statement on Monday (March 30), Lt. Col. Isagani Criste, commander of the Army's 29th Infantry Battalion, said the two NPA members surrendered to their headquarters in Barangay Del Pilar, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte.


“The surrender of the two rebels coincided with the celebration of the 51st anniversary of the NPA,” Criste said.

Criste identified the two rebels as alias “Rocky”, 51, a resident of Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte, a member of Platoon Banakon, Sentro de Gravidad 16 of Guerrilla Front 16, North Eastern Mindanao Command (NEMRC); and one alias "Bibong", 40, a resident of Santiago, Agusan del Norte, a member of Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda of Guerrilla Front 16-A.

The two NPA regulars turned over to the Army a KG-9 pistol, one magazine with 15 rounds of ammunition, one homemade shotgun, and subversive documents with high intelligence value.

Criste noted that the two NPA members appeared tired and exhausted at the time of their surrender.

“I feel your deep distress and regret for the wasted years which you spent serving the NPA in exchange for the moments you could have spent with your family,” he told the former rebels.

Criste praised the decision of the two NPA members to return to the folds of the law and reunite with their families and communities.

“I know your intentions were good and that you only desire that which is best for your family. I’m happy now that you have found your way back before it was too late,” he said.

Alias Rocky was quoted as saying that he was enticed by the NPA to join in exchange for financial support for his family.

“After three years with the rebel movement, I realized that they never provided support to my family. The NPA leadership also provided less care to its combatants,” Rocky said.

He said that there were times he had a high fever and severely ill in the mountains but the leadership failed to provide him the medicine he needed.

“I was not allowed to take rest despite my condition,” he added.

For his part, “Bibong” said the NPA deceived him to believe that he could protect his children and family if he would join the movement.

“Now I realized what they told me three years ago was not true. In reality, I was putting my family and children in danger. Now, all I want is to be with my family and guide my children. They are still young,” he said.

Criste also urged the remaining NPA rebels in the area to surrender and avail of government programs for former rebels.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1098261

3 rebels surrender in Aurora, pledge loyalty to gov't

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 30, 2020): 3 rebels surrender in Aurora, pledge loyalty to gov't (By Jason De Asis)



SURRENDERED. Three rebel surrenderers pledge their loyalty to the government before Lt. Col. Reandrew Rubio, acting commander of the Army's 91st Infantry Battalion, in Maria Aurora town on Sunday (March 29, 2020). The rebels had turned in themselves to the military troops in Barangay Dianawan, Maria Aurora. (Photo courtesy of the Army's 91st Infantry Battalion)

BALER, Aurora — Three communist terrorist group members surrendered to military troops and pledged loyalty to the government on Sunday.

Lt. Col. Reandrew Rubio, acting commander of the Army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion, said the three surrendered to the military troops in Barangay Dianawan, Maria Aurora town.

Rubio
identified the surrenderers as Lester Gutierrez and Roberto Valdez, both former members of Kilusang Larangang Guerilla Sierra Madre; and Patricia Bihasa, a former member of Panlalawigang Alyansang Magbubukid ng Aurora (Pamana).


“The surrender of the three former rebels is through the relentless joint efforts from different government units and local agencies to put an end to local communist armed conflict," he said.

He thanked the local officials of Barangay Dianawan for the support and cooperation with the troops by providing accurate information that led to the surrender of the three rebels.

“The pandemic crisis that we are all experiencing may be one of the reasons why these former rebels decided to surrender. Lack of food and weakened support from the masses played a crucial role,” Rubio said.

The surrendered rebels were brought to the headquarters of the 91st Infantry Battalion for proper documentation.

Brig. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr., newly installed commander of the 7th Infantry “Kaugnay” Division, encouraged the rebels to return to the fold of the law.

“The Kaugnay troopers extend their doors to the rest of the remaining mass base of CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front) remnants in their quest to start their lives right,” he said.

Col. Andrew Costelo, 703rd Brigade commander, meanwhile, said the government through Executive Order No. 70 provides health, education, livelihood, and other forms of assistance to the rebel returnees.

“Now that they have finally found the right track to life, they can expect the full support of the military troopers in their quest for justice, peace, and progress under the provisions of the whole of the nation approach where no one shall be left behind,” Costelo said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1098260

CPP: CPP/NPA ceasefire stands amid Covid-19 response

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 30, 2020): CPP/NPA ceasefire stands amid Covid-19 response

MARCO VALBUENA
CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER
COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES
MARCH 30, 2020



1. All units of the New People’s Army (NPA) will continue to uphold the ceasefire declaration of the CPP Central Committee in order to give full play to efforts to extend public health service to the people amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

2. In line with the CPP’s ceasefire declaration, the NPA will not mount armed actions against military, police, paramilitary and other armed agents attached to the GRP. The will, however, remain alert against offensive actions launched by AFP units.

READ: CPP orders ceasefire from 26 March to 15 April

3. Based on AFP reports themselves, the armed clash in Rizal last March 28 was an armed encounter which broke out when troops under the 2nd ID carried out patrol operations mounted by the local AFP unit.

The claim that the NPA unit was planning an attack is baseless.

4. The Party assures AFP soldiers that they will not be attacked during the ceasefire period especially if they are conducting public health activites in relation to efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19.

We urge AFP units to concentrate on Covid-19 operations and refrain from conducting anti-NPA patrol operations which may result in armed contact with nearby NPA units.

At this time, the Filipino people need all the help they can get to surmount the threat of Covid-19.

https://cpp.ph/statement/cpp-npa-ceasefire-stands-amid-covid-19-response/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Ang Bayan | Marso 30, 2020 (Pagpupugay kay Kasamang Julius Giron)

Tagalog language special edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 30, 2020): Ang Bayan | Marso 30, 2020 (Pagpupugay kay Kasamang Julius Giron)



PIL: PDF | PDF (Colored) | EPUB | MOBI

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

https://cpp.ph/2020/03/30/ang-bayan-marso-30-2020/

Kalinaw News: Army, DSWD deliver food packs in Bukidnon

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 30, 2020): Army, DSWD deliver food packs in Bukidnon (By 4th Infantry Division)



CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – The Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division recently partnered with the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office-10 (DSWD FO-10) in delivering 3,000 Family Food Packs (FFP) to the Province of Bukidnon last March 28, 2020. The food packs which are now safely stored inside Army facilities in Bukidnon are part of various government assistance packages being readied by the Regional Inter- Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging and Infectious Disease (RIATF- MEID)- in Northern Mindanao for people affected by the outbreak of the Corona Virus Disease (COVID19).

Mari-Flor Dollaga-Libang, Regional Director of DSWD FO-10 said the recent batch of deliveries now bring the total number of FFPs prepositioned in various military camps in Bukidnon to 6,000. She also lauded the Cagayan de Oro City- based Army unit for facilitating the delivery and safekeeping of the food packs which she said will be used should the crisis escalate.

The NorMin Task Force for CoViD-19 was created and activated thru NDRRMC Memorandum Circular No. 27, s2020 in order to ensure coordination and facilitate response, humanitarian assistance, and support the Regional Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of the Emerging Infectious Disease (RIATF-MEID). The DSWD FO-10 is currently the lead agency of the response for the Food and Non- Food Items Cluster with AFP and the Philippine Army through the 4th Infantry Division performing support roles.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Franco Nemesio M. Gacal, the Commander of 4ID said the Philippine Army is poised to provide any form of assistance to all regional line agencies and local government units in the fight against COVID-19. “Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) is one of our mission areas and we will make sure that we will do our best to help our people especially now that the entire country is in peril”, Gacal said. “This is a huge challenge for all us but with our Whole-of-Nation Approach, I am confident we will defeat COVID-19”, he added.

Since the declaration of national emergency due to the pandemic, 4ID units in Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions have been actively supporting interagency efforts to fight COVID-19. Hundreds of Army personnel, vehicle and equipment have been deployed across the two regions to assist the PNP and local government units and agencies in enforcing national directives and local ordinances such as the establishment of quarantine check points. Various military facilities are also being readied to accommodate stranded passengers, as directed by President Duterte.

Gacal said military camps are also strictly enforcing measures to prevent the spread of the dreaded virus. Camp Evangelista in Cagayan de Oro City has been implementing strict procedures such as thermal scanning and disinfection to safeguard soldiers and their families against the disease.

“Our soldiers are constantly threatened by the possibility of exposure to COVID-19 because of the nature of our job which is to serve the people. But we also need to protect them so that they can continue doing their tasks and accomplish our mission”, Gacal added. He also called on all sectors of the society especially the local populace to cooperate with the government’s efforts to immediately curb the disease.





[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/army-dswd-deliver-food-packs-in-bukidnon/

Kalinaw News: Members of armed group surrender to 7IB in North Cotabato

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 30, 2020): Members of armed group surrender to 7IB in North Cotabato (By 7th Infantry Battalion)



CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao–Three (3) members of Armed Lawless Group (ALG) have surrendered to 7th Infantry Battalion of Joint Task Force Central (JTFC) yesterday (March 27) at Brgy. Ladtingan, Pikit, North Cotabato

They were identified as Bhots Oledal, Ebra Kamedon, and Saude Montawal from Sitio Tatak, Brgy. Dalgan, Pagalungan, Maguindao.

The three also surrendered their one 5.56mm Ultimax rifle with magazine and five (5) ammunition and one (1) homemade M79 grenade launcher.


In a simple ceremony, 7th IB Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. Romel Valencia presented the three (3) members of ALG to Pagalungan Mayor SalikMamasabulod.

The local government of Pagalungan had pledged cash assistance to the 3 government returnees that will help them start their new lives peacefully without the need to fight the government troops.

JTFC Commander Maj. Gen. Diosdado C. Carreon lauded the efforts of 7th IB troops as more rebels were convinced to surrender to the government through their intelligence operations as well as with the help of the former rebels who previously surrendered to the unit.

“6ID continued to fight for peace while also supporting the fight against COVID-19”, said JTFC Commander.



[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/members-of-armed-group-surrender-to-7ib-in-north-cotabato/

Kalinaw News: Arms cache discovered during the Anniversary of Communist Terrorist

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 30, 2020): Arms cache discovered during the Anniversary of Communist Terrorist (By 73rd Infantry Battalion)



Malapatan, Sarangani Province – Members of 73rd Infantry Battalion discovered another NPA’s arms cache at So Salyan, Brgy Sapu Masla, Malapatan, Sarangani Province, on the morning of March 29, 2020, after the revelation of a certain @Willie, a former member of Communist Terrorist Group operating in Sarangani.

The arms cache, which is the second arms cache of the same group to be discovered within the week, yielded one Caliber 5.56 mm M16 rifle, four magazines, and 82 ammunition.

It can be recalled that on March 28, 2020, the same unit
discovered an arms cache of the same group at Sitio Mahayag, Upper Suyan, Malapatan, Sarangani Province, which yielded 490 7.62mm ammunition.


Ltc Ronaldo G Valdez said that the information provided by former rebels that led to the discovery of firearms and ammunitions of the communist terrorist indicates the willingness of the FR to help the government to end the insurgency in the countryside.

In another instance, CMO Platoon of the 73IB led by 2Lt Bago onboard Philippine Airforce aircraft dropped leaflets in the countryside to encourage remaining communist terrorists to surrender. The leaflets contain information about the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).








[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/arms-cache-discovered-during-the-anniversary-of-communist-terrorist/

Kalinaw News: 2 NPA fighters in Agusan del Norte surrender during their Anniversary

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 30, 2020): 2 NPA fighters in Agusan del Norte surrender during their Anniversary (By 29th Infantry “Matatag” Battalion)



CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte- Two regular fighters of the New People’s Army (NPA) finally decided to surrender to Lt. Col. Isagani O. Criste, the Commanding officer of the 29th Infantry “Matatag” Battalion on March 29, 2020, at Barangay del Pilar, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte. Their surrender coincided with the date of the NPA’s Anniversary.

The said NPA fighters were
identified as alias Rocky, 35 years old and a resident of Kicharao, Agusan del Norte. Alias Rocky is a former member of Platoon “BANAKON”, Sentro de Grabedad (SDG) 16, of the Guerilla Front Committee (GFC) 16 of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Command (NEMRC). The other was alias Bibong, 40 years old and a resident of Santiago, Agusan del Norte. Alias Bibong is a former member of Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda (SYP) 16A, Guerilla Front (GF) 16A of North Eastern Mindanao Regional Command (NEMRC).

The surrenderees brought with them one KG-9 pistol, one magazine with 15 rounds ammunition, one homemade shotgun and subversive documents with high intelligence value.


Alias Rocky emotionally said in his message, “Life with the NPA was never easy but still I was enticed to join them. I was deceived in joining them, having been told that they would provide for my family in exchange for my allegiance. After three years of being with them, I realized that what they told me were lies. They never cared for my family nor did they care for their troops. Many times I’ve experienced a high fever and became severely ill, but they never gave me any medicine nor allowed me to take a rest. One time, I found out that my mother who was already in her senior years got sick too, but I could not do anything to help her nor could my siblings. I feel like I failed as a son and as a brother in supporting my family since our father has died already. These experiences and misgivings pierced my heart, and so I decided to surrender already so I can still take care of my old ill mother and help my siblings before it was too late.”

According to alias Bibong, “As a father to my children, all I want is to be able to protect and provide for my family. And that’s how they enticed me. They told me that if I join them, I would have a firearm to use to protect myself and my family. They also said that they would provide help for us. After three years of being with and trusting them, I realized that I wasn’t protecting my family but I was putting them in danger. As a father, I should guide my children to what is right especially now that they are very young. I should also have taken care of my wife more so now that she is pregnant. I should have been there to assist her. But it seems that I’ve given much of my time to the NPA and slowly neglected my priority which is my family. And so I decided to surrender so I could still guide my children to light and be able to take care of their mother. They are all very young to lose a father if I continued with the NPA. I still want to spend time with them and make up for having failed them when I was with the NPA”

Lt. Col. Isagani O. Criste said in his statement, “As a man just like the two who surrendered, I feel your deep distress and regret for the wasted years which you spent serving the NPA in exchange for the moments you could have spent with your family. I know your intentions were good and that you only desire that which is best for your family. I’m happy now that you have found your way back before it was too late.”

“And to all the NPAs who are still in the mountains, I know most of your plans have already been frustrated, even your anniversary celebration. And I know also that most of you are tired already, fighting for an ideology which may be vague and unclear to you. Please listen to us. The promises made to you were pure lies and will do no good to you or your family. Abandon it. Your fellow fighters have surrendered already, evidence that there is truly a way out of there. So, leave that evil organization, and surrender now. The government is waiting for you to come back and is extending its arms to support you in your desire for a better life with your family,” Criste added. –







[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/2-npa-fighters-in-agusan-del-norte-surrender-during-their-anniversary/

Kalinaw News: 2 former NPA members, one supporter surfaced and vowed support to government

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 30, 2020): 2 former NPA members, one supporter surfaced and vowed support to government (By 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion)



Brgy Dianawan, Maria Aurora, Aurora – Through the relentless efforts of the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) deployed in the area of operation of army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion under the leadership of LTC REANDREW P RUBIO INF (GSC) PA, Acting Commanding Officer of 91st IB, PA of 7th ID, two (2) former NPA rebels and a member of Underground Mass Organizations (UGMOs) surrendered to the troops on March 29, 2020 in Barangay Dinadiawan, Maria Aurora, Aurora.

LTC RUBIO said that the surrender of the three (3) resulted to the continuous efforts of the Philippine Army and the effective-good rapport, well-disciplined, close coordination, and respect to the populace while conducting RCSP in the said barangay together with the personnel from Aurora Police Provincial Office (APPO) who immersed since November last year in compliance with the implementation of Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC).

As part of their ongoing efforts, combined elements of Charlie Company, 91IB, Dianawan RCSP team, 3rd CMO Coy, Intel Platoon of 91IB and 71MICO led by CPT BETHOVEN CABANLIT (INF) PA, Operations Officer under the supervision of LTC RUBIO, facilitated the surrender of Lester Gutierrez, lie-low member of Aurora Platoon Provincial Committee (APPCOM), Roberto Valdez, NPA courier/contact of Komiteng Larangang Guerilla (KLG) Sierra Madre and Patricia Bihasa, NPA mass supporter for the withdrawal of support/membership to Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) at Barangay Dianawan, Maria Aurora, Aurora on 29 March 2020.

The SINAGTALA troopers also expressed gratitude to local officials of Barangay Dianawan for the support and cooperation to the troops in providing accurate information that led to the surrender of the three personalities supporting the government’s enemy.

“The RCSP operations in Barangay Dianawan is not just to assist the peace and developmental efforts but also to facilitate the withdrawal of support and membership of those local folks who are members of the UGMOs of the CPP/NPA/NDF,” LTC RUBIO said, explaining that it is the best decision in their life (surrenderers) after having deceived by the communist-terrorist group (CTG) of joining a useless struggle.

The surrenderers also took their pledged of support to the government and denounced the atrocities and lies committed by the NPA rebels in other parts of the country.

LTC RUBIO is optimistic that with the full support and cooperation of the LGUs and NGAs in addressing the insurgency would significantly contributed in dismantling the KLG SIERRA MADRE operating in Aurora Province and some parts of Nueva Ecija.

On the other hand, COL ANDREW D COSTELO INF (GSC) PA, Commander, 703rd Infantry Brigade, 7ID, PA extends his congratulations to the SINAGTALA troopers for their dedication to duty despite of focusing the COVID-19 related activities.

“The government through Executive Order No. 70 provides health, education, livelihood, and other assistance intended to surfacing rebels,” COSTELO added.



[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/2-former-npa-members-one-supporter-surfaced-and-vowed-support-to-government/

Satellite image shows Chinese military plane on Kagitingan Reef

From Rappler (Mar 30, 2020): Satellite image shows Chinese military plane on Kagitingan Reef (JC Gotinga)

The routine presence of Chinese military assets shows Beijing's continuing dominance in the West Philippine Sea



KAGITINGAN REEF. This satellite image dated January 1, 2018, shows Kagitingan Reef (Fiery Cross Reef) in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). Photo courtesy of CSIS/AMTI/DigitalGlobe

A Chinese military plane landed on Kagitingan Reef (Fiery Cross Reef) in the West Philippine Sea on Saturday, March 28, a satellite image showed.

In a tweet on Sunday, March 29, the Israel-based satellite imaging service company ImageSat International said a Chinese military Y-8 transport aircraft landed on the artificial island, "probably bringing supplies."

"Routine operation of transport aircraft in the South China Sea area could indicate that the Chinese military is hardly affected by the country's health crisis," ImageSat said in the tweet.

The West Philippine Sea is the Philippines' exclusive economic zone and outlying areas it claims as territory within the larger South China Sea.

Kagitingan Reef, formerly a submerged maritime feature, is also claimed by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Since 2015, it has been reclaimed and transformed by China into a military base, complete with a 3-kilometer runway worthy of fighter jets, a harbor for naval vessels, missile systems, hangars, and a scientific research station.

It is one of 7 reefs in the Spratly group of islands that China has reclaimed and militarized.

China recently opened a research station on Kagitingan and Zamora Reef (Subi Reef), also in the West Philippine Sea, to gather data on the ecology, geology, and environment in the Spratlys, which includes what the Philippines calls the Kalayaan Island Group.

A United Nations-backed arbitral tribunal ruled in July 2016 that China's sweeping 9-dash line claim in the South China Sea is illegal, and that the Philippines is entitled to sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.

But China has proceeded to develop the reclaimed islets despite calls from the international community for it to desist, especially in putting military installations that heighten tensions with other claimant states like the Philippines.



ORIGINAL STATE. This was Kagitingan Reef (Fiery Cross Reef) before China started reclaiming it in 2015. Photo from CSIS-AMTI

The presence of Chinese vessels and other assets in the West Philippine Sea is seen by experts as a gray zone tactic by which China dominates what ought to be an international sea lane without sparking overt armed conflict with rival claimants.

Around the Philippine-held Pag-asa Island (Thitu Island) near Zamora Reef, hundreds of Chinese fishing vessels have lingered since December 2018, hardly doing any fishing. Experts and even some Philippine officials believe the boats are militias sent by Beijing to occupy and assert its presence in the area.

Under President Rodrigo Duterte, the Philippines has toned down asserting its claim over the West Philippine Sea, as Duterte seeks to broaden political and economic ties with China.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/256421-satellite-image-shows-chinese-military-plane-kagitingan-reef-march-2020

Army remains on red alert despite ceasefire with reds

From the Visayan Daily Star (Mar 30, 2020): Army remains on red alert despite ceasefire with reds

The Army’s 3rd Infantry Division infantry units in Western and Central Visayas are not any taking chances, despite of the unilateral ceasefire being observed, as the New People’s Army marked its 51st founding anniversary yesterday.

Given the NPA anniversary, Capt. Cenon Pancitoi III, 3ID spokesman, yesterday said that all their units were advised to be extra cautious, noting that the communist rebels are known to be very deceptive ever since, while declaring a ceasefire.


“While we a busy fighting together with the Filipino people in containing COVID-19, we assure the public that their Army is every willing to fulfill its very mandate to secure everybody from terrorism committed by the NPAs,” Pancito said.

The NPA in Negros started observing the unilateral ceasefire on March 26 until April 15, in compliance with the order of the Communist Party of the Philippines central committee, Ka Juanito Magbanua, spokesman of the New People’s Army Apolinario Gatmaitan Command, said.

But Magbuana, in a press statement, said that they will remain vigilant and monitor any possible hostile action from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and National Police during the ceasefire period.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier ordered a unilateral ceasefire to allow the AFP and PNP to focus on helping government medical personnel in the fight against COVID-19.

Col. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said that they will continue to assist the COVID-19 Inter Agency Task Force in the repacking and hauling, and even in the distribution of relief goods, especially to residents in the hinterlands of Negros.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2020/March/30/topstory9.htm

LOOK! EXCLUSIVE: A military unmanned aerial vehicle flies over Zamboanga City

From the Mindanao Examiner (Mar 30, 2020): LOOK! EXCLUSIVE: A military unmanned aerial vehicle flies over Zamboanga City

LOOK! EXCLUSIVE: A military unmanned aerial vehicle flies over Zamboanga City in southern Philippines on Monday, March 30, 2020. It was unknown whether the drone is US or Philippines, but Pentagon continues to support a small number of American troops helping Manila's anti-terror campaign in the restive region where Filipino soldiers are battling pro-ISIS groups and communist rebels. (Zamboanga Post)




NPA shows arrogance in justifying killing of tribal leader

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 30, 2020): NPA shows arrogance in justifying killing of tribal leader (By Alexander Lopez)



REPREHENSIBLE. Brig. Gen. Maurito L. Licudine, commander of the Army's 402nd Infantry Brigade based in Caraga Region, urges the people of Surigao del Sur to condemn the communist New People’s Army for the killing of a tribal chieftain and a civilian in the area. Licudine described the NPA as a 'virus that plagues communities.' (PNA file photo by Alexander Lopez)

The communist New People’s Army (NPA) are displaying their arrogance and utter disregard to the value of human life when they admitted and justified the killing of a tribal chieftain and a civilian in Surigao del Sur, a military official said over the weekend.

Brig. Gen. Maurito L. Licudine, commander of the Army's 402nd Infantry Brigade said the NPA rebels also showed "their barbaric nature" in attacking civilians with no direct involvement in the armed conflict.


“We are one with the whole Indigenous People (IP) communities in condemning this terroristic act. We will not rest until the perpetrators will be brought to justice,” Licudine said in a statement.

NPA rebels killed Manobo tribal chieftain Bernandino Astudillo, 73, and a civilian identified as Zaldy Ibanez, 52, on March 19 in Sitio Inadan, Barangay Magroyong, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur.
Earlier this week, the NPA's Guerrilla Front 30 (GF-30) spokesperson Imelda Rambuyod -- alias “Sandara Sidlakan” -- admitted the group's killing of Astudillo and Ibanez.

Rambuyod accused Astudillo and Ibanez of being responsible for the rape of a certain Palay Astudillo.

Licudine lambasted the rebels for "fabricating stories" to justify the killings.


A day after the admission the NPA's admission to the killing, Palay Astudillo, the granddaughter of Datu Bernandino Astudillo, came out in a video denying the accusation.

Licudine said that acts of the NPA violated the International Humanitarian Law (IHL), as he called on the people of Surigao del Sur, particularly in San Miguel, to condemn the NPA.

He also dubbed the NPA rebels as "the living viruses that plague communities."

“Let’s be vigilant and alert from the treacherous acts of the CNTs (Communist NPA Terrorists) while our troops support the Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) address the threat of coronavirus disease (Covid-19),” Licudine said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1098111

AFP won’t dignify Reds’ claims of massive military losses

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 30, 2020): AFP won’t dignify Reds’ claims of massive military losses (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will not dignify the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) terrorists’ claim that they have inflicted over 1,000 casualties to the military during the course of 710 actions in 2019.

"We would not dignify that preposterous claim with an answer,"
AFP spokesperson, Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo told reporters when asked for comment on Sunday.


Arevalo said the CPP-NPA’s claims are just whistling in the dark, if not daydreaming.

"No one believes them but their own in order to ward off the fact that 40 Communist NPA Terrorist regulars and Milisyang Bayan surrendered to government security forces on 28 March 2020 — just a day before their supposed anniversary— bringing along with them 14 firearms, assorted ammunition, other war materiel and enemy documents," Arevalo said.

The NPA, the armed wing of the CPP, celebrated its 51st founding anniversary on Sunday.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1098173

Army, Landers distribute food packs in Payatas

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 30, 2020): Army, Landers distribute food packs in Payatas (By Priam Nepomuceno)



FOOD AID. Army personnel distribute food packs to residents of Barangay Payatas in Quezon City on Saturday (March 28, 2020). Through Army reservist 2nd Lt. Matteo Guidicelli's online fundraising concert titled "One Voice Pilipinas", the Army was able to raise PHP4.8 million. (PA photo)

Landers Superstore and the Philippine Army delivered 1,500 relief packs to residents of Barangay Payatas, Quezon City on Saturday.

In a statement Sunday, PA spokesperson Col. Ramon Zagala said the food packs include five kilograms of rice, four assorted canned goods, and two cup noodles.

Transportation vehicles from the PA Civil-Military Operations Regiment (CMOR) were used in the distribution of relief goods to the residents of Barangay Payatas.

The military has been assisting in the distribution of food items to the families affected by the month-long enhanced community quarantine in Luzon.


Through Army reservist 2nd Lt. Matteo Guidicelli's online fundraising concert titled "One Voice Pilipinas", the Army was able to raise PHP4.8 million.

The funds raised were used to extend assistance to families affected by the enhanced community quarantine.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health and the Armed Forces of the Philippines repacked 500,000 disposable medical masks donated by the Bank of China Limited.

The masks will be distributed to healthcare workers in hospitals and strategic locations.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1098187

On NPA anniversary, Joma claims guerrilla ranks widened

From the Business Mirror (Mar 30, 2020): On NPA anniversary, Joma claims guerrilla ranks widened


In this November 23, 2016, file photo, members of the New People’s Army read a local paper at their guerrilla encampment tucked in the Sierra Madre Mountains southeast of Manila.

The New People’s Army has managed to build up its ranks despite government’s operations and is present in nearly all of the provinces of the country, Communist founder Jose Maria Sison said, even as the military reported the surrender of 54 rebels and their supporters in Central and Southern Luzon.

Sison’s projection of the rebel group’s strength was made on the occasion of the 51st founding anniversary of the NPA on Sunday. He issued the statement three days after the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)declared a cease-fire with the government following the call of the United Nations for warring groups around the world to stop their operations and joined in the effort to combat coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-29).

“It [NPA] has thousands of Red fighters well-trained and battle-tested in more than 100 guerilla fronts in 73 provinces out of the 81 Philippine provinces,” Sison said. “It coordinates with the people’s militia and the self-defense units of mass organizations as auxiliary and reserve forces.”

Sison, also the chief political consultant of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, said the NPA, which is the CPP’s armed wing, is determined to build the “revolutionary bases and accumulate armed political strength” until it can seize cities of the country.
‘Annihilative’
According to the communist leader, the rebels were able to carry out last year at least 710 “big and small” military actions against the government wherein at least 651 “enemy troops” were killed and more than 466 were wounded, both casualties of which, were equivalent to “around 30 platoons or two battalions” of soldiers.

The actions were in the form of “ambus-cades and raids” of military detachments, “harassments, disarming, demolition, sapper and partisan operations and punitive actions.”

“The people’s war is now in the process of moving from the middle to the advanced phase of the strategic defensive,” Sison said. “The NPA can win tactical offensives in order to further increase its arms and debilitate its enemy… all the guerilla fronts can be directed to carry out a monthly minimum quota of annihilative battles to increase arms.”

He further claims the NPA has 14 regional commands under its national operational command and conduct movement and maneuvers “freely” in more than 80 percent of the country’s areas as it carries intensive and extensive guerilla warfare on a deepening mass base.

“In every guerilla front, one third of the NPA is relatively concentrated and ever ready for waging battles that it can win. Two-thirds are relatively dispersed for mass work,” Sison said.
‘Treachery’

Malacañang condemned the “treachery” of communist rebels for attacking government soldiers in Rizal last Saturday.

In a statement, Presidential Spokesman Salvador S. Panelo said the incident exposed the “insincerity” of the NPA in supporting the government efforts against Covid-19.

Panelo said the incident endangered not only members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) but also of the community in the area.

The attack killed a solider and injured two others. The incident occurred after the observance of a cease-fire that was supposed to lapse on April 15, two days after the lifting of the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine on April 13, 2020.

Panelo assured the AFP will be ready to continue repulsing more of its attacks from the NPA for the duration of the quarantine.

“Let this be a warning to the enemies of the state that the constituted authorities are equipped and ready to repel any and all transgressions of law and crush any armed attack against our soldiers and civilians with ferocity and might,” Panelo said.

The Federation of Free Workers (FFW) lamented the apparent short-lived truce between the government the NPA.

Despite the attack, FFW President Sonny Matula appealed to both parties to reconsider more clashes, especially for the duration of the Covid crisis.

“If we may be allow to suggest, FFW urges both parties instead of killing each other and buying arms and bullets—to use their funds to save lives and, at the same time, refocus efforts and resources to save more civilians and non-combatants in the fight against the coronavirus disease,” Matula said in a statement.