From GMA News Online (May 10, 2020): Navy maintains West Philippine Sea patrols amid COVID-19 response (By JOVILAND RITA)
The Philippine Navy on Sunday assured the public that its sailors and marines would continue to secure the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) despite the naval service's commitment to the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) response.
Interviewed on Dobol B sa News TV, Philippine Navy Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo noted that the security concerns in the disputed territories were not being overlooked.
“Ang ating malaking barko ay kasalukuyang they are patrolling the West Philippine Sea. Tuloy-tuloy ang ating security and territorial defense operations in spite of this COVID-19 crisis,” Bacordo said.
“We continue to conduct EEZ patrols and regular rotation, and replenishment of our personnel in our nine occupied features in the West Philippine Sea,” he added.
Several Navy vessels, as well as sailors and marines. were being utilized to support the government’s efforts in enforcing community quarantines and delivering relief in light of the pandemic.
According to Bacordo, some of the Navy personnel were manning quarantine control points across the country and organizing the distribution of relief items.
He emphasized however that sailors and marines were designated to continue watching over the country's EEZ.
In April, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said the Philippines filed two diplomatic protests against China over supposed violations of international law and Philippine sovereignty in the territory.
The protests called out China for pointing a radar gun at a Philippine Navy ship and declaring parts of Philippine territory as part of Hainan province
In 2016, the Philippines won against China in a ruling by an international tribunal that invalidated Beijing’s massive claims in the South China Sea.
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/737597/navy-maintains-west-philippine-sea-patrols-amid-covid-19-response/story/
Sunday, May 10, 2020
Davao City police condemns NPA attack
From the Manila Bulletin (May 10, 2020): Davao City police condemns NPA attack (By Armando Fenequito Jr.)
DAVAO CITY — The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) has condemned the attack of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels on the 16th Infantry Battalion (16th IB) in Paquibato District here, which resulted in the death of a soldier, and wounding of two others.
In a statement released on Saturday night, the DCPO denounced the attack that is “an affront, not to the military, but to the Filipinos’ sense of love and compassion to their countrymen deeply affected by this plight.”
The NPA attack was staged last May 8 in Sitio Manipis on a group of soldiers who were part of a monitoring team dispatched to assist in a humanitarian operation.
“We express our heartfelt condolences to the family of the fallen soldier and wished a speedy recovery to those wounded (in the attack),” the DCPO said.
DAVAO CITY — The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) has condemned the attack of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels on the 16th Infantry Battalion (16th IB) in Paquibato District here, which resulted in the death of a soldier, and wounding of two others.
In a statement released on Saturday night, the DCPO denounced the attack that is “an affront, not to the military, but to the Filipinos’ sense of love and compassion to their countrymen deeply affected by this plight.”
The NPA attack was staged last May 8 in Sitio Manipis on a group of soldiers who were part of a monitoring team dispatched to assist in a humanitarian operation.
“We express our heartfelt condolences to the family of the fallen soldier and wished a speedy recovery to those wounded (in the attack),” the DCPO said.
Bulatlat: 6 farmers arrested in Batangas in early Mother’s Day raid
From the pro-CPP/NPA/NDF online propaganda publication Bulatlat (May 10, 2020): 6 farmers arrested in Batangas in early Mother’s Day raid (By Justin Umali)
Photo courtesy of Karapatan-Timog Katagalugan.The arrests and the disproportionate show of force were likened to the “shock-and-awe tactics of Oplan Sauron” in Negros Island.
SANTA ROSA, Laguna – Elements of Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on board 47 vehicles swooped in on barangay Coral Ni Lopez, Calaca, Batangas and arrested six farmers, early morning, May 10.
Among those arrested were Leovino Julongbayan, barangay councilor and peasant leader; Virgilio Vidal, barangay secretary and leader of Samahan ng Magsasaka sa Coral ni Lopez (SAMACOLO); Marcelo Vidal, farmer, brother of Virgilio.
Also arrested were Doroteo Bautista, farmer, cousin of Agaton Bautista, leader of SAMACOLO; July Julongbayan, farmer, relative of Leovino; and, Roilan Tenorio, farmer and member of SAMACOLO.
Among those arrested were Leovino Julongbayan, barangay councilor and peasant leader; Virgilio Vidal, barangay secretary and leader of Samahan ng Magsasaka sa Coral ni Lopez (SAMACOLO); Marcelo Vidal, farmer, brother of Virgilio.
Also arrested were Doroteo Bautista, farmer, cousin of Agaton Bautista, leader of SAMACOLO; July Julongbayan, farmer, relative of Leovino; and, Roilan Tenorio, farmer and member of SAMACOLO.
All six were arrested on charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives by virtue of a search warrant. They are detained at Camp Vicente Lim in Calamba, Laguna.
According to statements by Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) and Samahan ng Magbubukid sa Batangas (SAMBAT), joint forces of SWAT and CIDG served eight search warrants which they used to “forcibly enter homes, plant guns as evidence, and arrest the six farmers.”
Reports from farmers indicated that at least 13 vehicles and two trucks arrived around midnight, May 10 and ransacked homes, broke doors and other furniture, and planted evidence.
According to statements by Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) and Samahan ng Magbubukid sa Batangas (SAMBAT), joint forces of SWAT and CIDG served eight search warrants which they used to “forcibly enter homes, plant guns as evidence, and arrest the six farmers.”
Reports from farmers indicated that at least 13 vehicles and two trucks arrived around midnight, May 10 and ransacked homes, broke doors and other furniture, and planted evidence.
Inside the house of July Julongbayan after the raid this morning. (Photo courtesy of Karapatan-TK)
The arrests and the disproportionate show of force were likened by SAMBAT to the “shock-and-awe tactics of Oplan Sauron” in Negros Island.
The search warrants, dated May 7, were signed by Cynthia R. Mariño-Ricablanca, executive judge in Santa Cruz, Laguna.
KMP and SAMBAT are calling for the immediate release of the six farmers, calling the arrests an “act of repression.”
“Farmers are food security frontliners and must be provided aid and production subsidies, not put to jail and threatened,” KMP said in a statement. “We call the attention of Calaca Mayor Sofronio Ona, Jr. and Batangas Governor Herminaldo Mandanas to address this reprehensible acts of the police.”
The residents of Coral Ni Lopez have been embroiled in a land dispute since the 1980s. In 1993, a collective Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) was given to the farmers by virtue of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), but loopholes in the law have allowed landlord Luis Lopez to continue his attempts to gain control over the land.
Since 2016, and even earlier, residents of Coral Ni Lopez have also suffered militarization and accusations of being members of the New People’s Army. Soldiers once accused them of being “farmers by day, NPAs by night.”
Rights groups in Batangas and Southern Tagalog are currently collating information for a fact-finding mission.
https://www.bulatlat.com/2020/05/10/6-farmers-arrested-in-batangas-in-early-mothers-day-raid/
The search warrants, dated May 7, were signed by Cynthia R. Mariño-Ricablanca, executive judge in Santa Cruz, Laguna.
KMP and SAMBAT are calling for the immediate release of the six farmers, calling the arrests an “act of repression.”
“Farmers are food security frontliners and must be provided aid and production subsidies, not put to jail and threatened,” KMP said in a statement. “We call the attention of Calaca Mayor Sofronio Ona, Jr. and Batangas Governor Herminaldo Mandanas to address this reprehensible acts of the police.”
The residents of Coral Ni Lopez have been embroiled in a land dispute since the 1980s. In 1993, a collective Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) was given to the farmers by virtue of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), but loopholes in the law have allowed landlord Luis Lopez to continue his attempts to gain control over the land.
Since 2016, and even earlier, residents of Coral Ni Lopez have also suffered militarization and accusations of being members of the New People’s Army. Soldiers once accused them of being “farmers by day, NPAs by night.”
Rights groups in Batangas and Southern Tagalog are currently collating information for a fact-finding mission.
https://www.bulatlat.com/2020/05/10/6-farmers-arrested-in-batangas-in-early-mothers-day-raid/
SALAMI SLICING//China’s South China Sea plan unfolds regardless of the coronavirus
Posted to Quartz (May 9, 2020): SALAMI SLICING//China’s South China Sea plan unfolds regardless of the coronavirus (By Steve Mollman)
Mischief Reef in the South China Sea, April 2020.
Mischief Reef in the South China Sea, April 2020.
Recent developments in the South China Sea might lead one to assume that Beijing is taking advantage of the coronavirus crisis to further its ambitions in the disputed waterway. But it’s important to note that China has been following a long-term game plan in the sea for decades. While it’s possible that certain moves were made slightly earlier than planned because of the pandemic, they likely would have been made in any case, sooner or later.
One of China’s greatest weapons in the sea is simply patience. In the mid-90s, Beijing reassured Manila that its new stilted structure at Mischief Reef, located in the Spratly islands just 217 km (135 miles) from a Philippine coast, was a fishermen’s shelter. By 2018 the reef had been turned into a militarized artificial island complete with anti-ship cruise missiles. The transformation was likely Beijing’s intention all along, even though in September 2015 Chinese president Xi Jinping promised the Spratlys would not, despite all appearances, be militarized.
REUTERS: Big plans in the South China Sea: A Chinese structure at Mischief Reef in 1998.
One of China’s greatest weapons in the sea is simply patience. In the mid-90s, Beijing reassured Manila that its new stilted structure at Mischief Reef, located in the Spratly islands just 217 km (135 miles) from a Philippine coast, was a fishermen’s shelter. By 2018 the reef had been turned into a militarized artificial island complete with anti-ship cruise missiles. The transformation was likely Beijing’s intention all along, even though in September 2015 Chinese president Xi Jinping promised the Spratlys would not, despite all appearances, be militarized.
REUTERS: Big plans in the South China Sea: A Chinese structure at Mischief Reef in 1998.
Last month, China caused alarm by establishing new administrative districts for the Spratly and Paracel archipelagos and naming 80 islands and other geographical features in the sea, claiming sovereignty over underwater features along the way. (Mischief Reef, in its natural state, was submerged at high tide.)
China’s announcements drew quick rebukes from other nations with claims in the sea, including Vietnam and the Philippines. Those countries and many others have railed against China’s expansive claims to nearly the entire sea, which Beijing justifies with its dubious “nine-dash line.” The Philippines won a case in an international tribunal against China’s claims in July 2016.
None of that stopped China from slowly improving its posture in the sea by fortifying its militarized islands and intimidating other nations trying take advantage of resources (including oil) in parts of their own exclusive economic zones that overlap with the nine-dash line.
China’s announcements drew quick rebukes from other nations with claims in the sea, including Vietnam and the Philippines. Those countries and many others have railed against China’s expansive claims to nearly the entire sea, which Beijing justifies with its dubious “nine-dash line.” The Philippines won a case in an international tribunal against China’s claims in July 2016.
None of that stopped China from slowly improving its posture in the sea by fortifying its militarized islands and intimidating other nations trying take advantage of resources (including oil) in parts of their own exclusive economic zones that overlap with the nine-dash line.
The contested South China Sea.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo last month warned Southeast Asian foreign ministers that China “has moved to take advantage of” the coronavirus distraction with its “unilateral announcement of administrative districts over disputed islands and maritime areas in the South China Sea.”
Taking a broader view, however, China’s moves fit right in with its long-running “salami-slicing” strategy in the sea: the slow accumulation of small actions, none of which merits a major reaction from other countries but that over time add up to a major strategic change. Nearly every action China has taken in the sea in recent months and indeed decades has stemmed from this patient tactic.
Of course, the risk remains that an incident between Chinese and US naval forces spirals into a bigger problem. The South China Sea ranks among the world’s top geopolitical hotspots for a reason.
But it’s highly likely that China intended to announce those administrative districts and name those islands long before the coronavirus came along, just as it already planned to militarize the Spratlys back when it erected a “fishermen’s shelter.”
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo last month warned Southeast Asian foreign ministers that China “has moved to take advantage of” the coronavirus distraction with its “unilateral announcement of administrative districts over disputed islands and maritime areas in the South China Sea.”
Taking a broader view, however, China’s moves fit right in with its long-running “salami-slicing” strategy in the sea: the slow accumulation of small actions, none of which merits a major reaction from other countries but that over time add up to a major strategic change. Nearly every action China has taken in the sea in recent months and indeed decades has stemmed from this patient tactic.
Of course, the risk remains that an incident between Chinese and US naval forces spirals into a bigger problem. The South China Sea ranks among the world’s top geopolitical hotspots for a reason.
But it’s highly likely that China intended to announce those administrative districts and name those islands long before the coronavirus came along, just as it already planned to militarize the Spratlys back when it erected a “fishermen’s shelter.”
Identity of some Esszone Filipino criminals revealed
From the Daily Express (May 9, 2020): Identity of some Esszone Filipino criminals revealed
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Photo file from Bernama
KOTA KINABALU: Security forces in Sabah has added three new names into the Eastern Sabah Security Command’s (Esscom) wanted list. These three are Mamay Aburi, Basaron Arok and Alvin Yusof @ Arab Puti. They are suspects linked to the kidnap for ransom groups, said Esscom commander Datuk Hazani Ghazali.
Mamay is the chief of a Zamboanga group involved in the shooting of Customs officials in Lahad Datu on Dec 20 last year.
“Basaron Arok is the chief of a kidnap for ransom group called the Ajang-Ajang group while Arab Puti is part of Apo Mike’s kidnap for ransom group and was involved in the Tambisan kidnap in January this year, ” he said.
“All of them are suspects involved in the kidnappings in Sabah’s east coast, ” Hazani said.
He said these suspects are believed to be still active but hiding. The others in Esscom’s wanted list are Abu Sayyaf leaders Salip Mura and Hatip Hajan Sawadjaan.
Idang Susukan, who is said to have been behind the beheading of Sarawakian Bernard Then Ted Fen who was snatched from a seafood restaurant in Sandakan in May 2015, is also listed.
Those with information are urged to contact Esscom’s operation centre at 089- 863181 or WhatsApp to 013-8803585 or 019-2305909.
http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news/152252/identity-of-some-esszone-filipino-criminals-revealed/
Photo file from Bernama
KOTA KINABALU: Security forces in Sabah has added three new names into the Eastern Sabah Security Command’s (Esscom) wanted list. These three are Mamay Aburi, Basaron Arok and Alvin Yusof @ Arab Puti. They are suspects linked to the kidnap for ransom groups, said Esscom commander Datuk Hazani Ghazali.
Mamay is the chief of a Zamboanga group involved in the shooting of Customs officials in Lahad Datu on Dec 20 last year.
“Basaron Arok is the chief of a kidnap for ransom group called the Ajang-Ajang group while Arab Puti is part of Apo Mike’s kidnap for ransom group and was involved in the Tambisan kidnap in January this year, ” he said.
“All of them are suspects involved in the kidnappings in Sabah’s east coast, ” Hazani said.
He said these suspects are believed to be still active but hiding. The others in Esscom’s wanted list are Abu Sayyaf leaders Salip Mura and Hatip Hajan Sawadjaan.
Idang Susukan, who is said to have been behind the beheading of Sarawakian Bernard Then Ted Fen who was snatched from a seafood restaurant in Sandakan in May 2015, is also listed.
Those with information are urged to contact Esscom’s operation centre at 089- 863181 or WhatsApp to 013-8803585 or 019-2305909.
http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news/152252/identity-of-some-esszone-filipino-criminals-revealed/
NTFELCAC: Beware Recruitment Efforts of Communist Fronts KMP, ANAKBAYAN, and ANAKPAWIS
Posted to the National Task Force To End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTFELCAC) Facebook Page (May 9, 2020): Beware Recruitment Efforts of Communist Fronts KMP, ANAKBAYAN, and ANAKPAWIS
Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, ANAKBAYAN and ANAKPAWIS have long been identified as legal fronts of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and also serve as recruitment ground for the New People’s Army, CPP's armed wing.
Nagkahiusang Mag-Uuma sa Pindasan og Pangibiran” (NAGMAPPA) withdrew their support from the leftist KMP and expressed their dismay towards the failed promises of the organization such as tracts of land.
#CordsDivision
#EndCPPNPANDF
#NTFELCAC
#EO70
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1102188
Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, ANAKBAYAN and ANAKPAWIS have long been identified as legal fronts of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and also serve as recruitment ground for the New People’s Army, CPP's armed wing.
Nagkahiusang Mag-Uuma sa Pindasan og Pangibiran” (NAGMAPPA) withdrew their support from the leftist KMP and expressed their dismay towards the failed promises of the organization such as tracts of land.
#CordsDivision
#EndCPPNPANDF
#NTFELCAC
#EO70
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1102188
NTFELCAC: Statement Regarding the CPP NPA NDF’s accusation of our meddling in the ABS CBN issue
Posted to the National Task Force To End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC) Facebook Page (May 10, 2020): NTF ELCAC Statement Regarding the CPP NPA NDF’s accusation of our meddling in the ABS CBN issue
The CPP NPA NDF, through its legal front, Bayan Muna-- and echoed and reechoed by their other fronts (CEGP, AnakBayan, LFS among others) asks an important question that deserves a real answer:
Why is the National Task Force To End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC) "meddling" with the ABS CBN issue?
It is because this falls squarely under NTF ELCAC mandate: to put an end to this scourge that has crippled our country for the past 5 decades.
The CPP NPA NDF, through its above and below ground organizations, will stop at nothing and will use everything to sow chaos and agitate and divide the Filipino people against its government to reach its one and only endgoal: overthrow of government and then to replace it with their obsolete, godless, vicious ideology: communism--at a time in our world's history when this ideology has edged its way to near-extinction.
Except in this part of the world where they continue to wage a losing battle against a people who have grown wise in the ways of these terrorists and a government hellbent on ending this scourge and rescuing our people from the clutches of these terrorists so we may move forward as a nation and give to our children a country finally free of what it is that has held us hostage for over 5 decades now.
They point a finger at this government and call it fascist when fascism is at the very core of their violent godless ideology and where they declare in their by-laws "adherence to proletarian DICTATORSHIP" (CPP Constitution Plans and Programs Article 3 Section 7).
By now, it is common knowledge that this terrorist group will not only brook no dissent among their adherents but silence those in their ranks who do so by mass murders/purgings.
The NTF ELCAC is in the forefront of this fight because the terrorist CPP NPA NDF's strategies in bringing this country down is firmly rooted in the Maoist belief that "Everything under heaven is in utter chaos; the situation is excellent.”
Therefore, we are fully cognizant about how the terrorist CPP NPA NDF exploits the ABS CBN closure and views it as an opportunity to sow chaos and division, through its broad alliances like Amnesty International that has meddled and weighed in with the narrative they force on us: suppresion of press freedom.
And right alongside them, the Movement Against Tyranny is crafting its propaganda strategy to bloat this exclusive franchise problem of a single TV station as a suppression of press freedom in our country.
So, let's be aware of these alliances, of unity and protest actions, instigated by the same communist group that has exploited us and divided us and that laughs with glee when we fight each other.
The only one that stands to benefit from this chaos is the terrorist CPP NPA NDF and its legal fronts.
Let us keep BAYAN, Amnesty International Phil, NUJP, CEGP, AHRW, Karapatan, IBON, ARTISTA, and the International League of People's Struggle of Jose Ma Sison, especially the CPPs underground mass organizations amongst them (Artista at Manunulat ng Sambayanan or ARMAS, Christians for National Liberation, KM, Lumaban, etc) OUT of this issue, lest we allow them to drag us into their trap and swallow the narrative they force down our throats- tyranny.
We subscribe to the fact that the franchise issue is a legal issue within the purview of Congress and in the case of the cease and desist order (CDO) issued by the National Telecommunications Commission, the Supreme Court.
But while we defer to the wisdom and separate powers of the legislature and the judiciary, we will not stand idly by and do nothing as these communist terrorist front organizations feast on the issue by harping on their twisted and false narratives and concocted lies to deceive the people. This is where NTF-ELCAC comes in- to debunk these vicious anti-government propaganda in order to protect public interest.
Ending this CPP curse is the main mandate of NTF ELCAC and this time we will not mince words to establish the CPP's clear exploitation of this issue.
This has clearly become an NTF ELCAC issue.
We empathise with the workers, suppliers, clientele, and the viewing public of ABS CBN and we are one with them in their struggles as government will find ways to extend assistance in this time of dire need.
We ask the Filipino people to remain one with us in ending this scourge that has held our country hostage for most of our lifetime and stopped us from being all that we can be as a nation.
We ask you to be more discerning and not be manipulated and dragged down the road that divides us.
We are not each other's enemies--however far off our beliefs are about the issue at hand.
We can stand on our shared ground of love for country and the desire to overcome and leave to our children a country finally free of this communist terrorist curse and more in keeping with all that it is we hold dear in our hearts.
Yes to press freedom.
Yes to the rule of law.
NO to CPP fake advocacy.
NO to CPP exploitation of a legal and business issue.
Undersecretary Lorraine Marie T. Badoy
Spokesperson, NTF ELCAC
#NTFELCAC
#EO70
#ServethePeople
#WholeofNationApproach
#GoodGovernance
https://www.facebook.com/ntfelcac/posts/231274301644295?__tn__=K-R
The CPP NPA NDF, through its legal front, Bayan Muna-- and echoed and reechoed by their other fronts (CEGP, AnakBayan, LFS among others) asks an important question that deserves a real answer:
Why is the National Task Force To End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC) "meddling" with the ABS CBN issue?
It is because this falls squarely under NTF ELCAC mandate: to put an end to this scourge that has crippled our country for the past 5 decades.
The CPP NPA NDF, through its above and below ground organizations, will stop at nothing and will use everything to sow chaos and agitate and divide the Filipino people against its government to reach its one and only endgoal: overthrow of government and then to replace it with their obsolete, godless, vicious ideology: communism--at a time in our world's history when this ideology has edged its way to near-extinction.
Except in this part of the world where they continue to wage a losing battle against a people who have grown wise in the ways of these terrorists and a government hellbent on ending this scourge and rescuing our people from the clutches of these terrorists so we may move forward as a nation and give to our children a country finally free of what it is that has held us hostage for over 5 decades now.
They point a finger at this government and call it fascist when fascism is at the very core of their violent godless ideology and where they declare in their by-laws "adherence to proletarian DICTATORSHIP" (CPP Constitution Plans and Programs Article 3 Section 7).
By now, it is common knowledge that this terrorist group will not only brook no dissent among their adherents but silence those in their ranks who do so by mass murders/purgings.
The NTF ELCAC is in the forefront of this fight because the terrorist CPP NPA NDF's strategies in bringing this country down is firmly rooted in the Maoist belief that "Everything under heaven is in utter chaos; the situation is excellent.”
Therefore, we are fully cognizant about how the terrorist CPP NPA NDF exploits the ABS CBN closure and views it as an opportunity to sow chaos and division, through its broad alliances like Amnesty International that has meddled and weighed in with the narrative they force on us: suppresion of press freedom.
And right alongside them, the Movement Against Tyranny is crafting its propaganda strategy to bloat this exclusive franchise problem of a single TV station as a suppression of press freedom in our country.
So, let's be aware of these alliances, of unity and protest actions, instigated by the same communist group that has exploited us and divided us and that laughs with glee when we fight each other.
The only one that stands to benefit from this chaos is the terrorist CPP NPA NDF and its legal fronts.
Let us keep BAYAN, Amnesty International Phil, NUJP, CEGP, AHRW, Karapatan, IBON, ARTISTA, and the International League of People's Struggle of Jose Ma Sison, especially the CPPs underground mass organizations amongst them (Artista at Manunulat ng Sambayanan or ARMAS, Christians for National Liberation, KM, Lumaban, etc) OUT of this issue, lest we allow them to drag us into their trap and swallow the narrative they force down our throats- tyranny.
We subscribe to the fact that the franchise issue is a legal issue within the purview of Congress and in the case of the cease and desist order (CDO) issued by the National Telecommunications Commission, the Supreme Court.
But while we defer to the wisdom and separate powers of the legislature and the judiciary, we will not stand idly by and do nothing as these communist terrorist front organizations feast on the issue by harping on their twisted and false narratives and concocted lies to deceive the people. This is where NTF-ELCAC comes in- to debunk these vicious anti-government propaganda in order to protect public interest.
Ending this CPP curse is the main mandate of NTF ELCAC and this time we will not mince words to establish the CPP's clear exploitation of this issue.
This has clearly become an NTF ELCAC issue.
We empathise with the workers, suppliers, clientele, and the viewing public of ABS CBN and we are one with them in their struggles as government will find ways to extend assistance in this time of dire need.
We ask the Filipino people to remain one with us in ending this scourge that has held our country hostage for most of our lifetime and stopped us from being all that we can be as a nation.
We ask you to be more discerning and not be manipulated and dragged down the road that divides us.
We are not each other's enemies--however far off our beliefs are about the issue at hand.
We can stand on our shared ground of love for country and the desire to overcome and leave to our children a country finally free of this communist terrorist curse and more in keeping with all that it is we hold dear in our hearts.
Yes to press freedom.
Yes to the rule of law.
NO to CPP fake advocacy.
NO to CPP exploitation of a legal and business issue.
Undersecretary Lorraine Marie T. Badoy
Spokesperson, NTF ELCAC
#NTFELCAC
#EO70
#ServethePeople
#WholeofNationApproach
#GoodGovernance
https://www.facebook.com/ntfelcac/posts/231274301644295?__tn__=K-R
NDF/NPA-Sorsogon: Sorsogon “encounter” a massacre of civilians — NPA-Sorsogon
NPA propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (May 9, 2020): Sorsogon “encounter” a massacre of civilians — NPA-Sorsogon
The New People’s Army operating in the province of Sorsogon (Celso Minguez Command) belied military reports that five rebels were killed in an encounter in Barangay Dolos, Bulan, Sorsogon in May 8. “No NPA unit was in the area, no encounter transpired and all victims of the massacre were civilians,” Ka Samuel Guerrero, spokesperson for the NPA in Sorsogon, said in a statement on May 8.
The victims were identified as Jeric Vuno, Jerry Palanca, Raymundo Tañada and Jaime Tañada. All were family members and peasants in the village, added Guerrero. Another victim, Robert Villafuerte, was reported to have a mental health condition.
Investigations by the NPA revealed that soldiers and police encircled the village at around 5:00 a.m. and seized the victims. “They were then brought to the nearby river where they were summarily executed,” the NPA said.
The joint operation was conducted by the 31st IB, PNP 9th Special Action Force Battalion, military and police intelligence units, as well as regional and provincial mobile force units of the PNP. Rebels said the raiding team took away at least P25,000 from community residents.
After the massacre, the soldiers and police proceeded to the adjacent village of Calpi and illegally entered the residences of Alvin Abuyog, Randy Golimlim and Marissa Estiller. Two other residents and Estiller’s minor children were also beaten up. The victims’ cellphones were taken.
On April 19, at least 15 residents of Barangay San Juan Daan of the same town were attacked by the said police and military units. The residents reported cases of grave physical injuries, robbery, illegal search and illegal detention.
https://ndfp.org/sorsogon-encounter-a-massacre-of-civilians-npa-sorsogon/
The New People’s Army operating in the province of Sorsogon (Celso Minguez Command) belied military reports that five rebels were killed in an encounter in Barangay Dolos, Bulan, Sorsogon in May 8. “No NPA unit was in the area, no encounter transpired and all victims of the massacre were civilians,” Ka Samuel Guerrero, spokesperson for the NPA in Sorsogon, said in a statement on May 8.
The victims were identified as Jeric Vuno, Jerry Palanca, Raymundo Tañada and Jaime Tañada. All were family members and peasants in the village, added Guerrero. Another victim, Robert Villafuerte, was reported to have a mental health condition.
Investigations by the NPA revealed that soldiers and police encircled the village at around 5:00 a.m. and seized the victims. “They were then brought to the nearby river where they were summarily executed,” the NPA said.
The joint operation was conducted by the 31st IB, PNP 9th Special Action Force Battalion, military and police intelligence units, as well as regional and provincial mobile force units of the PNP. Rebels said the raiding team took away at least P25,000 from community residents.
After the massacre, the soldiers and police proceeded to the adjacent village of Calpi and illegally entered the residences of Alvin Abuyog, Randy Golimlim and Marissa Estiller. Two other residents and Estiller’s minor children were also beaten up. The victims’ cellphones were taken.
On April 19, at least 15 residents of Barangay San Juan Daan of the same town were attacked by the said police and military units. The residents reported cases of grave physical injuries, robbery, illegal search and illegal detention.
https://ndfp.org/sorsogon-encounter-a-massacre-of-civilians-npa-sorsogon/
CPP: Condemn the AFP and PNP for the Sorsogon Massacre
Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (May 10, 2020): Condemn the AFP and PNP for the Sorsogon Massacre
COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES
MAY 10, 2020
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) condemns in the strongest terms the AFP’s 31st IB and the PNP’s 9th Special Action Battalion and the 1st and 2nd PMFC (Provincial Mobile Force Company) for the massacre of five peasants last Friday morning in Barangay Dolos, Bulan, Sorsogon.
The massacre was perpetrated by the fascist troops and carried out brazenly in a manner similar to the brutal AFP/PNP Oplan Sauron operations in Negros. The clear aim of the massacre is to terrorize the peasant masses. It forms part of the efforts of the Duterte fascist regime to establish its unquestioned military and police powers under its undeclared martial law rule.
The Party denounces the AFP and PNP for the killing of Jeric Vuno, Jerry Palanca, Robert Villafuerte, Raymundo Tañada and Jaime Tañada, who were all relatives and residents of Barangay Dolos. The defenseless victims were forcibly taken from their homes at around 5 a.m. last May 8, brought to a nearby river and summarily executed.
At least P25,000 cash and other items were taken away from the families.
The Party condemns the 9th ID for publicly lying when it claimed that it encountered NPA forces in the area and that the civilians killed were NPA fighters. This is a completely trumped-up story because, as a matter of fact, there was no NPA unit in the village when the massacre was carried out.
The 31st IB is the same AFP unit that threatened officials in a Bulan village in early April and attempted to take over the distribution of aid which the local residents themselves raised. The barangay officials resisted the attempt of the 31st IB.
The Party further condemns the fascist troops for ransacking the homes of residents, taking away cellphones and gadgets, and beating up people in the adjacent barangay. The AFP and PNP troops forcibly entered the homes of the Abuyog, Golimlim and Estiller families. They beat up residents Jeffrey Godala and Jojo Palanca. Two of the Estiller’s children were also hurt by the soldiers.
Even as the entire country is focused on efforts to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic, the AFP and PNP continues to carry out relentless counterinsurgency operations and perpetrate extrajudicial killings and grave violations of human rights. These reveal the fascist priorities of the Duterte regime.
The Party calls on the people of Sorsogon and Bicol to stand firmly and expose and denounce the atrocities of the 31st IB and the 9th ID. The Party calls on all freedom-loving Filipinos and the international human rights community to unite and denounce the Sorsogon Massacre.
https://cpp.ph/statement/condemn-the-afp-and-pnp-for-the-sorsogon-massacre/
COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES
MAY 10, 2020
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) condemns in the strongest terms the AFP’s 31st IB and the PNP’s 9th Special Action Battalion and the 1st and 2nd PMFC (Provincial Mobile Force Company) for the massacre of five peasants last Friday morning in Barangay Dolos, Bulan, Sorsogon.
The massacre was perpetrated by the fascist troops and carried out brazenly in a manner similar to the brutal AFP/PNP Oplan Sauron operations in Negros. The clear aim of the massacre is to terrorize the peasant masses. It forms part of the efforts of the Duterte fascist regime to establish its unquestioned military and police powers under its undeclared martial law rule.
The Party denounces the AFP and PNP for the killing of Jeric Vuno, Jerry Palanca, Robert Villafuerte, Raymundo Tañada and Jaime Tañada, who were all relatives and residents of Barangay Dolos. The defenseless victims were forcibly taken from their homes at around 5 a.m. last May 8, brought to a nearby river and summarily executed.
At least P25,000 cash and other items were taken away from the families.
The Party condemns the 9th ID for publicly lying when it claimed that it encountered NPA forces in the area and that the civilians killed were NPA fighters. This is a completely trumped-up story because, as a matter of fact, there was no NPA unit in the village when the massacre was carried out.
The 31st IB is the same AFP unit that threatened officials in a Bulan village in early April and attempted to take over the distribution of aid which the local residents themselves raised. The barangay officials resisted the attempt of the 31st IB.
The Party further condemns the fascist troops for ransacking the homes of residents, taking away cellphones and gadgets, and beating up people in the adjacent barangay. The AFP and PNP troops forcibly entered the homes of the Abuyog, Golimlim and Estiller families. They beat up residents Jeffrey Godala and Jojo Palanca. Two of the Estiller’s children were also hurt by the soldiers.
Even as the entire country is focused on efforts to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic, the AFP and PNP continues to carry out relentless counterinsurgency operations and perpetrate extrajudicial killings and grave violations of human rights. These reveal the fascist priorities of the Duterte regime.
The Party calls on the people of Sorsogon and Bicol to stand firmly and expose and denounce the atrocities of the 31st IB and the 9th ID. The Party calls on all freedom-loving Filipinos and the international human rights community to unite and denounce the Sorsogon Massacre.
https://cpp.ph/statement/condemn-the-afp-and-pnp-for-the-sorsogon-massacre/
CPP/IB: US-Duterte P75-B arms deal amid pandemic is atrocious — CPP
Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (May 10, 2020): US-Duterte P75-B arms deal amid pandemic is atrocious — CPP
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) today denounced the US State Department’s issuance of a certification last April 30 approving the Duterte government’s request to buy P75 billion worth of attack helicopters, missiles and other war matériel and services.
“The approval is utterly atrocious especially since it came at a time when the Filipino people are urgently demanding adequate public health response and immediate economic relief amid the onslaught of the Covid-19 pandemic and the inept response of the Duterte government,” said Marco Valbuena, Chief Information Officer of the CPP.
“Amid the pandemic, Duterte’s plan to spend P75-billion to buy extravagantly-priced weapons is condemnable,” said Valbuena.
The P75-billion (or $1.5 billion) arms deal covers the procurement of six AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, 300 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) kits; 200 FIM-92H Stinger missiles; 18 M2G1 rocket launchers; 18 M299 missile launchers; 5,000 2.75-inch rockets; 80,000 30-mm rounds training devices. The contract also specifies “communications systems, helmets, simulators, generators, transportation and organization equipment, spare and repair parts, support equipment, US Government and contractors technical assistance, technical and logistic support services, and other related elements of logistical support.”
“These planned purchases aim to boost the AFP’s machinery for conducting aerial bombardment and strafing which has been proven both by history, specifically in the Vietnam war, and by recent cases as highly ineffective against guerrilla warfare. It is also causes destruction of the environment, endangers people’s lives and livelihood, and causes psychological trauma especially on children,” added Valbuena.
“It is reprehensible that Duterte and his incompetent generals and economic managers continue to insist that the reactionary government does not have enough funds to respond to the public health crisis, yet are pursuing their plan to spend P75-billion to buy weapons to be used against the Filipino people,” stressed Valbuena.
He pointed out that such amount is more than sufficient to address the combined needs for mass testing and contact tracing; mass hiring of nurses and doctors, and raising the meager salaries of health workers; procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators and hospital beds; and the construction of additional quarantine facilities and even hospitals.
“The Filipino people demands the cancellation of this arms purchase as this gravely undermines the majority of the Filipino people hit hard by the health crisis and the regime’s failed response to the pandemic,” said Valbuena.
“The budget for this arms purchase must be immediately realigned to fund the emergency public health and economic measures to alleviate the sufferings of the people.”
“If this deal pushes through, the American government, as well as American companies, such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin, will be complicit in the Duterte governments grave human rights abuses and brutal war of suppression against the Filipino people,” added Valbuena. “We also urge the democracy- and peace-loving American people to push for the cancellation of the US State Department’s arms deal with the Duterte government.”
Valbuena also warned against “direct military aggression” as the contract specifies that foreign contractors will be allowed a 6-week period for fielding, training and logistical support.
https://cpp.ph/statement/us-duterte-p75-b-arms-deal-amid-pandemic-is-atrocious-cpp/
COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES
INFORMATION BUREAU
MAY 10, 2020
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) today denounced the US State Department’s issuance of a certification last April 30 approving the Duterte government’s request to buy P75 billion worth of attack helicopters, missiles and other war matériel and services.
“The approval is utterly atrocious especially since it came at a time when the Filipino people are urgently demanding adequate public health response and immediate economic relief amid the onslaught of the Covid-19 pandemic and the inept response of the Duterte government,” said Marco Valbuena, Chief Information Officer of the CPP.
“Amid the pandemic, Duterte’s plan to spend P75-billion to buy extravagantly-priced weapons is condemnable,” said Valbuena.
The P75-billion (or $1.5 billion) arms deal covers the procurement of six AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, 300 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) kits; 200 FIM-92H Stinger missiles; 18 M2G1 rocket launchers; 18 M299 missile launchers; 5,000 2.75-inch rockets; 80,000 30-mm rounds training devices. The contract also specifies “communications systems, helmets, simulators, generators, transportation and organization equipment, spare and repair parts, support equipment, US Government and contractors technical assistance, technical and logistic support services, and other related elements of logistical support.”
“These planned purchases aim to boost the AFP’s machinery for conducting aerial bombardment and strafing which has been proven both by history, specifically in the Vietnam war, and by recent cases as highly ineffective against guerrilla warfare. It is also causes destruction of the environment, endangers people’s lives and livelihood, and causes psychological trauma especially on children,” added Valbuena.
“It is reprehensible that Duterte and his incompetent generals and economic managers continue to insist that the reactionary government does not have enough funds to respond to the public health crisis, yet are pursuing their plan to spend P75-billion to buy weapons to be used against the Filipino people,” stressed Valbuena.
He pointed out that such amount is more than sufficient to address the combined needs for mass testing and contact tracing; mass hiring of nurses and doctors, and raising the meager salaries of health workers; procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators and hospital beds; and the construction of additional quarantine facilities and even hospitals.
“The Filipino people demands the cancellation of this arms purchase as this gravely undermines the majority of the Filipino people hit hard by the health crisis and the regime’s failed response to the pandemic,” said Valbuena.
“The budget for this arms purchase must be immediately realigned to fund the emergency public health and economic measures to alleviate the sufferings of the people.”
“If this deal pushes through, the American government, as well as American companies, such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin, will be complicit in the Duterte governments grave human rights abuses and brutal war of suppression against the Filipino people,” added Valbuena. “We also urge the democracy- and peace-loving American people to push for the cancellation of the US State Department’s arms deal with the Duterte government.”
Valbuena also warned against “direct military aggression” as the contract specifies that foreign contractors will be allowed a 6-week period for fielding, training and logistical support.
https://cpp.ph/statement/us-duterte-p75-b-arms-deal-amid-pandemic-is-atrocious-cpp/
9 soldiers in battle get medals
From the Visayan Daily Star (May 9, 2020): 9 soldiers in battle get medals
The nine soldiers, who figured in an encounter with suspected New People’s Army rebels last week in Bindoy, Negros Oriental, were conferred Military Commendation Medals on Thursday by Col. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, in recognition of their exemplary actions during the gunbattle.
Pasaporte lauded the bravery and selfless dedication of the 94IB operating troops to secure and protect the community of Bindoy.
The encounter in Brgy. Cambudlas, Bindoy, Negros Oriental on April 30, claimed the lives of two suspected NPA rebels, caused the injury of an Army soldier, as well as recovery of war materials, including a rifle grenade and a 12 gauge shotgun and medical supplies.
Pasaporte said he is hoping that the awarding ceremony will motivate them to do more and perform well in their next mission.
"The medal symbolizes your bravery in facing our enemy and selfless dedication to your oath to protect the people and the country,” he told the medal recipients, whose identities he has withheld.
Pasaporte lauded the bravery and selfless dedication of the 94IB operating troops to secure and protect the community of Bindoy.
The encounter in Brgy. Cambudlas, Bindoy, Negros Oriental on April 30, claimed the lives of two suspected NPA rebels, caused the injury of an Army soldier, as well as recovery of war materials, including a rifle grenade and a 12 gauge shotgun and medical supplies.
Pasaporte said he is hoping that the awarding ceremony will motivate them to do more and perform well in their next mission.
"The medal symbolizes your bravery in facing our enemy and selfless dedication to your oath to protect the people and the country,” he told the medal recipients, whose identities he has withheld.
1st all-women police mobile force company in PH launched in Santiago City
From the Philippine Information Agency (May 10, 2020): 1st all-women police mobile force company in PH launched in Santiago City (By Merlito G. Edale, Jr.)
PRO-2 Director PBGen. Angelito Casimiro emphasized that the launching of the first ever All-Women City Mobile Force Companyof the Philippine National Police marks a new chapter in the history of PRO-2. (PNP photo)
CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela, May 10 (PIA) – In its efforts to uphold women empowerment, the Police Regional Office (PRO) – 2 has launched the first ever all-women police mobile force company in the country on May 6
PRO-2 Director PBGen. Angelito Casimiro led the launching held at the Santiago City Police Office (SCPO) grounds and witnessed by PCol. Juan Aggasid, chief of police of SCPO.
Casimiro said that the first ever All-Women City Mobile Force Company of the Philippine National Police is tasked mainly to focus on the conduct of anti-criminality and insurgency campaign, beat patrol and carry out information advocacy program and initiatives in lieu of the minor and major operations.
“Kayo ay mga frontliner na may espesyal na misyon, but, let us not stop here, you have to continue honing your skills and updating your knowledge for you to be able to render more effective and efficient public service," Casimiro said.
"Dapat gawin ninyong inspirasyon na kabilang kayo sa All-Women City Mobile Force Company to earn your place not only as public servants but also as women whose hearts cater and minds matter,” he added.
Casimiro assigned PMaj. Abegail Jane Baustista as chief of the All-Women Mobile Force Company, one of the units of SCPO.
Maj. Bautista expressed her thanks to PRO-2 Director B/Gen. Angelito Casimiro for the trust in choosing her to lead the 169 strong all-women police mobile force company under the SCPO.
“I deeply expressed my thanks to B/Gen. Casimiro for choosing me to lead the 169 strong policewomen of the SCPO's Mobile Force Company and I assure the public that we will perform our sworn duty to serve and protect the people of Santiago City,” Maj. Bautista said.
She said the 169 all-women members will undergo training's on Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), Search and Rescue operations, Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) and Internal Security Operations refreshers course.
The Santiago City CMFC will occupy the old SCPO Building which is co-located in Santiago City Police Office. (MDCT/MGE with reports from PRO2/PIA 2-Isabela)
PRO-2 Director PBGen. Angelito Casimiro led the launching held at the Santiago City Police Office (SCPO) grounds and witnessed by PCol. Juan Aggasid, chief of police of SCPO.
Casimiro said that the first ever All-Women City Mobile Force Company of the Philippine National Police is tasked mainly to focus on the conduct of anti-criminality and insurgency campaign, beat patrol and carry out information advocacy program and initiatives in lieu of the minor and major operations.
“Kayo ay mga frontliner na may espesyal na misyon, but, let us not stop here, you have to continue honing your skills and updating your knowledge for you to be able to render more effective and efficient public service," Casimiro said.
"Dapat gawin ninyong inspirasyon na kabilang kayo sa All-Women City Mobile Force Company to earn your place not only as public servants but also as women whose hearts cater and minds matter,” he added.
Casimiro assigned PMaj. Abegail Jane Baustista as chief of the All-Women Mobile Force Company, one of the units of SCPO.
Maj. Bautista expressed her thanks to PRO-2 Director B/Gen. Angelito Casimiro for the trust in choosing her to lead the 169 strong all-women police mobile force company under the SCPO.
“I deeply expressed my thanks to B/Gen. Casimiro for choosing me to lead the 169 strong policewomen of the SCPO's Mobile Force Company and I assure the public that we will perform our sworn duty to serve and protect the people of Santiago City,” Maj. Bautista said.
She said the 169 all-women members will undergo training's on Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), Search and Rescue operations, Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) and Internal Security Operations refreshers course.
The Santiago City CMFC will occupy the old SCPO Building which is co-located in Santiago City Police Office. (MDCT/MGE with reports from PRO2/PIA 2-Isabela)
Former rebels help government’s coronavirus fight, support ’ALPAS sa COVID-19’ effort
From the Philippine Information Agency (May 10, 2020): Former rebels help government’s coronavirus fight, support ’ALPAS sa COVID-19’ effort (By Camille M. Bumatay, CMO 8IB)
IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon, May 10—As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues, former rebels who surrendered to the 8th Infantry (Dependable) Battalion started working on the government’s food sufficiency project under urban agricultural program dubbed as “Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat Kontra COVID-19 Program (ALPAS sa COVID-19).
‘ALPAS sa COVID-19,’ which is also known as ‘Plant, Plant, Plant Program’ is a whole-of-nation approach of the Department of Agriculture advocated by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to increase the country’s food adequacy level during emergency situations resulting from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Lt. Colonel Edgardo V. Talaroc Jr, commanding officer of 8th Infantry Battalion, said the program intends to promote and sustain food production in urban areas amidst the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
“In collaboration with the Department of Agriculture-Northern Mindanao Integrated Agricultural Research Center (DA-NOMIARC), the former rebels plant several vegetable seedlings in the land area covered by the ‘Arm to Farm Program’ of the 8th Infantry Battalion,” he said.
Alias “Jerry,” one of the former rebels shared how the government has helped them surrender with dignity and enthusiasm because aside from the E-CLIP (Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program), “Jerry” said this ‘ALPAS sa COVID-19’ or ‘Plant, Plant, Plant Program’ could inspire them as farming reconnects them with the land—and this is what their culture feeds them.
"Dako ang akong pasalamat sa gobyerno kay gawas sa umaabot nga tabang sa programa nga E-CLIP, naa pa gyod ing-ani nga programa sa pagpananom ang atong gobyerno. Makahatag kini ug inspirasyon tungod kay mao kini ang among naandan ug mao kini ang gitudlo sa amo. Makahatag pa gyod ug dugang nga income para sa umaabot nga panahon nga makatabang pud sa among mga panginahanglanon. (I am grateful that the government has this kind of program. Aside from the E-CLIP, this gardening program could inspire us because farming reconnects us with the land. This will give us extra income in the future that will help us meet our daily needs),” the former rebel said.
Alias “Jerry” said the vegetable seeds that the government gave them are very quick to grow and ready to be harvested in just two to three months after sowing.
Aside from their contribution to the food production—the main intent of ALPAS sa COVID-19—it also serves as their source of income, he added.
LtCol. Talaroc, meanwhile, lauded the former rebels’ zeal in engaging such enterprise.
“I commend the initiative and dedication of our former rebels. This unit will continue to provide interventions to our former rebels while they are waiting for their E-CLIP benefits,” he said. (CMBumatay, CMO, 8IB PA/RLRB, PIA Bukidnon)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1041465
IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon, May 10—As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues, former rebels who surrendered to the 8th Infantry (Dependable) Battalion started working on the government’s food sufficiency project under urban agricultural program dubbed as “Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat Kontra COVID-19 Program (ALPAS sa COVID-19).
‘ALPAS sa COVID-19,’ which is also known as ‘Plant, Plant, Plant Program’ is a whole-of-nation approach of the Department of Agriculture advocated by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to increase the country’s food adequacy level during emergency situations resulting from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Lt. Colonel Edgardo V. Talaroc Jr, commanding officer of 8th Infantry Battalion, said the program intends to promote and sustain food production in urban areas amidst the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
“In collaboration with the Department of Agriculture-Northern Mindanao Integrated Agricultural Research Center (DA-NOMIARC), the former rebels plant several vegetable seedlings in the land area covered by the ‘Arm to Farm Program’ of the 8th Infantry Battalion,” he said.
Alias “Jerry,” one of the former rebels shared how the government has helped them surrender with dignity and enthusiasm because aside from the E-CLIP (Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program), “Jerry” said this ‘ALPAS sa COVID-19’ or ‘Plant, Plant, Plant Program’ could inspire them as farming reconnects them with the land—and this is what their culture feeds them.
"Dako ang akong pasalamat sa gobyerno kay gawas sa umaabot nga tabang sa programa nga E-CLIP, naa pa gyod ing-ani nga programa sa pagpananom ang atong gobyerno. Makahatag kini ug inspirasyon tungod kay mao kini ang among naandan ug mao kini ang gitudlo sa amo. Makahatag pa gyod ug dugang nga income para sa umaabot nga panahon nga makatabang pud sa among mga panginahanglanon. (I am grateful that the government has this kind of program. Aside from the E-CLIP, this gardening program could inspire us because farming reconnects us with the land. This will give us extra income in the future that will help us meet our daily needs),” the former rebel said.
Alias “Jerry” said the vegetable seeds that the government gave them are very quick to grow and ready to be harvested in just two to three months after sowing.
Aside from their contribution to the food production—the main intent of ALPAS sa COVID-19—it also serves as their source of income, he added.
LtCol. Talaroc, meanwhile, lauded the former rebels’ zeal in engaging such enterprise.
“I commend the initiative and dedication of our former rebels. This unit will continue to provide interventions to our former rebels while they are waiting for their E-CLIP benefits,” he said. (CMBumatay, CMO, 8IB PA/RLRB, PIA Bukidnon)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1041465
16 former rebels reintegrate to communities in N. Samar
From the Philippine Information Agency (May 10, 2020): 16 former rebels reintegrate to communities in N. Samar (By 20IB, 8ID, PA)
LAS NAVAS, Northern Samar, May 10 -- After three months of stay at “DARANGPAN” in Northern Samar, some 16 former rebels (FRs) have officially regained their civil rights as Filipino citizens and reintegrated back to their communities.
Said FRs were provided with cash assistance, rice and foodstuffs by the provincial government of Northern Samar through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) during the send-off ceremony held in Catarman, Northern Samar on May 5.
LAS NAVAS, Northern Samar, May 10 -- After three months of stay at “DARANGPAN” in Northern Samar, some 16 former rebels (FRs) have officially regained their civil rights as Filipino citizens and reintegrated back to their communities.
Said FRs were provided with cash assistance, rice and foodstuffs by the provincial government of Northern Samar through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) during the send-off ceremony held in Catarman, Northern Samar on May 5.
Major Alex Alod of 20IB and Ms. Mercy Castillo of Northern Samar Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office handover the cash assistance and foodstuff to one of the former rebels. (20IB)
“DARANGPAN” is a Waray term for shelter, a home for social integration also called a halfway house. It is a civilian facility which serves as Center for reintegration of former rebels who expressed the desire to return into the folds of the law. It is meant to facilitate the systematic assessment, processing, delivery of immediate intervention and development of individual reintegration plans, program and services for the spiritual and moral healing, and transformation of former rebels.
Seven of the 16 FRs are residents of the town of Palapag, while nine FRs are from the town of Mapanas, Northern Samar. They were received by their respective local government units upon their return to their localities.
Lawyer Francis John Tejano, Municipal Mayor of Mapanas welcomed the nine FRs together with their families who accompanied them in Darangpan.
“DARANGPAN” is a Waray term for shelter, a home for social integration also called a halfway house. It is a civilian facility which serves as Center for reintegration of former rebels who expressed the desire to return into the folds of the law. It is meant to facilitate the systematic assessment, processing, delivery of immediate intervention and development of individual reintegration plans, program and services for the spiritual and moral healing, and transformation of former rebels.
Seven of the 16 FRs are residents of the town of Palapag, while nine FRs are from the town of Mapanas, Northern Samar. They were received by their respective local government units upon their return to their localities.
Lawyer Francis John Tejano, Municipal Mayor of Mapanas welcomed the nine FRs together with their families who accompanied them in Darangpan.
Mayor Francis John Tejano of Mapanas, Northern Samar exchanging ppleasantries with the former rebels upon their arrival at the town's municipal hall. (20IB)
“I officially welcome the nine former rebels who submit themselves back to the folds of the law. I am glad that they chose to live a peaceful life, of which, the LGU of Mapanas, Northern Samar is here to embrace them and share with them the good governance under my leadership,” Mayor Tejano, said.
Lieutenant Colonel Juan Gullem, the 20th Infantry Battalion commander appeal to the remaining NPAs in the area to avail of the program of the government.
"To the remaining NPAs in my area of operations, I urge you to take advantage of the government’s social integration program. It will provide you an opportunity to live peacefully in the company of your families and loved ones. A reality that is denied to you by the failed promises of the NPA leaders and communist cadres for the sake of their personal interest,” Lieutenant Colonel Gullem added.
It can be recalled that on April 23, 2020 high-powered firearms, ammunitions, explosives, medical supplies/medicines, and subversive documents were recovered when the operating troops of the 20th Infantry Battalion overran an NPA lair in Brgy. P. Rebadulla, Catubig, Northern Samar. It also resulted to the death of an armed NPA and recovery of one (1) KG-9 submachinegun in a 5-minute firefight during a follow through encounter in said place on April 27, 2020. (20IB, 8ID, PA)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1041457
“I officially welcome the nine former rebels who submit themselves back to the folds of the law. I am glad that they chose to live a peaceful life, of which, the LGU of Mapanas, Northern Samar is here to embrace them and share with them the good governance under my leadership,” Mayor Tejano, said.
Lieutenant Colonel Juan Gullem, the 20th Infantry Battalion commander appeal to the remaining NPAs in the area to avail of the program of the government.
"To the remaining NPAs in my area of operations, I urge you to take advantage of the government’s social integration program. It will provide you an opportunity to live peacefully in the company of your families and loved ones. A reality that is denied to you by the failed promises of the NPA leaders and communist cadres for the sake of their personal interest,” Lieutenant Colonel Gullem added.
It can be recalled that on April 23, 2020 high-powered firearms, ammunitions, explosives, medical supplies/medicines, and subversive documents were recovered when the operating troops of the 20th Infantry Battalion overran an NPA lair in Brgy. P. Rebadulla, Catubig, Northern Samar. It also resulted to the death of an armed NPA and recovery of one (1) KG-9 submachinegun in a 5-minute firefight during a follow through encounter in said place on April 27, 2020. (20IB, 8ID, PA)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1041457
BRP Davao Del Sur heads home after fire hits companion vessel
From the Philippine News Agency (May 10, 2020): BRP Davao Del Sur heads home after fire hits companion vessel (By Priam Nepomuceno)
BRP Davao Del Sur (File photo)
BRP Davao Del Sur (File photo)
The strategic sealift vessel, BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602), has continued its voyage to the Philippines Saturday afternoon alone after its companion ship, BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16), was forced back to the Port of Cochin, India due to fire that broke out from its main engine room on May 7, the Philippine Navy (PN) said on Sunday.
"BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602) continued its voyage back to the Philippines around 2 p.m. of May 9 with (18) Filipino repatriates and 200,000 pieces of donated face masks. LD-602 is expected to arrive at Manila South Harbor on May 23," said Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas, Navy public affairs office chief.
She said BRP Ramon Alcaraz was able to return to the Port of Cochin unassisted and under its power Saturday and now undergoing damage assessment and systems evaluation.
Initial reports said the fire was apparently caused by "lube oil leakage".
"Based on initial assessment, one of its main engines must undergo necessary repair to ensure the sea worthiness of the ship and safety of its crew prior to its return voyage to the country," Roxas said.
She added that the ship will stay put in the Port of Cochin to fully restore its operational status with the assistance of the United States Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA).
"Coordination is being made with NAVSEA and JUSMAG (Joint US Military Advisory Group) Philippines to work out with the repair requirements needed by the ship,” she said.
Roxas said PS-16 was acquired from the US and still under the technical support program with them.
“Repair and restoration period is pegged at 21 days in consideration of the restraint due to (coronavirus disease 2019) Covid-19 but it may be shortened," Roxas said.
She said that Fireman Second Class Engineman Alvin Aldecoa is recovering from superficial burns aboard BRP Ramon Alcaraz while Fireman Second Class Machinery Repairman Joemari Bag-o, who suffered second degree burns, was airlifted to a burn treatment facility at the Sanjivani Naval Hospital in INS Southern Naval Command for proper monitoring and medical treatment.
"Both sailors are in stable condition. Their families were already notified of their situation. All other personnel onboard PS-16 are safe and secured," Roxas said.
Roxas said courses of action are now being undertaken to identify the extent of damage and its corresponding cost to repair.
She added that ship's extended stay at port for the repair also provides ample time for the recovery of injured sailors, and to complete the hauling of the remaining 800,000 donated face masks.
"The Philippine Navy expresses its gratitude to the Indian Navy and its government for providing the support and assistance needed in this incident," she said.
Roxas said the swift reaction of PN sailors in this emergency situation bespoke professionalism and skills honed through regular training.
"This incident will not hamper us to do our mandated mission. Rest assured that safety is and always will be the number one priority of the Philippine Navy," she said.
The two ships, which composed PN Naval Task Force 82, sailed from Sultan Qaboos, Oman last April 21 and arrived in India on April 29.
The government deployed the PN ships in Oman in February as a contingency measure should large evacuation of overseas Filipinos workers be needed following tensions between the United States and Iran.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1102404
"BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602) continued its voyage back to the Philippines around 2 p.m. of May 9 with (18) Filipino repatriates and 200,000 pieces of donated face masks. LD-602 is expected to arrive at Manila South Harbor on May 23," said Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas, Navy public affairs office chief.
She said BRP Ramon Alcaraz was able to return to the Port of Cochin unassisted and under its power Saturday and now undergoing damage assessment and systems evaluation.
Initial reports said the fire was apparently caused by "lube oil leakage".
"Based on initial assessment, one of its main engines must undergo necessary repair to ensure the sea worthiness of the ship and safety of its crew prior to its return voyage to the country," Roxas said.
She added that the ship will stay put in the Port of Cochin to fully restore its operational status with the assistance of the United States Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA).
"Coordination is being made with NAVSEA and JUSMAG (Joint US Military Advisory Group) Philippines to work out with the repair requirements needed by the ship,” she said.
Roxas said PS-16 was acquired from the US and still under the technical support program with them.
“Repair and restoration period is pegged at 21 days in consideration of the restraint due to (coronavirus disease 2019) Covid-19 but it may be shortened," Roxas said.
She said that Fireman Second Class Engineman Alvin Aldecoa is recovering from superficial burns aboard BRP Ramon Alcaraz while Fireman Second Class Machinery Repairman Joemari Bag-o, who suffered second degree burns, was airlifted to a burn treatment facility at the Sanjivani Naval Hospital in INS Southern Naval Command for proper monitoring and medical treatment.
"Both sailors are in stable condition. Their families were already notified of their situation. All other personnel onboard PS-16 are safe and secured," Roxas said.
Roxas said courses of action are now being undertaken to identify the extent of damage and its corresponding cost to repair.
She added that ship's extended stay at port for the repair also provides ample time for the recovery of injured sailors, and to complete the hauling of the remaining 800,000 donated face masks.
"The Philippine Navy expresses its gratitude to the Indian Navy and its government for providing the support and assistance needed in this incident," she said.
Roxas said the swift reaction of PN sailors in this emergency situation bespoke professionalism and skills honed through regular training.
"This incident will not hamper us to do our mandated mission. Rest assured that safety is and always will be the number one priority of the Philippine Navy," she said.
The two ships, which composed PN Naval Task Force 82, sailed from Sultan Qaboos, Oman last April 21 and arrived in India on April 29.
The government deployed the PN ships in Oman in February as a contingency measure should large evacuation of overseas Filipinos workers be needed following tensions between the United States and Iran.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1102404
Reds using ABS-CBN closure to sow divisiveness: exec
From the Philippine News Agency (May 10, 2020): Reds using ABS-CBN closure to sow divisiveness: exec
Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Undersecretary Lorraine Marie Badoy
Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Undersecretary Lorraine Marie Badoy
The Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) is using the franchise issue of embattled ABS-CBN as a chance to divide Filipinos who need unity amid fight against the dreaded coronavirus diseases (Covid-19), an official said Sunday.
Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Undersecretary Lorraine Marie Badoy said the ABS-CBN franchise issue “has clearly become a National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC) issue" owing to the communists exploitation for their own interests.
“We are fully cognizant about how the terrorist CPP-NPA-NDF exploits the ABS-CBN closure and views it as an opportunity to sow chaos and division,” said Badoy, speaking for the NTF ELCAC.
Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Undersecretary Lorraine Marie Badoy said the ABS-CBN franchise issue “has clearly become a National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC) issue" owing to the communists exploitation for their own interests.
“We are fully cognizant about how the terrorist CPP-NPA-NDF exploits the ABS-CBN closure and views it as an opportunity to sow chaos and division,” said Badoy, speaking for the NTF ELCAC.
In a statement, Badoy said the CPP-NPA-NDF and its legal fronts will stop at nothing to divide the Filipino people to reach its end goal of overthrowing of government.
"Through its broad alliances like Amnesty International that has meddled and weighed in with the narrative they force on us: suppression of press freedom. And right alongside them, the Movement Against Tyranny is crafting its propaganda strategy to bloat this exclusive franchise problem of a single TV station as a suppression of press freedom in our country," she said.
Badoy was reacting to Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Ferdinand Gaite who accused the NTF-ELCAC of meddling with the ABS-CBN franchise issue by “spreading disinformation, fake news, to advance its sinister agenda.”
"The so-called National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), a witch-hunting, anti-communist task force shouldn't be meddling in an issue that it clearly has no business meddling in, unless they have been ordered by their superior, by its chair, which is no other than Pres. Duterte himself,” Gaite said in a statement.
Gaite said he found it “quite ironic that the government has mobilized a militarist body to double down on the attack against ABS-CBN and still use the hashtag ‘PressFreedomIsAlive.’”
PCOO Facebook page earlier shared a post from the NTF-ELCAC page which published infographics that held the network responsible for the expiration of its broadcast permit. As of this posting, the infographics was already taken down.
PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar and Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the earlier NTF-ELCAC statement is not an official stance of the PCOO and the Office of the Presidential Spokesperson (OPS), respectively.
Badoy said the “meddling” with the franchise issue is the duty of the NTF-ELCAC to “debunk” anti-government propaganda by the communist movement.
She said that while they subscribed to the fact that the ABS-CBN franchise issue is a legal issue within the purview of Congress, the NTF-ELCAC will not allow the left to “deceive the people.”
“While we defer to the wisdom and separate powers of the legislature and the judiciary, we will not stand idly by and do nothing as these communist terrorist front organizations feast on the issue by harping on their twisted and false narratives and concocted lies to deceive the people. This is where NTF-ELCAC comes in- to debunk these vicious anti-government propaganda in order to protect public interest,” she said.
She urged the public to be aware of these alliances, noting that the only one that stands to benefit from this chaos is the terrorist CPP-NPA-NDF and its legal fronts.
In a separate statement, National Security Adviser and NTF-ELCAC Vice Chair Hermogenes Esperon Jr. shared Badoy’s sentiment, justifying the infographics which discuss the legal situation of ABS-CBN’s franchise.
“If the left is exploiting the issue, which it is, then NTF-ELCAC must come in and at the least warn and inform the people about the issues. Freedom of the press is not the issue here. I go for law and order,” Esperson said.
ABS-CBN’s stopped its broadcast operations on May 5 to comply with the cease and desist order of the National Telecommunications Commission’s (NTC).
The NTC ordered the closure of ABS-CBN’s television and radio broadcasting stations following the expiration of the station’s franchise on May 4.
ABS-CBN already filed a petition before the Supreme Court (SC) to nullify NTC’s cease and desist order.
Malacañang said it is leaving ABS-CBN’s fate to the high court.
Call for unity
Badoy empathized with the ABS-CBN workers, suppliers, clientele, and the viewing public and assured them that the government will find ways to extend assistance to them.
She appealed to the public to be more discerning and not be manipulated by anti-government propaganda.
“We are not each other's enemies--however far off our beliefs are about the issue at hand. We can stand on our shared ground of love for country and the desire to overcome and leave to our children a country finally free of this communist terrorist curse,” Badoy said.
“Yes to press freedom. Yes to the rule of law. No to CPP fake advocacy. No to CPP exploitation of a legal and business issue,” she added.
The CPP-NPA has been listed as a terror organization by the Philippines, United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1102423
"Through its broad alliances like Amnesty International that has meddled and weighed in with the narrative they force on us: suppression of press freedom. And right alongside them, the Movement Against Tyranny is crafting its propaganda strategy to bloat this exclusive franchise problem of a single TV station as a suppression of press freedom in our country," she said.
Badoy was reacting to Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Ferdinand Gaite who accused the NTF-ELCAC of meddling with the ABS-CBN franchise issue by “spreading disinformation, fake news, to advance its sinister agenda.”
"The so-called National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), a witch-hunting, anti-communist task force shouldn't be meddling in an issue that it clearly has no business meddling in, unless they have been ordered by their superior, by its chair, which is no other than Pres. Duterte himself,” Gaite said in a statement.
Gaite said he found it “quite ironic that the government has mobilized a militarist body to double down on the attack against ABS-CBN and still use the hashtag ‘PressFreedomIsAlive.’”
PCOO Facebook page earlier shared a post from the NTF-ELCAC page which published infographics that held the network responsible for the expiration of its broadcast permit. As of this posting, the infographics was already taken down.
PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar and Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the earlier NTF-ELCAC statement is not an official stance of the PCOO and the Office of the Presidential Spokesperson (OPS), respectively.
Badoy said the “meddling” with the franchise issue is the duty of the NTF-ELCAC to “debunk” anti-government propaganda by the communist movement.
She said that while they subscribed to the fact that the ABS-CBN franchise issue is a legal issue within the purview of Congress, the NTF-ELCAC will not allow the left to “deceive the people.”
“While we defer to the wisdom and separate powers of the legislature and the judiciary, we will not stand idly by and do nothing as these communist terrorist front organizations feast on the issue by harping on their twisted and false narratives and concocted lies to deceive the people. This is where NTF-ELCAC comes in- to debunk these vicious anti-government propaganda in order to protect public interest,” she said.
She urged the public to be aware of these alliances, noting that the only one that stands to benefit from this chaos is the terrorist CPP-NPA-NDF and its legal fronts.
In a separate statement, National Security Adviser and NTF-ELCAC Vice Chair Hermogenes Esperon Jr. shared Badoy’s sentiment, justifying the infographics which discuss the legal situation of ABS-CBN’s franchise.
“If the left is exploiting the issue, which it is, then NTF-ELCAC must come in and at the least warn and inform the people about the issues. Freedom of the press is not the issue here. I go for law and order,” Esperson said.
ABS-CBN’s stopped its broadcast operations on May 5 to comply with the cease and desist order of the National Telecommunications Commission’s (NTC).
The NTC ordered the closure of ABS-CBN’s television and radio broadcasting stations following the expiration of the station’s franchise on May 4.
ABS-CBN already filed a petition before the Supreme Court (SC) to nullify NTC’s cease and desist order.
Malacañang said it is leaving ABS-CBN’s fate to the high court.
Call for unity
Badoy empathized with the ABS-CBN workers, suppliers, clientele, and the viewing public and assured them that the government will find ways to extend assistance to them.
She appealed to the public to be more discerning and not be manipulated by anti-government propaganda.
“We are not each other's enemies--however far off our beliefs are about the issue at hand. We can stand on our shared ground of love for country and the desire to overcome and leave to our children a country finally free of this communist terrorist curse,” Badoy said.
“Yes to press freedom. Yes to the rule of law. No to CPP fake advocacy. No to CPP exploitation of a legal and business issue,” she added.
The CPP-NPA has been listed as a terror organization by the Philippines, United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1102423
Bulatlat: Rights defender detained while doing humanitarian work
From the pro-CPP/NPA/NDF online propaganda publication Bulatlat (May 9, 2020): Rights defender detained while doing humanitarian work (By Justin Umali)
Karapatan Rizal was quick to point out that the incident was only the latest in a series of “harassment and delaying tactics” performed by the 80th IB designed to “deny the family of their latest victim justice and hide their crimes.”
Karapatan Rizal Secretary General Gloria Rodriguez was arrested and detained while doing humanitarian work, May 7. (Contributed photo)
Karapatan Rizal Secretary General Gloria Rodriguez was arrested and detained while doing humanitarian work, May 7. (Contributed photo)
SANTA ROSA, Laguna – Human rights watchdog Karapatan Rizal reported that their secretary general, Gloria Rodriguez and three other companions were temporarily detained on “violations” of the enhanced community quarantine in Antipolo, Rizal, May 7.
The group stated that Rodriguez, or Nanay Oya to her colleagues, 65, and her team were investigating reports related to a March 28 encounter between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the New People’s Army. The encounter left two dead, with one missing.
The group stated that Rodriguez, or Nanay Oya to her colleagues, 65, and her team were investigating reports related to a March 28 encounter between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the New People’s Army. The encounter left two dead, with one missing.
Karapatan Rizal responded to requests from family members of the missing individual, whose remains they suspect were taken by the military and eventually found on April 3, in Tanay, almost 80 kilometers away from the site of the encounter in barangay Puray, Rodriguez, Rizal.
Rodriguez and her team worked to recover the bodies for autopsy. They managed to secure a police report and a death certificate from the Rodriguez PNP on April 3, but were denied access to the remains. They have since continued to clamor and arrange documents for the release of the remains.
The group was filing necessary documents and had just come from the Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory in Taytay when they were stopped at a checkpoint in barangay San Jose, Antipolo by soldiers of the 80th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army.
Although her group had quarantine passes signed by barangay officials, they were arrested on May 7 on alleged ECQ violations and detained at the Antipolo Municipal Police Station around 7:30 p.m.
No charges were filed and the group was released that same evening, 9 p.m.
Karapatan Rizal was quick to point out that the incident was only the latest in a series of “harassment and delaying tactics” performed by the 80th IB designed to “deny the family of their latest victim justice and hide their crimes.”
As of this writing, Rodriguez and her team are still trying to secure the remains of the deceased.
The group noted that the military has been “characteristically uncooperative” to their requests, instead opting to “pass [them] around from agency to agency in hopes of frustrating the fact-finding mission.”
Karapatan Rizal also reported cases of harassment done against the family and relatives of the dead, as well as the imposition of “unnecessary qualifications” to dispute the family’s claim.
“These are the tell-tale signs that the military is trying to cover up their tracks,” Karapatan Rizal said. “It’s almost sickening how the AFP can just play with the tragedies of their victims like it was a game.”
The March 28 encounter occurred well within the period of simultaneous unilateral ceasefire between the AFP and NPA. Both sides claim that the other broke their own ceasefires by launching an attack in barangay Puray.
In a statement, the 80th IB claimed that they were conducting “community work” when they were ambushed by “about 30 NPA fighters”, resulting in a firefight.
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines, however, disputed this. The NDFP said “sources within the military” stated that a team led by a Staff Sargeant Angot was conducting a patrol when they ambushed NPA members conducting a medical mission in the area.
“This is another addition to the 80th IB’s laundry list of human rights violations and crimes against the people of Rizal,” said Karapatan Rizal in a statement. “They are exploiting the pandemic and ECQ to spread fake news and black propaganda against the people’s clamor for mass testing and social amelioration.”
They condemned the 80th IB and called on them to “provide medical services and relief,” instead of “sticking to the fascism and harassment that they know.”
https://www.bulatlat.com/2020/05/09/rights-defender-detained-while-doing-humanitarian-work/
Rodriguez and her team worked to recover the bodies for autopsy. They managed to secure a police report and a death certificate from the Rodriguez PNP on April 3, but were denied access to the remains. They have since continued to clamor and arrange documents for the release of the remains.
The group was filing necessary documents and had just come from the Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory in Taytay when they were stopped at a checkpoint in barangay San Jose, Antipolo by soldiers of the 80th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army.
Although her group had quarantine passes signed by barangay officials, they were arrested on May 7 on alleged ECQ violations and detained at the Antipolo Municipal Police Station around 7:30 p.m.
No charges were filed and the group was released that same evening, 9 p.m.
Karapatan Rizal was quick to point out that the incident was only the latest in a series of “harassment and delaying tactics” performed by the 80th IB designed to “deny the family of their latest victim justice and hide their crimes.”
As of this writing, Rodriguez and her team are still trying to secure the remains of the deceased.
The group noted that the military has been “characteristically uncooperative” to their requests, instead opting to “pass [them] around from agency to agency in hopes of frustrating the fact-finding mission.”
Karapatan Rizal also reported cases of harassment done against the family and relatives of the dead, as well as the imposition of “unnecessary qualifications” to dispute the family’s claim.
“These are the tell-tale signs that the military is trying to cover up their tracks,” Karapatan Rizal said. “It’s almost sickening how the AFP can just play with the tragedies of their victims like it was a game.”
The March 28 encounter occurred well within the period of simultaneous unilateral ceasefire between the AFP and NPA. Both sides claim that the other broke their own ceasefires by launching an attack in barangay Puray.
In a statement, the 80th IB claimed that they were conducting “community work” when they were ambushed by “about 30 NPA fighters”, resulting in a firefight.
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines, however, disputed this. The NDFP said “sources within the military” stated that a team led by a Staff Sargeant Angot was conducting a patrol when they ambushed NPA members conducting a medical mission in the area.
“This is another addition to the 80th IB’s laundry list of human rights violations and crimes against the people of Rizal,” said Karapatan Rizal in a statement. “They are exploiting the pandemic and ECQ to spread fake news and black propaganda against the people’s clamor for mass testing and social amelioration.”
They condemned the 80th IB and called on them to “provide medical services and relief,” instead of “sticking to the fascism and harassment that they know.”
https://www.bulatlat.com/2020/05/09/rights-defender-detained-while-doing-humanitarian-work/
1 soldier dead, 2 wounded in Army encounter with NPA
From the Mindanao Times (May 10, 2020): 1 soldier dead, 2 wounded in Army encounter with NPA (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)
One soldier was killed when elements of the 16th Infantry Battalion clashed with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Sitio Guinobatan, Barangay Paradise Embac in Paquibato District on Friday.
1Lt. Jeffrey Paulo Alba, the civil-military operations officer of the 16IB, said the fatality was a private first class while a sergeant and a corporal sustained wounds in the encounter. He declined to reveal their identities prior to informing their families.
Alba said the soldiers were acting on a tip regarding armed men in the community. They were also in a hot pursuit operation on members of Guerrilla Front 55 due to the incident that occurred on April 22.
The two wounded officers are now recovering in a hospital in Davao City.
“These atrocities of the NPA terrorists are a manifestation that they are now oppressed by the conduct of a focused military operation by this unit,” Lt. Col. Joel Salaguinto, the 16IB commander said.
“It is unfortunate and sad that our soldier died protecting the community and sustaining peace and development. We extend our deepest sympathies to the bereaved family,” Salaguinto said.
Reserved troops of the unit were deployed as reinforcement and to evacuate the wounded. They also joined the main group of soldiers to pursue the fleeing rebels.
https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2020/05/10/1-soldier-dead-2-wounded-in-army-encounter-with-npa/
1Lt. Jeffrey Paulo Alba, the civil-military operations officer of the 16IB, said the fatality was a private first class while a sergeant and a corporal sustained wounds in the encounter. He declined to reveal their identities prior to informing their families.
Alba said the soldiers were acting on a tip regarding armed men in the community. They were also in a hot pursuit operation on members of Guerrilla Front 55 due to the incident that occurred on April 22.
The two wounded officers are now recovering in a hospital in Davao City.
“These atrocities of the NPA terrorists are a manifestation that they are now oppressed by the conduct of a focused military operation by this unit,” Lt. Col. Joel Salaguinto, the 16IB commander said.
“It is unfortunate and sad that our soldier died protecting the community and sustaining peace and development. We extend our deepest sympathies to the bereaved family,” Salaguinto said.
Reserved troops of the unit were deployed as reinforcement and to evacuate the wounded. They also joined the main group of soldiers to pursue the fleeing rebels.
https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2020/05/10/1-soldier-dead-2-wounded-in-army-encounter-with-npa/
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