NPA executes 2 elderly men in South (WARNING: Contains graphic photos)

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Mar 21, 2020): NPA executes 2 elderly men in South (WARNING: Contains graphic photos)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Communist rebels executed a tribal leader and a farmer who were both seized by the New People’s Army, or NPA, in southern Philippine province of Surigao del Sur, police said Saturday.

Police photos show the murder victims. 

The bodies of the 73-year old tribal chieftain, Datu Bernandino Astudillo, and Zaldy Ibanez, 52, were recovered in the village of Magyoyong in San Miguel town, according to Major Elvie Dedicatoria, the town’s police chief.

The motive of the twin murders were unknown, but rebels had previously seized and killed tribal leaders and civilians not cooperating with them or accused of helping or passing information to authorities about the NPA.

Both men were abducted Thursday by rebels under NPA leader Noel Mahinay – the same time President Rodrigo Duterte declared a unilateral ceasefire with the communist rebel group and the Communist Party of the Philippines and its political wing, the National Democratic Front of the Philippines from March 19 to April 15,

Duterte declared the unilateral ceasefire to allow troops to help contain the spread of the deadly coronavirus, or Covid-19, in the country which is under lockdown. He ordered the police and military not to launch offensives against the rebel group, blamed for the spate of attacks on civilian and government targets across the country.

But the NPA rejected the ceasefire with Jose Maria Sison, the communist founder, saying the lockdown is meant not to fight the pandemic, but to intimidate the people, suppress democratic rights, commit human rights violations, among others.

The Philippines has more than 200 Covid-19 cases and over a dozen deaths since the outbreak of the virus was first reported in the Chinese city of Wuhan last December. (Mindanao Examiner)

https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2020/03/npa-executes-2-elderly-men-in-south.html

Military quarantines 200 people on remote Basilan island

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Mar 21, 2020): Military quarantines 200 people on remote Basilan island

Some 200 Filipino boat passengers will have to undergo self-quarantine for two weeks on an island of the southern Philippine province of Basilan as part of preventive measure on the spread of the deadly coronavirus disease.

Photos from the Philippine Information Agency in Basilan province show tents put up by soldiers for some 200 people who will undergo quarantine for 14 days on Sibakel Island off Basilan province. And boxes of provisions sent by the Department of Social Welfare and Development to the island.

Health workers and soldiers put up tents on Sibakel Island where the Filipinos, mostly from Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, will temporarily stay.

The island, just several nautical miles from Basilan’s Lantawan town, is uninhabited with no existing infrastructure nor water source, but the Department of Social Welfare and Development has sent boxes of provisions for those undergoing quarantine.

“The military’s intervention was brought about by reports of Filipinos returning from Malaysia. Under the presidential proclamation, we have to accept them, but they have to undergo quarantine procedures. That is why we organized a team that conducted the reconnaissance and inspection of the island, and we decided that Sibakel is the most conducive,” said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, chief of the Western Mindanao Command.

“Soldiers accounted at least 10 children on the stranded vessels. The passengers will have to undergo medical screenings to determine whether they are persons under monitoring or investigation,” he added.

It was not immediately known how many passengers came from Sabah in Malaysia which has over 100 Covid-19 cases, mostly infections from religious gatherings in mosques.

Malaysia has 4 confirmed Covid-19 deaths and over 1,000 cases and is now the fourth highest number of coronavirus cases in Asia behind China (over 81,000 cases), Iran (more than 17,300 cases) and South Korea (over 8,500 cases).

The Philippines has reported over 300 Covid-19 cases and 19 deaths so far. (Zamboanga Post)

https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2020/03/military-quarantines-200-people-on.html

Westmincom, DOH build quarantine facility in Basilan Island

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 20, 2020): Westmincom, DOH build quarantine facility in Basilan Island (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)



QUARANTINE FACILITY. Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, and Dr. Emilia Monicimpo, Department of Health regional director, meet with representatives of other government line agencies on Thursday (March 19, 2020) to tackle the plight of some 149 returning Filipinos from Malaysia. During the meeting, it was decided that a quarantine facility will be built in Sibakel Island, Lantawan, Basilan province to house the passengers. (Photo courtesy of Westmincom Public Information Office)

The Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) will build a quarantine facility in Sibakel Island to house the more than 100 Filipinos stuck on two vessels at sea near Basilan province.

Maj. Arvin John Encinas, Westmincom spokesperson, said Friday the passengers arrived from Malaysia aboard two wooden-hulled vessels but were refused entry brought about by the imposition of enhanced community quarantine amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) threat.

Encinas said that 133 of them are aboard M/L Rosmina and 16 aboard M/L Ziara. The passengers, 10 of whom are children, remain at the two vessels at sea since they arrived four days ago.

Col. Leonardo Peña, chief of Westmincom’s unified command staff, led a team from other government agencies and inspected Sibakel Island in preparation for the construction of the quarantine facility.

Sibakel Island is under the political jurisdiction of the municipality of Lantawan in Basilan province. It is an isolated area with no existing infrastructure nor water source but can accommodate 200 people.

“Early this morning, the troops have brought construction materials to Sibakel Island with the assistance of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao,” Encinas said.

Encinas said the facility will be built in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH).

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Westmincom chief, chaired a meeting Thursday with representatives of line agencies including DOH Regional Director Emilia Monicimpo, Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Director Cuyamombao Dia, and Office of Civil Defense Regional Director Manuel Luis Ochotorena.

“Coronavirus disease-19 is an ‘illness’ that starts with ‘I’. We have to change the ‘I’ to ‘We’ to make it ‘wellness’. Let us continue to work together towards wellness to defeat the illness and make things happen,” Sobejana said.

Meanwhile, Encinas assured that no one among the passengers was classified as patients under investigation (PUI) but were listed as persons under monitoring (PUM) following a checkup by health personnel.

Encinas said that the provincial government of Basilan has provided them food and other needs since they arrived from Malaysia.

He said the stranded returning Filipinos are from this city, Zamboanga del Sur, and Central Mindanao area.

The Basilan Provincial Task Force Covid-19 said that there are 19 PUIs and 1,050 PUMs in the province as of 4 p.m. of March 19.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1097302

Army, NCIP slam killing of IP leader in Surigao Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 21, 2020): Army, NCIP slam killing of IP leader in Surigao Sur (By Alexander Lopez)



KILLED BY COMMUNIST REBELS. Datu Bernandino Montenegro Astudillo, 73, the Manobo tribal chieftain of Barangay Magroyong, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, who was killed by suspected New People’s Army rebels on Thursday evening (March 19). Communist guerillas also killed a civilian during the attack on the predominantly Manobo settlement. (Photo courtesy of Councilor Rico Maca, IPMR, Municipality of San Miguel)

The Philippine Army and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples in Caraga Region (NCIP-13) condemned Thursday's killing of a tribal chieftain and a civilian in San Miguel, Surigao del Sur.

Some 20 suspected communist New People's Army (NPA) fighters attacked a predominantly Manobo settlement in Barangay Magroyong and killed Datu Bernandino Montenegro Astudillo, 73, the village's tribal chieftain.

The armed men also killed Zaldy Ibañez, 52.

Astudillo and Ibañez were both hacked to death, police and local officials said.

“We strongly condemn this barbaric act of the CNTs (Communist New People’s Army Terrorists) as they continue to destroy innocent civilians and Indigenous Peoples’ (IPs) lives,” said Lt. Col. Jezreel Diagmel, acting commander of the Army's 36th Infantry Battalion of the Army in the province.

Surigao del Sur Provincial Police Office (SDSPPO) director, Col. James Goforth, said residents in the area identified the attackers as NPA guerillas.
Goforth said Ibañez was a former rebel who surrendered to the Philippine National Police (PNA) in November last year. The communist rebels have been known to turn against their former members.

Goforth said the communist rebels responsible for the attack on the Manobo village were members of the NPA's Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda 1 of the "weakened" Guerilla Front 30 (GF30) led by a certain Joel Mahinay.

Diagmel lambasted the NPA for "taking advantage" of the government's ceasefire declaration and "while the Army and the PNP are occupied" in helping various line agencies in preventing the spread of the dreaded coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in Surigao del Sur.

“I call on the human rights advocates to investigate these killings to give justice to the families of the victims,” Diagmel said.

He also urged the remaining NPA rebels to stop the killing of civilians and IP leaders, "abandon their futile armed struggle and return to the fold of the law."

Meanwhile, NCIP-13 director Ferdausi Cerna was saddened by the news of Astudillo’s murder.

“The killing of Datu Bernandino Montenegro Astudillo, a defenseless 73- year-old IP leader, is not an isolated case,” Cerna told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

The killing of Astudillo, he pointed out, "is part of the killing spree done by those who are threatened by decisive tribal leaders."

“Truly, my heart is heavy as news like these seems to never cease, but so shall your reckoning,” he added.

Cerna also appealed to tribal leaders in Surigao del Sur and the rest of Caraga not to be deterred by the recent killing but to continue the fight for the rights of the IPs.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1097297

3 BIFF fighters yield to Army in NoCot

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 21, 2020): 3 BIFF fighters yield to Army in NoCot (By Edwin Fernandez)



BIFF SURRENDERERS. Lt. Colonel Rommel Valencia, commander of the Army’s 7th Infantry Battalion accepts three members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters who yielded to them on Friday (March 20) in Kabacan, North Cotabato. The surrenderers said they longed to be with their families after being duped into fighting a futile cause. (Photo courtesy of 7IB)

Three members of the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) surrendered to the military in North Cotabato on Friday, bringing with them high-powered firearms and rifle grenade launchers.

The surrenderers belonged to the BIFF faction of Ustadz Karialan operating at the borders of Maguindanao and North Cotabato provinces.

Lt. Col. Rommel Valencia, commander of the Army’s 7th Infantry Battalion (IB) based in Kabacan, North Cotabato, said the three turned over a homemade .50-caliber sniper, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher with ammunition, and a homemade M79 grenade launcher with two rounds of 40-mm projectiles.

Valencia said the surrenderers' long desire to live normal lives with their families prompted them to abandon a lost cause.

“The government’s offer is good under President Rodrigo Duterte so we grabbed the opportunity to surrender while he is still in office,” said Ali, one of the surrenderers.

Valencia said the 7IB has coordinated with the local government of Pikit, North Cotabato, through Mayor Sumulong Sultan for financial and livelihood assistance.

“Through this, more BIFF will hopefully come and surrender for the sake of their families,” Valencia said.

Brig. Gen. Robert Capulong, commander of the Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade, lauded the 7IB troopers for "pursuing the right path to peace for those who were duped to join a lost cause."

Capulong said he directed Valencia to convince more BIFF to surrender and avail of the government’s reconciliation program.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1097361

PH Air Force transports stranded foreign tourists to Manila

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 21, 2020): PH Air Force transports stranded foreign tourists to Manila (By Priam Nepomuceno)



AIDING STRANDED TOURISTS. Foreign tourists disembark from a C-130 aircraft of the Philippine Air Force at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 on Thursday (March 19, 2020). The tourists were picked up from the Mactan Air Base in Cebu after they were stranded as local carriers canceled domestic flights in compliance with the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon. (Photo courtesy of Air Force Public Affairs Office)

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has transported to Manila some 46 foreign tourists who were stranded in Cebu.

In a statement on Friday, PAF spokesperson Maj. Aristides Galang said a Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" cargo plane picked up the tourists from Mactan Air Base, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu and flew them to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 in Pasay City on Thursday.

Galang said the flight was coordinated with the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Department of Tourism, and PAF Chief, Lt. Gen. Allen T. Paredes.

The effort was part of recovery flights aimed at helping tourists who were stranded due to travel restrictions in line with the enhanced community quarantine in effect over Luzon due to the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak.

Based on updated community quarantine guidelines, only overseas Filipino workers, balikbayans, and foreign nationals would be allowed to leave at any time during the quarantine period in Luzon, provided they travel only to the airport within 24 hours of the date and time of their departure.

Outgoing passengers have been advised to provide documents of their departure, such as an electronic ticket or flight itinerary.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1097347

NUPL questioning of gov't anti-Covid 19 measures odd

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 21, 2020): NUPL questioning of gov't anti-Covid 19 measures odd (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Southern Luzon Command chief, Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade, Jr. (PNA File photo)

Southern Luzon Command chief, Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade, Jr., finds it odd for the National Union of Peoples' Lawyers (NUPL) to have time to set up a bulletin to dispute ongoing government efforts to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) and yet remains quiet on reported Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) during a unilateral ceasefire.

"In the enforcement of Enhanced Community Quarantine for Covid-19, the NUPL issued their own Bulletin for Common Q & A regarding the government clampdown to totally control the spread of the virus," he said in a statement to Philippine News Agency Friday.

The move is a great one propaganda-wise for the NUPL as it will help them justify their existence and funding from abroad, Parlade said.
"Great propaganda effort there for NUPL, at least to justify your existence and funding from foreign organizations as a member of the International League of People's Struggle (ILPS) whose Chair Emeritus is (Communist Party of the Philippines chair) Jose Maria "Joma" Sison. As a legal front organization of the CPP they can't help but cite the 1987 Constitution as a reference," he added.

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

"(While) the underground members amongst them, the members of the "Lupon ng Manananggal ng Bayan (Lumaban)” cannot because they swore before the CPP Constitution. In fact, they refuse to respect its provisions, even as they raise the constitutionality of many government policies. That's the classic duplicity of these stooges of Sison," he said.

And to illustrate the group's classic revolutionary dual tactics, he said this legal organization will continue to be silent on many issues especially on the ones dealing with the NPA atrocities and abuses.

"Today, March 20, the NPAs in Surigao hacked to death a farmer identified as Zaldy Ibañez, 52, in Purok 7, Sitio Inadan. The rebels also killed Datu Bernandino Montenegro Astudillo, 73, tribal chieftain of Magroyong," Parlade said.

He also asked Bayan Muna Representative Carlos Isagani Zarate, human rights lawyer Neri Colmenares and NUPL president Edre Olalia whether they are willing to add this question to their bulletin.

"Q - Is it a crime for the NPA to murder civilians and IP tribal leaders, especially during SOMO when the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) is focused on assisting our countrymen to fight and survive this Covid-19?" he asked. “And whether the NUPL and justification for these are "Q13" for the NUPL bulletin.”

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1097364

Soldiers transport mattress donation to QC hospital

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 21, 2020): Soldiers transport mattress donation to QC hospital (By Priam Nepomuceno)



SLEEPING MATS. Army troops unload camper mats from a military truck at the Lung Center of the Philippines in Quezon City on Friday (March 20, 2020). The mats were donated by Uratex Foam for health workers at the hospital. (Photo courtesy of Army Chief Public Affairs Office)

Philippine Army (PA) troops on Friday transported 70 camper mats donated by bedroom fixtures company Uratex Foam to medical professionals of the Lung Center of the Philippines in Quezon City.

Reservist 2nd Matteo Guidicelli, in coordination with the management of Uratex Foam, was assisted by the PA in transporting the mats using military trucks from the company's factory in Canumay, Valenzuela City to the hospital.

He was also aided by the PA Civil-Military Operations Regiment in the transportation of the mattresses.

Meanwhile, PA commander Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay lauded Uratex's generosity to front-liners working to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

“Amidst the fight against Covid-19, your efforts will make our health professionals more comfortable that will boost their physical stamina in serving the people infected by the virus," he added.

Medical workers are among those exempted from the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1097355

WESTMINCOM: WestMinCom proposes quarantine area for Filipino returnees

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Mar 20, 2020): WestMinCom proposes quarantine area for Filipino returnees

The military proposed building on Sibakel Island a quarantine area for 200 Filipino passengers stuck on vessels that were refused entry in western Mindanao.

The inspection team of Western Mindanao Command dropped round and checked on the conditions of Sibakel Island in basilan on March 19. Col. Leonardo Peña, the chief of WestMinCom’s unified command staff, led security forces and representatives of lead agencies during the inspection.

Sibakel Island is an isolated area with no existing infrastructure nor water source, but the island can house 200 persons.

“The military’s intervention was brought about by reports of Filipinos returning from Malaysia. Under the presidential proclamation, we have to accept them, but they have to undergo quarantine procedures,” said WestMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana. “That is why we organized a team that did the reconnaissance and inspection, and we decided that Sibakel is the most conducive.”

Soldiers account at least 10 children on the stranded vessels. The passengers will have to undergo medical screenings to determine whether they are persons under monitoring or investigation.

The military intends to install 100 tents on the island, fifty of which will be transported here today. The Department of Health IX, meanwhile, said it will deliberate on the military’s proposal as resources will have to be rationalized.

“Coronavirus Disease-19 is an “ILLNESS” that starts with ’I’. We have to change the ‘I’ to ‘We’ to make it “WELNESS.” Let us continue to work together towards wellness to defeat the illness and make things happen,” said Lt. Gen. Sobejana.

The commander chaired the meeting with line agencies including DOH Region IX Director Emilia Monicimpo, DPWH IX Director Cuyamombao D. Dia and OCD Region IX Director Manuel Luis Ochotorena in Camp Navarro on March 19. Meanwhile, the body has set another meeting to discuss the quarantine setup on March 20.

#afpyoucantrust
#teamwmc
#teamkapayapaan
#wmcyourprotector
#wmcyourpartner
#wmcyourfriend

6th Infantry Division - Kampilan 601 Infantry - Unifier Brigade 602nd "Liberator" Brigade 603 Persuader Brigade 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade Unang Marinong Brigada Team Tabak Joint Taskforce Basilan HARIBON TEAM Magbalantay Cmo 11 Infantry Division "Alakdan Troopers" Gagandilan Siete 1102 Infantry "ganarul" Brigade 1st BCT Aegis Kwatromarinobrigada Sulu Jtf Tawi Tawi Indomalphi Joint Task Force Zamboanga Joint Task Force Zamboanga Virtual Center Unbeatable Ranger Battalion Matatag Battalion Tow Westmin Cmo Tow Westmin Pio Naval Forces Western Mindanao Cmou Western Mindanao Katapatan Pangkatihan-Dagatan 33rd Infantry Makabayan Battalion 57th Infantry Masikap Battalion 1st Mechanized Lakan Battalion 90th Infantry Bigkis Lahi Battalion 7th Infantry - TAPAT Battalion Reliablecmo R Section 6IB Redskin 37IB - Conqueror Battalion 40 Infantry "Magiting" Battalion 2nd Mechanized Infantry-MAKASAGBattalion Onlyourbest MbltFive 38th Infantry We Clear Battalion Arvin John Gullos Encinas Breathe Heart Ruel Casanes Ar-ar Galvez Afman Rosales Jr. Antriosanjh Espenida Nenea Sancus Princy Necessitas La Independencia Filipinas

https://www.facebook.com/afpwestmincom/posts/1681405588668157?__tn__=K-R

https://www.facebook.com/afpwestmincom/photos/pcb.1681405588668157/1681404335334949/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/afpwestmincom/photos/pcb.1681405588668157/1681404295334953/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/afpwestmincom/photos/pcb.1681405588668157/1681404288668287/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/afpwestmincom/photos/pcb.1681405588668157/1681404598668256/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/afpwestmincom/

WESTMINCOM: Soldiers Brave Danger of COVID19 to Protect Community from Terrorists!

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Mar 20, 2020): Soldiers Brave Danger of COVID19 to Protect Community from Terrorists!

Amid the lock-downs and quarantines due to the COVID-19 pandemic, military continue to operate in the hinterlands of Western Mindanao to hunt and pound the remaining terrorists.

In the afternoon of March 19, 2020, troops of the 21st Infantry Battalion launched a strike operation in Barangay Upper Kamuntayan, Talipao Sulu.


Said operation resulted in the seizure of two M16 rifles with six long and five short magazines and one sniper scope round of ammunition for M16 at the residence of a certain Macco Hadjan.

“While we ensure the safety and orderly of the community on the enhanced community quarantine across the country to contain COVID-19, we also ensure that our troops are in good health condition before and after the operation,” said Lt. Col. Ricky Parcon, Commanding Officer, 21st Infantry Battalion.

"We are presently battling against two different enemies," said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

"Team WestMinCom continuously collaborate with the Local Government Units and the health sectors of the different cities and municipalities under the operational control of the command, to protect the people from COVID-19," Lt. Gen. Sobejana added.

"Likewise, we continue our military operations for the possible neutralization of the remaining terrorists to ensure that they will not take advantage of the current situation to create havoc in our area of operation," Lt. Gen. Sobejana concluded.

Troops continue to scour the area.

#afpyoucantrust
#teamwmc
#teamkapayapaan
#wmcyourprotector
#wmcyourpartner
#wmcyourfriend

6th Infantry Division - Kampilan]601 Infantry - Unifier Brigade602nd "Liberator" Brigade603 Persuader Brigade1st Mechanized Infantry BrigadeUnang Marinong BrigadaTeam TabakJoint Taskforce BasilanTeam Igsoon103Rd Bde Haribon Pa Campo Ranao, Marawi CityMagbalantay Cmo11 Infantry Division "Alakdan Troopers"Gagandilan Siete1102 Infantry "ganarul" Brigade1st BCT AegisKwatromarinobrigada SuluJtf Tawi Tawi IndomalphiJoint Task Force ZamboangaVirtual Center ValenciaUnbeatable Ranger Battalion29th Infantry "Matatag" Battalion, Philippine ArmyPhilippine ArmyTow Westmin CmoTow Westmin PioNaval Forces Western MindanaoCmou Western MindanaoKatapatan Pangkatihan-Dagatan33rd Infantry Makabayan Battalion57th Infantry Masikap Battalion1st Mechanized Lakan Battalion90th Infantry Bigkis Lahi Battalion7th Infantry - TAPAT BattalionReliablecmo R Section6IB Redskin 37IB - Conqueror Battalion40 Infantry "Magiting" Battalion2nd Mechanized Infantry-MAKASAGBattalionOnlyourbest MbltFive38th Infantry We Clear Battalion

https://www.facebook.com/afpwestmincom/photos/pcb.1681752198633496/1681751848633531/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/afpwestmincom/photos/pcb.1681752198633496/1681751845300198/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/afpwestmincom/photos/pcb.1681752198633496/1681751831966866/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/afpwestmincom/photos/pcb.1681752198633496/1681751935300189/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/afpwestmincom/

NDF/Sison: Why NDFP does not trust Duterte’s ceasefire declaration

Jose Maria Sison propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Mar 21, 2020): Why NDFP does not trust Duterte’s ceasefire declaration



By Jose Maria Sison
NDFP Chief Political Consultant

March 21, 2020

The NDFP does not trust Duterte’s unilateral ceasefire declaration of the Duterte regime and cannot instantly reciprocate it. It is obviously a malicious ploy of psychological warfare and is intended to cover up the continuing offensive operations of the AFP and PNP against the people and revolutionary forces in the guerrilla fronts of the people’s democratic government and against the legal democratic forces and individuals considered as enemies of the regime in the urban areas.

The offensive operations of the AFP and PNP are continuing without any stop and include red-tagging, abductions and extrajudicial killings, compelling people to attend fake surrender meetings, staging fake encounters that kill and victimize ordinary peasants, bombing rural communities in certain regions and forcing the evacuation of the poor peasants and indigenous people and delivering the land and other natural resources to foreign and big comprador corporations.

Duterte has referred to Covid-19 as his motivation for declaring his bogus and malicious unilateral ceasefire but he is in fact criminally responsible for the following:

1. He let into the Philippines more than 500,000 travellers from China, including more than 14,000 from Wuhan, since January while the Covid-19 contagion was raging in China. As a result, Covid-19 has spread nationwide for more than two months.

2. He slashed the budget for the Department of Health by more than Php 10 billion in order to favor military overspending and corruption in his own office and other departments. And he made no efforts to prevent the spread of the highly contagious virus despite the strong admonitions of international health authorities and experts.

3. In his belated reaction to the Covid-19 pandemic, he has prioritized the setting up of military and police checkpoints in the national capital region and then in the whole of Luzon and the imposition of a lockdown by banning public transport and intimidating the people. He has thereby prevented the people from going to their places of work and even those in need of testing and treatment for Covid-19 and other illnesses from going to health centers, clinics and hospitals.

4. Until now, there are no provisions for free mass testing for Covid-19 at the community level and for treatment of people already afflicted by the virus at the public hospitals. The hospitals under the DOH have grossly inadequate health personnel, bed space, facilities, equipment, disinfectants and medicine for the rapidly growing number of Covid-19 patients. There are yet no hospitals dedicated to the testing and treatment of said patients.

5. Having become nationwide and communicable in communities, the Covid-19 plague has gone far beyond the stage of containment, thanks to the criminal negligence and incompetence of the Duterte regime. But the regime stubbornly insists on lockdowns, banning public transport, depriving the people of their means of livelihood and preventing even the sick from getting the necessary medical treatment.

6. Despite the clamor of the people, the NDFP and human rights advocates, Duterte refuses to release promptly the political prisoners and other prisoners who are vulnerable to mass infection by Covid-19 under the congested conditions of prison. Instead, the armed minions of Duterte have been rapidly increasing the number of prisoners through arbitrary arrests and planting of evidence.

7. Duterte has promised to provide food and compensation for those who are prevented by the lockdowns from going to work. He has also promised to provide the health personnel and resources for the free mass testing and treatment of people for Covid-19. But the promises have proven to be lies.

On their own account and to their credit, the health workers, the private hospitals, mass organizations, churches, charitable institutions and other nongovernmental entities have been the most active in looking after the health and welfare of the people, especially the impoverished ones, assisting them and fighting the Covid-19 pandemic and overcoming the harsh militarist impositions and damaging actions of the anti-people Duterte regime.

In the guerrilla fronts of the people’s democratic government, the organs and units in charge of health work are based in the local communities and are embedded in the New People’s Army and the revolutionary mass organizations. They are in the frontline fighting the Covid-19 pandemic. They provide to the people testing and treatment for this as well as other illnesses, despite the frequent offensive operations of the enemy.

In view of the foregoing, the National Democratic Front of the Philippines is constrained from reciprocating the ill-motivated and ill-founded unilateral ceasefire declaration of the Duterte regime. With or without NDFP reciprocation, the Duterte regime should at least recognize its criminal responsibilities for the entry, spread and aggravation of the Covid-19 plague in the Philippines and rectify immediately the wrongs and crimes it has committed against the people.

While the Duterte regime acts in the extreme against the Filipino people, the NDFP refrains from any action which would be construed as condoning and covering up the criminal acts and responsibilities of the regime and would run counter to the mounting outrage of the people and the rapid growth of the broad united front of patriotic and democratic forces now seeking the soonest possible end of the traitorous, tyrannical, genocidal, corrupt and deceptive regime.###

https://ndfp.org/why-ndfp-does-not-trust-dutertes-ceasefire-declaration/

CPP/KM-Bicol: Mahalagang papel ng kabataan sa tumitinding pasismo at terorismo ng estado

Kabataang Makabayan-Bicol (KM-Bicol) propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 20, 2020): Mahalagang papel ng kabataan sa tumitinding pasismo at terorismo ng estado

KABATAANG MAKABAYAN

KM-BIKOL

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

MARCH 20, 2020

Muli na namang naghasik ng lagim ang pasista at teroristang rehimeng US-Duterte sa prubinsya ng Masbate. Nito lang Marso 9- Marso 11, buong desperasyon nitong pinakawalan ang mga alagang halimaw nito sa mga isla ng Ticao at Burias, sa pamamagitan ng pinagsamang pwersa ng 91st DRC, BFMR, 2nd IB, MICO, at PNP Masbate, upang maglunsad ng mga serye ng mga atake sa masang Masbateño.

Sa loob lamang ng tatlong sunod sunod na araw, anim ang iligal na dinampot. Ang isa kanila ay si Julian Ceniza, Jr., taga – Brgy. San Carlos, Milagros na tinaniman ng pekeng ebidensya – dalawang granada at 100 pirasong bala ng M16 at mga papeles. Walang pagpapanggap nilang pinatunayan ang kanilang pagiging berdugo at pagkahayok sa dugo nang patayin nila sina Kiko Garamay, 30, taga – Brgy. Rizal, Monreal, at Nongnong Hermena, 50, taga – Sitio Ilawod, Brgy. McArthur. Matinding takot at trauma ang naranasan ng mga anak ni Garamay nang paulanan ng bala ang kanilang bahay. May naitala ring kaso ng pagnanakaw ng bigas at alagang manok at kaso ng sapilitang pagpasok sa bahay, kung saan dalawang cellphone ang ninakaw.

Wala itong ibang layunin kundi ang magpalakat ng takot sa mga residente upang tuluyan silang umalis sa mga lugar kung saan itatayo ang mga mapanirang proyekto sa mina at ekoturismo. Imbis na tuparin ang matagal nang pangako ni Duterte para sa tunay na reporma sa lupa, ginagamit ng estado ang pasismo at terorismo upang patahimikin ang sinumang manawagan para sa kanilang karapatan.

Sa pinaigting na pagpapatupad ng Executive Order No. 70 para sa pagkokonsolida ng diktaduryang paghahari ni Duterte, kailanma’y hindi ligtas ang mga kabataan. Higit pangs pinatindi ang red-tagging sa mga progresibong organisasyon ng mga kabataan, harassment at pagsampa ng mga gawa-gawang kaso sa mga aktibista lalo na sa mga nagsusulong ng mga karapatang tao.Bukod dito, libu-libong kabataan ang pinaslang o naulila dahil sa madugong gera kontra droga at kontrainsurhensya.

Ilusyon ang ‘seguridad at kapayapaan’ sa isang estadong hindi kumikilala sa karapatan ng mamamayan. Bilang mga tagapunla ng kinabukasan, walang ibang maaasahan ang kabataan kundi ang pagtutulungan at sama-samang pagkilos. Dapat isanib ng kabataan ang kanilang talino at lakas sa abanteng praktika ng masang anakpawis.

Nananawagan ang Kabataang Makabayan-Bikol (KM-Bikol) sa lahat ng mga kabataan na mapagpasyang tanganan ang ating makasaysayang papel sa pagbabago ng lipunan. Bilang mga anak ng bayan, buong tatag na magpukaw, mag-organisa at magpakilos sa malawak na hanay ng kabataan. Lumahok sa digmang bayan at hawanin ang landas tungo sa isang lipunang walang nang-aapi at nagsasamantala.

Pasismo at Terorismo ng rehimeng US-Duterte!
Militarisasyon sa Kanayunan, Labanan at Wakasan!
Kabataan, Sumapi sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan!

https://cpp.ph/statement/mahalagang-papel-ng-kabataan-sa-tumitinding-pasismo-at-terorismo-ng-estado/